ADVFN Logo

We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.

Trending Now

Toplists

It looks like you aren't logged in.
Click the button below to log in and view your recent history.

Hot Features

Registration Strip Icon for discussion Register to chat with like-minded investors on our interactive forums.

AHT Ashtead Group Plc

5,580.00
16.00 (0.29%)
Last Updated: 11:09:28
Delayed by 15 minutes
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
  16.00 0.29% 5,580.00 5,580.00 5,584.00 5,598.00 5,548.00 5,562.00 65,186 11:09:28
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Heavy Constr Eq Rental,lease 9.67B 1.62B 3.6961 15.10 24.42B

Ashtead Group PLC 1st Quarter Results (7747X)

02/09/2015 7:00am

UK Regulatory


TIDMAHT

RNS Number : 7747X

Ashtead Group PLC

02 September 2015

Unaudited results for the first quarter ended 31 July 2015

 
                            2015    2014   Growth(1) 
                            GBPm    GBPm           % 
 Underlying results(2) 
 Rental revenue            539.6   417.7         20% 
 EBITDA                    282.7   209.9         25% 
 Operating profit          180.2   133.5         25% 
 Profit before taxation    160.7   120.4         23% 
 Earnings per share        21.0p   15.3p         27% 
 
 Statutory results 
 Revenue                   618.6   457.9         26% 
 Profit before taxation    155.4   117.5         23% 
 Earnings per share        20.3p   14.9p         26% 
 
 
 (1)   at constant exchange rates 
 (2)   before intangible amortisation 
 

Highlights

   --     Group rental revenue up 20%(1) 
   --     Q1 pre-tax profit(2) of GBP161m, up 23% at constant exchange rates 
   --     GBP349m of capital invested in the business (2014: GBP284m) 
   --     Group RoI of 19% (2014: 19%) 
   --     Senior debt facility increased to $2.6bn and maturity extended to 2020 at lower cost 
   --     Net debt to EBITDA leverage(1) of 1.8 times (2014: 1.9 times) 

Ashtead's chief executive, Geoff Drabble, commented:

"The Group delivered another strong quarter with underlying pre-tax profits of GBP161m, up 23% at constant exchange rates on the prior year. Group RoI was a very healthy 19% and the growth was achieved whilst reducing our leverage to 1.8 times EBITDA.

The strength of the quarter reflects the benefits of another strong execution of a consistent strategy to diversify the markets we serve, both in terms of geography and sector. Sunbelt's 23% rental revenue growth clearly demonstrates the overall health of our broader markets and the benefits of our more transactional business model. Particularly encouraging is that, after a weather-impacted Spring, our seasonal improvement in demand was very strong, resulting in record levels of physical utilisation in July on a fleet that was 26% larger. As a consequence, we confidently invested GBP349m in capital expenditure in the period, opened 19 greenfield locations and made one small bolt-on acquisition. We are therefore very much on track to achieve our plans of mid to high teens fleet growth in the US and open 50 new locations in the full year. We continue to invest and grow responsibly, generating strong returns and maintaining leverage within our stated objectives.

With both divisions performing well, strong end markets and our strategy clearly working, we expect full year results to be in line with our expectations and the Board looks forward to the medium term with confidence."

Contacts:

 
 Geoff Drabble     Chief executive 
                                            +44 (0)20 7726 
 Suzanne Wood      Finance director          9700 
 Will Shaw         Director of Investor 
                    Relations 
 
                                            +44 (0)20 7379 
 Becky Mitchell    Maitland                  5151 
 Tom Eckersley     Maitland 
 

Geoff Drabble and Suzanne Wood will hold a conference call for equity analysts to discuss the results and outlook at 9.30am on Wednesday, 2 September 2015. 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. There will, as usual, also be a separate call for bondholders at 4.00pm UK time (11.00am 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.

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.

Trading results

 
                              Revenue         EBITDA             Operating 
                                                                    profit 
                            2015    2014    2015    2014     2015     2014 
 
 Sunbelt in $m             820.8   638.4   390.4   311.1    258.2    206.9 
 
 Sunbelt in GBPm           528.6   376.7   251.4   183.6    166.2    122.1 
 A-Plant                    90.0    81.2    34.3    28.6     17.0     13.7 
 Group central costs           -       -   (3.0)   (2.3)    (3.0)    (2.3) 
                           618.6   457.9   282.7   209.9    180.2    133.5 
 Net financing costs                                       (19.5)   (13.1) 
 Profit before amortisation 
  and tax                                                   160.7    120.4 
 Amortisation                                               (5.3)    (2.9) 
 Profit before taxation                                     155.4    117.5 
 Taxation                                                  (53.6)   (42.8) 
 Profit attributable to equity holders 
  of the Company                                            101.8     74.7 
 
 Margins 
 Sunbelt                                   47.6%   48.7%    31.5%    32.4% 
 A-Plant                                   38.1%   35.3%    18.9%    16.9% 
 Group                                     45.7%   45.8%    29.1%    29.2% 
 

Group revenue increased 35% to GBP619m in the quarter (2014: GBP458m) with strong growth in both businesses. This revenue growth, combined with ongoing operational efficiency, generated underlying profit before tax of GBP161m (2014: GBP120m).

