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REG - PageGroup plc - Half Year Results for the Period Ended 30 June 24

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RNS Number : 6300Z  PageGroup plc  08 August 2024

 

8 August 2024

Half Year Results for the Period Ended 30 June 2024

 

PageGroup plc ("PageGroup"), the specialist professional recruitment company,
announces its unaudited half year results for the period ended 30 June 2024.

 

 Financial summary            2024      2023        Change  Change

 (6 months to 30 June 2024)                                 CC*
 Revenue                      £898.0m   £1,033.9m   -13.1%  -9.8%
 Gross profit                 £444.1m   £526.8m     -15.7%  -12.4%
 Operating profit             £28.4m    £63.9m      -55.5%  -53.7%***
 Profit before tax            £27.7m    £63.3m      -56.2%
 Basic earnings per share     5.3p      13.6p       -61.0%
 Diluted earnings per share   5.3p      13.6p       -61.0%
 Interim dividend per share   5.36p     5.13p

 

H1 Summary

·       Group operating profit of £28.4m (H1 2023: £63.9m)

·       Conversion rate** of 6.4% (H1 2023: 12.1%)

·       Gross profit per fee earner up 0.9% to £77.4k

·       Total headcount decreased by 283 (3.6%) to 7,576 at the end of
June

·       Net cash in June of £57.2m (H1 2023: £97.9m)

·       Interim dividend up 4.5% to 5.36 pence per share, totalling
£16.8m

·       Full year operating profit expected to be in the region of
£60m, in line with previous guidance

 

* in constant currencies

** operating profit as a percentage of gross profit

*** excluding impact of hyperinflation in Argentina

 

Commenting, Nicholas Kirk, Chief Executive Officer, said:

 

"The Group experienced challenging market conditions across all regions in H1,
with a softening in activity levels towards the end of the period,
particularly in terms of new jobs registered and number of interviews
undertaken. The conversion of interviews to accepted offers continues to be a
significant area of challenge, as candidate and client confidence remains
subdued, reflecting the macro-economic uncertainty in the majority of our
markets. Permanent recruitment continues to be impacted more than temporary,
as clients seek more flexible options and permanent candidates remain
reluctant to move jobs.

 

"While we saw a slower end to H1, having taken action to reduce headcount
throughout last year, our intention is to broadly hold fee earners at existing
levels to ensure we are well placed to take advantage of opportunities as
sentiment and confidence improve. We have a highly diversified and adaptable
business model, a highly experienced management team, a strong balance sheet
and our cost base is under continuous review. We are announcing today an
interim dividend of 5.36 pence per share, an increase of 4.5% on 2023.

"We continue to see the benefits of our investments in innovation and
technology. Customer Connect is supporting productivity and enhancing customer
experience, Page Insights is providing real time data to inform business
decisions for both Page and our customers, and we continue to work with our
partners to deploy AI and automation tools into our working environment. Given
the Group's fundamental strengths, we believe we will continue to perform well
despite the challenging environment, and we are confident in our ability to
implement our strategy driving the long-term profitability of the Group."

INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT

 

GROUP RESULTS

 

 GROSS PROFIT              £m                Growth rates
               % of Group  H1 2024  H1 2023  Reported  CC
 EMEA          56%         248.8    288.4    -13.7%    -11.4%
 Americas      17%         77.3     89.1     -13.1%    -6.1%
 Asia Pacific  15%         64.3     83.4     -22.9%    -17.8%
 UK            12%         53.7     65.9     -18.5%    -18.5%
 Total         100%        444.1    526.8    -15.7%    -12.4%

 Permanent     73%         325.5    392.2    -17.0%    -13.7%
 Temporary     27%         118.6    134.6    -11.9%    -8.6%

 

Revenue for the six months ended 30 June 2024 decreased 13.1% to £898.0m
(2023: £1,033.9m) and gross profit decreased 15.7% to £444.1m (2023:
£526.8m). In constant currencies, the Group's revenue decreased 9.8% and
gross profit decreased 12.4%. The Group's revenue mix between permanent and
temporary placements was 36:64 (2023: 38:62) and for gross profit was 73:27
(2023: 74:26). Revenue from temporary placements comprises the salaries of
those placed, together with the margin charged.

 

The Group's organic growth model and profit-based team bonus ensures costs
remain tightly controlled. 76% of first half costs were employee related,
including salaries, bonuses, share-based long-term incentives, and training
and relocation costs.

 

In total, administrative expenses in the first half decreased 10.2% in
reported rates to £415.7m (2023: £462.9m), driven largely by the lower
average headcount in H1 2024 compared to H1 2023. In constant currencies,
excluding the impact of hyperinflation in Argentina, administrative expenses
were down 6.7% and operating profit decreased by 53.7% to £28.4m (2023:
£63.9m). Operating profit decreased 55.5% at reported rates.

 

The Group's conversion rate, which represents the ratio of operating profit to
gross profit, was 6.4% (2023: 12.1%) due to the more challenging trading
conditions in 2024.

 

 

OTHER ITEMS

 

Net interest expense of £0.7m was broadly consistent with H1 2023 (£0.5m).
The effective tax rate for the first half was 39.5% (H1 2023: 31.9%). The
increase on the prior year is primarily due to the impact of the prior year
adjustments on the half year profit figure, together with a higher forecast
full year effective tax rate due to the impact of a non-deductible expenses,
which are broadly constant year on year, on a reduced level of forecast full
year profits.

 

For the six months ended 30 June 2024, basic earnings per share and diluted
earnings per share were both 5.3p, representing a decrease of 61.0% on 2023
(2023: basic earnings per share 13.6p; diluted earnings per share 13.6p).

 

 

CASH FLOW

 

Cash flow in the period was strong, with £49.2m generated from operations
(2023: £83.7m). Tax paid was £7.9m and net capital expenditure was £7.4m.
During the first half, £0.5m was received from exercises of share options
(2023: £0.8m), £13.2m was spent on the purchase of shares into the Employee
Benefit Trust (2023: £17.5m) and dividends of £35.2m were paid to
shareholders (2023: £33.9m). As a result, the Group had net cash of £57.2m
at 30 June 2024 (30 June 2023: £97.9m).

 

CAPITAL ALLOCATION POLICY

 

It is the Directors' intention to continue to finance the activities and
development of the Group from retained earnings and to maintain a strong
balance sheet position.

 

The Group's first use of cash is to satisfy operational and investment
requirements, as well as to hedge its liabilities under the Group's share
plans. The level of cash required for this purpose will vary depending upon
the revenue mix of geographies, permanent and temporary recruitment, and point
in the economic cycle.

