Half Yearly Report

RNS Number : 7944P

Braemar Shipping Services PLC

30 October 2012

 



 

BRAEMAR SHIPPING SERVICES PLC

30 October 2012

 

Unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 August 2012

 

Braemar Shipping Services plc ("Braemar", "the Company" or the "Group"), an international provider of shipping, marine and energy services, today announces unaudited half-year results for the six months ended 31 August 2012.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

·    Revenue from continuing operations up by 29% to £79.4 million (interim 2011/12: £61.5 million)

·    Pre-tax profit £5.2 million (interim 2011/12: £5.0 million)

·    Pre-tax profit before amortisation of acquisition related intangibles and non-recurring income up by 27% to £6.1 million (interim 2011/12: £4.8 million)

·    Basic EPS 17.70p (interim 2011/12: 17.60p)

·    EPS before amortisation of acquisition related intangibles and non-recurring income up by 26% to 21.06p (interim 2011/2012: 16.76p)

·    Interim dividend of 9.0p per share unchanged (interim 2011/12: 9.0p)

·    Cash of £17.3 million (31 August 2011: £9.3 million) and no debt

Sir Graham Hearne, chairman of Braemar, said:

"Braemar has delivered a strong first half performance in tough, competitive markets, with each of the divisions performing well and making a strong contribution. 

Seaborne trade remains strong and is likely to continue to grow, though any significant recovery in shipping markets is unlikely in the near term. We have a broad range of international shipping and energy services which equip us well to respond to future challenges."

ENDS

For further information, contact:

Braemar Shipping Services
James Kidwell	Tel [phone]
Martin Beer	Tel [phone]
Pelham Bell Pottinger
Damian Beeley      Zoe Pocock	Tel [phone] Tel [phone]
Elaborate Communications
Sean Moloney	Tel [phone]
Westhouse Securities
Henry Willcocks	Tel [phone]

Notes to editors

Braemar Shipping Services plc is a leading international provider of broking, consultancy, technical, logistics and other services to the shipping, marine and energy industries. The business is organised into the following segments:  Shipbroking, Technical, Logistics and Environmental.

It is listed on the Official List of the London Stock Exchange in the Industrial Transport sector.

Principal businesses:

Shipbroking

Braemar Seascope provides chartering, sale and purchase and consulting shipbroking services to international ship owners, charterers and financial institutions operating in the tanker, gas, chemicals, offshore, container and dry bulk markets. The company has shipbroking offices in the UK, China, Australia, Singapore, India and Italy.

www.braemarseascope.com

Technical

Braemar Technical Services provides a range of specialist services to the marine, energy and insurance industries. The principal business arms within the division are:

Braemar Adjusting - provides loss adjusting and other expert witness services to the energy (oil and gas), marine, power and other related industrial sectors. It has offices in London, Houston, Singapore, Calgary and Rio de Janeiro.

Braemar Offshore - provides specialised marine and offshore services mainly performing pre-risk marine warranty surveys. It has offices in the UK, Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Braemar incorporating The Salvage Association ("Braemar SA") - undertakes vessel damage surveys and provides marine consultancy to the shipping, energy, offshore and insurance industries. The Salvage Association was acquired in May 2011 and it has a network of offices in Asia, Europe and the United States.

Braemar Engineering - provides consultant marine engineering and naval architecture services to the shipping and offshore markets from offices throughout the Far East and London. It was expanded with the acquisition of Braemar Casbarian in July 2011 which provides consulting engineering services mainly to the offshore industry in the Gulf of Mexico from offices in New Orleans, Houston and Trinidad.

www.braemar.com

Logistics

Cory Brothers Shipping Agency provides port agency, freight forwarding and logistics services in the UK and Singapore.

www.cory.co.uk

Environmental

Braemar Howells provides pollution response and advisory services primarily in the UK, New Zealand and Africa. It has earned an international reputation for its work for the insurance industry in handling the containers from stricken vessels - the MSC Napoli in 2007 and the MSC Rena which is on-going.

www.braemarhowells.com

INTERIM ANNOUNCEMENT - SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 AUGUST 2012

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

Results

Braemar has delivered a strong first half performance in tough, competitive markets.

Group revenues increased by 29% to £79.4 million from £61.5 million last year and underlying pre-tax profits (excluding amortisation of acquisition related intangibles and a non-recurring gain in the first half of last year) increased by 27% to £6.1 million compared with £4.8 million. Reported interim pre-tax profits were £5.2 million (interim 2011/12: £5.0 million).

