CVS earnings surge as it continues its acquisition charge
CVS Group
1,060.00p
16:40 04/10/24
Integrated veterinary services provider CVS Group announced its unaudited interim results for the six months to 31 December on Friday, with revenue improving 28.5% year-on-year to £129.4m.
FTSE AIM 100
3,593.44
16:54 04/10/24
FTSE AIM 50
4,039.70
16:54 04/10/24
FTSE AIM All-Share
738.36
16:54 04/10/24
General Retailers
4,211.99
17:14 04/10/24
The AIM-traded firm said its adjusted EBITDA had surged 42.4% to £20.7, with adjusted profit before tax up 47.1% at £16.5m.
Adjusted earnings per share were 46.3% higher at 21.5p.
On a statutory basis, CVS reported an operating profit of £9.5m, up 75.3%, with profit before income tax 86.5% higher at £8m.
Basic earnings per share improved 85.7% at 10.4p.
The company’s board said net debt was also reduced to £68m, from £93.1m at the start of the period, as it raised £29.6m after expenses through an equity placing in December.
A total of 12 practice surgeries were acquired during the period, and 20 were added post period-end.
“The board is pleased to report that trading since the half year end is in line with expectations,” said chairman Richard Connell.
“Like-for-like sales growth for January and February 2017 has returned to more normal levels, but that was to be expected given the strong comparatives for January and February 2016.
“With our wide range of organic opportunities, healthy cash generation and a strong acquisition pipeline, the Board looks forward with confidence to the remainder of the year and beyond.”
Connell said the CVS board believed that the UK veterinary sector would continue to provide opportunities for further consolidation and strategic acquisitions across each of the small animal, equine and large animal segments.
“It is pleasing to note that, even following a period of exceptionally high activity, the group's pipeline of potential acquisitions remains very strong.
“The group will continue to build on the many strengths of its existing business - the development of the Lumbry Park and Manchester Veterinary Specialists referral businesses; the expansion of our range of own brand products; further development of out-of-hours centres; the development of two new locations and of relocated sites; and the introduction of CVS' own brand pet insurance,” he explained.
“The group will also seek to continue to improve its operating efficiency whilst ensuring that resources remain adequate to successfully integrate acquisitions and develop the business.”