RNS Number : 3320F
Origin Enterprises Plc
24 September 2024
 

Origin Enterprises plc

PRELIMINARY RESULTS STATEMENT

 

Solid Q4 operating performance underpins full year adjusted EPS of 48.06 cent,

 at upper end of guidance range

 

Dublin, London, 24 September 2024: Origin Enterprises plc ('Origin' or 'the Group'), the international group championing sustainable land use solutions, announces results for the financial year ended 31 July 2024 ('FY24').

 

Financial Summary

·     Operating profit1 of €83.5 million and adjusted EPS3 of 48.06 cent at upper end of guidance range, back 8.0% and 9.6% respectively on prior year

·      Decrease in Group revenue of 16.7% to €2.0 billion, reflecting lower global feed and fertiliser raw materials pricing, partly offset by a 7.1% volume increase driven by a recovery in fertiliser volumes and strong feed volumes

·     Volume growth improved to 12.7% in H2 as demand for feed and fertiliser improved and crop protection volumes benefited from strong late season applications

·      Strong balance sheet at year end with net debt4 of €71.7 million and key EBITDA:Net Debt covenant at 0.66x

·      Agriculture

Operating profit1 from Agriculture of €71.6 million, a reduction of 10.1% year on year, as a result of adverse weather during key application periods, primarily in the UK and Ireland

Continental Europe and Latin America delivered a good performance with volume growth across both regions resulting in operating profits of €17.5 million and €15.1 million respectively

·      Living Landscapes

Operating profit1 of €11.9 million, representing a 7.1% increase on FY23 supported by the performance from recent acquisitions

Living Landscapes now represents 14.2% of Group operating profit1

 

Capital Allocation Summary

·     Cumulative acquisition spend of €44.3 million in FY24, primarily driven by the completion of the put/call option for the residual 35% interest in Fortgreen in Latin America of €30.9 million

·      Strategic capital expenditure of €34.1m, primarily in Agriculture, including:

New FoliQ fertiliser plant in Poland

Investment programme to expand micropack production facility in Agrii Romania

Build of a new blending plant and warehouse at the Port of Tyne in our Origin Fertiliser UK business

Continued expansion of production facilities in Brazil

Continued rollout of our new ERP D365 platform across the Ireland and UK businesses

·      Further expansion of Living Landscapes with acquisition of Avian Ecology and Bowland Ecology, two UK based specialist ecological consultancy businesses, post year end

·      €20 million share buyback completed on 13 September 2024; average price of €3.17 per share

·      Proposed final dividend of 13.65 cent per share; total FY24 dividend of 16.80 cent, in line with prior year

 

Origin's Chief Executive Officer, Sean Coyle, commented:


"Following a solid Q4 performance, supported by strong late applications, Origin delivered an FY24 operating profit of €83.5 million and an adjusted earnings per share of 48.06 cent, which is at the upper end of our Q3 guidance range. This result is a significant improvement on the last challenging weather year experienced in FY20 and that is testament to the growth in Fertiliser and Feed operations, Central Europe and LATAM performance and the Group's ongoing diversification and expansion into Living Landscapes.

    

Our Agriculture businesses delivered an operating profit of €71.6 million, a 10.1% reduction on the prior year primarily driven by the UK market which experienced a reduced planted area and delayed on-farm activity as a result of challenging early season drilling and application window. To ensure the business is better aligned to the future margin opportunity, we had to take the difficult decision to reduce staff numbers in our UK agronomy business.

 

Our animal feed joint ventures in Ireland delivered strong results, largely as a result of the increased demand for feed due to the poor weather. The Group's performance was supported by the growth of our newly branded 'Living Landscapes' operations, which includes our amenity, ecology, and environmental businesses. We made progress on our strategic objective of expanding our footprint in this space, with the completion of two complementary acquisitions during the year and a further two subsequent to year end. Living Landscapes now accounts for 14.2% of the Group's operating profit, up from 12.2% last year and we remain ambitious for further acquisition and organic growth in the coming years. We were delighted to appoint TJ Kelly, former Group CFO, as Managing Director of Living Landscapes and overseeing its development and expansion, with Colm Purcell joining as Group CFO on 15 July 2024.

 

We continue to pursue a disciplined approach to capital allocation. During the year we returned €36.7 million to shareholders though the share buyback programme and dividends. Total shareholder returns for the last 3 years amounts to €128.1 million, or 36% of our current market capitalisation. We have invested €44.3 million in acquisition growth including the completion of the acquisition of the residual 35% interest in Fortgreen in Latin America for €30.9 million, while maintaining a year end EBITDA:Net Debt ratio of  less than 1x.

 

While trading conditions have been particularly challenging throughout FY24, the resilience of our business model and increased diversity of our earnings profile is evident in our solid full year performance. The Group remains well on track to deliver the strategic, operational and financial goals outlined in our 2022 Capital Markets Day. Consistent with previous years, the Group will issue a Q1 Trading Update for FY25 on the date of the AGM, 21 November 2024."


 

Financial Review - Summary

 

 

 

 

 

FY24

€'000

 

FY23

€'000

      

Change

%

Constant

Currency

%






Group revenue 

2,045,701

2,456,168

(16.7%)

(18.0%)

Operating profit1

83,516

90,791

(8.0%)

(8.7%)

Associates and joint venture2

6,421

4,040

58.9%

56.7%

Total group operating profit1

89,937

94,831

(5.2%)

(5.9%)

Finance expense, net

(18,566)

(12,963)

43.2%

42.2%

Profit before tax1

71,371

81,868

(12.8%)

13.5%

Taxation

(16,180)

(19,230)

(15.9%)


Adjusted net profit

55,191

62,638

(11.9%)

 

Basic EPS (cent)

36.73

45.24

(18.8%)


Adjusted diluted EPS (cent)3

48.06

53.16

(9.6%)


Return on capital employed (%)

11.2%

12.6%

(140bps)


Group net (debt)/cash4

(71,686)

53,175

(124,861)


Operating margin1 (%)

4.1%

3.7%

40bps


Free cash flow (€'000)

6,175

104,418

(98,243)

 

Dividend per ordinary share (cent)

16.80c

16.80c

-


 

 

Adjusted net profit reconciliation

 

FY24

€'000

 

                FY23

               €'000

 

Reported net profit

40,428

             51,032


Amortisation of non-ERP intangible assets

13,312

             13,435


Tax on amortisation of non-ERP related intangible assets

(2,864)

             (2,460)


Exceptional items (net of tax)

4,315

                 631


Adjusted net profit

55,191

             62,638


 

 




Group revenue

Group revenue decreased by 16.7% to €2,045.7 million on a reported basis and 18.0% on a constant currency basis. Excluding crop marketing, revenue reduced by 17.1%, with price reductions of 26.1%, reflecting expected global commodity price movements, partially offset by volume increases of 7.8% and acquisitions of 1.2%.

