REG - Halma PLC - Half Year Results
18/11/2021 07:00
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RNS Number : 7489S Halma PLC 18 November 2021
Halma plc
HALF YEAR RESULTS 2021/22
Record first half results and continued dividend growth
Halma, the global group of life-saving technology companies focused on growing
a safer, cleaner and healthier future for everyone, every day, today announces
results for the 6 months to 30 September 2021.
Highlights
Change 2021 2020
Revenue +19% £737.2m £618.4m
Adjusted Profit before Taxation(1) +27% £154.9m £122.0m
Adjusted Earnings per Share(2) +25% 31.96p 25.54p
Statutory Profit before Taxation +74% £167.5m £96.3m
Statutory Earnings per Share +76% 35.83p 20.37p
Interim Dividend per Share(3) +7% 7.35p 6.87p
Return on Sales(4) 21.0% 19.7%
Return on Total Invested Capital(5) 14.9% 12.6%
Net Debt £280.2m £315.0m
· Record revenue and profit: revenue up 19%; 23% on an organic
constant currency(6) basis. Adjusted(1) Profit before Taxation up 27%; 32% on
an organic constant currency(6) basis.
· High Return on Sales of 21.0% (2020/21: 19.7%) given robust gross
margins with a slower-than-expected return of variable overhead costs.
· Statutory Profit before Taxation up 74%, including a £34.0m gain
on the disposal of Texecom.
· Strong organic constant currency(6) revenue and profit growth in
all sectors and major regions; very strong growth in the UK and Asia Pacific,
against weaker comparatives.
· Increased returns and investment: ROTIC(5) of 14.9%, and R&D
expenditure up 20%, representing 5.6% of revenue.
· Ten acquisitions completed in the first half and one further
small acquisition completed since the period end; a healthy acquisition
pipeline across all sectors.
· Solid cash conversion of 85% and a robust balance sheet
supporting sustained investment in organic growth and acquisitions, and a 7%
increase in the interim dividend.
Andrew Williams, Group Chief Executive of Halma, commented:
"Halma made strong progress in the first half, delivering record revenue,
profit and interim dividend, with substantial growth compared to both the
first half of last financial year and 2019/20.
Our full year outlook is unchanged, despite variable overhead costs returning
and continued impacts on revenue, costs and working capital from increased
supply chain, logistics and labour market disruption. In the second half of
the year, we expect more typical rates of revenue growth and Return on Sales,
with the latter more in line with historical levels.
Our Sustainable Growth Model continues to drive our success, including its
focus on global niche markets with long-term growth drivers. Our strong
purpose and culture, our portfolio and geographic diversity, together with our
agile business model enable us to perform well in varied market conditions and
sustain growth and returns over the longer term."
Notes:
1 Adjusted to remove the amortisation of acquired intangible assets, acquisition
items and profit or loss on disposal of operations, totalling £(12.6)m
(2020/21: £25.7m). See note 2 to the Condensed Interim Financial Statements
for details.
2 Adjusted to remove the amortisation of acquired intangible assets, acquisition
items, profit or loss on disposal of operations and the associated taxation
thereon. See note 2 to the Condensed Interim Financial Statements for details.
3 Interim dividend paid and declared per share.
4 Return on Sales is defined as Adjusted(1) Profit before Taxation from
continuing operations expressed as a percentage of revenue from continuing
operations.
5 Return on Total Invested Capital (ROTIC) is defined as post-tax Adjusted(1)
Profit as a percentage of average Total Invested Capital.
6 Organic constant currency measures exclude the effect of movements in foreign
exchange rates on the translation of revenue and profit(1) into Sterling, as
well as acquisitions in the year following completion and disposals.
7 Adjusted(1) Profit before Taxation, Adjusted(2) Earnings per Share, organic
growth rates, Return on Sales and ROTIC are alternative performance measures
used by management. See notes 2, 6 and 9 to the Condensed Interim Financial
Statements for details.
For further information, please contact:
Halma plc +44 (0)1494 721 111
Andrew Williams, Group Chief Executive
Marc Ronchetti, Chief Financial Officer
Charles King, Head of Investor Relations +44 (0)7776 685948
MHP Communications +44 (0)20 3128 8572
Andrew Jaques/Rachel Farrington
A copy of this announcement, together with other information about Halma, may
be viewed on its website: www.halma.com (http://www.halma.com) . The webcast
of the results presentation will be available on the Halma website later
today: www.halma.com (http://www.halma.com)
NOTE TO EDITORS
1. Halma is a global group of life-saving technology companies, focused on
growing a safer, cleaner and healthier future for everyone, every day. Its
purpose defines the three broad market areas where it operates:
· Safety Protecting life as populations grow and protecting worker safety.
· Environment Improving food and water quality, and monitoring air pollution.
· Medical Meeting rising healthcare demand as growing populations age and lifestyles
change.
Halma employs over 7,000 people in more than 20 countries, with major
operations in the UK, Mainland Europe, the USA and Asia Pacific. Halma is
listed on the London Stock Exchange (LON: HLMA) and is a constituent of the
FTSE 100 index.
In January 2021, Halma was named Britain's Most Admired Company 2020 by
Management Today.
2. You can view or download copies of this announcement and the latest Half Year
and Annual Reports from the website at www.halma.com (http://www.halma.com) or
request free printed copies by contacting halma@halma.com
(mailto:halma@halma.com) .
3. This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements which have been
made by the Directors in good faith using information available up until the
date they approved the announcement. Forward-looking statements should be
regarded with caution as by their nature such statements involve risk and
uncertainties relating to events and circumstances that may occur in the
future. Actual results may differ from those expressed in such statements,
depending on the outcome of these uncertain future events.
Review of Operations
Record half year results
Halma made strong progress in the first half of the year, reflecting the
benefits of our Sustainable Growth Model with its strong purpose and culture,
and our leading positions in global niche markets with long-term growth
drivers. The benefits of a diverse portfolio and the agility of our business
model have enabled our companies to respond rapidly to changing conditions in
their end markets and to increased supply chain, logistics and labour market
disruption.
We achieved record results, with strong growth across all our sectors and all
major regions. We delivered substantial growth in revenue and profit compared
to the weaker period in the first half of the 2020/21 financial year, when we
saw the largest impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the equivalent period
in the 2019/20 financial year.
Revenue increased by 19%, to £737.2m (2020/21: £618.4m), reflecting a
substantial recovery in demand in those end markets most impacted by lockdowns
in the first half of last year. Adjusted(1) Profit before Taxation grew even
more strongly, by 27% to £154.9m (2020/21: £122.0m), benefiting from robust
gross margins and a slower-than-expected return in variable overhead costs.
As a result, Return on Sales(1) was above expectations, at 21.0% (2020/21:
19.7%). This comprised an exceptionally strong performance in the first
quarter, with Return on Sales(1) of 22.5%. Return on Sales(1) moderated to
19.5% in the second quarter, with variable overhead costs returning as
COVID-related restrictions eased. Variable overhead costs included expenditure
of approximately £1m in information technology upgrades. Investment in these
programmes in the full year is now expected to be around £11m.
Statutory Profit before Taxation increased by 74% to £167.5m (2020/21:
£96.3m) and included a £34.0m gain on the disposal of a Safety sector
business in the period. Details of this are given later in this review.
Revenue growth comprised organic constant currency(1) revenue growth of 23%, a
2% positive contribution from acquisitions (net of the effects of disposals)
completed in this and the previous half year, and a negative currency
translation effect of 6%. This strong growth compared with a decline of 11% on
an organic constant currency(1) basis in the first half of the last financial
year.
The 27% increase in Adjusted(1) Profit before Taxation included organic
constant currency(1) growth of 32%, a 2% positive contribution from
acquisitions (net of the effects of disposals) completed in this half year and
the second half of last year, and a negative currency translation effect of
7%. As with revenue, this strong profit performance compared with an 11%
decline on an organic constant currency(1) basis in the first half of last
year.
We have a strong balance sheet and ended the period with net debt of £280.2m,
equivalent to 0.76 times the last 12 months' EBITDA (31 March 2021: net debt
of £256.2m; 0.76 times EBITDA). A solid cash conversion of 85% was lower than
the exceptionally strong 111% in the first half of last year, and reflected
the working capital required to support the strong growth in the period. Our
strong balance sheet and continued cash generation underpin our ongoing
investment in future organic growth, give us substantial capacity for
acquisitions, and support our progressive dividend policy.
We made substantial investments in the first half, both organically and
through acquisitions, to support future growth. R&D expenditure increased
20% to £41.3m, representing 5.6% of Group revenue (2020/21: 5.6%). We made
ten acquisitions, for a maximum total consideration of £107m, while disposing
of one business for £65m. Since the period end, we have made one further
acquisition, of Clayborn Lab, for a maximum total consideration of US$6m
(£4.4m).
The Board has declared an increase of 7% in the interim dividend to 7.35p per
share (2020/21: 6.87p per share). The interim dividend will be paid on 4
February 2022 to shareholders on the register on 24 December 2021.
Strong organic constant currency(1) growth in all major regions
External revenue by destination
Half year 2021 Half year 2020
£m % of total £m % of total Change % % organic growth at constant currency(1)
£m
growth
United States of America 280.9 38% 255.1 41% 25.8 10% 19%
Mainland Europe 146.6 20% 127.2 21% 19.4 15% 18%
United Kingdom 136.2 18% 87.6 14% 48.6 55% 46%
Asia Pacific 124.8 17% 100.0 16% 24.8 25% 30%
Other regions 48.7 7% 48.5 8% 0.2 1% 6%
737.2 100% 618.4 100% 118.8 19% 23%
Our growth in the period was broad-based, and revenue grew strongly in all
four major regions, both on a reported and organic constant currency(1) basis.
Growth rates in each region, were also impacted to differing extents by
acquisitions (net of disposals), and a negative effect from foreign currency
translation, given the relative strength of Sterling.
The USA remains our largest sales destination and contributed 38% of total
revenue. Revenue increased by 10%, or by 19% on an organic constant
currency(1) basis, with all sectors delivering a strong organic constant
currency(1) performance.
Reported revenue growth in the USA included the effect of the acquisition of
PeriGen and the disposal in the prior year of Fiberguide Industries, as well
as a negative effect from currency translation. The strongest growth was in
the Environmental & Analysis sector, led by strong performances in Optical
Analysis and Gas Detection. The Safety sector also delivered strong organic
constant currency(1) growth, led by Fire Detection and Industrial Access
Control. Growth in the Medical sector reflected an increase in demand for
products and services related to elective healthcare procedures, partly offset
by a decline, from last year's exceptionally high levels, in the demand for
products and services related to the diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19.
Mainland Europe revenue increased by 15%, or 18% on an organic constant
currency(1) basis, with strong performances across all sectors. Reported
revenue benefited from a number of acquisitions, including Sensitron and Orca,
partly offset by the disposal of Texecom in August. There was a negative
effect from currency translation.
Revenue in the UK grew 55%, or 46% on an organic constant currency(1) basis,
with an exceptionally strong contribution from the Safety sector, against a
very weak comparative in the first half of last year. The Environmental &
Analysis sector also grew strongly, while the smaller Medical sector revenues
more than tripled, benefiting from the prior year acquisition of Static
Systems.
Asia Pacific's revenue grew 25%, or 30% on an organic constant currency(1)
basis. Organic constant currency(1) growth reflected very strong performances
across all sectors, against a weaker comparative in the first half of last
year. This included a very strong performance in China, as well as in a number
of other smaller markets in the region.
In other regions, which represent only 7% of Group revenue, revenue was
broadly flat, although growing 6% on an organic constant currency(1) basis.
There was modest growth in the Africa, Near and Middle East territories, while
revenue declined in Other countries.
Substantial revenue and profit growth in all sectors
From 1 April 2021, we operate and report under three sectors, Safety,
Environmental & Analysis and Medical, aligned with our purpose and our
focus on safety, environmental and health markets.
External revenue by sector
Half year 2021 Half year 2020
£m £m Change % % organic growth at constant currency(1)
£m
growth
Safety 320.2 268.6 51.6 19% 25%
Environmental & Analysis 209.5 178.0 31.5 18% 25%
Medical 208.0 172.4 35.6 21% 18%
Inter-segmental revenue (0.5) (0.6) 0.1
737.2 618.4 118.8 19% 23%
Profit by sector
Half year 2021 Half year 2020
£m £m Change % % organic growth at constant currency(1)
£m
growth
Safety 73.5 58.0 15.5 27% 32%
Environmental & Analysis 53.1 42.9 10.2 24% 31%
Medical 46.3 38.2 8.1 21% 20%
Sector profit(2) 172.9 139.1 33.8 24% 28%
Central administration costs (14.0) (11.3) (2.7)
Net finance expense (4.0) (5.8) 1.8
Adjusted(1) profit before taxation 154.9 122.0 32.9 27% 32%
Safety sector
Revenue increased by 19% to £320.2m (2020/21: £268.6m) and organic
constant currency(1) revenue increased by 25%. There was a positive
contribution from acquisitions of 1%, and negative effects from the disposal
of Texecom of 3% and currency translation of 4%.
