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Purplebricks Group plc

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FY2018 Annual Report · Purplebricks Group plc
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Purplebricks Group plc

Annual Report 2018

Contents 

Company information 

Chairman’s statement 

Strategic report 

Chief Executive’s statement 

Chief Financial Officer’s report 

Directors’ report 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Purplebricks Group plc 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Consolidated statement of financial position 

Company statement of financial position 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

Company statement of changes in equity 

Consolidated statement of cash flows 

Company statement of cash flows 

Notes to the financial statements 

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Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018
Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

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Company information 

Directors 

Company number 

Registered and head office 

Solicitors 

Auditor 

Nominated advisor 

Joint brokers 

M P D Bruce 

J R Davies 

P R M Pindar 

A Wiele – appointed 25 April 2018 

M J Wroe – appointed 25 April 2018 

S R Downing – appointed 25 April 2018 

A P Blair – appointed 25 April 2018

08047368

Suite 7,

Cranmore Place,

Cranmore Drive,

Shirley,

West Midlands B90 4RZ

Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, 

3 More London Riverside, 

London SE1 2AQ

Grant Thornton UK LLP

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor

The Colmore Building, 

20 Colmore Circus, 

Birmingham B4 6AT

Zeus Capital Ltd, 

10 Old Burlington Street, 

London W1S 3AG

Peel Hunt, 

Moor House, 

120 London Wall, 

London EC2Y 5ET

Investec Bank plc, 

30 Gresham Street, 

London EC2V 7QP

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018
Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

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5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
While we have grown quickly, there remains 

enormous potential for our hybrid agency model 

to further disrupt the traditional model in both 

the UK and overseas. We have recently secured a 

£125m strategic investment in our business by Axel 

Springer which will support us in achieving this.

Chairman’s statement

Purplebricks is continuing to lead 

significant change in the global estate 

agency market, creating greater 

transparency, offering better choice for 

customers and a low, fair fixed fee. 

We  are  proud  that  we  remain  the  most  positively  reviewed  estate 

agent  in  the  UK  with  over  47,000  independent  reviews  on  Trustpilot 

while maintaining our excellent rating of 9.5 out of 10. We have recently 

signed up the respected review service Feefo which offers our customers 

another credible alternative site to review our service.

Financials

We remain focused on our objective of offering consumers a fairer and 

more cost-effective way of selling their property and driving transparency 

of  pricing  in  the  marketplace,  while  using  technology  to  provide  world 

class customer service and operational efficiency. 

Our  strong  performance  for  the  year  is  underpinned  by  our  focus  of 

Momentum  has  been  strong  throughout  the  year,  with  total  revenues 

of  £93.7m  representing  an  increase  of  101%  on  the  prior  year.  The  UK 

has  continued  to  advance  with  revenue  up  81%  year  on  year,  while 

Australia  contributed  £13.5m  of  revenue  in  its  first  full  12  month  period 

following  launch,  with  the  US  also  contributing  £2.0m  during  its  initial 

improving  the  quality  and  efficiency  of  our  service  through  investing 

launch period. 

in  our  LPEs,  customer  support  team  and  infrastructure,  continuing  to 

evolve  our  best-in-class  technology,  and  building  upon  our  high  brand 

awareness and reputation for superior customer service. 

In  the  year  we  continued  to  expand  our  proposition  globally,  further 

establishing  and  growing  our  Australian  business  as  well  as  launching 

in  the  US  on  both  the  West  and  East  coasts,  where  we  are  seeing 

encouraging signs. 

This  growth  in market  share  across  all  our markets  is  ultimately  due  to 

our ability to attract top quality LPEs not only across all areas of the UK, 

but also in Australia and the US, where they are called Local Real Estate 

Experts (LREEs). They have bought into our strategy of providing a fairer, 

better service to customers as well as creating an “ultra-local” presence. 

We value all of their expertise and capacity to deliver real value and meet 

the continuing demand from our customers. 

I  am  pleased  to  report  that  the  UK  made  an  adjusted  EBITDA  profit  of 

£8.1m, a significant increase on £1.7m last year as we continue to solidify 

our  leading  nationwide  position.  Australia  made  an  adjusted  EBITDA 

loss  of  £11.8m  and  the  US  a  £16.0m  loss,  reflecting  our  investment  in 

launching  and  establishing  these  early  stage  businesses.  Group  losses 

from operating activities increased to £24.7m after share based payment 

charges from £6.0m in FY 17, principally due to our focus on building the 

operational  and  marketing  footprint  in  order  to  support  international 

expansion. The operating leverage of our low fixed cost business model, 

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

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Chairman’s statement continued

once  established  in-country,  is  demonstrated  by  the  profitable  UK 

(DMA). The most recent launch has been into the states of Arizona and 

performance. 

Nevada in June 2018.

Net cash at the year end of £152.8m was a result of further funds raised 

in the year from the strategic investment by Axel Springer, bolstering our 

Canada 

balance sheet and capability to expand our global presence and improve 

Post year end we were delighted to announce our expansion into Canada 

our offering vastly ahead of competitors. Net assets at 30 April 2018 were 

through  the  acquisition  of  a  leading  Canadian  digital  real  estate  brand 

£154.4m  (2017:  £75.4m)  with  net  current  assets  standing  at  £143.4m 

DuProprio.  DuProprio  is  well  established  and  profitable  and  aligned  to 

(2017: £66.5m). 

For  further  discussion  of  financial  performance,  definition  of  the 

adjusted  EBITDA  measure  referred  to  above  and  position  of  the  Group, 

please refer to the Chief Financial Officer’s report. 

our strategic vision and culture. We have confidence in the existing and 

proven  management  team,  who  will,  with  the  backing  and  support  of 

Purplebricks, accelerate and deepen market penetration across Canada 

and expand the offering into areas including buy-side services. 

Global expansion 

People and culture 

While we have grown quickly, there remains enormous potential for our 

hybrid agency model to further disrupt the traditional model in both the 

UK  and  overseas.  As  the  Group  expands  into  new  territories  that  have 

higher commission rates than the UK, we have found that our model is 

even more compelling and the savings for our customers far greater. We 

believe that our model presents a significant opportunity in each of our 

international markets. 

Strategic Investment 

As  part  of  our  strategy  to  grow  and  develop  our  global  business  it  is 

important  that  we  invest  in  attracting  and  engaging  high  quality, 

experienced  individuals  who  can  support  our  ambitious  plans  for  the 

business.  Our  strong  results  would  not  have  been  possible  without  the 

leadership  of  the  senior  management  team  and  the  enthusiasm  and 

commitment shown by our colleagues this year. On behalf of the Board, 

I would like to thank them sincerely for their hard work in growing our 

business whilst maintaining our strong culture of customer service. 

Board 

On 26 March 2018 we announced a £125m strategic investment (of which 

£100m  was  equity  for  new  shares)  in  our  business  by  Axel  Springer. 

This  investment  will  enable  us  to  continue  to  execute  our  strategy  of 

expedited  roll  out  of  our  model  across  states  in  the  US,  advance  our 

technology  for  the  benefit  of  our  customers  and  our  people  and  to 

unlock  better  conversion  and  new  revenue  streams.  Additionally,  it  will 

The Board is focused on driving the Group’s mission to deliver excellent 

customer  experiences  through  world  class  technology  and  customer 

focused  people. We  take  care  to  ensure  that  the  Group’s  ambitions  are 

managed  against  risks,  with  accelerated  yet  sustainable  growth  at  the 

heart of our focus. 

allow  us  to  invest  in  growing  our  lettings  business,  to  make  strategic 

We recently announced the departures of non-executive directors Nick 

investments and acquisitions and to secure longer lifetime relationships 

Discombe  and  Will  Whitehorn.  Nick  and  Will  have  been  influential  in 

with our customers. 

Whilst we face competition from traditional estate agents we will make 

investments  that  help  build  upon  our  success  and  market  share  and 

better  exceed  the  needs  and  demands  of  everyone  selling,  buying  and 

renting  in  all  our  markets.  The  Company  welcomes  competition  from 

other well managed hybrid competitors, which helps to raise the profile 

and  attractiveness  of  the  new  model,  as  well  as  driving  Purplebricks  to 

continuously improve its own service levels to stay ahead. 

Australia 

the formative years of the Company and on behalf of the Board I would 

like to thank them sincerely for their contributions. We have welcomed 

four  new  non-executive  members  to  our  Board:  Michael  Wroe  (former 

Group Chief Financial Officer of Just Eat plc), Simon Downing (founder of 

Civica Group with 30 years’ experience in the tech industry), Adrian Blair 

(former  Global  Chief  Operating  Officer  at  Just  Eat  plc  and  ex-Spotify) 

and  Andreas  Wiele  (President  Classifieds  Media  at  Axel  Springer).  We 

are  delighted  to  have  been  able  to  attract  such  a  high  calibre  of  new 

non-executive  directors  and  we  are  excited  by  the  skills,  experience, 

perspective and advice they will bring to our business. 

Our  business  in  Australia  continues  to  grow,  having  only  recently 

Governance overview 

completed  its  first  full  year  in  the  five  key  target  states.  We  believe  we 

can create a strong, market leading, profitable business in Australia and 

will continue to invest in growing our market share. 

US 

As  a  fast-growing  and  relatively  young  business,  we  are  aware  that 

as  we  grow  we  need  to  maintain  a  governance  infrastructure  that  is 

appropriate  for  our  increasing  size  and  profile.  The  Company  seeks  to 

apply the principles set out in the Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate 

Governance  Code  and  has  applied  them  pragmatically  to  our  business, 

We  are  excited  by  the  early  success  and  future  prospects  of  our  US 

given the size and nature of the Group’s operations. 

operation.  We  continue  to  recruit  Local  Real  Estate  Experts  and  have 

announced  the  launch  of  new  states  in  accordance  with  our  strategic 

expansion  plan  for  the  US.  We  have  recently  extended  our  footprint  in 

California to Sacramento, Fresno and San Diego and expanded into the 

East  Coast  with  the  launch  into  the  New  York  Designated  Market  Area 

In  order  to  ensure  that  we  continue  to  comply  with  the  General  Data 

Protection Regulation, effective from 25 May 2018, the Board established 

a GDPR SteerCo comprising directors and senior management. 

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Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Dividend strategy 

The year ahead 

Due  to  the  evolution  of  our  business  the  Board  has  concluded  that  it 

The last financial year has seen strong growth and a solid operating profit 

would be premature to consider declaring a dividend. We will continue to 

in the UK, despite tough market conditions, as well as rapid and effective 

focus our financial resources on capitalising on our market opportunities 

expansion overseas. Looking ahead, we believe our flexible and efficient 

and realising our potential. As we progress our strategy and our financial 

operating  model  along  with  our  brand  strength  supports  our  medium 

performance,  we  will  look  to  move  to  a  progressive  dividend  policy  in 

and  long  term  growth  potential.  Next  financial  year  will  see  significant 

future years. 

initiatives  in  marketing,  technology  and  product  development  as  we 

continue to leverage our competitive advantages. 

Paul Pindar, Chairman 

4 July 2018

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

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Strategic report

Purplebricks is a customer-focussed 

business that has delivered a new business 

model which has saved customers millions 

of pounds when compared against the 

commission they would have paid to a 

high street estate agent.

Our Business Model

Our  strategy  for  growth  is  predicated  on  the  use  of  market  leading 

technology combined with a first class team, LPEs and LREEs to deliver 

exceptional  customer  experience  and  choice  to  customers  looking 

to  buy,  sell  or  let  a  property,  while  offering  pricing  transparency  and 

low, fixed fees.

We offer an exceptional experience by:

ƒƒ selecting  and  training  Local  Property  Experts  (known  as  Local  Real 
Estate Experts (LREEs) in the US, but collectively referred to LPEs for 

the purposes of this Strategic Report) who embrace our culture and 

core  values  and  who  have  the  desire  and  motivation  to  build  their 

TOs  have  a  direct  contractual  relationship  with  Purplebricks  which 

(amongst  other  things)  sets  out  the  services  the  TOs  will  provide  to 

Purplebricks, the terms of payment for such services and grants a licence 

of Purplebricks’ intellectual property. The TOs will then contract with and 

are responsible for the activity of a number of LPEs in their territory.

LPEs play a key role in the Purplebricks model as they are responsible for 

providing the services to the customer on behalf of the Group, including 

attendance at the property in order to provide a valuation, preparation of 

an online advertisement including photographs of  the property, and in 

some cases accompanied viewings.

One  of  the  key  factors  in  delivering  the  Purplebricks  business  model 

is  getting  the  footprint  of  LPEs  right  in  each  of  our  markets,  so  that 

they  and  the  Purplebricks  business  as  a  whole  can  maximise  their 

productivity.  During  the  year  we  introduced  a  clear  grading  structure 

for  our  LPEs  in  the  UK  which  has  enabled  us  to  better  identify  training 

needs and where necessary make changes to our LPE structure.

We  are  extremely  privileged  to  have  secured  some  of  the  best  people 

in our industry who have a strong desire to be part of a business that is 

changing the way people think about estate agents and estate agency. 

They  are  passionate  about  customer  experience,  giving  customers 

that  “light  bulb  moment”  where  they  have  met  an  estate  agent,  who 

has  promised  a  service,  delivered  on  that  service,  sold  their  house  and 

own business alongside ours;

saved them money.

ƒƒ building  upon  our  market  leading  technology  that  enables  LPEs  to 
be more productive and deliver a more convenient, transparent and 

Our  LPEs  are  entrepreneurial,  ambitious  to  grow  their  territory  and 

to  meet  the  demand  which  continues  to  grow  for  our  hybrid  offering. 

cost-effective service for our customers;

ƒƒ creating  marketing  and  advertising  that  interests,  engages  and 
inspires consumers to want to book a free valuation from Purplebricks 

and ensures that our messaging is clear and transparent;

ƒƒ building  upon  our  customer  service  and  product  offering  by 
introducing  new  products  and  services  that  are  relevant  to  our 

customers’ needs throughout their journey;

ƒƒ maintaining  a  progressive  and  fun  working  environment  where  our 
people  care  about  our  customers,  our  brand  and  our  business  and 

can grow personally and professionally; and

ƒƒ building  a  strong  and  sustainable  business,  which  is  respected  by 
all  stakeholders  for  its  professional  conduct  and  delivering  on  its 

commitments.

Our Local Property Experts

The  Purplebricks  business  model  offers  our  LPEs,  who  are  typically 

highly  experienced  estate  agents,  the  opportunity  of  operating  their 

own  independent  business  under  the  Purplebricks  brand.  The  most 

experienced  LPEs  are  designated  as  Territory  Owners  (TOs),  and  these 

We  are  finding  that  talented,  professional  estate  agents  want  to  be 

part  of  what  Purplebricks  is  seeking  to  achieve.  While  the  industry  has 

a  large  number  of  high  quality  people  to  choose  from,  our  focus  is  on 

maintaining that first class, driven quality of individual.

Build upon our market leading technology

Our business model relies on our technology platform to convert interest 

generated by our marketing driven brand awareness into valuations and 

a decision to instruct.

Bringing  together  first-class  LPEs  and  industry  leading  technology  is 

the foundation upon which the Purplebricks business has been created. 

We  are  very  proud  of  our  technology  and  the  work  we  are  doing  to 

introduce  new  and  innovative  features  that  set  us  apart  from  anyone 

else in the industry. We strive to make the process ever more integrated, 

convenient,  effective  and  transparent.  We  have  already  revolutionised 

the  way  sellers  and  buyers  communicate  throughout  the  sales  process 

and are building on the work we have started.

Part of this development involves adding new features that are engaging, 

informative,  and  supportive  for  our  customers  and  which  enable  our 

LPEs  to  be  more  productive.  Technology  developments  also  enable  us 

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Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Strategic report continued

to integrate with carefully selected partners so that we can provide our 

providing  post-sales  support  and  growing  other  revenue  streams.  We 

customers with products relevant to them at the right time in their sales 

have continued to grow these teams as part of our strategy to increase 

journey and at the same time drive additional revenue streams through 

valuations and drive down the cost per acquisition of every customer.

cross sales opportunities.

As  we  expand  into  new  territories,  we  ensure  we  have  local  technology 

teams who are best placed to support growth by creating locally tailored 

New products and services

technology solutions.

Create engaging marketing and advertising

Advertising  has  always  been  a  central  element  of  the  Purplebricks 

strategy.  We  are  committed  to  creating  marketing  and  advertising 

that  interests,  engages  and  inspires  consumers  to  want  to  book  a 

free  valuation  from  Purplebricks  and  ensure  that  our  messaging  is 

clear  and  transparent.  We  work  hard  to  develop  and  grow  our  brand 

and  have  made  significant  progress,  with  our  prompted  brand 

awareness now at 96%.

Our  model  of  combining  people  and  technology  places  us  in  the  right 

place  at  the  right  time.  As  a  result,  we  can  offer  customers  relevant 

additional  products  and  services  that  complement  their  journey  of 

selling, buying or letting. We are constantly developing new and smarter 

ways  of  supporting  our  customers  with  much  more  convenient,  easy, 

accessible, stress free and cost-effective products and services. We add 

new products and services once we are satisfied that they add value for 

our  customers  and  will  be  delivered  with  the  Purplebricks  culture  and 

ethos. We want to create lifetime value for our customers and this is at 

the core of our strategy.

Last  year  our  “Commisery”  campaign  focussed  on  the  misery  a  person 

Our culture is our business

feels when they have paid significant commission and got nothing more 

for it. We are excited by our current plans which evolve the Commisery 

campaign and see us enter into new media channels.

Our  above  the  line  marketing  is  complemented  by  brand  and  generic 

pay-per-click  activity  which  is  predominantly  provided  by  Google  and 

Bing.  We  use  social  media  in  a  targeted  way  to  drive  more  activity 

amongst sellers and to test and refine marketing campaigns with digital 

platforms  such  as  Rightmove  and  YouTube,  which  will  drive  further 

brand consideration.

In  addition  to  paid  marketing  activities,  we  focus  on  efficiencies  in 

our  valuation  conversion  funnel  and  we  adapt  to  ensure  that  our 

key  messages  are  resonating  with  consumers.  Our  User  Experience 

(UX)  specialists  have  proved  invaluable  at  helping  us  achieve  greater 

conversions across our website and through the “book a valuation” funnel.

Central Property Team

Our  Central  Property  Teams  are  based  in  each  of  our  regional  offices 

and  play  an  important  part  in  generating  valuation  opportunities, 

Our people create our culture, and our technology and our people deliver 

it.  As  a  starting  point  the  founders  created  a  Purplebricks  that  cared 

about  its  people,  that  had  a  progressive  and  fun  working  environment 

and as a consequence our people cared about our customers, our brand 

and  our  business  as  they  grow  personally  and  professionally.  We  have 

kept these founding principles at our core as we scale.

The  businesses  of  a  number  of  our  LPEs  as  well  as  a  number  of 

employees have been awarded share options in Purplebricks Group plc. 

Share based compensation is an important tool of the Group in aligning 

the objectives of LPEs and employees with those of the Group.

We have created a strong brand advocacy within our growing business 

and  amongst  our  customers.  We  work  in  a  progressive  and  fun 

environment where, despite a strong desire to grow their business, our 

people  have  a  tremendous  degree  of  camaraderie,  togetherness  and 

a  collective  brand  advocacy  that  is  extremely  hard  to  replicate.  The 

foundations  begin  for  everyone  with  the  recruitment  programme  and 

training methodology and continue through the heart of the business.

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

11

It has been a year where we have 
cemented our position as the 
number one estate agent in the 
UK and further extended our 
global footprint, taking market 
share from traditional estate 
agents in every country.

Chief Executive’s statement

This has been a year where we have 

down  year  on  year,  we  have  managed  to  gain  market  share,  increase 

revenues and grow customer engagement in all three countries in which 

cemented our position as the largest 

we operate. 

estate agency brand in the UK (according 

to independent research by TwentyCi 

released July 2018), have continued to 

grow our footprint in Australia, launched 

As  we  previously  announced,  we  have  invested  for  growth  by  developing 

our  infrastructure,  increasing  our  management  team  and  technical 

expertise and adding to our compliance, legal and PR resource. We will start 

to see the benefits and operational gearing arising from this investment as 

we grow across the UK, Australia, the US and now Canada. Our strategy of 

investment for sustainable market share growth continues and we believe 

into the US, the largest real estate market 

it will place our company in a strong position for the long term. 

in the world, and post the financial year 

end agreed to acquire the DuProprio 

business in Canada. 

Our brand awareness has materially grown across all markets and we are 

leading the way in providing positive customer experiences and feedback. 

Whilst the markets in the UK and Australia have been and continue to be 

challenging for the industry, with overall transaction volume and sentiment 

On  26  March  2018  we  announced  that  we  had  secured  a  £125m  strategic 

investment (of which £100m was equity for new shares) in our business by 

Axel  Springer,  the  leading  European  publishing,  classifieds  and  property 

portal business, in order to accelerate the roll-out of the Purplebricks model 

in  the  US,  to  support  entry  into  new  markets  and  to  fund  technological 

innovation  and  expand  Purplebricks’  service  offering.  Some  of  the  more 

significant progress that we have made in these areas is set out below.

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Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Chief Executive’s Statement continued

UK 

the  industry  and,  at  96%,  brand  awareness  levels  higher  than  the  leading 

property portals. 

In the UK, our year on year monthly instructions 
and revenue continue to grow despite a number of 
traditional estate agents reporting a slowdown in 
activity, a reduction in market share and a decrease in 
their revenues. 

We  continue  to  drive  down  our  costs  of  acquisition  through  innovative 

pay  per  click  strategies  and  new  technologies.  Our  customer  experience 

is continuously being enhanced with new onsite journeys being deployed 

for  both  valuation  and  instruction  bookings  and  the  introduction  of  CRM 

capabilities.

We  continue  to  win  market  share  from  the  traditional  estate  agents  and 

We  firmly  believe  that  we  must  continue  to  grasp  the  opportunity  that 

have  increased  our  year  on  year  share  of  the  “non  traditional”  market 

exists  for  the  brand,  whilst  relentlessly  developing  the  experience  for  our 

from  72%  to  74%.  An  independent  analysis  recently  commissioned  by 

customers  and  our  people.  Technology  will  drive  long  term  success  for 

Purplebricks  and  provided  by  the  leading,  whole  of  market,  industry 

Purplebricks,  it  will  help  to  delight,  excite  and  surprise  customers  as  we 

data  specialists  TwentyCi  resulted  in  a  number  of  conclusions  about  our 

make the process of moving home increasingly simple, straightforward and 

performance for FY 18: 

ƒƒ Sold  more:  Purplebricks  sold  (Sold  Subject  to  Contract  (SSTC))  3.1 
times  the  number  of  properties  than  the  next  largest  UK  estate 

stress  free.  Technology  will  also  help  our  people  and  LPEs  deliver  service 

with greater ease, making them more and more productive and as a result 

more successful. 

agency brand (increased to 3.3 in H2) 

We  will  continue  to  invest  in  marketing  in  the  UK  and  will  broaden  our 

ƒƒ Sold  more:  By  the  end  of  the  financial  year  Purplebricks  was  selling 
(SSTC  and  exchanged)  more  houses  than  any  other  group  of  estate 

agency brands in the UK 

ƒƒ Highest conversion: Purplebricks had the highest level of conversion 
to sale (SSTC) of the top 10 estate agency brands in the UK and has the 

best year on year improvement in conversion 

ƒƒ Sold faster: Purplebricks sold (SSTC) properties faster than the top 10 

strategy to engage more closely with people on a local level in order to win 

that  next  swathe  of  people  considering  our  service.  Whilst  we  will  review 

marketing  spend  to  make  the  most  of  the  opportunities  that  present 

themselves  we  expect  in  the  current  financial  year  to  increase  our  UK 

marketing spend to further grow our market share. 

