FirstGroup plc half-yearly results to 30 Septem...

Embargoed until 07:00hrs on Wednesday 9 November 2011 FIRSTGROUP PLC HALF-YEARLY RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2011 Â· Overall trading for the Group in line with our expectations Â· Addressing First Student - executing business recovery plan, achieving good momentum and positive early indicators; operating margin in H2 expected to be in line with same period last year Â· Continued growth in First Transit with strong pipeline of opportunities Â· Greyhound transformation delivering results - good revenue growth and margin improvement Â· UK Bus priority is to manage immediate challenges of softening economy while equipping the business to deliver increased growth Â· Further strong growth in UK Rail; FTPE franchise extended for three years to 2015 Â· Continued focus on cash generation to support capital investment, debt reduction and dividend growth of 7% Â· Targeting net cash inflow of Â£150m for 2011/12 including further selective asset and business disposals 2011 2010 Change Continuing operations4: Revenue Â£3,168.8m Â£3,069.9m +3.2% Adjusted EBITDA1 Â£323.4m Â£331.3m (2.4)% Operating profit Â£216.3m Â£173.5m +24.7% Adjusted operating profit2 Â£163.0m Â£170.4m (4.3)% Profit before tax Â£127.8m Â£81.8m +56.2% Adjusted profit before tax2 Â£84.5m Â£77.5m +9.0% Basic EPS 18.3p 11.4p +60.5% Adjusted basic EPS2 11.2p 10.5p +6.7% Proposed dividend per share 7.62p 7.12p +7.0% Net debt3 Â£2,058.7m Â£2,190.8m (6.0)% 1Adjusted operating profit plus depreciation. 2Before amortisation charges, ineffectiveness on financial derivatives, exceptional items, loss on disposal of properties and discontinued operations. All references to "adjusted" figures throughout this document are defined in this way. 3 Net debt is stated excluding accrued bond interest. 4For all businesses excluding UK Rail this half year includes 27 weeks compared to 26 weeks for the corresponding period last year. Commenting, FirstGroup's Chief Executive, Tim O'Toole said: "I am pleased to report that overall Group trading for the first half of the current financial year is in line with our expectations. In First Student we are executing our plan to address performance and strengthen the operating model and I am encouraged by the positive early indicators. At Greyhound our actions to transform the business are delivering results with good revenue growth and margin improvement. First Transit continues to deliver growth and has a strong pipeline of further opportunities. In our UK Bus operations, which are focused in high density urban areas, our priorities are to manage the immediate challenges presented by a softening macroeconomic outlook and reduced funding to the industry while also taking the necessary forward looking decisions to equip the business to deliver increased growth. Strong passenger demand continues across all of our rail operations and we look forward to building on our market leading position and developing further opportunities once the Department for Transport's new rail franchising programme commences in 2012. With market leading positions and operations that are fundamentally strong, together with our clear focus on creating a stronger business for the future, the Group has good prospects to deliver long-term value for shareholders in a sector which is a key enabler of economic growth." Contacts FirstGroup plc: Tim O'Toole, Chief Executive Jeff Carr, Finance Director Tel: +44 (0) 20 7291 0512 Rachael Borthwick, Corporate Communications Director, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7291 0508 / +44 (0) 7771 945432 A PRESENTATION TO INVESTORS AND ANALYSTS WILL TAKE PLACE AT 9:00AM TODAY ATTENDANCE IS BY INVITATION ONLY A LIVE TELEPHONE 'LISTEN IN' FACILITY IS AVAILABLE FOR DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT +44 (0) 20 7291 0512 A PLAYBACK FACILITY WILL BE AVAILABLE AT WWW.FIRSTGROUP.COM PHOTOS FOR THE MEDIA ARE AVAILABLE. PLEASE CALL +44 (0) 20 7291 0512 Chairman's statement I am pleased to report that during the first half of the current financial year the Group again demonstrated the inherent strength it derives from a diverse portfolio of operations that are fundamentally strong. While addressing the challenges of the current weak economic environment in certain markets in which we operate, management has a clear focus on creating a stronger business, centred on our core operations, and is taking the necessary forward looking decisions to ensure the business is well positioned to deliver sustainable growth for the longer term. There is no doubt that public transport is a key enabler of economic growth and an essential component of vibrant and sustainable local and regional economies. The Group, which has grown rapidly and achieved considerable success since its formation, is going through an important stage in its development. Under Tim O'Toole's leadership there is clear focus to drive greater operational performance and efficiency across the business and to ensure that the Group will benefit from future growth opportunities as the economic environment improves. We remain focused on cash generation to support capital investment, debt reduction and dividend growth. The Board remains committed to an investment grade credit rating for the Group. Last year we made good progress in reducing leverage to levels closer to our target range and will continue to progress our plans in the current year. Dividend growth is a key element in the investment decision for many shareholders and we are committed to delivering sustained real growth in dividends. The Board has proposed an interim dividend per share of 7.62p representing an increase of 7%, in line with our current commitment, which will be paid on 1 February 2012 to shareholders on the register at 6 January 2012. In September Jeff Carr, Finance Director, informed the Board of his intention to leave the Group to take up the role of Chief Financial Officer of Royal Ahold NV based in the Netherlands. Jeff will leave the Group on 11 November 2011 and a search for his replacement is underway, enabling the Board to consider internal and external candidates. I would like to thank Jeff for his contribution to the Group and wish him every success in his new role. Nick Chevis, who has been with the Group since 1997 and held a number of senior finance roles, will become Acting Finance Director to ensure the continuation of strong financial leadership and control. Finally on behalf of the Board I would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to our 125,000 employees across the UK and North America. Their professionalism and commitment to serving the 2.5 billion passengers that we transport each year is key to our success now and for the future. With leading positions in its core markets and a clear focus on creating a stronger business for the future, the Board is confident that the Group has good prospects to continue to deliver long-term value for shareholders. Martin Gilbert Chairman 8 November 2011 * Operating profit referred to throughout this document refers to operating profit before amortisation charges, ineffectiveness on financial derivatives, exceptional items, loss on disposal of properties and discontinued operations. EBITDA is adjusted operating profit plus depreciation. **For all businesses excluding UK Rail this half year includes 27 weeks compared to 26 weeks for the corresponding period last year. Operating and Financial Review Group results Group revenue increased by 3.2% to Â£3,168.8m (2010: Â£3,069.9m) and adjusted operating profit was Â£163.0m (2010: Â£170.4m), reflecting the expected reduction in First Student profits partly offset by higher profits and margin improvement in all the other businesses. Statutory operating profit increased to Â£216.3m (2010: Â£173.5m) reflecting a favourable outcome on net exceptional items compared to the same period last year. Adjusted basic EPS increased by 6.7% to 11.2p (2010: 10.5p). Adjusted EBITDA was Â£323.4m (2010: Â£331.3m). 6 months to 30 September 6 months to 30 September Year to 31 March 2011Â³ 2010 2011 Operating Operating Operating Operating Operating Operating Revenue profit1 margin1 Revenue profit1 margin1 Revenue profit1 margin1 Divisional Â£m Â£m % Â£m Â£m % Â£m Â£m % results First 683.3 5.5 0.8 711.4 28.0 3.9 1,594.4 128.3 8.0 Student First 387.3 27.2 7.0 392.7 26.0 6.6 771.5 57.2 7.4 Transit Greyhound 343.6 30.5 8.9 337.6 25.6 7.6 634.6 40.2 6.3 UK Bus 586.9 59.4 10.1 570.5 55.4 9.7 1,137.5 148.8 13.1 UK Rail 1,162.6 55.7 4.8 1,053.1 48.4 4.6 2,269.8 108.7 4.8 Group2 5.1 (15.3) - 4.6 (13.0) - 8.9 (26.5) - Total 3,168.8 163.0 5.1 3,069.9 170.4 5.6 6,416.7 456.7 7.1 Group 1Adjusted. 2Tram operations, central management and other items. Â³For all businesses excluding UK Rail this half year includes 27 weeks compared to 26 weeks for the corresponding period last year FIRST STUDENT As previously indicated, trading during the first six months of the current financial year reflected the carry-over of last year's performance. Revenue was $1,107.6m or Â£683.3m (2010: $1,074.6m or Â£711.4m). Adjusting for the extra week versus the same period last year, US Dollar revenues were 2.4% lower year-on-year. Operating profit was $9.0m or Â£5.5m (2010: $40.0m or Â£28.0m). We are pleased with the progress we are making in executing our business recovery plan and with good momentum now achieved across the business we are seeing positive early indicators. As a result of the improved performance during the recent bidding season together with the actions we are taking, we expect operating margin for the second half of the year to be broadly in line with the same period last year. Despite the challenges presented by ongoing pressure on school board budgets, our strategy to focus on retention delivered an improved performance in the recent bidding round for the 2011/12 school year. We strengthened our commercial team and implemented our plan to reduce the amount of contract churn in our portfolio. As a result retention returned to approximately 90% and we were pleased that our ten largest contracts up for renewal during the last bid season were all retained. Overall conversion activity is high as a result of budgetary pressures on school boards, however the pace of outsourcing industry-wide remains slow. During the recent bid season we won 11 conversion contracts to operate approximately 330 buses in States including Pennsylvania and Michigan. We are focusing our activity in a number of targeted States where there is greater potential for outsourcing. During the period we completed a significant restructuring of the business to create a more agile and sustainable operating model. The new role mandates we have introduced provide clarity across the organisation enabling our regional and local management to focus on what is important supported