The sector delivered a strong performance across all major regions, supported
by the agility of our companies in successfully responding to new
opportunities in their markets and to the substantial increases in customer
demand following the easing of lockdown restrictions. This agility also
resulted in our companies meeting the challenges arising in the period from
supply chain and logistics disruptions and in labour markets. For example,
they leveraged their close relationships with suppliers to ensure continued
delivery of materials and components, redesigned products and used alternative
materials where necessary, selectively increased prices, and formed
collaborative teams across functions, companies and geographies to solve
specific issues.
This strong performance was led by substantial growth in our Fire Detection
businesses. These businesses were affected in the first half of last year by
lockdown restrictions and the furloughing of customer employees. This year
they benefited from a recovery in demand as construction activity resumed,
from an improvement in the ability to gain physical access to customer sites,
and from the return to work of previously furloughed customer employees. The
same dynamics also led to very strong growth in our Elevator Safety business
in the UK, and, together with increasing regulation, our emergency
communications business in the USA.
Our People and Vehicle Flow businesses also performed strongly. Significant
road safety contracts in the UK and China drove very strong growth at Navtech.
BEA, which had delivered a resilient performance in the first half of last
year, also grew strongly, as construction activity increased and demand for
its touchless and automated entry devices continued to grow to meet the
changing needs of our customers as a result of the pandemic.
We also saw benefits from increasing activity in several other market segments
and from the ability of our companies to swiftly adapt and scale for changing
customer needs. Examples included meeting strong demand from logistics
customers for our interlock products in the Industrial Access Control segment
and prioritising those technologies which support the decarbonisation of our
energy sources in Pressure Management.
However, some business areas, such as those focused on larger projects with
longer lead times, such as in Safe Storage and Transfer, are taking longer to
recover from the effects of the pandemic. Elsewhere, weakness in some specific
markets, such as the aerospace market within Fire Suppression, resulted in
revenue declines in a limited number of companies, principally smaller ones
within the sector.
The sector's revenue performance by geography reflected these themes. The UK
and Asia Pacific grew exceptionally strongly, with organic constant
currency(1) revenue growth of 69% and 25% respectively, driven by strong
growth in Fire Detection and People and Vehicle Flow. The UK's lower revenue
growth on a reported basis, at 57%, reflected the net effect of acquisitions
and the disposal.
The other two larger regions, the USA and Mainland Europe, also grew strongly,
each increasing revenue by 18% on an organic constant currency(1) basis. This
included strong growth in Fire Detection and in People and Vehicle Flow in
Europe, and in the USA in emergency communications, Industrial Access Control
and Pressure Management.
Revenue declines in the much smaller regions, of 9% in total (on an organic
constant currency(1) basis), principally reflected the timing of project-based
business and a continued shift away from oil and gas-related business in these
regions and the sector as a whole.
Profit(2) was 27% higher at £73.5m (2020/21: £58.0m), and included 32%
organic constant currency(1) growth, and negative effects of 1% from the
Texecom disposal (net of a small contribution from acquisitions) and 4% from
currency translation. Return on Sales(1) increased to 23.0% (2020/21: 21.6%),
benefiting from the slower-than-expected return of variable overhead costs in
the first quarter and a stable gross margin. R&D expenditure of £18.0m
remained at a good level, with a significant increase in absolute investment
representing 5.6% of revenue (2020/21: 5.5%).
Our current expectation is for the sector to make further progress in the
second half, against a stronger comparative (notably at the profit level).
Although risks remain in relation to supply chain, logistics and labour market
disruptions, it is expected to deliver a strong full year performance.
Environmental & Analysis sector
Revenue increased by 18% to £209.5m (2020/21: £178.0m), comprising 25%
organic constant currency(1) growth, a 4% contribution from acquisitions, and
the negative effects of 4% from last year's disposal of Fiberguide Industries
and 7% from currency translation.
While many sector companies experienced supply chain and labour market
challenges to varying degrees in the period, the sector delivered strong
revenue growth in all segments and regions, as our companies responded to
substantial increases in customer demand for their products and services. This
demand was driven by higher activity as COVID-19 restrictions eased, and by
increasing focus on protecting the environment and scarce natural resources.
These trends supported a strong recovery in the Gas Detection subsector and
greater demand for wastewater solutions within our Water Analysis &
Treatment segment. Photonics also performed very well on an organic constant
currency(1) basis and continued to benefit from increasing demand for
technologies that support the building of digital and data capabilities.
In the USA, revenue grew 27% on an organic constant currency(1) basis, driven
by further growth in a continuing large Photonics contract, and in Gas
Detection. The latter reflected its customers' increasing focus on the
minimisation of emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and an
ever-increasing desire to improve public safety.
Asia Pacific revenue growth was also very strong, at 34% on an organic
constant currency(1) basis, including substantial revenue growth in China,
with several other smaller markets in the region, such as India, Japan,
Singapore and Australasia also performing strongly. The Water Analysis and
Treatment segment's continued focus on the region led to increased market
penetration, while the recovery in industrial activity, as pandemic
restrictions eased, supported strong growth in the Optical Analysis segment.
Organic constant currency(1) revenue growth of 14% in the UK reflected the
continued focus of our customers on the integrity of water and wastewater
infrastructure, which supported a strong performance in our pipeline
inspection business. However, this was partly offset by weakness in our water
pressure and leak detection business against a strong comparative in the first
half of last year, reflecting reduced demand from UK water utilities as they
focus more on addressing their wastewater challenges.
Mainland Europe delivered strong organic constant currency(1) revenue growth
and, on a reported basis, also benefited from the acquisitions of Sensitron,
Orca and Dancutter. Other regions, which represent less than 10% of sector
revenue, delivered a very strong growth, led by Gas Detection.
Profit(2) increased by 24% to £53.1m (2020/21: £42.9m). Organic constant
currency(1) profit growth was 31% and there was a 3% contribution from
acquisitions and negative effects of 2% from prior year disposals and 8% from
currency translation. Return on Sales(1) improved from 24.1% to 25.4%, due to
proactive overhead management, despite a decline in gross margin driven by
business mix. Despite such strong revenue growth, R&D expenditure
of £10.3m was maintained at a good level at 4.9% of sales (2020/21:
5.8%).
The sector is currently expected to perform strongly over the full year. In
the second half, we expect strong revenue growth, albeit with continued risks
from supply chain, logistics and labour market disruption. We expect a more
typical level of Return on Sales(1) given a more normal business mix and
increased investment.
Medical sector
Revenue increased by 21% to £208.0m (2020/21: £172.4m). Organic constant
currency(1) revenue growth was 18%, and there was an 8% negative effect from
currency translation and an 11% positive contribution from acquisitions,
primarily Static Systems and PeriGen.
There was growth across all segments and geographies, reflecting a gradual
improvement in demand for elective surgeries and discretionary ophthalmic
diagnostic procedures as the effects of the pandemic on healthcare systems
moderated. As expected, this was partly offset by a reduction in demand for
products and services related to the treatment of COVID-19 from the very high
levels experienced in the first half of last year. Sector companies have
successfully responded to these varying market conditions and to continuing
operational challenges. These include supply chain and labour market
disruption, and a varying ability to access hospitals in Sensors &
Analytics.
These trends were reflected in the performance of the individual segments.
Health Assessment saw the strongest growth, supported by recent acquisitions.
On an organic basis, the recovery in demand for ophthalmic diagnostic
procedures and growth in Sensors & Analytics supporting care systems'
focus on greater efficiency and ensuring the effectiveness of hygiene
protocols, were key growth drivers. However, revenue from products focused on
the monitoring of vital signs declined. In Therapeutic Solutions, strong
growth in demand for products supporting elective surgeries was partly offset
by a reduction for products supporting the oxygenation of patients. Life
Sciences revenue also grew, notably in China, but growth was more subdued in
other regions which continue to be impacted by the ongoing focus on COVID-19
testing and point-of-care diagnostics.
The USA, the sector's largest region, grew revenue by 9% (12% on an organic
constant currency(1) basis). This was a good performance when compared to the
strong growth of 14% in the first half of last year. On a reported basis, USA
revenue also benefited from the acquisition of PeriGen, although this was more
than offset by the negative effect of currency translation.
In the other major regions, Mainland Europe revenue grew strongly, by 17% on
an organic constant currency(1) basis, against growth of 6% in the comparable
period last year. Growth rates were highest in the UK and Asia Pacific, at 52%
and 32% respectively on an organic constant currency(1) basis, reflecting a
recovery in demand and a weaker comparative in the first half of last year. On
a reported basis, UK revenue more than tripled, reflecting the recent
acquisition of Static Systems, as well as very strong organic constant
currency(1) growth off a small base.
Profit(2) increased by 21% to £46.3m (2020/21: £38.2m). Return on
Sales(1) increased to 22.3% (2020/21: 22.1%), reflecting a benefit to gross
margin from favourable product mix and a slower-than-expected increase in
overheads as customer-facing employees began to return to normal activity.
R&D spend of £12.8m reflected a significant increase in investment in
new product development, with the increase to 6.2% of revenue (2020/21: 5.5%)
being attributable to changes in business mix and investment by recently
acquired companies.
The Medical sector is currently expected to make further progress in the
second half, and to deliver a good performance for the year as a whole.
Eleven acquisitions and one disposal completed to enhance our growth
opportunities
We continue to actively manage our portfolio of global businesses to ensure
that it is aligned with our purpose of growing a safer, cleaner, healthier
future for everyone, every day, and can deliver strong and sustainable growth
and returns. We have a healthy acquisition pipeline across all three sectors
and continue to find attractive, high-quality businesses to enhance our
existing market strengths as well as to enter emerging market opportunities.
We made 10 acquisitions in the period, for a maximum total consideration of
£107m (on a cash- and debt-free basis), in core and adjacent markets to
expand our future growth opportunities and geographical reach. These were
broadly spread across all three sectors and our four major geographical
regions. They comprised three companies which will be standalone within the
Halma group, and seven bolt-on acquisitions which will strengthen the
technologies and capabilities of existing Halma companies.
In April and May 2021, we completed six acquisitions (including five bolt-on
acquisitions).
· PeriGen, Inc., whose advanced technology protects mothers and
their unborn babies during childbirth by alerting doctors, midwives and nurses
to potential problems, was acquired for a cash consideration of US$58m
(approximately £41m) on a cash- and debt-free basis.
· Assets and IP associated with monitored safety valves were
purchased from FluidSentry Pty for A$0.6m (£0.3m), and added to Fortress
Interlocks.
· Argus Security S.R.L. acquired its Italian distributor for
€0.6m (£0.5m).
· Anton Industrial Services, Crowcon's UK flue gas analyser
distribution partner, was purchased for £1.9m.
· Orca GmbH, a German manufacturer of ultraviolet disinfection
systems, joined our UV Group of companies for a maximum consideration of
€8.7m (£7.6m), on a cash- and debt-free basis.
· Assets and IP associated with the US-based RNK's digital
stethoscope used in telemedicine and augmented tele-auscultation, were
purchased by Riester for a consideration of US$3.0m (£2.3m).
In August 2021, we announced that we had completed a further three
acquisitions, as follows:
· the Ramtech group of companies, a UK-based supplier of wireless
fire systems for temporary sites, was purchased for a cash consideration of
£15.5m, on a cash- and debt-free basis.
· Dancutter A/S, a Danish designer and manufacturer of trenchless
pipeline rehabilitation equipment, was acquired for a cash consideration of
€17.6m (£15.0m), on a cash- and debt-free basis.
· Sensitron S.R.L., an Italian gas detection company, joined Halma
for a cash consideration of €20.1m (£17.2m), on a cash- and debt-free
basis.
In September 2021, we acquired Meditech Kft, a Hungarian manufacturer of
ambulatory blood pressure monitors and ECG Holter devices, for a maximum total
consideration of €6.4m (approximately £5.5m). It will be integrated with
our SunTech business.
Since the period end, we have made one further acquisition, of Clayborn Lab, a
provider of custom heat tape solutions primarily for heated sample lines in
the environmental monitoring market. Clayborn Lab will become part of our
Perma Pure business and was acquired for an initial cash consideration of
US$4.5m (£3.3m) with an additional earn-out consideration of US$1.5m
(£1.1m), payable in cash, subject to performance over the next two years.
We also made one disposal in the period, demonstrating our disciplined
approach to portfolio management and supporting our strategy of maintaining a
growth-oriented portfolio of companies. In August 2021, we sold Texecom, a
UK-based provider of electronic security systems, for a total cash
consideration of £65m on a cash- and debt-free basis. Texecom was acquired by
Halma in 2005 for a consideration of £26m.
Further progress aligned with our Sustainability Framework
We seek to create sustainable value for our stakeholders through our
Sustainable Growth Model. This is focused on delivering consistently strong
growth and returns with a positive impact in the markets we serve and beyond,
consistent with our purpose of growing a safer, cleaner, healthier future for
everyone, every day. Our Sustainability Framework, which we launched in June
this year, is designed to amplify this positive impact through purpose-aligned
growth. It prioritises three Key Sustainability Objectives (KSOs), namely
Climate Change, the Circular Economy, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
(DEI). These KSOs are, in turn, supported by policies and metrics that we
consider essential to growing our business responsibly.
