23 April 2024

AB Dynamics plc

Unaudited interim results for the six months ended 29 February 2024

"Strong financial performance and clear strategic progress"

AB Dynamics plc (AIM: ABDP, the "Company", or the "Group"), the designer, manufacturer and supplier of advanced testing, simulation and measurement products to the global transport market, is pleased to announce its interim results for the six-month period to 29 February 2024 (the "Period").

¹Before amortisation of acquired intangibles, acquisition related charges, and exceptional items. A reconciliation to statutory measures is given in the Alternative Performance Measures section of the Half Year Review.

²Restated for change in interpretation of revenue recognition, see note 10.

Financial highlights

·      Strong growth in revenue and operating profit, delivered alongside an improved operating margin which reflected operating leverage, gross margin gains and improved efficiency 

·      Market and customer demand levels have remained positive throughout H1, with strong activity across all three sectors and all regions

·      Revenue increased by 8% against H1 2023, or 10% on a constant currency basis, with good growth in testing products and testing services offset in part by a reduction in simulator revenue, where significant contracts are H2-weighted

o  Testing products revenue grew by 12% driven by an increase in ADAS platforms

o  Testing services revenue grew by 23% led by strong performances in both the US and Asia, albeit against a weak comparative which was impacted by Chinese lockdowns

o  Simulation revenue was down 13% as a result of the timing of revenue recognition, with several contracts due for delivery in H2

·      The strong growth in testing services has increased the proportion of recurring and service-based sales to 52% (H1 2023: 41%) for the Period

·      The Group has remained effective in mitigating inflationary cost pressures, with gross margins improving to 58.3% (H1 2023: 57.4%)

·      Operating margin improved by 110bps to 17.0% as a result of the increased levels of activity and the benefits of enhanced performance initiatives, partially offset by the investment in ABD Solutions to support the strategic long-term growth drivers

o  Excluding ABD Solutions, the Group operating margin increased to 18.6% (H1 2023: 17.9%)

·      Significant operating cash generation of £11.3m (H1 2023: £9.5m) with cash conversion of 107% (H1 2023: 100%), resulting in net cash at the period end of £29.1m (28 February 2023: £21.3m, 31 August 2023: £32.0m) after funding the final performance payment of £5.7m for the acquisition of Ansible Motion

·      Interim dividend of 2.33p per share (H1 2023: 1.94p), an increase of 20%

Operational and strategic highlights

·      New product development continues at pace and in line with the technology roadmap for testing products and simulation markets, alongside development of the core technology for ABD Solutions

o  The Group's pedestrian dummy, the Soft Pedestrian 360 and the LaunchPad Spin have been approved by Euro NCAP

o  ABD Solutions delivered the first units of the new durability testing solution and initial revenues from the retrofit pedestrian detection system for the construction industry expected during H2

·    Since the period end, the Group has acquired Venshure Test Services ('VTS'), a provider of mileage accumulation, electric vehicle and environmental testing services in the US.

·      Well placed to sustain growth momentum over the medium term, supported by:

o  Strong organic growth across automotive markets, supported by regulatory tailwinds and rapid technology change, with a significantly strengthened and scalable operational and commercial platform

o  The substantial opportunity beyond automotive markets presented by ABD Solutions, transitioning from technology development to commercialisation 

o  A strong financial position that provides scope for further value-enhancing growth investment in FY 2024 and beyond

Current trading and outlook

·      Performance in the first half of the year was strong, with good conversion of orders to revenue together with improved operational efficiency and effective cost management

·      The Group has a solid order book, providing good visibility for the second half of the year

·      Whilst mindful of timing of pipeline conversion and customer delivery schedules, the Board is confident that performance momentum in the first half margin can be sustained and, consequently, expects the Group to deliver full year adjusted operating profit ahead of its current expectations

·      Future growth prospects remain supported by long-term structural and regulatory growth drivers in active safety, autonomous systems and the automation of vehicle applications

Commenting on the results, Dr James Routh, Chief Executive Officer said:

"The Group has delivered a strong performance in the first half of the year, capitalising on supportive conditions across key markets and demonstrating the benefits of the investment made in recent years in the commercial and operating capability of the business.

