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| Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashtead Group Plc | LSE:AHT | London | Ordinary Share | GB0000536739 | ORD 10P |
| Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28.00 | 0.48% | 5,816.00 | 5,816.00 | 5,820.00 | 5,822.00 | 5,784.00 | 5,788.00 | 21,111 | 08:48:13 |
| Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Constr Eq Rental,lease | 9.67B | 1.62B | 3.6961 | 15.69 | 25.38B |
From May 2019 to May 2024
TIDMAHT
RNS Number : 4158B
Ashtead Group PLC
04 March 2014
Unaudited results for the nine months and
third quarter ended 31 January 2014
Hot Features
Premium
Third quarter Nine months
2014 2013(1) Growth(2) 2014 2013(1) Growth(2)
GBPm GBPm % GBPm GBPm %
Underlying results(3)
Revenue 400.1 333.9 22% 1,249.8 1,014.3 23%
EBITDA 162.2 121.0 37% 531.4 396.6 33%
Operating profit 92.5 64.2 48% 326.6 227.4 43%
Profit before taxation 80.4 53.5 54% 292.7 193.5 51%
Earnings per share 10.1p 6.8p 51% 36.8p 24.4p 50%
Statutory results
Profit before taxation 77.9 52.0 54% 285.7 164.2 73%
Earnings per share 9.7p 6.7p 50% 35.8p 20.8p 71%
(1) prior year figures restated for the adoption of IAS 19
'Employee Benefits' (revised) (see explanatory note below)
(2) at constant exchange rates
(3) before exceptionals, intangible amortisation and fair
value remeasurements
Highlights
-- Group revenue increase of 23%(2) -- Record nine month pre-tax profit(3) of GBP293m, up 51% at constant exchange rates -- Group EBITDA margin improves to 43% (2013: 39%) -- GBP564m of capital invested in the business (2013: GBP427m) -- Group RoI of 18% (2013: 15%) -- Net debt to EBITDA leverage(2) of 2.0 times (2013: 2.2 times)
Ashtead's chief executive, Geoff Drabble, commented:
"The business continues to have strong momentum, resulting in record nine month pre-tax profits of GBP293m, up 51% from the prior year. It is particularly pleasing to see both our divisions performing so strongly.
Our strategy continues to be focused largely on organic growth, supplemented by a range of bolt-on acquisitions. We invested GBP491m in our rental fleet and a further GBP85m on acquisitions during the period. Our markets remain strong and we anticipate growing the Group's fleet organically in the coming year in the low to mid teens percent range. We remain committed to our debt leverage target of below 2 times EBITDA.
As a result, we now anticipate a full year profit ahead of our previous expectations and the Board looks forward to the medium term with continued confidence."
Contacts:
Geoff Drabble Chief executive +44 (0)20 7726 9700 Suzanne Wood Finance director Brian Hudspith Maitland +44 (0)20 7379 5151
Geoff Drabble and Suzanne Wood will hold a conference call for equity analysts to discuss the results and outlook at 9.00am on Tuesday, 4 March. The call will be webcast live via the Company's website at www.ashtead-group.com and a replay will also be available via the website from shortly after the call concludes. A copy of this announcement and the slide presentation used for the meeting will also be available for download on the Company's website. The usual conference call for bondholders will begin at 3pm (10am EST).
Analysts and bondholders have already been invited to participate in the analyst call and conference call for bondholders but any eligible person not having received dial-in details should contact the Company's PR advisers, Maitland (Astrid Wright) at +44 (0)20 7379 5151.
Explanatory note
Prior year figures have been restated following the adoption of IAS 19 'Employee Benefits' (revised). Adoption of the revised standard has decreased the Group's reported operating profit and has increased net financing costs. The net effect is to reduce profit before taxation by GBP1.3m for the year ended 30 April 2013. See note 1 for further information.
Forward looking statements
This announcement contains forward looking statements. These have been made by the directors in good faith using information available up to the date on which they approved this report. The directors can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. Due to the inherent uncertainties, including both business and economic risk factors underlying such forward looking statements, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward looking statements. Except as required by law or regulation, the directors undertake no obligation to update any forward looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Nine months' results
Revenue EBITDA Operating profit
2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013
(restated) (restated)
Sunbelt in $m 1,658.1 1,368.0 755.2 571.5 494.2 357.6
Sunbelt in GBPm 1,048.2 860.9 477.4 359.6 312.3 225.0
A-Plant 201.6 153.4 61.1 43.5 21.4 8.9
Group central costs - - (7.1) (6.5) (7.1) (6.5)
1,249.8 1,014.3 531.4 396.6 326.6 227.4
Net financing costs (33.9) (33.9)
Profit before tax, exceptionals,
remeasurements and amortisation 292.7 193.5
Exceptional items - (18.0)
Fair value remeasurements - (7.4)
Amortisation (7.0) (3.9)
Profit before taxation 285.7 164.2
Taxation (106.2) (60.2)
Profit attributable to equity holders of the
Company 179.5 104.0
Margins
Sunbelt 45.5% 41.8% 29.8% 26.1%
A-Plant 30.3% 28.4% 10.6% 5.9%
Group 42.5% 39.1% 26.1% 22.4%
Group revenue increased 23% to GBP1,250m in the nine months (2013: GBP1,014m) with strong growth in both businesses. This revenue growth, combined with ongoing operational efficiency, generated record underlying profit before tax of GBP293m (2013: GBP193m).
In Sunbelt, rental revenue grew 22% to $1,484m (2013: $1,213m), driven by a 17% increase in fleet on rent and 5% improvement in yield. Sunbelt's total revenue, including new and used equipment, merchandise and consumable sales, grew 21% to $1,658m (2013: $1,368m).
A-Plant continues to perform well and, with the acquisition of Eve Trakway ('Eve'), delivered rental revenue of GBP181m, up 33% on the prior year (2013: GBP136m). This reflects 21% more fleet on rent and a 10% improvement in yield. Yield has benefitted from a change in mix over the period which includes Eve's events work. Rental revenue growth excluding Eve was 18%, reflecting 10% more fleet on rent and 7% yield improvement.
Sunbelt's strong revenue growth, combined with continued operational efficiency resulted in a record nine month EBITDA margin of 46% (2013: 42%) as 63% of revenue growth dropped through to EBITDA. This contributed to an operating profit of $494m (2013: $358m). A-Plant's EBITDA margin improved to 30% (2013: 28%) and operating profit increased to GBP21m (2013: GBP9m).
