Final Results

RNS Number : 4418K

Northgate PLC

25 June 2014

 



 

25 June 2014

NORTHGATE PLC

PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2014

Results in line with Board's expectations, return to growth in both countries, significant increase in dividend

Northgate plc ("Northgate", the "Company" or the "Group") announces its preliminary results for the year ended 30 April 2014.

Financial highlights

·     22% increase in underlying profit before tax⁽¹⁾ to £60.3m (2013 - £49.5m);

·     Profit before tax of £51.2m (2013 - loss of £11.4m);

·     Underlying basic earnings per share⁽²⁾ 35.1p (2013 - 29.2p);

·     Basic earnings per share 29.9p (2013 - (5.5)p);

·     Net debt decreased by 5% to £346.1m (April 2013 - £362.7m):

o  Gearing⁽³⁾ reduced to 91% (April 2013 - 102%);

·     Return on capital employed⁽⁴⁾ reduced to 9.9% (April 2013 - 11.8%) as anticipated, due to the  reduction in the number of vehicles sold and the investment made to grow the UK business;

·     37% increase in dividend per share to 10.0p per share (2013 - 7.3p).

Operational highlights

·     UK vehicles on hire growth in the year of 4,500 (10.4%), including 1,800 from the seven new sites opened since February 2013 (2013 - reduction of 3,300);

·     Vehicles on hire growth of 2,600 (8.1%) in Spain (2013 - reduction of 1,900);

·     Four new sites opened in the UK since 30 April 2013;

·     Average utilisation over the period of 88% in the UK (2013 - 88%) and 92% in Spain (2013 - 90%);

·      Closing fleet of 53,900 in the UK (April 2013 - 49,900) and 37,800 in Spain (April 2013 - 35,100).

Bob Mackenzie, Chairman, commented:

"We are pleased that as a result of the work done over recent years, the business has returned to growth in both the UK and Spain, with increases in the number of vehicles on hire over the year, partly driven by the opening of new sites in the UK to increase customer coverage.

 

There is good momentum in both businesses as a result of investment and changes to the commercial and operational teams and whilst we remain committed to investing in future growth, we believe that the strength of our balance sheet will allow us to further enhance shareholder returns through a continuation of our progressive dividend policy.

 

The Group continues to trade in line with our expectations and the Board remains confident that the business is well positioned to maximise further opportunities for continued growth."    

 

There will be a presentation to analysts at 9.30am today at Numis, 5th floor, London Stock Exchange building, 10 Paternoster Square, London EC4M 7LT.

 

For further information, please contact:

Northgate plc                                                    01325 467558

Bob Mackenzie, Chairman Chris Muir, Group Finance Director

MHP Communications                                    020 3128 8100

Andrew Jaques

Barnaby Fry

Simon Hockridge Jack Holden

Notes to Editors:

Northgate plc is the leading light commercial vehicle hire business in the UK, Ireland and Spain by fleet size and has been operating in the sector since 1981.

Northgate's core business is the hire of light commercial vehicles to businesses on a flexible basis, giving customers the ability to manage their vehicle fleet requirements in a way which can adapt to changing business needs without the requirement to enter into a long term commitment.

Further information regarding Northgate plc can be found on the Company's website:

www.northgateplc.com

Chairman's statement

The Group is growing again in both the UK and Spain after five years of decline. The Board remains committed to exploiting opportunities to drive growth, where an appropriate level of return exists, as we believe this is key to delivering significant returns to shareholders.

Our strategy remains:

·     In the UK, the primary focus is on growing the business through our existing network and by adding new sites to increase our customer coverage;

·     In Spain, we continue to target improved returns.

We are encouraged by the progress made against our strategy and the underlying results for the Group are:

·     Operating profit⁽⁵⁾ of £72.6m (2013 - £86.4m);

·     Profit before tax⁽¹⁾ of £60.3m (2013 - £49.5m);

·     Basic earnings per share⁽²⁾ of 35.1p (2013 - 29.2p);

·     Return on capital employed⁽⁴⁾ of 9.9% (April 2013 - 11.8%).

Operating profit⁽⁵⁾ and ROCE⁽⁴⁾ have fallen compared to the prior year, mainly due to a 30% reduction in the number of vehicles sold and the investment made in the UK business.

As the Group has returned to growth, the decision was taken to increase the fleet by selling fewer vehicles rather than buying more, utilising the Group's existing assets and conserving cash.  Had the Group sold the same numbers of vehicles as it did in the prior year (at current year residual values) the operating profit⁽¹⁴⁾ would have been higher by £11.6m, with ROCE increasing to 11.5%.

The current year ROCE has also been impacted by the costs of opening and operating the seven new sites in the UK since February 2013. The impact of these new sites in the year was a reduction in operating profit of £2.3m, leading to a 0.5% reduction in ROCE.

Profit before tax⁽¹⁾ has benefitted from a £24.5m reduction in interest following the Group's refinancing in April 2013.

Group net debt reduced by 5% to £346.1m. Gearing⁽³⁾ has reduced to 91% (April 2013 - 102%).

UK

Our operating margin⁽⁶⁾ reduced to 17.4% (2013 - 22.1%) and return on capital employed to 11.2% (April 2013 - 14.8%). Return on capital employed and operating margin have reduced as anticipated due to lower volumes of vehicles being sold in response to improved rental demand, coupled with upfront investment relating to the start-up of new sites and the strengthening of the commercial and operational teams. Progress to date supports these investment decisions.

Had the UK sold the same number of vehicles as it did in the prior year at current year residual values, the operating profit⁽¹⁴⁾ would have been higher by £9.6m, with ROCE increasing to 13.3%.  The impact of the new sites opened since February 2013 resulted in a further 0.8% reduction in the UK ROCE.

We are encouraged by the initial impact of the changes made to the commercial team and the investment in new sites. Vehicles on hire increased by 4,500 (10.4%) in the year ended 30 April 2014, compared to a decline of 3,300 vehicles in the previous year. Customer numbers increased 21% in the year.

It is also pleasing to see vehicles on hire growth in both customers managed by our regional teams (4,200) and with our national customers (300).

Historically, Northgate grew by acquisition and incorporated the acquired sites into its operations rather than establishing the optimum location for sites based on proximity to existing and potential customers.  As noted previously, we have identified large areas of the country where significant numbers of potential customers are not presently serviced by an accessible Northgate site.  To address this, we commenced our branch expansion plans.

To date the majority of these new sites are in London and the South East, which require a different logistical and operational model.  The typical Northgate site has a customer reception area and a workshop facility, coupled with considerable parking space for vehicles.  This is prohibitively expensive in these areas, so we are leasing smaller sites with fewer parking spaces but with excellent accessibility.  For success, it depends on reacting quickly and efficiently to customer demand.  We have recruited further expertise in this area and we will continue to carefully monitor costs.