Our focus on customers and the support and advancement of our people 

remains  front  and  centre.  The  culture  of  our  business  provides  strength, 

gives  protection  and  ensures  positive  momentum  and  focus  on  our 

largest estate agency brands in the UK 

customers and each other. We are a collective force for change that works 

ƒƒ Complete  faster:  Purplebricks  completed  on  sales  faster  than  any  of 

the top 10 largest estate agency brands in the UK 

ƒƒ Secure best price: Purplebricks secured an average uplift of £6,000 on 
sale price (in properties in the £250,000-£300,000 range), in addition 

to the saving made on fees charged by Purplebricks when compared 

to a traditional estate agent

ƒƒ No  1  at  selling  houses:  81%  of  listings  sold  (completed,  exchanged  or 

to ensure customers receive a continuously better service, find the process 

simple,  convenient  and  more  transparent  whilst  saving  money  to  invest 

in  their  homes  and  their  families.  We  are  focused  on  completion  not  on 

a  commission  so  can  offer  unrivalled  attention  and  conflict  free  advice 

for customers.

Despite  our  constant  drive  for  innovation  and  growth  we  are  proud 

that  we  continue  to  be  the  most  positively  reviewed  estate  agent  in 

the  UK  on  independent  review  site  Trustpilot.  This  is  testament  to  the 

SSTC) within 12 months to April 2018 

culture,  commitment  and  dedication  to  always  enhancing  the  customer 

ƒƒ Largest  market  share:  Purplebricks  has  the  largest  market  share 
across all price bands up to £1m and strong growth in all price bands, 

unrivalled by any of the top 10 estate agencies in the UK

experience.  The  rapid  and  widespread  appeal  of  our  hybrid  model  proves 

that  customers  not  only  benefit  from  a  fixed  flat  fee  but  also  from  a 

superior service. We are rated Excellent, averaging 9.5 out of 10 from over 

47,000 customer reviews. We have recently introduced a second review site 

Our average revenue per instruction continues to increase and is now £1,168, 

Feefo  which  gives  our  customers  a  wider  choice  of  credible  independent 

and we have new initiatives that will be launched in FY 19 which we expect 

reviews sites. 

to drive further progress.

Recruitment  and  training  remains  an  important  part  of  our  success  and 

growth  strategy.  The  number  of  LPEs  engaged  increased  by  43%  year  on 

year  although  in  the  second  half  of  the  financial  year  we  put  a  greater 

emphasis  on  increased  LPE  productivity,  growing  academy  members 

and sales assistants in LPE businesses. We have a thriving academy which 

is  training  the  next  generation  of  LPEs  and  which  has  already  provided 

graduates who are now operating on behalf of the Purplebricks brand. The 

current strategy enables us to build on the strong customer focused culture 

we  have  created  and  enables  the  LPEs  to  continue  to  build  sustainable, 

profitable businesses. 

We  are  proud  of  the  brand  we  have  created  in  the  short  period  since 

launch  of  the  business  back  in  2014.  Our  ‘Commisery’  campaign  resulted 

in  unprecedented  levels  of  recognition  and  current  brand  attribution  for 

Australia 

We have made the progress we expected in Australia 
during this financial year. Revenue has increased by 
285% year on year to £13.5m (in excess of $24m AUD) 
and the average revenue run rate has increased by 
137%. Average revenue per instruction has increased 
by 22% to £3,170. 

The  number  of  LPEs  has  increased  to  90  although  there  was  a  change 

in  strategy  during  the  year  to  introduce  Sales  Associates  with  a  view  to 

increasing the productivity of LPEs. A total of 88 Sales Associates have been 

recruited increasing the sales coverage by over 170%. 

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

13

Chief Executive’s Statement continued

The brand continues to grow with spontaneous unaided awareness rising 

by  over  176%,  making  Purplebricks  Australia’s  third  most  recognised  real 

that offers a growing established platform for 
expansion into the Canadian real estate market. 

estate  brand,  whilst  awareness  of  our  competitors  has  remained  flat. 

Consideration has also grown by 45% year on year to 29% by year end. We 

have  now  facilitated  the  sale  and  completion  of  over  $2.1bn  of  properties 

in  Australia,  $1.76bn  of  which  in  this  financial  year.  We  estimate  we  have 

saved  Australians  over  $36m  in  traditional  agents  commission.  Despite 

our  growth  we  have  maintained  an  Excellent  rating  on  Trustpilot  with 

reviews  increasing  by  500%  year  on  year  to  2,800  in  total  and  an  average 

rating of 9.3/10. 

Whilst  the  Australian  market  overall  is  challenging  for  the  industry  there 

remains a big opportunity for Purplebricks to capitalise on the significant 

sea-change  in  consumer  thinking,  as  they  move  away  from  high  cost 

traditional estate agency to saving thousands of dollars and getting great 

service with Purplebricks. We are investing more in advertising, technology 

and the advancement of our service in Australia to grow our market share. 

US 

We are excited by the progress we are making in 
the US market. We launched in September 2017 in 
LA designated market areas and have since then 
launched into Sacramento, Fresno and San Diego in 
January 2018, New York DMA in April 2018 and more 
recently announced a launch into Arizona and Nevada 
in June 2018. 

The  enterprise  value  (on  a  cash  free/debt  free  basis)  of  CAN$51  million, 

approximately £29.3 million, is payable in cash at closing, which is expected 

to  occur  on  or  before  6  July  2018,  subject  to  customary  adjustments.  The 

valuation  is  attractive  based  on  DuProprio’s  strong market  position  in  the 

Canadian  real  estate  sector,  particularly  in  Quebec,  impressive  revenue 

growth since launch and its current profitability. 

DuProprio  owns  and  operates  one  of  Canada’s  leading  commission-free 

real  estate  services  brands.  The  acquisition  by  Purplebricks  is  expected  to 

enable additional growth opportunities for the business including growing 

market  share  in  Canada,  enhancing  customers’  experience  through  its 

market  leading  model  and  technology,  capitalising  on  an  extensive  buy-

side  revenue  opportunity  and  introducing  aspects  of  the  Purplebricks 

business  model  to  operate  alongside  the  highly  successful  digital  service 

offered by DuProprio. Purplebricks is targeting an additional investment of 

up to £15m in DuProprio’s expansion across Canada over the next two years 

funded,  as  before,  from  the  retained  profits  generated  by  the  province  of 

Quebec and supplemented from the cash reserves of Purplebricks. 

DuProprio will continue to operate under the existing brands of DuProprio 

in  Quebec  and  ComFree  outside  of  Quebec,  although  there  will  be  a 

strategic  opportunity  to  introduce  the  Purplebricks  brand  outside  of 

Quebec in the future.

DuProprio  will  continue  to  be  led  by  the  existing,  highly  experienced, 

management  team  headed  by  CEO,  Marco  Dodier,  Senior  Vice  President 

&  CFO,  Jean-Bruno  Lessard,  COO  &  Vice  President  Brokerage  Operations, 

Whilst it is still early days we are pleased with our progress and the prospects 

Lukas  Lhotsky  and  Marie-Christine  Blain,  Vice  President  Legal  Affairs  and 

for  continued  growth.  The  revenue  opportunities  are  significant  with  our 

Compliance, who together have been with DuProprio for a combined total 

fixed listing fee, buy side fees, escrow, title and mortgage services that have 

of 33 years.

been  or  are  due  to  be  launched  very  soon. We  are  growing market  share 

across all the states where we are located and are successfully building out 

the infrastructure to capitalise on the already significant revenue that can 

Longer Lifetime Relationships

come from providing escrow and title services. 

We continue to gain more and more intelligence on each market, the types 

of creating longer lifetime relationships with our customers. We want to 

of  people  who  are  listing  with  us,  their  demographics,  average  property 

keep  customers,  whether  selling,  buying  or  letting  engaged  with  the 

values and the type of experience that resonates best with our customers. 

brand  beyond  the  end  of  their  sale,  purchase  or  let.  We  would  like  to 

We have successfully launched advertising campaigns across all channels 

create an environment where Purplebricks is front of mind for products, 

and are due to launch a new series of “Commisery” advertising in July 2018. 

services,  advice  and  support  on  everything 

involving  home  sale, 

Following the Axel Springer investment we have accelerated our strategy 

There have been some remarkable achievements in the short period since 

our launch in the US. Our aided brand awareness has grown to 50.5% from a 

standing start whilst unaided brand awareness has already reached over 3% 

(established agent Redfin has 4.2%). Consideration is outstanding at 35.9% 

amongst  our  core  target  audience.  The  UK  did  not  reach  this  score  until 

nearly three and a half years after launch.

Canada 

Following the investment from Axel Springer, we 
announced on 2 July 2018 that we had entered into 
a conditional agreement to acquire DuProprio from 
Yellow Pages Digital & Media Solutions Limited, a 
subsidiary of Yellow Pages Limited, in a transaction 

purchase  and  ownership  and  become  a  household  name  for  making 

everything  much  more  simple,  convenient,  informative,  innovative  and 

supportive  for  our  customers.  Our  strategy  will  also  unlock  the  ability 

to  earn  significant  additional  revenue  for  the  business. We  are  working 

towards a launch of our stage one strategy in the second half of the 2019 

financial year.

Technology

Technology  will  drive  long  term  success  for  Purplebricks,  it  will  help  to 

delight, excite and surprise customers as we make the process of moving 

home  increasingly  simple,  straightforward  and  stress  free.  It  will  also 

help  our  people  deliver  the  service  with  greater  ease,  making  them 

more  productive  and  as  a  result  more  successful.  We  have  previously 

announced our intention to invest further in technology that we believe 

will  also  drive  greater  revenues,  reduce  the  cost  of  delivery,  optimise 

14

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

conversions  and  expose  our  growing  brand  to  a  wider  audience.  We 

Mitigation:  The  Group  keeps  a  close  eye  on  market  conditions  and  the 

are executing on our strategy and are working towards a launch of the 

broader  economies  in  which  we  operate,  and  believes  the  outlook  for 

first  stage  of  development  towards  the  end  of  the  first  half  of  the  2019 

the  UK  online  property  advertising  market  remains  positive,  despite 

financial year.

Thank you

the  continuing  uncertainties  stemming  from  the  result  of  the  EU 

referendum. Our cost base is relatively flexible and able to react quickly 

and effectively to changes in market conditions.

People

I  would  like  to  thank  all  of  our  people  for  their  hard  work,  dedication, 

commitment and absolute belief in our customers and our brand. They 

continue to create thousands of brand ambassadors in an industry that 

is often talked about, and usually criticised and disliked. I would also like 

to  thank  our  customers  who  continue  to  embrace  what  we  are  trying 

Potential  impact:  An  experienced  and  knowledgeable  workforce  is 

required  to  service  clients’  needs.  The  market  for  skilled  staff  remains 

competitive  and  a  failure  to  recruit  and  retain  experienced  staff  could 

impact on the Group’s ability to develop and deliver solutions.

to achieve and have actively helped and supported us in our journey to 

Mitigation: Providing existing staff with relevant training, great rewards, 

date.  Without  belief  in  what  we  promise  to  deliver  (and  do  deliver)  we 

effective  marketing  and  an  effective  software  platform  is  a  key  priority 

could not grow our business in quite the same way. Their advocacy of our 

for  the  business.  Recruiting  and  developing  new  employees,  when 

products, services and brand is truly remarkable.

required, is undertaken by experienced staff to ensure the correct calibre 

Finally  I  would  like  to  thank  our  shareholders  for  their  support  and 

of individual is identified.

encouragement.  They  have  invested  in  creating  a  strong,  people  and 

Reputational and quality

innovation focused business that is changing the estate agency industry 

forever.  We  are  working  tirelessly  to  deliver  enduring  returns  for  our 

shareholders.

The future

Whilst  all  property  markets  throughout  the  world  are  experiencing  a 

period of change, pressure from new entrants such as Purplebricks and 

political  uncertainty  that  is  driving  flat  national  transaction  numbers 

at  best,  we  see  this  as  an  opportunity.  Consumers  are  demanding 

Potential impact: The quality of references obtained from existing users 

of  Purplebricks’  platform  is  an  important  part  of  the  decision  making 

process  for  a  potential  client  seeking  to  instruct  the  Group.  As  such,  a 

failure  to  continue  to  deliver  quality  services  to  existing  users  could 

impact our ability to grow.

Mitigation:  The  Group  strives  to  maintain  its  reputation  as  the  best 

estate  agency  combined  with  great  value  for  money  and  monitors  its 

customer feedback, both direct and through third party providers, on a 

real time daily basis.

an  experience,  not  just  a  product  or  service.  They  want  simplicity, 

Availability of funding

convenience, transparency, certainty and support whilst saving as much 

money  as  possible.  We  are  in  an  era  where  loyalty  is  dependent  upon 

a  deeper  consumer  experience.  We  believe  that  Purplebricks  is  best 

placed  to  capitalise  and  is  leading  the  industry  by  delivering  the  only 

truly end to end experience for customers.

We will continue to invest in exceptional experiences and building longer 

lifetime  relationships  with  everyone  who  has  an  interaction  with  our 

brand.  Technology  will  play  a  leading  role  and  those  who  invest  now 

will  be  the  brands  of  the  present  and  of  the  future.  We  look  forward 

with  excitement.  Our  global  projects  will  increase  our  efficiencies,  our 

Potential impact: In order to grow the business and become profitable 

the Group needs access to funding. Without sufficient capital the Group 

will be unable to meet its ambitious targets.

Mitigation:  The  Group  has  continued  fundraising  activities,  most 

recently by raising an investment of £100m from Axel Springer, and has 

sufficient  headroom  in  respect  of  its  working  capital  requirements  and 

its forecasts, even when applying lower case sensitivities to the forecast.

Financial

productivity and deeper understanding of consumer thinking.

Potential  impact:  Inaccurate  financial  information  may  result  in  sub-

Principal risks and uncertainties

Risk management is an increasingly important part of the management 

process for the Group. Assessing the nature of risks faced, the magnitude 

of the risk presented to business performance and the manner in which 

the risk may be mitigated is critical for the business for the long term.

The risks considered to be particularly important at the current time are 

set out below:

Economic

optimal  decisions  being  taken  by  management  and  staff.  Inadequate 

internal controls may fail to prevent the Group suffering a financial loss.

Mitigation:  The  systems  of  internal  controls  deployed  within  the  Group 

are  designed  to  prevent  financial  loss.  Controls  are  strongest  in  areas 

where  management  considers  the  potential  exposure  to  the  Group 

of  material  loss  or  misstatement  to  be  at  its  greatest,  such  as  revenue 

recognition  and  cash  collection.  Processes  to  improve  internal  controls 

and reviews are in place to improve as the business develops.

New entrants to market

Potential impact: The success of The Group is dependent on maintaining 

our market share whilst operating in a sector where there are a number 

Potential  impact:  As  an  estate  agency  the  Group’s  fortunes  are  closely 

intertwined with those of the housing market and the broader economy 

of competitors including new entrants.

as a whole in the countries in which we operate.

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

15

Mitigation: To counter the threat of competitors seeking to win business 

Mitigation: The Group continues to seek out appropriate advice and hire 

from us the Group aims to invest in the development of technology and 

the  best  people  whilst  remaining  well-funded  to  face  these  challenges 

branding  to  ensure  that  the  Group  becomes  the  market  leader  in  the 

with  confidence.  Tax,  treasury,  legal,  and  financial  expertise  has  been 

estate agency sector.

Data Security

recruited at Group level to provide control and support for our overseas 

personnel  whilst  ensuring  consistent  and  appropriate  best  practice 

operations and procedures.

Potential impact: Loss of its IT provision or other material facilities would 

have a serious impact on the Group’s operations.

Mitigation: The Group monitors the resilience of its information systems 

Future developments

and  other  facilities  on  an  ongoing  basis  introducing  updates  and 

We  expect  future  developments  in  estate  agency  to  continue  to  see  a 

upgrades as appropriate. External advice is sought as appropriate.

migration  away  from  the  high  street  as  a  highly  fragmented  market 

Overseas risk

Potential  impact:  In  order  for  The  Group  to  successfully  continue  to 

consolidates  by  virtue  of  the  ease  and  simplicity  that  Purplebricks  and 

its technology brings. We expect Purplebricks Group plc to remain at the 

forefront of this change in the industry landscape, building on its market 

expand in overseas markets we require the appropriate knowledge and 

leading position.

understanding of these markets and to ensure compliance with local law 

and regulation.

Approved and signed on behalf of the Board

Michael Bruce, Director 

4 July 2018

16

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

The business is supported by a 
robust balance sheet and has 
financed its expansion using its 
extensive cash reserve.

Chief Financial Officer’s report

The 2018 financial year has been shaped by three key factors: 

further establishing the Australian business and in launching within the 

ƒƒ significant growth and improved profitability within the UK business;
ƒƒ the  first  12  month  period  where  we  have  operated  within  all  five 

mainland Australian states;

ƒƒ the US launch.

Overall  revenue  for  the  Group  increased  by  100.6%  during  the  year 

to  £93.7m.  Gross  profit  increased  by  103.5%  to  £52.6m.  Investment  in 

US  has  led  to  a  Group  operating  loss  of  £24.7m,  compared  to  a  loss  of 

£6.0m in FY 2017.

The business is supported by a robust balance sheet with a strong cash 

position. To date the Group has financed its expansion without taking on 

debt. The Group had a cash balance at 30 April 2018 of £152.8m.

Extract of consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

FY 2018 

FY 2017 

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Gross profit margin (%)

Administrative expenses

Sales & marketing expenses

Loss from operating activities under IFRS

Reconciliation to alternative performance measure: Adjusted EBITDA

Depreciation & amortisation

Share based payment charge

Adjusted EBITDA 

Reconciliation to alternative performance measure: Adjusted operating loss

Loss from operating activities 

Share based payment charge

Adjusted operating loss 

Reconciliation to alternative performance measure: Adjusted operating costs

Administrative expenses 

Share based payment charge

Depreciation & amortisation

Adjusted operating costs 

£m

93.7

(41.1)

52.6

56.1%

(35.2)

(42.1)

(24.7)

1.7

3.5

(19.6)

(24.7)

3.5

(21.3)

(35.2)

3.5

1.7

(30.1)

£m

46.7

(20.9)

25.8

55.3%

(13.6)

(18.2)

(6.0)

0.6

0.9

(4.5)

(6.0)

0.9

(5.1)

(13.6)

0.9

0.6

(12.2) 

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

17

Chief Financial Officer’s Report continued

UK

Extract of UK statement of comprehensive income

FY 2018 

FY 2017

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Gross profit margin (%)

Administrative expenses

Sales & marketing expenses

Profit from operating activities under IFRS

Reconciliation to alternative performance measure: Adjusted EBITDA

Depreciation & amortisation

Share based payment charge

Adjusted EBITDA 

Reconciliation to alternative performance measure: Adjusted operating profit

Profit from operating activities 

Share based payment charge

Adjusted operating profit 

Reconciliation to alternative performance measure: Adjusted operating costs

Administrative expenses 

Share based payment charge

Depreciation & amortisation

Adjusted operating costs 

£m

78.1

(33.1)

45.1

57.7%

(19.5)

(21.4)

4.2

1.6

2.4

8.1

4.2

2.4

6.5

(19.5)

2.4

1.6

(15.5)

£m

43.2

(18.9)

24.2

56.1%

(9.7)

(14.4)

0.2

0.5

0.9

1.7

0.2

0.9

1.1

(9.7)

0.9

0.5

(8.2) 

KPIs: The Directors use key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess performance of the business against the Group’s strategy. The strategy is 

built around: efficiently attracting good quality customers to our website; gaining market share and providing customers with choice to enable 

revenue per instruction to increase.

New users represents the number of unique visitors to the website in the year.

Cost per instruction represents total marketing costs, including portal costs, divided by instructions.

Marketing as a percentage of sales represents the total marketing costs, including portal costs, as a percentage of total revenue. 

UK KPIs

New users

Instructions

Average revenue per instruction 

Cost per instruction

Marketing as a % sales

2018

2017

Change (%)

13,820,000

8,396,000

64,376

£1,168

£332

27.4%

41,211

£1,035

£349

33.3%

64.6%

56.2%

12.9%

(4.9)%

(5.9)bps

UK revenue increased by 80.9% during the year. This was driven by two 

UK Gross profit margin for the year was 57.7% up from 56.1% during the 

key factors:

prior year. The majority of cost of sales is represented by the earnings of 

1 

increase of 56.2% in number of instructions; and

self-employed LPEs.

2  rise  in  average  revenue  per  instruction  by  12.9%  to  £1,168  (£1,035  in 

prior year).

As  discussed  below,  during  the  year  the  UK  deferred  payment  provider 

was  changed  for  commercial  reasons.  Due  to  differences 

in  the 

arrangements  with  our  new  deferred  payment  provider,  £1.7m  of  costs 

The revenue for the year was split 57:43 between instruction and ancillary 

associated  with  this  new  agreement  are  recognised  within  interest 

revenue  respectively  (FY  2017:  70:30).  We  have  seen  a  notable  shift 

payable (as invoice factoring costs) rather than within cost of sales as was 

towards ancillary as we continue to increase our focus on offering more 

previously the case. If the equivalent costs for FY 2017 and the first part 

products and choice to our customers. 

18

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Chief Financial Officer’s Report continued

of FY 2018 had been similarly classified, then gross profit margin would 

Adjusted EBITDA for the year (see definition above) of £8.1m is up £6.4m 

have moved from 60.7% in FY 2017 to 59.9% in FY 2018. 

or 389.9% over the prior year.

Adjusted  operating  costs  (see  definition  below)  rose  89.4%  during 

Depreciation and amortisation is up £1.1m or 191.2% on FY 2017 (see note 6). 

the  year  to  £15.5m  (£8.2m  in  FY  2017).  FY  2018  has  seen  investment  in 

This increase is due to continued investment in our technology platform.

infrastructure  in  terms  of  the  technology  team,  legal  and  compliance 

and  tax  and  treasury,  along  with  expanding  our  office  space  in  Solihull 

to enable us to meet the growth in demand which has been generated. 

This investment will continue as appropriate as the business continues to 

scale up in the UK. Both share based payments charge and depreciation/

amortisation have increased year on year, due to the grant of new share 

options to incentivise and retain  employees  and  LPEs  (see  note 8),  and 

Share  based  payment  charge  is  up  £1.5m  or  158.4%  on  FY  2017.  This 

reflects the further grant of options under the Group’s schemes during 

the year to align the objectives of key employees with the performance 

of  the  Group  as  a  whole,  along  with  a  catch  up  adjustment  to  the 

method  of  spreading  this  charge  over  the  4  year  vesting  period  of  the 

option schemes.

due  to  ongoing  investment.  Despite  these  cost  increases,  operating 

There  was  an  error  in  the  brought  forward  share  based  payment 

profit has improved strongly in the year.

reserve  at  both  1  May  2016  and  1  May  2017,  with  an  equal  and  opposite 

Marketing  costs,  which  include  portal  costs,  rose  48.7%  to  £21.4m 

(£14.4 in FY 2017), reflecting continued investment in the UK brand and 

customer  acquisition  to  grow  market  share.  Marketing  efficiency  and 

operating  leverage  over  this  spend  has  driven  a  reduction  in  cost  per 

instruction  of  4.9%  during  the  year  from  £349  to  £332.  These  figures 

compensating error in retained earnings at £975k. This error, which was 

due  to  the  incorrect  application  of  the  vesting  period  of  the  options 

resulting  in  an  understatement  of  the  SBP  expense  recognised,  has 

been restated. There was no impact on reported earnings or net assets.

include portal costs.

