REG - Marlowe PLC - Preliminary results
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RNS Number : 4599O Marlowe PLC 26 June 2025
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(EU Exit) Regulations 2019/310. Upon the publication of this announcement
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to be in the public domain.
26 June 2025
Marlowe plc
Preliminary Unaudited Results for the year ended 31 March 2025
Marlowe plc ("Marlowe", the "Group" or the "Company"), a leading testing,
inspection and certification service provider, announces its preliminary full
year results for the year ended 31 March 2025 ("FY25").
On 3 June 2024, the Group announced the completion of the sale of certain
Governance, Risk & Compliance ("GRC") software and services assets
("Divestment") for an Enterprise Value of £430 million in cash. Subsequently,
on 12 September 2024, the Group announced the demerger of its Occupational
Health division ("Demerger") and subsequent registration as a separate public
limited company under the name Optima Health plc.
Marlowe's continuing operations since 23 September 2024 now comprise the
Testing, Inspection & Certification ("TIC") division on which the Group's
forward strategy is focussed.
Financial performance
ADJUSTED RESULTS - CONTINUING OPERATIONS FY25 FY24 Change
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Revenue £304.5m £292.3m 4%
Adjusted EBITDA(1,2) £32.8m £31.6m 4%
Adjusted EBITDA margin(1,2) 10.8% 10.8% -
Adjusted operating profit(2) £20.3m £19.2m 6%
Adjusted earnings per share - basic(2) 15.3p 10.4p 47%
Net cash/(debt) (excluding lease liabilities) £22.2m £(176.6)m
STATUTORY RESULTS - CONTINUING OPERATIONS FY25 FY24
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Revenue £304.5m £292.3m
Operating profit/(loss)(3) £5.0m £(3.2)m
Profit/(loss) before tax(3) £2.8m £(9.2)m
Earnings/(loss) per share - basic(3) 5.0p (6.0)p
STATUTORY RESULTS - GROUP FY25 FY24
(Unaudited) (Audited)
Revenue £373.0m £503.2m
Operating profit(3) £7.9m £9.6m
Profit/(loss) before tax(3) £144.9m £(10.9)m
Earnings/(loss) per share - basic(3) 159.7p (10.6)p
Net debt £(1.0)m £(202.9) m
(1) Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation ("EBITDA")
(2) Explanation of non-IFRS measures are contained within the Financial Review
and note 2 and 3
(3) Further details shown in consolidated statement of comprehensive income
STRATEGY AND TRADING PERFORMANCE - CONTINUING OPERATIONS
A leading TIC service provider
· Marlowe's forward-looking strategy is to focus on the highly
regulated business-critical service markets across TIC with strong recurring
revenues based on non-discretionary customer spend and underpinned by
regulatory and insurance requirements
· The primary organic focus in the near term remains on driving margin
enhancement and organic growth
· The TIC service markets remain highly fragmented, and bolt-on
acquisitions continue to present an attractive route to delivering additional
shareholder value as shown by the acquisition of SludgeTek post year-end
Strategic review creating significant shareholder value
· Following the strategic review announced in November 2023, the
Company completed the Divestment on 3 June 2024 for an enterprise value of
£430 million
· The Group has since returned an aggregate of approximately £223
million to shareholders, with £150.3 million via a special dividend, equating
to £1.55 per ordinary share, paid on 5 July 2024 and good progress made on
the share buyback programme which commenced on the same day, returning
approximately a further £72 million to shareholders as at 25 June 2025
· In addition to the Divestment, the Group subsequently completed the
Demerger of its Occupational Health activities ("OH") on 23 September 2024,
creating a separate public limited company under the name Optima Health plc
· On 5 June 2025 and subsequent to the year end, Mitie Group plc
("Mitie"), announced that it had reached an agreement on the terms of an
unanimously recommended cash and share offer with Marlowe's board, to acquire
the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Marlowe (the
"Acquisition"). Based on Mitie's closing share price of 160 pence as of 4 June
2025, the Acquisition represents a total implied value of 466 pence per
Marlowe Share, valuing the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share
capital of Marlowe at approximately £366 million. This represents a premium
of approximately 39% to the volume weighted average price per Marlowe Share of
335 pence during the three-month period ended on 3 June 2025
· In light of the ongoing Acquisition, the Board does not expect to
commence the additional £15 million share buyback programme announced on 28
April 2025 that was due to begin after completion of the initial £75 million
programme
FINANCIAL REVIEW - CONTINUING OPERATIONS
· Revenue from continuing operations up 4% to £304.5 million
o Organic growth of 4%4 reflecting mid-single digit growth in Fire Safety
& Security and low single digit growth in Water & Air Hygiene
· Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was £32.8 million
(FY24: £31.6 million)
o Adjusted EBITDA margins remained at 10.8% (FY24: 10.8%)
o Whilst the Group achieved good margin enhancement in its Fire Safety &
Security business, there were margin decreases in our Water & Air Hygiene
business which we are aiming to improve through ongoing operational
efficiencies
o Head office costs during the year were £4.1 million (FY24: £3.6 million)
· Statutory operating profit from continuing operations was £5.0
million (FY24 Statutory operating loss of £3.2 million). This improvement
reflects the successful conclusion of restructuring spend in the year
4 Based on an adjusted prior year comparable of £293.5 million which
includes performance of acquisitions made in the prior year
FINANCIAL REVIEW - THE GROUP
· Group revenue, including discontinued operations, was £373.0 million
reflecting the Divestment and the Demerger in the year
· Statutory profit before tax of £144.9 million (FY24: loss before
tax of £10.9 million)
o The increase in the period primarily reflects the £141.4 million profit
on the Divestment
o Total finance costs of £4.4 million (FY24: £20.5 million) comprises the
utilisation of the prior debt facility for the first two months of the period,
which was fully settled following the Divestment, and IFRS 16 lease interest
largely residing in the continuing operations
· Statutory earnings per share of 159.7 pence (FY24: loss per share
10.6 pence)
· Strong balance sheet
o Net cash (excluding leases) at 31 March 2025 was £22.2 million (31 March
2024 net debt (excluding leases) of £176.6 million). The movement reflects
the £430 million Divestment, settlement of the old debt facility, payment of
the £150.3 million special dividend and the good progress made on the share
buyback programme in the year
o The Group generated £41.2 million of cash from both discontinued and
continuing operations in the period before interest and tax (FY24 of £55.3
million). This is after £4.1 million of acquisition and disposal costs
largely relating to the Demerger
· Successful execution of integration programme
o Finalised integration programmes with all costs associated with
restructuring investments now concluded
CURRENT TRADING AND OUTLOOK
· Marlowe operates in highly attractive and regulated
business-critical service markets across TIC
· No further restructuring costs expected in FY26 from continuing
operations
· We have continued to make good progress with the ongoing share buyback
programme. Since the 31 March 2025 we have returned an additional £6.2
million to shareholders acquiring 1.9 million ordinary shares as at 25 June
2025. The Group has now returned an aggregate of approximately £72 million to
shareholder as part of this programme
· Bolt-on acquisition remains an attractive route to deliver
additional shareholder value
· Trading since year-end has been broadly in line with Board
expectations. However, as expected, the increase in national insurance costs
and the national minimum wage from 1 April 2025 has placed pressure on margins
at the start of the year
Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC, Interim Non-Executive Chair, commented:
"Marlowe has undergone significant strategic change over the past year,
repositioning the Group to focus solely on the attractive UK compliance
services market. Following the £430 million divestment of certain GRC
software and service assets in June 2024 and the demerger of our Occupational
Health division in September 2024, Marlowe now consists entirely of its market
leading Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) businesses in Fire Safety
& Security and Water & Air Hygiene."
"The recommended offer for Marlowe by Mitie represents excellent value for
Marlowe Shareholders and offers the opportunity to participate in further
potential value creation through the new Mitie shares to be issued. When taken
together with the 210 pence per share distribution in September 2024 through
the demerger of Optima Health, and the 155 pence special dividend paid in July
2024, the total value to Marlowe Shareholders equates to 831 pence per share,
based on Mitie's share price on 4 June 2025. This represents a 164.5 percent
premium to the Marlowe share price low of 314 pence on 7 December 2023, prior
to my appointment to the Marlowe Board in March 2024."
"Marlowe has today published its full year results presentation, which is
available on the Marlowe plc website."
