TIDMSUS
RNS Number : 8737K
S & U PLC
27 September 2016
27 September 2016
S&U PLC
("S&U" or the "Group")
INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 31 JULY 2016
S&U, the motor finance and specialist lender, today
announces its interim results for the six months ending 31 July
2016.
Financial Highlights
-- Revenue up 39% to GBP28.3m (H1 15: GBP20.4m)
-- Profit before taxation up 35% to GBP11.9m (H1 15: GBP8.8m)
-- Basic earnings per share up 36% to 79.2p (H1 15: 58.3p)
-- First interim dividend increased by 20% to 24.0p per ordinary share (2015: 20.0p)
Operational Highlights
-- Record first half motor finance advances at Advantage Finance - up 54% on H1 15.
-- Motor finance collections and debt quality continue at near historical highs.
-- Post period end increased total funding facilities to GBP85m
which together with 29% group gearing (2015: 45%) give significant
headroom for organic expansion and new initiatives.
-- 100,000(th) motor finance deal milestone achieved by Advantage.
-- Pilot launch announced of a property bridging finance operation.
Anthony Coombs, Chairman of S&U, commented:
"A further half-year's successful trading and a robust financial
position, provide a solid springboard for sustained growth in the
year ahead."
Enquiries:
S&U plc - Anthony Coombs 07767 687150
0121 705 7777
Financial Advisers, Sponsors and Brokers
Arden Partners plc - Chris Hardie 0207 614 5917
Media and Investor Relations
Smithfield - Ged Brumby 0207 903 0674
Chairman's Statement
The past six months have seen the continued development and
growth in the record profitability of S&U plc; and in
particular of Advantage Finance, our Grimsby based motor finance
operation. The Group's strong treasury position has enabled it to
invest a further GBP23.3m in Advantage, where capital receivables
from customers have reached GBP200m for the first time. Despite
this investment, Group gearing remains at a historically low 29%,
thus leaving significant headroom both to finance record levels of
Advantage transaction growth, and the planned piloting of a new
venture in the specialist property finance sector, foreshadowed in
my statement at the year end.
All this has been achieved over a period of febrile political
economy, with a change of government and some market volatility
following the historic Brexit vote. Much of the market turmoil was
apparently the result of predictions made by certain doomsayers
during the course of the Brexit debate.
Fortunately the real world appears to have had other ideas.
Recent figures on the manufacturing and service sectors, economic
growth generally and consumer confidence provide grounds for
optimism. In particular, a buoyant new car market reflects a robust
labour market and has resulted in excellent levels of demand for
used vehicles. Advantage has seen this evidenced by a record level
of applications which are 58% up on last year. Indeed, August saw
Advantage achieve the remarkable milestone of 100,000 finance deals
throughout its history.
The Group's half year results demonstrate our ability to
consistently meet this demand. Half-year group profit before tax is
GBP11.9m, a 35% increase on last year. Earnings per share are up a
similar percentage at 79.2p (H1 15: 58.3p); Group revenue has grown
by 39% to GBP28.3m and net assets have reached GBP131.2m.
Dividend
In pursuit of our goal of rewarding shareholders for the Group's
results whilst aiming in the longer term for a twice covered
dividend, your Board has decided to increase the first interim
dividend to 24p per ordinary share (2015: 20p). This will be paid
on the 11 November 2016 to ordinary shareholders on the register on
the 21 October 2016. As usual, the payment dates for our second
dividend will be on 10 March 2017 and that for our final dividend
will be 7 July 2017.
Operational Review
Motor Finance
Advantage Finance has continued its remarkable history of steady
and sustainable growth. For the 17(th) successive year, profits
increased in the first half to GBP11.9m (H1 15: GBP9.7m) an
increase of 22% on last year. Moreover, the health of the market
and Advantage's increasing success within it are demonstrated by
record new motor advances in the first half as new customers exceed
10,000 for the first time, an increase of 54% on 2015. This trend
has continued early into the second half year and live customer
numbers today exceed 40,000, over a third higher than last
year.