 

Operating profit1

Operating profit1 amounted to €83.5 million compared to €90.8 million in FY23, a reduction of 8.0%. Overall, our Agriculture businesses saw a 10.1% reduction in operating profit to €71.6 million, while Living Landscapes saw a 7.1% increase to €11.9 million. Group operating margin increased from 3.7% to 4.1% in FY24, principally driven by margin improvements in our Agriculture business. 

 

Associates and joint venture2

Origin's share of the profit after taxation from associates and joint venture amounted to €6.4 million in the period (FY23: €4.0 million). The FY24 performance reflects a stronger feed commodity market largely driven by the increased demand for feed due to the poor weather during the year.

 

Finance costs and net bank debt4

Net debt4 at 31 July 2024 was €71.7 million (FY23: Net cash4 of €53.2 million), a movement of €124.9 million on the prior year. The movement reflects an acquisition spend of €44.3 million, including the settlement of the Fortgreen put/call option of €30.9 million, a net working capital outflow during the year of €62.9 million (including sanction payments amounting to €37.5 million), growth related capital expenditure of €34.1 million and returns to shareholders through share buy backs and dividends of €36.7 million.

 

Net finance costs amounted to €18.6 million, which represents an increase of €5.6 million on the prior year, reflecting increased interest rates and average debt, year-on-year, across the Group.

 

At 31 July 2024, the Group had unsecured committed banking facilities of €400.0 million (2023: €400.0 million), with pricing linked to ESG performance, which will expire in 2026. 

 

At year end the Group's key banking covenants were as follows:

 


Banking Covenant

 

FY24

 

FY23





Net debt to EBITDA 

Maximum 3.5

0.66

-



 


EBITDA to net interest

Minimum 3.0 

6.51

8.57

 

Working capital

For the year ended 31 July 2024, there was a working capital outflow of €62.9 million. The increase in working capital investment was primarily driven by higher debtors as a result of delayed applications due to weather and a reduction in creditors following the payment of c.50% of outstanding suspended supplier amounts in compliance with sanctions regimes amounting to €37.5 million.

 

The period end working capital position includes the residual net impact of trade payables which have been suspended in accordance with international sanctions imposed by authorities in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. We continue to closely monitor the situation with regard to sanctions and act accordingly.

 

 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share ('EPS')3

Adjusted diluted EPS3 amounted to 48.06 cent per share (FY23: 53.16 cent), a decrease of 9.6% on a reported basis and 10.3% on a constant currency basis.

 

Free cash flow

 

FY24

€'m

FY23

€'m


 


Free cash flow

6.2

104.4

 

Free cash flow conversion ratio

12.7%

178.2%


 


 

 

The Group generated free cash flow in the year of €6.2 million (FY23: €104.4 million). The movement in the free cash flow is primarily due to the timing of suspended sanction payments year on year and the timing of receipts with higher sales later in the year as a result of delayed applications.

 

Free cash flow means the total of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation (excluding depreciation of IFRS 16 Right of Use leased assets), amortisation of non-ERP related intangible assets and exceptional items of wholly owned businesses ('EBITDA') adjusted to take account of interest, tax, routine capital expenditure, working capital cash flows and dividends received.

 

Free cash flow conversion ratio means free cash flow as a percentage of profit after tax of wholly owned businesses, excluding exceptional items and amortisation of non-ERP related intangible assets.

 

 

Return on capital employed

FY24

FY23

 

Return on capital employed ('ROCE')

11.2%

12.6%

 

The Group delivered a ROCE of 11.2%. The Group's operating performance decline resulted in a ROCE of 11.2%, below our target range of 12-15%. Return on capital employed is a key performance indicator for the Group and represents Group earnings before interest, tax and amortisation of non-ERP related intangible assets from continuing operations ('EBITA') taken as a percentage of the Group Net Assets. For the purposes of this calculation:

 

(i)

EBITA includes the net profit contribution from associates and joint venture (after interest and tax) and excludes the impact of exceptional and non-recurring items; and



(ii)

Group Net Assets means total assets less total liabilities as shown in the annual report excluding net debt, derivative financial instruments, put option liabilities, accumulated amortisation of non-ERP related intangible assets and taxation related balances. Net Assets are also adjusted to reflect the average level of acquisition investment spend and the average level of working capital for the accounting period. 

 

 

Exceptional items

Exceptional items net of tax amounted to a charge of €4.3 million in the year (FY23: €0.6 million), and are summarised in the table below:

 


FY24

€'m

 

FY23

€'m

 

 






 

Acquisition related items

(2.0)


2.3



Ukraine related costs

4.5


2.0



Redundancy and restructuring costs

3.5


-



Arising in associates and joint venture

(1.7)


(3.7)



Total exceptional items, net of tax

4.3


0.6



 

Acquisition-related items include adjustments to the fair value of contingent consideration during the year. Operations in Ukraine were closed down in Q3 FY24 with associated costs and costs relating sanction payments included above. Redundancy and restructuring costs are largely driven by restructuring within the Agrii UK business to position the Group for future growth. Associates and joint venture costs include the gain on disposal of property and settlement of an insurance claim.

 

 

Dividends

The Directors are proposing a final dividend of 13.65 cent per ordinary share for approval at the AGM in November 2024, bringing the total dividend payment for FY24 to 16.80 cent. Subject to shareholder approval at the AGM, this final dividend will be paid on 14 February 2025 to shareholders on the register on 24 January 2025.



Board changes

Mr Dick Hordijk (Netherlands), Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive board of Royal Agrifirm Group, a global agricultural cooperative, will be appointed to the Board as an independent Non-Executive Director, with effect from 16 October 2024.

 

Colm Purcell joined the Group as Chief Financial Officer on 15 July 2024. Colm will be co-opted to the Board on 25 September 2024 following the publication of the Group's full year results for 2024.

 

 

Share buyback programme

On 21 November 2023 the Group commenced a share buyback programme to repurchase up to €20 million of ordinary shares. At 31 July 2024, the Group had spent €18.2 million on the programme and it was successfully completed on 13 September 2024.

 

 

ESG Update

In FY24, Origin advanced its ESG agenda through ongoing portfolio diversification and a commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which was validated in November 2023. Our approach aims to address climate challenges and geopolitical shifts, promote biodiversity, sustainable land practices, and innovation. By reducing emissions, protecting and conserving resources, Origin seeks to enhance food security, optimise sustainable land use, and promote inclusive growth.

