Turismo
Irish Continental Group plc : Half-yearly report
Wednesday 31 August 2016
Interim Management Report
Irish Continental Group (ICG) the leading Irish-based maritime transport group, reports a solid financial performance for the half year ended 30 June 2016.
Commenting on the results of Irish Continental Group, Chairman John B. McGuckian said; ''I am pleased to report a strong performance for the first six months of the financial year underpinned by increased car and freight volumes, lower fuel prices and increased charter revenues. In the second half of the year the uncertainty caused by the outcome of the UK Referendum on European Union membership held on 23 June 2016 had an initial negative impact on tourism bookings which have since recovered. Tourism carryings over the key summer months were broadly in line with expectation though the continuing Sterling weakness since the end of June has resulted in lower Euro equivalent tourism yields. The UK Referendum result has, to date, had very little impact on RoRo freight volumes which remain strong. Notwithstanding the impact of weaker Sterling ICG is well placed to benefit from the underlying growth trends in both car and freight volumes.''
30 August 2016
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RESULTS
The Board of Irish Continental Group plc (ICG) reports that, in the seasonally less profitable first half of the year, the Group recorded revenue of €150.5 million compared with €143.1 million in the same period in 2015, an increase of 5.2%. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) were €30.5 million compared with €25.5 million in the same period in 2015. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) were €20.8 million compared with €16.4 million in 2015. Group fuel costs were down €7.5 million (36.1%) to €13.3 million. Profit before tax was €19.7 million compared with €14.9 million in the first half of 2015. The tax charge amounted to €0.5 million (2015: €0.4 million).
There was a net finance charge of €1.1 million (2015: €1.5 million) which includes net bank interest payable of €1.1 million (2015: €1.3 million) and a net pension interest cost of €nil (2015: €0.2 million). Basic EPS was 10.3c compared with 7.8c in the first half of 2015. Adjusted EPS (before non-trading items and net pension interest cost) amounted to 10.3c (2015: 7.9c).
The continued recovery in the Irish economy and lower global fuel prices has been positive for the Group with increased carryings across all business areas. These positive benefits have been partially offset through reduced fuel surcharges to customers and increased exchange rate volatility. The Group is a net receiver of Sterling which means a weaker Sterling exchange rate has had a negative effect on year on year comparisons.
OPERATIONAL REVIEW
Ferries Division
The division comprises Irish Ferries, a leading provider of passenger and freight ferry services between Ireland and both the UK and Continental Europe, and the chartering of vessels to third parties. Irish Ferries operated over 2,500 sailings in the period.
Revenue in the division was €91.5 million (2015: €86.5 million) while EBITDA was €23.9 million (2015: €20.0 million). EBIT increased to €15.4 million (2015: €12.3 million).
In the first half of 2016 total cars carried were 170,500, up 5.5% on the same period in the previous year. Total passenger carryings decreased by 1.9% to 688,600 in the period, primarily due to foot passenger carryings being significantly lower than the previous year. RoRo freight volumes were up 5.6% to 139,100 units, when compared with the first half of 2015.
The MV Kaitaki remained on charter to KiwiRail during the period, trading in New Zealand. The container vessel MV Ranger remains on time charter to a third party and is currently trading in North West Europe while the MV Elbtrader, MV Elbcarrier and MV Elbfeeder remain on time charter to the Group's container shipping subsidiary Eucon. The HSC Westpac Express which was delivered to the Group on 1 June 2016 was immediately chartered to a third party and is operating in Asia.
Container and Terminal Division
*teu: twenty foot equivalent units
The Container and Terminal Division includes the intermodal shipping line Eucon as well as the division's strategically located container terminals in Dublin and in Belfast.
Revenue in the division was up 9.8% to €62.8 million (2015: €57.2 million), EBITDA increased to €6.6 million (2015: €5.5 million) while EBIT rose to €5.4 million (2015: €4.1 million).
