Final Results
M&C Saatchi PLC
22 March 2007
22 March 2007
M&C Saatchi plc
Preliminary Results for the Twelve Months Ended 31 December 2006
M&C Saatchi plc, today announces its preliminary results for the twelve months
ended 31 December 2006.
Group Highlights
• Revenues (gross profit) up 11.6% (12.5% at constant currency) to £75.9m
(2005: £68.0m)
• Strong new business wins across all regions
• Profit before tax (excluding amortisation) up 4.2% to £7.8m (2005:
£7.5m)
• Full year dividend up 25% at 3.2 pence
• Successful launch of second continental European office in Germany
• Agreement reached to open in Spain via partial acquisition
Commenting on the results, David Kershaw, Chief Executive, said: 'I am pleased
to say that the Company had a good year. The business gained momentum throughout
2006, and we grew our revenues and profits despite the departure of the BA
account. In 2007 we expect to see our European business move into profit, with
both Asia Pacific and America performing well. However the trading conditions in
the UK remain challenging. Overall the outlook for 2007 remains in line with
current expectations. '
For further information please call:
M&C Saatchi plc 020 7543 4500
David Kershaw, Chief Executive
Tulchan Communications 020 7353 4200
Miranda Acland
Celia Gordon Shute
Definition
To give a more meaningful commentary on the underlying performance of the
business all references to profit, operating profit, profit before tax and
profit for the financial year have been made before the amortisation of
goodwill. The charge for the amortisation of goodwill is stated in the
preliminary consolidated profit and loss account which follows this commentary.
Overview
--------
2006 has been a successful year for the Group, driven by a strong new business
performance which gained momentum throughout the year. Reported revenues grew by
11.6% (12.5% using constant currencies) to £75.9m (2005: £68.0m), the twelfth
successive year of revenue growth. The performance has been the strongest in the
UK across all the businesses but in particular Walker Media. In America the
growth was driven by LA. Our offices in Australia and Malaysia also performed
well.
Group profits for 2006 increased by 4.2% to £7.8m (2005: £7.5m), with strong
growth in the UK, Australia, LA and Malaysia. There were operating losses in New
York, Asia (excluding Malaysia) and New Zealand. Group margin reduced to 10.2%
(2005: 11.0%).
Our expansion into Europe remains on track. In July 2006 we acquired Berlin
agency International Projects, now re-branded M&C Saatchi to add to our Paris
office which opened in September 2005. The Paris office had an excellent first
full year. We are delighted to be able to announce that we have acquired 25% of
a Spanish marketing services group, with a commitment to acquire a further 50%
over the next two years. We will make a further announcement once all the
formalities have been completed.
Financial Review
Revenue
2006 2006 Inc/Dec
£000's Contribution Reported Constant
rates rates
--------- ------------ ------- --------
UK 44,336 58% 12.3% 12.3%
Asia & Australia 25,638 34% 2.2% 4.4%
America 3,632 5% 13.1% 14.6%
Europe 2,271 3% **** ****
--------- ------------ ------- --------
Group Total 75,877 100% 11.6% 12.5%
--------- ------------ ------- --------
2006 was our strongest year of revenue growth since 2000. Organic growth is
still the main driver of the group's success accounting for 11.8% of the
underlying growth of 12.5% (using constant exchange rates).
There were good revenue performances from companies across the group, the
outstanding performances coming from Walker Media, in the UK, and from Malaysia
and LA.
We are now starting to see an important contribution from our European expansion
with first full year revenues from our office in Paris and second half
contribution from our Berlin office.
Operating Performance
Operating Profit Operating Margin
(Operating
profit : revenue)
-------- --------------- ---------------------
£'000s 06 V's 05 V's 05 2006
£000's % % %
UK 6,307 496 9% -0.5pts 14.2%
Asia & Australia 1,496 (621) -29% -2.6pts 5.8%
America (261) 61 23% 2.8pts -7.2%
Europe (1,284) 145 10% *** ***
-------- --------------- ---------------------
Group Total 6,258 81 1% -0.8pts 8.2%
-------- --------------- ---------------------
The headline operating profit increased by 1.3% to £6.3m (2005: £6.2m). The
operating margin declined by 0.8pts to 8.2%.
