TIDMMAR

RNS Number : 7379R

Mar City PLC

16 September 2014

MAR CITY PLC

('Mar City', 'the Group' or 'the Company')

Interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2014

Mar City (AIM: MAR.L) the London and Midlands focused housebuilder today announces its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2014.

 
                                2014    2013   Change 
                                  H1      H1        % 
                                GBPk    GBPk 
 Revenue                      25,528   8,745    +192% 
 Underlying operating 
  profit *                     3,422   1,097    +212% 
 Underlying PBT *              3,210   1,053    +205% 
 Share based charges *           600       - 
 Operating profit reported     2,822   1,097 
 PBT reported                  2,610   1,053 
 Basic EPS adjusted*           2.33p   3.52p 
 Basic EPS                     1.79p   3.52p 
 

* Adjusted for share based payment charges of GBP600k relating to share options granted on 16 December 2013

Summary of results

   --     Further excellent progress made in first half of 2014. 
   --     Revenue up 192% to GBP25.5m and underlying operating profit* increased by 212% to GBP3.4m. 
   --     Ground-breaking new modular construction methodology launched in London and Midlands. 
   --     Land bank increased to 1,656 units and new GBP40m debt facility signed on 31(st) July. 

Commenting on the results and outlook, Tony Ryan, CEO of Mar City plc, said:

"Mar City made excellent progress in the first half of 2014, as we achieved further significant growth in turnover and profits, following the transformational equity raise and land acquisitions completed in December 2013.

The Group launched its ground-breaking new modular construction methodology on sites in London and the Midlands and has received widespread critical acclaim. One of the many benefits of this system is certainty on costs and insulation against traditional cost inflation, combined with an ability to significantly improve the speed of construction.

The Group has also started to benefit from the strength in the UK housing market, as the first open market sales completed using the Help to Buy scheme and have combined with strong social housing sales completions.

The Company's financial resources have also been further strengthened with the agreement of the new GBP40m Revolving Credit Facility announced on 31 July, and we are well positioned to continue to secure additional sites in the second half of the year. It is our intention to remain highly selective in all future land acquisitions, ensuring we are purchasing the right sites, in the right location, off market, at the right price.

We have acquired a further 1,215 plots across London and the Midlands in the first half, adding to the 512 plots secured in December 2013 and this should enable the significant growth forecast in the second half of 2014 to continue into 2015. We will continue to build our land bank this year and with newly emerging opportunities, the target is now to create a land bank of at least 5,000 units by the end of the current year.

Outlook

As originally forecast, the growth profile for 2014 carries a second half weighting, as all of the sites acquired in December 2013 were due to start generating sales in the second half of the year. Accordingly, having delivered in the first half, we remain confident that we can achieve full year market expectations.

We continue to position Mar City to take full advantage of a strong housing market and to deliver significant sustainable growth for the Company over the foreseeable future. We believe we are insulated against any geopolitical events, as we are at the affordable end of the market and we believe we can deliver strong returns to our shareholders".

 
 Enquiries: 
 
 Mar City PLC                        www.marcityplc.com   www.marcityhomes.com 
 Hamilton Anstead, Chairman 
  Tony Ryan, Chief Executive                              +44 (0) 20 7408 1102 
 Marcus Jones, Finance Director 
 
   Shore Capital, NOMAD and Joint                           www.shorecap.co.uk 
   Broker 
 Pascal Keane / Jamie Cameron                              +44 (0)20 7408 4090 
 
 WH Ireland Limited, Joint Broker                         www.wh-ireland.co.uk 
 Mike Coe                                                 +44 (0) 117 945 3470 
 
 Gable Communications                          marcity@gablecommunications.com 
  John Bick                                               +44 (0) 20 7193 7463 
                                                           +44 (0) 7872 061007 
 

Business operating review

Further excellent progress was made in the first half of 2014, following the transformational equity raise and land acquisition of December 2013. Significant growth in turnover and profits have been achieved, the first of our open market sales have been completed and combined with strong levels of social sales. In addition, H1 saw the launch of our ground-breaking modular construction methodology which has received excellent feedback, leading to a number of new opportunities with our Housing Association and Local Authority partners.