Total containers shipped were up 7.4% at 152,700 teu (2015: 142,200 teu). Containers handled at the Group's terminals in Dublin Ferryport Terminals (DFT) and Belfast Container Terminal (BCT) were up 39.6% to 144,800 lifts (2015: 103,700 lifts). DFT's volumes were up 5.0%, while BCT's lifts were up 149.3%. The increase in Belfast arises from the commencement in June 2015 of the Services Concession to BCT for the operation of a combined container terminal at Victoria Terminal 3 (VT3).
GROUP FINANCIAL POSITION
A summary cash flow as at 30 June 2016 is presented below:
EBITDA for the period was €30.5 million compared with €25.5 million in the same period in 2015. Cash flow generated from operations was €56.5 million versus €46.9 million in 2015. Due to the seasonality of the business there is a positive working capital movement within payables as deferred revenue is at a higher level at the end of June when compared to December, ahead of the peak summer tourism trading.
Capital expenditure in the period was €17.5 million (30 June 2015: €7.4 million) including €9.2 million on the acquisition of HSC Westpac Express. Pension payments in excess of service costs amounted to €1.1 million (30 June 2015: €1.4 million). Free cash flow (net cash from operating activities after capital expenditure) was €37.6 million compared with €37.8 million in the previous half year. During the period the final dividend for 2015, amounting to €13.8 million was paid (31 December 2015: €19.9 million).
Net debt at the end of the period amounted to €18.9 million and this compares with €44.3 million at 31 December 2015. Total borrowings have reduced by €3.5 million primarily reflecting €6.5 million term loan repayment and utilisation of short term overdraft facilities.
A summary balance sheet as at 30 June 2016 is presented below:
The principal reason for the movement in the property, plant and equipment and intangible assets in the period relates to the acquisition of HSC Westpac Express together with scheduled replacement expenditure and is offset by depreciation and disposals in the period.
The total net deficit of all defined benefit pension schemes at 30 June 2016 was €32.8 million in comparison to €5.1 million at 31 December 2015. The deficit increase reflects an actuarial loss of €28.5 million primarily related to a decrease in high quality corporate bond yields, which drives the discount rate used to value scheme liabilities.
Shareholders' equity decreased to €93.5 million from €115.5 million at 31 December 2015. The main reasons for the movement were primarily due to dividends paid of €13.8 million and an actuarial loss arising on retirement benefit schemes of €28.5 million offset by profit for the financial period of €19.2 million.
DIVIDEND
The Board has declared an interim dividend of 3.820 cent per ICG Unit payable on 7 October to shareholders on the register at 23 September 2016.
FUEL
Group fuel costs in the first half of 2016 amounted to €13.3 million (2015: €20.8 million). The reduction in fuel cost was due to the fall in global US Dollar oil prices, offset by a stronger US Dollar versus Euro.
In the reporting period the Group had not engaged in financial derivative trading to hedge its fuel costs. The Group has in place a transparent fuel surcharge mechanism linked to the spot market for fuel oils. In line with the reduced cost of fuel, surcharge revenues were lower.
On 15 April 2016, ICG announced that it had entered into an agreement for the purchase of the High Speed Craft 'Westpac Express' for $13.25 million. The vessel was delivered to the Group on 1 June 2016 and is currently on charter to a third party.
On 31 May 2016, ICG announced that it had entered into an agreement with the German company Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesselschaft & Co.KG ("FSG") whereby FSG has agreed to build a cruise ferry for ICG at a contract price of €144 million. This is scheduled for delivery during 2018 and will be financed through a combination of cash resources and loan facilities. This new vessel investment will support the longer term objectives of our business. It is likely that this new cruise ferry will be introduced on routes served by the chartered ship MV Epsilon. The cruise ferry will be designed to best meet the seasonality of our business. This flexibility in design includes the ability to service all of Irish Ferries existing routes, and will provide even greater route management options. The charter-in of the MV Epsilon has been extended for a further period of two years. The charter will now expire in November 2018.
KiwiRail, the charterer of MV Kaitaki, has exercised its option to extend the charter commencing on the expiry of the current term for a further term of three years ending June 2020.
There were no related party transactions in the half year that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the Group in the period. In addition, there were no changes in related party transactions from the last annual report that could have a material effect on the financial position or performance of the Group in the first six months.