Group profit before amortisation of intangibles and taxation was GBP293m (2013: GBP193m). After a tax charge of 37% (2013: 37%) of the underlying pre-tax profit, underlying earnings per share increased 51% to 36.8p (2013: 24.4p). Statutory profit before tax was GBP286m (2013: GBP164m) and basic earnings per share were 35.8p (2013: 20.8p).
Capital expenditure
Capital expenditure in the nine months was GBP564m gross and GBP480m net of disposal proceeds (2013: GBP427m gross and GBP349m net). As a result of this investment, the Group's rental fleet at 31 January 2014 at cost was GBP2.5bn with an average age of 29 months (2013: 32 months).
Sunbelt's fleet size at 31 January was $3.4bn. This larger fleet supported strong fleet on rent growth of 17% year on year. Average nine month physical utilisation was 71% (2013: 71%).
Capital expenditure is under constant review, based on market conditions. For the full year, we continue to expect gross capital expenditure of around GBP700m and net payments after disposal proceeds of around GBP600m.
Our expectation for next year is that the percentage growth in our fleet will be in the low to mid teens with capital expenditure at a similar level to this year. This level of expenditure is consistent with our strategy at this stage in the cycle of investing in organic growth, opening greenfield sites and continuing to reduce our leverage. As always, our capital expenditure plans remain flexible depending on market conditions and currently, our principal focus is on fleet deliveries through the first quarter of fiscal 2015.
Return on Investment(1)
Sunbelt's pre-tax return on investment (excluding goodwill) in the 12 months to 31 January 2014 continued to improve to 26.0% (2013: 23.9%), well ahead of the Group's pre-tax weighted average cost of capital. In the UK, return on investment (excluding goodwill) improved to 9.1% (2013: 4.4%). For the Group as a whole, returns (including goodwill) are 18.3% (2013: 15.3%).
(1) Underlying operating profit divided by the sum of net tangible and intangible fixed assets, plus net working capital but excluding net debt, deferred tax and fair value remeasurements.
Cash flow and net debt
As expected, debt increased during the nine months as we invested in the fleet and made a number of bolt-on acquisitions and due to increased working capital to support higher activity levels. Net debt at 31 January 2014 was GBP1,266m (2013: GBP1,077m) whilst the ratio of net debt to EBITDA was 2.0 times (2013: 2.2 times) on a constant currency basis and 1.9 times (2013: 2.2 times) on a reported basis.
The Group's debt package remains well structured and flexible, enabling us to take advantage of prevailing end market conditions. Following the $400m add-on to the 6.5% senior secured notes due in 2022, the Group's debt facilities are committed for an average of six years. At 31 January 2014, ABL availability was $790m, with an additional $645m of suppressed availability - substantially above the $200m level at which the Group's entire debt package is covenant free.
Current trading and outlook
Our strong performance continued in February. With this continuing momentum in the business we now anticipate a full year profit ahead of our previous expectations and the Board looks forward to the medium term with continued confidence.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED 31 JANUARY 2014
2014 2013
Before Before
amortisation Amortisation Total amortisation Amortisation Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
(restated) (restated)
Third quarter - unaudited
Revenue
Rental revenue 354.2 - 354.2 294.7 - 294.7
Sale of new equipment,
merchandise and consumables 14.9 - 14.9 15.8 - 15.8
Sale of used rental
equipment 31.0 - 31.0 23.4 - 23.4
400.1 - 400.1 333.9 - 333.9
Operating costs
Staff costs (104.8) - (104.8) (92.7) - (92.7)
Used rental equipment
sold (24.0) - (24.0) (20.4) - (20.4)
Other operating costs (109.1) - (109.1) (99.8) - (99.8)
(237.9) - (237.9) (212.9) - (212.9)
EBITDA* 162.2 - 162.2 121.0 - 121.0
Depreciation (69.7) - (69.7) (56.8) - (56.8)
Amortisation of intangibles - (2.5) (2.5) - (1.5) (1.5)
Operating profit 92.5 (2.5) 90.0 64.2 (1.5) 62.7
Investment income - - - - - -
Interest expense (12.1) - (12.1) (10.7) - (10.7)
Profit on ordinary activities
before taxation 80.4 (2.5) 77.9 53.5 (1.5) 52.0
Taxation (29.9) 0.8 (29.1) (19.2) 0.6 (18.6)
Profit attributable
to equity
holders of the Company 50.5 (1.7) 48.8 34.3 (0.9) 33.4
Basic earnings per share 10.1p (0.4p) 9.7p 6.8p (0.1p) 6.7p
Diluted earnings per
share 10.0p (0.3p) 9.7p 6.8p (0.2p) 6.6p
* EBITDA is presented here as an additional performance measure as it is commonly used by investors and lenders.
All revenue and profit for the period is generated from continuing operations.
Details of principal risks and uncertainties are given in the Review of Third Quarter, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow accompanying these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED 31 JANUARY 2014
2014 2013
Before
exceptional Exceptional
items, items,
Before amortisation amortisation
and and
amortisation Amortisation Total remeasurements remeasurements Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
(restated) (restated)
Nine months - unaudited
Revenue
Rental revenue 1,119.6 - 1,119.6 899.6 - 899.6
Sale of new equipment,
merchandise and consumables 53.4 - 53.4 42.9 - 42.9
Sale of used rental
equipment 76.8 - 76.8 71.8 - 71.8
1,249.8 - 1,249.8 1,014.3 - 1,014.3
Operating costs
Staff costs (317.8) - (317.8) (269.5) - (269.5)
Used rental equipment
sold (60.9) - (60.9) (61.5) - (61.5)
Other operating costs (339.7) - (339.7) (286.7) - (286.7)
(718.4) - (718.4) (617.7) - (617.7)
EBITDA* 531.4 - 531.4 396.6 - 396.6
Depreciation (204.8) - (204.8) (169.2) - (169.2)
Amortisation of intangibles - (7.0) (7.0) - (3.9) (3.9)
Operating profit 326.6 (7.0) 319.6 227.4 (3.9) 223.5
Investment income - - - 0.1 - 0.1
Interest expense (33.9) - (33.9) (34.0) (25.4) (59.4)
Profit on ordinary
activities
before taxation 292.7 (7.0) 285.7 193.5 (29.3) 164.2
Taxation (108.5) 2.3 (106.2) (71.4) 11.2 (60.2)
Profit attributable
to
equity holders of the
Company 184.2 (4.7) 179.5 122.1 (18.1) 104.0
Basic earnings per share 36.8p (1.0p) 35.8p 24.4p (3.6p) 20.8p
Diluted earnings per
share 36.5p (0.9p) 35.6p 24.1p (3.6p) 20.5p
* EBITDA is presented here as an additional performance measure as it is commonly used by investors and lenders.