Mar City is now a substantial national housebuilder and has the platform for significant further growth. The land-bank has increased significantly in the first half, as a further 1,215 plots were acquired, whist the management team and the business' processes were further strengthened, to ensure that Mar City is suitably structured to deliver the further significant growth planned for the second half of 2014 and into 2015.

Financial results for the year

The Group generated a profit before taxation of GBP2.6m (2013 H1: GBP1.0m) after charging GBP600k of share based costs (relating to share options granted in December 2013) on revenue of GBP25.5m (2013 H1: GBP8.7m). This has resulted in basic earnings per share of 1.79 pence (2013 H1: 3.52 pence). As at 30 June 2014 the Group had net assets of GBP68.3m (2013 H1: GBP4.0m).

Revenues grew by a further 192% compared to 2013 H1, whilst underlying operating profits showed a 212% increase to GBP3.4m (2013 H1: GBP1.1m), which represents a 13.4% return on revenues.

The figures for H1 still include a significant element of contracting income, with the Colindale contract by far the biggest contribution, but there were also 71 sales reported (2013 H1: nil) at an Average Selling Price of GBP131k, reflecting the new income stream for the Group from the land acquired in 2013.

Gross margin of GBP5.7m (2013 H1: GBP1.7m) generated a return on turnover of 22.5% (2013 H1: 20.1%), whilst overhead of GBP2.3m (2013 H1: GBP0.7m) reflected the increased investment in staff and systems required to deliver the growth. Finance costs of GBP212k were incurred (2013 H1: GBP44k) reflecting the debt acquired in December 2013 as part of the acquisition of Mar City Land Ltd.

Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June were reported at GBP4.1m (2013 H1: GBP1.7m), whilst debt was reported at GBP9.2m (2013 H1: GBP1.2m). Net debt at 30 June was therefore GBP5.1m (2013 H1: net cash GBP0.5m), which equates to a cash outflow of GBP23.1m in H1. The cash has been used to fund land acquisitions and work in progress on sites acquired in 2013 which will translate into the sales that underpin the further growth forecast in H2.

Additionally, we announced on 31 July 2014 that the Company's financial resources have been further strengthened with the signing of a new five year GBP40m Revolving Credit Facility, which will facilitate the acquisition of further additional sites in the coming year.

Dividend

It is the Board's intention to announce the implementation of its dividend policy in the second half of the year in line with the growth in the performance of the Company. At this stage, there will not be the payment of an interim dividend (2013: nil).

Key performance indicators

The Directors consider that the key performance indicator ('KPI') of the Group over the longer term will be the total return to shareholders. Financial KPIs currently used by the Board are revenue, operating profits, profit before tax and net assets.

 
 KPI's                              2014   2013 H1   Movement 
                                      H1    GBP000 
                                  GBP000 
------------------------------  --------  --------  --------- 
 Revenue                          25,528     8,745     + 192% 
 Underlying operating profit*      3,422     1,097      +212% 
 Profit before taxation            2,610     1,053      +148% 
 Net assets                       68,280     3,958 
 Basic EPS **                      1.79p     3.52p 
 

*Operating profit before share based payment charges of GBP600k

** Following 1 for 10 share consolidation in Dec 2013

Non-financial KPIs related to the number of sites in progress, headcount and Health & Safety. The Group significantly increased the number of sites and headcount in the year and had only 1 reportable accident.

Market conditions

The Group continues to benefit from the improvement in the UK housing market, especially in its areas of focus in the Midlands, Midlands-London corridor and London and the South East. In particular, the first sales under the Government's 'Help to Buy' scheme completed in the first half and with 950 units registered to Mar City, this scheme is expected to underpin open market sales in the future.

An increasing supply of new and affordable homes remains essential in order to address the chronic shortage of homes across the UK. Mar City is well placed to help tackle this issue and remains focused on delivering quality homes to the segment of the market where demand is highest. Relationships with Housing Associations and other affordable housing providers continue to develop and have been further enhanced with the launch of the modular construction methodology, which meets all of their demanding standards.

The goal remains to run Mar City in a prudent and sustainable manner, minimising financial risk and creating quality homes, in vibrant local communities. Further excellent progress has been made in the first half of 2014, especially with the launch of our ground-breaking modular construction methodology. One of the many benefits of this system is certainty on costs and insulation against traditional cost inflation, combined with an ability to significantly improve the speed of construction.

