TIDMSDY
RNS Number : 2037U
Speedy Hire PLC
22 November 2023
Speedy Hire Plc
("Speedy", "the Company" or "the Group")
22 November 2023
FY2024 Interim Results
Results for the six months to 30 September 2023
Resilient performance and strong strategic progress
Speedy, the UK's leading tools and equipment hire services
company, operating across the construction, infrastructure and
industrial markets, announces results for the six months to 30
September 2023.
Financial Highlights
6 months 6 months Change
ended ended %
30 September 30 September
2023 (GBPm) 2022 (GBPm)
Revenue 208.5 214.8 (2.9%)
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Adjusted EBITDA(1 2) 46.2 47.4 (2.5%)
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Adjusted EBTDA(1 2) margin 22.2% 22.1% 10 bps
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Adjusted profit before tax(1
2) 5.9 13.4 (56.0%)
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Adjusted earnings per share
(pence)(2 3) 0.98 2.19 (55.3%)
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Operating profit 9.4 12.9 (27.1%)
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Profit before tax 5.6 13.2 (57.6%)
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Basic earnings per share
(pence)(2 3) 0.91 2.13 (57.3%)
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Free cash flow(4) GBP10.6m GBP0.7m -
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Net debt(5) GBP89.6m GBP86.7m 3.3%
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Dividend per share 0.80p 0.80p -
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Trading and operations update:
-- Resilient UK hire revenue performance, down 1.2% versus H1 FY2023:
o Challenging but manageable market backdrop
o Benefitting from diverse customer mix, including strong
national customer performance that mitigates some softening with
regional customers
o Recent national key contract wins and extensions, as well as
strengthening pipeline
-- Service revenue decrease of 5.2% versus H1 FY2023:
o Strong performance in our Customer Solutions business
o Decline in wholesale fuel prices impacting pass through
revenue by GBP6.9m, however, margin maintained
-- Executing well on our Velocity transformation and growth strategy:
o Investing in the transformation of the business
o Investing in specialist business growth engine including:
-- GBP0.5m in hydrogen electric powered access with Niftylift,
supporting clean energy transition and commercial sustainability
for our customers
-- Entered into a joint venture agreement with AFC Energy to
provide sustainable power solutions - called Speedy Hire Solutions
Limited
-- Acquisition of Green Power Hire Limited on 9 October 2023.
Integrating well, with good first month of trading and significant
interest from customers
-- Digital evolution of our partnership with B&Q:
o Launch of online, home delivery tool hire proposition on
DIY.com and Trade-point.co.uk
o Extend into over 310 B&Q stores nationally for digital
hire in-store commencing before Christmas
o Low cost-to-serve digital in-store and online hire
proposition
-- Continued investment in our People First strategic pillar
o Average increase in base pay to colleagues of c.7% in
April
o 5.5pp improvement in voluntary attrition to prior year
Financial Performance
-- Revenue of GBP208.5m in the first half (H1 FY2023: 214.8m)
-- Resilient A djusted EBITDA performance, down 2.5% but margin
maintained at 22% with the shortfall in Revenue offset by
disciplined cost control
-- Adjusted profit before tax in H1 of GBP5.9m, down 56.0% on H1 FY2023 due to:
o Investment in transformation to support Velocity strategy
o Kazakhstan joint venture performing behind the record
performance in FY23, also
impacted by dollar exchange rate movements
o Higher interest rates
-- Profit after tax has decreased by 61.1% to GBP4.2m, impacted
by the increase in the corporation tax rate
-- Strong cash flow generation, with free cash flow up to GBP10.6m versus GBP0.7m in H1 FY2023
-- Investment in hire fleet of GBP17.6m primarily in strategic
purchases; H1 itemised utilisation was 50.5%, improving to 58.0%
currently.
-- Cash and facility headroom of GBP70.5m (31 March 2023: GBP83.5m)
-- Net debt at GBP89.6m, leverage(6) of 1.3 times (31 March 2023: GBP92.4m, 1.3 times)
-- Proposed interim dividend of 0.80 pence per share
Commenting on the results Dan Evans, Chief Executive, said:
"This set of results demonstrates our ability to perform
resiliently against challenging but manageable market conditions,
by maintaining price and cost discipline whilst investing in and
executing on our Velocity Strategy.
The recent acquisition of Green Power Hire Limited and the
launch of Speedy Hydrogen Solutions Limited in joint venture with
AFC Energy to deliver market leading clean energy power generation
and storage solutions for our customers, further demonstrates our
Velocity strategy in action.
I am pleased to confirm the digital evolution of our partnership
with B&Q, l aunching our online, home delivery tool hire
proposition on diy.com and trade-point.co.uk. This will then be
extended into over 310 B&Q stores nationally for digital hire
in-store, in an overall lower cost to serve operating model.
The Group has a promising pipeline of opportunities to deliver
revenue growth in the second half and beyond. As in prior years,
the Group expects a second half weighting to its revenues and
profits, as the winter programmes commence and new contracts fully
mobilise in the period, including those communicated at year end.
We expect to see the benefits of our investments in our Velocity
strategy including operational efficiency and supply chain
optimisation, in the second half and beyond. Whilst the
macroeconomic outlook is uncertain, we remain confident of
delivering results, albeit towards the lower end of the Board's
expectations".
Enquiries:
Speedy Hire Plc Tel: 01942 720 000
Dan Evans, Chief Executive
Paul Rayner, Chief Financial Officer
MHP Communications Tel: 0203 128 8540
Oliver Hughes
Katie Hunt
Notes:
Explanatory notes:
The Group believes that the non-GAAP performance measures
presented in this announcement provide valuable additional
information for readers. Further details can be found in notes 7, 9
and 13.
(1) See note 9.
(2) Revised, see note 19.
(3) See note 7.
(4) Free cash flow: net cash flow before movement in loan
balances and returns to shareholders.
(5) See note 13. This metric excludes lease liabilities.
(6) Leverage: Net debt(5) covered by EBITDA(1) . This metric
excludes the impact of IFRS 16.
Inside Information: This announcement contains inside
information for the purposes of article 7 of the Market Abuse
Regulation (EU) 596/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue
of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Upon the publication
of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service, this
inside information is now considered to be in the public
domain.
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: Founded in 1977, Speedy is the UK's leading
provider of tools and equipment hire services to a wide range of
customers in the construction, infrastructure and industrial
markets, as well as to local trade and industry. The Group provides
complementary support services through the provision of training,
asset management and compliance services. Speedy is certified
nationally to ISO50001, ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO17020, ISO27001 and
ISO45001. The Group operates from c.180 fixed sites and selected
B&Q stores across the UK and Ireland together with a number of
on-site facilities at client locations and through a joint venture
in Kazakhstan.
Chief Executive's statement
Overview
I am pleased to present our results for the first six months of
the financial year. The business is performing resiliently in the
face of cost inflation and well-documented macroeconomic
uncertainty. Our focus is on delivering growth opportunities as
well as operational efficiencies through exceptional customer
service, excellent supplier and customer relationships.
Velocity, the Company's five year growth and transformation
strategy, was launched earlier in the year at our Capital Markets
Event and is progressing well. We have continued to invest in its
early implementation as planned. Our Velocity strategy has included
a clear focus on supply chain optimisation and is anticipated to
deliver benefits in the second half of the current financial year
and beyond.
Our strong balance sheet enables us to invest further in our
business and build on the Group's successful track record of
leading on innovation. This is evidenced by our recent acquisition
of Green Power Hire Limited ('GPH') and the launch of Speedy
Hydrogen Solutions Limited ("SHS") a 50:50 joint venture with AFC
Energy designed to deliver market leading sustainable power
generation and storage solutions for our customers. These are
complemented by our partnership with Niftylift on bringing the
UK&I's first Hydrogen Electric powered access machines to
market. The digital evolution of our partnership with B&Q,
launching our online, home delivery tool hire proposition on
diy.com and trade-point.co.uk is a great step forward. This will
then be extended into over 310 B&Q stores nationally for
digital hire in-store as the financial year develops, through a low
cost to serve, digital, in-store and online proposition.
Trading performance
Our interim results for the six months to 30 September 2023
demonstrate the Group's ability to perform in challenging market
conditions. Building on the momentum from FY2023, revenue with our
national customer base has continued on its growth trajectory, up
5%, offset by softening of demand from our regional customers down
6%. Our services business continues to perform well and, although
its pass through revenues were impacted by GBP6.9m through the
effect of a decrease in wholesale fuel prices, margins were
maintained.
Group hire revenue in the first half was resilient. Within our
national customer segment, we have won and renewed contracts during
the period, strengthening the pipeline of opportunities expected to
contribute further growth in the second half of the year and
beyond. We continue to maximise our revenue with existing customers
working on major UK projects through offering our unique holistic
site solutions across our core and re-hire range (Customer
Solutions). This has been offset by softening demand from our
regional customers in the first half and overall hire revenue was
1.2% behind the first half of last year.
Our diversified services businesses ensure we are resilient to
an economic downturn. Services revenue performed well, although is
5.2% down on the first half of the last year due to the decrease in
wholesale fuel prices, offset by a strong performance in our
Customer Solutions business. The decrease has not impacted gross
margin, as direct costs fall proportionately.
We recognise that wider market conditions are uncertain, with
sustained high interest rates, and inflationary pressures. We have
observed some softening in demand as our customers review their use
of assets with a view to operational efficiency. In order to
deliver profitable growth, and whilst the market remains
competitive, we are focused on tendering for and winning national
contracts that bring value and collective success for both us and
our customers. With this in mind, we have maintained strong hire
fleet capex discipline to ensure we remain well balanced with our
investment decisions, supported by our AI partnership with
PEAK.
Supporting a key pillar in our Velocity growth strategy we are
extending our partnership with B&Q by launching an online home
delivery tool hire proposition on DIY.com and Trade-point.co.uk.
This proposition will soon be live to B&Q and TradePoint
customers and provides mass-market national exposure of our hire
proposition to millions of trade and retail customers.
