Final Results
BWD Securities PLC
7 February 2002
7 February 2002
BWD SECURITIES PLC ('BWD')
PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
30 NOVEMBER 2001
BWD, the Investment Management and Administration Services Group
Key Points:
• Profit before tax* of £8.1m (2000: £10.4m)
• Basic earnings per share* of 26.8p (2000: 36.1p)
• Total dividend of 18.0p per share (2000: 18.0p)
• Turnover of £37.9m (2000: £38.4m)
• Group fee and other recurring income of £22.4 m (2000: £20.2m)
• Group managed funds of £4.0bn (2000: £3.9bn)
• Integration of Dennis Murphy Campbell proceeding well
Mike Burns, Chief Executive of BWD Securities, commented:
'Against the background of challenging trading conditions over the year, we are
very pleased with the performance of all our offices. The integration of our
new London office is proceeding well, providing BWD with an excellent platform
from which to expand its business in the South. We continue to reap the
benefits of our strategy to reposition our main business as an investment
management business, rather than a traditional stockbroker and believe our
business is on solid foundations from which we can move forward in 2002.'
*figures stated before goodwill amortisation and profit on disposal of
properties
For further information, please contact:
BWD Securities PLC
Michael Burns, Chief Executive Tel: 0151 227 2030
Hudson Sandler
Nick Lyon/Jessica Rouleau Tel: 020 7796 4133
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Financial Results
The year to 30 November 2001 produced challenging trading conditions as investor
confidence, already weakened by falling financial markets, was then further
affected by the events of 11 September. Against such a backdrop, it is
satisfying to be able to report profits before tax of £8.1 million (2000: £10.4
million) and basic earnings per share of 26.8p (2000: 36.1p). These figures
are prior to goodwill amortisation of £622,000 (2000: £482,000) and an
exceptional profit of £261,000 (2000: nil) arising from property disposals.
Dividends
The Directors are recommending a final dividend for the year of 12p (2000: 12p)
which taken together with the interim dividend of 6p (2000: 6p), produces a
total dividend for the year of 18p (2000: 18p).
Acquisition
In the latter half of the financial year BWD Rensburg acquired Dennis Murphy
Campbell, a long established stockbroking business based in the City of London.
This acquisition has not had a material impact on the 2001 financial results,
which reflect only four months of trading but do include the full cost of
integration. We expect to move this business into new larger premises in early
summer 2002 as we fully intend to increase our presence in the City. Further
details of this promising acquisition are provided in the Chief Executive's
Review.
Board and Employees
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the skill and commitment
demonstrated by the Group's employees throughout the past year. This is
evidenced by a further increase in fee and other recurring income being
achieved, despite the adverse market conditions.
Outlook
Whilst recognising that difficult trading conditions may continue, the Board
remains confident that all businesses within the Group will continue to trade
profitably and are well positioned to take advantage as markets stabilise and
investor confidence recovers.
Alan Bottomley
6 February 2002
CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REVIEW OF OPERATIONS
Group fee and other recurring income increased by 11% to £22.4 million (2000:
£20.2 million) despite a marginal decrease in group turnover to £37.9 million
(2000: £38.4 million). Group fee and other recurring income now represents 73%
of group operating expenses (2000: 70%).
The last two years have been difficult for the securities industry. They have
included the boom and bust of the dot.com bubble, recession in Europe, the
collapse of the Japanese economy and the appalling events of 11 September, which
occurred as the US economy was already weakening. Against this background, it
is not surprising that the UK stock market has faltered. In the circumstances,
I am very satisfied with the continuing advance of our fee and other recurring
income. Most commentators have expressed confidence in the UK economy for the
foreseeable future and consequently the outlook for investors looks positive.
Behind the scenes, we, along with many others, have been busy preparing for the
new regulator, the Financial Services Authority, which duly came into being on 1
December 2001. We genuinely hope that their risk-based approach to regulation,
with which we agree in principle, remains uppermost in their minds. As we start
the year we are conscious that there is a whole list of EU Directives that will
further impact on our industry and for which we must begin to prepare.
During last year the London Stock Exchange failed in its bid for LIFFE, which
was sold to Euronext. Currently, Deutsche Borse plans to acquire the remaining
shareholding in Clearstream, a European settlement system. Thus exchanges,
clearing and settlement across Europe will continue to be actively discussed
within the financial sector. This and the previous paragraph highlight the
significant changes that we have adjusted to over the past year and provide an
indication of the increasing level of resources necessary to ensure that we
remain up to date with regard to the way business is both transacted and
regulated.
Investment Management - Turnover £32.6 million; Operating profit before goodwill
amortisation £6.1 million.
BWD Rensburg - Fee paying clients' funds increased to £1.6 billion (2000: £1.5
billion) inclusive of ISA and PEP funds of £457 million (2000: £436 million).