All revenue and profit for the period is generated from continuing operations.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Unaudited
Three months Nine months
to to
31 January 31 January
2014 2013 2014 2013
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
(restated) (restated)
Profit attributable to equity holders of
the Company for the period 48.8 33.4 179.5 104.0
Items that will not be reclassified to profit
or loss:
Actuarial gain on defined benefit pension
plan - 0.2 - 0.9
Tax on defined benefit pension plan - - - (0.2)
- 0.2 - 0.7
Items that may be reclassified subsequently
to profit or loss:
Foreign currency translation differences (11.3) 6.0 (27.0) 7.7
Total comprehensive income for the period 37.5 39.6 152.5 112.4
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT 31 JANUARY 2014
Unaudited Audited
31 January 30 April
2014 2013 2013
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Current assets
Inventories 17.3 14.6 16.7
Trade and other receivables 280.0 216.6 218.6
Current tax asset 10.4 2.0 0.8
Cash and cash equivalents 2.6 1.1 20.3
310.3 234.3 256.4
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
- rental equipment 1,645.6 1,313.2 1,407.8
- other assets 213.4 173.5 176.8
1,859.0 1,486.7 1,584.6
Goodwill 402.2 387.1 397.3
Other intangible assets 45.9 30.9 32.6
Deferred tax asset - - 1.3
Net defined benefit pension plan asset 0.2 4.9 0.4
2,307.3 1,909.6 2,016.2
Total assets 2,617.6 2,143.9 2,272.6
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 208.8 177.3 296.1
Current tax liability 6.5 5.0 3.8
Debt due within one year 2.3 2.3 2.2
Provisions 21.5 9.9 11.9
239.1 194.5 314.0
Non-current liabilities
Debt due after more than one year 1,266.0 1,075.4 1,032.2
Provisions 20.3 21.1 24.9
Deferred tax liabilities 302.9 203.5 219.0
1,589.2 1,300.0 1,276.1
Total liabilities 1,828.3 1,494.5 1,590.1
Equity
Share capital 55.3 55.3 55.3
Share premium account 3.6 3.6 3.6
Capital redemption reserve 0.9 0.9 0.9
Non-distributable reserve 90.7 90.7 90.7
Own shares held by the Company (33.1) (33.1) (33.1)
Own shares held through the ESOT (12.2) (7.4) (7.4)
Cumulative foreign exchange translation differences (5.9) 14.8 21.1
Retained reserves 690.0 524.6 551.4
Equity attributable to equity holders of the
Company 789.3 649.4 682.5
Total liabilities and equity 2,617.6 2,143.9 2,272.6
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED 31 JANUARY 2014
Own
shares Cumulative
Own held foreign
Share Capital Non- shares through exchange
Share premium redemption distributable held the translation Retained
by the
capital account reserve reserve Company ESOT differences reserves Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
(restated) (restated)
At 1 May 2012 55.3 3.6 0.9 90.7 (33.1) (6.2) 7.1 436.4 554.7
Profit for the
period - - - - - - - 104.0 104.0
Other
comprehensive
income:
Foreign currency
translation
differences - - - - - - 7.7 - 7.7
Actuarial gain on
defined
benefit pension
plan - - - - - - - 0.9 0.9
Tax on defined
benefit
pension plan - - - - - - - (0.2) (0.2)
Total
comprehensive
income
for the period - - - - - - 7.7 104.7 112.4
Dividends paid - - - - - - - (12.5) (12.5)
Own shares
purchased
by the ESOT - - - - - (10.2) - - (10.2)
Share-based
payments - - - - - 9.0 - (7.0) 2.0
Tax on
share-based
payments - - - - - - - 3.0 3.0
At 31 January
2013 55.3 3.6 0.9 90.7 (33.1) (7.4) 14.8 524.6 649.4
Profit for the
period - - - - - - - 33.8 33.8
Other
comprehensive
income:
Foreign currency
translation
differences - - - - - - 6.3 - 6.3
Actuarial loss on
defined
benefit pension
plan - - - - - - - (4.7) (4.7)
Tax on defined
benefit
pension plan - - - - - - - 1.1 1.1
Total
comprehensive
income
for the period - - - - - - 6.3 30.2 36.5
Dividends paid - - - - - - - (7.5) (7.5)
Own shares
purchased
by
the ESOT - - - - - - - - -
Share-based
payments - - - - - - - 0.7 0.7
Tax on
share-based
payments - - - - - - - 3.4 3.4
At 30 April 2013 55.3 3.6 0.9 90.7 (33.1) (7.4) 21.1 551.4 682.5
Profit for the
period - - - - - - - 179.5 179.5
Other
comprehensive
income:
Foreign currency
translation
differences - - - - - - (27.0) - (27.0)
Total
comprehensive
income
for the period - - - - - - (27.0) 179.5 152.5
Dividends paid - - - - - - - (30.1) (30.1)
Own shares
purchased
by the ESOT - - - - - (22.4) - - (22.4)
Share-based
payments - - - - - 17.6 - (15.2) 2.4
Tax on
share-based
payments - - - - - - - 4.4 4.4
At 31 January
2014 55.3 3.6 0.9 90.7 (33.1) (12.2) (5.9) 690.0 789.3
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
31 JANUARY 2014
Unaudited
2014 2013
GBPm GBPm
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations before exceptional
items and changes in rental equipment 454.7 348.3
Exceptional operating costs paid (1.8) (2.1)
Payments for rental property, plant and equipment (572.1) (462.6)
Proceeds from disposal of rental property, plant
and equipment 59.1 64.9
Cash used in operations (60.1) (51.5)
Financing costs paid (net) (36.5) (36.5)
Exceptional financing costs paid - (13.4)
Tax paid (net) (12.6) (5.3)
Net cash used in operating activities (109.2) (106.7)
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of businesses (85.5) (22.6)
Payments for non-rental property, plant and equipment (72.9) (49.4)
Proceeds from disposal of non-rental property, plant
and equipment 9.9 7.7
Payments for purchase of intangible assets - (1.1)
Net cash used in investing activities (148.5) (65.4)
Cash flows from financing activities
Drawdown of loans 608.6 593.0
Redemption of loans (315.2) (419.7)
Capital element of finance lease payments (0.8) (0.8)
Dividends paid (30.1) (12.5)
Purchase of own shares by the ESOT (22.4) (10.2)
Net cash from financing activities 240.1 149.8
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (17.6) (22.3)
Opening cash and cash equivalents 20.3 23.4
Effect of exchange rate difference (0.1) -
Closing cash and cash equivalents 2.6 1.1
Reconciliation to net debt
Decrease in cash in the period 17.6 22.3
Increase in debt through cash flow 292.6 172.5
Change in net debt from cash flows 310.2 194.8
Exchange differences (62.8) 21.1
Debt acquired 1.4 -
Non-cash movements:
* deferred costs of debt raising 1.7 6.2
* capital element of new finance leases 1.1 0.2
Increase in net debt in the period 251.6 222.3
Opening net debt 1,014.1 854.3
Closing net debt 1,265.7 1,076.6
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis of preparation
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the nine months ended 31 January 2014 were approved by the directors on 3 March 2014. They have been prepared in accordance with relevant International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') as adopted by the European Union and issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ('IASB') (including International Accounting Standard - 'IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting') and the accounting policies set out in the Group's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 April 2013.
