27
November 2024
Motorpoint Group PLC
("Motorpoint" or the "Group")
Interim
Results
Strong
market outperformance with double digit year on year volume growth
and a return to profitability, leaving the Group well positioned to
accelerate strategic growth plans
Motorpoint Group PLC, the UK's
leading independent omnichannel vehicle retailer, today announces
its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 September
2024 ("H1 FY25").
H1 FY25 Financial
Summary
Financial KPIs
|
6 months to 30 September
2024
|
6 months to 30 September
2023
|
Change
|
12 months to 31 March
2024
|
Revenue
|
£563.1m
|
£607.2m
|
-£44.1m
|
£1,086.6m
|
Gross profit
|
£44.7m
|
£37.7m
|
+£7.0m
|
£73.1m
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying(1):
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenditure
|
£(38.6)m
|
£(36.1)m
|
-£2.5m
|
£(72.9)m
|
Profit / (Loss) before taxation
|
£2.0m
|
£(3.7)m
|
+£5.7m
|
£(8.2)m
|
Profit / (Loss) for the period
|
£1.5m
|
£(2.8)m
|
+£4.3m
|
£(6.4)m
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reported:
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenditure
|
£(38.6)m
|
£(37.1)m
|
-£1.5m
|
£(80.6)m
|
Finance expense
|
£(4.1)m
|
£(5.3)m
|
+£1.2m
|
£(9.8)m
|
Profit / (Loss) before taxation
|
£2.0m
|
£(4.7)m
|
+£6.7m
|
£(10.4)m
|
Profit / (Loss) for the period
|
£1.5m
|
£(3.5)m
|
+£5.0m
|
£(8.4)m
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash(2)
|
£11.2m
|
£11.2m
|
£Nil
|
£9.2m
|
(1)
Excluding any exceptional operating expenses, exceptional other
income, exceptional tax expense and exceptional tax income in H1
FY24 and FY24. None in H1 FY25
(2) Cash less any borrowings, excluding lease
liabilities
·
Return to profitability driven
by strong growth in retail volumes in the period of 17.4% with
30.3k retail vehicles sold (H1 FY24: 25.8k). Growth in Q2 FY25
further improved to 26.8%
· Revenue decrease reflects more affordable vehicle mix and
price deflation (notably in H2 FY24)
· Gross profit improvement aided by greater use of data-led
pricing and improved stock management
· Interest rates remained high and continued to impact finance
penetration rates
· Increased operating expenditure reflects rise in headcount to
support strong volume growth and wage inflation
· Cash
position remains strong following the £5m spend on the successful
share buyback programme. Bank facility of £20m undrawn at period
end
·
Whilst the finance commission
temporary withdrawal caused short term challenges, no material
adverse impact on trading and FY25 profit expectations
Operational and Strategic
Highlights
Operational KPIs
|
6 months to 30 September
2024
|
6 months
to 30 September 2023
|
Change
|
Market share July - September (0-6 year
old)
|
2.5%
|
2.0%
|
+50
bps
|
|
|
|
|
Vehicles sold
|
43.3k
|
39.3k
|
+10.2%
|
Retail
|
30.3k
|
25.8k
|
+17.4%
|
Wholesale
|
13.0k
|
13.5k
|
-3.7%
|
|
|
|
|
Days in stock
|
41
|
47
|
-6
days
|
Gross profit margin
|
7.9%
|
6.2%
|
+170
bps
|
Retail gross profit per unit
|
£1,317
|
£1,267
|
+£50
|
Wholesale gross profit per unit
|
£369
|
£370
|
-£1
|
Customer acquisition cost (1)
|
£147
|
£198
|
-£51
|
Orders from digital leads
|
13.7k
|
11.8k
|
+16%
|
Website sessions
|
8.15m
|
6.55m
|
+24%
|
(1)
Total marketing cost per retail unit sold
· Used
car prices remained broadly stable as macroeconomic headwinds eased
in H1 FY25
· Supply of new vehicles remains subdued, particularly at newer
end of market
· Returned to market share outperformance. Market share based
on SMMT data (up to six year old cars) for the most recent quarter
(July to September 2024) was 2.5%, compared to 2.0% for the same
quarter in FY24
·
Increased retail margins
supported by data-led pricing and stock management, including focus
on aged vehicles. Days in stock reduced to an industry-leading 41
days, a 13% improvement year on year
· Technology investment continued to focus on improvements to
our website, enhancing the customer experience and product
information, leading to an estimated 16% increase in digitally led
sales
· Website sessions increased 24% from 6.55m to 8.15m
·
Flexible approach to targeted marketing, enabling
us to reduce our customer acquisition cost by 26%
·
Continued strong progress against ESG objectives,
with Scope 1 and 2 emissions down 11% on previous period
·
Recommencement of new store opening programme;
our 21st store will open in Norwich in December
2024
·
Significant investment to relaunch and extend the
first Motorpoint store in Derby
Finance Commission
Changes
As widely reported, and following
the landmark High Court rulings on 25 October 2024 that a broker
could not lawfully receive a commission from a lender without the
customer's fully informed consent, lenders temporarily withdrew
product arrangements to finance vehicle purchases across the
industry. This temporary pause was to allow lenders the appropriate
time to update documentation to clearly explain the commission
position to customers.
On 29 October 2024, our primary
finance provider withdrew their 10.9% APR product, which paid a
commission to Motorpoint. They replaced this with a 7.9% APR
product, with no commission due to Motorpoint.
As a result, we operated for
around 10 days with this arrangement whilst we explored alternative
options and ensured our commission disclosure was robust. From 8
November 2024, we reinstated our arrangement with our primary
provider, with the same 10.9% APR rate and pre-existing commission,
with enhanced disclosure to customers.
These events are not expected to
have any material impact on our full year profit
expectations.
Current Trading and
Outlook
· Strong momentum has continued into H2 FY25:
· Delivered retail volume growth of 27% in October and remained
profitable in month
· Metal margins remain strong and used car prices
stable
· Returned to pre-existing arrangement on 8 November with
primary provider following the 10 day temporary finance commission
pause
· No
material impact on trading to date, post the commission
reintroduction. No adverse feedback from customers in respect of
commissions disclosed
· Expect macroeconomic pressures to generally ease, with
further, moderate reductions in interest rates
· Supply of nearly new used vehicles should continue to slowly
increase
· Acceleration of strategic growth plans
Mark Carpenter, Chief Executive
Officer of Motorpoint Group PLC commented:
"I am pleased with our solid
performance in the first half of FY25, which was marked by a return
to profitability following several years of considerable headwinds
that have impacted our industry. Brilliant Basics, our
right sizing and margin improvement
programme, delivered what it needed to in
FY24, ensuring foundations for future growth. As well as strong
year on year volume growth and market outperformance, margins
strengthened, and stock turn improved to an industry-leading 41
days in stock.