The Group has a risk management structure in place which is designed to identify, manage and mitigate the threats to the business on an ongoing basis. The Board considers the principal risks and uncertainties as set out in detail on pages 26 and 27 of the 2015 Annual Report to remain applicable for the second half of 2016. These risks are as follows:
The Group notes the result of the UK Referendum on the European Union membership. The structural effect of a UK exit on the economies in our sphere of operations will only be clearer once the exit terms are negotiated. In the second half of 2016 the Group expects greater volatility in its main non-operating currencies, Sterling and U.S Dollar, affecting revenues, costs and demand for travel services to Ireland. These risks will be managed within the Group's risk management process.
The Board has declared an interim dividend of 3.820 cent per ICG Unit in respect 2016.
There have been no other material events affecting the Group to report since 30 June 2016.
After making enquiries and taking into account the Group's committed banking facilities which extend to September 2017, the Directors believe that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. In forming this view the Directors have considered the future cash requirements of the Group's business in the context of the economic environment over the next 12 months, the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group, the Group's budget plan and the medium term strategy of the Group, including capital investment plans. The future cash requirements have been compared to bank facilities which the Directors have negotiated. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing this half yearly financial report.
This half yearly financial report has not been audited or reviewed by the auditors of the Group pursuant to the Auditing Practices Board guidance on Review of Interim Financial Information.
The uncertainty arising from the result of the UK Referendum on European Union membership held on 23 June 2016 had an initial negative impact on UK consumer demand. The demand situation seems to have settled now as the initial shock of the Referendum result has waned although the negative Sterling impact on yields remains.
The UK Referendum result has had little impact on RoRo freight volumes to date and it is too early to assess its future impact.
The rate of increase in tourism carryings in the peak summer season has been lower than in the first six months. In the period from 1 July 2016 to 27 August 2016 117,400 cars were carried on our services which is an increase of 2% on the same period in 2015. Foot passengers carried, which are of lesser significance to our tourism performance, were down 15%, resulting in a reduction in total passengers of 3%.
RoRo freight carryings in the period from 1 July 2016 to 27 August 2016 have remained strong and are exhibiting continued growth. Total units carried amounting to 44,200 represented an increase of 4% over the corresponding period last year.
Cumulatively in the period from 1 January 2016 to 27 August 2016, Irish Ferries carried 287,900 cars up 4% while the number of passengers carried declined to 1,162,100 passengers, down 2%, compared with the same period last year. In the Roll on Roll off freight market, Irish Ferries carried 183,300 units, an increase of 5% compared with the same period in 2015.
In the period from 1 July 2016 to 27 August 2016, the Container and Terminal division container carryings were 47,300, an increase of 1% on the corresponding period last year. Port lifts were 44,800, an increase of 2% compared to the same period last year.
Cumulatively in the period from 1 January 2016 to 27 August 2016, container freight volumes shipped were up 6% at 200,000 teu compared with the same period last year. Port lifts rose by 28% to 189,600 lifts year on year, helped by the additional operations at Belfast in the first half of 2016.
In the absence of unforeseen circumstances, the outlook for the remainder of the year is for a continuation of the overall business momentum seen to date with some easing in our tourism revenues, growth in our RoRo and LoLo revenues and increased contribution from our external ship chartering activities.
This report contains certain forward-looking statements. These statements are made by the Directors in good faith based on the information available to them up to the time of their approval of this report. These forward-looking statements should be treated with caution due to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and business risk factors, underlying any such forward looking information.
This report has been prepared for the Group as a whole and therefore gives greater emphasis to those matters which are significant to Irish Continental Group plc and its subsidiaries when viewed as a whole.
This half yearly financial report and Interim Management Report are available on the Group's website www.icg.ie.
John B. McGuckian
Chairman
30 August 2016
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Half Yearly Financial Report in accordance with the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 (as amended), the related Transparency Rules of the Central Bank of Ireland and IAS 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union.
