Half-year Report

RNS Number : 4869X

Hays PLC

22 February 2017

 

HALF YEAR REPORT

SIX MONTHS ENDED

31 DECEMBER 2016

22 February 2017

18 ALL-TIME RECORD COUNTRY PERFORMANCES, INCLUDING GERMANY & FRANCE

Six months ended 31 December (In £'s million)	2016	2015	Actual growth	LFL(1) growth
Net fees(2)	465.5	396.9	17%	3%
Operating profit	100.1	86.3	16%	(1)%
Conversion rate(3)	21.5%	21.7%	(20)bps
Cash generated by operations	83.8	33.9	147%
Profit before tax	96.2	82.4	17%
Basic earnings per share	4.55p	3.99p	14%
Dividend per share	0.96p	0.91p	5%

·      First half operating profit increased to £100m, driven by exchange rate benefits and International profit growth

·      Continental Europe & Rest of World: Strong, broad-based 10%⁽¹⁾ net fee growth; operating profit up 6%⁽¹⁾

-  Significant headcount investment, up 11% to capitalise on supportive markets

-  Record first half operating profit of £39m in Germany, where net fees grew 10%⁽¹⁾

-  Operating profit up 19%⁽¹⁾ in the rest of the division as 13 countries delivered double digit net fee growth⁽¹⁾

·      Asia Pacific: Good overall net fee growth of 6%⁽¹⁾; strong 12%⁽¹⁾ operating profit growth

-  Australia & NZ net fees up 9%⁽¹⁾ accelerating through the half, driving excellent 16%⁽¹⁾ operating profit growth

-  Performance in Asia was mixed, net fees down 5%⁽¹⁾, as banking markets remained tough

·      UK & Ireland: Net fees down 10%⁽¹⁾; operating profit down 29%⁽¹⁾

-  Markets tough but broadly stable across the half as a whole. Quick, early action to reduce costs, defend profit

-  Private sector (72% of net fees), saw a marked step-down in activity after the EU Referendum, but stabilised quickly and ended the half showing early signs of improvement

-  Public sector remained challenging throughout the half

·      Consultant headcount up 2% year-on-year and 5% through the half. Increases in Europe and Australia, partially offset by UK reductions

·      Net cash of £48m, with good 84% conversion of operating profit into operating cash flow  

·      Interim dividend up 5%, in line with our policy

Commenting on the results Alistair Cox, Chief Executive, said:

"This has been a good first half, with further net fee and profit growth and strong cash generation. Conditions remained supportive in many key markets, especially Germany, our most profitable business, where we delivered another all-time record performance, and Australia where activity accelerated significantly through the half. In the UK, after a marked step-down immediately after the EU Referendum, markets quickly stabilised and we saw early signs of improvement towards the end of the half in the private sector recruitment market, which have continued into the start of the second half.

The benefits of our diversified global portfolio and market-leading business efficiency were again clear as we delivered 3%⁽¹⁾ net fee growth, generated £100m operating profit and ended the half with £48m net cash. We again invested quickly where market conditions were supportive, increasing our non-UK consultant headcount by 9%, while simultaneously defending profitability in more uncertain markets. As a result of this balanced approach, 18 countries delivered all-time record performances, and we maintained our industry leading conversion rate at 21.5%⁽³⁾.

Looking ahead, the scale, balance and diversity of the business we have built, combined with our world-class, highly experienced management teams, stands us in good stead. The vast majority of our markets remain positive, we have many opportunities to grow and we look to the future with confidence."

(1)  LFL (like-for-like) growth represents organic growth of continuing operations at constant currency.

(2)  Net Fees comprise turnover less remuneration of temporary workers and other recruitment agencies.

(3)  Conversion Rate is the conversion of net fees into operating profit.

(4)  The underlying Temp gross margin is calculated as Temp net fees divided by Temp gross revenue and relates solely to Temp placements in which Hays generates net fees and specifically excludes transactions in which Hays acts as agent on behalf of workers supplied by third party agencies and arrangements where the Company provides major payrolling services.

(5)  Exchange rate as at 20 February 2017: £1 / €1.1745; £1 / AUD 1.6244.

Enquiries

Hays plc
Paul Venables	Group Finance Director	+ 44 (0) 20 7383 2266
David Walker	Head of Investor Relations	+ 44 (0) 20 7383 2266
Bell Pottinger
John Sunnucks / Elly Williamson		+ 44 (0) 20 3772 2485

Results presentation & webcast

The results presentation will take place at the offices of UBS at 5 Broadgate, London, EC2M 2QS at 9am on 22 February 2017 and will also be available as a live webcast on our website, www.haysplc.com/investors/results-centre. A recording of the webcast will be available on our website later the same day along with a copy of this press release and all presentation materials.

Reporting calendar

Trading Update for the quarter ending 31 March 2017	13 April 2017
Trading Update for the quarter ending 30 June 2017	14 July 2017
Preliminary Results for the year ending 30 June 2017	31 August 2017
Trading Update for the quarter ending 30 September 2017	12 October 2017

Hays Group Overview

Hays has c.9,600 employees based across 251 offices in 33 countries. In many of our global markets, the vast majority of professional and skilled recruitment is still done in-house, with minimal outsourcing to recruitment agencies and this presents substantial long-term structural growth opportunities. This has been a key driver of the rapid diversification and internationalisation of the Group, with the International business representing c.75% of the Group's net fees as at 31 December 2016, compared with around 35% 10 years ago.

Our 6,606 expert consultants work in a broad range of sectors, with Accountancy & Finance, Construction & Property and IT representing 52% of Group net fees. Our expertise across 20 professional and skilled recruitment specialisms gives us opportunities to rapidly develop newer markets by replicating these long-established, existing areas of expertise.

In addition to this international and sectoral diversification, the Group's net fees are generated 59% from temporary and 41% permanent placement markets, and this balance gives our business model relative resilience.

This well diversified business model continues to be a key driver of the Group's financial performance.

Introduction & market backdrop

We have delivered a good performance for the six months ended December 2016, as net fees increased 3% on a like-for-like basis⁽¹⁾ and 17% on a headline basis. Operating profit was £100.1 million, down 1% on a like-for-like basis⁽¹⁾ but up 16% on a headline basis, and the Group's sector-leading Conversion Rate⁽³⁾ was broadly stable at 21.5% (2015: 21.7%). Having eliminated net debt in FY16, our cash performance was again strong and we ended the first half with a net cash position of £47.9 million.

