TIDMOPE

RNS Number : 1182Z

Optare PLC

08 December 2014

Optare plc

(the "Company", "Group" or "Optare")

Interim Results for the six months ended 30 September 2014

Optare is pleased to announce its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2014.

Key highlights:

-- Introduction of the MetroCity Euro 6, a low weight integral structure vehicle, available in 2 lengths of 10.1m to 10.8m. The first Metrocity order was delivered in May 2014;

-- Successful launch of Optare's new Euro 6 double deck, the MetroDecker, at the London Transport Museum in May 2014. The order book for the MetroDecker is now open;

-- Introduction of the MetroCity EV. The Metrocity EV was launched by the Mayor of London in July of this year;

-- Orders for electric vehicles (EVs) received for all major London operators, who are currently trialling Optare's EVs. As of September 30(th) 2014, Optare has 45 EVs operating in the UK market and is the leader in full electric vehicles in the UK (where Optare has 100% market share) and Europe;

-- Introduction of the new Solo and Versa Euro 6 engine power. The first order for 37 units has now been delivered to Northern Ireland;

-- Introduction of the new hybrid power generation. The first order for 10 units has been delivered in September 2014;

-- Optare has been awarded for its excellence in environment and green technology by the Indo European Business Forum at a recent awards ceremony at the House of Lords, Westminster, London; and

-- Increased market share of single deck UK market; up by 2.0% as of September 2014 v September 2013. The overall single deck UK market was down by 9% YTD in 2014.

Financial headlines:

   --      EBITDA loss of GBP(1.4)m compared to H1 2013 loss of GBP(0.8)m; 
   --      Loss from operations of GBP(2.1)m compared to H1 2013 loss of GBP(1.4)m; 

-- Gross margin decreased to 9.5% (H1: 2013 10.3%), this was primarily driven by the execution of new product orders and the introduction of new Euro 6 specification vehicles;

Sales volumes are lower than PY by 13%.

-- Underlying administration costs increased to GBP4.6m (H1: 2013 GBP4.4m). Administration costs include a one off charge of GBP0.3m relating to obligations resulting from an onerous contract in May 2014; and

   --      Loss per share increased from 0.08p at September 2013 to 0.12p at September 2014. 

Commenting on the interim results, Enrico Vassallo, Optare's CEO: "We have seen a difficult trading period in the first half of the 2014/15 financial year, due to the contraction of the UK bus market and the launch of several new products and Euro 6 specification vehicles. We have continued to invest in new products and, for the first time, the Company can offer an extended product range to meet operators' urban and suburban requirements. The Management are committed to top line growth in both UK and export markets and to reduce fixed costs to ensure a long term sustainable future for Optare plc".

For further information:

   Optare plc                                           Tel:  +44 (0) 8434 873 200 

Enrico Vasallo - Chief Executive Officer

   Cenkos Securities plc                      Tel: +44 (0) 20 7397 8900 

Stephen Keys

CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE REVIEW

-- Turnover for the 6 months ended 30 September 2014 was GBP29.4m (H1 2013: GBP32.4m). 2013 H1 results included the completion of a kit export order (GBP3.0m). Volumes for the same period were 177 compared to 204 buses and 31 kits in H1 2013.

-- The Company has continued to invest in the long-term future of the business with capital expenditure in the 6 months to 30 September 2014 of GBP0.8m (H1 2013: GBP0.9m). The expenditure was principally on product development - the lightweight Euro 6 integral double deck ("MetroDecker") and the low weight midi-bus ("MetroCity") - and Euro 6 integration into current ranges;

-- Optare's banking arrangements were renewed by Barclays with a total bank facility of GBP23m still available and Ashok Leyland continues to support Optare plc with resources as required;

   --      Loss per share increased from 0.08p at September 2013 to 0.12p at September 2014. 

