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SAGA Saga Plc

104.40
-3.20 (-2.97%)
25 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Saga Plc LSE:SAGA London Ordinary Share GB00BMX64W89 ORD 15P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -3.20 -2.97% 104.40 104.40 105.00 108.60 104.20 106.60 549,025 16:35:09
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Misc Retail Stores, Nec 581.1M -259.2M -1.8401 -0.57 147.62M

SAGA PLC Interim Results for six months ended 31 July 2016 (3813K)

21/09/2016 7:01am

UK Regulatory


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TIDMSAGA

RNS Number : 3813K

SAGA PLC

21 September 2016

21 September 2016

Saga plc

Interim Results for the six months ended 31 July 2016

23% increase in interim dividend supported by strong financial performance

Saga plc ("Saga" or "the Group"), the UK's specialist in products and services for life after 50, announces its interim results for the six months ended 31 July 2016.

Financial highlights

 
                                                    31 July      31 July     Change 
                                                      2016         2015 
-----------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
  Profit before tax from continuing operations     GBP109.9m    GBP101.3m     8.5% 
  Basic EPS from continuing operations               7.9p         7.3p        8.2% 
  Debt ratio (net debt(1) to EBITDA(1) )             2.2x         2.4x       (0.2)x 
  Interim dividend                                   2.7p         2.2p       22.7% 
 
   --     Trading Profit(1)  of GBP117.6m (H1 2015: GBP117.5m) 

o Trading Profit in the core businesses grew by 2.0%, including GBP4.7m negative profit impact in H1 2016 of scheduled maintenance for Saga Sapphire cruise ship

-- Profit before tax, excluding the effect of derivative gains, increased by 3.9% to GBP104.5m (H1 2015: GBP100.6m)

   --     Sustained cash generation, leading to further deleveraging: 

o Net debt to EBITDA reduced to 2.2x from 2.4x at 31 July 2015

o Progressing towards target range for debt ratio of between 1.5 and 2.0 times in the medium term

-- 23% increase in interim dividend to 2.7p supported by financial performance and ongoing deleveraging

Operational highlights

   --     Insurance - strong performance in competitive environment: 

o Total core insurance policies increased to 3,051k (H1 2015: 2,731k), 3.0% growth excluding Bennetts

o Motor panel performing effectively, taking around one quarter of net premium(2) on renewals

o Continued strong performance in motor underwriting with combined operating ratio(3) of 58.6% (H1 2015: 65.5%)

o Solvency II position of 196% (31 January 2016: 170%)1

o Quota share reducing capital at risk, enabling cash to be gradually released from AICL

   --     Travel - robust trading performance and visibility: 

o Substantial majority of 2016/2017 sales targets already met and ahead of prior year for departures in 2017/2018

o No discernable impact on customer behavior following the UK's decision to leave the EU

   --     Good progress made on design for new cruise ship with delivery on track for July 2019 

(1) Please refer to the glossary provided in the Saga plc annual report and accounts for a full definition of this measure. The income statement and supporting analysis given later in the Chief Financial Officer's Review shows how this measure reconciles to statutory measures.

(2) Net premium here is defined as the share of premium paid by customer that is passed on to the underwriter.

(3) Combined operating ratio is the ratio of claims costs and expenses incurred in selling and administering insurance underwritten (the numerator) to the net earned premium and other income (the denominator) recognised for the period.

 
                                              31 July 2016    31 July     Change 
                                                                2015 
------------------------------------------  --------------  ---------  ----------- 
  Insurance 
  Core policies                                  3,051k       2,731k       11.7% 
  Motor combined operating ratio                 58.6%         65.5%     (6.9)ppts 
  Travel 
  Tour operating passengers                       95k           96k       (1.0)% 
  Ship passenger days                             135k         171k        (21.1)% 
  Customers 
  Contactable people on Saga database            11.3m         11.0m       2.7% 
  Active customers                                2.7m         2.6m        3.8% 
  Average core product holding per active 
   customer                                       1.7           1.7          - 
 

Commenting on the results, Lance Batchelor, Group Chief Executive Officer, said:

"I am pleased that the business has made significant progress with our key strategic initiatives whilst delivering another robust financial performance. The strength of our core businesses and our operating model has again led to strong cash generation, enabling us to further reduce our debt ratio and giving us the confidence to increase our interim dividend by 23% to 2.7p.

Saga already has significant brand awareness and customer loyalty but we have been working hard to enhance our understanding of the relationship with our customers. This has produced some fascinating insights and opportunities and we are underway with the work that will enable us to capitalise on our findings.

We have seen no discernible impact to date from Britain's decision to leave the European Union; this has been especially notable in our Travel business, where we polled customers recently and 99% said that Brexit would not make them reconsider their future holiday plans.

The robust operational performance in the first half means that we are on track to meet our targets for the full year."

A presentation to analysts will be held at 09.30 at the offices of Goldman Sachs, Peterborough Court, 133 Fleet Street, London, EC4A 2BB. There will be a live webcast of the analyst presentation for registered participants. Registration can be completed at http://corporate.saga.co.uk/. The webcast will be also accessible via the Saga website following the presentation.

For further information please contact:

 
  Saga plc 
  Tim McCall, director of corporate         Tel: 07753 561 862 
   affairs                                   Email: tim.mccall@saga.co.uk 
  Duncan Browne, investor relations         Tel: 07710 440 528 
   manager                                   Email: duncan.browne@saga.co.uk 
  Paul Green, director of communications    Tel: 01303 776 023 / 07714 414 859 
                                             Email: paul.green@saga.co.uk 
  MHP 
  Tim Rowntree/Simon Hockridge              Tel: 020 3128 8100 
                                             Email: saga@mhpc.com 
 

Notes to editors

Saga is a specialist in the provision of products and services for life after 50. The Saga brand is one of the most recognised and trusted brands in the UK and is known for its high level of customer service and its high quality, award winning products and services including cruises and holidays, insurance, personal finance and publishing. saga.co.uk

Group Chief Executive's Review

Overview

The business has produced another solid financial performance in the first half of the year with sustained profit growth in our core businesses delivered alongside investment in future growth. Profit before tax, excluding the effect of derivative gains, grew by 3.9% to GBP104.5m, generating GBP97.3m of available operating cash flow. This allowed us to further decrease our debt ratio to 2.2x net debt to EBITDA, making further progress towards our target range of 1.5x to 2.0x. This positive performance, combined with our confidence in our robust, sustainable operating model, has enabled us to increase our interim dividend by 23% to 2.7p, in line with our progressive dividend policy.

Our strategy remains focused on becoming an even more customer driven business, growing our core insurance and travel businesses, investing in future growth and maintaining our operating model to generate strong cash flows and robust earnings.

Become an even more customer driven business

A significant amount of work has been undertaken to further enhance our understanding of our customers. A large part of that work has been to segment our customer base and identify a cohort of high value customers that already have the strongest relationship with Saga. By identifying this group we are able to understand their common characteristics and to evolve our proposition to help ensure we build on our relationship with them.

To maximise the benefit of this insight, we are currently implementing a new suite of marketing software tools, which will enable us to understand how each customer interacts with us across multiple channels, and to produce targeted and personalised communications for them. This in turn allows us to optimise our marketing resources, and to reduce the use of mass direct marketing materials.

We are excited about the potential benefits of work in this area and we already have multiple initiatives underway internally that will allow us to capitalise on our findings. These initiatives will be launched externally in the coming months and we will update the market on the details in due course.

Growing our core businesses

Insurance

The strength of Saga's insurance model lies in its flexibility to operate efficiently in all market conditions, balancing volume and price to deliver sustainable, robust earnings. Through Saga Services, our retail broker, we have the ability to access high quality, accurately priced underwriting from the most cost efficient source. This is either from our panel of third party providers, our own in-house underwriter, AICL, or from a third party solus arrangement. So far this year, this has allowed us to perform strongly across our portfolio of insurance products in a continuingly competitive environment, with Trading Profit up 3.7%.

The UK motor insurance market has remained highly competitive. While motor premiums demonstrated strong growth year on year, we saw the pace of premium growth slow markedly during the second quarter of the year.

The motor panel is proving effective with around a quarter of the net premiums on renewal going to third party underwriters. Our experience in home insurance shows that motor panel will take some time to reach its optimum pricing potential. It will become increasingly efficient as underwriters understand the Saga customer base, gain comfort with the data we provide them through the 'Saga Factor' and as more underwriters join the panel. We have started rolling out insurer hosted pricing, which enables us to receive enhanced real-time pricing from our third party providers, leading to better pricing and improved competitive tension. We currently have five insurers on the panel and expect to add more insurers to compete for volume during the remainder of the financial year.

As part of our drive to improve the customer experience and efficiency of our operations, we are undertaking the modernisation of our insurance sales and administration platform over the next three years. This update will enhance our ability to rapidly react to customers' changing needs, regardless of the channel through which they interact with Saga. The cost of this new generation of supported insurance operating platform will be covered within our usual run rate of capital expenditure.

We have delivered a 6.9% improvement in our reported combined operating ratio to 58.6% with a consistent level of reserve releases. This improvement is the result of the earn through of motor rate increases combined with ongoing efficient management of claims and continued positive claims experience, as well as an earned to written benefit from the introduction of the arrangement fee at the end of last year.

The UK home insurance market continues to be highly competitive and we have seen the same deflationary rate environment that the wider market has experienced. Despite these conditions, the efficiency of our panel has helped us to maintain our competitiveness and deliver growth in core policies.

In recent years, the competitive tension on the home insurance panel continued to rise as new panel members joined. This meant that, in a falling market, we were afforded a pricing advantage, with the cost of risk being charged to our retail broker, Saga Services, falling faster than the average market price of policies. The panel is now running very efficiently and as a result, future margin improvements are expected to be more in line with wider market rate rises.

We have continued to deliver a strong performance in other insurance, through growing customer numbers in this segment's core products of private medical insurance ('PMI') and travel insurance. Continued strong performance in PMI has been driven by our ability to manage our supply chain to achieve lower net rates. We have also been working closely with our supplier to improve the customer proposition to ensure its relevance to our target customer base. We now have a system in place that means patients can fast track appointments, providing the certainty and urgency that is important to our demographic. Our travel insurance has continued to perform well in light of our focus on developing new routes to market. This has helped us to continue to grow volumes, despite seeing market reductions in quote levels compared to the same period last year.

Travel

We have delivered growth in both revenue and profit within our tour operating business. We have continued to see a shift in the mix of sales to longer-haul, higher-value products as customers look beyond some of the more traditional holiday destinations. In this area, our customers value the security and the highly differentiated products that we offer. The shift is testament to our expertise in catering for the specific needs of our customer demographic and the flexibility of our model, which allows us to shift our offer to match changes in demand. We are continuing to broaden and target our offering based upon customer insight and this has been very well received to date.

Cruising has had a strong first half year with improvements in yields year on year. However Saga Sapphire underwent scheduled maintenance during the period which had a GBP4.7m adverse profit impact.

Our focus in cruising remains the safety of our ships, our passengers and our crew and we continue to invest to ensure we are continuously "raising the bar" within this remit. Outside of this we continually challenge ourselves to understand and adapt to our customer feedback which is ultimately measured by our exceptionally high guest satisfaction scores.

In both tour operating and cruising, we have already secured the substantial majority of our 2016/2017 sales targets and are ahead of prior year for departures in 2017/2018.

Current trading

Trading to week ending 10 September 2016

 
                                         2017/2018    Growth    2016/2017 
    Departure Year 
------------------------------------   -----------  --------  ----------- 
 
  Tour Operating Revenue (GBPm)              105.4     15.0%         91.6 
  Tour Operating Passengers (000)             49.6     13.0%         43.9 
 
  Cruise Revenue (GBPm)                       51.6      1.0%         51.1 
  Cruise Passenger Days (000)                210.9      3.6%        203.5 
 

Investing in future growth

The strength of our core businesses allows us to continue to explore areas in which we can provide enhanced and differentiated products and services that cater for our customers' needs.

We have made good progress during the period in the design stage of the new cruise ship, conducted in consultation with our customers. We are working with one of the world's best cruise shipyards and are on track for delivery of the ship in July 2019. Given its enduring popularity with our customers, it is not surprising that we have received a high level of interest from customers regarding our new ship, with nearly 5,000 pre-registrations for the initial cruises. The first cruises will begin to go on sale next year and both we and our customers are extremely excited about the future of our cruising business.

As we have stated previously, the economics of the new ship will be transformational for our cruise business, delivering significant improvements in profits while enhancing our already fantastic customer experience.

We are continuing to develop our broad Saga Money proposition to serve our customers' wide range of financial needs. Within that, Saga Investment Services is making progress as the product range is broadened and customers continue to seek financial advice approaching retirement. The majority of our initial customers' have chosen to invest in our readymade portfolios, tailored by growth and risk objectives. During the recent challenging period immediately after Brexit, customers of these portfolios benefited from the funds' diversification.

We also continue to operate our other small scale, low cost pilots and we will continue to monitor progress and keep the market updated.