Three new sites were opened in the year ended 30 April 2013 and a further four sites were opened in the year ended 30 April 2014 (Slough, Charlton, Basildon and Wimbledon). The sites continue to trade ahead of our initial expectations. It is estimated that these new sites will become profitable on a trading to date basis after two years with ROCE exceeding 16% in year four as the sites reach maturity.

We anticipate opening a further 22 sites over the next three years.

Spain

Our focus on increasing returns drove ROCE in our Spanish business to 9.2% (April 2013 - 8.4%). Vehicles sold in our Spanish operation reduced by 2,900 as the business returned to growth. Had Spain sold the same numbers of vehicles as it did in the prior year at current year residual values, the operating profit⁽¹⁴⁾ would have been higher by £2.0m, with ROCE increasing to 9.9%.

We were encouraged by the growth achieved, with vehicles on hire increasing by 2,600 (8.1%), compared to a fall of 1,900 in the year ended 30 April 2013. This is mainly due to the investment made in the commercial team over the past two years, which has led to increased new business wins across a range of sectors, offsetting declines seen in our traditional markets with increases in higher margin SME business.

We will continue to focus on improved returns.  This will be targeted in a number of ways, including increasing prices to our existing customer base and through a continued focus on growth with SME customers. This will build upon the 20% increase in customer numbers experienced in the year.

Refinancing

As announced on 13 June 2014, since the year end the Group has successfully increased, amended and extended its existing bank facility to support the growth opportunities identified. This revised £534.5m committed multi-currency bank facility matures in June 2018. In addition to the increase of £112.7m in facilities, the refinancing includes a reduction in pricing.

Dividend

The Board considers that, due to the strength of the balance sheet and opportunities in the markets in which we operate, there is scope to invest organically to strengthen and grow returns over the medium term whilst increasing dividends.

A final dividend of 6.8p is proposed in respect of the year ended 30 April 2014, giving a total dividend for the year of 10.0p (2013 - 7.3p). This represents a 3.5x cover on underlying earnings⁽²⁾ and a 37% increase on the dividend paid in respect of the year ended 30 April 2013.

Northgate recognises the importance of the dividend to investors and sets its annual dividend after taking into account the desire to have a progressive dividend, the intention to keep net debt:EBITDA between 1.25 and 2.00 and to keep dividend cover in the range of 3.75x - 2.50x.

Board changes

Tom Brown has decided to retire from the Group at the AGM in September following nine years of service. Tom is Chair of the Remuneration Committee and Senior Independent Director and I would like to thank Tom for his tremendous efforts and wise counsel over the past nine years.

Jill Caseberry will take over as Chair of the Remuneration Committee following the AGM and we are in the process of recruiting a new non-executive Director.

Current trading and outlook

We are pleased that as a result of the work done over recent years, the business has returned to growth in both the UK and Spain, with increases in the number of vehicles on hire over the year, partly driven by the opening of new sites in the UK to increase customer coverage.

 

There is good momentum in both businesses as a result of investment and changes to the commercial and operational teams and whilst we remain committed to investing in future growth, we believe that the strength of our balance sheet will allow us to further enhance shareholder returns through a continuation of our progressive dividend policy.

 

The Group continues to trade in line with our expectations and the Board remains confident that the business is well positioned to maximise further opportunities for continued growth.

Operational review

Group

The Group continues to build upon its solid financial and operational foundation. We are targeting increasing returns by growing the business with customers who have a flexible vehicle hire requirement.

Flexible rental

Our view is that, for many businesses, the flexible rental of light commercial vehicles ("LCV") continues to be the best sourcing method. It allows them to flex their requirements in line with their business needs. In both countries in which we operate, we aim to be the first choice for LCV rental, fulfilling all our customers' vehicle needs and allowing them to concentrate on better service to their customers.  To achieve this aim, we have three simple areas of focus:

·     100% vehicle availability, allowing our customers to have the right vehicle in the right place at the right time;

·     Keeping our customers on the road for longer, whether this is via our own national service network or by partnering with national operators, and

·     Being hassle free, dealing with unforeseen events quickly and professionally.

This focus on customer service will help the business maintain its market leading position and is key to our strategy for growth.

Strategy for growth

Despite our strength compared to our nearest competitors, the Group is not dominant in terms of our share of the market.  This provides good opportunities for growth from our existing core product offering of flexible vehicle hire. With our increased market understanding, the businesses in both the UK and Spain are focused on:

·     Quality of our service offering, including gaining feedback from our customers;

·     Understanding why we win and lose business;

·     Identifying the key markets where our offering is most suited, and

·     Ensuring the business is properly structured to service our customers.

The Group is focused on finding new growth opportunities through three simple drivers:

Customer numbers: attracting and retaining customers is a key area of focus, with specific programmes being implemented to improve customer retention and increase new customers working with the Group.  Progress to date has been pleasing with the total number of customers  increasing 1,900 (21%) since 30 April 2013.

Increasing share of customer spend:  improved account management has identified that a number of our customers use more than one solution provider for their flexible hire needs.  This is often driven by customers having to source vehicles from more than one partner due to vehicle availability or network reach issues.  By improving our account management process and service offering we have seen an increased level of activity from our existing larger customers.

Pricing efficiently:  improved access to information allows the Group to make informed pricing decisions, taking into account whole life vehicle running costs. This ensures that customers are charged appropriately for their vehicle usage.

Employee engagement

The Group has always been fortunate in having extremely dedicated and passionate employees and their retention and development is key to our continued success. To secure this we are delivering an employee engagement strategy to ensure that all of our employees understand the strategy of the business, their role in delivering it and motivating them to do so. This is underpinned with enhanced communication and recognition processes to both support and drive its success.

Review of the year

UK

Despite the improvements achieved in pricing and used vehicle residual values, the reduction in the number of vehicles sold and the investment made in the UK business has led to a decrease in operating margin⁽⁶⁾ from 22.1% to 17.4%. The number of vehicles being disposed of has been reduced in response to the increasing demand for rental.

If the UK business had sold the same number of vehicles as it did in the year ended 30 April 2013 at current year residual values the operating margin⁽¹⁴⁾ would have been 20.7%.  The impact of new sites opened since February 2013 has reduced the operating margin by 1.2%.

Vehicles on hire and hire rates

Vehicles on hire increased from 43,100 at 30 April 2013 to 47,600 at 30 April 2014, an increase of 4,500 compared to a decline of 3,300 in the same period last year and comprises:

·     Growth from regional customers of 4,200, and

·     An increase in the number of vehicles on hire to national customers of 300.

As previously outlined, a number of improvement programmes in the commercial area of the business were implemented in the previous 18 months, focusing on increasing the skills, resource and support within the sales team. The initial focus of these programmes was within our regional business, which represents two-thirds of our vehicles on hire, followed by our national business.