Underlying earnings per share (before amortisation of acquisition related intangibles and a non-recurring gain) rose by 26% to 21.06p compared with 16.76p last year. Reported earnings per share were 17.70p (interim 2011/12: 17.60p).

Trading

All divisions made a strong contribution and have performed well. Of particular note has been the important work undertaken by Braemar Howells in handling the cargo from the stricken container ship "MSC Rena" in New Zealand which has earned many plaudits in the industry and was responsible for £15 million of revenue in this half. We have played a key role for the vessel owner and insurer in safe-guarding the environment while working in a sensitive area often in difficult conditions. Braemar Howells has proved itself to be the trusted partner of choice to handle such incidents having fulfilled a similar role in 2007 off the coast of southwest England for the "MSC Napoli".

The shipping industry continued to struggle with a surplus of tonnage in most sectors. This was not helped by a weaker rate of growth in most large economies, especially those in the Far East which in recent years have been the engine for shipping demand. However, the process of market correction is underway as is evident in the acceleration of demolition. Shipbroking income has benefitted from increased spot chartering volumes in the main tanker and bulker sectors, offset by the weaker average freight rates. The sale and purchase market was relatively quiet as values have continued to fall and the availability of bank finance remains a constraint, though our share of the activity, particularly in demolition, has been good.

Braemar Technical Services is beginning to show its growth potential. The disciplines it offers are being marketed jointly and are increasingly used in collaboration, especially on larger energy projects. We are involved in several significant energy projects and have seen high activity in South East Asia, Australia and Canada. Ship surveying and loss adjusting services have performed solidly and have opportunities to grow.

Our Logistics division - Cory Brothers - has grown its ship agency business substantially both in the UK and Singapore, including winning a substantial new hub management contract. Logistics activity was lower compared with the strong prior first half and the Olympics were less beneficial than expected, but prospects are good.

Directors

As announced at the AGM, James Kidwell took over as chief executive in June 2012 having been finance director since 2002, and Alan Marsh and Quentin Soanes stepped down from the board on 31 July 2012 with both remaining active in the Group. Subsequently, Martin Beer has joined the board as finance director from 15 October 2012.

Dividend

The board has declared an unchanged interim dividend of 9.0 pence. The interim dividend will be paid on Friday 14 December 2012 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on Friday 16 November 2012.

Outlook

The work on "MSC Rena" is beginning to wind down and is expected to be complete by the end of the financial year.

Collectively the Shipbroking, Technical and Logistics divisions are expected to continue broadly at their first half rate of activity for the remainder of the year.

Seaborne trade remains strong and is likely to continue to grow, though any significant recovery in shipping markets is unlikely in the near term. We have a broad range of international shipping and energy services which equip us well to respond to future challenges.

Sir Graham Hearne CBE

Chairman

29 October 2012

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES

I am delighted to have taken over as chief executive having enjoyed 10 exciting years as finance director during which Braemar grew significantly in size, geographical spread and through the acquisition and development of new profitable services. The strategy for the Group remains unchanged - we aim to grow our international shipbroking, shipping, marine and energy services businesses and expect to do so organically and by acquisition.

Over the past few years shipping has become increasingly competitive as fleet growth has outstripped demand resulting in a steady fall in vessel values and freight rates. While seaborne trade remains strong, owners' earnings are under extreme pressure and there is now a "survival of the fittest" mentality which inevitably leads to a focus on strategies to improve efficiency.

Braemar's role in this market is often to recognise opportunities and provide solutions for our clients. We do this across each of our shipbroking, logistics, engineering, surveying and environmental consulting disciplines. The Group's broad capabilities have served our clients and our shareholders well over this period.

Shipbroking

Revenue of £24.2 million in the first half was similar to the same period last year (£24.0 million) and interim divisional operating profit was £2.9 million compared with £3.5 million last year (divisional operating profit is defined as operating profit before amortisationof acquisition related intangibles, non-recurring items and central costs and is consistently used throughout the divisional review). We are investing across the division in our people, systems, research and analytical functions which will ensure that, in a changeable market, Braemar remains at the forefront in the efficient provision of client service.

The global dry bulk fleet grew by 9% between 1 January and 1 October 2012 as newbuilding deliveries exceeded demolition. The rate of scrapping has notably increased with the 2011 full-year equivalent volume scrapped in 2012 by 1 September. Demand for large bulk cargoes - iron ore, coal and grain - is still growing and likely to continue to do so for some time. However, the cooling Chinese economy has meant that the growth in steel production has slowed, leaving iron ore inventories at relatively high levels. A number of high-profile iron ore production projects have been scrapped or delayed as the price of ore has fallen close to the cost of production and for most of the period the smaller vessels have out-earned the Capesize sector which is particularly responsive to the iron ore trade. Nevertheless the majority of our dry cargo broking teams are based in the East and their performance in this market has been good.