During this half year, we have developed programmes to support our companies'
existing sustainability initiatives while further raising awareness of Halma's
KSOs within our Group and companies' management teams. We are helping our
companies to deliver against our KSOs through the creation of collaboration
and best practice networks and the provision of tools and resources to raise
awareness and address specific challenges. These include launching a new
"Inclusive Leadership" programme for our Divisional Chief Executives and
Managing Directors, a new collaboration with EcoVadis to enable our companies
to assess the sustainability credentials of their key suppliers, and a revised
car policy that encourages and incentivises the adoption of zero emission
vehicles.
To ensure that sustainability and climate change risks and opportunities are
integrated into company board discussions and are ultimately fully
incorporated into each company's sustainable growth strategies, we have asked
each of our companies to nominate a board member responsible for
sustainability. Each company is also creating a KSO Action Plan over the next
12 months, which will include their detailed plans to contribute towards the
Group's Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions goals of Net Zero by 2040,
including a 42% absolute emissions reduction from our 2020 baseline by 2030. A
number of our companies have already made good progress towards creating their
KSO Action Plans and are implementing workstreams to reduce energy
consumption, switch to renewable energy, reduce waste and investigate more
circular product solutions.
At the Group level, we made further progress in assessing the possible
materiality, impacts and timescales of potential risks and opportunities
associated with climate change, to fulfil our commitment to report in line
with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework
in our next Annual Report. In addition, we have commenced work on quantifying
our Scope 3 emissions to establish the full value chain commitments and
targets that will be most appropriate for Halma as part of our Climate Change
KSO.
In support of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion KSO, we refreshed our DEI
strategy and this now includes a stretching target to achieve 40-60% gender
diversity on our company boards by the end of March 2024 (compared to the
current 23% female representation).
One of Halma's challenges is to minimise the sustainability reporting burden
on our relatively small operating companies, while improving the breadth and
robustness of information available to both monitor our progress and enhance
our disclosure to our stakeholders as a FTSE 100 group. As part of our
technology transformation project, we are working towards identifying
solutions to collect this information more efficiently. Alongside this, we are
planning to incorporate sustainability targets related to some of our KSOs
into remuneration for our senior executives, with effect from 1 April 2022.
Negative currency effects on reported revenue and profit
We report our results in Sterling with 46% of Group revenue denominated in US
Dollars and 12% in Euros during the period. Average exchange rates are used to
translate results in the Income Statement. Sterling strengthened against the
US Dollar and the Euro during the first half of 2021/22. This resulted in a 6%
negative currency translation effect on Group revenue and 7% on profit in the
first half of 2021/22 relative to 2020/21. If exchange rates remain at current
levels, we expect a further, although smaller, negative currency translation
effect in the second half of 2021/22.
Pension deficit reduced
On an IAS 19 basis the net deficit on the Group's defined benefit plans at the
half year end reduced to £5.3m (31 March 2021: £22.5m) before the related
deferred tax asset. The plans' liabilities increased due to a decrease in the
discount rate used to value those liabilities, but this was more than offset
by further employer contributions which, together with the return from the
plans' assets, resulted in the overall reduction in the plans' deficit. The
plans' actuarial valuation reviews, rather than the accounting basis,
determine any cash payments by the Group to eliminate the deficit. We expect
the aggregate cash contributions in this regard for the two UK defined benefit
plans in the 2021/22 financial year to be consistent with our previous
guidance of £14.2m.
Group tax rate higher as expected
The Group's effective tax rate on adjusted profit was 21.8%, slightly higher
than guidance, principally due to profit mix. This is based on the forecast
effective tax rate for the year as a whole which, as expected, is higher than
the prior year rate of 20.1%.
On 2 April 2019, the European Commission published its final decision that the
UK controlled Finance Company Partial Exemption (FCPE) constituted State Aid.
In common with many other UK companies, Halma has benefited from the FCPE and
has appealed against the European Commission's decision, as has the UK
Government. Following receipt of charging notices from HM Revenue &
Customs (HMRC) we made a payment in February 2021 of £13.9m to HMRC in
respect of tax, and in May 2021 made a further payment of approximately £0.8m
in respect of interest. We expect these payments to be refundable in the event
of a successful appeal and therefore have recognised a receivable of £14.7m
in the balance sheet.
Cash flow and funding
Cash conversion (adjusted operating cash flow as a percentage of adjusted
operating profit - see note 9) in the first half of the year was 85%, which
was below our annualised cash conversion target of 90%. This was principally
because of an increase in working capital of £25.5m (2020/21: reduction of
£6.4m) to fund the Group's very strong growth, the full effects of which were
partly mitigated by continued strong working capital control.
Dividend payments increased to £40.8m (2020/21: £37.7m). Tax payments were
also higher at £27.6m, compared to £14.0m in the first half of 2020/21, an
unusually low level due to changes in the timing of tax payments and one-off
tax refunds.
Expenditure on acquisitions, which include acquisition costs and contingent
consideration for acquisitions made in prior years, plus the net of proceeds
from disposals, totalled £58.0m (2020/21: £8.2m).
Capital expenditure (net of disposal proceeds) increased to £14.2m, compared
to £11.1m in the first half of 2020/21 when we limited capital investment to
essential projects and R&D only. We continue to expect capital expenditure
for the full year to be around £30m.
Net debt at the end of the period was £280.2m (31 March 2021: £256.2m).
Gearing (the ratio of net debt to the last 12 months' EBITDA) at half year end
was 0.76 times (31 March 2021: 0.76 times), which is well within our typical
operating range of up to two times.
Board and senior leadership changes
As announced earlier this year and confirmed at our AGM in July 2021, Dame
Louise Makin became Halma's Chair and Paul Walker, Adam Meyers and Daniela
Barone Soares retired from Halma's Board. The Chair transition from Paul to
Louise was completed smoothly and the Board continues to work effectively.
Since the period end, we have announced the appointment of Sharmila Nebhrajani
OBE as an independent non-executive Director, effective 1 December 2021.
Sharmila brings a wealth of experience gained across a variety of roles,
spanning both the public and private/NGO sectors, and has a particularly
strong background in sustainability and health.
Following the change to three sectors in April 2021, and the promotion of
Wendy McMillan and Constance Baroudel to the roles of Sector Chief Executive
(SCE) for the Safety and Environmental & Analysis sectors respectively,
Steve Brown has replaced Laura Stoltenberg as SCE for our Medical sector.
Steve has been a Divisional Chief Executive since 2018, having previously
served as a successful Managing Director of one of our largest businesses,
Apollo Fire Detectors, since 2015. These appointments further strengthen our
Executive Board and demonstrate the strength of our talent development and
succession planning processes together with our ambition for the future.
Principal risks and uncertainties
A number of potential risks and uncertainties exist, which could have a
material impact on the Group's performance over the second half of the
financial year and thereby cause actual results to differ materially from
expected and historical results.
The Group has processes in place for identifying, evaluating and managing
risk. As part of these processes, we are closely monitoring and assessing the
effects on revenue, costs and working capital from the currently elevated
levels of disruption in supply chains, logistics and in labour markets. We
expect that our companies' agility, and the support they receive from across
the Group to share best practice in addressing these challenges, will continue
to mitigate any potential material effects.
Our principal risks, together with a description of our approach to mitigating
them, are set out on pages 78 to 83 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2021,
which is available on the Group's website at www.halma.com. See note 17 to the
Condensed Interim Financial Statements for further details.
Going concern
After conducting a review of the Group's financial resources, the Directors
have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason
they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Condensed
Interim Financial Statements.
Summary and Outlook
Halma made strong progress in the first half, delivering record revenue,
profit and interim dividend, with substantial growth compared to both the
first half of last financial year and 2019/20.
Our full year outlook is unchanged, despite variable overhead costs returning
and continued impacts on revenue, costs and working capital from increased
supply chain, logistics and labour market disruption. In the second half of
the year, we expect more typical rates of revenue growth and Return on Sales,
with the latter more in line with historical levels.
Our Sustainable Growth Model continues to drive our success, including its
focus on global niche markets with long-term growth drivers. Our strong
purpose and culture, our portfolio and geographic diversity, together with our
agile business model enable us to perform well in varied market conditions and
sustain growth and returns over the longer term.
Andrew Williams Marc
Ronchetti
Group Chief Executive Chief Financial
Officer
( 1 )See Highlights, page 1.
( 2) See note 2 to the Condensed Interim Financial Statements. Profit is
Adjusted(1) operating profit before central administration costs after share
of associate.
Independent review report to Halma plc
Report on the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
Our conclusion
We have reviewed Halma plc's condensed consolidated interim financial
statements (the "interim financial statements") in the Half Year Report of
Halma plc for the 6 month period ended 30 September 2021 (the "period").
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to
believe that the interim financial statements are not prepared, in all
material respects, in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting
Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct
Authority.
What we have reviewed
The interim financial statements comprise:
- the Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 30 September 2021;
- the Consolidated Income Statement and the Consolidated Statement
of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure - for the period then ended;
- the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the period then ended;
- the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the period
then ended; and
- the explanatory notes to the interim financial statements.
The interim financial statements included in the Half Year Report of Halma plc
have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting
Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct
Authority.
Responsibilities for the interim financial statements and the review
Our responsibilities and those of the directors
The Half Year Report, including the interim financial statements, is the
responsibility of, and has been approved by the directors. The directors are
responsible for preparing the Half Year Report in accordance with the
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's
Financial Conduct Authority.
Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the interim financial
statements in the Half Year Report based on our review. This report, including
the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the company for the purpose
of complying with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of
the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority and for no other purpose. We
do not, in giving this conclusion, accept or assume responsibility for any
other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into
whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in
writing.
What a review of interim financial statements involves
We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review
Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information
Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity' issued by the Auditing
Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial
information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for
financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review
procedures.
A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance
with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and, consequently, does not
enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant
matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express
an audit opinion.
