Interim Results

AMCO Corporation PLC 07 August 2007 AMCO CORPORATION PLC 7 AUGUST 2007 UNAUDITED INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2007 CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT INTRODUCTION I am pleased to be writing to you with this my first Chairman's statement following appointment to this role on 1 April 2007. The financial statements are somewhat lengthier than in previous years due to the requirement for the Group to report under International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') from 1 January 2007. The adjustments between UK GAAP and IFRS for the period are not material and a full reconciliation is shown in the attached notes. RESULTS Total operating profits for the first half of 2007 were £2,284,000 (2006 £4,643,000). The turnover figures for the two periods are comparable, but the nature of the Group's operations are such that profits are not generated evenly which can give rise to both positive and adverse fluctuations in reported profits. The profits for the first half year as reported are in line with the Board's expectations, as explained below. Profit before taxation was £2,277,000, compared with £4,680,000 for the same period last year. Structural Steel Structural steel activities returned operating profits of £2,378,000, which were broadly in line with expectations and after a slow start in the early part of the year the prospects for the full year are looking positive. Property Property development activities including the joint ventures, showed marginally better than break even, this compares with a contribution of £1,952,000 for the comparable period last year. The profitability of this part of the business is dependent upon the timing of the completion and sale of development projects. The projects currently in hand are anticipated to generate satisfactory profits within the next twelve months. Specialist Engineering Specialist engineering operating profits were £637,000 which is an improvement on the figure of £324,000 for the comparable period last year. This division has been substantially reorganised in recent years and is progressing satisfactorily. Turnover for the period was £33.5m, but the nature of the work is such that overhead costs are proportionately high, meaning that the division is generating a low margin contribution towards the Group result. The prospects for the second half year are likely to be similar to the first six months. Manufacturing This division has made an operating loss of £451,000, which compares with an operating profit of £156,000 for the comparable period last year. The results for the Dosco operations are affected by the timing of machinery sales. The order book for the second half of the year is such that this division is likely to show a marked improvement in contribution for the full year. Pension Schemes and Total Recognised Gains There were actuarial gains recognised in the pension schemes of £5,121,000 before taxation and £3,583,000 after taxation. Having regard to the profits for the period of £1,594,000 this resulted in total recognised gains for the first half of 2007 of £5,177,000. Earnings per Share These were 13.7 pence for the period, compared with 28.0 pence for the corresponding period in 2006 and 53.0 pence for the whole of 2006. It is worth noting that the figure for the first half of 2005 was 13.7 pence. DIVIDEND I am delighted to announce that the Directors intend to pay a dividend of 3.5p pence per share on 1 October 2007 to shareholders on the register on 31 August 2007. The Group has previously operated a policy of making payments based on the results achieved for each half year with no recognition of the likely result for the full year. It is my intention to move to a more conventional dividend policy whereby the dividend attributable to the full year is broken down approximately as to one third payable at the interim stage and two thirds at the final. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Gearing at 30 June 2007 was 13.9%, compared to nil at 30 June 2006 and 29.6% at 31 December 2006. Shareholders' funds increased from £16,077,000 at 1 January 2007 to £20,159,000 at 30 June 2007. PROSPECTS As explained above in the commentary for each of the divisions it is anticipated that the results for the second half of 2007 will generate a satisfactory outcome for the full year. Peter K. Hems 7 August 2007 Condensed consolidated interim income statement (Unaudited) Six months to 30th Six months to 30th Twelve months to 31st June 2007 June 2006 December 2006 £000 £000 £000 Revenue 55,899 53,528 127,898 Increase in work in progress 11,207 10,702 9,396 Total 67,106 64,230 137,294 revenue Raw material and consumables 21,421 25,230 50,798 Other external charges 21,555 16,430 37,472 Staff costs 18,519 16,863 36,298 Depreciation 1,630 1,290 2,905 Other operating charges 1,697 1,589 3,010 64,822 61,402 130,483 Group operating profit 2,284 2,828 6,811 Share of profit in joint 0 1,815 2,039 ventures Total operating profit 2,284 4,643 8,850 Finance cost (146) (79) (200) Finance 86 98 201 income Other finance 53 18 24 income Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 2,277 4,680 8,875 Taxation on profit on ordinary activities (683) (1,416) (2,689) Profit transferred to 1,594 3,264 6,186 reserves Earnings per share (basic and diluted) 13.7p 28.0p 53.0p Dividends per 