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6th Feb 2012
Preliminary results of Caffyns plc

for the year ended 31 March 2007



25 May 2007


Caffyns plc, the leading motor distributor covering 15 car franchises in the
south-east of England, announces its preliminary results for the year ended 31
March 2007.



                                                            2007          2006

                                                           £'000         £'000


Sales                                                    176,238       160,076


Operating profit before exceptional items                  2,515         1,172


Profit before tax                                          1,443         1,030


Earnings per share - basic                                  40.4p         26.3p


Proposed final dividend                                     17.0p         16.0p


Dividend per ordinary share                                 25.0p         24.0p



Highlights


   •Recovery plan post MG Rover collapse on track
   •Sales up 10% to £176.2m
   •Operating profit before exceptionals more than doubled to £2.5m
   •Pre-tax profit improved by 40% to £1.44m
   •Earnings per share up by 54% to 40.4p
   •Balance sheet and cash flow significantly improved
   •Increased dividend





Commenting on these results, Chief Executive Simon Caffyn said:


"The first stage of our recovery plan, subsequent to the collapse of MG Rover in
2005, has now been completed. But there is still more to be done. Our business
has been re-shaped with some outlets now operating under new and more attractive
franchises while other less profitable sites have been closed. The market for
new car sales remains very competitive but Caffyns is now in a stronger
financial and commercial position in which to compete more effectively."






Enquiries: Tel: 01323 730201


Simon Caffyn Chief Executive


Mark Harrison Finance Director














Chairman's Statement



The early part of the year saw us complete the first stage of our MG Rover
recovery plan and all affected sites are now refranchised, refurbished or sold.
Since the half year we have been working steadily to rebuild each business and
it is satisfying to see our operating profit increase to £2,515,000 from
£1,172,000 and the profit before tax for the year recover to £1,443,000 (2006 :
£1,030,00). Earnings per share increased from 26.3p to 40.4p.


We expect to complete on two property sales during the current year. As a
result, the strengthened balance sheet will leave us well placed to take
advantage of any suitable acquisition opportunities that may arise.


The new car market remains at a historically high level and we continue to make
steady progress.


An interim dividend of 8.0p per ordinary share (2006 - 8.0p) was paid on 10
January 2007. An increased final dividend of 17.0p (2006 - 16.0p) is now being
recommended which, if approved, will be payable on 26 July 2007 to shareholders
on the register on 22 June 2007, giving a total dividend of 25.0p for the year
(2006 - 24.0p).


The events of the past two years have posed significant challenges for the
business. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Caffyns employees
for their hard work and dedication in making a considerable contribution to the
changes we have made. While markets remain competitive, we are taking steps both
to reposition our business and to train and motivate our team, so that Caffyns
can compete effectively in the future. We look forward to the current year with
cautious optimism.






Brian A Carte

Chairman

25 May 2007



Chief Executive's Operating Review



Results and key performance indicators


The year ended 31 March 2007 has seen the company make steady progress along our
three year recovery plan, which commenced immediately after the collapse of MG
Rover in April 2005.


I am very encouraged to see the dealerships that were refranchised in the early
stages of the recovery plan begin to make contributions. I can also report that
the final two dealership refurbishments were successfully finished during the
year, enabling us to complete the first stage of our recovery plan on schedule.


Financial and operating performance has improved. Operating profit before
exceptional items has risen from £1,172,000 to £2,515,000 on turnover up 10%
from £160.1m to £176.2m.


Most encouragingly, underlying profit from normal trading before exceptional
items has risen from £58,000 to £1,283,000. Profit before taxation increased
from £1,030,000 to £1,443,000 and earnings per share increased from 26.3p to
40.4p.


With a net cash inflow of £1,180,000 in the year (2006 - outflow of £120,000)
reducing bank borrowings from £7.942m to £6.762m, the proportion of total bank
borrowings to shareholders funds at 31 March 2007 reduced to 35% (2006 - 44%).


Recovery and development


As I reported at the half year, the first stage of our recovery plan, the
physical restructuring of our refranchised properties, is now complete. We can
now concentrate on building strong businesses in these dealerships to deliver
their full potential.


In September we opened our new Audi Centre in Worthing to complement our other
two centres in Brighton and Eastbourne. Plans are in place to refurbish the
Brighton facility during the current financial year to incorporate the latest
Audi specifications.


In Tonbridge we have refurbished the site following the introduction of the
Vauxhall franchise to provide the current specification showroom layout and
improved servicing facilities.


In October we took action to consolidate three underperforming operations into
more successful businesses. Our wholesale parts warehouse in Hove was closed and
the business largely transferred to our wholesale operation in Hailsham, adding
to the potential of this site.