Following the online launch, before Christmas we will start to
extend this proposition into over 310 B&Q stores nationally,
enabling customers to digitally hire in-store our most popular
products for home delivery and collection. This low cost-to-serve
combination of in-store and online hire, combined with our existing
digital propositions and service centre network, will accelerate
our strategic aim of increasing share within the trade and retail
markets.
Operational efficiency and cost control
Operational efficiency continues to be a key part of our
Velocity strategy. Our strategic collaboration with Peak has
supported our progression in the use of data and Artificial
Intelligence ('AI') in decision making. AI is helping us ensure we
have the right products to meet customer demand, in the right
place, at the right time, in the most efficient way; linking our
service centre network with our logistics and asset
intelligence.
We have continued to develop our future state property
programme. This programme is modernising our network with energy
efficient, low carbon facilities that optimise efficiencies and
reduce operational costs whilst creating better working
environments for our people and a market leading experience for our
customers.
Cost control remains a key ingredient in delivering sustainable
profitable growth. The significant macro inflationary pressures are
impacting all businesses at this time. We are controlling costs and
focusing on initiatives to improve operational efficiency and the
effective management of our supply chain. These initiatives are
expected to generate further benefit in the second half of the year
and beyond, allowing continued investment in the transformational
aspect of our Velocity strategy, in support of our five year
plan.
ESG
We continue to lead the hire industry in sustainability and are
embracing product innovation in areas that are increasingly in
demand from our customer base. We are working with partners to
deliver award winning, sustainable solutions for customers and to
accelerate our own carbon reduction pathway. Earlier this year we
were delighted to announce our partnership with Niftylift to launch
the world-first hydrogen-electric powered access platform;
complemented by our acquisition of GPH and formation of SHS with
AFC Energy. These collaborations further solidify our position as
industry leader.
We were the first company in hire to commit to Science Based
Targets (SBTi's) to achieve net zero carbon before 2040 and have
now had those targets validated for both near and long term
emission reduction by SBTi.
During the period we invested GBP17.6m in our hire fleet, of
which 42% was in carbon efficient ECO products. The proportion of
our revenue from carbon efficient ECO products has increased from
c.32% in the comparative period to 50% in the first half of
FY2024.
Our colleagues are central to achieving our ambitions for
growth. We have a unique culture at Speedy, it's what we call our
Speedy Spirit. It is something our customers and supply chain
partners have come to know, as we strive, on a daily basis, to
create solutions for our customers' needs. During the period we
accelerated our People First agenda including an investment in base
pay of GBP3.5m in the first half of the year.
Group financial performance
Total revenue for the period to 30 September 2023 decreased by
2.9 % to GBP 208.5m (H1 FY2023 GBP214.8m) with hire rate increases
and strong performance with our national customers mitigating
softening of revenues with our regional customers. Revenue from
disposals was GBP 2.0m (H1 FY2023: GBP2.4m).
Gross profit was GBP 112.7m (H1 FY2023: GBP 116.9m ), a decrease
of 3.6 %. The gross margin decreased to 54.1 % (H1 FY2023: 54.4 %),
with gross profit also reflecting higher depreciation charged
against non-itemised equipment (GBP1.1m) and additional provisions
recognised to cover asset write offs (GBP1.0m). The higher
depreciation charge is the result of reducing the useful economic
lives and residual values for certain asset categories.
Adjusted EBITDA was broadly flat year on year at GBP 46.2m (H1
FY2023: GBP 47.4m ). The decrease in gross profit has been offset
by disciplined cost management, with overheads GBP0.7m favourable
to H1 FY2023 after absorbing GBP1.0m of Velocity transformation
costs. The net result is a GBP3.5m decrease in operating profit to
GBP9.4 m (H1 FY2023: GBP 12.9m ). Adjusted profit before tax
decreased by GBP7.5m to GBP5.9m ( H1 FY 2023: GBP 13.4m), the
result of higher interest costs and a record prior year for the
joint venture.
Profit after taxation decreased to GBP 4.2m (H1 FY2023: GBP
10.8m ), impacted by the increase in corporation tax rates.
Revenue and margin analysis
The Group generates revenue through two key categories, Hire and
Services.
Six Months Six Months
ended ended Year ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
Revenue and margin by type 2023 2022 Change 2023
GBPm GBPm % GBPm
Hire:
Revenue 125.6 127.1 (1.2)% 258.0
Cost of sales (28.8) (27.1) (54.8)
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Gross profit 96.8 100.0 (3.2)% 203.2
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Gross margin 77.1% 78.7% 78.8%
Services:
Revenue 80.9 85.3 (5.2)% 176.3
Cost of sales (65.1) (69.5) (142.9)
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Gross profit 15.8 15.8 0.0% 33.4
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Gross margin 19.5% 18.5% 18.9%
Hire revenues decreased by 1.2%, reflecting price increases and
strong performance with our national customers, offsetting a
softening in volume demand from our regional customers. A number of
new and renewed contracts with key customers have been secured in
the period and the Group has a promising pipeline of opportunities
expected to contribute in H2 FY2024.
Services revenues (including fuel) decreased by 5.2% compared to
H1 FY2023. Excluding fuel, services revenues were up 4.2% versus H1
FY2023 (GBP60.0m), with continued growth in Customer Solutions.
Fuel revenue decreased 27.3% versus H1 FY2023 as a result of the
decline in the wholesale price of both diesel and hydrogenated
vegetable oil (HVO), which doesn't impact gross margin.
The Group implemented price increases in January 2023 to offset
the effects of cost inflation on both overheads and new equipment
purchases. The price increases take effect as framework agreements
and hire contracts are renewed resulting in the benefit of those
increases building throughout the year.
Gross margins decreased from 54.4% in H1 FY2023 to 54.1 %. Hire
margin decreased to 77.1 % ( H1 FY2023 : 78.7 %) due to pricing
increases offset by lower utilisation and the impact of higher
depreciation on non-itemised assets and additional provisions
recognised in the period. Services margin improved from 18.5% in H1
FY2023 to 19.5% due to the change in sales mix weighted less toward
lower margin fuel revenue.
Overheads
Inflationary pressures on overheads, particularly a pay increase
in April 2023 along with utilities, were expected in FY2024.
Disciplined cost management, with savings realised from our
operational and management restructuring in the last financial
year, has meant that we have reduced our underlying cost base even
whilst implementing salary increases (c.GBP7.0m annual investment)
and investing GBP1.0m in our transformation programme. To ensure we
can continue to invest in our growth strategy, we are continuing to
control costs through initiatives to improve operational efficiency
and build on the effective management of our supply chain in H1
FY2024.
The UK and Ireland headcount at 30 September 2023 was 3,435 (31
March 2023: 3,375), an increase of 1.8%.
Interest
The Group's net financial expense increased to GBP 5.7m (H1
FY2023: GBP3.6m) reflecting higher average gross borrowings
throughout the year following the share buyback programme and the
impact of increased interest rates on borrowings and on lease
liabilities.
The Group's main bank facilities were extended for two years in
May 2023, now expiring in July 2026. There were no changes to the
terms of the facility following the extension and it continues to
give the Group headroom with which to support organic and inorganic
growth opportunities. Borrowings under the facility are priced
based on SONIA plus a variable margin, while any unutilised
commitment is charged at 35% of the applicable margin. During the
period, the margin payable on the outstanding debt fluctuated
between 1.55% and 2.15% dependent on the weighting of borrowings
between receivables and plant and machinery. The effective average
margin in the period was 1.89% (H1 FY2023: 1.80%).
The Group utilises interest rate hedges to manage fluctuations
in rates. The fair value of these hedges was GBP1.5m at 30
September 2023. The hedges have varying maturity dates, notional
amounts and rates and provide the Group with mitigation against
interest rate rises. Over the next 12 months c.50% of the expected
net debt is hedged. As of October 2023, 65% of the Group' net debt
is hedged with a weighted average hedge rate of 2.68%. Subsequent
to the balance sheet date, a further GBP15m of debt was hedged in
respect of the acquisition of Green Power Hire Limited.
Interest on lease liabilities of GBP2.3 m (H1 FY2023: GBP1.6m)
was charged during the period, impacted by the rise in interest
rates which are used to calculate the incremental borrowing
rate.
Taxation
The tax charge for the period was GBP 1.4m (H1 FY2023: GBP2.4m),
reflecting a projected full year effective tax rate before
amortisation and exceptional items of 25.0% (H1 FY2023: 17.2%(2)).
The effective rate has increased year on year due to the increase
in the UK corporation tax rate to 25% for periods from 1 April 2023
which was substantively enacted on 24 May 2021.
Shares and earnings per share
At 30 September 2023, 516,983,637 (31 March 2023: 516,983,637)
Speedy Hire Plc ordinary shares were in issue, of which 55,146,281
were held in treasury and 4,106,820 were held in the Employee
Benefit Trust. Adjusted earnings per share was 0.98 pence (H1
FY2023: 2.19 pence (2) ), a decrease of 1.21p (55.3%). Basic
earnings per share was 0.91 pence (H1 FY2023: 2.13 pence).
Capital expenditure and disposals
Total capital expenditure during the period amounted to GBP
22.4m (H1 FY2022: GBP 34.4m ), of which GBP 17.6m (H1 FY2023: GBP
30.5m ) related to equipment for hire, and GBP 4.8m related to
non-hire property, plant and equipment (H1 FY2023: GBP 3.9m ).
Our hire fleet investment included a significant proportion of
carbon efficient ECO products, in line with the increasing
relevance of sustainable solutions including customers mandating
zero site emissions in some instances.
Asset count update
At the end of September, a full count of all itemised and
non-itemised hire equipment was undertaken and the results of the
count have not identified the need for any increased asset
provisions. Blended count accuracy across the entire fleet was
99.3%, with, at least, the same level of accuracy targeted for the
second half. A further full count will be undertaken in March 2024,
in addition to other targeted counts during the remainder of the
financial year. The Group remains committed to continual
improvement of processes and controls in this area. The actions
taken by the Group over the past nine months to improve asset
controls continue to demonstrate benefits with digital technology
being trialled to further assist in the control and counting of
hire equipment.