3.5p 7.0p 13.0p share Condensed consolidated interim balance sheet (Unaudited) 30th June 2007 30th June 2006 31st December 2006 £000 £000 £000 Assets Non current assets Property, plant and equipment 17,965 16,217 18,735 Investments in joint ventures 1,153 2,230 1,250 Investments held for resale 0 350 0 Deferred tax assets 2,956 4,600 4,625 Total non current assets 22,074 23,397 24,610 Current assets Inventories and work in progress 25,207 18,305 21,591 Amounts recoverable on contracts 8,251 4,413 8,230 Trade and other receivables 11,187 13,389 13,385 Cash and cash equivalents 3,732 5,323 3,427 Total current assets 48,377 41,430 46,633 Total assets 70,451 64,827 71,243 Liabilities Current liabilities Short term borrowings 0 0 1,477 Current portion of long term borrowings 2,196 3,480 3,623 Trade and other payables 35,164 31,939 32,513 Current tax payable 328 206 633 Total current liabilities 37,688 35,625 38,246 Non current liabilities Long term borrowings 4,335 1,761 3,089 Deferred tax liabilities 1,556 1,510 1,556 Pension liabilities 6,713 11,124 12,275 Total non current liabilities 12,604 14,395 16,920 Total liabilities 50,292 50,020 55,166 Net assets 20,159 14,807 16,077 Equity Issued capital 1,293 1,293 1,293 Share premium 1,864 1,864 1,864 Capital redemption reserve 132 132 132 Other reserve (1,268) (865) (869) Profit and loss account 18,138 12,383 13,657 Shareholders' funds 20,159 14,807 16,077 Condensed consolidated interim statement of recognised income and expense (Unaudited) Six months to Six months to Twelve months to 30th June 2007 30th June 2006 31st December 2006 £000 £000 £000 Actuarial gain recognised in the pension schemes (see note) 5,121 5,477 4,291 Movement on deferred tax relating to pension liability (1,669) (2,080) (1,734) Current tax relating to pension liability 131 437 447 Net income recognised directly in equity 3,583 3,834 3,004 Profit for the period 1,594 3,264 6,186 Total recognised income and expense in the period attributable to equity holders 5,177 7,098 9,190 Note Actuarial gain/(loss) recognised in the pension schemes Actual return less expected return on pension scheme assets 683 (59) 2,151 Experience gains and losses arising on the scheme liabilities 3 33 (59) Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of the scheme liabilities 4,435 5,503 2,199 5,121 5,477 4,291 Condensed consolidated interim cashflow statement (Unaudited) Six months to Six months to Twelve months to 31st 30th June 2007 30th June 2006 December 2006 £000 £000 £000 Cashflows from operating activities Group profit after tax 1,594 3,264 6,186 Adjustments for: Profits from joint ventures 0 (1,815) (2,039) Depreciation on property, plant and equipment 1,630 1,290 2,905 Difference between pension charge and cash contributions (388) (1,438) (1,467) Profit on sale of property, plant & equipment (46) (136) (470) Taxation expense recognised in income statement 683 1,416 2,689 Taxation paid (759) (537) (1,552) Finance cost/income 6 (37) (25) Decrease/(incr ease) in trade and other receivables 2,177 (3,042) (5,573) Increase in inventories and work in progress (3,616) (6,924) (10,210) Increase in trade and other payables 1,955 5,442 6,016 Net cashflow from operating activities 3,236 (2,517) (3,540) Cashflows from investing activities Distributions from joint ventures 0 700 2,450 Net cashflow from returns on investments and servicing of finance (60) 19 1 Purchase of property, plant and equipment (990) (2,542) (6,861) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 176 307 805 Net cash inflow from disposal of investments 0 0 372 Net cashflow from investing activities (874) (1,516) (3,233) Cashflows from financing activities Equity dividends paid 0 0 (2,100) Proceeds of bank and other loans 2,238 1,490 6,357 Repayment of bank and other loans (2,158) (60) (3,310) Inception of hire purchase payments 587 1,078 1,880 Capital element of hire purchase payments (848) (823) (1,771) Employee Share Ownership Plan share purchases (410) (96) (104) Employee Share Ownership Plan share sales 11 29 33 Net cashflow from financing activities (580) 1,618 985 Net increase /(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,782 (2,415) (5,788) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,950 7,738 7,738 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 3,732 5,323 1,950 Cash and cash equivalents 3,732 5,323 3,427 Bank overdraft 0 0 (1,477) 3,732 5,323 1,950 NOTES Segmental reporting (Unaudited) Six months to Six months to Twelve months to 30th June 30th June 31st December 2007 2006 2006 £000 £000 £000 Analysis of revenue Structural Steel 26,435 28,726 57,188 Property 3,332 3,468 12,088 Specialist Engineering 33,530 25,691 54,258 Manufacturing 3,381 5,878 12,824 Group 428 467 936 Consolidated total 67,106 64,230 137,294 Analysis of group operating profit before joint ventures and finance cost/income Structural Steel 2,378 2,628 4,587 Property 105 137 557 Specialist Engineering 637 324 1,718 Manufacturing (451) 156 757 Group (385) (417) (808) Consolidated total 2,284 2,828 6,811 Amco Corporation Plc operates in four segments, Structural Steel, Property, Specialist Engineering and Manufacturing. The Group revenue is largely derived from vehicle lease and management charges to former group companies together with profits on disposal of vehicles. All revenue originates from the United Kingdom. Dividends In the