 

Our second use of cash is to make returns to shareholders by way of an
ordinary dividend. Our policy is to grow the ordinary dividend over the course
of the economic cycle in a way that we believe we can sustain the level of
ordinary dividend payment during downturns, as well as increasing it during
more prosperous times.

 

Cash generated in excess of these first two priorities will be returned to
shareholders through supplementary returns, using special dividends and/or
share buybacks.

 

The Board has announced an interim dividend of 5.36 pence per share, an
increase of 4.5% over last year. This, in addition to the 2023 final dividend
which we paid in June, results in a total return to shareholders in 2024 of
£52.0m, or 16.6 pence per share.

 

The interim dividend will be paid on 11 October 2024 to shareholders on the
register as at 30 August 2024.

 

During the first half, the Group made purchases of £13.2m of shares into the
Employee Benefit Trust to hedge its exposure under the Group's share plans
(2023: £17.5m).

 

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS (All growth rates given below are in constant currency
vs. H1 2023 unless otherwise stated)

 

EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA (EMEA)

 

 EMEA                       £m                Growth rates
 (56% of Group in H1 2024)  H1 2024  H1 2023  Reported  CC
 Revenue                    501.4    580.5    -13.6%    -11.5%
 Gross Profit               248.8    288.4    -13.7%    -11.4%
 Operating Profit           36.3     47.8     -24.2%    -21.8%
 Conversion Rate (%)        14.6%    16.6%

 

EMEA is the Group's largest region, contributing 56% of Group first half gross
profit. Against 2023, in reported rates, revenue in the region decreased 13.6%
to £501.4m (2023: £580.5m) and gross profit decreased 13.7% to £248.8m
(2023: £288.4m). In constant currencies, revenue decreased 11.5% on the first
half of 2023 and gross profit decreased by 11.4%.

 

We saw a more resilient performance within temporary recruitment, indicative
of the current uncertainty within the market. France, 14% of Group gross
profit and around a quarter of the region, was down 15% against a record
comparator in 2023. Germany, the Group's second largest market, declined 12%,
with our Technology focused Interim business the most resilient. Elsewhere in
Europe, we saw tough market conditions in all countries. The Middle East and
Africa grew 11%, a new record H1.

 

H1 operating profit was £36.3m (2023: £47.8m) with a conversion rate of
14.6% (2023: 16.6%). Profitability decreased on 2023 due to the tougher
trading conditions seen in 2024, albeit the region continues to have the
highest conversion rate of the Group. Headcount across the region decreased by
99 (2.6%) in the first half, to 3,715 at the end of June 2024 (3,814 at 31
December 2023).

 

 

THE AMERICAS

 

 Americas                   £m                Growth rates
 (17% of Group in H1 2024)  H1 2024  H1 2023  Reported  CC
 Revenue                    139.1    151.0    -7.9%     +2.0%
 Gross Profit               77.3     89.1     -13.1%    -6.1%
 Operating Profit           4.4      5.9      -26.2%    -25.2%***
 Conversion Rate (%)        5.7%     6.7%

 

*** Excluding the impact of hyperinflation in Argentina.

 

In the Americas, representing 17% of Group first half gross profit, revenue
decreased 7.9% in reported rates against 2023, to £139.1m (2023: £151.0m),
while gross profit declined 13.1% to £77.3m (2023: £89.1m). In constant
currencies against 2023, revenue increased by 2.0% but gross profit was down
6.1%. Excluding Argentina due to hyperinflation, revenue and gross profit
declined by 7.3% and 11.9% in constant currencies, respectively.

 

North America declined 17% against 2023, due to the US, where uncertainty
around market conditions continued to affect both candidate and client
confidence.

 

Latin America delivered growth of 10%. However, excluding Argentina, the
region declined 4%. Mexico, our largest country in the region, declined 11%
due to its high dependency on the US. Brazil grew 10%, with a particularly
strong performance in temporary recruitment. Elsewhere in Latin America, our
remaining countries in the region declined 6%, collectively.

 

Operating profit was £4.4m (2023: £5.9m), with a conversion rate of 5.7%
(2023: 6.7%), which reflects tougher trading conditions in the US, with Latin
America being more resilient. We held our headcount broadly flat in H1, to
1,338 at the end of June 2024 (1,329 at 31 December 2023).

 

 

ASIA PACIFIC

 

 Asia Pacific               £m                Growth rates
 (15% of Group in H1 2024)  H1 2024  H1 2023  Reported   CC
 Revenue                    116.6    149.8    -22.2%     -17.4%
 Gross Profit               64.3     83.4     -22.9%     -17.8%
 Operating Profit           -4.8     4.5      >-100%     >-100%
 Conversion Rate (%)        -7.4%    5.3%

 

In Asia Pacific, representing 15% of Group first half gross profit, revenue
decreased 22.2% in reported rates to £116.6m (2023: £149.8m) and gross
profit decreased 22.9% to £64.3m (2023: £83.4m). In constant currencies,
revenue decreased 17.4% in H1 and gross profit decreased 17.8%.

 

Gross profit in Greater China declined 23%, with no sign of improvement.
Mainland China and Hong Kong were down 22% and 26%, respectively. South East
Asia declined 7% with Singapore down 6%. The other five countries in the
region declined 8%, collectively. India grew 10% and delivered a record H1
against a very strong comparator. Japan declined 17% and Australia declined
35%, with ongoing challenging conditions in all states.

 

We delivered an operating loss of £4.8m (2023: £4.5m operating profit) at a
conversion rate of -7.4% (2023: 5.3%), significantly behind the comparative
period due to the continued tough trading conditions. Headcount across the
region decreased by 84 in the first half (5.4%) to 1,468 at the end of June
2024 (1,552 at 31 December 2023).

 

 

UNITED KINGDOM

 

 UK                         £m                Growth rate
 (12% of Group in H1 2024)  H1 2024  H1 2023
 Revenue                    140.9    152.5    -7.6%
 Gross Profit               53.7     65.9     -18.5%
 Operating Profit           -7.5     5.7      >-100%
 Conversion Rate (%)        -13.9%   8.6%

 

In the UK, representing 12% of Group first half gross profit, revenue
decreased 7.6% vs. 2023 to £140.9m (2023: £152.5m) and gross profit declined
18.5% to £53.7m (2023: £65.9m). We continued to see clients deferring hiring
decisions and candidates cautious about accepting offers.

 

We delivered an operating loss of £7.5m (2023: £5.7m profit). This was due
to the continued tough challenging trading condition seen in 2024. Headcount
was down 108 (9.3%) during the first half to 1,056 at the end of June 2024
(1,164 at 31 December 2023).