Maintaining our simple and efficient operating model

Strong cash generation and robustness of earnings are central to our model. Our new motor panel allows us to offer competitive products to a broader range of customers, and increase our ratio of broked to underwritten policies, growing our potential footprint and enhancing the quality of earnings.

The funds-withheld quota share arrangement we now have in place will reduce the need to hold as much capital in the future within our underwriter, gradually allowing cash to be released as a greater number of policies are covered by the arrangement. This will enhance cash generation, supporting our progressive dividend policy, while also maintaining our debt reduction targets.

We are also stepping up measures to enhance customers' experience of dealing with Saga, as well as improving operational efficiency across the business. We are in the process of introducing a new claims system, which will improve the process for our customers, as well as reducing costs associated with claims handling. As mentioned above, we will also be modernising our retail broking platform with an upgraded sales and administration system. The back office of our travel business is also being reorganised to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Lastly, we have put in place an enhanced procurement team to drive purchasing efficiency across the Group.

Britain's decision to leave the European Union (Brexit)

Before the 23(rd) June EU Referendum we had stated our belief that whatever the outcome of the vote, we were confident that Saga could continue to thrive. We were confident because our business model is flexible, and our target market has shown itself to be robust in the face of previous economic challenges.

The largest part of the Saga business that was potentially exposed to changing customer behaviour post the vote is our travel business. However, we polled our customers in the immediate aftermath of the vote and less than 1% of them said that they were reconsidering their future holiday plans as a result of the referendum result.

Since then, we have seen no discernible impact on our customers' travel behaviour across the business, evidenced by our current trading in the travel business. Our travel business model is also different to the industry standard as we do not have to make volume commitments to hotels and suppliers. We also hedge fuel and other costs up to two years in advance so that short term currency and oil price fluctuations have no material impact on pricing to customers.

With regard to our underwriting operations in Gibraltar (AICL), at present we can see no reason why the decision to leave the EU will lead to a change in how we currently operate.

The longer-term impact of the Brexit negotiations will emerge over time, but we will monitor them closely and remain confident in our ability to adapt to and thrive amidst the new challenges and opportunities.

Conclusion

The first half of the year has been an exciting one with a significant amount of activity throughout all areas of the company. Whilst growing our core businesses and exploring opportunities for future growth, we are working hard to increase our understanding of our customers through an enhanced dialogue, further analysis of our database and developing our proposition.

Our aim is to deliver on these objectives, while continuing to generate resilient earnings, progressive returns to shareholders and reaching our cash generation and debt reduction targets. I believe that we have the right team in place to achieve our goals and I am confident that we will deliver on our plans for the full year.

Chief Financial Officer's Review

The Group had a solid first six months of the year, with Trading Profit in line with H1 2015. Profit before tax increased by 8.5% and, excluding the benefit of derivative gains, grew by 3.9%. These results were impacted by the scheduled Saga Sapphire maintenance, which reduced profit in the first half of the year by GBP4.7m. After generating a strong positive cash flow, the Group further reduced its debt ratio to 2.2x from 2.3x at 31 January 2016. The interim dividend has been increased by 23% to 2.7p per share (H1 2015: 2.2p).

Income Statement

 
  Group Income Statement                          6m to       Growth      6m to 
                                                    Jul                     Jul 
                                                   2016                    2015 
-------------------------------------------   ------------            ------------ 
 
 
  Revenue                                        GBP437.2m    (8.6%)     GBP478.3m 
                                              ------------            ------------ 
 
  Trading EBITDA                                 GBP133.4m      2.1%     GBP130.6m 
 
  Depreciation & amortisation (excluding 
  acquired intangibles)                         (GBP15.8m)              (GBP13.1m) 
 
  Trading Profit                                 GBP117.6m      0.1%     GBP117.5m 
 
  Non-trading items (incl. IPO expenses)         (GBP0.6m)               (GBP0.4m) 
  Amortisation of acquired intangibles           (GBP3.5m)               (GBP2.4m) 
  Net finance costs                              (GBP9.0m)              (GBP14.1m) 
  Net fair value gains on derivatives              GBP5.4m                 GBP0.7m 
 
  Profit before tax from continuing 
   operations                                    GBP109.9m      8.5%     GBP101.3m 
                                              ------------            ------------ 
 
  Tax expense                                   (GBP22.0m)      8.9%    (GBP20.2m) 
  Loss after tax for the year from 
   discontinued operations                               -               (GBP3.2m) 
 
  Profit after tax                                GBP87.9m     12.8%      GBP77.9m 
                                              ------------            ------------ 
 
  Basic earnings per share: 
  Earnings per share from continuing 
   operations                                         7.9p      8.2%          7.3p 
 

Group revenue decreased by 8.6% to GBP437.2m (H1 2015: GBP478.3m), reflecting the accounting impact from the introduction of the funds-withheld quota share arrangement in motor insurance. Trading Profit was flat against the first half of 2015, with the current period incurring a GBP4.7m profit impact from the scheduled Saga Sapphire maintenance.

Net finance costs in the first half of the year were GBP9.0m (H1 2015: GBP14.1m), benefitting from lower interest costs on debt, lower amortisation of debt issue costs and a credit related to the unwind of discounting.

Profit before tax increased by 8.5% to GBP109.9m (H1 2015: GBP101.3m), reflecting a GBP4.7m increase in derivative fair value gains taken to profit and loss due to favourable movements on foreign exchange and oil price derivatives that are not covered by hedge accounting, and the reduction in finance costs. This was partially offset by an increase in amortisation of acquired intangibles of GBP1.1m as a result of the full six-month impact of Bennetts, acquired on 1 July 2015, and a GBP0.2m increase in non-trading costs.

During the first half of the year we completed the sale of the Bel Jou hotel, in St Lucia. Having written-down its carrying value during the previous financial year, there is no impact on the Group's income statement or balance sheet in the period.

Tax expense

The tax charge reported in the income statement of GBP22.0m (H1 2015: GBP20.2m) equates to 20.0% of profit before tax (H1 2015: 19.9%).

Earnings per share

The Group's basic earnings per share from continuing operations for the six months ending 31 July 2016 were 7.9p (H1 2015: 7.3p).

Dividends

The Directors declared an interim dividend of 2.7p per share (H1 2015: 2.2p per share). The dividend will be paid on 18 November 2016 to holders of ordinary shares on the register at the close of business on 7 October 2016.

Saga offers a share alternative in the form of a dividend re-investment plan ("DRIP") for those shareholders who wish to elect to use their dividend payments to purchase additional shares in the Group, rather than receive a cash payment. The last date for shareholders to elect to participate in the DRIP will be 24 October 2016.

Cash flow and liquidity

The Group continued to generate high levels of cash flow in the six months to 31 July 2016, with an available operating cash flow of 72.9% of Trading EBITDA (H1 2015: 106.5%). Cash flow in the first half of 2016 was more consistent with the expected full-year cash flow outturn.

This cash flow decreased by GBP41.8m on the previous period, which was driven by a lower payout from the restricted businesses, as Travel retained more cash to fund deposits on the new ship, and normalisation of working capital in line with the full year. The working capital movement in the current year includes a one-off payment of GBP7.6m to Acromas in respect of the tax losses purchased, the benefit of which was recognised in the previous year's tax expense.

 
  Available Cash Flow                                 6m to        Growth       6m to 
                                                     Jul 2016                  Jul 2015 
-----------------------------------------------   ------------  ----------  ------------ 
 
  Trading EBITDA                                     GBP133.4m        2.1%     GBP130.6m 
 
  Less Trading EBITDA relating to restricted 
  businesses                                        (GBP64.3m)        6.6%    (GBP60.3m) 
  Intra-group dividends paid by restricted 
   businesses                                         GBP50.0m     (15.3%)      GBP59.0m 
  Working capital and non-cash items                (GBP12.8m)    (178.5%)      GBP16.3m 
  Capital expenditure funded with available 
   cash                                              (GBP9.0m)       38.5%     (GBP6.5m) 
 
  Available operating cash flow                       GBP97.3m     (30.1%)     GBP139.1m 
                                                  ------------              ------------ 
  Available operating cash flow %                        72.9%     (33.6%)        106.5% 
 

Available operating cash flow reconciles to net cash flows from operating activities as follows:

 
                                                     6m to           6m to 
                                                    Jul 2016        Jul 2015 
-----------------------------------------------  ------------    ------------ 
 
  Net cash flow from operating 
   activities (reported)                             GBP91.7m       GBP106.4m 
 
  Exclude cash impact of: 
    Trading of restricted divisions                (GBP62.1m)      (GBP35.7m) 
    Trading of discontinued operation                       -       (GBP5.4m) 
    Cash released from restricted 
     divisions                                       GBP50.0m        GBP59.0m 
    Non-trading costs                                 GBP5.0m         GBP9.6m 
    Interest paid                                     GBP7.2m        GBP13.2m 
                                                 ------------    ------------ 
                                                      GBP0.1m        GBP40.7m 
 
  Include capital expenditure funded 
  from available cash                               (GBP9.0m)       (GBP6.5m) 
  Exclude non-operating interest 
   and tax cash flows                                GBP14.5m       (GBP1.5m) 
  Available operating cash flow                      GBP97.3m       GBP139.1m 
                                                 ------------    ------------ 
 
 

Financing

The Group has reduced its net debt to EBITDA ratio to 2.2x in the six months to 31 July 2016 from 2.3x as at 31 January 2016. As at 31 July 2016, net debt was GBP534.0m, comprising GBP470.0m of gross debt and GBP75.0m of drawn revolving credit facility, offset by GBP11.0m of available cash. This compared with net debt as at 31 January 2016 of GBP547.7m, comprising GBP480.0m of gross debt and GBP75.0m of drawn revolving credit facility, offset by GBP7.3m of available cash.

Pensions

Over the six month period, the valuation of the Group's pension scheme liability has increased on an IAS19 basis by GBP28.8m to a deficit of GBP47.6m (31 January 2016: deficit GBP18.8m):

 
  Saga Scheme                                 31 July          31 January 
                                                2016               2016 
--------------------------------------    -------------      ------------- 
 
  Fair value of scheme assets                 GBP267.8m          GBP218.6m 
  Present value of defined benefit 
  obligation                                (GBP315.4m)        (GBP237.4m) 
  Defined benefit scheme liability           (GBP47.6m)         (GBP18.8m) 
                                          -------------      ------------- 
 
 

The increase in deficit was driven by a GBP78.0m increase in the present value of obligations to GBP315.4m (January 2016: GBP237.4m), due to lower discount rates as a result of falling bond yields. This was partially offset by a GBP49.2m increase in the fair value of the scheme assets to GBP267.8m (January 2016: GBP218.6m), reflecting a change in investment strategy and gains on overseas assets.

Net assets

Since 31 January 2016, total assets and liabilities increased by GBP43.3m and GBP4.9m respectively, increasing overall net assets by GBP38.4m.

The growth in total assets was due to an increase in cash and short-term deposits of GBP22.5m, and an increase in trade and other receivables of GBP16.0m.

With regard to liabilities, pension scheme obligations increased by GBP28.8m, coupled with GBP29.9m more deferred revenue driven by the seasonality of the Travel business (recognised under other liabilities) and an increase in tax liabilities of GBP11.9m. These were partially offset by a reduction of GBP32.7m in gross insurance contract liabilities, due to lower total claims outstanding, GBP19.2m less financial liabilities as a result of more derivative contracts moving into the money and continued deleveraging, and a GBP13.7m decrease in trade in other payables.

Segmental performance

 
  Segmental Performance Summary            6m to      Growth         6m to 
                                            Jul                       Jul 
                                            2016                      2015 
-----------------------------------    -----------               ----------- 
 
 
  Revenue 
 
    Motor Insurance                      GBP120.4m    (23.4%)      GBP157.2m 
    Home Insurance                        GBP47.5m     (6.1%)       GBP50.6m 
    Other Insurance                       GBP47.0m       1.1%       GBP46.5m 
                                       -----------               ----------- 
                                         GBP214.9m    (15.5%)      GBP254.3m 
    Travel                               GBP208.0m     (0.8%)      GBP209.7m 
    Other Businesses and 
     Central Costs                        GBP14.3m       0.0%       GBP14.3m 
                                         GBP437.2m     (8.6%)      GBP478.3m 
                                       -----------               ----------- 
 
  Trading Profit 
 
    Motor Insurance                       GBP72.1m       9.9%       GBP65.6m 
    Home Insurance                        GBP30.4m    (11.6%)       GBP34.4m 
    Other Insurance                       GBP16.0m      11.9%       GBP14.3m 
                                       -----------               ----------- 
                                         GBP118.5m       3.7%      GBP114.3m 
    Travel                                 GBP9.0m    (15.9%)       GBP10.7m 
    Other Businesses and 
     Central Costs                       (GBP9.9m)      32.0%      (GBP7.5m) 
                                         GBP117.6m       0.1%      GBP117.5m 
                                       -----------               ----------- 
 

The prior period has been restated to reclassify certain overhead costs within the insurance segment to provide a more accurate allocation of costs. Insurance Trading Profit of GBP114.3m is unchanged.