Australia

Extract of Australia statement of comprehensive income

FY 2018

FY 2017

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Gross profit margin (%)

Administrative expenses

Sales & marketing expenses

Loss from operating activities

Reconciliation to alternative performance measure: Adjusted EBITDA

Depreciation & amortisation

Share based payment charge

Adjusted EBITDA

Reconciliation to alternative performance measure: Adjusted operating loss 

Loss from operating activities

Share based payment charge

Adjusted operating loss 

Reconciliation to alternative performance measure: Adjusted operating costs 

Administrative expenses

Share based payment charge

Depreciation & amortisation

Adjusted operating costs 

AUSTRALIA KPIs

New users

Instructions

Average revenue per instruction 

Cost per instruction 

Marketing as a % sales

£m

13.5

(7.3)

6.3

46.2%

(7.3)

(11.4)

(12.4)

0.1

0.6

 (11.8)

 (12.4)

0.6

 (11.8)

 (7.3)

0.6

0.1

(6.7)

£m

3.5

(1.9)

1.6

45.7%

(3.9)

(3.8)

(6.1)

-

-

(6.1)

(6.1)

-

(6.1)

(3.9)

-

-

(3.9)

2018

851,000

4,544

£3,170

£2,533

83.9%

2017

Change (%)

270,000

1,457

£2,600

£2,282

108.6%

315.2%

211.9%

21.9%

11.0%

(24.7)bps 

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

19

Chief Financial Officer’s Report continued

The  Australian  business  completed  its  launch  into  the  five  mainland 

Gross profit margin has improved slightly on FY 2017.

states in April 2017. This financial year therefore represents a full twelve 

months of business within these states.

Adjusted  operating  costs  (see  definition  below)  increased  from  £3.9m 

to  £6.7m  (70.7%)  as  the  scale  of  operations  increased  and  continued 

Investment  continues  within  the  Australian  business  and  as  at  30  April 

investment was made in the operating footprint.

2018 a total of £19.3m had been invested by the Group in Australia. During 

FY  2018  the  management  team  was  strengthened,  the  development 

team  expanded  and  the  operational  footprint  was  further  refined  in 

order to meet the demands of the states in which Purplebricks operates.

Revenue increased by 284.8% to £13.5m (£3.5m in FY 2017). Gross profit of 

£6.3m is up from £1.6m in FY 2017. 

Loss  from  operating  activities  includes  the  charge  of  £0.6m  (2017:nil) 

arising  from  grant  of  share  options  to  incentivise  and  retain  Australian 

employees and LPEs.

Marketing costs increased from £3.8m to £11.4m as the business invested 

in growing market share. This increase of 198.4% compares favourably to 

the increase in revenue.

US

Extract of US statement of comprehensive income

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Gross profit margin (%)

Administrative expenses

Sales & marketing expenses

Loss from operating activities

Reconciliation to alternative performance measure: Adjusted EBITDA

Depreciation & amortisation

Share based payment charge

Adjusted EBITDA

Reconciliation to alternative performance measure: Adjusted operating loss 

Loss from operating activities

Share based payment charge

Adjusted operating loss 

Reconciliation to alternative performance measure: Adjusted operating costs 

Administrative expenses

Share based payment charge

Depreciation & amortisation

Adjusted operating costs 

FY 2018

£m

2.0

(0.8)

1.3

63.0%

(8.4)

(9.4)

(16.5)

-

0.5

(16.0)

(16.5)

0.5

(16.0)

(8.4)

0.5

-

(7.9)

FY 2017

£m

-

-

-

-%

(0.1)

-

(0.1)

-

-

(0.1)

(0.1)

-

(0.1)

(0.1)

-

-

(0.1)

It is expected that the US KPIs will be incorporated going forward as the 

The  Group  is  pleased  with  the  traction  which  has  already  been  gained 

business develops. The Group launched activities in the US in September 

within all US regions. The timing of launches outside of LA was ahead of 

2017. Prior to US launch certain operating and marketing activities were 

schedule and we are excited about the opportunity which the US market 

undertaken for which costs were incurred in both FY 2017 and FY 2018.  

represents. Both the volume of transactions across the whole of the US 

Having launched in Los Angeles (LA), there were further launches within 

California  in  January  2018  followed  by  the  launch  in  the  Designated 

market  and  the  fee  pool  per  transaction  are  higher  than  both  the  UK 

and Australia.

Market Area (DMA) of New York in April 2018.

Further launches within the US are planned for FY 2019 and beyond.

US  revenue  for  FY  2018  was  £2.0m  with  a  gross  profit  margin  of  63%. 

There  was  a  loss  from  operating  activities  of  £16.5m  which  represents 

investment  in  marketing  and  infrastructure  as  the  Purplebricks  model 

is  rolled  out  and  market  share  is  won.  FY  2018  operating  loss  includes 

a  share  based  payment  charge  in  respect  of  share  options  granted  to 

incentivise and retain key US employees and LREEs.

20

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

 
Chief Financial Officer’s Report continued

Material transactions and exceptional items

before  6  July  2018,  subject  to  customary  adjustments.  The  valuation  is 

attractive  based  on  DPCF’s  strong  market  position  in  the  Canadian 

No  exceptional  items  were  identified  for  the  year  to  30  April  2018  (FY 

real  estate  sector,  impressive  revenue  growth  since  launch  and  its 

2017: none).

profitability. Please see the Chief Executive’s Report for further details of 

During  the  year  the  Group  received  a  significant  new  funding  via  an 

investment  from  Axel  Springer  SE.  The  impact  on  the  Group’s  financial 

position and cash flow are discussed in the sections below.

Axel  Springer  SE  (through  its  subsidiary,  Fünfundachtzigste  “Media” 

Vermögensverwaltungsgesellschaft  mbH)  (“Axel  Springer”),  Europe’s 

this transaction.

Discontinued operations

All  of  the  Group’s  activities  are  continuing  throughout  FY  2017 

leading  digital  publisher,  made  a  £125  million  (of  which  £100m  was  to 

and FY 2018.

the  Company)  strategic  investment  in  Purplebricks  by  subscribing  for 

new  ordinary  shares  of  £0.01  each  (“Ordinary  Shares”)  in  the  Company 

(the  “Subscription”)  as  well  as  acquiring  existing  Ordinary  Shares  from 

certain PDMRs of the Company (the “Share Purchase”) at a price of 360p 

per Ordinary Share (together the “Strategic Investment”). Following the 

Strategic  Investment,  Axel  Springer  owns  approximately  11.5  per  cent. 

of  Purplebricks’  issued  share  capital,  as  enlarged  by  the  Subscription, 

and  Purplebricks  has  appointed  Dr  Andreas  Wiele,  an  executive  board 

member  of  Axel  Springer  and  President  Classifieds  Media,  as  a  non-

executive director on Purplebricks’ Board of directors (the “Board”).

Tax

The Group’s tax charge was £0.9 million (2017: £3.1 million credit). The tax 

charge includes £1.3m notional tax that would be payable on underlying 

UK  profits,  prior  to  the  statutory  deduction  for  the  exercise  of  share 

options  inclusive  of  a  £0.2m  catch  up  prior  year  adjustment.  This  is  an 

accounting  outcome  only,  requiring  the  disclosure  of  a  tax  charge  in 

the income statement, even though no tax is payable and an offsetting 

credit  direct  to  equity  of  £1.3m  for  share  option  related  deductions 

The  Group  changed  its  UK  deferred  payment  provider  during  the  year. 

in  changes  in  equity.  The  tax  charge  is  also  stated  net  of  a  credit  for 

While the commercial terms of the arrangements are slightly different, 

repayable  R&D  tax  credits.  Whereas  2017  reflected  a  tax  credit  for  the 

there  is  no  cashflow  impact.  Due  to  the  differences  in  commercial 

first-time  recognition  of  previously  unrecognised  deferred  tax  assets, 

terms,  from  an  accounting  point  of  view,  the  fees  payable  in  respect 

the deferred tax position has been held largely constant in 2018, with no 

of the new provider are reflected in the income statement as losses on 

significant new recognition of deferred tax assets.

derecognition of financial assets, whereas the fees payable to the former 

provider were shown within cost of sales. The impact of this difference on 

gross profit margin is discussed above.

Statement of financial position

During  the  year  Company  made  capital  injections  into  its  subsidiaries 

in  Australia  and  the  US,  reflective  of  the  Group’s  long  term  financial 

commitment to our continuing overseas expansion whilst strengthening 

the local balance sheets.

The  Group  has  a  strong  financial  position  to  support  its  continued 

expansion, including a closing cash balance of £152.8 million (2017: £71.3 

million) and no debt. The cash position includes the inflow from the Axel 

Springer  strategic  investment  in  the  Group,  net  of  operating  outflows 

in the year.

Post balance sheet acquisition

Net  assets  of  £154.4  million  were  £79.0  million  higher  than  the  April 

2017 year end figure of £75.4 million, driven largely by the growth in the 

On  2  July  2018,  Purplebricks  announced  that  it  had  entered  into  a 

cash  balance,  partially  offset  by  an  increase  in  the  net  working  capital 

conditional  agreement  to  acquire  DuProprio/ComFree  (“DPCF”)  from 

position  of  the  Group.  Fixed  assets  increased  to  £8.1  million  (2017:  £6.1 

Yellow  Pages  Digital  &  Media  Solutions  Limited,  a  subsidiary  of  Yellow 

million) representing the Group’s continued investment in its technology 

Pages Limited, in a transaction that offers a-growth established platform 

capabilities.

for expansion into the Canadian real estate market. The enterprise value 

(on  a  cash  free/debt  free  basis)  of  CAN$51  million,  approximately  £29.3 

million,  is  payable  in  cash  at  closing,  which  is  expected  to  occur  on  or 

The  net  working  capital  position  of  the  Group  has  grown  in  line  with 

increased activity.

Tangible and intangible fixed assets

Deferred tax asset, net of deferred tax liabilities

Non-current assets

Net working capital

Derivative financial liabilities

Tax receivable

Cash and cash equivalents

Net assets

FY 2018

FY 2017

£m

8.1

2.9

11.0

(9.7)

-

0.3

152.8

154.4

£m

6.1

2.8

8.9

(4.7)

(0.1)

-

71.3

75.4

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

21

Cash flow

had a free cash outflow of £19.8 million (2017: £5.2 million outflow) which 

represents the cash consumed by the Group in the course of operations 

Operating  cash  flow,  which  represents  cash  generated  from,  or 

and  to  fund  organic  expansion,  before  acquisition  expenditure  and  the 

consumed  by  operations,  after  marketing  expenditure  but  before  fixed 

proceeds of raising finance.

asset  expenditure  was  an  outflow  of  £14.6  million  (2017:  £3.1  million 

outflow). After technology expenditure which is eligible for capitalisation, 

other  capital  expenditure  and  finance  income/expenditure,  the  Group 

The  total  cash  inflow  for  the  year  was  £82.0 million  (2017:  £40.8 million) 

after the inflow from share issues. Full cash movements are included in 

the statement of cash flows.

FY 2018

FY 2017

Operating profit before marketing 

Marketing expenditure

Operating loss

Depreciation and amortisation

Share based payments non-cash charge

Movement in working capital

Operating cash flow

Investment in fixed assets

Finance income / expenditure

Free cash flow

Acquisition of subsidiary

Share issue proceeds

Net cash inflow

Definitions

£m

17.4

(42.1)

(24.7)

1.7

3.5

4.9

(14.6)

(3.7)

(1.5)

(19.8)

-

101.8

82.0

£m

12.2

(18.2)

(6.0)

0.6

0.9

1.4

(3.1)

(2.2)

0.1

(5.2)

(3.3)

49.3

40.8

Adjusted EBITDA, which is not defined in IFRS, is a measure 

Amortisation is a non cash item which varies depending on the 

which is used by the Board and management for planning and 

timing of and nature of acquisitions, and on the timing of and extent 

reporting. Adjusted EBITDA represents profit or loss from operating 

of investment in internally generated intangibles such as software. 

activities, adding back depreciation, amortisation and share based 

We believe that a measure which removes this volatility improves 

payment charges. The Group believes that this measure, which is 

comparability of the Group’s results period on period.

not considered to be a substitute for or superior to IFRS measures, 

provides stakeholders with helpful additional information on the 

Share based payment charges are non cash item which varies 

underlying performance of the Group.

significantly depending on the share price at the date of grants 

The  adjusted  measure  is  considered  relevant  to  assessing  the 

underlying  performance  of  the  Group  against  its  strategy  and  plans. 

The rationale for excluding certain items is as follows:

Depreciation is a non cash item which fluctuates depending on 

the timing of capital investment. We believe that a measure which 

removes this volatility improves comparability of the Group’s results 

period on period.

under the Group’s share option schemes, and depending on the 

assumptions used in valuing these awards as they are granted. 

We believe that a measure which removes this volatility improves 

comparability of the Group’s results period on period, and also 

improves comparability with other companies which typically do not 

operate similar share based payment schemes.

Adjusted operating costs are administrative expenses, adjusted by 

adding back depreciation, amortisation and share based payment 

charges.

Approved and signed on behalf of the Board

James Davies, Director 

4 July 2018

22

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Directors’ report

The directors present their report and the audited financial statements for the year 

ended 30 April 2018.

Business review

Employees

Matters included in the Strategic report and Chief Financial 

Officer’s Report

The  Group’s  policy  of  providing  employees  with  information  about 

the  Group  has  continued  and  regular  meetings  are  held  between 

management  and  employees  to  allow  exchanges  of  information  and 

A  comprehensive  analysis  of  the  Group’s  future  developments  and 

ideas.  As  the  Group  grows,  the  Group  continues  to  consider  ways  to 

principal  risks  and  uncertainties  are  contained  in  the  Strategic  Report 

encourage  the  involvement  of  employees  in  the  Group’s  performance. 

and  Chief  Executive’s  Statement.  The  business  review,  details  of  the 

The Group gives every consideration to applications for employment by 

Group’s  performance  and  KPIs  are  set  out  in  the  Chief  Executive’s 

disabled persons where the requirements of the job may be adequately 

Statement and Chief Financial Officer’s Report.

filled by a disabled person. Where existing employees become disabled, 

Financial risk management objectives and policies

employment under similar terms and conditions and to provide training, 

it  is  the  Group’s  policy  wherever  practicable  to  provide  continuing 

The Group uses financial instruments, comprising cash, invoice factoring 

and  various  items  such  as  trade  debtors  and  trade  creditors  that  arise 

directly  from  operations.  The  main  risks  arising  from  the  Group’s 

financial  instruments  are  liquidity  risk,  interest  rate  risk,  credit  risk 

and  foreign  currency  risk.  Detailed  information  regarding  the  Group’s 

exposure  to  financial  risks  as  well  as  the  financial  risk  management 

career development and promotion wherever appropriate.

Subsidiaries

As  at  the  balance  sheet  date,  the  Company  had  6  subsidiaries, 

information  about  the  principal  subsidiaries  is  provided  at  note  15  to 

strategy employed in order to reduce these risks is set out in note 22 to 

the accounts.

the accounts.

Post balance sheet events

On  2  July  2018,  Purplebricks  announced  that  we  had  entered  into  a 

conditional  agreement  to  acquire  DuProprio/ComFree  (“DPCF”)  from 

Yellow  Pages  Digital  &  Media  Solutions  Limited,  a  subsidiary  of  Yellow 

Pages Limited, in a transaction that offers a-growth established platform 

for expansion into the Canadian real estate market. The enterprise value 

(on  a  cash  free/debt  free  basis)  of  CAN$51  million,  approximately  £29.3 

million,  is  payable  in  cash  at  closing,  which  is  expected  to  occur  on  or 

before  6  July  2018,  subject  to  customary  adjustments.  The  valuation  is 

attractive based on DPCF’s strong market position in the Canadian real 

estate  sector,  impressive  revenue  growth  since  launch  and  its  current 

profitability.  Further  details  of  this  transaction  are  provided  in  the 

Strategic Report.

Dividend

No  dividends  were  paid  in  the  year  and  there  are  none  recommended 

(2017:£nil).

Substantial shareholdings

Michael Bruce sold 4,444,444 shares in the Company on 25 April 2018 at 

360p per share (2017: nil). Isabel Bruce sold no shares in the Company in 

the current year (2017: sold 3,666,667 Ordinary shares in the Company on 

16 March 2017 at 300.00p per share). Neil Cartwright sold no shares in the 

Company in the current year (2017: sold 1,000,000 shares on 16 March 2017 

at 300.00p per share). Will Whitehorn sold no shares in the Company in 

the current financial year (2017: sold 250,000 Ordinary shares on 16 March 

2017 at 300.00p per share). Nicholas Discombe sold no shares in the co 

current financial year (2017: sold 1,600,000 shares at 300.00p on 19 April 

2017). Paul Pindar sold no shares in the current or prior year.

At 29 June 2018, being the latest practicable date prior to the publication 

of  this  annual  report,  the  Company  had  been  notified  of  the  following 

interests  amounting  to  3%  or  more  of  the  voting  rights  in  the  issued 

share capital of the Company.

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

23

Director’s report continued

Shareholder name

Number of shares 

% shareholding 

Woodford Investment Management Ltd.

Axel Springer SE

M P D Bruce and wife 

Old Mutual Global Investors (UK) Ltd

Capital Research Global Investors

P R M Pindar and wife 

Shumway Capital Partners

83,364,587

34,722,221

33,218,147

32,021,358

20,001,097

10,827,227

10,190,939

27.62%

11.50%

11.01%

10.61%

6.63%

3.59%

3.38%

Directors and directors’ interests

Paul is a member of the Audit, Remuneration and 

Nomination Committees.

The directors who held office during the financial year are set out below:

M P D Bruce

J R Davies

W E Whitehorn* (resigned 30 June 2018)

P R M Pindar*

N S Discombe* (resigned 31 May 2018)

N R Cartwright (resigned 4 May 2017)

A Blair* (appointed 25 April 2018)

S Downing* (appointed 25 April 2018)

M Wroe* (appointed 25 April 2018)

A Wiele* (appointed 25 April 2018)

* Denotes non-executive directors

Founder & Chief Executive Officer  
Michael Bruce

Michael  has  been  the  driving  force  behind  the  development  of 

Purplebricks alongside his brother Kenny. He is a qualified solicitor who 

has owned and run his own law firms before acquiring Burchell Edwards 

Estate Agents in 2006. The business was grown to include estate agency, 

lettings, mortgages and their own dedicated law firm. Michael was Chief 

Executive  until  2010  whereupon  he  became  Chairman  of  the  business. 

The  business,  including  the  law  firm,  was  sold  to  Connells  Group  (part 

of Skipton Building Society) in November 2011 as a result of Michael and 

Kenny Bruce, his brother, wishing to pursue the Purplebricks Group plc 

model.  As  founder  of  the  business  and  initial  major  investor,  Michael 

has been the Chief Executive Officer of Purplebricks Group plc since its 

inception,  working  alongside  Kenny  who,  as  Sales  Director,  heads  the 

Company’s sales efforts.

Except  as  disclosed  above  in  the  substantial  shareholdings  table,  no 

director  held  an  interest  in  the  Company’s  shares  at  the  date  of  this 

annual report.

Chief Financial Officer  
James Davies

Non-executive Chairman  
Paul Pindar

Paul joined Capita plc in 1987, initially as Finance Director, then Managing 

Director  in  1991  and  Chief  Executive  in  1999.  He  was  the  third-longest 

serving  FTSE  100  CEO  when  he  stood  down  in  2014.  He  joined  Capita 

after advising on the £0.3m management buyout (MBO) while working 

for 3i Group plc. When he joined Capita, it had 33 employees and annual 

revenue  of  £1.3  million.  When  he  left  the  business  in  February  2014, 

Capita had more than 62,000 employees and a market capitalisation of 

£7.5 billion. Since June 2014 he has served as Chairman of Independent 

Clinical  Services  following  its  acquisition  by  TowerBrook.  Paul  has  also 

been  a  non-executive  director  of  retailer  Debenhams  Plc,  Chairman  of 

the  NSPCC’s  Corporate  Development  Board  and  Chairman  of  Great 

Ormond Street Hospital’s Corporate Partnerships Board. Paul was also an 

early investor in Purplebricks.

James  joined  Purplebricks  Group  plc  in  May  2017  from  William  Hill  plc, 

having  been  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  its  digital  business  since  2015. 

Prior  to  William  Hill,  James  was  a  divisional  Chief  Financial  Officer  at 

Kingfisher plc and was deputy to the Group Finance Director of UBM plc 

for three years. Before this James spent five years in the UK M&A team at 

Deutsche Bank and eight years in the technology team at Close Brothers 

Corporate  Finance.  James  started  his  career  within  the  TMT  team  at 

Deloitte in London where he qualified as a chartered accountant.

Senior Independent Non-Executive Director  
Michael Wroe

Mike  Wroe  is  the  former  Group  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  Just  Eat  plc 

and was part of the team that led the transformation of Just Eat from a 

40-person,  venture-backed  start-up,  through  its  IPO  and  transition  into 

becoming  a  highly  successful  public  business.  Mike  has  over  20  years’ 

experience  across  a  range  of  ecommerce  and  technology  businesses 

24

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Director’s report continued

with  a  track  record  of  delivering  results  in  both  high  growth  and  large 

Stock Exchange in 2014, since when the company has created c. £1bn of 

public  companies.  After  qualifying  as  a  Chartered  Accountant  with 

shareholder value per year, culminating in promotion to the FTSE 100 in 

Deloitte  &  Touche,  Mike  held  a  number  of  senior  executive  positions  at 

December 2017.

Innovision  Research  and  Technology  Plc,  Integral  (a  division  of  Staveley 

Industries plc) and Air France Servisair Ltd.

Adrian  joined  Just  Eat  from  Spotify,  where  as  Director  of  European 

Business  Development  his  team 

forged  pioneering  partnerships 

Mike  is  the  Company’s  senior  independent  non-executive  director  and 

between  the  music  streaming  and  mobile  device  industries.  Prior  to 

chairs the Audit Committee.

this he spent six years at Google Inc. in a number of senior commercial 

Independent Non-Executive Director  
Simon Downing

roles  across  California  and  London  including  Head  of  eCommerce 

Partnerships,  where  his  team  helped  thousands  of  businesses  improve 

their  ROI  from  AdWords.  Before  that,  Adrian  was  Head  of  Business 

Development at Ask Jeeves Inc., where he developed a network of over 

10,000 affiliate websites, helping Ask become a household name in the 

Simon Downing is the founder and Executive Chairman of Civica Group 

UK prior to the $1.85bn sale to IAC.

Limited, a leading international provider of specialist software and digital 

solutions.  Simon  led  the  business  through  its  flotation  on  AIM  in  2004, 

Adrian chairs the Nomination Committee and is a member of the Audit 

and  its  subsequent  growth  and  international  expansion,  completing 

and Remuneration Committees.

25  acquisitions  as  part  of  the  group  expansion.  In  July  2017,  Civica  was 

sold  to  Partners  Group  for  £1.06  billion  and  had  grown  to  over  4,000 

employees and had operations in 9 countries.

Simon  is  currently  the  Chairman  of  Edenhouse  Solutions,  a  specialist 

Non-Executive Director  
Andreas Wiele

SAP  support  and  consultancy  business,  and  is  a  non-executive  director 

Dr Andreas Wiele studied law at Dijon, Salzburg and Munich Universities.

at AdvisorPlus Business Solutions and Datum Datacentres.

He  worked  first  of  all  as  an  editor  at  “Hamburger  Morgenpost”,  before 

In  addition  to  his  role  at  Civica  and  other  board  appointments,  Simon 

he became assistant to the chairman of the Gruner + Jahr management 

is  a  Senior  Adviser  to  OMERS  Private  Equity,  which  has  in  excess  of 

board in 1988. In 1990 he took over responsibility for the “Capital” project 

CAD  $11  billion  of  private  equity  assets  under  management.  He  is  also 

at  the  Prisma  Presse  publishing  company  in  Paris,  where  he  became 

a past winner of the EY UK Technology and IT Services Entrepreneur of 

publishing manager of “Capital” and “Geo” in 1991.

the Year award.