 

 

 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ("KPIs")

 

We measure our progress against our strategic objectives using the following
key performance indicators:

 

 KPI                                                                       Definition, method of calculation and analysis

 Gross profit growth                                                       How measured: Gross profit represents revenue less cost of sales and consists
                                                                           of the total placement fees of permanent candidates, the margin earned on the
                                                                           placement of temporary candidates and the margin on advertising income, i.e.
                                                                           it represents net fee income. The measure used is the increase or decrease in
                                                                           gross profit as a percentage of the prior year gross profit.

                                                                           Why it's important: The growth of gross profit relative to the previous year
                                                                           is an indicator of the growth in net fees of the business as a whole. It
                                                                           demonstrates whether we are in line with our strategy to grow the business.

                                                                           How we performed in H1 2024: Trading conditions continued to be challenging
                                                                           through the first half of 2024 which resulted in a decline in gross profit of
                                                                           -15.7% vs. H1 2023 in reported rates and -12.4% in constant currencies. We
                                                                           experienced a softening in activity levels throughout H1 2024 and exited June
                                                                           down 18% vs. 2023.

                                                                           Relevant strategic objective: Organic growth
 Ratio of gross profits generated from permanent and temporary placements  How measured: Gross profit from each type of placement expressed as a
                                                                           percentage of total gross profit.

                                                                           Why it's important: This ratio helps us to understand where we are in the
                                                                           economic cycle, since the temporary market tends to be more resilient when the
                                                                           economy is weak. However, in several of our core strategic markets, working in
                                                                           a temporary role or as a contractor or interim employee is not currently
                                                                           normal practice, for example in Mainland China.

                                                                           How we performed in H1 2024: 73% of our gross profit was generated from
                                                                           permanent placements, marginally below the 74% in 2023. Reflecting the
                                                                           uncertain macro-economic conditions, temporary recruitment (-8.6%) continued
                                                                           to outperform permanent (-13.7%), as clients sought more flexible options.

                                                                           Relevant strategic objective: Organic growth
 Gross profit per fee earner                                               How measured: Gross profit for the year divided by the average number of fee
                                                                           earners in the year.

                                                                           Why it's important: This is a key indicator of productivity.

                                                                           How we performed in H1 2024: Gross profit per fee earner of £77.4k was up
                                                                           0.9% vs. 2023 in constant currencies. The reduced market confidence we saw
                                                                           throughout H1 2024 was partially offset by continued high fee rates. This
                                                                           combined with our lower headcount resulted in increased productivity.

                                                                           Relevant strategic objective: Organic growth
 Conversion rate                                                           How measured: Operating profit (EBIT) as a percentage of gross profit.

                                                                           Why it's important: This demonstrates the Group's effectiveness at controlling
                                                                           the costs and expenses associated with its normal business operations. It will
                                                                           be impacted by the level of productivity and the level of investment for
                                                                           future growth.

                                                                           How we performed in H1 2024: Operating profit as a percentage of gross profit
                                                                           decreased to 6.4% compared to the prior year (H1 2023: 12.1%), due to the
                                                                           tougher trading conditions in 2024.

                                                                           Relevant strategic objective: Sustainable growth
 Basic earnings per share                                                  How measured: Profit for the year attributable to the Group's equity
                                                                           shareholders, divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during
                                                                           the year.

                                                                           Why it's important: This measures the overall profitability of the Group.

                                                                           How we performed in H1 2024: Earnings per share (EPS) in H1 2024 was 5.3p, a
                                                                           decrease of 61.0% on the 2023 EPS of 13.6p. The decline is due to the lower
                                                                           profit for the period, due to the more adverse trading conditions.

                                                                           Relevant strategic objective: Build for the long-term, organic growth
 Fee-earner headcount growth                                               How measured: Number of fee-earners and directors involved in
                                                                           revenue-generating activities at the period end, expressed as the percentage
                                                                           change compared to the prior year.

                                                                           Why it's important: Growth in fee-earners is a guide to our confidence in the
                                                                           business and macro-economic outlook, as it reflects expectations as to the
                                                                           level of future demand above the existing capacity within the business.

                                                                           How we performed in H1 2024: In response to the more challenging trading
                                                                           conditions, our fee-earner headcount decreased by 253 (4.3%) to 5,598 in H1
                                                                           2024. The largest decreases were seen in Europe. Following these decreases,
                                                                           our intention is to hold fee earner headcount broadly at existing levels.

                                                                           Relevant strategic objective: Sustainable growth
 Net cash                                                                  How measured: Cash and short-term deposits less bank overdrafts and loans.

                                                                           Why it's important: The level of net cash is a key measure of our success in
                                                                           managing our working capital and determines our ability to reinvest in the
                                                                           business and to return cash to shareholders.

                                                                           How we performed in H1 2024: Net cash at 30 June 2024 was £57.2m (H1 2023:
                                                                           £97.9m). This is after the payment of the 2023 final dividend of £35.2m and
                                                                           the purchase of shares into the Employee Benefit Trust of £13.2m (H1 2023:
                                                                           £17.5m).

                                                                           Relevant strategic objective: Build for the long-term

 

The source of data and calculation methods year-on-year are on a consistent
basis. The movements in KPIs are in line with expectations. Disclosure for GHG
emissions and People KPIs is provided annually.

 

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

 

The management of the business and the execution of the Group's strategy are
subject to a number of risks.

 

The main risks that PageGroup believes could potentially impact the Group's
operating and financial performance for the remainder of the financial year
remain those as set out in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending
31 December 2023 on pages 60 to 66.

 

TREASURY MANAGEMENT, BANK FACILITIES AND CURRENCY RISK

The Group operates a multi-currency cash concentration arrangement managed by
the centralised Treasury function in London. 79% of the Group by revenue
participates in this arrangement.  This arrangement facilitates interest
compensation for cash whilst supporting working capital requirements.

The Group maintains a Confidential Invoice Facility with HSBC whereby the
Group has the option to discount receivables in order to advance cash. The
Group also has an £80m Committed Revolving Credit Facility with HSBC and
BBVA, expiring in December 2027. Neither of these facilities were drawn as at
30 June 2024. These facilities are available for general corporate purposes.

The main functional currencies of the Group are Sterling, Euro, Chinese
Renminbi, US Dollar, Singapore Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar and Australian Dollar.
The Group does not have material transactional currency exposures. The Group
is exposed to foreign currency translation differences in accounting for its
overseas operations. The Group's policy is not to hedge the translation
exposure of the profits of overseas subsidiaries.

The Group may use short-dated foreign exchange derivatives to manage the
foreign currency transaction exposures in the business. The main exposures
arise from intercompany balances and transactions.