 

This investment is generating returns through growth in vehicles on hire and customer numbers have increased by 21% since 30 April 2013.

Average hire revenue per rented vehicle has increased by 1% compared to the same period last year.

Network

 

In the prior year we identified large areas of the country where significant numbers of potential customers were not effectively serviced by an accessible Northgate site.  In the final three months of the year ended 30 April 2013, we commenced our expansion plans with three sites opening. 

 

Four more sites have been opened in the year to 30 April 2014 (Slough, Charlton, Basildon, and Wimbledon) bringing the branch network to 68.

The initial signs are encouraging with the level of growth from these new sites exceeding our initial plans. The seven sites opened since February 2013 now have 2,000 vehicles on hire, of which 1,800 have been generated in the year ended 30 April 2014.  Of the 2,000 vehicles on hire, 1,400 are on hire to regional customers and 600 to national customers.  This mix of regional to national customers is in line with our existing business.

 

The impact of the seven sites opened since February 2013 (including the new sites project team costs) was an operating loss of £2.3m.  It is estimated that these new sites will become profitable on a trading to date basis after two years with ROCE exceeding 16% in year four as the sites reach maturity.

We have initially focused on establishing an enhanced branch network within the London area which provides the largest commercial opportunity.  We will continue to pursue this strategy and have identified the following opportunities:

·     A further four sites in Greater London, bringing the total number of branches supporting this area to 13, and

·     A further 18 sites across the remainder of the UK as areas that would support a site at our required level of return.

We are aiming to open an average of eight to ten sites per year.  This will take the branch network to approximately 90 by 31 December 2016.

We are also seeing vehicles on hire growth from the existing network and believe that there is further opportunity for growth within these branches.

Asset management

Growth in the number of vehicles on hire has led to an increase in the UK fleet size from 49,900 at 30 April 2013 to 53,900 at 30 April 2014.  Vehicle utilisation for the period was 88% (2013 - 88%).  Whilst utilisation remains a priority, we are also focused on ensuring that each branch has the right range of vehicles available for customers at all times to support the growth opportunities available. The UK business increased the level of vehicles available to rent throughout the year, which will support the growth plans, whilst allowing the UK to target a higher level of utilisation in the medium term.

 

Despite the 4,500 vehicles on hire growth, continued strong asset management meant UK purchases were 17,000 in the year ended 30 April 2014 compared to 16,500 in the same period last year.  The average age of the rental fleet is 22.3 months at 30 April 2014, compared to 21.4 months at 30 April 2013.

 

In response to the 4,500 vehicles on hire growth, a total of 14,000 units were sold compared to 20,700 in the year ended 30 April 2013.

 

The used vehicle market remained strong, with sales via our more profitable retail sales operation increasing to 27% (2013 - 22%), contributing to increased residual values in comparison to those attained in the year ended 30 April 2013.  The reduced number of vehicles disposed of, offset by the improvement in the residual values achieved, resulted in a decrease of £20.0m (2013 - £20.8m) in the depreciation charge. 

 

Given the continuing strength of used vehicle residual values, UK depreciation rates on the vehicle fleet have been reduced by 1.8%, taking effect from 1 May 2014.  Based on the composition of the fleet as at 30 April 2014, this is expected to reduce the depreciation charge by £9m in the year ending 30 April 2015, which will reverse over the next four years as the current fleet is sold.

Spain

Improved operational efficiencies and residual values in Spain led to an increase in our operating margin⁽⁷⁾ in the period to 17.1% (2013 - 16.7%).   If the Spanish business had sold the same number of vehicles as it did in the year ended 30 April 2013 at current year residual values the operating margin⁽¹⁴⁾ would have been 18.4%.

 

Vehicles on hire and hire rates

Vehicles on hire at 30 April 2014 were 34,700, an increase of 2,600 in the year ended 30 April 2014, compared to a decline of 1,900 in the same period last year.

 

The continued efforts in the commercial area of the business have led to the growth of the number of vehicles on hire after five years of decline. 

Spain continues to target growth in the SME market. This was the first year where increased new business offset the decline in the traditional construction market.  For the second year running, customer numbers increased.  Closing customers increased by 900 (20%), compared to an increase of 300 in the previous year.

After adjusting for fleet mix, average hire revenue per rented vehicle has fallen by 1% compared to the same period last year. This reduction has been mitigated by an increasing proportion of customers operating our fleet in such a way that running costs are reduced and residual values are improved.

Return on capital employed

 

Return on capital employed at 30 April 2014 was 9.2% compared to 8.4% for the year ended 30 April 2013. Progress in targeting increased returns has been made in the following areas:

 

Pricing increases and customer profiling: whilst headline rental rate increases continue to be sought, we will work with new and existing customers who meet our required rate of return, with the aim of increasing our return on capital employed over the medium term.

Vehicle utilisation: changes in customer mix, coupled with other improvements made over the past 12 months, will allow the Spanish business to run at utilisation levels in excess of 90%.  The year ended 30 April 2014 saw utilisation at 92%, exceeding the 90% level achieved in the year ended 30 April 2013.

Holding costs: with depreciation being the largest cost in the business, customer profiling allows the Spanish business to minimise these costs. The improvement in the usage profile of new customers allows a greater proportion of the vehicles being removed from the rental fleet at the end of their life to be sold through our retail disposal channel, leading to increased residual values and lower whole life holding costs.

Vehicle ageing: the changing customer profile and improved maintenance regime implemented over the past two years is allowing the Group to age the Spanish fleet whilst minimising the capital investment required. This results in a reduction in capital employed per vehicle operating in Spain.  The average age of the fleet has increased from 22.9 months at 30 April 2013 to 24.3 months at 30 April 2014.  We do not anticipate any impact on customer service as we continue to run a young fleet in comparison to the rest of the market. 

 

Operational efficiency: the implementation of our workshop efficiency programme, coupled with improved management and reporting of our internal workshops has led to a reduction in workshop costs per vehicle, with total workshop costs falling 16%.

 

Asset management

 

Utilisation for the period was 92% (2013 - 90%).  The fleet size in our Spanish operation increased from 35,100 at 30 April 2013 to 37,800 at 30 April 2014. In the year ended 30 April 2014, 10,700 vehicles have been purchased compared to 7,300 in the same period last year.

 

A total of 8,300 units were sold (2013 - 11,200), with the reduction being driven by the increased vehicles on hire achieved in the period. 

The used vehicle market remains strong, with continued progress in establishing and expanding sales through our more profitable retail sales operation, which increased to 16% (2013 - 9%), contributing to increased residual values in comparison to those achieved in the year ended 30 April 2013. The improved resale values achieved were partially offset by the reduced number of vehicles being disposed of, resulting in a reduction in the depreciation charge of €6.8m, compared to a reduction of €6.1m in the prior year.