The Group's strategy remains unchanged with growth being driven by strong same-store growth supplemented by greenfield openings and bolt-on acquisitions. Our growth in Sunbelt is across a range of market sectors with different characteristics, which is impacting a number of its metrics in the short term. This revenue growth can be explained as follows:

 
                                     $m 
 
 2014 rental only revenue           459 
 
 Same stores (in existence 
  at 1 May 2014)              13%    57 
 
 Bolt-ons and greenfields 
  since 1 May 2014            10%    50 
 
 2015 rental only revenue     23%   566 
 
 Ancillary revenue            20%   152 
 
 2015 rental revenue          23%   718 
 
 Sales revenue                      103 
 
 2015 total revenue           29%   821 
 

We continue to capitalise on the opportunity presented by our markets which were up circa 7% last year and are forecast to grow at a similar rate this year. Our same-store growth of 13% demonstrates that we continue to take market share as we grow at approximately double the market rate. In addition, bolt-ons and greenfields have contributed another 10% growth as we execute our long-term structural growth strategy of expanding our geographic footprint and our specialty businesses.

Total rental only revenue growth was 23% in strong end markets, despite the slow down in oil and gas markets that provided a headwind which will continue through the year. This growth was driven by increased fleet on rent with yield flat year over year. Excluding oil and gas, same-store yield improved 1% in the quarter but good yield development in greenfields and bolt-ons was more than offset by the adverse impact of oil and gas, resulting in flat yield year over year. Average three month physical utilisation was 72% (2014: 72%). We have seen good sequential improvement during the quarter with utilisation at the end of July 2% higher than a year ago. Sunbelt's total revenue, including new and used equipment, merchandise and consumable sales, increased 29% to $821m (2014: $638m) as it sold more used equipment than last year in response to the downturn in oil and gas markets.

A-Plant continues to perform well and delivered rental only revenue of GBP65m, up 10% on the prior year (2014: GBP59m), in markets which, despite some uncertainty around the general election, continue to improve. This reflects 10% more fleet on rent and flat yield. A-Plant's total revenue increased 11% to GBP90m (2014: GBP81m).

Sunbelt continues to focus on operational efficiency and driving improving margins, with 52% of revenue growth dropping through to EBITDA. Drop through reflects the drag effect of greenfield openings, acquisitions and oil and gas. Excluding oil and gas, stores open for more than one year saw 58% of revenue growth drop through to EBITDA. The first quarter EBITDA margin of 48% (2014: 49%) reflects a higher level of lower margin used equipment sales. Excluding used equipment sales, EBITDA margins improved slightly. This contributed to an operating profit of $258m (2014: $207m). A-Plant's EBITDA margin improved to 38% (2014: 35%) and operating profit rose to GBP17m (2014: GBP14m), with drop through of 59%. As a result, Group underlying operating profit increased 35% to GBP180m (2014: GBP133m).

Net financing costs increased to GBP19m (2014: GBP13m), reflecting the higher average debt during the period and the $500m senior secured notes issued in September 2014.

Group profit before amortisation of intangibles and taxation was GBP161m (2014: GBP120m). After a tax charge of 34% (2014: 36%) of the underlying pre-tax profit, underlying earnings per share increased 37% to 21.0p (2014: 15.3p).

(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires

September 02, 2015 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

Statutory profit before tax was GBP155m (2014: GBP118m) and, after a tax charge of 34% (2014: 36%), basic earnings per share were 20.3p (2014: 14.9p). The cash tax charge increased to 17% following the expected utilisation of brought forward tax losses during the year.

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure for the quarter was GBP349m gross and GBP291m net of disposal proceeds (2014: GBP284m gross and GBP264m net). As a result of this investment, the Group's rental fleet at 31 July 2015 at cost was GBP3.8bn. Our average fleet age is now 25 months (2014: 26 months).

With the strong demand in both our end markets and an ongoing greenfield opening programme, we continue to expect full year capital expenditure of around GBP1bn. As always, our capital expenditure plans remain flexible and we will continue to monitor market conditions and adjust our plans appropriately.

Return on Investment(1)

Sunbelt's pre-tax return on investment (excluding goodwill and intangible assets) in the 12 months to 31 July 2015 was 25% (2014: 26%), well ahead of the Group's pre-tax weighted average cost of capital. In the UK, return on investment (excluding goodwill and intangible assets) was 13% (2014: 11%). For the Group as a whole, returns (including goodwill and intangible assets) are 19% (2014: 19%).

(1) Underlying operating profit divided by the sum of net tangible and intangible fixed assets, plus net working capital but excluding net debt and deferred tax.

Cash flow and net debt

As expected, debt increased during the quarter as we invested in the fleet and due to increased working capital to support the growth in the business.

Net debt at 31 July 2015 was GBP1,804m (2014: GBP1,300m) while, reflecting our strong earnings growth, the ratio of net debt to EBITDA reduced to 1.8 times (2014: 1.9 times) on a constant currency basis.

The Group took advantage of good debt markets in July and increased the size of its senior credit facility ('ABL facility') to $2.6bn. The ABL facility's maturity has been extended to July 2020 and the pricing grid reduced. Depending on availability under the facility, the pricing grid ranges from LIBOR plus 125bp to LIBOR plus 175bp. This ensures our debt package remains well structured and flexible, enabling us to take advantage of prevailing end market conditions. The Group's amended debt facilities are now committed for an average of six years. At 31 July 2015, availability under the ABL was $1,258m, with an additional $1,324m of suppressed availability - substantially above the $260m level at which the Group's entire debt package is covenant free.

Current trading and outlook

With both divisions performing well, strong end markets and our strategy clearly working, we expect full year results to be in line with our expectations and the Board looks forward to the medium term with confidence.

