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CFYN Caffyns Plc

525.00
0.00 (0.00%)
Last Updated: 01:00:00
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Caffyns Plc LSE:CFYN London Ordinary Share GB0001615219 ORD 50P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 525.00 500.00 550.00 525.00 525.00 525.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Motor Veh Dealers (new,used) 251.43M 2.52M 0.8766 5.99 15.12M

Caffyns PLC Annual Financial Report (9876M)

27/05/2022 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Caffyns (LSE:CFYN)
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TIDMCFYN

RNS Number : 9876M

Caffyns PLC

27 May 2022

Caffyns plc

Preliminary Results for the year ended 31 March 2022

Summary

 
                                                    2022        2021 
                                                 GBP'000     GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Revenue                                        223,928     165,085 
  Underlying EBITDA (see note A)                   7,712       5,124 
  Underlying profit before tax (see note A)        4,574       1,876 
  Profit before tax                                4,385       1,424 
--------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 
                                                 pence    pence 
---------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
  Underlying earnings per share                  117.0     66.0 
  Earnings per share                             111.3     52.4 
  Proposed final dividend per ordinary share      15.0        - 
  Dividend per ordinary share for the year        22.5        - 
---------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

Note A: Underlying results exclude items that have non-trading attributes due to their size, nature or incidence. Non-underlying items for the year totalled a charge of GBP189,000 (2021: GBP452,000) and are detailed in Note 2 to these consolidated financial statements. Underlying EBITDA of GBP7,712,000 (2021: GBP5,124,000) represents Operating profit before non-underlying items of GBP5,690,000 (2021: GBP3,142,000) adding back Depreciation and Amortisation of GBP2,022,000 (2021: GBP1,982,000).

Overview

   --    Revenue up 36% to GBP223.9 million (2021: 165.1 million) due to a buoyant used car market 
   --    Like-for-like new car unit deliveries up by 7% 
   --    Like-for-like used car unit sales up by 24% 
   --    Like-for-like aftersales revenues up by 19% to GBP19.2 million 
   --    Underlying profit before tax of GBP4.6 million (2021: GBP1.9 million) 
   --    Final dividend of 15.0 pence per ordinary share (2021: nil pence per ordinary share) 

-- Net bank borrowings at 31 March 2022 as disclosed in note 21 were GBP10.4 million (2021: GBP10.3 million)

-- Property portfolio revaluation at 31 March 2022 showed a GBP13.3 million surplus (2021: GBP12.3 million surplus) to net book value (not recognised in these accounts)

Like-for-like comparisons exclude the impact of the Lotus and MG businesses at Ashford, both of which were opened during the year under review. All other businesses operated for the full twelve-month period in both years

Commenting on the results Simon Caffyn, Chief Executive, said: " The underlying profit before tax of GBP4.6 million was a significant improvement on the prior year. Despite limited new car supply, operating profits improved due to very buoyant trading in used cars and our strong focus on improving operational effectiveness .

The outlook will depend on consumer confidence, but we carry forward a strong new car order book and have substantially strengthened our balance sheet "

Enquiries:

Caffyns plc Simon Caffyn, Chief Executive Tel: 01323 730201

Mike Warren, Finance Director

HeadLand Chloe Francklin Tel: 0203 805 4855

Operational and Business Review

Summary

The underlying profit before tax of GBP4.6 million for the financial year ended 31 March 2022 ("the year") was a significant improvement on the GBP1.9 million recorded for the prior year. Full year turnover increased by 36% to GBP223.9 million (2021: GBP165.1 million), predominantly from significantly higher levels of car deliveries. Operating margins improved significantly to GBP5.7 million (2021: GBP2.9 million) due to very buoyant trading in used cars and a strong focus on improving operational effectiveness.

Our statutory profit before tax for the year was GBP4.4 million (2021: GBP1.4 million). Basic earnings per share for the year were 111.3 pence (2021: 52.4 pence). Underlying earnings per share for the year were 117.0 pence (2021: 66.0 pence).

The Company's defined-benefit pension scheme deficit, calculated in accordance with the requirements of IAS 19 Pensions, reduced significantly to GBP2.8 million at 31 March 2022 (2021: GBP9.4 million). Investment gains in the Scheme's investments were strong and combined with reductions to the net present value of the Scheme's liabilities. The Company also made an additional GBP1.0 million cash contribution to the pension scheme in the year to assist with reducing the deficit position.

The Company continues to own all but two of the freeholds of the properties from which it operates, and this provides the dual strengths of a strong asset base and minimal exposure to rent reviews.

The board was able to restart the payment of dividends during the year with an interim dividend of 7.5 pence. The board is proposing a final dividend for the year of 15.0 pence (2021: nil pence per ordinary share).

Net bank borrowings at 31 March 2022 were GBP10.4 million (2021: GBP10.3 million), which equated to gearing of 30% (2021: 37%).

Covid-19

The Company started the financial year with its car showrooms temporarily closed and able to operate only on a "click-and-collect" basis . However, by mid-April 2021 we were able to fully reopen and for the remainder of the financial year were able to operate as usual, albeit with certain social-distancing precautions remaining in place.

In April 2021, 88 employees, around one-fifth of the total workforce, remained on furlough under the Government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme but we were able to return those employees to the workplace over the spring and summer months and we ceased to utilise the scheme from August. Grants received in the year amounted to GBP0.1 million. The business also continued to benefit from the business rates holiday for retail premises, which provided a year-on-year saving of GBP0.8 million. This holiday expired on 31 March 2022. We remain grateful to the Government for the actions that it took to protect employment during lockdown periods where activity levels were suppressed and there was insufficient work to occupy certain employees.

Whilst covid-19 infection levels remained at elevated levels it was pleasing to see a waning of the impact of the covid pandemic on the business as the year progressed. Through careful management of the workplace, we were able to successfully manage staff absences and to continue to offer an environment that our customers were happy to visit and transact in.

Omni-channel retailing

Our omni-channel offering allows customers to interact with us in a way that suits them best, from the traditional showroom discussion through to a fully online sales process, and any combination in between. We learnt a great deal during the lockdown periods of the pandemic and were able to introduce new options which significantly advanced our on-line selling capabilities. These have been further enhanced in the current year allowing us to provide our customers with a full omni-channel approach to purchasing their vehicle.

Our People

I am very grateful for the dedication of our employees and the effort they applied throughout the year to provide our customers with a first-class experience. Their response to th e covid-19 pandemic has been outstanding . We have been , and remain, very focused on the health and safety of our employees and customers, ensuring that o u r showroom and workshop activities are undertaken in a responsible and socially distanced way. As a result of the hard work and professionalism shown by everyone involved, we have successfully navigated the covid pandemic to leave the business in a strong position.

The Company has a long tradition of investing in apprenticeship programmes. Despite the pressures on the business, we have kept our apprenticeship numbers at a high level and continue to see the benefits flow through the business as more apprentices complete their training and become fully qualified. Due to our apprentice numbers, we continue to fully utilise our Government apprenticeship levy payments within the stipulated time limits.

We remain firmly committed to the long-term benefits of apprenticeships and our recruitment programme continues with the aim of maintaining a healthy complement in the coming year which will assist the Company to continue to grow.

New and used car sales

Total UK new car registrations in the year increased by 4% as the impacts of the covid-19 pandemic waned. However, the global shortage of semiconductors throughout the year disrupted the production of new cars and, more recently, the conflict in Ukraine added additional strains to supply chains, further restricting increases in registrations. Within the total, new car registrations in the private and small business sector, in which we principally operate, rose by 19%. Our own new car deliveries rose by 7% on a like-for-like basis, which was in line with the movement for those manufacturers that we represent.