 

Given the continuing strength of used vehicle residual values, Spanish depreciation rates on the vehicle fleet have been reduced by 0.9%, taking effect from 1 May 2014.  Based on the composition of the fleet as at 30 April 2014, this is expected to reduce the depreciation charge by £3m in the year ending 30 April 2015, which will reverse over the next five years as the current fleet is sold.

Financial review

Financial reporting

Group

A summary of the Group's underlying financial performance for 2014, with a comparison to 2013, is shown below:

	2014	2013
	£m	£m
Revenue	571.5	609.9
Operating profit(5)	72.6	86.4
Profit before tax(1)	60.3	49.5
Profit after tax(2)	46.8	38.8
Basic earnings per share(2)	35.1p	29.2p
Return on capital employed(4)	9.9%	11.8%

Group revenue in 2014 decreased by 6% to £571.5m (2013 - £609.9m) or 7% at constant exchange rates. Hire revenue was £442.3m (2013 - £441.9m).

Net underlying cash generation⁽⁹⁾ was £25.4m (2013 - £92.6m) after net capital expenditure of £194.4m (2013 - £117.7m) resulting in closing net debt of £346.1m (2013 - £362.7m). Gearing⁽³⁾ improved to 91% (2013 - 102%).

On a statutory basis, operating profit was £63.5m (2013 - £79.5m) and profit before tax was £51.2m (2013 - loss of £11.4m). Basic earnings per share were 29.9p (2013 - (5.5)p).  Net cash from operations, including net capital expenditure on vehicles for hire was £30.7m (2013 - £100.9m).

Return on capital employed

Group return on capital employed⁽⁴⁾ was 9.9% compared to 11.8% in the prior year. 

Group return on equity, calculated as profit after tax (excluding intangible amortisation and exceptional items) divided by average shareholders' funds, was 12.4% (2013 - 10.6%). 

Borrowing facilities

Taken together with other loans of the Group, £346.1m was drawn against total committed facilities of £437.9m as at 30 April 2014, giving headroom⁽¹⁰⁾ of £91.8m as detailed below:

	Facility	Drawn	Headroom	Maturity
	£m	£m	£m
UK bank facility	421.8	338.1	83.7	June-17
Other loans	16.1	8.0	8.1	Up to Nov-14
	437.9	346.1	91.8

In June 2014 the Group successfully increased, amended and extended its existing multi bank facility. The revised £534.5m committed multi bank facility matures in June 2018.  The amended facility includes a reduction in pricing. 

The net debt to EBITDA ratio at 30 April 2014 corresponds to a bank margin of 2.375%.  The margin charged on bank debt is dependent upon the Group's net debt to EBITDA ratio, ranging from a maximum of 2.875% to a minimum of 2.125%.

Following the amendment to the facility in June 2014, the margin charged on bank debt will range from a maximum of 2.55% to a minimum of 1.80%. Based on the net debt to EBITDA ratio at 30 April 2014, the margin on the amended facility would be 2.05%.

Interest rate swap contracts have been taken out which fix a proportion of bank debt at 3.1%, giving an overall cost of the Group's borrowings at 30 April 2014 of 3.0%. This compares to an overall rate of 2.8% at 30 April 2013.

The Group made net borrowing repayments of £6.3m in the year. Scheduled total bank repayments on the amended bank facilities of £25.4m commencing in November 2016 are due before they mature in June 2018.

There are three financial covenants under the Group's facilities as follows:

1.   Interest cover ratio

A minimum ratio of earnings before interest and taxation ("EBIT") to net interest costs tested quarterly on a rolling historic 12-month basis.  The covenant to be exceeded is 3.0x (2013 - 2.0x).

Interest cover at 30 April 2014 was 5.6x (2013 - 2.7x) with EBIT headroom, all else being equal, of £33m.

2.   Loan to value

A maximum ratio of total consolidated net borrowings to the book value of vehicles for hire, vehicles held for resale, trade receivables and freehold property, tested quarterly.  The covenant ratio which must not be exceeded is 70%. 

Loan to value at 30 April 2014 was 46% (2013 - 50%) giving net debt headroom, all else being equal, of £177m.

3.   Debt leverage cover ratio

A maximum ratio of net debt to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation ("EBITDA"), tested quarterly on a rolling historic 12-month basis.  The covenant ratio which must not be exceeded is 2.0x.

Debt leverage cover at 30 April 2014 was 1.5x (2013 - 1.5x) with EBITDA headroom, all else being equal, of £63m.

Dividend

The Directors recommend the payment of a final dividend of 6.8p per share in relation to the Ordinary shares for the year ended 30 April 2014 (2013 - 6.0p).  Subject to approval by shareholders, the dividend will be paid on 23 September 2014 to ordinary shareholders on the register as at close of business on 15 August 2014.

Including the interim dividend paid of 3.2p (2013 - 1.3p), the total dividend relating to the year would be 10.0p (2013 - 7.3p). The dividend is covered 3.5 times by underlying earnings.

UK

The composition of the Group's UK revenue and operating profit is set out below:

	2014	2013
	£m	£m
Revenue
Vehicle hire	292.4	291.1
Vehicle sales	90.7	124.6
	383.1	415.7
Operating profit(11)	51.0	64.2

Hire revenue of £292.4m was in line with the prior year (2013 - £291.1m), with a 1% increase in the average number of vehicles on hire being offset by a 1% reduction in revenue per vehicle (including fleet management). Excluding fleet management, revenue per vehicle increased by 1%.

An improvement in residual values was offset by a reduction in the volume of used vehicles sold, which contributed to £0.8m of the decrease in operating profit.

The UK operating margin was as follows:

	2014	2013
Operating margin(6)	17.4%	22.1%

The UK operating margin⁽⁶⁾ has decreased to 17.4% (2013 - 22.1%) mainly as a result of the upfront investment relating to the start-up of our new sites and the strengthening of our commercial and operational teams.

International Accounting Standards require that the residual value and useful life of an asset shall be reviewed at least each financial year-end and, if expectations differ from previous estimates, the changes shall be accounted for as a change in an accounting estimate.

Our depreciation rates are therefore set in order to depreciate an asset so that, at the end of its useful life, its net book value approximates closely to the expected proceeds on disposal, taking into account all attributable costs incurred to sell the asset.

Following our review and due to the ongoing strength of the residual values of the vehicle hire fleet, the Board has decided to reduce the depreciation rate prospectively by 1.8% from 1 May 2014.

Spain

The revenue and operating profit generated by our Spanish operations are set out below:

	2014	2013
	£m	£m
Revenue
Vehicle hire	149.9	150.8
Vehicle sales	38.5	43.4
	188.4	194.2
Operating profit(12)	25.6	25.2

Hire revenue decreased by 1%.  The decrease was 3% at constant exchange rates, which was caused by a reduction in revenue per vehicle. Adjusted for the change in fleet mix, revenue per vehicle decreased by 1%.