first half of 2007 Amco Corporation Plc declared dividends of £776,000 (2006 £1,423,000) to its equity shareholders (including the ESOP), a dividend of 6 pence per share (first half of 2006 - 11 pence per share). An interim dividend for 2006 of £905,000 was paid in the second half of 2006, a payment of 7 pence per share. Condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in equity (Unaudited) Share Share Capital Other Profit Total Capital Premium Redemption Reserve & Loss Equity Account Reserve (ESOP) Account £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Restated balance at 1st January 2006 under IFRS 1,293 1,864 132 (798) 6,567 9,058 Changes in equity for first half of 2006 Actuarial gain (net) on pension scheme 0 0 0 0 3,834 3,834 Net income recognised directly in equity 0 0 0 0 3,834 3,834 Profit for the six months to 30th June 2006 0 0 0 0 3,264 3,264 Total recognised income and expense in the period 0 0 0 0 7,098 7,098 Dividends 0 0 0 0 (1,282) (1,282) ESOP movement in period 0 0 0 (67) 0 (67) Balance at 30th June 2006 1,293 1,864 132 (865) 12,383 14,807 Changes in equity for second half of 2006 Actuarial loss (net) on pension scheme 0 0 0 0 (830) (830) Net income recognised directly in equity 0 0 0 0 (830) (830) Profit for the six months to 30th December 2006 0 0 0 0 2,922 2,922 Total recognised income and expense in the period 0 0 0 0 2,092 2,092 Dividends 0 0 0 0 (818) (818) ESOP movement in period 0 0 0 (4) 0 (4) Balance at 31st December 2006 1,293 1,864 132 (869) 13,657 16,077 Changes in equity for first half of 2007 Actuarial gain (net) on pension scheme 0 0 0 0 3,583 3,583 Net income recognised directly in equity 0 0 0 0 3,583 3,583 Profit for the six months to 30th June 2007 0 0 0 0 1,594 1,594 Total recognised income and expense in the period 0 0 0 0 5,177 5,177 Dividends 0 0 0 0 (696) (696) ESOP movement in period 0 0 0 (399) 0 (399) Balance at 30th June 2007 1,293 1,864 132 (1,268) 18,138 20,159 IFRS Transition notes These are the Group's first condensed consolidated interim financial statements prepared under IFRS. An explanation of how the transition from UK GAAP to IFRS has affected the Group is set out below. The IFRS accounting policies of the Group are detailed below. 1) IAS 31 Interests in Joint Ventures Previously under FRS 9 Joint Ventures were accounted for under the gross equity method. Under IFRS these are reported under the equity method. Under FRS 9 the Group's share of the turnover, operating profit before tax, finance cost or income and taxation charge were reported separately within the profit and loss account or notes thereto. Under IFRS Joint Ventures appear as a a single line item within the income statement, being the Group's share of the profit or loss after tax. Within the balance sheet the Group's investment in joint ventures is now shown as a single line item rather than the share of gross assets and share of gross liabilities which was previously shown under FRS 9. 2) IAS 12 Income Taxes Under IFRS, deferred tax is to be provided on all revalued assets included in the balance sheet. Under UK GAAP deferred tax had not been provided on the property revaluations. As a result of the application of IFRS the gross amount of the property revaluations (and thus shareholders' funds) has been reduced by £985,000 with a corresponding increase in the deferred tax liability. In addition pension liabilities are now stated gross and the related deferred tax asset disclosed within non current assets. 3) Property Revaluation Reserve The revalued amount for property has been accounted for as deemed cost under the transition to IFRS. As a result the property revaluation reserve previously disclosed under UK GAAP is transferred to the profit and loss account reserve. 4) Explanation of material adjustments to the cashflow statement Application of IFRS has resulted in reclassification of certain items in the cashflow statement as follows: Under UK GAAP, payments to acquire property, plant and equipment were classified as part of 'Capital expenditure and financial investment'. Under IFRS, payments to acquire property, plant and equipment have been classified as part of 'Investing activities'. Income taxes are classified as operating cashflows under IFRS, but were included in a separate category of tax cashflows under previous GAAP. Interest paid and interest received are classified as cashflows from investing activities under IFRS, but were included in the 'Returns on investments and servicing of finance' category in cashflows under UK GAAP. Equity dividends paid are classified as financing cashflows under IFRS, but were included in a separate category of dividend cashflows under previous GAAP. There are no other material differences between the cashflow statement presented under IFRS and the cashflow statement presented under UK GAAP. Reconciliation of profit (Unaudited) Six months Twelve months to 30th to 31st June 2006 December 2006 UK GAAP Adjusts IFRS UK GAAP Adjusts (note 1) IFRS (note 1) £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Total revenue (including share of revenue in joint 58,234 (4,706) 53,528 135,730 (7,832) 127,898 ventures) Increase in work in progress 10,702 0 10,702 9,396 0 9,396 Less: Share of revenue in (4,706) 4,706 0 (7,832) 7,832 0 joint ventures Group 64,230 0 64,230 137,294 0 137,294 revenue Raw material and consumables 25,230 0 