 

 

Corporate development 

During the year, the Group continued to strengthen its offering in the Living Landscapes space. The Group acquired Groundtrax Systems Limited ('Groundtrax') and the business and operating assets of Suregreen Limited ('Suregreen') from its administrators. Groundtrax is a leading supplier of ground protection and sustainable urban drainage systems and Suregreen is a UK based landscape and gardening products supplier for trade professionals and DIY customers. The Group also completed the Fortgreen put/call option which is the final payment for the Latin America business within the Agriculture segment.

 

Subsequent to year end, the Group completed the acquisition of Avian Ecology Limited ('Avian') and Bowland Ecology Limited ('Bowland'). Both Avian and Bowland are specialist ecological consultancy businesses in the UK.

 

 

Investor relations

Our strategy aims to create long-term shareholder value and we support this strategy through regular and open communication with all capital market participants. Contact with institutional shareholders is the responsibility of the executive management team including the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the Head of Investor Relations. 

 

We engage with institutional investors in numerous one-on-one meetings, as well as at roadshows and equity conferences. During FY24, meetings were held with 145 institutional investors. Engagement was facilitated through a combination of in-person meetings and remotely using virtual conferences and video calls. 

 

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The AGM is scheduled to be held on 21 November 2024 at 11.00am (UK/Ireland time) in the Merrion Hotel, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2. 

 

1

Before amortisation of non-ERP intangible assets and exceptional items

2

Profit after interest and tax before exceptional items 

3

Before amortisation of non-ERP intangible assets, net of related deferred tax (2024: €10.4m, 2023: €11.0m) and exceptional items, net of tax (2024: €4.3m, 2023: €0.6m) 

4

Group net cash/(bank debt) before impact of IFRS 16 Leases


Cautionary statement

 

This Preliminary Results Statement contains forward looking statements. These statements have been made by the Directors in good faith based on the information available to them up to the time of the preparation of this document. Due to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and business risk factors underlying such forward-looking information, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

 

The Directors undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

 

Conference Call and Webcast details:

 

The management team will host a live conference call and webcast, for analysts and institutional investors today, 24 September 2024, at 08:30 (Irish/UK time). Registration details for the Conference Call and Webcast can be accessed at: www.originenterprises.com

 

Alternatively, please contact FTI Consulting by email at originenterprises@fticonsulting.com

 

Participants are requested to dial in 5 to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

 

Enquiries: 




Origin Enterprises plc


Colm Purcell


Chief Financial Officer

Tel:  +353 (0)1 563 4900



Brendan Corcoran


Head of Investor Relations 

Tel:  +353 (0)1 563 4900



Goodbody (Euronext Growth (Dublin) Adviser)

Joe Gill

 

Tel:  +353 (0)1 641 9449



Davy (Nominated Adviser)


Anthony Farrell

Tel:  +353 (0)1 614 9993



Berenberg (Corporate Broker)


Clayton Bush

Tel:  +44 (0)20 3207 7800



FTI Consulting (Financial Communications Advisers)


Jonathan Neilan / Patrick Berkery 

Tel:  +353 (86) 602 5988

 

 

About Origin Enterprises plc 

 

Origin Enterprises plc champions sustainable land use through technically-led solutions, empowering our customers to enrich their land so it can achieve its true potential. The Group has leading market positions in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Poland and Romania, and is listed on the Euronext Growth Dublin market and the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.

 

Euronext Growth (Dublin) ticker symbol:               OIZ

AIM ticker symbol:                                                 OGN

Website:                                                                www.originenterprises.com

Review of Operations

Group Overview

 

 


FY24

Revenue

 

€'m

FY24

Operating profit

€'m

FY24

Operating margin

%

FY23

Revenue

 

€'m

FY23

Operating profit

€'m

FY23

Operating margin

%


 

 

 





 

 

 




Agriculture:

 

 

 




Ireland and the UK

1,208.6

39.0

3.2%

1,513.2

46.7

3.1%

Continental Europe

557.7

17.5

3.1%

696.3

17.3

2.5%

Latin America

130.1

15.1

11.6%

118.1

15.7

13.3%

Total

1,896.4

71.6

3.8%

2,327.6

79.7

3.4%


 

 

 




Living Landscapes

149.3

11.9

8.0%

128.6

11.1

8.6%


 

 

 




Group

2,045.7

83.5

4.1%

2,456.2

90.8

3.7%

 

1

Before amortisation of non-ERP intangible assets and exceptional items

2

Excluding currency movements

 

 

Agriculture

Agriculture delivered a robust performance during the year despite the significant challenges of adverse weather and commodity price movements. This challenging operating environment resulted in a decrease in revenues and operating profit of 18.5% and 10.1% respectively. Geographical analysis is set out below:

 

 

Ireland and the UK

 


 

 


Change on the prior year


 

 

FY24

€'m

 

FY23

€'m

 

Change

%

Constant Currency3

%


 






 





Revenue

 

1,208.6

1,513.2

(20.1%)

           (21.1%)

Operating profit1

 

39.0

46.7

(16.6%)

(17.7%)

Operating margin1

 

3.2%

3.1%

10bps

10bps


 





Associates and joint venture2

 

6.4

4.0

58.9%

57.6%

 

1

Before amortisation of non-ERP intangible assets and exceptional items

2

Profit after interest and tax before exceptional items

3

Excluding currency movements

 

Ireland and the UK delivered a reduced operating profit contribution in FY24, primarily driven by the UK market where sales of crop protection and other farm inputs were impacted by adverse weather conditions. While revenues declined by 20.1%, the impact on operating profit was somewhat mitigated by operational efficiencies and cost control initiatives. Overall operating margins increased from 3.1% to 3.2%.

  

 

Sustainable Agronomy

Our Sustainable Agronomy business delivers agronomy services and sales of inputs direct to farmers, predominantly in the UK. During the year, performance was impacted by difficult weather and in-field conditions that saw an 8.5% reduction in the overall planted area to 3.9 million hectares. This resulted in curtailed investment by growers that directly impacted our revenue and operating profit.

 

 

Soil Nutrition

Our Soil Nutrition business largely encompasses the Ireland and UK business-to-business fertiliser operations. Overall Soil Nutrition performance was in line with expectations. The operating profit reduction, driven by falling commodity markets, more than offset volume increases, with volumes making some recovery from recent historical lows and pricing now returning to more normalised levels.

 

 

Animal Nutrition

Origin's Feed Ingredients business delivered a strong performance in FY24, benefitting from increased demand given the challenging in-field conditions experienced on the island of Ireland.

 

The Group's animal feed manufacturing associate, John Thompson & Sons Limited, in which the Group has a 50% shareholding, delivered a good performance in the period.