Our deep sea tanker teams have performed well in the first half benefitting from a steady growth in single voyage transaction volumes. Time charter business is low with charterers and owners reluctant to commit in the present climate, but there are some signs that the level of client enquiry is beginning to increase.

The net global fleet growth in deep sea tankers was 3.5% between 1 January and 1 October 2012 reflecting the newbuilding delivery peak in 2012. Exports of crude oil from the Arabian Gulf have continued to grow and much of the increase is destined for the East where domestic consumption has been growing fast. To meet this demand new refining capacity is being developed in Asia which will have an increasing effect on trading patterns. The USA's dependency on imported crude is declining mainly because of lower consumption, improvements in fuel efficiency, changes in supply patterns and the growth of domestic production. However, the significant production from West Africa and South America allows owners to triangulate and improve their returns in a market affected by a surplus of tonnage.

Our specialised tanker team has performed consistently with a good level of longer-term contract business, mostly with European clients whom we have served for many years. Braemar Quincannon (our Singapore and Shanghai-based joint venture) has performed steadily in the far eastern gas and chemicals markets that they serve.

LNG transportation is set to expand, both for voyage and for term requirements, with both existing production and new project development on the increase. Our team is making in-roads in this emerging sector particularly as we are able to provide both commercial and technical shipping advice.

The global container market remains a challenging environment with a fight for market share among the large lines against the backdrop sluggish consumer demand. We have been building our teams in London and Singapore in preparation for a cyclical recovery.

Vessel values and newbuilding prices have continued to slide in the tanker, bulker and container sectors, although the rate of descent has slowed quite significantly. Second hand activity remains relatively low but we have concluded a high share of business in the thin market. Yard order books have shortened considerably and pricing is expected to become keener in their quest for new orders. Unsurprisingly demolition activity has been brisk and the steel price has been relatively firm. We play an active role in this market for a wide range of clients.

In a steady market our offshore vessel desk has seen increased earnings during the past six months. Business in the Far East is increasing and we are actively expanding our presence in that region, while at the same time we have been successful in concluding term business in East Africa. The outlook continues to be positive, driven by strong E&P activity.

Technical

Braemar Technical Services grew its first half revenue to £19.1m from £15.5m last year which resulted in the divisional operating profit rising to £1.7m, 56% higher than last year. The growth came substantially from our activities in the Far East where our Offshore, Engineering and Surveying businesses were all extremely busy. We are involved in a number of long-term offshore energy projects in the Asia Pacific region, providing marine warranty surveys and engineering consulting and have set up a new office in Thailand to further penetrate this market.  It is expected that the energy related activity in the Asia Pacific region will continue to experience growth in the years to come. 

Braemar Salvage Association, our vessel damage survey arm, which was acquired in May 2011, has performed in line with our expectations. It has expanded our technical services office network considerably and we are now able to offer our full range of services across all key geographies. Braemar SA has also worked in collaboration with Braemar Howells on the MSC Rena.

Braemar Adjusting has performed steadily without benefitting from any significant client claim incidents in the period. Our office in Calgary has been considerably more active on work in the tar sands region and the Rio de Janeiro office is picking up new offshore business.

Braemar Engineering is involved in plan-approval work for several LNG vessel construction projects, which would normally lead to site supervisory work in due course. Offshore engineering work in the Gulf of Mexico has been more limited than expected which has constrained Braemar Casbarian's activities in that area, although its work in Trinidad has continued well.

Logistics

Cory Brothers reported first half revenues of £18.9 million compared with £19.7 million in the prior half and divisional operating profits were similar at £1.1 million (2011/12: £1.1 million). Our UK and Singaporean ship agency businesses have performed well and gained market share. Recently we won several important new customers including the award of a multi-year contract to manage a European hub for a large oil company. This is a testament to Cory's systems and ability to service big international clients.

The Logistics performance was a little lower than last year because the prior period included a high-level of one-off project forwarding business. In addition the impact of the London Olympics on the cruise business was not as beneficial as originally thought, or for the logistics arm where some client activity was temporarily re-focused. Nevertheless our logistics business is busy with a number of interesting projects in development.