Following the challenges faced in
recent times, we remain cautious as supply slowly improves and
macroeconomic pressures continue to ease, while demonstrating our
return to profitability, as we plan courses of action to accelerate
this growth. In response to higher demand for Motorpoint cars, we
have bolstered our team and have the firepower to restart
investment in our estate, including the opening of new stores. I am
very excited by our plans to unlock further profitable growth, and
we are in a strong position to continue increasing our share of the
used car market."
Analyst & investor
webinar
There will be a webinar for
sell-side analysts and investors at 9:00am BST today, the details
of which can be
obtained from FTI Consulting via
motorpoint@fticonsulting.com.
Enquiries:
Motorpoint Group
PLC
via FTI Consulting
Mark Carpenter, Chief Executive
Officer
Chris Morgan, Chief Financial
Officer
FTI Consulting (Financial PR)
Alex
Beagley
020 3727 1000
Harriet Jackson
Amy Goldup
Forward looking statements: The information in this release is based on management
information. This report includes statements that are forward
looking in nature. Forward looking statements involve known and
unknown risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors which
may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the
Group to be materially different from any future results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward
looking statements. Except as required by the Listing Rules and
applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update,
revise or change any forward looking statements to reflect events
or developments occurring after the date of this report.
Notes to editors
Motorpoint is the UK's leading
independent omnichannel vehicle retailer, focused on giving retail
and trade customers the easiest, most affordable and seamless way
of buying, selling and financing their car whether online, in store
or a combination of both. Through its leading B2C platform
Motorpoint.co.uk and UK network of 20 stores, the Group provides an
unrivalled offering in the nearly new car market, where consumers
can effortlessly browse, buy or finance their next car and collect
or have it delivered directly to their homes. Motorpoint's purely
online wholesale platform Auction4Cars.com sells vehicles into the
wholesale B2B market that have been part exchanged by retail
customers, or purchased directly from them by the Group as part of
its online car buying service. Motorpoint's diversified business
model, underpinned by its established brand, industry leading
technology and sophisticated marketing infrastructure, always
delivers the best choice, value, service and quality for
customers.
Non-Executive Chair's statement
Strategic opportunity
More than three years ago
Motorpoint announced a departure from its historic approach by more
aggressively embracing the role of technology and digital services
in its business and setting forth more ambitious goals. Reaching
these goals would require transformative levels of investment in
new capabilities including technology, data and analytics, digital
commerce, marketing, new sales and service stores and its
omnichannel customer proposition.
Beginning soon after these
announcements, and continuing through today, significant economic
challenges have negatively impacted the used car market and
Motorpoint in particular. Motorpoint's capacity to invest in
its strategic plans has naturally been constrained. We have
made modest but targeted strategic progress while trying to balance
our ambitions with responsible financial management and remaining
committed to our strategic direction and to our belief in the size
of our opportunity.
Our long term strategy is to
become the UK's largest used car dealer by providing market leading
digital services, and by redefining the omnichannel business model
by developing integrated consumer journeys across our digital,
store, customer service and delivery channels that will meet
changing consumer needs. Underpinning Motorpoint's new
capabilities will be contemporary technology and data practices
which will not only enable unique omnichannel customer journeys,
but will improve efficiency in our key processes such as selling,
vehicle preparation, logistics, pricing and inventory
turnover.
Navigating a difficult market
The used car industry has faced
difficult market conditions for an extended period. High
interest rates, periods of car price volatility, depressed consumer
demand and constrained vehicle supply combined to reduce our
profitability and cause upheaval in the industry. After a
particularly challenging FY23, and facing similar conditions in
FY24, Motorpoint moved quickly in that year to implement a right
sizing and margin improvement programme with the aim to limit
losses and preserve cash. We aimed to position the business
for success in a smaller, contracted market, as well to position it
to extend its profitability and cash generation as the market
improved. By the end of FY24 conditions began improving and
Motorpoint looked ahead to an improved FY25.
Macroeconomic headwinds did in
fact begin to ease in H1 FY25, used car prices remained broadly
stable and customer sentiment improved along with reductions in
interest rates. Our retail sales grew strongly, our margins
increased and days in stock improved to an industry-leading 41
days. This, coupled with our more efficient cost base, ensured a
return to profitability.
As much as we would like to put
the challenges behind us and fully return to our ambitious agenda
of strategic investments, that is not yet a responsible path.
The supply of used vehicles remains subdued, interest rates remain
high, and the pace of the market's return to normalcy is
unclear. Nevertheless, during the remainder of FY25 we will
make targeted investments toward our long term strategic plans,
including continued improvements to our website, returning to our
programme of adding stores, developing selective key technology
infrastructure, building data tools in pricing, transport and
allocation, and testing market opportunities for aftersales
service. As market conditions continue to improve, and
Motorpoint's profits and cash generation grow proportionately, our
confidence in a more aggressive pace of strategic investments will
grow as well. We remain convinced of our long term strategic
opportunity and look forward to pursuing it with as much vigour as
conditions allow.
I would like to thank the
Motorpoint team for their continued agility and resilience over the
past few years which has positioned the business well, and I am
delighted that their hard work has been rewarded in FY25 with a
return to profitability and market share outperformance.
John Walden
Non-Executive Chair, Motorpoint
PLC
26 November 2024
Chief Executive's statement
Overview
As macroeconomic headwinds eased
in H1 FY25, used car prices remained broadly stable and customer
sentiment improved. Interest rate reductions in August and November
were welcome and future cuts will further aid profitability. The
supply of used vehicles remains subdued, particularly at the newer
end of the market. However, the increased customer demand, coupled
with the successful execution of our Brilliant Basics programme
during FY24, resulted in a return to profitability in FY25, and
provides the Board with increasing confidence to establish
strategic plans to accelerate growth.
Brilliant Basics has laid firm foundations for
growth
We launched Brilliant Basics last
year to focus on driving operational excellence, which has resulted
in a lean cost base, faster stock turn and lower prices, with the
cumulative effect of improving profitability. The benefits started
to materialise in the final quarter of FY24 and have continued into
FY25.