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED 31 JULY 2015

 
                                             2015                                    2014 
 
                                 Before                                  Before 
                           amortisation   Amortisation     Total   amortisation   Amortisation     Total 
                                   GBPm           GBPm      GBPm           GBPm           GBPm      GBPm 
 Unaudited 
 Revenue 
 Rental revenue                   539.6              -     539.6          417.7              -     417.7 
 Sale of new equipment, 
 merchandise and 
  consumables                      23.3              -      23.3           21.7              -      21.7 
 Sale of used rental 
  equipment                        55.7              -      55.7           18.5              -      18.5 
                                  618.6              -     618.6          457.9              -     457.9 
 Operating costs 
 Staff costs                    (139.1)              -   (139.1)        (107.1)              -   (107.1) 
 Used rental equipment 
  sold                           (42.5)              -    (42.5)         (14.5)              -    (14.5) 
 Other operating 
  costs                         (154.3)              -   (154.3)        (126.4)              -   (126.4) 
                                (335.9)              -   (335.9)        (248.0)              -   (248.0) 
 
 EBITDA*                          282.7              -     282.7          209.9              -     209.9 
 Depreciation                   (102.5)              -   (102.5)         (76.4)              -    (76.4) 
 Amortisation of 
  intangibles                         -          (5.3)     (5.3)              -          (2.9)     (2.9) 
 Operating profit                 180.2          (5.3)     174.9          133.5          (2.9)     130.6 
 Investment income                    -              -         -            0.1              -       0.1 
 Interest expense                (19.5)              -    (19.5)         (13.2)              -    (13.2) 
 Profit on ordinary 
  activities 
 before taxation                  160.7          (5.3)     155.4          120.4          (2.9)     117.5 
 Taxation                        (55.3)            1.7    (53.6)         (43.7)            0.9    (42.8) 
 
 Profit attributable 
  to equity 
 holders of the 
  Company                         105.4          (3.6)     101.8           76.7          (2.0)      74.7 
 
 Basic earnings 
  per share                       21.0p         (0.7p)     20.3p          15.3p         (0.4p)     14.9p 
 Diluted earnings 
  per share                       20.9p         (0.7p)     20.2p          15.2p         (0.4p)     14.8p 
 

* 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 Balance Sheet and Cash Flow accompanying these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED 31 JULY 2015

 
                                                  Unaudited 
                                                  2015   2014 
                                                  GBPm   GBPm 
 
 Profit attributable to equity holders 
  of the Company for the period                  101.8   74.7 
 
 Items that may be reclassified subsequently 
  to profit or loss: 
 Foreign currency translation differences       (13.1)    0.3 
 
 Total comprehensive income for the 
  period                                          88.7   75.0 
 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT 31 JULY 2015

 
                                             Unaudited     Audited 
                                              31 July     30 April 
                                        2015       2014       2015 
                                        GBPm       GBPm       GBPm 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                            21.3       21.8       23.9 
 Trade and other receivables           426.4      302.1      377.5 
 Current tax asset                      25.8        9.3       26.2 
 Cash and cash equivalents               2.3        4.5       10.5 
                                       475.8      337.7      438.1 
 Non-current assets 
 Property, plant and equipment 
 - rental equipment                  2,695.3    1,912.4    2,534.2 
 - other assets                        285.2      229.0      276.9 
                                     2,980.5    2,141.4    2,811.1 
 Goodwill                              505.5      406.4      516.2 
 Other intangible assets                86.4       46.9       92.7 
 Net defined benefit pension 
  plan asset                             3.0        6.1        3.1 
                                     3,575.4    2,600.8    3,423.1 
 
 Total assets                        4,051.2    2,938.5    3,861.2 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables              447.1      369.7      491.7 
 Current tax liability                  25.3       20.2        6.2 
 Debt due within one year                2.0        2.1        2.0 
 Provisions                             28.4       13.0       18.4 
                                       502.8      405.0      518.3 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Debt due after more than one 
  year                               1,804.6    1,301.9    1,695.6 
 Provisions                             18.4       17.7       31.3 
 Deferred tax liabilities              523.8      336.0      504.5 
                                     2,346.8    1,656.6    2,231.4 
 
 Total liabilities                   2,849.6    2,060.6    2,749.7 
 
 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                                (15.5)     (15.8)     (15.5) 
 Cumulative foreign exchange 
  translation differences               25.6     (19.9)       38.7 
 Retained reserves                   1,074.1      796.2      970.9 
 Equity attributable to equity 
  holders of the Company             1,201.6      877.9    1,111.5 
 
 Total liabilities and equity        4,051.2    2,938.5    3,861.2 
 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires

September 02, 2015 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED 31 JULY 2015

 
                                                                                 Own    Cumulative 
                                                                       Own    shares       foreign 
                              Share      Capital            Non-    shares      held      exchange 
                    Share   premium   redemption   distributable      held   through   translation   Retained 
                                                                        by 
                                                                       the 
                  capital   account      reserve         reserve   Company       the   differences   reserves     Total 
                                                                                ESOT 
                     GBPm      GBPm         GBPm            GBPm      GBPm      GBPm          GBPm       GBPm      GBPm 
 Unaudited 
 At 1 May 2014       55.3       3.6          0.9            90.7    (33.1)    (11.8)        (20.2)      739.0     824.4 
 
 Profit for the 
  period                -         -            -               -         -         -             -       74.7      74.7 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income: 
 Foreign 
 currency 
 translation 
 differences            -         -            -               -         -         -           0.3          -       0.3 
 Total 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 for the period         -         -            -               -         -         -           0.3       74.7      75.0 
 
