AI assistant
LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC — Earnings Release 2024
Sep 17, 2024
7759_er_2024-09-17_d38ee968-86cf-4048-a6f2-1a08252d6e87.html
Earnings Release
Open in viewerOpens in your device viewer
National Storage Mechanism
Additional information
RNS Number : 4170E
Learning Technologies Group PLC
17 September 2024
17 September 2024
Learning Technologies Group plc HALF YEAR RESULTS 2024
Healthy profit growth and strong cash generation
Continued challenging macro backdrop
Learning Technologies Group plc, a global market leader in digital learning and talent management, announces half year results for the six months ended 30 June 2024. All figures relate to that period unless otherwise stated.
Strategic and operational highlights
- Resilient performance in a tough macroeconomic environment.
- SaaS and long-term contracts account for 76% of total revenues (H1 2023: 72%)¹.
- All major clients above $5 million annual revenue that were up for renewal in H1 2024 were successfully renewed and strong growth in LATAM and Leadership divisions of GP Strategies.
- GP Strategies profits more than doubled in the three years since acquisition, reflecting margin progression and operational improvement actions.
- Completed the sale of VectorVMS ("Vector") for $50 million as part of ongoing initiatives to simplify our portfolio and sharpen focus on learning and talent development.
- Increased investment in AI product innovation including GP's Content AIQ Learning Platform, Human+ AI Learning Series, Rustici Generator and Bridge Learn and Develop. Early signs of customer uptake are encouraging.
Financial highlights
- Organic constant currency revenue down 3.8% to £250.3 million, with the subdued macro backdrop affecting overall spending on learning and talent development activities, particularly in transactional and project work and softness in SaaS subscriptions:
- Content & Services down 2.9%;
- Software and Platforms down 5.9%.
- Continued growth in profits and margin progression on a like-for-like basis²:
- Adjusted EBIT up 5% to £43.3 million.
- Adjusted EBIT margin increased to 17.3% (H1 2023: 15.3%) as the Group benefits from the successful commercial transformation of GP Strategies and focus on cost optimisation.
- Statutory operating profit increased 65% to £38.3 million.
- Strong cash performance with cash conversion of 70%³ (H1: 65%).
- Robust balance sheet with net debt as at 30 June of £57.5 million, reduced to c.£1 million at 30 August 2024 following the disposal of Vector.
- Voluntary debt repayment of $25 million in July 2024.
US regulatory update
- GP Strategies continues to be in constant dialogue with DCSA (Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency), and is making good progress on resolving the issues pertaining to certain approvals, however there is more work to be done.
- A new subsidiary, solely focused on all forms of US Government contracts, is in the process of being established. It is expected to become operational in H1 2025 and has applied to be eligible to work on new classified contracts.
- No existing classified contracts are due for renewal imminently and the value of the contracts is not material in the context of total Group revenue and profit.
Dividend
- The Board is pleased to declare an interim dividend of 0.45 pence per share (H1 2023: 0.45 pence).
Current trading and outlook
- The Group previously expected revenue to be in the range of £480 million to £500 million and adjusted EBIT to be in the range of £88 to £93 million for FY 2024 (adjusting for the completion of the sale of Vector on 1 July). This range was based on an average GBP:USD rate of 1.26 for H2 2024.
- Based on an average GBP:USD rate of 1.31 for H2, the ranges adjust to £473 to £493 million of revenues and adjusted EBIT of £86 to £91 million for FY 2024 (adjusting for the completion of the sale of Vector on 1 July).
- The Board expects the Group to be towards the bottom of the range given current trading, in particular at GP Strategies.
- The Board is focused on continuing to drive efficiencies whilst actively managing the portfolio to support a return to organic growth once market conditions improve.
Jonathan Satchell, Chief Executive Officer of Learning Technologies Group, said: "LTG has delivered a resilient performance, with growth in adjusted EBIT of 5% on a like for like basis, and strong cash performance in a macroeconomic backdrop which remains challenging. Whilst the lack of revenue growth is disappointing, the structural drivers of the learning and talent development market remain intact and support our belief that LTG will return to growth when market conditions improve."
Financial summary: Continuing £m unless otherwise stated
| H1 2024 | H1 2023 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 250.3 | 284.6 | (12)% |
| Revenue like-for-like⁴ | 250.3 | 268.2 | (7)% |
| Organic constant currency | (3.8)% | 0.1% | |
| Software & Platforms constant currency | (5.9)% | (4.7)% | |
| Content & Services organic constant currency | (2.9)% | 1.8% | |
| SaaS & long-term contracts | 76% | 72% | |
| Adjusted EBIT | 43.3 | 43.1 | 0.5% |
| Adjusted EBIT margin | 17.3% | 15.1% | +220bps |
| Adjusted EBIT like-for-like² | 43.3 | 41.1 | +5% |
| Adjusted EBIT margin like-for-like² | 17.3% | 15.3% | +200bps |
| Statutory operating profit | 38.3 | 23.2 | +65% |
| Statutory PBT | 34.0 | 16.5 | 106% |
| Adj. Diluted EPS (pence) | 3.496 | 3.293 | 6% |
| Basic EPS (pence) - continuing & discontinued | 3.363 | 1.376 | 144% |
| Net Debt / (Cash) | 57.5 | 108.4 | (47)% |
| Dividend (pence) | 0.45 | 0.45 | 0% |
NOTES
- Proportion of total revenues that are SaaS or long-term contracts increased to 76% although there was a slight decline in revenue in absolute terms to £191.4 million.
- Excluding TTI Global Staffing contracts and Lorien Engineering disposed of in 2023 & 2 Jan 2024 respectively, at 1.23 average H1 2023 USD/GBP FX.
- Adjusted operating cash flow as a percentage of adjusted EBIT. Adjusted operating cashflow is cashflow in the period after accounting for operating activities and capital expenditure.
- Excluding TTI Global Staffing contracts and Lorien Engineering disposed of in 2023 & 2 Jan 2024 respectively, and reclassification of pass-through revenue, at 1.23 average H1 2023 USD/GBP FX.
Analyst and investor presentation:
LTG will host an analyst and investor webcast at 09:30 today, 17 September 2024. The registration link can be found below:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7598785774527469662
Enquiries:
Learning Technologies Group plc
Jonathan Satchell, Chief Executive
Kath Kearney-Croft, Chief Financial Officer
+44 (0)20 7832 3440
Deutsche Numis (NOMAD and Corporate Broker)
Nick Westlake, Ben Stoop, Tejas Padalkar
+44 (0)20 7260 1000
Goldman Sachs International (Joint Corporate Broker)
Bertie Whitehead, Adam Laikin
+44 (0)20 7774 1000
FTI Consulting (Public Relations Adviser)
Jamie Ricketts, Emma Hall, Lucy Highland, Jemima Gurney
+44 (0)20 3727 1000
About LTG
Learning Technologies Group plc (LTG) is a leader in the growing workplace digital learning and talent management market. The Group offers end-to-end learning and talent solutions ranging from strategic consultancy, through a range of content and software platform solutions to analytical insights that enable corporate and government clients to close the gap between current and future workforce capability. LTG is listed on the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market (LTG.L) and headquartered in London. The Group has offices in Europe, North America, South America and Asia-Pacific.
Chief Executive Review
Introduction
Learning Technologies Group plc is a global market leader in learning and talent technologies and services. Our purpose is helping organisations to transform through their people. Our portfolio is diversified including businesses that provide services, content, software and platforms to the learning and talent development market. Our clients include large, medium and small corporates as well as educational institutions, with a concentration in North America where we derive the majority of our revenue. We believe our people, scale, diversification and holistic offering are differentiating features within an industry that is both large and fragmented.
Our strategy has three core pillars including (i) grow and strengthen our existing businesses, (ii) operate more efficiently and (iii) actively manage our portfolio. Our industry has experienced softness in growth over the last two years driven by inflation resulting in lower budgets, declining global growth and the emergence of AI causing corporations to revisit historical ways of working. However, the structural drivers of the industry remain strong as there is significant ongoing business transformation requiring training, and companies are focused on aligning skills with organisational objectives through training and technology. AI is evolving at a rapid pace, creating growing needs for training, and employee trends are towards moving jobs more frequently creating a demand for onboarding and upskilling.
Despite the revenue softness, LTG continues to deliver profit growth and healthy cash flow. We continue to concentrate on simplifying our portfolio, thus sharpening our focus on learning and talent development. As part of our strategy we recently closed the divestiture of Vector for a cash consideration of $50 million on a cash and debt free basis (net proceeds c.$35m after tax and costs) which alongside a voluntary debt repayment resulted in an approximately neutral net debt position as at 30 August 2024. Notwithstanding the current challenges, we believe that LTG will return to growth driven by a combination of heightened focus on execution to take advantage of long-term structural drivers, portfolio management, acquisitions and an improvement in market conditions.
H1 2024 Performance Highlights
Revenues for the six months to June 2024 declined by 3.8% on a constant currency organic basis. The decline in revenue was driven by continued lower transactional and project revenues in our Content & Services division, PeopleFluent declines within Software and Platforms and a subdued macro backdrop impacting overall spending on learning and talent development activities.# Group Interim Report
Group adjusted EBIT for the first half grew by 5% year over year and group adjusted margin in the first half of the year was 17.3% versus 15.3% in H1 2023 (all on a like-for-like basis). The margin progression was driven primarily by continued execution of GP Strategies' commercial transformation and efficiencies across the group. LTG is a highly cash generative business and is also delivering incremental proceeds through disposals. Net debt as at 30 August 2024 was £1 million, following the disposal of Vector and a voluntary additional debt repayment of $25 million. Net debt as at 30 June 2024, was £57.5 million (FY 2023: £78.6 million) before accounting for the Vector proceeds. Our long-term services and SaaS contracts accounted for 76% of revenues in H1 2024 and provide a strong base and durability in earnings.
Operational Review
The Content and Services division includes GP Strategies, Affirmity and PRELOADED and comprised 73% of revenue and 60% of Adjusted EBIT in H1 2024. The Software and Platforms division reflects the results of our software companies including Rustici, Bridge, Breezy, OpenLMS, and PeopleFluent. The Software and Platforms divisions comprised 27% of revenue and 40% of Adjusted EBIT in H1 2024.
Content & Services Revenue decreased by 2.9% on an organic constant currency basis. GP Strategies experienced strong growth in Leadership & Advisory and in Latin America which was offset by softness in Managed Learning Services, Learning Experience and Government divisions driven by lower activity from our existing client base and a softer pipeline. Their strategic focus remains on driving more cross-selling within divisions, gaining market share in emerging markets and sectors requiring business transformation, and AI enabling the entire business to be more productive for customers. With regard to AI initiatives, client uptake of GP Strategies new ContentAIQ platform has exceeded expectations and their leading Human + AI training program remains one of the pre-eminent programs for leadership across the Fortune 500 client base. Third parties continue to recognise GP Strategies' leading expertise and capabilities, with the firm winning 30 Brandon Hall HCM Excellence Awards in the last 12 months. PRELOADED experienced lower activity in the first half including a delay in a large contract, however clients are starting to become more active. Affirmity delivered healthy revenue growth during the period driven by continued new client wins and upselling.