For further information:
Marlowe plc
Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC, Interim Non-Executive Chairman www.marloweplc.com
Adam Councell, Chief Financial Officer 0203 813 8498
Benjamin Tucker, Head of Group Reporting & Investor Relations IR@marloweplc.com (mailto:IR@marloweplc.com)
Cavendish Capital Markets Limited (Nominated Adviser & Broker)
Ben Jeynes 0207 220 0500
George Lawson
FTI Consulting 0203 727 1340
Nick Hasell
Alex Le May
BUSINESS REVIEW
FY25 has been a year of significant strategic progress for Marlowe.
In November 2023, we announced a strategic review of the Group's structure,
recognising that our operations had diversified into sectors with differing
operational and financial characteristics. Following this announcement, we
received an offer for a number of our Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC)
software and service businesses.
Accordingly, in February 2024, we announced a binding agreement to divest
these assets for an enterprise value of £430 million, representing 121% of
Marlowe's market capitalisation on the day prior to the announcement.
On 3 June 2024, we confirmed completion of the divestment and our intention to
return up to £225 million of the proceeds to shareholders, comprising a
£150.3 million special dividend and a share buyback programme of up to £75
million. During the period, we also repaid the Group's old £234m debt
facility and replaced it with a smaller £50m facility which remained undrawn
throughout the year. On 5 July 2024, we returned £150.3 million to
shareholders by way of a special dividend, equating to £1.55 per ordinary
share, and commenced the share buyback programme.
In addition, on 12 September 2024, we announced the demerger of our
Occupational Health division, now registered as a separate public limited
company under the name Optima Health plc. The demerger enables Marlowe, now a
focused market leading Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) business,
and Optima Health, the UK's leading provider of technology enabled corporate
health and wellbeing solutions, to pursue distinct strategies and growth
opportunities as standalone listed entities.
Our continuing TIC operations, comprising the Fire Safety & Security and
Water & Air Hygiene business units, have made strong progress. Our
operations are focused on ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of our
customers' premises, serving approximately 27,000 customers across the UK. The
TIC sector was Marlowe's initial area of focus and continues to benefit from
strong structural growth drivers, underpinned by regulation, legislation and
high levels of recurring income. Additionally, the markets in which we operate
in are highly fragmented and acquisition remains an attractive route to
deliver shareholder value.
On 5 June 2025, and subsequent to the year-end, the Group and Mitie announced
that their respective Boards had reached agreement on a recommended cash and
share offer for Mitie to acquire the entire issued and to be issued ordinary
share capital of Marlowe (the "Acquisition"). The Acquisition implies a total
value of 466 pence5 per Marlowe share, valuing the Group at approximately
£366 million and representing a premium of around 39% to the volume-weighted
average share price of 335 pence over the three-month period ended 3 June
2025.
It is intended that the Acquisition will be implemented by means of a
Court-approved scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act,
subject to the approval of Marlowe Shareholders and the other conditions set
out in the full announcement of the Acquisition published on 5 June 2025.
Subject to these conditions, the Scheme is expected to become effective in the
third quarter of 2025. The Marlowe Directors intend to recommend unanimously
that shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme at the Court Meeting and
General Meeting.
Nonetheless, Marlowe has a refocused strategy, strong operational momentum
following FY25 and a clear capital allocation framework.
5 Based on Mitie's closing share price of 160 pence as of 4 June 2025
Financial results
Revenue from continuing operations grew 4% to £304.5 million benefitting from
organic growth of 4% and a small contribution from acquisition made at the
start of the prior year.
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was up 4% to £32.8 million (FY24:
£31.6 million). In our TIC division adjusted EBITDA margins improved to 12.1%
(FY24: 12.0%) in a period of significant integration and transformation.
Statutory operating profit from continuing operations was £5.0 million (FY24:
operating loss £3.2 million), largely reflecting a 7% increase in gross
profit and lower acquisition and restructuring costs.
The Group delivered strong cash generation in the year, with free cash flow
remaining a key focus for the Board and management. Including discontinued
operations, the Group generated £48.7 million of cash from operations before
adjusting items, representing a cash conversion of 105%. This performance
reflects disciplined cash management, including a working capital inflow of
£6.5 million.
Attractive and resilient business model
Marlowe operates in compliance-led markets that are essential,
non-discretionary, and resilient across the economic cycle. Our Fire Safety
& Security and Water & Air Hygiene business units provide critical
services to ensure the safety, regulatory adherence, and operational
continuity of our customers' premises. Demand across both markets is
underpinned by legislation that is evolving and becoming increasingly onerous,
supported by greater regulatory enforcement and rising customer expectations
around compliance and risk management.
Approximately 75% of our revenues are recurring, secured through multi-year
contracts that offer strong visibility and stability. Our scale and national
coverage enable us to serve over 27,000 customers, the majority of which are
complex or multi-site organisations. These attributes, combined with broader
trends in the professionalisation of procurement and consolidation of service
contracts, position Marlowe as a trusted compliance partner of choice.
The markets we operate in also present attractive structural growth
opportunities. Regulatory complexity and investment cycles, such as AMP8 in
the water sector, continue to drive long-term demand for our services.
Furthermore, both business units remain highly fragmented, providing
significant scope for M&A activity.
Strong balance sheet and disciplined approach to capital allocation
The Group ended the financial year in a strong financial position. As at 31
March 2025, adjusted net cash (excluding lease liabilities) was £22.2m,
compared to an adjusted net debt position (excluding lease liabilities) of
£176.6 million as at 31 March 2024. This reflects the successful £430
million divestment of certain GRC businesses, the settlement of the Group's
previous debt facility, and the return of capital to shareholders through a
£150.3 million special dividend and £66.4 million of share buybacks executed
under the £75 million programme announced in February 2024. This net cash
position was supplemented by strong cash generation from continuing
operations.
On 24 June 2024, Marlowe entered into a new three-year £50 million unsecured
Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF"), with an uncommitted £50 million accordion
feature, providing financial flexibility to support future growth.
Subsequent to the year-end, Marlowe completed the acquisition of SludgeTek for
an expected enterprise value of £6.2 million. The acquisition strengthens the
Group's position as a leading provider of wastewater rental solutions and is
highly complementary to its existing Water & Air Hygiene operations.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
Marlowe's services play a direct role in supporting the ESG objectives of our
customers, particularly in relation to environmental compliance, building
safety and employee wellbeing. Our Water & Air Hygiene business unit
contributes to better environmental outcomes by helping clients meet stringent
quality standards and reduce risk, while Fire Safety & Security supports
regulatory adherence and life safety.
During the year, the Group made further progress on its internal ESG
priorities. We continue to focus on employee engagement, carbon emissions
reporting, and the development of responsible business practices across our
operations. A Group-wide ESG working group helps coordinate initiatives and
reporting and is aligned to investor and customer expectations.
As a focused TIC business, we remain committed to operating responsibly,
supporting our customers' compliance and sustainability goals, and embedding
ESG considerations into our risk management and strategic planning.
Board Changes
Following the completion of the Divestment in June 2024, Alex Dacre
transferred with the divested business and stepped down as Chief Executive of
Marlowe. On the same date, Kevin Quinn resigned as Executive Chairman. Lord
Ashcroft KCMG PC, who joined the Board on 18 March 2024, assumed the role of
Non-Executive Chairman on an interim basis.
The Board would like to express its sincere thanks to Kevin for his
significant contribution to Marlowe's development.
We were also pleased to welcome Julia Robertson to the Board as an Independent
Non-Executive Director. Julia brings extensive leadership and sector
experience.
Outlook
The year began broadly in line with the Board's expectations, with continued
strong demand in the Group's core compliance markets. As expected, the
increase in national insurance contributions and the rise in the national
minimum wage from 1 April 2025 have placed pressure on margins at the start of
the year.
Nevertheless, the Group's resilient operating model, high levels of recurring
revenue, and essential service offering provide a strong foundation for
continued progress.
TESTING, INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION
Marlowe's TIC division delivered a resilient performance in FY25. The
division, which comprises our Fire Safety & Security and Water & Air
Hygiene businesses, generated revenue of £304.5 million (FY24: £292.3
million), driven by 4% organic growth and a modest contribution from
acquisitions completed at the beginning of FY24. Adjusted EBITDA increased to
£36.9 million (FY24: £35.2 million), with EBITDA margins improving to 12.1%.
