AdEPT Telecom plc, one of the UK’s leading independent providers of voice, data and unified telecommunications solutions, today gave DirectorsTalk a trading update for the year ended 31 March 2016 (ahead of its final results which are expected to be announced in early July 2016).
· Net borrowings of £6.2m were £0.8m lower than consensus market expectations
· Underlying EBITDA increase of around 33% will be ahead of market expectation of a 30% rise year-on-year
· Board recommendation of an increased final dividend of 3.50p (2015: final 2.50p)
· Total dividends for the year of 6.50p represents an increase of 37% over the prior period
Trading performance
The Company is pleased to announce that it anticipates that underlying EBITDA of around £6.15m will be around 33% ahead of the previous year (ahead of the market consensus expectation of a 30% rise year-on-year). Turnover is expected to be approximately 30% ahead of the previous year and above market consensus expectation.
Cash flow and net debt
Net borrowings reduction was £0.8m better than market expectations being reduced to £6.2m as at 31 March 2016. AdEPT continues to generate consistently strong free cash flow. This improved performance in debt reduction is after payment of (i) £7.0m initial consideration for the acquisition of Centrix Limited, (ii) £0.2m deferred consideration for the acquisition of Bluecherry Telecom Limited and (iii) a £0.4m increase in dividends paid in the year.
Dividends
AdEPT announced an interim dividend of 3.00p per share in its September 2015 interim statement, which will be paid to shareholders on 8 April 2016. The Board today announces that as a result of strong free cash flow and trading results it recommends an increased final dividend of 3.50p (2014: 2.50p) per Ordinary Share which, subject to Shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting later in the year, will be paid in October 2016. Total dividends for the year ended 31 March 2016 of 6.50p per Ordinary Share represent a 37 % increase year-on-year (2015: 4.75p).