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RNS Number : 6445H Motorpoint Group plc 10 June 2026
10 June 2026
Motorpoint Group PLC
("Motorpoint" or the "Group")
Final Results
Continue to outperform the market, achieving record sales volumes and PBT
growth of 83%; well-positioned for further market share gains
Motorpoint Group PLC, the UK's leading independent omnichannel vehicle
retailer, today announces its results for the year ended 31 March 2026
("FY26").
FY26 Financial Summary
Year ended 31 March 2026 Year ended 31 March 2025 Change
Revenue £1,268.6m £1,173.1m +8.1%
Gross profit £98.9m £90.8m +8.9%
Operating expenditure £(81.2)m £(78.1)m +4.0%
Other income £0.1m £0.8m -£0.7m
Finance expense £(10.3)m £(9.4)m +9.6%
EBITDA((1)) £27.5m £23.9m +15.1%
Profit before taxation £7.5m £4.1m +82.9%
Profit for the year £5.6m £3.2m +75.0%
Basic earnings per share 6.6p 3.7p +78.4%
Dividend - full year (paid and proposed) 2.2p 1.0p +1.2p
Net (debt)/cash and cash equivalents (excludes lease liabilities) £(8.8)m £6.6m -£15.4m
Return on Capital Employed((2)) 67.2% 46.6% +2,060 bps
(1) Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
(2) Earnings before interest and tax divided by average net assets over the
year
• Total revenue increased 8.1% to £1,268.6m, as we continue to outperform the
wider used car market
• Firmly embedded data-led approach to buying and selling vehicles has resulted
in improved and stable metal margins
• Finance commission income remains subdued due to elevated interest rates
• Despite the full year effect of the Norwich store opening and wage cost
pressure, the operating expenditure increase was well below that of gross
profit, reflecting strong focus on cost control and efficiency
• Stock availability continues to normalise, leading to improved stock levels,
with a commensurate increase in finance expense
• Profit before tax increased 82.9% to £7.5m, and EBITDA by 15.1% to £27.5m
• Cash movement influenced by stock buying and purchase of two freehold sites
(for an aggregate gross consideration of £13.1m) in final quarter
• Excellent Return on Capital Employed. Growing to 67.2%, from 46.6% last year,
reflecting increased profitability and demonstrating the effectiveness of our
capital light model
• In line with our progressive dividend policy announced a year ago, a final
dividend of 1.2p is proposed (FY25: 1.0p). Together with the paid interim
dividend, this will amount to a full year dividend of 2.2p, 33.3% of basic
earnings per share
• Successful completion of further share buyback programme with 3.0m shares
bought back and cancelled at a cost of £5.0m. Since March 2024, £11.7m
(including dividends) has been returned to shareholders, with an overall
reduction in shares in issue of over 7%
Operational and Strategic Highlights
Investment in a data-led approach to both buying and selling vehicles is now
embedded in our operational model and drove an increase in buying activity and
strong metal margin performance
Operational KPIs Year ended 31 March 2026 Year ended 31 March 2025 Change
Market share (0-10 year old) ((1)) 1.68% 1.46% +22bps
Vehicles sold 91.9k 87.7k +4.8%
Retail 64.6k 59.9k +7.8%
Wholesale 27.3k 27.8k -1.8%
Days in stock 54 43 +11 days
Retail gross profit per unit £1,368 £1,335 +£33
Wholesale gross profit per unit £387 £388 -£1
Gross profit / operating expenses 122% 116% +600bps
Customer acquisition cost ((2)) £163 £177 -£14
Net Promoter Score (NPS) 84 80 +4
Sunday Times Best Places to Work accreditation Yes Yes -
(1) Based on latest Q4 data in FY26
(2) Total marketing cost per retail unit sold
• Retail volume growth of 7.8%, outperforming the wider used car market, which
was up 1.4% in the year, per SMMT data
• Significant growth in older, more affordable vehicles, which is being
supported by a focus on direct purchasing from consumers through Sell Your Car
and part exchange channels
• 6,603 vehicles sourced via our Sell Your Car channel, up 85% on previous year
• Supply of nearly new vehicles continues to improve, reflected in increased
fleet channel buying activity and stock levels. Days in stock influenced by
higher stock levels, notably in final quarter to satisfy demand
• Successful negotiations with stock facility providers (completed post year
end) to increase available limit to £210m (FY25: £165m)
• Investment in preparation capability at four stores, improving speed to sale,
reducing transport dependency and supporting scalable growth
• Further investment across estate by bringing MOT and warranty work in house,
improving cost efficiency and increasing speed to sale
• Accelerated technology investment in website speed and functionality, along
with digital brand awareness, and improved Google rankings. Total websites
sessions increased 14% to 18.1m
• Investment in new agentic AI tools across email and chat, and data query.
Since introduction last summer, 877 incremental sales in FY26 can be
attributed to the AI channel which follows up on historic closed leads
• Efficiency focus has resulted in a 19.1% increase in retail units sold per FTE
since FY23, offsetting the impact of wage inflation
• Successful implementation of a new finance ERP system to improve controls and
increase productivity, contributing to a 10% finance headcount reduction
• Strong focus on customer experience has resulted in a notable improvement in
our NPS rating
• Continue to be recognised by The Sunday Times as a Best Place to Work
New Store Progress
We currently trade from 21 retail locations across the UK. One of our primary
strategic goals is to increase this number to at least 30 in the medium term,
and achieve more than 10% share in each market we operate in. Excellent
progress has been made in FY26. We will open a new store in Leeds this Summer
and have secured further development opportunities in three new market
locations, with openings anticipated at the end of FY27 and during FY28. We
continue to work on our pipeline of opportunities. Post year end, we secured a
new £10m property finance facility to support these growth aspirations.