Our volume of used cars sales also rose, by 24%, on a like-for-like basis. The shortage of new car product created a strong used car market and, together with enhanced controls, we were able to retain significantly enhanced unit margins. Great efforts have been made over the last twelve months to further enhance and develop our omni-channel offering for our customers and we continue to see this providing a major opportunity for further growth. The number of used cars sold again exceeded the number of new cars sold in the year. Procedures have been strengthened to monitor and control used car stock turn and yield and to broaden our sources of replenishing inventory.

The Company's total revenues for the year increased by GBP58.8 million over the previous year, of which GBP56.6 million arose from the from the sale of new and used cars .

Aftersales

The impact of the covid-19 pandemic on our aftersales business reduced during the year and we were encouraged that our service revenues in the year rose by 8% on a like-for-like basis. We continue to place great emphasis on our customer retention programmes and in growing sales of service plans. Our parts business also reported higher sales, up by 25% on a like-for-like basis from the previous year.

Operations

Our Audi businesses produced another exceptional performance in the year, significantly growing both their new and used car deliveries.

The performance of our Volkswagen businesses improved in the year boosted by the strength of the brand, the excellent model range, and exciting new products.

Our Volvo businesses also enjoyed very strong performances in the year. Both businesses, in Worthing and in Eastbourne, performed very well. The Eastbourne result was especially commendable given the business was heavily disrupted by building works throughout much of the year as the site underwent a significant refurbishment. The brand continues to reap the benefits of an excellent model range of cars, which are being positively received by customers.

In Tunbridge Wells, our combined SEAT/Skoda business continued to perform well and our Skoda business in Ashford recorded an excellent result, significantly ahead of the prior year.

Our Vauxhall business in Ashford performed in line with our expectations in the year.

During the year we opened businesses for Lotus and MG, adjacent to our existing Vauxhall operation in Ashford. The board was encouraged with their first year of trading.

Trading at Caffyns Motorstore, our used car business in Ashford, remained subdued as the business suffered from disruptions from building works to accommodate the new franchises of Lotus and MG. However, the performance improved in the year and we remain reassured that the concept continues to be well received by our customers, who particularly value the reassurance of the Caffyns brand.

Groupwide projects

We remain focused on generating further improvements in used car sales, used car finance and service labour sales. These three areas will be key to achieving further increases in profitability in the coming years. In addition, we continue to make very good progress utilising technology to enhance the customer-buying experiences from their first point of contact right through the buying process, as well as improving aftersales retention.

New brands and models

We continue to invest in enhanced facilities to allow us to sell and service our manufacturers' ever-increasing range of electric and hybrid vehicles. During the year we also added two new brands to our portfolio, both based at existing premises in Ashford. Lotus, which is part of the Zhejiang Geely group that also owns Volvo, and MG, a subsidiary of SAIC, commenced trading in July 2021. Both of these brands have battery-powered electric products and MG offers outstanding value for money in this field. We will shortly be expanding our representation with Lotus with the opening of a new dealership for Sussex, in Lewes.

Property

We operate primarily from freehold sites which provides additional stability to our business model. As in previous years, our freehold premises were revalued at the balance sheet date by chartered surveyors CBRE Limited, based on an existing use valuation. The excess of the valuation over net book value of our freehold properties at 31 March 2022 was GBP13.3 million (2021: GBP12.3 million). In accordance with our accounting policies, this surplus has not been incorporated into our accounts.

During the year, we incurred capital expenditure of GBP2.9 million (2021: GBP0.4 million). There was one major property development project in the year, which was the expansion and complete refurbishment of our Volvo premises in Eastbourne. The remaining spend reflected a mixture of further installations of electric charging points and replacement spend on existing assets.

The lease to the purchaser of our former Land Rover business in 2016, for our freehold premises in Lewes, terminated on 9 June 2021 and the property was returned to us. Our current intention is to dispose of the premises and we expect to exchange contracts shortly. Completion of the sale will be dependent on the purchaser gaining an appropriate planning consent and the board expects this will take at least two years. Due to the uncertainty of a successful outcome to the planning process, the property has continued to be shown as an investment property on the Company's balance sheet.

The Company operates two of its franchised businesses from leased premises as well as having a leased vehicle storage compound, which are shown on the balance sheet as right of use assets. During the year, management reassessed its likely future requirement for one of those premises and, as a result, extended its estimate of the duration of its stay. As a result, the valuation of that lease increased by GBP1.0 million, equal and opposite to an increase in its lease liability.

The Company has agreed with Volvo UK to relocate its business in Worthing to a new-build facility, adjacent to its existing Audi operation at Angmering. Planning permission for the new facility is being sought and construction is expected to start once a planning consent is granted, with the new facility expected to be available to open in 2023.

Bank facilities and borrowings

The Company's banking facilities with HSBC comprise a term loan, originally of GBP7.5 million, repayable by instalments over a twenty-year period to 2038 and a revolving-credit facility of GBP6.0 million, both of which will next become renewable in April 2026. HSBC also provides an overdraft facility of GBP3.5 million, renewable annually. The Company continues to enjoy a supportive relationship with HSBC and successfully refinanced its borrowings in March 2022, twelve months in advance of the scheduled review date for the facilities. The refinancing did not affect the market value of the Company's borrowings.

In addition to its facilities with HSBC, the Company also has a revolving-credit facility of GBP4.0 million provided by Volkswagen Bank, renewable annually, together with a term loan, originally of GBP5.0 million, which is repayable by instalments over the ten years to March 2024.

The term loan and revolving credit facilities provided by HSBC include certain covenant tests which were comfortably passed at the year-end on 31 March 2022. Any failure of a covenant test would render these facilities repayable on demand at the option of the lender.

During the year, cash generated by operating activities was GBP3.4 million (2021: GBP6.7 million). This reflected the deficit-reduction payment of GBP1.0 million made to the Company's defined-benefit pension scheme as part of the recovery plan to the March 2020 triennial valuation, as well as outflows associated with working capital movements. Other significant cash movements in the year included capital expenditure of GBP2.8 million (2021: GBP0.4 million) and repayment of bank revolving-credit facilities and term loans of GBP2.9 million (2021: GBP1.7 million). Cash balances held at 31 March 2022 were GBP5.7 million, a reduction of GBP3.0 million from the previous year-end.

Bank borrowings, net of cash balances, at 31 March 2022 were GBP10.4 million (2021: GBP10.3 million) and as a proportion of shareholders' funds at 31 March 2022 were 30% (2021: 37%). This reduction in gearing level reflected the strong financial result for the year as well as a significant narrowing of the deficit in the Company's defined-benefit pension scheme. Available but undrawn facilities with HSBC and Volkswagen Bank at 31 March 2022 were GBP10 million (2021: GBP16 million) owing to the reduction in certain facility levels in the year, in agreement with the Company's bank lenders.

Taxation

The year ended 31 March 2022 resulted in a tax charge of GBP1.39 million (2021: GBP0.01 million). The effective tax rate for the year was higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in force for the year of 19% due to the effect on deferred tax liabilities of the scheduled increase in the corporation tax rate to 25% in 2023. In the prior year, the effective tax rate was significantly lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in force for the year of 19% due to the reversal of an impairment provision against the carrying value of an Advanced Corporation Tax ("ACT") asset.

The Company has no current outstanding trading losses awaiting relief (2021: GBPNil). There are also no capital losses awaiting relief. Capital gains which remain unrealised, where potentially taxable gains arising from the sale of properties and goodwill have been rolled over into replacement assets, amount to GBP7.1 million (2021: GBP8.3 million) which could equate to a future potential tax liability of GBP1.8 million (2021: GBP1.6 million). The Company was able to utilise GBP0.6 million of its ACT in the year, leaving an amount carried forward to future trading periods of GBP0.5 million (2021: GBP1.1 million).