Software and Platforms Revenue decreased by 5.9% on an organic constant currency basis. Individual business performances were as follows:
- Rustici: Continued strong performance in H1 2024 with a number of new AI enabled products coming to market including Rustici Generator (AI driven content processing service).
- Bridge: Incurred higher than expected renewals churn in H1 driven by temporary factors including restructuring of sales teams and spend scrutiny. The new Bridge 'Learn and Develop' solution which brings Skills-focused, AI enabled technology derived from the Patheer acquisition, is landing very well with existing customers and new prospects.
- Breezy: The macro impact of small medium business (SMB) hiring weakness continues to impact the business in 2024.
- OLMS: There were lower than expected new customer bookings in H1 however underlying ARR grew in Q2. The new leadership team has conducted a thorough review resulting in a full understanding of the challenges and is initiating many positive strategic changes.
- PeopleFluent: Renewals churn was higher than expectations. They are launching a new product enhancement on Skills and AI called Stories which will address key perceived deficiencies in the Learning Product and we expect this to have a positive effect on retention.
Corporate Governance
As previously announced, Simon Boddie was appointed as Senior Independent Director with effect from 8 July 2024. I thank him for his continued support to me and the executive team.
GP Strategies Regulatory Update
As a US company that performs work for the US Government, GP Strategies requires certain approvals and is subject to restrictions intended to protect classified information. In July 2024, LTG was notified by GP Strategies of the invalidation ("temporary suspension") of the eligibility for GP to work on new classified contracts. The GP executive team continues to be in constant dialogue with the DCSA (Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency) and is making good progress on resolving the issues pertaining to certain approvals, with full resolution our key objective. A new subsidiary, solely focused on all forms of federal US Government contracts, is in the process of being established. It is expected to become operational in H1 2025 and has applied to be eligible to work on new classified contracts. GP Strategies continues to work on existing classified contracts, however one customer has paused their contract which has a revenue impact of c.$200k in 2024. No other contracts are due for renewal imminently, and the value of the contracts is not material in the context of total Group revenue and profit.
Dividend
On the 28th of June 2024, the Company paid a final dividend of 1.21 per share, giving a total dividend for 2023 of 1.66 pence per share, up 3.8% over 2022. The Board is pleased to declare an interim dividend of 0.45 pence per share (H1 2023: 0.45 pence per share). This dividend will be paid by 28 October 2024 to all shareholders on the register as at 4 October 2024.
Current Trading and Outlook
The Group previously expected revenue to be in the range of £480 to £500 million and adjusted EBIT to be in the range of £88 to £93 million for FY 2024 (adjusting for the completion of the sale of Vector on 1 July). This range was based on an average GBP:USD rate of 1.26 for H2 2024. Based on an average GBP:USD rate of 1.31 for H2, the ranges adjust to £473 to £493 million of revenue and adjusted EBIT of £86 to £91 million for FY 2024 (adjusting for the completion of the sale of Vector on 1 July). The Board expects the Group to be towards the bottom of the range given current trading, in particular at GP Strategies. The Board is focused on continuing to drive efficiencies whilst actively managing the portfolio to support a return to organic growth once market conditions improve.
Jonathan Satchell
Chief Executive
17 September 2024
Chief Financial Officer's Review
In the six months ended 30 June 2024, in a challenging macroeconomic climate with a weaker US dollar, revenues for continuing operations were £250.3 million, reflecting a 3.8% organic constant currency decline. On a reported basis, revenue from continuing operations decreased 12% from £284.6 million. The Group has experienced resilience in SaaS and long-term contracts versus project-related and transactional revenue with the proportion of this category reflecting 76% of Group revenue from 72% in H1 2023.
Revenue in Content & Services decreased 5.9% to £183.7 million on a like-for-like basis¹ and 13% on a reported basis (H1 2023: £211.5 million), with the division now accounting for 73% of Group revenue (H1 2023: 74%). Organic constant currency revenue declined by 2.9% (H1 2023: 1.8% growth), originating in GP Strategies and PRELOADED, which was partially offset by growth in Affirmity. Long-term contracts accounted for 70% of the division's revenue, an increase from 65% in H1 2023. GP Strategies H1 performance reflects continued softness in transactional and project-related work, alongside a lower number of learners in some Managed Learning Service contracts, partially offset by strong growth in LATAM and Leadership divisions. GP Strategies also continued to benefit from the commercial transformation strategy with year on year margin improvements. PRELOADED revenue experienced slower than expected sales conversion, and Affirmity revenue benefitted from growth predominately in long-term contacts.
Revenue in Software & Platforms decreased 9% to £66.6 million (H1 2023: £73.1 million) with the division representing 27% of Group revenue (H1 2023: 26%). On a constant currency basis Software & Platforms declined 5.9% (H1 2023: 4.7% decline) driven by the structural decline in PeopleFluent, lower revenue in OpenLMS due to fewer large services deals with partners and business migrations, the continued reduction in Reflektive revenue driven by primarily technology sector customer churn, and some slightly higher churn and lagging renewals within Bridge. In Breezy, we continue to see stability in SaaS revenues, but challenges remain in transactional revenues. These challenges were partially offset by continued strong growth in Rustici due to higher utilisation of its products.
Adjusted EBIT on a like-for-like basis increased 5% to £43.3 million from £41.1 million with a resulting adjusted EBIT margin of 17.3% up from 15.3% in H1 2023 driven primarily by cost control and continued focus on the successful commercial transformation programme within GP Strategies, offset by lower revenue as outlined above. Reported adjusted EBIT for continuing operations was broadly in line with prior year of £43.1 million. Adjusted EBIT margin for continuing operations in the Content & Services division at 14.2% (H1 2023: 11.7%) was driven by the benefits of GP's commercialisation strategy supplemented by the release of prior year share-based payment costs resulting from leavers and prior year performance criteria not being met. Software & Platforms adjusted EBIT margin increased from 25.1% in H1 2023 to 25.8% due to cost reduction and lower share-based payment costs.
The Group reported a 65% increase in statutory operating profit of £38.3 million (H1 2023: £23.2 million) which is stated after amortisation of acquired intangibles, various transaction costs and earn-out charges, profit or loss on disposal of fixed and non-core assets, cloud computing and integration costs.# Amortisation and Other Items
Amortisation of acquired intangibles decreased to ��15.9 million (H1 2023: ��16.6 million). Acquisition earn-out charges decreased to ��0.2 million (H1 2023: ��1.1 million). Contingent consideration arrangements are in place for eCreators & PDT and are dependent on challenging incremental revenue growth targets. Net profit on disposal of fixed assets was ��0.1 million (H1 2023 loss: ��0.9 million). Profit on disposal of non-core asset was ��12.3 million (H1 2023: nil), relating to the sale of the Lorien business on 2 January 2024. Cloud computing costs were ��0.2 million (H1 2023: ��0.1 million). Costs of integration decreased to ��0.4 million (H1 2023: ��1.2 million) related to the final stages of the integration of GP Strategies including legal costs related to the US regulatory issue. Disposal costs for H1 were ��0.8 million (H1 2023: ��0.1 million) related to the disposal of Vector completed 1 July and active portfolio management. For further details of the items excluded from statutory operating profit see note 6.
Net finance expenses of ��4.3 million (H1 2023: ��6.7 million) include interest on borrowings of ��5.7 million (H1 2023: ��7.0 million), ��0.2 million (H1 2023: ��0.3 million) relating to the Group's leases under IFRS 16, and ��1.6 million interest receivable (H1 2023: ��0.5 million). The Group reported a profit before tax of ��34.0 million for the six months ended 30 June 2024 (H1 2023: ��16.5 million). The tax charge of ��7.4 million (H1 2023: ��4.5 million) is primarily driven by applying UK and international tax rates to associated results after adjustments for non-taxable disposals, as well as the derecognition of deferred tax assets related to prior year losses in Puerto Rico due to declining operations in this territory (note 4).
Basic earnings per share for continuing and discontinued operations in H1 2024 was 3.363 pence (H1 2023: 1.376 pence). Adjusted diluted earnings per share for continuing operations as set out in Note 9 was 6% up on the prior year at 3.496 pence (H1 2023: 3.293 pence) reflecting slightly higher adjusted operating profit, lower net interest costs and slightly higher number of shares including the potential dilutive impact of share options.
Gross cash of ��78.5 million and net debt of ��57.5 million excluding ��8.8 million of lease liabilities, at 30 June 2024 compares with gross cash of ��72.5 million and net debt of ��78.6 million, excluding ��11.3 million of lease liabilities, at 31 December 2023. The covenant net debt / adjusted EBITDA ratio was 0.5x in June 2024 (0.7x in December 2023). A further voluntary repayment of $25.0 million (��19.5 million) was paid on 10 July using part of the Vector sale proceeds (note 17).
Cash generated from operations was strong at ��37.7 million (H1 2023: ��32.6 million) as we continue to manage working capital and reduce property leases, and net cash flow from operating activities was ��27.1 million (H1 2023: ��26.7 million). Free cash flow3 was ��29.9 million (H1 2023: ��5.6 million) as set out below.
Cash Flow Analysis
| ��m | H1 2024 | H1 2023 | Variance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory operating profit | 38.2 | 23.2 | 15.0 |
| Adjusting items | 5.1 | 19.9 | (14.8) |
| Adjusted EBIT | 43.3 | 43.1 | 0.2 |
| Depreciation & Amortisation | 6.9 | 7.1 | (0.2) |
| Share-based payment charges | 0.9 | 3.1 | (2.2) |
| Dec / (Inc) in working capital2 | (12.1) | (13.3) | 1.2 |
| Capital expenditure | (6.3) | (7.2) | 0.9 |
| Lease liabilities | (2.3) | (3.2) | 0.9 |
| Other | (0.1) | (1.6) | 1.5 |
| Adjusted operating cash flow3 | 30.3 | 28.0 | 2.3 |
| Cash Conversion3 | 70% | 65% | 5% pts |
| Interest paid | (6.5) | (11.1) | 4.6 |
| Interest received | 1.6 | 0.5 | 1.1 |
| Tax paid | (10.6) | (5.9) | (4.7) |
| Integration & disposal costs | (1.1) | (1.2) | 0.1 |
| Earnout & contingent consideration | (0.1) | (4.7) | 4.6 |
| Proceeds from asset sale | 16.3 | - | 16.3 |
| Free cash flow3 | 29.9 | 5.6 | 24.3 |
1 Excluding Lorien and TTI contracts disposed of in 2023, and reclassification of pass-through revenue, at 1.23 average H1 2023 USD/GBP FX.
2 Excludes integration & transaction costs
3 Alternative Performance Measure (APM) term defined and explained in the Glossary
Adjusted operating cash flow was ��2.3 million higher than H1 2023 primarily reflecting lower working capital, capital expenditure and lease payments, offset by lower share-based payment charges. Cash conversion was 70%, an improvement from 65% in H1 2023. Net interest payments decreased to ��4.9 million from ��10.6 million, following ��4.5m paid in H1 2023 related to interest costs from 2022 payable in January 2023 as the loan was rolled for 6 months to mitigate interest rate rises in H2 2022. Tax payments increased to ��10.6 million (H1 2023: ��5.9 million) including a ��3.6 million 2023 catch-up. Integration costs relate to the GP Strategies acquisition as we enter into the final stages of this process. ��0.1m earnout payment relates to Learning Media Services in H1 2024 (H1 2023: Breezy and eCreators). Proceeds from asset sale were ��16.3 million in H1 2024 (H1 2023: ��nil), from the disposal of Lorien Engineering Solutions.