This performance reflects a year in which the Group focused on completing the
final phase of its integration programme, while continuing to align systems,
processes and teams across the division. The formal conclusion of major
integration activity on 30 September 2024 marked the end of associated one-off
restructuring costs. While the heavy structural work is now complete, ongoing
investment in operational consistency, systems and process improvement
continues as part of normal business activity.
Fire Safety & Security
Fire Safety & Security, which represents close to half of divisional
revenues, delivered mid-single-digit organic revenue growth and high
single-digit EBITDA growth. Growth was led by our mechanical fire protection
operations, particularly in sprinkler systems, kitchen fire suppression, and
smoke ventilation. Engineer productivity continued to improve, with revenue
per day per fee earner reaching up to £800 in certain areas, supported by
inhouse training, improved scheduling and route optimisation. Compliance
performance remained strong, with customer compliance rates maintained at 98%
and first-time fix rates increasing to 78%. Marlowe Academy continues to play
a key role in building internal capability, reducing subcontractor reliance,
and enabling experienced engineers to focus on complex installations.
Subcontractor usage, which had increased during the prior year, has now
normalised, positively supporting margins.
Performance within our passive fire operations, which had a more challenging
start to the year, improved in the second half following changes in leadership
and targeted reorganisation. Enhanced use of management data enabled a more
detailed review of contract profitability and led to the reallocation of
resources from lower-margin work to higher-yielding opportunities. We also
continued to benefit from our strategic focus on critical national
infrastructure customers, which helped maintain a strong installation order
book and support overall resilience.
Operational productivity was supported by further investment in vehicle
tracking and fuel monitoring technology, enabling us to drive behavioural
improvements across our engineering workforce in areas such as route planning,
driving efficiency, and fuel management. This has contributed to improved
margin performance and operational consistency. We are also currently
evaluating investment in a next-generation route optimisation tool, which we
expect to improve revenue per day per fee earner.
Looking ahead, continued developments in the regulatory and insurance
landscape are expected to support underlying demand for the services provided
by our Fire Safety & Security sector. The large integration programmes
that concluded on 30 September 2024 enables the business to operate as a more
cohesive and responsive platform in a changing market environment. We remain
confident that our scale, value proposition and essential service offering
will support us over time.
Water & Air Hygiene
Water & Air Hygiene, which accounts for just over half of divisional
revenue, delivered low single-digit organic growth during the year. Adjusted
EBITDA margins were impacted due to lower operational efficiency of our field
engineers in the first half in the core Water business. However, margins
improved in the second half as we aligned and improved our operating system.
The business is now structured into three core operational areas, Water, Risk
& Compliance, and Environmental Engineering, all operating under the new
umbrella brand Marlowe Environmental Services. This branding alignment has
enabled the business to improve consistency in service delivery, increase
internal collaboration, and present a clearer integrated proposition to
customers, particularly those requiring multi-service compliance solutions.
During the year, a new Chief Financial Officer joined the Water & Air
Hygiene business unit, bringing a renewed focus to financial discipline and
control across the business. As part of this, a detailed review of legacy
balance sheet items within the Water business unit was undertaken, leading to
a one-off, non-cash adjustment. While this revision had no impact on ongoing
trading performance or future cash generation, it marked a significant step in
the broader programme of integration and commercial alignment. The insight
gained through this process has strengthened financial governance and supports
the wider transformation underway across the Water business.
Performance in the main Water operations was constrained in the first half by
weaknesses in the existing operating system, which impacted productivity in
certain regions. The underlying causes of regional variations in fee earner
utilisation have now been identified. In response we are implementing tighter
commercial controls across pricing, discounting, authority limits, and vehicle
tracking, alongside improved scheduling to match engineer skills and proximity
to jobs. Operationally, the business remained robust, maintaining compliance
rates of 98% all Risk & Compliance services.
The Risk & Compliance operations, which includes asbestos surveying, air
quality monitoring, training and UKAS-accredited testing services, performed
in line with the Board's expectations. Strong demand from telecommunications,
housing and education sectors continued to support growth, and we are starting
to see benefit from our best-in-class in-house training facilities and
compliance programmes.
Environmental Engineering delivered a strong performance, achieving high
single-digit revenue growth and attractive EBITDA margins. The team focuses on
the design, installation and optimisation of wastewater and clean water
treatment systems, delivering tailored solutions to commercial, industrial and
public sector clients. The recent acquisition of SludgeTek, a provider of
wastewater rental solutions and dewatering services, enhances this offering
further by extending our rental fleet and in-house expertise. The breadth and
flexibility of our engineering capability, ranging from pump services and
greywater reuse to full-system builds and chemical dosing, is a clear
differentiator, particularly in regulated and high-risk sectors such as
utilities and healthcare. Our in-house chemical production capabilities and
proprietary solutions also contribute to operational speed, margin control and
service responsiveness.
Marlowe Environmental Services' ability to deliver these services under a
single, accountable brand positions it strongly as customers increasingly look
to consolidate supply chains. This is particularly relevant as compliance and
environmental standards continue to tighten. The upcoming AMP8 regulatory
cycle, running from 2025 to 2030, represents a record £104 billion investment
into water infrastructure, and is expected to drive long-term demand for
treatment, testing and engineering services across the UK. Combined with
continued regulatory focus on workplace safety, indoor air quality, and
property risk management, the structural backdrop for the Water and Air
Hygiene business unit remains highly supportive. The foundations laid in FY25,
including improved commercial control, organisational alignment, strategic
investment and enhanced financial governance, have strengthened the business
and reinforced its market position.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Overview
Revenue was £373.0 million (FY24: £503.2 million) reflecting the Divestment
and Demerger in the year, and 4% growth in continuing operations.
Statutory profit before tax was £144.9 million (FY24 loss before tax £10.9
million) largely reflecting £141.4 million profit recognised from the
Divestment. The profit recognised from the Divestment is largely exempt from
corporation tax due to substantial shareholder exemption with the exception of
IMSM which was acquired within 12 months of the disposal. Statutory basic
earnings per share was 159.7 pence (FY24 loss per share of 10.6 pence).
Acquisition and disposal costs totalled £4.1 million (FY24: £7.8 million)
largely reflecting the Demerger that took place in the year. These costs are
one-off in nature. Other adjusting items include restructuring costs,
amortisation of acquired intangibles, share-based payments (including SAYE
schemes) and fair value losses in contingent consideration and acquisition
related incentive schemes
Total finance costs decreased to £4.4 million (FY24: £20.5 million) and
largely reflects the utilisation of the old debt facility in the first two
months of the year before repaying in full and retiring the old debt facility.
This has since been replaced with a £50 million RCF which remained undrawn at
year end.
Following the Divestment and the Demerger of the Occupational Health division,
our financial results for FY24 have been restated to classify these businesses
as discontinued operations. The rest of this report is therefore mainly
focused on our continuing operations which comprise the TIC division and head
office costs.
Revenue from continuing operations increased by 4% to £304.5 million (FY24:
£292.3 million), with a statutory operating profit of £5.0 million compared
to a statutory operating loss of £3.2 million in the comparable prior period.
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was £32.8 million (FY24: £31.6
million) reflecting the increase in revenues while maintaining margins.
Non-IFRS measures
IFRS measures ensure that the financial statements contain all the information
and disclosures required by all accounting standards and regulatory
obligations that apply to the Group. The financial statements also include
measures which are not defined by generally accepted accounting principles
such as IFRS. We believe this information, along with comparable IFRS
measures, is useful as it provides investors with a basis for measuring the
performance of the Group on an underlying basis. The Board and our managers
use these financial measures to evaluate our operating performance. Non-IFRS
financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a
substitute for, financial information presented in compliance with IFRS.
Similarly, non-IFRS measures as reported by us may not be comparable with
similar measures reported by other companies.
Due to the nature of acquisitions, costs associated with those acquisitions,
subsequent integration costs and the non-cash element of certain charges, the
Directors believe that adjusted measures provide shareholders with a useful
representation of the underlying earnings derived from the Group's business
and a more comparable view of the year-on-year underlying financial
performance of the Group.