Environmental

Braemar Howells' work in dealing with the distressed and sunken cargo together with cargo debris washed ashore from the stricken container ship MSC Rena has been a key contributor to the divisional result. Revenues of £17.3 million compared with £2.3 million in the previous half and divisional operating profits of £2.0 million compared with a break-even position last year. Nearly all of this growth is attributed to the MSC Rena project. We are recognised as being highly experienced in providing environmental support services in the marine environment, particularly by the insurance industry, for which we play a vital role in containing the cost of a claim.

The environmental business has a regular flow of business from customers on retainer contracts and the provision of consulting services. Periodically the response team will be engaged in the management of a serious incident, as has been the case in New Zealand over the past 12 months. Our involvement is now winding down and is likely to be completed by the end of this year.

The division's return on capital, since acquisition in 2006, has been extremely good although the incident-driven nature of the business means that its year-on-year earnings profile is volatile.

Foreign exchange

The majority of the Group's income is US$ denominated and the average rate of exchange for conversion of US$ income in the six months to 31 August 2012 was $1.57/£ (interim 2011/12: $1.61/£, full year 2011/12: $1.60/£). The rate of translation as at 31 August 2012 was $1.59/£.

Taxation

The effective underlying rate of corporate tax on profits was 28.6% (interim 2011/12: 28.6%). The rate is higher than the UK standard rate of corporation tax due to disallowed expenses and the mix of overseas profits.

Cash flow

Cash balances were £17.3 million at 31 August 2012 compared with cash of £9.3 million at 31 August 2011 and £17.5 million at 29 February 2012. Conversion of profits into operational cash flow was high due to better collections arising from a particular focus on areas  in which payments have traditionally been slow and because the mix of business favoured quicker conversion. Discretionary capital expenditure in the Group was low with net acquisition payments totalling £0.3 million in respect of a time charter forward book (Orca Shipping Limited) and £0.4 million expended on property, plant, equipment and computer software.

Principal risks

The directors consider that the principal risks and uncertainties that could have a material effect on the Group's performance are unchanged from those identified on page 15 of the 2012 Annual Report. These include market risk arising from changes in freight rates, vessel values or activity levels in the shipping market; operational risks including ineffective internal systems or controls, loss of key management and staff, professional errors or omissions and the failure of support services such as communications systems and public utilities; foreign exchange risk from fluctuations in the value of the US dollar; liquidity risk arising from funding requirements; and credit risk leading to the non-payment of invoices.

Capital management

The Group has held positive cash balances and no debt for nearly 10 years. This approach provides a level of security for our services businesses over the shipping cycle and enables the Group to take advantage of strategic acquisition opportunities. Capital consists of ordinary shares, retained earnings and cash and the group also has an undrawn bank overdraft facility for £8.0 million. The board monitors underlying business performance to determine the ongoing allocation of capital for executive and staff incentive schemes, acquisition appraisals ahead of potential business combinations, investment in property, plant and equipment and the level of declared dividends.

James Kidwell

Chief Executive

29 October 2012

Statement of Directors' responsibilities

The directors confirm, to the best of their knowledge, that this set of consolidated interim financial information has been prepared in accordance with IAS34 as adopted by the European Union, and that the interim management report herein includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8 of the Disclosure and Transparency rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Securities Authority.

The directors of Braemar Shipping Services PLC are listed in the Braemar Shipping Services PLC Annual Report for 29 February 2012.

By order of the board

J. R. V. Kidwell, Chief Executive

Braemar Shipping Services plc

Consolidated Income Statement

		Unaudited		Unaudited		Audited
		Six months to		Six months to		Year ended
		31 Aug 2012		31 Aug 2011		29 Feb 2012
Continuing operations	Notes	£'000		£'000		£'000
Revenue	4	79,355		61,521		133,474
Cost of sales		(26,989)		(15,685)		(36,922)
Gross profit		52,366		45,836		96,552
Operating costs
Operating costs excluding amortisation of other intangible assets		(46,412)		(41,176)		(85,806)
Non-recurring income and expense	11	-		991		69
Amortisation of other intangible assets		(918)		(760)		(1,458)
		(47,330)		(40,945)		(87,195)
Operating profit	4	5,036		4,891		9,357
Finance income		104		46		213
Finance costs		(45)		(10)		(32)
Share of profit after tax from joint ventures		88		102		252
Profit before taxation		5,183		5,029		9,790
Taxation	5	(1,485)		(1,441)		(2,888)
Profit for the period		3,698		3,588		6,902
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent		3,678		3,555		6,841
Non-controlling interest		20		33		61
Profit for the period		3,698		3,588		6,902
Earnings per ordinary share	6
Basic - pence		17.70p		17.60p		33.84p
Diluted - pence		16.82p		17.26p		32.53p