 Own shares 
 purchased 
 by the ESOT            -                      -               -         -    (19.7)             -          -    (19.7) 
 Share-based 
  payments              -         -            -               -         -      15.7             -     (14.8)       0.9 
 Tax on 
  share-based 
  payments              -         -            -               -         -         -             -      (2.7)     (2.7) 
 At 31 July 
  2014               55.3       3.6          0.9            90.7    (33.1)    (15.8)        (19.9)      796.2     877.9 
 
 Profit for the 
  period                -         -            -               -         -         -             -      228.7     228.7 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income: 
 Foreign 
 currency 
 translation 
 differences            -         -            -               -         -         -          58.6          -      58.6 
 Remeasurement 
 of the defined 
 benefit 
  pension 
  plan                  -         -            -               -         -         -             -      (3.1)     (3.1) 
 Tax on defined 
  benefit 
 pension plan           -         -            -               -         -         -             -        0.6       0.6 
 Total 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 for the period         -         -            -               -         -         -          58.6      226.2     284.8 
 
 Dividends paid         -         -            -               -         -         -             -     (61.4)    (61.4) 
 Own shares 
 purchased 
 by the ESOT            -         -            -               -         -     (0.6)             -          -     (0.6) 
 Share-based 
  payments              -         -            -               -         -       0.9             -        2.2       3.1 
 Tax on 
  share-based 
  payments              -         -            -               -         -         -             -        7.7       7.7 
 At 30 April 
  2015               55.3       3.6          0.9            90.7    (33.1)    (15.5)          38.7      970.9   1,111.5 
 
 Profit for the 
  period                -         -            -               -         -         -             -      101.8     101.8 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income: 
 Foreign 
 currency 
 translation 
 differences            -         -            -               -         -         -        (13.1)          -    (13.1) 
 Total 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 for the period         -         -            -               -         -         -        (13.1)      101.8      88.7 
 
 Share-based 
  payments              -         -            -               -         -         -             -        1.1       1.1 
 Tax on 
  share-based 
  payments              -         -            -               -         -         -             -        0.3       0.3 
 At 31 July 
  2015               55.3       3.6          0.9            90.7    (33.1)    (15.5)          25.6    1,074.1   1,201.6 
 
 
 

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED 31 JULY 2015

 
                                                   Unaudited 
                                                  2015      2014 
                                                  GBPm      GBPm 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Cash generated from operations before 
  exceptional 
 items and changes in rental equipment           216.9     144.9 
 Exceptional operating costs paid                    -     (0.2) 
 Payments for rental property, plant 
  and equipment                                (338.4)   (222.5) 
 Proceeds from disposal of rental property, 
  plant and equipment                             38.2      14.8 
 Cash used in operations                        (83.3)    (63.0) 
 Financing costs paid (net)                     (24.3)    (21.3) 
 Tax paid (net)                                  (6.6)     (4.6) 
 Net cash used in operating activities         (114.2)    (88.9) 
 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Acquisition of businesses                       (4.5)    (37.6) 
 Payments for non-rental property, plant 
  and equipment                                 (25.3)    (24.5) 
 Proceeds from disposal of non-rental 
  property, plant and equipment                    2.0       1.8 
 Net cash used in investing activities          (27.8)    (60.3) 
 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Drawdown of loans                               142.3     156.5 
 Redemption of loans                             (8.0)     (5.0) 
 Capital element of finance lease payments       (0.4)     (0.6) 
 Net cash from financing activities              133.9     150.9 
 
 (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash 
  equivalents                                    (8.1)       1.7 
 Opening cash and cash equivalents                10.5       2.8 
 Effect of exchange rate difference              (0.1)         - 
 Closing cash and cash equivalents                 2.3       4.5 
 
 
 Reconciliation of net cash flows to 
  net debt 
 
 Decrease/(increase) in cash in the 
  period                                             8.1     (1.7) 
 Increase in debt through cash flow                133.9     150.9 
 Change in net debt from cash flows                142.0     149.2 
 Exchange differences                             (25.7)       0.7 
 Non-cash movements: 
 
   *    deferred costs of debt raising               0.4       0.4 
 
   *    capital element of new finance leases        0.5       0.6 
 Increase in net debt in the period                117.2     150.9 
 Net debt at 1 May                               1,687.1   1,148.6 
 Net debt at 31 July                             1,804.3   1,299.5 
 

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   1.      General information 

Ashtead Group plc ('the Company') is a company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales and listed on the London Stock Exchange. The condensed consolidated interim financial statements as at, and for the three months ended, 31 July 2015 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries ('the Group').

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three months ended 31 July 2015 were approved by the directors on 1 September 2015.

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements do not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The statutory accounts for the year ended 30 April 2015 were approved by the directors on 15 June 2015 and have been mailed to shareholders and filed with the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on those accounts was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matter by way of emphasis and did not contain a statement under Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

   2.      Basis of preparation 

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three months ended 31 July 2015 have been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority and relevant International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') as adopted by the European Union (including IAS 34 - Interim Financial Reporting). The condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Group's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 April 2015, which were prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union.

The accounting policies applied in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements are consistent with those set out in the Group's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 April 2015. There are no new IFRS or IFRIC Interpretations that are effective for the first time for this interim period which have a material impact on the Group.