A reconciliation between statutory operating profit and EBITDA from continuing
operations is shown below:
FY25 FY24
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Continuing operations £'m £'m
Operating profit/(loss) 5.0 (3.2)
Amortisation of acquisition intangibles 6.1 6.3
Depreciation and amortisation of non-acquisition intangibles 12.5 12.4
EBITDA 23.6 15.5
A reconciliation between adjusted and statutory performance measure for the
continuing operations is shown below:
Year ending 31 March 2025 Profit Operating profit EBITDA
Continuing operations
before tax (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
(Unaudited) £'m £'m
£'m
Statutory reported 2.8 5.0 23.6
Restructuring costs 5.2 5.2 5.2
Amortisation of acquired intangibles 6.1 6.1 -
Share-based payments (including SAYE schemes) 2.0 2.0 2.0
Fair value losses in contingent consideration and acquisition related 2.0 2.0 2.0
incentive schemes
Exceptional finance costs 0.1 - -
Adjusted reported 18.2 20.3 32.8
Year ending 31 March 2024 (Loss)/profit before tax Operating (loss)/ profit EBITDA
Continuing operations
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
£'m £'m £'m
Statutory reported (9.2) (3.2) 15.5
Acquisition and disposal costs (including strategic review costs) 5.1 5.1 5.1
Restructuring costs 8.3 8.3 8.3
Amortisation of acquired intangibles 6.3 6.3 -
Share-based payments (including SAYE schemes) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1)
Fair value losses in contingent consideration and acquisition related 2.8 2.8 2.8
incentive schemes
Exceptional finance costs 0.1 - -
Adjusted reported 13.3 19.2 31.6
Adjusting items
There were no acquisition and disposal costs (including strategic review
costs) in the period for continuing operations as the Group did not undertake
any business acquisitions. The prior period costs of £5.1 million were the
costs associated with the Strategic Review and the four bolt-on acquisitions
that took place at the start of FY24.
Restructuring costs, which relate to the integration of acquired businesses,
have been a key component in delivering shareholder value by enhancing the
future returns generated from acquisitions. For continuing operations,
restructuring costs totalled £5.2 million in FY25 (FY24: £8.3 million). This
includes £2.1 million incurred in the first half of the year with the final
phase of integration activity, and a £3.1 million non-cash revision to the
carried forward balances within the Water and Air Hygiene business unit. As
part of completing the integration process, the Group conducted a detailed
review of certain balance sheet items. The revision primarily reflects a
reassessment of the recoverability of historic balances. While this resulted
in a one-off impact in FY25, it does not affect the Group's ongoing trading
performance or future cash generation. Although the Group completed the
acquisition of SludgeTek after the year end, we do not anticipate this
acquisition will give rise to any restructuring costs. In the absence of
further acquisitions, no additional restructuring costs are expected.
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets for the year was £6.1million
(FY24: £6.3 million). Non-cash share-based payment (including SAYE schemes)
charge for the period was £2.0 million (FY24: gain £0.1 million) and largely
relates to the charge for executive share-based plans.
A £2.0 million loss (FY24: £2.8 million) was recognised in relation to
movements in contingent consideration in FY25, which are considered part of
the Group's investing activities and not reflective of underlying trading
performance.
Further details on the items considered when arriving at adjusted performance
measures can be found in Note 3.
Earnings per share
Basic adjusted earnings per share are calculated as adjusted profit for the
continuing operations for the year less a standard tax charge divided by the
weighted average number of shares in issue in the year. Basic earnings per
share reflect the actual tax charge.
Earnings per share (EPS) - Continuing Operations FY25 FY24
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Basic adjusted earnings per share 15.3p 10.4p
Basic earnings/(loss) per share 5.0p (6.0)p
Weighted average number of shares in issue was 88,360,741 (FY24: 96,418,045)
with the reduction reflecting the ongoing share buyback programme where the
Company purchased 16,510,507 in the year. Following the cancellation of the
shares repurchased, Marlowe had 80,439,317 ordinary shares of 50 pence each in
issue as at 31 March 2025.
Interest
Total finance costs for the continuing operations amounted to £2.2 million in
the period (FY24: £6.0 million). This primarily reflects the apportioned
interest relating to the utilisation of the previous debt facility at the
start of the reporting year which has since been retired and interest costs
from lease liabilities.
Taxation
UK Corporation Tax is calculated at 25% of the estimated assessable profit for
the year.
Statement of financial position
The Group maintains a strong balance sheet with net assets as at 31 March 2025
of £189.5 million (31 March 2024: £437.5 million). At the same date total
assets were £287.1 million (31 March 2024: £890.3 million), and total
liabilities were £97.6 million (31 March 2024: £452.8 million). Total assets
primarily consist of intangible assets of £149.2 million and trade and other
receivables of £69.1 million. Total liabilities include current trade
payables of £64.2 million and deferred tax liabilities of £9.1 million which
largely relate to intangible assets.
Cash flow, net debt and financing
The primary movements in net debt during the period reflect the completion of
the Divestment and the associated return of capital to shareholders. This was
supported by a renewed focus on cash generation, resulting in a cash
conversion of 105%.
FY25
(Unaudited)
£m
Cash generated from Group operations before adjusting items 48.7
Cash conversion6 (%) 105%
Acquisitions & disposal (4.1)
Restructuring costs (cash element) (3.4)
Cash generated from Group operations before interest and tax 41.2
Lease repayments (11.3)
Net finance costs paid (3.4)
Income tax paid (4.8)
Net capex (8.4)
Net Divestment proceeds (net of cash from discontinued operations) 402.6
Purchase of subsidiary undertakings net of cash acquired (0.7)
Proceeds from share issuance 0.3
Dividend (150.3)
Share repurchases (inc. costs associated with repurchases(2)) (66.4)
Movement in net debt 198.8
Opening net debt (excluding leases) (176.6)
Closing net cash (excluding leases) 22.2
During the period, Marlowe generated £48.7 million of cash from operations
before adjusting items. A strong focus on improving accrued income and aged
receivables led to a working capital inflow of £6.5 million, supporting an
excellent cash conversion rate of 105%.
The Group had £11.3 million of lease expenses of which £10.8 million relates
to continuing operations. Net capital expenditure totalled £8.4 million of
which £5.3 million relates to the continuing operations.
In the period the Group repaid its old debt facility following the proceeds
received on the completion of the Divestment. The Group then returned £150.3
million to shareholders via a dividend and subsequently £66.4 million via the
share buyback programme7 in the period.
Net debt as at 31 March 2025, excluding inter alia £23.2 million of lease
liabilities, amounted to £1.0 million (31 March 2024 net debt £202.9
million). Adjusted net cash (excluding lease liabilities) was £22.2 million
(31 March 2024 net debt £176.6 million). Since the period end, the Group has
returned a further £6.2 million to shareholders via the share buyback
programme, as of 25 June 2024.
On 24 June 2024, the Group entered into a new unsecured 3-year Revolving
Credit Facility ("RCF") of £50 million with an uncommitted accordion facility
of £50 million, as at the year-end the facilities were undrawn.
6 Against a Group adjusted EBITDA of £46.5 million reflecting both continuing
and discontinued operations
7 Costs associated with repurchase of shares in the period amounted to £0.2
million
Key Performance Indicators ('KPIs')
The Group uses many different KPIs at an operational level which are specific
to the business and provide information to management. The Board uses KPIs
that focus on the financial performance of the Group such as revenue, adjusted
EBITDA, adjusted EPS and net cash generated from operations.