On behalf of the Board
Other Reserves comprise the following:
Other Reserves comprise the following:
Other Reserves comprise the following:
The condensed interim financial statements are considered non-statutory financial statements for the purposes of the Companies Act 2014 and in compliance with section 340(4) of that Act we state that:
Certain financial measures set out in our Half Yearly Report to 30 June 2016 are not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Presentation of these Alternative Performance Measures ("APMs") provides useful supplementary information which, when viewed in conjunction with the Company's IFRS financial information, allows for a more meaningful understanding of the underlying financial and operating performance of the Group. These non-IFRS measures should not be considered as an alternative to financial measures as defined under IFRS. Descriptions of the APMs included in this report are disclosed below.
*Non-trading items are material non-recurring items that derive from events or transactions that fall outside the ordinary activities of the Group and which individually, or, if of a similar type, in aggregate, are separately disclosed by virtue of their size or incidence.
The Group Condensed Financial Statements for the six months ended 30 June 2016 have been prepared in accordance with the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 (as amended), the related Transparency Rules of the Central Bank of Ireland and with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union.
The accounting policies and methods of computation applied in preparing these condensed financial statements are consistent with those set out in the Group Annual Report for the financial year ended 31 December 2015, which is available at www.icg.ie.
The Group did not adopt any new International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or Interpretations in the period that had a material impact on the Group Condensed Financial Statements for the half year.
At 30 June 2016, the following Standards and Interpretations have become effective since our last Annual Report but had no material impact on the results or financial position of the Group:
There have been no material changes in estimates in these half yearly financial information based on the estimates that have previously been made in the prior year financial statements to 31 December 2015. The net deficit in retirement benefit schemes has increased by €27.7 million since 31 December 2015, primarily related to a decrease in high quality corporate bond yields, which drives the discount rate used to value scheme liabilities. Other than the item noted above there has been no other material change in estimates.
The Board is deemed the chief operating decision maker within the Group. For management purposes, the Group is currently organised into two operating segments; Ferries and Container & Terminal. These segments are the basis on which the Group reports internally and are the only two revenue generating segments of the Group. The principal activities of the Ferries segment are the operation of combined RoRo passenger ferries and chartering of vessels. The principal activities of the Container & Terminal segment are the provision of door-to-door and feeder LoLo freight services, stevedoring and other related terminal services. There has been no change in the basis of segmentation or in the basis measurement of segment profit or loss in the period. Under IFRS 8: Operating Segments, the Group has determined that the operating segments are (i) Ferries and (ii) Container and Terminal.
Revenue in the Group's Ferries Division is weighted towards the second half of the year due to patterns of passenger demand.
There has been no material change in the share of total assets / liabilities between segments from the share disclosed in the prior year financial statements to 31 December 2015.
In June 2016 a final dividend of 7.387 cent per ICG Unit was declared and paid for the financial year ended 31 December 2015. In June 2015 a final dividend of 7.035 cent per ICG Unit was paid for the year ended 31 December 2014. In September 2015 an interim dividend of 3.638 cent per ICG Unit was paid for the year ended 31 December 2015.
The denominator for the purposes of calculating both basic and diluted earnings per share has been adjusted to reflect shares issued during the period.
The earnings used in both the adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share have been adjusted to take into account non-trading items and the net interest cost on defined benefit pension schemes.
At 30 June 2016 the Group has entered into commitments to the value of €147.1 million (2015: €2.3 million) for the purchase of fixed assets.
The loan drawdown and repayments have been made under the Group's loan facilities.
For the purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and in banks net of outstanding bank overdrafts. Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period as shown in the statement of cash flows can be reconciled as follows:
Corporation tax for the interim period is estimated based on the best estimates of the weighted average annual corporation tax rate expected to apply to each taxable entity for the full financial year.
The Company and subsidiaries that are within the EU approved Tonnage Tax jurisdictions have elected to be taxed under the tonnage tax scheme. Under the tonnage tax scheme, taxable profit on eligible activities is calculated on a specified notional profit per day related to the tonnage of the ships utilised.
The Groups activities expose it to a variety of financial risks including interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. The Group's funding, liquidity and exposure to interest and foreign exchange rate risks are managed by the Group's treasury and accounting departments. A combination of derivative financial instruments and treasury management techniques are used to manage these underlying risks. These interim condensed financial statements do not include all financial risk management information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the 2015 Annual Report. There have been no changes to the risk management procedures or policies since the 2015 year end.