People

The Group continues to develop its presence and reputation in London and the South East and our centrally based London office is now established in line with the strategy of increasing the number of developments in these areas. The significant majority of the design, construction and support staff remain located at our office in central Birmingham and the Board recognises and are extremely grateful for the outstanding commitment and hard work of all staff in 2014, which underpins the Group's excellent progress.

Outlook

Going forward, the objective is to increase the land bank considerably by the end of 2014, whilst continuing to deliver the planned growth in H2 2014, 2015 and beyond.

It remains our intention to be highly selective in all future land acquisitions, ensuring we are purchasing the right sites, in the right locations, off market, at the right price. We have a strong pipeline and as a result of new opportunities emerging from our modular construction initiative, we are now seeking to secure a land-bank of at least 5,000 plots by the end of this year.

As originally forecast, the growth profile for 2014 carries a second half weighting, as all of the sites acquired in December 2013 were due to start generating sales in the second half of the year. Accordingly, having delivered in the first half, we remain confident that we can achieve full year market expectations.

We continue to position Mar City to take full advantage of a strong housing market and to deliver significant sustainable growth for the Company over the foreseeable future. We believe we are insulated against any geopolitical events, as we are at the affordable end of the market and we believe we can deliver strong returns to our shareholders.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Tony Ryan, Chief Executive

16 September 2014

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2014

 
                                               Note           2014         2013       2013 
                                                                H1           H1    Full yr 
                                                            GBP000       GBP000     GBP000 
                                                         Unaudited    Unaudited    Audited 
--------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -----------  --------- 
 Revenue                                                    25,528        8,745     24,823 
 Cost of sales                                            (19,791)      (6,987)   (18,927) 
--------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -----------  --------- 
 Gross profit                                                5,737        1,758      5,896 
 Administrative expenses                                   (2,315)        (661)    (2,341) 
 Share based payment charge                     3            (600)            -          - 
 Exceptional costs                                               -            -      (211) 
--------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -----------  --------- 
 Profit from operations                                      2,822        1,097      3,344 
 Finance charges                                             (212)         (44)      (123) 
--------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -----------  --------- 
 Profit on ordinary activities before 
  taxation                                                   2,610        1,053      3,221 
 Income tax                                     4            (639)            -      (797) 
--------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -----------  --------- 
 Profit on ordinary activities after 
  taxation                                                   1,971        1,053      2,424 
 Other comprehensive income                                      -            -          - 
--------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -----------  --------- 
 Total comprehensive income attributable 
  to owners                                                  1,971        1,053      2,424 
--------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -----------  --------- 
 
 
   Total and continuing earnings per share 
 
 Basic                                            5          1.79p        3.52p      6.46p 
-------------------------------------------  -----------  --------  -----------  --------- 
 Diluted                                          5          1.79p        3.52p      6.46p 
-------------------------------------------  -----------  --------  -----------  --------- 
 
 

All of the Group's operations are continuing.

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2014

 
                                     Share premium                     Merger relief 
                    Share capital   account GBP000    Other reserve   reserve GBP000         Retained     Total equity 
   Group                   GBP000                            GBP000                          earnings           GBP000 
                                                                                               GBP000 
 As at 31 
  December 2013             2,757            3,197          (1,732)           60,171            1,316           65,709 
----------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 
 Issue of shares                -                -                -                -                -                - 
 Issue costs                    -                -              600                -                -              600 
----------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Transactions 
  with owners                   -                -              600                -                -              600 
----------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Profit for the 
  year and total 
  comprehensive 
  income                        -                -                -                -            1,971            1,971 
----------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 As at 30 June 
  2014                      2,757            3,197          (1,132)           60,171            3,287           68,280 
----------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 