Total revenue for the insurance business decreased by 15.5% to GBP214.9m (H1 2015: GBP254.3m), driven primarily by the impact of the new funds-withheld quota share arrangement in motor insurance. Travel revenue reduced by 0.8% to GBP208.0m (H1 2015: GBP209.7m), resulting from the Saga Sapphire maintenance offset by increased revenues from the tour operating businesses. Emerging businesses and central costs revenue was in line with the previous year.

The insurance business saw an increase in Trading Profit of GBP4.2m, driven by the introduction of the motor panel, the full six-month impact of Bennetts and supply chain improvements in private medical insurance. Within this, Trading Profit from home insurance was down GBP4.0m due to lower average premiums and less profit share. This was offset by a GBP1.7m decrease in travel Trading Profit due to the Saga Sapphire maintenance and a GBP2.4m increase in the Trading Loss in the emerging businesses and central costs segment, driven by investment in both the Saga Investment Services and healthcare businesses.

Motor insurance

 
                                   6m to Jul 2016                    Growth                     6m to Jul 2015 
                                                                   --------- 
                     Core      Ancillary    Broking/      Total                   Core       Ancillary    Broking/      Total 
                      UW                      Other       Motor                     UW                      Other       Motor 
  ------------   ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ----------- 
 
  Revenue          GBP70.7m     GBP16.9m    GBP32.8m    GBP120.4m    (23.4%)    GBP118.3m     GBP17.3m    GBP21.6m    GBP157.2m 
                 ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------             -----------  -----------  ----------  ----------- 
  Trading 
  Profit           GBP56.4m      GBP8.8m     GBP6.9m     GBP72.1m       9.9%     GBP49.8m     GBP10.5m     GBP5.3m     GBP65.6m 
                 ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------             -----------  -----------  ----------  ----------- 
 
  Number of policies sold: 
  - core               892k          26k        451k       1,369k      23.1%         956k          23k        133k       1,112k 
  - add-ons             n/a       1,146k        477k       1,623k      22.8%          n/a       1,193k        129k       1,322k 
                 ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------             -----------  -----------  ----------  ----------- 
                       892k       1,172k        928k       2,992k      22.9%         956k       1,216k        262k       2,434k 
 
  Gross written 
   premiums        GBP97.8m     GBP16.3m    GBP57.7m    GBP171.8m       7.1%    GBP122.2m     GBP18.0m    GBP20.2m    GBP160.4m 
 
 

The prior period has been restated to reclassify certain overhead costs within the insurance segment to provide a more accurate allocation of costs. Insurance Trading Profit of GBP114.3m is unchanged.

Overall motor revenue decreased by 23.4% to GBP120.4m (H1 2015: GBP157.2m), with the impact of the new quota share arrangement being partially offset by trading in the Bennetts business that was acquired on 1 July 2015.

High motor market premium inflation during the first quarter of the year lowered persistency, but also led to higher levels of churn in the market, resulting in higher new business sales. Combined with the inclusion of Bennetts for the full six-month period, growth in core motor policies was 23.1%. When excluding Bennetts, core motor insurance policies increased by 1.7% to 1,102k (H1 2015: 1,084k). Motor core policies placed with third-party panel members form part of the policy count included under broking / other.

Positive claims experience within the core underwriting business, the introduction of the motor panel and the full-period impact of Bennetts has enabled an increase in Trading Profit of 9.9%, despite continuing challenging market conditions.

Motor underwriting

The profitability of the core underwritten motor business has improved, as lower net earned premiums are more than offset by improved claims experience and increases in other income.

 
  Motor Core                                     6m to         Quota       Underlying    Growth       6m to 
   Underwriting P&L                                Jul          Share                                   Jul 
                                                  2016                                                 2015 
------------------------  ----------------   ------------  ------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
 
  Net earned premium              A              GBP54.4m    (GBP51.0m)     GBP105.4m     (7.4%)     GBP113.8m 
  Instalment income                               GBP2.3m             -       GBP2.3m      21.1%       GBP1.9m 
  Other income                    B              GBP14.0m       GBP3.0m      GBP11.0m     323.1%       GBP2.6m 
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------             ------------ 
  Revenue                                        GBP70.7m    (GBP48.0m)     GBP118.7m       0.3%     GBP118.3m 
 
  Claims costs                    C            (GBP34.2m)      GBP44.2m    (GBP78.4m)    (11.7%)    (GBP88.8m) 
  Reserve releases                D              GBP40.0m             -      GBP40.0m     (1.2%)      GBP40.5m 
  Claims handling and 
  regulatory fees                 E             (GBP4.0m)       GBP5.7m     (GBP9.7m)       5.4%     (GBP9.2m) 
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------             ------------ 
  Total cost of sales             F               GBP1.8m      GBP49.9m    (GBP48.1m)    (16.3%)    (GBP57.5m) 
 
  Gross profit                                   GBP72.5m       GBP1.9m      GBP70.6m      16.1%      GBP60.8m 
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------             ------------ 
 
  Total expenses                  G            (GBP19.1m)       GBP1.0m    (GBP20.1m)       7.5%    (GBP18.7m) 
 
  Investment return                               GBP3.0m     (GBP3.8m)       GBP6.8m    (11.7%)       GBP7.7m 
 
  Trading Profit                                 GBP56.4m     (GBP0.9m)      GBP57.3m      15.1%      GBP49.8m 
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------             ------------ 
 
  Reported loss ratio         (C+D)/(A+B)          (8.5%)                       33.0%     (8.5%)         41.5% 
  Expense ratio               (E+G)/(A+B)           33.8%                       25.6%       1.6%         24.0% 
  Reported COR                (F+G)/(A+B)           25.3%                       58.6%     (6.9%)         65.5% 
  Pure COR                   (F+G-D)/(A+B)          83.8%                       93.0%     (7.3%)        100.3% 
 
 

The prior period has been restated to reclassify certain overhead costs within the insurance segment to provide a more accurate allocation of costs. Insurance Trading Profit of GBP114.3m is unchanged.

As intended, the introduction of the new motor panel has resulted in more higher-premium business being placed with third-party underwriters, reported under broking / other, which has driven a reduction in the number of policies and average premiums that remain underwritten by the Group. This effect, combined with the newly introduced arrangement fee now recognised in other income, has resulted in underlying net earned premium reducing by 7.4% to GBP105.4m.

Underlying profit from the core underwritten motor business has increased by 15.1% to GBP57.3m (H1 2015: GBP49.8m), with a 7.3% improvement in the pure combined operating ratio when excluding the effect of the new funds-withheld quota share arrangement. This improvement has been driven by the earn through of motor rate increases combined with our strong claims performance, coupled with an earned to written benefit enjoyed from the introduction of the arrangement fee at the end of last year.

The accounting for the new quota share arrangement, effective from 1 February 2016, has resulted in a reduction in revenue and some cost lines, with a limited impact on Trading Profit. The impact of this has been presented in the table above. The premiums ceded to the reinsurer are based on the net premiums recognised by AICL, and so they do not incorporate a share of broker revenue.

The Group has not seen the increase in claims frequency that has been reported elsewhere in the market recently, with current levels of frequency being broadly flat across accidental damage, third party damage and personal injury claims. As previously reported, this is largely a result of the characteristics of the Group's current customer base, with the majority of customers being retired, therefore lessening the impact of recent falls in fuel costs and economic growth.

Claims severity during 2016 has increased in line with expectations, being broadly stable across accidental damage, third party damage and small personal injury claims when removing the effect of cost inflation. The Group is not currently experiencing the inflation in personal injury claims costs reported elsewhere and has continued to maintain strong levels of retention within the Ministry of Justice Portal, in addition to its significant and ongoing focus on effective management of these types of claims.

Home insurance

 
                                  6m to Jul 2016               Growth               6m to Jul 2015 
                                                             --------- 
                        Ancillary       Core        Total                 Ancillary       Core        Total 
                            UW         Broking       Home                     UW         Broking       Home 
                                          /                                                 / 
                                      Coinsured                                         Coinsured 
  -----------------   -----------  ------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ---------- 
 
  Revenue                 GBP9.2m      GBP38.3m    GBP47.5m     (6.1%)      GBP9.0m      GBP41.6m    GBP50.6m 
                      -----------  ------------  ----------             -----------  ------------  ---------- 
  Trading Profit          GBP3.9m      GBP26.5m    GBP30.4m    (11.6%)      GBP5.1m      GBP29.3m    GBP34.4m 
                      -----------  ------------  ----------             -----------  ------------  ---------- 
 
  Number of policies sold: 
  - core                      n/a        1,283k      1,283k       2.0%          n/a        1,258k      1,258k 
  - add-ons                  545k           n/a        545k     (1.4%)         553k           n/a        553k 
                      -----------  ------------  ----------             -----------  ------------  ---------- 
                             545k        1,283k      1,828k       0.9%         553k        1,258k      1,811k 
 
  Gross written 
   premiums               GBP9.9m      GBP67.7m    GBP77.6m     (2.6%)     GBP10.2m      GBP69.5m    GBP79.7m 
 

The prior period has been restated to reclassify certain overhead costs within the insurance segment to provide a more accurate allocation of costs. Insurance Trading Profit of GBP114.3m is unchanged.

The home insurance market has remained highly competitive over the last six months, with no inflation in premiums.

Revenue decreased by 6.1% to GBP47.5m (H1 2015: GBP50.6m) due to a reduction in profit share and a small fall in average premiums compared to the first half of last year. This, coupled with inflationary increases in operating expenses, resulted in a decrease in Trading Profit of 11.6% to GBP30.4m (H1 2015: GBP34.4m).

Other insurance

 
                                       6m to Jul 2016              Growth               6m to Jul 2015 
                                                                 --------- 
                               Core        Core        Total                    Core        Core        Total 
                                UW        Broking       Other                    UW        Broking       Other 
                                             /        Insurance                               /        Insurance 
                                           Other                                            Other 
  ----------------------   ----------  ----------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 
  Revenue                    GBP17.8m    GBP29.2m      GBP47.0m       1.1%    GBP19.7m    GBP26.8m      GBP46.5m 
                           ----------  ----------  ------------             ----------  ----------  ------------ 
  Trading Profit              GBP1.5m    GBP14.5m      GBP16.0m      11.9%     GBP2.0m    GBP12.3m      GBP14.3m 
                           ----------  ----------  ------------             ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 
  Number of policies sold: 
  - core                          32k        367k          399k      10.5%         29k        332k          361k 
  - add-ons                       n/a          3k            3k    (40.0%)         n/a          5k            5k 
                           ----------  ----------  ------------             ----------  ----------  ------------ 
                                  32k        370k          402k       9.8%         29k        337k          366k 
 
  Gross written premiums      GBP3.3m    GBP64.8m      GBP68.1m       1.9%     GBP3.1m    GBP63.7m      GBP66.8m 
 

The prior period has been restated to reclassify certain overhead costs within the insurance segment to provide a more accurate allocation of costs. Insurance Trading Profit of GBP114.3m is unchanged.

Revenue in other insurance lines grew by 1.1% to GBP47.0m (H1 2015: GBP46.5m), driven by an increase in travel insurance volumes, and lower net rates on private medical insurance due to supply chain improvements.

Trading Profit was up GBP1.7m to GBP16.0m (H1 2015: GBP14.3m) due to an increase in profit on private medical insurance, and after marketing spend in the previous year on Saga Legal Services. This was partially offset by increased costs in line with increased travel insurance volumes.

Insurance underwriting

Reserving

 
   Reserve Releases           6m to       Growth      6m to 
                                Jul                     Jul 
                               2016                    2015 
-----------------------    ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
  Motor insurance: 
    Core UW                  GBP40.0m      (1.2%)    GBP40.5m 
    Ancillary                       -    (100.0%)     GBP0.5m 
                           ----------              ---------- 
                             GBP40.0m      (2.4%)    GBP41.0m 
  Home insurance              GBP0.4m     100.0%            - 
  Other insurance             GBP0.8m       60.0%     GBP0.5m 
 
  Total                      GBP41.2m      (0.7%)    GBP41.5m 
                           ----------              ---------- 
 

Continued favourable claims development experience during the six months to 31 July 2016, driven by large and small personal injury claims, enabled the Group to maintain a consistent level of reserve releases in the first half of the year of GBP41.2m (H1 2015: GBP41.5m). There has been no deterioration in the reserve margin year-on-year. Releases in the second half of this year are expected to be lower than the comparable period in the prior year.

