Interim Results

RNS Number : 3932R

Safestyle UK PLC

21 September 2017

 

21 September 2017

Safestyle UK plc

("Safestyle" or the "Group"))

Unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2017

Safestyle UK plc (AIM: SFE), the leading UK-focused retailer and manufacturer of PVCu replacement windows and doors for the homeowner market, today announces its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2017.

Financial and Operational highlights

	Unaudited 6 months ended 30 June 2017 £m	Unaudited Restated 6 months ended 30 June 2016 £m	% change
Revenue	82.5	81.4	+1.4%
Gross profit	27.5	28.2	-2.5%
Gross margin %	33.3%	34.6%	-130bps
EBITDA	9.6	10.1	-5.0%
Underlying EBITDA*	9.8	11.1	-11.7%
PBT	8.8	9.5	-7.4%
Underlying PBT**	9.0	10.6	-15.1%
EPS - Basic	8.3p	9.4p	-11.7%
Interim Dividend	3.75p	3.75p

* Underlying EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and share based payments charges

** Underlying PBT is defined as earnings before taxation and share based payments charges

·    Volume of frames installed decreased by 6.8% to 139,612 (H1 2016: 149,742)

·    Average unit sales price up 6.0% to £599 (FY 2016: £565)

·    Continued growth in market share to 11.2% at 30 June 2017 (End 2016: 10.2%)

·    Leads generated from media and on-line marketing grew by 9.1% to 42,680 (H1 2016: 39,118)

·    New installation depot opened in South Wales

·    Completed our new factory extension at Wombwell, South Yorkshire, on time and on budget

·    Pre-tax operating cash flow of £8.3 million (H1 2016: £9.8 million)

Commenting on the results, Steve Birmingham, CEO said:

"The first half of 2017 was an increasingly challenging market however Safestyle increased revenue and market share albeit at a higher cost than historically. As a result, we have experienced a decline in profits in what was the severest contraction of our market since 2008/09.

"So far in H2 we have maintained our order intake in line with the previous year and have already commenced a number of initiatives to reduce our cost base.

"The Group's cash conversion and balance sheet remain strong and the Board is confident of outperforming the market and gaining market share based on our differentiators of price competitiveness, promotional finance offers, quality energy efficient products and outstanding manufacturing capability."

Enquiries:

Safestyle UK plc	Tel: [phone]
Steve Birmingham, Chief Executive Officer
Mike Robinson, Chief Financial Officer
Zeus Capital (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker)	Tel: [phone]
Nick How / Dominic King
Liberum (Joint Broker)	Tel: [phone]
Neil Patel / Jamie Richards
FTI Consulting (Financial PR)	Tel: [phone]
Oliver Winters / Alex Beagley / James Styles	[e-mail]

About Safestyle UK plc

The Group is the leading retailer and manufacturer of PVCu replacement windows and doors to the UK homeowner market.  For more information please visit www.safestyleukplc.co.uk or www.safestyle-windows.co.uk.

Chairman's Statement

Summary of Performance

The markets in which Safestyle operates have become more challenging in recent months, and it is with this backdrop that the Group reports its trading performance for the six months ended 30 June 2017.

Revenue was up 1.4% to £82.5 million (H1 2016: £81.4 million, having been restated following a review of accounting policies in the run up to the introduction of IFRS 15 Revenue Recognition - see Finance Review and Note 4). FENSA statistics show the rate of market decline in H1 2017 accelerated from a Q1 reduction of 2.4% to 17.2% in Q2, and we believe this significantly steeper rate of decline has continued into the first two months of Q3. Our response has been to protect revenues and gain market share, which now stands at 11.2% at 30 June 2017, which has increased the costs of lead generation and conversion into orders. Order intake was up 1.8% for the first 6 months of the year.

Profit before tax declined to £8.8 million (H1 2016: £9.5 million), with underlying EBITDA down 11.7% at £9.8 million. EPS for the period was down from 9.4p to 8.3p. The results reflect the increased cost of delivering sales revenues, and our underlying EBITDA margin declined from 13.6% to 11.8%.

The business continues to successfully convert profit into cash, with H1 2017 cash conversion (the ratio of net cashflow from operating activities before taxation to underlying EBITDA) for the period at 85%, compared with 88% for H1 2016. The Group's balance sheet is robust with cash of £17.7 million at 30 June 2017 (£13.5 million as at 31 December 2016).