Consolidated statement of financial position

 
 As at 30 June 2014                                  Group 
                                    Note      30 June   30 June 2013     31 Dec 
                                                 2014         GBP000       2013 
                                               GBP000      Unaudited     GBP000 
                                            Unaudited                   Audited 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  -------------  --------- 
 Non-current assets 
 Intangible assets                                715            733        728 
 Plant, property and equipment                    150             37         67 
 Trade and other receivables                    8,019              -      6,984 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                         6         50,840            200     42,872 
 Trade and other receivables                   36,783          5,864     18,561 
 Cash and cash equivalents                      4,125          1,694     27,273 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  -------------  --------- 
 Total assets                                 100,632          8,528     96,485 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  -------------  --------- 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                      15,101          3,291     13,482 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 HCA GBB funding                     9          8,019              -      6,984 
 Amounts due under hire purchase                    -             27          - 
 Borrowings                                     9,232          1,252     10,310 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  -------------  --------- 
 Total liabilities                             32,352          4,570     30,776 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  -------------  --------- 
 
 Equity 
 Called up share capital             7          2,757            816      2,757 
 Merger relief reserve                         60,171              -     60,171 
 Other reserve                                (1,132)              -    (1,732) 
 Share premium                                  3,197          3,197      3,197 
 Retained earnings                              3,287           (55)      1,316 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  -------------  --------- 
 Total equity                                  68,280          3,958     65,709 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  -------------  --------- 
 
 Total liabilities and equity                 100,632          8,528     96,485 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  -------------  --------- 
 

Consolidated statements of cash flows

 
 For the 6 months ended 30 June 2014                                  Group 
                                                                 2014         2013       2013 
                                                                   H1           H1    Full yr 
                                                               GBP000       GBP000     GBP000 
                                                            Unaudited    Unaudited    Audited 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Profit before taxation and finance charges                     2,822        1,097      3,344 
 Amortisation and depreciation                                     39           24         57 
 Increase in trade and other receivables                     (19,025)      (4,175)   (14,935) 
 Increase in trade and other payables                           2,383        1,890      9,733 
 (Increase) / decrease in inventories                         (7,968)          147    (1,134) 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 Net cash (outflow) from operating activities                (21,749)      (1,017)    (2,935) 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Acquisition of subsidiary                                          -            -    (5,000) 
 Payments to acquire tangible assets                            (109)          (9)       (83) 
 Net cash flow from investing activities                        (109)          (9)    (5,083) 
 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Finance charge                                                 (212)         (44)      (123) 
 Issue of share capital                                             -        1,586     34,236 
 Repayment of bank debt                                       (1,078)            -          - 
 Net cash flow from financing activities                      (1,290)        1,542     34,113 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents      (23,148)          516     26,095 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                27,273        1,178      1,178 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                       4,125        1,694     27,273 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 

Notes to the interim financial information

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2014

   1.   General information 

The information for the period ended 30 June 2014 does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The figures for the year ended 31 December 2013 have been extracted from the 2013 statutory financial statements prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European Union. The auditors' report on these accounts was unqualified and did not contain a statement under Section 498 of the companies Act 2006. A copy of the statutory accounts for that period has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.

Copies of this statement will be available on the Group's website (www.marcityplc.com) and from Mar City PLC, 113-115 Great Hampton Street, Birmingham, B18 6ES.

   2.   Basis of preparation 

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards adopted by the European Union (IFRSs). The Company's shares are traded on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.

The principal accounting policies are set out below and are consistent with those applied in the 2013 financial statements.

Going concern

At 30 June 2014 the Group had cash resources available of GBP4.1m and debt with HSBC Bank PLC of GBP9.2m, equating to a net debt position of GBP5.1m.

Additionally, on 31 July 2014, the Group signed a five year GBP40m Revolving Credit Facility with HSBC.

The Directors have given full consideration to the cash flow forecasts of the Group extending to December 2015 (which are updated on a monthly basis), and the timing of the residential house building projects which the Group expects to undertake during the balance of the coming financial year. After completing this review, the Directors believe it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.

   3.   Share based payment charges / exceptional costs 

The GBP600k of share based payment charges (2013 H1: GBPnil) in H1, relates to the cost of share options granted in December 2013, when an equity-settled unapproved share option scheme was introduced and options were awarded to Tony Ryan and Maggie Ryan. Each received an option over 2,757,323 ordinary shares at an exercise price of 80p per share. There is a three year vesting period and the options are only exercisable if the Company's share price is equal to or greater than 150p per share. The options expire on 20 December 2023 and none of the options were exercisable at 30 June 2014.