Retail units grew strongly in the
first half and August was our best performing retail volume month
since March 2022. We also significantly outperformed peers with
market share growth of 25% in Q2. We remained focused on ensuring
we stock the best value, affordable used cars for customers,
lowering our price points, as well as reinforcing our "Double the
Difference" lowest price guarantee. We also took a flexible
approach to finance APRs and lowered our rates for more expensive
vehicles.
We expanded our use of data to
better inform buying and dynamic pricing decisions, which supported
strong metal margin performance. This agile approach helped us
minimise any overage stock and, where necessary, clearance was
supported by marketing investment. Days in stock reduced to an
industry-leading 41 days in the period (H1 FY24: 47 days). Strong
metal margin performance helped offset lower finance commissions
impacted by high interest rates.
As previously reported, our
headcount had been significantly reduced in FY24, following the
thorough review of requirements and accountabilities to right size
the business. Since the year end, we have grown our teams in
certain stores and preparation centres to a total of 746 FTEs (710
at year end), in response to material increases in demand for
Motorpoint cars. The current headcount remains significantly below
the high of almost 950 in early FY23, with technology improvements
having increased efficiency and productivity.
Strategy update
Despite the market challenges
during last year (FY24), we remained committed to our long term
growth aspirations, whilst focusing in the short term on margin
improvement, cost base management and cash generation, as well as
furthering the strategic objectives that offer the best short term
returns. Our strong cash position allowed us to continue making
targeted strategic investments, with further improvements in
technology involving both our retail and wholesale
businesses.
We have continued to invest in
FY25, further enhancing our digital capabilities and upscaling our
E-commerce offering and recommencing our new store opening
programme. Enhancements continue to be made to our website,
and we believe that it is now one of the best in the market. Sales
from digital leads again increased, by 16% on previous period, and
we are becoming increasingly more efficient in how the marketing
budget is spent (£4.4m spent in the first half, compared to £5.1m
in H1 FY24). Customer acquisition cost per retail unit fell from
£198 to £147 over this same period. Website sessions increased 24%
from 6.55m to 8.15m.
Data is becoming ever more
fundamental to how we operate; from what prices we set daily, to
what streams of marketing work best in a rapidly changing
marketplace. As such, we continue to bolster our data and digital
teams, and where necessary, attain input from third party
experts.
Increased
customer demand, coupled with the successful execution of our
Brilliant Basics programme, has resulted in a return to
profitability in FY25, and provides the Board with increasing
confidence to establish organic plans to accelerate growth.
Further, completion of the buyback programme, coupled with our
strong cash position, allows the Group to invest (including trials
where needed), to accelerate our plans. These plans will include
looking at how we develop our supply chain channels, opening new
stores and investing in our existing estate, ensuring data
intelligence becomes fundamental to how we operate, broadening our
brand reach, furthering technology advancement and developing an
aftersales offer.
The Motorpoint Virtuous Circle remains at the core of
everything we do
Our operating model of how our
employees and stakeholders interact, the Motorpoint Virtuous
Circle, combined with our values of Proud, Happy, Honest and
Supportive, continue to provide a robust framework for explaining
how we do business.
The Virtuous Circle begins with
our employees. We will again measure team satisfaction in the
second half of FY25, but based on the last survey in early 2024,
there continues to be strong satisfaction levels across all teams.
Our values scored highly, with 95% of the team who responded saying
that they were Proud to work for Motorpoint. Our staff turnover
also improved to 23% from 32% in the previous period.
We sponsor multiple initiatives to
enhance our team's experience with Motorpoint. Our 'One Big Dream'
initiative has been a huge success, with our people using two paid
hours per month for their own fulfilment. Further to this, nobody
works on their birthday, when it falls on a working day; a benefit
which is extremely popular with the team.
As the pace of business expansion
increases, and we open more stores, recruiting high calibre team
members will be especially important, and we will remain focused on
not only hiring the strongest talent, but also on training and
culture enhancement.
We believe that the engagement of
our team is directly correlated to our customers' satisfaction. As
we innovate our omnichannel customer experiences, our highly
engaged team continued to deliver what we believe is a market
leading proposition of Choice, Value, Service and Quality to our
loyal customers with an unerring focus on customer satisfaction.
Our NPS for sold vehicles (77) did dip slightly in the first half
to levels last seen in FY19 and FY20. While this remains a good
score, we are focused on improvements to bring this back to above
80 in the second half. During the first half, we also responded to
the increased customer demand by recruiting into our busier
locations, which should support an improvement in NPS.
The final piece of our Virtuous
Circle is delivering for our shareholders. We are delighted that we
have turned a corner and are profitable again. Cash generation has
been strong which is why we were able to successfully execute the
share buyback programme.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
The Group's ESG Committee has
played a pivotal role in establishing ESG targets. We are committed
to being recognised as the most environmentally friendly used car
retailer and have made good strides in achieving our ESG goals
during this period.
We are proud to continue our
strong collaboration with supply chain partners, driving
environmentally conscious decision-making. A standout achievement
is that all tyres removed from vehicles are repurposed as
groundwork materials for children's play parks, delivering both
environmental benefits and meaningful social impact at no
additional cost.
We have achieved further
reductions in energy consumption, with Scope 1 and 2 emissions and
business travel in total down 11% compared to the previous period.
Additionally, we reduced our total waste by over 100 tonnes (30%),
with less than 1% of waste sent to landfill.
We also have made further
improvements to support inclusion and remove unconscious bias, and
our new diversity, inclusion and equality training has been
recently completed by our teams.
Outlook
Our strong momentum has continued
into H2 FY25 and we expect macroeconomic pressures to generally
ease, with further, moderate reductions in interest rates. The
supply of nearly new used vehicles should continue to slowly
increase, and we look forward to the acceleration of our strategic
growth plans.
Mark Carpenter
Chief Executive Officer
26 November 2024
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Group financial performance headlines
The period saw strong retail unit
sales growth of 17.4% with 30.3k retail vehicles sold (H1 FY24:
25.8k). Revenue for the six months ended 30 September 2024 reduced
to £563.1m (H1 FY24: £607.2m) reflecting the more affordable
vehicle mix and price deflation, notably in H2 FY24.
Gross profit was £44.7m (H1 FY24:
£37.7m). Gross margin increased to 7.9% (H1 FY24: 6.2%). During the
period, increased metal margin, through use of data and improved
stock management, offset the impact of lower finance
commissions.