During the half, overall market conditions remained good, with many clear opportunities to grow, notably in several European countries and Australia, where growth accelerated significantly through the half. In the UK, immediately following the EU Referendum, we saw a marked step-down in private sector Perm recruitment activity, but the market stabilised quickly and we ended the half showing early signs of improvement.

Against this backdrop, we continued with our long-established balanced approach, investing quickly to capitalise on growth opportunities, whilst focusing on driving improved consultant productivity and cost control around the Group to maximise the Group's financial performance, profit and cash generation.

Foreign exchange

Currency movements versus Sterling represented a material benefit to our reported performance. Over the course of the half, the total impact of exchange movements on operating profit was £14.8 million positive. If current rates of exchange were to remain unchanged for the remainder of the financial year, the impact on the FY16 full year reported operating profit performance would be c.£29 million positive.

Fluctuations in the rates of the Group's key operating currencies versus Sterling continue to represent a significant sensitivity for the reported performance of our business. By way of illustration, each 1 cent movement in annual exchange rates of the Australian Dollar and Euro impacts net fees by £0.9 million and £2.6 million respectively per annum; and operating profits by £0.3 million and £0.9 million respectively per annum.

The rate of exchange between the Australian Dollar and Sterling over the six months ended 31 December 2016 averaged AUD 1.6963 and closed at AUD 1.7105. As at 20 February 2017 the rate stood at AUD 1.6244. The rate of exchange between the Euro and Sterling over the six months ended 31 December 2016 averaged €1.1651 and closed at €1.1739. As at 20 February 2017 the rate stood at €1.1745.

Strong growth in International Temp and Perm, partially offset by UK decline

Net fees in Temp, which incorporates our Contracting business and represented 59% of Group net fees, increased by 4%⁽¹⁾. This comprised a volume increase of 6% and an increase in mix/hours worked of 1%. Partially offsetting this, underlying Temp margins⁽⁴⁾ were down 40bps at 15.9% (2015: 16.3%), primarily due to mix and a reduction in Temp margin in our Australian and UK public sector markets. Net fees in Perm increased by 1%⁽¹⁾ as good, broad-based growth in International businesses was partially offset by declines in the UK.

Movements in consultant headcount

Consultant headcount ended December at 6,606, up 2% year-on-year and up 5% in the first half. In Asia Pacific, consultant headcount was up 3% year-on-year, within which Australia consultant headcount was up 12%. In Asia, consultant headcount fell 6% year-on-year, reflecting more challenging market conditions, particularly in the banking sector. In the UK & Ireland consultant headcount fell 10% year-on-year, all by natural attrition, as we took early pre-emptive action ahead of and in response to declining market conditions, the vast majority of which took place in the latter part of the last financial year. In our Continental Europe & RoW division we increased consultant headcount by 11% year-on-year, including Germany which was up 13% and France which was up 11%, as we continue to invest to capitalise on those supportive markets. 

Consultant headcount	31 Dec 2016	Net change (vs. 31 Dec 2015)	31 Dec 2015	30 Jun 2016
Asia Pacific	1,270	38	1,232	1,210
Continental Europe & RoW	3,358	343	3,015	3,034
United Kingdom & Ireland	1,978	(229)	2,207	2,024
Group total	6,606	152	6,454	6,268

Office network changes & global specialism roll-out

Our focus through the first half remained on building scale and critical mass across our existing platform of 33 countries. We continued to make further good progress in rolling out our IT Contracting business into markets such as Belgium, France and Switzerland, as well as building further scale. There were no significant office openings or closures during the half, although we continued to consolidate and upscale certain city locations, including moving into our new flagship office in Paris.

Office network	31 Dec 2016	Net opened/ (closed)	30 Jun   2016
Asia Pacific	50	1	49
Continental Europe & RoW	101	(2)	103
United Kingdom & Ireland	100	-	100
Group	251	(1)	252

Investing in technology, responding to change and building intellectual property

We strongly believe that equipping our consultants with an effective range of technology tools improves their productivity by enabling them to find the ideal candidate for their client's roles more quickly and effectively than the competition.

To build these tools, we have invested internally in our own resources, built our own proprietary systems and fostered unique relationships with important players in the technology world including Google, LinkedIn and more recently SEEK in Australia. These investments are now paying off, allowing us to receive and process over 6 million CVs a year, take our brand to over 340 million professionals globally via the LinkedIn platform and enabling our consultants to perform complex searches of our proprietary OneTouch database in seconds.

In a world where speed of response and the quality of relationships are key to success, these tools, combined with the world-class expertise of our consultants, are generating a real competitive advantage and improving both our financial performance and the growth in our market share and leadership.

Asia Pacific

Significant acceleration in growth in Australia; Asia remained tough overall, largely due to challenging banking markets

				Growth
Six months ended 31 December  (In £'s million)	2016	2015		Actual	LFL(1)
Net fees(2)	111.9	84.4		33%	6%
Operating profit	33.3	23.2		44%	12%
Conversion rate(3)	29.8%	27.5%
Period end consultant headcount	1,270	1,232		3%

In Asia Pacific, net fees increased 33% (6% on a like-for-like basis⁽¹⁾) to £111.9 million and operating profit was up 44% (12% on a like-for-like basis⁽¹⁾) at £33.3 million, representing a conversion rate of 29.8% (2015: 27.5%). The difference between actual and like-for-like growth rates was primarily the result of the significant appreciation in the average rate of exchange between the Australian Dollar and Japanese Yen versus Sterling during the half, which increased net fees in the division by £21.5 million and operating profits by £6.5 million.

In Australia & New Zealand net fees were up 9%⁽¹⁾ and operating profit was up 16%⁽¹⁾. The Perm business was up 6%⁽¹⁾ and Temp, which represented 66% of net fees in the half, grew by 11%⁽¹⁾. In Australia net fee growth accelerated to 11%⁽¹⁾, driven by improved activity in the private sector, up 10%⁽¹⁾. Growth was broad-based across most regions and specialisms. Our largest regions of New South Wales and Victoria, which together accounted for 57% of net fees, were up 14%⁽¹⁾ and 15%⁽¹⁾ respectively and ACT (Canberra) also delivered a strong performance, with net fees up 13%⁽¹⁾, driven by the continued strength in our public sector business, up 12%⁽¹⁾. Elsewhere, Queensland and South Australia both delivered good net fee growth of 9%⁽¹⁾, and we saw a continuation of stable conditions across the half in Western Australia. At the specialism level, we delivered strong 12%⁽¹⁾ growth in Construction & Property, our largest specialism in Australia, and excellent growth of 22%⁽¹⁾ in IT. Net fees in New Zealand were down 8%⁽¹⁾, in part due to factors external to Hays affecting the country.