Interim Dividend

We have declared an interim dividend of 3.75 pence per share which will be paid on 6 November 2017 (2016: 3.75p). The record date will be 29 September 2017.

Business Review

The sharp decline in our market has created a number of challenges and opportunities, and we have chosen to protect revenue despite the associated increased costs of lead generation and providing customer finance. We have seen a steady increase in the proportion of customers taking up our promotional finance offers with no deterioration in acceptance rates. Longer term, we continue to regard the potential for enhanced RMI expenditure by the homeowner to be positive, notwithstanding the short term weakness caused by the current uncertain economic outlook for consumers.

We have continued to evolve our business and in the period we have further developed our brand messaging, invested in our infrastructure, and continued to develop our conservatory replacement offer and product range.

We have completed our new factory extension at Wombwell, South Yorkshire, on time and on budget. This is a major step in ensuring we have the UK's leading production facilities. The facility is now fully operational and we expect to deliver manufacturing productivity gains throughout the remainder of the year.

Share Buyback

Our balance sheet is strong and we continue to generate cash. Whilst we take a cautious approach to long term planning, we have previously stated that the Board is committed to returning excess capital to shareholders where our cash resources are materially in excess of investment requirements. With the Company's major investment into its factory extension now complete, we will review this further when we announce our 2017 Full Year results in March 2018 but are today making a separate announcement on a share buy-back programme of up to £2.5m.

Outlook

Our expectation is that the market will continue to be weak for at least the remainder of 2017. Consumer confidence has declined, and our outlook is therefore cautious. We expect to continue to gain market share in H2, although sales will continue to be expensive to win and we expect operating margins to be challenging. While market conditions remain at the current low level we will continue to challenge our cost base for efficiencies, though the impact of cost elimination will primarily benefit 2018 and beyond.

We are determined that Safestyle will deliver out performance in its market and gain market share, based on our geographic spread, product range and commercial offerings.

RS Halbert

Chairman

21 September 2017

Finance Review

Revenue

Revenue for the period was £82.5 million against £81.4 million restated for the same period last year, representing growth of 1.4%.  The key factors underpinning this growth were:

·    9.1% growth in leads generated from direct response from 39,118 to 42,680

·    6.8% decline in the volume of frames installed from 149,742 to 139,612

·    8.3% growth in average unit price from £553 to £599 ex VAT

The price list increase implemented at the start of the year to counterbalance the additional raw material costs resulting from the reduction in the value of Sterling has been secured.  Unit prices have been further boosted by growth in higher value items including conservatory upgrades, composite doors and coloured frames.

A review of accounting policies in the run up to the adoption of IFRS15 has led to the revenue from goods relating to financed products to be shown net of the charges incurred in those sales. Previously these were shown as a cost of sale and the results of 30 June 2016 and 31 December 2016 have been restated to reflect these. This amounted to £1.7 million in H1 2017 and £2.2 million in the same period for 2016. There was no impact to the profit and net assets within these periods.

Gross margin

Gross profit reduced by 2.5% in the period to £27.5 million (H1 2016: £28.2 million).  Gross margin has reduced to 33.3% (H1 2016: 34.6%).

The price list increase from 1 January 2017 more than offset the inflation in raw material costs resulting from Sterling weakness but other direct costs have also seen increases which have led to a dilution in gross margin.  In particular, online marketing costs have seen a significant increase with the cost of lead acquisition increasing by 19% against the same period last year reflecting increased competition for leads in a tough market.

In addition, manufacturing costs were higher as a result of the planned disruption during the transfer of equipment into the new factory.  This was completed on time and the second half of the year will benefit from the expected productivity and quality benefits.

Other operating expenses

Other operating expenses were unchanged for the period at £18.7 million (H1 2016: £18.7 million).  Savings in charges related to the exercise of options in the prior year were offset by other costs as the business continued to invest in building its brand profile, developing its IT infrastructure and strengthening its management team.

EBITDA, PBT and EPS

Underlying EBITDA (as defined in the financial and operating highlights) was £9.8 million for the period (H1 2016: £11.1 million), a decrease of 11.7%. PBT decreased by 7.4% from £9.5 million in H1 2016 to £8.8 million.

Basic earnings per share for the period were 8.3p compared to 9.4p for the same period last year.  The basis for these calculations is detailed in note 6 to the accounts.

Cash

The cash balance at 30 June 2017 was £17.7 million, an increase of £4.2 million since the year end.