Operating expenditure (before
exceptional items in H1 FY24) increased by 6.9% to £38.6m (H1 FY24:
£36.1m), reflecting a rise in headcount to keep up with the demand
driven by the growth in retail sales, and wage inflation of c.3%.
Other variable costs were tightly controlled.
There were no exceptional items in
H1 FY25.
Profit before taxation improved to
£2.0m (H1 FY24: Loss before taxation £(4.7)m). Finance costs
reduced to £4.1m (H1 FY24: £5.3m), due to lower borrowing
requirements in the period.
Net cash remained in a strong
position, supported by the return to profitability, and we also
successfully completed the share buyback programme, which resulted
in a cash cost of £5.0m. Net cash at 30 September 2024 improved to
£11.2m (31 March 2024: £9.2m).
Trading performance
The Group has two key revenue
streams, being (i) vehicles sold to retail customers via the
Group's stores, call centre and digital channels, and (ii) vehicles
sold to wholesale customers via the Group's Auction4Cars.com
website.
|
Retail
|
Wholesale
|
Total
|
|
H1 FY25
|
H1
FY24
|
H1 FY25
|
H1
FY24
|
H1 FY25
|
H1
FY24
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
502.2
|
509.8
|
60.9
|
97.4
|
563.1
|
607.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
39.9
|
32.7
|
4.8
|
5.0
|
44.7
|
37.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail
Retail units sold increased by
17.4% in the period, with a total of 30.3k units being sold (H1
FY24: 25.8k). Volumes in Q2 FY25 rose 26.8% compared to Q2 FY24.
Revenue from retail customers decreased slightly reflecting the
more affordable stock mix and price deflation (notably in H2 FY24).
Average selling price was £15.5k, down 17% on the previous period.
31.4% of retail units were sold online and we continue to see
around two thirds of customers choosing the in-store experience for
their vehicle purchase.
Gross margin of 7.9% showed a
large improvement (H1 FY24: 6.4%), with our greater focus on
data-led pricing and stock management. Days in stock reduced to an
industry-leading 41 days in the period (H1 FY24: 47 days). Retail
gross profit per unit increased to £1,317 (H1 FY24: £1,267). We
also removed our £199 administration fee in October, to make our
pricing absolutely transparent for consumers.
Finance per vehicle sold decreased
in the period by 14% to £639, influenced by the impact of high
interest rates. Our APR finance rates continue to be competitive
and as of 1 October 2024 we are offering 10.9% APR on all vehicles.
We continue to monitor this as we manage APR rates versus
commissions and affordability for consumers. The improved extended
warranty programme has compensated for the loss of GAP
insurance.
Preparation costs per unit have
increased in the period, which reflects the move to selling more
older vehicles.
Wholesale
The expansion of our retail
vehicle age criteria has had a knock-on effect for the wholesale
business, since more vehicles are now sold through the retail
platform. Wholesale revenue via Auction4Cars.com, which sells
vehicles that have been part exchanged by retail customers, or
directly purchased from consumers, decreased by 37.5%. 13.0k
vehicles were sold via this purely online platform (H1 FY24:
13.5k). Wholesale gross profit per unit was consistent with the
previous period at £369 (H1 FY24: £370).
Operating expenses
Operating expenses before
exceptional items (incurred in H1 FY24) increased from £36.1m in H1
FY24 to £38.6m. Full time equivalent employees increased to 746,
from 693 at 30 September 2023, as we responded to increased demand.
Marketing costs decreased from £5.1m to £4.4m as we continue to
target a more strategic approach. Customer acquisition cost per
retail unit dropped sharply to £147, from £198 in the previous
period. Other variable costs were tightly controlled.
Exceptional items
Exceptional items were £nil in the
period (H1 FY24: £1.0m; which constituted one off restructuring
costs, as a result of redundancies incurred during the summer of
2023, with a reduction of around 85 employees).
Interest
The Group's net finance expense
was £4.1m (H1 FY24: £5.3m); interest rates remained high in the
period, and the drop reflects lower borrowing requirements. This
was despite the £5.0m incurred on the share buyback.
Total interest charges on the
stocking facilities in the period were £3.0m (H1 FY24: £3.8m),
reflecting lower inventory holding. Interest on lease liabilities
was £1.0m (H1 FY24: £1.1m) and interest on banking facilities was a
minimal £0.1m (H1 FY24: £0.4m).
Taxation
The tax charge in the period is
for the amount assessable for UK corporation tax in the year net of
prior year adjustments and deferred tax credits. The effective rate
of tax in the year of 25.0% (H1 FY24: 25.0%) is in line with the
charge which would result from the standard rate of corporation tax
in the UK of 25.0% (effective from 1 April 2023).
Shares
At 30 September 2024, 86,619,822
ordinary shares were outstanding, and 1,478,469 were held in the
Employee Benefit Trust. The share number decreased by 4.0% from
90,189,885 from when the buyback started in March 2024.
Earnings per share
Basic and diluted earnings per
share were both 1.7p (H1 FY24: both (3.9)p).
Dividends
No dividend was paid in the period
(H1 FY24: £Nil) and the Board has not declared an interim dividend
(H1 FY24: £Nil).
Capital expenditure and disposals
Capital expenditure was £2.3m (H1
FY24: £1.9m); the biggest single item being the purchase of land
necessary to expand our Derby site (£0.9m). In addition, in October
2024, we purchased the freehold of our Derby trading site for
consideration of £2.0m (before tax and fees). Other spend includes
technical investment and the introduction of MOT testing bays. The
only notable disposal was the sale of several home delivery trucks,
at a small profit.
Balance sheet
Net assets decreased since year
end by £2.7m to £28.4m, which was due to the share buyback
completed during the period. Working capital was proactively
managed, with an improvement in the net cash position, supported by
the return to profitability, and despite the buyback.
Non-current assets were £65.6m (31
March 2024: £64.4m) made up of £9.7m of property, plant and
equipment, £51.4m right-of-use assets, intangible assets of £3.1m
and a deferred tax asset of £1.4m (31 March 2024: £8.8m, £50.5m,
£3.7m and £1.4m respectively). With the exception of the land for
sale at Glasgow, and the acquired additional land in Derby, all
properties are on leases of various lengths at 30 September 2024. A
new lease was signed in October for the H2 FY25 opening of our
21st store in Norwich.