In Asia, which accounted for 22% of the division's net fees, trading conditions remained tough, with net fees decreasing 5%⁽¹⁾ and operating profit down 16%⁽¹⁾ to £3.1 million. China delivered strong net fee growth of 11%⁽¹⁾ and Hong Kong grew 3%⁽¹⁾. Offsetting this, net fees in Japan decreased 6%⁽¹⁾ and Singapore declined by 34%⁽¹⁾, largely due to continuing challenging conditions in the banking markets.

Consultant headcount in the Asia Pacific division increased by 3% year-on-year. Consultant headcount in Australia & New Zealand increased by 9%. In Asia, consultant headcount fell by 6% year-on-year as we responded to more challenging market conditions.

Continental Europe & Rest of World

All-time record performances in Germany and France; further broad-based growth in rest of the division

				Growth
Six months ended 31 December  (In £'s million)	2016	2015		Actual	LFL(1)
Net fees(2)	227.5	173.1		31%	10%
Operating profit	48.6	37.8		29%	6%
Conversion rate(3)	21.4%	21.8%
Period end consultant headcount	3,358	3,015		11%

In Continental Europe & RoW, we delivered strong net fee growth of 31% (10% on a like-for-like basis⁽¹⁾) to £227.5 million, driving operating profit growth of 29% (6% on a like-for-like basis⁽¹⁾) to £48.6 million, representing a conversion rate of 21.4% (2015: 21.8%).  The difference between actual and like-for-like growth rates was primarily the result of the significant appreciation in the average rate of exchange between the Euro versus Sterling during the half, which increased net fees in the division by £33.3 million and operating profits by £8.0 million.

Germany, which represented 49% of the division's net fees in the half, delivered strong underlying net fee growth of 10%⁽¹⁾, with good growth across Contracting and Temp, which together grew by 8%⁽¹⁾, despite the negative impact of three less working days in the half. Perm growth was excellent at 25%⁽¹⁾. Net fees in IT, which represents 43% of our German business, grew by 15%⁽¹⁾ whilst net fees in Engineering increased by 5%⁽¹⁾. We saw strong growth in our newer specialisms, which make up 27% of German net fees, particularly Accountancy & Finance, which grew 11%⁽¹⁾, and Sales & Marketing, up 57%⁽¹⁾. As we work towards our strategic objective of building further material scale in Germany, we continued to invest significantly in consultant headcount, which was up 13% year-on-year, but despite this, first half profit performance was solid, up 3%⁽¹⁾ to £38.6 million, in line with plan, and it remains the largest profit contributor in the Group.

Across the rest of the Division, net fees were up 11%⁽¹⁾ and operating profit increased by 19%⁽¹⁾. This was driven by a strong performance across Europe, including France, our second largest business in Europe, which delivered an all-time record first half performance with net fees growth of 18%⁽¹⁾, including double-digit growth in our largest three specialisms of Accountancy & Finance, Construction & Property and Life Sciences. Elsewhere, 12 other countries delivered net fee growth of over 10%⁽¹⁾, including Belgium, the Netherlands and Poland. In Southern Europe, whilst growth remained good overall at 6%⁽¹⁾, rates slowed versus more challenging comparators, with Italy up 13%⁽¹⁾ and Spain up 3%⁽¹⁾.

In the Americas net fees grew by 9%⁽¹⁾. Within this we delivered good growth in Canada, up 6%⁽¹⁾, the USA up 8%⁽¹⁾ and Brazil, where we grew 26%⁽¹⁾ and returned to profitability, despite continued tough market conditions. Elsewhere, net fees in Mexico declined 6%⁽¹⁾, as confidence in that market worsened towards the end of the half.

Consultant headcount in the division increased by 11% year-on-year, including increases of 13% in Germany and 11% in France. Elsewhere, we continued to invest in markets which demonstrated clear growth opportunities.

United Kingdom & Ireland

Conditions overall tough but broadly sequentially stable; early signs of improvement in the private sector towards the end of the half

				Growth
Six months ended 31 December  (In £'s million)	2016	2015		Actual	LFL(1)
Net fees(2)	126.1	139.4		(10)%	(10)%
Operating profit	18.2	25.3		(28)%	(29)%
Conversion rate(3)	14.4%	18.1%
Period end consultant headcount	1,978	2,207		(10)%

In the United Kingdom & Ireland net fees decreased 10%⁽¹⁾ to £126.1 million. Despite the significant reduction in net fees, we took early action to adjust the cost base of the business and best protect our financial performance. As a result, consultant headcount was down 10% year-on-year and down 2% in the half, all via natural attrition and in line with the net fee decline; operating profit decreased 29%⁽¹⁾, to £18.2 million. This represents a conversion rate of 14.4% (2015: 18.1%).

Following a marked step-down in Perm activity levels immediately after the EU Referendum, the UK Perm business stabilised and ended the half down 10%, as client confidence remained subdued. Our Temp business was also down 10% primarily as a result of continuing challenging conditions in the public sector, down 12%, and in Construction & Property markets. Net fees in our private sector business, representing 72% of the division, were down 9%⁽¹⁾, but we exited the half with early signs of improvement. Against this backdrop, overall activity levels were broadly sequentially stable across the half.

All regions traded broadly in line with the overall UK business, with the exception of London, which was down 15%, and Scotland & Northern Ireland, where net fees were broadly flat. Ireland delivered strong net fee growth of 12%⁽¹⁾.

At the specialism level, our Accountancy & Finance business was down 6%⁽¹⁾, while Construction & Property and IT were down 9%⁽¹⁾ and 13%⁽¹⁾ respectively. Net fees in Office Support decreased 4%⁽¹⁾ and Education, primarily a public sector business, was down 10%⁽¹⁾.

Current trading & return to work

Continuation of the trends we saw at the end of H1 across the Group; return to work in temp and contractor markets solid overall

The vast majority of our markets remain positive and the return to work in the key Temp and Contractor markets has been solid overall.