by a revised performance management process, incentive structure and key performance indicators. As we progress our plans to achieve the operational excellence and efficiency that should derive from our scale we are systematically rolling out best practices across all of our locations. Improving labour productivity is a key area within our business recovery plan. We continue to advance the roll out of FOCUS, our GPS software that links on-board data with engineering, payroll and back office systems. This enables us to manage standard driving hours more accurately as well as eliminate excess miles and reduce idling time. We are also trialling certain elements of FOCUS to give customers direct access to real time information and performance metrics to enable them to respond quickly and accurately to queries. Positive feedback from customers supports our view that FOCUS will provide differentiation within the market in the future. We are driving efficiency improvements across the business including in the areas of engineering and maintenance where we are implementing lean practices that will deliver productivity and efficiency improvements. We are very encouraged by the efficiencies identified which indicate scope to achieve approximately 10% productivity improvement in maintenance processes as best practices are rolled out across our locations. Early indications suggest that the charter market is beginning to stabilise. We are progressing opportunities and implementing plans to increase our charter activity including rolling out best practices across our operations and launching a pilot to create contact centres covering key markets where we see significant potential. As a result we have seen encouraging growth particularly in the non-school charter market. As the market leader First Student is uniquely placed to leverage its scale. As we build the Student business for the future we will continue to invest in significant programmes, including comprehensive training at the local level, creating a unified direction with more efficient and consistent practices. With a more agile business model and significantly improved operating leverage, First Student will be well positioned to harness its potential and extend its leadership position to deliver long-term, sustainable growth. FIRST TRANSIT Revenue increased to $627.3m or Â£387.3m (2010: $596.5m or Â£392.7m). After adjusting for the extra week US Dollar revenues increased by 1.2% from the same period last year. Operating profit was $44.1m or Â£27.2m (2010: $39.6m or Â£ 26.0m) and operating margin improved to 7.0%. We continue to focus on our core business segments and delivered a strong performance from our shuttle bus business. During the period we won new business including contracts to operate shuttle bus services at Yale and Kennesaw State universities and also additional services within existing contracts including in Fort McMurray in Alberta, Canada. We have been notified of the award of significant contracts for a non-emergency medical transportation call centre in Colorado and to provide fixed route and paratransit services in Fort Bend, Texas. First Transit is benefiting from our investment in innovation as we introduce new products to build on our industry leading position. Our Vehicle Diagnostic System will enable First Transit and First Vehicle Services to provide more effective diagnostic services to our customers, including more efficient working through an improvement in bus maintenance turnaround times together with fewer mechanical errors. In April, we began operating 31 cutting edge hybrid-electric buses on behalf of Connecticut Transit. Across our core business segments we have a strong pipeline of opportunities and continue to make the case for conversion to outsourcing based on our reputation for delivery and track record of generating efficiencies to reduce costs for customers. This robust operational and financial performance has contributed several key contract extensions and renewals including the paratransit call centre in New York City; the contract to provide fixed route and paratransit service in Yuma, Arizona, after we stepped in to operate at short notice last year and the contract to provide fixed route services in Pomona, California. GREYHOUND As a result of the actions we have taken to transform the network and increase operating leverage Greyhound has delivered encouraging growth. Like-for-like passenger revenue increased by 3.7% (2010: 1.9%) and revenue was $556.6m or Â£ 343.6m (2010: $513.0m or Â£337.6m). Operating profit was $49.4m or Â£30.5m (2010: $39.2, or Â£25.6m) and operating margin improved to 8.9%. We are making Greyhound a more modern and efficient network and delivering improved service quality at the same time. During the period we added 42 new vehicles to our fleet, with a further 14 new coaches due to enter service in the autumn for our operations which serve the Hispanic market domestically and internationally along and across the southwest border with Mexico. We also refurbished a further 100 vehicles, bringing the total to almost 230 to date, and are significantly improving the passenger experience with amenities including Wi-Fi, at seat power plugs and additional legroom. By the end of the current financial year we expect that over half the fleet will be new or refurbished to 'like new' standard. Our customer proposition has been transformed with the launch of Greyhound Express which, following its launch just 11 months ago, accounts for approximately 14% of Greyhound's total mileage. Passengers are able to travel non-stop on new or refurbished coaches on high volume routes between major cities and take advantage of yield managed fares and reserve guaranteed seats online. In addition to the two original Greyhound Express networks serving the Midwest and Northeast, during the period we also expanded services to the Southeast from a hub in Atlanta, from which we will launch a further two destinations during November. We are taking opportunities to right-size and relocate Greyhound's properties in the US to more appropriate, accessible and convenient sites for passengers across the network. During the period we completed the sale of our Washington DC terminal for $46.7m and will relocate our services to the multimodal hub at the city's Union Station by early 2013. In November we launched a national initiative with 7-Eleven and PayNearMe which will open up online fares and discounts to a new market. From the beginning of November customers without access to credit cards can order their tickets online and pay in cash at one of 6,400 7-Eleven stores nationwide. This follows a successful three-month trial in the Dallas area, which saw some 10% of daily internet transactions for the area being completed through 7-Eleven. Last year we re-launched our web offering through www.greyhound.com and continue to see encouraging growth in sales from this channel which now represents around 28% of total US ticket purchases. Around 50% of Greyhound's customers use cash to pay for their tickets In Canada we are on track to deliver our profit recovery plan as we continue to right-size our network, reducing uneconomic routes and condensing the fleet size to a smaller core of refurbished coaches. We are modernising the network and will launch Greyhound Express in four of the largest cities in Alberta during November. We continue to develop further opportunities to expand the service. UK BUS Our UK Bus division performed steadily during the period. Revenue was Â£586.9m (2010: Â£570.5m). Adjusting for the extra week overall revenue was down 1.2% compared to the same period last year reflecting mileage reductions in the second half of last year and the softening macroeconomic environment. During the period passenger revenues, on a like-for-like basis, increased by 1.4%. Operating profit increased by 7.2% to Â£59.4m (2010: Â£55.4m) and operating margin improved to 10.1%. However, looking ahead as the macroeconomic environment has continued to soften, we anticipate trading conditions will remain challenging as a result of lower economic activity in the major urban areas where we operate and the impact of reduced funding available to the industry. We made further progress in our programme of selective asset and business disposals as part of our strategy to focus on our core operations in the UK and North America. In April we sold our local bus operations in King's Lynn and in September we sold our German subsidiary, which operates approximately 130 buses in the Frankfurt and Heidelberg area, to Marwyn European Transport plc for a gross consideration of â‚¬5.5m. We remain focused on developing the opportunities that exist to transition to increased growth within our networks, while retaining our strong cost discipline to manage the immediate challenges presented by the weak economy and reduced funding as a result of the Comprehensive Spending Review. The UK Bus team is committed to delivering consistent, efficient and effective services across all our networks and to establishing the platform to achieve increased growth. During the summer we completed a reorganisation to ensure that our networks are locally managed and delivered to enable greater focus on our commercial growth plans. To help equip us for future growth we have committed significant investment over the next two years. We are investing Â£160m in approximately 1,000 new vehicles, as well as refurbishing our mid-life vehicles, which will create a step change to our fleet profile. As part of this investment, we are taking delivery of some 40 hybrid buses for services in Leeds, Manchester and Glasgow which are partially funded by the Green Bus Funds of the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Scottish Government. This will enable us to gain good experience of this technology and better understand the marketing opportunities these vehicles provide. We are also investing Â£27m in innovative new ticketing technology for our bus fleet in England, outside London. This equipment will be installed progressively from November and will accommodate ITSO smartcard. However, the technology will also allow us, by late 2012, to offer customers "touch in, touch out" contactless payment using their bank cards. This will allow us to revolutionise the fares transaction, reducing cash payments and speeding up boarding times. It will also enable us to offer a wide range of ticket products and has the capability to accept payment by mobile phone. Across a number of our operating areas we have seen a reduction in Local Authority support for tendered services. Where possible we have worked with those Authorities to mitigate the effects on networks. Additionally, we are working with a number of Authorities to enable school children to take up spare capacity on commercial services, saving the Authority