The Group closed the period with
£129.3m of inventory, up from £102.4m at 31 March 2024. Days in
stock for the period were 41 days (H1 FY24: 47 days and FY24: 45
days).
At 30 September 2024 the Group had
£150.0m (31 March 2024: £150.0m) of stocking finance facilities
available of which £104.5m (31 March 2023: £74.5m) was drawn.
(Split Black Horse Limited £75.0m, and £75.0m with Lombard North
Central Plc).
The Group also has a £20.0m
facility with Santander UK plc, split between £6.0m available as an
uncommitted overdraft and £14.0m available as a revolving credit
facility. At 30 September 2024 £Nil (31 March 2024: £Nil) was drawn
on this facility, with net cash (excluding lease liabilities) of
£11.2m (31 March 2024: £9.2m).
Trade and other receivables of
£17.9m were broadly similar to previous year end (31 March 2024:
£19.2m).
Trade and other payables,
inclusive of the stock financing facilities, have increased to
£137.1m (31 March 2024: £107.1m) with most of the movement being
due of the increase in the stocking facility balance.
The slight increase in total lease
liabilities to £58.0m (31 March 2024: £57.0m) reflects the
renegotiation of the lease at Chingford, less repayments made
during the period.
Finance commission
Following the FCA Motor Market
Review in March 2019, the FCA issued a policy statement in July
2020 prohibiting the use of discretionary commission models from 28
January 2021, which the Group adhered to. The Group continues to
believe that its historical practices were compliant with the law
and regulations in place at that time.
On 11 January 2024, the Financial
Conduct Authority (FCA) announced a section 166 review of
historical motor finance commission arrangements and sales, and
planned at that time to communicate a decision on next steps in the
second half of 2024 based on the evidence collated in the review.
The FCA indicated that such steps could include establishing an
industry-wide consumer redress scheme and/or applying to the
Financial Markets Test Case Scheme, to help resolve any contested
legal issues of general importance.
Subsequently, on 25 October 2024,
the Court of Appeal's judgment in Hopcraft v Close Brothers Ltd,
Johnson v Firstrand Bank Ltd, and Wrench v Firstrand Bank Ltd
stated that a broker could not lawfully receive a commission from a
lender without the customer's fully informed consent to the
payment.
The FCA has now extended the time
period of its review into 2025. Since the ruling on 25 October, the
Group altered its selling processes to comply with new requirements
from its lenders, which includes upfront full commission
disclosure.
The Group is not directly involved
in the selling of finance products to consumers; instead refers
consumers to third parties who administer and are responsible for
the finance product themselves. As a result, the Directors
do not consider that provisions are required to
be made in respect of any exposures in this area.
Cash flow
Cash flow from operations was
£16.0m inflow (H1 FY24: £13.1m inflow). The higher inflow largely
reflects the return to profitability. Both periods saw improved
working capital utilisation.
Other main items in the cash flow
include capital expenditure of £2.3m (H1 FY24: £1.9m), principal
lease repayments of £2.9m (H1 FY24: £1.9m), interest payments of
£4.1m (H1 FY24: £5.3m) and share buyback payments of £4.7m (H1
FY24: £Nil).
Capital structure and treasury
The Group's objective when
managing working capital is to ensure adequate working capital for
all operating activities and liquidity, including comfortable
headroom to take advantage of opportunities, or to weather short
term downturns. The Group also aims to operate an efficient capital
structure to achieve its business plan.
The Group's long term funding
arrangements consist primarily of the stocking finance facilities
with Black Horse Limited and Lombard North Central Plc (to a
maximum of £150.0m) and an unsecured loan facility provided by
Santander UK plc, split between £6.0m available as an uncommitted
overdraft and £14.0m available as a revolving credit facility. This
facility runs until June 2026 with the option to extend for two
further one year extensions if agreed by both parties.
Chris Morgan
Chief Financial Officer
26 November 2024
RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT OF
THE DIRECTORS IN RESPECT OF THE FY25 UNAUDITED INTERIM
RESULTS
The Directors confirm that these
condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34,
'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and
that the interim management report includes a fair review of the
information required by DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8, namely:
· an
indication of important events that have occurred during the first
six months and their impact on the condensed consolidated interim
financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year;
and
· material related-party transactions in the first six months
and any material changes in the related-party transactions
described in the last annual report.
A list of current Directors and
their biographies is maintained on the Motorpoint Group PLC website
www.motorpointplc.com
By order of the Board
Mark
Carpenter
Chief Executive
Officer
26 November
2024
Statement of Comprehensive
Income
For the six months ended 30 September 2024
|
|
|
Unaudited Six Months ended
30 September 2024
Total
|
Unaudited Six Months ended 30 September 2023
|
|
|
|
Before Exceptional Items
|
Exceptional Items
|
Total
|
|
|
Note
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
Revenue
|
|
6
|
563.1
|
607.2
|
-
|
607.2
|
Cost of sales
|
|
|
(518.4)
|
(569.5)
|
-
|
(569.5)
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
44.7
|
37.7
|
-
|
37.7
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
(38.6)
|
(36.1)
|
(1.0)
|
(37.1)
|
Operating profit / (loss)
|
|
|
6.1
|
1.6
|
(1.0)
|
0.6
|
Finance costs
|
|
7
|
(4.1)
|
(5.3)
|
-
|
(5.3)
|
Profit / (Loss) before taxation
|
|
|
2.0
|
(3.7)
|
(1.0)
|
(4.7)
|
Taxation
|
|
8
|
(0.5)
|
0.9
|
0.3
|
1.2
|
Profit / (Loss) for the period
|
|
|
1.5
|
(2.8)
|
(0.7)
|
(3.5)
|
Total comprehensive income / (expense) for the period
attributable to equity holders of the parent
|
|
|
1.5
|
(2.8)
|
(0.7)
|
(3.5)
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share
Basic
Diluted
|
|
9
9
|
1.7p
1.7p
|
|
|
(3.9)p
(3.9)p
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
The Group's activities all derive
from continuing operations.
Total comprehensive income /
expense for the period is all attributable to the shareholders of
the Company.