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. The Group's internal budgets and forecasts of future performance, available financing facilities and facility headroom (see note 11), provide a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future and consequently the going concern basis continues to be appropriate in preparing the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires

September 02, 2015 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

The exchange rates used in respect of the US dollar are:

 
                                  2015   2014 
 
 Average for the quarter ended 
  31 July                         1.55   1.69 
 At 30 April                      1.54   1.69 
 At 31 July                       1.56   1.69 
 
   3.      Segmental analysis 
 
                                 Operating 
                                    profit                  Operating 
                                    before 
                    Revenue   amortisation   Amortisation      profit 
                       GBPm           GBPm           GBPm        GBPm 
 Three months to 
  31 July 
 2015 
 Sunbelt              528.6          166.2          (4.1)       162.1 
 A-Plant               90.0           17.0          (1.2)        15.8 
 Corporate costs          -          (3.0)              -       (3.0) 
                      618.6          180.2          (5.3)       174.9 
 
 2014 
 Sunbelt              376.7          122.1          (1.8)       120.3 
 A-Plant               81.2           13.7          (1.1)        12.6 
 Corporate costs          -          (2.3)              -       (2.3) 
                      457.9          133.5          (2.9)       130.6 
 
 
                     Segment   Cash   Taxation   Total assets 
                      assets            assets 
                        GBPm   GBPm       GBPm           GBPm 
 At 31 July 2015 
 Sunbelt             3,460.2      -          -        3,460.2 
 A-Plant               562.6      -          -          562.6 
 Corporate items         0.3    2.3       25.8           28.4 
                     4,023.1    2.3       25.8        4,051.2 
 At 30 April 2015 
 Sunbelt             3,309.7      -          -        3,309.7 
 A-Plant               514.7      -          -          514.7 
 Corporate items         0.1   10.5       26.2           36.8 
                     3,824.5   10.5       26.2        3,861.2 
 

Sunbelt includes Sunbelt Rentals of Canada Inc..

   4.      Operating costs and other income 
 
                                                      2015                                 2014 
                                         Before                                Before 
                                   amortisation   Amortisation   Total   amortisation   Amortisation   Total 
                                           GBPm           GBPm    GBPm           GBPm           GBPm    GBPm 
 Three months to 31 
  July 
 Staff costs: 
 Salaries                                 126.7              -   126.7           97.3              -    97.3 
 Social security costs                      9.7              -     9.7            7.8              -     7.8 
 Other pension costs                        2.7              -     2.7            2.0              -     2.0 
                                          139.1              -   139.1          107.1              -   107.1 
 
 Used rental equipment 
  sold                                     42.5              -    42.5           14.5              -    14.5 
 
 Other operating costs: 
 Vehicle costs                             33.3              -    33.3           28.6              -    28.6 
 Spares, consumables 
  & external repairs                       29.4              -    29.4           23.9              -    23.9 
 Facility costs                            16.9              -    16.9           13.1              -    13.1 
 Other external charges                    74.7              -    74.7           60.8              -    60.8 
                                          154.3              -   154.3          126.4              -   126.4 
 Depreciation and amortisation: 
 Depreciation                             102.5              -   102.5           76.4              -    76.4 
 Amortisation of intangibles                  -            5.3     5.3              -            2.9     2.9 
                                          102.5            5.3   107.8           76.4            2.9    79.3 
 
                                          438.4            5.3   443.7          324.4            2.9   327.3 
 
 
   5.      Amortisation 

Amortisation relates to the periodic write-off of intangible assets. The Group believes this item should be disclosed separately within the consolidated income statement to assist in the understanding of the financial performance of the Group. Underlying profit and earnings per share are stated before amortisation of intangibles.

 
                                  Three months to 31 
                                                July 
                                     2015       2014 
                                     GBPm       GBPm 
 
 Amortisation of intangibles          5.3        2.9 
 Taxation                           (1.7)      (0.9) 
                                      3.6        2.0 
 
   6.      Net financing costs 
 
                                      Three months to 31 
                                                    July 
                                        2015        2014 
                                        GBPm        GBPm 
 Investment income: 
 Net interest on the net defined 
  benefit asset                            -       (0.1) 
 
 Interest expense: 
 Bank interest payable                   4.8         4.1 
 Interest payable on second 
  priority senior secured notes         13.9         8.6 
 Interest payable on finance 
  leases                                 0.1         0.1 
 Non-cash unwind of discount 
  on provisions                          0.3         0.1 
 Amortisation of deferred debt 
  raising costs                          0.4         0.3 
 Total interest expense                 19.5        13.2 
 
 Net financing costs                    19.5        13.1 
 
   7.      Taxation 

The tax charge for the period has been computed using a tax rate for the year of 38% in North America (2014: 39%) and 20% in the UK (2014: 21%). The blended rate for the Group as a whole is 34% (2014: 36%).

The tax charge of GBP55.3m (2014: GBP43.7m) on the underlying pre-tax profit of GBP160.7m (2014: GBP120.4m) can be explained as follows:

 
                                              Three months to 
                                                      31 July 
                                               2015      2014 
                                               GBPm      GBPm 
 Current tax 
 - current tax on income for the 
  period                                       25.8      19.5 
 - adjustments to prior year                    0.3       0.5 
                                               26.1      20.0 
 Deferred tax 
 - origination and reversal of temporary 
  differences                                  28.6      23.8 
 - adjustments to prior year                    0.6     (0.1) 
                                               29.2      23.7 
 
 Tax on underlying activities                  55.3      43.7 
 
 
                      Three months to 31 
                                    July 
                         2015       2014 
                         GBPm       GBPm 
 Comprising: 
 - UK                     3.9        4.3 
 - North America         51.4       39.4 
                         55.3       43.7 
 

In addition, the tax credit of GBP1.7m (2014: GBP0.9m) on amortisation of intangibles of GBP5.3m (2014: GBP2.9m) consists of a deferred tax credit of GBP0.2m relating to the UK (2014: GBP0.2m) and GBP1.5m (2014: GBP0.7m) relating to North America.

