Thursday, 29 August 2013

Stagecoach Interim Management Statement Aug 2013


Stagecoach Group plc has today published the following interim management statement, covering available information for the period to the date of this announcement.


Financial performance


The overall profitability of the Group has remained satisfactory, and there has been no significant change to our expected adjusted earnings per share for the year ending 30 April 2014. 

Like-for-like revenue growth for the financial year to date in each of the Group's main businesses is provided below.

UK Bus (regional operations) - twelve weeks ended 21 July 2013                4.5%

UK Bus (London)                    - twelve weeks ended 21 July 2013                (0.6)%

UK Rail                                    - twelve weeks ended 21 July 2013                6.5%

North America                         - three months ended 31 July 2013                5.7%
(including Megabus.com)

Virgin Rail Group                     - twelve weeks ended 21 July 2013                5.8%
                                   

UK Bus (regional operations)

Our UK Bus (regional operations) division has performed strongly during the period. Passenger volumes have increased year-on-year, which we believe is partly attributable to better weather.  Strongest growth continues to be achieved in our commercial revenue, with concessionary, tendered and school revenue growing at a lower rate.

UK Bus (London)

Our UK Bus (London) division has continued to perform well, as we remain focused on keeping tight control of costs to ensure we can compete effectively for contracts.  The small reduction in revenue during the period is in line with our expectations, and is anticipated to reverse in the second half of the financial year as we begin to benefit from the nine new contracts won last financial year.

UK Rail

The financial performance of our rail businesses is in line with our expectations. As we expected, revenue growth rates since 21 July 2013 have fallen, partly reflecting the incremental revenue during the period of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 


 We continue to discuss with the Department for Transport (DfT) the planned extensions to our South Western Trains and East Midlands Trains franchises.  We also continue to progress our bids for the Thameslink and Docklands Light Railway franchises, and the announcements of the winning bidders for those franchises are expected in Spring 2014.

North America (including Megabus.com)

Megabus.com in North America is the fastest-growing part of the Group, increasing revenue by 21.8% in the three months ended 31 July 2013.  This reflects further growth in existing services, as well as contributions from our Texas and California networks launched during 2012/13.  Overall, the North American business remains on track to deliver a significant step up in its operating profit in 2013/14 when compared to 2012/13.

Virgin Rail Group

Virgin Rail Group (VRG) continues to earn a fee equivalent to 1% of revenue with the DfT taking the risk that revenue and/or costs differ from those expected.  VRG and the DfT are discussing revised commercial terms that could see VRG take greater revenue and cost risk for the period from a date to be agreed through to April 2017 for a commensurate financial return.

Twin America

Sightseeing revenue at our Twin America joint venture has reduced year-on-year in an increasingly competitive New York sightseeing market. 

Financial position

The Group maintains a strong financial position with investment grade credit ratings and appropriate headroom under its debt facilities.  Consolidated net debt has, as expected, remained broadly consistent with 30 April 2013 reflecting continued strong cash generation, offset by the reversal of favourable working capital timing differences in the previous financial year.

Outlook

Overall current trading is good and the prospects for the Group remain positive.