Final Results

Medsea Estates Group PLC 22 March 2007 For immediate release 22 March 2007 MEDSEA ESTATES GROUP PLC ('Medsea or 'the Company') RECORD RESULTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31ST DECEMBER 2006 Medsea Estates Group PLC, the AIM-listed Spanish-based estate agency group, announces audited results for the year to 31 December 2006. HIGHLIGHTS •Record pre-tax profits of £2.9 million (2005: loss of £52,000) •Turnover rose by 55% to £13.3 million (2005: £8.59 million) •Progressive improvement throughout the year •Earnings per share of 2.66p (2005: loss of 0.11p) Tony Gatehouse, Chairman, commented: 'I am delighted with the progress Medsea has made in 2006. The investments we made during 2005 to reinforce our operations in Spain and expand into other territories have helped drive the Group forward across a broad front and resulted in a substantial increase in revenues and record profits. 'The Group performed well right across the board but without doubt Italy was the jewel in the crown last year where we quickly exceeded our initial contract and continue to perform strongly. 'The current year has started well and our forward bookings are up on last year. The Board anticipates further organic growth and we believe that there are opportunities to build on the foundations of our geographic spread. We have set ourselves demanding targets and look forward to the coming year with optimism.' For further information contact: Medsea Estates Group PLC Tony Gatehouse, Chairman Juan Carlos Rodriguez Martinez, Chief Executive 0034 96 570 40 02 Weber Shandwick Financial Terry Garrett/ Alex White/ John Moriarty 0207 067 0700 CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT I am delighted to report that the Group has achieved a record performance with pre-tax profits of £2.9 million in the 12 months to 31 December 2006. The investment we made during 2005 to reinforce Medsea Estates' operations in Spain and expand beyond this traditional base, have helped drive the Group forward across a broad front and resulted in a substantial increase in revenues and operating profits. Turnover rose to £13,300,000, a 55% increase over the £8,592,000 achieved in 2005. Group operating profits for the 12 months amounted to £2,222,000 (2005: a loss of £270,000). Pre-tax profits for the year climbed to a record £2,894,000, including associate income, compared to a £52,000 loss in 2005. Pre-tax profits for 2006 were 30% higher than the Group's previous best in 2004 and it is particularly pleasing to demonstrate the progressive improvement of the Group from the depressed result of 2005. Turnover in the second half reached £8,033,000 compared to £5,267,000 in the first six months. Pre-tax profits in the closing six months were £1,843,000 compared to £1,051,000 for the first six months. The results for the year include a significant contribution from our associated companies. These are companies in which Medsea, in addition to exclusive international marketing rights, has acquired minority interests in the development companies and thereby a share in the net profits arising from these developments. Earnings per share for year amounted to 2.66p (2005: loss of 0.11p). The Group performed well across the board but without doubt Italy was the jewel in Medsea's crown last year. Our initial contract for 110 units per annum in Calabria was quickly exceeded. Subsequently, our Italian partners increased the minimum number of units to be sold by us to 250 per annum, also renewing our exclusive international selling rights for a minimum of five years. In 2006, Group sales totaled 1,086 units, and we continue to perform strongly. In January and February of 2007 we sold 161 units compared to 83 in the previous year. The marketing agreement with Headlands International, the award-winning international property group, has been expanded. This gives Medsea and its agents direct access to a range of properties in emerging countries such as Portugal, Turkey, Cyprus, Brazil, Bulgaria, Dubai and Cape Verde. The Group is now able to focus more on Euromed Investments, a division which, I believe, has immense potential. Euromed, through which we invest in our associate companies and thereby earn a share in their profits, has already procured exclusive selling rights to the national and international market for Residencial Argos Sol, a large development in Murcia. Our share of the development profit is likely to be in the region of €6 Million. In addition, existing developments at Frondoso Valley and Torre del Obispo have now been sold to the extent of 30% and 75% respectively. During the year we further strengthened our management team with the appointment of Graham Jeffs as Finance Director and we continued to recruit key personnel for our rapidly growing Italian operation. Outlook Our robust performance last year, when many commentators were pessimistic about buying activity by those in northern Europe seeking homes in sunnier climates, emphasizes the underlying strength of the Medsea business. We have a broad portfolio of attractive properties that is diverse in terms of both location and product. This appeals to a wide range of potential buyers. We enjoy excellent relationships with our network of providers, which includes agents in the UK, Ireland and Benelux, and corporate partners such as Saga and Headland International. As already indicated, the current year has started well and our forward bookings for client visits are higher than at this point last year. The Board anticipates further organic growth from our existing operations and we also believe that there are opportunities to build on the firm foundations of Medsea's geographic spread. It is too early to make forecasts for 2007: but we have set ourselves demanding targets - we look forward to the coming year with optimism. ................................................ Tony Gatehouse 22 March 2007 MEDSEA GROUP ESTATES PLC AND SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS GROUP PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2006 Total Total Notes 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 Turnover 2 13,300 8,592 Cost of sales (8,849) (6,658) -------- -------- Gross profit 4,451 1,934 Administrative expenses (2,229) (2,204) -------- -------- Group Operating profit/(loss) 3 2,222 (270) Share of operating profit in associate 702 224 Interest receivable and similar income 1 2 Interest payable and similar charges 5 (31) (8) -------- -------- Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation 2,894 (52) Tax on profit/(loss) on ordinary activities 6 (1,019) (18) -------- -------- Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities after taxation 1,875 (70) Minority interests 7 5 (7) -------- -------- Retained profit/(loss) for the year 1,880 (77) ======== ======== Earnings/(loss) per share Basic 2.66 pence (0.11pence) Note: None of the group's activities was acquired or discontinued during the above 2 years. MEDSEA GROUP ESTATES PLC AND SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS GROUP STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2006 Notes 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 Statement of total recognised gains and losses Profit/(loss) for the financial year 1,880 (77) Currency translation differences (20) (2) Unrealised surplus on revaluation of investment properties 49 - -------- -------- Total recognised gains/(losses) relating to the year 1,909 (79) ======== ======== MEDSEA GROUP ESTATES PLC AND SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS GROUP BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2006 Notes 2006 2006 2005 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Fixed assets Intangible assets 6 5 Tangible assets 872 1,135 Investments - 4 Investments in associates 687 236 --------- ------- 1,565 1,380 Current assets Stock 301 182 Debtors 12,245 6,718 Cash at bank and in hand 944 156 -------- ------- 13,490 7,056 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (7,580) (3,654) -------- ------- Net current assets 5,910 3,402 --------- ------- Total assets less current liabilities 7,475 4,782 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year (300) (108) Provisions for liabilities (1,535) (794) And charges --------- ------- 5,640 3,880 ========= ======= Capital and reserves Share capital 7,063 7,063 Share premium 22 22 Other reserve 117 118 Revaluation reserve 46 95 Merger reserve (7,058) (7,058) Profit and loss account 5,446 3,631 Minority interests 7 4 9 --------- ------- Shareholders' funds - equity 5,640 3,880 ========= ======= MEDSEA GROUP ESTATES PLC AND SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS GROUP CASHFLOW STATEMENT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2006 Notes 2006 2005 Reconciliation of operating profit/(loss) to net cash flow from operating activities Operating profit/(loss) 2,222 (270) Share of operating profit in associate 702 224 Depreciation 121 121 Foreign exchange/loss (90) (74) Amortisation of intangible fixed assets 3 2 (Profit)/loss on sale of fixed assets (52) 7 (Increase)/decrease in debtors (5,978) 635 (Increase) in stock (119) (53) Increase/(decrease) in creditors 4,056 (991) ------- ------- Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 865 (399) ======= ======= CASH FLOW STATEMENT Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 865 (399) Returns on investments and servicing of finance (30) (6) Tax paid (415) (361) Capital expenditure and financial investment 162 (125) Management of liquid resources - (4) ------- ------- Net cash flow before financing 582 (865) Financing 289 (261) ------- ------- Increase/(decrease) in cash 871 (1,156) ======= ======= Reconciliation of net cash flow to movements in net debt Increase/(decrease) in cash 871 (1,156) Cash flow from (decrease)/ increase in debt (289) 261 ------- ------- 582 (895) Net (debt)/funds at 1 January 2006 (228) 667 ------- ------- Net funds/(debt) at 31 December 2006 354 (228) ======= ======= MEDSEA GROUP ESTATES PLC AND SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2006 1 Accounting policies Basis of accounting The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain fixed assets and in accordance with applicable United Kingdom accounting standards. Basis of consolidation The group accounts consolidate the accounts of Medsea Estates Group PLC and all its subsidiary undertakings drawn up to 31 December each year. Medsea Estates Group PLC acquired shares in Medsea UK Limited and all its subsidiaries on 16 July 2004. The accounts have been prepared using merger accounting so that all the combining entities results are shown from 1 January 2004. Associates In the group financial statements investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method. The consolidated profit and loss account includes the group's share of the associate's profits while the group's share of the net assets of the associates is shown as investments in the consolidated balance sheet. Turnover Turnover is the total amount receivable by the group for goods supplied and services provided, excluding value added tax. Commission income receivable in respect of property sales is recognised at the point at which a legally binding contract for sale has been signed between the purchaser and the vendor and the purchaser has paid any deposit required. Commissions payable in respect of property sales are recognised at the same time as the corresponding commission income is recognised, and are not payable until after commissions income is received. While most commission will be received or paid within 12 months of the balance sheet date this is not always achieved due to factors beyond the Group's control, such as delays in the completion of properties. In the opinion of the directors it is not possible to identify the amounts of such commissions where the receipt or payment will be more than 12 months after the balance sheet date and consequentially all accrued commission receivable or payable are included as current assets or liabilities. Intangible fixed assets Trademarks are included at cost and depreciated in equal annual instalments over a period of four years. Provisions are made for any impairment. Depreciation Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, other than freehold land, so as to write off their cost or valuation, less their estimated residual value, in equal annual instalments over the expected useful lives of the assets, as follows: Freehold buildings 50 years Office equipment and motor vehicles 3 to 10 years Investment Properties In accordance with Statement of Standard Accounting Practice No.19, certain of the company's properties