   8.      Earnings per share 

Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended 31 July 2015 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 31 
                                                                                                  July 
                                                                                       2015       2014 
 
 Profit for the financial period 
  (GBPm)                                                                              101.8       74.7 
 
 Weighted average number of shares 
  (m) - basic                                                                         501.4      501.2 
                                                                     - diluted        503.8      505.8 
 
 Basic earnings per share                                                             20.3p      14.9p 
 Diluted earnings per share                                                           20.2p      14.8p 
 

Underlying earnings per share (defined in any period as the earnings before 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 31 
                                                  July 
                                       2015       2014 
 
 Basic earnings per share             20.3p      14.9p 
 Amortisation of intangibles           1.0p       0.6p 
 Tax on amortisation                 (0.3p)     (0.2p) 
 Underlying earnings per share        21.0p      15.3p 
 
   9.      Property, plant and equipment 
 
                                             2015                    2014 
                                      Rental                Rental 
                                   equipment     Total   equipment     Total 
 Net book value                         GBPm      GBPm        GBPm      GBPm 
 
 At 1 May                            2,534.2   2,811.1     1,716.3   1,929.1 

(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires

September 02, 2015 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

 Exchange difference                  (34.3)    (37.8)           -         - 
 Reclassifications                     (0.6)         -       (0.2)         - 
 Measurement period adjustments          3.6       3.7           -         - 
 Additions                             323.6     349.2       258.5     283.6 
 Acquisitions                            0.3       0.3        19.3      20.4 
 Disposals                            (41.4)    (43.5)      (14.2)    (15.3) 
 Depreciation                         (90.1)   (102.5)      (67.3)    (76.4) 
 At 31 July                          2,695.3   2,980.5     1,912.4   2,141.4 
 

GBP4m of measurement period fair value adjustments relating to prior year acquisitions have been made in the period.

   10.    Borrowings 
 
                                          31 July   30 April 
                                             2015       2015 
                                             GBPm       GBPm 
 Current 
 Finance lease obligations                    2.0        2.0 
 
 Non-current 
 First priority senior secured bank 
  debt                                      905.6      782.7 
 Finance lease obligations                    3.3        3.3 
 6.5% second priority senior secured 
  notes, due 2022                           580.7      589.8 
 5.625% second priority senior secured 
  notes, due 2024                           315.0      319.8 
                                          1,804.6    1,695.6 
 

The senior secured bank debt and the senior secured notes are secured by way of, respectively, first and second priority fixed and floating charges over substantially all the Group's property, plant and equipment, inventory and trade receivables.

Under the terms of our amended asset-based senior bank facility, $2.6bn is committed until July 2020. The $900m 6.5% senior secured notes mature in July 2022, whilst the $500m 5.625% senior secured notes mature in October 2024. Our debt facilities therefore remain committed for the long term, with an average of six years remaining. The weighted average interest cost of these facilities (including non-cash amortisation of deferred debt raising costs) is approximately 5%. The terms of the $900m senior secured notes and the $500m senior secured notes are such that financial performance covenants are only measured at the time new debt is raised.

There is one financial performance covenant under the first priority senior bank facility. That is, the 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) must be equal to or greater than 1.0 times.

This covenant does not apply when availability under the ABL facility exceeds $260m. At 31 July 2015, availability under the ABL facility was $1,258m, with an additional $1,324m of suppressed availability, meaning the covenant was not measured at 31 July 2015 and is unlikely to be measured in forthcoming quarters.

As a matter of good practice, we calculate the covenant ratio each quarter. At 31 July 2015, as a result of the significant investment in our rental fleet, the fixed charge ratio, as expected, did not meet the covenant requirement. 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 condensed consolidated interim financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis.

Fair value of financial instruments

At 31 July 2015, the Group had no derivative financial instruments.

With the exception of the Group's second priority senior secured notes, the carrying value of non-derivative financial assets and liabilities is considered to materially equate to their fair value.

The carrying value of the second priority senior secured notes due 2022, excluding deferred debt raising costs, was GBP590m at 31 July 2015 (GBP599m at 30 April 2015), while the fair value was GBP627m (GBP646m at 30 April 2015). The carrying value of the second priority senior secured notes due 2024, excluding deferred debt raising costs, was GBP320m at 31 July 2015 (GBP325m at 30 April 2015) while the fair value was GBP321m (GBP342 at 30 April 2015). The fair value of the second priority senior secured notes has been calculated using the quoted market prices at 31 July 2015.

   11.    Share capital 

Ordinary shares of 10p each:

 
                            31 July      30 April   31 July   30 April 
                               2015          2015      2015       2015 
                             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 July 2015, 50m (2014: 50m) shares were held by the Company and a further 1.9m (2014: 2.0m) shares were held by the Company's Employee Share Ownership Trust.