Pension Scheme

The Company's defined benefit scheme was closed to future accrual in 2010. The board has little control over the key assumptions in the valuation calculations as required by accounting standards and the low yields of gilts and bonds continue to have a significant impact on the net funding position of the scheme. At 31 March 2022 the deficit was GBP2.8 million (2021: GBP9.4 million). The deficit, net of deferred tax, was GBP2.1 million (2021: GBP7.6 million).

The Scheme operates with a fiduciary manager and the board, together with the independent pension fund trustees, continues to review options to reduce the cost of operation and its deficit. Actions that could further reduce the risk profile of the assets and more closely match the nature of the Scheme's assets to its liabilities continue to be considered.

The pension cost under IAS 19 is charged as a non-underlying cost and amounted to GBP0.2 million in the year (2021: GBP0.2 million).

During the year, the latest formal triennial valuation of the Scheme, effective 31 March 2020, was completed with the valuation being formally submitted to the Pensions Regulator in June 2021. A recovery plan to address the Scheme deficit identified from this triennial valuation was agreed with the trustees under which the annual recovery plan payment would increase from GBP0.5 million to GBP0.8 million, with an additional one-off contribution of GBP1.0 million, which was paid in June 2021. The recurring annual recovery plan payment for each subsequent year will then increase by 2.25%, until superseded by any future new recovery plan to be agreed between the Company and the trustees. Therefore, the Company made deficit-reduction contributions into the Scheme during the year of GBP1.8 million (2021: GBP0.5 million).

Dividend

The uncertainty caused by the covid-19 pandemic resulted in the Company temporarily pausing its dividend payments to shareholders. The board is aware of the importance of dividend payments to its shareholders and remained committed to restarting dividend payments once it was appropriate to do so. The judgement of the board was that the performance of the business in the first half of the year meant that it would be appropriate to restart dividend payments and, accordingly, the board declared an interim dividend of 7.5 pence per ordinary share (2021: Nil pence per ordinary share). The board is also declaring a final dividend for the year of 15.0 pence (2021: Nil pence per ordinary share) which will be paid on 9 August 2022 to those shareholders on the register at close of business on 8 July 2022, subject to shareholder approval at the 2022 Annual General Meeting. The ordinary shares will be marked ex-dividend on 7 July 2022.

Strategy

Our continuing strategy is to focus on growing our loyal customer base through representing premium and premium-volume franchises, maximising opportunities for premium used cars and delivering an excellent after sales service. We recognise that we operate in a rapidly changing environment and continue to carefully monitor the appropriateness of this strategy. We continue to seek opportunities to invest in the future growth of our business.

We are concentrating on business opportunities in stronger markets to deliver higher returns from fewer but bigger sites. We continue to seek to deliver performance improvement, in particular in our used car and aftersales operations, and to enhance both the purchasing and after sales experience for our customers.

Annual General Meeting

T he Annual General Meeting will be held on 2 August 2022. As no regulations remain in place regarding social distancing, it is intended that the Annual General Meeting will be an open meeting, to which shareholders will be invited to attend in person.

Outlook

We have started the new financial year with a sense of optimism, although we are mindful of disruptions to manufacturers' supply chains and dependent upon consumer confidence. We continue to enjoy supportive relationships with our banking partners, HSBC and Volkswagen Bank, with available but undrawn facilities at the year-end in excess of GBP10 million. The balance sheet is appropriately funded and our freehold property portfolio is a source of stability. We remain confident in the prospects of the Company and are ready to exploit future business opportunities.

S G M Caffyn

Chief Executive

26 May 2022

Group Income Statement

for the year ended 31 March 2022

 
                                                                    2022         2021 
                                                       Note      GBP'000      GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
  Revenue                                                        223,928      165,085 
  Cost of sales                                                (191,982)    (142,304) 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
  Gross profit                                                    31,946       22,781 
  Operating expenses 
  Distribution costs                                            (17,442)     (13,481) 
  Administration expenses                                        (9,227)      (7,317) 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
  Operating profit before other income                             5,277        1,983 
  Other income (net)                                                 390          909 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
  Operating profit                                                 5,667        2,892 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 
  Operating profit before non-underlying items                     5,690        3,142 
  Non-underlying items within operating profit         5            (23)        (250) 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
  Operating profit                                                 5,667        2,892 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 
  Finance expense                                      6         (1,116)      (1,266) 
  Finance expense on pension scheme                                (166)        (202) 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
  Net finance expense                                            (1,282)      (1,468) 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 
  Profit before taxation                                           4,385        1,424 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 
  Profit before tax and non-underlying items                       4,574        1,876 
  Non-underlying items within operating profit         5            (23)        (250) 
  Non-underlying items within finance expense on 
   pension scheme                                      5           (166)        (202) 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
  Profit before taxation                                           4,385        1,424 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 
  Taxation                                             7         (1,386)         (14) 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
  Profit for the year                                              2,999        1,410 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 
  Earnings per share 
  Basic                                                8          111.3p        52.4p 
  Diluted                                              8          109.6p        52.1p 
  Underlying earnings per share 
  Basic                                                8          117.0p        66.0p 
  Diluted                                              8          115.2p        65.6p 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 

Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 31 March 2022

 
                                                                   2022        2021 
                                                       Note     GBP'000     GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
  Profit for the year                                             2,999       1,410 
  Items that will never be reclassified to 
   profit and loss: 
  Remeasurement of net defined benefit liability                  5,045       (301) 
  Deferred tax on remeasurement                       17        (1,261)          57 
  Effect of change in deferred tax rate               17            511           - 
-------------------------------------------------  -------  -----------  ---------- 
  Total other comprehensive income/(expense), 
   net of taxation                                                4,295       (244) 
-------------------------------------------------  -------  -----------  ---------- 
  Total comprehensive income for the year                         7,294       1,166 
-------------------------------------------------  -------  -----------  ---------- 
 
 

Group Statement of Financial Position

at 31 March 2022

 
                                                              2022        2021 
                                                  Note     GBP'000     GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
  Non-current assets 
  Right-of-use assets                             10         1,413         610 
  Property, plant and equipment                   11        38,975      37,624 
  Investment properties                           12         7,646       7,751 
  Interest in lease                               13           389         557 
  Goodwill                                        14           286         286 
  Deferred tax asset                              17             -         412 
                                                            48,709      47,240 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
  Current assets 
  Inventories                                     15        27,546      36,562 
  Trade and other receivables                                5,264       5,072 
  Interest in lease                               13           168         173 
  Current tax recoverable                                       40          34 
  Cash and cash equivalents                                  2,759       5,735 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
                                                            35,777      47,576 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
  Total assets                                              84,486      94,816 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
  Current liabilities 
  Interest-bearing bank overdrafts and 
   loans                                                     1,875       3,875 
  Trade and other payables                        16        29,495      39,338 
  Lease liabilities                                            496         495 
  Current tax payable                                          236         306 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
                                                            32,102      44,014 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
  Net current assets                                         3,675       3,562 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
  Non-current liabilities 
  Interest-bearing bank loans                               11,312      12,187 
  Lease liabilities                                          1,434         783 
  Deferred tax liability                          17         1,298           - 
  Preference shares                                            812         812 
  Retirement benefit obligations                             2,797       9,434 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
                                                            17,653      23,216 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
  Total liabilities                                         49,755      67,230 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
 
  Net assets                                                34,731      27,586 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
 
  Capital and reserves 
  Share capital                                              1,439       1,439 
  Share premium account                                        272         272 
  Capital redemption reserve                                   707         707 
  Non-distributable reserve                                  1,724       1,724 
  Retained earnings                                         30,589      23,444 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
  Total equity attributable to shareholders                 34,731      27,586 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Group Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31 March 2022