Analysis of insurance contract liabilities at 31 July 2016 and 31 January 2016 is as follows:

 
                                         At 31 Jul 2016                            At 31 Jan 2016 
                               Gross      Reinsurance       Net           Gross      Reinsurance       Net 
                                             Assets                                     Assets 
  -------------------      -----------  -------------  -----------    -----------  -------------  ----------- 
 
  Reported claims            GBP333.6m     (GBP76.5m)    GBP257.1m      GBP341.5m     (GBP70.7m)    GBP270.8m 
  Incurred but 
   not reported              GBP192.6m     (GBP30.0m)    GBP162.6m      GBP209.2m     (GBP30.9m)    GBP178.3m 
  Claims handling 
   provision                  GBP10.8m              -     GBP10.8m       GBP10.9m              -     GBP10.9m 
                           -----------  -------------  -----------    -----------  -------------  ----------- 
  Total claims 
   outstanding               GBP537.0m    (GBP106.5m)    GBP430.5m      GBP561.6m    (GBP101.6m)    GBP460.0m 
 
  Unearned premiums          GBP133.6m      (GBP2.4m)    GBP131.2m      GBP141.7m      (GBP4.8m)    GBP136.9m 
 
  Total                      GBP670.6m    (GBP108.9m)    GBP561.7m      GBP703.3m    (GBP106.4m)    GBP596.9m 
                           -----------  -------------  -----------    -----------  -------------  ----------- 
 

The Group's total insurance contract liabilities net of reinsurance assets have reduced by GBP35.2m as at 31 July 2016 from 31 January 2016 due to a GBP29.5m decrease in the total claims outstanding and a GBP5.7m decrease in unearned premiums.

Investment portfolio

The majority of the Group's financial assets are held by its underwriting entity, and represent premium income received and invested to settle claims, and to meet regulatory capital requirements. The maturity profile of the invested financial assets is aligned with the expected cash outflow profile associated with the settlement of claims in the future.

The amount held in invested funds increased by GBP3.1m compared with the previous year end, from GBP644.7m as at 31 January 2016, to GBP647.8m as at 31 July 2016. As at 31 July 2016, 94% of the financial assets held by the Group were invested with counterparties with a risk rating of A or above, which is up 2 percentage points on the previous year and reflects the move towards the Group's more prudent investment strategy.

 
  At 31 July 2016                   AAA           AA             A          <A        Unrated        Total 
-----------------------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  ----------- 
 
  Underwriting investment portfolio: 
    Deposits with financial 
     institutions                 GBP30.0m      GBP110.7m    GBP224.1m          -             -    GBP364.8m 
    Debt securities               GBP81.9m              -            -          -             -     GBP81.9m 
    Money market funds           GBP114.6m              -            -          -             -    GBP114.6m 
    Hedge funds                          -              -            -          -      GBP25.5m     GBP25.5m 
    Loan funds                           -              -            -          -       GBP6.2m      GBP6.2m 
    Loan notes                           -              -            -          -       GBP4.5m      GBP4.5m 
    Unlisted equity shares               -              -            -          -       GBP0.2m      GBP0.2m 
 
  Total invested funds           GBP226.5m      GBP110.7m    GBP224.1m          -      GBP36.4m    GBP597.7m 
 
  Hedging derivative assets              -       GBP35.7m     GBP13.9m    GBP0.5m             -     GBP50.1m 
 
  Total financial assets         GBP226.5m      GBP146.4m    GBP238.0m    GBP0.5m      GBP36.4m    GBP647.8m 
                               -----------  -------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 

Solvency capital

 
                                              6m to       12m to 
                                               Jul          Jan 
                                               2016         2016 
  -------------------------------------   -----------  ----------- 
 
  Undertaking-specific parameters 
  Solvency Capital Requirement (SCR)        GBP109.7m    GBP128.8m 
  Available capital                         GBP214.6m    GBP219.6m 
  Surplus                                   GBP104.9m     GBP90.8m 
                                          -----------  ----------- 
 
  Coverage                                       196%         170% 
 

As expected, the Group's Solvency II coverage ratio has risen during the period as the new quota share arrangement is taken into account. At 31 July 2016, the Group had an SCR of GBP109.7m and available capital of GBP214.6m, giving a coverage ratio of 196%.

Travel

The Travel business has had another strong six months of trading, offset by the scheduled maintenance of one of the Group's cruise ships, the Saga Sapphire.

 
                                   6m to Jul 2016               Growth               6m to Jul 2015 
                                                              --------- 
                            Tour       Cruising      Total                    Tour       Cruising      Total 
                          Operating                  Travel                 Operating                  Travel 
  ------------------   ------------  ----------  -----------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------- 
 
  Revenue                 GBP170.5m    GBP37.5m    GBP208.0m     (0.8%)     GBP166.9m    GBP42.8m    GBP209.7m 
                       ------------  ----------  -----------             ------------  ----------  ----------- 
  Trading Profit            GBP8.5m     GBP0.5m      GBP9.0m    (15.9%)       GBP8.3m     GBP2.4m     GBP10.7m 
                       ------------  ----------  -----------             ------------  ----------  ----------- 
 
  Number of holidays 
   passengers                   95k         n/a          95k     (1.0%)           96k         n/a          96k 
  Number of ship 
   passenger 
   days                         n/a        135k         135k    (21.1%)           n/a        171k         171k 
 

The tour operating businesses generated a 2.2% increase in revenue to GBP170.5m (H1 2015: GBP166.9m), despite a small decrease in passenger numbers of 1.0% on the previous year, as average revenue per passenger increased due to a change in product mix to more long haul and third-party cruise products. This resulted in an increase in Trading Profit to GBP8.5m (H1 2015: GBP8.3m).

The Saga Sapphire was out of operation for scheduled maintenance for 63 days between April and June, which impacted revenue and Trading Profit by GBP8.6m and GBP4.7m respectively. As a result, cruising delivered revenue of GBP37.5m, 12.4% below the previous year (H1 2015: GBP42.8m), and Trading Profit of GBP0.5m (H1 2015: GBP2.4m). Excluding the impact of the Saga Sapphire maintenance, revenue and Trading Profit would have both increased, reflecting improved yields.

Emerging businesses and central costs

 
                          6m to      Growth       6m to 
                           Jul                     Jul 
                           2016                    2015 
                      -----------             ----------- 
 
 
  Revenue                GBP14.3m       0.0%     GBP14.3m 
                      -----------             ----------- 
  Trading Loss          (GBP9.9m)    (32.0%)    (GBP7.5m) 
                      -----------             ----------- 
 

Revenue from emerging businesses was consistent with the previous year, at GBP14.3m (H1 2015: GBP14.3m).

The overall Trading Loss from this segment was GBP9.9m (H1 2015: GBP7.5m), the increase being driven by investment in both the Saga Investment Services and healthcare businesses.

Financial outlook and guidance

Given trading in the year to date, the Group expects to deliver an ongoing increase in the profitability of the core businesses. After incremental investment year on year in emerging businesses, and with the benefit of lower finance costs, we are confident of delivering growth in PBT of between 5% and 7% for the full year.

With our strong cash generative attributes and our robust solvency positon, we are confident that we can deliver on our progressive dividend policy, while continuing to reduce our debt ratio toward our medium term target range of between 1.5 and 2.0 times.

Condensed consolidated income statement

for the period ended 31 July 2016

 
                                                    Unaudited    Unaudited 
                                                        6m to        6m to        12m to 
                                            Note     Jul 2016     Jul 2015      Jan 2016 
                                                        GBP'm        GBP'm         GBP'm 
 
  Revenue                                    3          437.2        478.3         963.2 
  Cost of sales                              3        (201.5)      (264.4)       (544.2) 
                                                  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
  Gross profit                                          235.7        213.9         419.0 
  Administrative and selling expenses                 (122.9)      (106.2)       (227.3) 
  Investment income                                       2.0          6.9          11.0 
  Finance costs                                         (9.7)       (14.1)        (25.2) 
  Finance income                                          6.1          0.7             - 
  Share of (loss)/profit of joint 
   ventures                                             (1.3)          0.1         (1.3) 
                                                  ----------- 
  Profit before tax from continuing 
   operations                                           109.9        101.3         176.2 
  Tax expense                                5         (22.0)       (20.2)        (28.1) 
                                                  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
  Profit for the period from continuing 
   operations                                            87.9         81.1         148.1 
 
  Loss after tax from discontinued 
   operations                                18             -        (3.2)         (6.9) 
 
  Profit for the period                                  87.9         77.9         141.2 
                                                  ===========  ===========  ============ 
 
  Attributable to: 
  Equity holders of the parent                           87.9         77.8         140.9 
  Non-controlling interests                               0.0          0.1           0.3 
                                                  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
                                                         87.9         77.9         141.2 
                                                  ===========  ===========  ============ 
 
 
  Earnings per share: 
  Basic                                      7           7.9p         7.0p         12.7p 
  Diluted                                    7           7.8p         6.9p         12.6p 
 
  Earnings per share for continuing 
   operations: 
  Basic                                      7           7.9p         7.3p         13.3p 
  Diluted                                    7           7.8p         7.2p         13.2p 
 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income

for the period ended 31 July 2016

 
                                                        Unaudited    Unaudited 
                                                            6m to        6m to  12m to Jan 
                                                         Jul 2016     Jul 2015        2016 
                                                            GBP'm        GBP'm       GBP'm 
 
  Profit for the period                                      87.9         77.9       141.2 
 
    Other comprehensive income 
 
    Other comprehensive income to be reclassified 
    to the income statement in subsequent periods 
  Exchange differences on translation of 
   foreign operations                                           -            -       (1.2) 
  Net gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges                        32.0        (5.7)        16.6 
  Net gain/(loss) on available for sale financial 
   assets                                                     4.3        (2.1)       (1.6) 
  Tax effect                                                (6.6)          1.4       (2.6) 
                                                      -----------  -----------  ---------- 
                                                             29.7        (6.4)        11.2 
  Other comprehensive income not to be reclassified 
   to the income statement in subsequent periods 
  Re-measurement (losses)/gains on defined 
   benefit plans                                           (30.1)         18.3        26.6 
  Tax effect                                                  5.4        (3.7)       (4.8) 
                                                      -----------  -----------  ---------- 
                                                           (24.7)         14.6        21.8 
                                                      -----------  -----------  ---------- 
  Total other comprehensive gains                             5.0          8.2        33.0 
                                                      -----------  -----------  ---------- 
  Total comprehensive income for the period                  92.9         86.1       174.2 
                                                      ===========  ===========  ========== 
 
 
 
  Attributable to: 
  Equity holders of the parent     92.9    86.0    173.9 
  Non-controlling interests           -     0.1      0.3 
                                   92.9    86.1    174.2 
                                 ======  ======  ======= 
 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of financial position

as at 31 July 2016

 
                                                     Unaudited           Unaudited 
                                                     As at Jul           As at Jul    As at Jan 
                                            Note          2016                2015         2016 
  Assets                                                 GBP'm               GBP'm        GBP'm 
  Goodwill                                   9         1,485.0             1,485.0      1,485.0 
  Intangible fixed assets                    10           51.5                49.6         52.3 
  Investment in joint ventures                             1.5                 2.3          1.6 
  Property, plant and equipment              11          137.9               128.9        140.6 
  Financial assets                           12          647.8               603.9        644.7 
  Deferred tax assets                                     25.3                21.4         22.1 
  Reinsurance assets                         15          108.9                73.1        106.4 
  Inventories                                              4.5                 4.7          4.9 
  Trade and other receivables                            204.0               181.8        188.0 
  Assets held for sale                       18              -                40.7            - 
  Cash and short-term deposits               13          129.0               140.0        106.5 
                                                  ------------ 
  Total assets                                         2,795.4             2,731.4      2,752.1 
                                                  ============       =============  =========== 
  Liabilities 
  Retirement benefit scheme obligations      14           47.6                26.0         18.8 
  Gross insurance contract liabilities       15          670.6               691.8        703.3 
  Provisions                                               3.9                 4.8          4.0 
  Financial liabilities                      12          561.3               583.3        580.5 
  Current tax liabilities                                 20.9                36.6         15.0 
  Deferred tax liabilities                                23.4                 6.8         17.4 
  Other liabilities                                      163.2               161.4        133.3 
  Trade and other payables                               177.9               155.5        191.6 
  Liabilities held for sale                  18              -                40.9            - 
                                                  ------------       -------------  ----------- 
  Total liabilities                                    1,668.8             1,707.1      1,663.9 
                                                  ------------       -------------  ----------- 
  Equity 
  Issued capital                                          11.2                11.2         11.2 
  Share premium                                          519.3               519.3        519.3 
  Retained earnings                                      540.0               475.8        527.0 
  Share-based payment reserve                             13.4                22.6         17.7 
  Foreign currency translation reserve                   (0.7)                 0.5        (0.7) 
  Available for sale reserve                               6.1                 1.9          2.4 
  Hedging reserve                                         37.3               (7.0)         11.3 
                                                  ------------ 
  Equity attributable to equity holders 
   of the parent                                       1,126.6             1,024.3      1,088.2 
  Non-controlling interest                                   -                   -            - 
                                                  ------------       -------------  ----------- 
  Total equity                                         1,126.6             1,024.3      1,088.2 
                                                  ------------       -------------  ----------- 
  Total liabilities and equity                         2,795.4             2,731.4      2,752.1 
                                                  ============       =============  =========== 
 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