Pre-tax operating activities generated £8.3 million (2016: £9.8 million).  Capital expenditure in the period was £3.2 million of which £2.4 million related to the factory expansion.

Dividends

The Board is declaring an interim dividend of 3.75p per share.  The dividend will be paid on 6 November 2017 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 29 September 2017.

Condensed consolidated interim statement of comprehensive income

				Unaudited		Unaudited		Audited
						Restated		Restated
			Note	6 months ended		6 months ended		12 months ended
				30 June 2017		30 June 2016		31 December 2016
				£000		£000		£000
	Revenue			82,484		81,360		159,435
	Cost of sales			(54,964)		(53,173)		(103,826)
	Gross profit			27,520		28,187		55,609
	Other operating expenses			(18,714)		(18,697)		(36,362)
	Operating profit			8,806		9,490		19,247
	EBITDA before share based payments and charges relating to exercised LTIP options			9,757		11,103		21,602
	Equity settled share based payments charges		8	(160)		(104)		(240)
	Charges relating to exercised LTIP options			-		(947)		(947)
	Depreciation and amortisation			(791)		(562)		(1,168)
	Operating profit			8,806		9,490		19,247
	Finance income			18		55		98
	Finance expense			(5)		(7)		(11)
	Profit before taxation			8,819		9,538		19,334
	Taxation		7	(1,957)		(1,920)		(3,778)
	Profit after taxation for the period			6,862		7,618		15,556
	Other comprehensive income			-		-		-
	Total comprehensive profit for the period attributable to shareholders			6,862		7,618		15,556
	Earnings per share
	Basic (pence)		6	8.3		9.4		19.0
	Diluted (pence)		6	8.2		9.3		18.9

All operations were continuing throughout all periods.

Condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position

			Unaudited		Unaudited		Audited
		Note	6 months ended		6 months ended		12 months ended
			30 June 2017		30 June 2016		31 December 2016
			£000		£000		£000
Assets
Intangible assets - Trademarks			504		504		504
Intangible assets - Goodwill			20,758		20,283		20,758
Intangible assets - Software			499		475		415
Property, plant and equipment			14,699		8,498		12,389
Deferred tax asset			119		30		119
Non-current assets			36,579		29,790		34,185
Inventories			2,006		1,711		2,176
Trade and other receivables			6,438		6,752		4,560
Cash and cash equivalents			17,702		23,552		13,459
Current assets			26,146		32,015		20,195
Total assets			62,725		61,805		54,380
Equity
Called up share capital			830		828		828
Share premium account			82,216		81,979		81,979
Profit and loss account			22,850		18,375		22,052
Common control transaction reserve			(66,527)		(66,527)		(66,527)
			39,369		34,655		38,332
Liabilities
Trade and other payables			12,520		12,812		11,983
Dividends accrued		5	6,224		11,263		-
Financial liabilities			35		70		70
Corporation tax liabilities			2,475		521		1,599
Provision for liabilities and charges			657		701		701
Current liabilities			21,911		25,367		14,353
Financial liabilities			-		35		-
Provision for liabilities and charges			1,445		1,748		1,695
Non-current liabilities			1,445		1,783		1,695
Total liabilities			23,356		27,150		16,048
Total equity and liabilities			62,725		61,805		54,380

Condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in equity

			Share capital	Share premium	Profit and loss account	Common control transaction reserve	Total equity
			£000	£000	£000	£000	£000
Balance at 30 June 2016			828	81,979	16,387	(66,527)	32,667
Total comprehensive profit for the period			-	-	9,872	-	9,872
Transactions with owners of the Company:
Issue of shares			-	-	-	-	-
Equity settled share based payment			-	-	136	-	136
Deferred tax on equity settled share based payments			-	-	(1,239)	-	(1,239)
Dividends			-	-	(3,104)	-	(3,104)
Balance at 31 December 2016			828	81,979	22,052	(66,527)	38,332
Total comprehensive profit for the period			-	-	6,862	-	6,862
Transactions with owners of the Company:
Issue of shares			2	237	-	-	239
Equity settled share based payment			-	-	-	-	-
Deferred tax on equity settled share based payments			-	-	160	-	160
Dividends			-	-	(6,224)	-	(6,224)
Balance at 30 June  2017			830	82,216	22,850	(66,527)	39,369