Current Trading and Outlook
Despite the well documented economic uncertainty due to the Middle East
conflict impacting consumer confidence, the Group has continued its strong
momentum into FY27:
· Delivered retail volume growth of 15.0% across April and May
(albeit versus weaker comparatives), and maintained strong profitability
· Metal margins remain stable with strong supply
· Sell Your Car purchases running at over 200 a week since year end
The Board is confident in our ability to take advantage of opportunities to
further increase market share at attractive margins in the year ahead.
Mark Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer of Motorpoint Group PLC commented:
"The Group had an excellent year in FY26, and I am delighted to report record
sales volumes and an 83% increase in profit before taxation. FY26 has been a
step change year for Motorpoint, where the use of data became fundamental
within the business and we embraced the tangible benefits of AI. This
progress deepens our competitive moat and provides the necessary foundation
for the Group to expand further and significantly grow profitability in the
years ahead. Our strong progress has continued in the first few months of
FY27.
We again significantly outperformed the wider used car market, demonstrating
that our superior proposition, which is to make car buying easy, continues to
resonate strongly with customers. Our strategic investment in technology and
the use of data and AI, combined with the quality of service provided by our
exceptional team, has enabled us to sell more vehicles at good metal margins
and provide our customers with a seamless car buying experience.
With technology, data and AI integral to our growth strategy going forward, we
have also made good progress on other strategic initiatives including the
identification of locations to serve new markets and considerably bolstering
our service to buy cars direct from consumers.
Whilst the macroeconomic uncertainty in recent months leads to a degree of
caution due to the risks of increased inflation and interest rates, our
superior customer service, omnichannel business model and exciting growth
plans mean we are well placed to take advantage of opportunities to further
increase market share and build long term value for shareholders."
Analyst & investor webinar
There will be a presentation for sell-side analysts at 9:30am BST today at FTI
Consulting, 200 Aldersgate, Aldersgate Street, London, EC1A 4HD. A webinar
facility is available for those analysts unable to attend in person, as well
as for investors, the details of which can be obtained from FTI Consulting via
motorpoint@fticonsulting.com.
Enquiries:
Motorpoint Group
PLC
via FTI Consulting
Mark Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer
Chris Morgan, Chief Financial Officer
FTI Consulting (Financial PR)
Alex
Beagley
020 3727 1000
Harriet Jackson
Harleena Chana
Forward looking statements: The information in this release is based on
management information. This report includes statements that are forward
looking in nature. Forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
assumptions, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual
results, performance or achievements of the Group to be materially different
from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by
such forward looking statements. Except as required by the Listing Rules and
applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update, revise or
change any forward looking statements to reflect events or developments
occurring after the date of this report.
Notes to editors
Motorpoint is the UK's leading independent omnichannel vehicle retailer,
focused on giving retail and trade customers the easiest, most affordable and
seamless way of buying, selling and financing their car whether online, in
store or a combination of both. Through its leading B2C platform
Motorpoint.co.uk and UK network of 21 stores, the Group provides an unrivalled
offering in the nearly new car market, where consumers can effortlessly
browse, buy or finance their next car. Motorpoint's purely online wholesale
platform Auction4Cars.com sells vehicles into the wholesale B2B market that
have been part exchanged by retail customers, or purchased directly from them
by the Group as part of its online car buying service. Motorpoint's
diversified business model, underpinned by its established brand, industry
leading technology and sophisticated marketing infrastructure, always delivers
unrivalled choice, value and quality.
Non Executive Chair's statement
Motorpoint is reaping benefits of sound management and well-targeted strategic
technology investments. Our long-term strategy is to become the UK's largest
used car dealer by providing market leading digital and data services that
redefine our customers' experiences and optimise our business operations.
Benefiting from effective management in mixed markets
The used car industry in the UK faced difficult market conditions for several
years. High interest rates, periods of price volatility, depressed consumer
demand and constrained vehicle supply combined to cause upheaval in the
industry and, in the early periods, reduce our sales and profits. Motorpoint
responded well to these conditions by restructuring to limit losses during
FY24, positioning the Company to benefit from market improvement in FY25
and beyond, and generating cash that was selectively reinvested in strategic
capabilities. We have begun to reap the material benefits of these moves,
even in the face of mixed markets.
In FY26 the macroeconomic environment in the UK experienced volatility. During
the first approximately nine months of the period the market was lacklustre -
combining slight reductions in interest rates and slight economic growth, with
weak consumer sentiment due to perceptions of shrinking disposable incomes,
price increases on essential goods, and growing concerns over government tax
hikes. The US and Israeli attacks on Iran during the last quarter caused
consumer sentiment to suffer further, driven by fears over economic fallout,
inflationary pressures and rising energy, utility and grocery costs.
Despite macroeconomic volatility, the used car market during FY26 continued
its slow post-Covid recovery with stabilising used car pricing, a modest
loosening of supply in certain age ranges, and a surge in EV sales.