 
                                                        Capital              Non- 
                              Share        Share     redemption     distributable      Retained 
                            capital      premium        reserve           reserve      Earnings        Total 
                            GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000           GBP'000       GBP'000      GBP'000 
----------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  ----------------  ------------  ----------- 
  At 1 April 2021             1,439          272            707             1,724        23,444       27,586 
  Total comprehensive 
   income 
  Profit for the 
   year                           -            -              -                 -         2,999        2,999 
  Other comprehensive 
   income                         -            -              -                 -         4,295        4,295 
----------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  ----------------  ------------  ----------- 
  Total comprehensive 
   income                         -            -              -                 -         7,294        7,294 
  Transactions 
   with 
   owners: 
  Dividends                       -            -              -                 -         (202)        (202) 
  Issue of shares                 -            -              -                 -             -            - 
   - SAYE 
  Share-based payment             -            -              -                 -            53           53 
----------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  ----------------  ------------  ----------- 
  At 31 March 
   2022                       1,439          272            707             1,724        30,589       34,731 
----------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  ----------------  ------------  ----------- 
 

for the year ended 31 March 2021

 
                                                        Capital              Non- 
                              Share        Share     redemption     distributable      Retained 
                            capital      premium        reserve           reserve      Earnings        Total 
                            GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000           GBP'000       GBP'000      GBP'000 
----------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  ----------------  ------------  ----------- 
  At 1 April 2020             1,439          272            707             1,724        22,238       26,380 
  Total comprehensive 
   Income/(expense) 
  Profit for the 
   year                           -            -              -                 -         1,410        1,410 
  Other comprehensive 
   expense                        -            -              -                 -         (244)        (244) 
----------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  ----------------  ------------  ----------- 
  Total comprehensive 
   income                         -            -              -                 -         1,166        1,166 
  Transactions 
   with 
   owners: 
  Issue of shares 
   - SAYE                         -            -              -                 -             3            3 
  Share-based payment             -            -              -                 -            37           37 
----------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  ----------------  ------------  ----------- 
  At 31 March 
   2021                       1,439          272            707             1,724        23,444       27,586 
----------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  ----------------  ------------  ----------- 
 

Group Cash Flow Statement

for the year ended 31 March 2022

 
 
                                                                           2022         2021 
                                                              Note      GBP'000      GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
  Net cash inflow from operating activities                   18          3,390        6,724 
 
    Investing activities 
  Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment                       -            - 
  Purchases of property, plant and equipment                            (2,837)        (394) 
  Receipt from investment in lease                                          185          185 
  Net cash outflow from investing activities                            (2,652)        (209) 
--------------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 
  Financing activities 
  Revolving-credit facility repaid                                      (2,000)      (2,000) 
  Revolving-credit facility utilised                                          -        1,000 
  Secured loans repaid                                                    (875)        (657) 
  Bank refinancing arrangement fees                                        (98)            - 
  Issue of shares - SAYE scheme                                               -            3 
  Dividends paid                                                          (202)            - 
  Repayment of lease liabilities                                          (539)        (604) 
--------------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
  Net cash outflow from financing activities                            (3,714)      (2,258) 
--------------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 
  Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents                  (2,976)        4,257 
--------------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 
  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                          5,735        1,478 
 
  Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                2,759        5,735 
--------------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 

Notes

for the year ended 31 March 2022

   1.   GENERAL INFORMATION 

Caffyns plc is a company domiciled in the United Kingdom. The address of the registered office is Saffrons Rooms, Meads Road, Eastbourne BN20 7DR. The registered number of the Company is 105664.

This financial information has been extracted from the consolidated financial statements which were approved by the directors on 26 May 2022.

   2.   ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted in the United Kingdom .

Whilst the financial information included in this announcement has been computed in accordance with IFRSs, this announcement does not itself contain sufficient information to comply with IFRSs.

The financial information set out does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022, but is derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and those for the year ended 31 March 2022 will be delivered following the Company's annual general meeting. The auditors have reported on those accounts: their reports were unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and did not contain statements under section 498(2) or (3) Companies Act 2006 or equivalent preceding legislation.

A copy of the annual report for the year ended 31 March 2022 will be available at www.caffynsplc.co.uk and will be posted to shareholders by 8 July 2022.

   3.   GOING CONCERN 

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which the directors consider appropriate for the reasons set out below.

The directors have considered the going concern basis and have undertaken a detailed review of trading and cash flow forecasts for a period of one year from the date of approval of this Annual Report. This has focused primarily on the achievement of the banking covenants, which have all been achieved for the year under review.

Under the Company's first covenant test, it is required to make underlying earnings before bank interest, depreciation and amortisation ("senior EBITDA") for the rolling twelve-month period to 31 March 2022, which is at least four times the level of interest payable on bank borrowings to HSBC and Volkswagen Bank ("senior interest").

The Company's second covenant test requires total bank borrowings to HSBC and Volkswagen Bank at 31 March 2022 not to exceed 375% of senior EBITDA for the rolling twelve-month period to 31 March 2022.

The Company's final covenant test requires that the level of its bank borrowings do not exceed 70% of the independently assessed value of its charged freehold properties.

In the coming twelve months, each of the three covenant tests must be passed at 30 June 2022, 30 September 2022, 31 December 2022 and 31 March 2023, with the test on 31 March 2023 being the final test to be carried out within the twelve-month period from the anniversary of the signing of these financial statements. The Company has modelled this period and conclude that there is headroom that would allow for an approximate 10% reduction in expected new and used units over this period. External market commentary provided by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders ("SMMT") indicate that new car registrations are forecast to show a year-on-year increase of 5% in 2022 to 1.72 million, with a further 17% increase into 2023 to 2.02 million registrations as the global shortage in semiconductors end allowing manufacturing levels to rise. The used car market has remained stable over the five years from 2015 to 2019, at between 7.6 and 8.2 million transactions and dropped by only 15% in 2020 due to the effects of the covid-19 pandemic, compared to a comparable 29% fall in new car registrations . Since showrooms reopened in April 2021, demand for used cars has been buoyant and transactions grew by 12 % in 2021. The continuing shortage in new car supply has assisted the used car market, and is expected to continue to do so. The Company's financial results in the year under review were robust and the current new car order take held for future delivery is at elevated levels.

The directors have also considered the Company's working capital requirements. The Company meets its day-to-day working capital requirements through short-term stocking loans and bank overdraft and medium-term revolving credit facilities and term loans. At the year-end, the medium-term banking facilities included a term loan with an outstanding balance of GBP6.2 million and a revolving credit facility of GBP6.0 million from HSBC, its primary bankers, with both facilities being renewable in April 2026. HSBC also make available a short-term overdraft facility of GBP3.5 million, which is renewed annually in August. The Company also has a ten-year term loan from Volkswagen Bank with a balance outstanding at 31 March 2022 of GBP1.0 million, which is repayable to March 2024, and a short-term revolving-credit facility of GBP4.0 million, which is renewed annually in August. In the opinion of the directors, there is a reasonable expectation that all facilities will be renewed at their scheduled expiry dates. The failure of a covenant test would render these facilities repayable on demand at the option of the lender.

Information concerning the Company's liquidity and financing risk are set out on page 12 and note 21 to the financial statements.

The directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources and headroom against the covenant test to be able continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and for a period of one year from the date of approval of the Annual Report. For those reasons, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing this Annual Report.

   4.    CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES 

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

These judgements and estimates are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Certain critical accounting estimates in applying the Company's accounting policies are listed below.