Condensed consolidated interim statement of cash flows

			Unaudited		Unaudited		Audited
			6 months ended		6 months ended		12 months ended
			30 June 2017		30 June 2016		31 December 2016
			£000		£000		£000
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit for the year			6,862		7,618		15,556
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of plant, property and equipment			671		461		954
Amortisation of intangible fixed assets			120		101		214
Finance income			(18)		(55)		(98)
Finance expense			5		7		11
Profit on sale of plant, property and equipment			-		7		7
Equity settled share based payments			160		104		240
Tax expense			1,957		1,920		3,778
			9,757		10,163		20,662
Decrease/(Increase) in inventories			170		(211)		(676)
Increase in trade and other receivables			(1,878)		(2,894)		(702)
Increase in trade and other payables			536		2,654		1,824
Increase/(decrease) in provisions			(294)		79		26
			(1,466)		(372)		472
Hire purchase interest paid			(5)		(7)		(11)
Other interest paid			-		-		-
			(5)		(7)		(11)
Taxation paid			(1,080)		(1,734)		(3,893)
Net cash from operating activities			7,206		8,050		17,230
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment			(3,092)		(1,007)		(5,901)
Interest received			18		55		98
Proceeds from issue of property, plant and equipment			-		42		42
Acquisition of intangible fixed assets			(93)		-		(20)
Net cash outflow from investing activities			(3,167)		(910)		(5,781)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from the issue of ordinary shares			239		-		-
Payment of hire purchase and finance leases			(35)		(73)		(108)
Dividends paid			-		-		(14,367)
Net cash outflow from financing activities			204		(73)		(14,475)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents			4,243		7,067		(3,026)
Cash and cash equivalents at start of year			13,459		16,485		16,485
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year			17,702		23,552		13,459

Notes to the interim financial information

1              General information

The condensed interim financial information set out herein is in respect of Safestyle UK plc and its subsidiaries (the Group) for the period ended 30 June 2017.

Safestyle UK plc is a public listed company incorporated in Jersey.  The registered office address of Safestyle UK plc is 47 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey JE1 0BD.

The financial information presented for the year ended 31 December 2016 is not the statutory accounts for that financial year. These accounts have been reported on by the company's auditor. The report of the auditor was unqualified and did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report.

 The company is not required to present parent company information.

2              Basis of preparation

The condensed consolidated interim financial information for the period ended 30 June 2017 has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, 'Interim financial reporting' as adopted by the European Union.

Selected explanatory notes are included to explain events and transactions that are significant to an understanding of the changes in financial position and performance of the Group since the last annual consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2016.

The condensed consolidated interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2016 which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union.

The accounting policies adopted in the condensed interim financial information are consistent with those set out in financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2016.

3              Going concern

The Group has considerable financial resources and has prepared forecasts that show the Group is expected to continue to trade solidly. As a consequence, the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully.

The assessment of the Group's ability to execute its strategy by funding future working capital requirements involves judgement. The Directors monitor future cash requirements to assess the Group's ability to meet these funding requirements.

The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.  Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.

4              Significant  accounting policies

Accounting estimates

In preparing this condensed consolidated interim financial report, significant judgments made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2016.

Revenue recognition

A review of accounting policies in the run up to the adoption of IFRS15 has led to the revenue from goods relating to financed products to be shown net of the charges incurred in those sales. Previously these were shown as a cost of sale and the results of 30 June 2016 and 31 December 2016 have been restated to reflect these. The effect on revenue in the period was £1,735k (£2,188k 30 June 2016, £3,681k 31 December 2016).

There is no effect on the overall gross margin or operating profit for the Group within these periods.

5              Dividends

			Unaudited		Unaudited		Audited
			6 months ended		6 months ended		12 months ended
			30 June 2017		30 June 2016		31 December 2016
The aggregate amount of dividends comprises:			£'000		£'000		£'000
Dividends paid in respect of the period			-		-		14,367
Dividends declared			6,224		11,263		-
			6,224		11,263		14,367

A final dividend for the year end 31 December 2016 of 7.5 pence per ordinary share totaling £6,224,219 was paid on 10 July 2017.

A proposed interim dividend for the half year end 30 June 2017 of 3.75 pence per ordinary share will be paid on 6 November 2017.