Importantly, in addition to these small market improvements, the company also
further invested in building and deploying strategic new capabilities in data
analytics, AI and digital commerce, directed at improving both customer
experiences and operational excellence. I am pleased that, because of these
improvements, our performance has continued to strengthen. The Company
achieved impressive results in the period across our financial measures
including:
· Revenue increases to £1,268.6m (FY25: £1,173.1m);
· Strong retail volume growth of 7.8% achieving a record breaking
64.6k vehicles sold (FY25: 59.9k) and significantly outperforming the used car
market;
· Gross profit of £98.9m (FY25: £90.8m); and
· Profit before taxation increased by 82.9% to £7.5m (FY25:
£4.1m).
Motorpoint expects to continue to face less than robust market conditions for
the foreseeable future. Interest rates remain high, UK economic growth is
mediocre, and the effects of the Middle Eastern conflict and global
disruptions in trade on the UK used car industry are unclear. Nevertheless,
we are cautiously optimistic that economic trends will improve, and
confident that Motorpoint is well positioned to benefit from an improved used
car market and to outperform the market through further extension of our
strategic data, AI and digital commerce capabilities.
Realising the strategic opportunity
Four years ago, Motorpoint embraced the role of technology, data and digital
services in its business and set forth an ambitious goal to become the UK's
largest used car dealer. We believed that our strategic opportunity was to
provide market leading data and digital services, and to redefine the
omnichannel business model by developing integrated consumer journeys across
our digital, store, customer service and delivery channels that meet changing
consumer needs.
Prior to FY26 our capacity to invest in our strategic plans was naturally
constrained, so we made modest but targeted strategic progress while balancing
our ambitions with responsible financial management. FY26 represented a
step-change in our strategic progress, and included several highlights:
· In core technology we implemented or initiated multiple new
strategic systems and infrastructure including a finance ERP and purchase
ordering system, a hybrid cloud data management environment, legacy stock and
customer systems, a new service maintenance and repair management system, and
enhanced data security controls.
· In data and AI we structured and populated our scalable data
warehouse and implemented multiple leading applications including data driven
vehicle pricing for purchase and sale, algorithmic vehicle allocation, agentic
AI for sales follow-up, AI-based natural language website chat, and QR code
vehicle displays for data capture.
· In sourcing and supply we finalised trials and began scaling Sell
Your Car (SYC), our online vehicle direct purchasing site, and improved bid
conversion and margin with data led purchasing.
· In our website channels, we upgraded almost all aspects of the
SYC journey from initial valuation to appointment booking to expired valuation
renewal. We also introduced vehicle compare functionality to help with
selection, agentic AI-based natural language chat for improved vehicle
discovery, and redesigned personalised web information links for customers
scanning QR codes in stores.
· In new stores we will open Leeds this summer, secured further
opportunities in three new market locations, and arranged a £10 million new
store funding facility.
With a positive FY26 behind us, and cautious optimism for the future, we
expect to continue making targeted investments toward our long-term strategic
plans including our technological capabilities with data tools, AI and our
website, scaling our Sell Your Car direct purchase proposition, testing market
opportunities for aftersales service, and adding new stores. We remain
convinced of our long-term strategic opportunity and are pleased to be
pursuing it with vigour as conditions allow.
Mary McNamara will be stepping down from the Board following the conclusion of
the 2026 AGM. I would like to thank Mary for her commitment and dedication to
the Company over her ten year tenure, and for her personal support and
challenge while I have been Chair. It has been a real pleasure to work
alongside her, and on behalf of the whole Company I wish her well for the
future.
I would also like to thank our Motorpoint colleagues for their agility and
resilience over the past few years, and their exceptional performance during
FY26. I am delighted that their hard work has been rewarded with continued
market outperformance and a return to consistent profitability and growth.
John Walden
Chair
Motorpoint Plc
10 June 2026
Chief Executive's statement
Overview
Having successfully negotiated numerous headwinds in recent times, through
prompt and decisive action, our two year retail volume growth stands at an
exceptional 22.8%. Our commitment to achieving profitable growth, with profit
before tax increasing 82.9% to £7.5m, is underpinned by a highly efficient
organisation, which has played a huge part in delivering this performance. A
leaner, more profitable Motorpoint has been made possible by our highly
engaged team and excellent culture.
Supply of vehicles has returned to more normalised levels, and we are securing
more bulk deals as a result. We are also sourcing more vehicles directly
through our Sell Your Car channel. Data has become fundamental to our
business: supporting buying and pricing decisions; underpinning record metal
margins; and enabling us to sell more vehicles through market leading dynamic
pricing and customer interaction. This volume and margin performance, along
with improved efficiency measures, has helped to more than offset ongoing
inflationary pressures. As an example, total people cost per retail unit sold
has fallen from £656 in FY22 to £610 in FY26. Providing our customers with a
seamless experience has continued to drive performance and our annual Net
Promoter Score was an excellent 84, up from 80 in the previous year.
Although the current economic uncertainty, influenced by the Middle East
conflict, continues to impact consumer confidence, I am confident that our
omnichannel business model and exciting strategic plans stand us in good stead
going forward. We are well placed to pursue expanded supply channels and new
store openings, while continuing to benefit from our improved online and store
channel integration and use of data and AI to drive further efficiencies and
improved customer experiences. We are therefore in a strong position to take
full advantage of the opportunities that exist in our market to build long
term shareholder value.
The Motorpoint Virtuous Circle remains at the core of everything we do
Our operating model of how our employees and stakeholders interact, the
Motorpoint Virtuous Circle, combined with our values of Proud, Happy, Honest
and Supportive, continue to provide a robust framework for explaining how we
do business. The Virtuous Circle has been engrained into the culture at
Motorpoint for many years.