for the period ended 31 July 2016

 
                                             Attributable to the equity holders of the parent 
                   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           Foreign 
                                                        Share-based       currency    Available 
                       Issued      Share    Retained        payment    translation     for sale    Hedging               Non-controlling      Total 
                      capital    premium    earnings        reserve        reserve      reserve    reserve      Total          interests     equity 
                        GBP'm      GBP'm       GBP'm          GBP'm          GBP'm        GBP'm      GBP'm      GBP'm              GBP'm      GBP'm 
  Unaudited 
  At 1 February 
   2016                  11.2      519.3       527.0           17.7          (0.7)          2.4       11.3    1,088.2                  -    1,088.2 
  Profit for the 
   period                   -          -        87.9              -              -            -          -       87.9                  -       87.9 
  Other 
   comprehensive 
   gains/(losses)           -          -      (24.7)              -              -          3.7       26.0        5.0                  -        5.0 
  Dividends paid            -          -      (55.9)              -              -            -          -     (55.9)                  -     (55.9) 
  Share-based 
   payment 
   transactions             -          -           -            2.3              -            -          -        2.3                  -        2.3 
  Exercise of 
   share options            -          -         5.7          (6.6)              -            -          -      (0.9)                  -      (0.9) 
                   ----------  ---------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
  At 31 July 2016        11.2      519.3       540.0           13.4          (0.7)          6.1       37.3    1,126.6                  -    1,126.6 
                   ==========  =========  ==========  =============  =============  ===========  =========  =========  =================  ========= 
                                                                                              - 
  Unaudited 
  At 1 February 
   2015                  11.1      519.4       410.7           40.7            0.5          3.6      (2.3)      983.7                0.4      984.1 
  Profit for the 
   period                   -          -        77.8              -              -            -          -       77.8                0.1       77.9 
  Other 
   comprehensive 
   gains/(losses)           -          -        14.6              -              -        (1.7)      (4.7)        8.2                  -        8.2 
  Bonus shares 
   issued                 0.1      (0.1)           -              -              -            -          -          -                  -          - 
  Dividends paid            -          -      (45.8)              -              -            -          -     (45.8)              (0.5)     (46.3) 
  Share-based 
   payment 
   transactions             -          -        12.9         (12.5)              -            -          -        0.4                  -        0.4 
  Exercise of 
   share options            -          -         5.6          (5.6)              -            -          -          -                  -          - 
                   ----------  ---------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
  At 31 July 2015        11.2      519.3       475.8           22.6            0.5          1.9      (7.0)    1,024.3                  -    1,024.3 
                   ==========  =========  ==========  =============  =============  ===========  =========  =========  =================  ========= 
 
  At 1 February 
   2015                  11.1      519.4       410.7           40.7            0.5          3.6      (2.3)      983.7                0.4      984.1 
  Profit for the 
   year                     -          -       140.9              -              -            -          -      140.9                0.3      141.2 
  Other 
   comprehensive 
   gains/(losses)           -          -        21.8              -          (1.2)        (1.2)       13.6       33.0                  -       33.0 
  Bonus shares 
   issued                 0.1      (0.1)           -              -              -            -          -          -                  -          - 
  Dividends paid            -          -      (70.4)              -              -            -          -     (70.4)              (0.7)     (71.1) 
  Share-based 
   payment 
   transactions             -          -           -            2.8              -            -          -        2.8                  -        2.8 
  Exercise of 
   share options            -          -        11.1         (12.9)              -            -          -      (1.8)                  -      (1.8) 
  Issue of free 
   shares                   -          -        12.9         (12.9)              -            -          -          -                  -          - 
                   ----------  ---------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
  At 31 January 
   2016                  11.2      519.3       527.0           17.7          (0.7)          2.4       11.3    1,088.2                  -    1,088.2 
                   ==========  =========  ==========  =============  =============  ===========  =========  =========  =================  ========= 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows

for the period ended 31 July 2016

 
                                                        Unaudited    Unaudited 
                                                            6m to        6m to        12m to 
                                                Note     Jul 2016     Jul 2015      Jan 2016 
                                                            GBP'm        GBP'm         GBP'm 
 
  Profit before tax from continuing 
   operations                                               109.9        101.3         176.2 
  Loss before tax from discontinued 
   operations                                                   -        (5.0)         (7.2) 
                                                      -----------  -----------  ------------ 
  Profit before tax                                         109.9         96.3         169.0 
  Depreciation, impairment and loss 
   on disposal of property, plant and 
   equipment                                                 10.3         11.2          23.4 
  Amortisation and impairment of intangible 
   assets                                                     9.0          5.8          14.1 
  Share-based payment expense                                 1.4          0.4           1.1 
  Loss on re-measurement of disposal 
   group held for sale                                          -            -           7.3 
  Finance costs                                               9.7         14.8          25.2 
  Finance income                                            (6.1)        (1.2)             - 
  Share of post-tax losses/(profits) 
   of joint ventures                                          1.3        (1.1)           1.3 
  Interest income from investments                          (2.0)        (6.9)        (11.0) 
  Movements in other assets and liabilities                (22.0)        (8.0)        (56.5) 
                                                      -----------  -----------  ------------ 
                                                            111.5        111.3         173.9 
  Interest received                                           2.0          6.8          13.5 
  Interest paid                                             (7.3)       (13.2)        (21.6) 
  Income tax (paid)/received                               (14.5)          1.5        (15.4) 
                                                      -----------  -----------  ------------ 
  Net cash flows from operating activities                   91.7        106.4         150.4 
 
  Investing activities 
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant 
   and equipment                                              0.1          0.1             - 
  Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
   and software                                            (29.2)       (12.1)        (33.8) 
  Net disposal of financial assets                           69.6         80.9          64.3 
  Acquisition of subsidiaries                    8              -       (26.0)        (26.7) 
  Disposal of subsidiaries                                      -            -         (8.2) 
  Investment in joint venture                               (1.3)            -         (3.0) 
  Net cash flows from/(used in) investing 
   activities                                                39.2         42.9         (7.4) 
 
  Financing activities 
  Payment of finance lease liabilities                      (0.2)        (0.1)         (0.5) 
  Proceeds from borrowings                       16          20.0         70.0             - 
  Repayment of borrowings                        16        (30.0)      (200.0)       (145.0) 
  Dividends paid                                           (56.1)       (46.3)        (70.0) 
                                                      -----------  -----------  ------------ 
  Net cash flows used in financing 
   activities                                              (66.3)      (176.4)       (215.5) 
 
  Net increase/(decrease) in cash and 
   cash equivalents                                          64.6       (27.1)        (72.5) 
  Net foreign exchange differences                              -            -         (1.0) 
  Cash and cash equivalents at the 
   start of the period                                      164.4        237.9         237.9 
                                                      ----------- 
  Cash and cash equivalents at the 
   end of the period                             13         229.0        210.8         164.4 
                                                      ===========  ===========  ============ 
 

Notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements

   1      Corporate information 

Saga plc (the 'Company') is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006 (registration number 8804263). Its registered office is located at Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE.

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Saga plc and the entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries, collectively 'the Group') for the six months ended 31 July 2016 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Directors on 20 September 2016.

2.1 Basis of preparation

These condensed financial statements comprise the interim financial statements of the Group for the six month period to 31 July 2016.

The presentation currency of the Group is Sterling. Unless otherwise stated, the amounts shown in the condensed consolidated financial statements are in millions of pounds Sterling (GBP'm).

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR) of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting'. The significant accounting policies applied by the Group are set out in note 2.3. The Group has applied all IFRS standards and interpretations adopted by the EU effective for the period ending 31 January 2017. The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been reviewed by Ernst & Young LLP and include their review conclusion.

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements do not comprise statutory financial statements within the meaning of Section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. Statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2016 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on those financial statements:

   (i)      was unqualified; 

(ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report; and

   (iii)    did not constitute a statement under Section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. 

2.2 Basis of consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements comprise the financial position and results of each of the companies within the Group. Where necessary, adjustments have been made to the financial position and results of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by the Group. All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses have been eliminated on consolidation. The policies set out below have been applied consistently throughout the periods presented to items considered material to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

2.3 Summary of significant accounting policies

The condensed set of interim financial statements for the period ended 31 July 2016 have been prepared applying the same accounting policies that were applied in the preparation of the Group's published consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2016, except for changes required to appropriately reflect the contractual terms of the new quota share reinsurance agreement in motor insurance that became effective from 1 February 2016.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

2.3 Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Offsetting of insurance and related reinsurance assets and liabilities

IFRS 4 prohibits the offsetting of reinsurance assets against the related insurance liabilities, unless the appropriate legal requirements are met. Financial assets and liabilities arising under quota share agreements must be offset and the net amount reported in the statement of financial position when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the associated amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or realise both the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. The contractual terms of the new funds-withheld quota share agreement in motor insurance requires such a set-off of associated amounts.

Reinsurance costs

The Group undertakes a programme of reinsurance in respect of the policies which it underwrites. Outward reinsurance premiums are accounted for in the same accounting period as the related inward insurance premiums and are included as a deduction from earned premium, and therefore as a reduction in revenue.

The amount of any anticipated reinsurance recoveries is treated as a reduction in claims costs. Where this amount is material, it is reported separately in the statement of financial position, except where the contractual terms of the reinsurance arrangement necessitates the set off of its associated financial assets and liabilities.

Revenue - profit commission due under coinsurance and reinsurance arrangements

Profit commissions due under coinsurance and reinsurance arrangements are recognised and valued in accordance with the contractual terms to which they are subject to and on the same basis, where appropriate, as the related reinsured liabilities.

Full details of the accounting policies of the Group can be found in the Annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 January 2016 available at www.corporate.saga.co.uk.

2.4 Standards issued but not yet effective

Standards and amendments to standards in issue but not effective or not adopted by the Group as at 31 January 2016 continue to be not yet effective or not adopted by the Group at 31 July 2016 and can be found in the Annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 January 2016 available at www.corporate.saga.co.uk. There have been no amendments to standards or interpretations issued since 1 February 2016 which impact the consolidated financial statements of the Group.

2.5 Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

Full details of significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions used in the application of the Group's accounting policies can be found in the Annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 January 2016 available at www.corporate.saga.co.uk. There have been no changes to the principles or assumptions in these critical accounting estimate and judgement areas during the period.

2.6 Going Concern

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

The Directors have reviewed the Group's projections including cash flows for the twelve months from the date of approval of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements and beyond, and have concluded that the Group has sufficient funds to continue trading for this period, and for the foreseeable future.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

   3      Segmental information 

For management purposes, the Group is organised into business units based on their products and services and has three reportable operating segments as follows:

-- Insurance: primarily comprising general insurance products, further analysed into three sub-segments:

o Motor Insurance

o Home Insurance

o Other Insurance

-- Travel: primarily comprising the operation and delivery of package tours and cruise holiday products.

-- Emerging Businesses and Central Costs: comprises the Group's other businesses and its central cost base. The other businesses primarily include the financial services product offering including the wealth management joint venture, the domiciliary care services offering, a monthly subscription magazine product and the Group's internal mailing house.

Seasonality

The Group is subject to seasonal fluctuations in both its Insurance and Travel segments resulting in varying profits over each quarter.

The Insurance segment experiences increased motor insurance sales in the month of March, and to a lesser degree September, due to the issue of new vehicle registration plates; and increased home insurance sales in March, June and September coinciding with the historic quarter days. In the motor underwriting business, a greater proportion of claims are notified in the second half of the financial year.

Typically, increased holiday departures in the shoulder months of May, June and September and low departure volumes during July and August create seasonal fluctuations in the profit of the Travel segment.

When the seasonalities of the various segments are considered in conjunction, the resultant half yearly Trading Profit is broadly consistent with half of the full year result.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

   3      Segmental information (continued) 
 
                                                                                    Emerging 
                                                                                  Businesses 
                                                                                 and Central 
                                       Insurance                       Travel          Costs    Adjust's      Total 
                   -----------------------------------------------  ---------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
  Unaudited              Motor         Home        Other     Total 
  6m to Jul          Insurance    Insurance    Insurance 
   2016 
                         GBP'm        GBP'm        GBP'm     GBP'm      GBP'm          GBP'm       GBP'm      GBP'm 
 
  Revenue                120.4         47.5         47.0     214.9      208.0           17.9       (3.6)      437.2 
  Cost of sales          (9.4)        (2.8)       (15.4)    (27.6)    (166.4)          (7.5)           -    (201.5) 
                   -----------  -----------  -----------  --------  ---------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
  Gross profit           111.0         44.7         31.6     187.3       41.6           10.4       (3.6)      235.7 
                   ===========  ===========  ===========  ========  =========  =============  ==========  ========= 
  Results 
  Trading EBITDA          74.6         31.5         17.0     123.1       16.0          (5.7)           -      133.4 
  Depreciation           (0.9)        (0.3)        (0.3)     (1.5)      (5.6)          (3.2)           -     (10.3) 
  Amortisation 
   of intangible 
   assets                (1.6)        (0.8)        (0.7)     (3.1)      (1.4)          (1.0)           -      (5.5) 
                   -----------  -----------  -----------  --------  ---------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
  Trading Profit          72.1         30.4         16.0     118.5        9.0          (9.9)           -      117.6 
                   ===========  ===========  =========== 
  Amortisation of acquired intangible 
   assets                                                    (1.7)      (1.7)          (0.1)           -      (3.5) 
  Non-trading items                                              -          -          (0.6)           -      (0.6) 
  Net fair value loss on derivative 
   financial instruments                                         -        5.4              -           -        5.4 
  Other finance income                                           -          -            0.7           -        0.7 
  Net finance costs                                              -      (0.2)          (9.5)           -      (9.7) 
                                                          --------  ---------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
  Profit before tax from continuing 
   operations                                                116.8       12.5         (19.4)           -      109.9 
                                                          --------  ---------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
  No of employees from continuing 
   operations                                                2,425      2,057            776           -      5,258 
                                                          ========  =========  =============  ==========  ========= 
 

Revenue is generated solely in the UK.