   12.    Notes to the cash flow statement 
 
                                              Three months to 
                                                      31 July 
                                               2015      2014 
                                               GBPm      GBPm 
 a) Cash flow from operating activities 
 
 Operating profit before amortisation         180.2     133.5 
 Depreciation                                 102.5      76.4 
 EBITDA before exceptional items              282.7     209.9 
 Profit on disposal of rental equipment      (13.2)     (4.0) 
 Profit on disposal of other property, 
  plant and equipment                             -     (0.6) 
 Decrease/(increase) in inventories             2.3     (3.1) 
 Increase in trade and other receivables     (37.3)    (36.9) 
 Decrease in trade and other payables        (18.7)    (21.5) 
 Exchange differences                             -       0.2 
 Other non-cash movements                       1.1       0.9 
 Cash generated from operations before 
  exceptional items 
 and changes in rental equipment              216.9     144.9 
 
   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    Non-cash   31 July 
                       2015   movement    flow   movements      2015 
                       GBPm       GBPm    GBPm        GBPm      GBPm 
 
 Cash                (10.5)        0.1     8.1           -     (2.3) 
 Debt due within 
  one year              2.0          -   (0.4)         0.4       2.0 
 Debt due after 
  one year          1,695.6     (25.8)   134.3         0.5   1,804.6 
 Total net debt     1,687.1     (25.7)   142.0         0.9   1,804.3 
 

Details of the Group's cash and debt are given in the Review of Balance Sheet and Cash Flow accompanying these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

   c)     Acquisitions 
 
                                   Three months to 31 July 
                                        2015          2014 
                                        GBPm          GBPm 
 
 Cash consideration paid 
 - acquisitions in the period 
  (net of cash acquired)                 1.1          32.1 
 - deferred consideration                3.4           5.5 
                                         4.5          37.6 
 

During the period, one acquisition was made for a cash consideration of GBP1.1m (2015: GBP32.1m). Further details are provided in note 14. Payments for deferred consideration on prior year acquisitions were also made of GBP3.4m (2014: GBP5.5m).

   13.    Acquisitions 

During the quarter, the following acquisition was completed:

i) On 29 May 2015, Sunbelt acquired the business and assets of C. Rowland Enterprises, Inc., trading as Air Systems Sales & Rentals, Inc. ('Air Systems'), for an initial cash consideration of GBP1m ($2m), with contingent consideration of up to GBP0.5m ($0.8m), payable over the next year, depending on revenue meeting or exceeding certain thresholds. Air Systems is a climate control business in Oregon.

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                0.1          0.1 
 Property, plant and equipment 
 - rental equipment                         0.3          0.3 
 Intangible assets (customer 
  relationships)                              -          0.3 
                                            0.4          0.7 
 
 Consideration: 
 - cash paid and due to be 
  paid (net of cash acquired)                            1.1 
 - deferred consideration payable 
  in cash                                                0.5 
                                                         1.6 
 
 Goodwill                                                0.9 
 

The goodwill arising can be attributed to the key management personnel and workforce of the acquired business and to the synergies and other benefits the Group expects to derive from the acquisition. The synergies and other benefits include elimination of duplicate costs, improving utilisation of the acquired rental fleet, using the Group's financial strength to invest in the acquired business and to drive improved returns through a semi-fixed cost base and the application of the Group's proprietary software to optimise revenue opportunities. The goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires

September 02, 2015 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

The gross value and fair value of trade receivables at acquisition was GBP0.1m.

Due to the operational integration of acquired businesses with Sunbelt and A-Plant post acquisition, in particular the merger of some stores, the movement of rental equipment between stores and investment in the rental fleet, it is not practical to report the revenue and profit of the acquired businesses post acquisition.

The revenue and operating profit of this acquisition from 1 May 2015 to its date of acquisition was not material.

   14.    Contingent liabilities 

There have been no significant changes in contingent liabilities from those reported in the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2015.

   15.    Events after the balance sheet date 

Since the balance sheet date the following acquisition was completed:

(i) On 28 August 2015, Sunbelt acquired the business and assets of Dover Rent-All ('Dover') for a cash consideration of GBP1m ($2m). Dover is a general equipment business.

The initial accounting for this acquisition is incomplete. Had the acquisition taken place on 1 May 2015 its contribution to revenue and operating profit would not have been material.

REVIEW OF BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW

Fixed assets

Capital expenditure in the quarter totalled GBP349m (2014: GBP284m) with GBP324m invested in the rental fleet (2014: GBP259m). Expenditure on rental equipment was 93% of total capital expenditure with the balance relating to the delivery vehicle fleet, property improvements and IT equipment. Capital expenditure by division was:

 
                                          2015             2014 
                           Replacement   Growth   Total   Total 
 
 Sunbelt in $m                   187.5    221.6   409.1   347.2 
 
 Sunbelt in GBPm                 120.2    142.0   262.2   205.7 
 A-Plant                          27.5     33.9    61.4    52.8 
 Total rental equipment          147.7    175.9   323.6   258.5 
 Delivery vehicles, property 
  improvements & IT equipment                      25.6    25.1 
 Total additions                                  349.2   283.6 
 

In a strong US rental market, $222m of rental equipment capital expenditure was spent on growth while $187m 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 July 2015 was 25 months (2014: 26 months) on a net book value basis. Sunbelt's fleet had an average age of 24 months (2014: 25 months) while A-Plant's fleet had an average age of 26 months (2014: 32 months).