The Virtuous Circle begins with our employees. We are delighted that we have,
once again, been recognised by The Sunday Times as a Best Place to Work. We
measure team satisfaction twice annually, and were awarded the equivalent of a
three-star engagement rating, which is the highest workplace engagement
standard.
We made strong progress again during the year, with focus on recruitment and
development of our teams. Employee turnover reduced, as we focused on
recruiting the best across all areas of the business, and we increased
training activity at all levels. We focused in particular on technical
development of our teams in our preparation facilities, and talent management
programmes to generate future leaders to support growth.
We believe that the engagement of our team is directly correlated to our
customers' satisfaction, the next element of our Virtuous Circle. As we
innovate our omnichannel customer experiences, our highly engaged team
continued to deliver what we believe is a market leading proposition of
Choice, Value, and Quality to our loyal customers with an unerring focus on
customer satisfaction. We focused on improving the customer experience and are
delighted that our NPS rating has increased to 84 in FY26 from 80 in the
previous year. In addition, our Trustpilot score of 4.6 (based on 27k reviews
to April 2026) is one of the highest for used car sales in the UK and
reinforces the high levels of customer satisfaction achieved.
The final element of our Virtuous Circle is delivering for our shareholders.
We delivered excellent profitable growth and Return on Capital Employed in
FY26 of 67% (FY25: 47%), as well as returning £11.7m to shareholders since
April 2024, and proposing a final dividend of 1.2p per share, making the full
year dividend 2.2p, up 120% on the previous year.
Strategy update
Strong progress was made on our strategic priorities in the year. We continued
to enhance our data and AI capabilities and since launching our agentic AI
tool, which follows up on historical closed leads, 877 incremental sales in
the year can be attributed to this channel. We also expanded our supply, with
6,603 vehicles (FY25: 3,571) being purchased directly through our Sell Your
Car channel. Good progress has been made to secure new sites for store
development and our 22(nd) store will open in Leeds this Summer. We are
pleased to announce that three further openings in FY27 and FY28 are expected
to take place in new market locations, and that we have secured additional
property funding of £10m to support this.
The Board continues to review strategic plans and whilst investing in organic
growth remains the priority, it has concluded that excess cash generation can
also support returning significant levels of cash to shareholders by way of
buybacks and dividends.
A progress update on our strategic priorities is as follows:
Expand supply chain channels
· A return to normalised levels of vehicle supply has enabled
increased fleet purchases, aiding efficiency
· Data led purchasing has grown bid conversion and margin, and
reduced overage stock
· Sell Your Car purchases up 84.9% from FY25 to roughly 10% of
total purchases. This strong performance has continued into the new financial
year
· Including part exchanges, 46k cars were bought direct from
consumers
· We are targeting 12k Sell Your Car purchases in FY27
· Stocking facilities increased to £210m post year end to support
our growth
New store openings
· Despite market gains, the Group still has a relatively small
share of a highly fragmented market
· Continue to aim for 10% share in the markets we operate in
· Considerable opportunity for market share expansion and further
profitable growth
· Our 22(nd) store will open in Leeds this Summer, and a further
three openings are expected in new market locations
· A primary goal is to increase our number of stores to at least 30
· A new £10m property funding facility secured to support new
store growth
Improve efficiency through Data and AI
· Established algorithmic based vehicle allocation model, aiding
efficient movement of vehicles
· Data driven pricing strategy implemented, which has supported
record metal margins in FY26
· Agentic AI to reactivate closed quotes, with 877 sales attributed
to this channel in FY26
· AI digital discovery assistant implemented
· All cars on display with QR codes for pricing, generating strong
customer insight and productivity gains
Broaden brand reach
• Most prominent Google used car retailer, based on most keywords
in top three positions
· 55k YouTube subscribers and 4.5m views
· Aggregator diversification; record leads in year
· Upgraded and expanded Sell Your Car CRM journey
· Continued to further improve website ease of use and
functionality
Further technology development
· New finance Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and purchase
ordering systems successfully implemented in Summer 2025, resulting in
improved controls and reporting, and headcount efficiency
· Replacement of legacy stock and customer systems with 'state of
the art' solution in progress
· In house developed new imagery app, improving efficiency
· Ongoing investment to further enhance IT security defence
· New workshop and preparation management systems in progress
Step change preparation efficiency
· MOT testing stations now established in most locations
· Increasing amount of warranty work brought in house, rather than
using more expensive third parties
· Continuing investment journey for internal team learning new
skills:
• Vehicle Prep Assistants (VPAs) to technicians
• Technicians to MOT tester/ warranty technicians
· Workshop upgrade investment
· Investment in preparation facilities at previously retail-only
stores
Motorpoint remains well positioned to accelerate profitable growth and make
significant market share gains while capitalising on the above priorities to
improve the customer experience and increase efficiency.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
We aim to be recognised as the UK's most environmentally friendly used car
retailer. During the year, only one per cent of our waste was sent to
landfill, meeting our target. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings at
our Derby and Portsmouth sites have improved following targeted renovations
and energy efficiency measures, including the introduction of automatic
heating controls in workshop areas. In addition, our most recent store opening
in Norwich achieved an EPC rating of A, reflecting our continued focus on
developing energy efficient sites.