Net assets increased to ��443.7 million at 30 June 2024 (31 December 2023: ��427.2 million) and total equity per share3 increased from 54.0 pence per share to 56.1 pence per share.
On 1 July 2024, Learning Technologies Group plc successfully completed on the sale of Vector to PIXID Group for a cash consideration of $50 million on a cash and debt free basis (note 22). Vector is a leading vendor management platform for contingent labour with operations predominantly in North America and also in the UK. By way of background, Vector was acquired as part of the $150 million PeopleFluent acquisition in 2018. For the full year ended 31 December 2023, Vector generated revenue and Adjusted EBIT of $11.4m and $7.1 million respectively. The sale of Vector is part of LTG's announced strategy to actively manage the portfolio, sharpening our focus on learning and talent development. The sale of Vector follows the completed disposals of TTi Global staffing contracts in 2023 and Lorien Engineering Solutions in January 2024.
Kath Kearney-Croft
CFO
17 September 2024
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
| Six months to 30 June 2024 | Six months to 30 June 2023 | Year to 31 Dec 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | ��'000 | ��'000 | ��'000 |
| Revenue | 3 | 250,328 | 284,582 |
| Operating expenses | (211,164) | (258,320) | |
| Share-based payment charge | (906) | (3,081) | |
| Profit on sale of joint venture | - | - | |
| Operating profit | 38,258 | 23,181 | |
| Adjusted EBIT | 43,347 | 43,115 | |
| Adjusting items included in Operating profit | 6 | (5,089) | (19,934) |
| Operating profit | 38,258 | 23,181 | |
| Finance expenses | 7 | (5,927) | (7,243) |
| Finance income | 7 | 1,644 | 539 |
| Profit before taxation from continuing operations | 33,975 | 16,477 | |
| Income tax charge | 4 | (7,366) | (4,472) |
| Profit after taxation from continuing operations | 26,609 | 12,005 | |
| Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax | 5 | - | (1,125) |
| Profit for the period/year | 26,609 | 10,880 | |
| Profit for the period/year attributable to the owners of the parent | 26,609 | 10,880 | |
| Other comprehensive income: | |||
| Exchange differences on translating foreign operations | (1,489) | (11,920) | |
| Total comprehensive profit / (loss) for the period/year | 25,120 | (1,040) | |
| Earnings per share from continuing operations | |||
| Basic (pence) | 9 | 3.363 | 1.518 |
| Diluted (pence) | 9 | 3.260 | 1.476 |
| Adjusted earnings per share | |||
| Basic (pence) | 9 | 3.607 | 3.387 |
| Diluted (pence) | 9 | 3.496 | 3.293 |
| Earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations | |||
| Basic (pence) | 9 | 3.363 | 1.376 |
| Diluted (pence) | 9 | 3.260 | 1.338 |
| Adjusted earnings per share | |||
| Basic (pence) | 9 | 3.607 | 3.253 |
| Diluted (pence) | 9 | 3.496 | 3.163 |
Consolidated statement of financial position
| Note | 30 June 2024 ��'000 | 30 June 2023 (restated) ��'000 | 31 Dec 2023 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NON-CURRENT ASSETS | ||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 11 | 2,013 | 2,433 | 2,217 |
| Right-of-use assets | 11 | 5,414 | 10,449 | 6,812 |
| Intangible assets | 10 | 461,098 | 512,059 | 493,016 |
| Deferred tax assets | 15 | 8,116 | 7,335 | 6,147 |
| Other receivables, deposits and prepayments | 1,601 | 2,145 | 2,093 | |
| 478,242 | 534,421 | 510,285 | ||
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||
| Trade receivables | 12 | 92,751 | 105,768 | 107,962 |
| Other receivables, deposits and prepayments | 13 | 15,092 | 14,620 | 14,374 |
| Amounts recoverable on contracts | 30,746 | 39,349 | 25,757 | |
| Inventory | 1,313 | 2,403 | 1,260 | |
| Corporation tax | 2,863 | - | 5,155 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 14 | 78,503 | 78,132 | 72,522 |
| Restricted cash balances | 14 | 2,672 | 2,303 | 2,389 |
| 223,940 | 242,575 | 229,419 | ||
| Assets in disposal groups classified as held for sale | 19 | 22,259 | 6,695 | 8,007 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 724,441 | 783,691 | 747,711 | |
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||
| Lease liabilities | 2,686 | 4,162 | 4,423 | |
| Trade and other payables | 16 | 120,317 | 141,582 | 133,950 |
| Borrowings | 17 | 30,115 | 31,220 | 30,091 |
| Provisions | 18 | 1,038 | 1,621 | 2,026 |
| Corporation tax | 7,856 | 5,468 | 8,237 | |
| ESPP scheme liability | 991 | 881 | 995 | |
| 163,003 | 184,934 | 179,722 | ||
| NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||
| Lease liabilities | 6,152 | 8,486 | 6,913 | |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 15 | 4,647 | 8,436 | 5,744 |
| Other long-term liabilities | 80 | 1,466 | 405 | |
| Borrowings | 17 | 105,912 | 155,289 | 120,984 |
| Corporation tax payable | - | 763 | 756 | |
| Provisions | 18 | 491 | 534 | 621 |
| 117,282 | 174,974 | 135,423 | ||
| Liabilities directly associated with assets in disposal groups classified as held for sale | 19 | 413 | 4,137 | 5,335 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 280,698 | 364,045 | 320,480 | |
| NET ASSETS | 443,743 | 419,646 | 427,231 | |
| EQUITY | ||||
| Share capital | 2,967 | 2,967 | 2,967 | |
| Share premium account | 318,698 | 318,698 | 318,698 | |
| Merger relief reserve | 31,983 | 31,983 | 31,983 | |
| Reverse acquisition reserve | (22,933) | (22,933) | (22,933) | |
| Share based payment reserve | 19,777 | 17,674 | 18,974 | |
| Foreign exchange translation reserve | 4,071 | 13,809 | 5,560 | |
| Accumulated retained earnings | 89,180 | 57,448 | 71,982 | |
| TOTAL EQUITY | 443,743 | 419,646 | 427,231 |
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
| Share capital ��'000 | Share Premium ��'000 | Merger relief reserve ��'000 | Reverse acquisition reserve ��'000 | Share based payments reserve ��'000 | Foreign exchange reserve ��'000 | Retained earnings ��'000 | Total equity ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1 January 2023 | 2,962 | 318,183 | 31,983 | (22,933) | 14,714 | 25,729 | 55,662 | 426,300 |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Profit for period | - | - | - | - | - | - | 10,880 | 10,880 |
| Exchange | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Note
| Six months to 30 June 2024 ��'000 | Six months to 30 June 2023 ��'000 | Year to 31 Dec 2023 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities | |||
| Profit before taxation | 33,975 | 16,477 | 45,607 |
| Loss before taxation from discontinued operations | 5 | (1,452) | (3,488) |
| Adjustments for:- | |||
| Loss on disposal of PPE and right-of-use assets | (55) | 893 | 2,163 |
| Gain on sale of non-core business | 20 | (12,279) | - |
| Share based payment charge | 906 | 3,081 | 4,381 |
| Amortisation of intangible assets | 20,685 | 20,880 | 41,551 |
| Depreciation of plant and equipment | 11 | 628 | 745 |
| Depreciation of right-of-use assets | 11 | 1,458 | 2,128 |
| Finance expense | 7 | 188 | 257 |
| Interest on borrowings | 7 | 5,739 | 6,986 |
| Acquisition-related contingent consideration and earn-outs | 6 | 239 | 1,088 |
| Payment of acquisition-related contingent consideration and earn-outs | - | (4,726) | (4,636) |
| Profit on sale of joint venture | - | - | (425) |
| Interest income | 7 | (1,644) | (539) |
| Other non-cash items | - | - | 2,000 |
| Operating cash flow before working capital changes | 49,840 | 45,818 | 105,710 |
| Decrease in trade and other receivables | 14,159 | 24,189 | 21,692 |
| (Increase)/decrease in inventory | (53) | (70) | 1,052 |
| (Increase)/decrease in amount recoverable on contracts | (3,903) | (6,187) | 8,269 |
| Decrease in payables | (22,330) | (31,190) | (40,581) |
| Cash generated from operations | 37,713 | 32,560 | 96,142 |
| Income tax paid | (10,572) | (5,904) | (16,649) |
| Net cash flow from operating activities | 27,141 | 26,656 | 79,493 |
| Cash flow used in investing activities | |||
| Purchase of property, plant and equipment | (589) | (490) | (1,192) |
| Development of intangible assets | (5,671) | (6,707) | (12,883) |
| Sale of Investment in associates or joint ventures | 16,290 | - | 425 |
| Net cash flow used in investing activities | 10,030 | (7,197) | (13,650) |
| Cash flow (used in)/from financing activities | |||
| Dividends paid | 8 | (9,569) | - |
| Repayment of bank loans | (15,259) | (15,409) | (51,315) |
| Interest paid | (6,544) | (11,147) | (16,714) |
| Interest received | 1,644 | 539 | 1,032 |
| Issue of ordinary share capital net of share issue costs | - | 521 | 520 |
| Contingent consideration payments in the period | (83) | - | - |
| Interest paid on lease liabilities | (209) | (261) | (546) |
| Cash payments for the principal portion of lease liabilities | (2,088) | (2,977) | (5,192) |
| Net cash flow (used in)/from financing activities | (32,108) | (28,734) | (84,867) |
| Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 5,063 | (9,275) | (19,024) |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period/year | 72,522 | 94,847 | 94,847 |
| Effects of foreign exchange rate changes | 918 | (7,440) | (3,301) |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period/year | 14 | 78,503 | 78,132 |
Notes to the consolidated financial statements for the six months to 30 June 2024
1. General information
Learning Technologies Group plc ("the Company'') and its subsidiaries (together, "the Group'') provide a range of learning and talent software and services to corporate customers. The principal activity of the Company is that of a holding company for the Group, as well as performing all administrative, corporate finance, strategic and governance functions of the Group. The Company is a public limited company, which is listed on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange and domiciled in England and incorporated and registered in England and Wales. The address of its registered office is 3 New Street Square, London, England, EC4A 3B F. The registered number of the Company is 07176993.
2. Basis of preparation
The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial information has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting. They do not include all disclosures that would otherwise be required in a complete set of financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the 2023 annual report. The interim results for the six months to 30 June 2024 are unaudited and do not therefore constitute statutory accounts in accordance with Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies and the auditor's report was unqualified, did not contain any statement under Section 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006 and did not contain any matters to which the auditors drew attention without qualifying their report. The accounting policies used in preparing the interim results are the same as those applied to the latest audited annual financial statements.