The following amended standards are mandatory for the first time for the financial year beginning 1 May 2013:
-- IAS 19, 'Employee Benefits' (revised June 2011). The impact on the Group was to replace the interest expense and expected return on plan assets with a 'net interest' amount, which is calculated by applying a discount rate to the net defined benefit pension plan asset or liability. The effect of this will be to reduce the asset returns recognised in the income statement.
As required under the revised standard, comparative figures have been restated. For the nine month period to 31 January 2013, operating costs are GBP0.2m higher, net financing costs are GBP0.8m higher and profit before tax is GBP1.0m lower than reported previously. For the year ended 30 April 2013, operating costs were GBP0.3m higher, net financing costs were GBP1.0m higher and profit before tax was GBP1.3m lower than reported previously.
Adoption of IAS 19 (revised) has had no impact on the Group's consolidated balance sheet and consolidated cash flow statement.
-- IAS 1, 'Presentation of other items of other comprehensive income' (amended June 2011). The amendment increased the required level of disclosure within the statement of comprehensive income.
The impact of this amendment has been to analyse items within the consolidated statement of comprehensive income between items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss and items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss in accordance with the respective IFRS standard to which the item relates.
The amendments have been applied retrospectively, and hence the presentation of items of comprehensive income have been restated to reflect the change. Other than the above-mentioned presentation changes, the application of the amendments to IAS 1 do not result in any impact on profit or comprehensive income.
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis as described in the corporate governance report included in the 2013 Annual Report and Accounts. They are unaudited and do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434(3) of the Companies Act 2006.
The statutory accounts for the year ended 30 April 2013 were prepared in accordance with relevant IFRS and have been mailed to shareholders and filed with the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on those accounts was unqualified and did not include a reference to any matter by way of emphasis without qualifying the report and did not contain a statement under Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
The exchange rates used in respect of the US dollar are:
2014 2013
Average for the three months ended 31
January 1.63 1.60
Average for the nine months ended 31 January 1.58 1.59
At 31 January 1.64 1.59
2. Segmental analysis
Operating
profit before Operating
Revenue amortisation Amortisation profit
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
(restated) (restated)
Three months to 31 January
2014
Sunbelt 336.7 90.8 (1.4) 89.4
A-Plant 63.4 4.0 (1.1) 2.9
Corporate costs - (2.3) - (2.3)
400.1 92.5 (2.5) 90.0
2013
Sunbelt 284.1 64.5 (1.1) 63.4
A-Plant 49.8 1.7 (0.4) 1.3
Corporate costs - (2.0) - (2.0)
333.9 64.2 (1.5) 62.7
Nine months to 31 January
2014
Sunbelt 1,048.2 312.3 (4.1) 308.2
A-Plant 201.6 21.4 (2.9) 18.5
Corporate costs - (7.1) - (7.1)
1,249.8 326.6 (7.0) 319.6
2013
Sunbelt 860.9 225.0 (2.5) 222.5
A-Plant 153.4 8.9 (1.4) 7.5
Corporate costs - (6.5) - (6.5)
1,014.3 227.4 (3.9) 223.5
Segment assets Cash Taxation assets Total assets
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
At 31 January 2014
Sunbelt 2,204.3 - - 2,204.3
A-Plant 400.0 - - 400.0
Corporate items 0.3 2.6 10.4 13.3
2,604.6 2.6 10.4 2,617.6
At 30 April 2013
Sunbelt 1,943.5 - - 1,943.5
A-Plant 306.5 - - 306.5
Corporate items 0.2 20.3 2.1 22.6
2,250.2 20.3 2.1 2,272.6
3. Operating costs
2014 2013
Before Before
amortisation Amortisation Total amortisation Amortisation Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
(restated) (restated)
Three months to 31 January
Staff costs:
Salaries 95.6 - 95.6 84.2 - 84.2
Social security costs 7.3 - 7.3 6.9 - 6.9
Other pension costs 1.9 - 1.9 1.6 - 1.6
104.8 - 104.8 92.7 - 92.7
Used rental equipment sold 24.0 - 24.0 20.4 - 20.4
Other operating costs:
Vehicle costs 24.3 - 24.3 23.2 - 23.2
Spares, consumables & external
repairs 19.6 - 19.6 16.6 - 16.6
Facility costs 12.7 - 12.7 11.6 - 11.6
Other external charges 52.5 - 52.5 48.4 - 48.4
109.1 - 109.1 99.8 - 99.8
Depreciation and amortisation:
Depreciation 69.7 - 69.7 56.8 - 56.8
Amortisation of intangibles - 2.5 2.5 - 1.5 1.5
69.7 2.5 72.2 56.8 1.5 58.3
307.6 2.5 310.1 269.7 1.5 271.2
Nine months to 31 January
Staff costs:
Salaries 290.8 - 290.8 246.2 - 246.2
Social security costs 21.5 - 21.5 18.6 - 18.6
Other pension costs 5.5 - 5.5 4.7 - 4.7
317.8 - 317.8 269.5 - 269.5
Used rental equipment sold 60.9 - 60.9 61.5 - 61.5
Other operating costs:
Vehicle costs 80.4 - 80.4 69.0 - 69.0
Spares, consumables & external
repairs 59.8 - 59.8 50.3 - 50.3
Facility costs 37.5 - 37.5 34.4 - 34.4
Other external charges 162.0 - 162.0 133.0 - 133.0
339.7 - 339.7 286.7 - 286.7
Depreciation and amortisation:
Depreciation 204.8 - 204.8 169.2 - 169.2
Amortisation of intangibles - 7.0 7.0 - 3.9 3.9
204.8 7.0 211.8 169.2 3.9 173.1
923.2 7.0 930.2 786.9 3.9 790.8
4. Exceptional items, fair value remeasurements and amortisation
Exceptional items are those items of financial performance that are material and non-recurring in nature. Fair value remeasurements relate to embedded call options in the Group's old $550m 9.0% senior secured notes. Amortisation relates to the periodic write-off of intangible assets. The Group believes these items should be disclosed separately within the consolidated income statement to assist in the understanding of the financial performance of the Group. Underlying revenue, profit and earnings per share are stated before exceptional items, fair value remeasurements and amortisation of intangibles.