These initiatives support our broader carbon reduction objectives, deliver
cost savings, and are complemented by improved fuel management practices
across the Group. As a result, our target emissions intensity metric,
comprising Scope 1 and 2 emissions and business travel, improved by 5.5% year
on year relative to the square foot area of the business. We also continue to
expand our electric vehicle offering, with sales more than doubling during the
year, while actively exploring efficient and innovative charging solutions.
Historic Finance Commissions
The Supreme Court issued its judgement on the October 2024 Court of Appeal
rulings in August 2025. They dismissed the bribery and fiduciary duty claims.
However, they upheld the Court of Appeal's ruling which related to an unfair
relationship between customer and lender. This was based on specific facts of
that case.
Following this update, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued a
consultation document on 7 October 2025 and further announced details of their
redress scheme in March 2026. As previously highlighted, automotive brokers,
such as Motorpoint, are not liable under this redress scheme, and no provision
is required.
Current Trading and Outlook
Despite the well documented economic uncertainty due to the Middle East
conflict impacting consumer confidence, the Group has continued its strong
momentum into FY27:
· Delivered retail volume growth of 15.0 % across April and May
(albeit versus weaker comparatives), and maintained strong profitability
· Metal margins remain stable with strong supply
· Sell Your Car purchases running at over 200 a week since year end
The Board is confident in our ability to take advantage of opportunities to
further increase market share at attractive margins in the year ahead.
Mark Carpenter
Chief Executive Officer
10 June 2026
FINANCIAL REVIEW
We experienced strong retail volume growth of 7.8% achieving a record breaking
64.6k vehicles sold (FY25: 59.9k) and significantly outperformed the used car
market. Growth was supported by some easing of economic headwinds and
acceleration of our strategic plans. Revenue increased by 8.1% to £1,268.6m
(FY25: £1,173.1m).
Gross profit was £98.9m (FY25: £90.8m). Gross margin improved in the year to
7.8% (FY25: 7.7%). We saw record metal margins, helped by the expanded use of
data and AI. Ancillary product performance was encouraging, although finance
commissions continued to be influenced by elevated interest rates.
Operating expenses increased by 4.0% to £81.2m (FY25: 78.1m) and included a
rise in headcount to keep up with demand driven by the growth in retail sales,
and general inflation, along with the full year costs of an additional store.
Variable costs were well managed, and resulted in limited expense growth,
which was well below that of gross profit.
Profit before taxation increased by 82.9% to £7.5m (FY25: £4.1m). Finance
costs increased to £10.3m from £9.4m in FY25, reflecting investment in
higher stock levels to meet demand.
Available cash reduced in FY26 as the business invested in two new store
locations for an aggregate gross consideration of £13.1m, offset by the sale
and leaseback of our recently renovated Derby site. Cash was also deployed by
the share buyback programme, which resulted in a total cash cost of £5.0m in
the year, and the purchase of shares to satisfy future Employee Benefit Trust
(EBT) obligations of £1.2m. Net debt (excluding lease liabilities) at 31
March 2026 was £8.8m (31 March 2025 Net cash: £6.6m), and this reduction was
further influenced by high levels of vehicle purchasing towards the end of the
year to satisfy increased demand and maintain momentum into FY27.
Retail customers Wholesale customers Total
FY26 FY25 FY26 FY25 FY26 FY25
£m
£m
£m
£m £m £m
Revenue 1,130.8 1,028.4 137.8 144.7 1,268.6 1,173.1
Gross profit 88.4 80.0 10.5 10.8 98.9 90.8
Trading performance
The Group has two key revenue streams, being (i) vehicles sold to retail
customers via the Group's stores, call centre and digital channels, and (ii)
vehicles sold to wholesale customers via the Group's Auction4Cars.com website.
Retail
Revenue from retail customers was up 10.0% to £1,130.8m (FY25: £1,028.4m),
with 64.6k (FY25: 59.9k) vehicles sold (an increase of 7.8%). Consumer demand
improved in FY26 despite an unwelcome return to economic uncertainty at the
end of the year, and we benefited from intelligent pricing and an affordable
stock mix, along with continued digital enhancements to improve the customer
experience, and our new store in Norwich. We commenced selling a small number
of vehicles in FY26 on behalf of a third party (0.2k).
Gross margin of 7.8% was maintained from the previous year (FY25: 7.8%). This
reflected our continued focus on intelligent data led pricing, stock
management and a better ancillary product performance. Finance attachment
rates have improved but remain below historic levels given elevated interest
rates. Ancillary performance was helped by the introduction of new products
(such as alloy wheel protection), and improvements to our warranty offer.
Retail gross profit per unit increased to £1,368 (FY25: £1,335), reflecting
the above improvements, and our overage stock profile has improved in the
year, with 11.5% reduction in the cost of vehicles sold at a negative margin.
These improvements were offset in part by preparation and transport cost
increases. In addition to the effect of inflation, stock mix influenced the
costs to prepare.
Our 22nd store opening was announced in March 2026, in Leeds, and will be
opening this Summer.
Wholesale
Wholesale revenue via Auction4Cars.com, which sells vehicles that have been
part exchanged by retail customers, or directly purchased from consumers via
our SYC channel, decreased by 4.8% and unit sales of 27.3k were down 1.8%
(FY25: 27.8k). The reduction reflects changes to retail age and mileage
criteria, with an increased proportion of customer acquired vehicles sold
through the retail platform to provide additional choice for value conscious
customers. Overall profitability remained at good levels, with profit per unit
of £387 (FY25: £388).