The Spanish operating margin was as follows:

	2014	2013
Operating margin(7)	17.1%	16.7%

Vehicle hire revenue and operating profit⁽¹²⁾ in 2014, expressed at constant exchange rates, would have been lower than reported by £3.9m and £0.7m respectively.

Days sales outstanding continued to reduce from 64 days at 30 April 2013 to 54 days at 30 April 2014 due to the continued improvements in controls, processes and customer mix.

Used vehicle residual values continued to improve and contributed £5.7m (2013 - £5.0m) to operating profit in the year with 8,300 vehicles sold (2013 - 11,200). As in the UK, the fleet depreciation rate was reviewed. Due to the ongoing strength of the residual values of the vehicle hire fleet, the Board has decided to reduce the depreciation rate prospectively by 0.9% from 1 May 2014.

Corporate

Corporate costs⁽¹³⁾ were £3.9m compared to £3.0m in the prior year.

Exceptional items

During the year £1.8m of restructuring costs, £1.9m relating to property impairment, £2.4m of costs related to a pension scheme buyout and £0.1m of property losses were incurred, of which £5.5m related to the UK, £0.6m related to Spain and £0.1m related to Corporate.

Interest

Net finance charges for the year before exceptional items were £12.4m (2013 - £36.9m). 

The prior year charge includes £6.5m of non-cash interest.

The net cash interest charge has reduced by £18.0m to £12.4m, with a £0.4m saving as a result of the reduction in average net debt throughout the year, a £17.8m saving due to lower borrowing rates of the Group in the year and a £0.2m increase due to the impact of exchange rates.

Taxation

The Group's underlying effective tax charge for its UK and overseas operations was 22% (2013 - 22%). 

The underlying tax charge excludes the tax on intangible amortisation and exceptional items. 

Including these items the Group's statutory effective tax charge was 22% (2013 - 35%).

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share ("EPS")⁽²⁾, were 35.1p (2013 - 29.2p).  Basic statutory earnings per share were 29.9p (2013 - (5.5)p). 

Underlying earnings for the purposes of calculating EPS⁽²⁾ were £46.8m (2013 - £38.8m).  The weighted average number of shares for the purposes of calculating EPS was 133.2m, in line with the previous year.

Balance sheet

Net tangible assets at 30 April 2014 were £381.7m (2013 - £355.6m), equivalent to a tangible net asset value of 286.5p per share (2013 - 266.9p per share). 

Gearing⁽³⁾ at 30 April 2014 was 91% (2013 - 102%) reflecting a £16.6m reduction in net debt.

Cash flow

A summary of the Group's cash flows is shown below:

	2014	2013
	£m	£m
Underlying operational cash generation	235.4	258.4
Net capital expenditure	(194.4)	(117.7)
Net taxation and interest payments	(15.6)	(48.1)
Net underlying cash generation(9)	25.4	92.6
Net refinancing payments (April 2013 refinancing)	-	(39.1)
Dividends	(12.2)	(5.7)
Other	(2.8)	(2.3)
Net cash generated	10.4	45.5
Opening net debt	362.7	371.3
Net cash generated	(10.4)	(45.5)
Other non-cash items	(0.6)	17.1
Exchange differences	(5.6)	19.8
Closing net debt	346.1	362.7

Underlying cash generation⁽⁹⁾ was £25.4m compared to £92.6m in the previous year.

A total of £301.4m was invested in new vehicles in order to replace fleet compared to £255.2m in the prior year.  The Group's new vehicle outlay was partially funded by £112.3m of cash generated from the sale of used vehicles. Other net capital expenditure amounted to £5.3m.

After capital expenditure, payments of interest and tax of £15.6m, dividends of £12.2m and other items of £2.8m, net cash generation (as defined in the table above) was £10.4m, compared to £45.5m in the previous year.

Treasury

The function of Group Treasury is to mitigate financial risk, to ensure sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable requirements, to secure finance at minimum cost and to invest cash assets securely and profitably.  Treasury operations manage the Group's funding, liquidity and exposure to interest rate risks within a framework of policies and guidelines authorised by the Board of Directors.

The Group uses derivative financial instruments for risk management purposes only.  Consistent with Group policy, Group Treasury does not engage in speculative activity and it is policy to avoid using more complex financial instruments.

Credit risk

The policy followed in managing credit risk permits only minimal exposures, with banks and other institutions meeting required standards as assessed normally by reference to major credit agencies.  Our credit exposure is limited to banks which maintain an A rating.  Individual aggregate credit exposures are also limited accordingly.

Liquidity and funding

The Group has sufficient funding facilities to meet its normal funding requirements in the medium term as discussed above.  Covenants attached to those facilities as discussed above are not restrictive to the Group's operations.

Capital management

The Group's objective is to maintain a balance sheet structure that is efficient in terms of providing long term returns to shareholders and safeguards the Group's financial position through economic cycles.

Operating subsidiary undertakings are financed by a combination of retained earnings and bank borrowings.

The Group can choose to adjust its capital structure by varying the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, by issuing new shares or by adjusting the level of capital expenditure.  As discussed above, gearing⁽³⁾ at 30 April 2014 was 91% compared to 102% at 30 April 2013.

Interest rate management

The Group's bank facilities and other loan agreements incorporate variable interest rates.  The Group seeks to manage the risks associated with fluctuating interest rates by having in place a number of financial instruments covering at least 50% of its borrowings at any time. The proportion of gross borrowings hedged into fixed rates was 76% at 30 April 2014. In the prior year, the Group's borrowing facilities were refinanced on 29 April 2013.  All existing interest rate swaps were cancelled at that time and new instruments were put in place on 2 May 2013 which hedged 64% of gross borrowings into fixed rates.

Foreign exchange risk

The Group's reporting currency is, and the majority of its revenue (65%) is generated in, pounds Sterling. The Group's principal currency translation exposure is to the Euro, as the results of operations, assets and liabilities of its Spanish and Irish businesses must be translated into Sterling to produce the Group's consolidated financial statements.

The average and year end exchange rates used to translate the Group's overseas operations were as follows:

	2014	2013
	£ : €	£ : €
Average	1.19	1.22
Year end	1.22	1.18

The Group manages its exposure to currency fluctuations on retranslation of the balance sheets of those subsidiary undertakings whose functional currency is in Euro by maintaining a proportion of its borrowings in the same currency.  The exchange differences arising on these borrowings have been recognised directly within equity along with the exchange differences on retranslation of the net assets of the Euro subsidiaries.