These trends will feed through to profit growth as collections
quality continues at high levels. Whilst our rolling 12 months
impairment to revenue percentage has increased from 16.9% at 31
July 2015 to 17.7% at 31 July 2016, this slightly higher percentage
is still consistent with the excellent quality we have experienced
post 2008 and is within our expected outcomes. In order to
consolidate Advantage's success, we continue to refine and improve
our under-writing, our speed of service, the depth and breadth of
our broker network and our excellent collection service. All will
contribute to the continued prosperity of the business in the years
to come.
Funding
Our confidence in both the present and the future for Advantage
has meant a further GBP23.3m investment in Advantage. Group
borrowing at the half year is GBP38m, our gearing is still just 29%
(2015:45%),and after the period end the Group has agreed a GBP15m
increase in our committed funding facilities, which are now GBP85m.
This gives the Group substantial headroom to fund both future
organic growth and new initiatives.
Current Trading and Outlook
Current trading and debt quality remain excellent and, aligned
to our robust treasury position, provide a firm springboard for
future growth. This will in the main be spearheaded by Advantage
Finance; nevertheless preparations are being made for the measured
launch of a pilot secured bridging finance business. Whilst we see
significant potential in this specialist sector, we will of course
pilot bridging finance with our usual caution and exacting
standards.
Whatever the outcome, we confidently anticipate S&U's future
development as one of Britain's most successful niche motor and
specialist finance providers.
Anthony Coombs
Chairman
26 September 2016
INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT
This interim management report has been prepared for the Group
as a whole and therefore gives greater emphasis to those matters
which are significant to S&U plc and its subsidiaries when
viewed as a whole.
ACTIVITIES
The principal activity of the S&U plc Group (the "Group")
continues to be that of specialist finance and in particular
secured motor finance throughout England, Wales and Scotland. The
principal activity of S&U plc Company (the "Company") is as
holding company of the Group.
BUSINESS REVIEW, RESULTS AND DIVIDS
A review of developments during the six months together with key
performance indicators and future prospects is detailed in the
Chairman's Statement.
In September 2016 the Group agreed a new GBP40m revolving credit
facility which is due to mature in March 2021 - this replaces
existing GBP25m revolving credit facilities which were due to
mature in March 2018. There are no other significant post balance
sheet events to report.
The Group's profit on ordinary activities after taxation from
continuing operations was GBP9,453,000 (2015: GBP6,926,000) and
from both continuing and discontinued operations was GBP9,453,000
(2015: GBP60,617,000 including the profit on disposal of the home
credit business). Dividends of GBP6,693,000 (2015: GBP5,827,000)
were paid during the period.
The Directors recommend a first interim dividend of 24.0p per
share (2015: 20.0p plus exceptional additional dividend of 125.0p
from the proceeds of the home credit disposal). The dividend will
be paid on 11 November 2016 to shareholders on the register on 21
October 2016.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related party transactions are disclosed in note 11 of these
financial statements.
DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION
During the six months the Remuneration Committee reviewed the
current year remuneration package of Guy Thompson. Taking into
account retention and motivation considerations, wider director
remuneration trends and Guy's contribution to the excellent
performance of Advantage Finance in the first half of this year it
was decided to increase Guy Thompson's base salary from GBP320,000
to GBP360,000 with effect from 1 July 2016. It was also decided to
increase Guy's maximum bonus potential for 2016/17 to GBP150,000
(the maximum potential was previously GBP100,000). A further longer
term bonus of up to GBP50,000 has been awarded and will be paid in
two years' time subject to the achievement of stretching
performance conditions in both 2016/17 and the following year.
These changes are within the existing Remuneration Policy which was
approved by shareholders with a binding vote on 20 May 2014.