Unaudited consolidated statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 31 March 2025
2025 2024
Note Continuing operations Discontinued operations Total Continuing Operations Discontinued operations Total
£'m £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m
Revenue 2 304.5 68.5 373.0 292.3 210.9 503.2
Cost of sales (180.5) (41.4) (221.9) (176.9) (108.6) (285.5)
Gross profit 124.0 27.1 151.1 115.4 102.3 217.7
Administrative expenses excluding costs separately disclosed below (103.7) (15.4) (119.1) (96.2) (55.4) (151.6)
Acquisition and disposal costs (including strategic review) 3 - (4.1) (4.1) (5.1) (2.7) (7.8)
Restructuring costs 3 (5.2) (1.3) (6.5) (8.3) (9.9) (18.2)
Amortisation of acquired intangibles 3 (6.1) (3.4) (9.5) (6.3) (19.3) (25.6)
Share based payments (including SAYE schemes) 3 (2.0) - (2.0) 0.1 - 0.1
Fair value losses in contingent consideration and acquisition related 3 (2.0) - (2.0) (2.8) (2.2) (5.0)
incentive schemes
Total administrative expenses (119.0) (24.2) (143.2) (118.6) (89.5) (208.1)
Operating profit/(loss) 5.0 2.9 7.9 (3.2) 12.8 9.6
Finance costs (2.1) (2.2) (4.3) (5.9) (12.7) (18.6)
Exceptional finance costs (0.1) - (0.1) (0.1) (1.8) (1.9)
Total finance costs (2.2) (2.2) (4.4) (6.0) (14.5) (20.5)
Profit on disposal of discontinued operations - 141.4 141.4 - - -
Profit/(loss) before tax 2.8 142.1 144.9 (9.2) (1.7) (10.9)
Income tax credit/(charge) 1.6 (5.4) (3.8) 3.4 (2.7) 0.7
Profit/(loss) for the year 4.4 136.7 141.1 (5.8) (4.4) (10.2)
Other comprehensive income - - - - - -
Total comprehensive profit /(loss) for the year 4.4 136.7 141.1 (5.8) (4.4) (10.2)
Attributable to owners of 4.4 136.7 141.1 (5.8) (4.4) (10.2)
the parent
Earnings/(loss) per share attributable to owners of the parent (pence)
Total
Basic (pence) 4 5.0 154.7 159.7 (6.0) (4.6) (10.6)
Diluted (pence) 4 5.0 154.3 159.3 (6.0) (4.6) (10.6)
Unaudited consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Share capital Share premium Merger Capital Redemption reserve Other reserves Retained earnings/(deficit) £m Total equity
£m £m reserve £m £m £m
£m
Balance at 1 April 2023 47.9 384.8 9.9 - 4.6 (3.9) 443.3
Loss for the year - - - - - (10.2) (10.2)
Total comprehensive loss for the year - - - - - (10.2) (10.2)
Transaction with owners
Share-based payments - - - - (0.1) - (0.1)
Issue of shares during the year 0.5 1.4 2.6 - - - 4.5
Transfer from share premium to retained earnings - (384.9) - - - 384.9 -
0.5 (383.5) 2.6 - (0.1) 384.9 4.4
Balance at 31 March 2024 48.4 1.3 12.5 - 4.5 370.8 437.5
Balance at 1 April 2024 48.4 1.3 12.5 - 4.5 370.8 437.5
Profit for the year - - - - - 141.1 141.1
Total comprehensive profit for the year - - - - - 141.1 141.1
Transaction with owners
Share based payments - - - - 2.0 - 2.0
Issue of shares during the year 0.1 0.2 - - - - 0.3
Transfer of Merger Reserve to Retained Earnings - - (9.3) - - 9.3 -
Cash dividend paid to shareholders - - - - - (150.3) (150.3)
Purchase and cancellation of own shares (8.3) - - 8.3 - (66.4) (66.4)
Distribution of discontinued operations - - - - - (174.7) (174.7)
(8.2) 0.2 (9.3) 8.3 2.0 (382.1) (389.1)
Balance at 31 March 2025 40.2 1.5 3.2 8.3 6.5 129.8 189.5
Unaudited consolidated statement of financial position
As at 31 March 2025
Notes 2025
£'m 2024
£'m
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 6 149.2 343.2
Property, plant and equipment 9.7 10.1
Right of use assets 21.4 25.4
Deferred tax asset 3.7 4.4
Total non-current assets 184.0 383.1
Current assets
Inventories 10.2 9.7
Trade and other receivables 7 69.1 98.0
Cash and cash equivalents 8 22.2 -
Current tax asset 1.6 1.3
Assets classified as held for sale - 398.2
Total current assets 103.1 507.2
Total assets 287.1 890.3
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (64.2) (83.5)
Financial liabilities - bank overdrafts 8 - (25.8)
Financial liabilities - borrowings 8 - (206.0)
Financial liabilities - lease liabilities 8 (8.3) (9.4)
Provisions (0.1) (1.2)
Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale - (82.3)
(72.6) (408.2)
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables (0.3) (0.7)
Financial liabilities - lease liabilities 8 (14.9) (16.9)
Deferred tax liabilities (9.1) (26.0)
Provisions (0.7) (1.0)
(25.0) (44.6)
Total liabilities (97.6) (452.8)
Net assets 189.5 437.5
EQUITY
Share capital 40.2 48.4
Share premium account 1.5 1.3
Other reserves 6.5 4.5
Merger relief reserve 3.2 12.5
Capital Redemption Reserve 8.3 -
Retained earnings 129.8 370.8
Equity attributable to owners of parent 189.5 437.5
Unaudited consolidated statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Notes 2025 2024
£'m £'m
Net cash generated from operating activities before interest and tax 10 41.2 55.3
Net finance costs (3.4) (17.8)
Income taxes paid (4.8) (2.0)
Net cash generated from operating activities 33.0 35.5
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and non-acquisition intangibles (9.2) (14.4)
Disposal of property, plant and equipment 0.8 1.4
Contingent consideration received - 4.3
Purchase of subsidiary undertakings net of cash acquired (0.7) (31.7)
Disposal of non-core assets 457.8 -
Cash flows generated from/(used in) investing activities 448.7 (40.4)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from share issues 0.3 1.5
Utilisation of debt facility 3.0 51.3
Repayment of debt facility (209.0) (36.3)
Repayment of debt upon purchase of subsidiary undertaking - (0.5)
Lease repayments (11.3) (11.9)
Dividend (150.3) -
Share buybacks (66.4) -
Cash flows (used in)/generated from financing activities (433.7) 4.1
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 48.0 (0.8)
Cash and cash equivalents at start of period (25.8) 30.2
Cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations - (55.2)
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period 22.2 (25.8)
Cash and cash equivalents shown above comprise:
Cash at bank 22.2 -
Bank overdrafts - (25.8)
Notes to the financial information for the year ended 31 March 2025
1. Basis of Preparation
Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of Marlowe plc have been prepared in
accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards ("IFRS") and the
applicable legal requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The financial
information for the year ended 31 March 2025 and 31 March 2024 does not
constitute statutory financial information as defined in Section 434 of the
Companies Act 2006 and does not contain all of the information required to be
disclosed in a full set of IFRS financial statements. Statutory accounts for
the year ended 31 March 2024 have been delivered to the registrar of companies
and those for the year ended 31 March 2025 will be delivered to the registrar
in due course. This announcement was approved by the Board of Directors and
authorised for issue on 25 June 2025. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31
March 2025 have not yet been reported on by the Group's Independent Auditor,
RSM UK Audit LLP. The financial statements have been prepared on a historical
cost basis as modified by financial assets and liabilities measured at fair
value through profit and loss. The preparation of financial statements in
conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain accounting estimates. It also
requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the
Group's accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement
or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the
consolidated financial statements are disclosed later in this note. The
consolidated financial statements are presented in pounds sterling and, unless
stated otherwise, shown in pounds million to one decimal place.
Going concern
The Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect
its future development, performance, financial position, its cash flows,
liquidity position, principal risks and uncertainties affecting the business
are set out in the Business Review.
The Group meets its day-to-day working capital requirements through its
financing facilities which were due to expire in February 2025 but were fully
extinguished on 5 June 2024 following the Divestment.
On 24 June 2024, a new financing facility was put in place allowing the Group
to draw up to a maximum of £100 million subject to certain covenants. At 31
March 2025, there have been no drawdowns against the facility. Given that the
underlying business is cash generating and having considered FY26 budgets and
FY27 forecasts, the Directors are comfortable that the Group has adequate
resources to meet its ongoing financing requirements.
Details of the Group's borrowing facilities are given in note 8 of the
financial information. The Group's budget for 2026 and forecasts for 2027,
show that the Group should be able to operate within the level of its new
facility and comply with the relevant covenants.
The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate
resources to continue in operational existence for a period of at least 12
months from the approval date of this report and accordingly they continue to
adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial
statements. In making this assessment, the Directors have considered the
financing arrangements available to the Group and the Group's cashflow
forecasts, taking into account significant but plausible downside trading
scenarios.
2. Segmental analysis
The Group has been organised into one main reporting segment Testing,
Inspection & Certification ("TIC"). At each reporting date, the Group
reviews its reporting segments to determine if the segment disclosure
continues to be appropriate.