"We see significant opportunity in our core markets in automotive, which are supported by long-term structural and regulatory growth drivers, and are continuing to invest in new product development and technology. In addition, we are investing in innovative technologies to diversify the business into attractive adjacent markets through ABD Solutions.

"Our solid order book provides good visibility for the second half of the year. Whilst being mindful of timing of pipeline conversion and customer delivery schedules, the Board remains confident that the Group will make further financial and strategic progress this year. With strong trading momentum entering H2 and benefiting from the acquisition of VTS and improved margins, the Board expects to deliver full year operating profit ahead of its expectations."

There will be a presentation for analysts this morning at 9.00am at Teneo offices, 11 Pilgrim St, London EC4V 6RN. Please contact abdynamics@teneo.com if you would like to attend.

A presentation will also be provided on the Investor Meet Company platform on 24 April 2023 at 9.00am. Anyone wishing to attend should register their interest via https://www.investormeetcompany.com/ab-dynamics-plc/register-investor.

Certain information contained in this announcement would have constituted inside information (as defined by Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014), as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018) ("MAR") prior to its release as part of this announcement and is disclosed in accordance with the Company's obligations under Article 17 of those Regulations.

Enquiries:

The person responsible for arranging the release of this information is Felicity Jackson, Group Legal Counsel.

About AB Dynamics plc

AB Dynamics is a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of advanced testing, simulation and measurement products to the global transport market. 

AB Dynamics is an international group of companies headquartered in Bradford on Avon. AB Dynamics currently supplies all the top automotive manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers and service providers, who routinely use the Group's products to test and verify vehicle safety systems and dynamics.

Half Year Review

Group overview

The Group has delivered a strong performance in the first half of the year, supported by recent investments in its capabilities to capitalise on the significant long-term structural and regulatory growth drivers within its markets.

The Group continued to deliver against its strategic priorities by launching new products, developing its service offering to drive recurring revenues and delivering on its diversification plans through progress in ABD Solutions. After the period end, the Group also expanded its presence in the testing services market with the acquisition of Venshure Test Services.

Financial performance in the Period

The Group delivered revenue growth of 8% to £52.3m, with increases in testing products and services offset by a reduction in simulation, which reflects the timing of delivery of customer projects. 

Gross margin was 58.3%, up 90bps on H1 2023 due to effective pricing management and increased testing services revenue.

Group adjusted operating profit increased by 16% to £8.9m. The adjusted operating margin increased to 17.0% (H1 2023: 15.9%), as a result of the increase in sales volumes, the improved gross margin and operational efficiency. Excluding ABD Solutions, the adjusted operating margin increased to 18.6% (H1 2023: 17.9%).

Adjusted net finance costs were £0.1m (H1 2023: £0.2m).

Adjusted profit before tax was £8.8m (H1 2023: £7.5m). The Group adjusted tax charge totalled £1.6m (H1 2023: £1.3m), an adjusted effective tax rate of 18.4% (H1 2023: 16.7%).

Adjusted diluted earnings per share was 30.9p (H1 2023: 27.1p), an increase of 14%, reflecting the increase in operating profit offset by a higher tax rate.

Statutory operating profit increased by 96% to £5.5m and after net finance costs of £0.4m (H1 2023: £1.0m), statutory profit before tax was up 183% from £1.8m to £5.1m, giving statutory basic earnings per share of 18.2p (H1 2023: 6.4p). The statutory tax charge was £0.9m (H1 2023: £0.4m). A reconciliation of statutory to underlying non-GAAP financial measures is provided below. The adjustments to operating profit of £3.4m comprise £3.0m of amortisation of acquired intangibles, £0.3m of ERP cloud computing costs and £0.1m of acquisition related costs (H1 2023: £4.9m comprising £3.7m of amortisation of acquired intangibles, £0.8m of ERP cloud computing costs and £0.4m of acquisition costs). The £0.3m adjustment to the interest charge relates to the unwind of the discount on the deferred contingent consideration for Ansible Motion (H1 2023: £0.8m). The tax impact of these adjustments was a credit of £0.7m (H1 2023: £0.9m).