Three months Nine months to
to
31 January 31 January
2014 2013 2014 2013
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Write-off of deferred financing costs - - - 4.6
Early redemption fee - - - 10.6
Call period interest - - - 2.8
Fair value remeasurements - - - 7.4
Amortisation of intangibles 2.5 1.5 7.0 3.9
2.5 1.5 7.0 29.3
Taxation (0.8) (0.6) (2.3) (11.2)
1.7 0.9 4.7 18.1
The prior year write-off of deferred financing costs consists of the unamortised balance of the costs relating to the $550m 9.0% senior secured notes redeemed in July 2012. In addition, an early redemption fee of GBP11m was paid to redeem the notes prior to their scheduled maturity. The call period interest represents the interest charge on the $550m notes for the period from the issue of the new $500m notes to the date the $550m notes were redeemed. The prior year fair value remeasurements relate to the change in fair value of the embedded call options in the old $550m 9.0% senior secured notes.
The items detailed in the table above are presented in the income statement as follows:
Three months Nine months to
to
31 January 31 January
2014 2013 2014 2013
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Amortisation of intangibles 2.5 1.5 7.0 3.9
Charged in arriving at operating profit 2.5 1.5 7.0 3.9
Interest expense - - - 25.4
Charged in arriving at profit before
taxation 2.5 1.5 7.0 29.3
Taxation (0.8) (0.6) (2.3) (11.2)
1.7 0.9 4.7 18.1
5. Financing costs
Three months Nine months to
to
31 January 31 January
2014 2013 2014 2013
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
(restated) (restated)
Investment income:
Net interest on the net defined benefit
asset - - - (0.1)
Interest expense:
Bank interest payable 4.6 4.9 14.6 13.4
Interest payable on second priority senior
secured notes 7.0 4.9 17.4 17.5
Interest payable on finance leases - 0.1 0.1 0.2
Other interest payable - - - 0.4
Non-cash unwind of discount on provisions 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.9
Amortisation of deferred costs of debt
raising 0.4 0.5 1.5 1.6
Total interest expense 12.1 10.7 33.9 34.0
Net financing costs before remeasurements 12.1 10.7 33.9 33.9
Exceptional items - - - 18.0
Fair value remeasurements - - - 7.4
Net financing costs 12.1 10.7 33.9 59.3
6. Taxation
The tax charge for the period has been computed using an estimated effective rate for the year of 39% in the US (2013: 39%) and 24% in the UK (2013: 25%). The blended effective rate for the Group as a whole is 37% (2013: 37%).
The tax charge of GBP108.5m (2013 restated: GBP71.4m) on the underlying pre-tax profit of GBP292.7m (2013 restated: GBP193.5m) can be explained as follows:
Nine months to
31 January
2014 2013
GBPm GBPm
(restated)
Current tax
- current tax on income for the period 12.7 8.8
- adjustments to prior years (7.3) -
5.4 8.8
Deferred tax
- origination and reversal of temporary differences 95.3 62.6
- adjustments to prior years 7.8 -
103.1 62.6
Tax on underlying activities 108.5 71.4
Comprising:
- UK tax 9.1 7.3
- US tax 99.4 64.1
108.5 71.4
In addition, the tax credit of GBP2.3m (2013: GBP11.2m) on exceptional items (including amortisation of intangibles and fair value remeasurements) of GBP7.0m (2013: GBP29.3m) consists of a deferred tax credit of GBP0.7m relating to the UK (2013: GBP0.3m) and GBP1.6m (2013: GBP10.9m) relating to the US.
7. Earnings per share
Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended 31 January 2014 have been calculated based on the profit for the relevant period and the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during that period (excluding shares held by the Company and the ESOT over which dividends have been waived). Diluted earnings per share is computed using the result for the relevant period and the diluted number of shares (ignoring any potential issue of ordinary shares which would be anti-dilutive). These are calculated as follows:
Three months to Nine months to
31 January 31 January
2014 2013 2014 2013
(restated) (restated)
Profit for the financial period (GBPm) 48.8 33.4 179.5 104.0
Weighted average number of shares
(m) - basic 501.2 500.6 501.0 500.0
-
diluted 504.8 507.1 504.5 507.6
Basic earnings per share 9.7p 6.7p 35.8p 20.8p
Diluted earnings per share 9.7p 6.6p 35.6p 20.5p
Underlying earnings per share (defined in any period as the earnings before exceptional items, fair value remeasurements and amortisation of intangibles for that period divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue in that period) may be reconciled to the basic earnings per share as follows:
Three months to Nine months to
31 January 31 January
2014 2013 2014 2013
(restated) (restated)
Basic earnings per share 9.7p 6.7p 35.8p 20.8p
Exceptional items, fair value remeasurements
and amortisation of intangibles 0.6p 0.2p 1.4p 5.8p
Tax on exceptional items, remeasurements
and amortisation (0.2p) (0.1p) (0.4p) (2.2p)
Underlying earnings per share 10.1p 6.8p 36.8p 24.4p
8. Dividends
During the period, a final dividend in respect of the year ended 30 April 2013 of 6.0p (2013: 2.5p) per share was paid to shareholders costing GBP30.1m (2013: GBP12.5m). The interim dividend for the year ended 30 April 2014 of 2.25p (2013: 1.5p) per share announced on 10 December 2013 was paid on 4 February 2014.