We have read the other information contained in the Half Year Report and
considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material
inconsistencies with the information in the interim financial statements.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
Watford
18 November 2021
Condensed Interim Financial Statements
Consolidated Income Statement
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Year to
Six months to Six months to
31 March 2021
30 September 2021
30 September 2020
Notes Before Adjustments* Total Before Adjustments* Total Total
£m
£m
£m
adjustments* (note 2) adjustments* (note 2)
£m
£m
£m £m
Continuing operations
Revenue 2 737.2 - 737.2 618.4 - 618.4 1,318.2
Operating profit 159.0 (21.4) 137.6 127.8 (25.7) 102.1 240.8
Share of results of associates (0.1) - (0.1) - - - -
Gain on disposal of operations 11 - 34.0 34.0 - - - 22.1
Finance income 3 0.6 - 0.6 1.0 - 1.0 1.0
Finance expense 4 (4.6) - (4.6) (6.8) - (6.8) (11.0)
Profit before taxation 154.9 12.6 167.5 122.0 (25.7) 96.3 252.9
Taxation 5 (33.8) 2.0 (31.8) (25.1) 6.1 (19.0) (49.6)
Profit for the period 121.1 14.6 135.7 96.9 (19.6) 77.3 203.3
Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 135.8 77.3 203.4
Non-controlling interests (0.1) - (0.1)
Earnings per share from continuing operations 6
Basic and diluted 31.96p 35.83p 25.54p 20.37p 53.61p
Dividends in respect of the period 7
Dividends paid and proposed (£m) 27.8 26.1 66.8
Per share 7.35p 6.87p 17.65p
* Adjustments include the amortisation and impairment of acquired
intangible assets; acquisition items; significant restructuring costs; profit
or loss on disposal of operations; and the associated taxation thereon. Note 9
provides more information on alternative performance measures.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
and Expenditure
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months to
Six months to
Year to
30 September
30 September
31 March
2021
2020
2021
£m
£m
£m
Profit for the period 135.7 77.3 203.3
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to the Income Statement:
Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit pension plans 10.4 (46.3) (30.6)
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income that will not be (1.0) 8.8 5.9
reclassified
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the Income Statement:
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges (0.8) (0.6) 1.0
Deferred tax in respect of cash flow hedges accounted for in the hedging 0.2 0.1 (0.2)
reserve
Exchange gains/(losses) on translation of foreign operations and net 18.5 (14.9) (72.7)
investment hedge
Exchange gain on translation of foreign operations recycled on disposal - - (2.8)
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the period 27.3 (52.9) (99.4)
Total comprehensive income for the period 163.0 24.4 103.9
Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 163.1 24.4 104.0
Non-controlling interests (0.1) - (0.1)
The exchange gains of £18.5m (six months to 30 September 2020: £14.9m loss;
year to 31 March 2021: £72.7m loss) include losses of £3.6m (six months to
30 September 2020: £4.2m gains; year to 31 March 2021: £19.9m gains), which
relate to net investment hedges.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Notes Unaudited Unaudited Audited
30 September
30 September
31 March
2021
2020
2021
£m
£m
£m
Non-current assets
Goodwill 867.4 829.8 808.5
Other intangible assets 319.3 303.8 290.0
Property, plant and equipment 186.7 184.7 180.8
Interests in associates and other investments 9.9 4.8 9.3
Retirement benefit asset 13 4.8 - -
Tax receivable 14 14.7 - 13.9
Deferred tax asset 1.9 5.6 1.3
1,404.7 1,328.7 1,303.8
Current assets
Inventories 193.2 175.8 167.8
Trade and other receivables 279.2 245.3 268.0
Tax receivable 4.4 6.5 2.5
Cash and bank balances 131.1 125.5 134.1
Derivative financial instruments 12 0.6 0.4 1.7
608.5 553.5 574.1
Total assets 2,013.2 1,882.2 1,877.9
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 206.1 158.7 186.7
Borrowings 3.0 76.1 3.0
Lease liabilities 14.2 13.0 13.3
Provisions 22.0 30.5 35.4
Tax liabilities 13.8 11.3 8.9
Derivative financial instruments 12 0.2 0.9 0.7
259.3 290.5 248.0
Net current assets 349.2 263.0 326.1
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings 340.7 300.0 322.3
Lease liabilities 53.4 51.4 51.7
Retirement benefit obligations 13 10.1 45.0 22.5
Trade and other payables 15.2 16.3 16.8
Provisions 6.3 14.3 8.4
Deferred tax liabilities 51.1 41.7 40.6
476.8 468.7 462.3
Total liabilities 736.1 759.2 710.3
Net assets 1,277.1 1,123.0 1,167.6
Equity
Share capital 38.0 38.0 38.0
Share premium account 23.6 23.6 23.6
Own shares (22.0) (5.2) (20.9)
Capital redemption reserve 0.2 0.2 0.2
Hedging reserve 0.1 (0.6) 0.7
Translation reserve 91.7 133.8 73.2
Other reserves (26.4) (18.9) (13.6)
Retained earnings 1,171.4 952.8 1,065.8
Equity attributable to owners of the Company 1,276.6 1,123.7 1,167.0
Non-controlling interests 0.5 (0.7) 0.6
Total equity 1,277.1 1,123.0 1,167.6
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the six months to 30 September 2021
Share Share Own Capital Hedging Translation Other Retained Non-controlling interest Total
capital
premium
shares
redemption
reserve
reserve
reserves
earnings
£m
£m
£m
account
£m
reserve
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
At 1 April 2021 (audited) 38.0 23.6 (20.9) 0.2 0.7 73.2 (13.6) 1,065.8 0.6 1,167.6
Profit for the period - - - - - - - 135.8 (0.1) 135.7
Other comprehensive income and expense:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations - - - - - 18.5 - - - 18.5
Actuarial gains on defined benefit pension plans - - - - - - - 10.4 - 10.4
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges - - - - (0.8) - - - - (0.8)
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income and expense - - - - 0.2 - - (1.0) - (0.8)
Total other comprehensive income and expense - - - - (0.6) 18.5 - 9.4 - 27.3
Dividends paid - - - - - - - (40.8) - (40.8)
Share-based payments charge - - - - - - 4.0 - - 4.0
Deferred tax on share-based payment transactions - - - - - - (0.5) - - (0.5)
Excess tax deductions related to share-based payments on exercised awards - - - - - - - 1.2 - 1.2
Purchase of own shares - - (10.4) - - - - - - (10.4)
Performance share plan awards vested - - 9.3 - - - (16.3) - - (7.0)
At 30 September 2021 (unaudited) 38.0 23.6 (22.0) 0.2 0.1 91.7 (26.4) 1,171.4 0.5 1,277.1
Own shares are ordinary shares in Halma plc purchased by the Company and held
to fulfil the Company's obligations under the Company's share plans. As at 30
September 2021 the number of shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust was
870,370 (30 September 2020: 262,551 and 31 March 2021: 891,622).
The Translation reserve is used to record the difference arising from the
retranslation of the financial statements of foreign operations. The Hedging
reserve is used to record the portion of the cumulative net change in fair
value of cash flow hedging instruments that are deemed to be an effective
hedge.
The Capital redemption reserve was created on repurchase and cancellation of
the Company's own shares. The Other reserves represent the provision for the
value of the Group's equity-settled share plans.
For the six months to 30 September 2020
Share Share Own Capital Hedging Translation Other Retained Non- Total
capital
premium
shares
redemption
reserve
reserve
reserves
earnings
£m
£m
account
£m
reserve
£m
£m
£m
£m controlling interest
£m
£m
£m
At 1 April 2020 (audited) 38.0 23.6 (14.3) 0.2 (0.1) 148.7 (7.7) 949.2 (0.7) 1,136.9
Profit for the period - - - - - - - 77.3 - 77.3
Other comprehensive income and expense:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations - - - - - (14.9) - - - (14.9)
Actuarial gains on defined benefit pension plans - - - - - - - (46.3) - (46.3)
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges - - - - (0.6) - - - - (0.6)
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income and expense - - - - 0.1 - - 8.8 - 8.9
Total other comprehensive income and expense - - - - (0.5) (14.9) - (37.5) - (52.9)
Dividends paid - - - - - - - (37.7) - (37.7)
Share-based payments charge - - - - - - 5.0 - - 5.0
Deferred tax on share-based - - - - - - 0.4 - - 0.4
payment transactions
Excess tax deductions related to share-based payments on exercised awards - - - - - - - 1.5 - 1.5
Performance share plan awards vested - - 9.1 - - - (16.6) - - (7.5)
At 30 September 2020 (unaudited) 38.0 23.6 (5.2) 0.2 (0.6) 133.8 (18.9) 952.8 (0.7) 1,123.0
For the year to 31 March 2021
Share Share Own Capital Hedging Translation Other Retained Non- Total
capital
premium
shares
redemption
reserve
reserve
reserves
earnings
£m
£m
account
£m
reserve
£m
£m
£m
£m controlling
£m
£m
interest
£m
At 1 April 2020 (audited) 38.0 23.6 (14.3) 0.2 (0.1) 148.7 (7.7) 949.2 (0.7) 1,136.9
Profit for the year - - - - - - - 203.4 (0.1) 203.3
Other comprehensive income and expense:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations and net investment - - - - - (72.7) - - - (72.7)
hedge
Exchange loss on translation of foreign operations recycled to income - - - - - (2.8) - - - (2.8)
statement on disposal
Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plans - - - - - - - (30.6) - (30.6)
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges - - - - 1.0 - - - - 1.0
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income and expense - - - - (0.2) - - 5.9 - 5.7
Total other comprehensive income and expense - - - - 0.8 (75.5) - (24.7) - (99.4)
Dividends paid - - - - - - - (63.7) - (63.7)
Share-based payments charge - - - - - - 11.9 - - 11.9
Deferred tax on share-based - - - - - - (0.4) - - (0.4)
payment transactions
Excess tax deductions related to share-based payments on exercised awards - - - - - - - 1.6 - 1.6
Purchase of own shares - - (16.2) - - - - - - (16.2)
Performance share plan awards vested - - 9.6 - - - (17.4) - - (7.8)
Adjustments to non-controlling interest arising on acquisition - - - - - - - - 1.4 1.4
At 31 March 2021 (audited) 38.0 23.6 (20.9) 0.2 0.7 73.2 (13.6) 1,065.8 0.6 1,167.6
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
Notes Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months to
Six months to
Year to
30 September
30 September
31 March
2021
2020
2021
£m
£m
£m
Net cash inflow from operating activities 8 112.0 137.1 277.6
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (13.7) (10.2) (22.8)
Purchase of computer software (0.5) (0.5) (2.8)
Purchase of other intangibles (0.4) (0.9) (1.2)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and capitalised 0.4 0.5 0.9
development costs
Development costs capitalised (6.8) (7.0) (15.4)
Interest received 0.2 0.1 0.8
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired 10 (105.0) (6.7) (46.4)
Disposal of business, net of cash disposed 57.5 - 26.1
Purchase of equity investments (0.7) - (3.4)
Net cash used in investing activities (69.0) (24.7) (64.2)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid 7 (40.8) (37.7) (63.7)
Purchase of own shares (10.4) - (16.2)
Interest paid (3.9) (5.7) (10.0)
Proceeds from bank borrowings 100.0 9.1 129.4
Repayments of bank borrowings (85.2) (52.7) (136.7)
Repayment of loan notes - - (72.2)
Repayment of lease liabilities (7.0) (7.1) (14.1)
Net cash used in financing activities (47.3) (94.1) (183.5)
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (4.3) 18.3 29.9
Cash and cash equivalents brought forward 131.1 105.4 105.4
Exchange adjustments 1.3 (0.3) (4.2)
Cash and cash equivalents carried forward 128.1 123.4 131.1
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months to
Six months to
Year to
30 September
30 September
31 March
2021
2020
2021
£m
£m
£m
Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (4.3) 18.3 29.9
Net cash (inflow)/outflow from (drawdown)/repayment of bank borrowings (14.8) 43.6 7.3
Loan notes repaid - - 72.2
Lease liabilities additions (7.9) (11.9) (25.0)
Lease liabilities acquired (3.8) - (0.5)
Lease liabilities disposed of 2.1 - 1.8
Lease liabilities and interest repaid 8.1 8.2 16.4
Exchange adjustments (3.4) 2.1 17.0
(Increase)/decrease in net debt (24.0) 60.3 119.1
Net debt brought forward (256.2) (375.3) (375.3)
Net debt carried forward (280.2) (315.0) (256.2)
Notes to the Condensed Interim Financial Statements
1 Basis of preparation
General information
The Half Year Report, which includes the Interim Management Report and
Condensed Interim Financial Statements for the six months to 30 September
2021, was approved by the Directors on 18 November 2021.
Basis of preparation
The Report has been prepared solely to provide additional information to
shareholders as a body to assess the Board's strategies and the potential for
those strategies to succeed. It should not be relied on by any other party or
for any other purpose.
The Report contains certain forward-looking statements which have been made by
the Directors in good faith using information available up until the date they
approved the Report. Forward-looking statements should be regarded with
caution as by their nature such statements involve risk and uncertainties
relating to events and circumstances that may occur in the future. Actual
results may differ from those expressed in such statements, depending on the
outcome of these uncertain future events.
The Report has been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International
Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure
Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the UK's Financial Conduct
Authority. The Report should be read in conjunction with the annual
consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2021 which were
prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and IFRS adopted pursuant to
Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union. The same
accounting policies and presentation that were applied in the preparation of
the Group's statutory accounts for the year to 31 March 2021 have also been
applied to the interim consolidated financial statements with the exception of
the policy for taxes on income, which in the interim period is accrued using
the estimated effective tax rates for the year on profits before tax before
adjustments, with the tax rates applied to the adjustments being established
on an individual basis for each adjustment.
The figures shown for the year to 31 March 2021 are based on the Group's
statutory accounts for that period and do not constitute the Group's statutory
accounts for that period as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.
These statutory accounts, which were prepared in accordance with
international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the
Companies Act 2006, have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The audit
report on those accounts was not qualified, did not include a reference to any
matters to which the Auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without
qualifying the report, and did not contain statements under Sections 498 (2)
or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
For the year to 31 March 2022 the annual financial statements will be prepared
in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the UK Endorsement Board. This change
in basis of preparation is required by UK company law for the purposes of
financial reporting as a result of the UK's exit from the EU on 31 January
2020 and the cessation of the transition period on 31 December 2020. This
change does not constitute a change in accounting policy but rather a change
in framework which is required to ground the use of IFRS in company law. There
is no impact on recognition, measurement or disclosure between the two
frameworks in the period reported.
Going concern
The Group's business activities, together with the main trends and factors
likely to affect its future development, performance and position, and the
financial position of the Group as at 30 September 2021, its cash flows,
liquidity position and borrowing facilities are set out on pages 2 to 7.
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. In
adopting the going concern basis the Directors have considered all of the
above factors, including potential scenarios and its principal risks set out
in note 17. Under the potential scenarios considered, which includes a severe
but plausible downside scenario, the Group remains within its debt facilities
and the attached financial covenants for the foreseeable future and the
Directors therefore believe, at the time of approving the financial
statements, that the Company is well placed to manage its business risks
successfully and remains a going concern. The key facts and assumptions in
reaching this determination are summarised below.
Our financial position remains robust with committed facilities totalling
approximately £656m which includes a £550m Revolving Credit Facility
maturing in November 2023 of which £315.8m remains undrawn at the date of
this Report. The earliest maturity in these facilities is for £70.0m in
January 2023. The financial covenants on these facilities are for leverage
(net debt/adjusted EBITDA*) of not more than three times and for adjusted
interest cover of not less than four times.
* net debt and adjusted EBITDA are on a pre-IFRS 16 basis for covenant
purposes
Our base case scenario has been prepared using forecasts from each of our
Operating Companies as well as cash outflows on acquisitions in line with pre
COVID-19 levels. In addition, a severe but plausible downside scenario has
been modelled showing trading at similar levels to those in FY21. This
reduction in trading to that currently forecasted could be caused by further
significant, unexpected COVID-19 impacts or another significant downside
event. In mitigating the impacts of the downside scenario there are actions
that can be taken which are entirely discretionary to the business such as
acquisitions spend and dividend growth rates. In addition, the Group has
demonstrated strong resilience and flexibility in the first half of the prior
year in managing overheads which could be used to further mitigate the impacts
of the downside scenario.