In  1994,  he  moved  to  New  York  to  join  Gruner  +  Jahr  USA  Publishing, 

Simon chairs the Remuneration Committee.

initially as senior vice-president and general manager of “Family Circle” 

Independent Non-Executive Director  
Adrian Blair

Adrian  is  the  former  Global  Chief  Operating  Officer  at  Just  Eat  plc, 

where he was responsible for all commercial operations in the UK and 12 

international markets. He was instrumental over 7 years in building Just 

and  “McCall’s”  and  from  1997  onwards  as  executive  vice-president  and 

chief operating officer for the publishing company as a whole.

In 2000, Dr Andreas Wiele was appointed member of the Executive Board 

of  Axel  Springer  SE  as  President  of  the  Magazines  and  International 

Affairs  Division.  In  2008,  he  was  appointed  President  BILD  Group  and 

Magazines,  in  2014  President  Classifieds  and  Marketing  Media  and  in 

2018 President Classifieds Media and CEO Axel Springer Digital and Axel 

Eat into one of the most successful technology companies in Europe. He 

Springer Digital Ventures.

was part of the team that led Just Eat through its listing on the London 

Scheme interests and Outstanding Share awards

Details of options to purchase Ordinary shares in the Company granted to the executive directors are set out below.

Details of share based payments are included in the notes to the accounts. The share price was 346p on 30 April 2018.

Director Name

Description

Date of Grant

Interest 
Outstanding at  
1 May 2017

Options Granted 
/(Lapsed) During 
the Year

Options 
Exercised 
During the 
Year

Outstanding 
Interest At 30 
April 2018

M P D Bruce

N R Cartwright

EMI unapproved 
options

EMI unapproved 
options

6 November 2015

2,430,551

-

-

2,430,551

6 November 2015

757,492

(516,285)

(241,207)

-

J Davies

CSOP

29 June 2017

-

1,000,000

-

1,000,000

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

25

Director’s report continued

Research and development

and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in 

other jurisdictions.

The  Group  undertakes  a  continuous  programme  of  development 

expenditure as part of its commitment to lead change in estate agency. 

Development  expenditure  is  capitalised  only  when  the  end  product  is 

Auditor

technically  and  commercially  feasible  and  when  sufficient  resource  is 

available  to  complete  the  development,  as  disclosed  in  note  13  to  the 

accounts. All other research and development expenditure is recognised 

in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as an expense as disclosed 

in note 6 to the accounts.

Professional indemnity insurance provisions

The Company has a qualifying indemnity insurance policy in respect of 

Directors’ and Officers’ liability.

Statement of directors’ responsibilities

Grant Thornton UK LLP was appointed as auditor and in accordance with 

s489(4) of the Companies Act 2006 a resolution for the appointment of 

auditor will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Corporate Governance

The  Board  is  committed  to  achieving  high  standards  of  corporate 

governance,  integrity  and  business  ethics.  Under  the  AIM  Rules  the 

Company  is  not  required  to  comply  with  the  provisions  of  the  new 

edition  of  UK  Corporate  Governance  Code  issued  by  the  Financial 

Reporting Council but the Board has taken into consideration the QCA 

Corporate Governance Code for Small and Mid-Size Quoted Companies 

produced by the Quoted Companies Alliance, and continues to develop 

The  directors  are  responsible  for  preparing  the  Strategic  Report  and 

its  corporate  governance  arrangements  so  as  to  apply  the  principles  of 

Directors  Report  and  the  financial  statements  in  accordance  with 

the  Code  in  so  far  as  it  can  be  applied  practically,  given  the  size  of  the 

applicable law and regulations.

Company  and  the  nature  of  its  operations.  The  Board  has  established 

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for 

each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare 

the  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  International  Financial 

an audit committee (the Audit Committee), a remuneration committee 

(the  Remuneration  Committee)  and  a  nomination  committee  (the 

Nomination Committee).

Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. Under 

On 30 March 2018 revised “AIM Rules For Companies” were issued by the 

company  law  the  directors  must  not  approve  the  financial  statements 

London Stock Exchange that require companies with shares admitted to 

unless  they  are  satisfied  that  they  give  a  true  and  fair  view  of  the  state 

trading on AIM to adopt a recognised formal corporate governance code 

of affairs and profit or loss of the Company and Group for that period. In 

by no later than 28th September 2018 and to disclose how they comply 

preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
ƒƒ select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
ƒƒ make  judgements  and  accounting  estimates  that  are  reasonable 

and prudent;

ƒƒ state  whether  applicable  IFRSs  have  been  followed,  subject  to  any 
material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
ƒƒ prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is 
inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.

The  directors  are  responsible  for  keeping  adequate  accounting  records 

that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and 

disclose  with  reasonable  accuracy  at  any  time  the  financial  position  of 

the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements 

comply  with  the  Companies  Act  2006.  They  are  also  responsible  for 

safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable 

steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The directors confirm that:
ƒƒ so far as each director is aware, there is no relevant audit information 

of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and

with that code and, if applicable, where they depart from it. The Board 

is  currently  updating  its  corporate  governance  processes,  procedures 

and  reporting  so  as  to  comply  with  the  new  requirements  prior  to  28 

September 2018.

Audit Committee

The  Audit  Committee  is  chaired  by  Michael  Wroe,  and  its  other 

members  are  Paul  Pindar  and  Adrian  Blair.  The  Audit  Committee  has 

primary responsibility for monitoring the quality of internal controls and 

ensuring  that  the  financial  performance  of  the  Company  is  properly 

measured  and  reported  on.  It  receives  and  reviews  reports  from  the 

Company’s  management  relating  to  the  interim  and  annual  accounts 

and the accounting and internal control systems in use throughout the 

Company.  The  Audit  Committee  meets  at  least  three  times  a  year  and 

has unrestricted access to the Company’s auditor.

Nomination Committee

ƒƒ the  directors  have  taken  all  the  steps  that  they  ought  to  have  taken 
as directors in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit 

The  Nomination  Committee 

is  chaired  by  Adrian  Blair, 

its  other 

member  is  Paul  Pindar.  The  Nomination  Committee  assists  the  Board 

information  and  to  establish  that  the  Company’s  auditor  is  aware  of 

in  discharging  its  responsibilities  relating  to  the  composition  of  the 

that information.

The  directors  are  responsible  for  the  maintenance  and  integrity  of 

the  corporate  and  financial  information  included  on  the  Company’s 

website.  Legislation  in  the  United  Kingdom  governing  the  preparation 

Board,  performance  of  Board  members,  induction  of  new  directors, 

appointment  of  committee  members  and  succession  planning  for 

senior  management.  The  Nomination  Committee  is  responsible  for 

evaluating the balance of skills, knowledge, diversity and experience on 

26

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Director’s report continued

the Board, the size, structure and composition of the Board, retirements 

Long term equity incentive plan

and  appointments  of  additional  and  replacement  directors  and 

makes  appropriate  recommendations  to  the  Board  on  such  matters. 

It is expected that some grants shall be made to the Executive Directors, 

The  Nomination  Committee  prepares  a  description  of  the  role  and 

staff, and a number of LPEs’ companies in the coming year to align theirs 

capabilities  required  for  a  particular  appointment.  The  Nomination 

and shareholders’ interests ever more closely.

Committee meets at least twice a year and otherwise as required.

Remuneration Committee

The  Remuneration  Committee 

is  chaired  by  Simon  Downing, 

its 

other  members  are  Paul  Pindar  and  Adrian  Blair.  The  Remuneration 

Committee  reviews  the  performance  of  the  Executive  Directors  and 

senior  management  and  makes  recommendations  to  the  Board  on 

matters  relating  to  their  remuneration  and  terms  of  employment. 

The  Remuneration  Committee  also  makes  recommendations  to  the 

Board  on  proposals  for  the  granting  of  share  options  and  other  equity 

incentives  pursuant  to  any  share  option  scheme  or  equity  incentive 

scheme  in  operation  from  time  to  time.  The  remuneration  and  terms 

and  conditions  of  appointment  of  the  Non-executive  Directors  of  the 

Company are set by the Board.

The  Non-Executive  directors  do  not  have  any  personal  interest  in  the 

matters  to  be  decided  by  the  committee,  or  any  potential  conflicts  of 

interest  arising  from  cross-directorships  or  day  to  day  involvement  in 

the  running  of  the  Company.  The  Executive  directors  and  other  senior 

personnel  may  be  invited  to  attend  meetings  when  appropriate  to 

provide  advice.  However,  no  director  will  be  present  or  take  part  in 

discussions concerning their remuneration.

Remuneration policy

The Company’s policy is that the remuneration package of the Executive 

Directors  should  be  sufficiently  competitive  to  attract,  retain  and 

motivate  those  directors  to  achieve  the  Company’s  objectives  without 

making excessive payments.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Equality, Diversity and Rights Purplebricks Group plc maintains 

a strong commitment to equality and opportunity in our employment 

policies and practices in the workplace. Through our recruitment and 

selection processes we seek to attract and retain a diverse and talented 

workforce. As prescribed by law, we commit that no existing or potential 

employee will receive less favourable treatment due to their race, creed, 

nationality, colour, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender 

reassignment, marital status, membership of a trade union, disability, or 

any other criteria. Whilst the Company does not have a specific human 

rights policy, it does have statements on Equal Opportunities, Modern 

Slavery and Anti-bribery that adhere to internationally agreed human 

rights principles.

Environment Purplebricks Group plc is committed to minimising the 

environmental impact of its business operations and seeks to actively 

manage its carbon footprint. As an online business with very limited 

physical infrastructure and a marketing model that is largely paperless, 

the Company has a much-reduced environmental impact as compared 

to traditional real estate agencies. As a relatively new and fast-growing 

company we will be constantly reviewing our business model and 

operations to limit the impact we and our customers make in the course 

of our business in areas such as energy efficiency, waste, recycling, 

emissions, transport and printing.

Health and Safety The effective management of health and 

safety across our business is an integral part of our broader business 

administration requirements. As the business grows we are committed 

to ensuring appropriate assessment and suitable control of the health 

and safety risks arising from our work activities for our employees, our 

Basic salary and benefits

customers and our partners.

Base salaries will be reviewed annually by the Remuneration Committee, 

and  adjusted  where  appropriate  to  reflect  performance,  changed 

responsibilities and/or market conditions.

Charitable and Philanthropic activity An important part of the 

Purplebricks Group plc culture and ethos is to give back to the public 

and local communities through the commitment of time, resources 

and fundraising activities. Our employees are active in raising money or 

supporting fundraising activities for a wide range of causes both local 

Service contracts and letters of appointment

and national.

The  Company’s  policy  is  for  all  of  the  Executive  Directors  to  have 

twelve  month  rolling  service  contracts.  All  Non-Executive  Directors 

are  salaried.  They  are  not  eligible  for  bonuses,  pension  benefits,  share 

options or other benefits, save where compulsory by law. The Directors 

Any  member  of  staff  can  nominate  a  local  project  for  support  by  the 

Purplebricks  Foundation  Committee.  The  final  projects  are  chosen  by 

the Foundation Committee, made up of members of the management 

team  and  chaired  by  James  Kydd.  The  Foundation  Committee  meets 

are  indemnified  to  the  full  extent  permitted  by  statute.  Executive  and 

periodically.

Non-Executive  Directors  Remuneration  is  detailed  in  note  7  to  these 

financial statements.

Approved and signed on behalf of the Board

Michael Bruce, Director 

James Davies, Director 

4 July 2018

4 July 2018

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

27

Independent auditor’s report to the 
members of Purplebricks Group plc

Our opinion on the financial 
statements is unmodified

We have audited the financial statements of Purplebricks Group 

plc  (the  ‘parent  Company’)  and  its  subsidiaries  (the  ‘Group’)  for 

the  year  ended  30  April  2018  which  comprise  the  Consolidated 

statement  of  comprehensive  income,  the  Consolidated  and 

Company statements of financial position, the Consolidated and 

Company  statements  of  changes  in  equity,  the  Consolidated 

and Company statement of cash flows and notes to the financial 

statements,  including  a  summary  of  significant  accounting 

policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied 

in the preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable 

law  and  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRSs) 

as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  and,  as  regards  the  parent 

Company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the 

provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion:

Who we are reporting to

This  report  is  made  solely  to  the  Company’s  members,  as  a  body,  in 

accordance  with  Chapter  3  of  Part  16  of  the  Companies  Act  2006. 

Our  audit  work  has  been  undertaken  so  that  we  might  state  to  the 

Company’s  members  those  matters  we  are  required  to  state  to  them 

in  an  auditor’s  report  and  for  no  other  purpose.  To  the  fullest  extent 

permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone 

other than the Company and the Company’s members as a body, for our 

audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Conclusions relating to going concern

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation 

to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:

ƒƒ the  Directors’  use  of  the  going  concern  basis  of  accounting  in  the 

preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or

ƒƒ the  Directors  have  not  disclosed  in  the  financial  statements  any 
identified  material  uncertainties  that  may  cast  significant  doubt 

ƒƒ the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of 
the Group’s and of the parent Company’s affairs as at 30 April 

about  the  Group’s  or  the  parent  Company’s  ability  to  continue  to 

adopt  the  going  concern  basis  of  accounting  for  a  period  of  at  least 

2018 and of the Group’s loss for the year then ended;

twelve  months  from  the  date  when  the  financial  statements  are 

ƒƒ the  Group  financial  statements  have  been  properly  prepared 
in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union;

ƒƒ the parent Company financial statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European 

Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the 

authorised for issue.

Overview of our audit approach

ƒƒ Overall  Group  materiality:  £1,395,000,  which  represents  1.5%  of 

Companies Act 2006; and

the Group’s revenue.

ƒƒ the  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance 

with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

ƒƒ Key  audit  matters  were  identified  for  the  parent  Company 
recognition,  completeness  of 

and  Group  as; 

revenue 

equity  transactions,  valuation  of  intangible  assets  and  the 

recoverability of deferred tax.

ƒƒ We  performed  full  scope  audit  procedures  on  UK  based 
operations  (Purplebricks  Group  Plc)  and  performed  targeted 

audit  procedures  on  its  oversees  components,  Purplebricks 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on 

Australia  Pty  Limited  and  Purplebricks  Inc..  Thiswas  a  change 

Auditing  (UK)  (ISAs  (UK))  and  applicable  law.  Our  responsibilities  under 

from  the  previous  year  where  we  undertook  analytical  audit 

those  standards  are  further  described  in  the  Auditor’s  responsibilities 

procedures  on  Purplebricks  Inc.  We  also  performed  analytical 

for  the  audit  of  the  financial  statements  section  of  our  report.  We  are 

procedures on BFL Property Management Limited.

independent of the Group and the parent Company in accordance with 

the  ethical  requirements  that  are  relevant  to  our  audit  of  the  financial 

statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to 

listed  entities,  and  we  have  fulfilled  our  other  ethical  responsibilities  in 

accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence 

ƒƒ As  a  result  of  our  targeted  procedures  a  key  audit  matter  for 
revenue  recognition  was  identified  in  respect  of  Purplebricks 

Australia Pty Limited.

ƒƒ No  key  audit  matters  were  identified  from  our  targeted 

we  have  obtained  is  sufficient  and  appropriate  to  provide  a  basis  for 

approach on Purplebricks Inc.

our opinion.

28

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Key audit matters

material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. 

These matters included those that had the greatest effect on: the overall 

The  graph  below  depicts  the  audit  risks  identified  and  their  relative 

audit  strategy,  the  allocation  of  resources  in  the  audit;  and  directing 

significance based on the extent of the financial statement impact and 

the  efforts  of  the  engagement  team.  These  matters  were  addressed  in 

the extent of Directors’ judgement.

the  context  of  our  audit  of  the  financial  statements  as  a  whole,  and  in 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, 

were  of  most  significance  in  our  audit  of  the  financial  statements  of 

the  current  period  and  include  the  most  significant  assessed  risks  of 

forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion 

on these matters.

Revenue recognition

Completeness of  

equity transactions

Investments and  

intercompany

Operating expenses

Receivables

Recoverability 

of deferred tax

Valuation of  

intangible assets

s
t
n
e
m
e
t
a
t
s

l

i

a
c
n
a
n
fi
n
o
t
c
a
p
m

i

l

a
i
t
n
e
t
o
P

LOW

Extent of management judgement applied

HIGH

Key Audit Matters for the Group and parent Company 

Revenue recognition

Revenue  is  recognised  to  the  extent  that  economic  benefits  will 

flow  to  the  Group  and  parent  Company  and  the  revenue  can  be 

reliably measured.

Revenue is a key driver of the business and is also a significant amount in 

the financial statements.

ƒƒ agreement  of  the  total  revenue  recorded  in  the  ledger  for  each  of 
the  following  populations;  –  letting  income,  mortgage  referrals  and 

conveyancing revenue, – to cash receipts; and

ƒƒ an assessment of refunds posted after the year end and an evaluation 

of their impact on revenue for the year. 

The  Group’s  accounting  policy  on  revenue  is  shown  in  note  2.9  to  the 

financial statements and related disclosures are included in note 5.

We  therefore  identified  revenue  recognition  (focussing  on  occurrence) 

as a significant risk, which was one of the most significant assessed risks 

Key observations

of material misstatement.

How the matter was addressed in the audit

Our audit work included, but was not restricted to:

Our testing did not identify any material misstatements in the revenue 

recognised during the year in accordance with stated accounting policies.

ƒƒ a  reconciliation  of  monthly  order  reports  to  the  overall  revenue 

Completeness of equity transactions

recognised in the year;

ƒƒ agreeing  on  a  sample  basis,  from  each  of  the  following  populations; 
–  instructions,  accompanied  viewings,  tenant  checks  on  behalf  of 

landlords, invoices raised manually and release fees, – the transactions 

recorded in the ledger to cash receipts;

Expenditure is recognised for share options on a straight line basis across 

the  vesting  period,  based  on  the  fair  value  of  the  option  calculated  at 

the grant date.

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

29

 
 
 
 
The Group and parent Company have multiple share option schemes in 

Key observations

place  and  has  granted  several  share  options  during  the  year,  therefore 

we  deem  there  to  be  a  risk  around  the  completeness  of  the  charge  on 

these schemes.

We therefore identified equity completeness as a significant risk, which 

was one of the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement.

Based  on  our  audit  work,  we  found  the  Group’s  and  parent  Company’s 

capitalisation of intangibles policy was consistently applied. Th ere are no 

findings in relation to the capitalisation of intangible assets.

Recoverability of deferred tax

How the matter was addressed in the audit 

Our audit work included, but was not restricted to:

ƒƒ recalculation  of  the  companies  share  based  payment  charge  based 

on management’s assumptions;

Historic  losses  and  timings  differences  have  given  rise  to  a  significant 

deferred  tax  asset.  The  asset  is  recognised  in  the  Group  and  parent 

Company  to  the  amount  that  expected  future  profits  would  be 

available for relief.

ƒƒ evaluation  and  challenge  of  management  estimates  used 

in 

determining the fair value of options; and

This  is  a  judgemental  area  therefore  we  identified  deferred  tax  as  a 

significant risk, which was one of the most significant assessed risks of 

ƒƒ agreeing, on a sample basis, details of options to option agreements.

material misstatement.

The  Group’s  accounting  policy  on  share  based  payments  is  shown  in 

How the matter was addressed in the audit 

note 2.20 and related disclosures are included in note 8.

Our audit work included, but was not restricted to:

Key observations

Based on our audit work, we found that there was an error in the current 

year  charge  which  was  understated  by  £1.3m  in  the  Group  and  the 

parent  Company.  As  a  result  of  this  issue  management  have  reworked 

the  prior  year  figures  and  as  a  result  the  brought  forward  share  based 

ƒƒ assessment  of  the  appropriateness  of  the  Group’s  forecasts  to 

ascertain future taxable profits;

ƒƒ challenge of managements assumptions used in the forecasts; and
ƒƒ testing managements base calculation for deferred tax.

payment  reserve  has  been  restated  with  a  compensating  error  in 

The Group’s accounting policy on deferred tax is shown in note 2.11, the 

retained earnings of £975k. There was no impact on prior year reported 

judgements at note 3.2 and related disclosures are included in note 9.

earnings or net assets of the Group or Company.

Key observations

Valuation of intangible assets

Based  on  our  audit  work  there  are  no  findings  in  relation  to  the 

recognition of the deferred tax asset at year-end.

Intangibles  assets  relating  to 

internally  developed  software  are 

recognised to the extent that expenditure relates to development and is 

limited to expected future economic benefits.

Our application of materiality

The  parent  Company  and  Group  have  invested  significant  amounts  in 

We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial 

developing their online platform and the capitalisation of these costs in 

statements  that  makes  it  probable  that  the  economic  decisions  of  a 

line  with  the  requirements  of  IAS  38  was  deemed  an  area  of  key  audit 

reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We 

focus, as there is a risk that intangible asset activity is not valid.

use materiality in determining the nature, timing and extent of our audit 

We  therefore  identified  valuation  of  intangible  assets  as  a  significant 

risk,  which  was  one  of  the  most  significant  assessed  risks  of  material 

Materiality was determined as follows:

work and in evaluating the results of that work.

misstatement.

How the matter was addressed in the audit 

Our audit work included, but was not restricted to:

ƒƒ agreeing,  on  a  sample  basis,  salaries  capitalised  in  the  year  to 
staff  contracts  and  an  appropriate  measure  of  calculating  project 

periods; and

ƒƒ evaluation of whether the costs have been appropriately classified as 

development costs.

The Group’s accounting policy on internally generated intangible assets 

is shown in note 2.16, the judgements at note 3.5 and related disclosures 

are included in note 13.

30

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Purplebricks Group plc continued

MATERIALITY MEASURE

GROUP 

PARENT

£1,046k, which is 1.5% of the 

Company’s revenue, restricted 

£1,395k, which is 1.5% of the Group’s 

to performance materiality for 

revenue. This benchmark is considered 

the Group. This benchmark is 

the most appropriate because the 

considered the most appropriate 

Group deems revenue growth to be 

because the Company deems 

its key indicator when assessing the 

revenue growth to be its key 

Financial statements as a whole

performance of the Group.

Materiality for the current year is higher 

indicator when assessing the 

performance of the Company. 

than the level that we determined for 

Materiality for the current year 

the year ended 30 April 2017 due to 

is higher than the level that we 

revenue growth in the year.

determined for the year ended 30 

Performance materiality used to 

drive the extent of our testing

75% of financial statement materiality.

Communication of 

misstatements to the 

audit committee

£69,750 and misstatements below that 

threshold that, in our view, warrant 

reporting on qualitative grounds.

April 2017 due to revenue growth 

in the year.

60% of financial statement 

materiality.

£52,300 and misstatements 

below that threshold that, in 

our view, warrant reporting on 

qualitative grounds.

The  graph  right  illustrates  how  performance 

materiality interacts with our overall materiality 

and  the  tolerance  for  potential  uncorrected 

misstatements.

OVERALL MATERIALITY, GROUP

OVERALL MATERIALITY, PARENT

25%

40%

75%

60%

Performance materiality

Tolerance for potential unrecorded misstatements

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

31

 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of Purplebricks Group plc continued

An overview of the scope of our audit

Limited.  The  summary  of  our  approach  to  the  operations  can 

be seen below.

Our audit approach was a risk-based approach founded on a thorough 

understanding of the Group’s business, its environment and risk profile. 

We  performed  full  scope  audit  procedures  on  UK  based  operations 

(Purplebricks Group Plc).