9. Property, plant and equipment
2014 2013
Rental Rental
equipment Total equipment Total
Net book value GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
At 1 May 1,407.8 1,584.6 1,118.4 1,263.4
Exchange difference (59.3) (65.8) 22.1 24.6
Reclassifications (0.5) - (0.8) -
Additions 491.4 563.7 377.2 427.0
Acquisitions 45.0 46.8 5.4 6.1
Disposals (57.9) (65.5) (60.1) (65.2)
Depreciation (180.9) (204.8) (149.0) (169.2)
At 31 January 1,645.6 1,859.0 1,313.2 1,486.7
10. Share capital
Ordinary shares of 10p each:
31 January 30 April 31 January 30 April
2014 2013 2014 2013
Number Number GBPm GBPm
Authorised 900,000,000 900,000,000 90.0 90.0
Allotted, called up and
fully paid 553,325,554 553,325,554 55.3 55.3
At 31 January 2014, 50m (2013: 50m) shares were held by the Company and a further 2.2m (2013: 2.8m) shares were held by the Company's Employee Share Ownership Trust.
11. Notes to the cash flow statement
Nine months to 31 January
2014 2013
GBPm GBPm
(restated)
a) Cash flow from operating activities
Operating profit before exceptional items and
amortisation 326.6 227.4
Depreciation 204.8 169.2
EBITDA before exceptional items 531.4 396.6
Profit on disposal of rental equipment (15.8) (10.3)
Profit on disposal of other property, plant
and equipment (2.4) (1.4)
Increase in inventories (0.9) (0.6)
Increase in trade and other receivables (46.0) (26.9)
Decrease in trade and other payables (14.0) (11.1)
Other non-cash movements 2.4 2.0
Cash generated from operations before exceptional
items
and changes in rental equipment 454.7 348.3
b) Analysis of net debt
Net debt consists of total borrowings less cash and cash equivalents. Borrowings exclude accrued interest. Foreign currency denominated balances are retranslated to pounds sterling at rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date.
1 May Exchange Cash Debt Non-cash 31 January
2013 movement flow acquired movements 2014
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Cash (20.3) 0.1 17.6 - - (2.6)
Debt due within
1 year 2.2 - (1.3) 0.6 0.8 2.3
Debt due after
1 year 1,032.2 (62.9) 293.9 0.8 2.0 1,266.0
Total net debt 1,014.1 (62.8) 310.2 1.4 2.8 1,265.7
Details of the Group's cash and debt are given in the Review of Third Quarter, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow accompanying these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
c) Acquisitions
Nine months to 31 January
2014 2013
GBPm GBPm
Cash consideration 85.5 22.6
During the period, eight acquisitions were made for a total cash consideration of GBP86m (2013: GBP23m), after taking account of net cash acquired of GBP2.3m. Further details of these are provided in note 12.
12. Acquisitions
During the period, the following acquisitions were completed:
i) On 10 May 2013, A-Plant acquired the entire issued share capital of Accession Group Limited ('Accession'), including its principal trading subsidiary Eve Trakway Limited ('Eve'), for an initial consideration of GBP28m with deferred consideration of up to GBP7m payable over the next year depending on profitability. Accession is a specialist rental provider of temporary access solutions to the events and industrial sectors.
ii) On 1 July 2013, A-Plant acquired the entire issued share capital of Plant and Site Services Holdings Limited, Plant and Site Services Limited, PSS Innovations Limited and P Moloney Plant & Site Services Ireland Limited (together 'PSS') for a cash consideration of GBP11m. PSS hires and sells specialist jointing equipment, tooling and consumables to utility companies and their contractors across the United Kingdom.
iii) On 12 July 2013, Sunbelt acquired the business and assets of Worth Supply Co., Inc. ('Worth') for a cash consideration of GBP0.7m ($1m). Worth is a general tool rental business.
iv) On 1 August 2013, Sunbelt acquired the business and assets of M.A.C. Leasing, LLC ('MAC') for a cash consideration of GBP5m ($8m). MAC specialises in the rental and service of heating equipment.
v) On 20 September 2013, Sunbelt acquired the business and assets of Contractors' Equipment Company ('CEC') for a cash consideration of GBP17m ($27m). CEC is a four location general tool rental business.
vi) On 1 November 2013, Sunbelt acquired the business and assets of Coffing-Eastman, Inc., trading as Shamrock Equipment Rental ('Shamrock'), for a cash consideration of GBP15m ($24m). Shamrock is a four location energy-related business, renting into the oil and gas industry.
vii) On 7 November 2013, Sunbelt acquired the business and assets of CG Power Rentals, Inc. ('CG Power') for a cash consideration of GBP3m ($5m). CG Power is a two location equipment rental company renting into the oil and gas industry.
viii) On 20 December 2013, A-Plant acquired the business and assets of Fairview Lifting Gear Services Limited and Fairview Design & Engineering Limited (together 'Fairview') for a cash consideration of GBP6m. Fairview specialises in the hire, sale and provision of lifting solutions.
The following table sets out the book values of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired and their fair value to the Group. The fair values have been determined provisionally at the balance sheet date.
Acquirees' Fair value
book value to Group
GBPm GBPm
Net assets acquired
Trade and other receivables 11.6 11.2
Inventory 0.8 0.6
Property, plant and equipment
- rental equipment 41.6 45.0
- other assets 2.0 1.8
Creditors (7.2) (7.6)
Debt (1.4) (1.4)
Current tax (0.5) (0.5)
Deferred tax (1.1) (3.9)
Intangible assets (brand name, non-compete
agreements and customer relationships) - 21.9
45.8 67.1
Consideration:
- cash paid (net of cash acquired) 85.5
- deferred consideration payable in
cash 7.0
92.5
Goodwill 25.4
The goodwill arising can be attributed to the key management personnel and workforce of the acquired businesses and to the benefits the Group expects to derive from the acquisitions. GBP10m of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
Trade receivables at acquisition were GBP11m at fair value, net of GBP0.4m provision for debts which may not be collected.