Our East Grinstead Vauxhall satellite was closed and the Vauxhall business
redirected to our neighbouring dealerships in Brighton and Tunbridge Wells with
beneficial effect.


The third closure was our bodyshop business in Worthing and all our internal
business processed by this site is now directed through our other bodyshops.


Acquisition


In August we acquired the Volvo dealership in Brighton to complement our
successful Volvo operation in neighbouring Eastbourne. This business had been
running at a loss and the negative goodwill that we received appears under
exceptional items along with the closure costs of East Grinstead, Hove and
Worthing. The benefits of running adjoining territories will deliver stronger
results in the future.



Property


Planning issues have caused further delays to the sale of our property in Hove
but we are progressing towards a sale conditional upon a satisfactory planning
approval.


Our empty freehold sites in Worthing and East Grinstead have generated
considerable interest and are also progressing to sale.



Pensions


I am pleased to report that the Board and Trustees have made some changes to our
defined benefit scheme which, together with favourable market conditions, have
produced a small surplus compared to last year's deficit.


IT


Successful negotiations with the supplier of our dealer management system have
resulted in us signing a contract for the supply of improved systems. During the
year we shall be looking to take advantage of this greater functionality and
also to develop further our internet capabilities.


People and Training


During the last twelve months we have continued to develop our training
programmes and have run a highly successful in-house course on Best Practices
for staff in dealership management positions.


Much time and effort has also been devoted to training for ever more stringent
regulatory requirements and other legislative issues. Our dedicated in-house
teams are to be congratulated on implementing their comprehensive programmes to
meet these enhanced standards.


During a year of recovery I would like to recognise the contributions made by
all our employees throughout the Company who have worked tirelessly to deliver
the encouraging results achieved.


VAT


In March this year we announced that we had received £2.978m from HM Revenue and
Customs ("HMRC"). In common with other motor dealers, we had made a claim in
respect of VAT overpaid on demonstrator vehicle bonuses in the period 1973-1997.
As a result of ongoing legal action by HMRC in relation to another unrelated
company, we have not been able to take credit for this amount through our Income
Statement due to the uncertainty over our retention of the sum involved. We hope
that this matter will be satisfactorily resolved in our financial year 2007-08.


The Future


The economy, and in particular our market place, remains steady but concerns
over rising levels of personal debt may continue to temper optimism. The
political scene is also in a period of change and this may or may not have an
impact on economic stability.


We are now making good progress along our recovery path as we enter the second
year of our programme to return to historic profitability. With further proceeds
expected from property sales we shall be in a good position to take advantage of
suitably attractive business opportunities as and when they arise. We anticipate
making further progress in the forthcoming year.



Simon G M Caffyn

Chief Executive

25 May 2007





CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

for the year ended 31 March 2007

                                                   Note       2007        2006
                                                             £'000       £'000

Continuing operations

Revenue                                                    176,238     160,076

Cost of sales
                                                            --------   ---------

Exceptional MG Rover Group items                     2           -         317

Other costs of sales                                      (151,566)   (135,658)
                                                            --------   ---------

Total cost of sales                                       (151,566)   (135,341)
                                                            --------   ---------

Gross profit                                                24,672      24,735

Distribution costs                                         (15,098)    (16,464)

Administrative expenses
                                                            --------   ---------

Exceptional items                                    2         786         858

Other costs                                                 (7,059)     (6,782)
                                                            --------   ---------

Total administrative expenses                               (6,273)     (5,924)

Restructuring costs                                           (626)       (203)
                                                            --------   ---------

Operating profit
                                                            --------   ---------

Arising from exceptional items                       2         160         972

On normal trading                                            2,515       1,172
                                                            --------   ---------

Total operating profit                                       2,675       2,144

Finance costs                                               (1,232)     (1,114)
                                                            --------   ---------

Profit before tax
                                                            --------   ---------

Arising from exceptional items                       2         160         972

On normal trading                                            1,283          58
                                                            --------   ---------

Total profit before tax                                      1,443       1,030
                                                            --------   ---------

Tax                                                  3        (280)       (274)
                                                            --------   ---------

Profit for the year attributable to the
shareholders of                                              1,163         756
Caffyns plc
                                                            --------   ---------

Earnings per share

Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share from
continuing operations
and for the profit for the year                              5    40.4p   26.3p






CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

at 31 March 2007

                                                            2007          2006
                                                                    As restated*
                                                           £'000         £'000

Non-current assets

Goodwill                                                     481           481
Intangible assets                                             31            54
Property, plant and equipment                             31,610        31,203
Retirement benefit scheme                                    344             -
Deferred tax asset                                         1,160         1,923
                                                           -------       -------

                                                          33,626        33,661
                                                           -------       -------