As described in the business review, the Board announced in February 2024 that
it had entered into a binding agreement for the sale of certain of the GRC
software and services businesses. This included all assets from the Worknest,
Health and Safety compliance and Elogbooks operating segments. The disposal
completed on 31 May 2024 and the disposal group assets were classified as held
for sale at 31 March 2024 and trading results classified as discontinued
operations for the year ended 31 March 2024 and 31 March 2025.
Additionally, and as described in the business review, the Board announced in
September 2024 the demerger of its Occupational Health divisions from Marlowe
to form Optima Health plc as an independent company. The demerger completed on
the 26 September 2024 and the demerged group assets and trading results were
classified as discontinued operations for the year ended 31 March 2025.
During the year, there has not been a significant change to the underlying
nature of the retained business. However, the disposal and demerger noted
above has resulted in a change to the reportable segments with TIC being the
only operating segment continuing. Other than this, the results and economic
characteristics of the business remains consistent with the prior year and
therefore continuing to disclose the reportable segment consistently is
appropriate for year ended 31 March 2025.
Services per segment operate as described in the Strategic report and the
judgments taken in aggregating the operating segment are disclosed in note 2.
The key profit measures are revenue, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted profit
before tax and are shown before acquisition and disposal costs (including
strategic review costs), amortisation of acquired intangibles, share based
payments (including SAYE schemes) and fair value gains/losses in contingent
consideration.
The vast majority of trading of the Group is undertaken within the United
Kingdom. Segment assets include intangibles, property, plant and equipment,
inventories, receivables and cash. Central assets include deferred tax and
head office assets. Segment liabilities comprise operating liabilities.
Central liabilities include deferred tax, corporate borrowings and head office
liabilities. Capital expenditure comprises additions to application software,
property, plant and equipment. Segment assets and liabilities are allocated
between segments on an actual basis.
Unaudited continuing operations for year ending 31 March
2025 2024
TIC Head Office TIC Head Office
Total Total
Continuing operations £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m
Revenue 315.9 - 315.9 303.7 - 303.7
Inter-segment elimination (11.4) - (11.4) (11.4) - (11.4)
Revenue from external customers 304.5 - 304.5 292.3 - 292.3
Segment adjusted operating profit/(loss) 24.6 (4.3) 20.3 23.2 (4.0) 19.2
Acquisition and disposal costs (including strategic review costs) - (5.1)
Restructuring costs (5.2) (8.3)
Amortisation of acquired intangibles (6.1) (6.3)
Share based payments (including SAYE schemes) and legacy long-term incentives (2.0) 0.1
Fair value losses in contingent consideration and acquisition related (2.0) (2.8)
incentive schemes
Operating profit/(loss) 5.0 (3.2)
Finance costs (2.1) (5.9)
Exceptional finance costs (0.1) (0.1)
Profit/(loss) before tax 2.8 (9.2)
Tax credit 1.6 3.4
Profit/(loss) after tax 4.4 (5.8)
Segment assets 93.4 193.7 287.1 89.3 379.4 468.7
Segment liabilities (82.4) (15.2) (97.6) (79.6) (266.1) (345.7)
Capital expenditure (6.0) - (6.0) (3.8) - (3.8)
Depreciation and amortisation (12.4) (6.2) (18.6) (12.0) (6.7) (18.7)
2025
2024
Discontinued operations £'m £'m
Revenue 69.5 214.9
Inter-segment elimination (1.0) (4.0)
Revenue from external customers 68.5 210.9
Segment adjusted operating profit 11.7 46.9
Acquisition and disposal costs (including strategic review costs) (4.1) (2.7)
Restructuring costs (1.3) (9.9)
Amortisation of acquired intangibles (3.4) (19.3)
Fair value losses in contingent consideration and acquisition related - (2.2)
incentive schemes
Operating profit 2.9 12.8
Finance costs (2.2) (12.7)
Exceptional finance costs - (1.8)
Profit on disposal of discontinued operations 141.4 -
Profit/(loss) before tax 142.1 (1.7)
Tax charge (5.4) (2.7)
Profit/(loss) after tax 136.7 (4.4)
Segment assets - 421.6
Segment liabilities - (107.1)
Capital expenditure (3.2) (10.7)
Depreciation and amortisation (5.4) (27.8)
The revenue from external customers was derived from the Group's principal
activities primarily in the UK (where the Company is domiciled).
Reconciliation of segment adjusted operating profit to adjusted EBITDA
2025 2024
TIC Head Office Total TIC Head Office Total
Continuing operations £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m
Segment adjusted operating profit/(loss) 24.6 (4.3) 20.3 23.2 (4.0) 19.2
Depreciation and amortisation of non-acquisition intangibles 12.3 0.2 12.5 12.0 0.4 12.4
Adjusted EBITDA 36.9 (4.1) 32.8 35.2 (3.6) 31.6
2025 2024
Discontinued operations £'m £'m
Segment adjusted operating profit 11.7 46.9
Depreciation and amortisation of non-acquisition intangibles 2.0 8.5
Adjusted EBITDA 13.7 55.4
The above tables reconcile segment adjusted operating profit/(loss), which
excludes separately disclosed acquisition and other costs, to the standard
profit measure under IFRS (Operating Profit). This is the Group's Alternative
Profit Measure used when discussing the performance of the Group. The
Directors believe that adjusted EBITDA and operating profit is the most
appropriate approach for ascertaining the underlying trading performance and
trends as it reflects the measures used internally by senior management for
all discussions of performance and also reflects the starting profit measure
when calculating the Group's banking covenants.
Adjusted EBITDA is not defined by IFRS and therefore may not be directly
comparable with other companies' adjusted profit measures. It is not intended
to be a substitute, or superior to, IFRS measurements of profit.
Major customers
For the year ended 31 March 2025, no customers (31 March 2024: nil)
individually accounted for more than 10% of the Group's total revenue.
3. Adjusting items
Due to the nature of acquisition and other costs in relation to each
acquisition and the non-cash element of certain charges, the Directors believe
that adjusted operating profit, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted measures of
profit before tax and earnings per share provide shareholders with a more
appropriate representation of the underlying earnings derived from the Group's
business and a more comparable view of the year-on-year underlying financial
performance of the Group. The adjusting items shown on the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income and the rationale behind the Directors' view
that these should be included as adjusting items are detailed below:
Adjusting item Rationale
Acquisition and disposal costs Acquisition and disposal costs (including strategic review costs) totalled
£4.1 million during the year (FY24: £7.8 million). These costs are largely
associated with the demerger of the Group's Occupational Health assets,
completed in the first half of the year. The strategic review, conducted in
the prior year (FY24), resulted in costs such as professional fees, legal
fees, and staff-related expenses. These costs are non-recurring and not
considered to be reflective of the underlying trading performance.
Restructuring costs Restructuring costs, being the costs associated with the integration of
acquisitions, remain a key component of delivering shareholder value by
increasing returns made on acquired businesses. Restructuring costs for the
year ending 31 March 2025 were £6.5 million (FY24: £18.2 million) reflecting
the finalisation of integration programmes within the first half of the year.
As part of the finalisation of the integration process, the Group undertook a
detailed review of certain balance sheet items within the Water & Air
Hygiene business unit, which has resulted in a revision of £3.1 million in
non-cash adjusting items. The revision primarily relates to the reassessment
of the recoverability of certain aged balances, and while this resulted in a
one-off FY25 impact, there is no impact upon the ongoing trading performance
or future cash generation. The prior period results have not been restated as
the impact of these adjustments was not material to any of the period
affected. Although the Group completed the acquisition of SludgeTek after the
year end, we do not anticipate this acquisition will give rise to any
restructuring costs. In the absence of further acquisitions, no additional
restructuring costs are expected.
Restructuring costs primarily consisted of:
· The cost of duplicated staff roles and other duplicated operational
costs during the integration and restructuring period; and
· The redundancy cost of implementing the post completion staff
structures; and
· IT costs associated with the integration and transfer to Group IT
systems, including costs of third-party software used in the delivery of
customer contracts where there is a programme to transition such software to
one of the Group's existing platforms; and
· Reassessment of recoverability of aged balances
Amortisation of acquired intangibles The amortisation charge is primarily in relation to acquired intangible assets
resulting from fair value adjustments under IFRS 3. Given the overall size of
the amortisation charge and it being non-cash in nature, this cost is adjusted
for in deriving the Group's alternative performance measures. In accordance
with IFRS 5, no amortisation was recorded for the GRC software and service
assets during the period, as these assets were classified as held for sale.