Deferred consideration of up to GBP7m is payable contingent on Accession meeting or exceeding certain earnings thresholds over the next year.
Accession's revenue and operating profit in the period from the date of acquisition to 31 January 2014 were GBP21m and GBP3m respectively.
Apart from Accession, the contribution to revenue and operating profit from all other current period acquisitions from the date of acquisition to 31 January 2014 was not material.
13. Contingent liabilities
There have been no significant changes in contingent liabilities from those reported in the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2013.
14. Events after the balance sheet date
On 3 February 2014, Sunbelt acquired the business and assets of Winchester Rentals, L.L.C. ('Winchester'), for a cash consideration of GBP3m ($4m). Winchester is a single location equipment rental business located in Winchester, Virginia.
REVIEW OF THIRD QUARTER, BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW
Third quarter
Revenue EBITDA Operating profit
2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013
(restated) (restated)
Sunbelt in $m 550.6 454.8 240.4 176.7 149.4 103.5
Sunbelt in GBPm 336.7 284.1 146.6 110.1 90.8 64.5
A-Plant 63.4 49.8 17.9 12.9 4.0 1.7
Group central costs - - (2.3) (2.0) (2.3) (2.0)
400.1 333.9 162.2 121.0 92.5 64.2
Net financing costs (12.1) (10.7)
Profit before tax and amortisation 80.4 53.5
Amortisation (2.5) (1.5)
Profit before taxation 77.9 52.0
Margins
Sunbelt 43.7% 38.8% 27.1% 22.8% A-Plant 28.2% 25.7% 6.3% 3.4% Group 40.5% 36.3% 23.1% 19.2%
Third quarter results continued the trends of recent quarters with Sunbelt's rental revenue growing 21% to $486m (2013: $402m). This comprised a 17% increase in fleet on rent and a 3% higher yield. In the UK, A-Plant's third quarter rental revenue grew by 30% to GBP57m (2013: GBP44m) including 17% growth in average fleet on rent, and an 11% improvement in yield. Rental revenue growth excluding Eve was 21%, reflecting 10% more fleet on rent and 10% yield improvement.
Total revenue growth for the Group of 22% at constant rates included used equipment sales revenue of GBP31m (2013: GBP23m).
Group pre-tax profit before amortisation of intangibles grew to GBP80m from GBP53m. This reflected the operating profit growth and net financing costs of GBP12m (2013 restated: GBP11m). After GBP2m of intangible amortisation, the statutory profit before tax was GBP78m (2013: GBP52m).
Balance sheet
Fixed assets
Capital expenditure in the nine months totalled GBP564m (2013: GBP427m) with GBP491m invested in the rental fleet (2013: GBP377m). Expenditure on rental equipment was 87% of total capital expenditure with the balance relating to the delivery vehicle fleet, property improvements and IT equipment. Capital expenditure by division was:
2014 2013
Replacement Growth Total Total
Sunbelt in $m 254.9 432.5 687.4 511.9
Sunbelt in GBPm 155.1 263.2 418.3 322.8
A-Plant 39.6 33.5 73.1 54.3
Total rental equipment 194.7 296.7 491.4 377.1
Delivery vehicles, property improvements
& IT equipment 72.3 49.9
Total additions 563.7 427.0
US demand remained strong and, as a result, $433m of rental equipment capital expenditure was spent on growth while $255m was invested in replacement of existing fleet. The growth proportion is estimated on the basis of the assumption that replacement capital expenditure in any period is equal to the original cost of equipment sold.
The average age of the Group's serialised rental equipment, which constitutes the substantial majority of our fleet, at 31 January 2014 was 29 months (2013: 32 months) on a net book value basis. Sunbelt's fleet had an average age of 28 months (2013: 31 months) while A-Plant's fleet had an average age of 36 months (2013: 39 months).
LTM LTM
Rental fleet at original cost LTM rental dollar physical
31 Jan 2014 30 April LTM average revenue utilisation utilisation
2013
Sunbelt in
$m 3,353 2,868 3,084 1,882 61% 71%
Sunbelt in
GBPm 2,040 1,843 1,876 1,199 61% 71%
A-Plant 443 369 415 229 55% 72%
2,483 2,212 2,291 1,428
Dollar utilisation is defined as rental revenue divided by average fleet at original (or "first") cost and, measured over the last twelve months to 31 January 2014, rose to 61% at Sunbelt (2013: 60%) and 55% at A-Plant (2013: 48%). Physical utilisation is time based utilisation, which is calculated as the daily average of the original cost of equipment on rent as a percentage of the total value of equipment in the fleet at the measurement date. Measured over the last twelve months to 31 January 2014, average physical utilisation was 71% at Sunbelt (2013: 70%) and 72% at A-Plant (2013: 67%). At Sunbelt, physical utilisation is measured for equipment with an original cost in excess of $7,500 which comprised approximately 93% of its fleet at 31 January 2014.
Trade receivables
Receivable days at 31 January were 53 days (2013: 49 days). The bad debt charge for the nine months ended 31 January 2014 as a percentage of total turnover was 0.8% (2013: 0.7%). Trade receivables at 31 January 2014 of GBP242m (2013: GBP184m) are stated net of allowances for bad debts and credit notes of GBP21m (2013: GBP17m) with the allowance representing 8.0% (2013: 8.7%) of gross receivables.
Trade and other payables
Group payable days were 57 days in 2014 (2013: 55 days) with capital expenditure related payables, which have longer payment terms, totalling GBP62m (2013: GBP49m). Payment periods for purchases other than rental equipment vary between seven and 60 days and for rental equipment between 30 and 120 days.