Balance sheet
The Group has maintained a strong balance sheet and is well
placed to continue to pursue financial and strategic objectives
despite the macroeconomic uncertainties.
Net assets at 30 September 2023 were GBP 181.9m (31 March 2023:
GBP184.6m). ROCE was 11.9 % for the 12 months to September 2023 (
12 months to 30 September 2022 : 12.5% (2) ).
Net property, plant and equipment (excluding IFRS 16 right of
use assets) decreased to GBP229.6m at 30 September 2023 (31 March
2023: GBP237.7m). The net book value of equipment for hire has
decreased from GBP207.9m to GBP 200.1m , representing 87.2 % (31
March 2023: 87.5%) of the total property, plant and equipment
balance.
Intangible assets decreased marginally to GBP 24.1m (31 March
2023: GBP25.0m), with investment in software development offset by
amortisation charged.
Right of use assets of GBP 83.4m (31 March 2023: GBP83.2m) and
corresponding lease liabilities of GBP 86.6 m (31 March 2023:
GBP86.1m) were recognised at 30 September 2023. New leases and
renewals entered into during the period have been broadly offset by
exits in the period.
Gross trade receivables totalled GBP 100.5m at 30 September 2023
(31 March 2023: GBP102.2m), benefiting from continued strong cash
collections and a focus on overdue debt. Bad debt and credit note
provisions were GBP 3.7m at 30 September 2023 (31 March 2023:
GBP4.3m), equivalent to 3.7 % of gross trade receivables (31 March
2023: 4.2%). In setting the provisions the Directors have given
specific consideration to the impact of macroeconomic
uncertainties. Whilst the Group has not experienced a significant
worsening of debt collections or debt write-offs in H1 FY2024,
there are indications of economic vulnerability and increasing
insolvencies and therefore we continue to monitor the situation
closely. In light of this, the Group expects to take a prudent
position and increase provisions in the second half.
Debtor days were 67 days (31 March 2023: 61 days), broadly
consistent with September 2022 (68 days). Trade payables were GBP
42.9m (31 March 2023: GBP39.1m). Creditor days were 47 days (31
March 2023: 37 days) a significant improvement on September 2022
(56 days), arising from effective working capital management.
Cash flow and net debt
Cash generated from operations (before changes in hire fleet)
for the period was GBP 42.4m (H1 FY2023: GBP 40.2m ), representing
91.7% conversion from adjusted EBITDA (H1 FY2023: 84.8% (2) ),
reflecting the continued focus on working capital improvements.
Free cash flow increased to GBP 10.6 m (H1 FY2023: GBP 0.7 m), as
cash disciplines across the business were reinforced.
Net debt decreased by GBP 2.8 m from GBP92.4m at the beginning
of the period to GBP 89.6 m at 30 September 2023. Net debt to
adjusted EBITDA (rolling 12 months basis) remained flat at 1.3
times (31 March 2023: 1.3 times).
The Group's continued strong cash position resulted in cash and
facility headroom of GBP70.5m within the Group's committed bank
facility (31 March 2023: GBP83.5m).
Post balance sheet acquisitions and business developments
On October 9 2023, we acquired sustainable power solutions
specialist, GPH, for an enterprise value of GBP20.2m. The total
consideration, which was funded from the Company's existing debt
facilities, represented GBP10m of equity value and assumed debt of
GBP10.2m which was settled at completion. Integration is
progressing well, post acquisition trading has been positive and in
line with the Group's business plan, and we have observed
significant interest from existing and new customers.
On November 15 2023, we announced the formation of a 50:50 joint
venture company SHS with AFC Energy, a leading provider of hydrogen
powered generator technologies. SHS will be a dedicated hydrogen
powered generator plant hire business promoting sustainable, zero
emission, temporary power solutions designed specifically for the
off-grid generation market. SHS will initially be jointly funded by
AFC Energy and Speedy by up to GBP2.5m each through initial equity
subscription and subsequent shareholder loans subject to SHS
performance.
Dividend
The Board is committed to maintaining an efficient balance sheet
and regularly reviews the Group's capital resources in light of the
medium-term investment requirements and in accordance with the
capital allocation policy.
The Board has declared an interim dividend of 0.80 pence per
share ( H1 FY2023 interim dividend: 0.80 pence per share), to be
paid on 19 January 2024 to shareholders on the register on 8
December 2023.
A Dividend Reinvestment Plan ("DRIP") is provided by Equiniti
Financial Services Limited. The DRIP enables the Company's
shareholders to elect to have their cash dividend payments used to
purchase the Company's shares. More information can be found at
www.shareview.co.uk/info/drip.34
Capital allocation policy
The Board intends to continue to invest in the business in order
to grow revenue, profit and ROCE. This investment is expected to
include capital expenditure within existing operations, as well as
value enhancing acquisitions that fit with the Group's strategy and
are returns accretive.
The Board's objective is to maximise long-term shareholder
returns through a disciplined deployment of cash generated, and it
has adopted the following capital allocation policy in support of
this as highlighted as part of our Velocity strategy:
- Organic growth: the Board will invest in capital equipment to
support demand in our chosen markets. This investment will be in
hire fleet and IT systems to better enable us to serve our
customers;
- Regular returns to shareholders: the Board intends to pay a
regular dividend to shareholders, with a policy of growing
dividends through the business cycle, and a payment in the range of
between 33% and 50% adjusted earnings per share;
- Acquisitions: the Board will continue to explore value
enhancing acquisition opportunities in markets adjacent to, and
consistent with its Velocity strategy;
- Gearing and treatment of excess capital: the Board is
committed to maintaining an efficient balance sheet. The Board has
adopted a target leverage in the region of 1.5x net debt to EBITDA
through the business cycle, although it is prepared to move outside
this if circumstances warrant.
The Board continues to believe that a strong balance sheet is
appropriate for the current stage of the cycle to allow the company
take full advantage of opportunities that arise.
Board
As announced in June 2023, Paul Rayner was appointed as Chief
Financial Officer and executive director with effect from 1 July
2023 following an initial interim period and comprehensive
recruitment process supported by external consultants.
Outlook
We have delivered resilient results for the first half of 2023
against a challenging but manageable market backdrop. We have also
maintained investment in our Velocity Strategy. The Group has a
promising pipeline of opportunities to deliver revenue growth in
the second half and beyond and we will continue our strategic
investment in growth initiatives including Transformation, Trade
and Retail and ESG.
Whilst the macroeconomic outlook is uncertain and inflationary
pressures remain high, the business is resilient and well
positioned to manage these challenging market conditions. As in
prior years, the Group expects a strong second half weighting to
its hire revenues and profits, as the winter programmes commence
and new contracts extended and won fully mobilise in the period,
including those communicated at year end. We expect to see the
benefits of our investments in our Velocity strategy including
operational efficiency and supply chain optimisation, in the second
half and beyond.
The Board remains confident of delivering results for the full
year, albeit at the lower end of its expectations.
Dan Evans
Chief Executive
Interim condensed consolidated income statement
Year ended 31 March 2023
---------------------------------------
Six months Six months Before
ended 30 ended 30 exceptional Exceptional
September September items items(1) Total
2023 2022
Note GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Revenue 3 208.5 214.8 440.6 - 440.6
Cost of sales (95.8) (97.9) (201.2) (20.4) (221.6)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Gross profit 112.7 116.9 239.4 (20.4) 219.0
Distribution and administrative
costs (101.4) (102.1) (203.1) (8.1) (211.2)
Impairment losses on
trade receivables (1.9) (1.9) (4.0) - (4.0)
Operating profit 9.4 12.9 32.3 (28.5) 3.8
Share of results of joint
venture 1.9 3.9 6.6 - 6.6
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Profit from operations 11.3 16.8 38.9 (28.5) 10.4
Financial expense 5 (5.7) (3.6) (8.6) - (8.6)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Profit before taxation 5.6 13.2 30.3 (28.5) 1.8
Taxation 6 (1.4) (2.4) (6.5) 5.9 (0.6)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Profit for the financial
period 4.2 10.8 23.8 (22.6) 1.2
Earnings per share
- Basic (pence) 7 0.91 2.13 0.25
- Diluted (pence) 7 0.91 2.07 0.24
Non-GAAP performance
measures (continuing
operations)
EBITDA before exceptional
items(2) 9 46.2 47.4 102.0
Adjusted profit before
tax(2) 9 5.9 13.4 30.7
Adjusted earnings per
share (pence) (3) 7 0.98 2.19 4.96
Adjusted diluted earnings
per share (pence) (3) 7 0.97 2.13 4.92
(1) See note 4.
(2) See notes 9 and 19.
(3) See notes 7 and 19.
All activities in each period presented related to continuing
operations.
