THE CAPITA GROUP PLC Interim Results for the 6 months to 30 June 2006
CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS IN FIRST 6 MONTHS
Published: 30/07/2006
6 months to 30/06/2006
6 months to 30/06/2005
Change
Turnover
£845.0m
£687.3m
+23%
Operating profit*
£103.2m
£81.0m
+27%
Profit before tax*
£92.4m
£74.5m
+24%
Earnings per share*
10.47p
8.06p
+30%
Interim dividend per share
2.7p
2.1p
+29%
Key points
Rod Aldridge, Non-Executive Chairman of The Capita Group Plc, commented:
'Capita has made considerable progress in the first 6 months of the year, reflected in another period of excellent financial results. There is good visibility of Capita's financial performance for 2006 and the Board believes shareholders will be very pleased with the results for the year as a whole.
'Our businesses are in superb shape to deliver incremental growth and the market for BPO opportunities continues to be extremely active. The Board therefore anticipates delivering strong growth in 2007.'
For further information:
The Capita Group Plc Tel: 020 7799 1525
Paul Pindar, Chief Executive
Shona Nichols, Corporate Communications Director
Capita Press Office Tel: 0870 2400 488
Financial Dynamics Tel: 020 7269 7291 Andrew Lorenz / Richard Mountain
Chairman's Statement
Results
Capita has made considerable progress during the 6 months to 30 June 2006. We have secured a significant volume of new business, thereby strengthening our position as the UK's market leader in providing business process outsourcing (BPO) services to the public and private sectors.
During the period, turnover increased by 23% to £845.0m (6 months to 30 June 2005: £687.3m). Operating profits before the share based payment charge and amortisation of separately identifiable intangible assets rose by 27% to £103.2m (2005: £81.0m) and net profits before taxation, share based payment charge and intangible amortisation grew by 24% to £92.4m (2005: £74.5m). Earnings per share before share based payment charge and intangible amortisation grew by 30% to 10.47p (2005: 8.06p).
We remain very excited by the continued opportunities to develop the Group and we will continue to build long term, sustainable value for our shareholders, customers and our employees.
Creating value for shareholders
To ensure we are creating value for shareholders, we focus on a number of key measures. We believe that the disciplines set out below collectively form an integral part of building value for our shareholders on a consistent basis over the long term.
- We have continued our long term trend of improving operating margins, which have again increased during the period to 12.2% (2005: 11.8%). This is a pleasing performance given the higher than usual level of implementation costs associated with the start up of a record number of new contracts. The improving margin reflects the continued increase in economies of scale in the business.
- The strength of Capita and its business model is reflected in our excellent underlying cash flow, with £121.5m (2005: £95.4m) generated by operations, representing an operating profits to operating cash conversion rate of 118% (2005: 118%).
- We aim to contain capital expenditure at or below 4% of revenue, although there may be rare occasions when we exceed this where our financial strength can be used to our competitive advantage. During the period, we met this objective with net capital expenditure being 3.9% (2005: 4.1%) of revenue.
- We focus on driving a steadily increasing return on capital, which in turn should exceed our cost of capital. Over the last 12 months, our post tax return on average capital employed (including debt) has improved to 18.7% (12 months to 30 June 2005: 17.2%). This compares to our weighted average cost of capital which is currently estimated at 7.8%.
- A key element in the creation of shareholder value is a progressive dividend policy. The Board has declared an interim dividend of 2.7p net per ordinary share (2005: 2.1p), a 29% increase. The dividend will be payable on 6 October 2006 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 1 September 2006.
- There may be circumstances in which market conditions allow us to add further value for shareholders through share buybacks, thus ensuring we have an efficient capital structure which will minimise our long term cost of capital. At our Annual General Meeting in April, shareholders renewed our authority to re-purchase up to 10% of our issued share capital. To date this year, the Group has bought back 47m shares (representing 7.2% of the issued share capital) at an average price of £4.53. Through this means, £214m has been returned to shareholders over the last 5 months.
- We continue to see a very healthy flow of acquisition opportunities. Our focus remains firmly on small to medium sized transactions, priced at a level which adds value for shareholders. During the period, we undertook 7 transactions, investing a total of £36.2m (net of cash acquired). Our pipeline of potential acquisitions is very encouraging and it is likely there will be further small acquisitions in the second half of the year.
Creating organic growth & developing through acquisitions
Of the 23% increase in turnover in the first 6 months of 2006, 17% was achieved through organic growth and the remaining 6% was derived from acquisitions.
We have two complementary approaches to creating organic growth. First, our centrally managed Major Sales Team seeks to secure contracts typically with a value of £10m or above. These contracts are complex, integrated projects that require a wide range of the Group's skills and which generate high quality, recurring revenues.