Current assets

Inventories                                               23,846        22,694
Trade and other receivables                                9,047         8,897
Current tax assets                                             -           186
Cash and cash equivalents                                     35            39
Non current assets classified as held for sale               990             -
                                                           -------       -------

                                                          33,918        31,816
                                                           -------       -------

Total assets                                              67,544        65,477
                                                           =======       =======

Current liabilities

Bank and overdrafts and loans                              6,797         7,981
Trade and other payables                                  21,575        21,057
Current tax payable                                          230             -
Obligations under finance leases                              29            28
Short-term provisions                                      3,203           341
                                                           -------       -------

                                                          31,834        29,407
                                                           -------       -------

Net current assets                                         2,084         2,409
                                                           -------       -------

Non current liabilities

Bank loans                                                 3,000         3,000
Preference shares                                          1,237         1,237
Retirement benefit obligation                                  -         3,190
Deferred tax liabilities                                   3,378         3,186
Obligations under finance leases                              50            78
                                                           -------       -------

                                                           7,665        10,691
                                                           -------       -------

Total liabilities                                         39,499        40,098
                                                           =======       =======

Net assets                                                28,045        25,379
                                                           =======       =======

EQUITY
Share capital                                              1,439         1,439
Share premium account                                        272           272
Capital redemption reserve                                   282           282
Revaluation reserve                                        3,915         3,971
Retained earnings                                         22,137        19,415
                                                           -------       -------

Total equity attributable to shareholders of Caffyns plc  28,045        25,379
                                                           =======       =======


* See note 6





CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

for the year ended 31 March 2007

                                               Note          2007         2006
                                                            £'000        £'000
                                                  ---     --------      -------

Net cash from operating activities                 7        4,202        2,163
                                                  ---     --------      -------

Investing activities

Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and
equipment                                                   1,351        1,959

Purchases of property, plant and equipment                 (3,479)      (3,510)
                                                  ---     --------      -------
Acquisitions                                                 (176)           -
                                                  ---     --------      -------

Net cash used in investing activities                      (2,304)      (1,551)
                                                  ---     --------      -------

Financing activities

Dividends paid                                               (691)        (691)

Repayments of obligations under finance
leases                                                        (27)         (41)
                                                  ---     --------      -------

Net cash used in financing activities                        (718)        (732)
                                                          --------      -------

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents                                                 1,180         (120)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
year                                                       (7,942)      (7,822)
                                                          --------      -------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                   (6,762)      (7,942)
                                                          --------      -------

                                              31 March     31 March     31 March
                                                2007         2006         2005
                                               £'000        £'000        £'000

Cash and cash equivalents                         35           39           46

Overdrafts                                    (6,797)      (7,981)      (7,868)
                                              --------     --------      -------

Net cash and cash equivalents                 (6,762)      (7,942)      (7,822)
                                              --------     --------      -------





CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE

for the year ended 31 March 2007

                                                               2007       2006
                                                              £'000      £'000
                                                             --------    -------

Profit for the year                                           1,163        756

Actuarial gains recognised                                    3,134        108

Deferred tax on actuarial gains                                (940)       (31)
                                                             --------    -------

Total recognised income and expense for the year              3,357        833
                                                             ========    =======



NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY RESULTS

For the year ended 31 March 2007

1.  Basis of Preparation

     The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
     International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as endorsed by the
     European Union and with those parts of the Companies Act 1985 applicable to
     companies reporting under IFRS.

     The financial information presented does not constitute statutory financial
     statements for the years ended 31 March 2007 or 2006 as defined in Section
     240 of the Companies Act 1985. The financial information for the year ended
     31 March 2007 and the comparative information have been extracted from the
     audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2007 prepared
     under IFRS, which have not yet been approved by shareholders and have not
     yet been delivered to the Registrar.

     This preliminary statement was approved by the board of directors on 25 May
     2007.

2.  Exceptional items                                           2007     2006
                                                                £'000    £'000

     In cost of sales

     Credit associated with the failure of the MG Rover Group

     Stock write downs                                              -      317

     In administrative expenses

     Net profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment      600      858

     Negative goodwill received on purchase of business, net      186        -
     of costs
                                                                -------  -------

                                                                  786    1,175

     Restructuring costs arising from branch closures            (626)    (203)
                                                                -------  -------

     Total exceptional items before taxation                      160      972

     Less tax thereon                                             (48)    (294)
                                                                -------  -------

     Total after tax                                              112      678
                                                                =======  =======

3.  Tax                                                            2007     2006
                                                                   £'000    £'000
                                                                       ---      ---
     Current tax

        UK corporation tax                                            85       22

        Adjustments recognised in the period for current tax of      180      (26)
        prior periods
                                                                    ------   ------