ESG

 

Our ESG strategy drives purposeful impact today and will continue to evolve
alongside our business. In April 2024, we published our sustainability report,
highlighting the progress we've made on our four sustainability goals over the
course of 2023. This includes:

 

·    Changing 134,000 lives in 2023 through placements and social impact
programmes

·    Increasing the proportion of women in leadership roles to 45%

·    Decreasing our scope 1 & 2 emissions by 15% vs 2022

·    Increasing net fees from our sustainability business by 78% vs 2022

 

H1 2024 has delivered continued progress against key targets. We've changed
over 60,000 lives in the year to date and increased the number of people
accessing our social impact programmes where we share our skills as a
recruiter to support traditionally underrepresented groups to access
employment. The Science Based Targets initiative has also approved our near
and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets including verification
of our net-zero science-based target by 2050.

 

We are now well on our way to reaching our sustainability goals, as we strive
to support the transition to a more equitable and greener society. For further
information on our sustainability efforts, please refer to
https://www.page.com/sustainability (https://www.page.com/sustainability) .

 

GOING CONCERN

 

The Board has undertaken a review of the Group's forecasts and associated
risks and sensitivities in the period from the date of approval of the interim
financial statements to August 2025 (review period).

 

The Group had £57.2m of cash as at 30 June 2024, with no debt except for IFRS
16 lease liabilities of £110.6m. Debt facilities relevant to the review
period comprise a committed £80m RCF maturing December 2027, an uncommitted
UK trade debtor discounting facility (up to £50m depending on debtor levels)
and an uncommitted £20m UK bank overdraft facility. None of these facilities
were in use as at 30 June 2024.

 

Despite the macroeconomic and political uncertainty that currently exists, and
its inherent risk and impact on the business, based on the analysis performed
there are no plausible downside scenarios that the Board believes would cause
a liquidity issue. Having considered the Group's forecasts, the level of cash
resources available to the business and the Group's borrowing facilities, the
Group's geographical and discipline diversification, limited concentration
risk, as well as the ability to manage the cost base, the Board has concluded
that the Group and therefore the Company has adequate resource to continue in
operation existence for the period through to August 2025.

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

 

This Interim Management Report ("IMR") has been prepared solely to provide
additional information to shareholders to assess the Group's strategies and
the potential for those strategies to succeed. The IMR should not be relied on
by any other party or for any other purpose. This IMR contains certain
forward-looking statements. These statements are made by the directors in good
faith based on the information available to them up to the time of their
approval of this report and such statements should be treated with caution due
to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and business risk
factors, underlying any such forward-looking information.

 

This IMR has been prepared for the Group as a whole and therefore gives
greater emphasis to those matters that are significant to PageGroup plc and
its subsidiary undertakings when viewed as a whole.

 

Page House

Bourne Business Park

200 Dashwood Lang Road

Addlestone

Weybridge

Surrey

KT15 2NX

 

By order of the Board,

 

 

 Nicholas Kirk            Kelvin Stagg
 Chief Executive Officer  Chief Financial Officer

 7 August 2024            7 August 2024

 

PageGroup will host a conference call, with on-line slide presentation, for
analysts and investors at 8.30am on 8 August 2024, the details of which are
below.

Link:

https://www.investis-live.com/pagegroup/66993c7d336a4b31000356bb/jyfd
(https://www.investis-live.com/pagegroup/66993c7d336a4b31000356bb/jyfd)

 

Please use the following dial-in number to join the conference:

 United Kingdom (Local)  020 3936 2999
 All other locations     +44 20 3936 2999

 

Please quote participant access code 73 01 53 to gain access to the call.

 

A presentation and recording to accompany the call will be posted on the
PageGroup website during the course of the morning of 8 August 2024 at:

 

https://www.page.com/presentations/year/2024
(https://www.page.com/presentations/year/2024)

 

Enquiries:

 

 PageGroup                                 +44 (0)19 3226 4032
 Nicholas Kirk, Chief Executive Officer

 Kelvin Stagg, Chief Financial Officer

 FTI Consulting                            +44 (0)20 3727 1340
 Richard Mountain / Susanne Yule

 

 

 

 

INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO PAGEGROUP PLC

 

Conclusion

 

We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set of financial
statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30
June 2024 which comprises the Condensed Consolidated Income Statement, the
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in
Equity, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and the related
notes 1 to 13. We have read the other information contained in the half yearly
financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements
or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of
financial statements.

 

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to
believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly
financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2024 is not prepared, in all
material respects, in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting
Standard 34 and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United
Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

 

Basis for Conclusion

 

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review
Engagements 2410 (UK) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by
the Independent Auditor of the Entity" (ISRE) issued by the Financial
Reporting Council. A review of interim financial information consists of
making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and
accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A
review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance
with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable
us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters
that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit
opinion.

 

As disclosed in note 2, the annual financial statements of the Group are
prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards. The
condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial
report has been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International
Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting".

 

 

Conclusions Relating to Going Concern

 

Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than those performed
in an audit as described in the Basis of Conclusion section of this report,
nothing has come to our attention to suggest that management have
inappropriately adopted the going concern basis of accounting or that
management have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern
that are not appropriately disclosed.

 

This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in accordance with
this ISRE, however future events or conditions may cause the entity to cease
to continue as a going concern.

 

 

Responsibilities of the directors

 

The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report
in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the
United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

 

In preparing the half-yearly financial report, the directors are responsible
for assessing the company's ability to continue as a going concern,
disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the
going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to
liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative
but to do so.

 

 

Auditor's Responsibilities for the review of the financial information

In reviewing the half-yearly report, we are responsible for expressing to the
Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the
half-yearly financial report. Our conclusion, including our Conclusions
Relating to Going Concern, are based on procedures that are less extensive
than audit procedures, as described in the Basis for Conclusion paragraph of
this report.

 

 

Use of our report

 

This report is made solely to the company in accordance with guidance
contained in International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 (UK) "Review of
Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the
Entity" issued by the Financial Reporting Council. To the fullest extent
permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other
than the company, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we
have formed.