 

 

Continental Europe

 


 

 


Change on prior year


 

 

FY24

€'m

 

FY23

€'m

 

Change

%

Constant Currency2

%


 






 





Revenue


557.7

696.3

(19.9%)

(22.3%)

Revenue (excl. crop marketing)


378.2

464.6

(18.6%)

(20.0%)

Operating profit1


17.5

17.3

1.3%

(0.4%)

Operating profit1 (excl. crop marketing)


16.5

15.8

4.6%

3.2%

Operating margin1


3.1%

2.5%

60bps

70bps

Operating margin1 (excl. crop marketing)


4.4%

3.4%

100bps

100bps

 

1

Before amortisation of non-ERP intangible assets and exceptional items

2

Excluding currency movements

 

Continental Europe ('CE') delivered a good performance in FY24, with operating profit of €16.5 million, an increase of 4.6% on FY23. The Group completed the closure of the Ukraine business in Q3 with no material impact to Group operating profit.

 

Overall revenue, excluding crop marketing, declined by 18.6% in the year which represents commodity pricing reductions. Overall sales volumes increased by 7.9%, with both geographies showing growth, and a favourable product mix contributing to margin enhancement. Operating margin increased from 3.4% to 4.4% in the year.

 

 

Poland

Poland delivered a good performance in FY24, supported by a cropping area in line with FY23 and higher disease pressure during the key application windows.

 

The completion and commissioning of the new FoliQ foliar fertiliser plant occurred during the year, with a ramp-up of production now underway.

The harvest is now complete, with average yields lower than FY23 due to dry conditions during the season and reduced on-farm spend in some regions. Current farm sentiment remains cautious due to commodity price volatility and dry conditions in some areas.

 

 

Romania

Romania reported a solid performance in FY24, with a planted area broadly in line with FY23, however drought conditions did impact product demand in certain regions and mix of product.

 

During the year we enhanced our micro-pack facility with new bottling capabilities to meet growing demand.

 

The harvest is largely complete, with average yields below last year due to soil moisture deficits in some areas. The reduced yields have impacted farm sentiment negatively, with planting decisions for the FY25 season being delayed in some areas while soil moisture deficits remain.

 

 

Latin America

 


 



Change on prior period


 

 

FY24

€'m

 

FY23

€'m

Change

%

Constant Currency2

 %


 





Revenue

 

 

130.1

118.1

10.1%

11.7%

Operating profit1

 

 

15.1

15.7

(3.3%)

(1.8%)

Operating margin1

 

 

11.6%

13.3%

(170bps)

(160bps)


 

 





 

1

Before amortisation of non-ERP intangible assets and exceptional items

2

Excluding currency movements

 

Latin America delivered a solid performance in FY24, ahead of expectations in a challenging macro environment, with operating profit of €15.1 million. 

 

There was an underlying increase in volumes of 37.4% in the year. The sustained volume growth across all product portfolios is driven by continued investment in the sales organisation and operations infrastructure. The reduction in operating margin reflects the impact of the deflationary environment within Brazilian fertiliser markets versus a strong comparative prior year, together with the mix effect of a greater increase in CRF sales compared to speciality products.

 

The overall result was supported by the total cropping area dedicated to soya, Brazil's principal crop, increasing by 4.0% on the prior year to 45.4 million hectares. However, the expected soya harvest is currently estimated to be 148.5 million tonnes, down from the 154.6 million tonnes in the prior year due to a hot and dry growing season. The total production for Brazil's second corn crop, known as 'safrinha', is forecasted to decrease by 9.4% to 119.5 million tonnes due to a reduction in planted area, coupled with lower projected yields.

 

 

Living Landscapes

 


 

 


Change on prior year

 


 

 

FY24

€'m

 

FY23

€'m

 

Change

%

Constant Currency2

%

 


 





 


 





 

Revenue

 

149.3

128.6

16.1%

14.7%

 

Operating profit1

 

11.9

11.1

7.1%

5.8%

 

Operating margin1

 

8.0%

8.6%

(60bps)

(70bps)

 

1

Before amortisation of non-ERP intangible assets and exceptional items

2

Excluding currency movements









 

Living Landscapes delivered a good performance during the year, supported by the positive impact of acquisitions over the current and prior year. This segment now accounts for 14.2% of the Group's operating profit, up from 12.2% last year, demonstrating the effectiveness of our strategy and its contribution to a more diversified and resilient earnings base.

 

During the year, the Group completed two acquisitions, Groundtrax and Suregreen, for initial consideration of €5.3 million. These acquisitions complement Origin's growth strategy and extends our product range and service offering in the Living Landscapes sector.

 

 

Sports

Our Sports businesses provide agronomic advice, supporting technically-led retail sales of the inputs required to help each playing or recreational space achieve its true potential. Performance during the year was impacted by prolonged wet conditions across the UK, which impacted application windows for sports turf products.

 

 

Landscapes

Our Landscapes businesses provide professional-grade landscaping, tree planting and forestry services and products to developers, construction contractors, architects, and custodians of land across all types of land development. The division continues to benefit from ongoing investment within urban greening and infrastructure projects.

 

 

Environmental

Our environmental businesses offer ecological and environmental services to organisations involved in land management, development, restoration, and conservation. We continue to grow our footprint through ongoing investment.

 

Subsequent to year end, the Group completed two further bolt-on acquisitions in the environmental space - Avian Ecology and Bowland Ecology. These specialist consultancies further strengthen the Group's environmental services and complement our Neo Environmental and Keystone Environmental businesses.

 

 

 

ENDS 

 

 

 

 

Origin Enterprises plc

 

Consolidated Income Statement

For the financial year ended 31 July 2024

 

 



Pre-


 


 


Pre-







exceptional


Exceptional


Total


exceptional


Exceptional


Total



2024


2024


2024


2023


2023


2023



€'000


€'000


€'000


€'000


€'000


€'000


Notes

 


(Note 3)


 




(Note 3)




 

 


 


 







 













Revenue

2

2,045,701

 

-

 

2,045,701


2,456,168


-


2,456,168

Cost of sales

 

(1,701,665)

 

-

 

(1,701,665)


(2,122,029)


-


(2,122,029)


 

 

 

 

 

 








 

 

 

 

 

 







Gross profit

 

334,036

 

-

 

334,036


334,139


-


334,139


 

 

 

 

 

 







Operating costs

 

 

 

(273,832)

 

(7,318)

 

(281,150)


(256,783)


(4,489)


(261,272)

Share of profit of associates and joint venture

 

 

6,421

 

 

1,653

 

 

8,074


 

4,040


 

3,692


 

7,732


 

 

 

 

 

 








 

 

 

 

 

 







Operating profit

 

76,625

 

(5,665)

 

70,960


81,396


(797)


80,599


 

 

 

 

 

 







Finance income

 

3,386

 

-

 

3,386


2,080


-


2,080

Finance expense

 

(21,952)

 

-

 

