TIDM85MJ

RNS Number : 1706D

Network Rail Infrastructure Finance

04 July 2016

Network Rail Infrastructure Finance PLC

Full year results

Year ended 31 March 2016

Strategic report

The directors present their strategic report of Network Rail Infrastructure Finance PLC ("NRIF" or "the company") for the year ended 31 March 2016.

Business review

NRIF was incorporated on 31 March 2004 and entered into documentation to facilitate debt issuance on 29 October 2004.

As of 4 July 2014 Network Rail's funding requirement will be met by the Department for Transport ("DfT") via a loan facility to Network Rail Infrastructure Limited ("NRIL") the owner and operator of the national rail network of Great Britain. As a result, NRIF will continue to operate as the administrator of existing debt issues and derivatives under the Debt Issuance Programme ("DIP"), but will not be issuing new debt for the foreseeable future. Existing debt, derivatives and related interest payments within NRIF are passed onto NRIL in the form of an intercompany loan and embedded derivative.

The company was incorporated for the sole purpose of acting as the issuer under Network Rail's DIP and is not a member of the Network Rail group. However, for accounting purposes the company is treated as a subsidiary in the consolidated accounts of Network Rail Limited ("NRL"). The DIP is guaranteed by a financial indemnity from the Secretary of State for Transport and as a result the financial indemnity is a direct sovereign obligation of the Crown and Network Rail's debt is zero per cent risk weighted.

The financial indemnity is an unconditional and irrevocable obligation of the UK Government to make payments directly to a security trustee to cover all debt service shortfalls, whatever the cause. The financial indemnity is also designed to ensure timely payment as well as ultimate recourse to the UK Government.

Within the DIP, which is administered by NRIL, is a GBP40,000m multi-currency note programme which has been assigned the following credit ratings: AAA by Standard and Poor's, Aa1 (stable outlook) by Moody's and AA+ (stable outlook) by Fitch.

Financial review

During the year the company incurred finance costs of GBP775m relating the interest on bonds in issue. These costs were passed onto NRIL in the form of finance income. NRIF also made a loss of GBP224m on the mark to market value of its derivatives and a loss of GBP104m on the retranslation of its foreign currency debt. These losses were passed through to NRIL as part of the embedded derivative.

NRIF made a profit before tax of GBP110,000 (2015: GBP110,000) in the year ended 31 March 2016, being the excess of the fee charged to NRIL for the provision of the facility over the fee charged by NRIL for the administration of the facility. On wind up of the company all shares and distributable reserves in the company are held for charitable purposes.

 
 
 

Reclassification of Network Rail

In December 2013, the Office for National Statistics announced the reclassification of Network Rail as a Central Government Body in the UK National Accounts and Public Sector Finances with effect from 1 September 2014. This is a statistical change driven by new guidance in the European System of National Accounts 2010 (ESA10).

As part of Network Rail's formal reclassification to the public sector, an arrangement was agreed whereby funding would be provided by the DfT in the form of a loan made directly to NRIL. As a result, from 4 July 2014, Network Rail borrows directly from the UK Government and currently has no plans to issue debt in its own name through NRIF.

In the unlikely event that the DfT withdraws or breaches its obligations on the loan facility to NRIL, NRIF may issue further bonds or commercial paper. NRIF's future debt service obligations will be met through repayments of the intercompany loan by NRIL.

All of the outstanding bonds under the DIP, including nominal and index-linked benchmarks and private placements in all currencies, will continue to benefit from a direct and explicit guarantee from the UK Government under the financial indemnity.

During the year ending 31 March 2016, GBP3,065m of bonds matured under the DIP. UK RPI index-linked debt was 62 per cent of gross debt at 31 March 2016.

There was no issued commercial paper outstanding as at 31 March 2016 (2015:GBPnil).

The cash and cash equivalents balance as at 31 March 2016 totalled GBP100m, having decreased by GBP229m compared to year end 2015. Cash balances are required for settlement of maturing bonds and for the purposes of managing collateral posted by financial derivative counterparties.

Counterparty limits are set with reference to published credit ratings. These limits dictate how much and for how long management deals with each counterparty, and are monitored on a regular basis (further details are provided in note 12).

Treasury operations

The treasury operations of NRIL, who administers the programme on behalf of NRIF, are co-ordinated and managed in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the Treasury Committee, being a full sub-committee of the Network Rail board. Treasury operations are subject to regular internal audits and the company does not engage in trades of a speculative nature.

Liquidity is provided by monitoring that NRIL has sufficient funds to meet its obligations to NRIF. NRIL are able to vary drawdowns under the DfT loan agreement in order to maintain liquidity. In addition a GBP4,000m commercial paper programme is available to provide liquidity in the event of the withdrawal of, or default by, DfT under the DfT Loan Facility.

The major financing risks that the company faces are interest rate risk, foreign currency fluctuation risk and liquidity risk. Treasury operations seek to provide sufficient liquidity to meet the company's needs, while reducing financial risks and prudently maximising interest receivable on surplus cash (further details are provided in note 12).

