Sanderson is a publicly owned, UK provider of software solutions and IT services. We supply innovative, market-focused solutions primarily to the multi-channel retail and manufacturing sectors.

Highly experienced in the markets we serve, we forge long-term relationships with our customers. This allows us to consistently deliver real business benefit and help our clients achieve rapid return on their investment in IT.

Established in 1983, Sanderson has a multi-million pound turnover and track record of profitable growth. We employ around 150 people nationwide and continually invest in developing technology skills and business know-how.

We strive to be the best in our chosen fields and achieve market leadership through the quality of our products, people and services.
Sanderson is an established and profitable software and IT services business specialising in the multi-channel retail and manufacturing markets. Operating primarily in the UK and Ireland, the Group delivers solutions to organisations with turnovers typically between £5m and £250m. Sanderson maintains a strong market position due to the quality of its products and services and its successful track record.

The Group has a strong revenue model, with approximately 50% of revenue arising from recurring licence, support and maintenance contracts. A further 40% is derived from the existing customer base, with the balance represented by revenue from new customers.

Sanderson is a resilient business. The strength of the Group's large, well established customer base is expected to enable Sanderson to trade robustly in the current financial year, subject to general market conditions prevailing within the UK economy. Our focus on all aspects of multi-channel retail, including the active and growing online sales sector, provides a level of protection from the uncertain market conditions currently affecting retail.

The Sanderson business was founded in 1983 and grew organically and by acquisition to over £119m revenue. In December 2003, the original Sanderson Group was demerged into three separate, independent entities with the present Group retaining the Sanderson name and brand. Sanderson is a name widely recognised as an established provider of software and IT services.

The Group's industry knowledge, proven revenue model, track record and acquisition experience, gives Sanderson the confidence that it is well placed to deliver both organic and acquisition-led growth in the future


http://www.sanderson.com/

2018 Interim Results
RNS
RNS Number : 9353O
Sanderson Group PLC
23 May 2018



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 23 MAY 2018


SANDERSON GROUP PLC
Interim Results for the six months ended 31 March 2018
"Strong performance across the Group with EPS increasing by 44%; November acquisition has made a good start; Dividend up 14%; further significant progress anticipated."

Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'the Group'), the software and IT services business specialising in digital retail technology and enterprise software for businesses operating in the manufacturing, wholesale distribution and logistics sectors, announces Interim Results for the six month period ended 31 March 2018.

Commenting on the results, Chairman, Christopher Winn, said:
"The Group trading results for the six month period ended 31 March 2018, are slightly ahead of management's expectations; revenue increased by 34% to £14.61 million (2017: £10.90 million) and operating profit* rose by 34% to £2.08 million (2017: £1.55 million). Sanderson continues to generate cash in line with operating profit and is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet. To supplement organic growth, selective acquisitions are under continued consideration. The Board remains focused on continuing to deliver both organic and acquisitive growth, achieving 'on target' results, increased earnings, good cash generation and a robust balance sheet, thereby further increasing shareholder value and growing dividend returns."
Highlights - Financial
· Revenue increased by 34% to £14.61 million (2017: £10.90 million); 'like-for-like' revenue (excluding Anisa) rose to £11.08 million (2017: £10.90 million).
· Pre-contracted recurring revenue increased to £8.25 million (2017: £5.40 million), representing 56% of total revenue in the period (2017: 50%); 'like-for-like' recurring revenue grew by 11% to £5.99 million (2017: £5.40 million).
· Operating profit* rose by 34% to £2.08 million (2017: £1.55 million); 'like-for-like' operating profit (excluding Anisa) grew by over 12% to £1.74 million reflecting a more efficient, lower cost delivery of the Group's solutions.
· Continued cash generation in line with operating profit with net cash balance at 31 March 2018 of £1.39 million. The cash balance, excluding the Anisa loan (term debt facility of £4.12 million) remains strong at £5.06 million (2017: £4.51 million).
· Increased Interim Dividend declared, up 14% to 1.25 pence per share (2017: 1.10 pence).
· Basic earnings per share* increased 44% to 2.3 pence (2017: 1.6 pence).

* Operating profit and basic earnings per share are stated before amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles, share-based payment charges, acquisition-related and restructuring costs.


Highlights - Operational
· Strong performances from both Digital Retail and Enterprise divisions with order books of £3.42 million (2017: £0.84 million) and £5.19 million (2017: £1.93 million) respectively.
· Digital Retail revenue grew 20% to £4.25 million (2017: £3.54 million) whilst operating profit* more than doubled to £0.70 million (2017: £0.34 million); sales orders gained during period included Richer Sounds plc, Thorntons Limited, Beaverbrooks The Jewellers Limited and Scotts of Stow;
· Enterprise division, comprising manufacturing, wholesale distribution and logistics and supply chains, significantly enhanced and strengthened by acquisition of Anisa during the period; revenue and operating profit* (including Anisa) increased to £10.36 million (2017: £7.36 million) and £1.38 million (2017: £1.21 million) respectively. Anisa's global customer base, active during the period, with orders from Culina Group and DHL Supply Chain.
· Total Group order book at period-end (including Anisa) of £8.61 million (2017: £2.78 million); like-for-like order book rose 16% to £3.22 million (2017: £2.78 million).

On current trading and outlook, Group Chief Executive, Ian Newcombe, added:
"We continue to be measured in our business approach, sensitive to the general economic environment and we monitor customer confidence and market conditions carefully. Whilst the Group has not detected any major loss of confidence amongst its customers and that the value of prospects is increasing, sales cycles can still be protracted, especially where major projects are under consideration. Notwithstanding any potential uncertainty surrounding the ongoing Brexit negotiations, Sanderson, now strengthened by the November acquisition, has a large order book, robust recurring revenue and a healthy balance sheet. Combined with the Group's proven reputation, well-established track record and continuing sales momentum, the Board has a good level of confidence that Sanderson will make significant further progress during the current financial year ending 30 September 2018."