The operating performance was held back by the final year of investment into
Europe (£1.3m) and the continued support of the New York office which resulted
in the net operating loss of £261k across the two offices in America. The
reduction in the Group's operating margin is largely due to the decline in
profit in Asia and Australia down 29% or £621k to £1.5m (2005: £2.1m).
The contribution from net interest grew by 10.6% to £1.5m (2005: £1.4m).
Profit before tax increased by 4.2% to £7.8m (2005: £7.5m).
The effective tax rate for the Group increased marginally to 37.1% (2005:
36.1%). The rate remains high due to the Group not being able to utilise trading
losses where incurred, against current profits.
The profit for the financial year (after tax and minority interest) declined by
8.9% to £3.7m (2005: 4.1m). This was due to the significant increase in earnings
attributable to minorities up 73% to £1.1m (2005: £663k), the principal reason
was the increase in profits from Walker Media where there is a 25% minority held
by the management.
The Board has recommended a final dividend of 2.43 pence per share (2005: 1.78
pence), which together with the interim dividend of 0.77 pence per share gives a
full year dividend of 3.2 pence (2005: 2.55 pence), an increase of 25%. The
dividend will be paid on the 11th June 2007 to shareholders on the register as
at 11th May 2007.
Review of Operations
--------------------
UK
The UK had an excellent year with revenues up by 12.3% to £44.3m (2005: £39.5m).
There were strong performances from Walker Media (media planning and buying),
LIDA (direct & digital marketing), Talk PR and from M&C Saatchi Sports and
Entertainment. Around 53% (2005: 45%) of revenues in the UK are now derived from
services provided outside the creation of advertising. Account wins across the
UK business during 2006 included Kingsmill (Allied Bakeries), Lucozade Energy
(GSK), CB Richard Ellis, and Swiss One. Digital and on-line activities are
becoming increasingly important and have continued to drive growth in all parts
of the Group but specifically in LIDA and Walker-i.
Competitive pressures in the Advertising industry remain strong. Clients
continue to seek increased service levels at lower fees and a re-pitch is
becoming an opportunity to seek fresh ideas and lower fees. This is having its
inevitable effect on the operating margin which has declined by 0.5pts to 14.2%.
Asia and Australia
The performance across the region was mixed. Revenues were up by 2.2% (4.4 % at
constant currencies) but profit declined by 29% to £1.5m (2005: £2.1m). The
operating margin declined by 2.6pts to 5.8%. As already highlighted the offices
in Malaysia and Australia both had strong years with the combined profits
increasing by £449k or 26% to £2.1m. The picture was less good elsewhere. The
start up offices in India and Thailand contributed to the revenue growth but
incurred combined first full year losses of £354k, however 2007 has started well
with India winning the Jet Airways account.
The rest of the region (Greater China, Singapore and New Zealand) reported a net
loss of £299k. The operating performance of these offices improved significantly
in the second half and they are in better shape in 2007.
America
The US business has seen good growth with revenues up 13.1% (14.6% at constant
currency) to £3.6m (2005: £3.2m). Our highly successful office in Los Angeles is
becoming the focus of our US business with revenues up 47% more than
compensating for the decline in New York. The most significant new business win
in the US was Petco in LA. Other important wins included City National Bank,
Network Omni and the Getty museum.
We have recently scaled back our New York overhead by consolidating the US
Management into LA in order to restore the region to profit.
Europe
After a good start last autumn, our Paris office has continued its successful
progress with first full year revenues on budget. New account wins have included
further brands from Pernod Ricard, which is developing into a strong
pan-European account run from France, S'Miles, Branly Museum, Bordeaux Wines,
and Yves Rocher. The year ended on a high following the win of La Banque
Postale. Together with the contribution from our Berlin business which has
already built up an impressive array of clients including Ferrero and Coca Cola,
the region generated revenues of £2.3m for the year and is expected to move into
profit in 2007.