SHARE OPTION SCHEMES
During the six months, under the S&U Plc 2010 Long-Term
Incentive Plan ("LTIP"), no options were awarded or lapsed. 18,667
options were exercised during the six months. 187,668 share options
are still held under this plan as at 31 July 2016 (31 July 2015:
241,835 options and 31 January 2016: 206,335 options).
During the six months no options lapsed and no options were
awarded under the S&U Plc 2008 Discretionary Share Option Plan
("DSOP"). 1,500 share options were exercised during the six months
resulting in 1,050 share options still held under this plan as at
31 July 2016 (31 July 2015: 7,000 options and 31 January 2016:
2,550 options).
In the six months to 31 July 2016 the charge for these future
share-based payments was GBP204,000 (2015: GBP343,000).
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
There have been no changes in accounting policies in either the
current or previous financial periods shown.
CHANGES IN CONTINGENCIES
There have been no significant changes in contingent assets or
liabilities since 31 January 2016.
STATEMENT OF GOING CONCERN
After making enquiries and considering the principal risks and
uncertainties set out below, 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 these
financial statements.
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The Group is involved in the provision of consumer credit, and
it is considered that the key material risk to which the Group is
exposed is the credit risk inherent in amounts receivable from
customers. This risk is principally controlled through our credit
control policies supported by ongoing reviews for impairment. The
value of amounts receivable from customers may also be subject to
the risk of a severe downturn in the UK economy which might affect
customers' ability to repay. The Group is primarily exposed to the
non-prime motor finance sector and within that to the values of
used vehicles which are used as security. These economic and
concentration risks are principally controlled through our credit
control policies including loan to value limits for the security
and through ongoing monitoring and evaluation. The Board has also
considered the potential impacts of the UK electorate's recent vote
to leave the European Union and the future Brexit process; at this
stage it is unclear what precise longer term impact these may or
may not have on the Group. Advantage, our motor finance business,
has traded very well since the vote to leave was announced and
historically has prospered through periods of both economic upturn
and downturn.
Funding risk relates to the availability of sufficient borrowing
facilities for the Group to meet its liabilities as they fall due,
and this risk has reduced in line with the reduction in group
gearing due to the receipt of the home credit disposal proceeds in
August 2015. This funding risk is managed by ensuring that the
Group has a variety of funding sources, and by managing the
maturity of borrowing facilities such that sufficient funding is
available for the medium term. Compliance with banking covenants is
monitored closely so that facilities remain available at all times.
The Group's activities expose it to the financial risks of changes
in interest rates and where appropriate the Group uses interest
rate derivative contracts to hedge these exposures in bank
borrowings - no such interest rate derivative contracts are
currently held.
In terms of legal risk, the Group is subject to legislation
including consumer credit legislation which contains very detailed
and highly technical requirements. The Group has procedures in
place and employs dedicated compliance resource and specialist
legal advisers to ensure compliance with this legislation. As
required as part of the standard FCA full permission regime,
Advantage Finance Limited applied for renewed authorisation in
January 2016 and expects to see this confirmed later this year.
Regulatory Risk, including this FCA Authorisation Process, is
addressed by the constant review and monitoring of Advantage's
internal controls and processes. This constant review and
monitoring are buttressed by special advice from Trade and other
organisations and by the independent work of our internal and
statutory auditors.
The Group is also exposed to conduct risk in that it could fail
to deliver fair outcomes to its customers which in turn could
impact the reputation and financial performance of the Group. The
Group principally manages this risk through staff training and
motivation (Advantage is an Investor in People) and through
detailed monthly monitoring of customer outcomes for compliance and
treating customers fairly.
Other operational risks are endemic to any finance business.
Rigorous procedures, detailed recovery plans and, above all, sound
experience and commercial common sense provide Advantage and the
Group with appropriate protection.
Anthony Coombs
Chairman
26 September 2016
RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
a) the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared
in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards,
gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial
position and profit of S&U plc as required by DTR 4.2.4R;
b) 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
c) the interim management report includes a fair review of the
information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related party
transactions and changes therein).
