We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.
Register for Free to get streaming real-time quotes, interactive charts, live options flow, and more.
| Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stagecoach Group Plc | LSE:SGC | London | Ordinary Share | GB00B6YTLS95 | ORD 125/228P |
| Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.00 | 0.00% | 104.70 | 104.80 | 105.00 | 0.00 | 01:00:00 |
| Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024
TIDMSGC
RNS Number : 4929J
Stagecoach Group PLC
05 December 2018
5 December 2018
Stagecoach Group plc - Interim results for the half-year ended 27 October 2018
Financial highlights
-- Adjusted earnings ahead of expectations, principally reflecting:
o Positive resolution of contractual matters for the former South West Trains franchise
o Strong profitability at Virgin Rail Group
-- Adjusted earnings per share 12.9 pence (H1 2018: 13.6 pence)
o Prior year includes strong contribution from the South West Trains franchise that ended in August 2017
-- Statutory loss per share 5.5 pence (H1 2018: earnings per share 13.6 pence)
o GBP85.4m non-cash exceptional impairment charge in respect of North America goodwill
-- Interim dividend maintained at 3.8 pence per share
-- Full-year adjusted earnings will reflect the rail out-performance in the first half of the year
Operational highlights
-- Continuing innovation and leadership
o Trial of autonomous buses carrying passengers between Edinburgh and Fife, with GBP4.35m Innovate UK funding
o Second largest "contactless transit merchant" in Europe, after Transport for London
o New initiatives on enhanced use of data and demand responsive transport
-- Encouraging performance from UK Bus (regional operations)
o Commercial initiatives delivering passenger revenue growth
o Like-for-like revenue per vehicle mile up 4.4%
-- Good profitability and further opportunities in UK rail
o Involved in shortlisted bids for three new franchises
o Good progress on negotiation of new Direct Award franchise at East Midlands Trains through to at least August 2019
-- North America strategic review
o First half performance in North America in line with revised expectations
o No significant change since September trading update in expected 2018/19 profit, but GBP85.4m non-cash goodwill impairment recorded to reflect a revised view on long-term profitability
o Reviewing strategic options and in discussions regarding a possible sale of all or part of the business
o Focus on growing scheduled service (including megabus.com) and contract parts of business
Financial summary
Hot Features
Premium
"Adjusted" results "Statutory" results
(Results excluding
intangible asset amortisation
(exc. software) and
exceptional items(*)
)
H1 2019 H1 2018 H1 2019 H1 2018
(Restated**) (Restated**)
------------------------------- ------------ ------------------- -------- --------------
Revenue (GBPm) 1,230.8 1,794.0 1,230.8 1,794.0
------------------------------- ------------ ------------------- -------- --------------
Total operating profit/(loss)
(GBPm) 103.4 114.8 (6.2) 114.8
Net finance charges (GBPm) (16.4) (18.1) (16.4) (18.1)
------------------------------- ------------ ------------------- -------- --------------
Profit/(loss) before taxation
(GBPm) 87.0 96.7 (22.6) 96.7
Earnings per share (pence) 12.9p 13.6p (5.5)p 13.6p
Interim dividend per share
(pence) 3.8p 3.8p 3.8p 3.8p
------------------------------- ------------ ------------------- -------- --------------
* see definitions in note 23 to the condensed financial statements
** see note 1 for details of the restatement of revenue and
operating costs arising from implementing IFRS 15
Chief Executive, Martin Griffiths, said:
"I am pleased to report positive half-year financial results, ahead of expectations.
"Our strategy is designed to grow our core business, to support innovation, and to position the Group to benefit from future opportunities.
"We have delivered encouraging results at our UK regional bus business, where we continue to deliver high customer satisfaction. Targeted fleet and technology investment is helping to enhance operational delivery and improve cost efficiency. We continue to innovate across a range of areas including autonomous buses, contactless payment, data analytics and demand responsive transport.
"We are well positioned in UK rail, with three live contract bids and more than 20 years' experience of delivering innovation and investment for customers. We welcome the UK Government's rail review as an opportunity to deliver better value and day-to-day performance for passengers, a partnership structure and contracting system which is sustainable for the long-term, and reform of outdated regulations which are holding back customer-focused improvements.
"While we recognise the competitive challenges in some of our markets in the UK and North America, we are confident that public transport will be central to delivering Government priorities to grow the economy, connect people and communities, reduce road congestion and improve air quality. We are reviewing strategic options for the North America Division and that includes ongoing discussions regarding a possible sale of all or part of the business.
"The Group is focused on making further progress in the second half of the year and we have increased our expectation of full-year adjusted earnings per share to reflect the above-forecast rail earnings in the first half of the year."
Copies of this announcement are available on the Stagecoach Group website at http://www.stagecoach.com/investors/financial-analysis/reports/2018.aspx
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation ("MAR"). Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service ("RIS"), this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.
The person responsible for arranging the release of this announcement on behalf of Stagecoach Group plc is Mike Vaux, Company Secretary.
For further information, please contact:
Stagecoach Group plc www.stagecoach.com
Investors and analysts
Ross Paterson, Finance Director 01738 442111 Bruce Dingwall, Group Financial Controller 01738 442111
Media
Steven Stewart, Director of Communications 01738 442111 or 07764 774680 John Kiely, Smithfield Consultants 020 3047 2476
Notes to editors
Stagecoach Group
-- Stagecoach Group is a leading international public transportation group, with extensive operations in the UK, the United States and Canada. The Group employs around 31,000 people.
-- Stagecoach is one of the UK's biggest bus and coach operators with over 8,000 buses and coaches on a network stretching from south-west England to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Low-cost coach service, megabus.com, operates a network of inter-city services across the UK.
-- Stagecoach is a major UK rail operator, running the East Midlands Trains network and holding a 49% shareholding in Virgin Rail Group, which operates the West Coast rail franchise.
-- Stagecoach operates the Supertram light rail network in Sheffield.
-- In North America, Stagecoach operates around 2,100 buses and coaches in the United States and Canada. megabus.com operates a network of inter-city coach services in North America. Stagecoach is also involved in operating commuter, transit, contracted, charter, airport shuttle and sightseeing services.
Interim management report
The Directors of Stagecoach Group plc are pleased to present their report on the Group for the half-year ended 27 October 2018.
Description of the business
Stagecoach Group plc is a public limited company that is incorporated, domiciled and has its registered office in Scotland. Its ordinary shares are publicly traded and it is not under the control of any single shareholder. The Company has its primary listing on the London Stock Exchange. Throughout this document, Stagecoach Group plc is referred to as "the Company" and the group headed by it is referred to as "Stagecoach" or "the Group".
The Group is a leading international public transport group, with operations in the UK, the United States and Canada. A description of each of the Group's operating divisions is given on pages 5 to 7 of its 2018 Annual Report.
Overview
We are pleased to report financial results for the half-year ended 27 October 2018 ahead of expectations. The Group's strategic focus on providing safe, reliable, good quality transport services is reflected in the high levels of customer satisfaction we are delivering. We continue to innovate as we look to drive future growth and value, and later in this report, we set out a number of examples of that innovation.
Adjusted earnings for the half-year ended 27 October 2018 are ahead of expectations, principally reflecting the positive resolution of contractual matters for the former South West Trains franchise and strong profitability at our Virgin Rail Group joint venture. Revenue for the period was GBP1,230.8m (H1 2018 restated: GBP1,794.0m), which is lower than the prior year period principally due to our South West Trains franchise ending in August 2017 and our Virgin Trains East Coast franchise ending in June 2018. Total operating profit, before exceptional items, reduced to GBP103.4m (H1 2018: GBP114.8m) with the reduction reflecting the strong prior year contribution from the now expired South West Trains franchise. The unadjusted total operating loss for the half-year was GBP6.2m (H1 2018: GBP114.8m profit), mainly reflecting the impact of a GBP85.4m non-cash impairment of North America goodwill. Earnings per share before exceptional items were 12.9p (H1 2018: 13.6p). The basic, unadjusted loss per share was 5.5p (H1 2018: earnings of 13.6p).
We have maintained the interim dividend at 3.8p per share, the same rate as the prior year consistent with guidance in June 2018. The 3.8p dividend is payable to shareholders on the register at 25 January 2019 and will be paid on 6 March 2019. Shareholders who wish to participate in the dividend re-investment plan for this dividend should elect to do so by sending their requests to the Company's registrars to arrive by 13 February 2019.
We are actively working to shape the future of travel and have joined the UK's Intelligent Mobility Accelerator as part of our drive to spark further innovation within the transport industry. This gives the Group access to partner with emerging innovative mobility start ups. In addition, we are currently investigating locations for new pilot demand responsive transport services in the UK. We have also joined forces with car hire company, Enterprise Holdings, to establish the Urban Mobility Partnership. This is focused on engaging a range of stakeholders to develop practical multi-modal policy solutions and we believe mass transit will be central to the future of urban mobility.
In the UK bus market, we have delivered an encouraging performance at our regional bus operations in the first half of the year. We are making progress on a range of commercial initiatives around marketing, ticketing, new revenue streams and on pricing. We remain proud that independent research confirms we are viewed by customers as the best value major bus operator in Britain, with discounted ticketing initiatives to help young people, students and jobseekers.
While we have achieved tendered revenue growth in the regions, the competitive environment in the franchised London bus market is challenging. Nevertheless, we continue to see positive opportunities to improve the revenue and profitability of the Division over the longer term. We will maintain our discipline in bidding for new contracts as well as focusing on strong operational delivery and further cost efficiencies.
Our North America Division remains profitable and our expectation of its 2018/19 operating profit has not significantly changed since the time of our September trading update. However, as noted in that trading update, like-for-like revenue has declined. Year-to-date profit has been below our internal budget, reflecting a number of factors including increased competition in some of the markets in which we operate. In light of that, we have revised our short-term and medium-term financial forecasts for the Division, as well as our view on the Division's long-term growth rate. As a result, we have recorded an GBP85.4m non-cash impairment of goodwill. After taking account of the goodwill impairment, the net assets of the North America business (excluding cash, debt, tax and inter-company balances) at 27 October 2018 were US$249.0m (GBP194.2m).
We are reviewing strategic options for the North America Division and while that includes ongoing discussions regarding a possible sale of all or part of the business, there is no certainty of a sale at this time. In the meantime, the divisional management's focus is on growing the scheduled service (including megabus.com) and contract parts of the business. We have made some management changes to support our growth plans in these areas. We have invested in resource to build our contract business and we are hopeful that will boost future profits through new contract wins. Demand for megabus.com and other scheduled services should benefit from further, planned investment in technology to support growth in these businesses.
The Group is well-positioned in UK rail, with involvement in three live bids for new franchises covering the South Eastern, East Midlands and West Coast Partnership networks. Decisions on those opportunities are expected during the first half of 2019. We have also submitted proposals at the request of the Department for Transport which would see us continue to operate the East Midlands network under a Direct Award franchise through to at least August 2019.
We welcome the rail review announced by the UK Government earlier this year. Private sector innovation and investment has helped transform Britain's railway for customers, taxpayers, communities and our economy. However, we believe the review presents a clear opportunity to deliver a more customer-focused and partnership driven railway, which addresses the strains in the system, unlocks innovation and is sustainable for the long-term.
The rail out-performance in the first half of the year is expected to flow through to full-year adjusted earnings.
During the first half of the 2018/19 financial year, Julie Southern stepped down from the Board to take up an appointment as a non-executive director of easyJet plc. We are currently looking to add another non-executive director to our Board.
As a major international public transport group, we are proud of the role of our employees across the Group in providing excellent services for our customers, supporting our communities and helping our business grow. From a transport start-up with family origins, we have grown to become a major British company on an international stage. Over the past four decades, we have challenged convention, championed new ideas, built strong partnerships, and given our people the freedom to innovate and take appropriate risks.
Looking ahead, we believe that approach will serve the Group well and we believe the outlook is positive for mass transit. We are harnessing our talent and developing new ideas to shape and transform the future of travel for everyone, as well as offering solutions to the challenges of climate change, road congestion and declining air quality.
Summary of financial results
Revenue by division is summarised below:
REVENUE H1 2018 H1 2018
H1 2019 (Restated) H1 2019 (Restated) Growth
-----------
Functional Functional currency
GBPm GBPm currency (m) %
-------- ------------ ----------- ----------------------------- --------
Continuing Group operations
UK Bus (regional operations) 527.1 512.4 GBP 527.1 512.4 2.9%
UK Bus (London) 128.6 128.4 GBP 128.6 128.4 0.2%
North America 245.7 256.3 US$ 323.3 333.9 (3.2)%
UK Rail 335.1 899.2 GBP 335.1 899.2 (62.7)%
Intra-Group revenue (5.7) (2.3) GBP (5.7) (2.3)
-------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------------- --------
Group revenue 1,230.8 1,794.0
-------- ------------
Operating profit by division is summarised below:
OPERATING PROFIT H1 2019 H1 2018 H1 2019 H1 2018
-----------
Functional Functional currency
GBPm % margin GBPm % margin currency (m)
-------- --------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------------------
Continuing Group operations
UK Bus (regional operations) 65.2 12.4% 61.6 12.0% GBP 65.2 61.6
UK Bus (London) 6.1 4.7% 6.5 5.1% GBP 6.1 6.5
North America 16.1 6.6% 21.2 8.3% US$ 21.2 27.6
UK Rail 11.5 3.4% 21.7 2.4% GBP 11.5 21.7
Group overheads (8.1) (7.9)
Restructuring costs (0.2) (1.2)
-------- --------- ------
90.6 101.9
Joint ventures - share
of profit after tax
Virgin Rail Group 11.4 12.1
Citylink 1.4 0.8
Total operating profit
before exceptional items 103.4 114.8
Exceptional items (109.6) -
Total operating (loss)/profit:
Group operating (loss)/profit
and share of joint ventures'
profit after taxation (6.2) 114.8
-------- --------- ------
UK Bus (regional operations)
Summary
* Encouraging financial performance: growth in revenue,
operating profit and operating margin
* Like-for-like revenue up 3.4%
* Revenue per vehicle mile up 4.4%
Financial performance
The financial performance of the UK Bus (regional operations) Division for the half-year ended 27 October 2018 is summarised below, with operating profit 5.8% ahead of last year:
H1 2019 H1 2018
GBPm GBPm Change
--------------- -------- -------- -------
Revenue 527.1 512.4 2.9%
Like-for-like
revenue 526.1 508.6 3.4%
Operating
profit* 65.2 61.6 5.8%
--------------- -------- -------- -------
Operating
margin* 12.4% 12.0% 40bp
--------------- -------- -------- -------
Our UK Bus (regional operations) Division has performed well during the first half of the year, reflecting a range of management initiatives to deliver sustainable growth and enhance the experience for our customers. The Division has also benefitted from the favourable summer weather throughout the country and rail replacement work undertaken in relation to the recent resignalling work at Derby railway station. Our expectation is that revenue growth will moderate over the remainder of the year, reflecting these one-off benefits in the first half of the year.
Like-for-like vehicle miles operated in the first half of the year were 0.9% lower than in the equivalent period last year. Like-for-like revenue per vehicle mile grew 4.4% and like-for-like revenue per journey increased 4.3%.