 

 

Ernst & Young LLP

London

7 August 2024

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Income Statement

For the six months ended 30 June 2024

                                               Six months ended                    Year ended
                                               30 June           30 June           31 December
                                               2024              2023              2023
                                               Unaudited         Unaudited         Audited
                                     Note      £'000             £'000             £'000

 Revenue                             3         897,959           1,033,886         2,010,303
 Cost of sales                                 (453,818)         (507,095)         (1,003,171)
 Gross profit                        3         444,141           526,791           1,007,132
 Administrative expenses                       (415,728)         (462,934)         (888,317)
 Operating profit                              28,413            63,857            118,815
 Financial income                    4         908               829               2,236
 Financial expenses                  4         (1,606)           (1,378)           (3,615)
 Profit before tax                   3         27,715            63,308            117,436
 Income tax expense                  5         (10,939)          (20,176)          (40,368)
 Profit for the period                         16,776            43,132            77,068

 Attributable to:
 Owners of the parent                          16,776            43,132            77,068

 Earnings per share
 Basic earnings per share (pence)    8         5.3               13.6              24.4
 Diluted earnings per share (pence)  8         5.3               13.6              24.3

 

The above results all relate to continuing operations

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the six months ended 30 June 2024

                                                                          Six months ended                    Year ended
                                                                          30 June           30 June           31 December
                                                                          2024              2023              2023
                                                                          Unaudited         Unaudited         Audited
                                                                          £'000             £'000             £'000

 Profit for the period                                                    16,776            43,132            77,068

 Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the period
 Items that may subsequently be reclassified to profit and loss:

 Currency translation differences                                         (4,069)           (13,997)          (12,353)

 Items that may not subsequently be reclassified to profit and loss:

 Actuarial loss on retirement benefits                                    -                 -                 (1,735)
 Deferred tax from actuarial loss on retirement benefits                  -                 -                 435
 Total comprehensive income for the period                                12,707            29,135            63,415

 Attributable to:
 Owners of the parent                                                     12,707            29,135            63,415

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

As at 30 June 2024

                                                                                                      30 June        31 December

                                                                                       30 June
                                                                                       2024           2023           2023
                                                                                       Unaudited      Unaudited      Audited
                                                                             Note      £'000          £'000          £'000
 Non-current assets
 Property, plant and equipment                                               9         46,529         37,665         47,452
 Right-of-use assets                                                                   99,327         93,395         98,386
 Intangible assets - Goodwill and other intangible                                     1,802          1,859          1,859
                             - Computer software                                       25,475         33,880         30,239
 Deferred tax assets                                                                   17,163         20,421         19,856
 Other receivables                                                           10        13,031         12,890         13,017
                                                                                       203,327        200,110        210,809
 Current assets
 Trade and other receivables                                                 10        358,218        411,725        380,243
 Current tax receivable                                                                22,888         21,095          23,384
 Cash and cash equivalents                                                   13        57,249         97,939          90,138
                                                                                       438,355        530,759         493,765

 Total assets                                                                3         641,682        730,869        704,574

 Current liabilities
 Trade and other payables                                                    11        (231,528)      (258,308)      (259,856)
 Provisions                                                                  12        (3,852)        (3,737)        (4,298)
 Lease liabilities                                                                     (31,871)       (32,984)       (31,746)
 Current tax payable                                                                   (6,892)        (15,457)       (5,958)
                                                                                       (274,143)      (310,486)      (301,858)

 Net current assets                                                                    164,212        220,273        191,907

 Non-current liabilities
 Other payables                                                              11        (8,410)        (8,455)        (10,156)
 Lease liabilities                                                                     (78,697)       (70,643)       (79,187)
 Deferred tax liabilities                                                              (2,342)        (2,619)        (2,342)
 Provisions                                                                  12        (4,092)        (4,812)        (4,543)
                                                                                       (93,541)       (86,529)       (96,228)
 Total liabilities                                                           3         (367,684)      (397,015)      (398,086)

 Net assets                                                                            273,998        333,854        306,488

 Capital and reserves
 Called-up share capital                                                               3,286          3,286          3,286
 Share premium                                                                         99,564         99,564         99,564
 Capital redemption reserve                                                            932            932            932
 Reserve for shares held in the employee benefit trust                                 (75,498)       (73,123)       (66,813)
 Currency translation reserve                                                          15,916         18,341         19,985
 Retained earnings                                                                     229,798        284,854        249,534
 Total equity                                                                          273,998        333,854        306,488

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the six months ended 30 June 2024

 

                                                                                                                         Reserve

                                                                                                                         for shares

                                                                                                                         held in the

                                                                                                                         employee

                                                                                                                         benefit trust

                                                                                                                         £'000

                                                                       Called-up                    Capital                                  Currency

                                                                       share                        redemption                               translation

                                                                       capital                      reserve                                  reserve

                                                                       £'000                        £'000                                    £'000
                                                                                      Share                                                                Retained                 Total

                                                                                      premium                                                              earnings                 equity

                                                                                      £'000                                                                £'000                    £'000

 Balance at 1 January 2023                                             3,286          99,564        932                  (56,626)            32,338                   272,709       352,203
 Currency translation differences                                      -              -             -                    -                   (13,997)                 -             (13,997)
 Net income recognised directly in equity                              -              -             -                    -                   (13,997)                 -             (13,997)
 Profit for the six months ended 30 June 2023                          -              -             -                    -                   -                        43,132        43,132
 Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the period                   -              -             -                    -                   (13,997)                 43,132        29,135
 Purchase of shares held in the employee benefit trust                 -              -             -                    (17,529)            -                        -             (17,529)
 Exercise of share plans                                               -              -             -                    -                   -                        759           759
 Reserve transfer when shares held in the employee benefit trust vest  -              -             -                    1,032               -                        (1,032)       -
 Credit in respect of share schemes                                    -              -             -                    -                   -                        2,462         2,462
 Credit in respect of tax on share schemes                             -              -             -                    -                   -                        713           713
 Dividends                                                             -              -             -                    -                   -                        (33,889)      (33,889)
                                                                       -              -             -                    (16,497)            -                        (30,987)      (47,484)

 Balance at 30 June 2023                                               3,286          99,564        932                  (73,123)            18,341                   284,854       333,854

 Currency translation differences                                      -              -             -                    -                   1,644                    -             1,644
 Actuarial expense on retirement benefits net of tax                   -              -             -                    -                   -                        (1,300)       (1,300)
 Net income/(expense) recognised directly in equity                    -              -             -                    -                   1,644                    (1,300)       344
 Profit for the six months ended 31 December 2023                      -              -             -                    -                   -                        33,936        33,936
 Total comprehensive income for the period                             -              -             -                    -                   1,644                    32,636        34,280
 Purchase of shares held in the employee benefit trust                 -              -             -                    -                   -                        -             -
 Exercise of share plans                                               -              -             -                    -                   -                        1,187         1,187
 Reserve transfer when shares held in the employee benefit trust vest  -              -             -                    6,310               -                        (6,310)       -
 Credit in respect of share schemes                                    -              -             -                    -                   -                        3,039         3,039
 Credit in respect of tax on share schemes                             -              -             -                    -                   -                        303           303
 Dividends                                                             -              -             -                    -                   -                        (66,175)      (66,175)
                                                                       -              -             -                    6,310               -                        (67,956)      (61,646)