By order of the Board
Chris Redford
Company Secretary
26 September 2016
INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT TO S & U PLC
We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set
of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the
six months ended 31 July 2016 which comprises the consolidated
income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive
income, the consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated statement
of changes in equity, the consolidated cash flow statement and
related notes 1 to 12. We have read the other information contained
in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it
contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies
with the information in the condensed set of financial
statements.
This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with
International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410
"Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the
Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices
Board. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the
Company those matters we are required to state to it in an
independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest
extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility
to anyone other than the Company, for our review work, for this
report, or for the conclusions we have formed.
Directors' responsibilities
The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and
has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible
for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with
the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's
Financial Conduct Authority.
As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the
Group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the
European Union. 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.
Our responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on
the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly
financial report based on our review.
Scope of review
We conducted our review in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 "Review of
Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor
of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in
the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information
consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for
financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other
review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an
audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on
Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to
obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant
matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do
not express an audit opinion.
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that
causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements
in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31
July 2016 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance
with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the
European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the
United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
Birmingham, UK
26 September 2016
S&U PLC GROUP
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
Six months ended 31 July 2016
Note Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months Six months Financial
ended 31.7.16 ended 31.7.15 year ended
GBP'000 GBP'000 31.1.16
GBP'000
Continuing Operations
Revenue 2 28,283 20,381 45,182
Cost of sales 3 (11,588) (7,053) (16,591)
Gross profit 16,695 13,328 28,591
Administrative expenses (4,116) (3,454) (7,340)
Operating profit 12,579 9,874 21,251
Finance costs (net) (726) (1,107) (1,782)
Profit before taxation 2 11,853 8,767 19,469
Taxation 4 (2,400) (1,841) (3,583)
Profit for the period from continuing
operations 9,453 6,926 15,886
Profit for the period from discontinued
operations 5 - 53,691 53,299
Profit for the period 9,453 60,617 69,185
Earnings per share
From continuing operations
Basic 6 79.2p 58.3p 133.6p
Diluted 6 78.5p 57.6p 132.4p
From continuing and discontinued
operations
Basic 6 79.2p 510.3p 581.9p
Diluted 6 78.5p 504.1p 576.5p
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months Six months Financial
ended 31.7.16 ended year ended
GBP000 31.7.15 31.1.16
GBP000 GBP000
Profit for the period 9,453 60,617 69,185
Other comprehensive income:
Actuarial loss on defined benefit
pension scheme - - (34)
Total Comprehensive Income for
the period 9,453 60,617 69,151
Items above will not be reclassified subsequently to the Income
Statement.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
As at 31 July 2016
Note Unaudited Unaudited Audited
31.7.16 31.7.15 31.1.16
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
ASSETS
Non current assets
Property, plant and equipment 1,150 1,090 1,149
Amounts receivable from customers 8 122,697 85,488 102,069
Retirement benefit asset - 20 -
Deferred Tax 435 308 435
124,282 86,906 103,653