                                                          Total      265       (4)
                                                                    ------   ------

     Deferred tax

        Current year                                                 136      307

        Adjustments recognised in the period for deferred tax of    (121)     (29)
        prior periods
                                                                    ------   ------

                                                          Total       15      278
                                                                    ------   ------

     Total tax charged in the income statement                       280      274
                                                                    ======   ======



4.  Dividends

The directors recommend a final dividend of 17.0p (2006 - 16.0p) per ordinary
share, to be paid on 26 July 2007 to shareholders on the register at 22 June
2007. An interim dividend of 8.0p (2006 - 8.0p) per share was paid during the
year, making a total for the year of 25.0p (2006 - 24.0p). The ex-dividend date
is 20 June 2007.

5.  Earnings per ordinary share

The calculation of the basic earnings per share is based on the earnings
attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of
shares in issue during the year.

The calculation of diluted earnings per share would be based on the basic
earnings per share, adjusted to allow for the issue of shares and the post tax
effect of dividends and/or interest, on the assumed conversion of all dilutive
options and other dilutive potential ordinary shares. At both year-ends there we
no unissued shares, so the diluted earnings per share are the same as the basic
earnings per share.

Adjusted earnings (which exclude exceptional items) is adopted to assist the
reader in understanding the underlying performance of the group.

Reconciliations of earnings and weighted average number of shares used in the
calculations are set out below:

                                                 Adjusted            Basic
                                               2007     2006     2007     2006
                                              £'000    £'000    £'000    £'000

Profit before tax                             1,443    1,030    1,443    1,030

Adjustments:

Exceptional items:
   - Property profit and restructuring costs     26     (655)       -        -

- Negative goodwill received on purchase of
                                    business   (186)       -        -        -

                                  - MG Rover      -     (317)       -        -
                                               ------   ------   ------  -------

Adjusted profit before tax                    1,283       58    1,443    1,030

Taxation                                       (232)      20     (280)    (274)
                                               ------   ------   ------  -------

Earnings                                      1,051       78    1,163      756
                                               ------   ------   ------  -------

Adjusted earnings per share                    36.5p     2.7p
                                               ------   ------
Basic earnings per share                                         40.4p    26.3p
                                                                 ======  =======



The weighted average number of fully paid ordinary shares in issue during the
year was 2,879,298 (2006 - 2,879,298)







6.  Prior year adjustment
                                                                       £'000

     Retained earnings

     Balance at 31 March 2006 as previously reported                  20,477

     Prior year adjustment - deferred tax                             (1,062)
                                                                      -------

     Balance at 31 March 2006, as restated                            19,415
                                                                      -------

     Deferred tax asset

     Balance at 31 March 2006, as previously reported                  1,939

     Prior year adjustment                                               (16)
                                                                      -------

     Balance at 31 March 2006, as restated                             1,923
                                                                      -------
     Deferred tax liability

     Balance at 31 March 2006, as previously reported                  2,140

     Prior year adjustment                                             1,046
                                                                      -------

     Balance at 31 March 2006, as restated                             3,186
                                                                      -------

     The restatement of the opening balances arises following a reassessment of
     the taxation position relating to the rollover relief claimed in respect of
     realisations of capital assets in prior years. The current tax charge for
     the two years ended 31 March 2007 is not materially affected.

7.  Notes to the cash flow statement
                                                                2007      2006
                                                               £'000     £'000

     Profit before taxation                                    1,443     1,030

     Adjustment for finance costs                              1,232     1,114
                                                               -------   -------

     Profit from operations                                    2,675     2,144

     Adjustments for:

     Depreciation of property, plant and equipment             1,427     1,268

     Amortisation of intangible assets                            23        22

     Negative goodwill received                                 (186)        -

     Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment          (600)     (858)

     Increase / (decrease) in provisions                       2,862      (268)
                                                               -------   -------

     Operating cash flows before movements in working          6,201     2,308
     capital

     (Increase) / decrease in inventories                       (871)    1,747

     (Increase) / decrease in receivables                       (150)       68

     Increase / (decrease) in payables                           496      (800)

     (Decrease) / increase in pensions                          (400)        4
                                                               -------   -------

     Cash generated by operations                              5,276     3,327

     Income taxes received/(paid)                                151       (50)

     Interest paid                                            (1,225)   (1,114)
                                                               -------   -------

     Net cash from operating activities                        4,202     2,163
                                                               -------   -------



8.  Annual Report

     Copies of the Annual Report will be despatched to shareholders by 2 July
     2007.

9.  Financial Calendar

     Annual General Meeting at the Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne on Thursday 26 July
     2007 at 11.30am.







                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

 

Note 1 Company names will not be displayed for announcements relating to international companies.