As announced above we have made an initial acquisition of 25% of a Spanish
Marketing Services group with a commitment to acquire a further 50% over the
next two years. The Spanish group made a PBT of £0.9m in 2006.
Outlook
--------
The investment phase of our European expansion (£1.3m in 2006) is now complete
and we expect that the region will move into profit in 2007.
Conditions are fairly tough in the UK and Australia. However, there is
significant room for improvement from the offices in Asia Pacific and New York.
There remains broader opportunities for new business development and earnings
growth around the world.
Taking all of this into account, the outlook for 2007 remains in line with
current expectations.
M&C SAATCHI PLC
PRELIMINARY CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
Note Unaudited Audited
year year
ended ended
31-Dec 31-Dec
2006 2005
£000 £000
Turnover
- Continuing operations 368,918 298,284
- Acquisitions 572 -
________________________________________________________________
Turnover 2 369,490 298,284
Cost of sales 3 (293,613) (230,283)
________________________________________________________________
Gross profit 75,877 68,001
________________________________________________________________
Administrative expenses
- Ordinary (69,197) (61,639)
- Share based payment (422) (185)
- Amortisation of goodwill (1,735) (1,688)
________________________________________________________________
Administrative expenses 3 (71,354) (63,512)
Operating profit
- Continuing operations 4,455 4,480
- Acquisitions 68 9
________________________________________________________________
Operating profit 4,523 4,489
Share of operating profit /(loss) 15 (75)
of associates
Interest receivable 1,540 1,384
Interest payable (41) (29)
________________________________________________________________
Profit on ordinary activities 6,037 5,769
before taxation
________________________________________________________________
Taxation on profit on ordinary 4 (2,886) (2,690)
activities
________________________________________________________________
Profit on ordinary activities 3,151 3,079
after taxation
________________________________________________________________
Minority interests (1,148) (663)
________________________________________________________________
Profit for the financial year 2,003 2,416
________________________________________________________________
Earnings per share
- Basic 6 3.73p 4.46p
- Diluted 6 3.69p 4.41p
All amounts relate to continuing activities.
The reconciliation of movements in shareholders' funds is shown in note 8.
M&C SAATCHI PLC
PRELIMINARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES
Unaudited Audited
Year Year
ended ended
31-Dec 31-Dec
2006 2005
£000 £000
Profit for the financial year
- Group 1,998 2,497
- Associates 5 (81)
____________________________________________________________
2,003 2,416
Exchange differences on (305) (50)
retranslation of opening reserves
____________________________________________________________
Total recognised gains and losses 1,698 2,366
for the financial year
____________________________________________________________
M&C SAATCHI PLC
PRELIMINARY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Note Unaudited Unaudited Audited Audited
At At At At
31-Dec 31-Dec 31-Dec 31-Dec
2006 2006 2005 2005
£000 £000 £000 £000
Fixed assets
Intangible assets 13,555 14,592
Tangible assets 3,618 3,194
Investments 93 100
________________________________________________________________________________
17,266 17,886
Current assets
Work in progress 2,416 3,277
Debtors
- Due within one year 45,988 50,552
- Due after more than one year 1,141 578
________________________________________________________________________________
Total debtors 47,129 51,130
Cash at bank and in hand 31,312 20,486
________________________________________________________________________________
80,857 74,893
Creditors
- Amounts falling due within one year 64,494 58,969
________________________________________________________________________________
Net current assets 16,363 15,924
________________________________________________________________________________
Total assets less current 33,629 33,810
liabilities
Creditors
- Amounts falling due after more 759 868
than one year
Provisions for liabilities and 350 404
charges
________________________________________________________________________________
32,520 32,538
________________________________________________________________________________
Capital and reserves
Share capital 7 542 542
Share premium account 7 9,618 9,618
Merger reserve 7 13,553 14,756
Treasury shares 7 (792) -
Share option reserve 7 812 599
Profit and loss account 7 7,625 6,101
________________________________________________________________________________
Shareholders' funds - equity 7 31,358 31,616
Minority interests - equity 1,162 922
________________________________________________________________________________
32,520 32,538
________________________________________________________________________________
M&C SAATCHI PLC
PRELIMINARY Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
Note Unaudited Audited
Year Year
ended ended
31-Dec 31-Dec
2006 2005
£000 £000