For transparency, we note that the Group does not similarly adjust for the
related revenue and results generated from its business combinations in its
alternative profit measures.
Share-based payments (including SAYE schemes) Charges associated with share-based payment schemes, including SAYE schemes,
have been included as adjusting items. Although share-based compensation
remains an important component of employee and executive remuneration,
management believes it is useful to exclude these expenses from adjusted
profit measures to provide a clearer view of the long-term performance of our
underlying business. Share-based compensation expenses are non-cash charges
determined by various factors, including expectations of future performance,
employee forfeiture rates, and, for payroll-related tax items, the share
price. As a result, these charges do not necessarily reflect the actual value
ultimately received from the awards. The cost of the SAYE schemes has been
reclassified from administrative expenses to adjusting items, representing a
change from the prior year's accounting policy. This change was made to
achieve consistency in the treatment of share based payment schemes in the
Group. The value of the reclassified SAYE costs totalled £0.4m during the
year (FY24: £0.7m).
Fair value losses in contingent consideration and acquisition related Movements in contingent consideration are considered to be part of the
incentive schemes investing activities of the Group and are therefore not considered to be
reflective of the underlying trading performance. Further, share based
compensation expenses are not reflective of the value ultimately received by
the recipients of the awards. In addition, certain legacy long terms
incentives are considered to be part of the investing activities of the Group
and non-recurring in nature.
Exceptional finance Exceptional finance costs of £0.1m (FY24: £1.9m) relate to the non-cash
unwinding of the discount applied to contingent consideration to reflect the
costs time value of money. Therefore, it is not considered part of the underlying
trading of the Group.
4. Earnings per ordinary share
Both the basic and diluted earnings per share have been calculated using the
profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company (Marlowe PLC) as the
numerator, i.e. no adjustments to profit were necessary in 2025 or 2024.
2025 2024
Group
Profit/(loss) after tax for the period £141.1m £(10.2)m
Basic earnings/(loss) per share 159.7p (10.6)p
Fully diluted earnings/(loss) per share 159.3p (10.6)p
Continuing
Profit/(loss) after tax for the period £4.4m £(5.8)m
Basic earnings/(loss) per share 5.0p (6.0)p
Fully diluted earnings/(loss) per share 5.0p (6.0)p
Discontinued Operations
Profit/(loss) after tax for the period £136.7m £(4.4)m
Basic earnings/(loss) per share 154.7p (4.6)p
Fully diluted earnings/(loss) per share 154.3p (4.6)p
2025 2024
Weighted average number of shares in issue 88,360,741 96,418,045
Potential dilution of share options 224,214 -
Weighted average fully diluted number of shares in issue 88,584,955 96,418,045
As at 31 March 2025, nil options (31 March 2024: 579,564) were excluded from
the diluted weighted-average number of ordinary shares calculation for the
continuing operations because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
Adjusted earnings per share
The Directors believe that the adjusted earnings per share provide a more
appropriate representation of the underlying earnings derived from the Group's
business. The adjusting items are shown in the table below:
Group 2025 2024
£'m £'m
Profit/(loss) before tax for the period 144.9 (10.9)
Adjustments:
Acquisition and disposal costs (including strategic review costs) 4.1 7.8
Restructuring costs 6.5 18.2
Amortisation of acquired intangibles 9.5 25.6
Share-based payments (including SAYE schemes) 2.0 (0.1)
Fair value losses in contingent consideration and acquisition related 2.0 5.0
incentive schemes
Profit on disposal of discontinued operations (141.4) -
Exceptional finance costs 0.1 1.9
Adjusted profit before tax for the period 27.7 47.5
Continuing operations 2025 2024
£'m £'m
Profit/(loss) before tax for the period 2.8 (9.2)
Adjustments:
Acquisition and disposal costs (including strategic review costs) - 5.1
Restructuring costs 5.2 8.3
Amortisation of acquired intangibles 6.1 6.3
Share-based payments (including SAYE schemes) 2.0 (0.1)
Fair value losses in contingent consideration and acquisition related 2.0 2.8
incentive schemes
Exceptional finance costs 0.1 0.1
Adjusted profit before tax for the period 18.2 13.3
The adjusted earnings per share, based on weighted average number of shares in
issue during the year, is calculated below:
Group 2025 2024
Adjusted profit before tax (£'m) 27.7 47.5
Tax at 25% (£'m) (6.9) (11.9)
Adjusted profit after taxation (£'m) 20.8 35.6
Adjusted basic earnings per share (pence) 23.5 36.9
Adjusted fully diluted earnings per share (pence) 23.5 36.9
Continuing operations 2025 2024
Adjusted profit before tax (£'m) 18.2 13.3
Tax at 25% (£'m) (4.6) (3.3)
Adjusted profit after taxation (£'m) 13.6 10.0
Adjusted basic earnings per share (pence) 15.3 10.4
Adjusted fully diluted earnings per share (pence) 15.3 10.4
5. Dividends
On 3rd June 2024, the Company declared a special dividend in respect of the
prior year. The dividend of £1.55 per Marlowe ordinary share amounted to
£150.3m and was paid on 5 July 2024. The Company has not declared any
ordinary dividends in respect of the current year.
In September 2024, Marlowe Plc declared a non-cash dividend in the form of all
of the shares held in its subsidiary, Optima Health PLC, to its shareholders.
The dividend was measured at the carrying value of the subsidiary (£174.7m).
6. Intangible assets
Goodwill Customer relationships Applications software Content database Trade Total
name
£'m £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m
Cost
1 April 2023 424.7 204.7 57.9 8.0 6.1 701.4
Acquired with subsidiary 22.3 10.8 - - 0.8 33.9
Additions - - 10.7 - - 10.7
Disposals - - (0.6) - - (0.6)
Reclassified as held for sale (210.5) (98.5) (41.6) (8.0) (1.8) (360.4)
31 March 2024 236.5 117.0 26.4 - 5.1 385.0
1 April 2024 236.5 117.0 26.4 - 5.1 385.0
Additions - 0.9 2.6 - - 3.5
Disposals (118.8) (60.3) (23.9) - (5.1) (208.1)
31 March 2025 117.7 57.6 5.1 - - 180.4
Accumulated amortisation and impairment
1 April 2023 - 42.4 12.2 1.9 0.8 57.3
Charge for the period - 19.6 8.7 1.3 0.7 30.3
Disposals - - (0.6) - - (0.6)
Reclassified as held for sale - (27.2) (14.4) (3.2) (0.4) (45.2)
31 March 2024 - 34.8 5.9 - 1.1 41.8
1 April 2024 - 34.8 5.9 - 1.1 41.8
Charge for the period - 8.3 2.2 - 0.3 10.8
Disposals - (13.1) (6.9) - (1.4) (21.4)
31 March 2025 - 30.0 1.2 - - 31.2
Carrying amount
31 March 2024 236.5 82.2 20.5 - 4.0 343.2
31 March 2025 117.7 27.6 3.9 - - 149.2
7. Trade and other receivables
2025 2024
£'m £'m
Current
Trade receivables 54.4 69.2
Less: provision for impairment of trade receivables (1.3) (2.1)
Trade receivables - net 53.1 67.1
Other receivables 0.6 1.0
Contract assets 1.5 3.1
Accrued income 9.5 20.9
Prepayments 4.4 5.9
69.1 98.0
Revenue is recognised based on contracted terms with customers, in accordance
with a contract's stage of completion, with any variable consideration
estimated using the expected value method as constrained if necessary. If a
contract is in dispute, management use their judgement based on evidence and
external expert advice, where appropriate, to estimate the value of accrued
income recoverable on the contract. Actual future outcome may differ from the
estimated value currently held in the financial statements. The outcome of any
amounts subject to dispute is not anticipated to have a material impact on the
financial statements.
8. Net debt and borrowing facilities
2025 2024
£'m £'m
Continuing Operations:
Cash at bank and in hand 22.2 -
Bank overdrafts due within one year - (25.8)
Bank loans due within one year - (206.0)
Leases due within one year (8.3) (8.5)
Leases due after one year (14.9) (14.8)
Net cash/ (debt) for continuing operations (1.0) (255.1)
Discontinued Operations:
Cash at bank and in hand - 55.2
Leases due within one year - (0.9)
Leases due after one year - (2.1)
Net cash/ (debt) for total Group (1.0) (202.9)
Borrowing facilities
As at 31 March 2025, the Group has a £50 million revolving credit facility
and an additional uncommitted accordion facility of £50m with HSBC UK Bank
PLC and Barclays Bank PLC which expires on 24 June 2027 but includes two
1-year extension options. £nil of the total facility was drawn as at 31 March
2025. All of the Group's borrowings are in Sterling.
During the year, the Group's prior facility was repaid in full on 5th June
2024 and fully extinguished following the divestment of certain GRC assets.