(21,952)


(15,043)


-


(15,043)


 

 

 

 

 

 








 

 

 

 

 

 







Profit before income tax

 

 

58,059

 

 

(5,665)

 

 

52,394


 

68,433


 

(797)


 

67,636


 

 

 

 

 

 







Income tax (expense)/credit

 

 

(13,316)

 

 

1,350

 

 

(11,966)


 

(16,770)


 

166


 

(16,604)


 

 

 

 

 

 








 

 

 

 

 

 







 

Profit for the year


 

44,743

 

 

(4,315)

 

 

40,428


 

51,663


 

(631)


 

51,032





 



































Earnings per share for the year




2024






2023



























Basic earnings per share

4




36.73c






45.24c














Diluted earnings per share

4




35.21c






43.31c














Origin Enterprises plc

 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the financial year ended 31 July 2024

 


2024


2023


€'000


€'000


 



Profit for the year

40,428


51,032

 

 



Other comprehensive (expense) / income

 



 

 

 


Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to the Consolidated Income Statement:

 

 


Group/Associate defined benefit pension obligations

 

 


-remeasurements on Group's defined benefit pension schemes

3,154


(6,103)

-deferred tax effect of remeasurements

(836)


1,506

-share of remeasurements on associate's defined benefit pension schemes

(79)


(53)

-share of deferred tax effect of remeasurements - associates

20


13

 

 



Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the Consolidated Income Statement:

 



Group foreign exchange translation details

 



-exchange difference on translation of foreign operations

(12,089)


(1,580)


 



Group/Associate cash flow hedges

 



-effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges

(3,608)


7,387

-fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to operating costs and other income

(414)


(7,801)

-deferred tax effect of cash flow hedges

250


394

-share of associates and joint venture cash flow hedges

295


(1,960)

-deferred tax effect of share of associates and joint venture cash flow hedges

(37)


245


 




 



Other comprehensive expense for the year, net of tax

(12,804)


(7,952)


 




 



Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to equity shareholders

27,624


43,080


 



 

Origin Enterprises plc

 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 July 2024

 



2024


2023


Notes

€'000


€'000



 



ASSETS


 





 



Non-current assets


 



Property, plant and equipment

5

132,665

 

118,107

Right-of-use-asset

 

59,834

 

54,037

Investment properties

 

2,270

 

2,270

Goodwill and intangible assets

6

308,852

 

299,906

Investments in associates and joint venture

7

44,484

 

52,387

Other financial assets

 

913

 

898

Deferred tax assets


6,866

 

8,737

Post employment benefit schemes surplus

9

6,715

 

2,579

Derivative financial instruments

 

                2,760

 

                6,960



 



Total non-current assets


565,359


545,881



 



Current assets


 



Assets classified as held for sale


5,800


5,800

Inventory


228,132

 

232,167

Trade and other receivables


477,851

 

440,398

Derivative financial instruments


634

 

118

Cash and cash equivalents

11

124,540


151,237



 



Total current assets


836,957


829,720



 



TOTAL ASSETS


1,402,316


1,375,601






Origin Enterprises plc

 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (continued)

As at 31 July 2024

 



2024


2023


Notes

€'000


€'000

 





EQUITY










Called up share capital presented as equity

       12

1,253


1,253

Share premium


160,526


160,526

Retained earnings and other reserves


243,151


248,814



 



TOTAL EQUITY


404,930


410,593

 


 



LIABILITIES


 





 



Non-current liabilities


 



Interest bearing loans and borrowings

11

196,225


96,964

Lease liabilities

 

47,184


42,835

Deferred tax liabilities


21,732


20,720

Provisions for liabilities

8

9,419


11,331

Derivative financial instruments

 

538


25



 



Total non-current liabilities


275,098


171,875

 


 



Current liabilities


 



Interest bearing loans and borrowings

11

1


1,098

Lease liabilities

 

14,348


12,081

Trade and other payables


693,992


722,605

Corporation tax payable


6,538


11,937

Put option liability

 

-


32,382

Provisions for liabilities

8

6,455


11,987

Derivative financial instruments


954


1,043



 



Total current liabilities


722,288


793,133

 


 



TOTAL LIABILITIES


997,386


965,008

 


 



 


 



TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES


1,402,316


1,375,601











Origin Enterprises plc

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the financial year ended 31 July 2024


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-

 

 

 

Foreign

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital

 

Cash flow

 

 

 

based

 

 

 

currency

 

 

 



Share

 

Share

 

Treasury

 

redemption

 

hedge

 

Revaluation

 

payment

 

Re-organisation

 

translation

 

Retained

 



capital

 

Premium

 

shares

 

reserve

 

reserve

 

reserve

 

reserve

 

reserve

 

reserve

 

earnings

 

Total


€'000

 

€'000

 

€'000

 

€'000

 

€'000

 

€'000

 

€'000

 

€'000

 

€'000

 

€'000

 

€'000























At 1 August 2023

1,253

 

160,526

 

(51,689)

 

145

 

2,869

 

12,843

 

6,226

 

(196,884)

 

(45,328)

 

520,632

 

410,593


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit for the year

-


-


-


-


-


-


-


-


-


40,428


40,428

Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the year

-


-


-


-


(2,974)


-


-


-


(12,089)


2,259


(12,804)

Total comprehensive income / (expense) for the year

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(2,974)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(12,089)

 

42,687

 

27,624


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based payment charge

Share buyback

Re-issue of treasury shares

-

-

-


-

-

-


-

(18,150)

2,270


-

-

-


-

-

-

 

 

-

-

-


2,439

-

-


-

-

-


-

-

-


-

-

(1,306)


2,439

(18,150)

964

Dividend paid to shareholders

 

Transfer of share based payment reserve

to retained earnings

-

 

-


-

 

-


-

 

-


-

 

-


-

 

-


-

 

-


-

 

(1,063)


-

 

-


-

 

-


(18,540)

 

1,063


(18,540)

 

-

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 31 July 2024

1,253


160,526


(67,569)

 

145

 

(105)

 

12,843

 

7,602

 

(196,884)

 

(57,417)

 

544,536

 

404,930


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Origin Enterprises plc

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the financial year ended 31 July 2024

 

 


2024


2023


€'000


€'000


 



Cash flows from operating activities

 



Profit before tax

52,394


67,636

Exceptional items

5,665


797

Finance income

(3,386)


(2,080)

Finance expense

21,952


15,043

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

(79)


718

Share of profit of associates and joint venture

(6,421)


(4,040)

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

8,822


8,678

Depreciation of right of use assets

14,320


12,810

Amortisation of intangible assets

15,002


14,218

Employee share-based payment charge

2,439


2,550

Pension contributions in excess of service costs and administration costs

(803)


(834)