Going concern

In determining whether the Group's 2014 accounts should be prepared on a going concern basis the Directors considered all factors likely to affect its future development, performance and its financial position, including cash flows, liquidity position and borrowings facilities and the risks and uncertainties relating to its business activities in the current economic climate.

The principal risks and uncertainties of the Group are outlined on pages 21 to 23.  Measures taken by the Directors in order to mitigate those risks are also outlined.

The Directors have reviewed trading and cash flow forecasts as part of their going concern assessment, including reasonably possible downside sensitivities, which take into account the uncertainties in the current operating environment.

The Group has sufficient headroom compared to its committed borrowing facilities and against all covenants as detailed in this report.

Having considered all the factors above impacting the Group's businesses, including reasonably possible downside sensitivities, the Directors are satisfied that the Group will be able to operate within the terms and conditions of the Group's financing facilities for the foreseeable future.

The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.  Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Group's 2014 accounts.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The operation of a public company involves a number of risks and uncertainties across a full range of commercial, operational and financial areas.  The principal risks and uncertainties that have been identified as being capable of impacting the Group's performance over the next financial year are set out below.

Economic environment

There is a link in our business between the demand for our products and services and the levels of economic activity in the countries in which the Group operates.  The high level of operational gearing in our business model means that changes in demand can lead to higher levels of variation in profitability.

The Group operates in Spain, where austerity measures have been implemented. These measures could impact on future trading volumes. The underlying macro-economic conditions also increased the risk of customer failure in the recent past, particularly in Spain, which led to the occurrence of increased bad debt charges. However, economic conditions have improved over the course of the year.

The construction industry in Spain and other key markets of the Group were particularly sensitive to the downturn in the economic climate, which led to a decline in the number of vehicles rented in recent years.

The Spanish business continues to generate a large proportion of revenue from customers in the construction industry, but has successfully sought and is continuing to seek to diversify its customer base across a range of market segments.

Should there be a further significant economic downturn the flexible nature of the Group's business model enables vehicles to be placed with other customers.  Alternatively, utilisation can be maintained through a combination of a decrease in vehicle purchases and increase in disposals, which although affecting short term profitability, generates cash and reduces debt levels.

No individual customer contributes more than five per cent of total revenue generated, and ongoing credit analysis is performed on new and existing customers to assess credit risk.

Vehicle holding costs

The overall holding cost of a vehicle is affected by the pricing levels of new vehicles and the disposal value of vehicles sold.

The Group purchases substantially all of its fleet from suppliers with no agreement for the repurchase of a vehicle at the end of its hire life cycle.  The Group is therefore exposed to fluctuations in residual values in the used vehicle market.

An increase in the holding cost of vehicles, if not recovered through hire rate increases, would affect profitability, shareholder returns and cash generation.

Risk is managed on new pricing by negotiating fixed pricing terms with manufacturers a year in advance.  Flexibility is maintained to make purchases throughout the year under variable supply terms.

Flexibility in our business model allows us to determine the period over which we hold a vehicle and therefore in the event of a decline in residual values we would attempt to mitigate the impact by ageing out our existing fleet.

Competition and hire rates

The Group operates in highly competitive markets with competitors often pursuing aggressive pricing actions to increase hire volumes.  The market is also fragmented with numerous competitors at a local and national level.

As our business is highly operationally geared, any increase or decrease in hire rates will impact profit and shareholder returns to a greater extent.

As the Group is focused on maximising return on capital, all hire rates must exceed certain hurdle rates.

Our current pricing strategy is focused on charging the correct price for the service provided and all ancillary services offered, which will attract customers for whom flexible rental is the most appropriate solution but not necessarily the cheapest.  This means that the Group will be better positioned against solely price led competition going forward.

Access to capital

The Group requires capital to both replace vehicles that have reached the end of their useful life and for growth in the fleet.  Additionally, due to the level of the Group's indebtedness, a proportion of the Group's cash flow is required to service its debt obligations.  In order to continue to access its credit facilities the Group needs to remain in compliance with its financial covenants throughout the term of its facilities.  Since the year end the group has refinanced and current bank facilities are due to mature in June 2018.  There is a risk that the Group cannot successfully extend its facilities past this date.  Failure to access sufficient financing or meet financial covenants could potentially adversely affect the prospects of the Group. 

Financial covenants are reviewed on a monthly basis in conjunction with cash flow forecasts to ensure ongoing compliance.  If there is a shortfall in cash generated from operations and/or available under its credit facilities the Group would reduce its capital requirements.

The Group believes that its existing facilities provide adequate resources for present requirements.

The impact of access to capital on the wider risk of going concern is considered above.

IT systems

The Group's business involves a high volume of transactions and the need to track assets which are located at numerous sites. 

Reliance is placed upon the proper functioning of IT systems for the effective running of operations.  Any interruption to the Group's IT systems could have a materially adverse effect on its business.

Prior to any material systems changes being implemented the Board approves a project plan.  The project is then led by a member of the executive team, with an ongoing implementation review being carried out by internal audit and external consultants where appropriate.  The objective is always to minimise the risk that business interruption could occur as a result of the system changes.

Additionally, the Group has an appropriate business continuity plan in the event of interruption arising from an IT systems failure.

⁽¹⁾       Stated before intangible amortisation of £2.9m (2013 - £3.6m), exceptional administrative expenses of £6.2m(2013 - £3.3m) and exceptional finance costs of £Nil (2013 - £54.0m).

⁽²⁾         Stated before intangible amortisation of £2.9m (2013 - £3.6m), exceptional administrative expenses of £6.2m(2013 - £3.3m), exceptional finance costs of £Nil (2013 - £54.0m) and tax on intangible amortisation, exceptional items and exceptional tax credit of £2.2m (2013 - £14.7m).

⁽³⁾         Calculated as net debt divided by tangible net assets, with tangible net assets being net assets less goodwill and other intangible assets.

⁽⁴⁾         Calculated as operating profit⁽⁵⁾ divided by average capital employed, being shareholders' funds plus net debt.

⁽⁵⁾       Stated before intangible amortisation of £2.9m (2013 - £3.6m) and exceptional administrative expenses of £6.2m(2013 - £3.3m).

⁽⁶⁾         Calculated as operating profit⁽¹¹⁾ divided by revenue of £292.4m (2013 - £291.1m), excluding vehicle sales.

⁽⁷⁾       Calculated as operating profit⁽¹²⁾ divided by revenue of £149.9m (2013 - £150.8m), excluding vehicle sales.

⁽⁸⁾       Stated before exceptional finance costs of £Nil (2013 - £54.0m).

⁽⁹⁾          Net increase in cash and cash equivalents before financing activities. 

⁽¹⁰⁾       Headroom calculated as facilities of £437.9m less net borrowings of £346.1m.  Net borrowings represent net debt of £346.1m stated after the deduction of £19.1m of cash balances, which are available to offset against borrowings.