Neither of these scenarios result in a breach of the Group's available debt
facilities or the attached covenants and accordingly the Directors believe
there is no material uncertainty in the use of the going concern assumption.
New accounting standards and policies
The following Standards, with an effective date of 1 January 2021 and 1 April
2021 respectively, have been adopted without any significant impact on the
amounts reported in these financial statements:
- Interest Rate Benchmark Reform - Phase 2 - Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS
39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16
- Amendments to IFRS 16: COVID-19-Related Rent Concessions
2 Segmental analysis and revenue from contracts with customers
Sector analysis
From 1 April 2021, the Group aligned its organisational structure and
financial reporting with its purpose and focus on safety, environmental and
health markets. The Group now has three main reportable segments (Safety,
Environmental & Analysis and Medical), which are defined by markets
rather than product type. Each segment includes businesses with similar
operating and market characteristics. These segments are consistent with the
internal reporting as reviewed by the Group Chief Executive.
Segment revenue disaggregation (by location of external customer)
Unaudited Six months to 30 September 2021
Revenue by sector and destination (all continuing operations)
United States of America Mainland Europe United Kingdom Asia Pacific Africa, Other Total
£m
£m
£m
£m
Near and Middle East
countries
£m
£m
£m
Safety 77.7 89.7 77.5 51.9 15.1 8.3 320.2
Environmental & Analysis 99.0 24.7 38.9 37.3 5.2 4.4 209.5
Medical 104.7 32.2 19.8 35.6 5.7 10.0 208.0
Inter-segmental sales (0.5) - - - - - (0.5)
Revenue for the period 280.9 146.6 136.2 124.8 26.0 22.7 737.2
Unaudited Six months to 30 September 2020
Revenue by sector and destination (all continuing operations)
Restated*
United States Mainland United Asia Pacific Africa, Other Total
of America
Europe
Kingdom
£m
Near and
countries
£m
£m
£m
£m
Middle East
£m
£m
Safety 71.0 78.5 49.3 42.6 16.4 10.8 268.6
Environmental & Analysis 88.3 19.7 32.9 29.6 4.4 3.1 178.0
Medical 96.2 29.0 5.6 27.8 4.0 9.8 172.4
Inter-segmental sales (0.4) - (0.2) - - - (0.6)
Revenue for the period 255.1 127.2 87.6 100.0 24.8 23.7 618.4
Audited year end 31 March 2021
Revenue by sector and destination (all continuing operations)
Restated*
United States Mainland United Asia Pacific Africa, Other Total
of America
Europe
Kingdom
£m
Near and
countries
£m
£m
£m
£m
Middle East
£m
£m
Safety 143.7 170.8 124.9 90.9 34.1 22.6 587.0
Environmental & Analysis 165.1 44.2 70.1 65.9 9.2 6.6 361.1
Medical 200.6 61.0 19.2 59.3 10.8 20.4 371.3
Inter-segmental sales (0.6) - (0.6) - - - (1.2)
Revenue for the period 508.8 276.0 213.6 216.1 54.1 49.6 1,318.2
*Restated to reflect the new reporting segments.
Inter-segmental sales are charged at prevailing market prices and have not
been disclosed separately by segment as they are not considered material. The
Group does not analyse revenue by product group. Revenue derived from the
rendering of services was £28.8m (six months to 30 September 2020: £21.3m;
year to 31 March 2021: £52.6m). All revenue was otherwise derived from the
sale of products.
The majority of the Group's revenue is recognised when control passes at a
point in time.
Segment results
Profit (all continuing operations)
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months to
Six months to
Year to
30 September
30 September
31 March
2021
2020
2021
£m Restated*
£m Restated*
£m
Segment profit before allocation of adjustments**
Safety 73.5 58.0 135.3
Environmental & Analysis 53.1 42.9 89.3
Medical 46.3 38.2 86.6
172.9 139.1 311.2
Segment profit after allocation of adjustments**
Safety 99.1 49.3 117.3
Environmental & Analysis 46.6 36.7 101.7
Medical 39.8 27.4 66.8
Segment profit 185.5 113.4 285.8
Central administration costs (14.0) (11.3) (22.9)
Net finance expense (4.0) (5.8) (10.0)
Group profit before taxation 167.5 96.3 252.9
Taxation (31.8) (19.0) (49.6)
Profit for the period 135.7 77.3 203.3
* Restated to reflect the new reporting segments.
** Adjustments include the amortisation and impairment of acquired
intangible assets; acquisition items; significant restructuring costs; and
profit or loss on disposal of operations. Note 9 provides more information on
alternative performance measures.
The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Group's
accounting policies. Acquisition transaction costs, adjustments to contingent
consideration and release of fair value adjustments to inventory (collectively
'acquisition items') are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.
Segment profit before these acquisition items and other adjustments, is
disclosed separately above as this is the measure reported to the Group Chief
Executive for the purpose of allocation of resources and assessment of segment
performance.
These adjustments are analysed as follows:
Unaudited for the Six months to 30 September 2021
Amortisation Acquisition items Total
of acquired
£m
intangibles
£m
Transaction Adjustments Release of Total Disposal of
costs
to contingent
fair value
amortisation
operations and restructuring (note 11)
£m
consideration
adjustments
charge and
£m
£m
to inventory
acquisition
£m
items
£m
Safety (7.3) (0.5) - (0.6) (8.4) 34.0 25.6
Environmental & Analysis (5.1) (0.7) 0.1 (0.8) (6.5) - (6.5)
Medical (8.4) (1.7) 3.8 (0.2) (6.5) - (6.5)
Total Segment & Group (20.8) (2.9) 3.9 (1.6) (21.4) 34.0 12.6
The transaction costs arose mainly on the acquisitions during the year. In
Safety, they related to the acquisition of Ramtech (£0.4m) and IBIT (£0.1m).
In Environmental & Analysis, they related to the acquisition of Dancutter
(£0.3m), Sensitron (£0.2m), Orca (£0.1m) and Anton (£0.1m). In Medical,
they related to the acquisition of PeriGen (£1.3m), Meditech (£0.1m) and RNK
(£0.1m), in the current year and the acquisition of Visiometrics in a
previous year (£0.2m).
The £3.9m adjustment to contingent consideration comprised of a credit of
£0.1m in Environmental & Analysis arising from a decrease in the estimate
of the payables for Invenio and a credit of £3.8m in Medical arising from a
decrease in estimates of the payables for NovaBone (£1.2m), NeoMedix (£2.5m)
and Spreo (£0.1m) partially offset by an increase in the estimate of the
payable for Infowave (£0.1m) and a credit of £0.1m arising from exchange
differences on balances denominated in Euros.
The £1.6m release of fair value adjustments to inventory related to Ramtech
(£0.6m) in Safety; Dancutter (£0.1m), Orca (£0.6m) and Sensitron (£0.1m)
in Environmental & Analysis; and Meditech (£0.2m) in Medical. All amounts
have been released in relation to Dancutter and Orca.
Unaudited for the Six months to 30 September 2020
Restated*
Amortisation Acquisition items
of acquired
intangibles Total
£m
£m
Transaction Adjustments Release of Total Disposal of
costs
to contingent
fair value
amortisation
operations and restructuring
£m
consideration
adjustments
charge and
£m
£m
to inventory
acquisition
£m
items
£m
Safety (7.8) - (0.9) - (8.7) - (8.7)
Environmental & Analysis (5.3) - - (0.9) (6.2) - (6.2)
Medical (8.5) (0.6) (0.2) (1.5) (10.8) - (10.8)
Total Segment & Group (21.6) (0.6) (1.1) (2.4) (25.7) - (25.7)
* Restated to reflect the new reporting segments.
The transaction costs relate to the acquisition of Visiometrics in a previous
year.
The £1.1m adjustment to contingent consideration comprised: a charge of
£0.9m in Safety arising from an increase in estimates of the payable for
FireMate (£0.9m); and a charge of £0.2m in Medical arising from an increase
in estimate of the payable for Infowave (£0.7m), a decrease in the estimate
payable for NeoMedix (£1.0m) and a charge of £0.5m arising from exchange
differences on balances denominated in Euros.
The £2.4m release of fair value adjustments to inventory relates to Sensit
(£0.9m) in Environmental & Analysis and NovaBone (£1.3m) and Maxtec
(£0.2m) in Medical.
Audited year ended 31 March 2021 Restated*
Acquisition items
Transaction Adjustments Release of Total Disposal of Total
Amortisation costs to contingent fair value amortisation operations and restructuring £m
of acquired £m consideration adjustments charge and (note 11)
intangible £m to inventory acquisition £m
assets £m items
£m £m
Safety (15.6) - (2.4) - (18.0) - (18.0)
Environmental & Analysis (10.2) - 1.3 (0.8) (9.7) 22.1 12.4
Medical (16.5) (1.9) 0.4 (1.8) (19.8) - (19.8)
Total Segment & Group (42.3) (1.9) (0.7) (2.6) (47.5) 22.1 (25.4)
* Restated to reflect the new reporting segments.
The transaction costs arose on the acquisition of Static Systems (£0.5m)
during the year and costs relating to Visiometrics (£1.4m), both in the
Medical sector.
The £0.7m adjustment to contingent consideration comprised: a charge of
£2.4m in Safety arising from an increase in the estimate of the payables for
Navtech (£1.5m) and FireMate (£0.9m); a credit of £1.3m in Environmental
& Analysis arising from a decrease in estimate of the payables for Invenio
(£0.8m) and Enoveo (£0.5m), and a credit of £0.4m in Medical arising from a
decrease in the estimated payable for NeoMedix (£1.7m), offset by an increase
in estimate of the payable for Infowave (£0.9m) and Spreo (£0.2m), and a
charge of £0.2m arising from exchange differences on balances denominated in
Euros.
The £2.6m release of fair value adjustments to inventory relates to Sensit
(£0.8m) in Environmental & Analysis and NovaBone (£1.3m), Maxtec
(£0.2m) and Static Systems (£0.3m) in Medical. All amounts have now been
released in relation to Sensit, NovaBone, Maxtec and Static Systems.
Segment assets and liabilities
Assets Liabilities
Before goodwill, interest in associates and other investments and acquired Unaudited Audited Unaudited Audited
intangible assets are allocated to specific segment assets/liabilities
30 September 31 March 30 September 31 March
2021 2021 2021 2021
£m £m £m £m
Restated* Restated*
Safety 255.9 276.9 78.6 95.6
Environmental & Analysis 143.5 136.2 61.7 56.8
Medical 173.4 155.7 70.5 54.0
Total segment assets/liabilities excluding goodwill, interest in associates 572.8 568.8 210.8 206.4
and other investments and acquired intangible assets
Goodwill 867.4 808.5 - -
Interest in associate and other investments 9.9 9.3 - -
Acquired intangible assets 271.3 241.7 - -
Total segment assets/liabilities including goodwill, interest in associates 1,721.4 1,628.3 210.8 206.4
and other investments and acquired intangible assets
Assets Liabilities
After goodwill, interest in associates and other investments and acquired Unaudited Audited Unaudited Audited
intangible assets are allocated to specific segment assets/liabilities
30 September 31 March 30 September 31 March
2021 2021 2021 2021
£m £m £m £m
Restated* Restated*
Safety 644.7 665.8 78.6 95.6
Environmental & Analysis 392.3 345.0 61.7 56.8
Medical 684.4 617.5 70.5 54.0
Total segment assets/liabilities including goodwill, interest in associates 1,721.4 1,628.3 210.8 206.4
and other investments and acquired intangible assets
Cash and bank balances/borrowings 131.1 134.1 343.7 325.3
Derivative financial instruments 0.6 1.7 0.2 0.7
Other unallocated assets/liabilities 160.1 113.8 181.4 177.9
Total Group 2,013.2 1,877.9 736.1 710.3
* Restated to reflect the new reporting segments.
Segment assets and liabilities, excluding the allocation of goodwill, interest
in associate and other investments and acquired intangible assets, have been
disclosed separately above as this is the measure reported to the Group Chief
Executive for the purpose of monitoring segment performance and allocating
resources between segments. Other unallocated assets include land and
buildings, right-of-use assets, retirement benefit assets, deferred tax assets
and other central administration assets. Unallocated liabilities include
contingent purchase consideration, retirement benefit obligations, deferred
tax liabilities, lease liabilities and other central administration
liabilities.