6              Earnings per share

a) Basic earnings per share

The calculation of basic earnings per share has been based on the following profit attributable to ordinary shareholders and weighted-average number of shares outstanding.
			Unaudited		Unaudited		Audited
			6 months ended		6 months ended		12 months ended
			30 June 2017		30 June 2016		31 December 2016
			£'000		£'000		£'000
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders			6,862		7,618		15,556
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares (basic)
			No of shares '000		No of shares '000		No of shares '000
Issued ordinary shares at period end			82,868		81,184		82,006

b) Diluted earnings per share

The calculation of diluted earnings per share has been based on the following profit attributable to ordinary shareholders and weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding after adjustment for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.
			Unaudited		Unaudited		Audited
			6 months ended		6 months ended		12 months ended
			30 June 2017		30 June 2016		31 December 2016
			£'000		£'000		£'000
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders			6,862		7,618		15,556
			No of shares '000		No of shares '000		No of shares '000
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares (basic)			82,868		81,184		82,006
Effect of dilutive share options and warrants			319		385		341
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares (basic) at period end			83,187		81,569		82,347
The average market value of the Company's shares for the purpose of calculating the dilutive effect of share options was based on quoted market prices for the period during which the options were outstanding.

			Unaudited		Unaudited		Audited
			6 months ended		6 months ended		12 months ended
			30 June 2017		30 June 2016		31 December 2016
Earnings per share (pence)			8.3		9.4		19.0
Diluted earnings per share (pence)			8.2		9.3		18.9

7              Taxation

The condensed interim financial information includes a tax charge based on management's best estimate of the full year effective tax rate. The effective tax rate applied in the period was 22.19% (period ended 30 June 2016: 20.13%) which compares to the standard corporation tax rate of 20.00%.

A reduction in the UK corporation tax rate from 21% to 20% (effective from 1 April 2015) was substantively enacted on 2 July 2013. Further reductions to 19% (effective from 1 April 2017) and to 18% (effective 1 April 2020) were substantively enacted on 26 October 2015, and an additional reduction to 17% (effective 1 April 2020) was substantively enacted on 6 September 2017. This will reduce the Group's future current tax charge accordingly. The deferred tax asset at 30 June 2017 has been calculated based on these rates.

8              Share based payments

At 30 June 2017 the Group had the following share based payment arrangements:

LTIP

The Group operates an equity-settled LTIP remuneration scheme for Directors and certain management ("LTIP 2015", "LTIP 2016" & "LTIP 2017").

On 10 April 2017, a further 348,210 options were granted ("LTIP 2017"). All schemes require a combination of specific performance based criteria and remaining an employee for a minimum period.

The numbers of share options in existence during the year were as follows:

		Unaudited		Unaudited		Audited
		6 months ended		6 months ended		12 months ended
		30 June 2017		30 June 2016		31 December 2016
		Number of share options	Weighted average exercise price	Number of share options	Weighted average exercise price	Number of share options	Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding at start of period		1,030,134	£2.18	452,460	£1.37	4,581,976	£1.00
Granted during the year		348,210	-	87,485	£2.25	448,533	£1.79
Issued in the year		-	-	-	-	(2,564,427)	£1.00
Cancelled in the year		-	-	-	-	(1,421,683)	£1.00
Lapsed in the year		(118,318)	£2.09	(59,093)	£1.49	(14,265)	£1.79
Outstanding at end of period		1,260,026	£1.58	480,852	£1.51	1,030,134	£2.18
Exercisable at end of period		-	-	-	-	-	-

Options are valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  The following information is relevant in the determination of the fair value of the options granted during the period.

						Unaudited
						6 months ended
						30 June 2017
					LTIP 2017	LTIP 2016	LTIP 2015
Grant date					10/04/2017	29/04/2016	01/04/2015
Vesting date					10/04/2020	29/04/2019	01/04/2018
Lapsing date					10/04/2027	01/04/2026	01/04/2025
Risk free interest rate					0.15%	1.22%	1.28%
Expected volatility					33.56%	36.93%	43.13%
Expected option life (in years)					6.50	6.50	6.50
Weighted average share price after adjusting for PV of dividends					£3.04	£2.67	£1.80
Weighted average exercise price					£0.00	£2.68	£1.79
Weighted average fair value of options granted					255.90p	65.79p	44.78p
Dividend Yield					5.71%	3.60%	5.20%
Remaining contractual life					9.78	8.76	7.76

At the grant date there was limited share price history for the company on which to calculate volatility. Volatility was therefore estimated using both Safestyle and companies classified in the 'Home Improvement Retailers' subsector on the London Stock Exchange.