Current trading and prospects

-- The order book as at 30 September 2014 was GBP21.7m (30 September 2013: GBP22.5m). The Company is now tendering for MetroDecker orders to strengthen the order book and plan to further supplement this through volume orders from the large UK bus operators, supported by the full product offering that Optare now has available;

-- Optare has delivered its targeted first Euro 6 engines in Q2 of the 2014/15 financial year. Further Euro 6 production volume is planned into H2;

-- The export strategy is taking longer to realize than was originally envisaged, but the first tender for Bahrain has been successfully won. Optare continues to promote its products in export markets, to reduce its reliance on UK customers;

-- Optare continues to be the leader in low emission technology and have a substantial lead on the competition. With increasing focus on life cycle costs, Optare continues to invest in improving fuel efficiency of its product range; and

-- Continued integration with Ashok Leyland through the planned launch of Optare's Solo EV with AL branding at the Bus Expo in New Delhi early next year.

Board and management changes

-- Mr Steven John Norris joined the company on 10th October 2014 in the position of Independent Non-Executive Director. Mr Norris has simultaneously taken on the role of Deputy Chairman of the Board and will assist Optare in working with the UK bus industry to achieve greener bus travel and improved air quality in the UK. Mr Norris, former MP for Oxford East and Epping Forest, has notable experience in the transport industry, being former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport and Minister for Transport in London. Steven is either currently or has previously held roles as Chairman of the National Cycling Strategy Board, Director General of the Road Haulage Association and President of the Motor Cycle Industry Association, a Commissioner with the Independent Transport Commission, and a patron of the charities, Sustrans (a British charity to promote sustainable transport) and of the Campaign for Better Transport (UK) Trust.

Outlook

-- The Company anticipates that trading will remain difficult in the short term, but with a full product range to offer to the UK market, higher base volumes from the major groups and conversion of more export tenders, the future looks bright for the Company.

Enrico Vassallo John Fickling

Chief Executive Officer Chairman

Date Date

 
 Consolidated income statement for the six months ended 
  30th September 2014 (unaudited) 
 
                                         Unaudited    Unaudited       Audited 
                                           6 month      6 month 
                                            period       period      12 month 
                                             ended     ended 30        period 
                                      30 September    September      ended 31 
                                              2014         2013    March 2014 
                                          GBP000's     GBP000's      GBP000's 
 
 Revenue                                    29,396       32,413        56,947 
 
 Cost of Sales                            (26,610)     (29,083)      (50,826) 
 
 
 Gross profit                                2,786        3,330         6,121 
 
 Administrative expenses                   (4,103)      (3,955)       (8,039) 
 Distribution costs                          (497)        (455)         (499) 
 Amortisation of intangibles                 (263)        (278)         (624) 
 
 Loss from operations                      (2,077)      (1,358)       (3,041) 
 
 Finance costs                               (586)        (458)       (1,020) 
 
 Loss for the period from 
  continuing operations                    (2,663)      (1,816)       (4,061) 
 
 Loss on ordinary activities 
  before taxation                          (2,663)      (1,816)       (4,061) 
 Taxation                                        -            -             - 
 
 Loss attributable to the 
  equity holders of the parent 
  company                                  (2,663)      (1,816)       (4,061) 
                                    ==============  ===========  ============ 
 Earnings/(loss) per ordinary 
  share 
 
 From continuing operations 
  after exceptional items 
  (basic and diluted)                      (0.12)p      (0.08)p       (0.18)p 
 From continuing operations 
  before exceptional items 
  (basic and diluted)                      (0.12)p      (0.08)p       (0.18)p 
 
 

There were no recognised gains or losses in the period other than the profit for the period and therefore no statement of recognised income and expenses is presented.

Consolidated balance sheet as at 30th September 2014 (unaudited)

 
 
 
                                                                                                                                                    Unaudited                Unaudited         Audited 
                                                                                                                                                      6 month           6 month period        12 month 
                                                                                                                                                 period ended                 ended 30    period ended 
                                                                                                                                                 30 September                September        31 March 
                                                                                                                                                         2014                     2013            2014 
                                                                                                                                                     GBP000's                 GBP000's        GBP000's 
 Non-current assets 
 Goodwill                                                                                                                                               8,574                    8,574           8,574 
 Other intangible assets                                                                                                                                8,600                    8,426           8,324 
 Property, plant equipment                                                                                                                              3,192                    3,484           3,300 
                                                                                                                                                       20,366                   20,484          20,198 
                                                                                                =============================================================  =======================  ============== 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                                                                                                                            8,812                    6,046          12,423 
 Trade and other receivables                                                                                                                            6,994                    9,383           7,998 
                                                                                                                                                       15,806                   15,429          20,421 
                                                                                                -------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------------  -------------- 
 