Going concern
The Group meets its day-to-day working capital requirements from the positive cash flows generated by its trading activities and its available cash resources. These may be supplemented, if required, by additional drawings under the Group's committed $50.0 million revolving credit facility (RCF) which is available until October 2025; refer to note 17 for further details. The Group continues to hold a strong liquidity position as at 30 June 2024, with gross cash and cash equivalents of ��78.5 million exclusive of cash classified as held for sale (note 14 ). Net debt of ��57.5 million includes a fully drawn $265.0 million term loan which is repayable in quarterly instalments of $9.6 million commencing in December 2022 (note 17 ) (31 December 2023: gross cash was ��72.5 million and net debt was ��78.6 million). Whilst there are a number of risks to the Group's trading performance, as summarised in the 'Principal risks and uncertainties' section on pages 25-26 within the 2023 Annual Report, the Group is confident of its ability to continue to access sources of funding in the medium term. The Directors report that they have re-assessed the principal risks, reviewed current performance and forecasts, combined with expenditure commitments, including capital expenditure, and borrowing facilities. The Group's forecasts demonstrate it will generate profits and cash in the year ending 31 December 2024 and beyond and that the Group has sufficient cash reserves to enable it to meet its obligations as they fall due, as well as operate within its banking covenants, for a period of at least 12 months from the date of signing of these financial statements.
Going concern (continued)
The Directors have concluded that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the interim financial information, having undertaken a review of a reforecast for 2024 and the impact this forecast has on the Group's gross cash, net debt and ability to meet bank covenants under the existing facilities agreement.
Alternative performance measures
The Group has identified certain alternative performance measures ("APMs") that it believes will assist the understanding of the performance of the business. The Group believes that Adjusted EBIT, adjusting items, SaaS and long-term contracts, transactional revenue, total equity per share and net cash / debt provide useful information to users of the financial statements. The terms are not defined terms under IFRS and may therefore not be comparable with similarly titled measures reported by other companies. They are not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measures.
Adjusting items
The Group has chosen to present an adjusted measure of profit and earnings per share, which excludes certain items which are separately disclosed due to their size, nature or incidence, and are not considered to be part of the normal operating costs of the Group. These costs may include the financial effect of adjusting items such as, inter alia, restructuring costs, impairment charges, amortisation of acquired intangibles, costs relating to business combinations, one-off foreign exchange gains or losses, integration costs, acquisition-related share-based payment charges, contingent consideration and earn-outs, cloud computing configuration and customisation costs, joint venture profits, profit on sale of a joint venture and fixed asset and right-of-use asset disposal gains or losses.
3. Segment analysis
Geographical information
The Group's revenue from external customers and non-current assets by geographical location are detailed below.
| Six months to 30 June 2024 ��'000 | Six months to 30 June 2023 ��'000 | Year to 31 Dec 2023 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity | |||
| Share capital | 2,967 | 2,967 | 2,967 |
| Share premium | 318,698 | 318,698 | 318,698 |
| Merger reserve | 31,983 | 31,983 | 31,983 |
| Retained earnings | (22,933) | (22,933) | (22,933) |
| Other reserves | |||
| Foreign exchange reserve | 17,674 | 10,880 | 5,560 |
| Equity benefits reserve | 13,809 | (1,040) | 4,071 |
| Total equity | 419,646 | 390,555 | 430,204 |
| Total comprehensive income for the period | |||
| Profit for period | - | 18,574 | 26,609 |
| Exchange differences on translating foreign operations | - | (8,249) | (1,489) |
| Total comprehensive income for the period | - | 10,325 | 25,120 |
| Transactions with owners | |||
| Issue of shares net of share issue costs | 5 | 515 | - |
| Share based payment charge / credited to equity | - | - | 3,081 |
| Distributions in respect of cancelled share options | - | - | (121) |
| Tax credit on share options | - | - | - |
| Transfer on exercise and lapse of options | - | - | - |
| Dividends paid | - | - | (9,094) |
| Transactions with owners | 5 | 515 | 2,960 |
| Balance at 30 June 2023 | 2,967 | 318,698 | 31,983 |
| Profit for period | - | - | - |
| Exchange differences on translating foreign operations | - | - | - |
| Total comprehensive income for the period | - | - | - |
| Issue of shares net of share issue costs | - | - | - |
| Reserves transfer | - | - | - |
| Share based payment charge / credited to equity | - | - | - |
| Tax credit on share options | - | - | - |
| Transfer on exercise and lapse of options | - | - | - |
| Exercise of share options through trust | 38 | - | - |
| Dividends paid | - | - | - |
| Transactions with owners | - | - | 1,300 |
| Balance at 31 December 2023 | 2,967 | 318,698 | 31,983 |
| Profit for period | - | - | - |
| Exchange differences on translating foreign operations | - | - | - |
| Total comprehensive (expense) / income for the period | - | - | - |
| Share based payment charge / credited to equity | - | - | - |
| Distributions in respect of cancelled share options | - | - | - |
| Tax credit on share options | - | - | - |
| Dividends paid | - | - | - |
| Transactions with owners | - | - | - |
| Balance at 30 June 2024 | 2,967 | 318,698 | 31,983 |
| ## ��'000 ��'000 ��'000 ��'000 ��'000 ��'000 |
Six months to 30 June 2024
| UK ��'000 | Europe ��'000 | North America ��'000 | Asia Pacific ��'000 | Rest of world ��'000 | Total ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue from continuing operations | 24,074 | 20,351 | 175,900 | 17,498 | 12,505 | 250,328 |
| Revenue from discontinued operations | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Total Revenue | 24,074 | 20,351 | 175,900 | 17,498 | 12,505 | 250,328 |
| Non-current assets | 35,992 | 548 | 417,335 | 15,922 | 329 | 470,126 |
Six months to 30 June 2023
| UK ��'000 | Europe ��'000 | North America ��'000 | Asia Pacific ��'000 | Rest of world ��'000 | Total ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue from continuing operations | 33,023 | 26,916 | 194,875 | 17,637 | 12,131 | 284,582 |
| Revenue from discontinued operations | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Total Revenue | 33,023 | 26,916 | 194,875 | 17,637 | 12,131 | 284,582 |
| Non-current assets (restated) | 29,653 | 900 | 478,812 | 17,270 | 451 | 527,086 |
Year to 31 December 2023
| UK ��'000 | Europe ��'000 | North America ��'000 | Asia Pacific ��'000 | Rest of world ��'000 | Total ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue from continuing operations | 67,826 | 73,804 | 374,279 | 21,064 | 25,332 | 562,305 |
| Revenue from discontinued operations | 34 | - | - | - | - | 34 |
| Total Revenue | 67,860 | 73,804 | 374,279 | 21,064 | 25,332 | 562,339 |
| Non-current assets | 36,132 | 709 | 450,479 | 16,472 | 346 | 504,138 |
The total non-current assets figure is exclusive of deferred tax assets in each of the periods above. The non-current assets for June 2023 have been restated due to a prior period adjustment (note 21).
Information about reported segment revenue, profit or loss from continuing operations and total assets
30 June 2024
| Content & Services ��'000 | Software & Platforms ��'000 | Total Global Services ��'000 | Regional Services ��'000 | Other Technical ��'000 | Total ��'000 | On-premise Software Licences ��'000 | Hosting & SaaS Platforms ��'000 | Professional Services & Other ��'000 | Support & Maintenance ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SaaS and long-term contracts | 58,889 | 67,644 | 1,540 | 128,073 | 17,192 | 43,160 | 1,407 | 1,608 | 63,367 | 191,440 |
| Transactional | 10,468 | 31,017 | 14,124 | 55,609 | 6 | 30 | 3,243 | - | 3,279 | 58,888 |
| Total Revenue | 69,357 | 98,661 | 15,664 | 183,682 | 17,198 | 43,190 | 4,650 | 1,608 | 66,646 | 250,328 |
| Depreciation & amortisation | (1,874) | (4,474) | (6,348) | |||||||
| Adjusted EBIT | 26,146 | 17,201 | 43,347 | |||||||
| Amortisation of acquired intangibles | (7,432) | (8,427) | (15,859) | |||||||
| Acquisition related adjusting items | (261) | (334) | (595) | |||||||
| Other adjusting items | 12,101 | (736) | 11,365 | |||||||
| Finance expenses | (3,160) | (1,123) | (4,283) | |||||||
| Profit before tax | 27,394 | 6,581 | 33,975 | |||||||
| Additions to intangible assets | 534 | 5,137 | 5,671 | |||||||
| Total Assets | 531,569 | 192,872 | 724,441 |
30 June 2023 (restated)
| Content & Services ��'000 | Software & Platforms ��'000 | Total Global Services ��'000 | Regional Services ��'000 | Other Technical ��'000 | Total ��'000 | On-premise Software Licences ��'000 | Hosting & SaaS Platforms ��'000 | Professional Services & Other ��'000 | Support & Maintenance ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SaaS and long-term contracts | 63,853 | 71,275 | 1,507 | 136,635 | 15,191 | 50,249 | 2,246 | 1,958 | 69,644 | 206,279 |
| Transactional | 10,850 | 49,865 | 14,171 | 74,886 | - | 31 | 3,386 | - | 3,417 | 78,303 |
| Total Revenue | 74,703 | 121,140 | 15,678 | 211,521 | 15,191 | 50,280 | 5,632 | 1,958 | 73,061 | 284,582 |
| Depreciation & amortisation | (2,391) | (3,978) | (6,369) | |||||||
| Adjusted EBIT | 24,794 | 18,321 | 43,115 | |||||||
| Amortisation of acquired intangibles | (7,581) | (8,995) | (16,576) | |||||||
| Acquisition related adjusting items | (1,192) | (1,046) | (2,238) | |||||||
| Other adjusting items | (832) | (288) | (1,120) | |||||||
| Finance expenses | (4,983) | (1,721) | (6,704) | |||||||
| Profit before tax | 10,206 | 6,271 | 16,477 | |||||||
| Additions to intangible assets | 4,985 | 1,722 | 6,707 | |||||||
| Total Assets | 582,492 | 201,199 | 783,691 |
31 December 2023
| Content & Services ��'000 | Software & Platforms ��'000 | Total Global Services ��'000 | Regional Services ��'000 | Other Technical ��'000 | Total ��'000 | On-premise Software Licences ��'000 | Hosting & SaaS Platforms ��'000 | Professional Services & Other ��'000 | Support & Maintenance ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SaaS and long-term contracts | 87,220 | 179,783 | 2,825 | 269,828 | 30,684 | 100,212 | 3,925 | 3,429 | 138,250 | 408,078 |
| Transactional | 21,529 | 98,520 | 28,131 | 148,180 | - | 58 | 5,989 | - | 6,047 | 154,227 |
| Total Revenue | 108,749 | 278,303 | 30,956 | 418,008 | 30,684 | 100,270 | 9,914 | 3,429 | 144,297 | 562,305 |
| Depreciation & amortisation | (5,516) | (8,562) | (14,078) | |||||||
| Adjusted EBIT | 56,416 | 42,123 | 98,539 | |||||||
| Amortisation of acquired intangibles | (15,065) | (17,641) | (32,706) | |||||||
| Acquisition related adjusting items | (2,395) | (239) | (2,634) | |||||||
| Other adjusting items | (3,330) | (1,162) | (4,492) | |||||||
| Finance expenses | (9,736) | (3,364) | (13,100) | |||||||
| Profit before tax | 25,890 | 19,717 | 45,607 | |||||||
| Additions to intangible assets | - | 12,883 | 12,883 | |||||||
| Total Assets | 555,836 | 191,875 | 747,711 |
During the year ended 31 December there were changes to the grouping of businesses within the reportable segments, as well as a consolidation of the reporting segments themselves. This was performed following internal reorganisation and is consistent with the format of the internal reporting used by the Chief Operating Decision Maker. The comparative results for the period ended 30 June 2023 have been represented to align under this updated presentation. Adjusted EBIT is the main measure of profit reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker. The total assets figure is inclusive of deferred tax assets in each of the periods above.