We  performed  targeted  audit  procedures  on  the  material  balances  of 

Purplebricks  Inc  and  Purplebricks  Australia  Pty  Limited.  Our  current 

year  audit  approach  on  Purplebricks  Inc  represents  a  change  from  the 

prior  year  where  an  analytical  audit  approach  was  taken.  This  is  due 

The Group has operations in Australia, Purplebricks Australia Pty Limited, 

to  the  growth  of  Purplebricks  Inc  which  resulted  in  certain  balances 

the  USA,  Purplebricks  Inc,  and  Liverpool,  BFL  Property  Management 

becoming  material  to  the  Group  and  targeted  audit  procedures  have 

been performed on these balances.

Purplebricks Inc

Purplebricks Australia PTY Limited 

BFL Property Management Limited

Percentage of Group Revenue

Audit Approach

2%

14.5%

2%

Targeted

Targeted

Analytical

Other information

Matters on which we are required to report 
under the Companies Act 2006

The  Directors  are  responsible  for  the  other  information.  The  other 

information  comprises  the  information  included  in  the  annual  report 

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the 

set  out  on  pages  3  to  66,  other  than  the  financial  statements  and  our 

parent  Company  and  its  environment  obtained  in  the  course  of  the 

auditor’s  report  thereon.  Our  opinion  on  the  financial  statements  does 

audit,  we  have  not  identified  material  misstatements  in  the  strategic 

not  cover  the  other  information  and,  except  to  the  extent  otherwise 

report or the Directors’ report.

explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance 

conclusion  thereon.  In  connection  with  our  audit  of  the  financial 

statements,  our  responsibility  is  to  read  the  other  information  and, 

in  doing  so,  consider  whether  the  other  information  is  materially 

inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in 

the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify 

such  material  inconsistencies  or  apparent  material  misstatements,  we 

Matters on which we are required to report by 
exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation 

to  which  the  Companies  Act  2006  requires  us  to  report  to  you  if,  in 

are  required  to  determine  whether  there  is  a  material  misstatement 

our opinion:

in  the  financial  statements  or  a  material  misstatement  of  the  other 

information.  If,  based  on  the  work  we  have  performed,  we  conclude 

ƒƒ adequate  accounting  records  have  not  been  kept  by  the  parent 
Company,  or  returns  adequate  for  our  audit  have  not  been  received 

that  there  is  a  material  misstatement  of  this  other  information,  we  are 

from branches not visited by us; or

required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Our opinion on other matters prescribed by 
the Companies Act 2006 is unmodified

ƒƒ the parent Company financial statements are not in agreement with 

the accounting records and returns; or

ƒƒ certain  disclosures  of  Directors’  remuneration  specified  by  law  are 

not made; or

In  our  opinion,  based  on  the  work  undertaken  in  the  course 

we have not received all the information and explanations we require for 

of the audit:

our audit. 

ƒƒ the information given in the Strategic report and the Directors’ 
report for the financial year for which the financial statements 

are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

ƒƒ the  Strategic  report  and  the  Directors’  report  have  been 
prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Responsibilities of Directors for the financial 
statements

As  explained  more  fully  in  the  statement  of  director’s  responsibilities 

set out on page 26, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of 

the  financial  statements  and  for  being  satisfied  that  they  give  a  true 

and fair view, and for such internal control as the Directors determine is 

necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free 

from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

32

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Purplebricks Group plc continued

In  preparing  the  financial  statements,  the  Directors  are  responsible  for 

includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, 

assessing  the  Group’s  and  the  parent  Company’s  ability  to  continue 

but  is  not  a  guarantee  that  an  audit  conducted  in  accordance  with 

as  a  going  concern,  disclosing,  as  applicable,  matters  related  to  going 

ISAs  (UK)  will  always  detect  a  material  misstatement  when  it  exists. 

concern  and  using  the  going  concern  basis  of  accounting  unless  the 

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material 

Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent Company or 

if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to 

to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

influence  the  economic  decisions  of  users  taken  on  the  basis  of  these 

financial statements.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the 
financial statements

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial 

statements  is  located  on  the  Financial  Reporting  Council’s  website  at 

www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.  This  description  forms  part  of 

Our  objectives  are  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  the 

our auditor’s report.

financial  statements  as  a  whole  are  free  from  material  misstatement, 

whether  due  to  fraud  or  error,  and  to  issue  an  auditor’s  report  that 

David White, Senior Statutory Auditor 

for and on behalf of Grant 

Thornton UK LLP, 

Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountant 

Birmingham 

5 July 2018

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

33

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

for the year ended 30 April 2018

Revenue

Cost of Sales

Gross profit

Administrative and establishment expenses

Marketing costs

Loss from operating activities

Loss from operating activities before adjustments:

Share based payment charge

Amortisation of intangibles

Loss from operating activities

Finance (expense)/income and other charges

Fair value movement in respect of derivatives

Loss on ordinary activities before taxation

Taxation on loss on ordinary activities

Loss for the year 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss:

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Total other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive loss

Losses per share

Basic and diluted loss per share

Note

6

8

13

11

18

9

FY 2018 

£000

93,697

(41,107)

52,590

(35,195)

(42,142)

(24,747)

(20,033)

(3,458)

(1,256)

(24,747)

(1,492)

60

(26,179)

(887)

(27,066)

(490)

(490)

(27,556)

FY 2017 

£000

46,706

(20,857)

25,849

(13,640)

(18,219)

(6,010)

(4,693)

(917)

(400)

(6,010)

55

(104)

(6,059)

3,054

(3,005)

116

116

(2,889)

10

(10p)

(1p)

The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

All losses and other comprehensive income relate to continuing operations and are attributable to equity shareholders of the parent.

34

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Consolidated statement of financial position at 30 April 2018 continued

Consolidated statement of financial position 

at 30 April 2018

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Deferred tax asset

Current assets

Tax receivable

Trade and other receivables

Cash and other cash equivalents

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Derivative financial instruments

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Share capital

Share premium

Share based payments reserve

Foreign exchange reserve

Retained earnings

Total Equity

Note

FY 2018 

£000

FY 2017 

£000

12

13

14

9

9

16

17

17

18

1,054

4,434

2,606

3,068

11,162 

306

9,380

152,846

162,532 

(15,624)

(3,467)

(44)

(19,135)

143,397 

154,559

9

(142)

19

20

154,417 

2018

£000

3,019

176,400

4,545

(374)

(29,173)

154,417 

718

2,757

2,606

3,087

9,168 

 - 

4,865

71,330

76,195 

(7,301)

(2,307)

(104)

(9,712)

66,483 

75,651

(244)

75,407 

2017 Restated

£000

2,705

74,901

1,669

116

(3,984)

75,407 

These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of directors on 4 July 2018 and were signed on its behalf by:

Michael Bruce, Director

James Davies, Director

Company Registration Number 08047368

The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

35

Consolidated statement of financial position at 30 April 2018 continued

Company statement of financial position 

at 30 April 2018

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investment in subsidiaries

Deferred tax asset

Current assets

Tax receivable

Trade and other receivables

Cash and other cash equivalents

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Financial liabilities

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Share capital

Share premium

Share based payments reserve

Retained earnings

Total Equity

Note

FY 2018 

£000

FY 2017 

£000

12

13

15

9

9

16

17

17

18

19 

20 

743

3,565

22,150

2,893

29,351 

306

22,524

149,684

172,514 

(8,767)

(2,743)

(44)

(11,554)

160,960 

190,311

190,311 

2018

£000

3,019

176,400

4,545

6,347

190,311 

564

1,614

3,574

2,893

8,645 

 - 

11,245

69,941

81,186 

(6,437)

(1,821)

(104)

(8,362)

72,824 

81,469

81,469 

2017 Restated

£000

2,705

74,901

1,669

2,194

81,469 

The parent Company profit for the year was £2,276k (2017: profit of £3,173k). 

These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of directors on 4 July 2018 and were signed on its behalf by:

Michael Bruce, Director

James Davies, Director

Company Registration Number 08047368

The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

36

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Consolidated statement of financial position at 30 April 2018 continued

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

for the year ended 30 April 2018

Share Capital

Share 
Premium

Share based 
payment 
reserve

Foreign 
exchange 
reserve

Retained 
Earnings

Total Equity

£000

£000

At 1 May 2017 - Restated (note 2.21)

2,705

74,901

Issue of shares

278

99,722

Cost of share issue charged to share premium 
account

Exercise of options

Tax in respect of share options

Share based payment charge

 - 

36

 - 

 - 

(650)

2,427

 - 

 - 

£000

1,669

 - 

 - 

(582)

 - 

3,458

Transactions with owners

314

101,499

2,876

Loss for the year

Exchange differences on translation of foreign 
operations

Total comprehensive loss

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

£000

£000

£000

116

(3,984)

75,407

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

582

1,295

 - 

100,000

(650)

2,463

1,295

3,458

1,877

106,566

 (27,066)

(27,066)

 (490)

 - 

 (490)

 (490)

(27,066)

(27,556)

At 30 April 2018

3,019

176,400

4,545

(374)

(29,173)

154,417

for the year ended 30 April 2017

Share Capital

Share 
Premium

Share based 
payment 
reserve

Foreign 
exchange 
reserve

Retained 
Earnings

Total Equity

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

At 1 May 2016 as previously reported

Effect of misstatements

2,403

 - 

25,887

 - 

331

975

At 1 May 2016 - Restated (note 2.21)

 2,403 

 25,887 

 1,306 

Issue of shares

Cost of share issue charged to share premium 
account

Exercise of options

Share based payment charge

227

 - 

 75 

 - 

49,773

(1,209)

450

 - 

 - 

 - 

(554)

917

Transactions with owners

 302 

 49,014 

 363 

Loss for the year

Exchange differences on translation of foreign 
operations

Total comprehensive loss

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

At 30 April 2017 - Restated (note 2.21)

 2,705 

 74,901 

 1,669 

 - 

-

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 116 

 116 

 116 

(558)

 (975) 

(1,533)

 - 

 - 

554

 - 

28,063

-

 28,063 

 50,000 

(1,209)

 525 

 917 

 554 

 50,233 

(3,005)

(3,005)

 - 

 116 

(3,005)

(2,889)

(3,984)

 75,407 

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

37

Consolidated statement of financial position at 30 April 2018 continued

Company statement of changes in equity 

for the year ended 30 April 2018

At 1 May 2017 - Restated (note 2.21)

Issue of shares

Cost of share issue charged to share premium account

Exercise of options

Tax in respect of share options

Share based payment charge

Share Capital

Share 
Premium

Share based 
payment 
reserve

Retained 
Earnings

Total Equity

£000

£000

2,705

74,901

278

 - 

36

 - 

 - 

99,722

(650)

2,427

 - 

 - 

£000

1,669

 - 

 - 

(582)

 - 

3,458

£000

2,194

 - 

 - 

582

1,295

 - 

£000

81,469

100,000

(650)

2,463

1,295

3,458

Transactions with owners

314

101,499

2,876

1,877

106,566

Profit for the year

Total comprehensive profit

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

2,276

2,276

2,276

2,276

At 30 April 2018

3,019

176,400

4,545

6,347

190,311

for the period ended 30 April 2017

At 1 May 2016 as previously reported

Effect of misstatements

Share Capital

Share 
Premium

Share based 
payment 
reserve

Retained 
Earnings

Total Equity

£000

£000

£000

2,403

25,887

-

-

331

975

£000

(558)

(975)

£000

 28,063 

-

At 1 May 2016 - Restated (note 2.21)

 2,403 

 25,887 

 1,306 

(1,533)

 28,063 

Issue of shares

Cost of share issue charged to share premium account

Exercise of options

Share based payment charge

227

 - 

 75 

 - 

49,773

(1,209)

 450 

 - 

 - 

 - 

(554)

917

 - 

 - 

554

 - 

 50,000 

(1,209)

 525 

 917 

Transactions with owners

 302 

 49,014 

 363 

 554 

 50,233 

Profit for the year

Total comprehensive profit

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

3,173

3,173

 3,173 

 3,173 

At 30 April 2017 - Restated (note 2.21)

 2,705 

 74,901 

 1,669 

 2,194 

 81,469 

38

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

   
Consolidated statement of financial position at 30 April 2018 continued

Consolidated statement of cash flows

for the year ended 30 April 2018

Loss for the year after taxation

Adjustments for:

Amortisation of intangible assets

Depreciation

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

Share based payment charge

Debt factoring finance cost

Interest income

Non-designated foreign exchange forward contracts

Taxation

Operating cash outflow before changes in working capital

Movement in trade and other receivables

Movement in trade and other payables

Movement in deferred income

Net cash outflow utilised in operating activities

Cash flow from investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from sale of property, pant and equipment

Development expenditure capitalised

Purchase of intangible assets

Acquisition of subsidiary net of cash acquired

Net cash flow utilised in investing activities

Cash flow from financing activities

Debt factoring finance cost

Interest income

Issue of shares

Costs of issue of share

Net cash flow from financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Effect of foreign exchange rates

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

FY 2018 

£000

(27,066)

 1,256 

 425 

 - 

 3,458 

 1,724 

 (232)

 (60)

 906 

 (19,589)

 (4,515)

 8,323 

 1,161 

 (14,620)

 (761)

 - 

 (2,292)

 (641)

 - 

 (3,694)

 (1,724)

 232 

 102,462 

 (650)

 100,320 

 82,006 

 (490)

 71,330 

 152,846 

FY 2017 

£000

(3,005)

 400 

 167 

 1 

 917 

 - 

 (55)

 104 

 (3,054)

 (4,525)

 (1,708)

 1,576 

 1,546 

 (3,111)

 (586)

 1 

 (1,422)

 (195)

 (3,295)

 (5,497)

 - 

 55 

 50,525 

 (1,209)

 49,371 

 40,763 

 91 

 30,476 

 71,330 

The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

39

Consolidated statement of financial position at 30 April 2018 continued

Company statement of cash flows

for the year ended 30 April 2018

Profit for the year after taxation

Adjustments for:

Amortisation of intangible assets

Depreciation

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

Share based payment charge

Debt factoring finance cost

Interest income

Non-designated foreign exchange forward contracts

Taxation

Operating cash inflow before changes in working capital

Movement in trade and other receivables

Movement in trade and other payables

Movement in deferred income

Net cash inflow/(outflow) utilised in operating activities

Cash flow from investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from sale of property, pant and equipment

Development expenditure capitalised

Purchase of intangible assets

Acquisition of subsidiary net of cash acquired

Capital injection into subsidiaries

Net cash flow utilised in investing activities

Cash flow from financing activities

Debt factoring finance cost

Interest income

Issue of shares

Costs of issue of share

Net cash flow from financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

FY 2018 

£000

 2,276 

 975 

 313 

 - 

 2,369 

 1,724 

 (235)

 (60)

 989 

 8,351 

 (10,750)

 2,331 

 922 

 854 

 (491)

 - 

 (2,292)

 (633)

 - 

 (18,018)

 (21,434)

 (1,724)

 235 

 102,462 

 (650)

 100,323 

 79,743 

 69,941 

 149,684 

FY 2017 

£000

 3,173 

 373 

 148 

 - 

 917 

 - 

 (55)

 104 

 (2,893)

 1,767 

 (8,275)

 1,202 

 1,061 

 (4,245)

 (496)

 1 

 (1,422)

 (195)

 (3,549)

 - 

 (5,661)

 - 

 55 

 50,525 

 (1,209)

 49,371 

 39,465 

 30,476 

 69,941 

The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

40

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Notes to the financial statements

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

Purplebricks Group plc is a public company limited by shares registered 

Purplebricks  Australia  PTY  Ltd,  a  Company  registered  in  Australia.  On 

in  England  and  Wales.  The  address  of  the  Company’s  registered  office 

10  March  2017,  Purplebricks  Group  plc  incorporated  a  wholly  owned 

is Purplebricks Group plc, Suite 7, First Floor, Cranmore Place, Cranmore 

subsidiary Purplebricks Inc, a company registered in the United States.

Drive, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 4RZ. The Company is primarily 

involved in the estate agency business.

On  2  July  2018  we  announced  that  we  had  entered  into  an  agreement 

to acquire one of Canada’s leading commission-free real estate brands, 

On  24  March  2017  the  Group  acquired  100  per  cent  of  the  issued 

DuProprio/ComFree,  giving  the  Group  an  established  presence  in 

share  capital  of  BFL  Property  Management  Limited.  On  29  March 

a new market.

2016  Purplebricks  Group  plc  incorporated  a  wholly  owned  subsidiary, 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies are set out below.

2.1 Basis of preparation

The Company’s financial statements have been prepared and approved 

by  the  directors  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting 

Standards  (IFRSs)  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  and  those  parts 

Accordingly,  the  directors  believe  that  it  is  appropriate  to  adopt  the 

going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

2.3 Basis of consolidation

of  the  Companies  Act  2006  that  apply  to  companies  reporting  in 

The  consolidated  financial  statements 

incorporate  the  financial 

accordance with IFRSs.

The  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  under 

the  historical  cost  convention  subject  to  recognising  certain  financial 

instruments at fair value.

statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company (its 

subsidiaries) made up to 30 April 2018. The Company controls an entity 

when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns through 

its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date 

on  which  control  is  transferred  to  the  Group.  They  are  deconsolidated 

The Company has taken advantage of section 408 of the Companies Act 

from the date that control ceases.

Profit or loss and each component of other comprehensive income are 

attributable to the owners of the Company. Total comprehensive income 

of the subsidiaries is attributable to the owners of the Company.

Accounting policies of subsidiaries which differ from Group accounting 

policies  are  adjusted  on  consolidation.  All  intra-group  transactions, 

balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

and not included its own income statement in these financial statements.

2.2 Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. 

The  directors  have  prepared  a  monthly  forecast  to  31  July  2019  for  the 

existing  Group  excluding  the  recent  Canadian  acquisition  of  DPCF 

(detailed  in  the  CFO  report  and  note  27),  which  on  the  basis  of  the 

assumptions  made,  show  that  the  Group  can  operate  with  its  existing 

resources.  The  Group’s  forecasts  and  projections,  taking  account  of 

reasonably  possible  changes  in  trading  performance  that  may  arise  as 

a  result  of  current  economic  conditions  and  other  risks  faced  by  the 

Group show that the UK Company is likely to continue being profitable 

and  cash  generative  during  the  year  ended  April  2019.  The  Group 

achieving  profitability  and  cash  generation  is  likely  to  be  delayed  by 

virtue  of  international  expansion  in  Australia,  USA  and  the  recently 

acquired  DPCF  which  will  reduce  the  Company’s  cash  through  loans 

to these subsidiaries. The impact of the acquisition of DPCF is an initial 

outflow of £29.3m followed by a further investment of up to £15m. At the 

financial year-end the Company reported cash balances of £153 million. 

The directors have performed sufficient sensitivity analysis to be satisfied 

that the going concern basis of preparation is appropriate.

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

41

Notes to the financial statements continued

2.4 Business combinations and goodwill

and  USA.  The  financial  information  reviewed  by  the  Board  is  materially 

the same as that reported under IFRS.

Acquisitions  of  subsidiaries  are  accounted  for  using  the  acquisition 

method.  The  consideration  transferred  in  a  business  combination  is 

measured at fair value, which is calculated as the sum of the acquisition-

2.9 Revenue

date fair values of assets transferred by the Group, liabilities incurred by 

Revenue  is  measured  as  the  fair  value  of  the  consideration  received  or 

the Group to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interest 

receivable,  excluding  discounts,  rebates,  value  added  tax  and  other 

issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree. Acquisition-

sales taxes.

related costs are recognised in profit and loss as incurred.

Revenue  from  a  contract  to  provide  services  is  recognised  in  the 

Goodwill  is  measured  as  the  excess  fair  value  of  the  consideration 

period in which the services are provided in accordance with the stage 

transferred  over  the  fair  value  of  the  identifiable  net  assets  acquired. 

of  completion  of  the  contract  when  all  of  the  following  conditions 

If  the  total  of  consideration  transferred,  and  previously  held  interest 

are satisfied:

measured  is  less  than  the  fair  value  of  the  net  assets  of  the  subsidiary 

acquired,  the  difference  is  recognised  directly  in  profit  or  loss  as  a 

bargain purchase gain.

Goodwill  is  capitalised  as  an  intangible  asset  and  is  not  amortised  but 

tested for impairment annually and when there are any indications that 

ƒƒ the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
ƒƒ it is probable that the Group will receive the consideration due under 

the contract;

ƒƒ the stage of completion of the contract at the end of the reporting 

its carrying value is not recoverable. As such, goodwill is stated at cost less 

period can be measured reliably, and;

any provision for impairment in value. For impairment testing purposes, 

goodwill  is  allocated  to  cash-generating  units  (‘CGUs’).  If  a  subsidiary 

undertaking is subsequently sold, goodwill arising on acquisition is taken 

into account in determining the profit or loss on sale.

ƒƒ the costs incurred and the costs to complete the contract can be 

measured reliably.

Instructions

2.5 Functional and presentation currency

Fees  earned  on  instruction  of  residential  property  are  accounted  for  as 

The individual financial statements of each group company are presented 

the Group’s obligations are completed.

in the currency of the primary economic environment in which operates 

The  Group  recognises  an  initial  element  of  the  instruction  fee  when 

(its  functional  currency).  For  the  purposes  of  the  consolidated  financial 

the  property  is  listed  for  sale.  The  Group  recognises  the  balance  of  the 

statements,  the  results  and  financial  position  of  each  group  company 

instruction fee over time as the Group’s obligations relating to activities 

are expressed in GBP, which is the functional currency of the Company, 

subsequent to the listing of advertisement are completed.

and the presentation currency for the consolidation.

2.6 Foreign currencies

Accompanied viewings

Accompanied  viewings  revenue  is  recognised  over  time  as  the  Group 

Exchange  differences  arising  on  the  settlement  of  monetary  items, 

fulfils  its  obligations.  The  Group  uses  a  portfolio  approach  to  measure 

and  on  the  retranslation  of  monetary  items,  are  included  in  the 

completion of its obligations.

income  statement  for  the  period.  Exchange  differences  arising  on  the 

retranslation  of  non-monetary  items  carried  at  fair  value  are  included 

Conveyancing

in  the  income  statement  for  the  period  except  for  differences  arising 

on  the  retranslation  of  non-monetary  items  in  respect  of  which  gains 

and  losses  are  recognised  directly  in  equity.  For  such  non-monetary 

items,  any  exchange  component  of  that  gain  or  loss  is  also  recognised 

directly in equity.

2.7 Foreign exchange on consolidation

On consolidation, assets and liabilities of undertakings whose functional 

currency is other than sterling are translated into sterling at the year end 

exchange  rates.  The  results  of  these  undertakings  are  translated  into 

The  Group  earns  commission  on  introduction  of  vendors  and  buyers 

to  solicitors.  Revenue  is  recognised  when  the  Group  has  completed 

its  obligations  and  the  consideration  receivable 

is  assured.  This 

commission is received on completion of sale, therefore can give rise to 

accrued income.

Lettings

Fees charged to landlords in exchange for identifying a tenant for their 

rental properties are recognised at the point that the tenant moves in.

sterling at average rates of exchange for the year. Exchange differences 

Fees charged to landlords in exchange for the ongoing management of 

arising  on  retranslation  are  recognised  through  other  comprehensive 

their rental properties are recognised over the period of the tenancy.

income in the foreign exchange reserve.

2.8 Segmental reporting

2.10 Pension benefits

The  Group  introduced  a  contributory  UK  pension  scheme  under  auto 

The  Group  trade  is  managed  as  a  single  division,  providing  services 

enrolment in July 2017 and accounts for expenses on an accruals basis.

relating  to  the  sale  and  letting  of  properties.  However  management 

report  to  the  Board  using  geographical  segments  being  UK,  Australia 

42

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Notes to the financial statements continued

2.11 Taxation

Current tax

2.13 Investments in subsidiaries

Investments 

in  subsidiaries  are  stated  at  cost 

less  any  provision 

for impairment.