Secondly, each of our businesses employs sales teams focused upon securing growth from both existing and new customers. Customers range across our 8 chosen markets (local government, central government, education, transport, health, life & pensions, insurance and other private sector organisations) and our retention rate is exemplary.
Additionally, we achieve growth through acquiring businesses which enable us to build on our existing capabilities or establish a presence in a new market area.
Securing major contracts
Securing and renewing major contracts is an important component of our growth. This year, we have announced £655m of major contract wins and renewals, including a 10 year contract worth £132m with the BBC, a 3 year contract worth £120m with the DTI, a 7 year contract worth £120m with DSG international plc and a 15 year contract worth £100m with Fujitsu, as part of a consortium providing services to the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
We are continuing to enjoy a buoyant period of activity and I am pleased to report today that we have signed a number of new contracts with new and existing
clients:
As a consequence of this activity, the total value of major contracts won and extended in the first 7 months of 2006 totals £806m (2005: £240m), representing £624m in new business and £182m in contract extensions and re-awards.
In the 4.5 years to 31 December 2010, we have only 4 material contracts (defined as generating annual revenue in excess of 1% of 2005 turnover) due for renewal. The first of these falls due in 2007 and we are currently involved in a bid to extend this.
Over the last 8 months, there has been a significant volume of contract decisions and Capita has been successful in the majority of these. As a consequence, a key focus in recent months has been to replenish the bid pipeline, which we have done successfully. We are currently working on live major bids with a total value of £2.8bn across the public and private sectors. This total only includes bid situations in which Capita is shortlisted as one of 4 or fewer competitors and caps our largest bids at £500m.
Very strong revenue growth for 2006 is already underpinned. We are now focused on securing further strong growth for 2007.
Major contract update
In the first half of the year, we have successfully transferred a number of complex services. These include:
Development across our businesses
Our major businesses across the Group have maintained or grown market share in the first half through securing new business and developing existing relationships. In the financial services, insurance, property and software services markets, we have also expanded through acquisition. Some business highlights from the first half are detailed below.
We have performed strongly across the local government and education markets. In particular, Capita Local Government Services has enjoyed an exceptionally buoyant period, achieving a strong run of contract wins and extensions including council tax and benefits administration contracts with Havant Borough Council and business rates collection for the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.
Capita Hartshead, our occupational pensions administration business, has made good progress, securing £14m of new business and contract renewals in the first half of the year. New contracts include pensions administration for Bombardier Transportation UK Ltd, TDG plc and Delta Pensions Nominees Limited with a combined membership in excess of 42,000 people. We have also signed a contract with the Pension Protection Fund ('PPF') to provide compensation administration and payment services. The PPF was established by the Government to pay compensation to members of eligible defined benefit pension schemes, where there is a qualifying insolvency event in relation to the employer.
Wherever possible, we draw together services from across our businesses to add further value for clients. For example, our 'Enabler' programme which draws on the capabilities of our life & pensions, SIPP, unit trust and general insurance administration services and recently acquired software firms, Quay Software and Webline, will deliver electronic trading for providers and advisers, improving control, cutting costs and enhancing service.
Also in the financial services arena, we recently acquired the investment fund administration businesses of Sinclair Henderson from iimia Investment Group Plc. The acquisition adds significantly to Capita's current fund administration capabilities, with the enlarged business having combined assets under administration of some £25 billion. As a result, Capita Financial Group will administer approximately 20 per cent of the authorised open ended funds in the UK and will be positioned in second place in the investment trust administration market.
Capita Symonds is now the 5th largest multidisciplinary property and infrastructure consultancy in the UK. The business has grown well over the first 6 months of the year, securing a number of new contracts. In March, Capita Symonds was named as preferred bidder for Lancashire County Council's flagship Building Schools for the Future programme as part of the Catalyst Education consortium. We will provide partnering and education services as lead consultant for the design team. In May, the BBC selected Capita Symonds to supply project management and planning supervision services for a wide range of small to medium-sized construction projects across its UK property portfolio. For a combination of reasons, we took the decision to withdraw from our Dubai Rapid Link contract and we have provided in full for the costs of our early exit. Consequently, margins for Capita Symonds are lower than last year, but are anticipated to recover in the second half of the year.
Board changes
This will be the 35th and final time that I have presented results to shareholders as I intend to retire from the Group on 31 July 2006. Under my chairmanship, Capita has grown from a start up in 1984 to a FTSE 100 company today and has shaped the BPO marketplace in the UK.