   4.   Income tax 

The tax assessed for the period differs from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK as follows:

 
                                                                                             2014      2013       2013 
                                                                                               H1        H1    Full yr 
                                                                                           GBP000    GBP000     GBP000 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------- 
 Profit on ordinary activities before taxation                                              2,610     1,053      3,221 
 
 Profit multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 23% and 21% (2013: 
  23%)                                                                                        691       242        749 
 Expenses not deductible for tax purposes                                                       -         -         50 
 Differences between capital allowances and depreciation                                        -         -        (9) 
 Other adjustments                                                                              -         -          7 
 Utilisation of brought forward losses                                                       (52)     (242)          - 
 Losses carried forward                                                                         -         -          - 
 Tax charge for the period                                                                    639         -        797 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------- 
 

The Group has unrelieved tax losses of GBP708k (2013 H1: GBP981k) remaining available to offset against future taxable trading profits in the PLC company.

   5.   Earnings per share 

The calculation of the basic continuing earnings per share is based on the profit on ordinary activities after tax of GBP1,971k (2013 H1: GBP1,053k) divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year of 110,292,924 (2013 H1 restated: 29,903,372). The comparative number has been restated to reflect the consolidation of shares which took place in December 2013 in order to make the data comparable.

The share options in issue are considered anti-dilutive as the exercise price is greater than the average share price during the period ended 30 June 2014.

   6.   Inventories 
 
 
                        2014      2013       2013 
                          H1        H1    Full yr 
                      GBP000    GBP000     GBP000 
------------------  --------  --------  --------- 
 Land                 38,207         -     31,216 
 Work In Progress     12,633       200     11,656 
 At 30 June           50,840       200     42,872 
------------------  --------  --------  --------- 
 
   7.   Share Capital 
 
                                                                 2014         2013          2013 
                                                                   H1           H1       Full yr 
                                                               GBP000       GBP000        GBP000 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ------------ 
 
 Allotted, issued and fully paid 
  Ordinary shares of 2.5p                                       2,757          816         2,757 
                                                                 Ordinary shares of 2.5p 
 
                                                                 2014         2013          2013 
                                                                   H1           H1       Full yr 
 Shares issued and fully paid at the end of the period 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ------------ 
 
              *    ordinary shares of 2.5p                110,292,925   29,903,372   110,292,925 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ------------ 
 

The movement on share capital is detailed below. All ordinary shares have the same rights and there are no restrictions on the distribution of dividends or repayment of capital.

   8.   Related party transactions 

The Group has earned revenue from MCDL, a related party under the common control of Maggie Ryan and Tony Ryan of GBP16.2m (2013 H1: GBP8.7m) in relation to contract work performed. The Group carries out work with MCDL under a Business Co-operation Agreement, which sets out work to be carried out and invoiced under design and build agreements.

The Group had net debtor balances of GBP31.2m (2013 H1: GBP 3.4m) owing from MCDL at 30 June 2014. This is supported by a signed agreement to repay the debtor in 2014, based mainly upon the completion of the Colindale development contract, which Mar City Homes Ltd is currently building under a JCT contract.

The GBB Funding liability acquired within Mar City Land Ltd of GBP8.93m is also supported by a signed agreement for MCDL to repay the amounts, as and when they fall due to the HCA.

GBP166k has been charged to the Group by MCDL in relation to administration overheads (2013 H1: GBP81k), including rental costs of GBP119k (2013 H1: GBP45k), whilst supplier costs of GBP16k relating to contracts were recharged by MCDL (2013 H1: GBP1.3m).

Maggie Ryan and Tony Ryan were granted share options in December 2013, as per Note 3.

   9.   Non-current liabilities - HCA GBB funding 

The HCA Get Britain Building funding acquired with Mar City Land Ltd in December 2013 is due to be repaid in line with an agreed schedule of completion of housing units. There is a back-to-back agreement in place with Mar City Developments Ltd, who will repay the debtor on the due date as they had received the benefit of the initial funding received prior to the novation of the agreement, to enable the Company to satisfy this liability.

10. Post balance sheet event

On 31 July 2014, a five year GBP40m Revolving Credit Facility was signed with HSBC Bank Plc.

   -     Ends - 

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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