Interim condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive
income
Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2023 2022 2023
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Profit for the financial period 4.2 10.8 1.2
---------- ---------- ----------
Other comprehensive income that may
be reclassified subsequently to the
Income Statement:
- Effective portion of change in
fair value of cash flow hedges 0.8 1.7 0.2
- Exchange difference on retranslation
of foreign operations (0.1) 2.2 0.5
- Tax on items - (0.2) -
---------- ---------- ----------
Other comprehensive income, net of
tax 0.7 3.7 0.7
---------- ---------- ----------
Total comprehensive income for the
financial period 4.9 14.5 1.9
Interim condensed consolidated balance sheet
30 September 30 September 31 March
2023 2022 2023
Restated* Restated*
Note GBPm GBPm GBPm
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 10 24.1 25.4 25.0
Investment in joint venture 8.4 10.2 9.2
Property, plant and equipment
- Land and buildings 11 14.3 13.9 13.9
- Hire equipment 11 200.1 234.4 207.9
- Other 11 15.2 16.3 15.9
Right of use assets 12 83.4 80.5 83.2
Deferred tax assets - 1.5 -
---------- ---------- ----------
345.5 382.2 355.1
---------- ---------- ----------
Current assets
Inventories 12.5 12.3 12.7
Trade and other receivables 108.4 117.0 106.0
Cash 13 1.8 0.9 1.1
Current tax asset 1.2 1.1 0.3
Derivative financial assets 14 1.5 2.2 1.2
---------- ---------- ----------
125.4 133.5 121.3
---------- ---------- ----------
Total assets 470.9 515.7 476.4
---------- ---------- ----------
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Borrowings 13 (0.8) (1.5) (1.3)
Lease liabilities 13 (20.0) (20.4) (22.1)
Trade and other payables (89.0) (107.9) (88.6)
Derivative financial liabilities 14 - - (0.6)
Provisions (7.5) (7.2) (9.3)
---------- ---------- ----------
(117.3) (137.0) (121.9)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net current assets/(liabilities) 8.1 (3.5) (0.6)
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings 13 (90.6) (86.1) (92.2)
Lease liabilities 13 (66.6) (62.3) (64.0)
Provisions (7.0) (6.7) (6.3)
Deferred tax liabilities (7.5) (11.8) (7.4)
---------- ---------- ----------
(171.7) (166.9) (169.9)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities (289.0) (303.9) (291.8)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net assets 181.9 211.8 184.6
EQUITY
Share capital 25.8 25.8 25.8
Share premium 1.9 1.9 1.9
Capital redemption reserve 0.7 0.7 0.7
Merger reserve 1.0 1.0 1.0
Hedging reserve 1.1 1.8 0.3
Translation reserve (1.4) 0.4 (1.3)
Retained earnings 152.8 180.2 156.2
---------- ---------- ----------
181.9 211.8 184.6
*See note 19.
Interim condensed consolidated statement of changes in
equity
Capital
Share Share redemption Merger Hedging Translation Retained Total
Capital premium reserve reserve reserve reserve earnings equity
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
At 1 April 2022
reported 25.9 1.8 0.6 1.0 0.1 (1.8) 198.8 226.4
Restatement* - - - - - - (10.0) (10.0)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 1 April 2022
restated* 25.9 1.8 0.6 1.0 0.1 (1.8) 188.8 216.4
Profit for the
period - - - - - - 10.8 10.8
Other comprehensive
income - - - - 1.7 2.2 (0.2) 3.7
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total comprehensive
income - - - - 1.7 2.2 10.6 14.5
Dividends - - - - - - (7.1) (7.1)
Equity-settled
share-based
payments - - - - - - 0.6 0.6
Purchase of own
shares
for cancellation or
placement in
treasury (0.1) - 0.1 - - - (12.6) (12.6)
Tax on items taken
directly to equity - - - - - - (0.1) (0.1)
Issue of shares
under
the Sharesave
Scheme - 0.1 - - - - - 0.1
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 30 September 2022
restated* 25.8 1.9 0.7 1.0 1.8 0.4 180.2 211.8
Profit for the
period - - - - - - (9.5) (9.5)
Other comprehensive
income - - - - (1.5) (1.7) 0.2 (3.0)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total comprehensive
income - - - - (1.5) (1.7) (9.3) (12.5)
Dividends - - - - - - (3.8) (3.8)
Equity-settled
share-based
payments - - - - - - 0.5 0.5
Purchase of own
shares
for cancellation or
placement in
treasury - - - - - - (11.4) (11.4)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 31 March 2023 25.8 1.9 0.7 1.0 0.3 (1.3) 156.2 184.6
Profit for the
period - - - - - - 4.2 4.2
Other comprehensive
income - - - - 0.8 (0.1) - 0.7
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total comprehensive
income - - - - 0.8 (0.1) 4.2 4.9
Dividends - - - - - - (8.2) (8.2)
Equity-settled
share-based
payments - - - - - - 0.6 0.6
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 30 September 2023 25.8 1.9 0.7 1.0 1.1 (1.4) 152.8 181.9
*See note 19.
Interim condensed consolidated statement of cash flows
Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2023 2022 2023
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Cash generated from operating activities
Profit before tax 5.6 13.2 1.8
Net financial expense 5.7 3.6 8.6
Amortisation 1.0 0.9 1.8
Depreciation 34.6 34.5 69.6
Share of profit from joint venture (1.9) (3.9) (6.6)
Termination of lease contracts (0.1) 0.1 (0.4)
Loss / (profit) on disposal of hire
equipment 1.2 (0.8) (1.7)
Exceptional write-off 4 - - 20.4
Profit on disposal of non-hire equipment - (0.1) -
Decrease/(increase) in inventories* 0.2 (4.2) (4.6)
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other
receivables* (1.3) (11.6) 1.5
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other
payables* (2.1) 8.9 (3.5)
(Decrease)/increase in provisions (1.1) (1.0) 0.7
Equity-settled share-based payments 0.6 0.6 1.1
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash generated from operations before
changes in hire fleet 42.4 40.2 88.7
Purchase of hire equipment (16.0) (25.1) (54.2)
Proceeds from planned sale of hire
equipment* 2.0 2.4 6.3
Proceeds from customer loss/damage
of hire equipment* 5.1 5.0 11.1
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash generated from operations 33.5 22.5 51.9
Interest paid (5.7) (4.6) (8.4)
Tax paid (2.3) (2.8) (3.1)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash flow from operating activities 25.5 15.1 40.4
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash flow used in investing activities
Purchase of non-hire property, plant
and equipment (4.8) (3.9) (8.7)
Capital expenditure on IT development* (0.2) (0.4) (0.9)
Proceeds from sale of non-hire property,
plant and equipment 0.1 0.6 0.6
Dividends and loan repayments from
joint venture 2.7 2.3 5.6
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash flow used in investing activities (2.2) (1.4) (3.4)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash flow before financing activities 23.3 13.7 37.0
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash flow from financing activities
Payments for the principal element
of leases (12.7) (13.1) (26.5)
Drawdown of loans 263.2 295.2 595.6
Repayment of loans (264.4) (277.7) (572.3)
Proceeds from the issue of Sharesave
Scheme shares - 0.1 0.1
Purchase of own shares for cancellation
or placement in treasury - (12.6) (24.0)
Dividends paid (8.2) (7.1) (10.9)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash flow from financing activities (22.1) (15.2) (38.0)
---------- ---------- ----------
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents 1.2 (1.5) (1.0)
Cash and cash equivalents at the start
of the period (0.2) 0.9 0.8
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at the
end of the period 1.0 (0.6) (0.2)
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash 13 1.8 0.9 1.1
Bank overdraft 13 (0.8) (1.5) (1.3)
---------- ---------- ----------
1.0 (0.6) (0.2)
*Prior period restated to present working capital movements
separately, to split proceeds from the disposal of hire equipment
between planned and customer loss/damage, and to separate capital
expenditure on IT development from other purchases of non-hire
property, plant and equipment.
1 Accounting policies
Speedy Hire Plc is a public limited company listed on the London
Stock Exchange, incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom.
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the
Company for the six months ended 30 September 2023 comprise the
Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the
'Group').
The financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31
March 2023 are available from the Company's registered office, or
from the website: www.speedyservices.com .
Basis of preparation
These interim condensed consolidated financial statements have
been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the
exception of certain financial assets and liabilities (including
derivative instruments) which are measured at fair value through
profit or loss.
The Directors consider the going concern basis of preparation
for the Group and Company to be appropriate for the following
reasons.
The Group's GBP180m asset based finance facility was entered
into in July 2021 on a three year tenure. On 26 May 2023 options
for a further two one-year extensions were exercised and the
facility now terminates in July 2026. There are no prior scheduled
repayment requirements. The additional uncommitted accordion of
GBP220m remains in place through to July 2026. Cash and facility
headroom as at 30 September 2023 was GBP70.5m (31 March 2023:
GBP83.5m) based on the Group's eligible hire equipment and trade
receivables.
The Group meets its day-to-day working capital requirements
through operating cash flows, supplemented as necessary by
borrowings. The Directors have prepared a going concern assessment
covering at least 12 months from the date on which these interim
condensed consolidated financial statements were authorised for
issue, which confirms that the Group is capable of continuing to
operate within its existing loan facility and can meet the covenant
requirements set out within the facility. The key assumptions on
which the projections are based include an assessment of the impact
of current and future market conditions on projected revenues and
an assessment of the net capital investment required to support
those expected level of revenues.
The Board has considered severe but plausible downside scenarios
to the base case, which result in reduced levels of revenue across
the Group, whilst also maintaining a consistent cost base.
Mitigations applied in these downturn scenarios include a reduction
in planned capital expenditure. Despite the significant impact of
the assumptions applied in these scenarios, the Group maintains
sufficient headroom against its available facility and covenant
requirements.
Whilst the Directors consider that there is a degree of
subjectivity involved in their assumptions, on the basis of the
above the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company
and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational
existence for a period of at least 12 months from the date of
approval of these interim condensed consolidated financial
statements. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern
basis of accounting in preparing the interim condensed consolidated
financial statements.
Statement of compliance
These interim condensed consolidated financial statements for
the six months ended 30 September 2023 have been prepared in
accordance with the UK-adopted International Accounting Standard
34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial
Conduct Authority.
The interim report does not include all of the notes of the type
normally included in an annual financial report. Accordingly, this
report is to be read in conjunction with the annual report for the
year ended 31 March 2023, which has been prepared in accordance
with UK-adopted international accounting standards and the
requirements of the Companies Act 2006, and any public
announcements made by Speedy Hire Plc during the interim reporting
period.
These interim condensed consolidated financial statements do not
comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of
the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31
March 2023 were approved by the board of directors on 30 June 2023
and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the
auditors on those accounts was qualified in respect of the Group's
property, plant and equipment balance, however did not contain any
statement under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.
These interim condensed consolidated financial statements have
been reviewed, not audited.
The interim report was approved by the Board of Directors on 21
November 2023.
Significant accounting policies
Other accounting policies
There have been no new standards or interpretations issued or
endorsed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) or
IFRIC since the date of the FY2023 year end financial statements
that materially impact the Group.
The accounting policies applied by the Group in these interim
condensed consolidated financial statements are the same as those
applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements for
the year ended 31 March 2023.