Like-for-like revenue was built up as follows:
H1 2019 H1 2018 Change
GBPm GBPm %
------------------ -------- -------- --------
Commercial
on and off
bus revenue
- megabus.com 13.9 11.2 24.1%
- other 314.8 306.0 2.9%
Concessionary
revenue 126.1 124.9 1.0%
------------------ -------- -------- --------
Commercial
& concessionary
revenue 454.8 442.1 2.9%
Tendered and
school revenue 48.5 46.8 3.6%
Contract and
other revenue 22.8 19.7 15.7%
Like-for-like
revenue 526.1 508.6 3.4%
------------------ -------- -------- --------
Commercial revenue growth has been encouraging, reflecting the progress on management's various growth initiatives. Our yield per journey has continued to improve, which is partially due to the favourable summer weather, and we continue to adjust our bus networks to best match customer demand.
Our megabus.com business in the UK has continued its good performance from the second half of the prior year, growing revenue and profit by capitalising on the network changes made and marketing enhancements.
Although concessionary revenue continues to be adversely impacted by the effects of government changes in the age of eligibility for free bus travel by older people, passenger journeys were stronger than expected over the summer months, due to the favourable weather conditions.
The increase in tender revenue reflects our growth in market share as some smaller operators have exited the market. We continue to work with local authorities to maximise the value for local communities from the financial support councils can provide for socially desirable transport services.
Higher contract and other revenue include the effects of rail replacement work associated with the Derby railway station resignalling work, in addition to year-on-year changes in the amount and timing of other one-off contract and events work.
The movement in operating margin was built up as follows:
Operating margin - H1 2018 12.0% Change in: Sub-contract costs (0.8)% Staff costs 0.3% Fuel costs 1.8% Materials and consumables costs (0.4)% Other (0.5)% Operating margin - H1 2019 12.4% ---------------------------- -------
The main changes in the operating margin shown above are:
-- As mentioned earlier, the Division undertook work in the half-year in relation to a railway resignalling project at Derby. Some of this work was sub-contracted and resulted in sub-contractor costs that did not occur in the prior year period. That also meant that less of our own employees' time was involved in generating the revenue and contributed to a year-on-year fall in staff costs as a percentage of revenue. Despite the increase in auto-enrolment pension costs, overall staff costs have increased broadly in line with revenue. Staff retention rates and wage awards remain stable and well-controlled.
-- Fuel costs have reduced, reflecting our fuel hedging programme.
-- Materials and consumables costs have increased year-on-year as a result of some price increases and additional maintenance work at certain locations.
-- Other costs have increased, including higher IT and digital costs as we advance our investment in technology enhancements.
Health and safety
Across the whole Group, safety is and always will be our first concern, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. For that reason, we deeply regret and will never forget the tragic events involving one of our bus companies in Coventry in 2015 in which two people lost their lives. The court case related to the accident concluded in November and the thoughts of everyone at Stagecoach remain with those affected, their families, friends and colleagues. We have made it our continuing priority to work closely with the authorities to help fully understand and learn detailed lessons from what has happened, both for our own company and the wider bus industry.
Innovation and investment
The Group and its employees won 13 accolades at the 2018 UK Bus Awards, more than any other group.
Later in this report under the heading, "Innovation", we report on how we are continuing to innovate and position the Group in a changing landscape. In addition to the range of technology-based initiatives set out there, a number of pilot initiatives are being trialled in different locations in the coming months to explore the benefits of simplifying our commercial ticket range. We are also exploring a number of potential new income streams incremental to the existing UK Bus business, including B2B/corporate sales opportunities, as well as partnerships with airports, festivals and events around the UK. Stagecoach provided all transport for the athletes at the Special Olympics GB Anniversary Games in Stirling over the summer, building on our experience in delivering transport for other major sporting events.
In addition, a study is underway into future growth potential for inter-urban bus services. We have also tested the potential for coach/taxi through ticketing as part of a partnership initiative in the south-west of England.
Earlier this year, Stagecoach London and megabus.com partnered to launch our megasightseeing.com product in London. It offers tickets from GBP1 for a two-hour non-stop tour of around 50 London tourist landmarks. After a successful first summer season, the product is to run over the winter and into next summer.
Outlook
We are pleased with the performance of our UK Bus (regional operations) Division in the first half of the year, and our expectation of the Division's operating profit for the year ending 27 April 2019 is unchanged.
We welcome measures announced in the recent UK Budget to help rejuvenate high streets, including funding to improve transport links. Healthy high streets and vibrant bus networks are closely related, with around 30% of retail spend in city centres by bus passengers. However, we believe more fundamental action is required by local and national government to address road congestion, which is damaging regional economies, undermining bus networks and causing serious health problems linked to poor air quality.
UK Bus (London)
Summary
* Tender results disappointing
* Good progress on delivering further cost efficiency
* Reviewing opportunities to improve competitiveness
* Longer term prospects remain positive
Financial performance
The financial performance of the UK Bus (London) Division for the half-year ended 27 October 2018 is summarised below:
H1 2019 H1 2018
GBPm GBPm Change
------------------ -------- -------- ---------
Revenue and
like-for-like
revenue 128.6 128.4 0.2%
Operating profit 6.1 6.5 (6.2)%
------------------ -------- -------- ---------
Operating margin 4.7% 5.1% (40)bp
------------------ -------- -------- ---------
The lack of growth in like-for-like revenue is disappointing, and reflects the strong competition in the markets we operate in, contributing to the lower operating profit in the first half of the year.
The decrease in operating margin was built up as follows:
Operating margin - H1 2018 5.1% Change in: Insurance and claims costs 1.1% Staff costs (0.8)% Operating lease costs (0.5)% Depreciation 0.2% Fuel costs (0.4)% Operating margin - H1 2019 4.7% ----------------------------- -------
The main changes in the operating margin shown above are:
-- Insurance and claims costs have reduced due to lower costs on the self-insured portion of claims. Our strong focus on safety and claims management continues.
-- Staff costs rose by more than revenue, reflecting higher pension costs and the impact of contracts lost in the prior year.
-- The rise in lease costs reflects more vehicles held on operating lease. This was partly offset by lower depreciation costs.
-- Fuel costs have increased as a proportion of revenue, due to higher hedged prices and the lag in fuel price rises being reflected in contract revenue.
Outlook
Although our financial performance is disappointing and margin pressure is expected to continue in the short-term, we continue to see positive opportunities to improve the revenue and profitability of the Division over the longer term and we will maintain our discipline in bidding for new contracts as well as focusing on strong operational delivery.
Bus use in London has now fallen around 8% to 10% between its quarterly peak in January-March 2014 and mid-2018. Since 2016, cycling has been prioritised in central London, removing significant bus capacity from key bus routes. In addition, other factors have contributed to increased central London road congestion. Transport for London is planning significant cuts in bus services reflecting the changes in bus use and budgetary pressures. While it is clear that presents short-term risks to our London bus business, we see market opportunities in the medium to long-term.
In 2019/20, around 14% (by peak vehicle requirement) of our existing London bus services are due for re-tender. We will work hard to retain these services on acceptable terms and we also expect to tender for a significant number of services that we do not currently operate. We are undertaking a detailed re-evaluation of our bid models, financial forecasts, contract pricing and cost efficiency to identify opportunities to improve the competitiveness of our contract bids.
Significant housing developments are planned in and around London in the coming years and a considerable proportion of them will be in or adjacent to areas in which our UK Bus (London) Division currently operates. We expect new housing developments to result in new bus services and Transport for London is also examining the potential for bus transit schemes. We continue to monitor our depot capacity balancing such future growth potential with possible opportunities to release capital.
North America
Summary
* Strategic review underway
* No significant change since September trading update
in our expected 2018/19 operating profit
* Year-to-date profit below internal budget
* GBP85.4m non-cash impairment of goodwill, reflecting
a revised view of medium and long-term prospects
* Continued focus on scheduled service growth and new
contract wins
Financial performance
The financial performance of the North America Division for the half-year ended 27 October 2018 is summarised below:
H1 2019 H1 2018
US$m US$m Change
--------------- -------- -------- --------
Revenue 323.3 333.9 (3.2)%
Like-for-like
revenue 323.9 333.9 (3.0)%
Operating
profit 21.2 27.6 (23.2)%
--------------- -------- -------- --------
Operating
margin 6.6% 8.3% (170)bp
--------------- -------- -------- --------
The rate of reduction in like-for-like revenue is disappointing, and includes the effects of strong competition in certain of the markets we operate in, contributing to the lower operating profit in the first half of the year.
Like-for-like revenue was built up as follows:
H1 2019 H1 2018
US$m US$m Change
------------------- -------- -------- --------
Megabus.com 95.5 97.2 (1.7)%
Scheduled
service
- Commercial
revenue 80.1 81.5 (1.7)%
- Support
from local
authorities 6.9 6.1 13.1%
Charter 64.9 61.2 6.0%
Contract services 62.9 72.0 (12.6)%
Sightseeing
and tour 13.6 15.9 (14.5)%
------------------- -------- -------- --------
Like-for-like
revenue 323.9 333.9 (3.0)%
------------------- -------- -------- --------
The like-for-like revenue decline of 3.0% for the Division includes 1.7% decline for megabus.com North America. megabus.com revenue per mile for the period was up 0.2%. Like-for-like revenue at the other businesses decreased by 3.5%, partly reflecting the benefit in the equivalent period last year from rail replacement contracts linked to train disruptions on New Jersey Transit and Long Island Rail Road.
Recognising the increasingly competitive market environment, and the associated financial impact, we consider it appropriate to revise our view on the long-term profitability of the Division. As a result, we have recorded a GBP85.4m non-cash impairment of the Division's goodwill, which we have presented as an exceptional charge. We have not significantly changed our forecast of 2018/19 profitability, and will continue to focus on growing the scheduled service (including megabus.com) and contract parts of the business, while also reviewing strategic options for the Division that include a possible sale of all or part of the business.
The movement in the operating margin of the North America Division was built up as follows:
Operating margin - H1 2018 8.3% Change in: Insurance and claims costs 1.5% Fuel costs (1.1)% Staff costs (0.4)% Depreciation (0.4)% Other (1.3)% ----------------------------- ------- Operating margin - H1 2019 6.6% ----------------------------- -------
The main changes in the operating margin shown above are:
-- We have seen positive progress on claims costs, reflecting the benefits of our continued investment in training and leading edge safety technology.
-- Fuel costs have increased reflecting market fuel prices and our fuel hedging programme.
-- Staff costs, as anticipated, have continued to rise, and not all headcount varies with vehicle miles.
-- Depreciation costs have increased as a proportion of revenue as expected, given we have largely maintained the size of our fleet, while moderating mileage in response to market conditions.
-- Other costs have generally increased below or in line with inflation, but have risen as a proportion of our lower revenue base.
Business Development
Our North America business continues to pursue a range of actions to grow, including new opportunities to enhance our current portfolio of services and to extend or expand existing contracts. We continue to see the benefits of our focus on safety and investment in safety enhancing technology. Our innovative driver recruitment initiatives and comprehensive driver training programmes have helped ensure the business is in a better position than other companies being affected by the national shortage of drivers in the bus and trucking sector. Competition in the inter-city bus market remains robust and, while our megabus.com brand has strong customer recognition, competition is particularly intense in the North-East corridor of the United States and on the West Coast.
Outlook
Although we have revised our view on the business' long-term profitability, our expectation of the Division's operating profit for the year ending 27 April 2019 has not significantly changed.
We continue to see growth opportunities from the Division in new contract wins but will remain disciplined in ensuring that we bid for contract opportunities at prices consistent with delivering appropriate rates of return.
UK Rail
Summary
* Operating profit ahead of expectations, principally
reflecting positive resolution of contractual matters
for the former South West Trains franchise
* Strong operational and financial performance at East
Midlands Trains
* Good progress in negotiating new Direct Award
franchise for East Midlands Trains
* Involved in three active bids for new franchises
Financial performance
The financial performance of the UK Rail Division for the half-year ended 27 October 2018 is summarised below:
H1 2018
H1 2019 (Restated)
GBPm GBPm Change
--------------- --------- ------------ --------
Revenue 335.1 899.2 (62.7)%
Like-for-like
revenue 202.1 201.3 0.4%
Operating
profit 11.5 21.7 (47.0)%
--------------- --------- ------------ --------
Operating
margin 3.4% 2.4% 100bp
--------------- --------- ------------ --------
The reported revenue for the prior year period includes revenue at the South West Trains franchise which expired in August 2017 and the Virgin Trains East Coast franchise which ended in June 2018. The substantial fall in reported revenue reflects the end of these franchises.
The like-for-like revenue includes the ongoing East Midlands Trains and Sheffield Supertram businesses.
As expected, like-for-like revenue growth has been suppressed during the period, due to the effects on the East Midlands Trains franchise of both the revised timetable necessary to accommodate changes to the Thameslink network effective May 2018 and the current year resignalling programme at Derby railway station. While these changes have adversely affected East Midlands Trains' revenue, the contractual arrangements in place mean that they have had no significant negative impact on profit.
The operating profit for the half-year to 27 October 2018 reflects continued good profitability at East Midlands Trains, in addition to favourable outcomes from concluding industry charges and contractual matters associated with the South West Trains franchise. The year-on-year reduction in operating profit principally reflects the expiry of the South West Trains franchise referred to above.
The UK Rail Division's reported profit reflects the utilisation of the onerous contract provision in respect of the Virgin Trains East Coast franchise. In the period up to the transfer of train services on 24 June 2018, the franchise continued to incur trading losses, which have been applied against the onerous contract provision.
East Midlands Trains
Strong operational performance and high levels of customer satisfaction continue to underpin our success at East Midlands Trains, which has maintained its position as the most punctual long distance UK rail operator for more than nine years. This has been maintained during a period following the introduction of a major new timetable in May 2018 in support of the industry's wider Thameslink programme and the extensive resignalling work at Derby railway station.
East Midlands Trains has worked closely with Network Rail and other partners on the delivery of these projects. The May timetable change required different departure times, quicker journey times for some routes and extended times for others. Linked to the changes, an additional three High Speed Trains were refurbished in Derby.
We recognise that timely, accurate information on our services is crucial for our customers. In a world first for the rail industry, we have launched a trial of communicating tailored service information through Facebook Messenger. East Midlands Trains has also worked to offer more sustainable integrated journeys by supporting the largest electric bike scheme in the UK with new e-bike docks at Derby station.
Sheffield Supertram
We have worked with Network Rail and the Department for Transport to pioneer the UK's first Tram Train service at Stagecoach Supertram. Launched in October 2018, these services operate with special vehicles that can run on both Sheffield's existing tram lines and a section of railway for passengers travelling into Rotherham.
Rail contract market and Williams review
Stagecoach has been a key and innovative partner in the development of the UK rail market for more than two decades. Private sector innovation and investment has helped transform Britain's railway for customers, taxpayers, communities and the economy. Both individually and with our rail partners we have been instrumental in delivering some of the biggest investments in new trains, a better journey experience for customers, a more joined up railway, and initiatives to help deliver better value for passengers and taxpayers.