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

		Unaudited		Unaudited		Audited
		Six months to		Six months to		Year ended
		31 Aug 2012		31 Aug 2011		29 Feb 2012
	Notes	£'000		£'000		£'000
Profit for the period		3,698		3,588		6,902
Other comprehensive income / (expense)
Foreign exchange differences on retranslation of foreign operations		(386)		536		341
Cash flow hedges - net of tax		(36)		(83)		(70)
Total comprehensive income for the period		3,276		4,041		7,173
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent		3,256		4,008		7,112
Non-controlling interest		20		33		61
Total comprehensive income for the period		3,276		4,041		7,173

Braemar Shipping Services plc

Consolidated Balance Sheet

			Unaudited		Unaudited		Audited
			As at		As at		As at
			31 Aug 12		31 Aug 11		29 Feb 12
Assets	Notes		£'000		£'000		£'000
Non-current assets
Goodwill			30,451		30,200		30,416
Intangible assets			2,151		3,221		2,630
Property, plant and equipment			6,059		6,750		6,257
Investments			1,800		1,746		1,895
Deferred tax assets			1,149		1,650		1,665
Other receivables			226		236		233
			41,836		43,803		43,096
Current assets
Trade and other receivables			44,890		43,731		46,973
Derivative financial instruments			95		154		136
Restricted cash			2,523		-		335
Cash and cash equivalents			17,311		9,295		17,467
			64,819		53,180		64,911
Total assets			106,655		96,983		108,007
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Derivative financial instruments			21		-		7
Trade and other payables			33,991		28,704		36,953
Current tax payable			1,137		1,579		1,674
Provisions			402		305		345
Client monies held as escrow agent			2,523		-		335
			38,074		30,588		39,314
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities			1,241		975		1,130
Trade and other payables			-		550		400
Provisions			358		228		325
			1,599		1,753		1,855
Total liabilities			39,673		32,341		41,169
Net assets			66,982		64,642		66,838
Equity
Share capital	9		2,163		2,110		2,160
Share premium	9		12,079		11,080		12,018
Shares to be issued			(3,515)		(4,071)		(3,695)
Other reserves	10		26,242		26,776		26,664
Retained earnings			29,773		28,555		29,471
Total shareholders' equity			66,742		64,450		66,618
Non-controlling interest			240		192		220
Total equity			66,982		64,642		66,838

Braemar Shipping Services plc

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

			Unaudited		Unaudited		Audited
			Six months		Six months		Year ended
			31 Aug 12		31 Aug 11		29 Feb 12
	Notes		£'000		£'000		£'000
Profit before tax for the period			5,183		5,029		9,790
Adjustments for:
- Depreciation of property, plant and equipment			527		619		990
- Amortisation of computer software			84		-		259
- Amortisation of other intangible assets			918		760		1,458
- Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment			-		-		118
- Non-recurring income and expense from acquisition and disposal of businesses			-		(991)		(423)
- Finance income			(104)		(46)		(213)
- Finance expense			45		10		32
- Share of profit of joint ventures			(88)		(102)		(252)
- Share based payments			497		204		513
Financial instruments			(11)		-		(120)
Changes in working capital
- Trade and other receivables			2,126		900		(3,305)
- Trade and other payables			(3,421)		(13,142)		(3,985)
Provisions			75		(5)		172
Cash generated from operations			5,831		(6,764)		5,034
Interest received			104		71		213
Interest paid			(45)		(35)		(32)
Tax paid			(1,563)		(2,368)		(3,858)
Net cash generated from / (used in) operating activities			4,327		(9,096)		1,357
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends from joint ventures			187		74		74
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired	11		(279)		(2,711)		(3,106)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	8		(384)		(336)		(1,050)
Other long-term receivables			7		2		5
Net cash used in investing activities			(469)		(2,971)		(4,077)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares			64		3		991
Dividends paid	7		(3,537)		(3,421)		(5,233)
Purchase of own shares			(156)		(1,004)		(1,222)
Net cash used in financing activities			(3,629)		(4,422)		(5,464)
Increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			229		(16,489)		(8,184)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period			17,467		25,634		25,634
Foreign exchange differences			(385)		150		17
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period			17,311		9,295		17,467

 