The Group delivered strong adjusted operating cash flow of £11.3m (H1 2023: £9.5m) with the net cash position at the period end of £29.1m (31 August 2023: £32.0m) underpinning a robust balance sheet and providing the resources to fund the acquisition of VTS and continue the Group's investment programme.

Sector review

¹The Group previously reported two sectors, track testing and laboratory testing and simulation. Following the growth in testing services, these are now reported separately. Laboratory testing is now included within testing products to better reflect the nature of the products.

² Restated for change in revenue recognition, see note 10.

Testing products

The Group's testing products are used on proving grounds, test tracks and in the laboratory to evaluate the performance of vehicle active safety systems, autonomous technologies, electric vehicles, vehicle durability and vehicle dynamics. 

Testing products revenue of £34.9m was up 12% against H1 2023 (£31.1m) with growth in ADAS platforms offset by a reduction in driving robots.

Driving robot sales decreased 12% against H1 2023 to £12.5m (H1 2023: £14.2m). The Group expects continued growth in driving robots at more normalised levels, as new regulatory requirements for evolving ADAS technologies are released, such as the recent launch of the Euro NCAP 2030 roadmap and its new Safer Trucks rating scheme. It is expected that there will be over 700 Euro NCAP test scenarios by 2025, up from 591 in 2023. New tests for commercial vehicles offer further opportunities for market expansion.

ADAS platform sales increased 39% to £19.5m in H1 2024 (H1 2023: £14.0m). The recent launch of a new range of soft targets including motorcycles and articulating pedestrians is expected to drive further growth.

Laboratory testing revenue relates to sales of our market leading SPMM product, large-scale testing rigs used to characterise the kinematics and compliance of vehicles under development. Revenue was flat at £2.9m (H1 2023: £2.9m). This long-standing product which has been supplied to global customers for the past 25 years has evolved significantly over this period, culminating in the recent launch of the SPMM Plus.

The Group continues to invest in new product development in the testing products sector in order to meet forthcoming regulatory requirements and to ensure we retain our market leadership in testing technology.

Testing services

Testing services includes revenue from the Group's test facility in Bakersfield, USA, where testing of ADAS systems and vehicle dynamics is performed on behalf of OEMs, technology developers and government agencies.

In China, the Group provides on-road vehicle testing services for the assessment of all aspects of vehicle performance, particularly focusing on electric vehicle performance, charging capability and vehicle connectivity.

This sector saw significant growth of 23% to £7.5m (H1 2023: £6.1m) in advance of new regulatory requirements, albeit against a weak comparative period in H1 2023 that was impacted by local COVID restrictions delaying the provision of testing services in China and delays in availability of test vehicles more widely.

Simulation

The Group provides both physical simulators and advanced, physics-based simulation software. Simulators are used by both automotive manufacturers and motorsport teams to accurately represent the real world using the rFpro software, coupled with state-of-the-art motion platforms and static driving simulators to assist in development of new vehicles and improve performance.

Simulation revenue decreased by 13% to £9.9m (H1 2023: £11.4m). Growth in simulation software was offset by a decrease in revenue from simulator motion platforms due to the timing of revenue recognition, as much of the H1 activity will be recognised in revenue on delivery in H2. 

Progress on our strategy

The Group continues to make good progress against its organic led growth strategy, supplemented with value enhancing acquisitions. The focus on building and growing the core business continued, coupled with delivering on the Group's diversification plans through ABD Solutions.

Investment continued in the core automotive sector, which is characterised by strong regulatory and structural growth drivers and rapid technology change. New product development and the strengthened operational and commercial platform leaves the Group well placed to benefit from increasing regulation and the increasing number and complexity of test scenarios required by NCAP bodies and regulators.  

As part of the objective to diversify into adjacent markets, ABD Solutions continues to make significant progress in its mission to add automated solutions to existing vehicles fleets faster and more cost effectively. ABD Solutions has demonstrated its product offering in contrasting environments for potential customers in mining, defence and other specialist vehicles and successfully proved its concept and market solution, Indigo Drive. The first units of the Group's new durability testing solution were delivered during H1, with initial revenues from the retrofit pedestrian detection system for the construction industry expected during H2. Several small contracts for phase 1 feasibility studies have been awarded for delivery during H2 and FY2025, while the medium-term pipeline consists of 10-15 opportunities ranging from £0.4m to £10m.