We are pleased to be part of shortlisted bids for the new South Eastern, East Midlands and West Coast Partnership franchises and we expect to hear a decision from the Department for Transport on the successful bidder for each of these during the first half of 2019. At the Department for Transport's request, we have also submitted plans for a further Direct Award franchise at East Midlands Trains. We expect a decision on these plans shortly, which would continue our operation of the network until at least August 2019.
We welcome the Government's rail review led by Keith Williams. Despite the significant improvements to the UK railway over the past two decades and delivering the safest major network in Europe, we believe the time is right for a wide-ranging review to address the short-term fixes and strains in the system that have built up over many years so we deliver a railway that is fit for the future. There needs to be evidence-based decisions which best serve the interests of the customers and communities which depend on the railway. At the same time, we need a system that ensures that the sector is financially sustainable and can thrive.
We have played a leading role in arguing the case for urgent and radical reform of the rail fares system and are supporting the Rail Delivery Group's fares reform consultation. We are also working with other train companies to deliver the new 26-30 railcard and we are planning to test innovations in the near future which will offer better value travel for millions of rail customers across the UK.
Outlook
We have increased our expected 2018/19 UK Rail operating profit to take account of the performance in the first half of the year. We expect the Division to remain profitable in the second half of the year with continuing good profitability at East Midlands Trains.
We will continue to consider other rail opportunities where we believe we can deliver benefits to passengers and add value for our investors.
Virgin Rail Group
Summary
* Continuing good financial performance
* Customer improvement initiatives
Financial performance
The financial performance of the Group's Virgin Rail joint venture for the half-year ended 27 October 2018 is summarised below:
49% share: H1 2019 H1 2018
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------- -------- --------
Revenue and like-for-like
revenue 303.2 288.5
--------------------------- -------- --------
Operating profit 13.7 14.8
Net finance income 0.4 0.2
Taxation (2.7) (2.9)
--------------------------- -------- --------
Profit after tax 11.4 12.1
--------------------------- -------- --------
Operating margin 4.5% 5.1%
--------------------------- -------- --------
Virgin Rail Group's West Coast rail franchise is continuing to deliver strong profitability with revenue up 5.1% in the half-year. While, as expected, the level of profitability has fallen year-on-year as a result of the business moving onto new contractual terms, the operating margin remains good. The current franchise runs to at least March 2019, with the option for an up to one-year extension at the discretion of the Department for Transport. The successor West Coast Partnership franchise is currently scheduled to begin in September 2019 and so an extension of the current franchise until at least then is likely. The strong performance is supported by the continuing focus on innovations to make travel easier for customers. During the summer, Virgin Rail Group became the first train operator to introduce digital season tickets for use on mobile devices, as well as offering a print at home facility. It is also the first travel company in the world to sell tickets through the Amazon Alexa platform.
In addition, Virgin Rail Group has led the rail industry in permanently removing all peak-hour restrictions on its trains that travel on Friday afternoons from London Euston station. The move, which has been widely welcomed, helps customers save money and eases overcrowding on services to destinations such as Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool.
Pre-exceptional EBITDA, depreciation and intangible asset amortisation
Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, intangible asset amortisation and exceptional items (pre-exceptional EBITDA) amounted to GBP176.2m (H1 2018: GBP189.9m). Pre-exceptional EBITDA can be reconciled to the financial statements as follows:
Year
H1 H1 to
2019 2018 27 Oct
GBPm GBPm 2018
GBPm
------------------- ------- ------- --------
Total operating
(loss)/profit (6.2) 114.8 11.1
Exceptional items 109.6 - 157.4
Intangible asset
amortisation 4.4 5.5 11.6
Depreciation 65.5 66.7 131.7
Non-exceptional
impairment 0.3 - 4.8
Add back joint
venture finance
income & tax 2.6 2.9 4.1
------------------- ------- ------- --------
Pre-exceptional
EBITDA 176.2 189.9 320.7
------------------- ------- ------- --------
Intangible asset amortisation reduced from GBP5.5m to GBP4.4m, reflecting the end of our Virgin Trains East Coast rail franchise in June 2018.
Depreciation reduced from the previous year reflecting the end of our South Western and Virgin Trains East Coast rail franchises.
Exceptional items
North America goodwill impairment
As explained in the North America section, a non-cash, exceptional pre-tax expense of GBP85.4m has been recorded as an impairment of goodwill in the half-year ended 27 October 2018.
Guaranteed minimum pension equalisation
A pre-tax exceptional expense of GBP24.2m has been recorded in the half-year ended 27 October 2018 as a past service cost in respect of the equalisation of guaranteed minimum pension ("GMP") benefits.
On 26 October 2018, the High Court handed down a judgement involving Lloyds Banking Group defined benefit pension schemes. The judgement concluded that the schemes should equalise pension benefits for men and women in relation to GMP benefits. The judgement has implications for many defined benefit schemes, including those in which the Stagecoach Group participates. We have worked with our actuarial advisors to understand the implications of the judgement for the schemes in which the Group participates and the GBP24.2m pre-tax exceptional expense reflects our best estimate of the effect on our reported pension liabilities.
Net finance costs
Net finance costs for the half-year ended 27 October 2018 were GBP16.4m (H1 2018: GBP18.1m) and are further analysed below. The decrease in net finance costs is principally due to lower interest expense on defined benefit pension schemes arising from changes in market-driven assumptions used to determine pension amounts.
H1 2019 H1 2018
GBPm GBPm
---------------------------- -------- --------
Finance costs
Interest payable
and facility costs
on bank loans, overdrafts
and trade finance 1.9 1.9
Hire purchase and
finance lease interest
payable 0.7 0.8
Interest payable
and other finance
costs on bonds 11.0 10.9
Unwinding of discount
on provisions 1.8 1.8
Interest expense
on defined benefit
pension schemes 1.8 3.4
---------------------------- -------- --------
17.2 18.8
---------------------------- -------- --------
Finance income
Interest receivable
on cash (0.6) (0.3)
Effect of interest
rate swaps (0.2) (0.4)
---------------------------- -------- --------
(0.8) (0.7)
---------------------------- -------- --------
Net finance costs 16.4 18.1
---------------------------- -------- --------
Taxation
The effective tax rate for the half-year ended 27 October 2018, excluding exceptional items, was 18.0% (H1 2018: 21.7%). The tax charge can be analysed as follows:
Pre-tax
Half-year to profit/ Tax Rate
27 October 2018 (loss) GBPm %
GBPm
----------------------- --------- ------- -------
Excluding exceptional
items 90.0 (16.2) 18.0%
Exceptional items (109.6) 4.1 -
With joint venture
taxation gross (19.6) (12.1)
Reclassify joint
venture taxation
for reporting
purposes (3.0) 3.0
----------------------- --------- ------- -------
Reported in income
statement (22.6) (9.1)
----------------------- --------- ------- -------
Fuel costs
The Group's operations as at 27 October 2018 consume approximately 346m litres of diesel fuel per annum. As a result, the Group's profit is exposed to movements in the underlying price of fuel. The Group's fuel costs include the costs of delivery and duty as well as the costs of the underlying product. Accordingly, not all of the cost varies with movements in oil prices.
The proportion of the Group's projected fuel usage that is now hedged using fuel swaps is as follows:
Year ending 2019 2020 2021 2022 April ------------- ----- ----- ----- ----- Total Group 86% 75% 48% 15% ------------- ----- ----- ----- -----
The Group has no fuel hedges in place for periods beyond April 2022.
Cash flows and net debt
Consolidated net debt has, as expected, increased from 28 April 2018, reflecting the transfer of cash following the expiry of the Virgin Trains East Coast franchise, additional capital investment, the timing of interest payments associated with our 4.00% bonds, partly offset by continued cash generation from other operations.
Net cash from operating activities before tax for the half-year ended 27 October 2018 was GBP2.7m (H1 2018: GBP44.2m) and can be further analysed as follows:
H1 2019 H1 2018
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------- -------- --------
EBITDA of Group companies
before exceptional
items 160.8 174.1
Loss/(gain) on disposal
of property, plant
and equipment 0.7 (0.4)
Equity-settled share
based payment expense 0.4 0.3
Working capital movements (145.2) (112.9)
Net interest paid (20.0) (20.3)
Dividends from joint
ventures 6.0 3.4
Net cash flows from
operating activities
before taxation 2.7 44.2
--------------------------- -------- --------
Net debt (as analysed in note 18 to the condensed financial statements) increased from GBP395.8m at 28 April 2018 to GBP461.2m at 27 October 2018. The movement in net debt, showing train operating companies separately, was:
Half-year to Train
27 October 2018 operating
companies* Other Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------ ------------ -------- --------
EBITDA of Group
companies before
exceptional
items 16.2 144.6 160.8
Loss/(gain)
on disposal
of property,
plant and equipment 0.8 (0.1) 0.7
Equity-settled
share based
payment expense - 0.4 0.4
Working capital
movements (89.4) (55.8) (145.2)
Net interest
paid 0.3 (20.3) (20.0)
Dividends from
joint ventures - 6.0 6.0
Net cash flows
from operating
activities before
taxation (72.1) 74.8 2.7
Inter-company
movements (5.9) 5.9 -
Tax paid (2.5) (14.3) (16.8)
Investing activities 41.6 (59.5) (17.9)
Financing activities - (22.5) (22.5)
Foreign exchange/other - (10.9) (10.9)
------------------------ ------------ -------- --------
Movement in
net debt (38.9) (26.5) (65.4)
Opening net
debt 171.2 (567.0) (395.8)
------------------------ ------------ -------- --------
Closing net
debt 132.3 (593.5) (461.2)
------------------------ ------------ -------- --------
* East Midlands Trains and Virgin Trains East Coast
The movement in net debt shown for train operating companies is principally in relation to Virgin Trains East Coast, with the closing cash balances at East Midlands Trains broadly in line with the opening position.
The expiry of the Virgin Trains East Coast franchise has increased our net debt in the period by around GBP40m. We would anticipate a further net cash outflow in this respect of around GBP45m as we conclude open matters. That is consistent with the guidance on Virgin Trains East Coast cash flows previously given in our 2018 Annual Report.
The GBP26.5m increase in other net debt includes working capital outflows of approximately GBP5m for rail bids costs accrued last financial year but settled in this financial year, GBP19m for the net payment by the Group in respect of the Virgin Trains East Coast performance bond and of approximately GBP10m relating to a double up of VAT receivables due to the timing of VAT settlements relative to the balance sheet date. We expect that GBP10m outflow to reverse in the second half of the year to April 2019. The GBP26.5m also includes approximately GBP10m of net outflows for the settlement of assets and liabilities relating to our former South West Trains franchise.
The impact of purchases of property, plant and equipment for the half-year on net debt was GBP74.8m (H1 2018: GBP89.5m). This primarily related to expenditure on passenger service vehicles, and comprised cash outflows of GBP65.3m (H1 2018: GBP60.8m) and new hire purchase and finance lease debt of GBP9.5m (H1 2018: GBP28.7m). In addition, GBP30.6m (H1 2018: GBP30.7m) of cash was received from disposals of property, plant and equipment.
The net impact on net debt of purchases and disposals of property, plant and equipment, split by division, was:
H1 2019 H1 2018
GBPm GBPm
------------------ -------- --------
UK Bus (regional
operations) 38.9 31.4
megabus Europe - (1.7)
UK Bus (London) 11.0 0.7
North America 9.2 34.9
UK Rail (14.9) (6.5)
44.2 58.8
------------------ -------- --------
In addition to the amounts shown in the table above, the impact of purchases of intangible assets and other investments was GBP1.8m (H1 2018: GBP10.9m). In addition, GBP28.1m (H1 2018: GBP2.7m) of cash was received from disposals of intangible assets, principally relating to the end of the Virgin Trains East Coast franchise, and which is included in the overall approximately GBP40m net cash outflow referred to above in respect of the franchise.
Financial position and liquidity
The Group maintains a solid financial position with investment grade credit ratings and appropriate headroom under its debt facilities.
The Group continues to have an appropriate mix of long-term debt enabling it to plan and invest with some certainty.
The Group's financial position remains strong and is evidenced by:
-- The ratio of net debt at 27 October 2018 to pre-exceptional EBITDA for the year ended 27 October 2018 was 1.4 times (year ended 28 October 2017: 1.4 times).
-- Pre-exceptional EBITDA for the half-year ended 27 October 2018 was 11.0 times (H1 2018: 10.6 times) net finance charges (including joint venture net finance income).
-- Undrawn, committed bank facilities of GBP430.3m at 27 October 2018 (28 April 2018: GBP433.4m) were available to be drawn as bank loans with further amounts available only for non-cash utilisation. In addition, the Group has available asset finance lines.
-- The three main credit rating agencies continue to assign investment grade credit ratings to the Group.
Net assets
Net assets at 27 October 2018 were GBP179.3m (28 April 2018: GBP181.7m). The decrease in the net assets reflects the loss for the half-year ended 27 October 2018 and dividends paid, partly offset by actuarial gains on defined benefit pension schemes and fair value gains on cash flow hedges.
Retirement benefits
The reported net assets of GBP179.3m (28 April 2018: GBP181.7m), that are shown on the consolidated balance sheet are after taking account of net pre-tax retirement benefit liabilities of GBP151.5m (28 April 2018: GBP142.2m), and associated deferred tax assets of GBP26.0m (28 April 2018: GBP24.9m). The increase reflects the GBP24.2m exceptional pre-tax expense referred to earlier in respect of the equalisation of Guaranteed Minimum Pensions ("GMP").
We are pleased that, excluding the change in respect of GMP equalisation, our net retirement benefit obligations would have reduced in the half-year, reflecting good investment returns on pension scheme assets. The Group recognised pre-tax actuarial gains of GBP15.2m in the half-year ended 27 October 2018 (H1 2018: pre-tax actuarial gains of GBP184.6m) on Group defined benefit schemes.
Innovation
As mentioned earlier, our strategy is designed to grow our core business, to support innovation and to position the Group to benefit from future opportunities. Below we give some examples of how we are continuing to innovate and positioning the Group in a changing landscape.
UK Bus investment in customer facing technology
In our regional UK Bus businesses, we continue to make targeted investment in fleet and technology enhancements which will make travel easier and help attract more people to bus travel. All our buses in Scotland, England and Wales now accept contactless card payments, the UK bus industry's biggest deployment of contactless ticketing. Contactless now accounts for around 20% of our regional on-bus sales and continues to grow in popularity.
A key focus has been digital retail and the functionality and customer experience of our websites and smartphone apps. In addition to our existing mobile ticketing offer, we are planning to introduce mobile ticketing on bus through QR codes in the first half of 2019. A major redesign of the website for Oxford Tube, Europe's most frequent express coach service, is also due for completion before summer 2019.
Enhanced use of data
Across the Group, we are exploring how we can enhance our use of data to improve our customers' experience, drive cost efficiencies and grow our businesses.
For example, we have partnered with Irish start-up, City Swifter, to use predictive demand analytics to adjust bus schedules to better respond to customer demand, improve punctuality and deliver cost efficiencies. We are working with City Swifter to trial this on four major bus corridors in Oxford where we introduced new bus schedules in September. The initial focus on the trial routes is to deliver improved punctuality.