The company has certain debt issuances which are index-linked and thus exposed to movements in inflation rates. The company does not enter into any derivative arrangements to hedge these.

The credit risk with regard to all classes of derivative financial instruments entered into before 1 January 2013 is limited because Network Rail has arrangements in place which limits each counterparty to a threshold (based on credit ratings) which if exceeded requires the counterparty to post cash collateral. Trades entered into after 1 January 2013 are governed by new agreements where both Network Rail and its counterparties post collateral on their full adverse net derivative positions. The new agreements do not contain threshold provisions.

Treasury operations are co-ordinated and managed in accordance with policies and procedures approved by NRIL's board. Treasury operations are subject to regular internal audits and treasury does not engage in trades of a speculative nature.

Directors' report

The directors present their report and the annual financial statements of the company for the year ended 31 March 2016.

Principal activities

The principal activity of NRIF is to act as issuer for Network Rail's DIP.

Dividends

No dividend was paid or proposed in the current year (2015: GBPnil).

Directors

None of the directors had any interests in the shares of the company or any other company within the Network Rail group at any time in the year.

NRIF maintains directors and officers liability insurance for its directors with a cover limit of GBP150 million for each claim or series of claims against them in their capacity as directors of the company. The company also indemnifies its directors and officers to the extent permitted by law.

Going concern

All of NRIF's activities are administered by NRIL's employees and therefore the company does not have any employees.

After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

In reaching this conclusion the directors considered: the Financial Indemnity as described above; the collateral arrangements with banking counterparties as described in note 12 of the financial statements; and that the company has an intercompany agreement that recovers all net costs from NRIL.

The loan arrangement agreed between DfT and NRIL has resulted in loans being made by DfT direct to NRIL. NRIF does not anticipate issuing further bonds and NRIF's debt service obligations will continue to be met through repayments of the intercompany loan by NRIL.

Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts.

Post balance sheet events

On 23 June the referendum on membership of the European Union resulted in a decision to leave the EU. The credit ratings of the United Kingdom were subsequently revised by the major credit rating agencies. As NRIF's Debt Issuance Programme is guaranteed by a financial indemnity from the Secretary of State for Transport, the credit ratings of the DIP follow those of the United Kingdom and have also been revised since the referendum. The revised credit ratings that are assigned are: AA by Standard & Poor's, Aa1 (negative outlook) by Moody's and AA (negative outlook) by Fitch. There are no major consequences that significantly impact the Annual Report & Accounts; however we will continue to monitor the consequences of the outcome of the referendum closely.

Statement of comprehensive income

for the year ended 31 March 2016

 
 
 
                                   Notes   2016   2015 
                                           GBPm   GBPm 
 
Result from operations                        -      - 
 
Finance income                      5       775    830 
Finance costs                       5     (775)  (829) 
Other gains and losses              6         -      - 
 
Profit before taxation                        -      1 
Tax                                           -      - 
 
Profit and total comprehensive 
 income for the year                          -      1 
 
 

All income and expense is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

Statement of changes in equity

 
                                     Share   Retained    Total 
                                   capital   earnings   equity 
                                      GBPm       GBPm     GBPm 
                                  - 
-------------------------------   --------  ---------  ------- 
At 1 April 2014                          -          -        - 
Profit and total comprehensive 
 income for the year                     -          1        1 
                                                       - 
-------------------------------   --------  ---------  ------- 
At 31 March 2015                         -          1        1 
Profit and total comprehensive           -          -        - 
 income for the year 
 
At 31 March 2016                         -          1        1 
 
 

Balance sheet

at 31 March 2016

 
                                   Notes      2016      2015 
                                              GBPm      GBPm 
 
Non-current assets 
Receivables: amounts falling 
 due after more than one year        7      25,324    27,534 
Derivative financial instruments    11         651       717 
 
Total non-current assets                    25,975    28,251 
 
Current assets 
Derivative financial instruments    11       1,453       884 
Receivables: amounts falling 
 due within one year                 7       3,691     4,071 
Cash and cash equivalents                      100       329 
 
Total current assets                         5,244     5,284 
 
Total assets                                31,219    33,535 
 
Current liabilities 
Loans                               10     (2,681)   (3,134) 
Derivative financial instruments    11         (9)         - 
Other payables                       8       (520)     (461) 
 
Total current liabilities                  (3,210)   (3,595) 
 
Net current assets                           2,034     1,689 
 
Non-current liabilities 
Loans                               10    (26,610)  (28,917) 
Derivative financial instruments    11     (1,398)   (1,022) 
 
Total non-current liabilities             (28,008)  (29,939) 
 
Total liabilities                         (31,218)  (33,534) 
 
Net assets                                       1         1 
 
Equity 
Share capital                       13           -         - 
Retained earnings                                1         1 
 
Total equity                                     1         1 
 
 
 
 The financial statements were approved by the board 
  of directors and authorised for issue on 1 July 
  2016. They were signed on its behalf by: 
 
 Samantha Pitt (director)           Helena Whitaker 
                                     (director) 
 

Company registration number: 5090412

Statement of cash flows

for the year ended at 31 March 2016

 
 
                                                  2016        2015 
                                      Note        GBPm        GBPm 
 
Cash flow from operating activities    14        2,849       2,653 
           Interest paid*                        (608)       (596) 
 
Net cash inflow/(outflow) 
 from operating activities                       2,241       2,057 
 
Investing activities 
Interest received                                  608         597 
 
Net cash (outflow)/inflow 
 from investing activities                         608         597 
 
Financing activities 
Repayment of borrowings                        (3,065)     (2,733) 
Proceeds from borrowings                             -           - 
Increase in collateral posted                     (93)       (690) 
Increase/(Decrease) in collateral 
 held                                               80        (11) 
 
Net cash (outflow)/inflow 
 from financing activities                     (3,078)     (3,434) 
 
Net (decrease)/increase in 
 cash and cash equivalents                       (229)       (780) 
 
Cash and cash equivalents 
 at beginning of the year                          329       1,109 
 
Cash and cash equivalents 
 at end of the year                                100         329 
 
 

*Balance includes the net interest on derivative financial instruments

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 March 2016

1. General information

The financial information set out in this preliminary announcement does not constitute the company's statutory accounts for the years ended 31 March 2016 or 31 March 2015, but is derived from those accounts. Whilst the financial information has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and IFRS Interpretations Committee updates as adopted by the European Union, this announcement itself does not contain sufficient information to comply with IFRSs. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2015 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and those for the year ended 31 March 2016 will be delivered following the company's annual general meeting. The auditors have reported on those accounts; their reports were unqualified. This announcement has been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies as stated in the previous year's financial statements as no new Standards, Amendments or Interpretations that became effective in the financial year had an impact on the company's results. This announcement was approved by the board on 1 July 2016.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union, IFRIC interpretations and the Companies Act 2006 as applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of derivative financial instruments to fair value, and the principal accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year.

The principal accounting policies are set out below.

Adoption of new and revised standards

The accounting policies adopted in this set of financial statements are consistent with those set out in the annual financial statements for the year to 31 March 2015.

The following accounting standards have not been early adopted by the group but will become effective in future years and are considered to have a material impact on the group that has yet to be assessed:

i) IFRS 9 'Financial Instruments'. The standard addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and liabilities.

There are no other IFRS or IFRS Interpretation Committee interpretations not yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact on the company.

Operating segments

IFRS 8 Operating Segments requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the company that are regularly reviewed by the board to allocate resources to the segments and to assess their performance. The company has adopted IFRS 8 for these financial statements. However, there has been no material change in presentation of these statements because the company operates one class of business, that of acting as issuer for Network Rail's DIP and undertakes that class of business in one geographical area, Great Britain. The company's debt is often issued in currencies other than sterling and sold to overseas investors.

Debt

Debt instruments are initially recorded at fair value, net of discount and direct issue costs, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using straight line amortisation as a proxy for the IAS 39 effective interest rate method. Finance charges, including premiums payable on settlement or redemption and direct issue costs are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income over the life of the debt instrument. They are added to the carrying value of the debt instrument to the extent that they are not settled in the period in which they arise.

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting

The company's activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The company uses interest rate swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge these exposures.

Interest rate swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts are recorded at fair value at inception and at each balance sheet date. Movements in fair value are recorded in other gains and losses in the statement of comprehensive income.

Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments or other host contracts are treated as separate derivatives when their risks and characteristics are not closely related to those of the host contracts and the host contracts are not carried at fair value. Unrealised gains or losses are reported in the statement of comprehensive income.

Derivatives are presented in the balance sheet in line with their maturity dates.

Investments

Investments are recognised on a trade date where a purchase or sale of an investment is under contract whose terms require delivery of the investment within the timeframe established by the market concerned, and are initially measured at cost, including transaction costs.

Investments are classified as available-for-sale and measured at subsequent reporting dates at fair value. For available-for-sale investments, gains or losses from changes in fair value are recognised directly in equity, until the security is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity is included in the statement of comprehensive income for the period.

Foreign currencies

Monetary assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at exchange rates prevailing at the end of the financial year. Individual transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the exchange rates prevailing on the date payment takes place. Gains or losses realised on any foreign exchange movements are recognised in 'Other gains and losses' in the statement of comprehensive income.

Intra-group borrowings

The company provides the Network Rail group with funding. It passes all transactions and balances through the intra-group borrowings to NRIL. Existing debt, derivatives and related interest payments within NRIF are passed onto NRIL in the form of an intercompany loan and embedded derivative. As such any gains and losses relating to debt and derivatives are also passed through to NRIL.

Tax

The tax expense represents the sum of the current tax payable and deferred tax. The company's current tax liability is calculated using the tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Current taxes are based on the taxable results of the company and calculated in accordance with tax rules in the United Kingdom.

3. Staff costs

The directors received no remuneration for their services in the current or prior year. Other than the directors, there were no employees of the company in the current or prior year. Administration services are provided by NRIL.

4. Auditors' remuneration

Fees payable to the company auditors for the audit of the company's annual accounts of GBP25,000 (2015: GBP12,500) have been borne by NRIL. No other fees were payable by the company to the company auditors in the current or prior year.

5. Finance income and finance costs

 
                                               Year       Year 
                                              ended      ended 
                                           31 March   31 March 
                                               2016       2015 
                                               GBPm       GBPm 
 
Finance income 
 Interest receivable from NRIL                  769        824 
Interest receivable on investments                6          6 
 
Total Finance income                            775        830 
 
Finance costs 
 Interest payable on debt issued 
 under the DIP                                (761)      (818) 
Interest on bank loans and overdrafts          (10)        (5) 
Net interest on derivative instruments          (4)        (6) 
 
Total finance costs                           (775)      (829) 
 
 

6. Other gains and losses

 
 
                                            Year        Year 
                                           ended       ended 
                                        31 March    31 March 
                                            2016        2015 
                                            GBPm        GBPm 
 
Loss on retranslation of external 
 debt                                      (104)       (663) 
Net loss on fair value of external 
 derivative financial instruments          (210)       (408) 
Loss on settlement of external 
 debt                                       (14)           - 
Gain on settlement of external 
 derivative financial instruments             14           - 
Gain on fair value of embedded 
 derivative                                  314       1,071 
 
 
Total gains and (losses)                       -           - 
 
 

All gains and losses on intra-group borrowings are passed onto NRIL through the embedded derivative. More details are provided in the intra-group borrowings section of Note 2.

7. Receivables

 
                                 31 March  31 March 
                                     2016      2015 
                                     GBPm      GBPm 
 
Non-current assets 
Loans to NRIL                      25,324    27,534 
 
                                   25,324    27,534 
 
 
Current assets 
Interest on loans to NRIL             190       211 
Loans to NRIL                       2,681     3,134 
Interest on investments                 1         - 
Collateral placed with banking 
 counterparties                       819       726 
 
                                    3,691     4,071 
 
Total receivables                  29,015    31,605 
 
 

8. Other payables

 
 
                                            31 March    31 March 
                                                2016        2015 
                                                GBPm        GBPm 
 
Current liabilities 
Collateral received from banking 
 counterparties                                  330         250 
Interest payable on bonds issued 
 under the DIP                                   189         209 
Interest payable on European Investment 
 Bank long term loans                              1           2 
 
Total payables                                   520         461 
========================================  ==========  ========== 
 

9. Loans

Bonds issued under the DIP are analysed as follows:

 
                                     31 March   31 March 
                                          2016       2015 
                                          GBPm       GBPm 
  ---------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
   1.085% sterling index linked 
    bond due 2052                          126        124 
   0% sterling index linked bond 
    due 2052                               133        130 
   1.003% sterling index linked 
    bond due 2051                           24         23 
   0.53% sterling index linked 
    bond due 2051                          121        120 
   0.517% sterling index linked 
    bond due 2051                          121        120 
   0% sterling index linked bond 
    due 2051                               133        130 
   0.678% sterling index linked 
    bond due 2048                          119        118 
   1.125% sterling index linked 
    bond due 2047                        5,245      5,191 
   0% sterling index linked bond 
    due 2047                                83         81 
   1.1335% sterling index linked 
    bond due 2045                           49         48 
   1.5646% sterling index linked 
    bond due 2044                          274        270 
   1.1565% sterling index linked 
    bond due 2043                           55         54 
   1.1795% sterling index linked 
    bond due 2041                           67         66 
   1.2219% sterling index linked 
    bond due 2040                          270        267 
   1.2025% sterling index linked 
    bond due 2039                           73         72 
   4.6535% sterling bond due 2038          100        100 
   1.375% sterling index linked 
    bond due 2037                        5,122      5,063 
   4.75% sterling bond due 2035          1,229      1,228 
   1.6492% sterling index linked 
    bond due 2035                          410        406 
   4.375% sterling bond due 2030           871        871 
   1.75% sterling index linked 
    bond due 2027                        5,056      5,019 
   4.615% Norwegian krone bond 
    due 2026                                42         42 
   4.57% Norwegian krone bond due 
    2026                                    12         12 
   1.9618% sterling index linked 
    bond due 2025                          346        343 
   4.75% sterling bond due 2024            736        735 
   3% sterling bond due 2023               397        397 
   2.76% Swiss franc bond due 2021         217        208 
   2.315% Japanese yen bond due 
    2021                                    63         56 
   2.28% Japanese yen bond due 
    2021                                    63         56 
   2.15% Japanese yen bond due 
    2021                                    63         56 
   4.625% sterling bond due 2020           998        998 
   1.75% US dollar bond due 2019           696        675 
   0.875% US dollar bond due 2018        1,219      1,181 
   0.75% US dollar bond due 2017           870        844 
   Floating rate US dollar bond 
    due 2017                               348        337 
   1% sterling bond due 2017               748        747 
   6% Australian dollar bond due 
    2016                                   267        257 
   1.25% US dollar bond due 2016           696        675 
   1.125% US dollar bond due 2016          500        499 
   0.625% US dollar bond due 2016          870        844 
   4.4% Canadian dollar bond due 
    2016                                     -        266 
   Floating rate sterling bond 
    due 2016                                 -        600 
   4.875% sterling bond due 2015             -      1,256 
   0.625% US dollar bond due 2015            -      1,012 
 
                                        28,832     31,597 
  =================================  =========  ========= 
 

Other long term loans are analysed as follows:

 
                                   31 March  31 March 
                                       2016      2015 
                                       GBPm      GBPm 
---------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Index linked European Investment 
 Bank due 2036 and 2037                 459       454 
 
                                        459       454 
=================================  ========  ======== 
 

The Secretary of State for Transport has provided an unlimited financial indemnity in respect of the above borrowings and those borrowings under the DIP which expires in 2052.

10. Net borrowings

 
                                                     31 March               31 March 
                                                         2016                   2015 
                                                         GBPm                   GBPm 
 
Net borrowings by instrument 
Cash and cash equivalents*                                100                    329 
Collateral receivable                                     819                    726 
Collateral obligation                                   (330)                  (250) 
Bank loans                                              (459)                  (454) 
Bonds issued under the DIP                           (28,832)               (31,597) 
 
                                                     (28,702)               (31,246) 
 
Movement in net borrowings 
At the beginning of the year                         (31,246)               (33,031) 
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents                   (229)                  (780) 
Movement in collateral receivable                          93                    690 
Movement in collateral obligation 
 to counterparties                                       (80)                     11 
Repayments of borrowings                                3,065                  2,733 
Capital accretion on index-linked 
 bonds                                                  (224)                  (226) 
Exchange differences                                    (118)                  (663) 
Fair value and other movements                             37                     20 
 
At the end of the year                               (28,702)               (31,246) 
 
 
Net borrowings are reconciled to 
 the balance sheet as set out below: 
Cash and cash equivalents*                                100                    329 
Collateral receivable                                     819                    726 
Collateral obligation                                   (330)                  (250) 
Borrowings included in current 
 liabilities                                          (2,681)                (3,134) 
Borrowings included in non-current 
 liabilities                                         (26,610)               (28,917) 
 
At the end of the year                               (28,702)               (31,246) 
======================================  =====================  ===================== 
 

* Includes collateral received from derivative counterparties of GBP330m (2015: GBP250m)

11. Derivative financial instruments

 
                                     31 March 2016        31 March 2015 
                                   Fair   Notional      Fair   Notional 
                                  value    amounts     value    amounts 
                                   GBPm       GBPm      GBPm       GBPm 
 
 Derivative financial 
  assets included in 
  non-current assets                651      9,860       717      8,610 
 Derivative financial 
  assets included in 
  current assets                    305      2,388        50        963 
 Embedded derivatives 
  in the inter-company 
  loan to NRIL (included 
  in current assets)              1,148     29,298       834     27,041 
 
                                  2,104     41,546     1,601     36,614 
 
 
                                   Fair   Notional      Fair   Notional 
                                  value    amounts     value    amounts 
                                   GBPm       GBPm      GBPm       GBPm 
 
 Derivative financial 
  liabilities included 
  in current liabilities            (9)        203         -          - 
 Derivative financial 
  liabilities included 
  in non-current liabilities    (1,398)     16,847   (1,022)     17,468 
 
                                (1,407)     17,050   (1,022)     17,468 
 
 

12. Funding and financial risk management

Introduction

The company is not a member of the Network Rail group. However, for accounting purposes the company is treated as a subsidiary in the consolidated accounts of NRL. The Network Rail group is largely debt funded.

Summary table of financial assets and liabilities

The following table presents the carrying amounts and the fair values of the company's financial assets and liabilities at 31 March 2016 and 31 March 2015.

The fair values of financial assets and liabilities are recognised at the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged for in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. With the exception of bank loans and bonds, all financial assets and liabilities are carried at amounts that approximate to their fair value. Those amounts are in accordance with the significant accounting policies set out in Note 2. Bank loans are valued based on market data at the balance sheet date and the net present value of discounted cash flows. Bonds issued under the DIP are valued based on market data at the balance sheet date. Where market data is not available valuations are obtained from dealing banks.

 
                                    31 March 2016       31 March 2015 
                                Carrying     Fair   Carrying     Fair 
                                   value    value      value    value 
                                    GBPm     GBPm       GBPm     GBPm 
 
 Financial assets 
 Cash and cash equivalents           100      100        329      329 
 Loans and receivables 
  - Loans to NRIL                 28,005   28,005     30,668   30,668 
 Collateral receivable               819      819        726      726 
 
                                  28,924   28,924     31,723   31,723 
 
 
 Other non-derivative 
  financial assets 
 Trade and other receivables 
  at amortised cost                  191      191        211      211 
 
 
 Derivatives 
 Derivative financial 
  instruments                        956      956        767      767 
 Embedded derivative               1,148    1,148        834      834 
 
 Total derivatives                 2,104    2,104      1,601    1,601 
 
 Total financial assets           31,219   31,219     33,535   33,535 
 
 
 
 Financial liabilities 
 Financial liabilities 
  held at amortised cost: 
 Collateral held                   (330)      (330)      (250)      (250) 
 European Investment 
  Bank loans                       (459)      (719)      (454)      (731) 
 Bonds issued under 
  the DIP                       (28,832)   (32,256)   (31,597)   (36,414) 
 
                                (29,621)   (33,305)   (32,301)   (37,395) 
 
 
 Trade and other payables 
  at amortised cost                (190)      (190)      (211)      (211) 
 
 
 Derivatives 
 Derivative financial 
  instruments                    (1,407)    (1,407)    (1,022)    (1,022) 
 Embedded derivative                   -          -          -          - 
 
 Total derivatives               (1,407)    (1,407)    (1,022)    (1,022) 
 
 Total financial liabilities    (31,218)   (34,902)   (33,534)   (38,628) 
 
 

Derivatives

The company has contracted with NRIL to administer the DIP, the terms of which are set out in an administration agreement. NRIL has a comprehensive risk management process and the Treasury Committee, being a full sub-committee of the Network Rail board, has approved and monitors the risk management processes, including documented treasury policies, counterparty limits, controlling and reporting structures.

Proceeds from the DIP are lent on to NRIL under the intercompany loan agreement which gives rise to an embedded derivative. In addition, the company also uses other derivatives to reduce the foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk of NRIL. The company does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. The use of derivative instruments can give rise to credit and market risk. Market risk is the possibility that future changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates may make a derivative more or less valuable. Since the company uses derivatives for risk management, market risk relating to derivative instruments will principally be offset by changes in the valuation of the underlying assets or liabilities.

Credit risk

The credit risk with regard to all classes of derivative financial instrument is limited because counterparties are banks with high credit ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies. A treasury sub-committee of the NRIL board authorises the policy for setting counterparty limits based on credit-ratings. The company spreads its exposure over a number of counterparties and has strict policies on how much exposure can be assigned to each counterparty before cash collateral is sought.

The concentration of the company's investments varies depending on the level of surplus liquidity. However, because of the strict criteria governing counterparties' suitability the risk is mitigated. A treasury sub-committee of the NRIL board also authorises the types of investment and borrowing instruments that may be used.

The credit risk on the intercompany loan with NRIL is considered limited as the Secretary of State for Transport has provided an unlimited financial indemnity in respect of borrowings under the DIP which expires in 2052 meaning that obligations to debt holders could still be fulfilled without NRIL.

Particular attention is paid to the credit risk of swap counterparties. The credit risk with regard to all classes of derivative financial instruments entered into before 1 January 2013 is limited because Network Rail has arrangements in place which limits each counterparty to a threshold (based on credit ratings) which if exceeded requires the counterparty to post cash collateral. The thresholds were agreed by the treasury committee. In December 2012 the group entered into new collateral agreements in respect of derivative trades entered into after 1 January 2013. Under the terms of the new agreements Network Rail and its counterparties are required to post collateral for the full fair value of their net out of the money positions.

Foreign exchange risk

The company is exposed to currency risks from its financing and, from time to time, investing activities. Foreign exchange risk for all currencies is managed by the use of currency swaps to limit the effects of movements in exchange rates on foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

The company considers a ten percentage point increase in the value of any currency against sterling to be a reasonably possible change and this would not have a material impact on the company's net profit before tax or equity. This is due to the workings of the intercompany loan agreement and the consequent embedded derivative.

Interest and inflation rate risk

The company is exposed to interest rate risk from its financing and investing activities. Interest rate risk for all debt is managed by the use of interest rate swaps to limit the effects of movements in interest rates on floating rate liabilities.

Due to the workings of the intercompany loan agreement and the consequent embedded derivative, an increase or decrease in average interest rates during the year would have no impact upon the statement of comprehensive income, the net assets or the reserves of the company.

The company has certain debt issuances which are index-linked and so is exposed to movements in inflation rates. The company does not enter into any derivative arrangements to hedge these.

Due to the workings of the intercompany loan agreement and the consequent embedded derivative an increase or decrease in average inflation rates during the year would have no impact upon the statement of comprehensive income, the net assets or the reserves of the company.

Embedded derivative

The obligations and rights of the company under the intercompany loan agreement with NRIL give rise to an embedded derivative in that agreement which reflects the external currency and interest rates risks to which the company is exposed. The embedded derivative is treated as a separate derivative and accounted for in accordance with the accounting policy in note 2.

Liquidity risk management

Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the board of directors. A treasury sub-committee of the board of NRIL, who acts as administrator for NRIF, has built an appropriate liquidity risk management framework for the management of the company's short, medium and long-term funding and liquidity management requirements. Liquidity is provided by monitoring that NRIL has sufficient funds to meet its obligations to NRIF. NRIL are able to vary drawdowns under the DfT loan agreement in order to maintain liquidity. In addition a GBP4bn commercial paper programme is available to provide liquidity in the event of the withdrawal of, or default by DfT, under the DfT Loan Facility.

Treasury is subject to regular internal audits.

In addition, the Secretary of State for Transport has provided an unlimited financial indemnity in respect of borrowings under the DIP (which expires in 2052).

The following table details the company's remaining contractual maturity for its financial liabilities. The table has been drawn up on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date on which the company can be required to pay and, therefore, differs from both the carrying value and the fair value. The table includes both interest and principal cash flows.

 
                              Within       1-2       2-5         5+      Total 
                              1 year     years     years      years 
                                GBPm      GBPm      GBPm       GBPm       GBPm 
 
 31 March 2016 
 
 Non derivative financial liabilities 
 Bank loans and 
  overdrafts                     (5)       (5)      (16)      (545)      (571) 
 
 Bonds issued under the DIP 
 Sterling denominated 
  DIP bonds                    (709)     (954)   (1,589)    (4,873)    (8,125) 
 Sterling denominated 
  index linked DIP 
  bonds                        (241)     (248)     (790)   (39,485)   (40,764) 
 Foreign currency 
  denominated DIP 
  bonds                      (2,253)     (912)   (1,970)      (482)    (5,617) 
 
 Derivative financial 
  liabilities 
 Net settled derivative 
  contracts                     (90)     (152)     (493)      (249)      (984) 
 Gross settled derivative 
  contracts - receipts         2,252       909     1,970        482      5,613 
 Gross settled derivative 
  contracts - payments       (1,921)     (797)   (1,769)      (337)    (4,824) 
 
 Collateral held               (332)         -         -          -      (332) 
 
                             (3,299)   (2,159)   (4,657)   (45,489)   (55,604) 
 
 
 
                              Within       1-2       2-5         5+      Total 
                              1 year     years     years      years 
                                GBPm      GBPm      GBPm       GBPm       GBPm 
 
 31 March 2015 
 
 Non derivative financial liabilities 
 Bank loans and 
  overdrafts                     (5)       (6)      (18)    (1,010)    (1,039) 
 
 Bonds issued under the DIP 
 Sterling denominated 
  DIP bonds                  (2,126)     (709)   (1,346)    (6,069)   (10,250) 
 Sterling denominated 
  index linked DIP 
  bonds                        (236)     (241)     (761)   (36,243)   (37,481) 
 Foreign currency 
  denominated DIP 
  bonds                      (1,365)   (2,182)   (2,781)      (467)    (6,795) 
 
 Derivative financial 
  liabilities 
 Net settled derivative 
  contracts                     (45)     (107)     (456)      (394)    (1,002) 
 Gross settled derivative 
  contracts - receipts         1,365     2,181     2,745         59      6,350 
 Gross settled derivative 
  contracts - payments       (1,252)   (1,770)   (2,561)       (47)    (5,630) 
 
 Collateral held               (250)         -         -          -      (250) 
 
                             (3,914)   (2,834)   (5,178)   (44,171)   (56,097) 
 
 

Offsetting financial assets and liabilities

a) Financial assets

The following financial assets are subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting arrangements and similar agreements.

 
                                                                             Related amounts 
                                                                                not set off 
                                                                              in the balance 
                                                                                   sheet 
                               Gross            Gross      Net amount      Financial          Cash       Net 
                             amounts          amounts    of financial    instruments    collateral    amount 
                       of recognised    of recognised          assets                     received 
                           financial        financial       presented 
                              assets      liabilities          in the 
                                              set off         balance 
                                               in the           sheet 
                                              balance 
                                                sheet 
 31 March 2016                  GBPm             GBPm            GBPm           GBPm          GBPm      GBPm 
 
 Derivative 
  financial assets             2,104                -           2,104          (686)         (257)     1,161 
 
 

At the year ended 31 March 2016 Network Rail Infrastructure Finance plc paid GBP5.4m of collateral on behalf of Network Rail Infrastructure Limited through the intercompany loan arrangements.

 
                                                                             Related amounts 
                                                                                not set off 
                                                                              in the balance 
                                                                                   sheet 
                               Gross            Gross      Net amount      Financial          Cash       Net 
                             amounts          amounts    of financial    instruments    collateral    amount 
                       of recognised    of recognised          assets                     received 
                           financial        financial       presented 
                              assets      liabilities          in the 
                                              set off         balance 
                                               in the           sheet 
                                              balance 
                                                sheet 
 31 March 2015                  GBPm             GBPm            GBPm           GBPm          GBPm      GBPm 
 
 Derivative 
  financial assets             1,601                -           1,601          (535)         (156)       910 
 
 

b) Financial liabilities

The following financial liabilities are subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting arrangements and similar agreements.

 
                                                                                  Related amounts 
                                                                                     not set off 
                                                                                   in the balance 
                                                                                        sheet 
                                    Gross            Gross      Net amount      Financial          Cash       Net 
                                  amounts          amounts    of financial    instruments    collateral    amount 
                            of recognised    of recognised     liabilities                        paid* 
                                financial        financial       presented 
                              liabilities           assets          in the 
                                                   set off         balance 
                                                    in the           sheet 
                                                   balance 
                                                     sheet 
 31 March 2016                       GBPm             GBPm            GBPm           GBPm          GBPm      GBPm 
 
 Derivative 
  financial liabilities           (1,407)                -         (1,407)            686           721         - 
 
 
 
                                                                                  Related amounts 
                                                                                     not set off 
                                                                                   in the balance 
                                                                                        sheet 
                                    Gross            Gross      Net amount      Financial          Cash       Net 
                                  amounts          amounts    of financial    instruments    collateral    amount 
                            of recognised    of recognised     liabilities                         paid 
                                financial        financial       presented 
                              liabilities           assets          in the 
                                                   set off         balance 
                                                    in the           sheet 
                                                   balance 
                                                     sheet 
 31 March 2015                       GBPm             GBPm            GBPm           GBPm          GBPm      GBPm 
 
 Derivative 
  financial liabilities           (1,022)                -         (1,022)            535           487         - 
 
 

Fair value measurements recognised in the balance sheet

The following table provides an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, grouped into Levels 1 to 3 based on the degree to which the fair value is observable:

-- Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

-- Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. The fair value of interest rate and cross currency swaps is calculated as the present value of the estimated future cash flows using yield curves at the reporting date; and

-- Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

 
 As at 31 March 2016:                Level     Level   Level 
                                         1         2       3      Total 
                                      GBPm      GBPm    GBPm       GBPm 
 
 Derivative financial 
  assets                                 -     2,104       -      2,104 
 Financial assets at amortised 
  cost                                   -    29,115       -     29,115 
 
 Assets                                  -    31,219       -     31,219 
 
 
 Derivative financial 
  liabilities                            -   (1,407)       -    (1,407) 
 Financial liabilities 
  held at amortised cost          (31,466)   (2,028)       -   (33,494) 
 
 Liabilities                      (31,466)   (3,435)       -   (34,901) 
 
 
 
 Total                            (31,466)    27,784       -    (3,682) 
 
 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and 2 during the year.

 
 As at 31 March 2015:                Level     Level   Level 
                                         1         2       3      Total 
                                      GBPm      GBPm    GBPm       GBPm 
 
 Derivative financial 
  assets                                 -     1,601       -      1,601 
 Financial assets at amortised 
  cost                                   -    31,934       -     31,934 
 
 Assets                                  -    33,535       -     33,535 
 
 
 Derivative financial 
  liabilities                            -   (1,022)       -    (1,022) 
 Financial liabilities 
  held at amortised cost          (35,476)   (2,130)       -   (37,606) 
 
 Liabilities                      (35,476)   (3,152)       -   (38,628) 
 
 
 
 Total                            (35,476)    30,383       -    (5,093) 
 
 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and 2 during the prior year.

The fair value of Level 2 derivatives is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows using appropriate yield curves based on quoted market rates as at the current financial year end.

13. Share capital

 
 
                                   31 March    31 March 
                                       2016        2015 
                                        GBP         GBP 
 
Authorised, issued and partly 
 paid: 
2 ordinary shares of GBP1 
 fully paid up                            2           2 
49,998 ordinary shares of 
 GBP1 partly paid to GBP0.25 
 each                                12,500      12,500 
 
                                     12,502      12,502 
 
 

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new ordinary shares are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

14. Notes to the cash flow statement

 
 
                                         31 March    31 March 
                                             2016        2015 
                                             GBPm        GBPm 
 
Profit before tax                               -           1 
 
Operating cash flow before movements 
 in working capital                             -           1 
 
Decrease in receivables                     2,849       2,652 
 
Net cash consumed by operating 
 activities                                 2,849       2,653 
 
 

15. Controlling party and related party transactions

50,000 shares of the company are held by HSBC Trustee (C.I.) Limited. All shares and distributable reserves in the company are held for charitable purposes.

Legal control of the company is disclosed above but effective control of the company is held by Network Rail and therefore by the DfT and Secretary of State.

On this basis for accounting purposes the company is treated as a subsidiary in the consolidated accounts of Network Rail.

Transactions with NRIL are clearly identified within the relevant notes to the accounts.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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