SAYE

On 1 April 2017 the company launched a new share save (SAYE) scheme ("SAYE 2017") in addition to the existing schemes ("SAYE 2013", "SAYE 2014" and "SAYE 2015") for employees. All schemes allow employees to acquire a certain number of shares at a discount of 20% of the share price prior to the invitation to join the scheme, using amounts saved under a 'Save As You Earn' savings contract.

The "SAYE 2013" matured within the period and as of the 30 June 2017, 183,016 options were issued at a price of 130.8 pence per share from 198,714 options granted.

The numbers of share options in existence during the year were as follows:

		Unaudited		Unaudited		Audited
		6 months ended		6 months ended		12 months ended
		30 June 2017		30 June 2016		31 December 2016
		Number of share options	Weighted average exercise price	Number of share options	Weighted average exercise price	Number of share options	Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding at start of period		423,382	£1.49	452,460	£1.37	452,460	£1.37
Granted during the year		119,955	£2.51	87,485	£2.25	87,485	£2.25
Issued in the year		(183,016)	£1.31
Lapsed during the period		(5,750)	£1.78	(59,093)	£1.49	(116,563)	£1.57
Outstanding at end of period		354,571	£1.93	480,852	£1.51	423,382	£1.49
Exercisable at end of period		15,686	£1.31	-	-	-	-

Options are valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  The following information is relevant in the determination of the fair value of the options granted during the year.

						Unaudited
						6 months ended
						30 June 2017
				SAYE 2017	SAYE 2016	SAYE 2015	SAYE 2014
Grant date				25/04/2017	01/04/2016	01/04/2015	27/03/2014
Vesting date				01/06/2020	01/05/2019	01/05/2018	01/05/2017
Lapsing date				01/12/2020	01/11/2019	01/11/2018	01/11/2017
Risk free interest rate				0.21%	0.56%	0.76%	1.31%
Expected volatility				34.17%	32.88%	23.80%	52.80%
Expected option life (in years)				3.35	3.35	3.35	3.35
Weighted average share price after adjusting for PV of dividends				£3.14	£2.81	£1.80	£1.57
Weighted average exercise price				£2.51	£2.25	£1.43	£1.31
Weighted average fair value of options granted				68.60p	71.93p	41.52p	58.40p
Dividend Yield				5.53%	3.40%	5.20%	8.00%
Remaining contractual life				3.35	2.34	1.34	0.34

At the grant date there was limited share price history for the company on which to calculate volatility. Volatility was therefore estimated using both Safestyle and companies classified in the 'Home Improvement Retailers' subsector on the London Stock Exchange.

The total share-based expense comprises:

		Unaudited		Unaudited		Audited
		6 months ended		6 months ended		12 months ended
		30 June 2017		30 June 2016		31 December 2016
			£000		£000		£000
Equity settled - LTIP			121		60		369
Equity settled - SAYE			39		44		74
Employers national insurance on issue of LTIP with associated charges			-		-		947
			160		104		1,390

9              Seasonality

Order intake is subject to small seasonal fluctuations with higher demand in the first and fourth quarters as a result of seasonal weather factors. The business can, within limits, smooth this demand by flexing its order book and aims to level load its operations to minimize costs. As a result revenues and profits would normally be similar for both halves of the year.

INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO SAFESTYLE UK PLC 

Conclusion

We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly report for the six months ended 30 June 2017 which comprises the Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Changes in Equity, the Condensed Consolidated interim Statement of Financial Position, the Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Cash Flows and the related explanatory notes.   

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly report for the six months ended 30 Junsafe 2017 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU and the AIM Rules. 

Scope of review 

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the UK.  A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures.  We read the other information contained in the half-yearly report and consider whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements. 

A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit.  Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion. 

Directors' responsibilities 

The half-yearly report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors.  The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly report in accordance with the AIM Rules. 

As disclosed in note 2, the annual financial statements of the group are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU.  The directors are responsible for preparing the condensed set of financial statements included in the half-yearly financial report in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the EU. 

Our responsibility 

Our responsibility is to express to the company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly report based on our review

The purpose of our review work and to whom we owe our responsibilities

This report is made solely to the company in accordance with the terms of our engagement.  Our review has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to it in this report and for no other purpose.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have reached.

Ian Beaumont

for and on behalf of KPMG LLP 

Chartered Accountants

1 Sovereign Square,

Sovereign St,

Leeds

LS1 4DA

21 September 2017

 

END

 

 

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