Settlement of non-trade related item

(7,205)


-

Payment of exceptional Ukraine related costs

(4,043)


(1,918)

Payment of exceptional acquisition and disposal related costs

(4,669)


(1,537)


 




 



Operating cash flow before changes in working capital

93,998


112,041

 

 



Movement in inventory

3,809


146,884

Movement in trade and other receivables

(40,449)


19,845

Movement in trade and other payables

(26,249)


(122,835)


 




 



Cash generated from operating activities

31,099


155,935

 

 



Interest paid

(14,466)


(11,526)

Income tax paid

(16,064)


(19,631)


 




 



Cash inflow from operating activities

569


124,778


 



Origin Enterprises plc

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (continued)

For the financial year ended 31 July 2024

 

 


2024


2023


€'000


€'000


 



Cash flows from investing activities

 



Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

924


235

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

(23,542)


(18,567)

Additions to intangible assets

(19,831)


(17,683)

Consideration relating to acquisitions (net of cash acquired)

(5,302)


(30,112)

Payment of contingent acquisition consideration

(8,084)


(115)

Net proceeds from disposal of subsidiary

-


705

Purchase of other financial assets

-


(345)

Payment of put option liability

(30,912)


-

Dividends received from associates

16,596


144


 



 

 



Cash outflow from investing activities

(70,151)


(65,738)


 



Cash flows from financing activities

 



Drawdown of bank loans

423,226


334,599

Repayment of bank loans

(325,966)


(369,244)

Lease liability payments

(15,955)

 

(14,810)

Share buyback

(18,150)

 

(20,000)

Issue of share capital

-

 

5

Proceeds from re-issue of treasury shares

1,608

 

1,654

Payment of dividends to equity shareholders

(18,540)


(17,990)


 



 

 



Cash inflow / (outflow) from financing activities

46,223


(85,786)


 




 



Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(23,359)


(26,746)

Translation adjustment

(2,241)


515

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year

150,139


176,370


 



 

 



Cash and cash equivalents at end of year (Note 11)

124,539


150,139






 



 

Origin Enterprises plc

 

Notes to the preliminary results statement

                For the financial year ended 31 July 2024

 

1       Basis of preparation

 

The financial information included on pages 12 to 32 of this preliminary results statement has been extracted from the Group financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2024 on which the auditor has issued an unqualified audit opinion.

 

The financial information has been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the Group's consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2024, which were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU.

 

The consolidated financial information is presented in Euro, rounded to the nearest thousand, which is the functional currency of the parent.

 

2       Segment information

 

IFRS 8, 'Operating Segments', requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports that are regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker ('CODM') in order to allocate resources to the segments and to assess their performance.

 

The Group performed a review of operating segments during the year. Given the recent acquisitions in the Ecology and Environmental sector and the Group's strategic objective to expand further into this sector, the Group has determined there are two operating segments as follows:

 

Agriculture

 

This segment includes the Group's wholly owned Business-to-Business Agri-Inputs operations, Integrated Agronomy and On-Farm Services operations in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Poland, Romania, and Brazil. In addition, this segment includes the Group's associate and joint venture undertakings.

 

Living Landscapes

 

This segment includes the Group's wholly owned Amenity, Environmental and Ecology operations, providing a range of consultancy, inputs and technical solutions in sports turf management, landscaping, and environmental conservation.

 

Prior year comparative information has been presented on a consistent basis to reflect the changes in our reporting segments.

 

Information regarding the results of each reportable segment is included below. Performance is measured based on segment operating profit as included in the internal management reports that are reviewed by the Group's CODM, being the Origin Executive Directors. Segment operating profit is used to measure performance, as this information is the most relevant in evaluating the results of the Group's segments.

 

Segment results, assets and liabilities include all items directly attributable to a segment.

 

Segment capital expenditure is the total amount incurred during the period to acquire segment assets that are expected to be used for more than one accounting period.

 

Origin Enterprises plc

 

Notes to the preliminary results statement (continued)

                For the financial year ended 31 July 2024

 

2              Segment information (continued)

 

(i) Segment revenue and results

 


 

Agriculture

 

Living Landscapes

 

Total Group


 

2024

 

2023

 

2024

 

2023

 

2024


2023

 

 

€'000

 

€'000

 

€'000

 

€'000

 

€'000


€'000

Revenue

 

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 

Ireland & UK

 

1,208,575

1,513,176


149,288


128,588

1,357,863


1,641,764

Continental Europe

 

557,742

696,268


 -

 

 -

557,742


696,268

Latin America

 

130,096

118,136


 -

 

 -

130,096


118,136

Total

 

1,896,413


2,327,580

 

149,288


128,588

 

2,045,701


2,456,168

Segment Result

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Ireland & UK

 

38,957

46,736


11,898


11,105

50,855


57,841

Continental Europe

 

17,523

17,297


 -

 

 -

17,523


17,297

Latin America

 

15,138

15,653


 -

 

 -

15,138


15,653

Total

 

71,618


79,686

 

11,898


11,105

 

83,516


90,791

Profit from associate & joint venture

 

6,421

4,040


-

 

-

6,421


4,040

Amortisation of non-ERP intangible assets

 

(10,603)

(11,500)


(2,709)


(1,935)

(13,312)


(13,435)

Operating profit before exceptional items

 

67,436

72,226


9,189


9,170

76,625


81,396

Exceptional items

 

(7,528)

524


1,863


(1,321)

(5,665)

 

(797)

Operating profit

 

59,908


72,750


11,052


7,849


70,960


80,599















Origin Enterprises plc

 

Notes to the preliminary results statement (continued)

For the financial year ended 31 July 2024

 

2       Segment information (continued)

 

(ii) Segment earnings before financing costs and tax is reconciled to reported profit before tax and profit after tax as follows:


2024


2023


€'000


€'000


 



                Segment earnings before financing costs and tax

70,960


80,599


 



                Finance income

3,386


2,080

                Finance expense

(21,952)


(15,043)


 




 



 Reported profit before tax

52,394


67,636


 



                Income tax expense

(11,966)


(16,604)


 




 



                Reported profit after tax

40,428


51,032


 



 

        

3        Exceptional items

 

Exceptional items are those that, in management's judgement, should be separately presented and disclosed by virtue of their nature or amount.  Such items are included within the Consolidated Income Statement caption to which they relate.  The following exceptional items arose during the year:

 


2024


2023


€'000


€'000

Ukraine related costs (i)

4,755


2,226

Acquisition, disposal and other related (credit) / costs (ii)

(1,951)


2,263

Redundancy & restructuring costs (iii)

4,514


-


 



Exceptional costs before tax and before associates and joint venture

7,318


4,489

Tax credit on exceptional items

(1,350)


(166)

 

Exceptional costs before associates and joint venture

            5,968


            4,323

Arising in associates and joint venture, net of tax (iv)

(1,653)


(3,692)

Total exceptional costs after tax

4,315


631

 

 



Origin Enterprises plc

 

Notes to the preliminary results statement (continued)

For the financial year ended 31 July 2024

 

3        Exceptional items (continued)

 

(i)   Ukraine related costs

Ukraine related costs comprise of rationalisation costs attributable to termination payments from restructuring programmes in Ukraine along with costs associated with international sanctions imposed by authorities in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The tax impact of this exceptional item in the year was a tax credit of €0.4 million.