Operating expenses
Operating expenses increased from £78.1m in FY25 to £81.2m and included the
full year impact of our Norwich store, general inflation and headcount
increases, offset by efficiency savings. Full time equivalent employees
increased to 849 at year end from 779 at 1 April 2025, as we cautiously
recruited additional team members to satisfy increased demand and expand our
preparation capacity to enable in house MOTs and warranty work. Marketing
costs were at similar levels to last year (£10.5m versus £10.6m in FY25),
but the customer acquisition cost per retail unit dropped to £163 (FY25:
£177) as we continue to embrace technology to assess spend returns and become
more efficient in our execution.
Other Income
Other income of £0.1m related to a small amount of aftersales warranty
revenue. Last year included business interruption insurance receipts from the
flood that occurred at the Derby store (FY25: £0.8m).
Interest
The Group's finance expense was £10.3m (FY25: £9.4m); reflecting prevailing
interest rates and increased stock holdings throughout the year.
Total interest charges on the stocking facilities were £7.5m (FY25: £6.9m).
Interest on lease liabilities was £2.1m (FY25: £2.1m) and on banking
facilities £0.7m (FY25: £0.4m).
Taxation
The tax charge in the period is for the amount assessable for UK corporation
tax in the year net of prior year adjustments and deferred tax credits. The
profit in the year resulted in a tax charge of £1.9m (FY25: £0.9m), in line
with the 25% corporation tax rate.
Earnings per share
Basic and diluted earnings per share were 6.6p (FY25: 3.7p, 3.6p).
Dividends
Two dividends were paid during the period totalling £1.7m (FY25: £Nil): the
FY25 final dividend of 1.0p per share, with an associated cash cost of £0.9m
(FY25: £Nil) and the FY26 interim dividend of 1.0p per share, with an
associated cash cost of £0.8m (FY25: £Nil). Subsequent to the end of the
year, and not included in the results for the year, the Directors recommended
a final dividend of 1.2p per share (FY25: 1.0p), bringing the total amount
payable in respect of the year ended 31 March 2026 to 2.2p (FY25: 1.0p).
Subject to approval at the AGM, this will be paid on 31 July 2026, to those on
the register at close of business on 3 July 2026 (the record date).
Capital expenditure and disposals
Cash capital expenditure increased to £15.4m (FY25: £7.6m). This increase
reflected strategic investment in the year. Notable spends included the new
store at Leeds, the purchase of further freehold land for development, MOT
testing ramps in preparation centres and various tech projects. The only
notable disposal was the sale and lease back of the newly renovated Derby
store.
Balance sheet
Net assets at year end reduced from £26.9m to £26.0m. The profitability
growth was offset by the impact of the buy back and cancellation of own
shares, as well as purchase of shares to satisfy Employee Benefit Trust (EBT)
requirements. Working capital was proactively managed, ensuring that stock
purchasing was fully maximised through the funding facilities.
The Group successfully completed the previously announced buyback programme
with 3.0m shares bought back and cancelled at a cost of £5.0m. In addition,
0.8m shares were bought in the year at a cash cost of £1.2m to satisfy future
share scheme (EBT) requirements.
At the year end, issued share capital comprised 83,619,822 ordinary shares
(FY25: 86,619,822).
Non current assets were £82.9m (31 March 2025: £70.7m) made up of £22.2m of
property, plant and equipment, £56.8m of right of use assets, intangible
assets of £2.6m and a deferred tax asset of £1.3m (31 March 2025: £15.4m,
£51.0m, £3.0m and £1.3m respectively). The Group owned three freehold sites
at year end including the newly announced Leeds store. All other properties
are on leases of various lengths.
The Group closed the period with £194.1m of inventory, up from £151.4m at 31
March 2025. Days in stock for the year increased to 54 days (FY25: 43 days).
The inventory increase reflects a concerted effort to purchase more vehicles
to satisfy demand.
As at 31 March 2026, the Group had £205.0m (31 March 2025: £165.0m) of
stocking finance facilities available of which £145.8m (31 March 2025:
£122.4m) was drawn. The £205.0m includes the additional seasonal uplifts
with both Lombard North Central Plc (£25.0m) and Black Horse Limited
(£15.0m) agreed during the year. These uplifts are available during seasonal
peaks in Q3 and Q4 on an annual basis going forward. After the year end, the
limit available increased to £210.0m.
The Group also has a £25.0m (FY25: £20.0m) facility with Santander UK Plc,
split between £6.0m available as an uncommitted overdraft and £19.0m
available as a revolving credit facility. The available £14.0m revolving
credit facility increases to £19.0m during Q3 and Q4. At 31 March 2026 £14m
(31 March 2025: £Nil) was drawn on the facility, with cash and cash
equivalents of £5.2m (31 March 2025: £6.6m). During FY26 it was agreed with
Santander UK Plc to extend the length of the arrangement by a further year
until June 2028.
In addition, after this year end, the Group also introduced an additional
Property Revolving Credit Facility to a maximum of £10.0m, which will be used
to support capital expenditure requirements, notably in relation to new store
roll out. This facility expires in June 2028, in line with the existing
Santander UK Plc available banking facilities.
Trade and other receivables have increased to £17.0m (31 March 2025:
£13.4m), due to increased prepayments and a recoverable VAT debtor.
Trade and other payables, inclusive of the stock financing facilities, have
increased during the year to £192.4m (31 March 2025: £155.2m) mainly
reflecting the increased stocking facility utilisation.
