Abbey PLC Preliminary Statement (8579D)
July 12 2016 - 2:00AM
UK Regulatory
TIDMABBY
RNS Number : 8579D
Abbey PLC
12 July 2016
ABBEY PLC
Preliminary Statement for the year ended 30 April 2016
The Group reports a profit of EUR61.5 million before taxation
against a profit of EUR49.1 million in the previous year. After a
tax charge of EUR12.0 million the Group made a profit of EUR49.5
million reflecting earnings per share of 229.81 cents. Group
operating profits during the year were EUR60.8 million against
EUR46.3 million the previous year.
Dividends of 13 cents per share absorbing EUR2.8 million were
paid during the year.
Our housebuilding operations completed 597 sales (UK 544;
Ireland 23, CZK 30) with a turnover of EUR198.6 million generating
an operating profit of EUR56.5 million. Trading in the UK has been
good throughout the year. Sales, supported by the government's
'Help to Buy' scheme have been consistent. Like last year price
rises overall have outstripped rising costs supporting our margins.
Forward sales in the new year are in line with our budgets. Our UK
land bank owned or controlled finished the year at 1,498 plots.
Since the year end additional land has been acquired and the
company continues to seek further opportunities. In Ireland gradual
progress can be reported. Our project in Lucan is moving towards
completion. Our development in Delgany was successfully launched in
June. More land has been bought in Ratoath, County Meath and
Cornelscourt, County Dublin and both these schemes are now under
construction. Our projects in Laois and Kildare remain on hold
pending improvement in local demand. Effective demand for new home
ownership in many parts of the wider Dublin metropolitan area
remains muted. In Prague we completed 30 sales and are pleased to
report a useful contribution to our results. Work is well advanced
on our project in Na Vidouli and is progressing in Prezletice. Our
new scheme of apartments has commenced in Tetinska.
At the year end the Group owned and controlled land with the
benefit of planning permission for the supply of 2,090 plots.
M & J reported operating profits of EUR3.3 million on a
turnover of EUR21.0 million. Business has continued at a fair level
into the new year. Competitive pressure remains intense and good
cost control is essential. Another steady year is in prospect.
Rental income during the year was EUR984,000.
The Group held EUR90.4 million in cash together with EUR12.7
million in UK government bonds at the end of the financial
year.
Trading in the early part of the new year has been encouraging
and the Group has set budgets for the year showing increased
activity across the business, however, the outlook is now clouded
by Brexit. A slowdown in the UK economy is now being forecast and
in particular a correction in the housing market after its strong
performance in recent years. Prospects for the short, medium and
long term are now very unclear. A prolonged period of gradual
relative decline for London and South East England is possible if
the withdrawal of London from its role in Europe is carried
through. In Ireland, still recovering from last decade's financial
crisis prospects seem brighter, however, Brexit casts a
considerable shadow. The Group is, with its strong balance sheet,
well placed to cope with the uncertainty and hopes to continue to
making steady progress. The impact of Brexit will emerge over
future reporting periods but there is no doubt that the Referendum
outcome is a material short term negative shock.
The Board is pleased to recommend a dividend of 8 cents per
share for approval at the Annual General Meeting.
Shareholders should carefully note the exchange rates used for
this statement. The income statement uses the average exchange rate
for the year of 100 cents: STG 73.85p and 100 cents: CZK 27.12. The
balance sheet uses the ratio prevailing on 30 April 2016 of 100
cents: STG 78.18p and 100 cents: CZK 27.04.
On behalf of the Board
CHARLES H GALLAGHER
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
12(th) July 2016
Contact:
Davy Corporate Finance (Nominated Adviser and ESM Adviser)
Eugenée Mulhern/Brian Garrahy
Tel:+ 353 1 679 6363
The Preliminary Results financial statements for the year ended
30 April 2015 can be accessed by clicking on the link below:
http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/8579D_-2016-7-11.pdf
The Directors' report and group financial statements for the
year ended 30 April 2015 can be accessed by clicking on the
below:
http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/8579D_1-2016-7-11.pdf
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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