⁽¹¹⁾     Stated before intangible amortisation of £2.3m (2013 - £2.9m) and exceptional administrative expenses of £5.5m (2013 - £2.1m).

⁽¹²⁾       Stated before intangible amortisation of £0.6m (2013 - £0.7m), exceptional administrative expenses of £0.6m (2013 - £1.3m) and a brand name royalty charge of £5.0m (2013 - £Nil).

⁽¹³⁾     Stated before exceptional administrative expenses of £0.1m (2013 - £Nil) and a brand name royalty credit of £5.0m (2013 - £Nil).

⁽¹⁴⁾        Based on the sale of an additional 6,700 vehicles in the UK at current year residual values, and an additional 2,900 vehicles in Spain at current year residual values.

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2014
			Underlying			Statutory			Underlying			Statutory
			2014			2014			2013			2013
	Note		£000			£000			£000			£000
Revenue: hire of vehicles			442,271			442,271			441,944			441,944
Revenue: sale of vehicles			129,207			129,207			167,936			167,936
Total revenue	1		571,478			571,478			609,880			609,880
Cost of sales			(434,777)			(434,777)			(466,405)			(466,405)
Gross profit			136,701			136,701			143,475			143,475
Administrative expenses (excluding exceptional items and intangible amortisation)			(64,065)			(64,065)			(57,071)			(57,071)
Exceptional administrative expenses	6		-			(6,197)			-			(3,337)
Intangible amortisation			-			(2,900)			-			(3,589)
Total administrative expenses			(64,065)			(73,162)			(57,071)			(63,997)
Operating profit	1		72,636			63,539			86,404			79,478
Interest income			24			24			123			123
Finance costs (excluding exceptional items)			(12,386)			(12,386)			(37,029)			(37,029)
Exceptional finance costs	6		-			-			-			(53,954)
Total finance costs			(12,386)			(12,386)			(37,029)			(90,983)
Profit (loss) before taxation			60,274			51,177			49,498			(11,382)
Taxation			(13,456)			(11,294)			(10,657)			4,025
Profit (loss) for the year			46,818			39,883			38,841			(7,357)

Profit (loss) for the year is wholly attributable to owners of the Parent Company. All results arise from continuing operations.

Underlying profit excludes exceptional items as set out in Note 6, as well as intangible amortisation and the taxation thereon, in order to provide a better indication of the Group's underlying business performance.

Earnings per share
Basic	2	35.1p	29.9p	29.2p	(5.5)p
Diluted	2	34.3p	29.3p	28.3p	(5.5)p

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2014
		2014	2013
		£000	£000
Amounts attributable to owners of the Parent Company
Profit (loss) attributable to the owners		39,883	(7,357)
Other comprehensive income Foreign exchange differences on retranslation of net assets of subsidiary undertakings		(3,589)	6,725
Net foreign exchange differences on long term borrowings and derivatives held as hedges		1,772	(4,132)
Foreign exchange difference on revaluation reserve		(32)	46
Net fair value gains on cash flow hedges		48	16,115
Deferred tax charge recognised directly in equity relating to cash flow hedges		(10)	(4,301)
Actuarial losses/derecognition of assets on defined benefit pension scheme *		(199)	(490)
Deferred tax credit recognised directly in equity relating to defined benefit pension scheme *		42	115
Total other comprehensive income for the year		(1,968)	14,078
Total comprehensive income for the year		37,915	6,721

* These items will not be reclassified subsequently to the consolidated income statement.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 APRIL 2014
			2014	2013
			£000	£000
Non-current assets
Goodwill			3,589	3,589
Other intangible assets			5,467	7,431
Property, plant and equipment: vehicles for hire			614,927	589,161
Other property, plant and equipment			73,575	78,321
Total property, plant and equipment			688,502	667,482
Derivative financial instrument assets			712	-
Deferred tax assets			9,396	4,688
Total non-current assets			707,666	683,190
Current assets
Inventories			19,076	19,192
Trade and other receivables			78,861	77,417
Current tax assets			-	5,862
Cash and bank balances			19,056	14,962
Total current assets			116,993	117,433
Total assets			824,659	800,623
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables			58,931	52,592
Current tax liabilities			6,320	1,090
Short term borrowings			7,465	7,314
Total current liabilities			72,716	60,996
Net current assets			44,277	56,437
Non-current liabilities
Derivative financial instrument liabilities			664	-
Long term borrowings			357,668	370,371
Deferred tax liabilities			2,878	2,604
Total non-current liabilities			361,210	372,975
Total liabilities			433,926	433,971
NET ASSETS			390,733	366,652
Equity
Share capital			66,616	66,616
Share premium account			113,508	113,508
Revaluation reserve			1,082	1,235
Own shares			(653)	(303)
Merger reserve			67,463	67,463
Hedging reserve			(611)	(649)
Translation reserve			(7,187)	(5,370)
Capital redemption reserve			40	40
Retained earnings			150,475	124,112
TOTAL EQUITY			390,733	366,652

Total equity is wholly attributable to owners of the Parent Company.

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2014
		2014	2013
	Note	£000	£000
Net cash from operations	4	30,723	100,850
Investing activities
Interest received		24	123
Proceeds from disposal of other property, plant and equipment		1,182	1,760
Purchases of other property, plant and equipment		(5,509)	(8,744)
Purchases of intangible assets		(945)	(1,396)
Net cash used in investing activities		(5,248)	(8,257)
Financing activities
Dividends paid		(12,234)	(5,719)
Receipt of bank loans		1,140	369,871
Repayments of bank loans and other borrowings		(7,469)	(410,140)
Debt issue costs paid relating to previous facilities		-	(3,354)
Costs paid for extinguishment of previous facilities		-	(23,202)
Payments to acquire own shares for share schemes		(2,803)	(1,988)
Termination of financial instruments		-	(12,830)
Net cash used in financing activities		(21,366)	(87,362)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		4,109	5,231
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 May		14,962	9,707
Effect of foreign exchange movements		(15)	24
Cash and cash equivalents at 30 April		19,056	14,962

 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and bank balances.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2014