the requirement to provide bespoke contracted school services. In the Bristol area where the level of tendered work has reduced, we have reinvested the mileage saved by enhancing frequencies on our key corridors which have growth potential. Additionally fares promotions have been introduced and, alongside the delivery of highway infrastructure improvements by our Local Authority partners as part of the Greater Bristol Bus Network, we have seen encouraging patronage growth to date this year. Across all our networks we are introducing simpler fares products through appropriate combinations of flat fares, route and network tickets. A number of specific fares promotions have been run to stimulate demand. We are encouraged by the findings from some research we conducted which shows a 35% increase in our customers who now consider our pricing to demonstrate value for money compared to twelve months ago. We continue to benefit from developing strong partnerships with Local Authorities across our networks. For example our partnership with the City and County of Swansea delivered substantial highway infrastructure improvements and reduced journey times last year and our ftrmetro service has seen growth of 10% coupled with strong, positive feedback from customers. In West Yorkshire we strongly support the Association of Bus Operators' proposal to Metro to deliver bus services through a wide-ranging partnership which will focus on all aspects of network delivery and customer experience. Fundamental to this will be a commitment of all the parties; Metro, district councils and the operators, to identify and agree programmes which will reduce congestion on bus routes and consequently achieve journey time reductions for users. In Sheffield, in partnership with South Yorkshire PTE and other operators, we introduced the first of a series of Quality Partnership Corridors in July. The second corridor was introduced at the end of October. These partnerships enable coordinated frequencies and inter-available ticketing between operators coupled with service quality commitments and roadside infrastructure investment. We are encouraged by our operational performance in London where we deliver better than network average and, on most measures, are near the top of Transport for London (TfL) league tables. In June we successfully mobilised over 100 additional buses on three new TfL routes from our Lea Interchange depot, which opened last year. We are delighted that TfL has awarded us funding to purchase 22 hybrid buses for route 23, which will enter service from April 2012. As previously announced, next year our bus operations will provide spectator transport during the London 2012 Games. We are providing around 500 buses for shuttle services at Games venues and Park & Ride services from sites around the edge of London to the Olympic Park as well those for the sailing venue in Weymouth and rowing venue in Eton Dorney. We will also be operating a network of express coach services from across the country to the Olympic Park and Weymouth. The contract includes a reservation and ticketing system; as well as support staff at all bus and coach locations to manage the fleet. We continue to work closely with the Competition Commission as it completes its inquiry into the local bus services market outside London. We were pleased that its provisional decision on remedies, published in October, recognised that no fundamental change to the structure or regulation of the industry was required. We continue to actively engage with the Commission on the detail of its proposals. UK RAIL Our rail companies benefited from continued strong demand, with revenue increased to Â£1,162.6m (2010: Â£1,053.1m) and operating profit increased to Â£ 55.7m (2010: Â£48.4m). Across all of our Train Operating Companies we saw increased demand with like-for-like passenger revenues increased by 9.0%. During the period we announced that our First TransPennine Express franchise was extended to April 2015 and First Capital Connect will be refranchised in 2012/13, with a replacement franchise to commence from September 2013, in order to facilitate the ongoing delivery of the Thameslink Programme and in particular the introduction of new rolling stock funded by the DfT. We are one of four pre-qualifying bidders for the InterCity West Coast franchise, which the Government has announced will be awarded in 2012. We were pleased to announce in September that Vernon Barker was appointed to the senior management team as Managing Director of the UK Rail division. Vernon has been the Managing Director of First TransPennine Express since the Group commenced operation of the franchise in 2004. During this time passenger numbers have grown from 13 million to 24 million per annum and a number of significant improvements in performance, punctuality and customer satisfaction have been delivered. His proven track record in railway management and strong focus on customer service will be invaluable as we develop our existing and new rail interests. We have unrivalled expertise operating different types of franchises and delivering major infrastructure improvements in partnership with stakeholders. We look forward to building on our market leadership position in rail and developing further opportunities once the DfT's new franchising programme commences next year. First Capital Connect We continue to focus on improving performance at First Capital Connect (FCC). Our Public Performance Measurement (PPM) of reliability and punctuality stands at 89.1% on a Moving Annual Average (MAA) basis. We have made encouraging progress on the Thameslink route however, infrastructure performance on the Great Northern route needs to improve and we are working with Network Rail, as a high priority, to reduce delays for passengers. The December timetable change will see longer 12-carriage trains operating four of the peak time services on the Thameslink route, whereas four-carriage services will reduce from 15 to 11 in the morning peak. In the coming months refurbishment and transformation work will be finished at Blackfriars, Farringdon and West Hampstead stations. On the Great Northern route we have added around 6,500 peak seats through our 'More Seats for You' initiative. We are continuing to work on improving customer information provision, with smartphones issued to staff, customer information screen updates and PCs available at ticket barriers. Responding to the changing ways in which passengers like to receive information, we increased our provision of updates through social media including Twitter. We are pleased that complaints regarding customer information have reduced by 40% year-on-year. The DfT has announced that the end date for the FCC franchise has been brought forward to September 2013. At FCC we are working closely with the DfT and Network Rail to successfully deliver the initial phase of the ongoing Thameslink transformation project. This new end date provides the best opportunity in the programme to allow an effective transition to a potential new franchisee, particularly in relation to the introduction of new rolling stock which will be completed after the end date of the current franchise. This major investment is already bringing benefits to passengers and will transform a key part of London's transport network. Our unrivalled knowledge and experience of managing this key project gives us a strong foundation to continue to help deliver this important programme in the future. First Great Western Punctuality during the period has been improving with delay minutes down by a third and we continue to challenge Network Rail to reduce infrastructure failures. Operational performance is below our target with PPM MAA just below 90.0%. As announced in May, we took the commercial decision not to take up our option to extend the franchise for a further three years from March 2013. We are committed to delivering further improvements for passengers and intend to bid for the new long-term Greater Western franchise reflecting the changed environment and significant Government investment in the region. The Cotswold Line saw an extra 16 miles of track redoubling completed by Network Rail over the summer, allowing us to run an additional six daily services over the route. From December we will be launching a trial early morning departure from Charlbury station, via Oxford, arriving at London Paddington by 08:30am. This development is welcomed by local stakeholders and customers, as are five car park extensions being put into place, funded by Network Rail and the DfT. Our Â£8m programme to improve our Turbo Class 16x fleet, which operates in the London and Thames Valley area, is now complete. The upgrade to 151 carriages, which carry more than 36 million passengers a year, has led to significant increases in our customer satisfaction monitor scores, with an eight point improvement in customer views on comfort. We have also reached agreement with the DfT to introduce six new carriages to the Bristol area, releasing 900 additional seats to commuters in time for the winter timetable. Six of our routes were named by ATOC in the top ten fastest growing rural branch lines and our work with Community Rail Partnerships across our network contributed to our achieving ten awards at the Community Rail Awards in September, as well as overall winner of the "Outstanding Delivery of the Community Rail Strategy" for the second year in a row. First ScotRail First ScotRail (FSR) continues to perform well and deliver improvements in passenger satisfaction. In the Spring 2011 National Passenger Survey 86% of passengers said they were satisfied with FSR's service, which is above the national average, and FSR outperformed the average in 30 out of 33 categories. Significant improvements were seen in categories such as staff helpfulness and attitude, availability of train times and platform information. Our new 38-strong fleet of Class 380 electric trains from the Scottish Government are now all in service, running between Glasgow Central and Ayrshire; Inverclyde and Renfrewshire, and Edinburgh to North Berwick and Dunbar. We have a Â£4m project to refurbish the Class 334 fleet starting in November, creating additional jobs in Ayrshire. Across our fleet we continue to invest to improve reliability and comfort. We have invested in CCTV and help points across the network, reducing crime for the seventh year in a row, whilst the installation of ticket barriers at five central Glasgow stations will help reduce lost revenue. The implementation of our winter weather schemes last year reduced train failures by 30% and led to a win at the Railway Innovation Awards. As well as the heated train 'skirts' and polytunnels introduced last year, this winter we are using a system of hot water sprinklers to remove snow and ice from undercarriages quickly. FSR