The timing of Easter, which this year falls entirely into Q4 will have an impact on the phasing of activity between the 3rd and 4th quarters, most notably in the major Temp and Contractor businesses. We expect the timing of Easter to increase year-on-year net fee growth in Q3 by 2%-3%, with a commensurate decrease in Q4. The impact on a regional level will be c.2% in Asia Pacific, c.3% in Continental Europe & RoW (including c.5% in Germany) and c.2% in the UK & Ireland.

Asia Pacific

We continue to see strong activity levels in Australia overall, across all states and most specialisms. The return to work in our Temp and Contractor business has been good. In Asia trading conditions remain mixed but subdued overall.

We expect 2-4% headcount increases through the second half of the year, primarily in Australia.

Continental Europe & RoW

In Continental Europe & RoW, growth remains strong overall. In Germany we continue to see strong underlying growth, and the return to work in our Temp and Contractor business was good. In the rest of Europe, conditions remain strong.

Conditions in the Americas continue to be mixed overall with good conditions in North America and mixed conditions in our Latin American businesses.

We expect headcount in the division to increase by c.2-4% in the second half of the year, primarily in Germany.

United Kingdom & Ireland

In the UK & Ireland conditions remain tough. The return to work in our Temp and Contractor business was solid and in line with our expectations. We have seen a continuation of the early signs of improvement in the private sector market, especially in Perm. The public sector market remains tough and is further complicated by the potential changes to interpretations of the IR35 regulations in that sector.

We expect headcount will remain broadly flat through the second half of the year.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Summary Income Statement

				Growth
Six months ended 31 December  (In £'s million)	2016	2015		Actual	LFL(1)
Turnover	2,484.5	2,043.9		22%	7%
Net fees(2)
Temporary	273.5	230.1		19%	4%
Permanent	192.0	166.8		15%	1%
Total	465.5	396.9		17%	3%
Operating profit from continuing operations	100.1	86.3		16%	(1)%
Conversion rate(3)	21.5%	21.7%
Underlying temporary margin (4)	15.9%	16.3%
Temporary fees as % of total	59%	58%
Period end consultant headcount	6,606	6,454		2%

(1)  LFL (like-for-like) growth represents organic growth of continuing operations at constant currency.

(2)  Net Fees comprise turnover less remuneration of temporary workers and other recruitment agencies.

(3)  Conversion Rate is the conversion of net fees into operating profit.

(4)  The underlying Temp gross margin is calculated as Temp net fees divided by Temp gross revenue and relates solely to Temp placements in which Hays generates net fees and specifically excludes transactions in which Hays acts as agent on behalf of workers supplied by third party agencies and arrangements where the Company provides major payrolling services.

(5)  Exchange rate as at 20 February 2017: £1 / €1.1745; £1 / AUD 1.6244.

Turnover for the six months to 31 December 2016 was up 22% (7% on a like-for-like basis⁽¹⁾) and net fees increased by 17% (3% on a like-for-like basis⁽¹⁾). The difference between the like-for-like growth in turnover and net fees is primarily due to the higher growth in our Temp business versus Perm.

Operating profit increased by 16% (but decreased 1% on a like-for-like basis⁽¹⁾). Exchange rate movements increased net fees and operating profit by £55.5 million and £14.8 million respectively, as a result of the significant appreciation in the average rate of exchange between the major currencies to which the Group has exposure versus Sterling, most notably the Australian Dollar and the Euro. Currency fluctuations remain significant sensitivities for the Group.

Operating costs were 18% higher than prior year, primarily due to the impact of movements in foreign exchange rates. On a like-for-like basis⁽¹⁾ costs were 4% higher, primarily due to a rise in commission payments in line with net fees and costs associated with the 2% increase in Group consultant headcount.

The Group's conversion rate⁽³⁾ decreased by 20 basis points to 21.5% (2015: 21.7%), primarily as a result of UK profits being significantly lower, partially offset by improvements in Australia.

Consultant headcount at the end of December 2016 was 6,606, up 2% year-on-year and up 5% versus June 2016, as we invested selectively to ensure we capitalise on stronger markets and clear structural growth opportunities. In our UK & Ireland business consultant headcount fell 10% year-on-year and was down 2% through the half as we took early action to adjust the cost base of the business and best protect UK financial performance. In our International business we increased consultant headcount by 9% year-on-year and in the half, as we invested to capitalise on supportive markets.

Net finance charge

The net finance charge for the half was £3.9 million (2015: £3.9 million). The average interest rate on gross debt during the period was 2.3% (2015: 2.0%), generating net bank interest payable including amortisation of arrangement fees of £1.2 million (2015: £1.3 million). The net interest charge on the defined benefit pension scheme obligations was £1.0 million (2015: £1.9 million). The Pension Protection Fund levy was £0.3 million (2015: £0.2 million), the interest unwind on the deferred acquisition liability related to the Veredus transaction was £0.6 million (2015: £0.5 million) and other interest payable was £0.8 million (2015: £nil). For the full year, we expect the net finance charge to be around £7.0 million.

Taxation

Taxation for the half was £30.8 million (2015: £25.5 million), representing an effective tax rate of 32.0% (2015: 31.0%). The effective tax rate reflects the Group's geographical mix of profits, with the increase in the rate due to the significant decrease in profitability in the UK. We expect the effective tax rate to be 32.0% for the full year.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share increased by 14% to 4.55 pence (2015: 3.99 pence), reflecting the Group's higher operating profit, partially offset by the higher tax rate.

Cash flow and balance sheet

Cash flow in the half was good with 84% conversion (2015: 39%) of operating profit into operating cash flow, as a result of good working capital management. Trade debtor days were at 39 days.

Net capital expenditure was £10.0 million (2015: £8.0 million). We expect capital expenditure to be around £20 million for the year to June 2017.

Dividends paid in the half totalled £28.7 million (2015: £26.9 million) and pension deficit contributions were £7.4 million. Net interest paid was £1.3 million and the cash tax payment was £30.2 million.

First half underlying cash performance was strong, with net cash of £47.9 million at the end of December 2016 (30 June 2016: £36.8 million; 31 December 2015: net debt £56.1 million).

Retirement benefits

The Group's pension liability under IAS19 at 31 December 2016 of £20.5 million increased by £6.2 million compared to 30 June 2016 due primarily to a decrease in the discount rate and an increase in the inflation rate partially offset by an increase in asset values and Company contributions.