	Share capital  and share premium	Own shares reserve	Hedging reserve	Translation reserve	Other reserves	Retained earnings	Total
	£000	£000	£000	£000	£000	£000	£000
Total equity at 1 May 2012	180,124	(685)	(14,247)	(7,963)	68,692	140,215	366,136
Share options fair value charge	-	-	-	-	-	1,502	1,502
Share options exercised	-	-	-	-	-	(2,370)	(2,370)
Loss attributable to owners of the Parent Company	-	-	-	-	-	(7,357)	(7,357)
Dividends paid	-	-	-	-	-	(5,719)	(5,719)
Purchase of own shares	-	(1,988)	-	-	-	-	(1,988)
Transfer of shares on vesting of share options	-	2,370	-	-	-	-	2,370
Other comprehensive income	-	-	8,295	6,112	46	(375)	14,078
Transfers between equity reserves	-	-	5,303	(3,519)	-	(1,784)	-
Total equity at 1 May 2013	180,124	(303)	(649)	(5,370)	68,738	124,112	366,652
Share options fair value charge	-	-	-	-	-	1,203	1,203
Share options exercised	-	-	-	-	-	(2,453)	(2,453)
Profit attributable to owners of the Parent Company	-	-	-	-	-	39,883	39,883
Dividends paid	-	-	-	-	-	(12,234)	(12,234)
Purchase of own shares	-	(2,803)	-	-	-	-	(2,803)
Transfer of shares on vesting of share options	-	2,453	-	-	-	-	2,453
Other comprehensive income	-	-	38	(1,817)	(32)	(157)	(1,968)
Transfers from revaluation reserve	-	-	-	-	(121)	121	-
Total equity at 30 April 2014	180,124	(653)	(611)	(7,187)	68,585	150,475	390,733

Other reserves comprise the capital redemption reserve, revaluation reserve and merger reserve.

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2014

1. SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

		UK	Spain	Corporate	Total
		2014	2014	2014	2014
		£000	£000	£000	£000
Revenue: hire of vehicles		292,393	149,878	-	442,271
Revenue: sale of vehicles		90,660	38,547	-	129,207
Total revenue		383,053	188,425	-	571,478
Underlying operating profit (loss) *		51,007	25,555	(3,926)	72,636
Exceptional administrative expenses		(5,450)	(626)	(121)	(6,197)
Brand royalty charge		-	(5,029)	5,029	-
Intangible amortisation		(2,284)	(586)	(30)	(2,900)
Operating profit		43,273	19,314	952	63,539

		UK	Spain	Corporate	Total
		2013	2013	2013	2013
		£000	£000	£000	£000
Revenue: hire of vehicles		291,104	150,840	-	441,944
Revenue: sale of vehicles		124,583	43,353	-	167,936
Total revenue		415,687	194,193	-	609,880
Underlying operating profit (loss) *		64,241	25,189	(3,026)	86,404
Exceptional administrative expenses		(2,051)	(1,286)	-	(3,337)
Intangible amortisation		(2,886)	(690)	(13)	(3,589)
Operating profit (loss)		59,304	23,213	(3,039)	79,478

* Underlying operating profit (loss) stated before amortisation, intra-group brand royalty charge and exceptional items is the measure used by the executive Board of Directors to assess segment performance.

2. EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Underlying	Statutory	Underlying	Statutory
Basic and diluted earnings per share	2014 £000	2014 £000	2013 £000	2013 £000
The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:
Earnings
Earnings for the purposes of basic and diluted earnings per share,
being net profit (loss) attributable to owners of the Parent Company	46,818	39,883	38,841	(7,357)
	Number	Number	Number	Number
Number of shares
Weighted average number of Ordinary shares
for the purposes of basic earnings per share	133,232,518	133,232,518	133,232,518	133,232,518
Effect of dilutive potential Ordinary shares:
- share options	3,072,264	3,072,264	4,223,706	-
Weighted average number of Ordinary shares for the purposes
of diluted earnings per share	136,304,782	136,304,782	137,456,224	133,232,518
Basic earnings (loss) per share	35.1p	29.9p	29.2p	(5.5)p
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	34.3p	29.3p	28.3p	(5.5)p

In the prior year, a total of 4,223,706 potential Ordinary shares were not included within the calculation of statutory diluted earnings per share as they were antidilutive.

3. DIVIDENDS

Dividends were paid in the year of £12,234,000 (2013 - £5,719,000).

An interim dividend of 3.2p per Ordinary share was paid in January 2014 (2013 - 1.3p). The Directors propose a final dividend of 6.8p per share for the year ended 30 April 2014 (2013 - 6.0p), which is subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting and has not been included as a liability as at 30 April 2014.

4. NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT

	FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2014
		2014	2013
		£000	£000
	Net cash from operations
	Operating profit	63,539	79,478
	Adjustments for:
	Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	165,327	163,313
	Impairment of property, plant and equipment	1,916	-
	Exchange differences	7	(5)
	Amortisation of intangible assets	2,900	3,589
	Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	51	445
	Share options fair value charge	1,203	1,502
	Operating cash flows before movements in working capital	234,943	248,322
	Increase in non-vehicle inventories	(1,637)	(166)
	(Increase) decrease in receivables	(1,172)	20,185
	Increase (decrease) in payables	3,315	(9,911)
	Cash generated from operations	235,449	258,430
	Income taxes paid	(4,338)	(16,828)
	Interest paid	(11,302)	(31,448)
	Net cash generated from operations	219,809	210,154
	Purchases of vehicles	(301,365)	(255,193)
	Proceeds from disposal of vehicles	112,279	145,889
	Net cash from operations	30,723	100,850
5. ANALYSIS OF CONSOLIDATED NET DEBT
		2014	2013
		£000	£000
Cash at bank and in hand		(19,056)	(14,962)
Bank loans		363,819	375,549
Cumulative preference shares		500	500
Property loans and other borrowings		814	1,636
Consolidated net debt		346,077	362,723

6. EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS
During the year, the Group recognised exceptional items in the income statement made up as follows:
		2014	2013
		£000	£000
Restructuring costs		1,826	2,892
Impairment of property		1,916	-
Net property losses		51	445
Defined benefit pension scheme buyout		2,404	-
Exceptional administrative expenses		6,197	3,337
Cost associated with April 2013 refinancing		-	53,954
Exceptional finance costs		-	53,954
Total pre-tax exceptional items		6,197	57,291
Exceptional tax credit		(1,458)	(13,783)

Defined benefit pension scheme buyout costs of £2,404,000 (2013 - £Nil) were incurred in relation to the deferred members of the Group's defined benefit pension scheme.

7. BASIS OF PREPARATION 

The results for the year ended 30 April 2014, including comparative financial information, have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), and their interpretations adopted by the European Union.

Northgate plc ("the Company") has adopted all IFRS in issue and effective for the year, with the exception of IFRS 13, 'Fair value measurement', which has not been applied as the impact is not considered to be material.

While the financial information included in this preliminary announcement has been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement criteria of IFRS, this announcement does not itself contain sufficient information to comply with IFRS. The Company expects to publish full financial statements that comply with IFRS in July 2014.

The financial information set out above does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the years ended 30 April 2014 or 2013, but is derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for 2013 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and those for 2014 will be delivered following the Company's Annual General Meeting. The auditors have reported on those accounts: their reports were unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain statements under s498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial information presented in respect of the year ended 30 April 2014 has been prepared on a basis consistent with that presented in the annual report for the year ended 30 April 2013.

 

END

 

 

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