Other managed funds remained at £2 billion, bringing total clients' funds under
management to £3.6 billion (2000: £3.5 billion).
The acquisition of Dennis Murphy Campbell, an established City of London private
client stockbroking business, was completed in July 2001. The consideration
payable comprised an initial consideration of £5.97 million, with a deferred
consideration of up to £4 million dependent upon performance over the period to
30 November 2004. This acquisition gives the business an excellent platform
from which to expand its portfolio management activities in the South. I am
pleased to report that the integration of this business into BWD Rensburg is
proceeding well, with genuine enthusiasm being shown by our new colleagues for
our fee based culture.
Elsewhere in BWD Rensburg, steady progress continues to be made in transferring
the remainder of clients into fee services and nominee accounts. In excess of
80% of all trades carried out in the business last year were nominee based.
Capital for Companies had year end funds under management of £36 million (2000:
£39 million) including an additional £8 million raised for Capital for Companies
VCT plc during the year. Despite difficult market conditions, the business has
continued to make selective investments on behalf of the two Venture Capital
Trusts it manages, whilst providing attractive tax efficient returns to their
shareholders.
Unit Trust Managers - Net sales of £44 million over the year contributed to
funds under management of £294 million (2000: £284 million). Given the testing
market conditions this is a creditable result and reflects continued confidence
in the ability of the investment team. As part of the business' commitment to
further develop its product range, an Aggressive Growth Trust was successfully
launched in September 2001.
Administration Services - Turnover £5.3 million; Operating profit before
goodwill amortisation £1.1 million.
Northern Registrars - Has continued to steadily develop both the size and
quality of its client base over the year. This growth has contributed to the
business being able to achieve 93% of both prior year turnover and operating
profits, despite market conditions having led to reduced levels of share
transfer activity and corporate event work.
Northern Administration - Collective funds administered on behalf of third
parties increased by 60% to £0.9 billion. As its reputation in the market place
has continued to grow, this business, which was established only four years ago,
is now attracting the attention of an increasing number of potential clients.
We remain firmly of the view that the scope for this business to expand is
considerable.
During the past year I have been delighted with the manner in which the Group's
employees have met the particular challenges that have arisen from the adverse
trading environment. The loyal support of our clients has also played a central
role in the Group's continued success over this period and for this I would like
to offer my gratitude. Given the solid foundations from which we are moving
forward, I view the future with confidence.
Michael Burns
6 February 2002
Consolidated profit and loss account
for the year ended 30 November 2001
Note 2001 2000
Continuing operations
Acquisitions Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Turnover 37,095 761 37,856 38,373
Operating expenses (29,987) (653) (30,640) (29,006)
Goodwill amortisation (483) (139) (622) (482)
Total administrative expenses (30,470) (792) (31,262) (29,488)
_______ _______ _______ _______
Operating profit 6,625 (31) 6,594 8,885
_______ _______
Profit on disposal of properties 261 -
Net interest receivable 885 987
_______ _______
Profit on ordinary activities before 7,740 9,872
taxation
Tax on profit on ordinary activities 1 (2,615) (3,185)
_______ _______
Profit on ordinary activities after 5,125 6,687
taxation
Dividends 2 (3,789) (3,580)
_______ _______
Retained profit for the year 1,336 3,107
_______ _______
Earnings per share before goodwill
amortisation and profit on disposal
of properties 3
Basic 26.8p 36.1p
Diluted 26.2p 35.2p
Earnings per share 3
Basic 24.9p 33.7p
Diluted 24.4p 32.8p
The Group has no material recognised gains and losses other than those included
in the profits above and therefore no separate statement of total recognised
gains and losses is presented.
There is no material difference between the profit on ordinary activities before
taxation and the retained profit for the year stated above and their historical
cost equivalents.