Retirement benefit obligation

The Company has a defined-benefit pension scheme. The obligations under this scheme are recognised in the balance sheet and represent the present value of the obligation calculated by independent actuaries, with input from management. These actuarial valuations include assumptions such as discount rates, return on assets and mortality rates. These assumptions vary from time to time depending on prevailing economic conditions. Details of the assumptions used are provided in note 23. At 31 March 2022, the net liability included in the Statement of Financial Position was GBP2.8 million (2021: GBP9.4 million).

Impairment

The carrying value of property, plant and equipment and goodwill are tested annually for impairment as described in notes 11, 12, 13 and 15 to the financial statements. For the purposes of the annual impairment testing, the directors recognise Cash Generating Units (CGUs) to be those assets attributable to an individual dealership, which represents the smallest group of assets which generate cash inflows that are independent from other assets or CGUs. The recoverable amount of each CGU is based on the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. The fair value less costs to sell of each CGU is based upon the market value of any property contained within it and is determined by an independent valuer, and its value in use is determined through discounting future cash inflows (as described in detail in note 15). As a result of this review the directors considered that no impairments were required to the carrying value of its property assets (2021: GBP184,000 to a single property asset) (see notes 11, 12, 13 and 15).

Surplus ACT recoverable

The Company carries a balance of surplus unrelieved advanced corporation tax ("ACT") which can be utilised to reduce corporation tax payable subject to a restriction to 19% of taxable profits less shadow ACT calculated at 25% of dividends. Uncertainty arises due to the estimation of future levels of profitability, levels of dividends payable and the reversal of deferred tax liabilities in respect of accelerated capital allowances and on unrealised capital gains. For example, a reduction in the Company's profitability could result in a delay in the utilisation of surplus unrelieved ACT. However, based on the Company's current projections, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the surplus ACT will be fully relieved against future corporation tax liabilities by 31 March 2024.

Support arrangements

On occasion, the Company can be assisted in the relocation, development and support of certain of its businesses. On receipt of these payments the Company forms a judgement whether the payment is capital in nature, in which case the payment is deducted from the capital cost of the development in question, or revenue in nature, in which case the payment is amortised over a two-year period from the date or relocation.

In November 2018, the Company received a contribution of GBP255,000 from a brand partner towards the cost of developing its Angmering dealership. The contribution agreement was not specific as to whether the amount contributed was in respect of the capital expenditure incurred by the Company, or in respect of other operating activities (such as marketing) that the Company was required to undertake as part of the relocation. Consequently, the directors needed to apply judgement in determining the appropriate accounting treatment. Having considered all information available, including the contribution agreement and past correspondence with the brand partner, the directors determined it appropriate to account for the contribution as capital in nature, and deducted the amount received from the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment assets associated with the Angmering dealership.

The directors considered an alternative treatment, including recognising the amount received over the rolling two-year term of the franchise agreement. This would have resulted in an increase in profit of GBP96,000 during the year ended 31 March 2019 and an increase in net assets of the same amount as at 31 March 2019, with the remaining GBP159,000 standing to be recognised over the remaining contractual period as follows: year ended 31 March 2020: GBP127,500, year ending 31 March 2021: GBP31,500.

In December 2019, the Company separately received a contribution of GBP225,000 from a brand partner as support for establishing a new franchise business. In the judgement of the directors, and having considered all information available, the directors determined it appropriate to account for the contribution as revenue in nature, with the support to be allocated on a straight-line basis over the first 24 months of operation of the new business. The launch of the new business was delayed by the covid-19 pandemic with the business unable to commence trading until car showrooms were allowed to re-open in June 2020. As a result, GBP93,750 of the GBP225,000 support package was recognised in the Income Statement for the prior year with a further GBP112,500 being recognised in the Income Statement for the current year. It is expected that the remaining GBP18,750 will be recognised in the Income Statement for the year ending 31 March 2023.

   5.   Non-underlying items 

The following amounts have been presented as non-underlying items in these financial statements:

 
                                                                2022        2021 
                                                             GBP'000     GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Net loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment            -         (3) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Other income, net                                                -         (3) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Within operating expenses: 
   Service cost on pension scheme                               (23)        (23) 
  Redundancy and restructuring costs                               -        (40) 
  Property impairments                                             -       (184) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
                                                                (23)       (247) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Non-underlying items within operating profit                  (23)       (250) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Net finance expense on pension scheme                        (166)       (202) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Non-underlying items within net finance expense              (166)       (202) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Total non-underlying items before taxation                   (189)       (452) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Taxation credit on non-underlying items                         36          86 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Total non-underlying items after taxation                    (153)       (366) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

In the prior period, the following amounts have been presented as non-underlying items:

-- redundancy and restructuring costs of GBP40,000 were incurred in the year as a result of changes necessitated by the covid-19 pandemic;

-- the carrying value of a freehold property was impaired by a total of GBP184,000 following advice from the Company's independent valuer, CBRE Limited (see notes 11 and 12).

   6.   Finance expense 
 
                                                       2022        2021 
                                                    GBP'000     GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Interest payable on bank borrowings                   297         367 
  Interest payable on inventory stocking loans          581         681 
  Interest on lease liabilities                          37          21 
  Finance costs amortised                               141         125 
  Preference dividends (see note 9)                      72          72 
  Finance income on interest in lease                  (12)           - 
-----------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Finance expense                                     1,116       1,266 
-----------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
   7.   Tax 
 
                                                                2022        2021 
                                                             GBP'000     GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Current tax 
  UK corporation tax                                             432         401 
  Adjustments recognised in the period for current tax 
   of prior periods                                              (5)        (33) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Total charge                                                   427         368 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Deferred tax (see note 17) 
   Origination and reversal of temporary differences             312       (381) 
  Change in corporation tax rate                                 647           - 
  Adjustments recognised in the period for deferred tax 
   of prior periods                                                -          27 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Total charge/(credit)                                          959       (354) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Tax charged in the Income Statement                          1,386          14 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 
                                               2022        2021 
    The tax charge arises as follows:       GBP'000     GBP'000 
---------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  On normal trading                           1,422         100 
  On non-underlying items (see note 5)         (36)        (86) 
---------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Tax charged in the Income Statement         1,386          14 
---------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

The charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit per the Income Statement as follows:

 
                                                                        2022        2021 
                                                                     GBP'000     GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Profit before tax                                                    4,385       1,424 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 19% (2021: 19%)                  833         271 
  Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining 
   taxable profit                                                        126         133 
  Other differences                                                        -          34 
  Effect of change in corporation tax rate                               647           - 
  Movement in rolled over and held over gains                          (215)       (117) 
  Reversal of impairment of Advanced Corporation Tax asset                 -       (301) 
  Adjustment to tax charge in respect of prior periods                   (5)         (6) 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Tax charge for the year                                              1,386          14 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

The current year total tax charge is impacted by the effect of non-deductible expenses, which includes non-qualifying depreciation; and one-off rate change adjustments to take into account the legislative increase in the corporation tax rate to 25% in 2023 .

In the prior year an impairment provision against the carrying value of an Advanced Corporation Tax asset was reversed. This impairment was initially made in the year ended 31 March 2019 at which time management did not recognise an overall deferred tax asset due to the inherent uncertainty at that date. This approach remained unchanged at the previous year end, with 31 March 2020 being immediately after the start of the first covid-19 lockdown, and at the height of the accompanying economic uncertainty, but was altered at the half-year, at 30 September 2020. Forecasts prepared by management at that time, extending across a five year period, reflected an improvement to the levels of profits and these forecasts allowed the previously held view to be revised and the impairment to be reversed, given management's judgement of a higher level of certainty that the available Advanced Corporation Tax and other deferred tax assets would be utilised in future years.