Work is underway to consolidate our in-house data for our bus and coach operations, initially concentrating on e-commerce data, in order to improve the ease with which we can access and analyse data to support the business.
Using data, we now have improved segmentation and understanding of our bus and coach customers in the UK and North America, and we are using that to, among other things, communicate with our customers in a more tailored way.
Demand responsive transport
Working with Prospective Labs (an organisation founded by researchers from University College London, Cambridge University and the Alan Turing Institute), we have identified four locations in our English bus networks where we see opportunities for commercially viable demand responsive transport. Existing bus services are being redesigned to generate increased demand for our transport services. An initial pilot area has been selected and to progress this further, we have agreed commercial terms for a strategic relationship with a technology provider.
Hindsight rail app
The Group is a 20% shareholder in Global Travel Ventures, which is testing a retrospective pricing app in the UK rail market. The app, which will be free of charge for customers to use, allows customers to retrospectively pay for the journeys they take over the course of a week rather than having to assess in advance what journeys they think they will make in order to select the best value fare. The website for the app is at https://gethindsight.com/
Autonomous and other new vehicle technology
We have partnered with bus manufacturer, Alexander Dennis Limited, and technology company, Fusion Processing, to trial the UK's first full-sized single deck autonomous bus within a depot environment, to carry out movements such as parking and moving into the fuelling station and bus wash.
We are delighted that our proposal for a self-driving passenger bus trial is set to go ahead in Scotland and take passengers across the Forth Road Bridge. The UK Government-funded trial will see five autonomous single-deck vehicles running between Edinburgh and Fife but regulations mean a driver will remain on board during all journeys. Work on the project is expected to get underway during the second quarter of 2019, with services operating from 2020.
We have also announced an ambitious GBP56m proposal to deliver Europe's largest single investment in electric buses, which would see more than 100 vehicles delivered in Greater Manchester through joint funding from Stagecoach and the Government's Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme.
Future mobility opportunities
We are working with leading tech and digital companies to develop new products and improve existing services to respond to changing consumer priorities. We have joined the Intelligent Mobility Accelerator in Milton Keynes, which attracts disruptive start-ups with high-growth potential into the UK transport industry.
We are also working with other transport partners to influence future mobility policy. Along with car rental provider, Enterprise Holdings, we have founded the Urban Mobility Partnership, which will work with key stakeholders to promote practical local and national policy solutions around urban mobility. We believe this initiative will support the transition away from car ownership to a multimodal transport future in UK cities where mass transit is central to people's travel choices.
Investment in people
To support our ongoing innovation, we have been investing in our people. During 2018, we have appointed experienced professionals from outside the Group to the roles of Group Chief Information Officer, Group Delivery & Change Director and Group Service Delivery Director. These appointments to senior roles in our Technology & Change team have been supplemented by new appointments in supporting roles. Recognising the need to maintain strong controls around information security as we continue to develop new ideas and systems, we have also recently appointed a new Group Chief Information Security Officer and re-shaped our information security team with a number of other new appointments.
In addition to strengthening our Technology & Change team, we have also strengthened our divisional teams, most notably adding commercial capability in a number of areas of our UK Bus business.
Joint venture innovation
Our Virgin Rail Group joint venture continues to lead the UK rail industry with its innovation, reflecting the entrepreneurial heritage of both of its shareholders. Current and recent examples include:
-- It is implementing a digitally enabled change of journey function on its app to allow customers to more easily amend their tickets. It is also removing the fee that normally applies to changing rail tickets.
-- It continues to use digital innovations to increase digital ticket adoption and encourage customers to move away from the traditional "orange tickets". Such initiatives include industry firsts like selling tickets via Amazon Alexa and advance texting.
-- On train wi-fi on the West Coast Trains services is being upgraded and the first upgraded wi-fi train is now in service, with the wi-fi performing even better than expected.
-- Virgin Rail Group is also exploring the potential for a simple cheap single price for travel in certain hours of the day and how best to enable all customers to reserve seats digitally.
Related parties
Details of significant transactions with related parties are given in note 21 to the condensed financial statements.
Principal risks and uncertainties
Like most businesses, there is a range of risks and uncertainties facing the Group. A brief summary is given below of those specific risks and uncertainties that the Directors believe could have the most significant impact on the Group's financial position and/or future financial performance. Pages 9 to 13 of the Group's 2018 Annual Report set out specific risks and uncertainties in more detail.
The matters summarised below are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all possible risks and uncertainties. The focus below is on those specific risks and uncertainties that the Directors believe could have the most significant impact on the Group's position or performance. In assessing the Group's likely financial performance for the second half of the current financial year, these risks and uncertainties should be considered in addition to the matters referred to regarding seasonality in note 3 to the condensed financial statements, and the comments made later under the heading "Outlook".
-- Catastrophic events - there is a risk that the Group is involved (directly or indirectly) in a major operational incident.
-- Terrorism - there is a risk that the demand for the Group's services could be adversely affected by a significant terrorist incident.
-- Economy - the economic environment in the geographic areas in which the Group operates affects the demand for the Group's bus and rail services. The ongoing negotiation of the terms of the UK leaving the European Union may lead to economic, consumer and political uncertainty. That may in turn affect asset values and foreign exchange rates, which have a bearing on the amounts of our pensions, financial instruments and other balances. UK policy following the UK leaving the European Union may affect the UK economy, including the availability and cost of staff.
-- Rail cost base - a substantial element of the cost base of the UK Rail Division is essentially fixed as under its UK rail franchise agreements, the Group is obliged to provide a minimum level of train services and is less able to flex supply in response to changes in demand.
-- Sustainability of rail profit - there is a risk that the Group's revenue and profit could be significantly affected (either positively or negatively) as a result of the Group winning UK rail franchises or failing to retain its existing franchises.
-- Breach of franchise - if the Group fails to comply with certain conditions as part of its rail franchise agreements it may be liable to penalties including potential termination of one or more of the rail franchise agreements.
-- Changing customer habits - There is a risk that changes in people's working patterns, shopping habits and/or other preferences affect demand for the Group's transport services, which could in turn affect the Group's financial performance and/or financial position.
-- Pension scheme funding - the Group participates in a number of defined benefit pension schemes, and there is a risk that the cash contributions required increase or decrease due to changes in factors such as investment performance, discount rates and life expectancies.
-- Insurance and claims environment - there is a risk that the cost to the Group of settling claims against it is significantly higher or lower than expected.
-- Regulatory changes and availability of public funding - there is a risk that changes to the regulatory environment or changes to the availability of public funding could affect the Group's prospects. New legislation introduced and planned in the UK could see the introduction of franchised bus networks in some areas, which could affect our bus operations.
-- Management and Board succession - there is a risk that the Group does not recruit and retain sufficient directors and managers with the skills important to the operation of the business.
-- Disease - there is a risk that demand for the Group's services could be adversely affected by a significant outbreak of disease.
-- Information security - there is a risk that potential malicious attacks on our systems lead to a loss of data or disruption to operations.
-- Information technology - there is a risk that the Group's capability to make sales digitally either fails or cannot meet levels of demand.
-- Competition - in certain of the markets we operate in, there is a risk of increased competitive pressures from existing competitors and new entrants.
-- Treasury risks - the Group is affected by changes in fuel prices, interest rates and exchange rates.
Use of non-GAAP measures
Our reported interim financial information is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. In measuring our financial performance and position, the financial measures that we use include those which have been derived from our reported results in order to eliminate factors which distort period-on-period comparisons and/or provide useful information to stakeholders. These are considered non-GAAP financial measures, and include measures such as like-for-like revenue, pre-exceptional EBITDA and net debt. We believe this information, along with comparable GAAP measurements, is useful to shareholders and analysts in providing a basis for measuring our financial performance and position. Note 23 to the condensed financial statements provides further information on these non-GAAP financial measures.
Going concern
On the basis of current financial projections and the facilities available, the Directors are satisfied that the Group has adequate resources to continue for the foreseeable future and, accordingly, consider it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the condensed financial statements for the half-year ended 27 October 2018.
Outlook
The rail out-performance in the first half of the year is expected to flow through to full-year adjusted earnings for the year ending 27 April 2019.
We continue to see positive long-term prospects for public transport. There is a large market opportunity for modal shift from cars to public transport against a backdrop of technological advancements, rising road congestion and increasing environmental awareness.
Martin Griffiths
Chief Executive
5 December 2018
Responsibility Statement
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
(a) the condensed consolidated interim financial information contained in this document has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the European Union;
(b) the interim management report contained in this document includes a fair review of the information required by the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules ("DTR") 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and
(c) this document includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related party transactions and changes therein).
By order of and on behalf of the Board
Martin Griffiths Ross Paterson
Chief Executive Finance Director
5 December 2018 5 December 2018
Cautionary statement
The preceding interim management report has been prepared for the shareholders of the Company, as a body, and for no other persons. Its purpose is to assist shareholders of the Company to assess the strategies adopted by the Company and the potential for those strategies to succeed and for no other purpose. The interim management report contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risk factors associated with, amongst other things, the economic, regulatory and business circumstances occurring from time to time in the countries, sectors and markets in which the Group operates. It is believed that the expectations reflected in these statements are reasonable but they may be affected by a wide range of variables that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. No assurances can be given that the forward-looking statements will be realised. The forward-looking statements reflect the knowledge and information available at the date of preparation. Nothing in the interim management report should be considered or construed as a profit forecast for the Group. Except as required by law, the Group has no obligation to update forward-looking statements or to correct any inaccuracies therein.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
Unaudited Unaudited
---------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
Half-year to 27 October Half-year to 28 October
2018 2017
(Restated)
Performance Intangibles Performance Intangibles
pre (exc pre (exc
intangibles software) intangibles software)
(exc and (exc and
software) exceptional Results software) exceptional Results
and items for and items for
exceptional (note the exceptional (note the
items 5) period items 5) period
(Restated) (Restated)
Notes GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Revenue 4(a) 1,230.8 - 1,230.8 1,794.0 - 1,794.0
Operating costs and
other
operating income (1,140.2) (109.6) (1,249.8) (1,692.1) - (1,692.1)
Operating profit/(loss)
of Group companies 4(b) 90.6 (109.6) (19.0) 101.9 - 101.9
Share of profit of joint
ventures after net
finance
income and taxation 4(c) 12.8 - 12.8 12.9 - 12.9
------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Total operating
profit/(loss):
Group operating
profit/(loss)
and share of joint
ventures'
profit after taxation 4(b) 103.4 (109.6) (6.2) 114.8 - 114.8
Finance costs (17.2) - (17.2) (18.8) - (18.8)
Finance income 0.8 - 0.8 0.7 - 0.7
------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Profit/(loss) before
taxation 87.0 (109.6) (22.6) 96.7 - 96.7
Taxation (13.2) 4.1 (9.1) (18.6) - (18.6)
------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Profit/(loss) from
continuing
operations and profit
after taxation for the
period 73.8 (105.5) (31.7) 78.1 - 78.1
------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the
parent 73.8 (105.5) (31.7) 78.2 - 78.2
Non-controlling
interests - - - (0.1) - (0.1)
73.8 (105.5) (31.7) 78.1 - 78.1
Earnings per share from
continuing and total
operations
- Adjusted basic/Basic 7 12.9p (5.5)p 13.6p 13.6p
- Adjusted
diluted/Diluted 7 12.8p (5.5)p 13.6p 13.6p
------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- -----------
The accompanying notes form an integral part of this consolidated income statement.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Unaudited Unaudited
============ ============
Half-year Half-year
to to
27 October 28 October
2018 2017
GBPm GBPm
----------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
(Loss)/profit for the period (31.7) 78.1
----------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Items that may be reclassified to profit or
loss
Cash flow hedges:
* Net fair value gains on cash flow hedges 37.3 21.2
* Reclassified and reported in (loss)/profit for the
period (19.7) 3.6
* Share of other comprehensive expense on joint
ventures' cash flow hedges (0.2) (0.1)
* Tax effect of cash flow hedges (3.4) (4.7)
Foreign exchange differences on translation
of foreign operations (net of hedging) 5.7 (0.9)
Total items that may be reclassified to profit
or loss 19.7 19.1
----------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Items that will not be reclassified to profit
or loss
Actuarial gains on Group defined benefit pension
schemes 15.2 184.6
Tax effect of actuarial gains on Group defined
benefit pension schemes (2.6) (31.1)
Share of actuarial losses on joint ventures' (0.1) -
defined benefit schemes
Total items that will not be reclassified
to profit or loss 12.5 153.5
----------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Other comprehensive income for the period 32.2 172.6
----------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Total comprehensive income for the period 0.5 250.7
----------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent 0.5 250.8
Non-controlling interests - (0.1)
0.5 250.7
----------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION)
Unaudited Audited
------------ ---------------
As at As at
27 October 28 April 2018
Notes 2018 GBPm
GBPm
-------------------------------- -------- ------------ ---------------
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Goodwill 8 61.3 142.1
Other intangible assets 9 13.7 44.4
Property, plant and equipment 10 1,125.0 1,137.1
Interests in joint ventures 11 31.7 25.2
Investments 2.7 2.7
Derivative instruments at fair
value 27.8 30.0
Retirement benefit assets 14 2.0 4.6
Other receivables 5.1 3.8
-------------------------------- -------- ------------ ---------------
1,269.3 1,389.9
-------------------------------- -------- ------------ ---------------
Current assets
Inventories 19.3 22.9
Trade and other receivables 186.0 235.3
Derivative instruments at fair
value 31.6 11.4
Cash and cash equivalents 193.1 238.2
-------------------------------- -------- ------------ ---------------
430.0 507.8
-------------------------------- -------- ------------ ---------------
Total assets 4(d) 1,699.3 1,897.7