Information about major customers
In the six months to 30 June 2024 one customer within the regional services SaaS and long-term contracts under content and services accounted for £25,843,000 of reported revenues (Six months to 30 June 2023: no customer accounted for more than 10 per cent of reported revenues).
4. Taxation
Current and deferred tax for the six months to 30 June 2024 has been calculated by applying the jurisdictional statutory rates on an entity by entity basis, after adjustments for non-taxable intra-group dividend income and non-taxable disposals, to derive the Group's total income tax expense/ (credit). This is allocated to current and deferred tax as outlined below:
| Six months to 30 June 2024 ��'000 | Six months to 30 June 2023 ��'000 | Year to 31 Dec 2023 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current tax: | |||
| Tax on profits for the period/year | 4,692 | - | 5,502 |
| Adjustments in respect of prior periods / years | (80) | 1,449 | (1,029) |
| Foreign current tax on profits for the period / year | 5,713 | 9,034 | 16,441 |
| Total current tax | 10,325 | 10,483 | 20,914 |
| Deferred tax: | |||
| Origination and reversal of temporary differences | (4,028) | (5,836) | (12,158) |
| Adjustments in respect of prior periods / years | 1,147 | (359) | 2,129 |
| Change in deferred tax rate | (78) | (143) | 1,780 |
| Total deferred tax | (2,959) | (6,338) | (8,249) |
| Income tax expense | 7,366 | 4,145 | 12,665 |
Of the total income tax expense, £7,366,000 relates to taxation on continuing operations (six months to June 2023 expense £4,472,000 and year to 31 December 2023 expense £13,015,000).
5. (Loss) / Profit on discontinued operations, net of tax
In the prior periods, the discontinued operations related to the closure of non-core operations with the table below showing the results which qualified as discontinued operations and which are included in the Group Income Statement and Group Statement of Cash Flows respectively. There is no impact of the Income Statement and statement of cash flows in respect of the current period ended 30 June 2024.
| Six months to 30 June 2024 ��'000 | Six months to 30 June 2023 ��'000 | Year to 31 Dec 2023 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | - | - | 34 |
| Operating expenses | - | (1,452) | (3,522) |
| Share based payment charge | - | - | - |
| Operating loss | - | (1,452) | (3,488) |
| Adjusted EBIT | - | (1,389) | (3,425) |
| Adjusting items included in Operating loss | |||
| Loss on disposal of fixed assets | - | (1) | (1) |
| Closure costs | - | (62) | (62) |
| Impairment of assets held for sale | - | - | - |
| Operating loss | - | (1,452) | (3,488) |
| Loss before taxation | - | (1,452) | (3,488) |
| Taxation | - | 327 | 350 |
| Loss after taxation | - | (1,125) | (3,138) |
| Six months to 30 June 2024 ��'000 | Six months to 30 June 2023 ��'000 | Year to 31 Dec 2023 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities | - | (1,452) | (3,488) |
| Share based payment charges | - | - | - |
| Loss/(profit) on disposal of PPE, right-of-use assets and lease liabilities | - | - | 3 |
| Impairment of assets held for sale | - | - | - |
| Other | - | - | 2,000 |
| Decrease/(increase)in trade and other receivables | - | - | - |
| (Decrease/increase in payables | - | - | - |
| Net cash (used in) / from operating activities | - | (1,452) | (1,485) |
| Net cash from investing activities | - | - | (3) |
| Net cash flows from financing activities | - | - | - |
| Net cash inflow / (outflows) from discontinued operations | - | (1,452) | (1,488) |
6. Adjusting items
These items are included in the normal operating costs of the business, but are significant cash and non-cash expenses that are separately disclosed because of their size, nature or incidence. It is the Group's view that excluding them from Operating Profit gives a better representation of the underlying performance of the business in the period. Further details of the adjusting items are included below.
| Six months to 30 June 2024 ��'000 | Six months to 30 June 2023 ��'000 | Year to 31 Dec 2023 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjusting items included in Operating profit: | |||
| Acquisition related costs: | |||
| Amortisation of acquired intangibles | 15,859 | 16,576 | 32,706 |
| Acquisition-related contingent consideration and earn-outs | 239 | 1,088 | 224 |
| Integration costs | 356 | 1,150 | 2,410 |
| Total acquisition related costs | 16,454 | 18,814 | 35,340 |
| Other adjusting items: | |||
| (Profit) / Loss on disposal of fixed assets | (109) | 41 | 124 |
| Loss on disposal of right-of-use assets | 54 | 852 | 2,039 |
| Profit on disposal of non-core asset | (12,279) | - | - |
| Profit on sale of joint venture | - | - | (425) |
| Cloud computing configuration and customization costs | 214 | 122 | 292 |
| Restructuring costs | - | - | 2,537 |
| Costs related to asset held for sale | - | - | 529 |
| Disposal costs | 755 | 105 | - |
| Other income | - | - | (604) |
| Total other adjusting items | (11,365) | 1,120 | 4,492 |
| Total adjusting items | 5,089 | 19,934 | 39,832 |
As outlined above, the material adjustments during the period are made in respect of:
- Amortisation of acquired intangibles - the cost of £15.9 million (2023: £16.6 million) is excluded from the adjusted results of the Group since the costs are non-cash charges arising from investment activities. As such, they are not considered reflective of the core trading performance of the Group.
- Acquisition-related contingent consideration and earn-outs - these costs are excluded from the adjusted results since these costs are also associated with business acquisitions and represent post-combination remuneration, which is not included in the calculation of goodwill and also not considered part of the core trading performance of the Group.- Disposal costs relate to the fees incurred for the sale of Vector in July 2024 (note 22) and a non-core asset during 2023 (see note 20).
- Integration costs - the costs of integrating acquired subsidiaries purchased. These costs associated with completed acquisitions are excluded from the adjusted results on the basis they are directly attributable to investment activities, rather than the core trading activities of the Group. Included within the £0.3 million integration costs are legal and professional fees of £0.1 million, an allocation of internal labour for employees who have worked on integration activities during the year of £0.2 million.
- Other in the year ended 31 December 2023 relates to a carve out of the external staffing business of TTI Global, part of GP Strategies, for a cash consideration of approximately $800k. This is an adjusting item due to its quantum and non-recurring nature.
- Cloud computing configuration and customisation costs reflects the impact of a change in accounting policy following review of IFRIC guidance issued in March 2021 relating to capitalisation of cloud computing software implementation costs. Where there is no underlying intangible asset over which we retain control, the Group recognises configuration and customisation costs as an expense.
7. Finance expenses
| Six months to 30 June 2024 | Six months to 30 June 2023 | Year to 31 Dec 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |
| Interest on borrowings | 5,739 | 6,986 | 13,614 |
| IFRS 16 finance expense | 188 | 257 | 518 |
| Finance expense | 5,927 | 7,243 | 14,132 |
| Interest receivable | (1,644) | (539) | (1,032) |
| Finance income | (1,644) | (539) | (1,032) |
| Net finance expense | 4,283 | 6,704 | 13,100 |
8. Dividends paid
| Six months to 30 June 2024 | Six months to 30 June 2023 | Year to 31 Dec 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |
| Final dividends paid | 9,569 | 9,094 | 9,094 |
| Interim dividend paid | - | - | 3,558 |
| 9,569 | 9,094 | 12,652 |
The declared interim dividend of 0.45 pence per share, amounting to a total dividend payment of £3.6 million, is not included as a liability in these financial statements and will be paid on 28 October 2024 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 4 October 2024.
9. Earnings per share
| Six months to 30 June 2024 | Six months to 30 June 2023 | Year to 31 Dec 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |
| Continuing operations | |||
| Basic earnings per share (pence) | 3.363 | 1.518 | 4.121 |
| Diluted earnings per share (pence) | 3.260 | 1.476 | 3.985 |
| Adjusted basic earnings per share (pence) | 3.607 | 3.387 | 8.069 |
| Adjusted diluted earnings per share (pence) | 3.496 | 3.293 | 7.803 |
| Continuing and discontinued operations | |||
| Basic earnings per share (pence) | 3.363 | 1.376 | 3.724 |
| Diluted earnings per share (pence) | 3.260 | 1.338 | 3.601 |
| Adjusted basic earnings per share (pence) | 3.607 | 3.253 | 7.680 |
| Adjusted diluted earnings per share (pence) | 3.496 | 3.163 | 7.427 |
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit/loss after tax attributable to the equity holders of the Group by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. The Company has share options that are dilutive potential ordinary shares.
In order to give a better understanding of the underlying operating performance of the Group, an adjusted earnings per share has been included. Adjusted earnings per share is stated after adjusting the profit after tax attributable to equity holders of the Group for certain charges as set out in the table below. Adjusted earnings per share is stated after the impact of the adjusting items disclosed in note 6. The adjusted measures are not defined terms under IFRS and may therefore not be comparable with similarly titled measures reported by other companies. They are not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to IFRS measures.