 Balance at 31 December 2023                                           3,286          99,564        932                  (66,813)            19,985                   249,534       306,488

 Balance at 1 January 2024                                             3,286          99,564        932                  (66,813)            19,985                   249,534       306,488
 Currency translation differences                                      -              -             -                    -                   (4,069)                  -             (4,069)
 Net expense recognised directly in equity                             -              -             -                    -                   (4,069)                  -             (4,069)
 Profit for the six months ended 30 June 2024                          -              -             -                    -                   -                        16,776        16,776
 Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the period                   -              -             -                    -                   (4,069)                  16,776        12,707
 Purchase of shares held in employee benefit trust                     -              -             -                    (13,161)            -                        -             (13,161)
 Exercise of share plans                                               -              -             -                    -                   -                        453           453
 Reserve transfer when shares held in the employee benefit trust vest  -              -             -                    4,476               -                        (4,476)       -
 Credit in respect of share schemes                                    -              -             -                    -                   -                        2,931         2,931
 Debit in respect of tax on share schemes                              -              -             -                    -                   -                        (209)         (209)
 Dividends                                                             -              -             -                    -                   -                        (35,211)      (35,211)
                                                                       -              -             -                    (8,685)             -                        (36,512)      (45,197)

 Balance at 30 June 2024                                               3,286          99,564        932                  (75,498)            15,916                   229,798       273,998

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the six months ended 30 June 2024

 

                                                                                           30 June        30 June        31 December
                                                                                           2024           2023           2023
                                                                                           Unaudited      Unaudited      Audited
                                                                                           £'000          £'000          £'000
                                                                                 Note

 Profit before tax                                                                         27,715         63,308         117,436
 Depreciation, amortisation charges and expense of computer software                       30,019         31,913         66,781
 Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment                                             258            144            819
 Share scheme charges                                                                      2,931          2,468          5,501
 Net finance costs                                                                         698            549            1,379
 Operating cash flow before changes in working capital                                     61,621         98,382         191,916
 Decrease in receivables                                                                   11,977         13,375         46,057
 Decrease in payables                                                                      (24,378)       (28,045)       (26,002)
 Cash generated from operations                                                            49,220         83,712         211,971
 Income tax paid                                                                           (7,876)        (27,337)       (58,963)
 Net cash from operating activities                                                        41,344         56,375         153,008

 Cash flows from investing activities
 Purchases of property, plant and equipment                                                (8,047)        (9,530)        (27,348)
 Purchases and capitalisation of intangible assets                                         (1,034)        (1,848)        (4,033)
 Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment, and computer software            1,714          85             587
 Interest received                                                                         1,021          829            2,236
 Net cash used in investing activities                                                     (6,346)        (10,464)       (28,558)

 Cash flows from financing activities
 Dividends paid                                                                            (35,211)       (33,889)       (100,064)
 Interest paid                                                                             (290)          (266)          (1,070)
 Lease liability repayment                                                                 (20,668)       (18,779)       (40,045)
 Issue of own shares for the exercise of options                                           453            759            1,946
 Purchase of shares into the employee benefit trust                                        (13,161)       (17,529)       (17,529)
 Net cash used in financing activities                                                     (68,877)       (69,704)       (156,762)

 Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                                                 (33,879)       (23,793)       (32,312)
 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period                                  90,138         131,480        131,480
 Exchange gain/(loss) on cash and cash equivalents                                         990            (9,748)        (9,030)
 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period                              13        57,249         97,939         90,138

 

 

Notes to the condensed set of interim results

For the six months ended 30 June 2024

 

 

1.         General information

 

The information for the year ended 31 December 2023 does not constitute
statutory accounts as defined in section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. A copy
of the statutory accounts for that year has been delivered to the Registrar of
Companies. The auditors reported on those accounts: their report was
unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did
not contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

 

The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of PageGroup
plc and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Group) for the six months ended 30
June 2024 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the
directors on 7 August 2024.

 

2.         Accounting policies

 

Basis of preparation

 

The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the six
months ended 30 June 2024 have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted IAS
34 'Interim financial reporting' and with the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority.

 

The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements do not
constitute the Group's statutory financial statements.  The Group's most
recent statutory financial statements, which comprise the annual report and
audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023, were
approved by the directors on 6 March 2024.  The interim condensed
consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023, which have
been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards
("IFRSs").

 

Going concern

 

The Board has undertaken a review of the Group's forecasts and associated
risks and sensitivities, in the period from the date of approval of the
interim financial statements to August 2025 (review period).

 

The Group had £57.2m of cash as at 30 June 2024, with no debt except for IFRS
16 lease liabilities of £110.6m. Debt facilities relevant to the review
period comprise a committed £80m RCF maturing December 2027, an uncommitted
UK trade debtor discounting facility (up to £50m depending on debtor levels)
and an uncommitted £20m UK bank overdraft facility. Under the Group's latest
forecasts, the Group is able to operate without the need to draw on its
available facilities. None of these facilities were in use as at 30 June 2024.
The forecast cash flows indicate that the Group will comply with all relevant
banking covenants during the review period.

 

Despite the macroeconomic and political uncertainty that currently exists, and
its inherent risk and impact on the business, based on the analysis performed
there are no plausible downside scenarios that the Board believes would cause
a liquidity issue.

 

Despite the macroeconomic and political uncertainty that currently exists, and
its inherent risk and impact on the business, based on the analysis performed
there are no plausible downside scenarios that the Board believes would cause
a liquidity issue.

 

Having considered the Group's forecasts, the level of cash resources available
to the business and the Group's borrowing facilities, the Group's geographical
and discipline diversification, limited concentration risk, as well as the
ability to manage the cost base, the Board has concluded that the Group has
adequate resources to continue in operation, meet its liabilities as they fall
due, retain sufficient available cash and not breach the covenants under the
RCF for the period through to August 2025.

 

New accounting standards, interpretations and amendments adopted by the Group

 

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the interim condensed
consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in the
preparation of the Group's annual consolidated financial statements for the
year ended 31 December 2023. The Group has not early adopted any standard,
interpretation or amendment that has been issued but is not yet effective.

 

IFRS 18 Presentation and disclosure in financial statements was issued in
April 2024 and becomes effective for periods commencing on or after 1 January
2027. The Group is currently assessing the impact of this standard.

 

3.         Segment reporting

 

All revenues disclosed are derived from external customers.