Cash flow and net debt
Nine months to LTM to Year to
31 January 31 January 30 April
2014 2013 2014 2013
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
(restated) (restated)
EBITDA before exceptional items 531.4 396.6 653.8 519.0
Cash inflow from operations before exceptional
items and changes in rental equipment 454.7 348.3 607.7 501.3
Cash conversion ratio* 85.6% 87.8% 92.9% 96.6%
Replacement rental capital expenditure (238.4) (242.5) (266.5) (270.6)
Payments for non-rental capital expenditure (72.9) (50.6) (80.6) (58.3)
Rental equipment disposal proceeds 59.1 64.9 81.8 87.6
Other property, plant and equipment
disposal proceeds 9.9 7.7 10.1 7.9
Tax (net) (12.6) (5.3) (14.1) (6.8)
Financing costs (36.5) (36.5) (41.5) (41.5)
Cash inflow before growth capex and
payment of exceptional costs 163.3 86.0 296.9 219.6
Growth rental capital expenditure (333.7) (220.0) (367.3) (253.6)
Exceptional costs (1.8) (15.5) (2.1) (15.8)
Total cash used in operations (172.2) (149.5) (72.5) (49.8)
Business acquisitions (85.5) (22.6) (96.7) (33.8)
Total cash absorbed (257.7) (172.1) (169.2) (83.6)
Dividends (30.1) (12.5) (37.6) (20.0)
Purchase of own shares by the ESOT (22.4) (10.2) (22.4) (10.2)
Increase in net debt (310.2) (194.8) (229.2) (113.8)
* Cash inflow from operations before exceptional items and changes in rental equipment as a percentage of EBITDA before exceptional items.
Cash inflow from operations before payment of exceptional costs and the net investment in the rental fleet increased by 31% to GBP455m. Reflecting a higher level of working capital due to higher activity levels, the nine month cash conversion ratio was 86% (2013: 88%).
Total payments for capital expenditure (rental equipment and other PPE) in the nine months were GBP645m (2013: GBP513m). Disposal proceeds received totalled GBP69m, giving net payments for capital expenditure of GBP576m in the nine months (2013: GBP440m). Financing costs paid totalled GBP36m (2013: GBP37m) while tax payments were GBP13m (2013: GBP5m).
Accordingly, in the nine months the Group generated GBP163m (2013: GBP86m) of net cash before discretionary investments made to enlarge the size and hence earning capacity of its rental fleet. After growth investment, payment of exceptional costs (closed property costs and financing costs in the prior year) and acquisitions, there was a net cash outflow of GBP258m (2013: GBP172m).
Net debt
31 January 30 April
2014 2013 2013
GBPm GBPm GBPm
First priority senior secured bank debt 711.6 765.7 716.7
Finance lease obligations 4.5 3.1 2.9
6.5% second priority senior secured notes,
due 2022 552.2 308.9 314.8
1,268.3 1,077.7 1,034.4
Cash and cash equivalents (2.6) (1.1) (20.3)
Total net debt 1,265.7 1,076.6 1,014.1
Net debt at 31 January 2014 was GBP1,266m with the increase since 30 April 2013 reflecting principally the net cash outflow set out above, partially offset by GBP63m of currency translation effect. The Group's EBITDA for the twelve months ended 31 January 2014 was GBP654m and the ratio of net debt to EBITDA was therefore 2.0 times at 31 January 2014 (2013: 2.2 times) on a constant currency basis and 1.9 times (2013: 2.2 times) on a reported basis.
Under the terms of our asset-based senior bank facility, $2.0bn is committed until August 2018, whilst the $900m senior secured notes mature in July 2022. Our debt facilities therefore remain committed for the long term, with an average of 6 years remaining. The weighted average interest cost of these facilities (including non-cash amortisation of deferred debt raising costs) is approximately 4%. The terms of the $900m senior secured notes are such that financial performance covenants are only measured at the time new debt is raised.
There are two financial performance covenants under the first priority senior bank facility:
-- funded debt to LTM EBITDA before exceptional items not to exceed 4.0 times; and
-- a fixed charge ratio (comprising LTM EBITDA before exceptional items less LTM net capital expenditure paid in cash over the sum of scheduled debt repayments plus cash interest, cash tax payments and dividends paid in the last twelve months) which must be equal to or greater than 1.0 times.
These covenants do not apply when excess availability (the difference between the borrowing base and net facility utilisation) exceeds $200m. At 31 January 2014, excess availability under the bank facility was $790m ($667m at 30 April 2013), with an additional $645m of suppressed availability, meaning that covenants were not measured at 31 January 2014 and are unlikely to be measured in forthcoming quarters.
As a matter of good practice, we calculate the covenant ratios each quarter. At 31 January 2014, as a result of the significant investment in our rental fleet, the fixed charge ratio, as expected, did not meet the covenant requirement whilst the leverage ratio did so comfortably. The fact the fixed charge ratio is currently below 1.0 times does not cause concern given the strong availability and management's ability to flex capital expenditure downwards at short notice. Accordingly, the interim financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis.
Principal risks and uncertainties
Risks and uncertainties in achieving the Group's objectives for the remainder of the financial year, together with assumptions, estimates, judgements and critical accounting policies used in preparing financial information remain unchanged from those detailed in the 2013 Annual Report and Accounts on pages 18 to 26. Our business is subject to significant fluctuations in performance from quarter to quarter as a result of seasonal effects. Commercial construction activity tends to increase in the summer and during extended periods of mild weather and to decrease in the winter and during extended periods of inclement weather. Furthermore, due to the incidence of public holidays in the US and the UK, there are more billing days in the first half of our financial year than the second half leading to our revenues normally being higher in the first half. On a quarterly basis, the second quarter is typically our strongest quarter, followed by the first and then the third and fourth quarters.
In addition, the current trading and outlook section of the interim statement provides commentary on market and economic conditions for the remainder of the year.
Fluctuations in the value of the US dollar with respect to the pound sterling have had, and may continue to have, a significant impact on our financial condition and results of operations as reported in pounds due to the majority of our assets, liabilities, revenues and costs being denominated in US dollars. At 31 January 2014, 93% of our debt was denominated in US dollars and represented approximately 68% of the value of dollar-denominated net assets (other than debt) providing a partial, but substantial, hedge against currency fluctuations. The dollar interest payable on this debt also limits the impact of changes in the dollar exchange rate on our pre-tax profits and earnings. Based on the current currency mix of our profits and on dollar debt levels, interest and exchange rates at 31 January 2014, a 1% change in the US dollar exchange rate would impact pre-tax profit by GBP3m.
OPERATING STATISTICS
Number of rental stores Staff numbers
31 January 30 April 31 January 30 April
2014 2013 2013 2014 2013 2013
Sunbelt 416 378 388 7,467 6,787 7,141
A-Plant 130 110 106 2,328 1,938 1,934
Corporate office - - - 11 10 10
Group 546 488 494 9,806 8,735 9,085
Sunbelt's rental store number includes 30 Sunbelt at Lowes stores at 31 January 2014.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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