Condensed Consolidated Balance
Sheet
As at 30 September 2024
|
|
30 September 2024
(unaudited)
|
30
September 2023 (unaudited)
|
31 March
2024
|
|
Note
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and
equipment
|
11
|
9.7
|
12.4
|
8.8
|
Right-of-use assets
|
12
|
51.4
|
55.4
|
50.5
|
Intangible assets
|
10
|
3.1
|
4.2
|
3.7
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
1.4
|
-
|
1.4
|
Total non-current assets
|
|
65.6
|
72.0
|
64.4
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories
|
|
129.3
|
143.8
|
102.4
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
13
|
17.9
|
18.1
|
19.2
|
Current tax receivable
|
|
-
|
0.9
|
-
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
|
11.2
|
11.2
|
9.2
|
Assets held for sale
|
|
2.4
|
-
|
2.6
|
Total current assets
|
|
160.8
|
174.0
|
133.4
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
226.4
|
246.0
|
197.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other payables,
excluding contract liabilities
|
15
|
(137.1)
|
(145.6)
|
(107.1)
|
Lease liabilities
|
14
|
(4.5)
|
(4.2)
|
(4.0)
|
Current tax liabilities
|
|
(0.3)
|
-
|
-
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
(141.9)
|
(149.8)
|
(111.1)
|
NET CURRENT ASSETS
|
|
18.9
|
24.2
|
22.3
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Lease liabilities
|
14
|
(53.5)
|
(57.5)
|
(53.0)
|
Provisions
|
16
|
(2.6)
|
(2.6)
|
(2.6)
|
Deferred tax
liabilities
|
|
-
|
(0.2)
|
-
|
Total non-current liabilities
|
|
(56.1)
|
(60.3)
|
(55.6)
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES
|
|
(198.0)
|
(210.1)
|
(166.7)
|
NET ASSETS
|
|
28.4
|
35.9
|
31.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital
|
|
0.9
|
0.9
|
0.9
|
Capital redemption
reserve
|
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
Capital reorganisation
reserve
|
|
(0.8)
|
(0.8)
|
(0.8)
|
Employee Benefit Trust
reserve
|
|
(4.7)
|
(5.3)
|
(5.1)
|
Retained earnings
|
|
32.9
|
41.0
|
36.0
|
TOTAL EQUITY
|
|
28.4
|
35.9
|
31.1
|
1. Basis of Preparation
Motorpoint Group Plc (the Company)
is incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom under the
Companies Act 2006.
The Company is a public company
limited by shares and is listed on the London Stock Exchange; the
address of the registered office is Champion House, Stephensons
Way, Derby, DE21 6LY. The Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial
Statements of the Company as at and for the six months ended 30
September 2024 comprise the Company, all of its subsidiaries and
the Motorpoint Group Plc Employee Benefit Trust (the 'EBT'),
together referred to as the "Group". These Interim financial
statements are presented in pounds sterling because that is the
currency of the primary economic environment in which the Group
operates.
The Condensed Consolidated Interim
Financial Statements for the six months ended 30 September 2024 are
unaudited and the auditors have not performed a review in
accordance with ISRE 2410, Review of Interim Financial Information
Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity.
Going concern
The interim financial statements
are prepared on a going concern basis. The Group regularly reviews
market and financial forecasts and has reviewed its trading
prospects in its key markets.
The Group has managed its net debt
comfortably, with headroom at the period end of £14.0m on the
Revolving Credit Facility and £6.0m on the uncommitted overdraft,
both of which were undrawn at the period end. The Board considers
that the available headroom, coupled with the highly cash
generative nature of the business and the available cash levers
provide a strong degree of financial resilience and
flexibility.
The Board has reviewed the latest
forecasts of the Group, including the impact of multiple scenarios,
and considered the obligations of the financing
arrangements.
For the purpose of considering
going concern the Group focuses on a period of at least 12 months
from the point of signing the interim results.
The Board has considered a severe
but plausible downside scenario, when compared with the base model,
in considering the going concern status of the Group, reducing
volumes and prices, and increasing interest rates and comparing
with headroom available against banking covenants and liquid
resources required to continue trading. In this case, the business
would make efforts to reduce expenditure at both current sites and
consider the capital expenditure for any new sites. This scenario
demonstrates that the Group would comply with the relevant
covenants.
The Board is aware of the impact
of potential economic headwinds and worldwide vehicle supply chain
challenges as described previously, but after assessing these risks
do not believe there to be a material risk to the going concern of
the Group.
Given the continued historical
liquidity of the Group and sufficiency of reserves and cash in the
stressed scenarios modelled, the Board has concluded that the Group
has adequate resources to continue in operational existence over
the going concern period and into the foreseeable future
thereafter. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern
basis in preparing the interim results.
2. Statement of Compliance
These Condensed Consolidated
Interim Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with
UK adopted IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and the Disclosure
and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the UK's Financial Conduct
Authority. The financial information included does not constitute
statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the
Companies Act 2006 ('the Act') and do not include all the
information required for full annual financial statements.
Accordingly, they should be read in conjunction with the Annual
Report and Financial Statements of Motorpoint Group PLC for the
year ended 31 March 2024. These condensed consolidated interim
financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 26
November 2024.
3. Significant Accounting
Policies
The same accounting policies,
presentation and methods of computation which were followed in the
preparation of the Annual Report and Financial Statements for
Motorpoint Group PLC for the period ended 31 March 2024 have been
applied to these Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial
Statements where applicable. The accounting policies and details of
new standards adopted in the year ended 31 March 2024 are listed in
the Motorpoint Group PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements on
pages 132-141.
4. Comparative Figures
The comparative figures for the
financial year ended 31 March 2024 are extracted from the
Motorpoint Group PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements for
that financial year. The accounts have been reported on by the
Company's auditor and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The
report of the auditor was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a
reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way
of emphasis without qualifying their report and (iii) did not
contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the
Act.
5. Segmental Reporting
The Group has prepared segmental
reporting in accordance with IFRS 8 'Operating Segments'. The
Group's chief operating decision maker is considered to be the
Board of Directors. Segmental information is presented on the same
basis as the management reporting. An operating segment is a
component of the business where discrete financial information is
available and the operating results are regularly reviewed by the
Group's chief operating decision maker to make decisions about
resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its
performance.
Operating segments are aggregated
into reporting segments to combine those with similar
characteristics.