Cost of sales within the insurance segment comprises claims costs incurred on insurance policies underwritten by the Group (see note 3b). The costs of marketing, selling and administering the policies are deducted in arriving at Trading EBITDA.

The number of employees in the Travel segment includes 854 crew who are employed indirectly via a manning agency.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

   3      Segmental information (continued) 
 
                                                                                   Emerging 
                                                                                 Businesses 
                                                                                        and 
                                                                                    Central 
                                     Insurance(1)                      Travel         Costs    Adjust's      Total 
                                                                    ---------  ------------  ----------  --------- 
  Unaudited              Motor         Home        Other     Total 
   6m to Jul 2015    Insurance    Insurance    Insurance 
  (as restated)          GBP'm        GBP'm        GBP'm     GBP'm      GBP'm         GBP'm       GBP'm      GBP'm 
 
  Revenue                157.2         50.6         46.5     254.3      209.7          18.0       (3.7)      478.3 
  Cost of sales         (69.9)        (3.2)       (17.3)    (90.4)    (166.3)         (7.7)           -    (264.4) 
                   -----------  -----------  -----------  --------  ---------  ------------  ----------  --------- 
  Gross profit            87.3         47.4         29.2     163.9       43.4          10.3       (3.7)      213.9 
                   ===========  ===========  ===========  ========  =========  ============  ==========  ========= 
  Results 
  Trading EBITDA          67.2         35.5         15.0     117.7       16.9         (4.0)           -      130.6 
  Depreciation           (1.1)        (0.7)        (0.5)     (2.3)      (4.7)         (3.0)           -     (10.0) 
  Amortisation 
   of intangible 
   assets                (0.5)        (0.4)        (0.2)     (1.1)      (1.5)         (0.5)           -      (3.1) 
  Trading Profit          65.6         34.4         14.3     114.3       10.7         (7.5)           -      117.5 
                   ===========  ===========  =========== 
  Amortisation of acquired intangible 
   assets                                                    (0.4)      (2.0)             -           -      (2.4) 
  Non-trading 
   items                                                         -        2.7         (3.1)           -      (0.4) 
  Net fair value loss on derivative 
   financial instruments                                         -        0.7             -           -        0.7 
  Net finance 
   costs                                                         -      (0.8)        (13.3)           -     (14.1) 
                                             ---------------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  --------- 
  Profit before tax from continuing 
   operations                                                113.9       11.3        (23.9)           -      101.3 
                                                                                                         ========= 
 
  No of employees from continuing 
   operations                                                2,332      2,157           713                  5,202 
                                             =====================  =========  ============              ========= 
 
 

(1) A review of the allocation basis for overhead expenses between the Motor, Home and Other subsegments has been undertaken. See Appendix 1 for further details.

Revenue is generated solely in the UK.

Cost of sales within the insurance segment comprises claims costs incurred on insurance policies underwritten by the Group (see note 3b). The costs of marketing, selling and administering the policies are deducted in arriving at Trading EBITDA.

The number of employees in the Travel segment includes 836 crew who are employed indirectly via a manning agency.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

   3      Segmental information (continued) 
 
                                                                                                                                     Emerging 
                                                                                                                                   Businesses 
                                                                                                                                          and 
                                                                                                                                      Central 
                                                   Insurance(1)                                              Travel                     Costs                            Adjust's                  Total 
                                                                                                          ---------              ------------                          ----------              --------- 
  12m to Jan 2016          Motor    Home Insurance              Other                  Total 
                       Insurance                            Insurance 
   (as restated) 
                           GBP'm             GBP'm              GBP'm                  GBP'm                  GBP'm                     GBP'm                               GBP'm                  GBP'm 
 
  Revenue                  318.7              99.8               91.6                  510.1                  423.1                      37.1                               (7.1)                  963.2 
  Cost of sales          (151.2)             (6.1)             (33.3)                (190.6)                (337.2)                    (16.4)                                   -                (544.2) 
                     -----------  ----------------  ----  -----------              ---------              ---------              ------------                          ----------              --------- 
  Gross profit             167.5              93.7               58.3                  319.5                   85.9                      20.7                               (7.1)                  419.0 
                     ===========  ================  ====  ===========              =========              =========              ============                          ==========              ========= 
  Results 
  Trading EBITDA           119.8              69.5               31.1                  220.4                   30.2                    (11.8)                                   -                  238.8 
  Depreciation             (1.9)             (1.0)              (0.8)                  (3.7)                 (10.0)                     (6.3)                                   -                 (20.0) 
  Amortisation 
   of intangible 
   assets                  (1.5)             (1.4)              (0.7)                  (3.6)                  (3.0)                     (1.2)                                   -                  (7.8) 
  Trading Profit           116.4              67.1               29.6                  213.1                   17.2                    (19.3)                                   -                  211.0 
                     ===========  ================  ====  =========== 
  Amortisation of acquired intangible 
   assets                                                                              (2.5)                  (3.7)                     (0.1)                                   -                  (6.3) 
  Non-trading items                                                                    (5.2)                    9.5                     (7.6)                                   -                  (3.3) 
  Net fair value loss on derivative 
   financial instruments                                                                   -                  (1.2)                         -                                   -                  (1.2) 
  Net finance costs                                                                        -                  (1.0)                    (23.0)                                   -                 (24.0) 
                                                          ----------------------------------  ----  ----  ---------  ----  ----  ------------  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----------  ----  ----  --------- 
  Profit before tax from continuing 
   operations                                                                          205.4                   20.8                    (50.0)                       -                              176.2 
                                                                                                                                                                                   ===================== 
 
  No of employees from continuing 
   operations                                                                          2,237                  2,175                       735                                                      5,147 
                                                          ==================================  ====        =========  ====        ============        ====                          ====  ====  ========= 
 
 
 

(1) A review of the allocation basis for overhead expenses between the Motor, Home and Other subsegments has been undertaken. See Appendix 1 for further details.

Revenue is generated solely in the UK.

Cost of sales within the insurance segment comprises claims costs incurred on insurance policies underwritten by the Group (see note 3b). The costs of marketing, selling and administering the policies are deducted in arriving at Trading EBITDA.

The number of employees in the Travel segment includes 868 crew who are employed indirectly via a manning agency.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

   3a     Analysis of Insurance revenue 
 
                                            Unaudited    Unaudited 
                                                6m to        6m to             12m to 
                                             Jul 2016     Jul 2015           Jan 2016 
                                                GBP'm        GBP'm                 GBP'm 
 
  Gross earned premiums on insurance 
   underwritten by the Group                    152.6        168.0                 322.5 
  Less: ceded to reinsurers                    (54.6)        (3.2)                 (6.8) 
  Net earned premiums on insurance 
   underwritten by the Group 
   - Motor Insurance                             71.4        136.5                 260.9 
   - Home Insurance                               9.3          8.8                  18.2 
   - Other                                       17.3         19.5                  36.6 
                                          -----------  -----------  -------------------- 
                                                 98.0        164.8                 315.7 
  Other income from insurance products          116.9         89.5                 194.4 
                                          ----------- 
                                                214.9        254.3                 510.1 
                                          ===========  ===========  ==================== 
 
   3b    Analysis of Insurance cost of sales 
 
                                          Unaudited    Unaudited 
                                              6m to        6m to      12m to 
                                           Jul 2016     Jul 2015    Jan 2016 
                                              GBP'm        GBP'm       GBP'm 
 
  Gross Claims incurred on insurance 
   underwritten by the Group                   68.7         79.9       219.3 
  Less: ceded to reinsurers                  (50.7)        (1.6)      (44.4) 
  Net Claims incurred on insurance 
   underwritten by the Group 
   - Motor Insurance                          (0.1)         57.9       134.8 
   - Home Insurance                             2.8          3.2         7.0 
   - Other                                     15.3         17.2        33.1 
                                        -----------  -----------  ---------- 
                                               18.0         78.3       174.9 
  Other cost of sales                           9.6         12.1        15.7 
                                        ----------- 
                                               27.6         90.4       190.6 
                                        ===========  ===========  ========== 
 

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

   4      Non-trading items 
 
                                           Unaudited    Unaudited 
                                               6m to        6m to      12m to 
                                            Jul 2016     Jul 2015    Jan 2016 
                                               GBP'm        GBP'm       GBP'm 
 
  Share-based payment costs (note 
   17)                                           0.4          0.2         0.3 
  Flotation and other costs                      0.4          2.5         2.6 
  Restructuring costs                          (0.2)          0.7         1.3 
  Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 
   8)                                              -            -         0.5 
  Release of contingent consideration              -        (2.4)       (7.1) 
  Supplier insolvency                              -            -         4.7 
  Impairment of property                           -            -         3.8 
  Insurance claims                                 -            -       (3.1) 
  Other non-trading (income)/expenses              -        (0.6)         0.3 
                                         -----------  -----------  ---------- 
                                                 0.6          0.4         3.3 
                                         ===========  ===========  ========== 
 
 

Flotation and other costs comprise the cost of awards made at the time of the IPO and which vest over a period of time post-award.

Restructuring costs represents costs associated with restructuring and reorganising a number of Group operations and includes staff-related costs such as redundancy and other termination costs, together with various professional fees for advice and processes associated with the restructuring.

In the prior year, a significant supplier of legal services to our customers and our partner in the Saga Law Limited joint venture became insolvent and went into administration; this represents all costs incurred as a consequence and includes legal fees to put in place new arrangements, the cost of re-doing work by a replacement law form, and lost profits from the joint venture.

In the prior year, impairment of property represents the write-down of the carrying value of the Group's hotel in St Lucia following the decision to dispose of this asset and includes the expected costs of disposal.

In the prior year, the Group received two amounts under insurance policies towards the costs of cancelled or curtailed cruises; the costs of these operational issues were treated as non-trading items in prior years.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

   5      Tax 
 
                                             Unaudited    Unaudited 
                                                 6m to        6m to      12m to 
                                              Jul 2016     Jul 2015    Jan 2016 
                                                 GBP'm        GBP'm       GBP'm 
  Current income tax 
  Current income tax charge                       20.8         21.3        32.7 
  Adjustments in respect of previous 
   years                                         (0.4)            -       (8.4) 
                                                  20.4         21.3        24.3 
  Deferred tax 
  Origination and reversal of temporary 
  differences                                      1.6        (1.1)         3.1 
  Effect of tax rate on opening balance              -            -         1.0 
  Adjustments in respect of previous 
   years                                             -            -       (0.3) 
                                           -----------  -----------  ---------- 
  Tax expense in the income statement             22.0         20.2        28.1 
                                           ===========  ===========  ========== 
 
 
 

Reconciliation of net deferred tax assets:

 
                                            Unaudited    Unaudited 
                                                6m to        6m to      12m to 
                                             Jul 2016     Jul 2015    Jan 2016 
                                                GBP'm        GBP'm       GBP'm 
  At 1 February                                   4.7         17.4        17.4 
  Tax (charge)/credit in the income 
   statement                                    (1.6)          1.1       (3.8) 
  Tax charge in other comprehensive 
   income                                       (1.2)        (2.3)       (7.4) 
  Tax credit in respect of discontinued 
   operations                                       -          1.1         1.2 
  Acquired in business combinations                 -        (2.7)       (2.7) 
  At the end of the period                        1.9         14.6         4.7 
                                          ===========  ===========  ========== 
 

A reduction in the UK corporation tax rate from 21% to 20% took effect on 1 April 2015, and further reductions were enacted in the Finance Act 2015 to reduce the rate to 19% from 1 April 2017 and to 18% from 1 April 2020. A further reduction to 17% from 1 April 2020 was announced on 16 March 2016, however, this rate change had not been enacted and is thus not applicable at the balance sheet date. As a result, closing deferred tax balances have been reflected at 18%.

The Group has tax losses which arose in the UK of GBP1.2m (July 2015: GBP7.5m) that are available indefinitely for offsetting against future taxable profits of the companies in which the losses arose. A deferred tax asset has not been recognised in respect of these losses as they may not be used to offset taxable profits elsewhere in the Group.

   6      Dividends 

The Company paid an ordinary dividend of 5.0p per share during the period. The total dividend paid was GBP55.9m (July 2015: GBP45.8m).

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

   7      Earnings per share 

Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit after tax for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by also including the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would be issued on conversion of all potentially dilutive options.

There have been no transactions involving ordinary shares or potential ordinary shares between the reporting date and the date of authorisation of these financial statements.