Acquisitions

On 2 April 2024, the Group acquired the trade and assets of Venshure Test Services, LLC, a provider of vehicle testing services, including environmental testing and range certification for electric vehicles. The initial consideration was $15.0m (£11.8m). Contingent consideration of up to $15.0m will become payable in cash subject to certain performance criteria being met for the 2 years ending 2 April 2026. The acquisition expands both the Group's capability and geographic coverage in the important and growing field of EV battery and powertrain performance evaluation. It also provides the opportunity to leverage AB Dynamics' existing sales capabilities to drive cross-selling.

Acquisitions have been and will continue to be a significant part of the overall strategy, and there is a promising pipeline of potential value-enhancing and strategically compelling acquisition opportunities.

Alternative performance measures

In the analysis of the Group's financial performance and position, operating results and cash flows, alternative performance measures are presented to provide readers with additional information. The principal measures presented are adjusted measures of earnings including adjusted operating profit, EBITDA, adjusted operating margin, adjusted profit before tax, adjusted earnings per share and adjusted cash flow from operations.

The interim report includes both statutory and adjusted non-GAAP financial measures, the latter of which the Directors believe better reflect the underlying performance of the business and provide a more meaningful comparison of how the business is managed and measured on a day-to-day basis. The Group's alternative performance measures and KPIs are aligned to the Group's strategy and together are used to measure the performance of the business and form the basis of the performance measures for remuneration. Adjusted results exclude certain items because if included, these items could distort the understanding of the performance for the year and the comparability between the periods.

Comparatives are provided alongside all current period figures. The term 'adjusted' is not defined under IFRS and may not be comparable with similarly titled measures used by other companies. All profit and earnings per share figures in this interim report relate to underlying business performance (as defined above) unless otherwise stated.

A reconciliation of adjusted measures to statutory measures is provided below:

¹ Restated, see note 10.

The adjustments comprise:

Foreign currency exposure

The Group faces currency exposure on its foreign currency transactions and with significant overseas operations, also has exposure to foreign currency translation risk. The Group maintains a natural hedge whenever possible to transactional exposure by matching the cash inflows and outflows in the respective currencies.

On a constant currency basis, revenue would have been £1.2m higher than reported and operating profit would have been £0.1m higher as the US dollar, the Euro and Yen weakened against H1 2023. Constant currency revenue growth was 10% and growth in operating profit was 17%.  

Dividends

The Board has declared an interim dividend of 2.33p per ordinary share (H1 2023: 1.94p) which will be paid on 17 May 2024 to shareholders on the register on 3 May 2024.

A final dividend of 4.42p per share was paid on 6 March 2024 in respect of the year ended 31 August 2023 totalling £1,014,000. The Board recognises that dividends continue to be an important component of total shareholder returns, balanced against maintaining a strong financial position and intends to pursue a sustainable and growing dividend policy in the future having regard to the development of the Group.

Summary and Outlook

The Group has delivered a strong performance in the first half of the year, capitalising on supportive conditions across key markets and demonstrating the benefits of the investment made in recent years in the commercial and operating capability of the business.

We see significant opportunity in our core markets in automotive, which are supported by long-term structural and regulatory growth drivers, and are continuing to invest in new product development and technology. In addition, we are investing in innovative technologies to diversify the business into attractive adjacent markets through ABD Solutions.

Our solid order book provides good visibility for the second half of the year, with organic adjusted operating profit expected to be more evenly weighted across the two halves of the year than in previous years. Whilst being mindful of timing of pipeline conversion and customer delivery schedules, the Board remains confident that the Group will make further financial and strategic progress this year. With strong trading momentum entering H2 and benefiting from the acquisition of VTS and improved margins, the Board expects to deliver full year operating profit ahead of its current expectations.

Directors' Responsibility Statement

The Directors confirm that this condensed consolidated half year financial information has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the United Kingdom, and that the half year management report herein includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8, namely:

·      an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months and their impact on the condensed consolidated half year financial information, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year; and

·      material related party transactions in the first six months and any material changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report.

By order of the Board

Dr James Routh

Chief Executive Officer

23 April 2024