Tax expense recognised in profit or loss comprises the sum of deferred 

tax  and  current  tax  not  recognised  in  other  comprehensive  income  or 

2.14 Leases

directly in equity. Current income tax assets and liabilities comprise those 

obligations to, or claims from, fiscal authorities relating to the current or 

prior reporting periods that remain unpaid at the reporting date. Current 

tax  is  payable  on  taxable  profit,  which  differs  from  profit  or  loss  in  the 

financial statements. Calculation of current tax is based on tax rates and 

tax  laws  that  have  been  enacted  or  substantively  enacted  by  the  end 

of  the  reporting  period.  Repayable  tax  credits  relating  to  research  and 

In  accordance  with  IAS  17,  the  economic  ownership  of  a  leased  asset  is 

transferred to the lessee if the lessee bears substantially all the risks and 

rewards  related  to  the  ownership  of  the  leased  asset.  The  related  asset 

is recognised at the time of the inception of the lease at the fair value of 

the leased asset or, if lower, the present value of the lease payments plus 

incidental payments, if any to be borne by the lessee.

development expenditure arising under the HMRC R&D regime for small 

All  other  leases  are  treated  as  operating  leases.  Payments  under 

and medium sized businesses are recognised within current tax.

operating  lease  agreements  are  recognised  as  an  expense  on  a 

Deferred tax

Deferred  income  taxes  are  calculated  using  the  liability  method  on 

temporary  differences  between  the  carrying  amounts  of  assets  and 

liabilities  and  their  tax  bases.  However,  deferred  tax  is  not  provided 

straight line basis over the period of the lease. Associated costs, such as 

maintenance and insurance, are expensed as incurred. The Group does 

not act as a lessor.

2.15 Cash and cash equivalents

on  the  initial  recognition  of  goodwill  or  on  the  initial  recognition  of  an 

Cash  and  cash  equivalents  comprise  cash  in  hand  together  with  other 

asset or liability unless the related transaction is a business combination 

short-term,  highly  liquid  deposits  which  are  not  subject  to  any  risk  of 

or  affects  tax  or  accounting  profit  on  initial  recognition.  Deferred  tax 

changes in value.

assets and liabilities are calculated, without discounting, at tax rates and 

laws that are expected to apply to their respective period of realisation, 

2.16 Internally developed intangible assets

provided those rates are enacted or substantively enacted by the end of 

the reporting period.

Expenditure  on  research  activities  is  recognised  as  an  expense  in  the 

period  in  which  it  is  incurred  and  is  only  incurred  in  respect  of  the 

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is foreseeable that 

Group’s software platform.

the  underlying  tax  loss  or  deductible  temporary  difference  will  be  able 

to  be  utilised  against  future  taxable  income.  This  is  assessed  based  on 

the Group’s forecast of future operating results, adjusted for significant 

non-taxable income and expenses and specific limits on the use of any 

unused tax loss or credit.

Deferred tax liabilities are always provided for in full, deferred tax assets 

and  liabilities  are  offset  only  when  the  Group  has  a  right  and  intention 

to  set  off  current  tax  assets  and  liabilities  from  the  same  taxation 

authority. Changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised as a 

component of tax income or expense in profit or loss, except where they 

An  internally  generated  intangible  asset  arising  from  the  Group’s 

development activity is recognised in the statement of financial position 

when the Group can demonstrate the following:

ƒƒ the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it 

will be available for use or sale.

ƒƒ its intention to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it.
ƒƒ its ability to use or sell the intangible asset.
ƒƒ how the intangible asset will generate probable future 

relate  to  items  that  are  recognised  in  other  comprehensive  income  or 

economic benefits.

directly in equity, in which case the related deferred tax is also recognised 

in other comprehensive income or equity, respectively.

2.12 Property, plant and equipment

Property,  plant  and  equipment  are  held  at  cost  less  accumulated 

ƒƒ the availability of adequate technical, financial and other resources to 
complete the development and to use or sell the intangible asset.

ƒƒ its ability to measure reliably the expenditure attributable to the 

intangible asset during its development.

depreciation and impairment charges.

The  amount  initially  recognised  for  internally-generated  intangible 

Depreciation  is  calculated  to  write  off  the  cost  of  property,  plant  and 

equipment less the estimated residual value on a straight-line basis over 

the  expected  useful  economic  life  of  the  assets  concerned.  Estimated 

residual values are revised annually.

The useful lives over which these assets are depreciated are:

ƒƒ computer equipment – over 3 years
ƒƒ motor vehicles – over 3 years
ƒƒ fixtures and fittings – over 5 years

assets  is  the  sum  of  the  expenditure  incurred  from  the  date  when 

the  intangible  asset  first  meets  the  recognition  criteria  listed  above. 

Where  no  internally-generated  intangible  asset  can  be  recognised, 

development expenditure is recognised in profit or loss in the period in 

which it is incurred.

Subsequent to initial recognition, internally-generated intangible assets 

are  reported  at  cost  less  accumulated  amortisation  and  accumulated 

impairment  losses,  on  the  same  basis  as  intangible  assets  that  are 

acquired separately.

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

43

Notes to the financial statements continued

The useful lives over which these assets are amortised are:

Financial assets

ƒƒ computer software – straight line over 3 years
ƒƒ capitalised software – straight line over 3 years

The  Group  has  financial  assets  in  the  loans  and  receivables  category. 

Loans  and  receivables  are  non-derivative  financial  assets  with  fixed  or 

determinable  payments  that  are  not  quoted  in  an  active  market.  After 

Amortisation is included within administrative expenses

initial  recognition  at  fair  value  these  are  measured  at  amortised  cost 

2.17 Intangible assets acquired in a business 
combination

using  the  effective  interest  method,  less  provision  for  impairment.  The 

Group’s  trade  and  other  receivables  fall  into  this  category  of  financial 

instruments.

Intangible  assets  acquired  in  a  business  combination  and  recognised 

separately from goodwill are initially recognised at their fair value at the 

Invoice factoring arrangements

acquisition date (which is regarded as their cost). See note 13 for details 

The Group utilises factoring services in relation to customer receivables 

of these assets, arising on the acquisition of BFL Property Management 

and  during  the  year  changed  provider.  Under  both  arrangements,  the 

Limited in the prior year (see note 1).

Subsequent to initial recognition, intangible assets acquired in a business 

combination  are  reported  at  cost  less  accumulated  amortisation  and 

accumulated impairment losses, on the same basis as intangible assets 

that are acquired separately.

Group does not retain significant risks and rewards with regard to those 

customer  receivables,  and  therefore  no  receivables  are  recognised  on 

the balance sheet under either arrangement. The Group does not have 

visibility of remaining outstanding customer balances. Due to differences 

in the commercial terms of the two agreements, under IAS 39 the fees 

payable  in  respect  of  our  current  partner  are  reflected  in  the  income 

The useful lives over which these assets are amortised are:

statement as invoice factoring charges, whereas the fees payable to the 

ƒƒ customer relationships – straight line over 5 years
ƒƒ patents and trademarks – straight line over 18 months

2.18 Impairment

previous partner are shown within cost of sales.

Trade and other receivables are reviewed for impairment on an individual 

basis  when  they  are  past  due  at  the  year-end  date  or  when  objective 

evidence is received that a third party will default or that a receivable will 

be impaired.

The  carrying  amount  of  the  Group’s  assets  including  property,  plant 

and  equipment  and  intangibles  is  reviewed  at  each  year  end  date 

Effective interest method

to  determine  whether  there  is  any  indication  of  impairment.  If  any 

such  indication  exists,  the  asset’s  recoverable  amount  is  estimated.  An 

impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of an asset 

or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment 

losses are recognised in profit or loss.

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised 

cost  of  a  debt  instrument  and  of  allocating  interest  income  over  the 

relevant  period.  The  effective  interest  rate  is  the  rate  that  exactly 

discounts  estimated  future  cash  receipts  (including  all  fees  and  points 

paid  or  received  that  form  an  integral  part  of  the  effective  interest 

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of 

rate,  transaction  costs  and  other  premiums  or  discounts)  through  the 

the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of 

expected  life  of  the  debt  instrument,  or,  where  appropriate,  a  shorter 

its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does 

period, to the net carrying amount on initial recognition.

not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had 

no  impairment  loss  been  recognised  for  the  asset  (or  cash-generating 

Financial liabilities and equity

unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised in profit 

or loss where it relates to an amount charged to profit or loss.

Debt  and  equity  instruments  are  classified  as  either  financial  liabilities 

or  as  equity  in  accordance  with  the  substance  of  the  contractual 

2.19 Financial instruments

arrangement.

Financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  are  recognised  in  the  Group’s 

Equity instruments

balance  sheet  when  the  Group  becomes  a  party  to  the  contractual 

provisions of the instrument.

An  equity  instrument  is  any  contract  that  evidences  a  residual  interest 

in  the  assets  of  the  Company  after  deducting  all  of  its  liabilities.  Equity 

Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value. 

instruments  issued  by  the  Company  are  recorded  at  the  proceeds 

Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue 

received, net of direct issue costs. The only equity instrument applicable 

of  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  (other  than  financial  assets 

to the Company is its issued share capital.

and  financial  liabilities  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss)  are  added 

to  or  deducted  from  the  fair  value  of  the  financial  assets  or  financial 

Financial liabilities

liabilities, as appropriate, on initial recognition. Transaction costs directly 

attributable to the acquisition of financial assets or financial liabilities at 

fair value through profit or loss are recognised immediately in profit or 

loss. See note 22 for further details.

Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities ‘at FVTPL’ or 

‘other financial liabilities at amortised cost’.

Financial liabilities are classified as at FVTPL when the financial liability is 

(i) contingent consideration that may be paid by an acquirer as part of a 

business combination to which IFRS 3 applies, (ii) held for trading, or (iii) 

it is designated as at FVTPL.

44

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Notes to the financial statements continued

A  financial  liability  other  than  a  financial  liability  held  for  trading  or 

months and it is not expected to be realised or settled within 12 months. 

contingent  consideration  that  may  be  paid  by  an  acquirer  as  part  of 

Other derivatives are presented as current assets or current liabilities.

a  business  combination  may  be  designated  as  at  FVTPL  upon  initial 

recognition if:

2.20 Share based payments

ƒƒ such designation eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement 

The  Group  operates  an  equity  settled  share  option  programme  which 

or recognition inconsistency that would otherwise arise; or

allows  employees  and  LPEs  to  acquire  shares  of  the  Company.  The  fair 

ƒƒ the financial liability forms part of a group of financial assets or 

financial liabilities or both, which is managed and its performance 

is evaluated on a fair value basis, in accordance with the Group’s 

documented risk management or investment strategy, and 

information about the grouping is provided internally on that basis; or

ƒƒ it forms part of a contract containing one or more embedded 
derivatives, and IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and 

value of options granted is recognised as an income statement expense 

with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured using 

the  Black-Scholes  model  at  grant  date.  The  expense  is  allocated  over 

the  vesting  period  of  each  tranche  of  options  granted.  The  expense  is 

calculated  net  of  a  churn  assumption  which  reflects  the  best  available 

estimate  of  the  total  number  of  share  options  expected  to  vest.  A  5% 

increase  or  decrease  in  the  churn  assumption  used  in  this  financial 

year  would  have  decreased  or  increased  respectively  in  the  share 

Measurement permits the entire combined contract (asset or liability) 

based  payment  charge  by  £220,000.  The  relevant  deferred  tax  amount 

to be designated as at FVTPL.

is  calculated  at  each  reporting  date  over  the  vesting  period  equivalent 

Financial  liabilities  at  FVTPL  are  stated  at  fair  value,  with  any  gains  or 

losses  arising  on  remeasurement  recognised  in  profit  or  loss.  The  net 

gain or loss recognised in profit or loss incorporates any interest paid on 

the  financial  liability  and  is  included  in  the  ‘other  gains  and  losses’  line 

item in the income statement.

Derivative financial instruments

to  the  expected  tax  deduction  on  future  exercise,  and  is  recognised 

if  appropriate  (see  deferred  tax  accounting  policy  note).  Expense  in 

respect of options granted to employees of subsidiaries of the Company 

is debited to the cost of investment of the subsidiary by which they are 

employed.  An  element  of  the  share  based  payment  cost  of  UK  based 

employees who perform Group roles is allocated to and recharged to the 

overseas entities, on a similar basis to salary and other related cost.

The Group uses derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure 

2.21 Share based payments reserve

to  foreign  exchange  rate  risk  via  foreign  exchange  forward  contracts. 

Further details of derivative financial instruments are disclosed in note 22.

This comprises the cumulative share based payment charge recognised 

in  profit  or  loss  in  relation  to  equity-settled  options,  net  of  transfers  of 

Derivatives  are  initially  recognised  at  fair  value  at  the  date  a  derivative 

charge on exercise of options to the profit and loss reserve.

contract  is  entered  into  and  are  subsequently  remeasured  to  their  fair 

value at each balance sheet date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised 

in profit or loss immediately.

There  was  an  error  in  the  brought  forward  share  based  payment 

reserve  at  both  1  May  2016  and  1  May  2017,  with  an  equal  and  opposite 

compensating error in retained earnings at £975k. This error, which was 

A  derivative  with  a  positive  fair  value  is  recognised  as  a  financial  asset 

due  to  the  incorrect  application  of  the  vesting  period  of  the  options 

whereas a derivative with a negative fair value is recognised as a financial 

resulting  in  an  understatement  of  the  SBP  expense  recognised,  has 

liability. A derivative is presented as a non-current asset or a non-current 

been restated. There was no impact on reported earnings or net assets.

liability  if  the  remaining  maturity  of  the  instrument  is  more  than  12 

3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS

The  preparation  of  the  financial  statements  requires  management  to 

is  a  key  part  of  the  Group’s  operating  model  and  value  proposition. 

make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application 

Management  are  required  to  estimate  the  time  and  related  value 

of  accounting  policies  and  the  reported  amounts  of  assets,  liabilities, 

attributable  to  the  element  of  the  development  team  that  relates  to 

income  and  expenses.  Actual  results  may  differ  from  these  estimates. 

developing  intangible  assets  which  meet  the  criteria  for  capitalisation 

Estimates  and  underlying  assumptions  are  reviewed  on  an  ongoing 

in  IAS  38.  Because  the  amounts  spent  on  the  development  team  are 

basis.  Revisions  to  accounting  estimates  are  recognised  in  the  period 

material,  a  significant  change  in  this  estimate  could  have  a  significant 

in  which  the  estimate  is  revised.  Information  about  significant  areas  of 

effect  on  the  value  of  costs  capitalised.  The  impact  of  a  change  to  this 

estimation and critical judgments that have the most significant impact 

estimate  could  result,  at  the most  extreme,  in  a  –  2%  or  +5%  change  to 

on the financial statements are described in the following notes:

administrative and establishment expenses for this year ended. Further 

Estimates

3.1 Measurement of intangible assets

details are included at note 13.

3.2 Measurement of deferred tax assets

The  Group  has  potential  deferred  tax  assets,  principally  in  the  form 

The  Group  recognises  an  intangible  asset  in  respect  of  software 

of  tax  losses  and  potential  tax  deductions  relating  to  the  exercise  of 

developed  in  house  (see  “Judgements”  section  below).  This  software 

share  based  payments,  but  deferred  tax  assets  are  only  recognised  to 

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

45

Notes to the financial statements continued

the  extent  it  is  probable  that  sufficient  future  taxable  income  will  be 

Judgments

available  against  which  the  losses  and  deductions  can  be  utilised.  The 

area of estimation in respect of deferred tax assets, therefore, relates to 

3.5 Intangible assets

the  uncertainty  inherent  in  forecasting  future  taxable  profits  which  is 

essentially  is  especially  pronounced  given  the  short  history  and  high-

growth  situation  of  the  Group,  which  is  yet  to  produce  an  established 

track record of profitability. The relevant amount, that is, the deferred tax 

assets recognised, has been determined using forecasts of future taxable 

profits  over  a  2  year  period  and  after  applying  a  substantial  reduction 

to  sensitise  for  downside  risk.  If  our  view  of  future  taxable  profits  were 

to  change  materially  in  future,  either  positively  or  negatively,  then  this 

could have a material impact on the income statement credit or charge. 

Depending on the length of the forecast period taken into account and 

the scale of the downside reduction applied, at the extreme the amount 

of the deferred tax asset could range from 0% to 100%. The deferred tax 

assets  recognised  in  the  balance  sheet  are  expected  to  be  recovered 

within  2  years.  Preference  has  been  given  to  recognising  deferred  tax 

assets  relating  to  tax  losses,  rather  than  share  scheme  deductions, 

The  Group  recognises  an  intangible  asset  in  respect  of  software 

developed in house. This software is a key part of the Group’s operating 

model  and  value  proposition.  Because  the  Group’s  software  engineers 

work  on  both  value  enhancing  assets  and  on  maintenance  of  existing 

systems,  management  are  required  to  form  a  judgment  as  to  what 

element  of  the  cost  of  the  development  team  relates  to  developing 

intangible  assets  which  meet  the  criteria  for  capitalisation  in  IAS  38. 

Management  make  this  judgement  using  internal  management  tools 

which  track  development  projects.  Because  the  amounts  spent  on  the 

development team are material, a significant change in this judgement 

could have a significant effect on the value of costs capitalised. Further 

details are included at note 13.

3.6 Impairment

because  the  quantum  of  tax  losses  is  fixed,  where  the  quantum  of 

Determining  whether  goodwill,  investments  or  intercompany  balances 

future  share  scheme  deductions  is  highly  sensitive  to  the  share  price 

are  impaired  requires  an  estimation  of  the  value  in  use  of  the  cash-

at  the  point  of  exercise  and,  therefore,  less  certain.  Further  details  are 

generating  units  to  which  value  has  been  allocated.  The  value  in 

included at note 9.

3.3 Share based payments

The Group has granted in the current and previous years share options, 

which  represent  a  significant  part  of  its  overall  remuneration  strategy. 

The fair value of services received in return for share options granted is 

measured  by  reference  to  the  fair  value  of  share  options  granted.  The 

use  calculation  requires  the  entity  to  estimate  the  future  cash  flows 

expected to arise from the cash-generating unit and to apply a suitable 

discount  rate  in  order  to  calculate  present  value.  The  assumptions  and 

sensitivities  applied  by  management  in  determining  whether  there  is 

any impairment are set out in notes 13, 14 and 15.

3.7 Invoice factoring arrangements

estimate  of  the  fair  value  of  each  option  at  grant  is  measured  using 

The  Group  utilises  factoring  services  and  during  the  year  changed 

the  Black-Scholes  model  and  once  set  is  not  revisited.  In  calculating 

provider.  Management  are  required  make  a  judgement  as  to  whether 

the  required  income  statement  charge,  management  also  make  an 

the risks and rewards of the relevant receivables remain with the Group 

estimate  of  the  total  number  of  options  likely  to  vest,  which  is  based 

or transfer to the service provider under the terms of the arrangement, 

on past experience. This assumption is re-assessed over the life of each 

and  therefore  whether  said  receivables  should  be  recognised  by  the 

option  grant.  If  the  pattern  of  behaviour  of  option  holders  were  to  vary 

Group under IAS 39. Because the amounts of the receivables are likely to 

significantly  from  past  experience,  then  this  could  have  a  significant 

be significant, a change in this judgement would result in a significant, 

impact on the share based payment charge. The impact could be either 

equal increase to both current assets and current liabilities.

a decrease or an increase. Further details are included at note 8.

3.4 Revenue recognition

The basis on which the Group recognises revenue in respect of its various 

non-recurring  or  non-trading  events.  They  are  disclosed  separately 

activities is set out in the accounting policies note. Certain of the Group’s 

in  the  Consolidated  Income  Statement  where  in  the  opinion  of  the 

activities  involve  providing  services  to  customers  over  a  period  of  time 

Directors such disclosure is necessary in order to fairly present the results 

Non-underlying  items  are  material  items  which  arise  from  unusual 

3.8 Underlying items

in  exchange  for  a  single  fee.  In  these  cases,  management  exercises 

for the period.

judgement  in  estimating  the  proportion  of  the  fee  which  relates  to  its 

activities  at  different  stages  of  serving  these  customers  and  recognises 

Non-underlying items comprise:

revenue  in  accordance  with  the  value  of  services  provided.  Were  these 

a. Intangible amortisation

estimates  to  change  significantly,  then  a  significant  reassessment  of 

The  amortisation  of 

intangible  assets  arising 

from  business 

revenue, either an increase or a decrease, might be required. 

combinations  is  non–cash  in  nature  and,  unlike  other  assets,  is  not 

expected to result in a future capital cost to the business in relation to 

replacement or renewal.

b. Share based payment

Share based payment is non–cash in nature and, unlike other assets, is 

not expected to result in a future cost to the business.

46

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Notes to the financial statements continued

4. NEW AND REVISED IFRSS IN ISSUE BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE 

At  the  date  of  authorisation  of  these  financial  statements,  certain  new 

standards,  amendments  and  interpretations  to  existing  standards  have 

ƒƒ IFRS 9 Financial Instruments is effective for periods beginning on or 
after 1 January 2018. Management have assessed the main areas of 

been issued but are not yet effective and have not been applied early by 

relevance of accounting for financial instruments as far as they relate 

the Group. Management anticipates that the following pronouncements 

to the Group to be hedge accounting and derecognition of financial 

relevant  to  the  Group’s  operations  will  be  adopted  in  the  Group’s 

assets. Management do not anticipate any change in accounting on 

accounting policies for the first period beginning after the effective date 

adoption of IFRS 9.

of the pronouncement, once adopted by the EU:

ƒƒ IFRS 16 Leases (effective 1 January 2019)
ƒƒ Amendments to IFRS 2: Classification and Measurement of Share-

based Payment Transactions (effective 1 January 2018)

ƒƒ Amendments to IFRS 4: Applying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with 

ƒƒ IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (effective 1 

January 2018). For financial years commencing after 1 January 

2018 IFRS 15 replaces the existing revenue recognition standard 

IAS 18. The standard introduces a new revenue recognition model 

that recognises revenue either at a point in time or over time. The 

model features a contract based five step analysis of transactions to 

IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts (effective 1 January 2018)

determine whether, how much and when revenue is recognised, this 

ƒƒ Annual improvements to IFRS 2014-2016 Cycle – Relating to IFRS 1 

First time adoption of IFRS and IAS 28 Investment in associates and 

joint ventures (effective 1 January 2018)

ƒƒ Annual improvements to IFRS 2014-2016 Cycle – Relating to IFRS 12 
Disclosure of interest in other entities (effective 1 January 2018)

includes the matching of stand-alone selling prices to the satisfaction 

of performance obligations. The directors are currently assessing the 

impact on each of the Group’s various revenue streams and have not 

yet quantified the impact of any adjustment. IFRS 15 includes a choice 

as to transitional adjustments on initial application and the directors 

have chosen to restate comparatives.

ƒƒ IFRIC Interpretation 22 Foreign currency transactions and advance 

There are other standards in issue which are not considered applicable 

considerations (effective 1 January 2018)

and are not expected to have an impact on the Group and have therefore 

ƒƒ Amendments to IAS 40: Transfers of investment property (effective 1 

January 2018).

not been included in the list above.

5. SEGMENTAL REPORTING

The Group trade is managed as a single division, providing services relating to the sale and letting of properties however management report to the 

Board  using  geographical  segments.  The  financial  information  reviewed  by  the  Board  is materially  the  same  as  that  reported  under  IFRS  and  falls 

under the three geographic locations it owns a Company in: UK, Australia and the US. During the year, no customer contributed 10% or more of the 

Group’s revenues (2017: none).