During the half the Company contributed £7.4 million of cash to the defined benefit scheme (2015: £7.2 million), in line with the agreed deficit recovery plan. The 2015 triennial valuation quantified the actuarial deficit at c.£95 million and the recovery plan comprises an annual payment of £14.0 million from July 2015 with a fixed 3% uplift per year, over a period of just under 10 years. The scheme was closed to future accrual in June 2012.

Capital structure and dividend

The Board's priorities for our free cash flow are to fund the Group's investment and development, maintain a strong balance sheet and deliver a sustainable core dividend at a level which is both affordable and appropriate.

We target a core dividend cover range of 2.0x to 3.0x full year earnings and our strategy is to build cover towards the upper end of that range. Following the increase in the Group's core dividend in the year to June 2016, and taking into account the good financial performance of the Group in the first half, the Board is increasing the interim core dividend by 5% to 0.96p per share (2015: 0.91p).

The Board remains committed to this sustainable and progressive dividend policy and will continue to review the core dividend level in line with our stated dividend cover policy. Additionally, we reiterate our policy regarding the uses of excess free cash flow as follows. Once we have built a year end net cash position in the region of £50 million and assuming a positive outlook, it is our intention that any excess free cash flow generated over-and-above this net cash position, that is not needed for the priorities outlined above, will then be distributed to shareholders via special dividends, or other appropriate methods, to supplement the core dividend at year end.

The interim dividend payment date will be 7 April 2017 and the ex-dividend date is 2 March 2017.

Treasury management

The Group's operations are financed by retained earnings and bank borrowings. The Group has in place a £210 million revolving credit facility, maturing in April 2020, which provides considerable headroom versus current and future Group funding requirements. The covenants within the facility require the Group's interest cover ratio to be at least 4:1 (ratio as at December 2016: 52:1) and its leverage ratio (net debt to EBITDA) to be no greater than 2.5:1 (as at December 2016 the Group held a net cash position). The interest rate of the facility is on a ratchet mechanism with a margin payable over LIBOR in the range 0.90% to 1.55%.

The Group's UK-based treasury function manages the Group's treasury risks in accordance with policies and procedures set by the Board, and is responsible for day-to-day cash management; the arrangement of external borrowing facilities; the investment of surplus funds; and the management of the Group's interest rate and foreign exchange risks. The Treasury function does not engage in speculative transactions and does not operate as a profit centre, and the Group does not hold or use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

The Group's cash management policy is to minimise interest payments by closely managing Group cash balances and external borrowings. Euro-denominated cash positions are managed centrally using a cash concentration arrangement which provides visibility over participating country bank balances on a daily basis. Any Group surplus balance is used to repay any maturing loans under the Group's revolving credit facility or is invested in overnight money market funds. As the Group holds a Sterling denominated debt facility and generates significant foreign currency cash flows, the Board considers it appropriate in certain cases to use derivative financial instruments as part of its day-to-day cash management. The Group does not use derivatives to hedge balance sheet and income statement translation exposure.

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk on floating rate bank loans and overdrafts. It is the Group's policy to limit its exposure to interest rates by selectively hedging interest rate risk using derivative financial instruments.

Counterparty credit risk arises primarily from the investment of surplus funds. Risks are closely monitored using credit ratings assigned to financial institutions by international credit rating agencies. The Group restricts transactions to banks and money market funds that have an acceptable credit profile and limits its exposure to each institution accordingly.

Principal risks facing the business

Hays plc operates an embedded risk management framework, which is monitored and reviewed by the Board. There are a number of potential risks and uncertainties that could have a material impact on the Group's financial performance and position. These include risks relating to the cyclical nature of our business, business model, talent recruitment and retention, compliance, reliance on technology, data governance, contracts and foreign exchange. These risks and our mitigating actions remain as set out in the 2016 Annual Report.

Responsibility Statement

We confirm that, to the best of our knowledge:

§ the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been presented in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the European Union and give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit for the Group;

§ the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed financial statements, and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year); and

§ the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties' transactions in the first six months of the financial year and any changes in the related parties transactions described in the last Annual Report).

This Half Year Report was approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 21 February 2017.

 

Alistair Cox                                                                                                      Paul Venables

Chief Executive                                                                                      Group Finance Director

Hays plc

250 Euston Road

London

NW1 2AF

haysplc.com/investors

Cautionary statement

This Half Year Report (the "Report") has been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the UK Financial Conduct Authority and is not audited. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is or will be made in relation to the accuracy, fairness or completeness of the information or opinions contained in this Report. Statements in this Report reflect the knowledge and information available at the time of its preparation. Certain statements included or incorporated by reference within this Report may constitute "forward-looking statements" in respect of the Group's operations, performance, prospects and/or financial condition. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions and actual results or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied by those statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any particular expectation will be met and reliance shall not be placed on any forward-looking statement. Additionally, forward-looking statements regarding past trends or activities shall not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. The information contained in this Report is subject to change without notice and no responsibility or obligation is accepted to update or revise any forward-looking statement resulting from new information, future events or otherwise. Nothing in this Report shall be construed as a profit forecast. This Report does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to sell, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for any shares in the Company, nor shall it or any part of it or the fact of its distribution form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract or commitment or investment decisions relating thereto, nor does it constitute a recommendation regarding the shares of the Company or any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity under section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Past performance cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance. Liability arising from anything in this Report shall be governed by English Law, and neither the Company nor any of its affiliates, advisors or representatives shall have any liability whatsoever (in negligence or otherwise) for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this Report or its contents or otherwise arising in connection with this Report. Nothing in this Report shall exclude any liability under applicable laws that cannot be excluded in accordance with such laws.

This announcement contains inside information.