3 Finance income
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months to
Six months to
Year to
30 September
30 September
31 March
2021
2020
2021
£m
£m
£m
Interest receivable 0.2 0.1 0.8
Net interest credit on pension plan liabilities - - 0.1
Fair value movement on derivative financial instruments 0.4 0.9 0.1
0.6 1.0 1.0
4 Finance expense
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months to
Six months to
Year to
30 September
30 September
31 March
2021
2020
2021
£m
£m
£m
Interest payable on loans and overdrafts 2.7 4.5 7.7
Interest payable on lease obligations 1.1 1.2 2.3
Amortisation of finance costs 0.3 0.3 0.7
Net interest charge on pension plan liabilities 0.2 - -
Other interest payable 0.1 - 0.1
4.4 6.0 10.8
Fair value movement on derivative financial instruments 0.2 0.8 0.2
4.6 6.8 11.0
5 Taxation
The total Group tax charge for the six months to 30 September 2021 of £31.8m
(six months to 30 September 2020: £19.0m; year to 31 March 2021: £49.6m)
comprises a current tax charge of £33.1m (six months to 30 September 2020:
£22.0m; year to 31 March 2021: £53.9m) and a deferred tax credit of £1.3m
(six months to 30 September 2020: deferred tax credit £3.0m; year to 31 March
2021: deferred tax credit £4.3m). The tax charge is based on the estimated
effective tax rates for the year, applied to profit before tax before
adjustments. The tax rates applied to the adjustments are established on an
individual basis for each adjustment.
The tax charge includes £21.4m (six months to 30 September 2020: £20.0m;
year to 31 March 2021: £40.7m) in respect of overseas tax.
The Finance Bill 2021 received Royal Assent on 10 June 2021 and included the
increase in the UK corporation tax rate from 19% to 25% from 1 April 2023.
Accordingly, our UK deferred tax balances have been restated to 25%, resulting
in a £2.6m charge to the profit and loss account, included as an adjusting
item, and a £1.1m credit to reserves.
6 Earnings per ordinary share
Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share are calculated using the
weighted average of 378,763,653 (30 September 2020: 379,092,489; 31 March
2021: 379,157,495) shares in issue during the period (net of shares purchased
by the Company and held as Employee Benefit Trust shares). There are no
dilutive or potentially dilutive ordinary shares.
Adjusted earnings are calculated as earnings from continuing operations
excluding the amortisation of acquired intangible assets; acquisition items;
significant restructuring costs; profit or loss on disposal of operations; and
the associated taxation thereon.
The Directors consider that adjusted earnings represent a more consistent
measure of underlying performance as it excludes amounts not directly linked
to trading. A reconciliation of earnings and the effect on basic earnings per
share figures is as follows:
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months to
Six months to
Year to
30 September
30 September
31 March
2021
2020
2021
£m
£m
£m
Earnings from continuing operations attributable to owners of the parent 135.8 77.3 203.4
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets (after tax) 16.9 16.4 32.0
UK tax rate change (Note 5) 2.6 - -
Acquisition transaction costs (after tax) 2.7 0.5 1.6
Adjustments to contingent consideration (after tax) (3.9) 1.0 0.7
Release of fair value adjustments to inventory (after tax) 1.1 1.7 2.0
Disposal of operations and restructuring (after tax) (34.0) - (17.1)
Adjusted earnings attributable to owners of the parent 121.2 96.9 222.6
Per ordinary share
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months to
Six months to
Year to
30 September
30 September
31 March
2021
2020
2021
pence
pence
pence
Earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to owners of the 35.83 20.37 53.61
parent
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets (after tax) 4.46 4.30 8.44
UK tax rate change 0.69 - -
Acquisition transaction costs (after tax) 0.70 0.14 0.43
Adjustments to contingent consideration (after tax) (1.03) 0.27 0.20
Release of fair value adjustments to inventory (after tax) 0.30 0.46 0.52
Disposal of operations and restructuring (after tax) (8.99) - (4.53)
Adjusted earnings per share attributable to owners of the parent 31.96 25.54 58.67
7 Dividends
Per ordinary share
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months to
Six months to
Year to
30 September
30 September
31 March
2021
2020
2021
pence
pence
pence
Amounts recognised as distributions and paid to shareholders in the period
Final dividend for the year to 31 March 2021 (31 March 2020) 10.78 9.96 9.96
Interim dividend for the year to 31 March 2021 - - 6.87
10.78 9.96 16.83
Dividends in respect of the period
Proposed interim dividend for the year to 31 March 2022 (31 March 2021) 7.35 6.87 6.87
Final dividend for the year to 31 March 2021 - - 10.78
7.35 6.87 17.65
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months to
Six months to
Year to
30 September
30 September
31 March
2021
2020
2021
£m
£m
£m
Amounts recognised as distributions and paid to shareholders in the period
Final dividend for the year to 31 March 2021 (31 March 2020) 40.8 37.7 37.7
Interim dividend for the year to 31 March 2021 - - 26.0
40.8 37.7 63.7
Dividends in respect of the period
Proposed interim dividend for the year to 31 March 2022 (31 March 2021) 27.8 26.0 26.0
Final dividend for the year to 31 March 2021 - - 40.8
27.8 26.0 66.8
8 Notes to the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months to
Six months to
Year to
30 September
30 September
31 March
2021
2020
2021
£m
£m
£m
Reconciliation of profit from operations to net cash inflow from
operating activities
Profit on continuing operations before finance income and expense, share 137.6 102.1 240.8
of results of associates and profit or loss on disposal of operations
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 18.1 18.5 37.8
Amortisation of computer software 1.2 1.5 2.8
Amortisation of capitalised development costs and other intangibles 4.7 3.7 8.3
Impairment of capitalised development costs 1.7 2.3 1.9
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 20.8 21.6 42.3
Share-based payment expense less amounts paid (2.5) (2.0) 3.7
Payments to defined benefit pension plans net of charge (7.0) (6.5) (13.1)
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment and computer software 0.1 0.1 0.7
Operating cash flows before movement in working capital 174.7 141.3 325.2
Increase in inventories (22.1) (7.2) (6.7)
(Increase)/decrease in receivables (9.1) 36.5 4.3
Increase/(decrease) in payables and provisions 7.2 (20.6) 7.9
Revision to estimate of contingent consideration payable less amounts paid in (11.1) 1.1 0.7
excess of payable estimated on acquisition
Cash generated from operations 139.6 151.1 331.4
Taxation paid (27.6) (14.0) (53.8)
Net cash inflow from operating activities 112.0 137.1 277.6
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
30 September
30 September
31 March
2021
2020
2021
£m
£m
£m
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash and bank balances 131.1 125.5 134.1
Overdrafts (included in current borrowings) (3.0) (2.1) (3.0)
Cash and cash equivalents 128.1 123.4 131.1
At Cash flow Net cash/(debt) acquired Net (cash)/debt disposed Lease liabilities additions Exchange At 30 September
31 March
£m
£m
adjustments
2021
2021 £m £m
£m
£m
£m
Analysis of net debt
Cash and bank balances 134.1 (18.0) 18.2 (4.5) - 1.3 131.1
Overdrafts (3.0) - - - - - (3.0)
Cash and cash equivalents 131.1 (18.0) 18.2 (4.5) - 1.3 128.1
Loan notes falling due after more than one year (105.3) - - - - (0.7) (106.0)
Bank loans falling due after more than one year (217.0) (14.8) - - - (2.9) (234.7)
Lease liabilities (65.0) 8.1 (3.8) 2.1 (7.9) (1.1) (67.6)
Total net debt (256.2) (24.7) 14.4 (2.4) (7.9) (3.4) (280.2)
Overdrafts falling due within one year are included as current borrowings in
the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Loan notes and bank loans falling due after
more than one year are included as non-current borrowings.
During the period the Group changed the presentation of the proceeds from and
the repayments of bank borrowings in the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement. In
the year ended 31 March 2021 these were presented as net repayments of £7.3m,
which has been updated to proceeds of £129.4m and repayments of £136.7m.
9 Alternative performance measures
The Board uses certain alternative performance measures to help it effectively
monitor the performance of the Group. The Directors consider that these
represent a more consistent measure of underlying performance by removing
non-trading items that are not closely related to the Group's trading or
operating cash flows. These measures include Return on Total Invested Capital
(ROTIC), Return on Capital Employed (ROCE), organic growth at constant
currency, Adjusted operating profit, Adjusted operating cash flow and Return
on Sales.
Note 2 provides further analysis of the adjusting items in reaching adjusted
profit measures.
Return on Total Invested Capital (ROTIC)
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months to
Six months to
Year to
30 September
30 September
31 March
2021
2020
2021
£m
£m
£m
Profit after tax 135.7 77.3 203.3
Adjustments(1) (14.6) 19.6 19.2
Adjusted profit after tax(1) 121.1 96.9 222.5
Total equity 1,277.1 1,123.0 1,167.6
Add back net retirement benefit obligations 5.3 45.0 22.5
Less associated deferred tax assets (0.8) (8.1) (4.0)
Cumulative amortisation of acquired intangible assets 316.8 300.6 297.2
Historical adjustments to goodwill(2) 89.5 89.5 89.5
Total Invested Capital 1,687.9 1,550.0 1,572.8
Average Total Invested Capital(3) 1,630.4 1,532.3 1,543.7
Return on Total Invested Capital (annualised)(4) 14.9% 12.6% 14.4%
Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months to
Six months to
Year to
30 September
30 September
31 March
2021
2020
2021
£m
£m
£m
Profit before tax 167.5 96.3 252.9
Adjustments(1) (12.6) 25.7 25.4
Net finance costs 4.0 5.8 10.0
Lease interest (1.1) (1.2) (2.3)
Adjusted operating profit(1) after share of results of associates 157.8 126.6 286.0
Computer software costs within intangible assets 5.3 4.8 6.0
Capitalised development costs within intangible assets 39.1 36.7 38.9
Other intangibles within intangible assets 3.6 3.8 3.4
Property, plant and equipment 186.7 184.7 180.8
Inventories 193.2 175.8 167.8
Trade and other receivables 279.2 245.3 268.0
Current trade and other payables (206.1) (158.7) (186.7)
Current lease liabilities (14.2) (13.0) (13.3)
Current provisions (22.0) (30.5) (35.4)
Net tax asset/(liabilities) 5.3 (4.8) 7.5
Non-current trade and other payables (15.2) (16.3) (16.8)
Non-current provisions (6.3) (14.3) (8.4)
Non-current lease liabilities (53.4) (51.4) (51.7)
Add back contingent purchase consideration provision 14.8 34.5 29.4
Capital Employed 410.0 396.6 389.5
Average Capital Employed(3) 399.8 406.8 403.2
Return on Capital Employed (annualised)(4) 78.9% 62.2% 70.9%
1 Adjustments include the amortisation of acquired intangible assets;
acquisition items; significant restructuring costs and profit or loss on
disposal of operations. Where after-tax measures, these also include the
associated taxation on adjusting items.
2 Includes goodwill amortised prior to 3 April 2004 and goodwill taken
to reserves.
3 The ROTIC and ROCE measures are expressed as a percentage of the
average of the current period's and prior year's Total Invested Capital and
Capital Employed respectively. Using an average as the denominator is
considered to be more representative. The March 2020 Total Invested Capital
and Capital Employed balances were £1,338.3m and £358.9m respectively.
4 The ROTIC and ROCE measures are calculated as annualised Adjusted
profit after tax divided by Average Total Invested Capital and annualised
Adjusted operating profit after share of results of associates divided by
Average Capital Employed respectively.
Organic growth and constant currency
Organic growth measures the change in revenue and profit from continuing Group
operations. The measure equalises the effect of acquisitions by:
a. removing from the year of acquisition their entire revenue and profit
before taxation,
b. in the following year, removing the revenue and profit for the number of
months equivalent to the pre-acquisition period in the prior year, and
c. removing from the year prior to acquisition any revenue generated by sales
to the acquired company which would have been eliminated on consolidation had
the acquired company been owned for that period.
The resultant effect is that the acquisitions are removed from organic results
for one full year of ownership.
The results of disposals are removed from the prior period reported revenue
and profit before taxation.
Constant currency measures the change in revenue and profit excluding the
effects of currency movements. The measure restates the current year's revenue
and profit at last year's exchanges rates.
Organic growth at constant currency has been calculated as follows:
Revenue Adjusted profit* before taxation
Unaudited Unaudited % growth Unaudited Unaudited % growth
Six months to
Six months to
Six months to
Six months to
30 September
30 September
30 September
30 September
2021
2020
2021
2020
£m
£m
£m
£m
Continuing operations 737.2 618.4 19.2% 154.9 122.0 27.0%
Acquired and disposed revenue/profit (27.6) (12.0) (4.4) (1.3)
Organic growth 709.6 606.4 17.0% 150.5 120.7 24.7%
Constant currency adjustment 37.4 - 8.5 -
Organic growth at constant currency 747.0 606.4 23.2% 159.0 120.7 31.7%
* Adjustments include the amortisation of acquired intangible assets;
significant acquisition items; restructuring costs; and profit or loss on
disposal of operations.
Sector organic growth at constant currency
Organic growth at constant currency is calculated for each segment using the
same method as described above.