The following is an analysis of the Group’s revenue and results by reporting segment:

Year ended 30 April 2018

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Gross profit margin (%)

Administrative expenses

Marketing expenses

Operating profit/(loss)

Depreciation & amortisation

EBITDA

Share based payments

Adjusted EBITDA

UK

£000

78,118 

(33,067)

45,051 

58%

(19,487)

(21,388)

4,176 

1,601 

5,777 

2,369 

8,146 

AUSTRALIA

£000

13,540 

(7,286)

6,254 

46%

(7,306)

(11,355)

(12,407)

58 

(12,349)

593 

(11,756)

US

£000

2,039 

(754)

1,285 

63%

(8,402)

(9,400)

(16,517)

22 

(16,495)

496 

(15,999)

CONSOLIDATED

£000

93,697 

(41,107)

52,590 

56%

(35,195)

(42,143)

(24,748)

1,681 

(23,067)

3,458 

(19,609)

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

47

Notes to the financial statements continued

Year ended 30 April 2017

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Gross profit margin (%)

Administrative expenses

Marketing expenses

Operating profit/(loss)

Depreciation & amortisation

EBITDA

Share based payments

Adjusted EBITDA

UK

£'000

43,188 

(18,946)

24,242 

56%

(9,659)

(14,387)

197 

551 

747 

917 

1,664 

AUSTRALIA

£'000

3,518 

(1,911)

1,607 

46%

(3,915)

(3,805)

(6,114)

16 

(6,098)

-

(6,098)

US

£'000

-

-

-

0%

(66)

(27)

(93)

-

(93)

-

(93)

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Group’s accounting policies described in note 2.

2018

£000

29,469 

139 

90 

(18,536)

11,162 

203,486 

2,735 

3,020 

(35,547)

173,694 

13,015 

10,569 

11,547 

(15,854) 

19,277 

Segment assets and liabilities by location

NON CURRENT ASSETS

UK

Australia

US

Consolidation adjustments

Total

TOTAL ASSETS

UK

Australia

US

Consolidation adjustments

Total

TOTAL LIABILITIES

UK

Australia

US

Consolidation adjustments

Total

48

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

CONSOLIDATED

£'000

46,706 

(20,857)

25,849 

55%

(13,640)

(18,219)

(6,010)

567 

(5,444)

917 

(4,527)

2017

£000

8,743 

71 

-

354 

9,168 

90,096 

2,912 

-

(7,645)

85,363 

8,710 

8,908 

93 

(7,755)

9,956

Notes to the financial statements continued

6. LOSS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Loss from operating activities for the year has been arrived at after charging:

Auditor’s remuneration:

Audit of group financial statements

Audit of subsidiaries

Audit related assurance services

Amounts received by auditors and their associates in respect of:

Taxation compliance

Taxation advisory

Taxation legal services

Depreciation and other amounts written off PPE:

Owned, in respect of continuing activities

Amortisation of development costs

Amortisation of software

Amortisation of other intangibles

Aggregate charge against income in respect of research & development costs  
not eligible for capitalisation

Rentals payable under plant and machinery operating leases

Leasehold property rentals

2018

£000

2017

£000

85

17

-

30

110

7

425

936

39

281

759

55

569

51

19

2

21

4

-

167

370

3

27

474

24

200

The  aggregate  charge  in  respect  of  research  and  development  represents  the  total  cost  incurred  during  the  year,  less  amounts  capitalised  in 

accordance with IAS 38: Intangible Assets.

7. STAFF COSTS

The average number of persons employed by the 

Sales & Marketing

Group during the year was as follows:

Technical

Administration

The aggregate payroll costs of the persons 

Wages and salaries

employed by the Group, including the directors, 

Social security

were as follows

Pension

Share based payment charge

2018

£000

376

99

94

569

2018

£000

18,936

1,771

71

2,458

23,236

2017

£000

181

42

16

239

2017

£000

8,123

771

-

806

9,700

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

49

Notes to the financial statements continued

The average number of persons employed by 

the Company during the year was as follows:

Sales & Marketing

Technical

Administration

The aggregate payroll costs of the persons 

Wages and salaries

employed by the Company, including the 

Social security

directors, were as follows

Pension

Share based payment charge

The following table provides details 

of remuneration paid to directors 

Salaries or fees, including bonus

of the Company

Employers national insurance

Share based payment charge

2018

£000

261

77

48

386

2018

£000

9,149

1,166

71

1,404

11,790

2018

£000

477

59

651

1,187

The highest paid director received remuneration of £811,000 (2017: £242,000) during the year.

No director had a material interest in any contract in relation to the business of the Group.

In addition to the 10 directors (2017: 5), 9 senior management (2017: 8) are also considered to be key management personnel. 

The following table provides details of 

remuneration paid to key management 

personnel, being 19 individuals (2017: 13 

individuals): 

Salaries or fees, including bonuses and 

employers national insurance

Share based payment charge

2018

£000

1,835

1,410

3,245

The remuneration of the Directors for the years ended 2018 and 2017 was as follows: 

2017

£000

169

38

4

211

2017

£000

6,322

613

-

806

7,741

2017

£000

365

56

179

600

2017

£000

1,088

387

1,475

2018

Executive directors

M P D Bruce

J R Davies

N R Cartwright

A Blair

S Downing

A Wiele

M Wroe

Non- executive directors

P R M Pindar

N S Discombe

W E Whitehorn

Total

Salary & fees

£000

Taxable 
benefits

£000

Annual 
bonuses

£000

Share based 
payments

Pension

Total

£000

£000

£000

150

199

38

-

-

-

-

30

30

30

477

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

38

612

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

651

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

188

811

39

-

-

-

-

30

30

30

1,128

50

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Notes to the financial statements continued

2017

Salary & fees

Executive directors

M P D Bruce

N R Cartwright

Non- executive directors

P R M Pindar

N S Discombe

W E Whitehorn

Total

£000

150

125

30

30

30

365

Taxable 
benefits

£000

Annual 
bonuses

£000

Share based 
payments

Pension

Total

£000

£000

£000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

92

87

-

-

-

179

-

-

-

-

-

-

242

212

30

30

30

544

8. SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

The  Company  operates  an  HMRC  approved  executive  management 

further vesting every three months thereafter so that options vest in full 

incentive  plan  (EMI),  an  employee  share  ownership  plan  (ESOP)  and  a 

on  the  48  month  anniversary  of  the  date  of  grant  to  the  employee  or 

licensee share option plan (LSOP).

the licensee.

The  vesting  conditions  for  schemes  1,  2  and  4  are  based  on  length 

The  Company  also  operates  an  unapproved  executive  incentive  plan 

of  service  with  25%  of  the  options  vesting  on  or  after  the  12  month 

(Scheme  5).  The  vesting  conditions  are  based  on  length  of  service  with 

anniversary  of  the  employee’s  start  date  and  a  further  6.25%  vesting 

25%  of  the  options  vesting  on  or  after  the  12  month  anniversary  of  the 

every  three  months  thereafter  so  that  options  vest  in  full  on  the  48 

employee’s  start  date  and  a  further  6.25%  vesting  every  three  months 

month anniversary of the employee or licensee’s start date.

thereafter so that options vest in full on the 48 month anniversary of the 

The  vesting  conditions  for  schemes  6  to  13  are  based  on  future  service 

employee’s start date.

from the date of grant, with between 25% and 33% of the options vesting 

Details of the total number of shares under option at the year end and 

on  or  after  either  the  12  or  24  month  anniversary  of  the  grant,  and  a 

conditions on qualification and exercise are set out below:

Grant date 

Scheme 
No

Type of 
scheme

Employees/ 
Licensees 
entitled 

Number of  
options 
outstanding 

Performance 
conditions 

Exercise 
Price 

Earliest 
exercise date

Expiry date

09.01.2015

10.07.2015

10.08.2015

06.11.2015

29.06.2016

05.12.2016

04.01.2017

05.03.2017

29.06.2017

06.09.2017

19.12.2017

05.03.2018

1

2

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

EMI

EMI

EMI

EMI

ESOP/LSOP

ESOP/LSOP

ESOP

ESOP/LSOP

ESOP/LSOP

ESOP/LSOP

ESOP/LSOP

ESOP/LSOP

7

6

10

5

65

175

3

147

2

44

93

26

87,973 

Length of service

 £0.01 

09.01.2015

09.01.2025

441,326 

Length of service

 £0.13 

10.07.2015

10.07.2025

266,636 

Length of service

 £0.13 

10.08.2015

10.08.2025

3,524,076 

Length of service

 £0.01 

06.11.2016

06.11.2026

4,155,703 

Length of service

 £1.29 

29.06.2017

29.06.2027

2,851,744 

Length of service

 £1.25 

05.12.2017

05.12.2027

1,450,000 

Length of service

 £1.40 

04.01.2018

04.01.2028

2,107,502 

Length of service

 £3.10 

05.03.2018

05.03.2028

1,400,000 

Length of service

 £3.05 

29.06.2018

29.06.2028

753,000 

Length of service

 £4.69 

06.09.2018

06.09.2028

2,460,000 

Length of service

 £3.79 

19.12.2018

19.12.2028

575,000 

Length of service

 £4.15 

05.03.2019

05.03.2029

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

51

Notes to the financial statements continued

3,472,967 share options were exercised during the year (2017: 7,121,414). The number and weighted average exercise price of share options are as follows: 

Outstanding at start of period

Granted during the period

Exercised during the period 

Lapsed during the period

Outstanding at end of period 

Exercisable at end of period 

 Weighted average 
exercise price 

Number of options 

Weighted average 
exercise price 

Number of options 

2018

 £1.04 

 £3.79 

 £0.71 

 £1.60 

 £1.85 

 £0.70 

2018

19,715,516

5,418,000

(3,472,967)

(1,587,588)

20,072,961

3,932,788

2017

 £0.04 

 £1.62 

 £0.07 

 - 

 £1.04 

 £0.05 

2017

14,256,430

12,580,500

(7,121,414)

-

19,715,516

2,364,068

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise of options was £3.95.

The  weighted  average  remaining  contractual  life  of  the  options  is  8.5 

Options  outstanding  at  30  April  2018  for  scheme  11  have  an  exercise 

years (2017: 9.1 years).

price  of  £4.69  (2017:  not  applicable).  The  weighted  average  remaining 

Options outstanding at 30 April 2018 for schemes 1 and 5 have an exercise 

contractual life of the options is 9.4 years. (2017: not applicable).

price of £0.01 (2017: £0.01). The weighted average remaining contractual 

Options  outstanding  at  30  April  2018  for  scheme  12  have  an  exercise 

life of the options is 7.5 years (2017: 8.4 years).

price  of  £3.76  (2017:  not  applicable).  The  weighted  average  remaining 

Options  outstanding  at  30  April  2018  for  schemes  2  and  4  have  an 

contractual life of the options is 9.6 years. (2017: not applicable).

exercise  price  of  £0.13  (2017:  £0.13).  The  weighted  average  remaining 

Options  outstanding  at  30  April  2018  for  scheme  13  have  an  exercise 

contractual life of the options is 7.1 years (2017: 8.3 years).

price  of  £4.15  (2017:  not  applicable).  The  weighted  average  remaining 

Options outstanding at 30 April 2018 for scheme 6 have an exercise price 

of £1.29 (2017: £1.29). The weighted average remaining contractual life of 

the options is 8.2 years. (2017: 9.2 years).

Options outstanding at 30 April 2018 for scheme 7 have an exercise price 

of £1.25 (2017: £1.25). The weighted average remaining contractual life of 

the options is 8.6 years. (2017: 9.7 years).

contractual life of the options is 9.8 years. (2017: not applicable).

Fair value assumptions of share based payments

The fair value of services received in return for share options granted is 

measured  by  reference  to  the  fair  value  of  share  options  granted.  The 

estimate of fair value is measured using the Black-Scholes model. Details 

of  the  fair  value  of  share  options  granted  in  the  period  and  the  prior 

Options outstanding at 30 April 2018 for scheme 8 have an exercise price 

period, together with the assumptions used in determining the fair value 

of £1.40 (2017: £1.40). The weighted average remaining contractual life of 

are summarised below.

the options is 8.7 years. (2017: 9.7 years).

The  volatility  assumption,  measured  at  the  standard  deviation  of 

Options outstanding at 30 April 2018 for scheme 9 have an exercise price 

expected share price movements, is based on a review of volatility used 

of £3.10 (2017: £3.10). The weighted average remaining contractual life of 

by listed companies in the same sector.

the options is 8.9 years. (2017: 9.9 years).

Options  outstanding  at  30  April  2018  for  scheme  10  have  an  exercise 

price  of  £3.05  (2017:  not  applicable).  The  weighted  average  remaining 

contractual life of the options is 9.2 years. (2017: not applicable).

Weighted average share price at the date of grant 

Weighted average exercise price 

Weighted average contractual life (years) 

Weighted average expected volatility 

Weighted average risk free interest rate 

Total fair value of options granted (£000)

Charge to income statement 

The charge to income statement, included within the administrative expenses, comprises:

Share-based payment charge 

52

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

30th April 2018

30th April 2017

 £4.08 

 £3.78 

10

31.5%

1.5%

 £6,776

2018

£000

3,458

 £1.62 

 £1.62 

 10

 27.0%

 1.5%

 £20,334

2017

£000

917

9. TAXATION 

GROUP

Current tax (charge)/credit

Current year

Adjustments in respect of prior years

R&D tax credit relating to prior years

Total current tax

Deferred tax (charge)/credit

Current year

Adjustments in respect of prior year

Total deferred tax

Total (charge)/credit for the year

Reconciliation of effective tax rate

Notes to the financial statements continued

2018

£000

 (1,053)

 (242)

 306 

 (989)

 63 

 39 

 102 

 (887)

2017

£000

 - 

 - 

 - 

 1,201 

 1,853 

 3,054 

 3,054 

The tax (charge)/credit for the period differs from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK during the year of 19% (2017: 20%). The differences 

are explained below. The tax reconciliation for the prior year has been reanalysed to amalgamate certain items to give a better understanding of key 

factors affecting the tax position.

Profit/(Loss) before taxation

Tax calculated at UK corporate tax rate (19%, 2017: 20%)

Effects of:

Differences between UK and non-UK corporate tax rates

Non-deductible and non-taxable items

Utilisation of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets

Other changes in unrecognised deferred tax assets

Changes in tax rates

Deferred tax prior year adjustment

Current tax prior year adjustment

R&D tax credit relating to prior years

Total tax (charge) / credit for the year

2018

£000

 (26,179)

 4,974 

 1,743 

 (281)

 64 

 (7,335)

 (155)

 39 

 (242)

 306 

 (887)

2017

£000

 (6,059)

 1,212 

 604 

 (181)

 192 

 1,227 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 3,054 

UK: 

US: 

The UK corporation tax rate for the year was 19%. A reduction in the rate 

Wide  ranging  new  US  tax  legislation  (Tax  Cuts  and  Jobs  Act)  has  been 

to  17%  from  1  April  2020  has  been  substantively  enacted.  Additionally, 

passed  into  law  which  includes  various  significant  changes  to  the  US 

new legislation which will restrict the use of brought forward losses has 

corporate tax code. A principal measure is a reduction in the main rate of 

been substantively enacted in the UK. Whilst it is not expected that this 

US corporate tax from 35% to 21%, effective from 1 January 2018.

legislation will affect the ability to use brought forward UK tax losses, it 

may extend the period over which they can be utilised.

Deferred tax assets / liabilities are measured at the rate at which they are 

expected to reverse or be used.

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

53

Notes to the financial statements continued

Tax included in changes in equity 

GROUP

Deferred tax

Current tax

Total tax (charge) / credit

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

Recognised deferred tax

Assets

Liabilities

Net deferred tax asset

2018

£000

 - 

 1,295 

 1,295 

 3,068 

 (142)

 2,926 

2017

£000

 - 

 - 

 - 

 3,087 

 (244)

 2,843 

GROUP

ASSETS

LIABILITIES

Tax losses

Fixed 
asset timing  
differences

Other timing  
differences

Share based  
payments

Fixed 
asset timing  
differences

Other timing  
differences

2018

At 1 May

Included in the 
income statement

Currency 
variations

At 30 April

£000

 3,020 

 67 

 (19)

 3,068 

£000

 48 

 (48)

 - 

 - 

£000

£000

 19 

 (19)

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

£000

 (244)

 102 

 - 

 (142)

£000

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

GROUP

ASSETS

LIABILITIES

Tax losses

Fixed 
asset timing  
differences

Other timing  
differences

Share based  
payments

Fixed 
asset timing  
differences

Other timing  
differences

2017

At 1 May

Acquisition of 
Subsidiaries

Included in the 
income statement

At 30 April

£000

£000

£000

£000

 - 

 - 

 3,020 

 3,020 

 - 

 - 

 48 

 48 

 - 

 - 

 19 

 19 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

£000

 - 

 (211)

 (33)

 (244)

£000

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 Total

 £000

 2,843

 102

 (19)

 2,926

 Total

 £000

 - 

 (211)

 3,054 

 2,843 

54

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Notes to the financial statements continued

COMPANY

ASSETS

LIABILITIES

Tax losses

Fixed 
asset timing  
differences

Other timing  
differences

Share based  
payments

Fixed 
asset timing  
differences

Other timing  
differences

2018

At 1 May

Included in the 
income statement

At 30 April

£000

2,836 

57 

2,893 

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

38 

(38)

-

19 

(19)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

COMPANY

ASSETS

LIABILITIES

Tax losses

Fixed 
asset timing  
differences

Other timing  
differences

Share based  
payments

Fixed 
asset timing  
differences

Other timing  
differences

2017

At 1 May

Included in the 
income statement

At 30 April

£000

-

2,836 

2,836 

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

-

38 

38 

-

19 

19 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 Total

 £000

2,893 

-

2,893 

 Total

 £000

-

2,893 

2,893 

A proportion of the total potential deferred tax assets in the UK, Australia and the US have not been recognised due to insufficient certainty that there 

will be relevant profits available in the near future to utilise them. The unrecognised element of these deferred tax elements is given below.

The value of the future deduction for share based payments (options) is dependent on the share price at the point of exercise, therefore its value is 

highly uncertain. A significant proportion of the value of any future credit for the recognition or use of these unrecognised deferred tax assets would 

be taken to equity, rather than to the Income statement.

Unrecognised deferred tax assets 

GROUP

2018

Gross Value

2018

Unrecognised  
Tax value

2017

Gross Value

2017

Unrecognised  
Tax value

Tax losses

Share based payments

Fixed asset timing differences

Other timing differences

£000

 50,257 

 19,442 

 520 

 111 

70,330 

£000

 11,316 

 3,305 

 90 

 33 

14,744 

£000

 19,846 

 17,774 

 - 

 - 

37,620 

COMPANY

2018

Gross Value

2018

Unrecognised  
Tax value

2017

Gross Value

Tax losses

Share based payments

Fixed asset timing differences

Other timing differences

£000

 18,214 

 19,442 

 507 

 - 

 38,163 

£000

 3,096 

 3,305 

 86 

 - 

 6,487 

£000

 14,740 

 17,774 

 - 

 - 

 32,514 

£000

 4,189

 3,199

 -

 -

7,388

2017

Unrecognised  
Tax value

£000

 2,653

 3,199

 -

 -

 5,852

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

55

Notes to the financial statements continued

10. LOSSES PER SHARE

Loss £000

Weighted average number of shares

Loss per share (£)

2018

2017

Basic And Diluted

Basic And Diluted

(27,066)

273,072

(0.10)

(3,005)

249,811

(0.01)

Diluted loss per share is equal to the basic loss per share as a result of the Group recording a loss for the year, which cannot be diluted.

The table below reconciles the weighted average number of shares:

Weighted average number of shares 2017

Weighted average issue of new shares including from exercise of options

Weighted average number of shares 2018

11. FINANCE (EXPENSE)/INCOME AND OTHER CHARGES 

Interest income

Invoice factoring charges

Finance (expense)/income and other charges

12. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

2018

£000

 232 

 (1,724)

 (1,492)

GROUP

Cost

Balance at 1 May 2016

Additions

Acquired on acquisition of subsidiary

Disposals

Balance at 30 April 2017

Additions

Balance as 30 April 2018

Depreciation

Balance at 1 May 2016

Charge for the year

Balance at 30 April 2017

Charge for the year

Balance as 30 April 2018

Net book value

At 30 April 2018

At 30 April 2017

Computer 
equipment

Furniture & 
fittings

£000

£000

Motor 
vehicles

£000

212

469

 - 

(1)

680

490

 1,170 

(69)

(130)

(199)

(309)

(508)

 662 

 481 

87

116

61

 - 

264

271

 535 

(12)

(36)

(48)

(109)

(157)

 378 

 216 

 - 

 - 

22

 - 

22

 - 

 22 

 - 

(1)

(1)

(7)

(8)

 14 

 21 

56

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

249,811

23,261

273,072

2017

£000

 55 

 - 

 55 

Total

£000

299

585

83

(1)

966

761

 1,727 

(81)

(167)

(248)

(425)

(673)

 1,054 

 718

COMPANY

Cost

Balance at 1 May 2016

Additions

Disposals

Balance at 30 April 2017

Additions

Balance as 30 April 2018

Depreciation

Balance at 1 May 2016

Charge for the year

Balance at 30 April 2017

Charge for the year

Balance as 30 April 2018

Net book value

At 30 April 2018

At 30 April 2017

13. INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

GROUP

Cost

Balance at 1 May 2016

Additions

Acquired on acquisition of subsidiary

Internally developed

Disposal

Balance at 30 April 2017

Addition

Disposals

Exchange movement

Internally developed

Balance at 30 April 2018

Amortisation

Balance at 1 May 2016

Amortisation for the year

Balance at 30 April 2017

Amortisation for the year

Balance at 30 April 2018

Net carrying value

Balance at 30 April 2018

Balance at 30 April 2017

Notes to the financial statements continued

Computer 
equipment

Furniture & 
fittings

£000

£000

212

429

(1)

640

282

 922 

(69)

(125)

(194)

(263)

(457)

 465 

 446 

87

67

 - 

154

210

 364 

(13)

(23)

(36)

(50)

(86)

 278 

 118 

Total

£000

299

496

(1)

794

492

 1,286

(82)

(148)

(230)

(313)

(543)

 743

 564

Internally 
Generated 
Intangible

£000

Capitalised 
Software

Patents And 
Trademark

Customer 
Relationships

Total

£000

£000

£000

£000

 514 

 - 

 - 

 1,422 

 - 

 1,936 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 2,292 

 4,228 

 (143)

 (370)

 (513)

 (936)

(1,449)

 2,779 

 1,423 

 - 

 195 

 - 

 - 

 (2)

 193 

 641 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 834 

 - 

 (3)

 (3)

 (39)

 (42)

 792 

 190 

 514 

 195 

 1,171 

 1,422 

 (2)

 3,300 

 641 

 - 

 - 

 2,292 

 6,233 

 (143)

 (400)

 (543)

 (1,256)

 (1,799)

 - 

 - 

 100 

 - 

 - 

 100 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 1,071 

 - 

 - 

 1,071 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 100 

 1,071 

 - 

 (21)

 (21)

 (214)

 (235)

 - 

 (6)

 (6)

 (67)

 (73)

 27 

 94 

 836 

 4,434 

 1,050 

 2,757 

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

57

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued

The internally generated intangible asset relates to capitalised development costs in respect of the customer facing Purplebricks software platform.

Intangible assets are amortised over their useful economic lives. In the case of the internally developed intangible asset, amortisation is charged on a 

straight line basis over three years. The useful economic life of the brand names is 18 months and the customer relationships are 5 years. Capitalised 

software is amortised over three years on a straight line basis. The remaining useful lives of each asset are in keeping with the amortisation policy.