 

(ii)  Acquisition, disposal and other related costs / (credit)

Acquisition, disposal and other related costs principally comprised of transaction costs incurred in relation to the acquisitions completed during the current year, offset by a credit for excess deferred consideration. The tax impact of this exceptional item in the current year was a charge of €nil.

 

(iii) Redundancy & restructuring costs

Redundancy & restructuring costs relate to termination payments from restructuring programmes across the Group. The tax impact of this exceptional item in the current year was a tax credit of €1.0 million.

 

(iv) Arising in associates and joint venture

During 2021 the R&H Hall storage facility in Ringaskiddy suffered fire damage. A credit of €1.0 million represents the excess of the insurance claim proceeds over the net book value of the assets destroyed and other restructuring costs incurred. Also included is a credit of €0.7 million related to an exceptional gain on disposal of property. The tax impact of these exceptional items in the current year was a tax charge of €0.7 million.

 

  

 

 

Origin Enterprises plc

 

Notes to the preliminary results statement (continued)

For the financial year ended 31 July 2024

 

 

4      Earnings per share

 

        Basic earnings per share


2024


2023


€'000


€'000

 

 



        Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders

40,428


51,032


 




'000


'000

        Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the year

110,068


112,791


 




Cent


Cent

 

 



        Basic earnings per share

36.73


45.24

 

        Diluted earnings per share


2024


2023


€'000


€'000

 

 

 


        Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders

40,428


51,032


 




'000


'000


 



        Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in basic calculation

110,068


112,791

        Impact of shares with a dilutive effect

3,927


2,671

        Impact of the SAYE scheme

832


2,379

        Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted) for the year

114,827


117,841


 




Cent


Cent

 

 

 


        Diluted earnings per share

35.21


43.31


Origin Enterprises plc

 

Notes to the preliminary results statement (continued)

For the financial year ended 31 July 2024

 

4      Earnings per share (continued)


2024


2023


'000


'000

        Adjusted basic earnings per share

 



       

 




 



        Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the year

110,068


112,791

 

 


2024


2023


€'000


€'000


 

 


        Profit for the year

40,428

 

51,032


 

 


        Adjustments:

 

 


        Amortisation of non-ERP related intangible assets (Note 6)

13,312

 

13,435

        Tax on amortisation of non-ERP related intangible assets

(2,864)

 

(2,460)

        Exceptional items, net of tax

4,315

 

631

        Adjusted profit for the year

55,191

 

62,638


 

 



Cent

 

Cent


 

 


        Adjusted basic earnings per share

50.14

 

55.53

 

        Adjusted diluted earnings per share

       

2024


2023


'000


'000


 



       

 



        Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in basic calculation

110,068


112,791

        Impact of shares with a dilutive effect

3,927


2,671

        Impact of the SAYE scheme

832


2,379

        Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted) for the year

114,827


117,841

 

 


2024


2023


€'000


€'000


 

 


        Adjusted profit for the year (as above)

55,191

 

62,638


 




Cent

 

Cent


 

 


        Adjusted diluted earnings per share

48.06

 

53.16

Origin Enterprises plc

 

Notes to the preliminary results statement (continued)

             For the financial year ended 31 July 2024

 

5    Property, plant and equipment

 


2024

 

2023


€'000


€'000





At 1 August

118,107


107,906

Arising on acquisition (Note 10)

799


1,459

Additions

23,519


18,891

Disposals

(812)


(1,014)

Depreciation charge for the year

(8,822)


(8,678)

Translation adjustments

(126)


(457)

At 31 July

132,665


118,107





 

                                                                                                  

 

6    Goodwill and intangible assets

 


2024

 

2023


€'000


€'000





At 1 August

299,906


251,999

Arising on acquisition (Note 10)

7,165


46,650

Additions

Disposals

19,835

(20)


17,683

(886)

Purchase adjustment

-


(58)

Amortisation of non-ERP intangible assets

(13,312)


(13,435)

ERP intangible amortisation

(1,690)


(783)

Translation adjustments

(3,032)


(1,264)

At 31 July

308,852


299,906





Origin Enterprises plc

 

Notes to the preliminary results statement (continued)

             For the financial year ended 31 July 2024

 

7    Investments in associates and joint venture

 


2024

 

2023


€'000


€'000


 



   At 1 August

52,387


47,053

   Share of profits after tax, before exceptional items

6,421


4,040

   Share of exceptional items, net of tax (Note 3)

1,653


3,692

   Dividends received

(16,596)


(144)

   Share of other comprehensive income / (expense)

199


(1,755)

   Translation adjustments

420


(499)

                At 31 July

44,484


52,387

                Split as follows:

 



                Total associates

25,359


27,219

                Total joint venture

19,125


25,168

       

44,484


52,387


 



      

 

               

8    Provisions for liabilities

 

      The estimate of provisions is a key judgement in the preparation of the financial statements.


                          

2024

                  €'000

 

                          

2023

                  €'000

 




At 1 August

Arising on acquisition (Note 10)

23,318

2,001

 

5,612

15,199

Provided in year

              2,458

 

              2,738

Paid / utilised in year

(9,385)

 

(115)

Released in the year

(2,703)

 

(290)

Translation adjustments

185

 

174

At 31 July

15,874

 

23,318

                Split as follows:

 



                Current liabilities

6,455


11,987

                Non-current liabilities

9,419


11,331

       

15,874


23,318


 



Provisions primarily relate to contingent acquisition consideration arising on a number of acquisitions completed during the current and prior years.

Origin Enterprises plc

 

Notes to the preliminary results statement (continued)

For the financial year ended 31 July 2024

 

9    Post employment benefit obligations

 

The Group operates a number of defined benefit pension schemes and defined contribution schemes with assets held in separate trustee administered funds. All of the defined benefit schemes are closed to new members.

 

The valuations of the defined benefit schemes used for the purposes of the following disclosures are those of the most recent actuarial valuations carried out at 31 July 2024 by an independent, qualified actuary.  The valuations have been performed using the projected unit method.