Cash inflow from operating 18,506 7,046
activities
Returns on investments and 9 543 933
servicing of finance
9 (3,275) (2,544)
Taxation
9 (1,670) (1,252)
Capital expenditure and financial
investment
9 (628) (182)
Acquisitions and disposals
Equity dividends paid 5 (1,377) (1,045)
____________________________________________________________________
Net cash inflow before financing 12,099 2,956
Financing 9 (866) (18)
____________________________________________________________________
Increase in cash in the year 11 11,233 2,938
____________________________________________________________________
NET CASH INFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Unaudited Audited
Year Year
ended ended
31-Dec 31-Dec
2006 2005
£000 £000
Operating profit 4,523 4,489
Amortisation of intangible fixed 1,735 1,688
assets
Depreciation 1,212 1,183
Loss on sale of tangible fixed 4 59
assets
Decrease in work in progress 747 224
Decrease / (Increase) in debtors 3,036 (3,003)
Increase in creditors 6,775 2,213
Increase in provision 189 186
Option charge 213 85
Exchange differences 72 (78)
____________________________________________________________________
18,506 7,046
____________________________________________________________________
M&C SAATCHI PLC
NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
1. Statutory information
The financial information contained in this announcement, for the years ended
31st December 2006 or 2005, does not constitute statutory financial statements
within the meaning of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The financial
information for the year ended 31st December 2005 is derived from the statutory
accounts for that year which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.
The auditors report on those accounts was unqualified. The statutory accounts
for the year ended 31st December 2006 will be finalised on the basis of the
financial information presented by the directors in this unaudited preliminary
announcement and will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the
company's annual general meeting. The audit report for the year ended 31st
December 2006 has yet to be signed.
The preliminary announcement was approved by the board of directors on 21st
March 2007.
M&C SAATCHI PLC
NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY STATEMENT (Continued)
2. Turnover, profit and net assets
Turnover and profit before taxation are attributable to the provision of
advertising and marketing services.
Unaudited Audited
2006 2005
£000 £000
Turnover
Analysis by geographical market:
By origin and destination
UK 306,291 245,926
Asia and Australia 51,995 45,636
America 6,802 6,417
Europe 4,402 305
____________________________________________________________
369,490 298,284
____________________________________________________________
Gross profit
Analysis by geographical market:
By origin
UK 44,336 39,470
Asia and Australia 25,638 25,084
America 3,632 3,211
Europe 2,271 236
____________________________________________________________
75,877 68,001
____________________________________________________________
Operating profit / (loss) - excluding amortisation of
goodwill
Analysis by geographical market:
By origin
UK 6,307 5,811
Asia and Australia 1,496 2,117
America (261) (322)
Europe (1,284) (1,429)
____________________________________________________________
6,258 6,177
____________________________________________________________
M&C SAATCHI PLC
NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY STATEMENT (Continued)
2. Turnover, profit and net assets CONTINUED
Unaudited Audited
2006 2005
£000 £000
Operating profit/(loss)
Analysis by geographical market:
By origin
UK 4,572 4,123
Asia and Australia 1,496 2,117
America (261) (322)
Europe (1,284) (1,429)
____________________________________________________________
4,523 4,489
____________________________________________________________
Profit/(loss) before taxation
Analysis by geographical market:
By origin
UK 6,034 5,318
Asia and Australia 1,558 2,202
America (254) (319)
Europe (1,301) (1,432)
____________________________________________________________
6,037 5,769
____________________________________________________________
Net assets/(liabilities)
Analysis by geographical market:
By origin
UK 34,621 32,008
Asia and Australia 3,095 3,646
America (3,032) (1,950)
Europe (2,164) (1,166)
____________________________________________________________
32,520 32,538
____________________________________________________________
M&C SAATCHI PLC
NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY STATEMENT (Continued)
3. Cost of sales and administrative expenses
Unaudited Audited
2006 2005
£000 £000
Cost of sales
Continuing operations 293,512 230,283
Acquisitions 101 -
____________________________________________________________
293,613 230,283
____________________________________________________________
Administrative expenses
Continuing operations 70,951 63,512
Acquisitions 403 -
____________________________________________________________
71,354 63,512
____________________________________________________________
The acquisition in the year relates to 03 International Projects GmbH which was
acquired and rebranded as M&C Saatchi Berlin GmBH on 24th July 2007.