25,230 50,798 0 50,798 Other external 16,430 0 16,430 37,472 0 37,472 charges Staff costs 16,863 0 16,863 36,298 0 36,298 Depreciation 1,290 0 1,290 2,905 0 2,905 Other operating charges 1,589 0 1,589 3,010 0 3,010 61,402 0 61,402 130,483 0 130,483 Group operating profit 2,828 0 2,828 6,811 0 6,811 Share of profit in joint 1,810 5 1,815 2,092 (53) 2,039 ventures Total operating profit 4,638 5 4,643 8,903 (53) 8,850 Finance cost (79) 0 (79) (200) 0 (200) Finance 98 0 98 210 (9) 201 income Other finance 18 0 18 24 0 24 income Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 4,675 5 4,680 8,937 (62) 8,875 Taxation on profit on ordinary activities (1,411) (5) (1,416) (2,751) 62 (2,689) Profit transferred to 3,264 0 3,264 6,186 0 6,186 reserves Reconciliation of equity (Unaudited) 1st January Investments Deferred Revaluation Reserve 1st January 2006 Tax (note 3) 2006 UK GAAP (note 1) (note 2) IFRS £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Assets Non current assets Property, plant and equipment 15,136 0 0 0 15,136 Investments in joint ventures 0 1,661 0 0 1,661 share of gross assets 12,595 (12,595) 0 0 0 share of gross liabilities (10,934) 10,934 0 0 0 Investments held for resale 350 0 0 0 350 Deferred tax assets 1,263 0 5,417 0 6,680 Total non current assets 18,410 0 5,417 0 23,827 Current assets Inventories and work in progress 11,381 0 0 0 11,381 Amounts recoverable on contracts 957 0 0 0 957 Trade and other receivables 15,085 0 0 0 15,085 Cash and cash equivalents 7,738 0 0 0 7,738 Total current assets 35,161 0 0 0 35,161 Total assets 53,571 0 5,417 0 58,988 Liabilities Current liabilities Short term borrowings 0 0 0 0 0 Current portion of long term borrowings 1,846 0 0 1,846 Trade and other payables 26,497 0 0 0 26,497 Current tax payable 310 0 0 0 310 Total current liabilities 28,653 0 0 0 28,653 Non current liabilities Long term borrowings 1,710 0 0 0 1,710 Deferred tax liabilities 525 0 985 0 1,510 Pension liabilities 12,640 0 5,417 0 18,057 Total non current liabilities 14,875 0 6,402 0 21,277 Total liabilities 43,528 0 6,402 0 49,930 Net assets 10,043 0 (985) 0 9,058 Equity Issued capital 1,293 0 0 0 1,293 Share premium 1,864 0 0 0 1,864 Capital redemption reserve 132 0 0 0 132 Property revaluation reserve 3,284 0 (985) (2,299) 0 Other reserve (798) 0 0 (798) Profit and loss account 4,268 0 0 2,299 6,567 Shareholders' funds 10,043 0 (985) 0 9,058 30th June Investments Deferred Revaluation Reserve 30th June 2006 Tax (note 3) 2006 UK GAAP (note 1) (note 2) IFRS £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Assets Non current assets Property, plant and equipment 16,217 0 0 0 16,217 Investments in joint ventures 0 2,230 0 0 2,230 share of gross assets 9,968 (9,968) 0 0 0 share of gross liabilities (7,738) 7,738 0 0 0 Investments held for resale 350 0 0 0 350 Deferred tax assets 1,263 0 3,337 0 4,600 Total non current assets 20,060 0 3,337 0 23,397 Current assets Inventories and work in progress 18,305 0 0 0 18,305 Amounts recoverable on contracts 4,413 0 0 0 4,413 Trade and other receivables 13,389 0 0 0 13,389 Cash and cash equivalents 5,323 0 0 0 5,323 Total current assets 41,430 0 0 0 41,430 Total assets 61,490 0 3,337 0 64,827 Liabilities Current liabilities Short term borrowings 0 0 0 0 0 Current portion of long term borrowings 3,480 0 0 0 3,480 Trade and other payables 31,939 0 0 0 31,939 Current tax payable 206 0 0 0 206 Total current liabilities 35,625 0 0 0 35,625 Non current liabilities Long term borrowings 1,761 0 0 0 1,761 Deferred tax liabilities 525 0 985 0 1,510 Pension liabilities 7,787 0 3,337 0 11,124 Total non current liabilities 10,073 0 4,322 0 14,395 Total liabilities 45,698 0 4,322 0 50,020 Net assets 15,792 0 (985) 0 14,807 Equity Issued capital 1,293 0 0 0 1,293 Share premium 1,864 0 0 0 1,864 Capital redemption reserve 132 0 0 0 132 Property revaluation reserve 3,284 0 (985) (2,299) 0 Other reserve (865) 0 0 0 (865) Profit and loss account 10,084 0 0 2,299 12,383 Shareholders' funds 15,792 0 (985) 0 14,807 31st Investments Deferred Revaluation 31st December Tax Reserve (note 3) December 2006 2006 UK GAAP (note 1) (note 2) IFRS £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Assets Non current assets Property, plant and equipment 18,735 0 0 0 18,735 Investments in joint ventures 0 1,250 0 0 1,250 share of gross assets 4,765 (4,765) 0 0 0 share of gross liabilities (3,515) 3,515 0 0 0 Deferred tax assets 942 0 3,683 0 4,625 Total non current assets 20,927 0 3,683 0 24,610 Current assets Inventories and work in progress 21,591 0 0 0 21,591 Amounts recoverable on contracts 8,230 0 0 0 8,230 Trade and other receivables 13,385 0 0 0 13,385 Cash and cash equivalents 3,427 0 0 0 3,427 Total current assets 46,633 0 0 0 46,633 Total assets 67,560 0 3,683 0 71,243 Liabilities Current liabilities Short term borrowings 1,477 0 0 0 1,477 Current portion of long term borrowings 3,623 0 0 0 3,623 Trade and other payables 32,513 0 0 0 32,513 Current tax payable 633 0 0 0 633 Total current liabilities 38,246 0 0 0 38,246 Non current liabilities Long term borrowings 3,089 0 0 0 3,089 Deferred tax liabilities 571 0 985 0 1,556 Pension liabilities 8,592 0 3,683 0 12,275 Total non current liabilities 12,252 0 4,668 0 16,920 Total liabilities 50,498 0 4,668 0 55,166 Net assets 17,062 0 (985) 0 16,077 Equity Issued capital 1,293 0 0 0 1,293 Share premium 1,864 0 0 0 1,864 