Braemar Shipping Services plc

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

		Share capital	Share premium	Shares to be issued	Other reserves	Retained earnings	Total	Non-controlling interest	Total equity
	Notes	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000
At 1 March 2012		2,160	12,018	(3,695)	26,664	29,471	66,618	220	66,838
Profit for the period		-	-	-	-	3,678	3,678	20	3,698
Foreign exchange differences		-	-	-	(386)	-	(386)	-	(386)
Cash flow hedges net of tax		-	-	-	(36)	-	(36)	-	(36)
Total recognised income and expense in the period		-	-	-	(422)	3,678	3,256	20	3,276
Dividends paid	7	-	-	-	-	(3,537)	(3,537)	-	(3,537)
Issue of shares		3	61	-	-	-	64	-	64
Purchase of own shares		-	-	(156)	-	-	(156)	-	(156)
ESOP shares allocated		-	-	336	-	(336)	-	-	-
Credit in respect of share option schemes		-	-	-	-	497	497	-	497
Balance at 31 August 2012		2,163	12,079	(3,515)	26,242	29,773	66,742	240	66,982
At 1 March 2011		2,110	11,077	(3,275)	26,323	28,424	64,659	159	64,818
Profit for the period		-	-	-	-	3,555	3,555	33	3,588
Foreign exchange differences		-	-	-	536	-	536	-	536
Cash flow hedges net of tax		-	-	-	(83)	-	(83)	-	(83)
Total recognised income in the period		-	-	-	453	3,555	4,008	33	4,041
Dividends paid	7	-	-	-	-	(3,421)	(3,421)	-	(3,421)
Issue of shares		-	3	-	-	-	3	-	3
Purchase of own shares		-	-	(1,004)	-	-	(1,004)	-	(1,004)
ESOP shares allocated		-	-	208	-	(208)	-	-	-
Credit in respect of share option schemes		-	-	-	-	205	205	-	205
Balance at 31 August 2011		2,110	11,080	(4,071)	26,776	28,555	64,450	192	64,642

BRAEMAR SHIPPING SERVICES PLC

UNAUDITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 AUGUST 2012

1. General information

The interim consolidated financial statements of the Group for the period ended 31 August 2012 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the directors on 29 October 2012. Braemar Shipping Services plc is a Public Limited Company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales.

The term 'Company' refers to Braemar Shipping Services plc and 'Group' refers to the Company and all its subsidiary undertakings and the employee share ownership trust. The address of its registered office is 35 Cosway Street, London, NW1 5BT, United Kingdom.

These interim condensed consolidated financial statements do not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.  The audited statutory accounts for the year ended 29 February 2012 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies in England and Wales. The report of the auditors on those accounts was unqualified, did not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph and did not contain any statements under Section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this half-yearly report are forward-looking. Although the Group believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. Because these statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Accounting estimates and critical judgements

Preparation of the Group's financial statements requires the use of estimates and critical judgements that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Management make specific applications of judgement, not involving estimation, in the preparation of the financial statements, in particular the approach to revenue recognition. Principal areas where assumptions and estimates have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are in respect of the impairment review of goodwill, other intangible assets and impairment of trade receivables.

2. Basis of preparation and statement of compliance

This consolidated interim financial information for the half-year ended 31 August 2012 has been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services Authority and with IAS 34, 'Interim financial reporting' as adopted by the European Union.  The half-yearly condensed consolidated financial report should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended 29 February 2012, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union.

3. Accounting policies

Changes in accounting policies

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these interim consolidated financial statements are consistent with those of the annual financial statements for the year ended 29 February 2012, as included in those annual financial statements. New standards and interpretations in issue but not yet effective as at the date of authorisation of these financial statements are deemed not to have a material impact on the results or net assets of the group.

4. Segmental information

	Shipbroking	Technical	Logistics	Environmental	Inter-division	Total
Six months to 31 August 2012	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000
Revenue	24,193	19,129	18,896	17,278	(141)	79,355
Divisional operating profit	2,904	1,658	1,075	2,012	-	7,649
Amortisation of other intangible assets	(395)	(415)	(108)	-	-	(918)
Segment result	2,509	1,243	967	2,012	-	6,731
Unallocated other costs						(1,695)
Operating profit						5,036
Finance income/(cost) - net						59
Share of profit from joint ventures						88
Profit before taxation						5,183
Taxation						(1,485)
Profit for the period attributable to shareholders from continuing operations						3,698
Segment operating assets	41,705	26,020	13,688	2,459	-	83,872
Six months to 31 August 2011
Revenue	23,951	15,539	19,719	2,312	-	61,521
Divisional operating profit	3,535	1,063	1,116	61	-	5,775
Amortisation of other intangible assets	(289)	(374)	(95)	(2)	-	(760)
Non-recurring income and expense	-	991	-	-	-	991
Segment result	3,246	1,680	1,021	59	-	6,006
Unallocated other costs						(1,115)
Operating profit						4,891
Finance income/(cost) - net						36
Share of profit from joint ventures						102
Profit before taxation						5,029
Taxation						(1,441)
Profit for the period attributable to shareholders from continuing operations						3,588
Segment operating assets	42,720	26,806	12,871	1,895	-	84,292