The calculation of basic and diluted EPS is as follows:

 
                                              Unaudited        Unaudited 
                                                   6m to                 6m to                    12m to 
                                                Jul 2016             Jul 2015                   Jan 2016 
                                                     GBP'm                    GBP'm                GBP'm 
 
  Profit attributable to ordinary 
   equity holders                                     87.9                     77.8                140.9 
  Profit from continuing operations                   87.9                     81.1                148.1 
                                           ===============  =======================  =================== 
 
  Weighted average number of ordinary 
   shares                                               'm                       'm                   'm 
 
  Original shares                                    800.0                    800.0                800.0 
  297.3m shares issued on 29 May 
   2014                                              297.3                    297.3                297.3 
  Free shares issued on 5 June 2015                    7.0                      7.3                  7.3 
  IPO share options exercised                          9.5                      3.7                  6.5 
  Other share options exercised                        0.0                        -                    - 
                                           ---------------  -----------------------  ------------------- 
  Weighted average number for Basic 
   EPS                                             1,113.8                  1,108.3              1,111.1 
 
  Dilutive options 
  IPO share options not yet exercised                  3.6                      9.4                  6.6 
  Other share options not yet vested                   0.1                      2.3                  2.4 
  LTIP share options not yet vested                    3.5                        -                    - 
  Deferred bonus plan share options 
   not yet vested                                      0.2                      0.2                  0.2 
                                           ---------------  -----------------------  ------------------- 
  Weighted average number for Diluted 
   EPS                                             1,121.2                  1,120.2              1,120.3 
                                           ===============  =======================  =================== 
 
 
  Basic EPS                                           7.9p                     7.0p                12.7p 
                                           ---------------  -----------------------  ------------------- 
  Basic EPS for continuing operations                 7.9p                     7.3p                13.3p 
                                           ---------------  -----------------------  ------------------- 
 
  Diluted EPS                                         7.8p                     6.9p                12.6p 
                                           ---------------  -----------------------  ------------------- 
  Diluted EPS for continuing operations               7.8p                     7.2p                13.2p 
                                           ---------------  -----------------------  ------------------- 
 

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

   8      Acquisitions 
   a)    Current period acquisitions 

The Group made no acquisitions during the 6 month period ended 31 July 2016.

   b)    Prior period acquisitions 

On 1 July 2015, the Group acquired a 100% shareholding in Bennetts Biking Services Limited ("Bennetts"), the UK's premier motorbike insurance specialist. Full details of this acquisition are provided in the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 January 2016 available at www.corporate.saga.co.uk.

   9      Goodwill 

The net book value of goodwill is GBP1,485.0m (July 2015: GBP1,485.0m).

The Group has performed a review for indicators of impairment at 31 July 2016, and concluded that no indicators of impairment exist at that date.

   10   Intangible fixed assets 

During the period, the Group capitalised GBP8.2m (July 2015: GBP5.2m) of software assets and charged GBP9.0m of amortisation to its intangible assets (July 2015: GBP5.5m).

The Group has performed a review for indicators of impairment of the acquired contracts, brands and customer relationships at 31 July 2016, and concluded that no indicators of impairment exist at that date.

   11   Property, plant and equipment 

During the period, the Group capitalised assets with a cost of GBP7.8m (July 2015: GBP5.9m).

On 21 December 2015, the Group contracted with Meyer Werft GmbH & Co. KG to purchase a new cruise ship for delivery in July 2019, with an option to purchases a second similar cruise ship for delivery in 2021.

As at 31 July 2016, capital amounts contracted for but not provided in the financial statements in respect of the ship amounted to GBP280.1m (July 2015: GBPnil).

The first stage payment for the new ship was made in February 2016. Three similar stage payments will be made during the construction period (24 months, 18 months, and 12 months prior to delivery) funded via cash resources of the Group. The remaining element of the contract price is due on delivery of the ship, and the Group entered into appropriate financing for this on 21 December 2015.

The financing represents a 12 year fixed rate Sterling loan, backed by an export credit guarantee. The loan value of approximately GBP245m will be repaid in 24 broadly equal instalments, with the first payment 6 months after delivery. The effective interest rate on the loan (including arrangement and commitment fees) is 4.29%.

The Group has an option to purchase a second ship for the same price within the contract; the option must be exercised by 21 December 2017. The Group may be released from this option at any time although should the option to purchase not be exercised, a fee would become payable. The likelihood of incurring such a fee is considered extremely remote.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

   12   Financial assets and financial liabilities 
   a)    Financial assets 
 
                                                    Unaudited     Unaudited 
                                                    As at Jul     As at Jul 
                                           Note          2016          2015      As at Jan 2016 
                                                        GBP'm         GBP'm               GBP'm 
  Fair value through profit 
   or loss 
  Foreign exchange forward 
   contracts                                              2.0           0.2                 3.3 
  Fuel oil swaps                                          0.2             -                   - 
  Loan funds                                              6.2          20.1                19.3 
  Hedge funds                                            25.5          34.3                26.7 
  Equities                                                  -           9.0                   - 
                                                 ------------  ------------  ------------------ 
                                                         33.9          63.6                49.3 
                                                 ------------  ------------  ------------------ 
  Fair value through the hedging 
   reserve 
  Foreign exchange forward 
   contracts                                             47.7           1.9                16.7 
  Fuel oil swaps                                          0.2             -                   - 
                                                 ------------  ------------  ------------------ 
                                                         47.9           1.9                16.7 
                                                 ------------  ------------  ------------------ 
  Loans and receivables 
  Deposits with financial institutions                  364.8         413.6               413.6 
                                                        364.8         413.6               413.6 
                                                 ------------  ------------  ------------------ 
  Available for sale investments 
  Debt securities                                        81.9          53.2                85.2 
  Money market funds                        13          114.6          71.6                75.9 
  Unlisted equity shares                                  0.2             -                 0.2 
  Loan notes                                              4.5             -                 3.8 
                                                               ------------  ------------------ 
                                                        201.2         124.8               165.1 
                                                               ------------  ------------------ 
 
  Total financial assets                                647.8         603.9               644.7 
                                                 ============  ============  ================== 
 
  Current                                               309.9         217.7               288.8 
  Non-current                                           337.9         386.2               355.9 
                                                 ------------  ------------  ------------------ 
                                                        647.8         603.9               644.7 
                                                 ============  ============  ================== 
 

The Group's financial assets are analysed by Moody's rating on page 15 of the Chief Financial Officer's Review.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

   12   Financial assets and financial liabilities (continued) 
   b)    Financial liabilities 
 
                                           Unaudited     Unaudited 
                                           As at Jul     As at Jul                        As at Jan 
                                  Note          2016          2015                             2016 
                                               GBP'm         GBP'm                            GBP'm 
  Fair value through profit 
   or loss 
  Foreign exchange forward 
   contracts                                     1.0           1.2                              5.5 
  Fuel oil swaps                                 2.0           3.4                              4.1 
                                        ------------  ------------  ------------------------------- 
                                                 3.0           4.6                              9.6 
                                        ------------  ------------  ------------------------------- 
  Fair value through the 
   hedging reserve 
  Foreign exchange forward 
   contracts                                       -           8.5                              1.2 
  Fuel oil swaps                                 1.2           2.1                              1.9 
                                        ------------  ------------  ------------------------------- 
                                                 1.2          10.6                              3.1 
                                        ------------  ------------  ------------------------------- 
  Loans and borrowings 
  Bank loans                       16          539.6         562.0                            547.7 
  Finance leases and hire 
   purchase obligations                          2.9           2.4                              2.2 
  Bank overdrafts                  13           14.6           3.7                             17.9 
                                               557.1         568.1                            567.8 
                                        ------------  ------------  ------------------------------- 
 
  Total financial liabilities                  561.3         583.3                            580.5 
                                                      ============  =============================== 
 
  Current                                       20.0          16.6                             27.8 
  Non-current                                  541.3         566.7                            552.7 
                                        ------------ 
                                               561.3         583.3                            580.5 
 
   c)    Fair value hierarchy 
 
                                                  Unaudited                           Unaudited 
                                                 As at Jul 16                        As at Jul 15 
                                       Level    Level    Level             Level    Level    Level 
                                           1        2        3    Total        1        2        3    Total 
                                       GBP'm    GBP'm    GBP'm    GBP'm    GBP'm    GBP'm    GBP'm    GBP'm 
  Financial assets measured at fair value 
  Foreign exchange forwards                -     49.7        -     49.7       -       2.1       -       2.1 
  Fuel oil swaps                           -      0.4        -      0.4       -         -       -         - 
  Loan funds                               -      6.2        -      6.2       -      20.1       -      20.1 
  Hedge funds                              -     25.5        -     25.5       -      34.3       -      34.3 
  Equities                                 -        -        -        -      9.0       -        -       9.0 
  Debt securities                       81.9        -        -     81.9     53.2       -        -      53.2 
  Money market funds                       -    114.6        -    114.6       -      71.6       -      71.6 
  Unlisted equity shares                   -        -      0.2      0.2       -        -        -        - 
  Loan notes                               -        -      4.5      4.5       -        -        -        - 
 
  Financial liabilities measured at fair value 
  Contingent consideration                 -        -        -        -       -        -       4.6      4.6 
  Foreign exchange forwards                -      1.0        -      1.0       -       9.7       -       9.7 
  Fuel oil swaps                           -      3.2        -      3.2       -       5.5       -       5.5 
 
  Assets for which fair values are disclosed 
  Deposits with institutions               -    364.8        -    364.8       -     413.6       -     413.6 
 
  Liabilities for which fair values are disclosed 
  Bank loans                               -    539.6        -    539.6       -     562.0       -     562.0 
  Finance leases and hire purchase 
   obligations                             -      2.9        -      2.9       -       2.4       -       2.4 
  Bank overdrafts                          -     14.6        -     14.6       -       3.7       -       3.7 
 

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

   12   Financial assets and financial liabilities (continued) 
   c)      Fair value hierarchy (continued) 
 
                                                 As at Jan 16 
                                       Level    Level    Level    Total 
                                           1        2        3 
                                       GBP'm    GBP'm    GBP'm    GBP'm 
  Financial assets measured at fair value 
  Foreign exchange forwards               -      20.0       -      20.0 
  Fuel oil swaps                          -         -       -         - 
  Loan funds                              -      19.3       -      19.3 
  Hedge funds                             -      26.7       -      26.7 
  Equities                                -         -       -        - 
  Debt securities                       85.2        -       -      85.2 
  Money market funds                      -      75.9       -      75.9 
  Unlisted equity shares                  -        -       0.2      0.2 
  Loan notes                              -        -       3.8      3.8 
                                              ======= 
 
  Financial liabilities measured at fair value 
  Contingent consideration                -        -        -        - 
  Foreign exchange forwards               -       6.7       -       6.7 
  Fuel oil swaps                          -       6.0       -       6.0 
                                              ======= 
 
  Assets for which fair values are disclosed 
  Deposits with institutions              -     413.6       -     413.6 
                                              ======= 
 
  Liabilities for which fair values are disclosed 
  Bank loans                              -     547.7       -     547.7 
  Finance leases and hire purchase 
   obligations                            -       2.2       -       2.2 
  Bank overdrafts                         -      17.9       -      17.9 
                                              ======= 
 
   d)      Other information 

Available for sale investments and deposits with financial institutions relate to monies held by the Group's insurance business and are subject to contractual restrictions and are not readily available to be used for other purposes within the Group. Whilst the Group's fixed / floating interest securities investments could be realised at short notice, it is anticipated that they will be held until maturity.

There have been no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 in the hierarchy and no non-recurring fair value measurements of assets and liabilities.

The Group operates a programme of economic hedging against its foreign currency and fuel oil exposures. During the period, the Group designated 180 foreign exchange forward currency contracts as hedges of highly probable foreign currency cash expenses in future periods, and designated 26 fuel oil swaps as hedges of highly probable fuel oil purchases in future periods. As at 31 July 2016, the Group has designated 385 forward currency contracts and 64 fuel oil swaps as hedges.

During the period, the Group recognised a net GBP12.1m gain on forward currency cash flow hedging instruments and a net GBP0.9m gain on commodity cash flow hedging instruments through other comprehensive income into the hedging reserve. Additionally, the Group recognised net gains of GBP20.1m through other comprehensive income into the hedging reserve, in relation to the specific hedging instrument for the acquisition of a new ship. The Group recognised a GBP0.3m loss through the income statement in respect of the ineffective portion of hedges measured during the period.

There has been no de-designation of hedges during the period as a result of cash flows forecast that are no longer expected to occur, or as a result of failed ineffectiveness testing. The Group recognised a GBP1.1m gain through the income statement in respect of matured hedges.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

   13   Cash and cash equivalents 
 
                                             Unaudited     Unaudited 
                                             As at Jul     As at Jul      As at Jan 
                                                  2016          2015           2016 
                                                 GBP'm         GBP'm          GBP'm 
  Cash at bank and in hand                        69.2          48.0           36.9 
  Short term deposits                             59.8          92.0           69.6 
  Cash and short term deposits                   129.0         140.0          106.5 
  Money markets funds (note 12a)                 114.6          71.6           75.9 
  Bank overdraft (note 12b)                     (14.6)         (3.7)         (18.0) 
  Cash held by disposal group (note 18)              -           2.9              - 
  Cash and cash equivalents in the cash 
   flow statement                                229.0         210.8          164.4 
 

Included within cash and cash equivalents are amounts held by the Group's Travel and Insurance businesses which are subject to contractual or regulatory restrictions. These amounts held are not readily available to be used for other purposes within the Group and total GBP218.0m (July 2015: GBP174.2m). Available cash excludes these amounts and any amounts held by disposal groups.