Capital redemption reserve 132 0 0 0 132 Property revaluation reserve 3,284 0 (985) (2,299) 0 Other reserve (869) 0 0 0 (869) Profit and loss account 11,358 0 0 2,299 13,657 Shareholders' funds 17,062 0 (985) 0 16,077 Notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements These condensed consolidated interim financial statements are for the six months ended 30th June 2007. They have been prepared taking into account the requirements of IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the requirements of IFRS 1 'First Time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards' relevant to interim reports because they are part of the period covered by the Group's first IFRS financial statements for the year ending 31st December 2007. They do not include all of the information required for full financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements (under UK GAAP) of the Group for the year ended 31st December 2006. These condensed consolidated interim financial statements (the interim financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out below which are based on the recognition and measurement principles of IFRS in issue as adopted by the European Union (EU) and are effective at 31 December 2007 or are expected to be adopted and effective at 31 December 2007, our first annual reporting date at which we are required to use IFRS accounting standards adopted by the EU. Amco Corporation Plc's consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) until 31st December 2006. The date of transition to IFRS was 1st January 2006. The comparative figures in respect of 2006 have been restated to reflect changes in accounting policies as a result of the adoption of IFRS. The disclosures required by IFRS 1 concerning the transition from UK GAAP to IFRS are given in the reconciliation schedules attached to this report. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the Group for the purposes of preparation of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements. (a) Basis of consolidation The Group financial statements consolidate those of the Company and all of its subsidiary undertakings. Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has the power to control the financial and operating policies so as to obtain benefits from its activities. The Group obtains and exercises control through voting rights. Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its subsidiaries are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Amounts reported in the financial statements of subsidiaries have been adjusted where necessary to ensure consistency with the accounting policies adopted by the Group. Acquisitions of subsidiaries are dealt with by the purchase method. The purchase method involves the recognition at fair value of all identifiable assets and liabilities, including contingent liabilities of the subsidiary, at the acquisition date, regardless of whether or not they were recorded in the financial statements of the subsidiary prior to acquisition. On initial recognition, the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary are included in the consolidated balance sheet at their fair values, which are also used as the bases for subsequent measurement in accordance with the Group accounting policies. Goodwill is stated after separating out identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of the Group's share of the identifiable net assets of the acquired subsidiary at the date of acquisition. The Group has elected not to apply IFRS 3 Business Combinations retrospectively to business combinations prior to 1st January 2006. Accordingly the classification of the combination (acquisition, reverse acquisition or merger) remains unchanged from that used under UK GAAP. Assets and liabilities are recognised at date of transition if they would be recognised under IFRS, and are measured using their UK GAAP carrying amount immediately post-acquisition as deemed cost under IFRS, unless IFRS requires fair value measurement. Deferred tax and minority interest are adjusted for the impact of any consequential adjustments after taking advantage of the transitional provisions. The transitional provisions used for past business combinations apply equally to past acquisitions of interests in associates and joint ventures. (b) Revenue In the case of contracts with customers where the contract is essentially for the provision of labour, materials and plant, revenue represents the value of labour, material and plant supplied in the period based on rates agreed with customers. In the case of contracts with customers which have the characteristics of long-term contracts, revenue is the total amount receivable in respect of work done, including certified amounts recoverable on contracts, and is treated as follows: - the amount by which recorded revenue is in excess of payments on account is classified as amounts recoverable on contracts and separately disclosed within current assets. - the balance of payments on account in excess of amounts (a) matched with revenue and (b) offset against long-term contract balances are classified as payments on account and separately disclosed within trade and other payables. - profits on contracts are taken at the point the outcome of the contract can be estimated reliably. In the case of property development activities, revenue is recognised