-------------------------------- -------- ------------ ---------------
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 439.6 614.6
Current tax liabilities 36.7 41.2
Foreign tax liabilities 0.7 0.6
Borrowings 37.9 36.9
Derivative instruments at fair
value 0.2 0.4
Provisions 19 75.7 117.7
-------------------------------- -------- ------------ ---------------
590.8 811.4
-------------------------------- -------- ------------ ---------------
Non-current liabilities
Other payables 23.2 20.4
Borrowings 618.1 606.9
Derivative instruments at fair
value 0.3 0.1
Deferred tax liabilities 27.9 25.2
Provisions 19 106.2 105.2
Retirement benefit obligations 14 153.5 146.8
-------------------------------- -------- ------------ ---------------
929.2 904.6
-------------------------------- -------- ------------ ---------------
Total liabilities 4(d) 1,520.0 1,716.0
-------------------------------- -------- ------------ ---------------
Net assets 4(d) 179.3 181.7
-------------------------------- -------- ------------ ---------------
EQUITY
Ordinary share capital 15 3.2 3.2
Share premium account 8.4 8.4
Retained earnings (270.0) (228.6)
Capital redemption reserve 422.8 422.8
Own shares (38.0) (38.0)
Translation reserve 8.6 2.9
Cash flow hedging reserve 44.3 30.1
-------------------------------- -------- ------------ --------------- Total equity attributable to the parent 179.3 200.8 Non-controlling interests - (19.1) -------------------------------- -------- ------------ --------------- Total equity 179.3 181.7 -------------------------------- -------- ------------ ---------------
The accompanying notes form an integral part of this consolidated balance sheet.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Share Capital Cash Total Non-controlling
Notes Ordinary premium Retained redemption Translation flow equity interest Total
share account earnings reserve Own reserve hedging attributable GBPm equity
capital GBPm GBPm GBPm shares GBPm reserve to the GBPm
GBPm GBPm GBPm parent
GBPm
------------------ ------- ---------- -------- ---------- ----------- -------- ------------- -------- ----------------
Balance at 28
April 2018 and
29 April 2018 3.2 8.4 (228.6) 422.8 (38.0) 2.9 30.1 200.8 (19.1) 181.7
------------------ ------- ---------- -------- ---------- ----------- -------- ------------- -------- ------------- ---------------- --------
Loss for the
period - - (31.7) - - - - (31.7) - (31.7)
Other
comprehensive
income
net of tax - - 12.3 - - 5.7 14.2 32.2 - 32.2
------------------ ------- ---------- -------- ---------- ----------- -------- ------------- -------- ------------- ---------------- --------
Total
comprehensive
(expense)/income - - (19.4) - - 5.7 14.2 0.5 - 0.5
------------------ ------- ---------- -------- ---------- ----------- -------- ------------- -------- ------------- ---------------- --------
Credit in
relation to
equity-settled
share based
payments - - 0.4 - - - - 0.4 - 0.4
Shareholder
transactions
with
non-controlling
interest 21(vi) - - - - - - - - 19.1 19.1
Dividends paid on
ordinary
shares 6 - - (22.4) - - - - (22.4) - (22.4)
------------------ ------- ---------- -------- ---------- ----------- -------- ------------- -------- ------------- ---------------- --------
Balance at 27
October 2018 3.2 8.4 (270.0) 422.8 (38.0) 8.6 44.3 179.3 - 179.3
------------------ ------- ---------- -------- ---------- ----------- -------- ------------- -------- ------------- ---------------- --------
Balance at 29
April 2017 and
30 April 2017 3.2 8.4 (320.4) 422.8 (37.0) 10.2 (9.0) 78.2 (9.7) 68.5
------------------ ------- ---------- -------- ---------- ----------- -------- ------------- -------- ------------- ---------------- --------
Profit for the
period - - 78.2 - - - - 78.2 (0.1) 78.1
Other
comprehensive
income/(expense)
net of tax - - 153.4 - - (0.9) 20.1 172.6 - 172.6
------------------ ------- ---------- -------- ---------- ----------- -------- ------------- -------- ------------- ---------------- --------
Total
comprehensive
income/(expense) - - 231.6 - - (0.9) 20.1 250.8 (0.1) 250.7
------------------ ------- ---------- -------- ---------- ----------- -------- ------------- -------- ------------- ---------------- --------
Own ordinary
shares purchased - - - - (1.0) - - (1.0) - (1.0)
Credit in
relation to
equity-settled
share based
payments - - 0.3 - - - - 0.3 - 0.3
Dividends paid on
ordinary
shares 6 - - (46.5) - - - - (46.5) - (46.5)
------------------ ------- ---------- -------- ---------- ----------- -------- ------------- -------- ------------- ---------------- --------
Balance at 28
October 2017 3.2 8.4 (135.0) 422.8 (38.0) 9.3 11.1 281.8 (9.8) 272.0
------------------ ------- ---------- -------- ---------- ----------- -------- ------------- -------- ------------- ---------------- --------
The accompanying notes form an integral part of this consolidated statement of changes in equity.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Unaudited Unaudited
------------ ------------
Half-year Half-year
to to
27 October 28 October
2018 2017
Notes GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated by operations 16 16.7 61.1
Interest paid (22.4) (22.4)
Interest received 2.4 2.1
Dividends received from joint ventures 6.0 3.4
-------------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------
Net cash flows from operating activities 2.7 44.2
Tax paid (16.8) (5.0)
-------------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------
Net cash from operating activities after
tax (14.1) 39.2
-------------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (65.3) (60.8)
Disposal of property, plant and equipment 30.6 30.7
Purchase of intangible assets and other
investments (1.8) (10.9)
Disposal of intangible assets 28.1 2.7
Net cash outflow from investing activities (8.4) (38.3)
-------------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Purchase of treasury shares - (1.0)
Repayments of hire purchase and lease
finance debt (11.2) (14.2)
Drawdown of other borrowings 109.0 100.0
Repayment of other borrowings (100.0) (136.8)
Dividends paid on ordinary shares 6 (22.4) (46.5)
Sale of tokens - 0.1
Redemption of tokens (0.1) (0.2)
-------------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------
Net cash used in financing activities (24.7) (98.6)
-------------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (47.2) (97.7)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 238.2 313.3
Exchange rate effects 2.1 -
-------------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period 193.1 215.6
-------------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents for the purposes of the consolidated statement of cash flows comprise cash at bank and in hand, overdrafts and other short-term highly liquid investments with maturities at the balance sheet date of twelve months or less.
The accompanying notes form an integral part of this consolidated statement of cash flows.
NOTES
1 BASIS OF PREPARATION
The condensed consolidated interim financial information for the half-year ended 27 October 2018 has been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority and International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union. The condensed consolidated interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended 28 April 2018, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union. Except to the extent described below, the accounting policies and methods of computation applied in the consolidated interim financial information are otherwise the same as those of the annual financial statements for the year ended 28 April 2018, as described on pages 81 to 90 of the Group's 2018 Annual Report which can be found on the Stagecoach Group website at http://www.stagecoach.com/investors/financial-analysis/reports/.
The figures for this half-year include the results for all divisions for the 26 weeks to 27 October 2018. The comparative figures for the half-year ended 28 October 2017 include the results for all divisions for the 26 weeks ended 28 October 2017.
This condensed consolidated interim financial information for the half-year ended 27 October 2018 has not been audited, nor has the comparative financial information for the half-year ended 28 October 2017 but they have both been reviewed by the auditors. The comparative financial information presented in this announcement for the year ended 28 April 2018 does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and does not reflect all of the information contained in the Company's annual financial statements. The annual financial statements for the year ended 28 April 2018 were approved by the Board of Directors on 28 June 2018, were reported on by the auditors under sections 495 and 496 of the Companies Act 2006, received an unqualified audit report, did not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph, did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006 and have been filed with the Registrar of Companies.
The Board of Directors approved this announcement, including the condensed consolidated interim financial information, on 5 December 2018. This announcement will be available on the Group's website at http://www.stagecoach.com/investors/financial-analysis/reports/.
New accounting standards adopted during the period
IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers
The Group has adopted IFRS 15, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" from 30 April 2017, applying the full retrospective approach. The core principle of IFRS 15 is that an entity will recognise revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration (payment) to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In both our rail and bus divisions, performance obligations are clear and transaction prices are even over the period to which they relate and are time apportioned. There have been no judgements taken in the implementation of IFRS 15 which significantly affect the amount or timing of the recognition of revenue.
Implementing IFRS 15 has not had a material impact on the consolidated financial statements, with the exception of the reclassification of certain customer compensation amounts which were previously treated as operating costs. Under IFRS 15, customer compensation is treated as a reduction in revenue, and for the half-year ended 28 October 2017, retrospectively applying IFRS 15 has resulted in a decrease in revenue of GBP6.4m, offset by an equivalent reduction in operating costs. For the half-year ended 27 October 2018, customer compensation of GBP4.0m has been treated as a reduction in revenue, with an equivalent reduction in operating costs. As there is no net impact on the income statement from implementing IFRS 15, there is no adjustment to prior year opening retained earnings.
ln the UK, the Group receives concessionary revenue from public bodies, such as local authorities, for transporting disabled and older people free of charge to the passenger. Although the revenue is received from a party other than the person receiving the service, the Group accounts for such revenue in accordance with IFRS 15 with the performance obligation being the provision of the free travel to those eligible.
Note 4 sets out a disaggregation of revenue in accordance with the disclosure requirements of the new standard, with an explanation of the types of revenue included in the note set out below:
Passenger revenues
Passenger revenues primarily relate to ticket sales through UK Bus (regional operations), UK Rail and North America. Passenger revenue is recognised in the income statement in the period in which the related travel occurs. This can involve some estimation - for example, revenue from the sale of season tickets and travelcards, that entitle individuals to use certain of our services during a specified period of time, is deferred within liabilities and recognised in the income statement over the period covered.
1 BASIS OF PREPARATION (CONTINUED)
Contract revenues
Contract revenues mainly relate to UK Bus (London) contracts with Transport for London and contracts with customers in North America. Revenue receivable from government bodies and others as payment to us for operating transport services under contract is recognised in the income statement in the period that the contracted services relate to. In general, the revenue in respect of any particular period can be clearly determined from the contract. Where there is a contingent element to contract revenue (for example, where additional amounts are payable or receivable based on the punctuality of transport services and/or other operational measures), revenue is recognised based on the applicable operational measures when the amount of revenue can be reliably estimated and it is highly probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group.
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments
The Group has adopted IFRS 9, "Financial Instruments", prospectively from 29 April 2018. The standard includes requirements for recognition and measurement, impairment, derecognition and general hedge accounting. There have been no significant changes to the classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities and no changes were required to the hedge accounting applied as a result of IFRS 9.
IFRS 9 requires a new impairment model with impairment provisions based on expected credit losses rather than incurred credit losses under IAS 39. For trade and other receivables, we have applied the simplified approach under the standard and determined expected credit losses for significant portfolios of receivables. The transitional increase in the impairment allowance as a result of adopting this policy is immaterial.
Under IFRS 9, the Group has elected to recognise its investments, previously classified as available for sale, at fair value through other comprehensive income (with no recycling). At 27 October 2018, the carrying value of those investments was GBP2.7m (28 April 2018: GBP2.7m).
New accounting standards not yet applied
IFRS 16, Leases
The Group will adopt IFRS 16, "Leases", on 28 April 2019, which replaces IAS 17, and establishes principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. IFRS 16 eliminates the classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases and, instead, introduces a single lessee accounting model. Applying that model, a lessee is required to recognise: assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value; and depreciation of lease assets separately from interest.
The Directors expect the application of IFRS 16 to have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. In particular, the accounting for the Group's railway rolling stock operating lease commitments will be affected by the application of the new standard.
On adopting IFRS 16, the Group expects to recognise substantial new assets and new liabilities in respect of those leases currently classified as operating leases. The Group intends to apply the modified retrospective approach to transition.
The Group's assessment of the impact of this standard is ongoing, and therefore it is not possible to disclose the value of right of use assets and liabilities that will be recognised on adoption of the standard. However, the standard will affect primarily the accounting for operating leases. As at 28 April 2018, the total minimum contractual lease payments were GBP1,595.2m. Of that, GBP1,433.2m related to Virgin Trains East Coast under its original franchise agreement, which was scheduled to run until at least March 2023 but ended in June 2018 and the Group was released from those lease commitments around that time. The Group's non-rail operations had total minimum contractual lease payments at 28 April 2018 of GBP128.5m, primarily relating to properties and vehicles.
Other new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations that are mandatory for the first time for the financial year beginning 29 April 2018, do not have any significant effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Group.
2 FOREIGN CURRENCIES
The principal rates of exchange used to translate the results of foreign operations are as follows:
Half-year Half-year Year to
to to 28 April
27 October 28 October 2018
2018 2017
------------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
US Dollar:
Period end rate 1.2820 1.3110 1.3797
Average rate 1.3158 1.3029 1.3380
Canadian Dollar:
Period end rate 1.6814 1.6899 1.7745
Average rate 1.7144 1.6748 1.7072
3 SEASONALITY
The Group's North American bus operations typically earn higher operating profit for the first half of the financial year (i.e. the half-year to the end of October) than for the second half. This is because leisure customers generate an element of the revenue with demand being at its strongest in the summer months.
4 SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS
The Group is managed, and reports internally, on a basis consistent with its four operating segments, being UK Bus (regional operations), UK Bus (London), North America and UK Rail. The Group's accounting policies are applied consistently, where appropriate, to each segment.
The segmental information provided in this note is on the basis of four operating segments as follows:
Segment name Service operated Countries of operation UK Bus (regional operations) Coach and bus operations United Kingdom UK Bus (London) Bus operations United Kingdom North America Coach and bus operations USA and Canada UK Rail Rail operations United Kingdom
The basis of segmentation and the basis on which segment profit is measured are consistent with the Group's last annual financial statements for the year ended 28 April 2018.
The Group has interests in two material joint ventures: Virgin Rail Group that operates in UK Rail and Citylink that operates in UK Bus (regional operations). The results of these joint ventures are shown separately in note 4(c).
(a) Revenue
Due to the nature of the Group's business, the origin and destination of revenue (i.e. United Kingdom or North America) is the same in almost all cases. As the Group sells bus and rail services to individuals, it has few customers that are individually "major". Its major customers are typically public bodies that subsidise or procure transport services - such customers include local authorities, transport authorities and the UK Department for Transport.