Total lease liabilities of £63.0m (31 March 2025: £57.4m) reflect the
repayments made during the period, and the reassessment of break clauses
resulting in extending the estimated terms of some leases.
Cash flow
Net debt (before lease liabilities) at 31 March 2026 was £8.8m (31 March 2025
Net cash: £6.6m) and this was influenced by increased capital expenditure to
satisfy strategic requirements, heavy stock buying in March as we built up for
the busy Easter period, and the impact of the share buyback programme and
purchase of shares for future share scheme requirements. Cash flow generated
from operations was £18.7m inflow (FY25: £29.0m inflow) and therefore
remains strong.
Capital allocation
The Group's objective when managing working capital is to ensure adequate
working capital for all operating activities and liquidity, including
comfortable headroom to take advantage of opportunities, or to weather short
term downturns. The Group also aims to operate an efficient capital structure
to achieve its business plan.
Our Capital Allocation Policy is aligned to strategy, whilst rewarding
shareholders by maximising return through a disciplined deployment of cash
generated.
Organic Growth and Margin Expansion
• Grow retail volumes ahead of used car market, and margins, by
investing in new stores, data, brand, technology and new income streams
Treatment of Excess Capital
• The Board is committed to maintaining an efficient balance sheet;
its expectation is that excess cash, over and above investment opportunities
to support growth, will be returned to shareholders, in the form of share
buybacks or dividends
Acquisitions
• Consider only if earnings per share accretive, attractive risk
profile and clear industry logic
Since March 2024, when the Company recommenced the buyback and cancellation of
shares programme, £11.7m (including dividends as well as share buybacks) has
been returned to shareholders. A further dividend of 1.2p has been proposed by
the Directors at year end, making the full year dividend 2.2p, an increase of
120% on the previous year.
Chris Morgan
Chief Financial Officer
10 June 2026
Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 March 2026
2026 2025
£m
£m
Revenue 3 1,268.6 1,173.1
Cost of sales 4 (1,169.7) (1,082.3)
Gross profit 98.9 90.8
Operating expenses 4 (81.2) (78.1)
Other income 0.1 0.8
Operating profit 17.8 13.5
Finance expense (10.3) (9.4)
Profit before income tax 7.5 4.1
Income tax expense (1.9) (0.9)
Profit for the year 5.6 3.2
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Tax relating to items which will not be reclassified to profit or loss - 0.1
Other comprehensive income - 0.1
Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to equity holders of the 5.6
parent
3.3
Earnings per share attributable to equity holders of the parent (pence)
Basic 5 6.6p 3.7p
Diluted 5 6.6p 3.6p
The Group's activities all derive from continuing operations.
Total comprehensive income for the period is all attributable to the
shareholders of the Company.
Consolidated balance sheet
As at 31 March 2026
Note 2026 2025
£m
£m
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 22.2 15.4
Right-of-use assets 56.8 51.0
Intangible assets 2.6 3.0
Deferred tax assets 1.3 1.3
Total non-current assets 82.9 70.7
Current assets
Inventories 194.1 151.4
Trade and other receivables 17.0 13.4
Cash and cash equivalents 5.2 6.6
Total current assets 216.3 171.4
TOTAL ASSETS 299.2 242.1
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (192.4) (155.2)
Borrowings 6 (14.0) -
Lease liabilities (6.6) (6.0)
Current tax liabilities (2.5) (0.5)
Total current liabilities (215.5) (161.7)
Net current assets 0.8 9.7
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities (56.4) (51.4)
Provisions (1.3) (2.1)
Deferred tax liabilities - -
Total non-current liabilities (57.7) (53.5)
TOTAL LIABILITIES (273.2) (215.2)
NET ASSETS 26.0 26.9
EQUITY
Called up share capital 7 0.8 0.9
Capital redemption reserve 0.2 0.1
Capital reorganisation reserve (0.8) (0.8)
EBT reserve (8.8) (8.5)
Retained earnings 34.6 35.2
TOTAL EQUITY 26.0 26.9
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 31 March 2026
Called up Capital redemption reserve Capital reorganisation reserve EBT Retained earnings Total
share capital
£m
£m
reserve
£m
equity
£m
£m
£m
Balance at 1 April 2024 0.9 0.1 (0.8) (5.1) 36.0 31.1
Profit for the year - - - - 3.2 3.2
Other comprehensive income for the year - - - - 0.1 0.1
Total comprehensive income for the year - - - - 3.3 3.3
Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:
Share‑based payments - - - - 1.0 1.0
Buyback and cancellation of shares - - - - (4.7) (4.7)
EBT share purchases and commitments - - - (3.8) - (3.8)
Share-based compensation options satisfied through the EBT - - - 0.4 (0.4) -
- - - (3.4) (4.1) (7.5)
Balance at 31 March 2025 0.9 0.1 (0.8) (8.5) 35.2 26.9
Profit for the year - - - - 5.6 5.6
Other comprehensive income for the year - - - - - -
Total comprehensive income for the year - - - - 5.6 5.6
Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:
Share‑based payments - - - - 1.4 1.4
Buyback and cancellation of shares (0.1) 0.1 - - (5.0) (5.0)
EBT share purchases and commitments - - - (1.2) - (1.2)
Share-based compensation options satisfied through the EBT - - - 0.9 (0.9) -
Payment of dividends - - - - (1.7) (1.7)
(0.1) 0.1 - (0.3) (6.2) (6.5)
Balance at 31 March 2026 0.8 0.2 (0.8) (8.8) 34.6 26.0
Consolidated cash flow statement
For the year ended 31 March 2026
2026 2025
£m
£m
Profit for the year attributable to 5.6 3.2
equity shareholders
Adjustments for:
Taxation charge 1.9 0.9
Finance expense 10.3 9.4
Operating profit 17.8 13.5
Share-based payments 1.4 1.0
Depreciation and amortisation charges 9.7 10.4
Profit on disposals of property, plant and - (0.4)
equipment and right-of-use assets
Cash flow from operations before movement 28.9 24.5
in working capital
Increase in inventory (42.7) (49.0)
(Increase) / decrease in trade and other receivables (3.6) 5.8
Increase in trade and other payables 36.1 47.7
Cash generated from operations 18.7 29.0
Interest paid on borrowings and financing facilities (8.2) (7.3)