when the Group has met all of its contractual obligations and in the directors' opinion these contracts have become binding. This is deemed to be when contracts reach legal completion. In all other cases, revenue represents the fair value of consideration received or receivable for goods supplied in the period, excluding VAT and other discounts. In accordance with IAS 11 the Group does not recognise the revenue and profit attributable to claims and disputed amounts on contracts until the recovery of these amounts is considered probable and when the outcome can be estimated reliably. (c) Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment. The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in the income statement. On first adoption of IFRS the carrying value of land and freehold buildings that had previously been revalued is shown as deemed cost, and not subsequently revalued. The revaluation surplus that had been previously recognised is transferred to the profit and loss account and realised as distributable reserves on impairment, depreciation or disposal of the relevant properties. Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of property, plant and equipment (other than freehold land) less estimated residual value by equal annual instalments over their expected useful lives. The rates applicable are: Freehold and long leasehold buildings 2% to 4% Plant and equipment 5% to 33.3% Motor vehicles 10% to 40% Impairment testing of property, plant and equipment For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units). As a result, some assets are tested individually for impairment and some are tested at a cash-generating unit level. Individual assets or cash-generating units are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's or cash-generating unit's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value, reflecting market conditions less costs to sell, and value in use based on an internal discounted cash flow evaluation. All assets are subsequently reassessed for indications that an impairment loss previously recognised may no longer exist. Material residual value estimates are updated as required but at least annually, whether or not the asset is revalued. (d) Inventories and work in progress Inventories and work in progress are valued at the lower of cost, including applicable overheads, and net realisable value. Costs of ordinarily interchangeable items are assigned using the first in, first out cost formula. Within the property development companies, project related interest is included in work in progress. Contract work in progress is included in revenue on the basis of independent certification of value of work done. Unpaid certified work is classified as amounts receivable on contracts. Provision is made for foreseeable losses on all contracts based on the loss which is currently estimated to arise over the duration of any contract, irrespective of the amount of work carried out at the balance sheet date. (e) Taxation Current tax is the tax currently payable based on taxable profit for the year. Deferred income taxes are calculated using the liability method on temporary differences. Deferred tax is generally provided on the difference between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. However, deferred tax is not provided on the initial recognition of goodwill, nor on the initial recognition of an asset or liability unless the related transaction is a business combination or affects tax or accounting profit. Deferred tax on temporary differences associated with shares in subsidiaries and joint ventures is not provided if reversal of these temporary differences can be controlled by the group and it is probable that reversal will not occur in the foreseeable future. In addition, tax losses available to be carried forward as well as other income tax credits to the Group are assessed for recognition as deferred tax assets. Deferred tax liabilities are provided in full, with no discounting. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that the underlying deductible temporary differences will be able to be offset against future taxable income. Current and deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at tax rates that are expected to apply to their respective period of realisation, provided they are enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised as a component of tax expense in the income statement, except where they relate to items that are charged or credited directly to equity (such as the revaluation of land) in which case the related deferred tax is also charged or credited directly to equity. The interim tax charge on underlying business performance is calculated by reference to the estimated effective tax rate for the full year. Tax on disposals and other exceptional items is based on the expected tax impact of each item. (f) Retirement benefits Defined Contribution pension schemes The pension costs charged against operating profits represent the amount of the contributions payable to the schemes in respect of the accounting period. Defined Benefit pension schemes Scheme assets are measured at fair values. Scheme liabilities are measured on an actuarial basis using the projected unit method and are discounted at appropriate high quality corporate bond rates that have terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related liability. Past service cost is recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the average period until the benefits become vested. To the extent that benefits are already vested the Group recognises past service cost immediately. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised immediately through the statement of recognised income and expense (SORIE). The net surplus or deficit is presented with other net assets on the balance sheet. The related deferred tax is shown with other deferred tax balances. A surplus is recognised only to the extent that it is recoverable by the Group. The current service cost, past service cost and costs from settlements and curtailments are charged against other operating charges. Interest on the scheme liabilities and the expected return on scheme assets are included in other finance income/costs. Post-employment benefits other than pensions are accounted for in the same way. Short-term employee benefits, including holiday entitlement, are included in current pension and other employee obligations at the undiscounted amount that the Group expects to pay as a result of the unused entitlement. (g) Goodwill Goodwill representing the excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the Group's share of the identifiable net assets acquired, is capitalised and reviewed annually for impairment. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Negative goodwill is recognised immediately after acquisition in the income statement. Goodwill written off to reserves prior to the date of transition to IFRS remains in reserves. There is no reinstatement of goodwill that was amortised prior to the transition to IFRS. Goodwill previously written off to reserves is not written back to the income statement on subsequent disposal. (h) Leased assets In accordance with IAS 17, the economic ownership of a leased asset is transferred to the lessee if the lessee bears substantially all the risks and rewards related to the ownership of the leased asset. The related asset is recognised at the time of inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments plus incidental payments, if any, to be borne by the lessee. A corresponding amount is recognised as a finance leasing liability. Assets held under finance leases and hire purchase contracts are capitalised in the balance sheet and depreciated over their expected useful lives. The interest element of leasing payments represents a constant proportion of the capital balance outstanding and is charged to the income statement over the period of the lease. All other leases are regarded as operating leases and the payments made under them are charged to the income statement on a straight line basis over the period of the lease term. Lease incentives are spread over the term of the lease. (i) Employee Share Ownership Plan The Group's Employee Share Ownership Plan ('ESOP') is a separately administered trust. The assets of the ESOP comprise shares in the Company and cash. The assets, liabilities, income and costs of the ESOP have been included in the financial statements in accordance with SIC 12 Consolidation - Special Purpose Entities and IAS 32 Financial Instruments - Disclosure and Presentation. The shares in the Company are included at cost to the ESOP and deducted from shareholders' funds and dividend income is excluded in arriving at profit before tax and deducted from the aggregate of dividends paid and proposed. When calculating earnings per share these shares are treated as if they were cancelled. (j) Foreign currencies Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date when the fair value was determined. Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. All foreign exchange differences are dealt with through the income statement. (k) Joint ventures Joint ventures are entities over which the Group holds a contractual share of joint control. The Group financial statements incorporate joint ventures under the equity method of accounting, supplemented by additional disclosures. The Group's share of the profits, losses, finance income, finance cost and taxation of joint ventures are included in the Group income statement. The Group balance sheet includes the investment in joint ventures at the Group's share of net assets. (l) Financial assets Financial assets are divided into the following categories: loans and receivables; financial assets at fair value through profit or loss; available-for-sale financial assets; and held-to-maturity investments. Financial assets are assigned to the different categories by management on initial recognition, depending on the purpose for which they were acquired. The designation of financial assets is re-evaluated at every reporting date at which a choice of classification or accounting treatment is available. All financial assets are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets other than those categorised as at fair value through profit or loss are recognised at fair value plus transaction costs. Financial assets categorised as at fair value through profit or loss are recognised initially at fair value with transaction costs expensed through the income statement. Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Trade receivables and other receivables are classified as loans and receivables. Loans and receivables are measured subsequent to initial recognition at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. Any change in their value through impairment or reversal of impairment is recognised in the income statement. Provision against trade receivables is made when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due to it in accordance with the original terms of those receivables. The amount of the write-down is determined as the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cashflows. A financial asset is derecognised only where the contractual rights to the cashflows from the asset expire or the financial asset is transferred and that transfer qualifies for derecognition. A financial asset is transferred if the contractual rights to receive the cashflows of the asset have been transferred or the Group retains the contractual rights to receive the cashflows of the asset but assumes a contractual obligation to pay the cashflows to one or more recipients. A financial asset that is transferred qualifies for derecognition if the Group transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset, or if the Group neither retains nor transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership but does transfer control of that asset. (m) Financial liabilities Financial liabilities are obligations to pay cash or other financial assets and are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial liabilities categorised as at fair value through profit or loss are recorded initially at fair value. All transaction costs are recognised immediately in the income statement. All other financial liabilities are recorded initially at fair value, net of direct issue costs. Financial liabilities categorised as at fair value through profit or loss are remeasured at each reporting date at fair value, with changes in fair value being recognised in the income statement. All other financial liabilities are recorded at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest-related charges recognised as an expense in finance cost in the income statement. Finance charges, including premiums payable on settlement or redemption and direct issue costs, are charged to the income statement on an accruals basis using the effective interest method and are added to the carrying amount of the instrument to the extent that they are not settled in the period in which they arise. A financial liability is derecognised only when the obligation is extinguished, that is, when the obligation is discharged or cancelled or expires. (n) Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits, together with other short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. (o) Dividends Dividend distributions payable to equity shareholders are included in 'trade and other payables' when the dividends are approved in general meeting prior to the balance sheet date. (p) Equity Equity comprises the following: 'Issued capital' represents the nominal value of equity shares. 'Share premium' represents the excess over nominal value of the fair value of consideration received for equity shares, net of expenses of the share issue. 'Capital redemption reserve' represents the purchase cost of shares repurchased by the Group in 1998. 'Other reserves' represents the purchase cost of the shares held within the Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP). 'Profit and loss account' represents retained profits and gains and losses due to the revaluation of certain property, plant and equipment prior to the implementation of IFRS. (q) Segmental reporting The Group's primary reporting format is business segment and its secondary format is geographical segment by origin of revenue. (r) Timing of revenue and profits Due to their project related nature, property development revenues and profits may not arise evenly throughout the year and can therefore have a material effect on the interim as opposed to final results for the year. The revenue recognition policy relating to property development is stated in note (b). Further notes: 1. The financial information for the six months ended 30 June 2007 and the comparative figures for the six months ended 30 June 2006 are unaudited and have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the notes to this financial information and have been approved by the Board. This financial information does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2006, prepared under UK GAAP, received an unqualified audit report, did not contain statements under section 237(2) of the Companies Act 1985 and have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. 2. Earnings per ordinary share have been calculated on the basis of the result for the period after tax, divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue in the period, excluding those held in the ESOP Trust, of 11,639,183. The comparatives are calculated by reference to the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue which were 11,662,508 for the period to 30 June 2006 and 11,674,408 for the year ended 31 December 2006. 3. This statement is being sent to the shareholders of the Company and will be available at the Company's Registered Office at Amco House, Cedar Court Office Park, Denby Dale Road, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 3QZ. ENDS This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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