4. Segmental information (continued)

	Shipbroking	Technical	Logistics	Environmental	Inter-division	Total
Year ended 29 February 2012	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000
Revenue	49,813	31,954	37,630	14,529	(452)	133,474
Divisional operating profit	7,121	1,833	1,888	1,857	-	12,699
Amortisation of other intangible assets	(531)	(838)	(87)	(2)	-	(1,458)
Non-recurring income and expense	(354)	423	-	-	-	69
Segment result	6,236	1,418	1,801	1,855	-	11,310
Unallocated other costs						(1,953)
Operating profit						9,357
Finance income/(cost) - net						181
Share of profit from joint ventures						252
Profit before taxation						9,790
Taxation						(2,888)
Profit for the period attributable to shareholders from continuing operations						6,902
Segment operating assets	42,334	25,051	13,575	5,685	-	86,645

Segment assets consist primarily of intangible assets (including goodwill), tangible fixed assets, receivables and other assets. Receivables for taxes, cash and cash equivalents and investments have been excluded.

5. Taxation

Current tax expense for the interim periods presented is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the period, calculated as the estimated average annual effective income tax rate applied to the pre-tax income of the interim period. Current tax for current and prior periods is classified as a current liability to the extent that it is unpaid. Amounts paid in excess of amounts owed are classified as a current asset.

The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates that are enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date

The Group's consolidated effective tax rate for the six months ended 31 August 2012 was 28.6% (six months ended 31 August 2011: 28.6%, year ended 29 February 2012: 29.5%).

6. Earnings per share

	Six months to 31 Aug 2012		Six months to 31 Aug 2011		Year ended 29 Feb 2012
	£'000		£'000		£'000
Profit for the period attributable to shareholders	3,678		3,555		6,841
	Pence		pence		pence
Basic earnings per share	17.70		17.60		33.84
Effect of dilutive share options	(0.88)		(0.34)		(1.31)
Diluted earnings per share	16.82		17.26		32.53
Profit for the period attributable to shareholders before amortisation of other intangible assets and non-recurring items	4,376		3,384		7,895
	Pence		pence		Pence
Basic earnings per share	21.06		16.76		39.05
Effect of dilutive share options	(1.05)		(0.33)		(1.51)
Diluted earnings per share	20.01		16.43		37.54

7. Dividends

The following dividends were paid by the Group:

	Six months to		Six months to		Year ended
	31 Aug 2012		31 Aug 2011		29 Feb 2012
	£'000		£'000		£'000
Ordinary shares of 10 pence each
Final of 17.0 pence per share (2011: 17.0 pence per share)	3,537		3,421		3,421
Interim of 9.0 pence per share paid	-		-		1,812
	3,537		3,421		5,233

The Directors have declared an interim dividend of 9.0 pence per ordinary share, payable on 14 December 2012 to shareholders on the register on 16 November 2012.

8. Goodwill, other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

							Goodwill, tangible and intangible assets
							£000
Six months ended 31 August 2012
Opening net book amount at 1 March 2012							39,303
Acquisition of subsidiaries (see note 11)							468
Additions							384
Depreciation and amortisation							(1,529)
Exchange movements							35
Closing net book amount at 31 August 2012							38,661
Six months ended 31 August 2011
Opening net book amount at 1 March 2011							39,596
Acquisition of a subsidiary							1,476
Additions							336
Depreciation and amortisation							(1,379)
Exchange movements							142
Closing net book amount at 31 August 2011							40,171

9.  Share capital

		Number of		Ordinary		Share
		shares		Shares		Premium		Total
		(thousands)		£000		£000		£000
At 1 March 2012		21,600		2,160		12,018		14,178
Shares issued and fully paid		33		3		61		64
At 31 August 2012		21,633		2,163		12,079		14,242
At 1 March 2011		21,096		2,110		11,077		13,187
Shares issued and fully paid		1		-		3		3
31 August 2011		21,097		2,110		11,080		13,190

9. Share capital (continued)

The Group's ESOP trust acquired 36,331 of the company's shares in the first half of the year for £156,000.