The carrying amount of goodwill is tested annually for
impairment and, along with other non-financial assets, at each
reporting date to the extent that there are any indicators of
impairment. Due to the market capitalisation of the Group at 30
September 2023 being below the consolidated net asset position, a
full impairment test has been undertaken at the interim reporting
date, detail on which can be found in note 10.
Seasonality
In addition to economic factors, revenue is subject to an
element of seasonal fluctuation. Whilst construction activity tends
to increase in the summer months, the equipment range helps to
mitigate the impact, specifically with heating, lighting and power
generation products being more in demand during the winter months.
Overall, the Directors do not feel that these factors have a
material effect on the performance of the Group when comparing
first half results to those achieved in the second half.
2 Changes in estimates
The preparation of interim condensed consolidated financial
statements requires management to make judgements, estimates, and
assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense.
Actual results may differ from these estimates.
In preparing the interim condensed consolidated financial
statements, the significant judgements made by management in
applying the Group's accounting policies and key sources of
estimation uncertainty for the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 March 2023 continued to apply.
3 Segmental analysis
The segmental disclosure presented in these interim condensed
consolidated financial statements reflects the format of reports
reviewed by the 'chief operating decision-maker'. UK and Ireland
business delivers asset management, with tailored services and a
continued commitment to relationship management. Corporate items
comprise certain central activities and costs that are not directly
related to the activity of the operating segment. The financing of
the Group's activities is undertaken at head office level and
consequently net financing costs cannot be analysed by segment. The
unallocated net assets comprise principally working capital
balances held by the support services function that are not
directly attributable to the activity of the operating segment,
together with net corporate borrowings and taxation.
For the six months ended 30 September 2023
Hire excluding Services UK and Corporate Total
disposals Ireland(1) items
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Revenue 125.6 80.9 208.5 - 208.5
Cost of sales (28.8) (65.1) (95.8) - (95.8)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Gross Profit 96.8 15.8 112.7 - 112.7
Segment result:
Adjusted EBITDA 47.0 (0.8) 46.2
Depreciation(2) (34.4) (0.2) (34.6)
Loss on disposal (1.2) - (1.2)
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating profit/(loss)
before amortisation 11.4 (1.0) 10.4
Amortisation(2) (1.0) - (1.0)
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating profit/(loss) 10.4 (1.0) 9.4
Share of results of joint
venture - 1.9 1.9
---------- ---------- ----------
Profit from operations 10.4 0.9 11.3
Financial expense (5.7)
----------
Profit before tax 5.6
Taxation (1.4)
----------
Profit for the financial
period 4.2
Intangible assets(2) 18.8 5.3 24.1
Investment in joint venture - 8.4 8.4
Land and buildings 14.3 - 14.3
Hire equipment 200.1 - 200.1
Non-hire equipment 15.2 - 15.2
Right of use assets 83.4 - 83.4
Taxation assets - 1.2 1.2
Current assets 116.0 6.4 122.4
Cash - 1.8 1.8
---------- ---------- ----------
Total assets 447.8 23.1 470.9
Lease liabilities (86.6) - (86.6)
Other liabilities (85.7) (17.8) (103.5)
Borrowings - (90.6) (90.6)
Taxation liabilities - (7.5) (7.5)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities (172.3) (115.9) (288.2)
(1) UK and Ireland also includes revenue and costs relating to
the disposal of hire assets.
(2) Intangible assets in Corporate items relate to the Group's
ERP system, amortisation is charged to the UK and Ireland segment
as this is fundamental to the trading operations of the Group.
Depreciation in Corporate items relates to computers and is
recharged from the UK and Ireland based on proportional usage .
For the six months ended 30 September 2022 restated (3)
Hire excluding Services UK and Corporate Total
disposals Ireland(1) items
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Revenue 127.1 85.3 214.8 - 214.8
Cost of sales (27.1) (69.5) (97.9) - (97.9)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Gross Profit 100.0 15.8 116.9 - 116.9
Segment result:
Adjusted EBITDA (3) 48.9 (1.5) 47.4
Depreciation(2) (34.4) (0.1) (34.5)
Profit on disposal 0.9 - 0.9
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating profit/(loss)
before amortisation 15.4 (1.6) 13.8
Amortisation(2) (0.9) - (0.9)
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating profit/(loss) 14.5 (1.6) 12.9
Share of results of joint
venture - 3.9 3.9
---------- ---------- ----------
Profit from operations 14.5 2.3 16.8
Financial expense (3.6)
----------
Profit before tax 13.2
Taxation (2.4)
----------
Profit for the financial
period 10.8
Intangible assets(2) 19.3 6.1 25.4
Investment in joint venture - 10.2 10.2
Land and buildings 13.9 - 13.9
Hire equipment 234.4 - 234.4
Non-hire equipment 16.3 - 16.3
Right of use assets (3) 80.5 - 80.5
Taxation assets - 2.6 2.6
Current assets 124.4 7.1 131.5
Cash - 0.9 0.9
---------- ---------- ----------
Total assets 488.8 26.9 515.7
Lease liabilities (82.7) - (82.7)
Other liabilities (3) (116.8) (5.0) (121.8)
Borrowings - (87.6) (87.6)
Taxation liabilities - (11.8) (11.8)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities (199.5) (104.4) (303.9)
(1) UK and Ireland also includes revenue and costs relating to
the disposal of hire assets.
(2) Intangible assets in Corporate items relate to the Group's
ERP system, amortisation is charged to the UK and Ireland segment
as this is fundamental to the trading operations of the Group.
Depreciation in Corporate items relates to computers and is
recharged from the UK and Ireland based on proportional usage.
(3) See note 19.
For the year ended 31 March 2023 revised (3)
Hire excluding Services UK and Corporate
disposals Ireland(1) items Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Revenue 258.0 176.3 440.6 - 440.6
Cost of sales (54.8) (142.9) (201.2) - (201.2)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Gross Profit 203.2 33.4 239.4 - 239.4
Segment result:
Adjusted EBITDA (3) 103.9 (1.9) 102.0
Depreciation(2) (69.3) (0.3) (69.6)
Profit on disposal 1.7 - 1.7
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating profit/(loss)
before amortisation 36.3 (2.2) 34.1
Amortisation(2) (1.8) - (1.8)
Exceptional items (25.6) (2.9) (28.5)
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating profit/(loss) 8.9 (5.1) 3.8
Share of results of joint
venture - 6.6 6.6
---------- ---------- ----------
Profit/(costs) from operations 8.9 1.5 10.4
Financial expense (8.6)
----------
Profit before tax 1.8
Taxation (0.6)
----------
Profit for the financial
year 1.2
Intangible assets(2) 19.1 5.9 25.0
Investment in joint venture - 9.2 9.2
Land and buildings 13.9 - 13.9
Hire equipment 207.9 - 207.9
Non-hire equipment 15.9 - 15.9
Right of use assets 83.2 - 83.2
Taxation assets - 0.3 0.3
Current assets 115.2 4.7 119.9
Cash - 1.1 1.1
---------- ---------- ----------
Total assets 455.2 21.2 476.4
Lease liabilities (86.1) - (86.1)
Other liabilities (98.5) (7.6) (106.1)
Borrowings - (92.2) (92.2)
Taxation liabilities - (7.4) (7.4)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities (184.6) (107.2) (291.8)
(1) UK and Ireland also includes revenue and costs relating to
the disposal of hire assets.
(2) Intangible assets in Corporate items relate to the Group's
ERP system, amortisation is charged to the UK and Ireland segment
as this is fundamental to the trading operations of the Group.
Depreciation in Corporate items relates to computers and is
recharged from the UK and Ireland based on proportional usage.
(3) See note 19.
Geographical information
In presenting geographical information, revenue is based on the
geographical location of customers. Assets are based on the
geographical location of the assets.
Six months ended Six months ended
30 September 30 September Year ended
2023 2022 31 March 2023
-------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Non-current Non-current Non-current
Revenue assets(1) Revenue assets(1) Revenue assets(1)
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
UK 205.0 336.5 210.0 370.4 431.8 345.3
Ireland 3.5 9.0 4.8 10.3 8.8 9.8
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
208.5 345.5 214.8 380.7 440.6 355.1
(1) Non-current assets excluding financial instruments and
deferred tax assets.
(2) See note 19. Non-current assets as at 30 September 2022
restated for a prior period adjustment to dilapidations.
Revenue by type
Revenue is attributed to the following activities:
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2023 2022 2023
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Hire and related activities 125.6 127.1 258.0
Services 80.9 85.3 176.3
Disposals 2.0 2.4 6.3
---------- ---------- ----------
208.5 214.8 440.6
Major customer
No one customer represents more than 10% of revenue, reported
profit or combined assets of all reporting segments.
4 Exceptional items
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2023 2022 2023
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Asset write-off - - 20.4
Other professional and support
costs - - 1.4
Restructuring costs - - 6.7
---------- ---------- ----------
- - 28.5
There were no exceptional items for the six months ended 30
September 2023 nor the six months ended 30 September 2022.
The following exceptional items occurred in H2 FY2023:
Asset write-off
During FY2023, the Group undertook a comprehensive count of all
hire equipment. As at 31 March 2022, the reported net book value of
the Group's hire equipment assets was GBP226.9m. The Company
categorises hire equipment into two groups: those that are
individually identifiable by a unique serial number to the asset
register ("itemised assets", representing 78%, or GBP177.0m, of the
total reported net book value at 31 March 2022), and other
equipment such as scaffolding towers, fencing and non-mechanical
plant which does not have a unique serial identifier and is not
tracked on an individual asset basis ("non-itemised assets",
representing 22%, or GBP49.9m, of the total reported net book value
at 31 March 2022). The comprehensive count covered both itemised
and non-itemised assets. Whilst this count validated the previously
disclosed net book value of itemised assets, it identified a
shortfall in the quantity of non-itemised assets, resulting in a
write-off of c.GBP20.4m in FY2023.