During Capita's 17 years as a public company, shareholders have enjoyed a total shareholder return of 165 times, equating to a 35% per annum compound return. Our employee numbers have grown from 98 to 26,000 and it has been my privilege to work with some exceptionally talented and committed people. Our client base has grown from a handful to over 25,000 organisations across the UK and these relationships are hugely valued and enduring.
On 1 August, Eric Walters will take over the reins as Non-Executive Chairman. Eric has been a Director of Capita for over 5 years and has a deep understanding of our business and our culture. I wish Eric well in his new role and I hand over in confidence, with the knowledge that the company is in the best health and the best position it has enjoyed in its history.
The value that we have created for our shareholders and other stakeholders in Capita is a direct result of the competence and commitment that our staff give to the company. The culture within Capita and its people is a key differentiator from our competition. We have a stable and consistent management team, a remarkably low turnover of senior people and an excellent spirit throughout the company.
I would like to thank everyone for the vital role they play in Capita's success and to wish them all well for the future.
Future prospects
There is good visibility of Capita's financial performance for 2006 and the Board believes shareholders will be very pleased with the results for the year as a whole.
Our businesses are in superb shape to deliver incremental growth and the market for BPO opportunities continues to be extremely active. The Board therefore anticipates delivering strong growth in 2007.
Rodney M Aldridge OBE
Non-Executive Chairman
Interim condensed consolidated income statement for the 6 months to 30 June 2006
2006
2005
Before amortisation and share based payment
Amortisation and share based payment
Total
Before amortisation and share based payment
Amortisation and share based payment
Total
Notes
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
Continuing operations:
Revenue
3
845.0
-
845.0
687.3
-
687.3
Operating profit
3
103.2
(7.3)
95.9
81.0
(4.4)
76.6
Finance costs
(10.8)
-
(10.8)
(6.5)
-
(6.5)
Profit from continuing operations before taxation
92.4
(7.3)
85.1
74.5
(4.4)
70.1
Income tax expense
(25.6)
1.7
(23.9)
(20.9)
1.3)
(19.6)
Income tax expense
(25.6)
1.7
(23.9)
(20.9)
1.3
(19.6)
Profit for the period
66.8
(5.6)
61.2
53.6
(3.1)
50.5
Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent
66.9
(5.6)
61.3
53.4
(3.1)
50.3
Minority interest
(0.1)
-
(0.1)
0.2
-
0.2
66.8
(5.6)
61.25
53.6
(3.1)
50.5
Earnings per share (EPS)
Basic 4
10.47p
(0.87)p
9.60p
8.06p
(0.47)p
7.59p
Diluted 4
10.29p
(0.86)p
9.43p
7.92p
(0.46)p
7.46p
Interim condensed consolidated statement of recognised income and expense for the 6 months to 30 June 2006
2006 £m
2005 £m
Actuarial gain/(loss) on defined benefit pension schemes
19.7
(13.7)
Actuarial gain/(loss) on defined benefit pension schemes
19.7
(13.7)
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
(0.3)
(0.2)
Tax on items taken directly to equity
(5.5)
4.1
Net income/(expense) recognised directly in equity
13.9
(9.8)
Profit for the period
61.2
50.5
Total income and expense for the period
75.1
40.7
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent 65.5 40.5
65.5
40.5
Minority interest
(0.1)
0.2
65.4
40.7
Interim condensed consolidated balance sheet at 30 June 2006
30 June 2006
30 June 2005 (restated)
Notes
£m
£m
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
163.3
138.3
Intangible assets
605.0
516.4
Financial assets
17.3
0.2
Deferred taxation
15.0
36.6
800.6
691.5
Current assets
Trade and other receivables
435.9
323.3
Total assets
1,236.5
1,014.8
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
451.3
352.4
Financial liabilities
128.9
60.9
Income tax payable
34.4
24.6
614.6
437.9
Non-current liabilities
Financial liabilities
354.8
145.2
Provisions
4.0
4.8
Employee benefits
22.0
54.6
380.8
204.6
Total liabilities
995.4
642.5
Net assets
241.1
372.3
Capital and reserves
Issued capital
8
12.6
13.5
Share premium
8
269.2
251.5
Treasury shares
8
(0.4)
(0.2)
Capital redemption reserve
8
1.1
0.1
Foreign currency translation
8
-
(0.1)
Retained earnings
8
(41.5)
106.9
Equity shareholders' funds
241.0
371.7
Minority interest
8
0.1
0.6
Total equity
241.1
372.3
Interim condensed consolidated cash flow statement for the 6 months to 30 June 2006
2006
2005 (restated)
Notes
£m
£m
Cash flows from operating activities
Operating profit on continuing activities before
interest and taxation
95.9
76.6
Depreciation
21.2
16.5
Amortisation of intangible assets
3.2
1.2
Share based payment expense
4.1
3.2
Pension charge
7.7
5.3
Pension contributions
(8.9)
(8.4)
Movement in provisions
0.7
(0.6)
Movement in debtors and creditors
(2.4)
1.6
Cash generated from operations