and Network Rail are developing a pioneering alliance framework agreement in order to better align overall objectives, deliver value for money and increase focus on passenger requirements. We are agreeing a joint programme of projects with Network Rail and are working more closely than ever before on a number of issues including timetabling and winter preparation. It is expected that the alliance framework will include simplification of station and depot repair and management and the establishment of joint Scotland control and performance teams. First TransPennine Express We were delighted that the DfT took the decision to extend First TransPennine Express (FTPE). We will operate the franchise for a further three years from February 2012 at an operating margin closer to the industry average. Since we started operating the franchise in 2004 we have delivered a number of improvements including the introduction of a Â£260m new train fleet and passenger numbers have grown from 13 million to 24 million per annum. We will work closely with the DfT and our stakeholders in the region over the remaining time of the franchise to develop plans for the future of rail in the north of England and to further develop the Anglo-Scottish services. Our PPM MAA is above the national average at 91.1% and we achieved a passenger satisfaction rating of 89% in the National Passenger Survey. This is a record score for FTPE and a 15% improvement since the start of the franchise. Passenger growth has been aided by advance purchase fares offering greater value-for-money journeys. Over 10 million people in the region will have seen FTPE advertising on television and ticket sales through our website www.tpexpress.co.uk, which increased by 85% in the year to March 2011, are continuing to grow. FTPE also launched a GPS-enabled mobile website during the period, giving customers an additional way of accessing train information. We were pleased that 91% of passengers surveyed say that they are pleased with the way that FTPE communicates. First Hull Trains First Hull Trains topped the National Passenger Survey with an overall customer satisfaction score of 95%. We launched our refreshed Class 180 fleet in May and our trains now offer free on-board Wi-Fi, at seat power sockets, leather seats in First Class and improved catering and have been well received by passengers. 6 months 6 months Year to to to Exceptional items and amortisation 30 30 31 September September March charges 2011 2010 2011 Â£m Â£m Â£m UK Bus Pension Scheme changes 73.3 - - UK Rail bid costs (2.1) - (2.7) Competition Commission costs (1.0) - (1.4) UK Rail First Great Western contract - - (59.9) provision First Student recovery plan - - (39.5) First Transit goodwill impairment and - - (16.6) contract provision UK Rail claim - 22.5 22.5 UK Rail joint venture provision - - (1.8) UK Bus restructuring costs - - (1.0) Other exceptional items (1.1) (0.2) (0.4) Total exceptional items 69.1 22.3 (100.8) Amortisation charges (15.1) (17.7) (42.9) Loss on disposal of properties (0.7) (1.5) (4.4) Operating profit credit/(charge) 53.3 3.1 (148.1) Ineffectiveness on financial derivatives (10.0) 1.2 0.3 Profit before tax credit/(charge) 43.3 4.3 (147.8) Tax (charge)/credit (9.2) 0.3 43.0 (Loss)/profit on disposal of discontinued (9.2) 6.7 6.7 operations Exceptional items for the period 24.9 11.3 (98.1) UK Bus Pension Scheme changes During the period certain changes were agreed in principle with the participating members and the Scheme trustees the most significant of which is that pension increases will be linked to consumer price inflation (CPI) rather than retail price inflation (RPI). As a result of these changes future pension liabilities have decreased and a one-off exceptional gain of Â£73.3m (2010: Â£ nil) was realised. UK Rail bid costs Costs of Â£2.1m (2010: Â£nil) were incurred during the year principally on preparatory work on our bid for the Intercity West Coast franchise. Competition Commission costs Costs of Â£1.0m (2010: Â£nil) were incurred on the ongoing Competition Commission investigation into the UK Bus market. Other exceptional items Costs of Â£1.1m (2010: Â£0.2m) were incurred principally on effecting the changes to the UK Bus Pension Scheme as described above. Amortisation charges The charge for the period was Â£15.1m (2010: Â£17.7m) with the reduction principally due to fully writing off the remaining First Great Western intangible in the year to 31 March 2011. Loss on disposal of properties A loss on disposal of properties of Â£0.7m (2010: Â£1.5m) was recorded during the period. A Greyhound property in Washington was sold which generated a small gain but this was more than offset by losses on disposals in UK Bus and First Student. Ineffectiveness on financial derivatives The principal component of the Â£10.0m non-cash charge (2010: Â£1.2m credit) relates to fixed interest rate swaps which do not qualify for hedge accounting but do provide a cash flow hedge against variable rate debt from 2012 to 2015. It is anticipated that the charge in respect of these swaps will reverse over their contractual term. Tax The tax charge as a result of these exceptional items was Â£9.2m (2010: credit of Â£0.3m). FINANCE COSTS AND INVESTMENT INCOME Net finance costs, before exceptional items, were Â£78.5m (2010: Â£92.9m) with the reduction principally due to lower interest rates on US Dollar denominated debt. PROFIT BEFORE TAX Adjusted profit before tax was Â£84.5m (2010: Â£77.5m) with the increase due principally to lower net finance costs partly offset by lower adjusted operating profit. An overall credit of Â£43.3m (2010: Â£4.3m) for exceptional items and amortisation charges resulted in statutory profit before tax of Â£ 127.8m (2010: Â£81.8m). TAX The tax charge, on adjusted profit before tax, for the period was Â£18.8m (2010: Â£19.3m) and is based on the estimated effective rate for the year of 22.3% (2010: 25.0%). The tax charge of Â£9.2m (2010: credit of Â£0.3m) relating to amortisation charges and exceptional items resulted in a total tax charge of Â£ 28.0m (2010: Â£19.0m) on continuing operations. The actual tax paid during the period was Â£4.3m (2010: Â£9.8m). North American cash tax remains low due to tax losses brought forward and tax depreciation in excess of book depreciation. We expect the North American cash tax rate to remain low for the near term. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS A loss on disposal of Â£9.2m arose on the sale of FirstGroup Deutschland GmbH representing gross consideration of â‚¬5.5m less the carrying value of net assets, including goodwill, and transaction costs. This, as well as the operating loss after tax to the date of disposal of Â£0.3m (2010: profit of Â£ 0.3m), has been classified within discontinued operations in the consolidated income statement. DIVIDENDS The interim dividend per ordinary share of 7.62p (2010: 7.12p) represents an increase of 7.0%. The interim dividend will be paid on 1 February 2012 to shareholders on the register of members at the close of business on 6 January 2012. EPS The adjusted basic EPS was 11.2p (2010: 10.5p), an increase of 6.7%. Basic EPS was 18.3p (2010: 11.4p), an increase of 60.5%. EBITDA EBITDA by division is set out below: 6 months to 30 6 months to 30 Year to 31 September 2011Â² September 2010 March 2011 Revenue EBITDA1 EBITDA1 Revenue EBITDA1 EBITDA1 Revenue EBITDA1 EBITDA1 Â£m Â£m % Â£m Â£m % Â£m Â£m % First 683.3 79.9 11.7 711.4 105.3 14.8 1,594.4 278.1 17.4 Student First 387.3 31.7 8.2 392.7 30.8 7.8 771.5 66.3 8.6 Transit Greyhound 343.6 45.4 13.2 337.6 40.3 11.9 634.6 68.7 10.8 UK Bus 586.9 96.5 16.4 570.5 91.5 16.0 1,137.5 220.5 19.4 UK Rail 1,162.6 84.6 7.3 1,053.1 74.9 7.1 2,269.8 166.1 7.3 Group 5.1 (14.7) - 4.6 (11.5) - 8.9 (22.8) - Total 3,168.8 323.4 10.2 3,069.9 331.3 10.8 6,416.7 776.9 12.1 Group 1Adjusted operating profit plus depreciation. Â²For all businesses excluding UK Rail this half year includes 27 weeks compared to 26 weeks for the corresponding period last year CASH FLOW The net cash outflow was Â£64.2m (2010: Â£15.7m) for the half year. This contributed to a net debt increase of Â£109.3m (2010: reduction of Â£90.7m) as detailed below: 6 months 6 months Year to to to 30 30 31 September September March 2011 2010 2011 Â£m Â£m Â£m Operational cash flows before working 394.8 358.6 708.8 capital Working capital (26.5) (16.4) 78.4 Movement in provisions (46.2) (30.2) 0.4 Pension payments in excess of income (117.8) (14.8) (43.5) statement charge Cash generated by operations 204.3 297.2 744.1 Capex and acquisitions (91.8) (147.2) (261.8) Interest and tax (102.5) (117.9) (186.7) Dividends (79.7) (72.1) (113.2) Proceeds from sale of business 5.5 24.3 24.3 Other - - 3.1 Net cash (outflow)/inflow (64.2) (15.7) 209.8 Foreign exchange movements (42.6) 109.7 129.2 Other non-cash movements in relation to (2.5) (3.3) (6.9) financial instruments Movement in net debt in period (109.3) 90.7 332.1 The reduction in net cash flow was primarily due to: Â· Higher pension payments in excess of income statement charge of Â£103.0m principally due to the non-cash exceptional gain in relation to the UK Bus Pension Scheme changes and additional cash contributions in Greyhound. Â· Working capital and movements in provisions outflows unfavourable by Â£26.1m principally caused by higher receivables due to the extra week of trading in North America and UK Bus. Â· Lower proceeds from sale of business of Â£18.8m due to the sale of GB Railfrieght in the prior period. Â· Higher dividend payments of Â£7.6m. partly offset by: Â· Lower capital expenditure and acquisitions of Â£55.4m principally due to reduced spend in UK Bus, First Student and Greyhound, greater use of operating leases in UK Bus and higher disposal receipts. Â· Operating cash flows before working capital being Â£36.2m higher principally due to the exceptional gain in relation to the UK Bus Pension Scheme changes partly offset by the NR settlement in the prior period. Â· Lower tax and interest payments of Â£15.4m principally due to lower interest rates on US Dollar denominated debt. NET DEBT The Group's net debt at 30 September 2011 was Â£2,058.7m (2010: Â£2,190.8m) and comprised: 30 30 31 September September March 2011 2010 2011 Fixed Variable Total Total Total Analysis of net debt Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Sterling bond (2013)1 298.5 - 298.5 298.0 298.0 Sterling bond (2018)2 335.8 - 335.8 330.3 325.9 Sterling bond (2019)2 - 268.9 268.9 277.1 273.4 Sterling bond (2021)3 335.2 - 335.2 332.9 331.1 Sterling bond (2024)1 199.0 - 199.0 199.0 199.0 Sterling bank loans - 25.0 25.0 - - US Dollar bank loans - 398.3 398.3 698.7 506.3 Canadian Dollar bank loans - 119.7 119.7 130.8 113.1 Euro and other bank loans - 17.2 17.2 29.6 29.0 HP contracts and finance 213.1 73.4 286.5 219.4 251.9 leases Senior unsecured loan 95.9 - 95.9 - - notes Other loan notes 8.7 1.0 9.7 9.7 9.7 Cash - (81.3) (81.3) (99.5) (89.4) UK Rail ring-fenced cash - (233.6) (233.6) (219.3) (283.8) and deposits Other ring-fenced cash and - (16.1) (16.1) (15.9) (14.8) deposits Interest rate swaps 385.0 (385.0) - - - Total 1,871.2 187.5 2,058.7 2,190.8 1,949.4 1 Excludes accrued interest 2 Stated excluding accrued interest, swapped to US Dollars and adjusted for movements on associated derivatives 3 Stated excluding accrued interest, partially swapped to US Dollars and adjusted for movements on associated derivatives Average debt maturity at the end of the period was 5.9 years (2010: 5.6 years). Liquidity headroom under the committed $1.25bn syndicated bank revolver at 30 September 2011 was Â£601m (2010: Â£934m). Leverage reduction is a key priority. At 30 September 2011 the net debt to EBITDA ratio was 2.7 times (2010: 2.8 times). SHARES IN ISSUE As at 30 September 2011 there were 481.4m shares in issue (2010: 480.4m), excluding treasury shares and own shares held in trust for employees of 0.7m (2010: 1.7m). The weighted average number of shares in issue for the purpose of basic EPS calculations (excluding treasury shares and own shares held in trust for employees) was 481.2m (2010: 480.3m). BALANCE SHEET Net assets have decreased by Â£128.8m since the start of the year. The principal reasons for this are actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes (net of deferred tax) of Â£92.0m, dividends paid and proposed of Â£86.4m and unfavourable hedging reserve movements of Â£67.4m partly offset by the retained profit for the period of Â£90.3m and favourable translation reserve movements of Â£24.4m. INVESTMENT IN DSBFIRST The funding of the joint venture was agreed with DSB during the period and a further Â£4.2m was invested by the Group. As a result of this the guarantees issued by the Group reduced to Â£7.0m. It is anticipated that the Swedish franchise will transfer to another operator at the end of the calendar year and that, based on current financial projections, this investment will be recovered at the end of the Danish franchise. FOREIGN EXCHANGE The most significant exchange rates to Sterling for the Group are as follows: 6 months to 6 months to Year to 30 September 30 September 31 March 2011 2010 2011 Closing Effective Closing Effective Closing Effective rate rate rate rate rate rate US Dollar 1.56 1.62 1.58 1.50 1.60 1.56 Canadian Dollar 1.64 1.59 1.62 1.44 1.57 1.56 PENSIONS The Group has updated its pension assumptions as at 30 September 2011 for the defined benefit schemes in the UK and North America. The net pension deficit of Â£243m at the beginning of the period has increased to Â£261m at the end of the period principally due to actuarial losses as a result of changes in assumptions and lower than expected returns on assets partly offset by the one-off benefit of the changes to the UK Bus Scheme described above and higher cash payments into the schemes. The main factors that influence the balance sheet position for pensions and the sensitivities to their movement at 30 September 2011 are set out below: Movement Impact Discount rate +0.1% Reduce deficit by Â£24m Inflation +0.1% Increase deficit by Â£15m FUEL HEDGING For the current year 84% of UK "at risk" crude volumes (2.6m barrels) and 59% of North American "at risk" volumes (1.7m barrels) are hedged at $88 and $95 respectively. For 2012/13 "at risk" crude volumes, the UK is 65% hedged at $101 per barrel and North America is 48% hedged at $93 per barrel. SEASONALITY The First Student business generates lower revenues and profits in the first half of the year than in the second half of the year as the school summer holidays fall into the first half. Greyhound operating profits are typically higher in the first half of the year due to demand being strongest in the summer months. PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES FOR THE REMAINING SIX MONTHS OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR There are a number of risks and uncertainties facing the Group in the remaining six months of the financial year. These are considered to be the same as disclosed in the 2011 Annual Report. The principal risks and uncertainties, which are set out in detail on pages 40 to 42 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2011, are: Â· Economy in the UK and North America Â· Pension assets and liabilities valuations Â· Customer service and associated contract retention Â· Competitive pressures Â· Legislation and regulation Â· Labour costs and employee relations Â· Unhedged fuel costs Â· Treasury risks and insurance costs Â· Terrorism Â· Rail franchise agreements Â· Retention of key management Â· Environmental RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT We confirm that to the best of our knowledge: Â· the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting"; Â· the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and Â· the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties' transactions and changes therein). OUTLOOK We remain focused on cash generation to support capital investment, debt reduction and dividend growth. We continue to target a net cash inflow of Â£150m for 2011/12 including further selective asset and business disposals. With market leading positions and operations that are fundamentally strong, together with our clear focus on creating a stronger business for the future, the Group has good prospects to deliver long-term value for shareholders in a sector which is a key enabler of economic growth. Tim O'Toole Jeff Carr Chief Executive Finance Director 8 November 2011 8 November 2011 Condensed consolidated income statement For the 6 months to 30 September based on unaudited figures 6 months to 30 6 months to 30 September 2010 Year to September 2011Â³ 31 March 2011 Adjusted Adjusted results1 Adjustments2 Total results1 Adjustments2 Total Total Notes Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Continuing operations Revenue 2,3 3,168.8 - 3,168.8 3,069.9 - 3,069.9 6,416.7 Operating costs (3,005.8) 54.0 (2,951.8) (2,899.5) 4.6 (2,894.9) (6,103.7) before loss on disposal of properties Operating profit 163.0 54.0 217.0 170.4 4.6 175.0 313.0 before loss on disposal of properties Amortisation - (15.1) (15.1) - (17.7) (17.7) (42.9) charges Exceptional - 69.1 69.1 - 22.3 22.3 (100.8) items - 54.0 54.0 - 4.6 4.6 (143.7) Loss on - (0.7) (0.7) - (1.5) (1.5) (4.4) disposal of properties Operating 3 163.0 53.3 216.3 170.4 3.1 173.5 308.6 profit Investment 4 0.8 - 0.8 0.7 - 0.7 1.9 income Finance costs 4 (79.3) (10.0) (89.3) (93.6) 1.2 (92.4) (184.0) Profit before 84.5 43.3 127.8 77.5 4.3 81.8 126.5 tax Tax 5 (18.8) (9.2) (28.0) (19.3) 0.3 (19.0) (16.7) Profit for the 65.7 34.1 99.8 58.2 4.6 62.8 109.8 period from continuing operations Discontinued operations (Loss)/profit 6 (0.3) (9.2) (9.5) 0.3 6.7 7.0 7.3 for the period from discontinued operations Profit for the 65.4 24.9 90.3 58.5 11.3 69.8 117.1 period Attributable to: Equity holders 53.5 25.0 78.5 50.4 11.4 61.8 103.2 of the parent Non-controlling 11.9 (0.1) 11.8 8.1 (0.1) 8.0 13.9 interests 65.4 24.9 90.3 58.5 11.3 69.8 117.1 Earnings per share Continuing operations Basic 8 11.2p 7.1p 18.3p 10.5p 0.9p 11.4p 20.0p Diluted 11.1p 7.1p 18.2p 10.3p 1.0p 11.3p 19.8p Continuing and discontinued operations Basic 8 11.1p 5.2p 16.3p 10.5p 2.4p 12.9p 21.5p Diluted 11.1p 5.2p 16.3p 10.4p 2.3p 12.7p 21.3p 1Adjusted trading results before items noted in 2 below. 2Amortisation charges, ineffectiveness on financial derivatives, exceptional items, loss on disposal of properties and (loss)/profit on disposal of discontinued operations and tax thereon. Â³For all businesses excluding UK Rail this half year includes 27 weeks compared to 26 weeks for the corresponding period last year. Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months 6 months year to to to 31 30 30 March September September 2011 2011 2010 Â£m Â£m Â£m Profit for the period 90.3 69.8 117.1 Other comprehensive income Derivative hedging instrument movements (91.8) 74.7 193.4 Deferred tax on derivative hedging instrument 24.4 (10.1) (44.0) movements Exchange differences on translation of foreign 24.4 (135.8) (143.9) operations Unrealised losses on executive deferred - (0.3) (0.1) compensation plans Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes (135.8) (116.3) (55.5) RPI to CPI change in defined benefit pension - 70.2 84.9 schemes Deferred tax on actuarial losses and RPI to CPI 43.8 16.6 (5.9) change on defined benefit pension schemes Other comprehensive income for the period (135.0) (101.0) 28.9 Total comprehensive income for the period (44.7) (31.2) 146.0 Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent (56.2) (38.6) 132.6 Non-controlling interests 11.5 7.4 13.4 (44.7) (31.2) 146.0 Condensed consolidated balance sheet Unaudited Unaudited Audited 30 30 31 September September March 2011 2010 2011 Notes Â£m Â£m Â£m Non-current assets Goodwill 9 1,634.7 1,623.8 1,608.0 Other intangible assets 10 338.9 375.7 348.6 Property, plant and equipment 11 2,041.7 2,154.8 2,082.9 Deferred tax assets 53.0 31.6 30.0 Retirement benefit assets 20 32.5 11.6 30.7 Derivative financial instruments 15 65.4 57.1 58.1 Investments 7.4 4.6 3.2 4,173.6 4,259.2 4,161.5 Current assets Inventories 90.0 91.4 91.4 Trade and other receivables 12 620.1 576.2 555.5 Cash and cash equivalents 331.0 334.7 388.0 Assets held for sale 13 7.7 2.4 4.6 Derivative financial instruments 15 30.5 26.9 65.1 1,079.3 1,031.6 1,104.6 Total 5,252.9 5,290.8 5,266.1 assets Current liabilities Trade and other payables 14 1,185.5 1,041.7 1,129.9 Tax liabilities 59.4 51.5 49.0 Financial - bank loans 96.3 181.6 93.5 liabilities - bonds 35.7 35.6 73.3 - HP contracts and 46.0 38.4 42.8 finance leases Derivative financial instruments 15 41.4 82.9 38.5 1,464.3 1,431.7 1,427.0 Net current liabilities 385.0 400.1 322.4 Non-current liabilities Financial - bank loans 464.0 677.6 554.9 liabilities - bonds 1,439.1 1,430.8 1,417.1 - HP contracts and 240.5 181.0 209.1 finance leases - loan notes 9.7 9.7 9.7 - senior unsecured loan 95.9 - - notes Derivative financial instruments 15 84.6 59.2 29.7 Retirement benefit liabilities 20 293.7 361.2 273.9 Deferred tax liabilities 69.2 63.6 93.0 Provisions 16 269.8 263.9 300.8 2,966.5 3,047.0 2,888.2 Total liabilities 4,430.8 4,478.7 4,315.2 Net assets 822.1 812.1 950.9 Equity Share capital 18 24.1 24.1 24.1 Share premium 676.4 676.4 676.4 Hedging reserve (32.0) (49.4) 35.4 Other reserves 4.6 4.6 4.6 Own shares (2.2) (6.1) (5.0) Translation reserve 181.2 164.8 156.6 Retained earnings (44.5) (20.5) 41.5 Equity attributable to equity holders of 807.6 793.9 933.6 the parent Non-controlling interests 14.5 18.2 17.3 Total 822.1 812.1 950.9 equity Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity Non- Share Share Hedging Other Own Translation Retained controlling