Current assets
Amounts receivable from customers 8 51,218 36,955 43,072
Trade and other receivables 692 82,740 580
Cash and cash equivalents 1 2 18,251
51,911 119,697 61,903
Total assets 176,193 206,603 165,556
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Borrowings (1,955) (2,559) (152)
Trade and other payables (2,166) (1,595) (1,632)
Tax liabilities (2,997) (3,093) (3,046)
Accruals and deferred income (1,385) (3,309) (2,020)
(8,503) (10,556) (6,850)
Non current liabilities
Borrowings (36,000) (59,000) (30,000)
Financial liabilities (450) (450) (450)
(36,450) (59,450) (30,450)
Total liabilities (44,953) (70,006) (37,300)
NET ASSETS 131,240 136,597 128,256
Equity
Called up share capital 1,694 1,685 1,691
Share premium account 2,281 2,215 2,264
Profit and loss account 127,265 132,697 124,301
TOTAL EQUITY 131,240 136,597 128,256
These interim condensed financial statements were approved on
behalf of the Board of Directors on 26 September 2016.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors
Anthony Coombs Chris Redford Directors
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Six months ended 31 July 2016
Called Share premium Profit Total equity
up share account and loss
capital account
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1 February 2015 1,685 2,215 77,564 81,464
Profit for six month period - - 60,617 60,617
Other comprehensive income - - - -
for period
Total comprehensive income
for period - - 60,617 60,617
Issue of new shares - - - -
Cost of future share based
payments - - 343 343
Tax charge on equity items - - - -
Dividends - - (5,827) (5,827)
At 31 July 2015 1,685 2,215 132,697 136,597
Profit for six month period - - 8,568 8,568
Other comprehensive income
for period - - (34) (34)
Total comprehensive income
for period - - 8,534 8,534
Issue of new shares 6 49 - 55
Cost of future share based
payments - - 338 338
Tax charge on equity items - - (5) (5)
Dividends - - (17,263) (17,263)
At 31 January 2016 1,691 2,264 124,301 128,256
Profit for six month period - - 9,453 9,453
Other comprehensive income - - - -
for period
Total comprehensive income
for period - - 9,453 9,453
Issue of new shares 3 17 - 20
Cost of future share based
payments - - 204 204
Tax charge on equity items - - - -
Dividends - - (6,693) (6,693)
At 31 July 2016 1,694 2,281 127,265 131,240
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
Six months ended 31 July 2016
Note Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months Six months Financial
ended 31.7.16 ended 31.7.15 Year ended
GBP'000 GBP'000 31.1.16
GBP'000
Net cash used in operating activities 9 (19,257) (3,173) (16,017)
Cash flows (used in)/from investing
activities
Proceeds on disposal of property,
plant and equipment 31 1,657 1,685
Purchases of property, plant and
equipment (154) (649) (869)
Proceeds on sale of subsidiary - - 79,900
Net cash (used in)/from investing
activities (123) 1,008 80,716
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid (6,693) (5,827) (23,090)
Issue of new shares 20 - 55
Receipt of new borrowings 6,000 4,500 4,500
Repayment of borrowings - - (29,000)
Increase in overdraft 1,803 2,559 152
Net cash from/(used in) financing
activities 1,130 1,232 (47,383)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash
and cash equivalents (18,250) (933) 17,316
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the period 18,251 935 935
Cash and cash equivalents at the
end of the period 1 2 18,251
Cash and cash equivalents comprise
Cash and cash in bank 1 2 18,251
NOTES TO THE INTERIM STATEMENTS
Six months ended 31 July 2016
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
1.1 General Information
S&U plc is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom
under the Companies Act 2006. The address of the registered office
is given in note 12 which is also the Group's principal business
address. All operations are situated in the United Kingdom.
1.2 Basis of preparation and accounting policies
These financial statements have been prepared using accounting
policies consistent with International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS) and in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial
Reporting' as adopted by the European Union.
The same accounting policies, presentation and methods of
computation are followed in the financial statements as applied in
the Group's latest annual audited financial statements. The
consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial
statements of the Company and all its subsidiaries for the six
months ended 31 July 2016.
After making enquiries, 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 these
financial statements.
New and amended standards and interpretations need to be adopted
in the first interim financial statements issued after their
effective date (or date of early adoption). There were no standards
and interpretations which were effective for the first time during
the six months ended 31 July 2016 and which would materially affect
these interim financial statements.