are held for long-term investment and are included in the Balance Sheet at their open market values. The surplus or deficit on revaluation of such properties is transferred to the revaluation reserve. Depreciation is not provided in respect of freehold investment properties. This policy represents a departure from statutory accounting principles, which require depreciation to be provided on all fixed assets. The directors consider that this policy is necessary in order that the Financial Statements may give a true and fair view because current values and changes in current values are of prime importance rather than the calculation of systematic annual depreciation. Depreciation is only one of many factors reflected in the annual valuation and the amount which might otherwise have been shown cannot be separately identified or quantified. Investments Investments are included at cost less amounts written off. Profits or losses arising from disposals of fixed asset investments are treated as part of the result from ordinary activities. Taxation Current tax, including overseas corporation tax, is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where transactions or events that result in an obligation to pay more tax in the future or a right to pay less tax in the future have occurred at the balance sheet date. Timing differences are differences between the Group's taxable profits and its results as stated in the financial information that arises from the inclusion of gains and losses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in the financial information. A net deferred tax asset is regarded as recoverable and therefore recognised only when, on the basis of all available evidence, it can be regarded as more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits from which the reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted. Deferred tax is not recognised when fixed assets are revalued unless by the balance sheet date there is a binding agreement to sell the revalued assets and the gain or loss expected to arise on sale has been recognised in the financial information. Deferred tax is measured at the average tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the timing differences are expected to reverse, based on tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is measured on a non-discounted basis. Stock Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Leased Assets Assets held under finance leases and other similar contracts are capitalised as tangible fixed assets and are depreciated over the shorter of the lease terms and their estimated useful lives. The capital elements of future lease obligations are recorded as liabilities, while the interest elements are charged to the profit and loss account over the period of the lease to produce a constant rate of charge on the balance of capital repayments outstanding. Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the lease term. Foreign currency transactions The Group operates primarily in the Mediterranean and most of its transactions are carried out in Euros. Assets and liabilities have been translated using the exchange rate at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses have been translated using the average rate for the year. The resulting foreign exchange difference is recognised in the statement for recognised gains and losses. 2 Turnover Turnover derives wholly from the principal activity of the Group which is carried out in the Mediterranean. 3 Operating Profit The operating profit is arrived at 2006 2005 after charging: £'000 £'000 Depreciation of owned 111 116 assets Depreciation of leased 10 5 assets (Profit)/Loss on disposal of (52) 7 fixed assets Hire of equipment - operating leases - 373 472 motor vehicles Hire of equipment - operating leases - 174 160 land and buildings Auditors' 31 31 remuneration ======== ======== 4 Directors and employees Staff costs, including directors' remuneration, were as follows: 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 Wages and salaries 2,288 2,329 Social security costs 569 582 -------- -------- 2,857 2,911 ======== ======== The average monthly number of employees, including directors, during the year was as follows: 2006 2005 No. No. Selling and distribution 58 84 Administration 37 41 -------- -------- 95 125 ======== ======== Directors' emoluments 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 Emoluments 356 212 ======== ======== The highest paid director received emoluments and benefits as follows: 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 Emoluments 150 87 ======== ======== There were no directors (2005: none) to whom retirement benefits are accruing under a money purchase scheme. 5 Interest payable and similar charges 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 Bank loans and overdrafts repayable within five 30 7 years Finance lease interest 1 1 -------- -------- 31 8 ======== ======== 6 Taxation 2006 2005 Analysis of charge in the year £'000 £'000 Current tax: Overseas corporation tax on profits of the year 311 260 UK corporation tax on profits of the year - 6 Deferred tax 757 (248) Prior year adjustment to tax charge (49) - -------- -------- Tax on profit on ordinary activities 1,019 18 ======== ======== The tax assessed for the year is higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK (30 per cent). The differences are explained below: 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before tax 2,894 (52) ======== ======== Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 30% (2005: 30%) 869 (16) Effects of: Adjustment for foreign tax at different rates 83 4 Permanent timing differences 10 30 UK tax losses not available for group relief 106 - Prior year adjustment (49) - -------- -------- Current tax charge for year as above 1,019 18 ======== ======== 7 Minority interests 5% of the share capital of Euromed Investments SL are held by third parties. 8 Profit attributable to members of the parent company As permitted by section 230 of the Companies Act 1985 the parent company's profit and loss account has not been disclosed in these financial statements. The loss before dividends for the year in the accounts of the parent company was £106,000. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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