Total capital premium reserve reserves shares reserve earnings Total interests equity Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Balance at 1 24.1 676.4 35.4 4.6 (5.0) 156.6 41.5 933.6 17.3 950.9 April 2011 Total - - (67.4) - - 24.6 (13.4) (56.2) 11.5 (44.7) comprehensive income for the period Dividends - - - - - - (72.1) (72.1) (14.3) (86.4) paid Movement in - - - - 2.8 - (3.0) (0.2) - (0.2) EBT and treasury shares Share-based - - - - - - 2.8 2.8 - 2.8 payments Deferred tax - - - - - - (0.3) (0.3) - (0.3) on share-based payments Balance at 30 24.1 676.4 (32.0) 4.6 (2.2) 181.2 (44.5) 807.6 14.5 822.1 September 2011 Balance at 1 24.1 676.4 (114.0) 4.6 (6.5) 300.0 10.2 894.8 15.7 910.5 April 2010 Total - - 64.6 - - (135.2) 32.0 (38.6) 7.4 (31.2) comprehensive income for the period Dividends - - - - - - (67.2) (67.2) (4.9) (72.1) paid Movement in - - - - 0.4 - (0.5) (0.1) - (0.1) EBT and treasury shares Share-based - - - - - - 3.9 3.9 - 3.9 payments Deferred tax - - - - - - 1.1 1.1 - 1.1 on share-based payments Balance at 30 24.1 676.4 (49.4) 4.6 (6.1) 164.8 (20.5) 793.9 18.2 812.1 September 2010 Balance at 1 24.1 676.4 (114.0) 4.6 (6.5) 300.0 10.2 894.8 15.7 910.5 April 2010 Total - - 149.4 - - (143.4) 126.6 132.6 13.4 146.0 comprehensive income for the period Dividends - - - - - - (101.4) (101.4) (11.8) (113.2) paid Movement in - - - - 1.5 - (1.7) (0.2) - (0.2) EBT and treasury shares Share-based - - - - - - 7.7 7.7 - 7.7 payments Deferred tax - - - - - - 0.1 0.1 - 0.1 on share-based payments Balance at 31 24.1 676.4 35.4 4.6 (5.0) 156.6 41.5 933.6 17.3 950.9 March 2011 Condensed consolidated cash flow statement Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months 6 months year to to to 31 30 30 March September September 2011 2011 2010 Note Â£m Â£m Â£m Net cash from operating activities 19 101.1 178.4 555.7 Investing activities Interest received 0.7 0.9 1.7 Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and 29.9 13.4 21.8 equipment Purchases of property, plant and equipment (65.8) (142.1) (210.3) Disposal of subsidiary 5.5 24.3 24.3 Acquisition of businesses - - (3.1) Net cash used in investing activities (29.7) (103.5) (165.6) Financing activities Monies received on exercise of share options - - 3.1 Dividends paid (72.1) (67.2) (101.4) Dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders (7.6) (4.9) (11.8) Proceeds from senior unsecured loan notes 90.2 - - Proceeds from bank facilities 36.0 105.4 124.1 Repayment of bank debt (146.7) (86.7) (307.7) Repayments under HP contracts and finance (26.7) (19.5) (35.9) leases Repayment of loan notes - (0.8) (0.8) Fees for bank facility amendments and bond (1.5) (0.2) (6.3) issues Net cash flow from financing activities (128.4) (73.9) (336.7) Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash (57.0) 1.0 53.4 equivalents before foreign exchange movements Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of 388.0 335.0 335.0 period Foreign exchange movements - (1.3) (0.4) Cash and cash equivalents at end of period per 331.0 334.7 388.0 condensed consolidated balance sheet Cash and cash equivalents are included within current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Note to the condensed consolidated cash flow statement - reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt 6 months 6 months Year to to to 31 March 30 30 September September 2011 2011 2010 Â£m Â£m Â£m Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash (57.0) 1.0 53.4 equivalents in period Decrease in debt and finance leases 47.2 1.6 220.3 Inception of new HP contracts and finance leases (55.9) (18.5) (70.2) Fees capitalised against bank facilities and 1.5 0.2 6.3 bond issues Net cash flow (64.2) (15.7) 209.8 Foreign exchange movements (42.6) 109.7 129.2 Other non-cash movements in relation to (2.5) (3.3) (6.9) financial instruments Movement in net debt in period (109.3) 90.7 332.1 Net debt at beginning of period (1,949.4) (2,281.5) (2,281.5) Net debt at end of period (2,058.7) (2,190.8) (1,949.4) Net debt includes the value of derivatives in connection with the bonds maturing in 2018, 2019 and 2021 and excludes all accrued interest. These bonds are included in non-current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Notes to the half-yearly financial report 1 BASIS OF PREPARATION This half-yearly financial report does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2011 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors reported on those accounts; their report was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. The figures for the six months to 30 September 2011 include the results of the rail division for the period ended 17 September 2011 and the results for the other divisions for the 27 weeks ended 1 October 2011. The comparative figures for the six months to 30 September 2010 include the results of the rail division for the period ended 18 September 2010 and the results of the other divisions for the 26 weeks ended 25 September 2010. The accounting policies used in this half-yearly financial report are consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards. The same accounting policies, presentation and methods of computation are followed in this condensed set of financial statements as applied in the Group's latest annual audited financial statements. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union. These results are unaudited but have been reviewed by the auditors. The comparative figures for the six months to 30 September 2010 are unaudited and are derived from the half-yearly financial report for that period, which was also reviewed by the auditors. There continue to be no significant debt repayments due until 2013. After taking this into account and the committed liquidity headroom available under the $1.25bn committed revolver facility and making enquiries and reviewing the outlook for 2011/12 and medium term plans, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing this half-yearly financial report. This half-yearly financial report will be sent to all shareholders later in November 2011 and will be available to the public at the Registered Office of the Company, 395 King Street, Aberdeen AB24 5RP. This half-yearly financial report was approved by the Board on 9 November 2011. 6 months 6 months Year to to to 31 30 30 March September September 2011 2011 2010 2 REVENUE Â£m Â£m Â£m Continuing operations Services rendered 2,854.5 2,799.7 5,857.7 UK Rail franchise subsidy receipts 193.9 176.8 390.8 UK Rail revenue support 120.4 93.4 168.2 3,168.8 3,069.9 6,416.7 Finance income 0.8 0.7 1.9 Total revenue from continuing operations as 3,169.6 3,070.6 6,418.6 defined by IAS 18 Discontinued operations Services rendered 5.3 15.4 22.0 UK Rail franchise subsidy receipts - 0.4 0.4 Total revenue from discontinued operations as 5.3 15.8 22.4 defined by IAS 18 Total revenue as defined by IAS 18 3,174.9 3,086.4 6,441.0 3 SEGMENT INFORMATION The segment results for the six months to 30 September 2011 are as follows: First First Group Student Transit Greyhound UK Bus UK Rail items2 TotalÂ³ Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Revenue 683.3 387.3 343.6 586.9 1,162.6 10.4 3,174.1 Discontinued - - - - - (5.3) (5.3) operations Revenue continuing 683.3 387.3 343.6 586.9 1,162.6 5.1 3,168.8 operations EBITDA1 79.9 31.7 45.4 96.5 84.6 (14.7) 323.4 Depreciation (74.4) (4.5) (14.9) (37.1) (28.9) (0.6) (160.4) Segment results1 5.5 27.2 30.5 59.4 55.7 (15.3) 163.0 Amortisation charges (9.8) (2.2) (1.6) - (1.5) - (15.1) Exceptional items - - - 72.3 (2.1) (1.1) 69.1 (Loss)/profit on (0.3) - 0.9 (1.3) - - (0.7) disposal of properties Operating profit (4.6) 25.0 29.8 130.4 52.1 (16.4) 216.3 Investment income 0.8 Finance costs (79.3) Ineffectiveness on financial (10.0) derivatives Profit before tax 127.8 Tax (28.0) Profit for the period from continuing 99.8 operations Discontinued (9.5) operations Profit for the period 90.3 The segment results for the six months to 30 September 2010 are as follows: First First Group Student Transit Greyhound UK UK items2 Total Bus Rail Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Revenue 711.4 392.7 337.6 570.5 1,063.0 10.5 3,085.7 Discontinued - - - - (9.9) (5.9) (15.8) operations Revenue continuing 711.4 392.7 337.6 570.5 1,053.1 4.6 3,069.9 operations EBITDA1 105.3 30.8 40.3 91.5 74.9 (11.5) 331.3 Depreciation (77.3) (4.8) (14.7) (36.1) (26.5) (1.5) (160.9) Segment results1 28.0 26.0 25.6 55.4 48.4 (13.0) 170.4 Amortisation (10.4) (2.5) (1.6) - (3.2) - (17.7) charges Exceptional items - - - - 22.5 (0.2) 22.3 Loss on disposal - - - (1.5) - - (1.5) of properties Operating profit 17.6 23.5 24.0 53.9 67.7 (13.2) 173.5 Investment income 0.7 Finance costs (93.6) Ineffectiveness on 1.2 financial derivatives Profit before tax 81.8 Tax (19.0) Profit for the period from 62.8 continuing operations Discontinued 7.0 operations Profit for the 69.8 period 1Adjusted. 2Group items comprise Tram operations, central management and other items. Â³For all businesses excluding UK Rail this half year includes 27 weeks compared to 26 weeks for the corresponding period last year. 3 SEGMENT INFORMATION continued The segment results for the year to 31 March 2011 are as follows: First First Group Student Transit Greyhound UK Bus UK items2 Total Rail Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Revenue 1,594.4 771.5 634.6 1,137.5 2,279.7 21.4 6,439.1 Discontinued - - - - (9.9) (12.5) (22.4) operations Revenue 1,594.4 771.5 634.6 1,137.5 2,269.8 8.9 6,416.7 continuing operations EBITDA1 278.1 66.3 68.7 220.5 166.1 (22.8) 776.9 Depreciation (149.8) (9.1) (28.5) (71.7) (57.4) (3.7) (320.2) Segment results1 128.3 57.2 40.2 148.8 108.7 (26.5) 456.7 Amortisation (20.4) (4.7) (3.1) - (14.7) - (42.9) charges Exceptional items (39.5) (16.6) - (2.4) (41.9) (0.4) (100.8) Loss on disposal (0.1) - (1.2) (3.1) - - (4.4) of properties Operating profit 68.3 35.9 35.9 143.3 52.1 (26.9) 308.6 Investment income 1.9 Finance costs (184.3) Ineffectiveness on 0.3 financial derivatives Profit before tax 126.5 Tax (16.7) Profit for the year from 109.8 continuing operations Discontinued 7.3 operations Profit for the 117.1 year 1Adjusted. 2Group items comprise Tram operations, central management and other items. 