Independent Review Report to Hays plc
Report on the Condensed Interim Financial Statements
Our conclusion
We have reviewed Hays plc's condensed interim financial statements (the "interim financial statements") in the half year report of Hays plc for the six month period ended 31 December 2016. Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the interim financial statements are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
What we have reviewed
The interim financial statements comprise:
Ÿ	the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2016;
Ÿ	the Condensed Consolidated Income Statement and Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the period then ended;
Ÿ	the Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the period then ended;
Ÿ	the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the period then ended; and
Ÿ	the explanatory notes to the interim financial statements.
The interim financial statements included in the half year report have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
As disclosed in note 1 to the interim financial statements, the financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the full annual financial statements of the Group is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.
Our responsibilities and those of the directors
The half year report, including the interim financial statements, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half year report in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the interim financial statements in the half year report based on our review. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the company for the purpose of complying with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority and for no other purpose.  We do not, in giving this conclusion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.
What a review of interim financial statements involves
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 United Kingdom. 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.
We have read the other information contained in the half year report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the interim financial statements.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
London
21 February 2017

Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
			Six months to	Six months to	Year to
			31 December	31 December	30 June
			2016	2015	2016
(In £'s million)		Note	(unaudited)	(unaudited)	(audited)
Turnover
Continuing operations			2,484.5	2,043.9	4,231.4
Net fees (1)
Continuing operations		2	465.5	396.9	810.3
Operating profit from continuing operations		2	100.1	86.3	181.0
Net finance charge		3	(3.9)	(3.9)	(8.0)
Profit before tax from continuing operations			96.2	82.4	173.0
Tax		4	(30.8)	(25.5)	(51.9)
Profit from continuing operations after tax			65.4	56.9	121.1
Profit from discontinued operations			-	-	3.4
Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent Company			65.4	56.9	124.5
Earnings per share from continuing operations
	- Basic	6	4.55p	3.99p	8.48p
	- Diluted	6	4.50p	3.94p	8.37p
Earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations
	- Basic	6	4.55p	3.99p	8.72p
	- Diluted	6	4.50p	3.94p	8.60p
(1) Net fees comprise turnover less remuneration of temporary workers and other recruitment agencies.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
			Six months to	Six months to	Year to
			31 December	31 December	30 June
			2016	2015	2016
(In £'s million)			(unaudited)	(unaudited)	(audited)
Profit for the period			65.4	56.9	124.5
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Actuarial remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes			(12.6)	(29.3)	35.5
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income			2.4	5.7	(7.2)
			(10.2)	(23.6)	28.3
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Currency translation adjustments			12.3	11.6	64.3
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income			(2.8)	-	-
Other comprehensive income for the period net of tax			(0.7)	(12.0)	92.6
Total comprehensive income for the period			64.7	44.9	217.1
Attributable to equity shareholders of the parent Company			64.7	44.9	217.1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
		31 December	31 December	30 June
		2016	2015	2016
(In £'s million)	Note	(unaudited)	(unaudited)	(audited)
Non-current assets
Goodwill		224.4	204.3	220.4
Other intangible assets		19.3	24.5	21.6
Property, plant and equipment		20.7	18.0	19.8
Deferred tax assets		26.2	36.3	23.9
		290.6	283.1	285.7
Current assets
Trade and other receivables		763.6	628.6	763.9
Cash and cash equivalents		114.0	64.4	62.9
Derivative financial instruments		-	-	6.6
		877.6	693.0	833.4
Total assets		1,168.2	976.1	1,119.1
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables		(529.0)	(435.2)	(573.3)
Current tax liabilities		(29.9)	(20.1)	(27.1)
Bank loans and overdrafts		(1.1)	(0.5)	(1.1)
Provisions	8	(2.9)	(2.9)	(3.1)
Derivative financial instruments		(0.2)	-	-
		(563.1)	(458.7)	(604.6)
Non-current liabilities
Bank loans		(65.0)	(120.0)	(25.0)
Acquisition liabilities		(12.7)	(9.7)	(11.2)
Retirement benefit obligations	7	(20.5)	(82.7)	(14.3)
Provisions	8	(6.2)	(11.9)	(6.2)
		(104.4)	(224.3)	(56.7)
Total liabilities		(667.5)	(683.0)	(661.3)
Net assets		500.7	293.1	457.8
Equity
Called up share capital		14.7	14.7	14.7
Share premium		369.6	369.6	369.6
Capital redemption reserve		2.7	2.7	2.7
Retained earnings		21.0	(123.3)	(15.8)
Cumulative translation reserve		75.9	13.7	66.4
Equity reserve		16.8	15.7	20.2
Total shareholders' equity		500.7	293.1	457.8

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the six months ended 31 December 2016
(In £'s million)	Share capital	Share premium account	Capital redemption reserve	Retained earnings	Cumulative translation reserve	Equity  reserve	Total
At 1 July 2016	14.7	369.6	2.7	(15.8)	66.4	20.2	457.8
Currency translation adjustments	-	-	-	-	12.3	-	12.3
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes	-	-	-	(12.6)	-	-	(12.6)
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income	-	-	-	2.4	(2.8)	-	(0.4)
Net expense recognised in other comprehensive income	-	-	-	(10.2)	9.5	-	(0.7)
Profit for the period	-	-	-	65.4	-	-	65.4
Total comprehensive income for the period	-	-	-	55.2	9.5	-	64.7
Dividends paid	-	-	-	(28.7)	-	-	(28.7)
Share-based payments	-	-	-	9.7	-	(3.4)	6.3
Tax on share-based payment transactions	-	-	-	0.6	-	-	0.6
At 31 December 2016 (unaudited)	14.7	369.6	2.7	21.0	75.9	16.8	500.7
For the six months ended 31 December 2015
(In £'s million)	Share capital	Share premium account	Capital redemption reserve	Retained earnings	Cumulative translation reserve	Equity  reserve	Total
At 1 July 2015	14.7	369.6	2.7	(138.2)	2.1	18.7	269.6
Currency translation adjustments	-	-	-	-	11.6	-	11.6
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes	-	-	-	(29.3)	-	-	(29.3)
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income	-	-	-	5.7	-	-	5.7
Net expense recognised in other comprehensive income	-	-	-	(23.6)	11.6	-	(12.0)
Profit for the period	-	-	-	56.9	-	-	56.9
Total comprehensive income for the period	-	-	-	33.3	11.6	-	44.9
Dividends paid	-	-	-	(26.9)	-	-	(26.9)
Share-based payments	-	-	-	8.5	-	(3.0)	5.5
At 31 December 2015 (unaudited)	14.7	369.6	2.7	(123.3)	13.7	15.7	293.1
For the year ended 30 June 2016
(In £'s million)	Share capital	Share premium account	Capital redemption reserve	Retained earnings	Cumulative translation reserve	Equity  reserve	Total
At 1 July 2015	14.7	369.6	2.7	(138.2)	2.1	18.7	269.6
Currency translation adjustments	-	-	-	-	64.3	-	64.3
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes	-	-	-	35.5	-	-	35.5
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income	-	-	-	(7.2)	-	-	(7.2)
Net income recognised in other comprehensive income	-	-	-	28.3	64.3	-	92.6
Profit for the period	-	-	-	124.5	-	-	124.5
Total comprehensive income for the period	-	-	-	152.8	64.3	-	217.1
Dividends paid	-	-	-	(39.9)	-	-	(39.9)
Share-based payments	-	-	-	10.2	-	1.5	11.7
Tax on share-based payment transactions	-	-	-	(0.7)	-	-	(0.7)
At 30 June 2016 (audited)	14.7	369.6	2.7	(15.8)	66.4	20.2	457.8

Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
			Six months to	Six months to	Year to
			31 December	31 December	30 June
			2016	2015	2016
(In £'s million)	Note		(unaudited)	(unaudited)	(audited)
Operating profit from continuing operations			100.1	86.3	181.0
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment			4.5	3.9	7.7
Amortisation of intangible assets			7.8	7.6	14.2
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment			(0.1)	(0.1)	-
Net movements in provisions			(0.3)	(0.3)	(1.2)
Share-based payments			6.6	6.0	11.9
			18.5	17.1	32.6
Operating cash flow before movement in working capital			118.6	103.4	213.6
Changes in working capital			(34.8)	(69.5)	(54.3)
Cash generated by operations			83.8	33.9	159.3
Pension scheme deficit funding			(7.4)	(7.2)	(14.4)
Income taxes paid			(30.2)	(19.6)	(41.7)
Net cash inflow from operating activities			46.2	7.1	103.2
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment			(5.6)	(6.1)	(10.3)
Proceeds from sales of business assets			0.1	0.1	0.1
Purchase of intangible assets			(4.5)	(2.0)	(4.7)
Interest received			0.3	0.2	0.5
Net cash used in investing activities			(9.7)	(7.8)	(14.4)
Financing activities
Interest paid			(1.6)	(1.7)	(4.1)
Equity dividends paid			(28.7)	(26.9)	(39.9)
Proceeds from exercise of share options			0.4	0.6	1.5
Increase/(decrease) in bank loans and overdrafts			40.0	20.0	(74.4)
Net cash from/(used) in financing activities			10.1	(8.0)	(116.9)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			46.6	(8.7)	(28.1)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			62.9	69.8	69.8
Effect of foreign exchange rate movements			4.5	3.3	21.2
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	9		114.0	64.4	62.9
(In £'s million)	Note
Bank loans and overdrafts at beginning of period			(26.1)	(100.5)	(100.5)
(Increase)/decrease in period			(40.0)	(20.0)	74.4
Bank loans and overdrafts at end of period			(66.1)	(120.5)	(26.1)
Net cash/(debt) at end of period	9		47.9	(56.1)	36.8