The total tax charge for the year is made up as follows:

 
                                                                2022        2021 
                                                             GBP'000     GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Total current tax charge                                       427         368 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Deferred tax credit/(charge) 
  (Charged)/credited in the Income Statement                     959       (354) 
  Charged/(credited) against other comprehensive income          750        (57) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Total deferred tax charge                                    1,709       (411) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Total tax charge/(credit) for the year                       2,136        (43) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Factors affecting the future tax charge

The Company has unrelieved advance corporation tax of GBP0.5 million (2021: GBP1.1 million), which is available to be utilised against future mainstream corporation tax liabilities and is accounted for in deferred tax (see note 24).

   8.   Earnings per ordinary share 

The calculation of the basic earnings per share is based on the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year.

Treasury shares are treated as cancelled for the purposes of this calculation.

The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based on the basic earnings per share, adjusted to allow for the issue of shares and the pots-tax effect of dividends and/or interest on the assumed conversion of all dilutive options and other dilutive potential ordinary shares.

Reconciliations of earnings and weighted average number of shares used in the calculations are set out below:

 
                                              Underlying                Basic 
                                             2022        2021        2022        2021 
                                          GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
  Profit before tax                         4,385       1,424       4,385       1,424 
  Adjustments: 
  Non-underlying items (note 5)               189         452           -           - 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
  Profit before tax                         4,574       1,876       4,385       1,424 
  Tax (note 7)                            (1,422)       (100)     (1,386)        (14) 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
  Profit after tax                          3,152       1,776       2,999       1,410 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
  Earnings per share (pence)               117.0p       66.0p      111.3p       52.4p 
  Diluted earnings per share (pence)       115.2p       65.6p      109.6p       52.1p 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 
                                                        2022        2021 
                                                     GBP'000     GBP'000 
------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Underlying earnings after tax                        3,152       1,776 
  Underlying earnings per share (pence)               117.0p       66.0p 
  Underlying diluted earnings per share (pence)       115.2p       65.6p 
------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Non-underlying losses after tax                      (153)       (366) 
  Losses per share (pence)                            (5.7)p     (13.6)p 
  Diluted losses per share (pence)                    (5.6)p     (13.5)p 
------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Total earnings                                       3,019       1,410 
------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Earnings per share (pence)                          111.3p       52.4p 
  Diluted earnings per share (pence)                  109.6p       52.1p 
------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

The number of fully paid ordinary shares in circulation at the year-end was 2,695,502 (2021: 2,695,376). The weighted average number of shares in issue for the purposes of the earnings per share calculation were 2,695,418 (2021: 2,694,846). The shares granted in the year under the Company's SAYE scheme have been treated as dilutive. For the purposes of this calculation, the weighted average number of shares in issue for the purposes of the earnings per share calculation were 2,737,264 (2021: 2,707,660).

   9.   Dividends 
 
                                                                  2022        2021 
                                                               GBP'000     GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Preference shares 
  7% Cumulative First Preference                                    12          12 
  11% Cumulative Preference                                         48          48 
  6% Cumulative Second Preference                                   12          12 
----------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Included in finance expense (see note 6)                          72          72 
----------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Ordinary shares 
  Interim dividend of 7 1/2 pence per ordinary share paid          202           - 
   in respect 
   of the current year (2021: Nil pence) 
  No final dividend paid in respect of the March 2021                -           - 
   year end (2020: Nil pence) 
----------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
                                                                   202           - 
----------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

A final dividend of 15.0 pence per ordinary share w as declared in respect of the current year ended 31 March 2022.

   10.   Right-of-use assets 
 
                                     2022 
                                  GBP'000 
----------------------------   ---------- 
  Deemed cost 
  At 1 April 2021                   1,181 
  Additions in the year             1,142 
-----------------------------  ---------- 
  At 31 March 2022                  2,323 
-----------------------------  ---------- 
  Accumulated depreciation 
   At 1 April 2021                    571 
  Depreciation for the year           339 
-----------------------------  ---------- 
  At 31 March 2022                    910 
-----------------------------  ---------- 
  Net book value 
   At 31 March 2022                 1,413 
-----------------------------  ---------- 
 

The right-of-use assets above represent three long term property leases for premises from which the Company operates a Volkswagen dealership in Brighton, a Volvo dealership in Worthing and a car storage compound in Tunbridge Wells.

Depreciation charges of GBP339,000 (2021: GBP315,000) in respect of right-of-use assets has been recognised within administration expenses in the Income Statement.

The interest expense on the associated lease liability of GBP37,000 (2021: GBP21,000) is disclosed is note 6.

Payments made in the year on the above leases were GBP539,000 (2021: GBP335,000).

   11.   Property, plant and equipment 
 
                                Freehold        Leasehold     Fixtures       Plant & 
                                property     improvements            &     machinery        Total 
                                 GBP'000          GBP'000     fittings       GBP'000      GBP'000 
                                                               GBP'000 
---------------------------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
  Cost or deemed cost 
  At 1 April 2021                 40,752              728        5,350         6,735       53,565 
  Additions at cost                1,945                -          508           476        2,929 
  Disposals                            -                -        (229)       (2,135)      (2,364) 
---------------------------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
  At 31 March 2022                42,697              728        5,629         5,076       54,130 
---------------------------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
  Accumulated depreciation 
  At 1 April 2021                  6,113              581        4,091         5,156       15,941 
  Depreciation charge 
   for the year                      616               73          506           383        1,578 
  Disposals                            -                -        (229)       (2,135)      (2,364) 
---------------------------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
  At 31 March 2022                 6,729              654        4,368         3,404       15,155 
---------------------------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
  Net book value 
  31 March 2022                   35,968               74        1,261         1,672       38,975 
---------------------------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 

Short-term leasehold property for both the Company and the Group comprises GBP74,000 at net book value in the Statement of Financial Position (2021: GBP147,000).

Depreciation charges of GBP1,578,000 (2021: GBP1,550,000) in respect of Property, plant and equipment was recognised within Administration Expenses in the Income Statement.

The Company valued its portfolio of freehold premises and investment properties as at 31 March 2022. The valuation was carried out by CBRE Limited, Chartered Surveyors, in accordance with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors valuation - global and professional standards requirements. The valuation is based on existing use value which has been calculated by applying various assumptions as to tenure, letting, town planning, and the condition and repair of buildings and sites including ground and groundwater contamination. Management are satisfied that this valuation is materially accurate. The excess of the valuation over net book value as at 31 March 2022 of those sites was GBP13.3 million (2021: GBP12.3 million). In accordance with the Company's accounting policies, this surplus has not been incorporated into these financial statements.

   12.   Investment properties 
 
                                             2022 
                                          GBP'000 
------------------------------------   ---------- 
  Cost 
  At 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022         9,650 
-------------------------------------  ---------- 
  Accumulated depreciation 
   At 1 April 2021                          1,899 
  Depreciation for the year                   105 
  At 31 March 2022                          2,004 
-------------------------------------  ---------- 
  Net book value 
   At 31 March 2022                         7,646 
-------------------------------------  ---------- 
 

Depreciation charges of GBP105,000 (2021: GBP301,000) in respect of Investment properties have been recognised within administration expenses in the Income Statement.

The Company owns a freehold property that is partially leased out to a third-party tenant, and accordingly accounts for the property as an investment property. Based on an independent valuation of the property carried out by CBRE, no impairment charges were required to be recognised in the Income Statement, as part of administration expenses (2021: GBP184,000). This investment property represents the only asset included in that CGU. In assessing this property for impairment, the directors based their assessment of the recoverable amount on fair value less selling costs.