30 September 30 September 31 March 2011 2010 2011 Total assets Â£m Â£m Â£m United Kingdom 4,481.4 4,849.9 5,374.7 United States of America 3,022.3 3,046.5 3,405.4 Canada 501.7 518.7 521.3 Eliminations (2,805.5) (3,155.9) (4,065.3) Unallocated corporate items 53.0 31.6 30.0 5,252.9 5,290.8 5,266.1 6 months 6 months Year to to to 30 30 31 September September March 2011 2010 2011 4 INVESTMENT INCOME AND FINANCE COSTS Â£m Â£m Â£m Investment income Bank interest receivable (0.8) (0.7) (1.9) Finance costs Bonds 47.0 46.2 91.6 Bank borrowings 17.0 33.8 64.2 Senior unsecured loan notes 1.7 - - Loan notes 0.5 0.5 1.0 Finance charges payable in respect of HP contracts 3.8 3.3 7.8 and finance leases Notional interest on long term provisions 9.3 9.8 19.7 Finance costs before non-recurring items 79.3 93.6 184.3 Hedge ineffectiveness on financial derivatives 10.0 (1.2) (0.3) 89.3 92.4 184.0 Net finance costs 88.5 91.7 182.1 6 months to 6 months to Year to 30 September 30 September 31 March 2011 2010 2011 5 TAX ON PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES Â£m Â£m Â£m Current tax 8.2 14.7 36.7 Deferred tax 19.8 4.3 (20.0) Tax on profit from continuing operations 28.0 19.0 16.7 Current tax - discontinued operations - 0.2 0.4 Total tax charge 28.0 19.2 17.1 The tax effect of the adjustments disclosed in the condensed consolidated income statement was a charge of Â£9.2m (2010: credit of Â£0.3m). 6 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS On 30 September 2011 FirstGroup plc disposed of FirstGroup Deutschland GmbH and as a consequence the results of this business have been classified as discontinued operations, as detailed below. On 28 May 2010 the Group disposed of its interest in GB Railfreight. The results up to the date of disposal have been classified as discontinued operations in the prior periods in the table below. 6 months 6 months Year to to to 31 30 30 March September September 2011 2011 2010 Â£m Â£m Â£m Revenue 5.3 15.8 22.4 Operating costs (5.6) (15.3) (21.4) (Loss)/profit before tax (0.3) 0.5 1.0 Attributable tax expense - (0.2) (0.4) (Loss)/profit for the period from discontinued (0.3) 0.3 0.6 operations (Loss)/profit on disposal of discontinued (9.2) 6.7 6.7 operations Net (loss)/profit attributable to discontinued (9.5) 7.0 7.3 operations There was no attributable tax on the profit on disposal of discontinued operations. During the period, discontinued operations contributed Â£0.6m (2010: Â£2.0m: full year 2011: Â£2.7m) to the Group's net operating cash flows, paid Â£nil (2010: Â£ 0.4m; full year 2011: Â£0.7m) in respect of investing activities and paid Â£nil (2010: Â£nil; full year 2011: Â£nil) in respect of financing activities. Details of the loss on disposal of FirstGroup Deutschland GmbH are set out in note 17. The effect of discontinued operations on segment results is disclosed in note 3. 6 months 6 months Year to to to 30 30 31 September September March 2011 2010 2011 7 DIVIDENDS Â£m Â£m Â£m Final dividend per share paid for the year ended 31 72.1 67.2 67.2 March 2011 of 15.0p (2010: 14.0p) Interim dividend per share paid for the year ended 31 - - 34.2 March 2011 of 7.12p (2010: 6.65p) Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders 72.1 67.2 101.4 in the period Proposed interim dividend per share for the year 36.7 34.2 - ended 31 March 2012 of 7.62p (2011: 7.12p) The proposed interim dividend will be paid on 1 February 2012 to shareholders on the register of members at the close of business on 6 January 2012. 8 EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity shareholders of Â£78.5m (2010: Â£61.8m; full year 2011: Â£103.2m) by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (excluding own shares held in the EBT and treasury shares) of 481.2m (2010: 480.3m; full year 2011: 480.4m). The adjusted basic EPS is intended to highlight the recurring results of the Group before amortisation charges, ineffectiveness on financial derivatives, exceptional items and loss on disposal of properties. A reconciliation is set out below: 6 months to 6 months to Year to 30 September 30 September 31 March 2011 2010 2011 Â£m EPS (p) Â£m EPS (p) Â£m EPS (p) Basic profit/EPS from continuing 88.0 18.3 54.8 11.4 95.9 20.0 operations Basic profit/EPS from discontinued (9.5) (2.0) 7.0 1.5 7.3 1.5 operations Basic profit/EPS 78.5 16.3 61.8 12.9 103.2 21.5 Amortisation charges1 15.0 3.1 17.6 3.6 42.7 8.9 Ineffectiveness on financial 10.0 2.1 (1.2) (0.3) (0.3) (0.1) derivatives Exceptional items (69.1) (14.4) (22.3) (4.7) 100.8 21.0 Non-controlling interests on - - - - (3.1) (0.6) non-recurring items Loss on disposal of properties 0.7 0.2 1.5 0.3 4.4 0.9 Business disposals 9.2 1.9 (6.7) (1.4) (6.7) (1.4) Tax effect of above adjustments 9.2 1.9 (0.3) 0.1 (43.0) (9.0) Adjusted profit/EPS 53.5 11.1 50.4 10.5 198.0 41.2 Adjusted profit/EPS from 0.3 0.1 (0.3) - (0.6) (0.1) discontinued operations Adjusted profit/EPS from continuing 53.8 11.2 50.1 10.5 197.4 41.1 operations 1Amortisation charges of Â£15.1m (2011: Â£17.7m; full year 2011: Â£42.9m) per note 10 less Â£0.1m (2010: Â£0.1m; full year 2011: Â£0.2m) attributable to equity non-controlling interests. Diluted EPS is based on the same earnings and on a weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue of 483.6m (2010: 484.8m; full year 2011: 484.6m). The difference in the number of shares between the basic calculation and the diluted calculation represents the weighted average number of potentially dilutive ordinary shares from the share options. 9 GOODWILL Â£m Cost At 1 April 2011 1,613.0 Disposals (6.1) Foreign exchange movements 32.9 At 30 September 2011 1,639.8 Accumulated impairment losses At 1 April 2011 5.0 Foreign exchange movements 0.1 At 30 September 2011 5.1 Carrying amount At 30 September 2011 1,634.7 At 31 March 2011 1,608.0 At 30 September 2010 1,623.8 Disclosures including goodwill by cash generating unit, details of impairment testing and sensitivities thereon are set out on pages 76 and 77 of the 2011 Annual Report. The projections for First Student assume the incremental benefits of the recovery plan together with a moderate economic recovery and as a result operating profits and margins are projected to recover to historic levels by the end of 2013/14. Based on these projections the First Student margin would need to fall in excess of 1.5% compared to the projections for there to be an impairment on the business. Projections for all businesses are currently being updated and detailed disclosures as described above will be included in the 2012 Annual Report. Customer Greyhound brand and Rail franchise Total contracts trade name agreements 10 OTHER Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m INTANGIBLE ASSETS Cost At 1 April 2011 381.5 61.9 56.3 499.7 Foreign exchange 6.9 0.8 - 7.7 movements At 30 September 388.4 62.7 56.3 507.4 2011 Amortisation At 1 April 2011 90.1 11.2 49.8 151.1 Charge for period 12.1 1.5 1.5 15.1 Foreign exchange 2.1 0.2 - 2.3 movements At 30 September 104.3 12.9 51.3 168.5 2011 Carrying amount At 30 September 284.1 49.8 5.0 338.9 2011 At 31 March 2011 291.4 50.7 6.5 348.6 At 30 September 305.0 52.8 17.9 375.7 2010 Intangible assets include customer contracts and the Greyhound brand and trade name which were acquired through the purchases of businesses and subsidiary undertakings. These are being amortised on a straight-line basis over their useful lives which are between nine and twenty years. The rail franchise agreements' intangible asset represents the part of the economic benefit that is realised as a result of recognising our share of the rail pension deficit on the date of commencement of each respective franchise and is amortised on a straight-line basis over the initial term of each respective franchise. Passenger Other Land and carrying plant and buildings vehicle equipment Total fleet 11 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Cost At 1 April 2011 536.5 2,565.2 596.7 3,698.4 Subsidiary undertakings disposed of (2.8) (4.0) (0.6) (7.4) Additions 9.2 99.0 37.5 145.7 Disposals (31.9) (34.5) (12.2) (78.6) Transfers - 6.0 (6.0) - Reclassified as held for sale - (48.0) - (48.0) Foreign exchange movements 2.8 28.7 4.3 35.8 At 30 September 2011 513.8 2,612.4 619.7 3,745.9 Accumulated depreciation and impairment At 1 April 2011 75.0 1,231.6 308.9 1,615.5 Subsidiary undertakings disposed of (0.3) (2.0) (0.4) (2.7) Charge for period 6.4 109.4 44.8 160.6 Disposals (1.8) (34.5) (11.8) (48.1) Transfers - (24.0) 24.0 - Reclassified as held for sale - (39.0) - (39.0) Foreign exchange movements 0.4 14.8 2.7 17.9 At 30 September 2011 79.7 1,256.3 368.2 1,704.2 Carrying amount At 30 September 2011 434.1 1,356.1 251.5 2,041.7 At 31 March 2011 461.5 1,333.6 287.8 2,082.9 At 30 September 2010 474.6 1,403.8 276.4 2,154.8 30 September 30 September 31 March 2011 2010 2011 12 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES Â£m Â£m Â£m Amounts due within one year Trade receivables 458.1 431.4 408.7 Provision for doubtful receivables (5.2) (7.1) (7.5) Other receivables 61.0 53.8 53.4 Other prepayments and accrued income 106.2 98.1 100.9 620.1 576.2 555.5 30 September 30 September 31 March 2011 2010 2011 13 ASSETS HELD FOR SALE Â£m Â£m Â£m Assets held for sale 7.7 2.4 4.6 These comprise First Student yellow school buses which are surplus to requirements and are being actively marketed on the Internet. Gains or losses arising on the disposal of such assets are included in arriving at operating profit in the condensed consolidated income statement. 30 September 30 September 31 March 2011 2010 2011 14 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES Â£m Â£m Â£m Amounts falling due within one year Trade payables 332.5 290.1 312.2 Other payables 154.1 98.9 113.9 Accruals and deferred income 639.7 598.0 640.5 Season ticket deferred income 59.2 54.7 63.3 1,185.5 1,041.7 1,129.9 30 30 31 September September March 2011 2010 2011 15 DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Â£m Â£m Â£m Derivatives designated and effective as hedging instruments carried at fair value Non-current assets Cross currency swaps (net investment hedge) 12.7 15.5 22.2 Coupon swaps (fair value hedge) 49.6 39.0 21.0 Fuel derivatives (cash flow hedge) 3.1 2.6 14.9 65.4 57.1 58.1 Current assets Cross currency swaps (net investment hedge) 3.6 6.5 4.6 Coupon swaps (fair value hedge) 9.6 10.3 6.7 Currency forwards (cash flow hedge) 0.3 - 1.2 Fuel derivatives (cash flow hedge) 17.0 10.1 52.6 30.5 26.9 65.1 Current liabilities Interest rate derivatives (cash flow hedge) 9.9 30.4 15.0 Cross currency swaps (net investment hedge) 19.2 27.3 23.3 Fuel derivatives (cash flow hedge) 11.0 25.2 0.1 40.1 82.9 38.4 Non-current liabilities Interest rate derivatives (cash flow hedge) 13.4 6.5 1.5 Cross currency swaps (net investment hedge) 48.9 42.7 28.2 Fuel derivatives (cash flow hedge) 12.4 10.0 - 74.7 59.2 29.7 Derivates classified as held for trading Current liabilities Interest rate swaps 1.3 - - Non-current liabilities Interest rate swaps 9.9 - 0.1 Total non-current assets 65.4 57.1 58.1 Total current assets 30.5 26.9 65.1 Total assets 95.9 84.0 123.2 Total current liabilities 41.4 82.9 38.5 Total non-current liabilities 84.6 59.2 29.7 Total liabilities 126.0 142.1 68.2 30 30 31 September September March 2011 2010 2011 16 PROVISIONS Â£m Â£m Â£m Insurance claims 216.0 219.0 221.0 Legal and other 22.8 39.9 26.4 FGW contract provision 26.5 - 48.7 Pensions 4.5 5.0 4.7 Non-current liabilities 269.8 263.9 300.8 Insurance Legal FGW contract claims1 and