1	Basis of preparation
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements ("interim financial statements") are the results for the six months ended 31 December 2016. The interim financial statements have been prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European Union, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority. They are unaudited but have been reviewed by the auditors and their report is attached.
The interim financial statements do not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 as they do not include all of the information required for full statutory accounts. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the statutory accounts for the year ended 30 June 2016, which were prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union and have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The auditors' report on those accounts was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain a statement under Section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
Accounting policies
The interim financial statements have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies and methods of computation applicable for the year ended 30 June 2016. These accounting policies are consistent with those applied in the preparation of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2016 except as where stated below.
The fair value of trade receivables, trade payables, financial assets, bank loans and overdraft is not materially different to their book value.
The following are new standards or improvements to existing standards that are mandatory for the first time in the Group's accounting period beginning on 1 July 2016 and no new standards have been early adopted. The Group's December 2016 interim financial statements have adopted these amendments to IFRS, none of which had any material impact on the Group's results or financial position:
Ÿ	IFRS 14 Regulatory Deferral Accounts (effective 1 January 2016)
Ÿ	IFRS 10 and IAS 28 (amendments) Investment Entities Applying the Consolidation Exemption (effective from 1 January 2016)
Ÿ	IFRS 11 (amendments) Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations (effective 1 January 2016)
Ÿ	IAS 1 (amendments) Presentation of Financial Statements (effective from 1 January 2016)
Ÿ	IAS 16 and IAS 38 (amendment) Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation (effective 1 January 2016)
Ÿ	IAS 27 (amendments) Equity Method in Separate Financial Statements (effective from 1 January 2016)
Ÿ	Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014 (effective 1 January 2016)
There have been no alterations made to the accounting policies as a result of considering all of the above amendments that became effective in the period, as these were either not material or were not relevant.
Going concern
The Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to effect its future development, performance and financial position, including its cash flows and liquidity position are described in the Half Year Report.
The Group has an unsecured revolving credit facility of £210 million that expires in April 2020. The Group uses the facility to manage its day-to-day working capital requirements as appropriate. As at 31 December 2016, £145 million of the committed facility was un-drawn.
The Group's facility, together with internally generated cash flows, will continue to provide sufficient sources of liquidity to fund its current operations, including contractual and commercial commitments, future growth and any proposed dividends. Therefore the Group is well placed to manage its business risks, despite the current uncertain economic outlook.
The directors have formed the judgement, at the time of approving the interim financial statements, that there is reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the interim financial statements.
2	Segmental information
IFRS 8, Operating Segments
IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources to the segment and to assess their performance.
As a result, the Group continues to segment the business into three regions, Asia Pacific, Continental Europe & Rest of World, and United Kingdom & Ireland.  There is no material difference between the segmentation of the Group's turnover by geographic origin and destination.
The Group's continuing operations comprise one class of business, that of qualified, professional and skilled recruitment.
Net fees and profit from continuing operations
The Group's Management Board, which is regarded as the chief operating decision maker, uses net fees by segment as its measure of revenue in internal reports rather than turnover. This is because net fees exclude the remuneration of temporary workers, and payments to other recruitment agencies where the Group acts as principal, which are not considered relevant in allocating resources to segments. The Group's Management Board considers net fees for the purpose of making decisions about allocating resources.  The Group does not report items below operating profit by segment in its internal management reporting.  The full detail of these items can be seen in the Income Statement.
Net fees and profit from continuing operations
				Six months to	Six months to	Year to
				31 December	31 December	30 June
				2016	2015	2016
(In £'s million)				(unaudited)	(unaudited)	(audited)
Net fees
Asia Pacific				111.9	84.4	176.1
Continental Europe & Rest of World				227.5	173.1	362.5
United Kingdom & Ireland				126.1	139.4	271.7
				465.5	396.9	810.3
Operating profit from continuing operations
Asia Pacific				33.3	23.2	50.2
Continental Europe & Rest of World				48.6	37.8	78.7
United Kingdom & Ireland				18.2	25.3	52.1
				100.1	86.3	181.0
3	Net finance charge
				Six months to	Six months to	Year to
				31 December	31 December	30 June
				2016	2015	2016
(In £'s million)				(unaudited)	(unaudited)	(audited)
Interest received on bank deposits				0.3	0.3	0.5
Interest payable on bank loans, overdrafts				(1.5)	(1.6)	(2.7)
Other interest payable				(0.8)	-	(0.7)
Interest unwind on acquisition liability				(0.6)	(0.5)	(0.9)
Pension Protection Fund levy				(0.3)	(0.2)	(0.3)
Net interest on pension obligations				(1.0)	(1.9)	(3.9)
Net finance charge				(3.9)	(3.9)	(8.0)
4	Tax on ordinary activities
The Group's consolidated effective tax rate in respect of continuing operations for the six months to 31 December 2016 is based on the estimated effective tax rate for the full year of 32.0% (31 December 2015: 31.0%, 30 June 2016: 30.0%).
5	Dividends
The following dividends were paid by the Group and have been recognised as distributions to equity shareholders in the year:
				Six months to	Six months to	Year to
				31 December	31 December	30 June
				2016	2015	2016
(In £'s million)				(unaudited)	(unaudited)	(audited)
Final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2015 of 1.89 pence per share				-	26.9	26.9
Interim dividend for the period to 31 December 2015 of 0.91 pence per share				-	-	13.0
Final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2016 of 1.99 pence per share				28.7	-	-
				28.7	26.9	39.9
The interim dividend for the period ended 31 December 2016 of 0.96 pence per share is not included as a liability in the balance sheet as at 31 December 2016.
6	Earnings per share
				Six months to	Six months to	Year to
				31 December	31 December	30 June
				2016	2015	2016
(In £'s million)				(unaudited)	(unaudited)	(audited)
Earnings from continuing operations				96.2	82.4	173.0
Tax on earnings from continuing operations				(30.8)	(25.5)	(51.9)
Basic earnings				65.4	56.9	121.1
Number of shares (million):
Weighted average number of shares				1,438.8	1,424.7	1,428.4
Dilution effect of share options				15.3	18.8	19.0
Weighted average number of shares used for diluted EPS				1,454.1	1,443.5	1,447.4
From continuing operations:
Basic earnings per share				4.55p	3.99p	8.48p
Diluted earnings per share				4.50p	3.94p	8.37p
From continuing and discontinued operations:
Basic earnings per share				4.55p	3.99p	8.72p
Diluted earnings per share				4.50p	3.94p	8.60p
7	Retirement benefit obligations
				Six months to	Six months to	Year to
				31 December	31 December	30 June
				2016	2015	2016
(In £'s million)				(unaudited)	(unaudited)	(audited)
Deficit in the scheme brought forward				(14.3)	(58.7)	(58.7)
Effect of settlement				-	-	(1.6)
Administration cost				(0.8)	(0.9)	(1.9)
Employer contributions				7.4	7.2	14.4
Net interest expense				(0.2)	(1.0)	(2.0)
Remeasurement of the net defined benefit liability				(12.6)	(29.3)	35.5
Deficit in the scheme carried forward				(20.5)	(82.7)	(14.3)
8	Provisions
(In £'s million)				Discontinued	Continuing	Total
At 1 July 2016				(6.9)	(2.4)	(9.3)
Utilised				0.2	-	0.2
At 31 December 2016 (unaudited)				(6.7)	(2.4)	(9.1)
Current						(2.9)
Non-current						(6.2)
						(9.1)
Discontinued provisions comprise of potential exposures arising as a result of the business disposals that were completed in 2004, together with deferred employee benefits relating to former employees.
9	Movement in net cash
						31 December
			1 July	Cash	Exchange	2016
(In £'s million)			2016	flow	movement	(unaudited)
Cash and cash equivalents			62.9	46.6	4.5	114.0
Bank loans and overdrafts			(26.1)	(40.0)	-	(66.1)
Net cash			36.8	6.6	4.5	47.9
The table above is presented as additional information to show movement in net cash, defined as cash and cash equivalents less bank loans and overdrafts.
The Group's £210 million unsecured revolving credit facility expires in April 2020. The financial covenants require the Group's interest cover ratio to be at least 4:1 and its leverage ratio (net debt to EBITDA) to be no greater than 2.5:1. The interest rate of the facility is based on a ratchet mechanism with a margin payable over LIBOR in the range of 0.90% to 1.55%.
As at 31 December 2016, £145 million of the committed facility was un-drawn.
10	Events after the balance sheet date
There are no significant events after the balance sheet date to report.
11	Like-for-like results
Like-for-like results represent organic growth/(decline) of continuing activities at constant currency.
For the six months ended 31 December 2016 these are calculated as follows:
(In £'s million)
Net fees for the six months ended 31 December 2015						396.9
Foreign exchange impact						55.5
Net fees for the six months ended 31 December 2015 at constant currency						452.4
Net fee increase resulting from organic growth						13.1
Net fees for the six months ended 31 December 2016 (unaudited)						465.5
Profit from operations for the six months ended 31 December 2015						86.3
Foreign exchange impact						14.8
Profit from operations for the six months ended 31 December 2015 at constant currency						101.1
Profit from operations reduction resulting from organic decline						(1.0)
Profit from operations for the six months ended 31 December 2016 (unaudited)						100.1
12	Like-for-like results H1 analysis by division
Net fee growth versus same period last year				Q1	Q2	H1
				2017	2017	2017
				(unaudited)	(unaudited)	(unaudited)
Asia Pacific				5%	7%	6%
Continental Europe & Rest of World				13%	8%	10%
United Kingdom & Ireland				(10%)	(10%)	(10%)
Group				3%	2%	3%
H1 2017 is the period from 1 July 2016 to 31 December 2016.
The Q1 and Q2 net fee like-for-like growth percentages are as reported in the Q1 and the Q2 Quarterly Update.

 

END

 

 

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