2. ANALYSES OF REVENUE AND PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION
All revenue is generated in the United Kingdom. Analyses by
class of business of revenue and profit before taxation are stated
below:
Revenue
Class of business Six months Six months Financial
ended 31.7.16 ended 31.7.15 year ended
GBP'000 GBP'000 31.1.16
GBP'000
Continuing Operations
Motor finance 28,283 20,381 45,182
Revenue 28,283 20,381 45,182
Profit before taxation
Class of business Six months Six months Financial
ended 31.7.16 ended 31.7.15 year ended
GBP'000 GBP'000 31.1.16
GBP'000
Continuing Operations
Motor finance 11,852 9,685 20,400
Central costs net of central
finance income 1 (918) (931)
Profit before taxation 11,853 8,767 19,469
3. COST OF SALES
Six months Six months Financial
ended 31.7.16 ended 31.7.15 year ended
31.1.16
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Continuing Operations
Loan loss provisioning charge - motor finance 4,959 3,205 7,611
Other cost of sales 6,629 3,848 8,980
Cost of sales 11,588 7,053 16,591
4. TAXATION
The tax charge for the period has been calculated by applying
the estimated effective tax rate for the year of 20.25% (31 July
2015: 21.00% and 31 January 2016: 18.40%) to the profit before
taxation for the six months.
5. PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Last year on 7 July 2015 the Group entered into a sale agreement
to dispose of its Loansathome4u home credit business including the
subsidiary company SD Taylor Ltd. The disposal was completed on 4
August 2015.
The results of the discontinued operations, which have been
included in last year's consolidated income statement, were as
follows;
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months Six months Financial
ended 31.7.16 ended 31.7.15 year ended
GBP'000 GBP'000 31.1.16
GBP'000
Revenue - 17,191 17,191
Loan loss provision for consumer
credit - (3,646) (3,646)
Other cost of sales - (113) (113)
Administrative expenses - (9,340) (9,340)
Finance costs (net) - - -
Profit before taxation - 4,092 4,092
Attributable Taxation - (852) (852)
Profit after Taxation - 3,240 3,240
Profit on disposal of discontinued
operations - 50,531 50,139
Attributable Taxation - (80) (80)
Profit for the period from discontinued
operations - 53,691 53,299
As shown above a profit of just over GBP50m arose on the
disposal being the difference between the disposal proceeds of
GBP82.5m and the carrying value of the disposed home credit assets
less anticipated transaction costs. During the six months last year
to 31.7.15 before its disposal Loansathome4u contributed GBP7.8m to
the group's operating cash flows.
It is expected that, subject to agreement with HMRC, no tax
charge will arise as a result of the sale of the home credit
business by S&U plc due to the application of statutory relief
provided by the substantial shareholdings exemption.
6. EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE
The calculation of earnings per ordinary share from continuing
operations is based on profit for the period from continuing
operations of GBP9,453,000 (period ended 31 July 2015: GBP6,926,000
and year ended 31 January 2016: GBP15,886,000).
The calculation of earnings per ordinary share from continuing
and discontinued operations is based on profit for the period of
GBP9,453,000 (period ended 31 July 2015: GBP60,617,000 and year
ended 31 January 2015: GBP69,185,000).
The number of shares used in the basic calculation is the
average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period of
11,939,415 (period ended 31 July 2015: 11,879,110 and year ended 31
January 2016: 11,888,591).
For diluted earnings per share the average number of ordinary
shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive
potential ordinary shares relating to our share option scheme
awards.
7. DIVIDS
A second interim dividend of 23.0p per ordinary share and a
final dividend of 33.0p per ordinary share for the financial year
ended 31 January 2016 were paid during the six month period to 31
July 2016 (total of 56.0p per ordinary share). This compares to a
second interim dividend of 19.0p per ordinary share and a final
dividend of 30.0p per ordinary share for the financial year ended
31 January 2015 which were paid during the 6 months period to 31
July 2015 (total of 49.0p per ordinary share). During the twelve
months to 31 January 2016 total dividends of 194.0p per ordinary
share were paid. These distributions are shown in the consolidated
statement of changes in equity in this interim financial
information.
The directors have also declared a first interim dividend of
24.0p per share (2015: 20.0p per share). Last year in November 2015
an exceptional additional ordinary dividend of 125.0p per share
from the proceeds of disposal of the home credit business was also
paid. The first interim dividend, which amounts to approximately
GBP2,870,000 (2015: GBP2,380,000), will be paid on 11 November 2016
to shareholders on the register at 21 October 2016. The shares will
be quoted ex dividend on 20 October 2016. The interim financial
information does not include this proposed dividend as it was
declared after the balance sheet date.