Consolidated balance sheet
at 30 November 2001
2001 2000
£'000 £'000
Fixed assets
Intangible assets 16,375 8,669
Tangible assets 6,279 6,135
Investments 511 769
_______ _______
23,165 15,573
_______ _______
Current assets
Debtors 31,318 36,977
Investments - 1,162
Cash at bank and in hand 22,468 15,366
_______ _______
53,786 53,505
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year (37,722) (46,280)
_______ _______
Net current assets 16,064 7,225
_______ _______
Total assets less current liabilities 39,229 22,798
Creditors
Amounts falling due after more than one year (9,064) (3,529)
Provisions for liabilities and charges (238) (251)
_______ _______
Net assets 29,927 19,018
_______ _______
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 2,204 2,032
Share premium account 9,186 3,686
Capital redemption reserve 100 100
Revaluation reserve 275 275
Other reserves 6,086 2,185
Profit and loss account 12,076 10,740
_______ _______
Equity shareholders' funds 29,927 19,018
_______ _______
Consolidated cash flow statement
for the year ended 30 November 2001
Note 2001 2000
£'000 £'000
Net cash inflow from operating activities a 6,946 10,844
Returns on investment and servicing of finance
Interest received 1,076 1,169
Interest paid (456) (182)
Taxation paid (3,559) (1,875)
Capital expenditure and financial investment
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (1,362) (1,745)
Purchase of fixed asset investments - (257)
Net proceeds from sale of properties 1,423 -
Proceeds from sale of tangible fixed assets 117 158
Proceeds from sale of fixed asset investments 10 2
Acquisitions and disposals
Purchase of subsidiary undertakings (2,000) -
Costs associated with acquisition (301) -
Equity dividends paid (3,582) (3,177)
_______ _______
Cash (outflow)/inflow before financing (1,688) 4,937
Financing
Issue of ordinary share capital 5,603 51
Increase/(decrease) in debt 4,000 (362)
Redemption of loan notes (813) _
_______ _______
Increase in cash in the year b 7,102 4,626
_______ _______
Notes to the consolidated cash flow statement
a. Reconciliation of operating profit to operating cash flows
2001 2000
£'000 £'000
Operating profit 6,594 8,885
Amortisation of goodwill 622 482
Depreciation 1,113 1,026
(Profit)/loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets (12) 32
Profit on disposal of fixed asset investments (8) -
Shares subject to grant of a nil cost option 256 -
Decrease in debtors 5,912 4,976
Decrease in creditors and provisions (7,531) (4,557)
_______ _______
Net cash inflow from operating activities 6,946 10,844
_______ _______
b. Analysis and reconciliation of net funds
At 1 Dec Cash Other At 30 Nov
2000 Flow Changes 2001
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Cash and deposits 15,366 7,102 - 22,468
Debt due after one year (3,529) (4,000) 3,113 (4,416)
Debt due within one year (1,000) 813 (563) (750)
_______ _______ _______ _______
Net Funds 10,837 3,915 2,550 17,302
_______ _______ _______ _______
The net effect of other changes above of £2,550,000 represents the reclassification of deferred
consideration in respect of the acquisition of Nicholson Barber Limited during the year ended 30
November 1999, which does not represent borrowings until such time as the deferred
consideration becomes payable.
2001 2000
£'000 £'000
Increase in cash 7,102 4,626
Repayment of debt 813 362
Loans drawn down (4,000) -
Reclassification of deferred consideration 2,550 -
_______ _______
Movement in net funds in the year 6,465 4,988
Net funds at 1 December 2000 10,837 5,849
_______ _______
Net funds at 30 November 2001 17,302 10,837
_______ _______
Notes
1. Corporation tax
Corporation tax at 30% (2000: 30%)
2. Dividends
2001 2000
£'000 £'000
Interim paid of 6.0p per share (2000: 6.0p) 1,195 1,193
Proposed final of 12.0p per share (2000: 12.0p) 2,594 2,387
_______ _______
3,789 3,580
_______ _______
The Directors are recommending a final dividend of 12.0p per share (2000:
12.0p), which together with the interim dividend of 6.0p per share (2000: 6.0p)
makes a total dividend for the year of 18.0p per share (2000: 18.0p). The
proposed dividend, to be paid on 8 April 2002 to shareholders that are on the
register at the close of business on 15 March 2002, is calculated on 21,615,811
ordinary shares. This excludes 421,250 ordinary shares held by the Employee
Share Ownership Trust for which all dividends have been waived.
3. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share before goodwill amortisation and profit on disposal of
properties is calculated with reference to earnings for shareholders of
£5,516,000 (2000: £7,169,000) and the weighted average number of shares in issue
during the year of 20,585,873 (2000: 19,865,843). Basic earnings per share is
calculated with reference to earnings for shareholders of £5,125,000 (2000:
£6,687,000).
Diluted earnings per share is the basic earnings per share, adjusted for the
effect of the conversion into fully paid shares of the weighted average number
of all employee share options outstanding during the year. The number of
additional shares used for the diluted calculation is 443,699 shares (2000:
505,873).
Basis of preparation
The financial information in this press release does not constitute statutory
accounts within the meaning of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985, but is
derived from the accounts. Statutory accounts for 2000 have been delivered to
the Register of Companies, and those for 2001 will be delivered following the
Company's Annual General Meeting. The independent auditors have reported on the
accounts for both 2000 and 2001; their reports were unqualified and did not
contain statements under section 237 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985.
Full Accounts
The full accounts will be posted to shareholders on 26 February 2002 and will be
available at the Company's registered office from this date, and on the Group's
website at www.bwd-securities.co.uk.
This information is provided by RNS
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