Revenue split by class and segment was as follows:
Unaudited
---------------------------------
Half-year to 27 October 2018
---------------------------------
Passenger Contract
revenue revenue Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------------- ----------- ---------- --------
UK Bus (regional operations) 504.3 22.8 527.1
UK Bus (London) 0.2 128.4 128.6
North America 197.9 47.8 245.7
---------------------------------------- ----------- ---------- --------
Total bus operations 702.4 199.0 901.4
UK Rail 335.1 - 335.1
---------------------------------------- ----------- ---------- --------
Total Group revenue 1,037.5 199.0 1,236.5
Intra-Group revenue - UK Bus (regional
operations) - (5.7) (5.7)
---------------------------------------- ----------- ---------- --------
Reported Group revenue 1,037.5 193.3 1,230.8
---------------------------------------- ----------- ---------- --------
Unaudited
--------------------------------------------
Half-year to 28 October 2017 (restated)
--------------------------------------------
Passenger Contract
revenue revenue Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- -----------
UK Bus (regional operations) 492.7 19.7 512.4
UK Bus (London) 0.1 128.3 128.4
North America 201.0 55.3 256.3
---------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- -----------
Total bus operations 693.8 203.3 897.1
UK Rail 899.2 - 899.2
---------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- -----------
Total Group revenue 1,593.0 203.3 1,796.3
Intra-Group revenue - UK Bus (regional
operations) - (2.3) (2.3)
---------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- -----------
Reported Group revenue 1,593.0 201.0 1,794.0
---------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- -----------
4 SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS (CONTINUED)
(b) Operating profit
Operating profit split by segment was as follows:
Unaudited Unaudited
-------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Half-year to 27 October Half-year to 28 October
2018 2017
Performance
pre Intangibles Intangibles
intangibles (exc Performance (exc
(exc software) pre intangibles software)
software) and exceptional (exc and exceptional
and items Results software) items Results
exceptional (note for the and exceptional (note for the
items 5) period items 5) period
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
----------------------- --------------- ---------------- --------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------
UK Bus (regional
operations) 65.2 (18.2) 47.0 61.6 - 61.6
UK Bus (London) 6.1 (5.0) 1.1 6.5 - 6.5
North America 16.1 (85.4) (69.3) 21.2 - 21.2
----------------------- --------------- ---------------- --------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------
Total bus operations 87.4 (108.6) (21.2) 89.3 - 89.3
UK Rail 11.5 (0.4) 11.1 21.7 - 21.7
----------------------- --------------- ---------------- --------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------
98.9 (109.0) (10.1) 111.0 - 111.0
Group overheads (8.1) (0.6) (8.7) (7.9) - (7.9)
Restructuring costs (0.2) - (0.2) (1.2) - (1.2)
----------------------- --------------- ---------------- --------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------
Total operating
profit/(loss)
of Group companies 90.6 (109.6) (19.0) 101.9 - 101.9
Share of joint
ventures'
profit after net
finance
income and taxation 12.8 - 12.8 12.9 - 12.9
----------------------- --------------- ---------------- --------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------
Total operating
profit/(loss):
Group operating
profit/(loss)
and share of joint
ventures'
profit after taxation 103.4 (109.6) (6.2) 114.8 - 114.8
----------------------- --------------- ---------------- --------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------
(c) Joint ventures
The share of profit from joint ventures was further split as follows:
Unaudited Unaudited
----------------- -----------------
Half-year to Half-year to
27 October 2018 28 October 2017
GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Virgin Rail Group (UK Rail)
Operating profit 13.7 14.8
Finance income (net) 0.4 0.2
Taxation (2.7) (2.9)
11.4 12.1
Citylink (UK Bus, regional operations)
Operating profit 1.7 1.0
Taxation (0.3) (0.2)
----------------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
1.4 0.8
---------------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Share of profit of joint ventures
after net finance income and taxation 12.8 12.9
----------------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
4 SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS (CONTINUED)
(d) Gross assets and liabilities
Assets and liabilities split by segment were as follows:
Unaudited Audited
--------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
As at 27 October 2018 As at 28 April 2018
Net Net
Gross assets/ Gross assets/
Gross assets liabilities (liabilities) Gross assets liabilities (liabilities)
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
----------------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------
UK Bus (regional
operations) and
megabus Europe 965.7 (272.6) 693.1 945.2 (271.4) 673.8
UK Bus (London) 76.1 (134.1) (58.0) 68.5 (117.3) (48.8)
North America 344.5 (150.3) 194.2 404.9 (143.9) 261.0
UK Rail 60.9 (213.7) (152.8) 192.8 (427.4) (234.6)
----------------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------
1,447.2 (770.7) 676.5 1,611.4 (960.0) 651.4
Central functions 27.3 (28.0) (0.7) 22.9 (45.2) (22.3)
Joint ventures 31.7 - 31.7 25.2 - 25.2
Borrowings and cash 193.1 (656.0) (462.9) 238.2 (643.8) (405.6)
Taxation - (65.3) (65.3) - (67.0) (67.0)
----------------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------
Total 1,699.3 (1,520.0) 179.3 1,897.7 (1,716.0) 181.7
----------------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------
Central assets and liabilities include interest payable and receivable and other net assets of the holding company and other head office companies. Segment assets and liabilities are determined by identifying the assets and liabilities that relate to the business of each segment but excluding intra-Group balances, cash, borrowings, taxation, interest payable and interest receivable.
5 EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS AND INTANGIBLE ASSET AMORTISATION
The Group separately highlights non-software intangible asset amortisation and exceptional items. Exceptional items are defined in note 23.
(a) Summary of exceptional items
The exceptional items recognised in the half-year ended 27 October 2018 were as follows:
Unaudited
-----------------
Half-year to
27 October 2018
GBPm
-------------------------------------------- -----------------
Impairment of North America goodwill (85.4)
Equalisation of guaranteed minimum pension
benefits (24.2)
Exceptional items before taxation (109.6)
Tax effect of exceptional items 4.1
-------------------------------------------- -----------------
Exceptional items after taxation (105.5)
-------------------------------------------- -----------------
(b) Impairment of North America goodwill
The estimated value in use of the North America cash generating unit reported in the Group's consolidated financial statements as at 28 April 2018 was GBP499.4m (US$689.0m). That estimate has been revised to GBP289.5m (US$371.1m) as at 27 October 2018 to take account of financial performance in the intervening period and changes in forecast financial performance. This change in estimate has resulted in a GBP85.4m impairment of goodwill being reported in the half-year ended 27 October 2018.
The non-current assets of cash generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the carrying value of such assets may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the non-current assets is less than their carrying amount, then the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future pre-tax cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the cash generating unit. Any impairment of goodwill is recognised immediately in the income statement.
The carrying values of the non-current assets of cash generating units to which goodwill has been allocated as at 28 April 2018 were reviewed for impairment in accordance with our accounting policy and as set out in the Group's consolidated financial statements for the year then ended.
5 EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS AND INTANGIBLE ASSET AMORTISATION (CONTINUED) (b) Impairment of North America goodwill (continued)
Since those reviews, we have seen indications of potential impairment of assets at the North America cash generating unit. Year-to-date profit at the North America Division has been below its internal budget and like-for-like revenue has declined. Like-for-like revenue fell 3.0% in the half-year ended 27 October 2018, when compared to the equivalent prior year period. Trading has been adversely affected by a number of factors, including increased competition in certain of the markets in which the Division operates. Accordingly, a further review for impairment of the carrying values of that cash generating unit's assets has been carried out based on the assets' carrying values as at 27 October 2018.
The North America business operates a variety of different types of transportation services over a wide area of North America. Its financial performance is influenced by various different factors, many of which are specific to the individual markets and locations in which it operates. Among the factors that can affect financial performance are changes in local economies, local competition, fuel prices, working patterns, shopping patterns, traffic conditions, cost pressures including the availability of sufficient suitable staff, and regulatory change. Any forecast of financial performance is therefore subjective.
Taking account of available updated information, including year-to-date performance, expected continuation of the increased competition and a recent fall in fuel prices, the forecast for the North America Division for the year ending 27 April 2019 has been revised resulting in a reduction in forecast profit relative to the forecast forming part of the review of asset carrying values as at 28 April 2018. For the half-year ended 27 October 2018, North America revenue was US$11.0m (3.3%) below that forecast, operating expenses were US$2.9m (1.0%) below that forecast, resulting in operating profit US$8.1m (27.6%) below that forecast. The current year under-performance versus budget also led the Directors to review the forecast revenue growth rates and profit margins over the medium-term, and these were revised down relative to the assumptions applied to the review of asset carrying values as at 28 April 2018. The long-term growth rate used to extrapolate forecast cash flows beyond the period of the management plan was also reviewed in light of the
under-performance and was revised down from 3.9% per annum to 2.2% per annum. The discount rate was reviewed and increased from the pre-tax discount rate of 9.4% applied in the previous impairment review to 10.4%.
As a result of the revised forecasts and assumptions explained above, an GBP85.4m impairment of North America goodwill has been reflected in the results for the half-year ended 27 October 2018. That impairment has been calculated to reduce the carrying value of the relevant assets to the estimated value in use of the cash generating unit, noting that the Directors do not consider fair value less costs to sell of the assets to be greater than the estimate of value in use. After this impairment, the carrying value of North America non-current assets at 27 October 2018 is GBP289.5m (US$371.1m), of which GBP10.2m (US$13.1m) relates to goodwill.
The most critical estimates in assessing the value in use of the North America cash generating unit are:
-- The forecast growth in the Division's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation ("EBITDA") over the next few years, which in turn reflects assumptions on the forecast changes in revenue and costs for the various operations in North America. Over the period of the four-year management plan to April 2022, the forecast rate of compound annual revenue growth has been revised down from 4.3% to 1.3% and the forecast rate of compound annual cost growth has been revised down from 3.5% to 0.9%.
-- The discount rate, which has increased from 9.4% to 10.4%.
-- The long-term growth in the Division's net cash flows, which has been revised down from 3.9% per annum to 2.2% per annum.
Applying alternative assumptions would result in a different amount of value in use and impairment loss at 27 October 2018, albeit bearing in mind the fair value less cost to sell of the assets may limit the extent of any increase in the impairment loss. The effect of changes in assumptions on the value in use as at 27 October 2018 is illustrated below:
Illustrative change in assumption Decrease
in value
in use
as at 27
October
2018
US$m
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------
A 20 basis points decrease in the assumed annual revenue
growth in the period from May 2019 to April 2022, with
no offsetting reduction in forecast costs 39.3
A 20 basis points increase in the assumed cost growth
in the period from May 2019 to April 2022, with no
offsetting increase in forecast revenue 37.3
A 100 basis points increase in the pre-tax discount
rate from 10.4% to 11.4% 39.0
A 100 basis points decrease in the long-term growth
rate from 2.2% per annum to 1.2% 29.8
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------
5 EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS AND INTANGIBLE ASSET AMORTISATION (CONTINUED)
(c) Guaranteed minimum pension equalisation
On 26 October 2018, the High Court handed down a judgement involving Lloyds Banking Group defined benefit pension schemes. The judgement concluded that the schemes should equalise pension benefits for men and women in relation to guaranteed minimum pension ("GMP") benefits. The judgement has implications for many defined benefit schemes, including those in which the Stagecoach Group participates.
We have worked with our actuarial advisors to understand the implications of the High Court judgement for the schemes in which the Group participates and have recorded a GBP24.2m pre-tax exceptional expense to reflect our best estimate of the effect on our reported pension liabilities.
The change in pension liabilities recognised in relation to GMP equalisation involves estimation uncertainty. It is expected that there will be follow-on court hearings to further clarify the application of GMP equalisation in practice. Also, it is not yet known whether Lloyds Banking Group will appeal the High Court judgement. The judgement was made one day prior to the Group's balance sheet date of 27 October 2018 and the Group is one of the first companies to publish financial statements with a balance sheet date after the date of the judgement. Accordingly, the Directors have had limited time to consider the full implications of the judgement and while the financial statements reflect the best estimate of the impact on pension liabilities, that estimate reflects a number of assumptions. As the outcome of future court hearings cannot be reliably predicted, it is not practical to quantify the extent of the estimation uncertainty but the best estimate reflects the information currently available. The Directors will continue to monitor any further clarifications or court hearings arising from the Lloyds case and consider the impact on pension liabilities accordingly.
The Directors have made the judgement that the estimated effect of GMP equalisation on the Group's pension liabilities is a past service cost that should be reflected through the consolidated income statement and that any subsequent change in the estimate of that should be recognised in other comprehensive income. The judgement is based on the fact that the reported pension liabilities for the Stagecoach Group Pension Scheme as at 28 April 2018 did not include any amount in respect of GMP equalisation.
6 DIVIDS
Dividends on ordinary shares are shown below.
Unaudited Unaudited Audited Unaudited Unaudited Audited
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Half-year to Half-year to Half-year to Half-year to
27 October 28 October Year to 27 October 28 October Year to
2018 2017 28 April 2018 2018 2017 28 April 2018
pence per pence per pence per
share share share GBPm GBPm GBPm
---------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Amounts
recognised as
distributions
Dividends on
ordinary
shares:
Final dividend
in respect of
the previous
year 3.9 8.1 8.1 22.4 46.5 46.5
Interim
dividend in
respect of the
current year - - 3.8 - - 21.8
---------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Amounts
recognised as
distributions
to equity
holders 3.9 8.1 11.9 22.4 46.5 68.3
---------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Dividends
declared or
proposed but
neither paid
nor included as
liabilities in
the financial
statements
Dividends on
ordinary
shares:
Final dividend
in respect of
the current
year - - 3.9 - - 22.4
Interim
dividend in
respect of the
current year 3.8 3.8 - 21.8 21.8 -
---------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
3.8 3.8 3.9 21.8 21.8 22.4
---------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
The interim ordinary dividend of 3.8p per ordinary share was declared by the Board of Directors on 5 December 2018 and has not been included as a liability as at 27 October 2018. It is payable on 6 March 2019 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 25 January 2019.
7 EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share ("EPS") have been calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period, excluding any ordinary shares held in treasury and by employee share ownership trusts.
The diluted earnings per share was calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares in relation to executive share plans and long-term incentive plans.
Unaudited Unaudited
-------------- --------------
Half-year to Half-year to
27 October 28 October
2018 2017
No. of shares No. of shares
Million Million
------------------------------------ -------------- --------------
Basic weighted average number of
ordinary shares 573.4 573.4
Dilutive ordinary shares
- Executive Participation Plan 2.4 2.7
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares 575.8 576.1 ------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Adjusted earnings per share is calculated after adding back non-software intangible asset amortisation and exceptional items (after taking account of taxation and the non-controlling interest) as shown on the consolidated income statement. This has been presented to allow shareholders to gain a further understanding of underlying performance. The reconciliation of net (loss)/profit for the basic EPS calculation to net profit for the adjusted EPS calculation is shown below.
Unaudited Unaudited
------------- -------------
Half-year to Half-year to
27 October 28 October
2018 2017
Notes GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------- ------ ------------- -------------
Net (loss)/profit attributable to
equity holders of the parent (for
basic EPS calculation) (31.7) 78.2
Exceptional items before taxation 5 109.6 -
Tax effect of exceptional items (4.1) -
Net profit attributable to equity
holders of the parent for adjusted
EPS calculation 73.8 78.2
------------------------------------- ------ ------------- -------------
8 GOODWILL
The movements in goodwill were as follows:
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
------------ ------------ ----------
Half-year Half-year Year to
to to 28 April
27 October 28 October 2018
2018 2017
GBPm GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Net book value at beginning of period 142.1 148.2 148.2
Impairment charged to income statement (85.4) - -
(see note 5)
Foreign exchange movements 4.6 (1.3) (6.1)
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Net book value at end of period 61.3 146.9 142.1
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
9 OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The movements in other intangible assets were as follows:
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
------------ ------------ ----------
Half-year Half-year Year to
to to 28 April
27 October 28 October 2018
2018 2017
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Cost at beginning of period 136.6 163.1 163.1
Additions 1.8 8.2 16.0
Disposals (96.6) (6.4) (41.5)
Foreign exchange movements 0.6 (0.3) (1.0)
Cost at end of period 42.4 164.6 136.6
------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------
Accumulated amortisation at beginning
of period (92.2) (118.1) (118.1)
Amortisation charged to income statement (4.4) (5.5) (12.7)
Impairment charged to income statement - - (0.8)
Disposals 68.4 3.8 38.4
Foreign exchange movements (0.5) 0.3 1.0
Accumulated amortisation at end of period (28.7) (119.5) (92.2)
------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------
Net book value at beginning of period 44.4 45.0 45.0
------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Net book value at end of period 13.7 45.1 44.4
------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
10 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The movements in property, plant and equipment were as follows:
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
------------ ------------ ----------
Half-year Half-year Year to
to to 28 April
27 October 28 October 2018
2018 2017
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
Cost at beginning of period 2,143.5 2,178.2 2,178.2
Additions 65.8 69.3 135.5
Disposals (76.5) (114.2) (136.8)
Foreign exchange movements 40.3 (4.8) (33.4)
Cost at end of period 2,173.1 2,128.5 2,143.5
------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Depreciation at beginning of period (1,006.4) (987.9) (987.9)
Depreciation charged to income statement (65.5) (66.7) (132.9)
Impairment charged to income statement (0.3) - (3.7)
Disposals 47.0 83.7 101.3
Foreign exchange movements (22.9) 2.3 16.8
Depreciation at end of period (1,048.1) (968.6) (1,006.4)
------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Net book value at beginning of period 1,137.1 1,190.3 1,190.3
------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
Net book value at end of period 1,125.0 1,159.9 1,137.1
------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
11 INTERESTS IN JOINT VENTURES
The movements in the carrying values of interests in joint ventures were as follows:
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
------------ ------------ ----------
Half-year Half-year Year to
to to 28 April
27 October 28 October 2018
2018 2017
GBPm GBPm GBPm
----------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Net book value at beginning of period 25.2 25.7 25.7
Share of recognised profit 12.8 12.9 27.1
Share of actuarial losses on defined
benefit pension schemes, net of tax (0.1) - (0.6)
Share of other comprehensive (expense)/income
on cash flow hedges, net of tax (0.2) (0.1) 0.2
Dividends received in cash (6.0) (3.4) (27.2)
Net book value at end of period 31.7 35.1 25.2
----------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------
A loan payable to Scottish Citylink Coaches Limited of GBP1.7m (28 April 2018: GBP1.7m) is included within current liabilities under the caption "Trade and other payables".