provision Pensions Total other2 Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m At 1 April 2011 221.0 26.4 48.7 4.7 300.8 Provided in the period 40.2 0.2 - - 40.4 Utilised in the period (59.5) (4.7) - (0.2) (64.4) Reclassified to amounts falling - - (22.2) - (22.2) due within one year Notional interest 9.4 - - - 9.4 Foreign exchange movements 4.9 0.9 - - 5.8 At 30 September 2011 216.0 22.8 26.5 4.5 269.8 At 30 September 2010 219.0 39.9 - 5.0 263.9 1 Insurance claims accruals due within one year at 30 September 2011 amounted to Â£116.3m (2010: Â£117.8m; full year 2011: Â£119.5m) and are included in "accruals and deferred income" within note 14. The amount included within provisions above represents the estimate of amounts due after more than one year. 2Legal and other accruals due within one year at 30 September 2011 amounted to Â£9.7m (2010: Â£6.7m; full year 2010: Â£11.2m) and are included in "accruals and deferred income" within note 14. The amount included within provisions above represents the estimate of amounts due after more than one year. 30 September 30 September 31 March 17 DISPOSAL OF BUSINESSES 2011 2010 2011 AND SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS Â£m Â£m Â£m Fair values of net assets disposed of: Goodwill 6.1 14.2 14.2 Property, plant and equipment 4.7 3.8 3.8 Current assets 1.2 12.0 12.0 Cash and cash equivalents 1.6 - - Deferred tax - (1.6) (1.6) Other liabilities (0.5) (10.8) (10.8) 13.1 17.6 17.6 Costs of disposal 1.6 - - (Loss)/profit on disposal (9.2) 6.7 6.7 Satisfied by cash received and receivable 5.5 24.3 24.3 Net cash inflow arising on disposal: Cash consideration 5.5 24.3 24.3 5.5 24.3 24.3 On 30 September 2011, the Group disposed of its interest in FirstGroup Deutschland GmbH. The impact of FirstGroup Deutschland GmbH on the Group's results in the current and prior periods is disclosed in note 6. On 28 May 2010, the Group disposed of its interest in GB Railfreight. The details of this disposal are included in the prior period figures in the table above. 30 September 30 September 31 March 2011 2010 2011 18 SHARE CAPITAL Â£m Â£m Â£m Allotted, called up and fully paid: 482.1m Ordinary shares of 5p each 24.1 24.1 24.1 The number of ordinary shares of 5p each in issue, excluding treasury shares and shares held in trust for employees, at the end of the period was 481.4m (2010: 480.4m; full year 2011: 480.8m). At the end of the period 0.3m shares (2010: 1.0m shares; full year 2011: 0.3m shares) were being held as treasury shares and 0.4m shares (2010: 0.7m shares; full year 2011: 1.0m shares) were being held in trust to satisfy the exercise of employee share options. 30 30 31 September September March 2011 2010 2011 19 NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Â£m Â£m Â£m Operating profit before loss on disposal of 217.0 175.0 313.0 properties Operating (loss)/profit of discontinued operations (0.3) 0.5 1.0 Adjustments for: Depreciation charges 160.6 161.3 321.0 Amortisation charges 15.1 17.7 42.9 Impairment charges - - 19.5 Share-based payments 2.8 3.9 7.7 (Profit)/loss on disposal of property, plant and (0.4) 0.2 3.7 equipment Operating cash flows before working capital 394.8 358.6 708.8 Decrease/(increase) in inventories 0.8 (2.0) (3.2) (Increase)/decrease in receivables (42.1) (8.9) 25.9 Increase/(decrease) in payables 14.8 (5.5) 55.7 (Decrease)/increase in provisions (46.2) (30.2) 0.4 Defined benefit pension payments in excess of (117.8) (14.8) (43.5) income statement charge Cash generated by operations 204.3 297.2 744.1 Tax paid (4.3) (9.8) (25.0) Interest paid (95.1) (105.4) (155.2) Interest element of HP contracts and finance leases (3.8) (3.6) (8.2) Net cash from operating activities 101.1 178.4 555.7 20 RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES The Group operates or participates in a number of defined benefit pension schemes which cover the majority of UK employees and certain North American employees. The scheme details are described in page 96 of the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2011. First Greater Western Limited, First Capital Connect Limited, First ScotRail Limited, Hull Trains Limited and First/Keolis TransPennine Express Limited have sections in the Railways Pension Scheme (RPS), which is an industry-wide arrangement. Under the terms of the RPS, any fund deficit or surplus is shared by the employer (60%) and the employees (40%). In calculating the Group's pension obligations in respect of the RPS the Group has calculated the total pension deficits in each of the RPS sections in accordance with IAS 19. These deficits are reduced by a "franchise adjustment" which is that portion of the deficit which is projected to exist at the end of the franchise and for which the Group will not be required to fund. The franchise adjustment, which has been calculated by the Group's actuaries, is offset against the present value of the RPS liabilities so as to fairly present the financial performance, position and cash flows of the Group's obligations. The market value of the assets at 30 September 2011 for all defined benefit schemes totalled Â£3,227m (2010: Â£3,160m; full year 2011: Â£3,289m). Contributions are paid to all defined benefit pension schemes in accordance with rates recommended by the schemes' actuaries. The valuations are made using the Projected Unit Credit Method. 20 RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES continued The key assumptions were as follows: UK UK North UK UK North UK UK North America America America Bus Rail Bus Rail Bus Rail 30 30 30 Sept 30 30 30 Sept 31 31 31 Sept Sept Sept Sept March March March 2011 2011 2011 2010 2010 2010 2011 2011 2011 % % % % % % % % % Key assumptions used: Discount rate 5.10 5.10 4.05 5.05 5.05 4.70 5.50 5.50 5.25 Expected return on 7.40 8.60 6.90 7.90 7.90 7.40 7.90 7.90 6.90 scheme assets Expected rate of 3.75 3.75 3.25 4.00 4.00 3.25 4.20 4.20 - salary increases Inflation - RPI 2.8 2.8 - 3.0 3.0 2.25 3.2 3.2 2.25 Inflation - CPI 2.0 2.0 - 2.4 2.4 - 2.4 2.4 - Future pension 1.9 2.0 - 3.0 3.0 - 2.4/ 2.4 - increases 3.1 During the period certain changes to the UK Bus Pension Scheme were agreed in principle with the participating members and the Scheme trustees, the most significant of which is that pension increases will be linked to CPI rather than RPI. The impact of these changes has been assessed at Â£73.3m and is shown within exceptional items in the condensed consolidated income statement. Amounts (charged)/credited to the condensed consolidated income statement before exceptional items in respect of these defined benefit schemes are as follows: North UK Bus UK Rail America Total 6 months to 30 September 2011 Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Current service cost (14.1) (24.8) (2.2) (41.1) Interest cost (42.5) (20.1) (16.1) (78.7) Expected return on scheme assets 63.2 27.0 14.9 105.1 Interest on franchise adjustment - 1.9 - 1.9 6.6 (16.0) (3.4) (12.8) North UK Bus UK Rail America Total 6 months to 30 September 2010 Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Current service cost (18.0) (27.9) (2.7) (48.6) Interest cost (47.7) (22.8) (16.8) (87.3) Expected return on scheme assets 60.9 26.3 15.2 102.4 Interest on franchise adjustment - 4.8 - 4.8 (4.8) (19.6) (4.3) (28.7) North UK Bus UK Rail America Total Year to 31 March 2011 Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Current service cost (31.9) (51.5) (4.4) (87.8) Interest cost (87.8) (42.2) (34.1) (164.1) Expected return on scheme assets 121.6 52.4 31.1 205.1 Interest on franchise adjustment - 5.7 - 5.7 1.9 (35.6) (7.4) (41.1) Actuarial gains and losses have been reported in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The amounts included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet arising from the Group's obligations in respect of its defined benefit pension schemes are as follows: North UK Bus UK Rail America Total At 30 September 2011 Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Fair value of schemes' assets 1,668.9 1,112.3 445.9 3,227.1 Present value of defined benefit (1,611.1) (1,378.7) (683.7) (3,673.5) obligations (Deficit)/surplus before adjustments 57.8 (266.4) (237.8) (446.4) Adjustment for irrecoverable surplus1 (53.3) - - (53.3) UK Rail franchise adjustment (60%) - 131.9 - 131.9 Adjustment for employee share of RPS - 106.6 - 106.6 deficits (40%) (Deficit)/surplus in schemes 4.5 (27.9) (237.8) (261.2) Liability recognised in the condensed 4.5 (27.9) (237.8) (261.2) consolidated balance sheet This amount is presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as follows: Non-current assets 32.5 - - 32.5 Non-current liabilities (28.0) (27.9) (237.8) (293.7) 4.5 (27.9) (237.8) (261.2) North UK Bus UK Rail America Total At 30 September 2010 Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Fair value of schemes' assets 1,643.1 1,049.2 467.4 3,159.7 Present value of defined benefit (1,765.3) (1,360.0) (650.0) (3,775.3) obligations Deficit before adjustments (122.2) (310.8) (182.6) (615.6) UK Rail franchise adjustment (60%) - 141.8 - 141.8 Adjustment for employee share of RPS - 124.2 - 124.2 deficits (40%) Deficit in schemes (122.2) (44.8) (182.6) (349.6) Liability recognised in the condensed (122.2) (44.8) (182.6) (349.6) consolidated balance sheet This amount is presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as follows: Non-current assets 11.6 - - 11.6 Non-current liabilities (133.8) (44.8) (182.6) (361.2) (122.2) (44.8) (182.6) (349.6) North UK Bus UK Rail America Total At 31 March 2011 Â£m Â£m Â£m Â£m Fair value of schemes' assets 1,701.6 1,114.3 473.0 3,288.9 Present value of defined benefit (1,649.8) (1,333.3) (631.4) (3,614.5) obligations (Deficit)/surplus before adjustments 51.8 (219.0) (158.4) (325.6) Adjustment for irrecoverable surplus1 (81.9) - - (81.9) UK Rail franchise adjustment (60%) - 76.7 - 76.7 Adjustment for employee share of RPS - 87.6 - 87.6 deficits (40%) Deficit in schemes (30.1) (54.7) (158.4) (243.2) Liability recognised in the condensed (30.1) (54.7) (158.4) (243.2) consolidated balance sheet This amount is presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as follows: Non-current assets 30.7 - - 30.7 Non-current liabilities (60.8) (54.7) (158.4) (273.9) (30.1) (54.7) (158.4) (243.2) 1 The irrecoverable surplus represents the amount of the surplus that the Group could not recover through reducing future company contributions to Local Government Pension Schemes.

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FirstGroup (FGP)

Thursday, 23rd May 2024

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HL. QQ. AJB

Another day and another round of takeover talk with Hargreaves Lansdown being eyed by private equity suitors. AJ Bell also advances on upbeat earnings news whilst QinetiQ upgrades its profit guidance, too.

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