   14   Retirement benefit schemes 

The Group operates a funded defined benefit scheme, The Saga Pension Scheme ("Saga scheme") which is open to new members who accrue benefits on a career average salary basis. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in independently administered funds. The two schemes associated with the Allied Healthcare business ("Nestor schemes") were part of liabilities held for sale and were disposed of as part of the sale of the Allied Healthcare business on 30 November 2015 (note 18).

The fair value of the assets and present value of the obligations of the defined benefit schemes are as follows:

 
                                                                Saga        Nestor 
                                                              scheme        schemes      Total 
                                                               GBP'm         GBP'm       GBP'm 
  Unaudited at 31 July 2016 
  Fair value of scheme assets                                  267.8              -      267.8 
  Present value of defined benefit obligation                (315.4)              -    (315.4) 
  Defined benefit scheme liability                            (47.6)              -     (47.6) 
 
    Unaudited at 31 July 2015 
  Fair value of scheme assets                                  210.9           54.2      265.1 
  Present value of defined benefit obligation                (236.9)         (62.5)    (299.4) 
  Defined benefit scheme liability                            (26.0)          (8.3)     (34.3) 
  Included within liabilities held for 
   sale (note 18)                                                  -            8.3        8.3 
                                                              (26.0)              -     (26.0) 
  At 31 January 2016 
  Fair value of scheme assets                                  218.6              -      218.6 
  Present value of defined benefit obligation                (237.4)              -    (237.4) 
  Defined benefit scheme liability                            (18.8)              -     (18.8) 
 

The present values of the defined benefit obligation at 31 January 2016, the related current service cost and any past service costs were measured using the projected unit credit method. Liabilities at 31 July 2016 have been estimated by rolling forward from 31 January 2016, allowing for changes in market conditions and estimating the value of benefits accrued and paid out over the period.

During the period ended 31 July 2016, the net liability of the Saga scheme has deteriorated by GBP28.8m to a total scheme liability of GBP47.6m.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

   15   Insurance contract liabilities and reinsurance assets 

Gross and net insurance liabilities are analysed as follows:

 
                                      Unaudited    Unaudited 
                                          As at        As at                 As at 
                                       Jul 2016     Jul 2015              Jan 2016 
                                          GBP'm        GBP'm                 GBP'm 
  Gross 
  Claims outstanding                      537.0        537.3                 561.6 
  Provision for unearned premiums         133.6        154.5                 141.7 
  Total gross liabilities                 670.6        691.8                 703.3 
 
 
  Recoverable from reinsurers 
  Claims outstanding                       106.5     70.7    101.6 
  Provision for unearned reinsurance 
   premiums                                  2.4      2.4      4.8 
  Total reinsurers' share of insurance 
   liabilities                             108.9     73.1    106.4 
 
  Net 
  Claims outstanding                       430.5    466.6    460.0 
  Provision for unearned premiums          131.2    152.1    136.9 
  Total net insurance liabilities          561.7    618.7    596.9 
 

The total gain on purchasing reinsurance recognised during the period was GBP0.6m (July 2015: GBP7.6m).

   16   Loans and borrowings 
 
                                 Unaudited             Unaudited 
                                     As at                 As at                   As at 
                                  Jul 2016              Jul 2015              Jan 2016 
                                     GBP'm                 GBP'm                    GBP'm 
  Bank loans, maturing 2019          470.0                 500.0                    480.0 
  Revolving credit facility           75.0                  70.0                     75.0 
  Accrued interest payable             1.2                   0.6                      0.6 
                                     546.2                 570.6                    555.6 
  Less: deferred issue costs         (6.6)                 (8.6)                    (7.9) 
                                     539.6                 562.0                    547.7 
 

During the period, the Group repaid GBP10.0m of its Senior Facilities Agreement, and drew down and repaid GBP20.0m of its Revolving Credit Facility. At 31 July 2016, the Group had drawn GBP75.0m of its GBP150.0m Revolving Credit Facility.

Interest on the debt is incurred at a variable rate of LIBOR plus 2.25%.

During the period the Group charged GBP9.1m (July 2015: GBP12.7m) to the income statement in respect of fees and interest associated with the Senior Facilities Agreement and Revolving Credit Facility. In addition, interest charged to the income statement includes GBP0.6m (July 2015: GBP1.4m) relating to interest on finance lease liabilities, net finance expense on pension schemes and other interest costs.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

   17   Share-based payments 

The Group has granted a number of different equity-based awards which it has determined to be share-based payments. New awards granted during the period were as follows:

a) On 16 May 2016, options over 3,749,786 shares were issued under the Long-Term Incentive Plan to certain Directors and other senior employees which vest and become exercisable on the third anniversary of the grant date and are 50% linked to EPS performance and 50% linked to TSR performance;

b) On 27 May 2016, options over 334,522 shares were issued under the Deferred Bonus Plan ("DBP") to the Executive Directors reflecting their deferred bonus in respect of 2015/16, which vest and become exercisable on the third anniversary of the grant date.

c) On 29 May 2016, 474,508 shares were awarded to eligible staff on the 2(nd) anniversary of the IPO and allocated at GBPnil cost; these shares become beneficially owned over a three year period from allocation subject to continuing service.

The fair values of all awards are assessed using techniques based upon the "Black-Scholes" pricing model. The Group charged GBP2.3m during the period (July 2015: GBP1.6m) to the income statement in respect of equity-settled share-based payment transactions. Of this, GBP0.4m (July 2015: GBP0.2m) is included within non-trading items (note 4), which represents the share based payment charge on options awarded at the IPO that are still vesting.

   18   Discontinued operations and assets held for sale 

On 15 January 2015, the Group announced its decision to divest the local authority section of its Healthcare business, Allied Healthcare. As at 31 July 2015, the requirements of IFRS 5 were met and accordingly Allied Healthcare was classified as a disposal group held for sale in the statement of financial position and as a discontinued operation in the income statement. On 30 November 2015, the Group completed the sale of Allied Healthcare. Full details of this disposal are provided in the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 January 2016 available at www.corporate.saga.co.uk.

   19   Related party transactions 

Related party transactions during the six months ended 31 July 2016 were consistent in nature, scope and quantum with those disclosed in the Group's annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 January 2016 available at www.corporate.saga.co.uk.

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The Group is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties as part of its activities. The Board regularly considers these and seeks to ensure that appropriate processes are in place to manage, monitor and mitigate these risks. Other than the result of the EU Referendum on 23 July 2016, the Directors consider that the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group during the period under review and for the remainder of the financial period have not materially changed from those outlined on pages 28 to 32 of the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 January 2016 available at www.corporate.saga.co.uk. The Group has in place processes to monitor and mitigate these risks. The impact of the EU Referendum is discussed on page 7 of this interim statement.

Responsibility Statement

We confirm to the best of our knowledge:

a) The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the EU.

b) The interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by the Financial Statements Disclosure and Transparency Rules DTR 4.2.7R) - indication of important events during the six month period and their impact on condensed consolidated interim financial statements and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year: and

c) The interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R - disclosure of related party transactions and changes therein.

On behalf of the Board

 
  Lance Batchelor            Jonathan Hill 
  Chief Executive Officer    Chief Financial Officer 
  20 September 2016          20 September 2016 
 

INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT TO SAGA PLC

Introduction

We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31 July 2016 which comprises the condensed consolidated income statement, condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income, condensed consolidated statement of financial position, condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity, condensed consolidated statement of cash flows, and related explanatory notes 1 to 19. We have read the other information contained in the half yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

This report is made solely to the company in accordance with guidance contained in International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 (UK and Ireland) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

Directors' Responsibilities

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

As disclosed in note 2.1, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union.

Our Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.

Scope of Review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31 July 2016 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

Ernst & Young LLP

London

20 September 2016

Appendix 1: Restated Cost Allocations within Insurance Segment

Since the announcement of the Group's preliminary results for the financial year ended 31 January 2016, a review of the allocation basis for overhead expenses between the Motor, Home and Other subsegments has been undertaken.

The previous allocation basis allocated the majority of overhead costs using accounting revenue. Whilst this method was found to allocate a fair and reasonable portion of costs to each of the subsegments, the arbitrary nature of this method did serve to introduce undue volatility of costs between the subsegments that did not necessarily reflect the underlying activities related to how those costs were incurred.

An improved activity-based costing method has therefore been developed to allocate overhead expenses to the subsegments on a basis that more accurately reflects how those expenses have been incurred. This method has been applied from 1 February 2015 to ensure reports are consistent.

The following tables outline the reconciliation between the previously reported segmental information and the restated segmental information.

 
 
                               6m to           6m to 31 Jul 2015               12m to 31 Jan 2016 
                               31 Jul 
                                2016     Restated    Adj.     Reported    Restated    Adj.     Reported 
                                GBPm       GBPm      GBPm       GBPm        GBPm      GBPm       GBPm 
 
  MOTOR INSURANCE 
 
  Revenue                       120.4       157.2      0.0       157.2       318.7      0.0       318.7 
 
  Cost of sales                 (9.4)      (69.9)      0.0      (69.9)     (151.2)      0.3     (151.5) 
 
  Gross profit                  111.0        87.3      0.0        87.3       167.5      0.3       167.2 
 
  Operating expenses           (42.1)      (29.7)    (1.1)      (28.6)      (65.0)    (2.2)      (62.8) 
 
  Investment income               3.2         8.0      0.0         8.0        13.9      0.0        13.9 
 
  Trading Profit                 72.1        65.6    (1.1)        66.7       116.4    (1.9)       118.3 
 
  Trading Profit analysed 
   by: 
  - Core Underwriting            56.4        49.8      1.2        48.6        84.6      1.8        82.8 
  - Ancillary                     8.8        10.5    (2.3)        12.8        21.7    (4.5)        26.2 
  - Broking / 
   Other                          6.9         5.3      0.0         5.3        10.1      0.8         9.3 
 
                                 72.1        65.6    (1.1)        66.7       116.4    (1.9)       118.3 
 
 

Appendix 1: Restated Cost Allocations within Insurance Segment (continued)

 
 
                               6m to           6m to 31 Jul 2015               12m to 31 Jan 2016 
                               31 Jul 
                                2016     Restated    Adj.     Reported    Restated    Adj.     Reported 
                                GBPm       GBPm      GBPm       GBPm        GBPm      GBPm       GBPm 
 
  HOME INSURANCE 
 
  Revenue                        47.5        50.6     0.0         50.6        99.8      0.0        99.8 
 
  Cost of sales                 (2.8)       (3.2)     0.0        (3.2)       (6.1)    (0.3)       (5.8) 
 
  Gross profit                   44.7        47.4     0.0         47.4        93.7    (0.3)        94.0 
 
  Operating expenses           (14.4)      (13.1)     1.8       (14.9)      (26.7)      3.3      (30.0) 
 
  Investment income               0.1         0.1     0.0          0.1         0.1      0.0         0.1 
 
  Trading Profit                 30.4        34.4     1.8         32.6        67.1      3.0        64.1 
 
  Trading Profit analysed 
   by: 
  - Core Broking / 
   Coinsured                     26.5        29.3     2.5         26.8        59.2      4.6        54.6 
  - Ancillary 
   Underwriting                   3.9         5.1    (0.7)         5.8         7.9    (1.6)         9.5 
 
                                 30.4        34.4     1.8         32.6        67.1      3.0        64.1 
 
 
 
 
                               6m to           6m to 31 Jul 2015               12m to 31 Jan 2016 
                               31 Jul 
                                2016     Restated    Adj.     Reported    Restated    Adj.     Reported 
                                GBPm       GBPm      GBPm       GBPm        GBPm      GBPm       GBPm 
 
  OTHER INSURANCE 
 
  Revenue                        47.0        46.5     0.0         46.5        91.6      0.0        91.6 
 
  Cost of sales                (15.4)      (17.3)     0.0       (17.3)      (33.3)      0.0      (33.3) 
 
  Gross profit                   31.6        29.2     0.0         29.2        58.3      0.0        58.3 
 
  Operating expenses           (16.0)      (15.4)    (0.7)      (14.7)      (29.2)    (1.1)      (28.1) 
 
  Investment income               0.4         0.5     0.0          0.5         0.5      0.0         0.5 
 
  Trading Profit                 16.0        14.3    (0.7)        15.0        29.6    (1.1)        30.7 
 
  Trading Profit analysed 
   by: 
  - Core Underwriting             1.5         2.0     0.3          1.7         2.0    (0.4)         2.4 
  - Core Broking 
   / Other                       14.5        12.3    (1.0)        13.3        27.6    (0.7)        28.3 
 
                                 16.0        14.3    (0.7)        15.0        29.6    (1.1)        30.7 
 
 

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

IR ZMGZLLGFGVZM

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 21, 2016 02:01 ET (06:01 GMT)

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