The fair value measurement of the CGU in its entirety was categorised as a Level 3 within the hierarchy set out in IFRS 13 Fair Measurement. The valuation technique that is used to measure the fair value less costs of disposal is consistent with that applied in respect of the Company's property, plant and equipment, which is set out in note 12. The following are key assumptions on which the directors based their determination of fair value less costs of disposal in respect of that CGU:

   --    Market value of buildings per square foot: GBP195 
   --    Market value of site per acre: GBP2,472,000 
   --    Initial and reversionary yields: 6.7% and 7.0% respectively 
   --    Costs of disposal: 1.5% of fair value 

As described in note 11, the total excess of the valuation of all of the Company's freehold properties over net book value as at 31 March 2022 was GBP13.3 million (2021: GBP12.3 million). Investment properties accounted for GBP0.8 million (2021: GBP0.6 million) of this surplus.

   13.   Net investment in lease 
 
                                       2022        2021 
                                    GBP'000     GBP'000 
-------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Due after more than one year          389         557 
  Due within one year                   168         173 
-------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  At 31 March 2022                      557         730 
-------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

The premises shown above are sub-let to a third-party under a lease which has the same terms and duration as the Company's own lease.

   14.   Goodwill 
 
                                             2022        2021 
    Group and Company:                    GBP'000     GBP'000 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Cost 
  At 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022           481         481 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Provision for impairment 
  At 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022           195         195 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Carrying amounts allocated to CGUs 
  Volkswagen, Brighton                        200         200 
  Audi, Eastbourne                             86          86 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  At 31 March 2022                            286         286 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

For the purposes of the annual impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to a CGU. Each CGU is allocated against the lowest level within the entity at which goodwill is monitored for management purposes. Consequently, the directors recognise CGUs to be those assets attributable to individual dealerships and the table above sets out the allocation of goodwill into the individual dealership CGUs. The carrying amount of goodwill allocated to the Volkswagen, Brighton CGU is the only amount considered significant in comparison with the Group's total carrying amount of goodwill.

Goodwill impairment reviews are undertaken annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable and a potential impairment may be required. Impairment reviews have been performed for all CGUs for the years ended 31 March 2022 and 2021.

Valuation basis

The recoverable amount of each CGU is based on the higher of its fair value less selling costs and value in use. The fair value less selling costs of each CGU is based initially upon the market value of any property contained within it and is determined by an independent valuer as described in note 11. Where the fair value less selling costs of a CGU indicates that an impairment may have occurred, a discounted cash flow calculation is prepared in order to assess the value in use of that CGU, involving the application of a pre-tax discount rate to the projected, risk-adjusted pre-tax cash inflows and terminal value.

Period of specific projected cash flows (Volkswagen, Brighton CGU)

The recoverable amount of the Volkswagen, Brighton CGU is based on value in use. Value in use is calculated using cash flow projections for a five-year period from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027. These projections are based on the most recent budget which has been approved by the board being the budget for the year ending 31 March 2023. The key assumptions in the most recent annual budget on which the cash flow projections are based relate to expectations of sales volumes and margins, and expectations around changes in the operating cost base. These assumptions are based on past experience, adjusted to expected changes, and on external sources of information. The cash flows include ongoing capital expenditure required to maintain the dealership but exclude any growth capital expenditure projects to which the Group was not committed at the reporting date.

Growth rates, ranging from -1% (2021: -1%) to 15% (2021: 176%) have been used to forecast cash flows for a further four years beyond the budget period, through to 31 March 2027. These growth rates reflect the products and markets in which the CGU operates. These growth rates do not give rise to an impairment. Growth rates are internal forecasts based on a combination of internal and external information. Based on these forecasts, the headroom available on the total future profits is GBP3.2 million (2021: GBP2.4 million) before an impairment would be necessary.

Period of specific projected cash flows (Volvo, Worthing CGU)

The recoverable amount of the Volvo, Worthing CGU is based on value in use. Value in use is calculated using cash flow projections for a five-year period from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027. These projections are based on the most recent budget which has been approved by the board being the budget for the year ending 31 March 2023. The key assumptions in the most recent annual budget on which the cash flow projections are based relate to expectations of sales volumes and margins, and expectations around changes in the operating cost base. These assumptions are based on past experience, adjusted to expected changes, and on external sources of information. The cash flows include ongoing capital expenditure required to maintain the dealership but exclude any growth capital expenditure projects to which the Group was not committed at the reporting date.

Growth rates, ranging from -46% (2021: -25%) to 7% (2021: 8%) have been used to forecast cash flows for a further four years beyond the budget period, through to 31 March 2027. These growth rates reflect the products and markets in which the CGU operates. These growth rates do not give rise to an impairment. Growth rates are internal forecasts based on a combination of internal and external information. Based on these forecasts, the headroom available on the total future profits is GBP1.1 million (2021: GBP1.7 million) before an impairment would be necessary.

Discount rate

The cash flow projections have been discounted using a rate derived from the Group's pre-tax weighted average cost of capital, adjusted for industry and market risk. The discount rate used was 12.4% (2021: 12.4%).

Terminal growth rate

The cash flows subsequent to the forecast period are extrapolated into the future over the useful economic life of the CGU using a steady or declining growth rate that is consistent with that of the product and industry. These cash flows form the basis of what is referred to as the terminal value. The growth rate to perpetuity beyond the initial budgeted cash flows used in the value in use calculations to arrive at a terminal value is 0.5% (2021: 0.5%). Terminal growth rates are based on management's estimate of future long-term average growth rates.

Conclusion

At 31 March 2022, no impairment charge in respect of goodwill was identified (2021: no impairment charge).

Sensitivity to changes in key assumptions

Impairment testing is dependent on estimates and judgements, particularly as they relate to the forecasting of future cash flows. The outcome of the impairment test is not sensitive to reasonably possible changes in respect of the projected cash flows, the discount rate applied, nor in respect of the terminal growth rate assumed.

15. Inventories

 
  Group and Company:                     2022        2021 
                                      GBP'000     GBP'000 
---------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Vehicles                             22,561      19,741 
  Vehicles on consignment               3,969      15,995 
  Oil, spare parts and materials        1,009         821 
  Work in progress                          7           5 
---------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  At 31 March 2022                     27,546      36,562 
---------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 
                                                               2022        2021 
    Group and Company:                                      GBP'000     GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Inventories recognised as an expense during the year      185,398     135,348 
  Inventories stated at fair value less costs to sell           884         708 
  Carrying value of inventories subject to retention 
   of title clauses                                          14,675      23,940 
-------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

All vehicle inventories held under consignment stocking arrangements are deemed to be assets of the Group and are included on the Statement of Financial Position from the date of consignment. The corresponding liabilities to the manufacturers are included within trade and other payables. Inventories can be held on consignment for a maximum consignment period set by the manufacturer, which is generally between 180 and 365 days. Interest is payable in certain cases for part of the consignment period, at various rates indirectly linked to the Bank of England base rate.

During the year, GBP25,000 was recognised in respect of the write-down of inventories of spare parts due to general obsolescence (2021: 37,000).

16. Trade and other payables

 
                                                    2022        2021 
                                                 GBP'000     GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Trade payable                                   14,034      14,742 
  Obligations relating to consignment stock        3,969      15,995 
  Vehicle stocking loans                           7,327       5,100 
  Social security and other taxes                    823       1,173 
  Accruals                                         2,732       1,482 
  Deferred income                                    532         614 
  Other creditors                                     78         232 
--------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  At 31 March 2022                                29,495      39,338 
--------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Trade and other payables principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. The average credit period taken for these trade-related purchases was 28 days (2021: 33 days).

The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade payables approximates to fair value.

The Group finances the purchases of new car inventory through the use of consignment funding facilities provided by its manufacturer partners and which are shown above as Obligations relating to consignment stock. Vehicles are physically supplied by the manufacturers with payment deferred until the earlier of the registration of the vehicle or the end of the consignment period, generally 180 days. In certain circumstances consignment periods can be extended with the agreement of the manufacturer. The consignment funding facilities attract interest at a commercial rate.