Safety
Revenue Adjusted* segment profit
Unaudited Unaudited % growth Unaudited Unaudited % growth
Six months to
Six months to
Six months to
Six months to
30 September
30 September
30 September
30 September
2021
2020
2021
2020
£m Restated** £m Restated**
£m
£m
Continuing operations 320.2 268.6 19.2% 73.5 58.0 26.6%
Acquisition and currency adjustments 9.0 (5.9) 2.0 (0.6)
Organic growth at constant currency 329.2 262.7 25.3% 75.5 57.4 31.6%
Environmental & Analysis
Revenue Adjusted* segment profit
Unaudited Unaudited % growth Unaudited Unaudited % growth
Six months to
Six months to
Six months to
Six months to
30 September
30 September
30 September
30 September
2021
2020
2021
2020
£m Restated** £m Restated**
£m
£m
Continuing operations 209.5 178.0 17.7% 53.1 42.9 23.8%
Acquisition and currency adjustments 5.6 (6.1) 2.0 (0.7)
Organic growth at constant currency 215.1 171.9 25.1% 55.1 42.2 30.5%
Medical
Revenue Adjusted* segment profit
Unaudited Unaudited % growth Unaudited Unaudited % growth
Six months to
Six months to
Six months to
Six months to
30 September
30 September
30 September
30 September
2021
2020
2021
2020
£m Restated** £m Restated**
£m
£m
Continuing operations 208.0 172.4 20.6% 46.3 38.2 21.3%
Acquisition and currency adjustments (4.9) - (0.4) -
Organic growth at constant currency 203.1 172.4 17.8% 45.9 38.2 20.2%
* Adjustments include the amortisation of acquired intangible assets;
acquisition items; significant restructuring costs; and profit or loss on
disposal of operations.
** Restated to reflect the new reporting segments.
Adjusted operating profit
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months to
Six months to
Year to
30 September
30 September
31 March
2021
2020
2021
£m
£m
£m
Operating profit 137.6 102.1 240.8
Add back:
Acquisition items 0.6 4.1 5.2
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 20.8 21.6 42.3
Adjusted operating profit 159.0 127.8 288.3
Adjusted operating cash flow
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months to
Six months to
Year to
30 September
30 September
31 March
2021
2020
2021
£m
£m
£m
Net cash from operating activities (note 8) 112.0 137.1 277.6
Add back:
Net acquisition costs 2.9 1.5 2.4
Taxes paid 27.6 14.0 53.8
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 0.4 0.5 0.9
Share awards vested not settled by own shares* 7.0 7.5 7.8
Deferred consideration paid in excess of payable estimated on acquisition 7.2 - -
Less:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (13.7) (10.2) (22.8)
Purchase of computer software and other intangibles (0.9) (1.4) (4.0)
Development costs capitalised (6.8) (7.0) (15.4)
Adjusted operating cash flow 135.7 142.0 300.3
Cash conversion % (adjusted operating cash flow/adjusted operating profit) 85% 111% 104%
* See Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.
Return on Sales
Group Return on Sales is defined as Adjusted Profit before Taxation as a
percentage of revenue. For the sectors, Return on Sales is defined as Adjusted
segment profit as a percentage of segment revenue. Adjusted Profit before
Taxation and Adjusted segment profit is as defined in note 2.
10 Acquisitions
In accounting for acquisitions, adjustments are made to the book values of the
net assets of the companies acquired to reflect their fair values to the
Group. Other previously unrecognised assets and liabilities at acquisition are
included and accounting policies are aligned with those of the Group where
appropriate.
During the six months ended 30 September 2021, the Group made 10 acquisitions
namely:
- Dancutter A/S;
- Orca GmbH;
- PeriGen, Inc.;
- Ramtech Electronics Limited;
- Sensitron S.R.L.;
- Meditech Kft;
- Anton Industrial Services Limited;
- Certain trade and assets of FluidSentry Pty;
- Certain trade and assets of RNK Products Inc.;
- Certain trade and assets of IBIT S.R.L.
Set out on the following pages are summaries of the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed and the purchase consideration of:
a) the total of acquisitions;
b) Dancutter A/S;
c) Orca GmbH;
d) PeriGen, Inc.;
e) Ramtech Electronics Limited;
f) Sensitron S.R.L.;
g) Other acquisitions
Due to their contractual dates, the fair value of receivables acquired (shown
below) approximate to the gross contractual amounts receivable. The amount of
gross contractual receivables not expected to be recovered is immaterial.
There are no material contingent liabilities recognised in accordance with
paragraph 23 of IFRS 3 (revised).
The acquisitions contributed £14.3m of revenue and £2.7m of profit after tax
for the six months ended 30 September 2021.
If these acquisitions had been held since the start of the financial year, it
is estimated that the Group's reported revenue and profit after tax would have
been £11.0m and £1.6m higher respectively.
As at the date of approval of the financial statements, the accounting for
all current and prior year acquisitions is provisional; relating to
finalisation of the valuation of acquired intangible assets, the initial
consideration, which is subject to agreement of certain contractual
adjustments, and certain other provisional balances.
a) Total of acquisitions
Unaudited
30 September
2021
£m
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 47.1
Property, plant and equipment 7.1
Deferred tax 5.2
Current assets
Inventories 8.3
Trade and other receivables 10.4
Tax 0.4
Cash and cash equivalents 18.2
Total assets 96.7
Current liabilities
Payables (14.8)
Borrowings and lease liabilities (0.5)
Provisions (0.1)
Tax (0.7)
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings and lease liabilities (3.3)
Deferred tax (12.6)
Total liabilities (32.0)
Net assets of businesses acquired 64.7
Initial cash consideration paid 106.5
Other adjustments 11.9
Retention and other amounts to be paid 1.3
Contingent purchase consideration estimated to be paid 0.5
Total consideration 120.2
Total goodwill 55.5
Analysis of cash outflow in the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months to
Six months to
Year to
30 September
30 September
31 March
2021
2020
2021
£m
£m
£m
Initial cash consideration paid 106.5 - 37.0
Cash acquired on acquisitions (18.2) - (7.9)
Initial cash consideration adjustment on current year acquisitions 11.9 - 6.9
Contingent consideration paid and loan notes repaid in cash in relation to 12.0 5.7 10.4
prior year acquisitions
Other amounts paid in relation to prior year acquisitions - 1.0 -
Net cash outflow relating to acquisitions 112.2 6.7 46.4
Included in cash flows from operating profit 7.2 - -
Included in cash flows from investing activities 105.0 6.7 46.4
b) Dancutter A/S
Unaudited
30 September
2021
£m
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 8.8
Property, plant and equipment 1.3
Current assets
Inventories 0.5
Trade and other receivables 0.5
Cash and cash equivalents 0.9
Total assets 12.0
Current liabilities
Payables (0.6)
Borrowings and lease liabilities (0.1)
Tax (0.1)
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings and lease liabilities (1.1)
Deferred tax (1.9)
Total liabilities (3.8)
Net assets of businesses acquired 8.2
Initial cash consideration paid 15.0
Other adjustments 0.5
Retention amount 0.4
Total consideration 15.9
Total goodwill 7.7
On 24 June 2021, the Group acquired the entire share capital of Dancutter A/S
and Repipe Lining Systems A/S (together 'Dancutter') for consideration of
€18.1m (£15.5m), which comprised the purchase price of €18.0m (£15.4m)
plus net cash/(debt) adjustments of €0.6m (£0.5m) less a retention amount
of €0.5m (£0.4m). The retention amount, held in place of escrow balances,
is due 18 months from the date of acquisition. There is no contingent
consideration payable.
Dancutter, located in Denmark, is a designer and manufacturer of trenchless
pipeline rehabilitation equipment. This is used to maintain and extend the
life of wastewater networks, reducing blockages and leakage and ultimately
reducing environmental contamination. Dancutter will be managed as part of
Halma's MiniCam business and will become part of Halma's Environmental &
Analysis sector. Key members of Dancutter's leadership team will remain with
the business and it will continue to operate in its current facility.
The excess of the fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of
the assets acquired is represented by customer related intangibles of £6.4m;
trade name of £0.7m and technology related intangibles of £1.7m; with
residual goodwill arising of £7.7m.
The goodwill represents:
a) the technical expertise of the acquired workforce;
b) the opportunity to leverage this expertise across some of Halma's
businesses through future technologies; and
c) the ability to exploit the Group's existing customer base.
Dancutter contributed £0.9m of revenue and £0.3m of profit after tax for the
six months ended 30 September 2021. If this acquisition had been held since
the start of the financial year, it is estimated that the Group's reported
revenue and profit after tax would have been £1.1m higher and £0.2m higher
respectively.
Acquisition costs totalling £0.3m were recorded in the Consolidated Income
Statement.
The goodwill arising on this acquisition is not expected to be deductible for
tax purposes.
c) Orca GmbH
Unaudited
30 September
2021
£m
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 2.4
Property, plant and equipment 0.1
Current assets
Inventories 1.1
Trade and other receivables 0.4
Cash and cash equivalents 1.0
Total assets 5.0
Current liabilities
Payables (0.2)
Tax (0.5)
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax (0.9)
Total liabilities (1.6)
Net assets of business acquired 3.4
Initial cash consideration paid 5.4
Other adjustments 0.5
Contingent purchase consideration estimated to be paid 0.4
Total consideration 6.3
Total goodwill 2.9
On 3 May 2021, the Group acquired the entire share capital of Orca GmbH
('Orca'), for €6.8m (£5.9m), which comprised the purchase price of €6.2m
(£5.4m) plus net cash/(debt) adjustments of €0.6m (£0.5m). The maximum
contingent consideration payable is €2.5m (£2.2m) based on profit-based
targets for the years ending 31 March 2022, 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2024.
Orca is a German manufacturer of ultraviolet disinfection systems, primarily
for the food and beverage sector. Orca has joined the Group as part of UV
Group, part of the Group's Environmental & Analysis sector.
The excess of the fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of
the assets acquired is represented by customer related intangibles of £0.7m;
trade name of £0.1m and technology related intangibles of £1.6m; with
residual goodwill arising of £2.9m.
The goodwill represents:
a) the technical expertise of the acquired workforce;
b) the opportunity to leverage this expertise across some of Halma's
businesses through future technologies; and
c) the ability to exploit the Group's existing customer base.
Orca contributed £1.5m of revenue and £0.3m of profit after tax for the six
months ended 30 September 2021. If this acquisition had been held since the
start of the financial year, it is estimated that the Group's reported revenue
and profit after tax would have been £0.3m and £0.1m higher respectively.
Acquisition costs totalling £0.1m were recorded in the Consolidated Income
Statement.
The goodwill arising on the Orca acquisition is not expected to be deductible
for tax purposes.
d) PeriGen, Inc.
Unaudited
30 September
2021
£m
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 17.1
Property, plant and equipment 2.0
Deferred tax 5.2
Current assets
Inventories 0.2
Trade and other receivables 3.9
Tax 0.2
Cash and cash equivalents 6.3
Total assets 34.9
Current liabilities
Payables (7.4)
Borrowings and lease liabilities (0.2)
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings and lease liabilities (1.6)
Deferred tax (4.4)
Total liabilities (13.6)
Net assets of businesses acquired 21.3
Initial cash consideration paid 40.6
Other adjustments 5.5
Total consideration 46.1
Total goodwill 24.8
On 27 April 2021, the Group acquired the entire share capital of PeriGen,
Inc., ('PeriGen') for an initial cash consideration of US$58.0m (£40.6m).
Additional amounts paid in respect of working capital adjustments were
determined to be US$7.8m (£5.5m).
PeriGen, based in North Carolina, USA offers innovative perinatal software
solutions, and its advanced technology protects mothers and their unborn
babies by alerting doctors, midwives and nurses to potential problems during
childbirth. The company continues to run under its own management team and has
become part of the Group's Medical sector.
The excess of the fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of
the assets acquired is represented by customer related intangibles of £6.6m;
trade name of £1.9m and technology related intangibles of £8.6m; with
residual goodwill arising of £24.8m.
The goodwill represents:
a) the technical expertise of the acquired workforce;
b) the opportunity to leverage this expertise across some of Halma's
businesses through future technologies; and
c) the ability to exploit the Group's existing customer base.
PeriGen contributed £6.5m of revenue and £1.4m of profit after tax for the
six months ended 30 September 2021. If this acquisition had been held since
the start of the financial year, it is estimated that the Group's reported
revenue and profit after tax would have been £1.0m and £0.2m higher
respectively.
Acquisition costs totalling £1.3m were recorded in the Consolidated Income
Statement.
The goodwill arising on the PeriGen acquisition is not expected to be
deductible for tax purposes.
e) Ramtech Electronics Limited
Unaudited
30 September
2021
£m
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 4.7
Property, plant and equipment 1.3
Current assets
Inventories 3.2
Trade and other receivables 1.5
Cash and cash equivalents 3.9
Total assets 14.6
Current liabilities
Payables (2.5)
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax (1.5)
Total liabilities (4.0)
Net assets of businesses acquired 10.6
Initial cash consideration paid 15.5
Other adjustments 4.1
Total consideration 19.6
Total goodwill 9.0
On 29 July 2021, the Group acquired the Ramtech group of companies
('Ramtech'), for an initial cash consideration of £15.5m, adjustable for cash
acquired. Additional amounts paid in respect of cash acquired and other
adjustments were determined to be £4.1m.
Ramtech is headquartered in Nottingham, UK and supplies wireless fire systems
for temporary sites, primarily in the construction and leisure markets. The
company continues to run under its own management team and has become part of
the Group's Safety sector.