Other professional and support costs
The Board commissioned an external investigation into the issue
identified with non-itemised assets, including a review of controls
and accounting procedures. The Group has strengthened the control
environment for managing its non-itemised asset fleet, including
additional counts, increased internal audit focus, enhanced control
over purchases and disposals, and new procedures for reconciliation
to the fixed asset register, which also incorporate recommendations
from the investigation. The associated professional and support
fees amounted to GBP1.4m, which are also presented within
exceptional items. These fees include a further GBP310k of auditor
remuneration, specifically in relation to increased work over
assets, including additional auditor attendance at asset counts
across the business.
Restructuring
An operational efficiency review resulted in restructuring costs
and a net depot reduction at the end of March 2023. The cost of
these closures and other restructuring costs across the business
were GBP6.7m.
5 Financial expense
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2023 2022 2023
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Interest on bank loans and overdrafts 3.6 1.7 4.4
Amortisation of issue costs 0.3 0.4 0.7
---------- ---------- ----------
Total interest on borrowings 3.9 2.1 5.1
Interest on lease liabilities 2.3 1.6 3.5
Other finance income (0.5) (0.1) -
---------- ---------- ----------
5.7 3.6 8.6
6 Taxation
The corporation tax charge for the six months ended 30 September
2023 is based on an estimated full year effective rate of taxation
of 25.0% before exceptional items and amortisation (2022: 17.2%
restated*) and 24.4% (2022: 18.2%) after exceptional items and
amortisation. This has been calculated by reference to the
projected charge for the full year ending 31 March 2024, applying
the applicable UK corporation tax rate of 25% (2022: 19%). Deferred
tax is provided using the tax rates that are expected to apply to
the period in which the liability is settled, based on the tax
rates that have been substantively enacted at the balance sheet
date.
*See note 19.
7 Earnings per share
The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the
earnings attributable to equity holders of the Company of GBP4.2m
(2022: GBP10.8m) and the weighted average number of 5 pence
ordinary shares in issue and is calculated as follows:
Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2023 2022 2023
Weighted average number of shares
in issue (m)
Number of shares at the beginning
of the period 457.7 513.6 514.0
Exercise of share options - - 0.2
Movement in shares owned by the Employee
Benefit Trust - 0.1 -
Vested shared not yet exercised 2.1 - 2.7
Shares repurchased and subsequently
cancelled - (7.4) (28.9)
---------- ---------- ----------
Weighted average for the period -
basic number of shares 459.8 506.3 488.0
Share options 2.9 6.4 3.5
Employee share schemes - 8.4 0.2
---------- ---------- ----------
Weighted average for the period -
diluted number of shares 462.7 521.1 491.7
Profit (GBPm)
Profit for the period after tax -
basic and diluted earnings 4.2 10.8 1.2
Intangible amortisation charge (after
tax) 0.3 0.7 1.8
Exceptional items (after tax) - - 22.6
---------- ---------- ----------
Adjusted earnings (after tax) 4.5 11.5 25.6
Earnings per share (pence)
Basic earnings per share 0.91 2.13 0.25
Dilutive shares and options - (0.06) (0.01)
---------- ---------- ----------
Diluted earnings per share 0.91 2.07 0.24
Adjusted earnings per share (from
continuing operations)(1) 0.98 2.19 4.96
Dilutive shares and options (0.01) (0.06) (0.04)
---------- ---------- ----------
Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) 0.97 2.13 4.92
(1) Prior periods revised, see note 19.
The total number of shares outstanding at 30 September 2023
amounted to 516,983,637 (30 September 2022: 490,449,192), including
4,106,820 (30 September 2022: 4,215,142) shares held in the
Employee Benefit Trust, which are excluded in calculating the
earnings per share.
8 Dividends
The aggregate amount of dividend comprises:
Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2023 2022 2023
GBPm GBPm GBPm
2022 final dividend (1.45 pence on
489.5m ordinary shares) - 7.1 7.1
2023 interim dividend (0.80 pence
on 474.7m ordinary shares) - - 3.8
2023 final dividend (1.80 pence on
452.9m ordinary shares) 8.2 - -
---------- ---------- ----------
8.2 7.1 10.9
Subsequent to the end of the period, the Directors have declared
a 0.80 pence per share interim dividend payable (2023 interim
dividend: 0.80 pence per share).
9 Non-GAAP performance measures
The Group believes that the measures below provide valuable
additional information for users of the financial statements in
assessing the Group's performance by adjusting for the effect of
exceptional items and significant non-cash depreciation and
amortisation. The Group uses these measures for planning, budgeting
and reporting purposes and for its internal assessment of the
operating performance of the individual divisions within the Group.
The measures on a continuing basis are as follows.
Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2023 2022 2023
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Operating profit 9.4 12.9 3.8
Add back: amortisation 1.0 0.9 1.8
Add back: exceptional items - - 28.5
---------- ---------- ----------
Adjusted operating profit 10.4 13.8 34.1
Add back: depreciation 34.6 34.5 69.6
Add back: profit or loss on disposal
of hire and non-hire equipment(1) 1.2 (0.9) (1.7)
---------- ---------- ----------
Adjusted EBITDA 46.2 47.4 102.0
Profit before tax 5.6 13.2 1.8
Add back: amortisation of acquired
intangibles(2) 0.3 0.2 0.4
Add back: exceptional items - - 28.5
---------- ---------- ----------
Adjusted profit before tax 5.9 13.4 30.7
Return on capital employed (ROCE)
Adjusted profit before tax 5.9 13.4 30.7
Interest 5.7 3.6 8.6
---------- ---------- ----------
Profit before tax, interest, amortisation
and exceptional items 11.6 17.0 39.3
Profit for the six months prior 22.3 17.9 -
---------- ---------- ----------
Annualised profit before tax, interest,
amortisation and exceptional items
(3) 33.9 34.9 39.3
Average gross capital employed 285.0 279.7 280.5
ROCE 11.9% 12.5% 14.0%
(1) See note 19. Prior periods revised to add profit or loss on
disposal of hire and non-hire equipment in the calculation of
adjusted EBITDA.
(2) See note 19. Prior periods revised to add back only acquired
intangible amortisation in the calculation of adjusted profit.
(3) Profit before tax, interest, amortisation and exceptional
items for the last 12 months.
Average gross capital employed (where capital employed equals
shareholders' funds and net debt) based on a two-point average for
the last 12 months.
10 Intangible assets
Internally
Acquired generated
-------------------------------------- ------------------
Goodwill Customer lists Brands Total acquired IT development Total intangible
intangibles assets
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Cost
At 1 April 2022
restated* 29.9 8.3 2.6 40.8 6.9 47.7
Additions - - - - 0.4 0.4
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 30 September
2022 restated* 29.9 8.3 2.6 40.8 7.3 48.1
Additions - - - - 0.5 0.5
Disposals (12.4) (5.4) (1.3) (19.1) - (19.1)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 31 March 2023 17.5 2.9 1.3 21.7 7.8 29.5
Additions - - - - 0.1 0.1
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 30 September
2023 17.5 2.9 1.3 21.7 7.9 29.6
Accumulated
amortisation
At 1 April 2022
restated* 12.4 6.8 2.1 21.3 0.5 21.8
Charged in period - 0.2 - 0.2 0.7 0.9
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 30 September
2022 restated* 12.4 7.0 2.1 21.5 1.2 22.7
Charged in period - 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.7 0.9
Disposals (12.4) (5.4) (1.3) (19.1) - (19.1)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 31 March 2023 - 1.7 0.9 2.6 1.9 4.5
Charged in period - 0.2 0.1 0.3 0.7 1.0
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 30 September
2023 - 1.9 1.0 2.9 2.6 5.5
Net book value
At 30 September
2023 17.5 1.0 0.3 18.8 5.3 24.1
At 31 March 2023 17.5 1.2 0.4 19.1 5.9 25.0
At 30 September
2022 17.5 1.3 0.5 19.3 6.1 25.4
*Prior years restated to eliminate items with nil net book
value.
Analysis of goodwill, customer lists, brands and IT development
by cash generating unit:
Customer
Goodwill lists Brands IT development Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Allocated to
Hire 16.5 0.4 0.2 4.6 21.7
Services 1.0 0.6 0.1 0.7 2.4
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 30 September 2023 17.5 1.0 0.3 5.3 24.1
Allocated to
Hire 16.5 0.5 0.3 5.4 22.7
Services 1.0 0.7 0.1 0.5 2.3
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 31 March 2023 17.5 1.2 0.4 5.9 25.0
All goodwill has arisen from business combinations and has been
allocated to the cash-generating unit (CGU) expected to benefit
from those business combinations. The Group tests goodwill annually
for impairment, or more frequently if there are indications that
goodwill might be impaired. All intangible assets are held in the
UK.
The Group tests goodwill for impairment annually, however
consideration is made at each reporting date whether there are
indicators that impairment may have occurred, with additional
impairment tests performed as necessary. Other assets are assessed
at each reporting date for any indicators of impairment and tested
if an indicator is identified. The Group's reportable CGUs comprise
the UK&I Hire business (Hire) and UK&I Services business
(Services), representing the lowest level within the Group at which
the associated assets are monitored for management purposes.
It is noted that the market capitalisation of the Group at 30
September 2023 was below the consolidated net asset position - one
indicator that an impairment may exist. Based on the full
impairment test performed, it is determined that no impairment is
required in this regard. At 30 September 2023, the headroom between
value in use and carrying value of related assets for the UK and
Ireland was GBP101.1m (31 March 2023: GBP99.2m) - GBP48.6m for Hire
and GBP52.6m for Services.
The recoverable amounts of the assets allocated to the CGUs are
determined by a value-in-use calculation. The value-in-use
calculation uses cash flow projections based on five-year financial
forecasts approved by management. The key assumptions for these
forecasts are those regarding revenue growth and discount rate,
which management estimates based on past experience adjusted for
current market trends and expectations of future changes in the
market. To prepare the value-in-use calculation, the Group uses
cash flow projections from the Board approved FY24 budget, and a
subsequent four-year period using the Group's strategic plan,
together with a terminal value into perpetuity using long-term
growth rates. The resulting forecast cash flows are discounted back
to present value, using an estimate of the Group's pre-tax weighted
average cost of capital, adjusted for risk factors associated with
the CGUs and market-specific risks.