 

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Group's
accounting policies. Segment operating profit represents the profit earned by
each segment including allocation of central administration costs. This is the
measure reported to the Group's Board, the chief operating decision maker, for
the purpose of resource allocation and assessment of segment performance.

 

(a)        Revenue, gross profit and operating profit by reportable
segment

 

                    Revenue                                            Gross Profit
                    Six months ended                  Year ended       Six months ended                        Year ended
                    30 June            30 June        31 December      30 June             30 June             31 December
                    2024               2023           2023             2024                2023                2023
                    £'000              £'000          £'000            £'000               £'000               £'000

 EMEA               501,431            580,539        1,117,150        248,757             288,400             549,511
 Asia Pacific       116,570            149,842        284,821          64,310              83,416              159,636
 Americas           139,067            150,971        311,653          77,348              89,047              173,312
 United Kingdom     140,891            152,534        296,679          53,726              65,928              124,673
                     897,959           1,033,886      2,010,303        444,141             526,791             1,007,132

                                                                       Operating Profit
                                                                              Six months ended                 Year ended
                                                                       30 June             30 June             31 December
                                                                       2024                2023                2023
                                                                       £'000               £'000               £'000
 EMEA                                                                  36,258              47,818              92,176
 Asia Pacific                                                          (4,765)             4,458               11,613
 Americas                                                              4,375               5,927               17,749
 United Kingdom                                                        (7,455)             5,654               (2,723)
 Operating profit                                                      28,413              63,857              118,815
 Financial expense                                                     (698)               (549)               (1,379)
 Profit before tax                                                     27,715              63,308              117,436

 

The above analysis by destination is not materially different to analysis by
origin.

 

The analysis below is of the carrying amount of reportable segment assets,
liabilities and non-current assets. Segment assets and liabilities include
items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be
allocated on a reasonable basis. The individual reportable segments exclude
current income tax assets and liabilities. Intangible assets include computer
software, goodwill and other intangibles.

 

 

(b)        Segment assets, liabilities and non-current assets by
reportable segment

 

                             Total Assets                                                             Total Liabilities
                                        Six months ended                          Year ended          Six months ended                             Year ended
                             30 June                       30 June                31 December         30 June           30 June           31 December
                             2024                          2023                   2023                2024              2023              2023
                             £'000                         £'000                  £'000               £'000             £'000             £'000

 EMEA                        303,767                       320,385                322,635             212,825           249,084           250,651
 Asia Pacific                83,543                        108,769                99,919              52,943            62,871            58,548
 Americas                    93,434                        109,488                98,697              41,840            51,310            50,333
 United Kingdom              138,050                       171,132                159,939             53,184            18,293            32,596
 Segment assets/liabilities  618,794                       709,774                681,190             360,792           381,558           392,128
 Income tax                  22,888                        21,095                 23,384              6,892             15,457            5,958
                             641,682                       730,869                704,574             367,684           397,015           398,086

                             Property, Plant & Equipment                                              Intangible Assets
                             Six months ended                                     Year ended                  Six months ended                     Year ended
                             30 June                       30 June                31 December         30 June           30 June           31 December
                             2024                          2023                   2023                2024              2023              2023
                             £'000                         £'000                  £'000               £'000             £'000             £'000

 EMEA                        17,220                        15,092                 16,101              1,959             2,122             2,044
 Asia Pacific                4,811                         5,041                  5,269               21                58                37
 Americas                    5,411                         6,899                          5,947       5                 4                 3
 United Kingdom              19,087                        10,633                 20,135              25,292            33,555            30,014
                             46,529                        37,665                 47,452              27,277            35,739            32,098

 

 

                 Right-of-use Assets                                 Lease Liabilities
                 Six months ended                Year ended          Six months ended                Year ended
                 30 June          30 June        31 December         30 June         30 June         31 December
                 2024             2023           2023                2024            2023            2023
                 £'000            £'000          £'000               £'000           £'000           £'000

 EMEA            71,466           60,292         70,907              75,359          66,967          76,867
 Asia Pacific    13,629           15,110         12,486              18,836          15,715          16,854
 Americas        6,319            10,026                 7,989       8,220           12,676          10,257
 United Kingdom  7,913            7,967          7,004               8,153           8,269           6,955
                 99,327           93,395         98,386              110,568         103,627         110,933

 

 

 

The below analyses in notes (c) and (d) relates to the requirement of IFRS 15
to disclose disaggregated revenue streams.

 

(c)        Revenue and gross profit generated from permanent and
temporary placements

 

            Revenue                                               Gross Profit
                 Six months ended                Year ended       Six months ended                Year ended
            30 June               30 June        31 December      30 June         30 June         31 December
            2024                  2023           2023             2024            2023            2023
            £'000                 £'000          £'000            £'000           £'000           £'000

 Permanent  327,362               395,569        738,563          325,520         392,202         733,657
 Temporary  570,597               638,317        1,271,740        118,621         134,589         273,475
            897,959               1,033,886      2,010,303        444,141         526,791         1,007,132

 

 

(d)        Revenue generated from permanent and temporary placements by
reportable segment

 

                 Permanent                                          Temporary
                 Six months ended              Year ended           Six months ended                Year ended
                 30 June          30 June      31 December          30 June         30 June         31 December
                 2024             2023         2023                 2024            2023            2023
                 £'000            £'000        £'000                £'000           £'000           £'000
 EMEA            170,230          199,879      369,582              331,201         380,660         747,568
 Asia Pacific    55,034           70,690       135,462              61,536          79,152          149,359
 Americas        62,943           78,073               146,916      76,124          72,898          164,737
 United Kingdom  39,155           46,927       86,603               101,736         105,607         210,076
                 327,362          395,569      738,563              570,597         638,317         1,271,740

 

 

The below analyses in notes (e) revenue and gross profit by discipline (being
the professions of candidates placed) and (f) revenue and gross profit by
strategic market have been included as additional disclosure over and above
the requirements of IFRS 8 "Operating Segments".