 
 Total assets                                                                                                                                          36,172                   35,913          40,619 
                                                                                                =============================================================  =======================  ============== 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                                                                                                                              16,554                   13,610          18,632 
 Bank loans and overdrafts                                                                                                                             10,381                    9,344          10,092 
 Provisions                                                                                                                                             1,843                    2,567           1,589 
 Obligations under finance leases                                                                                                                          69                       69              64 
                                                                                                                                                       28,847                   25,590          30,377 
                                                                                                =============================================================  =======================  ============== 
 Non current liabilities 
 Bank loans                                                                                                                                            15,000                   15,000          15,000 
 Provisions                                                                                                                                             3,667                    1,727           3,940 
 Obligations under finance leases                                                                                                                         120                      150             101 
                                                                                                                                                       18,787                   16,877          19,041 
                                                                                                -------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------------  -------------- 
 
 Total liabilities                                                                                                                                     47,634                   42,467          49,418 
                                                                                                =============================================================  =======================  ============== 
 
 Net Liabilities                                                                                                                                     (11,462)                  (6,554)         (8,799) 
                                                                                                =============================================================  =======================  ============== 
 
 Equity 
 Called up share capital                                                                                                                                9,005                    9,005           9,005 
 Share premium                                                                                                                                         32,396                   32,396          32,396 
 Share based payment reserve                                                                                                                               42                       42              42 
 Merger reserve                                                                                                                                         5,542                    5,542           5,542 
 Retained loss                                                                                                                                       (58,447)                 (53,539)        (55,784) 
 
 Total equity attributable to equity 
  holders of the parent                                                                                                                              (11,462)                  (6,554)         (8,799) 
                                                                                                =============================================================  =======================  ============== 
 
 
 Consolidated Cash flow Statement for the six month period ended 
  30(th) September 2014 (unaudited) 
                                                                                                                                                    Unaudited               Unaudited          Audited            Audited 
                                                                                                                                                      6 month                 6 month        12 month 
                                                                                                                                                 period ended            period ended          period 
                                                                                                                                                 30 September            30 September        ended 31 
                                                                                                                                                         2014                    2013      March 2014 
                                                                                                                                                     GBP000's                GBP000's        GBP000's 
 Operating activities 
 Loss before tax                                                                                                                                      (2,663)                 (1,816)         (4,061) 
 Tax                                                                                                                                                        -                       -               - 
 Depreciation and amortisation                                                                                                                            675                     568           1,148 
 Share based payments                                                                                                                                       -                       -               - 
 Net finance expense                                                                                                                                      586                     458           1,020 
 Loss on disposal of fixed assets                                                                                                                           -                       -               4 
 
 Operating cash flows before movements 
  in working capital                                                                                                                                  (1,402)                   (790)         (1,889) 
                                                                                                                     ========================================  ======================  ============== 
 
 Movement in inventories                                                                                                                                3,611                   4,292         (2,083) 
 Movement in trade and other receivables                                                                                                                1,004                 (1,663)           (278) 
 Movement in trade and other payables                                                                                                                 (2,078)                 (6,856)         (1,834) 
 Movement in provisions                                                                                                                                  (19)                     685           1,918 
 
 Cash absorbed by operations                                                                                                                            1,116                 (4,332)         (4,166) 
                                                                                                                     ========================================  ======================  ============== 
 
 Interest paid                                                                                                                                          (586)                   (458)         (1,020) 
 
 Net cash flow from operating activities                                                                                                                  530                (4,790 )         (5,186) 
                                                                                                                     ========================================  ======================  ============== 
 
 Investing activities 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                              (304)                   (418)           (543) 
 Internal capitalised costs                                                                                                                             (539)                   (433)           (678) 
 
 Net cash flow from investing activities                                                                                                                (843)                   (851)         (1,221) 
                                                                                                                     ----------------------------------------  ----------------------  -------------- 
 
 Financing activities 
 Loan repayments                                                                                                                                            -                   7,000               - 
 Short term loans                                                                                                                                         221                     202           7,476 
 Hire purchase agreement repayments                                                                                                                        24                    (15)            (69) 
 