9. Called up share capital and share premium
Called up share capital
The issued ordinary share capital is as follows:
Allotted, issued and fully paid Number of ordinary shares
£'m
1 April 2023 47.9 95,882,065
Share-based consideration for IMSM acquisition 0.3 597,609
Shares issued to employees vesting of SAYE scheme 0.2 327,262
31 March 2024 48.4 96,806,936
Shares issued to employees on vesting of SAYE scheme - 49,913
Shares issued to employees on vesting of Marlowe plc Long Term Incentive Plan 0.1 92,975
2019
Cancellation of ordinary shares* (8.3) (16,510,507)
31 March 2025 40.2 80,439,317
*During the period, the Group purchased and cancelled 16,510,507 under the
Share Buyback programme. Share capital has been reduced by the nominal value
of these shares of £8.3 million, and a corresponding amount has been credited
to the capital redemption reserve.
Share premium
In year ending 31 March 2024, the Company gained shareholder and court
approval to release £384.9 million from the share premium account to retained
earnings.
10. Cash generated from operations
2025 2024
£'m £'m
Profit/(loss) before tax 144.9 (10.9)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment, depreciation of right of use 14.5 20.9
assets and amortisation of non-acquisition intangibles
Amortisation of acquired intangibles 9.5 25.6
Loss on sale of fixed assets (0.2) (0.2)
Share based payments (including SAYE schemes) 2.0 (0.8)
Fair value losses in contingent consideration and acquisition related 2.0 5.0
incentive schemes
Net finance costs 4.4 20.5
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations (141.4) -
Settlement of contingent consideration (1.0) (2.5)
(Increase) in inventories (0.5) -
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables 6.6 (1.2)
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 0.4 (1.1)
Net cash generated from operations before interest and tax 41.2 55.3
11. Discontinued operations
During the financial year, the Group completed two strategic exits in line
with its strategy to refocus on its core Testing, Inspection &
Certification (TIC) activities. On 31 May 2024, the Group disposed of its
Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) software and services businesses,
which had been classified as held for sale at 31 March 2024. On 26 September
2024, the Group completed the demerger of its Occupational Health business via
a distribution in specie to shareholders which totalled £174.7 million.
Both the GRC and Occupational Health business lines are presented as
discontinued operations in the current year, in accordance with IFRS 5.
Although the Occupational Health business was not classified as held for sale
at 31 March 2024 and was not presented as discontinued in the FY24 annual
report, it has been treated as discontinued in FY25. As a result, the
comparative figures for FY24 have been restated to reflect the
reclassification of Occupational Health as a discontinued operation.
Revenue and expenses, and associated gains and losses, relating to the
discontinued GRC and Occupational Health businesses have been disclosed
separately on the face of the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.
At 31 March 2025, no assets or liabilities remained classified as held for
sale. The following table summarises the GRC disposal group held at 31 March
2024:
2024
£'m
Intangible assets 315.2
Property, plant and equipment 0.7
Right of use assets 3.0
Trade and other receivables 24.1
Cash and cash equivalents 55.2
Assets classified as held for sale 398.2
Current tax liability (2.8)
Trade and other payables (54.4)
Financial liabilities - lease liabilities (3.0)
Deferred tax liabilities (21.6)
Provisions (0.5)
Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale (82.3)
Net Assets 315.9
Cash flows generated by the disposal group for the reporting periods under
review until its disposal are as follows:
2025 2024
£'m £'m
Operating activities (0.3) 32.4
Investing activities (1.1) (31.3)
Financing activities (42.3) (10.3)
Cash used in discontinued operations (43.7) (9.2)
These cash flows include operating, investing and financing cash flows from
the GRC business up to its disposal on 31 May 2024 and the Occupational Health
business up to its demerger on 26 September 2024.
Reconciliation to cashflow statement
2025
£'m
Total sale consideration from GRC disposal 432.6
Less net cash in GRC businesses at disposal (23.1)
Less net cash in OH businesses at demerger 0.6
Release of cash & cash equivalents classified as held for sale 55.2
Transaction costs incurred on disposal of discontinued operations (7.5)
Cash inflow from disposal of non-core assets 457.8
Disposal of certain GRC businesses
The carrying amount of net assets on disposal at 31 May 2024 are shown below:
31 May
2024
£'m
Intangible assets 316.2
Property, plant and equipment 0.7
Right of use assets 2.3
Trade and other receivables 24.7
Cash and cash equivalents 23.1
Assets classified as held for sale 367.0
Current tax liability (3.2)
Trade and other payables (42.4)
Provisions (0.5)
Financial liabilities - lease liabilities (2.4)
Deferred tax liabilities (21.9)
Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale (70.4)
Net Assets 296.6
The breakdown of the profit on disposal is shown below. There is no
corporation tax payable on the profit on disposal as it is exempt from
corporation tax under the substantial shareholding exemption with the
exception of IMSM which was acquired within 12 months of the disposal.
2025
£'m
Total sale consideration 432.6
Carrying amount of net assets disposed (296.6)
Contingent consideration liabilities transferred to buyer at disposal 12.9
Transaction costs incurred on disposal (7.5)
Profit on disposal before tax 141.4
Corporation tax on profit on disposal -
Profit on disposal after tax 141.4
Demerger of the Occupational Health Division
On 26 September 2024, the Group completed the demerger of its Occupational
Health business via a distribution in specie to shareholders.
The value of the net assets of the division at the point of disposal is set
out below. No profit or loss on disposal is recognised. The distribution is
reflected in the Consolidated statement of changes in equity as a distribution
of discontinued operations.
The carrying amount of the net assets on disposal at 26 September 2024 are
shown below.
26 September 2024
£'m
Intangible assets 186.7
Property, plant and equipment 2.3
Right of use assets 2.0
Trade and other receivables 21.7
Cash and cash equivalents 9.4
Assets directly associated with discontinued operations 222.1
Current tax liability (2.0)
Trade and other payables (18.0)
Provisions (0.7)
Contingent consideration payable (1.1)
Borrowings (10.0)
Financial liabilities - lease liabilities (1.9)
Deferred tax liabilities (13.7)
Liabilities directly associated with discontinued operations (47.4)
Net Assets 174.7
2025
£'m
Carrying amount of net assets disposed 174.7
Distribution of discontinued operations 174.7
Realisation of merger reserve
The merger reserve represents the premium on ordinary shares issued as
consideration for the acquisition of shares in another company.
In the current year, the Group disposed of several entities where merger
reserve had been recognised in the prior years. Therefore, the merger reserve
related to these entities of £9.3 million was released to retained earnings
during the year.
12. Related party transactions
There were no material related party transactions during the current or prior
period.
13. Post balance sheet events
Return of capital
Since the year end date and as at 25 June 2025, the Group under the Share
Buyback Programme has bought 1,920,143 ordinary shares of 50 pence each in the
capital of the Company for a weighted average price of 321 pence for a total
price of £6.2m. The shares acquired will, in due course, be cancelled.
Acquisition
On 2 April 2025 the Group acquired Sludge Tek Holdings Limited, a UK provider
of specialist services to the Waste Management and Manufacturing sectors, for
a total consideration of £6.2m, satisfied by the payment of £5.7m in cash on
completion and £0.5m in cash payable subject to the achievement of certain
performance targets by the acquired business 12 months post-acquisition. The
fair value of the assets and liabilities in relation to this acquisition have
not been presented as, due to them being recent acquisitions, the work is
ongoing to perform the valuations.
Cash and share offer for Marlowe plc
On the 5 June 2025, Mitie Group plc ("Mitie"), announced that they had reached
agreement of a recommended cash and share offer with Marlowe's board, to
acquire the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Marlowe.
Based on Mitie's closing share price of 160 pence as of 4 June 2025, the
Acquisition represents a total implied value of 466 pence per Marlowe Share,
valuing the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Marlowe
at approximately £366 million.
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