The Group utilises vehicle stocking loans to assist with the purchase of certain used car inventory. Facilities are available from both its manufacturer partners and a third-party finance provider and are generally available for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase. These vehicle stocking loans attract interest at a commercial rate.

Interest charges on consignment stocking loans and vehicle stocking loans described above for the year ended 31 March 2022 were GBP581,000 (2021: GBP681,000).

The obligations relating to consignment stock are all subject to retention of title clauses for the vehicles to which they relate. Obligations for used and demonstrator cars which have been funded are secured on the vehicles to which they relate and are shown above as vehicle stocking loans. From a risk perspective, the Company's funding is split between manufacturers through their related finance arms and that funded by the Company through bank borrowings.

The Company deferred payments of VAT of GBP440,000 under the covid-19 payment deferral scheme operated by HMRC. This VAT was to be settled by eleven equal monthly instalments, with payments having commenced in April 2021. At 31 March 2022, all amounts had been settled (2021: GBP400,000 outstanding and included in within Social security and other taxes).

The movements in deferred income in the year were as follows:

 
                                                     2022        2021 
                                                  GBP'000     GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  At 1 April 2021                                     614         592 
  Utilisation of deferred income in the year      (1,401)     (1,136) 
  Income received and deferred in the year          1,319       1,158 
---------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  At 31 March 2022                                    532         614 
---------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
   17.   Deferred tax 

The following are the major deferred tax assets and liabilities recognised and the movements thereon during the current and prior reporting period.

 
                               Accelerated    Unrealised      Retirement      Short-term 
                                       tax       capital         benefit       temporary      Recoverable 
                              depreciation         gains     obligations     differences              ACT        Total 
                                   GBP'000       GBP'000         GBP'000         GBP'000          GBP'000      GBP'000 
-------------------------  ---------------  ------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ----------- 
  At 1 April 2021                    (925)       (1,572)           1,792            (19)            1,136          412 
  Change in tax rates 
   and 
   prior year adjustments            (225)         (428)            (39)              45                -        (647) 
  Utilisation of ACT                     -             -               -               -            (599)        (599) 
  Timing differences                   210           216           (303)             163                -          286 
  Recognised in other 
   comprehensive income                  -             -           (750)               -                -        (750) 
-------------------------  ---------------  ------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ----------- 
  At 31 March 2022                   (940)       (1,784)             700             189              537      (1,298) 
-------------------------  ---------------  ------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ----------- 
 

The Finance Act 2021 introduced an increase in the main corporation tax rate to 25% from 1 April 2023.

The Company carries a balance of surplus unrelieved advanced corporation tax ("ACT") which can be utilised to reduce corporation tax payable subject to a restriction of 19% of taxable profits less shadow ACT calculated at 25% of shareholder ordinary dividends. Shadow ACT has no effect on the corporation tax payable itself but any surplus shadow ACT on dividends must be fully absorbed before surplus unrelieved ACT can be utilised. During the year the Shadow ACT was fully utilised allowing a partial utilisation of the ACT, leaving the remaining value of surplus ACT available for utilisation in future periods at 31 March 2022 of GBP537,000 (2021: GBP1,136,000).

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and it is considered that this requirement is fulfilled. The offset amounts are as follows:

 
                                   2022        2021 
                                GBP'000     GBP'000 
---------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Deferred tax liabilities      (2,724)     (2,516) 
  Deferred tax assets             1,426       2,928 
---------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  At 31 March 2022              (1,298)         412 
---------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

The unrealised capital gains include deferred tax on gains recognised on revaluing the land and buildings in 1995 and where potentially taxable gains arising from the sale of properties have been rolled over into replacement assets. Such tax would become payable only if such properties were sold without it being possible to claim rollover relief.

There were no trading losses available for use in future periods (2021: GBPNil).

   18.   Notes to the cash flow statement 
 
                                                                    2022        2021 
                                                                 GBP'000     GBP'000 
------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Profit before tax for the year                                   4,385       1,424 
  Adjustments for net finance expense                              1,282       1,468 
------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
                                                                   5,667       2,892 
  Adjustments for: 
  Depreciation of property, plant and equipment, investment 
   properties and 
   right-of-use assets                                             2,022       1,982 
  Impairment against property, plant and equipment and 
   investment properties                                               -         184 
  Cash payments into the defined-benefit pension scheme          (1,781)       (526) 
  Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment                    -           3 
  Share-based payments                                                53          37 
------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Operating cash flows before movements in working capital         5,961       4,572 
  Decrease in inventories                                          9,016       3,484 
  Increase in receivables                                           (94)       (754) 
  (Decrease)/increase in payables                                (9,911)         697 
------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Cash generated by operations                                     4,972       7,999 
  Tax paid, net of refunds                                         (503)        (31) 
  Interest paid                                                  (1,079)     (1,244) 
------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
  Net cash derived from operating activities                       3,390       6,724 
------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

All interest payments are treated as operating cash movements as they arise from movements in working capital.

Reconciliation of debt

 
                                                                               Liabilities 
                                  Revolving                                        arising       Bank and 
                       Bank          credit           Lease      Preference           from           cash          Net 
    Group and         loans      facilities     liabilities          shares      financing       balances         debt 
    Company:        GBP'000         GBP'000         GBP'000         GBP'000     activities        GBP'000      GBP'000 
                                                                                   GBP'000 
--------------  -----------  --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
  At 1 April 
   2021               8,062           8,000           1,278             812         18,152        (5,735)       12,417 
  Cash 
   movement           (875)         (2,000)           (539)               -        (3,414)          2,976        (438) 
  Non-cash 
   movement               -               -           1,191               -          1,191              -        1,191 
--------------  -----------  --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
  At 31 March 
   2022               7,187           6,000           1,930             812         15,929        (2,759)       13,170 
--------------  -----------  --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
  Current 
   liabilities          875           1,000             495               -          2,370        (2,759)        (389) 
  Non-current 
   liabilities        6,312           5,000           1,435             812         13,559              -       13,559 
--------------  -----------  --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
  At 31 March 
   2022               7,187           6,000           1,930             812         15,929        (2,759)       13,170 
--------------  -----------  --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 

Non-cash movements in lease liabilities relate to the reassessment of the expected duration of one existing lease and one new lease that was entered into during the year.

19. Legal contingent liability

Since 2015, the Company has been named as co-defendant in a number of legal actions that have been initiated against certain of the vehicle manufacturers which it represents. These actions contend that customers have been unfairly treated as a result of their vehicles having been fitted with software which is suggested by the claimant law firms to have operated such that when the vehicles were experiencing test conditions, the emission levels of nitrogen oxides ("NOx") were affected. The vehicles remain safe and roadworthy.

These claims on behalf of multiple claimants, arising out of or in relation to their purchase or acquisition on finance of a vehicle affected by the NOx issue, have been brought against a number of Jaguar Land Rover, Vauxhall, Volkswagen Audi, SEAT and Skoda group entities and dealers, including the Company. The Company has been named as a defendant on a number of claim forms alleging fraudulent misrepresentation, breach of contract, breach of statutory duty, breach of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and a breach of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, although not all of these causes of action are being brought against the Company specifically.

In all cases brought to date, the relevant vehicle manufacturers listed above have agreed to indemnify the Company for the reasonable legal costs of defending the litigation and any damages and adverse legal costs that Caffyns may be liable to pay to the claimants as a result of these legal actions. The possibility, therefore, of an economic cost to the Company resulting from the defence of these legal actions is remote.

At present, no timetable can be determined for the resolution of these cases and the relevant issues of liability, loss and causation have not yet been decided. It is therefore too early to assess reliably the merit of any claim and so we cannot confirm that any future outflow of resources is probable.

Accordingly, no provision for liability has been made in these financial statements.

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