12 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND DISPOSALS
The Group completed no material business combinations or business disposals in the half-year to 27 October 2018, or since then.
Details of acquisitions and disposals completed in earlier periods are given in the Group's annual reports for the relevant periods.
13 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
The Group is exposed to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk, interest rate risk and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk.
These condensed financial statements do not include all financial risk management information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements. They should be read in conjunction with the Group's consolidated financial statements for the year ended 28 April 2018. There have been no material changes in any of the Group's significant financial risk management policies since 28 April 2018.
Liquidity risk
There have been no material changes since 28 April 2018 in the contractual undiscounted cash outflows for financial liabilities.
Fair value estimation
Financial instruments that are measured in the balance sheet at fair value are disclosed by level of the following fair value measurement hierarchy.
Level 1 Quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices)
Level 3 Inputs for the assets or liabilities that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs)
13 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)
The following table represents the Group's financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value within the hierarchy at 27 October 2018.
Unaudited
-------- ---------- ------
Level 2 Level 3 Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------- -------- ---------- ------
Assets
Derivatives used for hedging 59.4 - 59.4
Investments - equity securities - 2.7 2.7
Total assets 59.4 2.7 62.1
Liabilities
Derivatives used for hedging (0.5) - (0.5)
--------------------------------- -------- ---------- ------
The following table represents the Group's financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value within the hierarchy at 28 April 2018.
Audited
-------- -------- ------
Level 2 Level 3 Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------- -------- -------- ------
Assets
Derivatives used for hedging 41.4 - 41.4
Investments - equity securities - 2.7 2.7
Total assets 41.4 2.7 44.1
Liabilities
Derivatives used for hedging (0.5) - (0.5)
--------------------------------- -------- -------- ------
There were no transfers between levels during the half-year ended 27 October 2018.
The table below provides a comparison of carrying amounts and fair values of the Group's financial instruments.
Unaudited Audited
------------------------ -----------------------
Carrying Carrying
value Fair Value value Fair value
----------- ----------- ---------- -----------
27 October 27 October 28 April 28 April
2018 2018 2018 2018
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Investments 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7
Loans and receivables
* Non-current assets - Other receivables 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2
* Current assets - Accrued income 41.7 41.7 45.4 45.4
- Trade receivables, net of
impairment 76.1 76.1 105.2 105.2
- Other receivables 5.0 5.0 12.0 12.0
- Cash and cash equivalents 193.1 193.1 238.2 238.2
Total financial assets 318.9 318.9 403.7 403.7
----------- ---------- -----------
Financial liabilities measured
at amortised cost
* Non-current liabilities - Borrowings (618.1) (638.9) (606.9) (636.6)
* Current liabilities - Trade payables (59.2) (59.2) (129.7) (129.7)
- Accruals (271.4) (271.4) (340.8) (340.3)
- Loans from joint ventures (1.7) (1.7) (1.7) (1.7)
- Loan from non-controlling
interest - - (16.5) -
- Borrowings (37.9) (37.9) (36.9) (36.9)
----------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Total financial liabilities (988.3) (1,009.1) (1,132.5) (1,145.2)
----------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Net financial liabilities (669.4) (690.2) (728.8) (741.5)
----------- ----------- ---------- -----------
13 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)
Derivatives that are designated as effective hedging instruments are not shown in the above table.
The fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities shown in the table are determined as follows:
-- The carrying value of GBP2.7m (28 April 2018: GBP2.7m) of an investment is measured at cost, which based on recent transactions is considered to be a reasonable approximation of fair value.
-- The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accrued income, trade receivables, and other receivables is considered to be a reasonable approximation of fair value. Given the short average time to maturity, no specific assumptions on discount rates have been made. The effect of credit losses not already reflected in the carrying value as impairment losses is assumed to be immaterial. Other receivables include interest-bearing loans of GBP1.6m (28 April 2018: GBPNil) to other companies.
-- The carrying value of trade payables, accruals and loans from joint ventures is considered to be a reasonable approximation of fair value. Given the relatively short average time to maturity, no specific assumptions on discount rates have been made.
-- During the half-year ended 27 October 2018, any loan amounts owed by the Group to the non-controlling interest have been released as described in note 21(vi).
-- The fair value of fixed-rate notes (included in borrowings) that are quoted on a recognised stock exchange is determined with reference to the "bid" price at the balance sheet date.
-- The carrying value of fixed-rate notes that are not quoted on a recognised stock exchange and fixed-rate hire purchase and finance lease liabilities (included in borrowings) is considered to be a reasonable approximation of fair value taking account of the amounts involved in the context of total financial liabilities and the fixed interest rates relative to market interest rates at the balance sheet date.
-- The fair value of other borrowings on which interest is payable at floating rates is not considered to be materially different from the carrying value.
14 RETIREMENT BENEFITS (a) Overview
The Group contributes to a number of pension schemes. The principal defined benefit schemes are as follows:
-- The Stagecoach Group Pension Scheme ("SPS");
-- The South West Trains section of the Railways Pension Scheme
("RPS"), although the Group's participation in that ceased
in August 2017;
-- The Island Line section of the Railways Pension Scheme ("RPS"),
where the Group's participation also ceased in August 2017;
-- The East Midlands Trains section of the Railways Pension Scheme
("RPS");
-- The East Coast Main Line section of the Railways Pension Scheme
("RPS"), although the Group's participation in that ceased
in June 2018; and
-- A number of UK Local Government Pension Schemes ("LGPS");
The Directors believe that separate consideration should be given to the RPS as the Group has no rights or obligations in respect of sections of the scheme following expiry of the related rail franchises. In addition, under the terms of the RPS, any fund deficit or surplus is shared by the employer (60%) and the employees (40%) in accordance with the shared cost nature of the RPS. The employees' share of the deficit (or surplus) is reflected as an adjustment to the RPS liabilities (or assets). Therefore the liability (or asset) recognised for the relevant sections of the RPS reflects that part of the net deficit (or surplus) of each section that the employer is expected to fund (or expected to recover) over the life of the franchise to which the section relates. The "franchise adjustment" is the portion of the deficit (or surplus) that is expected to exist at the end of the franchise and which the Group would not be obliged to fund (or entitled to recover).
In addition, the Group contributes to a number of defined contribution schemes.
14 RETIREMENT BENEFITS (CONTINUED) (b) Movements in net pre-tax retirement benefit liabilities
The movements for the half-year ended 27 October 2018 in the net pre-tax retirement benefit liabilities recognised in the balance sheet were as follows:
SPS RPS LGPS Other Unfunded plans Total
Unaudited GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------ ------- ------ ------ ------ --------------- -------
Liability/(asset) at beginning of period 125.6 (4.2) 12.0 4.8 4.0 142.2
Current service cost 2.0 6.3 0.5 0.7 - 9.5
Past service cost (note 5) 24.2 - - - - 24.2
Administration costs 0.4 0.1 - - - 0.5
Net Interest expense 1.5 0.8 0.1 0.1 0.1 2.6
Unwinding of franchise adjustment - (0.8) - - - (0.8)
Employers' contributions (3.2) (4.0) (3.8) (0.5) (0.1) (11.6)
Actuarial (gains)/losses (13.0) 0.2 (0.7) (1.7) - (15.2)
Foreign exchange movements - - - 0.1 - 0.1
Liability/(asset) at end of period 137.5 (1.6) 8.1 3.5 4.0 151.5
------------------------------------------ ------- ------ ------ ------ --------------- -------
The net liability shown above is presented in the consolidated balance sheet as:
Unaudited Audited
---------------------- --------------------
As at 27 October 2018 As at 28 April 2018
GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------- ---------------------- --------------------
Retirement benefit assets 2.0 4.6
Retirement benefit obligations (153.5) (146.8)
---------------------------------- ---------------------- --------------------
Net retirement benefit liability (151.5) (142.2)
---------------------------------- ---------------------- --------------------
15 ORDINARY SHARE CAPITAL
At 27 October 2018, there were 576,099,960 ordinary shares in issue (28 April 2018: 576,099,960). This figure includes 2,706,528 (28 April 2018: 2,756,662) ordinary shares held in treasury, which are treated as a deduction from equity in the Group's financial statements. The shares held in treasury do not qualify for dividends.
16 RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT TO CASH GENERATED
BY OPERATIONS
The operating (loss)/profit of Group companies reconciles to cash generated by operations as follows:
Unaudited Unaudited
------------ ------------
Half-year Half-year
to to
27 October 28 October
2018 2017
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Operating (loss)/profit of Group companies (19.0) 101.9
Depreciation 65.5 66.7
Intangible asset amortisation 4.4 5.5
Non-exceptional impairment of property, plant 0.3 -
and equipment
Exceptional items 109.6 -
--------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
EBITDA of Group companies before exceptional
items 160.8 174.1
Loss/(gain) on disposal of property, plant
and equipment 0.7 (0.4)
Equity-settled share based payment expense 0.4 0.3
--------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Operating cashflows before working capital
movements 161.9 174.0
Decrease in inventories 3.7 1.3
Decrease in receivables 50.6 96.7
Decrease in payables (150.1) (172.4)
Decrease in provisions (47.8) (45.0)
Differences between employer contributions
and pre-exceptional pension expense in operating
profit (1.6) 6.5
--------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Cash generated by operations 16.7 61.1
--------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
17 RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT
The movement in cash and cash equivalents reconciles to the movement in net debt as follows:
Unaudited Unaudited
------------- -------------
Half-year to Half-year to
27 October 28 October
2018 2017
Notes GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------- ------ ------------- -------------
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (47.2) (97.7)
Cash flow from movement in borrowings 2.2 51.0
--------------------------------------- ------ ------------- -------------
(45.0) (46.7)
New hire purchase and finance leases (9.5) (28.7)
Foreign exchange movements (10.5) 2.3
Other movements (0.4) (0.3)
--------------------------------------- ------ ------------- -------------
Increase in net debt (65.4) (73.4)
Net debt at beginning of period 18 (395.8) (409.4)
--------------------------------------- ------ ------------- -------------
Net debt at end of period 18 (461.2) (482.8)
--------------------------------------- ------ ------------- -------------
During the period, the Group entered into hire purchase and finance lease arrangements in respect of assets with a total capital value at inception of the contracts of GBP9.5m (H1 2018: GBP28.7m). After taking account of deposits paid up-front, new hire purchase and finance lease liabilities of GBP9.5m (H1 2018: GBP28.7m) were recognised.
18 ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT
The analysis provided below shows the analysis of net debt as defined in note 23. The analysis below further shows the other items classified as net borrowings in the consolidated balance sheet.
Charged to income
New hire purchase Foreign exchange statement/
Opening Cashflows and finance leases movements other Closing
Unaudited GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
-------------------- -------- ---------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------
Cash and cash
equivalents 219.7 (47.1) - 1.9 - 174.5
Cash collateral 18.5 (0.1) - 0.2 - 18.6
Hire purchase and
finance lease
obligations (71.7) 11.2 (9.5) (4.3) - (74.3)
Bank loans and loan
notes (58.4) (9.0) - - - (67.4)
Bonds and notes (503.9) - - (8.3) (0.4) (512.6) Net debt (395.8) (45.0) (9.5) (10.5) (0.4) (461.2) Accrued interest on bonds (9.5) 18.5 - (0.1) (10.5) (1.6) Effect of fair value hedges (0.3) - - - 0.2 (0.1) Net borrowings (IFRS) (405.6) (26.5) (9.5) (10.6) (10.7) (462.9) -------------------- -------- ---------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------
The cash collateral balance as at 27 October 2018 of GBP18.6m (28 April 2018: GBP18.5m) comprises balances held in respect of loan notes of GBP18.1m (28 April 2018: GBP18.1m) and North America restricted cash balances of GBP0.5m (28 April 2018: GBP0.4m). In addition, cash includes train operating company cash of GBP132.3m (28 April 2018: GBP171.2m). Under the terms of the franchise agreements, other than with the UK Department for Transport's consent, train operating companies can only distribute cash out of retained earnings and only to the extent they do not breach the financial covenants specified in applicable contracts.
19 PROVISIONS
The Group's provisions principally relate to insurance provisions on incurred accidents where claims have not been fully settled, and onerous contracts where the costs of fulfilling the contract outweigh the economic benefits to be received.
(a) Insurance
The total provision for uninsured claims of GBP157.0m (28 April 2018: GBP153.8m) has increased during the half-year, reflecting both our latest assessment of the required provision for claims on major incidents and foreign exchange movements. The Group engages with third party actuarial professionals to assist in the calculation of these provisions.
19 PROVISIONS (CONTINUED) (b) Onerous contract
The onerous contract provision has reduced from GBP61.2m at 28 April 2018 to GBP18.4m at 27 October 2018. Of that, GBP16.2m (28 April 2018: GBP59.1m) relates to East Coast Main Line Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Company which traded as Virgin Trains East Coast and until June 2018, operated InterCity East Coast train services under a franchise agreement with the UK Department for Transport.
As set out in the Group's 2018 Annual Report, the Secretary of State for Transport announced his decision on 16 May 2018 to transfer responsibility for operating the InterCity East Coast train services from Virgin Trains East Coast to a public sector company. The Virgin Trains East Coast rail franchise agreement was terminated on 24 June 2018 and its business, together with certain assets and liabilities, were transferred to the public sector company.
The GBP59.1m onerous contract provision as at 28 April 2018 was determined based on the amount by which the forecast unavoidable costs from 29 April 2018 of meeting the obligations under the contracts (i.e. the Virgin Trains East Coast franchise agreement and related contracts) exceeded the expected economic benefits to be received. The Department for Transport notified Virgin Trains East Coast prior to 28 April 2018 that it was in default of its franchise agreement. Accordingly, the onerous contract provision of GBP59.1m as at 28 April 2018 included an amount of GBP21.0m that the Group expected to pay in respect of the Virgin Trains East Coast performance bond.