 
                                                                            LTM           LTM 
                     Rental fleet at original cost     LTM rental        dollar      physical 
              31 July      30 April      LTM average      revenue   utilisation   utilisation 
                 2015          2015 
 
 Sunbelt 
  in $m         4,953         4,733            4,453        2,607           59%           70% 
 
 Sunbelt 
 in GBPm        3,174         3,079            2,853        1,666           59%           70% 
 A-Plant          592           559              543          294           54%           69% 
                3,766         3,638            3,396        1,960 
 
 

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 July 2015, was 59% at Sunbelt (2014: 60%) and 54% at A-Plant (2014: 57%). 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 July 2015, average physical utilisation at Sunbelt was 70% (2014: 70%) and 69% at A-Plant (2014: 72%). At Sunbelt, physical utilisation is measured for equipment with an original cost in excess of $7,500 which comprised approximately 87% of its fleet at 31 July 2015.

Trade receivables

Receivable days at 31 July 2015 were 48 days (2014: 46 days). The bad debt charge for the quarter ended 31 July 2015 as a percentage of total turnover was 0.7% (2014: 0.6%). Trade receivables at 31 July 2015 of GBP372m (2014: GBP260m) are stated net of allowances for bad debts and credit notes of GBP24m (2014: GBP18m) with the allowance representing 6.1% (2014: 6.6%) of gross receivables.

Trade and other payables

Group payable days were 59 days in 2015 (2014: 59 days) with capital expenditure related payables, which have longer payment terms, totalling GBP247m (2014: GBP191m). 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

 
                                             Three months    LTM to      Year 
                                                       to                  to 
                                                  31 July   31 July        30 
                                                                        April 
                                           2015      2014      2015      2015 
                                           GBPm      GBPm      GBPm      GBPm 
 
 EBITDA before exceptional items          282.7     209.9     981.2     908.4 
 
 Cash inflow from operations 
  before exceptional 
 items and changes in rental 
  equipment                               216.9     144.9     913.4     841.4 
 Cash conversion ratio*                   76.7%     69.1%     93.1%     92.6% 
 
 Replacement rental capital 
  expenditure                           (115.9)    (64.4)   (322.1)   (270.6) 
 Payments for non-rental capital 
  expenditure                            (25.3)    (24.5)    (79.5)    (78.7) 
 Rental equipment disposal proceeds        38.2      14.8     118.8      95.4 
 Other property, plant and equipment 
  disposal proceeds                         2.0       1.8       7.7       7.5 
 Tax paid (net)                           (6.6)     (4.6)    (34.0)    (32.0) 
 Financing costs paid (net)              (24.3)    (21.3)    (66.4)    (63.4) 
 Cash inflow before growth capex 
  and 
 payment of exceptional costs              85.0      46.7     537.9     499.6 
 Growth rental capital expenditure      (222.5)   (158.1)   (651.9)   (587.5) 
 Exceptional operating costs 
  paid                                        -     (0.2)     (0.3)     (0.5) 
 Total cash used in operations          (137.5)   (111.6)   (114.3)    (88.4) 
 Acquisition of businesses                (4.5)    (37.6)   (208.4)   (241.5) 
 Total cash absorbed                    (142.0)   (149.2)   (322.7)   (329.9) 
 Dividends paid                               -         -    (61.4)    (61.4) 
 Purchase of own shares by the 
  ESOT                                        -         -    (20.3)    (20.3) 
 Increase in net debt                   (142.0)   (149.2)   (404.4)   (411.6) 
 

* 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 50% to GBP217m. Reflecting a higher level of working capital due to higher activity levels and the seasonality of the business, the first quarter cash conversion ratio was 77% (2014: 69%).

Total payments for capital expenditure (rental equipment and other property, plant and equipment) in the first quarter were GBP364m (2014: GBP247m). Disposal proceeds received totalled GBP40m, giving net payments for capital expenditure of GBP324m in the period (2014: GBP230m). Financing costs paid totalled GBP24m (2014: GBP21m) while tax payments were GBP7m (2014: GBP5m). Financing costs paid can differ from the charge in the income statement due to the timing of interest payments in the year and non-cash interest charges.

Accordingly, in the quarter the Group generated GBP85m (2014: GBP47m) of net cash before discretionary investments made to enlarge the size and hence earning capacity of its rental fleet and on acquisitions. After growth investment and acquisitions, there was a net cash outflow of GBP142m (2014: GBP149m).

Net debt

 
                                       31 July        30 April 
                                     2015      2014       2015 
                                     GBPm      GBPm       GBPm 
 
 First priority senior secured 
  bank debt                         905.6     762.2      782.7 
 Finance lease obligations            5.3       4.6        5.3 
 6.5% second priority senior 
  secured notes, due 2022           580.7     537.2      589.8 
 5.625% second priority senior 
  secured notes, due 2024           315.0         -      319.8 
                                  1,806.6   1,304.0    1,697.6 
 Cash and cash equivalents          (2.3)     (4.5)     (10.5) 
 Total net debt                   1,804.3   1,299.5    1,687.1 
 

Net debt at 31 July 2015 was GBP1,804m with the increase since 30 April 2015 reflecting principally the net cash outflow set out above, partially offset by GBP26m of currency translation benefit. The Group's EBITDA for the twelve months ended 31 July 2015 was GBP981m and the ratio of net debt to EBITDA was therefore 1.8 times at 31 July 2015 (2014: 1.9 times) on a constant currency basis and 1.8 times (2014: 1.8 times) on a reported basis.

Principal risks and uncertainties

(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires

September 02, 2015 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

1 Year Ashtead Chart

1 Year Ashtead Chart

1 Month Ashtead Chart

1 Month Ashtead Chart

Your Recent History

Delayed Upgrade Clock