The Group operates its omnichannel
vehicle retailer offering through a store network and separate
financial information is prepared for these individual store
operations. These stores are considered separate 'cash generating
units' for impairment purposes. However, it is considered that the
nature of the operations and products is similar, and they all have
similar long term economic characteristics and the Group has
applied the aggregation criteria of IFRS 8. In addition, the Group
operates an independent trade car auction site offering a
business-to-business entirely online auction marketplace platform
which is assessed by the Board as a separate operation and thus
there are two reportable segments: retail and wholesale.
|
Retail
30 September
2024
£m
|
Retail
30
September 2023
£m
|
Wholesale
30 September
2024
£m
|
Wholesale
30
September 2023
£m
|
Total
30 September
2024
£m
|
Total
30
September 2023
£m
|
Revenue
|
502.2
|
509.8
|
60.9
|
97.4
|
563.1
|
607.2
|
Cost of sales
|
(462.3)
|
(477.1)
|
(56.1)
|
(92.4)
|
(518.4)
|
(569.5)
|
Gross profit
|
39.9
|
32.7
|
4.8
|
5.0
|
44.7
|
37.7
|
6. Revenue
Revenue represents amounts
chargeable, net of value added tax, in respect of the sale of goods
and services to customers. Revenue is measured at the fair value of
the consideration receivable, when it can be reliably measured, and
the specified recognition criteria for the sales type has been met.
The transaction price is determined based on periodically reviewed
prices and are separately identified on the customer's invoice.
There are no estimates of variable consideration.
The transaction price for motor
vehicles and motor related services is at fair value as if each of
those products are sold individually.
(i) Sales of motor vehicles
Revenue from the sale of retail
motor vehicles is recognised when the control has passed; that is,
when the vehicle has been collected by, or delivered to, the
customer. Payment of the transaction price is due immediately when
the customer purchases the vehicle. Sales of accessories, such as
mats, are recognised in the same way.
Revenue from the sale of wholesale
vehicles is recognised when the control has passed; that is, when
full payment has been made for the vehicle.
The Group operates a return policy
which is consistent with the relevant consumer protection
regulations. This is offered in the form of a 14 day money back
guarantee for home delivery customers.
(ii) Sales of motor related services and
commissions
Motor related services sales
include commissions on finance introductions, extended guarantees
and vehicle asset protection as well as the sale of paint
protection products. Sales of paint protection products are
recognised when the control has passed; that is, the protection has
been applied and the product is supplied to the
customer.
Vehicle extended guarantees and
asset protection ('GAP insurance') where the Group is contractually
responsible for future claims are accounted for by deferring the
guarantee income received along with direct selling costs, and then
releasing the income on a straight line basis over the remaining
life of the guarantee. Costs in relation to servicing the extended
guarantee income are expensed to the statement of comprehensive
income as incurred. The Group has not sold any of these policies in
the current or prior period but continues to release income in
relation to legacy sales.
Vehicle extended guarantees where
the Group is not contractually responsible for future claims, are
accounted for by recognising the commissions attributable to
Motorpoint at the point of sale to the customer. GAP insurance was
terminated in H2 FY24.
Where the Group receives finance
commission income, primarily arising when the customer uses third
party finance to purchase the vehicle, the Group recognises such
income on an 'as earned' basis.
The assessment is based on whether
the Group controls the specific goods and services before
transferring them to the end customer, rather than whether it has
exposure to significant risks and rewards associated with the sale
of goods or services.
The Group receives commissions
when it arranges finance, insurance packages, extended warranty and
paint protection for its customers, acting as agent on behalf of a
limited number of finance, insurance and other companies. For
finance and insurance packages, commission is earned and recognised
as revenue when the customer draws down the finance or commences
the insurance policy from the supplier which coincides with the
delivery of the product or service. Commissions receivable for all
motor related services are paid typically in the month after the
finance is drawn down. For extended warranty and paint protection,
the commission earned by the Group as an agent is recognised as
revenue at the point of sale on behalf of the Principal.
|
Six Months ended 30
September 2024
|
Six
Months ended 30 September 2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
Revenue from sale of motor
vehicles
|
536.2
|
578.1
|
Revenue from motor related
services and commissions
|
23.8
|
25.9
|
Revenue recognised that was
included in deferred income at the beginning of the period - Sale
of motor vehicles
|
0.1
|
0.2
|
Revenue recognised that was
included in deferred income at the beginning of the period - Motor
related services and commissions
|
3.0
|
3.0
|
Total Revenue
|
563.1
|
607.2
|
7. Finance costs
|
Six Months ended 30
September 2024
|
Six
Months ended 30 September 2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
Interest on bank
borrowings
|
0.1
|
0.4
|
Interest on stocking finance
facilities
|
3.0
|
3.8
|
Other interest payable
|
1.0
|
1.1
|
Total Finance costs
|
4.1
|
5.3
|
8. Taxation
The tax charge for the period is
provided at the effective rate of 25.0% (H1 FY24: 25.0%)
representing the best estimate of the average annual tax rate for
the full year profit.
9. Earnings per share
Basic and diluted earnings per
share are calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to
equity shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary
shares at the end of the period.
No dilution in H1 FY24 due to the
Group making a loss before taxation.
|
Six Months ended 30
September 2024
|
Six Months ended 30 September 2023
|
Profit / (Loss) Attributable to
Ordinary Shareholders (£m)
|
1.5
|
(3.5)
|
Weighted average number of
ordinary shares in issue ('000)
|
88,261
|
90,190
|
Basic Earnings per share (pence)
|
1.7
|
(3.9)
|
Diluted number of shares in issue
('000)
|
88,600
|
90,190
|
Diluted Earnings per share (pence)
|
1.7
|
(3.9)
|
The difference between the basic
and diluted weighted average number of shares represents the
dilutive effect of the various Group share plans. This is shown in
the reconciliation below.
|
Six Months ended 30
September 2024
|
Six
Months ended 30 September 2023
|
Weighted average number of
ordinary shares in issue ('000)
|
88,261
|
90,190
|
Adjustment for share options
('000)
|
339
|
-
|
Weighted average number of
ordinary shares for diluted earnings per share ('000)
|
88,600
|
90,190
|
10. Intangible assets
|
Work in
Progress
£m
|
IT
projects
£m
|
|
Total
£m
|
At 1 April 2024
|
-
|
3.7
|
|
3.7
|
Additions
|
0.1
|
-
|
|
0.1
|
Amortisation
|
-
|
(0.7)
|
|
(0.7)
|
At 30 September 2024
|
0.1
|
3.0
|
|
3.1
|
11.