COMPANY

Cost

Balance at 1 May 2016

Internally developed

Disposal

Balance at 30 April 2017

Addition

Internally developed

Balance at 30 April 2018

Amortisation

Balance at 1 May 2016

Amortisation for the year

Balance at 30 April 2017

Amortisation for the year

Balance at 30 April 2018

Net carrying value

Balance at 30 April 2018

Balance at 30 April 2017

14. GOODWILL 

Internally  
Generated  
Intangible

£000

 514 

 1,422 

 - 

 1,936 

 - 

 2,292 

 4,228 

(143)

 (370)

 (513)

 (936)

(1,449)

  2,779  

 1,423 

Capitalised 
Software

£000

 194 

 - 

 - 

194 

 634 

 - 

 828 

 -

 (3)

 (3)

 (39)

 (42)

786

 191 

Total

£000

 708 

 1,422 

 - 

 2,130  

 634 

 2,292 

 5,056 

 (143)

 (373)

(516)

 (975)

 (1,491)

 3,565 

 1,614 

GROUP

Cost

At 1 May 2017 and 30 April 2018

Carrying amount

At 30 April 2018

At 30 April 2017

£000

2,606

2,606

2,606

On  completion  of  acquisition  and  at  the  year  end  the  goodwill  was 

reviewed for impairment and the Group will test annually for impairment 

going forward. The recoverable amounts of the goodwill are determined 

from value in use calculations. The key assumptions for the value in use 

The  discount  rate  used  was  15%  and  the  growth  rate  used  was  2%  or 

less  based  on  the  Office  for  Budget  Responsibility  growth  forecasts 

contained  within  the  March  2017  economic  and  fiscal  outlook.  A  5% 

increase  or  decrease  to  any  of  the  key  assumptions  would  not  have 

changed the impairment review conclusion.

The Group has conducted a sensitivity analysis on the impairment test of 

goodwill and the group of units carrying value. The Group prepares cash 

flow forecasts derived from the most recent financial budgets approved 

by management for the next 3 years and extrapolates cash flows for the 

following three years based on an estimated growth rate that does not 

exceed the average growth rate for the industry.

calculations  are  those  regarding  the  discount  rates,  growth  rates  and 

At  the  year  end  the  fair  value  of  goodwill  was  substantially  in  excess  of 

expected  changes  to  selling  prices  and  direct  costs  during  the  period. 

its book value.

58

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

15. INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES 

COMPANY

Cost

1 May 2017

Capital injected into subsidiaries

Share based payment charge in respect of 

employees of subsidiaries

At 30 April 2018

Carrying amount

At 30 April 2018

At 30 April 2017

£000

 3,574 

 18,018 

 558 

 22,150 

 22,150 

 3,574 

Notes to the financial statements continued

by  Purplebricks  Group  plc,  which  operate  and  are 

incorporated 

around the world.

During  the  year  Company  made  capital  injections  into  its  subsidiaries 

in  Australia  and  the  US,  reflective  of  the  Group’s  long  term  financial 

commitment to our continuing overseas expansion whilst strengthening 

the local balance sheets.

The  Group  has  conducted  a  sensitivity  analysis  on  the  impairment  test 

of  investments  in  subsidiaries  and  the  group  of  units  carrying  value. 

The  Group  prepares  cash  flow  forecasts  derived  from  the  most  recent 

financial  budgets  approved  by  management  for  the  next  3  years. 

Discounted  cash  flows  are  extrapolated  for  the  following  three  years 

based on estimated growth rates that do not exceed the average growth 

The  Group  consists  of  a  Parent  Company,  Purplebricks  Group  plc, 

rate for the industry, and discount rates of 12-14%.

incorporated  in  the  UK  and  a  number  of  subsidiaries  held  directly 

At  the  year  end  the  fair  value  of  investments  in  subsidiaries  was 

substantially in excess of its book value.

Information about the principal subsidiaries of the Group at the end of the reporting period is as follows: 

Name

Place of incorporation

Proportion of 

Proportion of 

ownership interest

voting power held

BFL Property Management Limited

Purplebricks Inc.

Purplebricks Australia PTY Limited

UK

USA

Australia

100%

100%

100%

16. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 

Trade and other receivables

Amount owned by group undertakings

Prepayments

Accrued income

GROUP

COMPANY

2018

£000

 4,258 

 - 

 2,198 

 2,924 

 9,380 

2017

£000

 2,641 

 - 

 1,326 

 898 

 4,865 

2018

£000

 2,010 

 16,407 

 1,267 

 2,840 

 22,524 

100%

100%

100%

2017

£000

 2,341 

 7,363 

 653 

 888 

 11,245

An element of trade receivables shown above are due when the earlier of certain events occur which could be longer than one month. At the balance 

sheet date this contingency does not facilitate quantification, however the maximum relevant value could be £1m due in a maximum of 5 months. 

All  other  trade  and  other  receivables  are  short-term  and  due  in  less  than  one  month.  The  amounts  owed  by  group  companies  are  repayable  on 

demand. The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade receivables approximates to their fair value. All trade and other receivables have 

been reviewed for indications of impairment.

Of the total trade receivables shown above, no amounts (2017: £nil) are past due and none are impaired.

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

59

Notes to the financial statements continued

17. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 

Trade and other payables

GROUP

COMPANY

Trade payables

Other taxation and social security

Amount owed to group undertakings

Accruals

Deferred income

2018

£000

 8,209 

 2,038 

 - 

 5,377 

 15,624 

 3,467 

 19,091 

2017

£000

 3,573 

 1,215 

 - 

 2,513 

 7,301 

 2,307 

 9,608 

2018

£000

 3,378 

 1,988 

 - 

 3,401 

 8,767 

 2,743 

 11,510 

2017

£000

 2,471 

 1,103 

 748 

 2,115 

 6,437 

 1,821 

 8,258

All trade and other payables are short-term. The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates to 

their fair value.

18. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Group enters into contracts for foreign exchange forwards in order to secure a protected AUS:GBP and USD:GBP exchange rate. 

Trade and other payables

GROUP

COMPANY

Foreign exchange forward contracts - 
carried at fair value through profit or loss 

Balance at start of period

Loss/(gain) in movement in fair value through 
profit or loss

Balance at end of period

Maturity analysis of foreign exchange 
forward contracts

Less than 1 year

2018

£000

104

(60)

44

2018

£000

44

44

2017

£000

 - 

104

104

2018

£000

104

(60)

44

GROUP

COMPANY

2017

£000

104

104

2018

£000

44

44

2017

£000

 - 

104

104

2017

£000

104

104

Further details of derivative financial instruments are provided in note 22.

60

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Notes to the financial statements continued

19. SHARE CAPITAL 

Number

Nominal value

Allotted, issued and fully paid:

Class:

Ordinary

301,843,009

£0.01

2018

£000

 3,019 

 3,019 

2017

£000

 2,705 

 2,705

During  the  year  the  Company  issued  a  total  of  31,342,098  shares  of  £0.01p  each  at  par,  for  total  consideration  of  £102,463,000.  There  were  directly 

attributable costs associated with these issues of £650,000.

Axel Springer

On  26  March  2018  the  Group  announced  a  strategic  investment  of  £125m  by  Axel  Springer  including  proceeds  from  a  subscription  in  new  shares 

of  approximately  £100  million  which  would  augment  the  Company’s  existing  cash  resources  of  £51.7  million  (as  at  28  February  2018)  and  allow 

Purplebricks  to  accelerate  its  strategic  plans  as  follows:  (i)  An  accelerated  roll-out  in  the  US;  (ii)  Entry  into  new  geographic  markets;  and  (iii)  Fund 

technological innovation and expansion of Purplebricks’ service offering.

20. SHARE PREMIUM

21. RESERVES 

Allotted, issued and fully paid:

Balance at 1 May 2016

Premium arising on issue of equity shares

Expenses of issue of equity shares

Balance at 30 April 2017

Premium arising on issue of equity shares

Cost of share issue

Premium arising on exercise of share options

Balance at 30 April 2018

£000

 25,887 

 50,223 

(1,209)

74,901

99,722

(650)

2,427

176,400

Share based payment reserve

The share based payment reserve represents all current and prior period 

share based payment charges less the exercise of share options.

Retained earnings

Retained  earnings 

includes  all  current  and  prior  period  retained 

profits and losses.

Share premium

The  amount  paid  to  the  Company  by  shareholders,  in  cash  or  other 

consideration, over and above the nominal value of shares issued to them.

Foreign exchange reserve

The  foreign  exchange  reserve  records  exchange  differences  arising 

from  the  translation  of  the  financial  statements  of  foreign  operations. 

Upon disposal of foreign operations, the related accumulated exchange 

differences are recycled to the income statement.

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

61

Notes to the financial statements continued

22. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Capital risk management

Principal financial instruments

Capital  management  objectives  are  to  ensure  the  Company’s  ability  to 

The  principal  financial  instruments  used  by  the  Group,  from  which 

continue as a going concern and to provide a return to shareholders.

financial instrument risk arises, are as follows:

The capital structure of the Company currently consists of cash and equity 

attributable to equity holders of the Company, comprising issued capital, 

reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in the statement of changes 

in equity. The Company’s Audit Committee reviews the capital structure 

as part of its risk analysis. As part of this review, the Committee considers 

the cost of capital and the risks associated with each class of capital.

ƒƒ Cash and cash equivalents
ƒƒ Trade and other receivables
ƒƒ Trade and other payables
ƒƒ Derivative financial instruments

The Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

The Group held the following financial assets at each reporting date:

Loans and receivables

GROUP

COMPANY

 Trade and other receivables: 

 Current 

 Cash and cash equivalents 

2018

£000

 7,182 

 152,846 

 160,028 

2017

£000

 3,539 

 71,330 

 74,869 

2018

£000

 21,257 

 149,684 

 170,941 

2017

£000

 10,592 

 69,941 

 80,533

Shortly after 30 April 2018 a total of £35m was transferred into a fixed term deposit account to be held until May 2019, and £15m was transferred into a 

fixed term deposit account to be held until February 2019.

The Group held the following financial liabilities at each reporting date:

Financial liabilities

GROUP

COMPANY

 Held at amortised cost: 

 Trade and other payables 

 Held at fair value through profit or loss: 

 Derivative financial instrument - 

 foreign exchange forward contracts 

2018

£000

 13,586 

 13,586 

(44)

 13,542 

2017

£000

 6,086 

6,086

 104 

 6,190

2018

£000

 6,779 

 6,779 

(44)

 6,735 

2017

£000

 5,334

 5,334 

 104 

 5,438 

The derivative was designated as fair value through profit or loss on initial recognition.

Fair value of financial instruments

Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets 

The fair value of the financial instruments set out above is not materially 

or liabilities;

different from the book value.

Level  2:  other  techniques  for  which  all  inputs  which  have  a  significant 

It is the policy of the Group to enter into USD and AUD forward foreign 

exchange  contracts  to  manage  currency  risk  in  relation  to  the  Group’s 

effect  on  the  recorded  fair  value  are  observable,  either  directly  or 

indirectly; and

funding requirements for its US and Australian subsidiaries. Due to the 

Level 3: techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on 

low  complexity  of  the  derivative  contracts,  hedge  accounting  has  not 

the recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data.

been applied and is not considered necessary.

During  each  of  the  reporting  periods,  there  were  no  transfers  between 

The  Group  uses  the  following  hierarchy  for  determining  and  disclosing 

valuation levels

the fair value of financial instruments by valuation technique:

62

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

 
Notes to the financial statements continued

Fair Values

GROUP

COMPANY

Financial liabilities

Forward contract – Level 2

Financial risk management

The  Group 

is  exposed  through 

its  operations  to  the  following 

financial risks:

ƒƒ Liquidity risk
ƒƒ Interest rate risk
ƒƒ Credit risk
ƒƒ Foreign currency risk

The Group’s policies for financial risk management are outlined below.

Liquidity risk management

Liquidity  risk  is  the  risk  that  the  Group  will  not  be  able  to  meet  its 

financial  obligations  as  they  fall  due.  The  Group  manages  liquidity  risk 

2018

£000

44

2017

£000

104

2018

£000

44

2017

£000

104

by maintaining adequate cash reserves and by monitoring forecast and 

actual  cash  flows  to  ensure  cash  is  available  to meet  financial  liabilities 

as they fall due. Sufficient cash is retained in immediate access accounts 

whilst  cash  surplus  to  short  term  requirements  is  deposited  in  notice 

accounts  and  fixed  term  deposits.  Liquidity  risk  is  managed  through 

regular  senior  review  of  performance  versus  an  integrated  profit  and 

loss, balance sheet and cash flow model. Sensitivities are applied to this 

model to ensure the Company has early warning of any manifestation of 

liquidity risk and communicate any such risk to investors in a timely and 

accurate manner.

The following is an analysis of the contractual undiscounted cash flows 

payable under financial liabilities. The table includes principal only cash 

flows in respect of trade and other payables.

Trade and other payables

GROUP

COMPANY

Trade payables and accruals due 

within one month 

Trade payables and accruals due within 

three months 

 Trade and other payables 

2018

£000

 11,718 

 3,906 

 15,622 

2017

£000

 5,062 

 1,024 

 6,086 

2018

£000

 6,576 

 2,192 

 8,768 

2017

£000

 4,565 

 769 

 5,334 

Interest rate sensitivity analysis

experience  differs  significantly  from  the  initial  assumptions  that  were 

Interest  rate  risk  is  the  risk  that  the  value  of  the  future  cash  flows  of  a 

used to set the fee.

financial  instrument  will  fluctuate  due  to  changes  in  market  rates. 

Credit  risk  refers  to  the  risk  that  the  counterparty  will  default  on  its 

At  the  year  end  date  there  was  no  material  exposure  to  movement  in 

contractual  obligations  resulting  in  financial  loss  to  the  Group.  The 

interest rates as the Group has no borrowings or other financial assets or 

Company’s  credit  risk  is  primarily  attributable  to  its  trade  receivables. 

liabilities linked to interest rates.

Credit risk management

Sale of receivables

As  discussed  under  “Sale  of  Receivables”  above,  credit  risk  is  managed 

in the UK via a non-recourse receivable sale arrangement and a similar 

arrangement  applies  in  Australia.  In  the  US,  at  present  the  Group 

manages “pay later” receivables itself and has an excellent history with no 

significant  trade  receivables  written  off  as  irrecoverable,  by  monitoring 

In  order  to  manage  both  liquidity  requirements  and  credit  risk,  the 

the  aggregate  amount  and  duration  of  exposure  to  any  one  customer 

Company  has  a  committed  facility  with  a  third  party  finance  house, 

depending  upon  their  credit  rating.  The  Company  has  an  excellent 

whereby  customer  receivables  in  respect  of  customers  who  utilise  the 

history with no material trade receivables written off as irrecoverable.

Company’s “pay later” option are sold immediately to the finance house. 

The  receivables  are  sold  at  a  discount  to  face  value  on  non-recourse 

terms, and the discount retained by the finance house represents its fee 

for administering the collection of receivables. There are thresholds built 

into  the  facility  agreement  which  allow  the  fee/discount  to  be  revised 

upwards or downwards on a prospective only basis (i.e. in relation to the 

The credit risk on liquid funds is minimised because the counterparties 

are  UK  banks  with  high  credit-ratings  assigned  by  international  credit-

rating agencies.

Foreign currency risk management

sale of receivables arising in the future) if actual credit and funding cost 

A  significant  part  of  the  Group’s  transactions  are  carried  out  in  pound 

sterling  (GBP).  Exposures  to  currency  exchange  rates  arise  from  the 

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued

Group’s  trading  activity  carried  out  by  its  overseas  operations,  which  is 

AUD  and  USD  loans.  The  loans  carry  a  commercial  rate  of  interest  and 

primarily denominated in Australian dollars (AUD) and US dollars (USD) 

are  therefore  not  designated  at  fair  value.  Additionally,  the  Group  does 

for  the  year  ended  30  April  2018.  The  Company  holds  AUD  and  USD 

not  hedge  translation  risk  in  relation  to  the  financial  statements  of  its 

denominated loans with its Australian and US subsidiaries which are the 

overseas subsidiaries.

result  of  funding  planned,  early  stage  losses  and  marketing  expenses. 

The  Group  anticipates material  losses  in  US  dollars  (USD)  over  the  next 

two years as it starts operating in the US.

Foreign  currency  denominated  financial  assets  and  liabilities  which 

expose the Group to currency risk are disclosed in the table below. The 

sensitivity  of  the  profit  and  equity  in  regards  to  the  Group’s  financial 

To mitigate the Group’s exposure to foreign currency risk, planned non-

assets and financial liabilities and the AUD/GBP and USD/GBP exchange 

GBP funding requirements in relation to its US and AUS subsidiaries are 

rates is also disclosed.

monitored  and  forward  foreign  exchange  contracts  are  entered  into  in 

relation to those planned funding cashflows, in line with the Group’s risk 

management policies.

This assumes a +/-9% change of the AUD/GBP rate and a +/ – 11% change 

of  the  USD/GBP  rate  for  the  year  ended  30  April  2018.  This  percentage 

has been determined based on the average market volatility in exchange 

The  Group  does  not  enter  into  forward  exchange  rate  contracts  to 

rates in the previous 12 months.

mitigate the exposure to foreign currency translation risk on the Group’s 

30 April 2018

 AUD $000 

 USD $000 

 +/- 9% (£000) 

 +/- 11% (£000) 

 AUD 

 US 

 Trade and other receivables 

 Cash and cash equivalents 

 Trade and other payables 

 Deferred income 

 2,668 

 2,064 

(5,255)

(928)

(1,451)

 1,311 

 1,881 

(5,426)

(296)

(2,530)

 132 

 102 

 (259) 

 (46) 

 (71)

 AUD 

 105 

 150 

(434) 

 (24) 

 (203) 

 US 

30 April 2017

 AUD $000 

 USD $000 

 +/- 9% (£000) 

 +/- 11% (£000) 

 Trade and other receivables 

 Cash and cash equivalents 

 Trade and other payables 

 Deferred income 

 1,220 

 2,233 

(2,268)

(838)

 347 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 64 

 116 

 (118)

 (44) 

 18 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

If GBP had strengthened against the AUD by 9% then the net loss for the year would have reduced by £1,057,152.

If GBP has weakened against the AUD by 9% then the net loss for the year would have increased by £1,266,259.

If GBP had strengthened against the USD by 11% then the net loss for the year would have reduced by £1,024,474. 

If GBP had weakened against the AUD by 9% then the net loss for the year would have increased by £1,277,715.

Exposures  to  foreign  exchange  rates  vary  during  the  year  depending  on  the  volume  of  overseas  transactions.  Nonetheless,  the  analysis  above  is 

considered to be representative of the Group’s exposure to currency risk.

64

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued

23. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The  directors  have  taken  the  exemption  from  disclosing  transactions  with  Group  companies  on  the  grounds  that  they  are  all  wholly  owned 

subsidiaries.  Related  party  transactions  occur  as  a  result  of  funding  provided  to  the  wholly  owned  subsidiaries  for  the  purposes  of  marketing  and 

support from the UK.

Balances with subsidiary undertakings

As at 30 April 2018 

As at 30 April 2017

Trade Receivables

Purplebricks Australia PTY Limited

Purplebricks Inc.

BFL Property Management Limited

Trade Payables

Purplebricks Australia PTY Limited

Purplebricks Inc.

BFL Property Management Limited

£000

7,348 

8,550 

502 

16,400 

-

7,420 

502 

7,922 

£000

7,297 

-

65 

7,362 

747 

-

-

747

Other related party transactions

Directors’  remuneration  and  key  management  personnel  disclosures 

can be found in note 7.

Michael Bruce sold 4,444,444 shares in the Company on 25 April 2018 at 

360p per share during the current year (2017: none).

Neil Cartwright sold no shares in the Company in the current year (2017: 

sold 1,000,000 shares on 16 March 2017 at 300.00p per share).

Isabel Bruce sold no shares in the Company in the current financial year 

(2017: sold 3,666,667 Ordinary shares in the Company on 16 March 2017 at 

300p per share).

Will  Whitehorn  sold  no  shares 

in  the  Company 

in  the  current 

financial  year  (2017:  sold  250,000  Ordinary  shares  on  16  March  2017  at 

300p per share).

Nicholas  Discombe  sold  no  shares  in  the  Company  in  the  current 

financial year (2017: sold 1,600,000 shares at 300p on 19 April 2017).

24 COMMITMENTS

Capital  commitments,  approved  by  the  Board  and  existing  at  30  April  2018  amounted  to  £nil  (2017:£nil).  Total  commitments  under  noncancellable 

operating leases are as follows: 

GROUP

Payable:

Within one year

In the second to fifth years

COMPANY

Payable:

Within one year

In the second to fifth years

Land And Buildings

£000

697 

1,349 

2,046 

403 

1,009 

1,412 

2018

2017

Other

£000

Land And Buildings

£000

Other

£000

48 

43 

91 

28 

23 

51 

380 

618 

998 

206 

374 

580 

19 

6 

25 

19 

6 

25

Operating leases relate to land, buildings and other assets, such as IT equipment, used to support the operational requirements of the Company.

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

65

Notes to the financial statements continued

26. ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY

There is no ultimate controlling party as no one investor has a majority 

shareholding.

27. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENT

On  2  July  2018,  Purplebricks  announced  that  it  had  entered  into  a 

conditional  agreement  to  acquire  DuProprio/ComFree  (“DPCF”)  from 

Yellow  Pages  Digital  &  Media  Solutions  Limited,  a  subsidiary  of  Yellow 

Pages Limited, in a transaction that offers a-growth established platform 

for expansion into the Canadian real estate market. The enterprise value 

(on  a  cash  free/debt  free  basis)  of  CAN$51  million,  approximately  £29.3 

million,  is  payable  in  cash  at  closing,  which  is  expected  to  occur  on  or 

before  6  July  2018,  subject  to  customary  adjustments.  The  valuation  is 

attractive based on DPCF’s strong market position in the Canadian real 

estate sector, impressive revenue growth since launch and its underlying 

profitability.

DPCF owns and operates one of Canada’s leading commission-free real 

estate  services  brands.  The  acquisition  by  Purplebricks  is  expected  to 

result in attractive growth opportunities including to grow market share 

in  Canada,  enhance  customers  experience  through  its  market  leading 

model  and  technology,  start  capitalising  on  an  extensive  buy-side 

revenue opportunity and introduce aspects of the Purplebricks business 

model to operate alongside the highly successful digital service offered 

by  DPCF.  Purplebricks  is  targeting  an  additional  investment  of  up  to 

£15m in DPCF’s expansion across Canada over the next two years funded, 

as before, from the retained profits generated by the province of Quebec 

and supplemented from the cash reserves of Purplebricks.

DPCF  will  continue  to  operate  under  the  existing  brands  of  DuProprio 

in  Quebec  and  ComFree  outside  of  Quebec,  although  there  will  be 

a  strategic  opportunity  to  introduce  the  Purplebricks  brand  outside 

of  Quebec  in  the  future.  DPCF  will  continue  to  be  led  by  the  existing 

highly  experienced  management  team  headed  by  CEO,  Marco  Dodier, 

Senior Vice President & CFO, Jean-Bruno Lessard, COO & Vice President 

Brokerage  Operations,  Lukas  Lhotsky  and  Marie-Christine  Blain,  Vice 

President  Legal  Affairs  and  Compliance,  who  together  have  been  with 

DPCF for a combined total of 33 years.

66

Purplebricks Group plc Annual Report 30 April 2018

Purplebricks Group plc
Registered number 08047368
Cranmore Place, Cranmore Drive,  
Shirley, Solihull,  
West Midlands B90 4RZ
purplebricks.com