 

 

Movement in net asset recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

 



2024

 

2023



€'000

 

€'000







At 1 August

2,579


7,767


Current service cost

(150)


(414)


Administrative expenses paid from plan assets

(246)


-


Employer contributions

1,199


1,248


Other finance income  

124


255


Remeasurements

3,154


(6,103)


Translation adjustments

55


(174)




 



At  31 July

6,715


2,579



 



 

10 Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings

 

On 25 August 2023, the Group acquired the business and operating assets of Suregreen Limited, a UK based landscape and gardening products supplier for trade professionals and DIY customers from its administrators.

 

On 1 February 2024, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Groundtrax Systems Limited in the UK, a leading specialist supplier of ground protection and reinforcement systems.

 


 

 

 

Origin Enterprises plc

                                            

Notes to the preliminary results statement (continued)

For the financial year ended 31 July 2024

 

10       Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings - continued

 


 

Fair


 

value

 

 

€'000

Assets

 

 



Property, plant & equipment


799

Right of use leased assets


199

Intangible assets


719

Total non-current assets

 

1,717




Current assets



Inventory


691

Trade and other receivables


565

Cash and cash equivalents


3,360

Total current assets

 

4,616




Liabilities




(1,581)

Lease Liabilities


(199)

Corporation tax


(197)

Deferred tax liability


(139)

Total liabilities

 

(2,116)

 



Total identifiable net assets at fair value

 

4,217




Goodwill arising on acquisition


6,446

Total net assets acquired

 

10,663




Consideration satisfied by:






Cash consideration


8,662

Contingent consideration arising from acquisition


2,001

Total consideration related to acquisitions


10,663

 

 

 

Net cash outflow - arising on acquisitions

 

 

Cash consideration

 

8,662

Less cash and cash equivalents acquired

 

(3,360)

Total consideration related to acquisitions

 

5,302

 

 

 

        Details of the net assets acquired and goodwill arising from the business combinations are as follows:

 

(i)   Trade Receivables acquired were €0.6 million. All amounts deemed recoverable.


Origin Enterprises plc

                                            

Notes to the preliminary results statement (continued)

For the financial year ended 31 July 2024

 

11  Analysis of net cash / (debt)

 



2023

 

Cash flow

 

Non-cash

movements

 

Translation adjustments

 

2024



€'000

 

€'000

 

€'000

 

€'000

 

€'000





 








Cash

151,237


(24,426)


-


(2,271)


124,540


Overdrafts

(1,098)


1,067


-


30


(1)





 











 







 

Cash and cash equivalents

150,139

 

(23,359)


-

 

(2,241)

 

124,539

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Loans

(96,964)


(97,260)


(534)


(1,467)


(196,225)





 











 








Net cash / (debt)

53,175

 

(120,619)

 

(534)

 

(3,708)

 

(71,686)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Lease liabilities

(54,916)


15,955


(21,867)


(704)


(61,532)





 











 








Net debt including

lease liabilities

(1,741)

 

(104,664)

 

(22,401)

 

(4,412)

 

(133,218)





 







   

 

 

 

Origin Enterprises plc

 

Notes to the preliminary results statement (continued)

For the financial year ended 31 July 2024

 

12  Share capital

 


2024

 

2023


€'000

 

€'000

        Authorised

 

 


        250,000,000 ordinary shares of €0.01 each (i)

2,500


2,500


 



        Allotted, called up and fully paid

 



        125,320,375 (2023: 125,320,375) ordinary shares of €0.01 each (i) (ii)

1,253


1,253


 



 


 

 

 




Number of treasury shares

 

Nominal value of shares

 

Carrying value of shares


 

 

€'000

 

€'000

        Treasury shares in issue

 

 

 



        At 1 August 2023

13,558,484


135


51,689

        Share buyback (ii)

5,759,134


58


18,150

        Re-issue of treasury shares (iii)

(627,983)


(6)


(2,270)














18,689,635

 

187

 

67,569


 

 

 



 

 

(i)    Ordinary shareholders are entitled to dividends as declared and each ordinary share carries equal voting rights at meetings of the Company.

 

(ii)    During the financial year, the Group commenced a share buyback programme. The total number of ordinary shares purchased by the Group was 5,759,134 for a total consideration before expenses of €18.2 million. The re-purchased shares are held as treasury shares.

 

(iii)   During the financial year, the Group re-issued 627,983 treasury shares to satisfy the exercise of share options granted under the Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan (2015) and the exercise of share options granted under the Group's UK ad ROI Savings Related Share Option Scheme.

Origin Enterprises plc

 

Notes to the preliminary results statement (continued)

For the financial year ended 31 July 2024

 

        13    Return on capital employed

 

Return on capital employed is a key performance indicator for the Group and represents Group earnings before interest, tax and amortisation of non-ERP related intangible assets taken as a percentage of Group net assets and is consistent with the definition approved as part of the 2015 Long Term Incentive Plan.

 


 

2024

€'000


2023

€'000



 



Total assets

 

1,402,316


1,375,601

Total liabilities

 

(997,386)


(965,008)

Adjusted for:





Net debt

 

133,218


1,741

Tax, put option and derivative financial instruments, net

 

19,419


50,292

Accumulated amortisation of non-ERP related intangible assets

 

96,590


84,557

Capital employed

 

654,157


547,183

Average capital employed

 

800,653


754,287






Operating profit (excluding exceptional items)

 

70,204


77,356

Amortisation of non-ERP intangible assets

 

13,312


13,435

Share of profit of associates and joint venture

 

6,421


4,040

Return

 

89,937


94,831






Return on capital employed

 

11.2%


12.6%

 

In years where the Group makes significant acquisitions or disposals, the return on invested capital calculation is adjusted accordingly to ensure that the impact of the acquisition or disposal is time apportioned appropriately.

 

 

14     Related party transactions

 

Related party transactions occurring in the year were similar in nature to those described in the 2023 Annual Report.

 

 

15     Dividend

 

The Directors are proposing a final dividend of 13.65 cent per ordinary share for approval at the AGM in November   2024, bringing the total dividend payment to 16.80 cent. Subject to shareholder approval at the AGM, this final dividend will be paid on 14 February 2025 to shareholders on the register on 24 January 2025.


 

 

Origin Enterprises plc

 

Notes to the preliminary results statement (continued)

For the financial year ended 31 July 2024

 

16     Subsequent events

 

        In September 2024, the Group announced the acquisition of Avian Ecology, a company providing a broad range of services, particularly specialising in the areas of ornithology and renewable energy issues.

       

        In addition, the Group also announced the acquisition Bowland Ecology, specialising in terrestrial and freshwater ecology, delivering a full range of ecological technical solutions.

 

        There have been no other material events subsequent to 31 July 2024 that would require adjustment to or disclosure in this report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our Privacy Policy.
 
END
 
 
FR UOSRRSNUKUUR