8. ANALYSIS OF AMOUNTS RECEIVABLE FROM CUSTOMERS
All operations are situated in the United Kingdom.
Amounts Receivable
Motor Finance Six months Six months Financial
ended 31.7.16 ended 31.7.15 year ended
GBP'000 GBP'000 31.1.16
GBP'000
Amounts receivable from customers
(capital) 200,501 144,451 169,420
Less: Loan loss provision for
motor finance (26,586) (22,008) (24,279)
Amounts receivable from customers
(net) 173,915 122,443 145,141
Analysed as:- due within one year 51,218 36,955 43,072
* due in more than one year 122,697 85,488 102,069
Amounts receivable from customers
(net) 173,915 122,443 145,141
9. RECONCILIATION OF PROFIT BEFORE TAX TO CASH FLOW USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Six Six months Financial
months ended year ended
ended 31.7.15 31.1.16
31.7.16 GBP'000 GBP'000
GBP'000
Operating Profit 12,579 64,497 25,343
Finance costs paid (760) (1,107) (1,913)
Finance income received 34 - 131
Tax paid (2,449) (3,006) (4,927)
Depreciation on plant, property
and equipment 119 298 426
Loss on disposal on plant, property
and equipment 3 10 15
Decrease/(increase) in amounts receivable
from customers (28,774) 18,566 (4,132)
Decrease in inventories - 59 59
(Increase)/decrease in trade and
other receivables (112) (82,095) 65
Increase/(decrease) in trade and
other payables 534 (1,089) (1,052)
(Decrease)/increase in accruals
and deferred income (635) 351 (938)
Increase in cost of future share
based payments 204 343 681
Decrease in retirement benefit obligations - - (14)
Disposal of subsidiary assets - - (29,761)
Cash flow used in operating activities (19,257) (3,173) (16,017)
Operating profit in the six months ended 31 July 2015 and for
the year ended 31 January 2016 includes profit before tax on
discontinued operations - note 5.
10. BORROWINGS
Movements in our loans and overdrafts for the respective periods
are shown in the consolidated cash flow statement. As expected,
cash used in operating activities was higher in the six months to
31 July 2016 than in the same period last year reflecting the
discontinuing of home credit and a 54% increase in motor finance
advances in the first 6 months of this year.
11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are
related parties have been eliminated on consolidation and are not
disclosed in this report. During the six months the Group made
charitable donations amounting to GBP25,000 (6 months to July 2015:
GBP21,000; year to January 2016: GBP45,000) via the Keith Coombs
Trust which is a related party because Messrs GDC Coombs, AMV
Coombs, D Markou and CH Redford are trustees. The amount owed to
the Keith Coombs Trust at the half year end was GBPnil (July 2015:
GBPnil; January 2016 GBPnil). During the six months the Group
obtained supplies amounting to GBP9,841 (6 months to July 2015:
GBPnil; year to January 2016: GBPnil) from Grevayne Properties
Limited, a company which is a related party because Messrs GDC and
AMV Coombs are directors and shareholders. The amount owed to
Grevayne Properties Limited at the half year end was GBPnil (July
2015: GBPnil; January 2016 GBPnil). All related party transactions
were settled in full.
12. INTERIM REPORT
The information for the year ended 31 January 2016 does not
constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the
Companies Act 2006. A copy of the statutory accounts for that year
has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's
report on those accounts was not qualified, did not include a
reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by
way of emphasis without qualifying the report and did not contain
statements under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. A
copy of this Interim Report will be made available to all our
shareholders and to the public on our website at www.suplc.co.uk
and at the Company's registered office at 6 The Quadrangle,
Cranmore Avenue, Solihull B90 4LE.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR DQLFLQKFZBBQ
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