The excess of the fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of
the assets acquired is represented by customer related intangibles of £1.4m;
trade name of £0.8m and technology related intangibles of £2.5m; with
residual goodwill arising of £9.0m.
The goodwill represents:
a) the technical expertise of the acquired workforce;
b) the opportunity to leverage this expertise across some of Halma's
businesses through future technologies; and
c) the ability to exploit the Group's existing customer base.
Ramtech contributed £1.9m of revenue and £0.2m of profit after tax for the
six months ended 30 September 2021. If this acquisition had been held since
the start of the financial year, it is estimated that the Group's reported
revenue and profit after tax would have been £3.7m and £0.3m higher
respectively.
Acquisition costs totalling £0.4m were recorded in the Consolidated Income
Statement.
The goodwill arising on the Ramtech acquisition is not expected to be
deductible for tax purposes.
f) Sensitron S.R.L.
Unaudited
30 September
2021
£m
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 10.1
Property, plant and equipment 0.8
Current assets
Inventories 1.4
Trade and other receivables 3.0
Tax 0.2
Cash and cash equivalents 4.2
Total assets 19.7
Current liabilities
Payables (3.3)
Borrowings and lease liabilities (0.1)
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings and lease liabilities (0.6)
Deferred tax (2.9)
Total liabilities (6.9)
Net assets of business acquired 12.8
Initial cash consideration paid 21.4
Total consideration 21.4
Total goodwill 8.6
On 29 July 2021, the Group acquired the entire share capital of Sensitron
S.R.L. ('Sensitron') for an initial cash consideration of €25.0m (£21.4m).
Sensitron, located in Milan, Italy, is a gas detection company whose devices,
which include detectors for hazardous locations and for new refrigerant gases,
enhance safety by detecting the release of gases harmful to people and the
environment. Sensitron will continue to run under its own management team and
will become part of Halma's Environmental & Analysis sector.
The excess of the fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of
the assets acquired is represented by customer related intangibles of £4.8m;
trade name of £1.3m and technology related intangibles of £4.0m; with
residual goodwill arising of £8.6m.
The goodwill represents:
a) the technical expertise of the acquired workforce;
b) the opportunity to leverage this expertise across some of Halma's
businesses through future technologies; and
c) the ability to exploit the Group's existing customer base.
Sensitron contributed £1.3m of revenue and £0.2m of profit after tax for the
six months ended 30 September 2021. If this acquisition had been held since
the start of the financial year, it is estimated that the Group's reported
revenue and profit after tax would have been £3.6m and £0.6m higher
respectively.
Acquisition costs totalling £0.2m were recorded in the Consolidated Income
Statement.
The goodwill arising on this acquisition is not expected to be deductible for
tax purposes.
g) Other acquisitions
Unaudited
30 September
2021
£m
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 4.0
Property, plant and equipment 1.6
Current assets
Inventories 1.9
Trade and other receivables 1.1
Cash and cash equivalents 1.9
Total assets 10.5
Current liabilities
Payables (0.8)
Borrowings and lease liabilities (0.1)
Provisions (0.1)
Tax (0.1)
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax (1.0)
Total liabilities (2.1)
Net assets of businesses acquired 8.4
Initial cash consideration paid 8.6
Additional amounts paid in respect of cash acquired and other adjustments 1.3
Retention and other amounts to be paid 0.9
Contingent purchase consideration estimated to be paid 0.1
Total consideration 10.9
Total goodwill 2.5
On 1 April 2021, Fortress Interlocks Pty Limited, an industrial access control
company in the Group's Safety sector, bought the assets and IP associated with
monitored safety valves from FluidSentry Pty in Australia for consideration of
A$0.6m (£0.3m).
On 26 April 2021, Argus Security S.R.L., a fire safety company in the Group's
Safety sector, purchased the trade and assets of its Italian distributor,
IBIT, for total consideration of €0.6m (£0.5m); this includes an amount of
£0.4m payable six months from the date of acquisition.
On 30 April 2021, the Group acquired Anton Industrial Services Limited
(Anton), the UK flue gas analyser distribution partner of Crowcon Detection
Instruments Limited, a company in the Group's Environmental & Analysis
sector, for consideration of £1.9m, adjustable for cash acquired. Additional
amounts paid in respect of cash acquired and other adjustments was determined
to be £1.3m. The consideration includes a retention amount of £0.2m held in
place of escrow balances and is due 18 months from the date of acquisition.
On 7 May 2021, Rudolf Riester GmbH, a company in the Group's Medical sector
acquired the trade and assets of RNK, a US-based digital stethoscope company,
for an initial consideration of US$3.0m (£2.3m).
On 1 September 2021, the Group acquired Meditech Kft, a Hungarian manufacturer
of ambulatory blood pressure monitors and ECG devices, for total consideration
of €5.4m (£4.6m); this includes an amount payable of €0.4m (£0.3m). The
maximum contingent consideration payable is €1.0m (£0.9m) based on
profit-based targets for one year post acquisition. The company has become
part of the Group's Medical sector.
In respect of these acquisitions, the excess of the fair value of the
consideration paid over the fair value of the assets acquired is represented
by customer related intangibles of £2.8m; trade name of £0.1m and technology
related intangibles of £1.1m; with residual goodwill arising of £2.5m.
These acquisitions contributed £2.2m of revenue and £0.3m of profit after
tax cumulatively for the six months ended 30 September 2021. If these
acquisitions had been held since the start of the financial year, it is
estimated that the Group's reported revenue and profit after tax would have
been £1.3m and £0.2m higher respectively.
Acquisition costs totalling £0.4m were recorded in the Consolidated Income
Statement.
The goodwill arising on these acquisitions is not expected to be deductible
for tax purposes.
11 Disposal of operations
During the current year the Group recognised a profit on disposal of
operations of £34.0m (Six months to 30 September 2020: £nil; year to March
2021: £22.1m).
On 10 August 2021, the Group disposed of its entire interest in Texecom
Limited to a third party for proceeds of £64.8m. This transaction resulted in
the recognition of a gain in the Consolidated Income Statement as follows:
Unaudited
£m
Proceeds of disposal 64.8
Less: net assets on disposal (19.0)
Less: allocation of goodwill disposed (9.0)
Less: costs of disposal (2.8)
Profit on disposal 34.0
Cash received on disposal of operations in the year of £57.5m comprised
proceeds from the sale of Texecom Limited of £64.8m, less £4.5m of cash
disposed and £2.8m of disposal costs.
In the prior year, in December 2020, the Group disposed of its entire interest
in Fiberguide Industries, Inc. to a third party for sale proceeds of £27.6m
less disposal costs of £1.1m. Disposal costs of £0.4m relating to the
spin-out and partial disposal of OneThird B.V. were also paid.
12 Fair values of financial assets and liabilities
As at 30 September 2021, with the exception of the Group's fixed rate loan
notes, there were no significant differences between the book value and fair
value (as determined by market value) of the Group's financial assets and
liabilities.
The fair value of floating rate borrowings approximates to the carrying value
because interest rates are reset to market rates at intervals of less than
one year.
The fair value of the Group's fixed rate loan notes arising from the United
States Private Placement completed in January 2016 is estimated to be
£107.7m, against a carrying value of £106.0m.
The fair value of financial instruments is estimated by discounting the future
contracted cash flow using readily available market data and represents a
level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy under IFRS 7.
As at 30 September 2021, the total forward foreign currency contracts
outstanding were £52.2m. The contracts mostly mature within one year and
therefore the cash flows and resulting effect on profit and loss are expected
to occur within the next 12 months.
The fair values of the forward contracts are disclosed as a £0.6m (30
September 2020: £0.4m; 31 March 2021: £1.7m) asset and £0.2m (30 September
2020: £0.9m; 31 March 2021: £0.7m) liability in the Consolidated Balance
Sheet.
Any movements in the fair values of the forward contracts are recognised in
equity until the hedge transaction occurs, when gains/losses are recycled to
finance income or finance expense.
13 Retirement benefits
At 30 September 2021, the Group has IAS 19 Retirement benefit net obligations
totalling £5.3m (30 September 2020: net obligation of £45.0m, 31 March 2021:
net obligation of £22.5m). The net obligation has decreased from 31 March
2021 primarily due to returns on plan assets (excluding interest income) of
£15.8m and additional employer contributions made to the UK defined benefit
plans of £7.1m partially offset by changes in the financial assumptions, with
the largest impacts being the decrease in discount rate and the increase in
inflation rate in the UK defined benefit plans from 1.95% and 3.20% at 31
March 2021 to 1.90% and 3.35% at 30 September 2021 respectively.
14 Contingent liability
Group financing exemptions applicable to UK controlled foreign companies
On 24 November 2017, the European Commission ('EC') published an opening
decision that the United Kingdom controlled foreign company ('CFC') group
financing partial exemption ('FCPE') constitutes State Aid. On 2 April 2019,
the EC's final decision concluded that the FCPE rules, as they applied up to
31 December 2018, constitute State Aid. As previously reported, the Group has
benefited from the FCPE with the total benefit for the periods from 1 April
2013 to 31 December 2018 being approximately £15.4m in respect of tax.
Appeals have been made by the UK government, the Group, and other UK-based
groups to annul the EC decision. Notwithstanding these appeals, under EU
law, the UK government is required to commence collection proceedings. In
January 2021, the Group received a Charging Notice from HM Revenue &
Customs ('HMRC') for £13.9m assessed for the period from 1 April 2016 to 31
December 2018. The Group has appealed against the notice but as there is no
right of postponement the amount charged was paid in full in February 2021. In
February 2021, the Group received confirmation from HMRC that it was not a
beneficiary of State Aid for the period from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2016.
In April 2021, a Charging Notice for £0.8m was received. The £0.8m comprised
interest on the £13.9m assessment noted above and the interest was paid in
May 2021.
The final impact on the Group remains uncertain. However, based on its current
assessment, the Group considers that the appeal will be successful and
therefore £14.7m is included within non-current assets on the Consolidated
Balance Sheet to reflect the Group's view that the amount paid will ultimately
be recovered.
The Group's maximum potential exposure at 30 September 2021 in respect of
recoverability of non-current assets is £14.7m (30 September 2020: £Nil, 31
March 2021: £13.9m).
The EU General Court hearing was held on Monday 18 October 2021 in Luxembourg.
No indication of timing was given during the hearing on when the Court would
give its decision. However, we currently expect this to be delivered some time
in 2022.
Other contingent liabilities
The Group has widespread global operations and is consequently a defendant in
many legal, tax and customs proceedings incidental to those operations. In
addition, there are contingent liabilities arising in the normal course of
business in respect of indemnities, warranties and guarantees. These
contingent liabilities are not considered to be unusual in the context of the
normal operating activities of the Group. Provisions have been recognised in
accordance with the Group accounting policies where required. None of these
claims are expected to result in a material gain or loss to the Group.
15 Events subsequent to the end of the reporting period
On 26 October 2021, Perma Pure, a company in the Group's Medical sector
acquired certain trade and assets of Clayborn Lab, a US-based provider of
custom heat tape solutions, for an initial consideration of US$4.5m (£3.3m).
The maximum contingent consideration payable is US$1.5m (£1.1m) determined by
revenue-based targets for the years ending 30 September 2022 and 30 September
2023. A detailed purchase price allocation exercise is currently being
performed to calculate the goodwill arising on acquisition.
There were no other known material non-adjusting events which occurred between
the end of the reporting period and prior to the authorisation of these
financial statements on 18 November 2021.
16 Other matters
Seasonality
The Group's financial results have not historically been subject to
significant seasonal trends.
Equity and borrowings
Issues and repurchases of Halma plc's ordinary shares and drawdowns and
repayments of borrowings are shown in the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement.
Related party transactions
There were no significant changes in the nature and size of related party
transactions for the period to those reported in the Annual Report and
Accounts 2021.
17 Principal risks and uncertainties
A number of potential risks and uncertainties exist that could have a material
impact on the Group's performance over the second half of the financial year
and could cause actual results to differ materially from expected and
historical results.
The Group has in place processes for identifying, evaluating and managing key
risks. These risks, together with a description of the approach to mitigating
them, are set out on pages 78 to 83 in the Annual Report and Accounts 2021,
which is available on the Group's website at www.halma.com. The Directors do
not consider that the principal risks and uncertainties have changed since the
publication of the Annual Report and Accounts.
The principal risks and uncertainties relate to:
- Cyber
- Organic growth
- Acquisitions and investments
- Talent and diversity
- Innovation
- Economic and geopolitical uncertainty
- Climate change and natural hazards
- Business model and its communications
- Non-compliance with laws and regulations
- Financial controls
- Liquidity
- Product failure
18 Responsibility statement
The Directors confirm that these condensed interim financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard
34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency
Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority and that
the interim management report includes a fair review of the information
required by DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8, namely:
- an indication of important events that have occurred during the
first six months and their impact on the condensed set of financial
statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the
remaining six months of the financial year; and
- material related-party transactions in the first six months and any
material changes in the related-party transactions described in the last
annual report.
By order of the Board
Andrew Williams Marc Ronchetti
Group Chief Executive Chief Financial
Officer
18 November 2021
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