The Group has adopted the following fair value measurement hierarchy for financial instruments:
The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are carried in the Statement of Financial Position at fair value are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as market observable inputs (forward rates and yield curves) are used in arriving at fair values. There have been no movement between levels in the current period.
At 30 June 2016 the carrying value and fair value of borrowings was €65.8 million and €66.3 million respectively (31 December 2015: €69.3 million and €66.3 million respectively), which consists of the bank overdraft, loans and leases in Note 8.
The fair value of borrowings at 30 June 2016 was higher than the carrying value reflecting a reduction in the estimated discount rate of the Group's own credit risk.
The fair value of the following financial assets and financial liabilities approximate their carrying value:
Derivative financial instruments are measured in the Statement of Financial Position at fair value. The fair values of derivative financial instruments are based on market price calculations using financial models based on market observable rates.
The fair value of derivative financial instruments was a liability of €0.5 million as at 30 June 2016 (31 December 2015: a liability of €0.5 million) which consisted of interest rate swaps. All cash flow hedges were effective and fair value losses of €0.2 million (31 December 2015: losses of €0.2 million) were recorded in other comprehensive income and net settlements amounted to €0.2 million (31 December 2015: €0.4 million).
The Group utilised interest rate swaps during the period ended 30 June 2016 and year ended 31 December 2015 whereby it swapped its entire EURIBOR floating interest rate exposure under the amortising term loan facility for fixed interest rates. The notional capital amount outstanding of this contract at 30 June 2016 was €44.2 million (31 December 2015: €50.7 million) and the notional amounts for all future periods match the amortising schedule of the loan agreement. The estimated fair value has been accumulated in equity and will be subsequently recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement in the same period as the hedged expense.
The Group utilises currency derivatives to hedge future cash flows in the management of its exchange rate exposures. At 30 June 2016 and 31 December 2015 there were no material outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts.
Retirement benefit scheme valuations have been updated at the half year. Scheme assets have been valued as per investment managers valuations at 30 June 2016. In consultation with the actuary to the principal group defined benefit pension schemes, the discount rate used in relation to the pension scheme liabilities is 1.40% for Euro liabilities (31 December 2015: 2.20%) and 2.70% for Sterling liabilities (31 December 2015: 3.75%).
At 30 June 2016 the Groups total obligation in respect of defined benefit schemes totals €299.0 million (31 December 2015: €268.8 million). The schemes held assets of €266.2 million (31 December 2015: €263.7 million), giving a net pension deficit of €32.8 million (31 December 2015: €5.1 million).
The principal assumptions used for the purpose of the actuarial valuations were as follows:
The deficit increase reflects an actuarial loss of €28.5 million primarily related to a decrease in high quality corporate bond yields, which drives the discount rate used to value scheme liabilities. The reduction in the inflation assumptions reflects the change in the differential between yields between fixed interest and index linked Government bonds. This also reduces the assumption used for pension and salary increases.
At 30 June 2016 and 30 June 2015 the increase in payables is due to the seasonality of the business, giving rise to an increase in deferred revenue, as at 30 June 2016 and 2015.
Transactions between the company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation.
During the six months ended 30 June 2016 there were no material changes to, or material transactions between Irish Continental Group plc and its key management personnel or members of their close family, other than in respect of remuneration and dividends.
There have been no material changes in contingent assets or liabilities as reported in the Group's financial statement for the year ended 31 December 2015.
Under IFRS, goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are required to be tested at least annually for impairment. As the Group does not have these assets no impairment review is required.
In relation to assets other than those listed above, the Group assessed those assets to determine if there were any indications of impairment. No internal or external indications of impairment were identified and consequently no impairment review was performed.
There have been no changes in the composition of the entity during the period ended 30 June 2016.
The Board has declared an interim dividend of 3.820 cent per ICG Unit in respect of 2016.
There have been no other material events affecting the Group to report since 30 June 2016.
This interim report was approved by the Board of Directors of Irish Continental Group plc on 30 August 2016.
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