 

(e)        Revenue and gross profit by discipline

 

                                                                           Revenue                                          Gross Profit
                                                                           Six months ended                Year ended       Six months ended                Year ended
                                                                           30 June          30 June        31 December      30 June         30 June         31 December
                                                                           2024             2023           2023             2024            2023            2023
                                                                           £'000            £'000          £'000            £'000           £'000           £'000

 Accounting and Financial Services                                         339,339          367,273        720,927          145,664         167,433         332,282
 Technology                                                                148,692          185,565        360,392          58,602          74,278          138,069
 Legal, HR, Secretarial and Other                                          134,358          166,883        315,811          71,067          88,003          163,308
 Engineering, Property & Construction, Procurement & Supply Chain          193,021          217,835        427,850          110,712         127,689         242,897
 Marketing, Sales and Retail                                               82,549           96,330         185,323          58,096          69,388          130,576
                                                                           897,959          1,033,886      2,010,303        444,141         526,791         1,007,132

 

 

4.         Financial income / (expenses)

 

                                Six months ended                Year ended
                                30 June         30 June         31 December
                                2024            2023            2023
                                £'000           £'000           £'000
 Financial income
 Bank interest receivable       908             829             2,236
 Financial expenses
 Bank interest payable          (177)           (266)           (1,072)
 Interest on lease liabilities  (1,429)         (1,112)         (2,543)
                                (1,606)         (1,378)         (3,615)

 

 

5.         Income tax expense

 

Taxation for the six month period is charged at 39.5% (six months ended 30
June 2023: 31.9%; year ended 31 December 2023: 34.4%), representing the best
estimate of the average annual effective tax rate expected for the full year
together with known prior year adjustments applied to the pre-tax income for
the six month period.

 

 

6.         Dividends

 

                                                                                 Six months ended                Year ended
                                                                                 30 June         30 June         31 December
                                                                                 2024            2023            2023
                                                                                 £'000           £'000           £'000
 Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the period:
 Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2023 of 11.24p per ordinary       35,211          33,889          33,889
 share (2022: 10.76p)
 Interim dividend for the period ended 30 June 2023 of 5.13p per ordinary share  -               -               16,166
 (2022: 4.91p)
 Special dividend for the year ended 31 December 2023 of 15.87p per ordinary     -               -               50,009
 share (2022: 26.71p)
                                                                                 35,211          33,889          100,064

 Amounts proposed as distributions to equity holders in the period:
 Proposed interim dividend for the period ended 30 June 2024 of 5.36p per        16,796          16,161
 ordinary share (2023: 5.13p)
 Proposed special dividend for the year ended 31 December 2024 of 0p per         -               50,000
 ordinary share (2023: 15.87p)
 Proposed final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2023 of 11.24p per       -               -               35,449
 ordinary share

 

 

The proposed interim dividend has not been approved by the Board at 30 June
2024 and therefore has not been included as a liability. The comparative
interim and special dividends at 30 June 2023 were also not recognised as a
liability in the prior period.

 

The proposed interim dividend of 5.36p (2023: 5.13p) per ordinary share will
be paid on 11 October 2024 to shareholders on the register at the close of
business on 30 August 2024.

 

 

7.         Share-based payments

 

In accordance with IFRS 2 "Share-based Payment", a charge of £2.9m has been
recognised for share options and other share-based payment arrangements
(excluding social charges) (30 June 2023: £2.5m, 31 December 2023: £5.5m).

 

 

8.         Earnings per ordinary share

 

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the
following data:

 

                                                                                Six months ended              Year ended
                                                                                30 June          30 June      31 December
 Earnings                                                                       2024             2023         2023

 Earnings for basic and diluted earnings per share (£'000)                      16,776           43,132       77,068
 Number of shares
 Weighted average number of shares used for basic earnings per share ('000)     314,242          316,436      315,784
 Dilution effect of share plans ('000)                                          1,173            1,494        1,311
 Diluted weighted average number of shares used for diluted earnings per share  315,415          317,930      317,095
 ('000)

 Basic earnings per share (pence)                                               5.3              13.6         24.4
 Diluted earnings per share (pence)                                             5.3              13.6         24.3

 

The above results all relate to continuing operations.

 

 

9.         Property, plant and equipment

 

Acquisitions

During the period ended 30 June 2024 the Group acquired property, plant and
equipment with a cost of £8.0m (30 June 2023: £9.5m).

 

 

10.        Trade and other receivables

 

                                            30 June       30 June       31 December
                                            2024          2023          2023
                                            £'000         £'000         £'000
 Current
 Trade receivables                          244,200       272,047       281,652
 Less allowance for expected credit losses  (11,599)      (12,429)      (11,144)
 Net trade receivables                      232,601       259,618       270,508
 Other receivables                          6,645         7,149         10,187
 Accrued income                             93,132        112,278       83,426
 Prepayments                                25,840        32,680        16,122
                                            358,218       411,725       380,243
 Non-current
 Other receivables                          13,031        12,890        13,017

 

 

11.        Trade and other payables

 

                                30 June      30 June      31 December
                                2024         2023         2023
                                £'000        £'000        £'000
 Current
 Trade payables                 2,276        3,192        8,383
 Other tax and social security  42,852       50,593       61,557
 Other payables                 19,702       17,676       33,595
 Accruals                       166,698      186,847      156,321
                                231,528      258,308      259,856
 Non-current
 Accruals                       7,206        8,455        9,111
 Other tax and social security  1,204        -            1,045
                                8,410        8,455        10,156

 

12.        Provisions

 

                      30 June      30 June      31 December
                      2024         2023         2023
                      £'000        £'000        £'000

 Dilapidations        6,099        6,528        6,528
 NI on share schemes  1,953        694          1,233
 Other                1,096        1,327        1,080
                      9,148        8,549        8,841
 Current              3,852        3,737        4,298
 Non-Current          4,092        4,812        4,543
                      7,944        8,549        8,841

 

13.        Cash and cash equivalents

 

                                                           30 June      30 June      31 December
                                                           2024         2023         2023
                                                           £'000        £'000        £'000

 Cash at bank and in hand                                  57,249       97,939       90,138
 Short-term deposits                                       -            -            -
 Cash and cash equivalents                                 57,249       97,939       90,138
 Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows  57,249       97,939       90,138

 

 

The Group operates a multi-currency cash concentration arrangement managed by
the centralised Treasury function in London. 79% of the Group by revenue
participates in this arrangement.  This arrangement facilitates interest
compensation for cash whilst supporting working capital requirements.

 

The Group maintains a Confidential Invoice Facility with HSBC whereby the
Group has the option to discount facilities in order to advance cash on its
receivables. The facility is used only ad hoc in case the Group needs to fund
any major GBP cash outflow.

 

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

 

 

The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:-

 

a) the condensed set of interim financial statements has been prepared in
accordance with UK adopted IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting"

 

b) the interim management report includes a fair review of the information
required by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six
months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining
six months of the year); and

 

c)  the interim management report includes a fair review of the information
required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties' transactions and
changes therein).

 

 

On behalf of the Board

 

 Nicholas Kirk            Kelvin Stagg
 Chief Executive Officer  Chief Financial Officer

 7 August 2024            7 August 2024

 

 

Copies of the condensed interim financial statements are now available and can
be downloaded from the Company's website:

https://www.page.com/presentations/year/2024
(https://www.page.com/presentations/year/2024)

 

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