M&C SAATCHI PLC
NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY STATEMENT (Continued)
4. TAXATION ON PROFIT FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES
Unaudited Unaudited Audited Audited
Year ended Year Year ended Year
ended ended
2006 2006 2005 2005
£000 £000 £000 £000
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profit for 2,275 1,991
the year
Overseas tax payable 916 605
Adjustment in respect of previous (68) 53
years
Associates 2 -
________________________________________________________________________________
Total current tax 3,125 2,649
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of (239) 41
timing differences
________________________________________________________________________________
Taxation on profit on ordinary 2,886 2,690
activities
________________________________________________________________________________
The tax assessed for the year differs from that obtained by using the standard
rate of corporation tax in the UK. The differences are explained below:
Unaudited Audited
Year Year ended
ended
2006 2005
£000 £000
________________________________________________________________________________
Profit on ordinary activities 6,037 5,769
before tax
________________________________________________________________________________
Profit on ordinary activities at the standard
rate of corporation
tax in the UK of 30% (2005: 30%) 1,811 1,731
Effects of:
Expenses not deductible for tax 238 215
Goodwill amortisation 520 506
Unrelieved losses carried forward 292 204
Differences between capital allowances and (23) 23
depreciation
Short term timing differences 188 (113)
Short term timing differences due to provision
on options
and phantom bonus accruals 112 49
Adjustment to tax charge in respect of previous (68) 53
years
Tax rate differences 55 (19)
________________________________________________________________________________
Current tax charge for year 3,125 2,649
________________________________________________________________________________
M&C SAATCHI PLC
NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY STATEMENT (Continued)
5. Dividends
Unaudited Audited
Year Year
ended ended
2006 2005
£000 £000
2005 Final dividend 1.78p (2004: 965 629
1.16p)
2006 Interim dividend of 0.77p 412 416
per share (2005: 0.77p)
_________________________________________________________________
1,377 1,045
_________________________________________________________________
2006 Final dividend 2.43p (£1,300,000)
M&C SAATCHI PLC
NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY STATEMENT (Continued)
6. Earnings per share
Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing profit after tax
and minority interest by the number of shares in issue during the year.
Earnings per share are calculated as follows:
Unaudited Audited
Year ended Year ended
2006 2005
£000 £000
Numerator for calculation of 2,003 2,416
basic and diluted EPS
__________________________________________________________________
Denominator
Weighted average number of 53,677,484 54,206,799
ordinary shares used in basic EPS
Sharesave options 258,682 130,138
Options 411,050 411,050
__________________________________________________________________
Weighted average number of 54,347,216 54,747,987
ordinary shares used in diluted EPS
__________________________________________________________________
Earnings per share
Basic 3.73p 4.46p
Diluted 3.69p 4.41p
On 31st December 2006 there were 669,732 (2005: 670,634) outstanding options.
Headline earnings per share
The headline (IIMR) earnings per share is based on headline earnings as
recommended by Statement of Investment Practice No.1. This is earnings
excluding:
- amortisation of goodwill
- profit or loss on disposal of fixed assets; and
- profit or losses on the disposal of discontinued operations (which we have
none)
The directors believe that this gives a better view of ongoing maintainable
earnings.