The calculation of earnings per share from continuing operations is based on the following earnings and number of shares.
| Six months to 30 June 2024 | Six months to 30 June 2023 | Year to 31 December 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profit after tax | Weighted average number of shares | Pence per share | |
| £'000 | '000 | £'000 | |
| Profit after tax | Weighted average number of shares | Pence per share | |
| £'000 | '000 | £'000 | |
| Profit after tax | Weighted average number of shares | Pence per share | |
| £'000 | '000 | ||
| Basic earnings per ordinary share | 26,609 | 791,160 | 3.363 |
| 12,005 | 790,677 | 1.518 | |
| 32,592 | 790,920 | 4.121 | |
| Effect of adjustments: | |||
| Total adjusting items (see note 6) | 5,089 | 19,934 | 39,832 |
| Income tax (credit)/expense | 7,366 | 4,472 | 13,015 |
| Effect of adjustments | 12,455 | 1.574 | 24,406 |
| 3.087 | |||
| Adjusted profit before tax | 39,064 | 36,411 | 85,439 |
| Tax impact after adjustments | (10,528) | (1.331) | (9,632) |
| (1.218) | (21,622) | ||
| (2.734) | |||
| Adjusted basic earnings per ordinary share | 28,536 | 791,160 | 3.607 |
| 26,779 | 790,677 | 3.387 | |
| 63,817 | 790,920 | 8.069 | |
| Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares: | |||
| Share options | - | 25,097 | (0.111) |
| - | 22,509 | (0.094) | |
| - | 26,947 | (0.266) | |
| Adjusted diluted earnings per ordinary share | 28,536 | 816,257 | 3.496 |
| 26,779 | 813,186 | 3.293 | |
| 63,817 | 817,867 | 7.803 | |
| Diluted earnings per ordinary share attributable to the owners of the parent | 26,609 | 816,257 | 3.260 |
| 12,005 | 813,186 | 1.476 | |
| 32,592 | 817,867 | 3.985 |
The calculation of earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations is based on the following earnings and number of shares.
| Six months to 30 June 2024 | Six months to 30 June 2023 | Year to 31 December 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profit after tax | Weighted average number of shares | Pence per share | |
| £'000 | '000 | £'000 | |
| Profit after tax | Weighted average number of shares | Pence per share | |
| £'000 | '000 | £'000 | |
| Profit after tax | Weighted average number of shares | Pence per share | |
| £'000 | '000 | ||
| Basic earnings per ordinary share | 26,609 | 791,160 | 3.363 |
| 10,880 | 790,677 | 1.376 | |
| 29,454 | 790,920 | 3.724 | |
| Effect of adjustments: | |||
| Total adjusting items (see note 6) | 5,089 | 19,997 | 39,895 |
| Income tax (credit)/expense | 7,366 | 4,145 | 12,665 |
| Effect of adjustments | 12,455 | 1.574 | 24,142 |
| 3.053 | |||
| Adjusted profit before tax | 39,064 | 35,022 | 82,014 |
| Tax impact after adjustments | (10,528) | (1.331) | (9,305) |
| (1.177) | |||
| (21,272) | |||
| (2.690) | |||
| Adjusted basic earnings per ordinary share | 28,536 | 791,160 | 3.607 |
| 25,717 | 790,677 | 3.253 | |
| 60,742 | 790,920 | 7.680 | |
| Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares: | |||
| Share options | - | 25,097 | (0.111) |
| - | 22,509 | (0.090) | |
| - | 26,947 | (0.253) | |
| Adjusted diluted earnings per ordinary share | 28,536 | 816,257 | 3.496 |
| 25,717 | 813,186 | 3.163 | |
| 60,742 | 817,867 | 7.427 | |
| Diluted earnings per ordinary share attributable to the owners of the parent | 26,609 | 816,257 | 3.260 |
| 10,880 | 813,186 | 1.338 | |
| 29,454 | 817,867 | 3.601 |
10. Intangible assets
| Goodwill | Customer contracts and relationships | Branding | Acquired IP | Internal software develop-ment | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |
| Cost | ||||||
| At 1 January 2023 (restated) | 351,511 | 199,121 | 16,778 | 99,572 | 37,816 | 704,798 |
| Additions | - | - | - | - | 6,707 | 6,707 |
| Foreign exchange differences | (13,381) | (4,354) | (595) | (3,883) | (1,101) | (23,314) |
| At 30 June 2023 (restated) | 338,130 | 194,767 | 16,183 | 95,689 | 43,422 | 688,191 |
| Additions | - | - | - | - | 6,176 | 6,176 |
| Disposal | - | - | - | - | (124) | (124) |
| Foreign exchange differences | (2,638) | (645) | (199) | (723) | (724) | (4,929) |
| At 31 December 2023 | 335,492 | 194,122 | 15,984 | 94,966 | 48,750 | 689,314 |
| Additions | - | - | - | - | 5,671 | 5,671 |
| Reclassification of assets held for sale | (13,181) | (26,601) | - | (1,986) | (2,972) | (44,740) |
| Foreign exchange differences | 2,211 | 1,163 | 78 | 621 | 349 | 4,422 |
| At 30 June 2024 | 324,522 | 168,684 | 16,062 | 93,601 | 51,798 | 654,667 |
| Accumulated amortisation | ||||||
| At 1 January 2023 | - | 93,673 | 5,880 | 37,118 | 22,913 | 159,584 |
| Amortisation charged in period | - | 9,367 | 1,424 | 5,785 | 4,304 | 20,880 |
| Foreign exchange differences | - | (2,080) | (196) | (1,474) | (582) | (4,332) |
| At 30 June 2023 | - | 100,960 | 7,108 | 41,429 | 26,635 | 176,132 |
| Amortisation charged in period | - | 9,369 | 1,398 | 5,363 | 4,541 | 20,671 |
| Disposal | - | - | - | - | (115) | (115) |
| Foreign exchange differences | - | 314 | (93) | (289) | (322) | (390) |
| At 31 December 2023 | - | 110,643 | 8,413 | 46,503 | 30,739 | 196,298 |
| Amortisation charged in period | - | 9,147 | 1,387 | 5,323 | 4,828 | 20,685 |
| Reclassified as assets held for sale | - | (20,505) | - | (1,986) | (1,978) | (24,469) |
| Foreign exchange differences | - | 564 | 11 | 304 | 176 | 1,055 |
| At 30 June 2024 | - | 99,849 | 9,811 | 50,144 | 33,765 | 193,569 |
| Carrying amount | ||||||
| At 30 June 2023 (restated) | 338,130 | 93,807 | 9,075 | 54,260 | 16,787 | 512,059 |
| At 31 December 2023 | 335,492 | 83,479 | 7,571 | 48,463 | 18,011 | 493,016 |
| At 30 June 2024 | 324,522 | 68,835 | 6,251 | 43,457 | 18,033 | 461,098 |
The Goodwill balances have been restated as at 1 January 2023 and 30 June 2023 relating to a prior period adjustment as described in note 21.
11. Property, Plant, equipment and right-of-use assets
| Right of Use Assets | Computer equipment | Fixtures and fittings | Leasehold Improvement | Total | Computer equipment | Property | Motor vehicles | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |
| Cost | |||||||||
| At 1 January 2023 | 5,668 | 374 | 393 | 6,435 | 470 | 21,265 | 77 | 21,812 | |
| Additions | 415 | 12 | 63 | 490 | - | 1,316 | - | 1,316 | |
| Foreign exchange differences | (154) | 262 | (121) | (13) | (2) | (232) | - | (234) | |
| Disposals | (1,706) | (23) | (142) | (1,871) | - | (313) | - | (313) | |
| At 30 June 2023 | 4,223 | 625 | 193 | 5,041 | 468 | 22,036 | 77 | 22,581 | |
| Additions | 696 | - | 6 | 702 | 102 | 1,728 | - | 1,830 | |
| Foreign exchange differences | (160) | (1) | (58) | (219) | 1 | 436 | - | 437 | |
| Disposals | (93) | (4) | 2 | (95) | - | (6,722) | - | (6,722) | |
| At 31 December 2023 | 4,666 | 620 | 143 | 5,429 | 571 | 17,478 | 77 | 18,126 | |
| Additions | 588 | 1 | - | 589 | - | 240 | 91 | 331 | |
| Foreign exchange differences | (36) | 4 | (3) | (35) | - | 106 | - | 106 | |
| Disposals | (336) | (177) | (140) | (653) | - | - | - | - | |
| At 30 June 2024 | 4,882 | 448 | - | 5,330 | 571 | 17,824 | 168 | 18,563 | |
| Accumulated Depreciation | |||||||||
| At 1 January 2023 | 3,136 | 116 | 326 | 3,578 | 327 | 9,633 | 44 | 10,004 | |
| Charge for the period | 559 | 97 | 90 | 746 | 58 | 2,055 | 15 | 2,128 | |
| Disposals | (1,704) | (23) | (105) | (1,832) | - | - | - | - | |
| Foreign exchange difference | (19) | 253 | (118) | 116 | - | - | - | - | |
| At 30 June 2023 | 1,972 | 443 | 193 | 2,608 | 385 | 11,688 | 59 | 12,132 | |
| Charge for the period | 630 | 40 | 77 | 747 | 73 | 1,529 | 11 | 1,613 | |
| Disposals | (7) | (4) | 2 | (9) | - | (2,432) | - | (2,432) | |
| Reclassified as assets held for sale | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Foreign exchange differences | (6) | 1 | (129) | (134) | - | - | - | - | |
| At 31 December 2023 | 2,589 | 480 | 143 | 3,212 | 458 | 10,786 | 70 | 11,314 | |
| Charge for the period | 597 | 31 | - | 628 | 24 | 1,428 | 6 | 1,460 |
| 30 June 2024 ��'000 | 30 June 2023 ��'000 | 31 Dec 2023 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade receivables | 98,147 | 109,890 | 113,080 |
| Allowance for impairment losses | (5,396) | (4,122) | (5,118) |
| 92,751 | 105,768 | 107,962 |
The Group's normal trade credit term is 30-60 days. Other credit terms are assessed and approved on a case-by-case basis. The fair value of trade receivables approximates their carrying amount, as the impact of discounting is not significant. No interest has been charged to date on overdue receivables. In accordance with IFRS 15, the Group has disclosed trade receivable balances net of the associated contract liabilities, as outlined below. These balances will be shown net until the earlier of either the date the payment becomes due and a receivable is recognized or the date that the services are delivered and an associated contract asset is recognized.
| 30 June 2024 ��'000 | 30 June 2023 ��'000 | 31 Dec 2023 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contract liabilities offset within trade receivables above | 5,321 | 3,981 | 13,099 |
13. Other receivables, deposits and prepayments
| 30 June 2024 ��'000 | 30 June 2023 ��'000 | 31 Dec 2023 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sundry receivables | 4,854 | 6,742 | 5,179 |
| Prepayments | 10,238 | 7,878 | 9,195 |
| 15,092 | 14,620 | 14,374 |
Sundry receivables include rent deposits and other sundry receivables.
14. Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term deposits
For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash held by the Group and short-term bank deposits with an original maturity of three months or less:
| 30 June 2024 ��'000 | 30 June 2023 ��'000 | 31 Dec 2023 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | 78,503 | 78,132 | 72,522 |
Restricted cash balances comprise amounts held on behalf of third parties and employees as part of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan ('ESPP'):
| 30 June 2024 ��'000 | 30 June 2023 ��'000 | 31 Dec 2023 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted cash | 2,672 | 2,303 | 2,389 |
15. Deferred tax assets / liabilities
The balances as at 1 January 2023 and 30 June 2023 have been restated as per note 21. The movement in deferred tax assets and liabilities prior to offsetting are shown below:
Deferred Tax Assets
| At 1 January 2023 (restated) ��'000 | Deferred tax charged directly to the income statement ��'000 | Exchange rate differences ��'000 | Changes in tax rate ��'000 | At 30 June 2023 (restated) ��'000 | Deferred tax charged directly to the income statement ��'000 | Deferred tax charged directly to equity ��'000 | Exchange rate differences ��'000 | Changes in tax rate ��'000 | At 31 December 2023 ��'000 | Deferred tax charged directly to the income statement ��'000 | Deferred tax charged directly to equity ��'000 | Exchange rate differences ��'000 | Changes in tax rate ��'000 | At 30 June 2024 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Share options | 3,622 | - | (48) | - | 3,574 | (281) | (520) | 50 | 4 | 2,827 | - | 158 | 6 | - | 2,991 |
| Tax losses | 5,248 | 1,920 | (166) | 124 | 7,126 | (2,146) | - | 15 | (124) | 4,871 | (486) | - | 41 | 83 | 4,509 |
| Short-term timing differences | 12,814 | 1,058 | (507) | 36 | 13,401 | 6,083 | - | 815 | 271 | 20,570 | (757) | - | (27) | (11) | 19,775 |
| Intangibles | 10,857 | 636 | (451) | - | 11,042 | (653) | - | (80) | - | 9,895 | 650 | - | 67 | - | 10,612 |
| Total | 32,541 | 3,614 | (1,172) | 160 | 35,143 | 3,003 | (520) | 800 | (263) | 38,163 | (593) | 158 | 87 | 72 | 37,887 |
Deferred Tax Liabilities
| At 1 January 2023 (restated) ��'000 | Deferred tax charged directly to the income statement ��'000 | Exchange rate differences ��'000 | Changes in tax rate ��'000 | At 30 June 2023 (restated) ��'000 | Deferred tax charged directly to the income statement ��'000 | Exchange rate differences ��'000 | Changes in tax rate ��'000 | At 31 December 2023 ��'000 | Deferred tax charged directly to the income statement ��'000 | Exchange rate differences ��'000 | Changes in tax rate ��'000 | At 30 June 2024 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intangibles | 37,739 | (3,648) | (1,054) | - | 33,037 | (310) | (308) | 1,667 | 34,086 | (3,631) | 224 | - | 30,679 |
| Accelerated tax deprecation | (423) | (9) | 16 | - | (416) | 596 | 1 | (1) | 180 | (6) | 5 | 2 | 181 |
| Short-term timing differences | 2,648 | 1,075 | (118) | 18 | 3,623 | (1,116) | 994 | (7) | 3,494 | 163 | (90) | (9) | 3,558 |
| Total | 39,964 | (2,582) | (1,156) | 18 | 36,244 | (830) | 687 | 1,659 | 37,760 | (3,474) | 139 | (7) | 34,418 |
The total deferred tax assets and liabilities subject to offsetting are presented below:
| 30 June 2024 ��'000 | 30 June 2023 (restated) ��'000 | 31 Dec 2023 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Deferred tax assets | |||
| Prior to offsetting | 37,887 | 35,143 | 38,163 |
| Offset of tax | (29,771) | (27,808) | (32,016) |
| After offsetting | 8,116 | 7,335 | 6,147 |
| Total Deferred tax liabilities | |||
| Prior to offsetting | 34,418 | 36,244 | 37,760 |
| Offset of tax | (29,771) | (27,808) | (32,016) |
| After offsetting | 4,647 | 8,436 | 5,744 |
16. Trade and other payables
| 30 June 2024 ��'000 | 30 June 2023 ��'000 | 31 Dec 2023 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade payables | 17,809 | 15,056 | 24,979 |
| Contract liabilities | 56,084 | 74,292 | 63,398 |
| Tax and social security | 14,632 | 11,574 | 15,158 |
| Contingent consideration | 13 | - | 20 |
| Acquisition-related contingent consideration and earn-outs | 306 | 1,610 | 145 |
| Accruals and other payables | 31,473 | 39,050 | 30,250 |
| 120,317 | 141,582 | 133,950 |
The contract liabilities balance relates mainly to the Group's right to access licences, support and maintenance and hosting contracts which are recognised over the contract term as the customer receives and consumes the benefits of the service. All of the current liability contract liabilities balance at 31 December 2023 was recognised as revenue in 2024 and the current contract liabilities balance at 30 June 2024 is expected to be recognised as revenue in 2024 and 2025. The acquisition-related contingent consideration and earn-outs balance in 2024 relates to the acquisition of eCreators and Patheer. The 2023 balances relate to the acquisition of Learning Media Services and Patheer, and were financial instruments held at fair value within the scope of IFRS 9 and were repaid during 2024. The 2024 and 2023 contingent consideration balance relates to Moodle News.
17. Borrowings
The Group has a debt facility dated 15 July 2021 with HSBC UK Bank PLC, HSBC Innovation Bank Limited, Barclays Bank PLC, Fifth Third Bank NA and The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland. The facility comprises of a Term Facility A committed facility, with an original commitment of $265.0 million available to the Group until October 2025, a $50.0 million committed Revolving Credit Facility (��39.5 million at the period-end exchange rate) and a $50.0 million uncommitted accordion facility (��39.5 million at the period-end exchange rate), both available until July 2025. In addition, a 12 month extension request is available to the Group for Term Facility A and the RCF. The term facility attracts variable interest based on LIBOR plus a margin of between 1.50% and 2.75% per annum, based on the Group's leverage to December 2022, following this it attracts SOFR plus the margin discussed above and an adjusted credit spread until repaid. Term Facility A is repayable with quarterly instalments, starting December 2022, of $9.6 million (c ��7.5 million at the year-end exchange rate) with the balance repayable on the expiry of the loan in October 2025. During 2023, the Group also made an voluntary additional repayment of $25 million (c ��20.5 million). There were no utilisations of the Revolving Credit Facility or uncommitted accordion facility in either of the years ended 2024 or 2023. On 10 July 2024 a voluntary additional debt repayment of $25.0 million (��19.5 million) was made on the term loan using the proceeds from the sale of Vector (note 22). The bank loan is secured by a fixed and floating charge over the assets of the Group and is subject to financial covenants that are tested quarterly based on a calendar year. The financial covenants are that the Group must ensure that its interest cover ratio is at least 4.0 times and its leverage ratio does not exceed 3.0 times. The interest cover and leverage ratio is not a statutory measure and so its basis and composition may differ from other leverage measures published by other companies. The interest cover ratio is the ratio of adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the agreement, to Finance Charges. The leverage ratio is total net debt on the last day of the relevant period to adjusted EBITDA for that relevant period. Both numerator and denominator in each calculation comprise several adjustments as defined in the debt facility agreement and as such are not directly calculable from the financial statements. The Group was compliant with all financial covenants throughout the year and as at 30 June 2024, the Group's interest cover was 9.01 and its leverage ratio was 0.51. The lease liabilities have arisen on adoption of IFRS 16 and are secured by the related underlying assets.
| 30 June 2024 ��'000 | 30 June 2023 ��'000 | 31 Dec 2023 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current interest-bearing loans and borrowings | 30,115 | 31,220 | 30,091 |
| Non-current interest-bearing loans and borrowings | 105,912 | 155,289 | 120,984 |
| Current lease liabilities | 2,531 | 4,162 | 4,423 |
| Non-current lease liabilities | 5,669 | 8,486 | 6,913 |
| 144,227 | 199,157 | 162,411 |
Net debt reconciliation
Net debt can be analyzed as follows:
| 30 June 2024 ��'000 | 30 June 2023 ��'000 | 31 Dec 2023 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | 78,503 | 78,132 | 72,522 |
| Borrowings: Term loan | (136,027) | (186,509) | (151,075) |
| Net debt | (57,524) | (108,377) | (78,553) |
18.# Provisions
| Provisions | Property Provisions (1) | Litigation and Regulation Provisions (2) | Onerous Contract Provisions (3) | Closure Provisions (4) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ��'000 | ��'000 | ��'000 | ��'000 | ��'000 | ��'000 |
| At 1 January 2023 | 1,003 | 921 | 488 | 1,047 | 3,459 |
| Released to the income statement | - | - | (319) | (62) | (381) |
| Paid in the period | (86) | (11) | - | (718) | (815) |
| Additions | 6 | - | - | - | 6 |
| Foreign exchange movement | (64) | (37) | (13) | - | (114) |
| At 30 June 2023 | 859 | 873 | 156 | 267 | 2,155 |
| Charged / (released) to the income statement | (87) | (320) | (156) | 62 | (501) |
| Paid in the period | 49 | 11 | - | (1,015) | (955) |
| Additions | - | 208 | - | 1,792 | 2,000 |
| Foreign exchange movements | (1) | (6) | - | (45) | (52) |
| At 31 December 2023 | 820 | 766 | - | 1,061 | 2,647 |
| Released to the income statement | (68) | - | - | - | (68) |
| Paid in the period | (83) | (5) | - | (974) | (1,062) |
| Additions | 3 | - | - | - | 3 |
| Foreign exchange movements | (1) | 10 | - | - | 9 |
| At 30 June 2024 | 671 | 771 | - | 87 | 1,529 |
| Current | 180 | 771 | - | 87 | 1,038 |
| Non-current | 491 | - | - | - | 491 |
| At 30 June 2024 | 671 | 771 | - | 87 | 1,529 |
- The Group is party to a number of leasehold property contracts. Provision has been made for the unavoidable non-rent costs on those leases where the property is now vacant. As a result of the implementation of IFRS 16 the rental elements of certain property provisions are now included within lease liabilities. In addition, the Group has provided for dilapidation costs expected to be incurred at the end of property leases.
- Litigation and regulation provisions relate to estimates for potential liabilities which may arise in the Group as a result of client claims and past practices. Whilst the nature of legal claims means that the timing of settlement can be uncertain, we expect all claims to be settled in the next 1 to 2 years. Whilst the provisions are based on management's best estimate of the likely liability for obligations that exist at the year-end date, the maximum potential exposure could be materially higher than the provisions made as there is a range of potential outcomes.
- Onerous contract provisions relate to provisions made for certain software contracts where the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligation under the contract, exceed the economic benefits expected to be received under the contract.
- Closure and restructuring provisions relate to redundancy costs and facility obligations in relation to the closure of the UK apprenticeship business, announced prior to 31 December 2022, given the nature of the customer relationships and quality of the offering in the business do not match the high standards elsewhere in the Group. The UK apprenticeship business ceased trading on 31 March 2023. In 2023, the redundancy provisions relate to resizing the organization due to a more challenging macro -economic environment.
19. Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale
On 2 January 2024, the Group sold its investment Lorien Engineering, previously presented as assets and associated liabilities held for sale. See note 20. During the period, the Group decided to dispose of Vector VMS and as at 30 June 2024 is classified as held for sale, with the assets and liabilities held of the lower of fair value less costs to sell and the net book value.