 Net cash flow from financing activities                                                                                                                  245                   7,187           7,408 
                                                                                                                     ----------------------------------------  ----------------------  -------------- 
 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and 
  cash equivalents                                                                                                                                       (68)                   1,546           1,001 
                                                                                                                     ========================================  ======================  ============== 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the 
  beginning of the period                                                                                                                             (4,444)                 (5,445)         (5,445) 
                                                                                                                     ----------------------------------------  ----------------------  -------------- 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the 
  end of the period                                                                                                                                   (4,512)                 (3,899)         (4,444) 
                                                                                                                     ========================================  ======================  ============== 
 
 
 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the six month period ended 30 September 2014 (unaudited)

 
 
 
                                                                                            Share 
                                                                                            based 
                                               Share      Share     Merger    Retained    payment 
                                             Capital    Premium    Reserve    earnings    reserve      Total 
                                            GBP000's   GBP000's   GBP000's    GBP000's   GBP000's   GBP000's 
 
        Balance at 31st March 2014             9,005     32,396      5,542    (55,784)         42    (8,799) 
 
                   Loss for the period             -          -          -     (2,663)          -    (2,663) 
 
                   Total comprehensive 
                    income for the year        9,005     32,396      5,542    (58,447)         42   (11,462) 
 
 
         Balance at 30 September 2014          9,005     32,396      5,542    (58,447)         42   (11,462) 
                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
 

Notes to the half yearly financial information for the six month period ended 30 September 2014

   1.             Basis of preparation 

Optare plc (the "Company") is a company incorporated and domiciled in the UK.

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements of the Company as at and for the six months ended 31 September 2014 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the "Group") and equity account the Group's interest in jointly controlled entities.

The unaudited consolidated half-yearly financial information for the half year ended 30 September 2014 has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, 'Interim financial reporting' as adopted by the European Union.

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement principles of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted in the EU. The current and comparative periods to September have been prepared using the accounting policies adopted in the annual financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2014.

The financial information contained in this interim report does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. This report has not been audited by the Group's auditors.

Comparative figures for the period ended 31 March 2014 have been extracted from the statutory financial statements for that period which carried an unqualified audit report, did not contain a statement under section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985 and have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements were approved by the company's Board of Director's on the 8(th) December 2014.

   2              Principal risks and uncertainties for the six months ending 30 September 2014 

As for most businesses, there are a range of risks and uncertainties facing the Group. The principal risks and uncertainties are described in the Company's 2014 Annual Report and Accounts which can be downloaded from the Company's website (www.optare.com)

   3              Loss per ordinary share 

The calculation of earnings per ordinary share is based on the profit or loss for the period divided by the weighted average number of equity voting shares in issue. There were no potentially dilutive ordinary shares in existence during the period and so basic and diluted earnings per share are identical.

 
 
 
                                               Unaudited       Unaudited         Audited 
                                               Six month       Six month        12 month 
                                                  period          period          period 
                                                ended 30        ended 30        ended 31 
                                               September       September      March 2014 
                                                    2014            2013 
                                                GBP000's        GBP000's        GBP000's 
 
 Loss for purposes of basis loss 
  per share                                      (2,663)         (1,816)         (4,061) 
                                          --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 (net loss for the period attributable 
  to equity holders of the parent) 
 
                                                  Number          Number          Number 
 
 Weighted average number of ordinary 
  shares for the purposes of basic 
  earnings per share                       2,235,291,827   2,235,291,827   2,235,291,827 
 
 Basic and fully diluted loss 
  per share                                      (0.12)p         (0.08)p         (0.18)p 
 
 Excluding Exceptional items 
 
 Loss for purposes of basis loss 
  per share                                      (2,663)         (1,816)         (4,061) 
                                          --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 (net loss for the period attributable 
  to equity holders of the parent) 
 
 Adjustment to exclude exceptional 
  costs                                                -               -               - 
 
 Loss from continuing operations 
  for the purposes of basic earnings 
  per share                                      (2,663)         (1,816)         (4,061) 
                                          --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 
 Basic and fully diluted loss 
  per share                                      (0.12)p         (0.08)p         (0.18)p 
 
 
 

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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