The reduction in the onerous contract provision from GBP59.1m as at 28 April 2018 to GBP16.2m as at 27 October 2018 reflects the payment of the amount due in respect of the performance bond and losses arising in the half-year that have been applied against the provision. The amount of the provision remaining at 27 October 2018 reflects the amount the Directors expect will be payable to the Department for Transport taking account of the Group's contractual obligations.
Some but not all of the assets and liabilities of East Coast Main Line Company Limited were transferred to the public sector company. The Group reviewed the carrying values of Virgin Trains East Coast's other assets and liabilities as at 28 April 2018 and has updated the review as at 27 October 2018. The amounts of those assets and liabilities have reduced significantly in the half-year ended 27 October 2018 as assets have been recovered and liabilities settled. There has been no significant effect on the Group's consolidated income statement or consolidated net assets as a result of updating that review.
Estimating the amount of the onerous contract provision, and the carrying values of assets and liabilities, involves some judgement. However, based on its agreements with the Department for Transport and the new operator, the Group does not currently expect a material change to arise in respect of that in the second half of the year ending 27 April 2019.
20 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
(i) Capital commitments
Capital commitments contracted but not provided for at 27 October
2018 were GBP10.3m (28 April 2018: GBP61.2m).
(ii) Rail bonds
At 27 October 2018, the Group has provided performance bonds
backed by bank facilities or insurance arrangements of GBP15.0m
(28 April 2018: GBP15.0m) and season ticket bonds backed by
bank facilities or insurance arrangements of GBP7.3m (28 April
2018: GBP12.3m) to the Department for Transport in relation
to the Group's rail franchise operations and for which liabilities
have not been recognised in the consolidated balance sheet.
Liabilities for deferred season ticket income, which the season
ticket bonds are intended to cover, are reflected in the consolidated
balance sheet. In addition, as explained in note 19(b), provision
was made in the consolidated balance sheet as at 28 April 2018
in respect of the Virgin Trains East Coast performance bond.
(iii) Legal actions
The Group and the Company are from time to time party to legal
actions arising in the ordinary course of business. Liabilities
have been recognised in the financial statements for the best
estimate of the expenditure required to settle obligations
arising under such legal actions. As at 27 October 2018, the
accruals in the consolidated financial statements for such
claims total GBP3.6m (28 April 2018: GBP2.7m).
21 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Details of major related party transactions during the half-year ended 27 October 2018 are provided below, except for those relating to the remuneration of the Directors and management.
(i) Virgin Rail Group Holdings Limited - Non-Executive Directors
Two of the Group's directors are non-executive directors of
the Group's joint venture, Virgin Rail Group Holdings Limited.
During the half-year ended 27 October 2018, the Group earned
fees of GBP30,000 (half-year ended 28 October 2017: GBP30,000)
from Virgin Rail Group Holdings Limited in this regard. As
at 27 October 2018, the Group had GBP30,000 (28 April 2018:
GBP60,000) receivable from Virgin Rail Group Holdings Limited
in respect of this. In addition, the Group net purchased GBP1.7m
(half-year ended 28 October 2017: GBP0.3m) from the group
headed by Virgin Rail Group Holdings Limited and as at 27
October 2018 had GBP0.9m (28 April 2018: immaterial) payable
in this respect.
21 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
(ii) West Coast Trains Limited
West Coast Trains Limited is a subsidiary of Virgin Rail Group
Holdings Limited (see above). In the half-year ended 27 October
2018, East Midlands Trains Limited (a subsidiary of the Company)
had purchases totalling GBP0.1m (half-year ended 28 October
2017: GBP0.1m) from West Coast Trains Limited. The outstanding
amounts payable as at 27 October 2018 and 28 April 2018 were
immaterial.
During the half-year ended 27 October 2018, Stagecoach South
West Trains Limited (a subsidiary of the Group) sold services
of GBPNil (half-year ended 28 October 2017: GBP0.1m) to West
Coast Trains Limited.
(iii) Alexander Dennis Limited
Sir Brian Souter (Chairman) and Ann Gloag (Non-Executive Director)
collectively hold, via companies that they control, 55.1%
(28 April 2018: 55.1%) of the shares and voting rights in
Alexander Dennis Limited. Noble Grossart Investments Limited
(of which, Sir Ewan Brown (Non-Executive Director) is a director
of its holding company) controls a further 33.2% (28 April
2018: 33.2%) of the shares and voting rights of Alexander
Dennis Limited. None of Sir Brian Souter, Ann Gloag or Sir
Ewan Brown is a director of Alexander Dennis Limited nor do
they have any involvement in the management of Alexander Dennis
Limited. Furthermore, they do not participate in deciding
on and negotiating the terms and conditions of transactions
between the Group and Alexander Dennis Limited.
For the half-year ended 27 October 2018, the Group purchased
GBP32.8m (half-year ended 28 October 2017: GBP26.4m) of vehicles
from Alexander Dennis Limited and GBP4.7m (half-year ended
28 October 2017: GBP6.3m) of spare parts and other services.
As at 27 October 2018, the Group had GBP1.7m (28 April 2018:
GBP0.5m) payable to Alexander Dennis Limited, along with outstanding
orders of GBP4.9m (28 April 2018: GBP28.9m).
(iv) Pension Schemes
Details of contributions made to pension schemes are contained
in note 14.
(v) Scottish Citylink Coaches Limited
A non interest bearing loan of GBP1.7m (28 April 2018: GBP1.7m)
was due to the Group's joint venture, Scottish Citylink Coaches
Limited, as at 27 October 2018. The Group earned GBP10.7m
in the half-year ended 27 October 2018 in respect of the operation
of services subcontracted by Scottish Citylink Coaches Limited
(half-year ended 28 October 2017: GBP9.1m). The Group also
collected revenue of GBP8.5m on behalf of Scottish Citylink
Coaches Limited in the half-year ended 27 October 2018 (half-year
ended 28 October 2017: GBP7.9m). As at 27 October 2018, the
Group had a net GBP0.7m receivable (28 April 2018: GBP0.4m)
from Scottish Citylink Coaches Limited, excluding the loan
referred to above.
(vi) East Coast Main Line Company Limited
The Group owns 90% and Virgin Holdings Limited owns 10% of
the ordinary shares in Inter City Railways Limited. East Coast
Main Line Company Limited is 100% owned by Inter City Railways
Limited and entered into various arm's length transactions
with other Group companies. In the half-year ended 27 October
2018, other Group companies earned GBP2.8m from East Coast
Main Line Company Limited in respect of the provision of certain
services including train maintenance and rail replacement bus
services (half-year ended 28 October 2017: GBP8.6m). Other
Group companies had a net payable balance of GBP0.4m to East
Coast Main Line Company Limited as at 27 October 2018 (28 April
2018: GBP1.5m net receivable).
As previously reported, an inter-company loan was provided
by Stagecoach Group plc to East Coast Main Line Company Limited
but as at 28 April 2018, the loan was not expected to be recovered
by Stagecoach Group plc and provision was made against the
full receivable in the separate financial statements of the
parent company. A loan from Virgin Holdings Limited to Stagecoach
Group plc, and the related accrued interest, was only repayable
by Stagecoach Group plc to the extent of 10% of any amounts
recovered by Stagecoach Group plc of its loan to East Coast
Main Line Company Limited. During the half year ended 27 October
2018, Stagecoach Group plc settled its loan amount due to Virgin
Holdings Limited through the assignment of 10% of its receivable
due from East Coast Main Line Company Limited. As East Coast
Main Line Company Limited was unable to settle any of the loans,
all amounts were treated as irrecoverable and released on cessation
of the Virgin Trains East Coast franchise. Furthermore, Stagecoach
Group plc paid GBP21m to the Department of Transport in respect
of the Virgin Trains East Coast performance bond, of which
GBP2.1m was funded by a payment to Stagecoach Group plc from
Virgin Holdings Limited in respect of its 10% share. The GBP19.1m
effect of the payment from Virgin Holdings Limited in respect
of the bond and the release of its loan to East Coast Main
Line Company Limited is shown in the Consolidated Statement
of Changes in Equity as shareholder transactions with non-controlling
interest. Stagecoach Group plc had an outstanding receivable
of GBPNil as at 27 October 2018 in respect of its loan to East
Coast Main Line Company Limited (28 April 2018: GBP165.0m).
The interest receivable on the loan for the half-year ended
27 October 2018 was GBPNil (half-year ended 28 October 2017:
GBP1.0m) and the accrued interest outstanding at 27 October
2018 was GBPNil (28 April 2018: GBP4.9m). Related to that,
the Group had an outstanding payable for GBPNil as at 27 October
2018 in respect of the loan from Virgin Holdings Limited (28
April 2018: GBP16.5m) and the accrued interest outstanding
at 27 October 2018 was GBPNil (28 April 2018: GBP0.5m).
22 POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
Details of the interim dividend declared are given in note 6.
23 DEFINITIONS (a) Alternative performance measures
The Group uses a number of alternative performance measures in this document to help explain the financial performance and financial position of the Group. More information on the definition of these alternative performance measures and how they are calculated is provided below. All of the alternative performance measures explained below have been calculated consistently for the half-year ended 27 October 2018 and for comparative amounts shown in this document for prior periods.
Adjusted earnings per share
Adjusted earnings per share is calculated by dividing profit attributable to equity holders of the parent, excluding non-software intangible asset amortisation and exceptional items, by the basic weighted average number of shares in issue in the period.
For the half-year ended 27 October 2018 and the comparative prior year period, the numerators for the calculations (i.e. the adjusted profit) are shown clearly on the face of the consolidated income statement in the columns headed "performance pre intangibles (exc software) and exceptional items". The denominators for the calculations (i.e. the weighted average number of shares in issue) and further details of the calculations are shown in note 7 to the condensed financial statements.
Like-for-like amounts
Like-for-like amounts are derived, on a constant currency basis, by comparing the relevant year-to-date amount with the equivalent prior year period for those businesses and individual operating units that have been part of the Group throughout both periods.
Like-for-like revenue growth for the half-year ended 27 October 2018 is calculated by comparing the revenue for the current and comparative periods, each adjusted as described above. The revenue of each segment is shown in note 4(a) to the condensed financial statements. The reconciliation to the adjusted revenue figures for the purposes of calculating like-for-like revenue growth is shown below:
Unaudited
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Half-year to 27 October 2018
Exclude effect Exclude Exclude effect
Reported of business expired rail of foreign Like-for-like
revenue closed franchises exchange revenue
UK Bus (regional
operations) GBPm 527.1 (1.0) - - 526.1
UK Bus (London) GBPm 128.6 - - - 128.6
North America US$m 323.3 - - 0.6 323.9
UK Rail GBPm 335.1 - (133.0) - 202.1
----------------------- ------ ---------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ----------------
Unaudited
------------------------------------------------------------------
Half-year to 28 October 2017
Reported revenue Exclude effect of Exclude expired rail Like-for-like
(restated) business closed franchises revenue
UK Bus (regional
operations) GBPm 512.4 (3.8) - 508.6
UK Bus (London) GBPm 128.4 - - 128.4
North America US$m 333.9 - - 333.9
UK Rail GBPm 899.2 - (697.9) 201.3
----------------------- ------ ----------------- -------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
Operating profit
Operating profit for the Group as a whole is profit before non-operating exceptional items, finance costs, finance income, taxation and non-controlling interests. Operating profit of Group companies is operating profit on that basis, excluding the Group's share of joint ventures' profit/loss after taxation. Both total operating profit and operating profit from Group companies are shown on the face of the consolidated income statement.
Operating profit (or loss) for a particular business unit or division within the Group refers to profit (or loss) before net finance income/charges, taxation, non-controlling interests, non-software intangible asset amortisation, exceptional items and restructuring costs. The operating profit (or loss) for each segment is directly identifiable from the financial statements - see note 4(b) to the condensed financial statements.
23 DEFINITIONS (CONTINUED)
Operating margin
Operating margin for a particular business unit or division within the Group means operating profit (or loss) as a percentage of revenue. The revenue and operating profit (or loss) for each segment is directly identifiable from the financial statements - see notes 4(a) and 4(b) to the condensed financial statements. The revenue, operating profit (or loss) and operating margin for each segment are also shown on page 5 of this document.
Pre-exceptional EBITDA
Pre-exceptional EBITDA is earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, intangible asset amortisation and exceptional items.
A reconciliation of pre-exceptional EBITDA for the half-year ended 27 October 2018, and the comparative prior year period, to the financial statements is shown on page 10 of this document.
EBITDA from Group companies before exceptional items
EBITDA from Group companies before exceptional items is earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, intangible asset amortisation and exceptional items from Group companies (i.e. the parent company and all of its subsidiaries consolidated but excluding share of profit from joint ventures).
EBITDA from Group companies before exceptional items is directly identifiable from the financial statements - see note 16 to the condensed financial statements.
Net finance charges
Net finance charges are finance costs less finance income, each as shown on the face of the consolidated income statement.
Gross debt
Gross debt is borrowings as reported on the consolidated balance sheet, adjusted to exclude accrued interest and the effect of fair value hedges on the carrying value of borrowings.
The components of gross debt are shown in note 18 to the condensed financial statements, which also reconciles net debt to the net borrowings (cash less borrowings) shown on the face of the consolidated balance sheet.
Net debt
Net debt (or net funds) is the net of cash/cash equivalents and gross debt (see above).
The components of net debt are shown in note 18 to the condensed financial statements, which also reconciles net debt to the net borrowings (cash less borrowings) shown on the face of the consolidated balance sheet.
Net capital expenditure
Net capital expenditure is the impact of purchases and sales of property, plant and equipment on net debt. Its reconciliation to the consolidated financial statements is explained on page 12 of this document.
(b) Other definition
The following other definition is also used in this document:
Exceptional items
Exceptional items means items which individually or, if of a similar type, in aggregate need to be separately disclosed by virtue of their nature, size or incidence in order to allow a proper understanding of the underlying financial performance of the Group.
Independent review report to Stagecoach Group plc
Introduction
We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed consolidated interim financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the half-year ended 27 October 2018 which comprises:
-- The Consolidated Income Statement for the half-year ended 27 October 2018; -- The Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the half-year ended 27 October 2018; -- The Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 27 October 2018; -- The Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the half-year ended 27 October 2018; -- The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the half-year ended 27 October 2018; -- The related explanatory notes.
We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with guidance contained in International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 (UK and Ireland) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.
Directors' Responsibilities
The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. The condensed consolidated interim financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union.
Our Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed consolidated interim financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.
Scope of Review
We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed consolidated interim financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the half-year ended 27 October 2018 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
Ernst & Young LLP
Glasgow
5 December 2018
Notes:
(a) The maintenance and integrity of the Stagecoach Group plc website is the responsibility of the Directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the interim financial statements since they were initially presented on the website.
(b) Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
IR UGGACPUPRUQA
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
December 05, 2018 02:01 ET (07:01 GMT)
1 Year Stagecoach Chart |
1 Month Stagecoach Chart |
It looks like you are not logged in. Click the button below to log in and keep track of your recent history.
Support: +44 (0) 203 8794 460 | support@advfn.com
By accessing the services available at ADVFN you are agreeing to be bound by ADVFN's Terms & Conditions