121.5
95.4
Income tax paid
(20.0)
(22.4)
Net interest paid
(10.8)
(6.5)
Net cash generated from operating activities
90.7
66.5
Net cash used in investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(31.9)
(24.1)
Purchase of intangible fixed assets
(1.4)
(4.0)
Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings and businesses
(14.6)
(23.0)
Investment
(12.5)
-
Cash acquired with subsidiary undertakings
(0.3)
0.9
Purchase of trade investments in insurance captives
(5.2)
-
(65.9)
(50.2)
Net cash used in financing activities
Issue of ordinary share capital
8
11.2
3.5
Share buybacks
8
(214.5)
(13.1)
Share transaction costs
8
(0.8)
-
Dividends
5
(31.7)
(23.8)
Capital element of finance lease rental payments
7
(0.1)
-
Asset based securitised financing
7
3.9
-
Repayment of loan notes and long term loans
7
(3.2)
(4.5)
Proceeds on issue of bonds
7
102.8
-
(132.4)
(37.9)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(107.6)
(21.6)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
(19.3)
(26.1)
Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June
(126.9)
(47.7)
Cash and cash equivalents comprise:
Overdraft
7
(126.9)
(47.7)
Total
(126.9)
(47.7)
Notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements at 30 June 2006
1. Corporate information
The Capita Group Plc is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in England whose shares are publicly traded. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the company and its subsidiaries ('the group') were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the directors on 19 July 2006.
2. Basis of preparation and accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the 6 months to 30 June 2006 have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the group's latest annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2005. These accounting policies are drawn up in accordance with International Accounting Standards (IAS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board with the exception of IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting which has not been applied in these interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the group's annual financial statements as at 31 December 2005.
Significant accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the group's annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2005, except for the adoption of the following amendments mandatory for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2006:
The adoption of these amendments did not affect the group results of operations or financial position.
3. Segmental reporting
Analysis of segment revenue
Resourcing
Commercial
Corporate
Integrated
Professional
Property
Services
Services
Services
Services
Services
Services
Total
2006
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
Continuing
101.2
141.2
146.5
214.7
140.3
101.1
845.0
2005
Continuing
105.0
119.5
96.3
177.5
100.9
88.1
687.3
Notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements at 30 June 2006
3. Segmental reporting (continued)
Analysis of segment result
Resourcing
Commercial
Corporate
Integrated
Professional
Property
Services
Services
Services
Services
Services
Services
Total
2006
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
Continuing
9.8
14.3
25.6
30.6
17.7
5.2
103.2
2005
Continuing
8.5
10.2
17.0
25.2
12.6
7.5
81.0
During the year the group transferred its human resource and payroll business from the Corporate Services to the Resourcing Services division. The impact of this change on the comparatives was to increase revenue in Resourcing Services by £14.6m and the segment result by £2.3m and to reduce the equivalent items in Corporate Services by the same amount.
4. Earnings per share
Earnings per share have been calculated in accordance with IAS 33 Earnings per share. The average number of shares in issue during the period was 638.6m (30 June 2005: 662.8m). The diluted earnings per share have been calculated on the diluted profit for the period of £61.3m (30 June 2005 - £50.3m) and an average diluted number of shares of 649.9m (30 June 2005 - £674.6m). As at 19 July, there were 611.1m shares in issue.
5. Dividends paid and proposed
The interim dividend of 2.70p (2005: 2.10p) per share (not recognised as a liability at 30 June 2006) will be payable on 6 October 2006 to ordinary shareholders on the register at the close of business on 1 September 2006. The dividend disclosed in the cash flow represents the final ordinary dividend of 4.90p (2005: 3.60p) per share as proposed in the 31 December 2005 financial statements and approved at the group's AGM (not recognised as a liability at 31 December 2005).
6. Business combinations
The group has made a number of acquisitions in the period which are shown in aggregate. The book and fair values of the assets acquired are disclosed in the table below.