Property, plant and equipment
|
Land
|
Short term leasehold
improvement
|
Plant and
machinery
|
Fixtures and
fittings
|
Office
equipment
|
Work in
Progress
|
Total
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
At 1 April 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
|
-
|
15.2
|
2.3
|
3.9
|
5.1
|
-
|
26.5
|
Accumulated
depreciation
|
-
|
(9.1)
|
(1.9)
|
(2.4)
|
(4.3)
|
-
|
(17.7)
|
Net book value
|
-
|
6.1
|
0.4
|
1.5
|
0.8
|
-
|
8.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Opening net book value
|
-
|
6.1
|
0.4
|
1.5
|
0.8
|
-
|
8.8
|
Additions
|
0.9
|
0.3
|
0.5
|
0.3
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
2.2
|
Depreciation
|
-
|
(0.7)
|
(0.1)
|
(0.2)
|
(0.3)
|
-
|
(1.3)
|
Closing net book value
|
0.9
|
5.7
|
0.8
|
1.6
|
0.6
|
0.1
|
9.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 30 September 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
|
0.9
|
15.5
|
2.8
|
4.2
|
5.2
|
0.1
|
28.7
|
Accumulated depreciation
|
-
|
(9.8)
|
(2.0)
|
(2.6)
|
(4.6)
|
-
|
(19.0)
|
Net book value
|
0.9
|
5.7
|
0.8
|
1.6
|
0.6
|
0.1
|
9.7
|
12. Right-of-use assets
|
30 September
2024
|
30
September 2023
|
31 March
2024
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
Balance brought forward
|
50.5
|
58.4
|
58.4
|
Additions
|
3.9
|
-
|
-
|
Disposals
|
-
|
-
|
(2.0)
|
Depreciation
|
(3.0)
|
(3.0)
|
(5.9)
|
|
51.4
|
55.4
|
50.5
|
13. Trade and other receivables
|
30
September
2024
|
30
September
2023
|
31
March
2024
|
Due within one year
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
Trade receivables
|
9.3
|
9.6
|
9.7
|
Prepayments
|
1.6
|
2.1
|
4.6
|
Accrued income
|
7.0
|
6.4
|
4.9
|
|
17.9
|
18.1
|
19.2
|
The Directors' assessment is that
the fair value of trade and other receivables is equal to the
carrying value. Accrued income relates to commissions earned from
finance companies.
14. Lease liabilities
|
30
September
2024
|
30
September
2023
|
31
March
2024
|
Lease liabilities
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
Balance brought forward
|
57.0
|
63.6
|
63.6
|
Additions to lease
liabilities
|
3.9
|
-
|
-
|
Disposals of lease
liabilities
|
-
|
-
|
(2.0)
|
Repayment of lease liabilities
(including interest element)
|
(3.9)
|
(3.0)
|
(6.6)
|
Interest expense related to lease
liabilities
|
1.0
|
1.1
|
2.0
|
|
58.0
|
61.7
|
57.0
|
Current
|
4.5
|
4.2
|
4.0
|
Non-current
|
53.5
|
57.5
|
53.0
|
|
58.0
|
61.7
|
57.0
|
15.
Trade and other payables
Due
within one year
|
30
September
2024
|
30
September
2023
|
31
March
2024
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
Trade payables
-
Trade creditors
-
Stocking finance facilities
|
14.7
104.5
|
20.8
102.3
|
13.1
74.5
|
Other taxes and social
security
-
VAT payable
-
PAYE/NI payable
|
1.8
0.9
|
4.3
0.7
|
1.4
0.9
|
Other creditors
|
0.2
|
1.5
|
0.1
|
Accruals and deferred
income
|
15.0
|
16.0
|
17.1
|
|
137.1
|
145.6
|
107.1
|
The Directors' assessment is that
the fair value of trade and other payables is equal to the carrying
value.
16. Provisions
|
30
September
2024
|
30
September
2023
|
31
March
2024
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
Make good
provision1
|
2.6
|
2.5
|
2.5
|
Onerous
leases2
|
-
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
|
2.6
|
2.6
|
2.6
|
Current
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Non-current
|
2.6
|
2.6
|
2.6
|
|
2.6
|
2.6
|
2.6
|
(1)
|
Make good provision
The Group may be required to
restore leased premises to their original condition at the end of
the respective lease terms. A provision has been recognised for the
present value of the estimated expenditure required to remove any
leasehold improvements. These costs have been capitalised as part
of the cost of right-of-use assets and are amortised over the
shorter of the term of the lease and the useful life of the
assets.
The timing of the cash outflow
relating to the make good provision is in line with the life of the
relevant lease. The remaining term on existing leases ranges from
two to 15 years with a weighted average of nine years.
There is judgement associated with
the potential cost of remediation of each property and estimated
provisions have been based on the past experience of the
Group.
|
(2)
|
Onerous leases
The Group operates across a number
of locations and if there is clear indication that a property will
no longer be used for its intended operation, a provision may be
required based on an estimate of potential liabilities for periods
of lease where the property will not be used at the end of the
reporting period, to unwind over the remaining term of the lease.
The onerous lease has been disposed of in the current
period.
|
|
|
|
| |
17. Share Capital
|
|
|
|
|
Number
'000
|
Amount
£m
|
Number
'000
|
Amount
£m
|
Number
'000
|
Amount
£m
|
Allotted, called up and fully paid ordinary shares of 1p
each
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at the beginning of the
period
|
89,970
|
0.9
|
90,190
|
0.9
|
90,190
|
0.9
|
Bought back and held as treasury
shares during the period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(30)
|
-
|
Treasury shares released for
cancellation
|
30
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Cancelled treasury
shares
|
(30)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Bought back and cancelled during
the period
|
(3,350)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(190)
|
-
|
Balance at the end of the period
|
86,620
|
0.9
|
90,190
|
0.9
|
89,970
|
0.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
During the period 3,349,808 shares
were purchased by the Company in accordance with the terms of its
share buyback programme, as announced on 26 January 2024. All of
these shares were cancelled as at 30 September, as well as the
30,254 shares held in treasury as at 31 March 2024. The shares were
acquired at an average price of 140.2p per share, with prices
ranging from 132.0p to 144.5p.
In total the 3,570,063 shares
bought back and cancelled represent 4.0% of the issued ordinary
shares, at a purchase cost of £5.0m (H1 FY25: 3,349,808 shares at a
cost of £4.7m).
The Group does not have a limited
amount of authorised capital.
18. Post balance sheet events
After the period end, an eight year
lease agreement was signed for a new site in Norwich for an annual
rent of £235k. In addition, the freehold of our trading site in
Derby was purchased for consideration of £2.0m, excluding tax and
fees.