During the six months ended 31 August 2012 72,750 shares at a value of £243,000 that were awarded to employees in May 2008 as part of the Deferred Bonus Plan (the Plan) were delivered to them in May 2012 following the three year vesting period. Details of the Plan are disclosed in the annual financial statements for the year ended 29 February 2012.

In addition, 26,664 shares at a value of £93,000 that were awarded to executive directors in May 2007 as part of the long-term incentive plan ("LTIP") were delivered to them in May 2012 due to performance conditions being met. Details of the LTIP are disclosed in the annual financial statements for the year ended 29 February 2012.

10. Other reserves

Group	Capital redemption reserve	Merger reserve	Deferred  consideration reserve	Translation reserve	Hedging reserve		Total other reserves
	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000		£'000
At 1 March 2012	396	21,346	(389)	5,209	102		26,664
Cash flow hedges
- Transfer to net profit	-	-	-	-	(136)		(136)
- Fair value gains in the period	-	-	-	-	88		88
Foreign exchange differences	-	-	-	(386)	-		(386)
Deferred tax on items taken to equity	-	-	-	-	12		12
At 31 August 2012	396	21,346	(389)	4,823	66		26,242
At 1 March 2011	396	21,346	(389)	4,798	172		26,323
Cash flow hedges
- Transfer to net profit	-	-	-	-	(236)		(236)
- Fair value gains in the period	-	-	-	-	120		120
Foreign exchange differences	-	-	-	536	-		536
Deferred tax on items taken to equity	-	-	-	-	33		33
At 31 August 2011	396	21,346	(389)	5,334	89		26,776

All other reserves are attributable to the equity holders of the parent company.

11. Acquisitions

On 30 April 2012 the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Orca Shipping Limited for a total cash consideration of £820,000. Initial consideration paid was £741,000 satisfied by cash from existing resources. Deferred consideration of £79,000 is payable within the next year and will be settled wholly in cash.

The acquired business contributed revenues and a net profit before amortisation of £49,000 to the group for the period from acquisition to 31 August 2012.

Details of provisional net assets acquired are set out below. The fair value of the intangible assets relates to the value of the forward order book acquired and customer relationships.

	Acquiree's
	carrying		Fair value		Provisional
	amount		adjustments		Fair value
	£'000		£'000		£'000
Cash and cash equivalents	509		-		509
Intangible assets	-		468		468
Receivables	36		-		36
Payables	(25)		-		(25)
Current tax liability	(60)		-		(60)
Deferred tax liability	-		(108)		(108)
Net assets acquired by the Group	460		360		820
Purchase consideration
- cash paid					741
- deferred consideration					79
Total consideration					820
Outflow of cash to acquire the business, net of cash acquired:
- cash consideration					741
- cash and cash equivalents in subsidiary acquired					(509)
Cash outflow on acquisition					232

In addition, an amount of £47,000 was incurred in the six months ended 31 August 2012 in respect of an acquisition from a previous period.

In the six months ended 31 August 2011, the Group acquired the business and certain assets of BMT Marine and Offshore Surveys Limited from the Administrator, Deloitte, for a cash consideration of £2.4 million. The difference between the consideration paid and the fair value of the assets acquired resulted in a non-recurring gain of £991,000.

12. Related parties

The Group's related parties are unchanged from 29 February 2012 and there have been no significant related party transactions in the six months ended 31 August 2012.

For further information about the Group's related parties, please refer to the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 29 February 2012.

INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TOBRAEMAR SHIPPING SERVICES PLC

Introduction

We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31 August 2012 which comprises the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated balance sheet, consolidated cash flow statement, consolidated statement of changes in equity.

We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report 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 in accordance with the terms of our engagement to assist the company in meeting the requirements of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules ("the DTR") of the UK's Financial Services Authority ("the UK FSA"). Our review has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to it in this 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 for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have reached.

Directors' responsibilities

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the DTR of the UK FSA.

As disclosed in note 2 the annual financial statements of the group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the company 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 issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the UK. 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 31 August 2012 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the EU and the DTR of the UK FSA.

John Luke

for and on behalf of KPMG Audit Plc

Chartered Accountants

15 Canada Square,

London, E14 5GL

29 October 2012

 

END

 

 

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