Headline Earnings per share
Basic 6.97p 7.68p
Diluted 6.89p 7.61p
Numerator for calculation of basic 2006 2005
and diluted headline EPS
Profit for financial year 2,003 2,416
Goodwill amortisation 1,735 1,688
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 4 59
__________________________________________________________________
Earnings used for calculation of 3,742 4,163
headline basic and diluted EPS
__________________________________________________________________
Denominator - The number of shares is the same as calculated for statutory EPS
M&C SAATCHI PLC
NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY STATEMENT (Continued)
7. Reserves
Ordinary Share Share Profit
share premium Merger Treasury option and
loss
capital account reserve reserve reserve account Total
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
At 1 January 2005 542 9,618 14,756 - 599 6,101 31,616
(audited)
Exchange differences - - - - - (305) (305)
Non cash share based - - - 213 - 213
incentive plans
Merger reserve release on - - (1,203) - - 1,203 -
goodwill amortisation
Dividends - - - - - (1,377) (1,377)
Purchase of own shares - - - (792) - - (792)
Retained profit for the - - - - - 2,003 2,003
year
________________________________________________________________________________
At 31 December 2006 542 9,618 13,553 (792) 812 7,625 31,358
(unaudited)
________________________________________________________________________________
8. Reconciliation of movement in shareholders' funds
Unaudited Audited
Year Year
ended ended
2006 2005
£000 £000
Profit for the financial year
- Group 1,998 2,497
- Associates 5 (81)
Dividend (1,377) (1,045)
___________________________________________________________
626 1,371
Exchange differences (305) (50)
Non cash share based incentive 213 85
plans
Purchase of own shares (792) -
___________________________________________________________
Net (reduction) / addition to
shareholders' funds (258) 1,406
Opening shareholders' funds 31,616 30,210
___________________________________________________________
Closing shareholders' funds 31,358 31,616
___________________________________________________________
M&C SAATCHI PLC
NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY STATEMENT (Continued)
9. ANALYSIS OF CASH FLOWS FOR HEADINGS NETTED IN THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT
Unaudited Audited
Year Year
ended ended
31-Dec 31-Dec
2006 2005
£000 £000
Returns on investments and
servicing of finance
Interest received 1,540 1,384
Interest paid (20) (8)
Interest element of finance lease
rental payments (13) (15)
Minority interest dividend paid (964) (428)
___________________________________________________________________
543 933
___________________________________________________________________
Taxation
UK taxation paid (2,215) (1,851)
Overseas taxation paid (1,060) (693)
___________________________________________________________________
(3,275) (2,544)
___________________________________________________________________
Capital expenditure and financial
investment
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (1,686) (1,289)
Sale of tangible fixed assets 16 37
___________________________________________________________________
(1,670) (1,252)
___________________________________________________________________
Acquisitions and disposals
Investment in subsidiary (741) (369)
Cash acquired with subsidiary 113 187
undertakings
___________________________________________________________________
(628) (182)
___________________________________________________________________
Financing
Purchase of own shares (792) -
Shares issued to minorities in - 124
subsidiaries
Inception of bank loans 34 -
Repayment of bank loans (2) -
Capital element of finance lease (106) (142)
rental payments
___________________________________________________________________
(866) (18)
___________________________________________________________________
M&C SAATCHI PLC
NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY STATEMENT (Continued)
10. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS
Balance Balance at
at
01-Jan Cash Finance Exchange 31-Dec
2006 inflow leases movements 2006
(Audited) (Unaudited)
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Cash at bank and in 20,486 11,233 - (407) 31,312
hand
Overdrafts (29) - - 1 (28)
Bank loan - (32) - - (32)
Finance leases (128) 106 (6) (3) (31)
_________________________________________________________________________
Total 20,329 11,307 (6) (409) 31,221
_________________________________________________________________________
11. RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET FUNDS
Unaudited Unaudited Audited Audited
Year Year Year Year
ended ended ended ended
2006 2006 2005 2005
£000 £000 £000 £000
Increase in cash in the year 11,233 2,938
Cash outflow from decrease
in lease financing 106 142
Inception of finance leases (6) (14)
Exchange differences (409) 184
Cash outflow from repayment of 2 -
bank loan
Inception of bank loan (34) -
Movement in net funds in the year 10,892 3,250
Net funds at start of year 20,329 17,079
___________________________________________________________________________
Net funds at end of year 31,221 20,329
___________________________________________________________________________
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange