Interim Results

Redde Northgate PLC
06 December 2023
 

                                   6 December 2023

This announcement contains inside information

 

REDDE NORTHGATE PLC

("Redde Northgate" or the "Group" or the "Company")

Strong underlying results with good momentum and pipeline

Redde Northgate (LSE:REDD), the leading integrated mobility solutions platform providing services across the vehicle lifecycle, is pleased to announce its results for the half-year ended 31 October 2023 (the 'period').

Half Year results

Reported

Underlying1

6 months ended 31 October

H1 2024

H1 2023

Change

H1 2024

H1 2023

Change

 

£m

£m

%

£m

£m

%

Revenue

911.3

696.3

30.9%

733.8

627.6

16.9%

EBIT

113.3

111.6

1.6%

115.0

93.4

23.1%

Profit before Tax

97.4

101.9

(4.4%)

99.1

83.7

18.3%

Earnings per Share

32.9p

34.4p

 (4.4%)

33.4p

28.1p

18.9%

1 excludes vehicle sales revenue, exceptional items, amortisation of acquired intangible assets and adjustments to underlying depreciation.  See GAAP reconciliation on page 4.

 



 



Other measures

H1 2024

H1 2023

Change

 

£m

£m

%

Net debt

755.0

661.3

14.2%

                                                                            Fleet assets

£1.23bn

£1.09bn

12.8%

                                                                        Leverage

1.6x

1.6x

n/a

                EBITDA              

220.0

198.8

10.7%

ROCE

14.8%

13.5%

1.3ppt

Dividend per Share

8.3p

7.5p

10.7%


                        

Martin Ward, CEO of Redde Northgate, commented:

This has been a strong trading period for the business and continues the progress we have seen since the launch of our integrated services platform.

Growth from new contract wins continues to support revenue and earnings momentum in the near term. With a strong prospect pipeline, and a large proportion of our revenues underpinned by multi-year service contracts, we see the quality of earnings being a standout feature of the business.

Cash generation has been good, allowing us to invest in developing our fleet assets, and supporting our expansion plans, with 9 new site openings in progress. Our borrowings leverage remains in the middle of our target range and the business has a strong balance sheet to support value generating opportunities.

With visibility of earnings underpinned, the Board is confident on the outlook for H2 and now expects to be delivering earnings modestly ahead of market consensus on a full year basis.



Key financial highlights

 

·      Total revenue growth up 30.9%; underlying revenue up 16.9% with strong claims and services revenue growth (up 25.7%) supported by increased volumes from recent contracts and higher fleet disposal activity

·      Vehicle hire revenue rose 6.7%; Spain up over 10% supported by VOH growth of 4.3%, UK&I up 4.4% with growth in ancillary products; plus careful pricing actions in both businesses

·      Disposal profits of £34.7m (H1 2023: £24.7m), from higher fleet sales volumes totalling 18,800; continued LCV residual value strength, replacement car fleet now sold through Van Monster channels

·      Stable margins for both vehicle rental and accident claims and repair businesses, Spain remains above mid-teens long term expected range, at 20.8% (H1 2023: 20.4%)

·      Reported PBT of £97.4m (H1 2023: £101.9m) including depreciation adjustment of £7.6m (H1 2023: £28.2m); underlying PBT up 18.3% to £99.1m due to strong operational performance and disposal profits, partially offset by higher interest costs

·      EBITDA grew 10.7% to £220.0m (H1 2023: £198.8m) due to strong operational performance; uses of cash included £103m of replacement capex, of which c.£25m of additional capex in order to address fleet ageing

·        Strong balance sheet with stable 1.6x leverage (H1 2023: 1.6x), supported by fleet assets of £1.23bn (H1 2023: £1.09bn) and over £236m of facility headroom

·      Shareholder returns: 10.7% increase in interim dividend to 8.3p; £30m share buyback programme running since August, £10m spend by end-November

H1 business highlights

·      Group fleet remains at c.130,000 vehicles, 1% lower than April 2023; with 3% growth in Spain where supply availability is good offsetting ongoing UK&I supply challenges, but pockets of availability appearing

·      Lex Autolease multi-service contract live in September and performing above expectations; further multi-year contract extensions agreed, including specialist customer segment for insurance partner 

·      Specialist vehicles: FridgeXpress (acquired May 23) integration progressing, bringing additional customer opportunities; Blakedale (acquired July 22) strongly growing both customer base and revenues

·      Increasing capacity through investment in 7 new facilities opened or nearing completion:
2 new Spanish branches/ 1 workshop, 2 new FMG RS facilities (Bristol/ N London), 2 new Northgate branches (Inverness/ N London)

·      Supporting net zero transition: Spain awarded £1.2m EU grant supporting EV purchases; UK&I largest EV fleet order to date for 100 vehicles; 89 UK locations now have EV charging points

Outlook

Redde Northgate continues to deliver on its strategic goals and is enjoying strong demand as well as platform momentum and a healthy pipeline which gives the board confidence in the Group's prospects. With the continued momentum in the business we now expect earnings for the full year to be modestly ahead of market consensus.

 

Analyst Briefing and Investor Meet presentation

A hybrid presentation for sell-side analysts and institutional investors will be held at 9.30am today, 6 December 2023. If you are interested in attending, please email Buchanan on reddenorthgate@buchanan.uk.com to request the joining details.  This presentation will also be made available via a link on the Company's website www.reddenorthgate.com.  

 

The Company will also provide a roadshow presentation via the Investor Meet Company platform on Monday 11th December 2023 at 1.30pm for institutional and retail investors. Click here to register: https://www.investormeetcompany.com/redde-northgate-plc/registerinvestor  

 

Redde 'spotlight' session

A presentation providing greater insight into our Redde group of businesses is scheduled to take place at 12pm on Tuesday 16 January 2024 for sell-side analysts and institutional investors. If you are interested in attending, please email Buchanan on reddenorthgate@buchanan.uk.com to request the joining details.  This presentation will subsequently be made available via a link on the Company's website www.reddenorthgate.com.  

 

This announcement is made on behalf of Redde Northgate plc by James Kerton, Company Secretary of Redde Northgate plc.

 

For further information contact: 

Ross Hawley, Head of Investor Relations                                                           +44 (0) 204 566 7090

 

Buchanan                                                                                        

David Rydell/Jamie Hooper/Verity Parker                                                         +44 (0) 207 466 5000

Notes to Editors:

Redde Northgate is the leading integrated mobility solutions platform providing services across the vehicle lifecycle. The Company offers integrated mobility solutions to businesses, fleet operators, insurers, OEMs and other customers across the following key areas: vehicle rental, vehicle data, accident management, vehicle repairs, fleet management, service and maintenance, vehicle ancillary services and vehicle sales.

 

The Company's core purpose is to keep its customers mobile, whether through meeting their regular mobility needs or by servicing and supporting them when unforeseen events occur. With its considerable scale and reach, Redde Northgate's mission is to offer a market-leading customer proposition and drive enhanced returns for shareholders by creating value through sustainable compounding growth. The Group aims to achieve this through the delivery of its strategic framework of Focus, Drive and Broaden.

 

Redde Northgate services its customers through a network and diversified fleet of approx. 130,000 owned and leased vehicles, supporting over 700,000 managed vehicles, with over 170 branches across the UK, Ireland and Spain and a specialist team of over 7,500 employees.

 

Further information regarding Redde Northgate plc can be found on the Company's website www.reddenorthgate.com.  



 

GAAP reconciliation tables

Consolidated income statement reconciliation

Six month period ending

(Unaudited)

Foot

note

31.10.2023

Statutory

31.10.2023

Adjustments

31.10.2023

Underlying

31.10.2022

Statutory

31.10.2022

Adjustments

 31.10.2022

Underlying


(below)

2023

2023

2023

2022

2022

2022

 


£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

 


 

 





Revenue

(a)

911.3

(177.5)

733.8

696.3

(68.7)

627.6

Cost of sales

(b + c)

(685.3)

169.9

(515.4)

(478.8)

40.5

(438.4)

Gross profit


226.0

(7.6)

218.4

217.5

(28.2)

189.2

Administrative expenses

(d)

(113.5)

9.3

(104.2)

(107.5)

10.1

(97.4)

Operating profit


112.5

1.7

114.2

110.0

(18.2)

91.8

Income from associates


0.8

-

0.8

1.6

-

1.6

EBIT


113.3

1.7

115.0

111.6

(18.2)

93.4

Finance income


0.2

-

0.2

-

-

-

Finance costs


(16.1)

-

(16.1)

(9.7)

-

(9.7)

Profit before taxation


97.4

1.7

99.1

101.9

(18.2)

83.7

Taxation

(e)

(22.9)

(0.4)

(23.3)

(19.9)

3.2

(16.7)

Profit for the period


74.6

1.3

75.8

82.0

(15.0)

67.0



 

 

 




Shares for EPS calculation (Note 4)


226.7m

 

226.7m

238.7m


238.7m

Basic EPS


32.9p

 

33.4p

34.4p


28.1p

Foot notes


 

 

 




Adjustments comprise:


 

 





Revenue: sale of vehicles

(a)

 

(177.5)



(68.7)


Cost of sales: revenue sale of vehicles net down

(b)

 

177.5



68.7


Adjustments to underlying depreciation (see Financial Review)

(c)

 

(7.6)



(28.2)


Gross profit


 

(7.6)



(28.2)


Exceptional items (Note 11)


 

-



-


Amortisation of acquired intangible assets (Note 6)


 

9.3



10.1


Administrative expenses

(d)

 

9.3



10.1


Adjustments to EBIT


 

1.7



(18.2)


Adjustments to PBT


 

1.7



(18.2)


Tax on exceptional items (Note 11)

 

 

-



-


Tax on brand royalty charges and amortisation of acquired intangible assets and tax rate change on acquired intangible assets

 

 

(0.4)



3.2


Tax adjustments

(e)


(0.4)



3.2


Adjustments to profit

 

 

1.3



(15.0)


 

 

 

 





GROUP OVERVIEW

Differentiated business model delivering continued growth

The first half of the year saw continued progress on our growth strategy and a strong financial performance, with notable growth within our Spanish rental business and for Redde in particular.  While vehicle supply constrained the UK&I rental proposition, the business delivered rental revenue growth of over 4%, reflecting strong demand and growth in ancillary and specialist products and pricing actions.

Our business model focuses on leveraging our significant asset base and industry-leading expertise, delivering a differentiated product offering for customers who are attracted to the breadth and scale of services we can provide in integrated and tailored solutions. We offer a broad range of value-added services and analytics delivering smart mobility solutions for a diverse and growing range of customers.

We utilise prudent levels of leverage, well below that of vehicle rental peers, to acquire vehicles supporting both vehicle rental and incident management service solutions. Our owned vehicle fleet provides significant asset backing for our borrowings, with fleet assets of £1.23bn compared to net debt of £755m at the half year. As we are in a growth phase, we expect to consume cash, investing in tangible assets on which we seek to achieve a return significantly above our cost of capital, whilst maintaining leverage within our 1-2x target range. 

Strength of demand

Across our businesses demand has continued to grow, significantly outstripping supply, from vehicle provision through to accident repair capacity.  We have therefore carefully managed our offering and customer exposures, focusing on supporting key customers. Allocation of supply is to sectors where we see sustainable growth opportunities, attractive margins and minimising risk exposures; vehicle rental utilisation rates also remain high at 91-92%.

Within vehicle rental, the diversity of the customer base provides resilience and multiple sources of demand, with no sector accounting for more than 15% in Northgate UK&I. Our recent specialist vehicle acquisitions FridgeXpress and Blakedale both increased their customer base in the period.  Spain grew across all product offerings, with 25% of new vehicles allocated to new customers, reflecting its growing market presence and improving vehicle supply.

Over 75% of Redde revenues were generated from multi-year contracts with more than 12 months to run and we renewed a number of contracts as well as adding a new specialist customer category to our coverage for a major insurance partner.  Credit hire and repair counterparties now in claims protocol or in discussions for joining is increasing, reflecting the strength of the offering and advantages insurers see in working with a trusted partner and the benefits of a more streamlined and efficient claims process. 

Vehicle supply constraints easing

Overall vehicle supply has been improving; however it remains both geographically and LCV category-specific and also at levels well below historic norms.  Both cars and LCVs are more readily available in Spain, which benefits from being a left-hand drive market and able to tap into pan-European supply systems.  Production volumes are still limited, and the business expanded its OEM range in order to service the strength of demand currently enjoyed. 

The UK&I saw a slight easing of supply liquidity, principally within the replacement car fleet, together with increasing pockets of supply within certain LCV categories. However, there remained a lack of consistent availability, in particular to service the high demand for short wheel base vehicles.  While the trend is positive, new LCV registrations remain at 10-year lows and continue to provide challenges for the UK&I business.

The consequence of limited supply is ongoing strength of LCV residual values in both countries, despite increasing levels of defleeting through our in-house sales channels of Van Monster which includes eAuction.  The average age of the Spanish fleet reduced from its peak in H1 2023 and now stands at 31 months.  The UK&I fleet age is now starting to moderate and this is expected to continue; both have been achieved while maintaining leverage in the midpoint of our range, at 1.6x (FY 2023: 1.6x).

Expanding growth opportunities

The Group continues to see attractive options both organically and inorganically and reviews a broad range of opportunities alongside its focus on fleet growth.  We see a healthy pipeline of potential opportunities and attractive market adjacencies to further expand the potential of our integrated mobility platform.  We have also sought to expand our capacity to better service both insurance partners and fleet customers, with initiatives and enhanced social media campaigns targeted at attracting technicians. 

We opened a new FMG RS facility in Hoddesdon and the development of a further new facility in Bristol is nearing completion together with a new combined Northgate and Auxillis branch in London which adds both workshop and replacement vehicle capacity in a much-improved location. Together with increasing our independent repair network to over 500 body shops in the period, we are expanding and improving our estate to help deliver an ever more responsive and efficient service to customers. 

We have also expanded capacity in Spain in response to strong market conditions, moving our largest workshop onto a two-shift working pattern and opened a new branch in November in the northwestern León province.  An additional service workshop in an underrepresented region has improved capacity and customer service and a further branch opening in the northeast region is scheduled for H2 2024.  

Supporting sustainability

While large-scale EV adoption will remain reliant on improving infrastructure, EV range and payload capability, there is growing demand for EVs and for our EV advisory and consulting services.  The UK&I team is fulfilling its largest single order, for 100 e-LCVs for an energy sector client and in Spain, the business was awarded a Moves II Plan grant by the EU to support the purchase of 500 additional EVs and 3,000 telematics units. Within the business EV charging is now installed in 89 of our UK sites and in most of our Spanish urban sites. 

The Group Sustainability Committee and working groups are looking at ways to further embed emissions reductions within the business, and within management performance targets, to help drive behavioural change.  Our recent employee survey recorded an 8ppt increase in employees feeling valued.  Industry awards are a good reflection of customer service perspectives, with Spain winning a prestigious Dirigentes customer award, Charged EV winning 'Best New Service', and the local council award for 'Contribution to the environment' for the Darlington-based volunteering team. We are shortlisted for a number of other UK awards due to be announced in the current awards season and were recently highly commended for our employee well-being programme at the 2023 FN50 awards.

Strong financial capacity and sustainable shareholder returns

Even after significant investment, leverage has remained at 1.6x and continues to have significant headroom on our committed banking facilities.  The Board has declared an interim dividend of 8.3p per share (H1 2023: 7.5p) to be paid on 12 January 2024 to shareholders on the register as at close of business on 15 December 2023.  The interim dividend represents 50% of the final dividend for the year ended 30 April 2023 in line with previous guidance. 

The current share buyback programme has been underway since August 2023, reflecting the attractive proposition of risk-free enhancement of shareholder returns.  As at the end of November 3 million shares had been acquired at a cost of £10m and are being held in treasury.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Group Revenue and EBIT

Six months ended 31 October

H1 2024

H1 2023

Change

Change

 

£m

£m

£m

%

Revenue - vehicle hire

322.9

302.7

20.2

6.7%

Revenue - vehicle sales

177.5

68.7

108.8

158.2%

Revenue - claims and services

410.9

324.9

86.0

26.5%

Total revenue

911.3

696.3

215.0

30.9%

Rental profit

59.6

53.8

5.8

10.6%

Disposal profit

34.7

24.7

10.0

40.5%

Claims and services profit

25.5

18.9

6.6

35.1%

Corporate costs

(5.6)

(5.5)

(0.1)

0.2%

Underlying operating profit

114.2

91.8

22.4

24.3%

Income from associates

0.8

1.6

(0.8)

(48.7%)

Underlying EBIT

115.0

93.4

21.6

23.1%

Underlying EBIT margin[3]

15.7%

14.9%

-

0.8ppt

Statutory EBIT

113.3

111.6

1.7

1.6%

 

Revenue

Total Group revenue, including vehicle sales, of £911.3m was 30.9% higher than prior period while revenue excluding vehicle sales of £733.8m (H1 2023: £627.6m), was 16.9% higher than the prior period.

Hire revenues increased 6.7% mainly due to pricing actions to address cost inflation; Group VOH was 1.2% lower than the prior period, with continued LCV supply challenges constraining Northgate UK&I, while Northgate Spain was able to grow, reflecting greater availability of new vehicles.  Claims and services revenue growth of 26.5% reflected higher activity including increased volumes from new business wins which have launched since the start of the previous financial year, and an industry-wide rise in chargeable costs reflecting inflation across the supply chain.

Group vehicle sales revenue increased by 158%. This includes £72.1m from sales of ex-Auxillis fleet cars and other non-fleet vehicles.  Excluding those vehicles, there was a 53.2% increase in vehicle sales revenue with a 79.3% increase in the number of vehicles sold, reflecting a change in mix of vehicles sold and some expected softening of LCV residual values compared to the prior period.

EBIT

Statutory EBIT increased 1.6%, while underlying EBIT of £115.0m grew 23.1% compared to the prior period; reflecting an increase in disposal profits, strong rental performance, and higher volumes in Redde.  The statutory EBIT includes a £7.6m credit (H1 2023: £28.2m) for adjustments to depreciation rates and £9.3m (H1 2023: £10.1m) amortisation on acquired intangible assets.

Rental profit increased 10.6% to £59.6m (H1 2023: £53.8m) with a £2.6m increase in Northgate UK&I and an £3.1m increase in Northgate Spain. Redde saw volume growth across its product offerings, resulting in a £5.9m increase in underlying EBIT, including income from associates, to £26.3m (H1 2023: £20.4m).

Total disposal profits for the period of £34.7m were 40.5% higher than the prior period with 18,800 vehicles sold (H1 2023: 7,600). This includes 4,900 sales of ex-Auxillis fleet cars and other non-fleet vehicles through the Northgate UK&I sales channels.  As expected, underlying LCV residual values have softened slightly compared to the prior period but remain higher than historical pre-COVID-19 levels.



 

Northgate UK&I

Six months ended 31 October

H1 2024

H1 2023

Change

KPI

('000)

('000)

%

Average VOH

45.9

49.2

(6.8%)

Closing VOH

45.1

49.3

(8.3%)

Average utilisation %

91%

92%

(1ppt)

Six months ended 31 October

H1 2024

H1 2023

Change

PROFIT & LOSS (Underlying)

£m

£m

%

Revenue - vehicle hire[4]

192.3

184.1

4.4%

Revenue - vehicle sales

132.4

50.3

163.3%

Total revenue

324.7

234.4

38.5%

Rental profit

31.4

28.8

9.2%

Rental margin %

16.3%

15.6%

0.7ppt

Disposal profit

18.2

18.8

(3.1%)

Underlying EBIT

49.6

47.5

4.3%

EBIT margin %[5]

25.8%

25.8%

-ppt

ROCE %

16.1%

16.1%

-ppt

 

Rental revenue grew 4.4% in the period, with continued supply challenges for LCVs offset by growth in ancillary and specialist products alongside carefully managed pricing actions.  The ongoing focus on supporting key clients, targeting the most robust sectors and protecting margin, helped mitigate much of the constraints from lack of fleet supply.  Fleet ageing increased by 0.4 months during the period to 36.5 months, as we looked to support strong customer demand with many businesses keen to retain vehicles at end of current rental terms where replacements are not yet available.

Average VOH at 45,900 was 3,300 down on H1 2023 and the rental fleet was 49,100 at the end of October 2023 compared to 50,800 at the end of April 2023.  Pockets of LCV supply have become increasingly available but supply generally remains well below historic levels for right-hand drive vehicles, reflecting the continued limited number of LCV registrations in the UK which are still running at the low point of the past decade.  Vehicle sales increased to £132.4m as Van Monster have started to sell Auxillis cars once defleeted.  Disposal profits were similar to the prior period, reflecting the combination of strong LCV residual values and softening car residual values.

Ancillary service revenues grew 22% over the prior period, including for accident management support and fleet management services.   Seven EV customer experience days were held throughout calendar 2023 and the largest single EV order to date, for 100 vehicles, was received.  There continues to be structural momentum for fleet transitions to EV, with the business initiating an increasing number of conversations held with corporate customers on supporting their first strategic actions.

Growth investment included the acquisition of FridgeXpress, a leading provider of temperature-controlled LCVs and trailers acquired at the start of the period which has been integrated into our wider sales infrastructure.  The Inverness branch opened in May and will by the end of 2023 be joined by a relocated North London branch which adds new workshop and replacement vehicle capabilities, alongside an enlarged and refreshed vehicle rental facility. 

Financial overview

Northgate UK&I rental profit increased 9.2% to £31.4m (H1 2023: £28.8m) with rental margins 0.7ppt higher at 16.3% (H1 2023: 15.6%). The FY 2023 full year margin was 15.1%.

Disposal revenues increased 163% to £132.4m (H1 2023: £50.3m) reflecting a 135% increase in vehicle sales, including sales of 4,900 Auxillis cars and other non-fleet vehicles and was reflected in the overall PPU outcome of £1,600 (H1 2023: £3,800). Disposal profits remained strong at £18.2m compared to £18.8m in the prior period.

The net impact of the reduction in VOH, higher rental margin and reduced disposal profits was a 4.3% increase in underlying EBIT to £49.6m (H1 2023: £47.5m).

Rental business

Vehicle hire revenue in Northgate UK&I was £192.3m (H1 2023: £184.1m), an increase of 4.4%. A 12.5% increase in average revenue per vehicle reflected fleet mix, applied rate increases, and were offset by a 6.8% reduction in average VOH.

Average VOH of 45,900 was 3,300 lower than the prior period (H1 2023: 49,200) and compares to 48,900 average for FY 2023 with the shortage in supply of new vehicles restricting growth in the period.

Northgate UK&I's minimum term proposition accounted for 41% of average VOH (H1 2023: 38%). The average term of these contracts is approximately three years, providing both improved visibility of future rental revenue and earnings, as well as lower transactional costs.

Rental margin for the period was 16.3% compared to 15.6% in the prior period, and 15.1% in the full year FY 2023.  This was accomplished by increasing rates, partially offset by cost inflation and supported by the acquisition of FridgeXpress.

Management of fleet and vehicle sales

The closing Northgate UK&I rental fleet was 49,100 compared to 50,800 at 30 April 2023. During the period, 4,800 vehicles were purchased and acquired (H1 2023: 2,900) and 7,200 vehicles were de-fleeted (H1 2023: 3,700). The leased and contract hire fleet increased by 600 vehicles including those acquired with FridgeXpress. 

The average age of the fleet at the end of the period was 0.4 months higher than at 30 April 2023 and 2.9 months higher than at 31 October 2022. The fleet composition continues to be actively managed throughout this period of restricted market supply.

A total of 11,600 vehicles were sold in Northgate UK&I during the period, 137% higher than the prior period (H1 2023: 4,900 vehicles) as Van Monster sold 4,900 cars and other non-fleet vehicles including those which had been defleeted from the Redde fleet.  Disposal profits of £18.2m (H1 2023: £18.8m) were broadly in line with the prior period. The underlying LCV PPU was £3,500 compared to £3,800 in the prior period.



 

Northgate Spain

Six months ended 31 October

H1 2024

H1 2023

Change

KPI

('000)

('000)

%

Average VOH

55.5

53.2

4.3%

Closing VOH

55.8

53.8

3.7%

Average utilisation %

91%

92%

(1ppt)

Six months ended 31 October

H1 2024

H1 2023

Change

PROFIT & LOSS (Underlying)

£m

£m

%

Revenue - vehicle hire

135.2

122.7

10.2%

Revenue - vehicle sales

44.6

18.2

145.2%

Total revenue

179.8

140.9

27.6%

Rental profit

28.1

25.1

12.3%

Rental margin %

20.8%

20.4%

0.4ppt

Disposal profit

16.5

5.9

178.4%

Underlying EBIT

44.7

31.0

44.1%

EBIT margin %[6]

33.0%

25.3%

7.7ppt

ROCE %

14.5%

11.5%

3.0ppt

 

Rental revenue growth of 10.2% was achieved through a combination of increased VOH up 4.3%, and rate increases in both flex and minimum term offerings to mitigate cost inflation.  The business saw growth across its geographic regions and strong demand from all customer sectors, including for specialist vehicles (up 28%), ancillary services such as telematics and within its service network. 

There was progressive improvement in the supply of new vehicles, helped by a broadening of OEM suppliers, which accounted for a quarter of the new vehicles purchased in the period. After two years of fleet ageing as a consequence of limited supply, the average age of the fleet at the end of October 2023 had reduced by 2 months to 31 months from its October 2022 peak, as the business was able to de-fleet many of its oldest vehicles.  At the same time, PPUs remained strong and contributed to a significant increase in disposal profits.

Rental margin at over 20% remained close to historic highs and reflected the focus on operational efficiencies and managing high utilisation rates.  Growth initiatives included moving the largest workshop to a two-shift programme and continued use of parts recovery for use within the repair workshops.  An increase in workshop headcount and branch staff by over 60 employees reflected the strength of demand for the offering, with revenues from the initiative servicing third party vehicles up 38% on the prior year.  

Investment in capacity expansion included the opening of both a service centre in the south of the country, and a new branch in November 2023 in the northern León province, with a further two branches in development.  The focus on customer service excellence was recently recognised through three industry awards, including a prestigious Dirigentes Business Excellence Award.

Northgate Spain continues to be at the forefront of the low carbon transition, growing its EV and hybrid fleet by over 30% since October 2022. It was awarded a £1.2m grant by the EU (Moves flotas II) to support low carbon initiatives, which will include the purchase of over 500 EVs and telematics installation in over 3,000 vehicles.

 

Financial overview

Northgate Spain had a strong period with underlying EBIT of £44.7m, an increase of £13.7m or 44.1%, which was a result of 4.3% average VOH growth, strong rental margins of 20.8% compared to 20.4% in the prior period and higher disposal volumes with strong PPU's.

Rental business

Vehicle hire revenue in Northgate Spain was £135.2m (H1 2023: £122.7m), an increase of 10.2% (9.8% in local currency). Average VOH increased 4.3% and closing VOH increased 3.7% to 55,800.

Northgate Spain's minimum term proposition accounted for 35% (H1 2023: 35%) of average VOH. The average term of these contracts is approximately three years, providing visibility of future rental revenue and earnings.

The rental margin of 20.8% was 0.4ppt higher than the prior period from pricing increases and good management of direct costs.

The impact of the increase in hire revenue and rental margin resulted in rental profit increasing 12.3% to £28.1m (H1 2023: £25.1m).

Management of fleet and vehicle sales

The closing Northgate Spain rental fleet amounted to 63,300 compared to 61,400 vehicles at 30 April 2023.  During the period 9,500 vehicles were purchased (H1 2023: 5,700) and 7,600 vehicles were de-fleeted (H1 2023: 2,700 vehicles). The average age of the fleet at the end of the period was 2.1 months lower than at the same time last year.  This was due to replacement of older vehicles with improved market supply.

A total of 7,200 vehicles were sold in Northgate Spain during the period, 154% higher than prior period as the vehicle supply eased.

Disposal profits of £16.5m (H1 2023: £5.9m) increased 178% due to the increase volume of sales and an increase in PPU to £2,300 (H1 2023: £2,100) which resulted from a change in mix of vehicles sold and strong residual values.

 

 

 



 

Redde

Six months ended 31 October

H1 2024

H1 2023

Change

PROFIT & LOSS (Underlying)

£m

£m

%

Revenue - claims and services[7]

416.6

331.4

25.7%

Revenue - vehicle sales[8]

58.8

0.3

n/a

Total revenue

475.4

331.7

43.3%

Gross profit

82.0

70.4

16.4%

Gross margin %9

19.7%

21.2%

(1.5ppt)

Operating profit

25.5

18.9

35.1%

Income from associates

0.8

1.6

(48.7%)

Underlying EBIT

26.3

20.4

28.7%

EBIT margin %[9]

6.3%

6.2%

0.1ppt

ROCE %

16.6%

15.4%

1.2ppt

 

Claims and services revenue increased 25.7%, with both increased volumes from existing customers together with contributions from new contracts launched since the start of the previous financial year, supported by a 12% increase in industry approved repair rates reflecting continued labour shortages.  Vehicle sales of £58.8m reflect recycling of the car fleet, as vehicle supply improved, the majority of which is sold through Van Monster.  EBIT margin of 6.3% was broadly in line with prior period.

Within the period, the business confirmed extensions to a number of multi-year contracts, expanded its service offering to one of its largest insurance partners with the addition of repair capacity support to a new specialist customer segment.  It also managed the go-live process in September 2023 for a contract with one of the largest leasing companies, Lex Autolease, which outsourced its accident management requirements in a multi-service contract for the first time. 

Externally owned fleet vehicles covered by our repair and claims management services increased in number to over 800,000, equally split between insurer and other fleets. There is a robust pipeline of opportunities and contract discussions across the business as existing and potential customers see the benefit of working with a trusted and expert partner who can demonstrate significant operational efficiency benefits at a time of high claims inflation. 

Over 60% of credit hire and repair counterparties (by claims volume) now operate within protocol arrangements as they see the benefits of greater process efficiency with further significant partners in discussions; this will improve cash collection and working capital which will also be helped by the settlement of historic claims at the point insurers enter protocol arrangements.

The business continues to invest in its people with a number of initiatives and social media campaigns targeted on attracting technicians, alongside enhanced training and expansion of our apprentice scheme, where there are now over 135 apprentices within the business. Repair capacity was also expanded through the investment in FMG RS's first greenfield site in Hoddesdon, and a new Bristol facility commenced at the start of H2 2024. This investment reflects the strong customer demand for repair capacity and our appetite for supporting expansion whether through organic growth or acquisition.

Financial overview

During the period EBIT has increased by 28.7% to £26.3m, with growth in repair and claims management services and credit repair services in the period.

Revenue and profit

Revenue for the period (excluding vehicle sales) increased 25.7% to £416.6m (H1 2023: £331.4m) reflecting the full impact of recent contract wins and the volume mix in repair and claims management services. These favourable variances were offset by a reduction in credit hire length in comparison to the prior period. The prior period was affected by macro challenges in supply chains for parts and labour which has begun to return to normal.

Gross margin of 19.7% declined 1.5ppt (H1 2023: 21.2%) due to volume mix within the business. 

EBIT for the period increased 28.7% to £26.3m (H1 2023: £20.4m) reflecting the increased revenues earnt through credit repair services and repair and claims management services.

Management of fleet

The total fleet in Redde closed the period at 16,900 vehicles, down from 18,500 at 30 April 2023 with the lower fleet holding reflecting eased demand from reduced credit hire lengths and seasonality. 

The average fleet age at the end of the period was 14 months (FY 2023: 15 months) reflecting the lower fleet holding period than in the UK&I and Spain businesses due to the different composition of the fleet and usage of those vehicles.

The Redde fleet operates a hybrid financing approach including ownership, contract hire and, during peak periods, cross-hiring when needed. 



 

Group PBT and EPS

Six months ended 31 October

H1 2024

H1 2023

Change

Change

 

£m

£m

£m

%

Underlying EBIT

115.0

93.4

21.6

23.1%

Net finance costs

(15.9)

(9.7)

(6.2)

64.7%

Underlying profit before taxation

99.1

83.7

15.4

18.3%

Statutory profit before taxation

97.4

101.9

(4.5)

(4.4%)

Underlying effective tax rate

23.5%

20.0%

-

3.5ppt

Underlying EPS

33.4p

28.1p

5.3p

18.9%

Statutory EPS

32.9p

34.4p

(1.5p)

(4.4%)

 

Profit before taxation

Underlying PBT was 18.3% higher than prior period reflecting the higher EBIT across the Group. Statutory PBT was 4.4% lower including a £7.6m credit (H1 2023: £28.2m) relating to adjustments to depreciation rates on certain fleet as explained last year and further below.

Exceptional items

During the period, there were no items that were recognised as exceptional items (H1 2023: £nil).

Amortisation of acquired intangibles and adjustments to underlying depreciation charges are not exceptional items as they are recurring.  However, these items are excluded from underlying results in order to provide a better comparison of performance of the Group. The total amortisation of acquired intangibles charged in the period was £9.3m (H1 2023: £10.1m).

Depreciation rate changes

As explained at the FY 2023 year end, residual values have increased significantly over recent years due to the disruption of new vehicle supply which has increased demand for used vehicles. Up to April 2022, no changes had been made to depreciation rates on existing fleet vehicles as the extent and longevity of this buoyancy in residual values remained uncertain. However, it continued for longer than anticipated and uncertainty remains over how long it will take for supply of new and used vehicles to return to a more normal level. 

For this reason, there are a number of vehicles on our fleet where the depreciated book value is below or very close to the expected residual value at disposal. In line with the requirements of accounting standards, a decision was made to reduce depreciation rates from 1 May 2022 on certain vehicles remaining on the fleet which were purchased before FY 2021.



 

The total adjustment made to underlying depreciation in the period was a credit of £7.6m comprising £23.6m reduced depreciation offset by £15.9m reduced disposal profits.  The adjustment remains materially in line with expectations set out in the FY 2023 annual report.

Interest

Net finance charges increased to £15.9m (H1 2023: £9.7m) due to an increased average cost of borrowing and higher average debt compared to the prior period. The net cash interest charge for the period was £15.1m (H1 2023: £8.6m).

At 31 October 2023 56% of borrowings were held in fixed rate instruments.

Dividend

The Board has declared an interim dividend of 8.3p per share (H1 2023: 7.5p) to be paid on 12 January 2024 to shareholders on the register as at close of business on 15 December 2023.

The interim dividend represents 50% of the final dividend for the year ended 30 April 2023 in line with previous guidance.

Share buyback programme

As previously announced, the Group completed its share buyback programme in December 2022, where a total of 16,877,571 ordinary shares were purchased and held for a total consideration of £60.5m. The Group announced a further share buyback programme commencing in August 2023 for up to a maximum aggregate consideration of £30m.

During the period to 31 October 2023, 2,537,500 shares were purchased for a total consideration of £8.2m. 

Business combinations

In May 2023 the Group acquired 100% of the equity capital of FridgeXpress (UK) Limited for provisional consideration of £5.0m. The provisional fair value of net assets acquired was £2.9m resulting in the recognition of £2.1m of goodwill.

 



 

Group cash flow

 

Six months ended 31 October

H1 2024

H1 2023

Change

 

£m

£m

£m

Underlying EBIT

115.0

93.4

21.6

Underlying depreciation and amortisation

105.0

105.4

(0.4)

Underlying EBITDA

220.0

198.8

21.2

Net replacement capex[10]

(103.5)

(53.1)

(50.4)

Lease principal payments[11]

(35.1)

(24.6)

(10.5)

Steady state cash generation

81.4

121.2

(39.8)

Working capital and non-cash items

(48.8)

(19.6)

(29.2)

Growth capex10

(1.3)

(68.7)

67.4

Taxation

(21.2)

(14.7)

(6.5)

Net operating cash

10.1

18.2

(8.1)

Distributions from associates

1.2

1.9

(0.7)

Interest and other financing

(14.5)

(8.1)

(6.4)

Acquisition of business

(4.1)

(9.9)

5.8

Free cash flow

(7.3)

2.1

(9.4)

Dividends paid

(37.3)

(35.0)

(2.3)

Payments to acquire treasury shares

(8.2)

(40.5)

32.3

Add back: lease principal payments[12]

35.1

24.6

10.5

Net cash consumed

(17.7)

(48.8)

31.1

 

Steady state cash generation

Steady state cash generation remained strong at £81.4m (H1 2023: £121.2m), driven by underlying EBIT performance, offset by an increase in net replacement capex and principal lease payments as improvements in vehicle supply enabled replacement of some older fleet.

Net capital expenditure

Net capital expenditure decreased by £17.0m to £104.8m (H1 2023: £121.8m) due to a £50.4m increase in net replacement capex10 and a £67.4m decrease in growth capex10.

Net replacement capex was £103.5m (H1 2023: £53.1m), £50.4m higher than the prior period as the fleet age was increasing in the prior period but has been reduced in the current period, mainly in Spain where there have been more vehicles available to do this.  The current period includes c.£25m of capex in order to reduce the age of the fleet during the period.

Growth capex10 of £1.3m (H1 2023: £68.7m) included £35.9m outflow to grow the fleet size in Spain and £34.6m inflow in Northgate UK&I and Redde where the fleet size was reduced due to short supply of vehicles and reduced credit hire lengths and seasonality.

Lease principal payments of £35.1m (H1 2023: £24.6m) increased by £10.5m due to a larger leased fleet size and final payments on legacy hire purchase contracts.   

Free cash flow

Free cash flow decreased by £9.4m to an outflow of £7.3m (H1 2023: £2.1m inflow).

Free cash flow is stated after taking account of investments that have been made in the year which will return future cash flow at a sustainable rate of return ahead of our cost of capital. This includes investment in net replacement capex of £103.5m, capex lease payments of £35.2m, growth capex of £1.3m, the acquisition of FridgeXpress of £4.1m (net of cash acquired), the share buyback programme of £8.2m and working capital in Redde. 

Net cash consumed

Net cash consumed of £17.7m (H1 2023: £48.8m), excluding principal lease payments of £35.1m (H1 2023: £24.6m), comprises free cash flow, £37.3m of dividends paid (H1 2023: £35.0m) and £8.2m (H1 2023: £40.5m) for treasury shares purchased as part of the previously announced buyback programme. Leverage has been maintained at 1.6x (H1 2023: 1.6x).

 

Net debt

Net debt reconciles as follows:

As at 31 October

H1 2024

H1 2023


£m

£m

Opening net debt

694.4

582.5

Net cash consumed

17.7

48.8

Other non-cash items

44.8

20.2

Exchange differences

(1.9)

9.8

Closing net debt

755.0

661.3

Closing net debt was £60.6m higher than opening net debt, driven by net cash consumption of £17.7m and other non-cash items of £44.8m, consisting primarily of new leases acquired. The foreign exchange impact on net debt was a £1.9m decrease.  The net book value of fleet on the balance sheet at 31 October 2023 was £1.23bn (H1 2023: £1.09bn).


Borrowing facilities

As at 31 October 2023 the Group had headroom on facilities of £236m, with £596m drawn (net of available cash balances) against total facilities of £832m as detailed below:


Facility

£m

Drawn

£m

Headroom

£m

Maturity

 

Borrowing

Cost

UK bank facilities

490

260

230

Nov-26

6.4%

Loan notes

328

328

-

Nov 27 - Nov 31

1.3%

Other loans

14

8

6

Nov 24

2.8%


832

596

236

 

3.5%

The other loans consist of £13.1m of borrowings located in Spain and £0.5m of preference shares.

The above drawn amounts reconcile to net debt as follows:


 

 

Drawn

£m

Borrowing facilities


596

Unamortised finance fees


(6)

Leases


165

Net debt

 

755

 

 

 

 

 

There are three financial covenants under the Group's facilities as follows:


 Threshold

Oct-23

Headroom

Oct-22

Interest cover

3x

9.0x

£138m (EBIT)

13.9x

Loan to value

70%

44%

£367m (net debt)

44%

Debt leverage

3x

1.6x

£184m (EBITDA)

1.6x

The covenant calculations have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the facilities to which they relate.

Balance sheet

Net assets at 31 October 2023 were £1,024.9m (H1 2023: £959.0m), equivalent to net assets per share of 452p (H1 2023: 413p). Net tangible assets at 31 October 2023 were £789.1m (H1 2023: £693.9m), equivalent to a net tangible asset value of 348p per share (H1 2023: 299p per share).

Gearing at 31 October 2023 was 95.7% (H1 2023: 69.0%) and ROCE was 14.8% (H1 2023: 13.5%).



 

Foreign exchange risk

The average and period end exchange rates used to translate the Group's overseas operations were as follows:


H1 2024

£ : €

H1 2023

£ : €

FY 2023

£ : €

Average

1.16

1.16

1.15

Period end

1.14

1.16

1.14

Going concern

Having considered the Group's current trading, cash flow generation and debt maturity, the Directors have concluded that it is appropriate to prepare the Group financial statements on a going concern basis.

Risks and uncertainties

The Board and the Group's management have clearly defined responsibility for identifying the major business risks facing the Group and for developing systems to mitigate and manage those risks.

The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group at 30 April 2023 were set out in detail on pages 44 to 49 of the FY 2023 annual report, a copy of which is available at www.reddenorthgate.com, and were identified as:

·     economic environment

·     market risk

·     vehicle supply

·     the employee environment

·     legal and compliance

·     IT systems

·     recovery of contract assets

·     access to capital

These principal risks have not changed since the last annual report and continue to be those that could impact the Group during the second half of the current financial year.



 

Alternative performance measures and glossary of terms

A reconciliation of statutory to underlying Group performance is outlined at the front of this document. A reconciliation of underlying cash flow measures and additional alternative performance measures used to assess performance of the Group is shown below.

 

 

Six months

to 31.10.23

Six months

to 31.10.22


 

£m

£m

Underlying EBIT

 

115.0

93.4

Add back:


 


Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (excluding depreciation adjustment)

 

107.0

104.1

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

 

(2.6)

0.7

Intangible amortisation included in underlying operating profit (Note 6)

 

0.6

0.6

Underlying EBITDA

 

220.0

198.8

Net replacement capex1

 

(103.5)

(53.1)

Lease principal payments

 

(35.1)

(24.6)

Steady state cash generation

 

81.4

121.2

Working capital and non-cash items

 

(48.8)

(19.6)

Growth capex2

 

(1.3)

(68.7)

Taxation

 

(21.2)

(14.7)

Net operating cash

 

10.1

18.2

Distributions from associates

 

1.2

1.9

Interest and other financing costs

 

(14.5)

(8.1)

Acquisition of business net of cash acquired

 

(4.1)

(9.9)

Free cash flow

 

(7.3)

2.1

Payments to acquire treasury shares

 

(8.2)

(40.5)

Dividends paid

 

(37.3)

(35.0)

Add back: lease principal payments3

 

35.1

24.6

Net cash consumed

 

(17.7)

(48.8)

 

 

 


Reconciliation to cash flow statement:

 

 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(7.0)

3.5

Add back:

 

 


Receipt of bank loans and other borrowings

 

(46.2)

(76.8)

Repayments of bank loans and other borrowings

 

0.4

-

Principal element of lease payments

 

35.1

24.6

Net cash consumed

 

(17.7)

(48.8)

 

 

 


Reconciliation of capital expenditure

 

 


Purchases of vehicles for hire

 

265.3

177.0

Proceeds from disposals of vehicles for hire


(167.4)

(58.9)

Proceeds of disposal of other property, plant and equipment


(0.2)

-

Purchases of other property plant and equipment


6.3

3.0

Purchases of intangible assets


0.8

0.7

Net capital expenditure


104.8

121.8

Net replacement capex1


103.5

53.1

Growth capex2


1.3

68.7

Net capital expenditure


104.8

121.8

 


 


1 Net capital expenditure other than that defined as growth capex

2 Growth capex represents the cash consumed in order to grow the total owned fleet or the cash generated if the owned fleet size is reduced in periods of contraction

3Lease principal payments are added back to reflect the movement on net debt

 

 

 

 


Northgate UK&I

6 months to 31.10.23

£000

Northgate

Spain

6 months to 31.10.23

£000

Group

Sub-total

6 months to 31.10.23

£000





Underlying operating profit1

49,600

44,655

94,255

Exclude:




Adjustments to underlying depreciation charge in relation to vehicles sold in the period and profit on sale of directly acquired vehicles

(18,184)

(16,514)

(34,698)

Rental profit

31,416

28,141

59,557

Divided by: Revenue: hire of vehicles2

192,256

135,219

327,475

Rental margin

16.3%

20.8%

18.2%






Northgate UK&I

6 months to 31.10.22

£000

Northgate

Spain

6 months to 31.10.22

£000

Group

Sub-total

6 months to 31.10.22

£000





Underlying operating profit1

47,542

30,992

78,534

Exclude:




Adjustments to underlying depreciation charge in relation to vehicles sold in the period and profit on sale of directly acquired vehicles

(18,767)

(5,931)

(24,698)

Rental profit

28,775

25,061

53,836

Divided by: Revenue: hire of vehicles2

184,136

122,685

306,821

Rental margin

15.6%

20.4%

17.5%






 

1 See Note 2 to the financial statements for reconciliation of segment underlying operating profit to Group underlying operating profit.

2 Revenue: hire of vehicles including intersegment revenue (see Note 2 to the financial statements).

Glossary of terms

The following defined terms have been used throughout this document:

Term

Definition

Auxillis

A trading name used by the Redde segment.  A business which generates revenue from insurance claims and services

Blakedale

Blakedale Limited. A business within the Northgate UK&I operating segment, providing specialist traffic management services

Capex

Capital expenditure

Capital employed

Net assets of £1,024.9m (H1 2023: £959.0m) excluding net debt of £755.0m (H1 2023: £661.3m), goodwill of £115.9m (H1 2023: £118.8m), acquired intangible assets of £116.0m (H1 2023: £142.7m) and the cumulative impact of certain adjustments to depreciation of £43.2m (H1 2023: £22.6m)

Charged EV

A business within the Northgate UK&I operating segment, providing EV Charging infrastructure and solutions

Company

Redde Northgate plc

Contract hire

Leases relating to vehicles where the funder retains the residual value risk

Disposal profit(s)

This is a non-GAAP measure used to describe the adjustment in the depreciation charge made in the period for vehicles sold at an amount different to their net book value at the date of sale (net of attributable selling costs)

eAuction

The part of the Group which generates vehicle sales revenue through the Group's online sales platforms

EBIT

Earnings before interest and taxation. Underlying unless otherwise stated

EBIT margin

Calculated as EBIT divided by revenue (excluding vehicle sales)

EBITDA

Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation

EPS

Earnings per share. Underlying unless otherwise stated

EV(s)

Electric vehicle(s)

Facility headroom

Calculated as borrowing facilities of £832m less net borrowings of £596m. Net borrowings represent net debt of £755m excluding lease liabilities of £165m and unamortised arrangement fees of £6m and are stated after the deduction of £4m of net cash and overdraft balances which are available to offset against borrowings

FMG RS

A business within the Redde operating segment, providing vehicle repair services

FN50

An industry body within the UK commercial vehicle fleet sector

Free cash flow

Net cash generated after principal lease payments and before share buybacks and the payment of dividends

FridgeXpress

FridgeXpress (UK) Limited. A business acquired within the Northgate UK&I operating segment, providing specialist vehicle rental solutions

FY 2021

The year ended 30 April 2021

FY 2022

The year ended 30 April 2022

FY 2023

The year ended 30 April 2023

FY 2024

The year ending 30 April 2024

GAAP

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles: meaning compliance with IFRS

Gearing

Calculated as net debt divided by net tangible assets

Group

The Company and its subsidiaries

Growth capex

Growth capex represents the cash consumed in order to grow the total owned rental fleet or the cash generated if the fleet size is reduced in periods of contraction

H1 2023

The six month period ended 31 October 2022

H1 2024

The six month period ended 31 October 2023

H2 2024

The six month period ending 30 April 2024

H1/H2

Half year period: H1 being the first half and H2 being the second half of the financial year

IFRS

International Financial Reporting Standards

Income from associates

The Group's share of net profits of associates accounted for using the equity method

LCV(s)

Light commercial vehicle(s): the official term used within the UK and European Union for a commercial carrier vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of not more than 3.5 tonnes

Leverage

Net debt divided by rolling 12 month EBITDA, calculated in accordance with the Group's debt facility arrangements on a pre IFRS 16 basis

Net replacement capex

Net capital expenditure other than that defined as growth capex and lease principal payments

Net tangible assets

Net assets less goodwill and other intangible assets

Northgate

A trading name used by the Northgate UK&I segment. The commercial vehicle hire part of the business

Northgate UK&I

The Northgate UK&I operating segment representing the commercial vehicle hire and sales part of the Group located in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland

Northgate Spain

The Northgate Spain operating segment representing the commercial vehicle hire and sales part of the Group located in Spain

OEM(s)

Original equipment manufacturer(s): a reference to the Group's vehicle suppliers

PBT

Profit before taxation. Underlying unless otherwise stated

PPU

Profit per unit/loss per unit - this is a non-GAAP measure used to describe disposal profit (as defined), divided by the number of vehicles sold

Profit & loss

Referring to the Income Statement

Redde

The Redde operating segment representing the insurance claims and services part of the Group providing a range of mobility solutions

Rental margin

Calculated as rental profit divided by revenue (excluding vehicle sales) within the Northgate UK&I and Northgate Spain parts of the Group

Rental profit(s)

EBIT excluding disposal profits within the Northgate UK&I and Northgate Spain parts of the Group

ROCE

Underlying return on capital employed: calculated as underlying EBIT (see non-GAAP reconciliation) divided by average capital employed

Spain/Spanish

Referring to the Northgate Spain operating segment

Steady state cash generation

Underlying EBITDA less net replacement capex and lease principal payments

UK&I

Referring to the Northgate UK&I operating segment

Utilisation

Calculated as the average number of vehicles on hire divided by average rentable fleet in any period

Van Monster

A trading name within the Northgate UK&I segment.  The part of the Northgate UK&I segment that manages external vehicle sales

VOH

Vehicles on hire. Average unless otherwise stated

 



 

Condensed consolidated income statement  

for the six months ended 31 October 2023

 



Six months

Six months

Year to



to 31.10.23

to 31.10.22

30.04.23



(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)




Restated



Notes

£000

£000

£000

Revenue: hire of vehicles

2

322,887

302,717

610,502

Revenue: sale of vehicles

2

177,470

68,738

152,894

Revenue: claims and services

2

410,939

324,877

726,350

Total revenue

2

911,296

696,332

1,489,746

Cost of sales


(685,307)

(478,846)

(1,054,173)

Gross profit


225,989

217,486

435,573

Administrative expenses (excluding exceptional items)


(109,483)

(103,077)

(213,658)

Net impairment of trade receivables


(3,978)

(4,376)

(8,902)

Exceptional administrative expenses: impairment of goodwill

10,11

-

-

(5,009)

Exceptional administrative expenses: impairment of other intangibles

11

-

-

(8,482)

Total administrative expenses


(113,461)

(107,453)

(236,051)

Operating profit


112,528

110,033

199,522

Income from associates

2,8

799

1,559

2,520

EBIT

2

113,327

111,592

202,042

Finance income


189

24

90

Finance costs


(16,091)

(9,681)

(23,405)

Profit before taxation


97,425

101,935

178,727

Taxation

3

(22,863)

(19,940)

(39,489)

Profit for the period


74,562

81,995

139,238

Profit for the period is wholly attributable to owners of the Company. All results arise from continuing operations.

Earnings per share





Basic

4

32.9p

34.4p

60.3p

Diluted

4

32.0p

33.5p

58.7p



 

Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income


for the six months ended 31 October 2023





Six months

Six months

Year to


to 31.10.23

to 31.10.22

30.04.23


(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

 (Audited)


£000

£000

£000

Amounts attributable to owners of the Company




Profit attributable to owners

74,562

81,995

139,238

 

Other comprehensive (expense) income

Foreign exchange differences on retranslation of net assets of subsidiary undertakings

(3,474)

12,476

23,689

Foreign exchange differences on long term borrowings held as hedges

2,032

(9,635)

(17,741)

Foreign exchange difference on revaluation reserve

(9)

32

54

Total other comprehensive (expense) income for the period

(1,451)

2,873

6,002

Total comprehensive income for the period

73,111

84,868

145,240

 

 

All items will subsequently be reclassified to the consolidated income statement.



 

Condensed consolidated balance sheet 

31 October 2023




31.10.23

31.10.22

30.04.23




(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)



Note

£000

£000

£000

Non-current assets






Goodwill


6

115,918

118,781

113,873

Other intangible assets


6

119,880

146,319

127,828

Property, plant and equipment


7

1,404,003

1,257,757

1,332,923

Deferred tax assets



2,122

3,061

2,061

Interest in associates


8

4,811

5,534

5,207

Total non-current assets



1,646,734

1,531,452

1,581,892

Current assets






Inventories



44,088

15,555

54,537

Receivables and contract assets



468,671

420,821

441,277

Current tax assets



18,724

6,917

14,951

Cash and bank balances


9

29,646

18,956

14,122

Total current assets



561,129

462,249

524,887

Total assets



2,207,863

1,993,701

2,106,779

Current liabilities






Trade and other payables



321,778

301,031

344,867

Provisions



3,513

-

822

Current tax liabilities



3,523

5,351

20

Lease liabilities



46,171

56,889

49,493

Borrowings



33,447

11,151

14,079

Total current liabilities



408,432

374,422

409,281

Net current assets



152,697

87,827

115,606

Non-current liabilities






Trade and other payables



4,373

4,942

-

Provisions



10,521

-

6,609

Lease liabilities



119,267

103,188

107,272

Borrowings



585,793

509,063

537,712

Deferred tax liabilities



54,613

43,062

51,310

Total non-current liabilities



774,567

660,255

702,903

Total liabilities



1,182,999

1,034,677

1,112,184

NET ASSETS



1,024,864

959,024

994,595

Equity






Share capital



123,046

123,046

123,046

Share premium account



113,510

113,510

113,510

Treasury shares reserve



(58,071)

(48,633)

(60,420)

Own shares reserve



(8,469)

(13,262)

(9,615)

Translation reserve



(4,127)

(5,792)

(2,685)

Other reserves



330,480

330,467

330,489

Retained earnings



528,495

459,688

500,270

TOTAL EQUITY



1,024,864

959,024

994,595

 Total equity is wholly attributable to owners of the Company.

Condensed consolidated cash flow statement

  

for the six months ended 31 October 2023

 

 


 



Six months

Six months

Year to



to 31.10.23

to 31.10.22

30.04.23



(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)


 Note

£000

£000

£000

Net cash generated from operations

10

37,417

38,056

84,322

Investing activities





Interest received


189

24

90

Distributions from associates

8

1,195

1,868

3,156

Payment for acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired

12

(4,051)

(9,902)

(10,004)

Proceeds from disposal of other property, plant and equipment

185

87

678

Purchases of other property, plant and equipment

(6,321)

(3,035)

(7,362)

Purchases of other intangible assets


(771)

(701)

(1,765)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(9,574)

(11,659)

(15,207)

Financing activities

 




Dividends paid

(37,343)

(34,984)

(52,220)

Receipt of bank loans and other borrowings

46,202

76,849

96,807

Repayments of bank loans and other borrowings

(391)

-

-

Debt issue costs

-

(950)

(950)

Principal element of lease payments

(35,150)

(24,581)

(65,110)

Payments to acquire treasury shares

(8,193)

(40,484)

(52,927)

Proceeds from sale of own shares

25

1,233

1,414

Net cash used in financing activities


(34,850)

(22,917)

(72,986)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents


(7,007)

3,480

(3,871)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period


11,681

15,769

15,769

Effect of foreign exchange movements


(861)

(293)

(217)

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period


3,813

18,956

11,681

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of:





Cash and bank balances

9

29,646

18,956

14,122

Bank overdrafts

9

(25,833)

-

(2,441)



3,813

18,956

11,681

 



 

 

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

for the six months ended 31 October 2023


 

 

Treasury shares

 

 

Own shares

Translation reserve

Other reserves

Retained earnings

Total


£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

Total equity at 1 May 2022

236,556

(7,493)

(16,439)

(8,633)

330,435

412,335

946,761

Share options fair value charge

-

-

-

-

-

2,286

2,286

Share options exercised

-

-

1,944

-

-

(1,944)

-

Dividends paid

-

-

-

-

-

(34,984)

(34,984)

Net (purchase) receipts of shares

-

(41,140)

1,233

-

-

-

(39,907)

Total comprehensive income

-

-

-

2,841

32

81,995

84,868

Total equity at 1 November 2022

(48,633)

(13,262)

(5,792)

330,467

459,688

959,024

Share options fair value charge

-

-

-

-

-

2,361

2,361

Share options exercised

-

-

-

-

-

(3,466)

(3,466)

Dividends paid

-

-

-

-

-

(17,236)

(17,236)

Net (purchase) receipts of shares

-

(11,787)

181

-

-

-

(12,317)

Transfer of shares on vesting of share options

-

-

3,466

-

-

-

4,177

Deferred tax on share based payments recognised in equity

-

-

-

-

-

1,680

1,680

Total comprehensive income

-

-

-

3,107

22

57,243

60,372

Total equity at 1 May 2023

(60,420)

(9,615)

(2,685)

330,489

500,270

994,595

Share options fair value charge

-

-

-

-

-

2,837

2,837

Share options exercised

-

-

11,831

-

-

(11,831)

-

Dividends paid

-

-

-

-

-

(37,343)

(37,343)

Net purchases of shares

-

(8,361)

25

-

-

-

(8,336)

Transfer of shares

-

10,710

(10,710)

-

-

-

-

Total comprehensive (expense) income

-

-

-

(1,442)

(9)

74,562

73,111

Total equity at 31 October 2023

(58,071)

(8,469)

(4,127)

330,480

528,495

1,024,864









Other reserves comprise the capital redemption reserve, revaluation reserve and merger reserve.












 

Unaudited notes











1. Basis of preparation and accounting policies










Redde Northgate plc is a company incorporated in England and Wales under the Companies Act 2006.

This condensed consolidated interim financial report for the half-year reporting period ended 31 October 2023 has 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 30 April 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 the Group during the interim reporting period.  

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year, except for the estimation of income tax (see Note 3). 

The condensed financial statements are unaudited and were approved by the Board of Directors on 6 December 2023. The condensed financial statements have been reviewed by the auditors and the independent review report is set out in this document.

The interim financial information for the six months ended 31 October 2023, including comparative financial information, has been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the last annual report and accounts. There are no new accounting standards that have been adopted in the period.

In preparing the interim financial statements, the significant judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same, in all material respects, as those applied to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2023. Depreciation charges reflect adjustments made as a result of differences between expected and actual residual values of used vehicles, taking into account the further directly attributable costs to sell the vehicles.

The Directors apply judgement in determining the appropriate method of depreciation (straight line) and are required to estimate the future residual value of vehicles with due consideration of variables including age, mileage and condition.

Residual values have increased in recent years due to the well-publicised new vehicle supply constraints increasing demand for our vehicle assets. This disruption is not anticipated to continue into the medium term but has increased the level of judgement in this area as it is more difficult to estimate the future residual value of vehicles at the point they are expected to be sold. Depreciation rates have been adjusted from 1 May 2022 with the adjustment presented outside of underlying results.  Depreciation rates will remain under review as the longer term impact on residual values becomes clearer.

The expected adjustment for settlement of claims due from insurance companies and self-insuring organisations remains a critical area of accounting judgement and estimation uncertainty. The approach taken in the period remains consistent with that outlined in the accounting policies for the year ended 30 April 2023. The carrying value of contract assets for claims from insurance companies at 31 October 2023 was £239,523,000 (30 April 2023: £240,595,000). A 3% difference between the carrying amount of claims in the balance sheet and the amounts finally settled would lead to a £7.2m charge or credit to the income statement in subsequent periods. 

Going concern assumption

The Directors have taken into account the following matters in concluding whether or not it is appropriate to prepare the interim financial statements on a going concern basis:

Assessment of prospects

The Group is well established within the markets it operates and has demonstrated resilience through the COVID-19 period and beyond, and also throughout previous economic cycles.

The Group's prospects are assessed through its strategic planning process. This process includes an annual review of the ongoing strategic plan, led by the CEO, together with the involvement of business functions in all territories. The Board engages closely with executive management throughout this process and challenges delivery of the strategic plan during regular Board meetings. Part of the Board's role is to challenge the plan to ensure it is robust and makes due consideration of the appropriate external environment.

 

 

Assessment of going concern

The strategy and associated principal risks underpin the Group's three year strategic plan ("Plan"), which is updated annually. This process considers the current and prospective macro-economic conditions in the countries in which we operate and the competitive tension that exists within the markets that we trade in.

The Plan also encompasses the projected cash flows, dividend cover assuming operation of stated policy and headroom against borrowing facilities and financial covenants under the Group's facilities throughout the planned period. The Plan makes certain assumptions about the normal level of capital recycling likely to occur and therefore considers whether additional financing will be required. Headroom against the Group's existing banking facilities at 31 October 2023 was £236m. This compares to headroom of £290m at 30 April 2023. At the date of signing these unaudited financial statements, all of the Group's principal borrowing facilities have maturity dates outside of the period under review, therefore the Group's facilities provide sufficient headroom to fund the capital expenditure and working capital requirements for at least 12 months following the date of this report.

Since preparing the Plan, a reforecast has been performed which further takes into account developments in the macro-economic environment that have developed such as continued shortage in supply of new vehicles, inflationary pressures across the cost base and exposure to rises in interest rates.  The reforecast has been prepared on a conservative basis and demonstrates that sufficient headroom remains against available debt facilities and the covenants attached to those. The Directors therefore have a reasonable expectation that the Group will continue to meet its obligations as they fall due for at least 12 months from the date of this report.

Information extracted from 2023 annual report

The financial figures for the year ended 30 April 2023, as set out in this report, do not constitute statutory accounts but are derived from the statutory accounts for that financial year.

The statutory accounts for the year ended 30 April 2023 were prepared with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS and were delivered to the Registrar of Companies on 27 October 2023. The audit report was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not include a statement under Section 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

 

 



 

Prior period restatement

The Group has amended the presentation of the Consolidated income statement in order to comply with IAS 1: Presentation of Financial Statements by presenting the net impairment of trade receivables as a separate line item. The net impairment of trade receivables was previously presented within administrative expenses and was disclosed separately within the Consolidated income statement within the annual report for the year ended 30 April 2023. There is no change to profit or net assets as a result of this adjustment.

Amortisation on acquired intangible assets is now presented within administrative expenses in the Consolidated income statement, previously a separate line item. For further information on amortisation of intangible assets refer to Note 6. There is no change to profit or net assets as a result of this adjustment.

 

 

Six months

Impact of

Six months

 

 

to 31.10.22

reclassification

to 31.10.22

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)


 

Statutory

Actual

 

Statutory

Restated


 

£000

£000

£000

Revenue: hire of vehicles

 

302,717

-

302,717

Revenue: sale of vehicles

 

68,738

-

68,738

Revenue: claims and services

 

324,877

-

324,877

Total revenue

 

696,332

-

696,332

Cost of sales

 

(478,846)

-

(478,846)

Gross profit

 

217,486

-

217,486

Administrative expenses (excluding exceptional items)

 

(97,397)

(5,680)

(103,077)

Net impairment of trade receivables

 

-

(4,376)

(4,376)

Amortisation on acquired intangible assets

 

(10,056)

10,056

-

Total administrative expenses

 

(107,453)

-

(107,453)

Operating profit

 

110,033

-

110,033

Income from associates

 

1,559

-

1,559

EBIT

 

111,592

-

111,592

Finance income

 

24

-

24

Finance costs

 

(9,681)

-

(9,681)

Profit before taxation

 

101,935

-

101,935

Taxation

 

(19,940)

-

(19,940)

Profit for the period

 

81,995

-

81,995



 

2. Segmental analysis

Management has determined the operating segments based upon the information provided to the Board of Directors, which is considered to be the chief operating decision maker. The Group is managed, and reports internally, on a basis consistent with its three main operating divisions, Northgate UK&I, Northgate Spain and Redde. The principal activities of these divisions are set out in the Operating review.

 

 

Northgate

UK&I

Six months to 31.10.23 (Unaudited)

£000

Northgate

Spain

Six months to 31.10.23 (Unaudited)

£000

Redde

Six months to 31.10.23 (Unaudited)

£000

Corporate

Six months to 31.10.23 (Unaudited)

£000

 

Group eliminations

Six months to 31.10.23 (Unaudited)

£000

 Group

 total

Six months      to 31.10.23 (Unaudited)

£000

Revenue: hire of vehicles

187,668

135,219

-

-

-

322,887

Revenue: sale of vehicles

132,439

44,566

465

-

-

177,470

Revenue: claims and services

-

-

410,939

-

-

410,939

External revenue

320,107

179,785

411,404

-

-

911,296

Intersegment revenue

4,588

-

64,034

-

(68,622)

-

Total revenue

324,695

179,785

475,438

-

(68,622)

911,296

 

 

 

 


 

 

Timing of revenue recognition:

 

 

 

 

 

 

At a point in time

132,439

44,566

201,433

-

-

378,438

Over time

187,668

135,219

209,971

-

-

532,858

External revenue

320,107

179,785

411,404

-

-

911,296

Underlying operating profit (loss)

49,600

44,655

25,480

(5,560)

-

114,175

Income from associates

-

-

799

-

-

799

Underlying EBIT*

49,600

44,655

26,279

(5,560)

-

114,974

Adjustments to underlying depreciation charge






7,660

Amortisation on acquired intangible assets (Note 6)






(9,307)

EBIT

 

 

 

 

 

113,327

Finance income






189

Finance costs






(16,091)

Profit before taxation





 

97,425

 

* Underlying EBIT stated before amortisation on acquired intangible assets, adjustments to underlying depreciation charge and exceptional items is the measure used by the Board of Directors to assess segment performance.



 

 

 

Northgate

UK&I

Six months to 31.10.22 (Unaudited)

£000

Northgate

Spain

Six months to 31.10.22 (Unaudited)

£000

Redde

Six months to 31.10.22 (Unaudited)

£000

Corporate

Six months to 31.10.22 (Unaudited)

£000

 

Group eliminations

Six months to 31.10.22 (Unaudited)

£000

 Group

 total

Six months      to 31.10.22 (Unaudited)

£000

Revenue: hire of vehicles

180,032

122,685

-

-

-

302,717

Revenue: sale of vehicles

50,305

18,178

255

-

-

68,738

Revenue: claims and services

-

-

324,877

-

-

324,877

External revenue

230,337

140,863

325,132

-

-

696,332

Intersegment revenue

4,104

-

6,537

-

(10,641)

-

Total revenue

234,441

140,863

331,669

-

(10,641)

696,332

Timing of revenue recognition:







At a point in time

50,305

18,178

128,440

-

-

196,923

Over time

180,032

122,685

196,692

-

-

499,409

External revenue

230,337

140,863

325,132

-

-

696,332

Underlying operating profit (loss)

47,542

30,992

18,857

(5,550)

-

91,841

Income from associates

-

-

1,559

-

-

1,559

Underlying EBIT*

47,542

30,992

20,416

(5,550)

-

93,400

Adjustments to underlying depreciation charge






28,248

Amortisation on acquired intangible assets (Note 6)






(10,056)

EBIT






111,592

Finance income






24

Finance costs






(9,681)

Profit before taxation






101,935



 

 

 

Northgate

UK&I

Year to 30.04.23

(Audited)

£000

Northgate

Spain

Year to 30.04.23

(Audited)

£000

Redde

Year to 30.04.23

(Audited)

£000

Corporate

Year to 30.04.23

(Audited)

£000

Group eliminations

Year to 30.04.23

(Audited)

£000

Group

total

Year to 30.04.23

(Audited)

£000

Revenue: hire of vehicles

357,811

252,691

-

-

-

610,502

Revenue: sale of vehicles

104,945

47,280

669

-

-

152,894

Revenue: claims and services

-

-

726,350

-

-

726,350

External revenue

462,756

299,971

727,019

-

-

1,489,746

Intersegment revenue

9,883

-

42,793

-

(52,676)

-

Total revenue

472,639

299,971

769,812

-

(52,676)

1,489,746

Timing of revenue recognition:







At a point in time

104,945

47,280

291,996

-

-

444,221

Over time

357,811

252,691

435,023

-

-

1,045,525

External revenue

462,756

299,971

727,019

-

-

1,489,746

Underlying operating profit (loss)

93,382

60,440

44,521

(11,670)

-

186,673

Income from associates

-

-

2,520

-

-

2,520

Underlying EBIT*

93,382

60,440

47,041

(11,670)

-

189,193

Exceptional items (Note 11)






(13,491)

Adjustments to underlying depreciation charge






46,546

Amortisation on acquired intangible assets (Note 6)






(20,206)

EBIT






202,042

Finance income






90

Finance costs






(23,405)

Profit before taxation






178,727

 

3. Taxation

The charge for taxation for the six months to 31 October 2023 is based on the estimated effective rate for the year ending 30 April 2024 of 23.5% (31 October 2022: 19.6% and 30 April 2023: 22.1%).

 



 

 

4. Earnings per share

 





Six months

Six months

Year to


to 31.10.23

to 31.10.22

30.04.23


(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)


Statutory

Statutory

Statutory

Basic and diluted earnings per share

£000

£000

£000

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:




Earnings




Earnings for the purposes of basic and diluted earnings per share, being profit attributable to owners of the Company

74,562

81,995

139,238

Number of shares




Weighted average number of Ordinary shares for the purpose of basic earnings per share

226,741,545

238,687,578

230,778,502

Effect of dilutive potential Ordinary shares - share options

6,254,989

5,769,273

6,290,275

Weighted average number of Ordinary shares for the purpose of diluted earnings per share

232,996,534

244,456,851

237,068,777

Basic earnings per share

32.9p

34.4p

60.3p

Diluted earnings per share

32.0p

33.5p

58.7p

The calculated weighted average number of Ordinary shares for the purpose of basic earnings per share includes a reduction of 16,827,313 shares (31 October 2022: 7,403,845 and 30 April 2023: 15,312,921) relating to treasury shares and a reduction of 2,522,565 shares (31 October 2022: nil and 30 April 2023: 3,411,660) for shares held in employee trusts.

5. Dividends

In the six months to 31 October 2023, a dividend of £37,343,000 was paid (31 October 2022: £34,984,000) representing the final dividend for the year ended 30 April 2023. The Directors have declared an interim dividend of 8.3p per share for the six months ended 31 October 2023 (31 October 2022: 7.5p).

The final dividend of 16.5p in relation to the year ended 30 April 2023 was paid in September 2023.



 

6. Intangible assets

Net book value

Goodwill

 

Other intangible assets

Grand total


 

 

Customer
relationships

 

Brand
names

Other

software

Total

 

 

 

£000

 

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

At 1 May 2022

114,926


132,980

11,238

7,094

151,312

266,238

Acquisition

3,855


4,500

400

-

4,900

8,755

Additions

-


-

-

701

701

701

Amortisation

-


(8,846)

(538)

(1,289)

(10,673)

(10,673)

Exchange differences

-


-

-

79

79

79

At 1 November 2022

118,781


128,634

11,100

6,585

146,319

265,100

Acquisition

101


-

-

-

-

101

Additions

-


-

-

1,064

1,064

1,064

Impairment

(5,009)


(8,277)

(205)

-

(8,482)

(13,491)

Disposals

-


-

-

(402)

(402)

(402)

Amortisation

-


(8,914)

(802)

(1,019)

(10,735)

(10,735)

Exchange differences

-


-

-

64

64

64

At 1 May 2023

113,873


111,443

10,093

6,292

127,828

241,701

Acquisition

2,045


1,100

150

-

1,250

3,295

Additions

-


-

-

771

771

771

Amortisation

-


(8,100)

(564)

(1,282)

(9,946)

(9,946)

Exchange differences

-


-

-

(23)

(23)

(23)

At 31 October 2023

115,918

 

104,443

9,679

5,758

119,880

235,798

 

At 31 October 2023






Cost or fair value





338,351

Accumulated amortisation and impairment





(102,553)

Net book value

 

 

 

 

235,798

 

Amortisation was included within the income statement as follows:


Six months

Six months

Year to


to 31.10.23

to 31.10.22

30.04.23


(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)


£000

£000

£000

Included within underlying operating profit as administrative expenses

639

617

1,202

Excluded from underlying operating profit*

9,307

10,056

20,206

 

9,946

10,673

21,408

* Amortisation of intangible assets excluded from underlying operating profit relates to intangible assets recognised on business combinations.



 

7. Property, plant and equipment

Net book value


Vehicles for hire

 

Other property, plant & equipment

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

£000

£000

£000

At 1 May 2022


997,033

164,882

1,161,915

Acquisition


7,203

148

7,351

Additions


199,529

6,661

206,190

Disposals


-

(91)

(91)

Transfers


16

(16)

-

Transfer to inventories


(53,230)

-

(53,230)

Depreciation


(67,161)

(10,144)

(77,305)

Exchange differences


11,517

1,410

12,927

At 1 November 2022


1,094,907

162,850

1,257,757

Additions


250,284

18,134

268,418

Disposals


-

(663)

(663)

Transfers


17

(17)

-

Transfer to inventories


(106,961)

-

(106,961)

Depreciation


(85,554)

(12,207)

(97,761)

Exchange differences


10,918

1,215

12,133

At 1 May 2023


1,163,611

169,312

1,332,923

Acquisition


14,815

811

15,626

Additions


297,151

16,777

313,928

Disposals


-

(283)

(283)

Transfer to inventories


(155,265)

-

(155,265)

Depreciation


(86,960)

(12,371)

(99,331)

Exchange differences


(3,161)

(434)

(3,595)

At 31 October 2023

 

1,230,191

173,812

1,404,003

 

At 31 October 2023





Cost or fair value




2,101,897

Accumulated depreciation




(697,894)

Net book value

 

 

 

1,404,003

Included within property, plant and equipment above are right of use assets under leases with a net book value of £160,665,000 (30 April 2023: £157,703,000).



 

8. Interest in associates

 


£000

At 1 May 2022

5,843

Group's share of:


Profit from continuing operations

1,559

Distributions from associates

(1,868)

At 1 November 2022

5,534

Group's share of:

 

Profit from continuing operations

961

Distributions from associates

(1,288)

At 1 May 2023

5,207

Group's share of:


Profit from continuing operations

799

Distributions from associates

(1,195)

At 31 October 2023

4,811

 

9. Analysis of consolidated net debt


At 31.10.23

At 31.10.22

At 30.04.23


(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)


 

 

 


£000

£000

£000

Cash and bank balances

(29,646)

(18,956)

(14,122)

Bank overdrafts

25,833

-

2,441

Bank loans

265,200

195,990

218,403

Loan notes

327,623

322,931

329,854

Lease Liabilities

165,438

160,077

156,765

Cumulative preference shares

500

500

500

Confirming facilities

84

793

593

Consolidated net debt

755,032

661,335

694,434

 

 

 

 

10. Notes to the cash flow statement


Six months

Six months

Year to


to 31.10.23

to 31.10.22

30.04.23


(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

Net cash generated from operations

£000

£000

£000

Operating profit

112,528

110,033

199,522

Adjustments for:




Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

99,331

75,842

175,066

Net impairment of goodwill

-

-

5,009

Net impairment of other intangibles

-

-

8,482

Amortisation of intangible assets

9,946

10,673

21,408

(Gain) loss on disposal of other property, plant and equipment

(2,614)

705

218

Share options fair value charge

2,837

2,287

4,647

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital

222,028

199,540

414,352

(Increase) decrease in non-vehicle inventories

(1,377)

(1,193)

273

Increase in receivables

(22,836)

(58,454)

(81,981)

(Decrease) increase in payables

(33,245)

39,347

71,810

Increase in provisions

6,603

-

7,431

Cash generated from operations

179,240

411,885

Income taxes paid, net

(21,150)

(14,689)

(36,640)

Interest paid

(14,701)

(8,378)

(21,150)

Net cash generated from operations before purchases of and proceeds from disposal of vehicles for hire

135,322

156,173

354,095

Purchases of vehicles for hire

(265,325)

(176,993)

(398,187)

Proceeds from disposal of vehicles for hire

167,420

58,876

128,414

Net cash generated from operations

37,417

38,056

84,322

 

 


11. Exceptional items

During the period the Group recognised exceptional items in the income statement as follows:


Six months to 31.10.23

Six months to 31.10.22

Year to

 30.04.23


(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)


£000

£000

£000

Impairment of goodwill

-

-

5,009

Impairment of other intangibles

-

-

8,482

Exceptional administrative expenses

-

-

13,491





Impairment of NewLaw intangibles

-

-

13,491

Exceptional administrative expenses

-

-

13,491

Total pre-tax exceptional items

-

-

13,491

Tax charge on exceptional items

-

-

(2,065)

During the period there were no items recognised as exceptional.

Impairment of the NewLaw business

Following a strategic business review, the carrying amount of assets relating to the NewLaw CGU was considered to be below its recoverable amount and therefore an impairment charge of £5,009,000 and £8,482,000, for goodwill and other intangibles respectively, was recognised as an exceptional item in the consolidated income statement (see Note 6). The Group also reassessed the useful lives of property, plant and equipment relating to the NewLaw CGU and determined that no change in the useful lives is required.



 

12. Business combinations

On 2 May 2023 the Group acquired 100% of the equity interests of FridgeXpress (UK) Ltd "FridgeXpress". The acquisition is in line with the Group strategy and vision to become the leading integrated mobility solutions provider. The acquisition has been included within the Northgate UK&I segment. A provisional purchase price allocation exercise has been undertaken in accordance with IFRS 3 'Business Combinations'.

Details of this provisional purchase consideration, the net assets acquired and goodwill are as follows:

Purchase consideration


£000

Total cash consideration

4,990

The provisional assets and liabilities recognised as a result of the acquisition are as follows:

 


£000

Customer relationships (Note 6)

1,100

Brand names (Note 6)

150

Property, plant and equipment (Note 7)

15,626

Cash and bank balances

939

Stock

124

Trade and other receivables

1,678

Trade and other payables

(1,096)

Deferred income

(550)

Borrowings

(391)

Leases

(13,410)

Deferred tax

(1,225)

Net identified assets acquired

2,945


 

Goodwill recognised on acquisition

2,045

Acquisition costs

Acquisition costs in relation to FridgeXpress of £82,000 have been charged to the income statement as administrative expenses.

FridgeXpress' contribution to the Group results

FridgeXpress' contribution to underlying operating profit was a £253,000 profit for the period from 2 May 2023 to 31 October 2023. Revenue during this period was £4,226,000.

Prior period

On 2 July 2022 the Group acquired 100% of the equity interests of Blakedale Limited for a consideration of £10,145,000. A provisional purchase price allocation exercise was undertaken in accordance with IFRS 3 'Business Combinations', which identified net assets acquired of £6,189,000, resulting in goodwill of £3,956,000 recognised in the balance sheet. The acquisition was included within the Northgate UK&I segment.

 

13. Related party transactions

Related party transactions of the Group are consistent with those disclosed in Note 31 of the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2023. No new related party transactions have been entered into during the period.

 

 

 


 

Interim announcement - Statement of the Directors

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

·        the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with the UK-adopted International Accounting Standard 34;

·        the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7 (indication of important events during the first six months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and

·        the interim management report includes a true and fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8 (disclosure of related party transactions and changes therein).

By order of the Board

                                                                                                               

 

Philip Vincent

Chief Financial Officer

6 December 2023

 

 

 



 

Independent review report to Redde Northgate plc

Report on the condensed consolidated interim financial statements

Our conclusion

We have reviewed Redde Northgate plc's condensed consolidated interim financial statements (the "interim financial statements") in the interim results of Redde Northgate plc for the 6 month period ended 31 October 2023 (the "period").

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 Condensed consolidated balance sheet as at 31 October 2023;

·    the Condensed consolidated income statement and Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the period then ended;

·    the Condensed consolidated cash flow statement for the period then ended;

·    the 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 interim results of Redde Northgate 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 conclusion

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 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 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 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 interim results in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority. In preparing the 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 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 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

Newcastle upon Tyne

6 December 2023

 

 

 



[3] Calculated as underlying EBIT divided by total revenue (excluding vehicle sales)

[4] Including intersegment revenue of £4.6m (H1 2023: £4.1m)

[5] Calculated as underlying EBIT divided by total revenue (excluding vehicle sales)

[6] Calculated as underlying EBIT divided by total revenue (excluding vehicle sales)

[7] Including intersegment revenue of £5.6m (H1 2023: £6.5m)

[8] Including intersegment revenue of £58.4m (H1 2023: £nil)

[9] Gross profit margin calculated as underlying gross profit divided by total revenue (excluding vehicle sales). EBIT margin calculated as underlying EBIT divided by total revenue (excluding vehicle sales)

[10] Net replacement capex is total net capex less growth capex. Growth capex represents the cash consumed in order to grow the fleet or the cash generated if the fleet size is reduced in periods of contraction

[11] Lease principal payments are included so that steady state cash generation includes all maintenance capex irrespective of funding method

[12] Lease principal payments are added back to reflect the movement on net debt

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