Book values
Fair value to Group
£m
£m
Intangible assets
-
9.1
Property, plant and equipment
2.6
1.8
Deferred tax0.1
0.1
0.1
Debtors
5.4
5.2
Cash and short term deposits
(0.3)
(0.3)
Creditors
(8.0)
(8.2)
Corporation tax
(0.1)
(0.1)
Long term loans
(2.9)
(2.9)
Net assets
(3.2)
4.7
Goodwill arising on acquisition
6.8
11.5
Discharged by: Cash
11.5
11.5
The full exercise to determine the intangible assets acquired is still to be completed, thus the above numbers are provisional; this exercise will be finalised for the full year financial statements. Further cash consideration was paid in respect of deferred consideration accrued on previous acquisitions of £3.0m, there was no impact on goodwill. As required by IAS 12, deferred taxation has been calculated on intangible assets provisionally recognised. The impact of this is to create a deferred tax liability of £2.7m and to increase goodwill by the same amount.
Notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements at 30 June 2006
7. Movement in net debt
Debt at 1 January 2006
Acquisitions in period
Other cash flow movements
Non cash movements
30 June 2006 Total
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
Overdrafts
(19.3)
(0.3)
(107.3)
-
(126.9)
Cash and cash equivalents
(19.3)
(0.3)
(107.3)
-
(126.9)
Loan notes
(22.7)
-
0.2
-
(22.5)
Bonds
(198.6)
-
(102.8)
(0.7)
(302.1)
Long term loans
-
(2.9)
2.9
-
-
Finance leases
(0.2)
-
0.1
-
(0.1)
Sub-total net debt
(240.8)
(3.2)
(206.9)
(0.7)
(451.6)
Asset based securitised
(28.2)
-
(3.9)
-
(32.1)
financing
(269.0)
(3.2)
(210.8)
(0.7)
(483.7)
In the period the group issued $190,000,000 of fixed rate bonds. The group entered into cross currency swaps to convert these dollar issues into sterling equivalents paying variable rate interest.
Debt at 1 January 2005
Acquisitions in period
Other cash flow movements
Non cash movements
30 June 2005 Total
£m
£m
£m
£m
Overdrafts
(26.1)
(21.6)
-
(47.7)
Cash and cash equivalents
(26.1)
(21.6)
-
(47.7)
Loan notes
(27.1)
4.4
-
(22.7)
Bonds
(123.0)
-
-
(123.0)
Finance leases
(0.2)
0.1
-
(0.1)
(176.4)
(17.1)
-
(193.5)
8. Capital and reserves - reconciliation of movements in equity
Share capital
Treasury shares
Share premium
Capital redemption reserve
Foreign currency reserve
Profit and loss reserve
Total
Minority interest
Total equity
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
At 1 January 2005
13.4
(0.2)
248.1
0.1
0.1
98.4
359.9
0.4
360.3
At 1 January 2005
13.4
(0.2)
248.1
0.1
0.1
98.4
359.9
0.4
360.3
Profit for the period
-
-
-
-
-
50.3
50.3
0.2
50.5
Dividends
-
-
-
-
-
(23.8)
(23.8)
-
(23.8)
Exchange differences
-
-
-
-
(0.2)
-
(0.2)
-
(0.2)
Share buybacks
-
-
-
-
-
(13.1)
(13.1)
-
(13.1)
Issue of share capital
0.1
-
3.4
-
-
-
3.5
-
3.5
Actuarial losses on
defined benefit schemes
-
-
-
-
-
(13.7)
(13.7)
-
(13.7)
Share based payment
-
-
-
-
-
3.2
3.2
-
3.2
Tax taken to equity
-
-
-
-
-
5.6
5.6
-
5.6
At 30 June 2005
13.5
(0.2)
251.53
0.1
(0.1)
106.9
371.7
0.6
372.3
At 1 January 2006
13.4
(0.4)
258.1
0.2
0.3
125.8
397.4
0.2
397.6
Profit for the period
-
-
-
-
-
61.3
61.3
(0.1)
61.2
Dividends
-
-
-
-
-
(31.7)
(31.7)
-
(31.7)
Exchange differences
-
-
-
-
(0.3)
-
(0.3)
-
(0.3)
Share buybacks
(0.9)
-
-
0.9
-
(215.3)
(215.3)
-
(215.3)
Issue of share capital
0.1
-
11.1
-
-
-
11.2
-
11.2
Actuarial gains on
defined benefit schemes
-
-
-
-
-
19.7
19.7
-
19.7
Share based payment4.2
-
-
-
-
-
4.2
4.2
-
4.2
Tax taken to equity
-
-
-
-
-
(5.5)
(5.5)
-
(5.5)
At 30 June 2006
12.6
(0.4)
269.2
1.1
-
(41.5)
241.0
0.1
241.1
9. The 2005 comparatives have been restated. This is to reflect the treatment of the activities of Capita Financial Managers Limited who act as an authorised trust manager.
-Ends-