Effect of the assets and associated liabilities on financial position of the Group
| 30 June 2024 ��'000 | |
|---|---|
| Non-current assets | |
| Goodwill | 13,181 |
| Intangible assets | 7,090 |
| 20,271 | |
| Current assets | |
| Trade receivables | 605 |
| Other receivables, deposits and prepayments | 46 |
| Amounts due from related parties | 585 |
| Cash and bank balances | 384 |
| Restricted cash balances | 368 |
| 1,988 | |
| Assets in disposal groups classified as held for sale | 22,259 |
| Current liabilities | |
| Trade and other payables | 413 |
| Liabilities directly associated with assets in disposal groups classified as held for sale | 413 |
20. Disposal of non-core business
On 2 January 2024, the Group sold the Lorien business for a cash consideration of $21.4 million (��16.8 million) on a cash and debt free basis. The net proceeds after customary adjustments were $20.7 million (��16.3 million) resulting in gain on disposal of $18.3 million (��12.3 million, see note 6). There were no other impacts on financial performance or cash flows other than the gain on sale in relation to Lorien during the period ended 30 June 2024. The carrying amount of the assets and liabilities sold as at the date of disposal were as follows:
| 30 June 2024 ��'000 | |
|---|---|
| Non-current assets | |
| Goodwill | 501 |
| Intangible assets | 1,279 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 66 |
| Right of use assets | 97 |
| 1,943 | |
| Current assets | |
| Trade receivables | 5,740 |
| Other receivables, deposits and prepayments | 135 |
| Amounts recoverable on contracts | 691 |
| 6,566 | |
| Total Assets | 8,509 |
| Current liabilities | |
| Lease liabilities | 97 |
| Trade and other payables | 4,401 |
| 4,498 | |
| Total Liabilities | 4,498 |
| Net Assets | 4,011 |
21. Prior period adjustments
During the year ended 31 December 2023, the Company identified the need to make a correction to the 2022 and 2021 balance sheets where deferred tax liabilities and goodwill amounting to ��15.8 million as at 31 December 2022 and ��14.1 million as at 31 December 2021 should not have been recognised under IAS 12 as the book basis and tax basis of acquired intangible assets were equal for certain US acquisitions in 2016, 2020, 2021. The adjustment reflects the tax efficient structure of the relevant acquisitions and tax amortisation deductions were taken for tax years 2020-2022 based on acquired intangible assets recognised. The Group has restated the balance sheet and associated note disclosures as at 30 June 2023 and as outlined below. There is no material impact on the cash flow statements or net assets.
Statement of financial position adjustments
| 31 December 2022 ��'000 | Adjustments ��'000 | Restated 31 December 2022 ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-current assets | |||
| Property, plant and equipment | 2,857 | - | 2,857 |
| Right-of-use assets | 11,808 | - | 11,808 |
| Intangible assets | 560,972 | (15,758) | 545,214 |
| Deferred tax assets | 4,084 | (7) | 4,077 |
| Other receivables, deposits and prepayments | 1,874 | - | 1,874 |
| Investments accounted for under the equity method | - | - | - |
| Amounts recoverable on contracts | 1,303 | - | 1,303 |
| 582,898 | (15,765) | 567,133 | |
| Non-current liabilities | |||
| Lease liabilities | 9,792 | - | 9,792 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 27,265 | (15,765) | 11,500 |
| Other long-term liabilities | 3,517 | - | 3,517 |
| Borrowings | 177,944 | - | 177,944 |
| Corporation tax payable | 1,431 | - | 1,431 |
| Provisions | 1,857 | - | 1,857 |
| 221,806 | (15,765) | 206,041 |
Impact on note 15 Deferred tax assets prior to adjustment
| Share options ��'000 | Tax losses ��'000 | Short-term timing differences ��'000 | Intangibles ��'000 | Total ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 January 2022 | 5,660 | 1,781 | 9,880 | 5,237 | 22,558 |
| Deferred tax (charge)/credit directly to the income statement | (566) | 3,469 | 1,868 | (923) | 3,848 |
| Deferred tax charged directly to equity | (1,946) | - | - | - | (1,946) |
| Exchange rate differences, charged directly to OCI | 188 | 144 | 962 | 650 | 1,944 |
| Changes in tax rate, credited to the income statement | 286 | (146) | 104 | (25) | 219 |
| At 31 December 2022 | 3,622 | 5,248 | 12,814 | 4,939 | 26,623 |
Impact on note 15 Deferred tax assets
| Share options ��'000 | Tax losses ��'000 | Short-term timing differences ��'000 | Intangibles ��'000 | Total ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 January 2022 | - | - | - | 5,031 | 5,031 |
| Deferred tax (charge)/credit directly to the income statement | - | - | - | 260 | 260 |
| Deferred tax charged directly to equity | - | - | - | - | - |
| Exchange rate differences, charged directly to OCI | - | - | - | 592 | 592 |
| Changes in tax rate, credited to the income statement | - | - | - | 35 | 35 |
| At 31 December 2022 | - | - | - | 5,918 | 5,918 |
Restated Deferred Tax Assets
| Share options ��'000 | Tax losses ��'000 | Short-term timing differences ��'000 | Intangibles ��'000 | Total ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 January 2022 (restated) | 5,660 | 1,781 | 9,880 | 10,268 | 27,589 |
| Deferred tax (charge)/credit directly to the income statement | (566) | 3,469 | 1,868 | (663) | 4,108 |
| Deferred tax charged directly to equity | (1,946) | - | - | - | (1,946) |
| Exercise of share options | - | - | - | - | - |
| Exchange rate differences, charged directly to OCI | 188 | 144 | 962 | 1,242 | 2,536 |
| Changes in tax rate, credited to the income statement | 286 | (146) | 104 | 10 | 254 |
| At 31 December 2022 (restated) | 3,622 | 5,248 | 12,814 | 10,857 | 32,541 |
Deferred tax liabilities prior to adjustment
| Accelerated tax depreciation ��'000 | Short-term timing differences ��'000 | Intangibles ��'000 | Total ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 January 2022 | 51,235 | 127 | 472 | 51,834 |
| Deferred tax credit/(charge) directly to the income statement | (9,900) | 585 | 2,106 | (7,209) |
| Exchange rate differences, charged directly to OCI | 5,206 | 51 | 9 | 5,266 |
| Changes in tax rate, charged to the income statement | - | (148) | 61 | (87) |
| At 31 December 2022 | 46,541 | 615 | 2,648 | 49,804 |
Adjustments to deferred tax liabilities
| Accelerated tax depreciation ��'000 | Short-term timing differences ��'000 | Intangibles ��'000 | Total ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 January 2022 (restated) | (9,761) | 661 | - | (9,100) |
| Deferred tax credit/(charge) directly to the income statement | 2,138 | (1,877) | - | 261 |
| Exchange rate differences, charged directly to OCI | (1,109) | 74 | - | (1,035) |
| Changes in tax rate, charged to the income statement | (70) | 104 | - | 34 |
| At 31 December 2022 | (8,802) | (1,038) | - | (9,840) |
Restated Deferred Tax Liabilities
| Accelerated tax depreciation ��'000 | Short-term timing differences ��'000 | Intangibles ��'000 | Total ��'000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 January 2022 (restated) | 41,474 | 788 | 472 | 42,734 |
| Deferred tax credit/(charge) directly to the income statement | (7,762) | (1,292) | 2,106 | (6,948) |
| Exchange rate differences, charged directly to OCI | 4,097 | 125 | 9 | 4,231 |
| Changes in tax rate, charged to the income statement | (70) | (44) | 61 | (53) |
| At 31 December 2022 (restated) | 37,739 | (423) | 2,648 | 39,964 |
The impact on the 31 December 2021 balance sheet is to reduce Goodwill by ��14.1 million (note 10), reduce deferred tax liabilities prior to offsetting ��9.1 million and increase deferred tax asset of ��5.0 million prior to offsetting (note 15). After offsetting, the increase in deferred tax assets was ��14.1m with no corresponding change in the deferred tax liability.
22. Events since the reporting date
Sale of Vector
On 1 July 2024, the Group sold Vector for a cash consideration of $50 million (��39.5 million) on a cash and debt free basis. The expected gain on sale is estimated to be ��6.1 million.# Post Balance Sheet Events
The only impact in these financial statements in relation to the continuing operations are costs in relation to the sale of £680,000 included within costs of acquisition (note 6). These balances are subject to finalisation of the completion accounts.
Voluntary Additional Debt Repayment
On 10 July 2024, a voluntary additional debt repayment of $25.0 million (£19.5 million) was made on the term loan using the proceeds from the sale of Vector.
US Regulatory Update
As a US company that performs work for the US Government, GP Strategies requires certain approvals and is subject to restrictions intended to protect classified information. Subsequent to the period end, LTG has been notified by GP Strategies of the invalidation ("temporary suspension") of the eligibility for GP Strategies to work on new classified contracts. The suspension will remain in effect until GP Strategies returns to compliance with the applicable operating requirements. The temporary suspension is a serious matter, and GP Strategies is working tirelessly to resolve all relevant issues to the satisfaction of the US Government. GP Strategies continues to work on existing classified contracts; however, one customer has paused their contract, which has a revenue impact of c.$200k in 2024. No other contracts are due for renewal imminently, and the value of the contracts is not material in the context of total Group revenue and profit.
There have been no other notifiable events between 30 June 2024 and the date of this report.
Glossary
Alternative Performance Measures
In reporting financial information, the Group presents alternative performance measures ("APMs") which are not defined or specified under the requirements of IFRS. The Group believes that these APMs, which are not considered to be a substitute for or superior to IFRS measures, provide stakeholders with additional useful information on the underlying trends, performance, and position of the Group and are consistent with how business performance is measured internally. The alternative performance measures are not defined by IFRS and therefore may not be directly comparable with other companies' alternative performance measures. The key APMs that the Group uses are outlined below.
| Closest equivalent IFRS measure | Reconciling items to IFRS measure | Definition and purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Income Statement Measures | ||
| Adjusted EBIT | Operating profit | Adjusting items |
| Adjusting items | None | Refer to definition |
| Saas and long-term contracts Revenue | Refer to Note 3 | |
| Transactional Revenue | Refer to Note 3 | |
| Balance Sheet Measures | ||
| Net cash or debt | None | Refer to Note 17 |
| Total equity per share | None | Refer to definition |
| Cash Flow Measures | ||
| Adjusted operating cash flow | None | Refer to definition |
| Cash conversion | None | Refer to definition |
| Free cash flow | None | Refer to definition |
Company Information
Directors
- Andrew Brode, Non-Executive Chairman
- Jonathan Satchell, Chief Executive Officer
- Kath Kearney-Croft, Chief Financial Officer
- Piers Lea, Chief Strategy Officer
- Simon Boddie, Senior Independent Director
- Aimie Chapple, Independent Non-Executive Director
- Leslie-Ann Reed, Independent Non-Executive Director
Company Secretary
- Claire Walsh
Company Number
- 07176993
Registered Address
- 3 New Street Square
- London EC4A 3BF
Independent Auditors
- BDO LLP
- Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
- 55 Baker Street
- London W1U 7EU
Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker
- Deutsche Numis
- 45 Gresham Street
- London EC2V 7BF
Joint Broker
- Goldman Sachs
- Plumtree Court
- 25 Shoe Lane
- London EC4A 4AU
Legal Advisers
- DLA Piper U.K LLP
- 160 Aldersgate Street
- London EC1A 4HT
Registrar
- Computershare Investor Services plc
- The Pavilions
- Bridgewater Road
- Bristol BS13 8AE
Principal Bankers
- HSBC UK Bank plc
- 71 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4AL, UK
- HSBC Innovation Bank Limited
- Alphabeta, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London, EC2A 1BR, UK
- Fifth Third Bank NA
- 142 W 57th Street, Suite 1600, New York, NY 10019, USA
- Barclays Bank plc
- 1 Churchill Place, London, E14 5HP, UK
- The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland
- 4th Floor, Bow Bells House, 1 Bread Street, London, EC4M 9BE, UK
Communications Consultancy
- FTI Consulting LLP
- 200 Aldersgate
- Aldersgate Street
- London EC1A 4HD
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply.
For further information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.rns.com.
RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our Privacy Policy.
END
IR QKABDBBKBPCD