The impairment model is prepared in nominal terms. The future
cash flows are based on current price terms inflated into future
values, using general inflation and any known cost or sales
initiatives. The discount rate is calculated in nominal terms,
using market and published rates. The pre-tax discount rates and
terminal growth rates applied are as follows:
30 September 2023 31 March 2023
------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
Pre-tax Terminal value Pre-tax Terminal value
discount rate growth rate discount rate growth rate
UK and
Ireland 12.0% 2.5% 12.0% 2.5%
A single discount rate is applied to both CGUs as they operate
in the same market, with access to the same shared Group financing
facility, with no additional specific risks applicable to either
CGU.
Impairment calculations are sensitive to changes in key
assumptions of revenue growth and discount rate. The table below
shows the reduction in headroom created by a change in
assumptions:
Reduction in headroom at 30 September 2023 (GBPm)
------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
Revenue growth - 1% decrease Pre-tax discount rate - 0.5% increase
Hire 31.0 19.3
Services 4.7 3.2
There are no reasonable variations in these assumptions that
would be sufficient to result in an impairment of either CGU at 30
September 2023. A 2% decline in forecast revenue cash flows for
Hire and an 11% decline in forecast revenue cash flows for Services
would reduce headroom to nil for each CGU respectively, assuming no
cost mitigation plans. The position will be reassessed at the next
reporting date.
11 Property, plant and equipment
Land and Hire
buildings equipment Other Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Cost
At 1 April 2022 reported 53.2 422.7 91.7 567.6
Foreign exchange 0.1 1.0 0.3 1.4
Additions 0.8 30.5 3.1 34.4
Disposals (0.5) (12.1) (0.2) (12.8)
Transfers to inventory - (9.0) - (9.0)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 30 September 2022 53.6 433.1 94.9 581.6
Foreign exchange (0.1) (1.1) (0.3) (1.5)
Additions 2.5 21.6 2.4 26.5
Disposals(1) (1.5) (10.1) (0.4) (12.0)
Exceptional write-off(2) - (33.0) - (33.0)
Transfers to inventory - (14.6) - (14.6)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 31 March 2023 restated(1) 54.5 395.9 96.6 547.0
Foreign exchange - (0.2) - (0.2)
Additions 2.4 17.6 2.4 22.4
Disposals (1.1) (22.9) (4.4) (28.4)
Transfers to inventory - (9.0) - (9.0)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 30 September 2023 55.8 381.4 94.6 531.8
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 April 2022 37.6 195.8 76.5 309.9
Foreign exchange 0.1 0.5 - 0.6
Charged in period 2.2 16.9 2.1 21.2
Disposals (0.2) (7.7) - (7.9)
Transfers to inventory - (6.8) - (6.8)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 30 September 2022 39.7 198.7 78.6 317.0
Foreign exchange (0.1) (0.3) - (0.4)
Charged in period 2.2 17.0 2.6 21.8
Disposals(1) (1.2) (4.2) (0.5) (5.9)
Exceptional write-off(2) - (12.6) - (12.6)
Transfers to inventory - (10.6) - (10.6)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 31 March 2023 restated(1) 40.6 188.0 80.7 309.3
Charged in period 2.1 16.8 2.8 21.7
Disposals (1.2) (16.7) (4.1) (22.0)
Transfers to inventory - (6.8) - (6.8)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 30 September 2023 41.5 181.3 79.4 302.2
Net book value
At 30 September 2023 14.3 200.1 15.2 229.6
At 31 March 2023 13.9 207.9 15.9 237.7
At 30 September 2022 13.9 234.4 16.3 264.6
(1) Disposals in the six months to 31 March 2023 incorrectly
included an element of the Exceptional write-off. This has been
restated to correctly present cost and accumulated
depreciation.
(2) See note 4.
The net book value of land and buildings is made up of
improvements to short leasehold properties.
Of the GBP200.1m (2022: 234.4m) net book value of hire
equipment, GBP29.8m (2022: GBP55.0m) relates to non-itemised
assets.
The net book value of other - non-hire equipment - comprises
fixtures, fittings, office equipment and IT equipment. Software
with a net book value of GBP7.3m (2022: GBP7.1m) is also included
in other property, plant and equipment.
12 Right of use assets
Land and
buildings Other Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Cost
At 1 April 2022 restated* 144.4 55.6 200.0
Additions 1.9 15.3 17.2
Remeasurements 1.7 2.5 4.2
Disposals (2.3) (11.4) (13.7)
---------- ---------- ----------
At 30 September 2022 restated* 145.7 62.0 207.7
Additions 0.2 12.8 13.0
Remeasurements 2.4 1.0 3.4
Disposals (3.0) (11.0) (14.0)
---------- ---------- ----------
At 31 March 2023 145.3 64.8 210.1
Additions 1.0 3.9 4.9
Remeasurements 8.9 0.5 9.4
Disposals (5.4) (8.0) (13.4)
---------- ---------- ----------
At 30 September 2023 149.8 61.2 211.0
Depreciation
At 1 April 2022 92.3 33.5 125.8
Charged in period 6.8 6.5 13.3
Disposals (1.9) (10.0) (11.9)
---------- ---------- ----------
At 30 September 2022 97.2 30.0 127.2
Charged in period 6.3 7.0 13.3
Disposals (3.2) (10.4) (13.6)
---------- ---------- ----------
At 31 March 2023 100.3 26.6 126.9
Charged in period 6.2 6.7 12.9
Disposals (4.2) (8.0) (12.2)
---------- ---------- ----------
At 30 September 2023 102.3 25.3 127.6
Net book value
At 30 September 2023 47.5 35.9 83.4
At 31 March 2023 45.0 38.2 83.2
At 30 September 2022 48.5 32.0 80.5
* See note 19.
Land and buildings leases comprise depots and associated
ancillary leases such as car parks and yards.
Other leases consist of cars, lorries, vans and forklifts.
13 Borrowings
30 September 30 September 31 March
2023 2022 2023
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Current borrowings
Bank overdraft 0.8 1.5 1.3
Lease liabilities* 20.0 20.4 22.1
---------- ---------- ----------
20.8 21.9 23.4
Non-current borrowings
Maturing between two and five years
- Asset based finance facility 90.6 86.1 92.2
- Lease liabilities* 66.6 62.3 64.0
---------- ---------- ----------
157.2 148.4 156.2
Total borrowings 178.0 170.3 179.6
Less: Cash (1.8) (0.9) (1.1)
Exclude lease liabilities* (86.6) (82.7) (86.1)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net debt(1) 89.6 86.7 92.4
(1) Key performance indicator - excluding lease liabilities.
* See note 19.
Reconciliation of financing liabilities and net debt
1 April 2023 Non-cash movement Cash flow 30 September
2023
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Bank borrowings (92.2) 0.3 1.3 (90.6)
Lease liabilities (86.1) 9.9 (10.4) (86.6)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Liabilities arising from financing activities (178.3) 10.2 (9.1) (177.2)
Cash at bank and in hand 1.1 - 0.7 1.8
Bank overdraft (1.3) - 0.5 (0.8)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net debt (178.5) 10.2 (7.9) (176.2)
The Group has a GBP180m asset based finance facility, which was
renewed in July 2021, which is sub divided into:
(a) A secured overdraft facility which secures by cross
guarantees and debentures the bank deposits and overdrafts of the
Company and certain subsidiary companies up to a maximum of
GBP5m.
(b) An asset based finance facility of up to GBP175m, based on
the Group's itemised hire equipment and trade receivables balance.
Cash and facility headroom as at 30 September 2023 was GBP70.5m (31
March 2023: GBP83.5m) based on the Group's eligible hire equipment
and trade receivables.
The facility is for GBP180m, reduced to the extent that any
ancillary facilities are provided, and is repayable in July 2026,
with no prior scheduled repayment requirements. An additional
uncommitted accordion of GBP220m is in place.
Interest on the facility is now calculated by reference to SONIA
(previously LIBOR) applicable to the period drawn, plus a margin of
155 to 255 basis points, depending on leverage and on the
components of the borrowing base. During the period, the effective
margin was 1.89% (2022: 1.80%).
The facility is secured by fixed and floating charges over the
Group's itemised hire fleet assets and trade receivables.
The facility has a Minimum Excess Availability covenant: At any
time, 10 per cent of the Total Commitments.
Where availability falls below the Minimum Excess Availability,
the financial covenants (below) are required to be tested.
Covenants are not required to be tested where availability is above
Minimum Excess Availability.
Leverage in respect of any Relevant Period shall be less than or
equal to 3:1;
Fixed Charge Cover in respect of any Relevant Period shall be
greater than or equal to 2.1:1
14 Fair value measurement of financial instruments
The Group holds and uses financial instruments to finance its
operations and to manage its interest rate and liquidity risks.
Fair value hierarchy
The Group's financial assets and liabilities are principally
short-term in nature and therefore their fair value is not
materially different from their carrying value. The valuation
method for the Group's financial assets and liabilities can be
defined as follows in accordance with IFRS 13:
Level 1: Quoted prices (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
(i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
Level 3: Techniques which use inputs that have a significant
effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable
market data.
Basis for determining fair values
The following summarises the principal methods and assumptions
used in estimating the fair value of Group's financial instruments,
in line with the fair value hierarchy above:
a) Derivatives - Broker quotes are used for all interest rate swaps and fuel hedges (Level 1).
b) Interest-bearing loans and borrowings - Fair value is
calculated based on discounted expected future principal and
interest cash flows at a market rate of interest (Level 2).
c) Trade and other receivables and payables - For receivables
and payables with a remaining life of less than one year, the
notional amount is deemed to reflect the fair value. All other
receivables and payables are discounted to determine the fair
value.
d) Lease liabilities - not within the scope of IFRS 13; accounted for in accordance with IFRS 16.
Fair value of financial assets and liabilities
The carrying value of the Group's financial assets and financial
liabilities at 30 September 2023 are set out below:
Fair value
through other
Amortised comprehensive
Cost income Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Financial assets
Trade and other receivables (1) 97.8 - 97.8
Cash (2) 1.8 - 1.8
Derivative financial assets - 1.5 1.5
---------- ---------- ----------
99.6 1.5 101.1
Financial liabilities
Bank overdraft (2) (0.8) - (0.8)
Borrowings (2) (90.6) - (90.6)
Lease liabilities - Current (20.0) - (20.0)
Lease liabilities - Non-current (66.6) - (66.6)
Trade and other payables (3) (42.9) - (42.9)
Accruals (23.7) - (23.7)
Customer rebates (12.6) - (12.6)
---------- ---------- ----------
(257.2) - (257.2)
(1) Trade and other receivables excluding prepayments and
accrued income
(2) Under the terms of the Group's banking facilities, net
indebtedness is permitted up to the net limit of GBP5m. There have
been no changes to the offsetting arrangements in the six months
ending 30 September 2023.
(3) Trade and other payables excluding non-financial
liabilities.
Impairment reviews did not identify any material impairment of
financial assets from carrying values as reported at the balance
sheet date and, as such, no material impairments are included in
the interim condensed consolidated statement of profit or loss.
15 Contingent liabilities
In the normal course of business, the Company has given parental
guarantees in support of the contractual obligations of Group
companies on both a joint and a several basis.
The D irectors do not consider any provision is necessary in
respect of the guarantees.
16 Related party disclosures
There has been no significant change to the nature and size of
related party transactions, including the remuneration provided to
the key management, from that disclosed in the FY2023 Annual
Report.
17 Principal risks and uncertainties
The principal risks and uncertainties which could have a
material impact upon the Group's performance over the remaining six
months of the 2024 financial year have not changed from those set
out on pages 76 to 82 of the Group's 2023 Annual Report, which is
available at www.speedyservices.com . These risks and uncertainties
include the following:
-- Safety, health and environment;
-- Service;
-- Sustainability and climate change;
-- Revenue and trading performance;
-- Project and change management;
-- People;
-- Partner and supplier service levels;
-- Operating costs;
-- Cyber security and data integrity;
-- Funding;
-- Economic vulnerability;
-- Business continuity; and
-- Asset holding and integrity.
18 Post balance sheet events
On 9 October 2023, the Group acquired the entire issued share
capital of sustainable power solutions specialist, Green Power Hire
Limited ("GPH"), for an enterprise value of GBP20.2m. The total
consideration, which was funded from the Group's existing debt
facilities, represented GBP10m of equity value and assumed debt of
GBP10.2m which was settled at completion. Speedy acquired GPH from
its principal shareholder, Russell's (Kirbymoorside) Limited, and
four other shareholders.
On 15 November 2023, Speedy and AFC Energy plc (AIM: AFC) ("AFC
Energy"), a leading provider of hydrogen powered generator
technologies, announced the launch of Speedy Hydrogen Solutions
Limited ("SHS"), a 50:50 joint venture company, being a dedicated
hydrogen powered generator plant hire business promoting
sustainable, zero emission, temporary power solutions designed
specifically for the off-grid generation market. AFC and Speedy
have agreed to initially jointly fund SHS up to GBP2.5m each,
subject to JV performance, through initial equity subscriptions and
subsequent shareholder loans.
19 Prior period adjustment
The Group has previously recognised dilapidation provisions upon
exit - or notification of exit - of a leased property, together
with an ongoing assessment of property conditions. At 31 March
2023, this was reviewed to assess a more comprehensive view of the
future liability on all leases in line with accounting standards,
and a change made to prior years.
Dilapidations are now assessed at the earliest point, being the
start of the lease or due to an obligating event. This has been
corrected by restating each of the affected financial statement
line items in the balance sheet as at 1 April 2022, in line with
IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and
Errors. There is no impact on the amounts recognised in the income
statement.
A summary of the affected accounts and the restatements made as
at 30 September 2022 is as follows:
Reported Adjustment Restated
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Non-Current Assets:
Right of use asset 79.6 0.9 80.5
Current liabilities:
Provisions (2.1) (5.1) (7.2)
Non-current liabilities:
Provisions (0.9) (5.8) (6.7)
Net assets 221.8 (10.0) 211.8
Equity:
Retained earnings as at 1 April 2022 198.8 (10.0) 188.8
Retained earnings as at 30 September 2022 190.2 (10.0) 180.2
In addition to this, the presentation of the restated provision
at 31 March 2023, between current and non-current liabilities, has
been reassessed. Provisions have been classified as current where
the end of the lease term is within 12 months of the balance sheet
date. A summary of the affected accounts and the restatements made
as at 31 March 2023 is as follows:
Reported Adjustment Restated
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Current liabilities:
Provisions (3.6) (5.7) (9.3)
Non-current liabilities:
Provisions (12.0) 5.7 (6.3)
Net assets 184.6 - 184.6
The definition of adjusted profit has been amended to profit
before tax, amortisation of acquired intangible assets and
exceptional items. This is a change from all intangible asset
amortisation having been previously added back in the calculation
of adjusted profit. Prior period comparatives have been revised for
both the six months ended 30 September 2022 (from GBP14.1m to
GBP13.4m) and the year ended 31 March 2023 (from GBP32.1m to
GBP30.7m) for consistency.
The definition of adjusted EBITDA has been amended to operating
profit before depreciation, amortisation and exceptional items,
where depreciation includes the net book value of hire and non-hire
equipment disposals, less the proceeds on those disposals (profit
or loss on disposal). Adjusted EBITDA has been revised for both the
six months ended 30 September 2022 (from GBP48.3m to GBP47.4m) and
the year ended 31 March 2023 (from GBP103.7m to GBP102.0m) for
consistency.
Both these measures have been revised to more accurately reflect
the underlying performance of the business.
Statement of directors' responsibilities
The directors confirm that these interim condensed consolidated
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK
adopted International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial
Reporting' and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules
sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority 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 set of
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.
The maintenance and integrity of the Speedy Hire Plc website is
the responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by the
authors does not involve consideration of these matters and,
accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes
that might have occurred to the interim financial statements since
they were initially presented on the website.
The directors of Speedy Hire Plc are listed in the Speedy Hire
Plc annual report for 31 March 2023, with the exception of the
following change in the period:
-- Paul Rayner (appointed 1 July 2023)
A list of current directors is maintained on the Speedy Hire
Plc's website: www.speedyservices.com
Dan Evans
Director
21 November 2023
Independent Review Report to Speedy Hire Plc
Report on the interim condensed consolidated financial
statements
Qualified conclusion
We have reviewed Speedy Hire plc's condensed consolidated
interim financial statements (the "interim financial statements")
in the FY2024 Interim results of Speedy Hire plc for the 6 month
period ended 30 September 2023 (the "period").
Except for any adjustments to the interim financial statements
that we might have become aware of had it not been for the
situation described in the Basis for qualified conclusion paragraph
below, based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that
causes us to believe that the interim financial statements are not
prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with UK adopted
International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting'
and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of
the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
The interim financial statements comprise:
-- the Interim condensed consolidated balance sheet as at 30 September 2023;
-- the Interim condensed consolidated income statement and
Interim condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the period then ended;
-- the Interim condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the period then ended;
-- the Interim condensed consolidated statement of changes in
equity for the period then ended; and
-- the explanatory notes to the interim financial statements.
The interim financial statements included in the FY2024 Interim
results of Speedy Hire plc have been prepared in accordance with UK
adopted International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial
Reporting' and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules
sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
Basis for qualified conclusion
The Group had Property, plant and equipment of GBP237.7m
recorded on the balance sheet as at 31 March 2023 and recorded an
exceptional asset write-down of GBP20.4m in the FY23 annual
financial statements relating to hire assets that could not be
located. As a result of weaknesses in the Group's historical
record-keeping, we were unable to satisfactorily complete our
testing of assets between physical asset counts and the Group's
asset registers as at 31 March 2023. Consequently, we were unable
to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence in respect of these
assets, and we were therefore unable to determine whether any
further adjustments were necessary to Property, plant and equipment
as at 31 March 2023, and the related asset write-down, depreciation
charges and any associated tax impact recorded in the year. Due to
the nature of our review procedures, which are substantially less
than those that would be performed in an audit, we have been unable
to determine if the weaknesses in the Group's historical
record-keeping described above have been remediated as at 30
September 2023. Consequently, we were unable to determine whether
any further adjustments were necessary to Property, plant and
equipment as at 30 September 2023, deprecation and any associated
tax impact recorded in the period.
We conducted our review in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK) 2410, 'Review of Interim
Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the
Entity' issued by the Financial Reporting Council for use in the
United Kingdom ("ISRE (UK) 2410"). 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.
We have read the other information contained in the FY2024
Interim results and considered whether it contains any apparent
misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in
the interim financial statements.
Conclusions relating to going concern
Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than
those performed in an audit as described in the Basis for qualified
conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our
attention to suggest that the directors have inappropriately
adopted the going concern basis of accounting or that the directors
have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern
that are not appropriately disclosed. This conclusion is based on
the review procedures performed in accordance with ISRE (UK) 2410.
However, future events or conditions may cause the group to cease
to continue as a going concern.
Responsibilities for the interim financial statements and the
review
Our responsibilities and those of the directors
The FY2024 Interim results, including the interim financial
statements, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by the
directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the FY2024
Interim results in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial
Conduct Authority. In preparing the FY2024 Interim results,
including the interim financial statements, the directors are
responsible for assessing the group's ability to continue as a
going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the
directors either intend to liquidate the group or to cease
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the interim
financial statements in the FY2024 Interim results based on our
review. Our conclusion, including our Conclusions relating to going
concern, is based on procedures that are less extensive than audit
procedures, as described in the Basis for qualified conclusion
paragraph of this report. This report, including the conclusion,
has been prepared for and only for the company for the purpose of
complying with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules
sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority and
for no other purpose. We do not, in giving this conclusion, accept
or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other
person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come
save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
Manchester
21 November 2023
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END
IR NKDBQCBDDPDB
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