Interest paid on lease liabilities (2.1) (2.1)
Income tax paid - (0.2)
Net cash generated from operating activities 8.4 19.4
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (15.4) (7.6)
and intangible assets
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant 5.1 0.3
and equipment and right-of-use assets
Net cash used in investing activities (10.3) (7.3)
Cash flows from financing activities
Payments to acquire own shares for cancellation (5.0) (4.7)
Payments to acquire own shares for share schemes (1.2) (3.8)
Proceeds from exercise of share-based payments 0.4 0.2
Repayment of principal element of leases (6.0) (6.4)
Repayment of borrowings (77.5) (33.0)
Proceeds from borrowings 91.5 33.0
Payment of dividends (1.7) -
Net cash used in financing activities 0.5 (14.7)
Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents (1.4) (2.6)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 6.6 9.2
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 5.2 6.6
Net cash and cash equivalents comprises: Cash at bank 5.2 6.6
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
1. General information
Motorpoint Group Plc (the Company) is incorporated and domiciled in the United
Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006.
The Company is a public company limited by shares and is listed on the London
Stock Exchange; the address of the registered office is Champion House,
Stephensons Way, Derby, England, United Kingdom, DE21 6LY. The consolidated
financial statements of the Group as at and for the year ended 31 March 2026
comprise the Company, all of its subsidiaries and the Motorpoint Group Plc
Employee Benefit Trust (the EBT), together referred to as the Group. These
financial statements are presented in pounds sterling because that is the
currency of the primary economic environment in which the Group operates. All
amounts have been rounded to the nearest one hundred thousand
unless otherwise indicated.
Basis of preparation
The annual financial information presented in this preliminary announcement
does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the years ended 31
March 2026 or 2025 but is based on, and consistent with, that in the audited
financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026, and those financial
statements will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the
Company's Annual General Meeting. Statutory financial statements for the year
ended 31 March 2025 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The
auditor reported on those financial statements and the 31 March 2026 financial
statements; and their reports were unmodified and did not contain a statement
under either Section 498(2) or Section 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.
This preliminary financial report does not include all of the notes of the
type normally included in an annual financial report and should therefore be
read in conjunction with the Motorpoint Group Plc 2026 Annual Report.
Going concern
In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code 2024 the Board has
assessed the prospects of the Group over a period in excess of 12 months from
the date of signing the Group financial statements as required by the 'Going
Concern' provision, by selecting the period to the end of September 2027.
Total headroom, including the stocking facilities, undrawn facilities and
available cash, was £75.4m at the year end. During the year the Company
renegotiated the terms of both of its stocking facilities, introducing
seasonal uplifts of £25.0m and £15.0m for Lombard North Central Plc and
Black Horse Limited respectively, increasing its total stocking facility
headroom from £165.0m to £205.0m of which £40.0m is available throughout
the second half of the year. A further £5.0m increase to the Lombard facility
was agreed post year end.
In addition, after the year end, the Group also introduced an additional
Property Revolving Credit Facility to a maximum of £10.0m, which will be used
to support capital expenditure requirements, notably in relation to new store
roll out. This facility expires in June 2028, in line with the existing
available banking facilities.
The Board considers that the available headroom, coupled with the cash
generative nature of the business and the available cash levers provide a
strong degree of financial resilience and flexibility.
Scenarios:
In making their assessment the Directors considered the Group's current
balance sheet and operational cash flows, the availability of facilities, and
stress testing of the key trading assumptions within the Group's plan. A range
of scenarios have been assessed by the Directors, including various possible
downside scenarios against the base case. The Directors opted to model a
specific scenario designed to create the conditions required to breach
covenants within the going concern period as well as a severe but plausible
downside to the base case.
Scenario Outcome
Base case The Group is not in breach of any financial covenants and is able to operate
within the finance facility arrangements. The Group is able to meet all
Based upon the Group's most recent approved forecasts. forecast obligations as they fall due.
The base model assumes continued growth in unit volumes based on current run
rates of year on year unit volume growth uplifted to account for the opening
of new stores, and a prudent estimate based on growth in the used car market.
Severe but plausible downside The Group is not in breach of any financial covenants and is able to operate
within the finance facility arrangements. The Group is able to meet all
Top down stress testing was applied to the base case model, taking into forecast obligations as they fall due.
account a severe but plausible downside to business performance, relative to
possible economic pressure and stagnation in the growth of the used car
market.
This included volume and margin pressure, reducing volume by 21% and an
overall gross profit reduction compared to the base case of 25%.
Reverse stress test This scenario is designed to result in a covenant breach at the end of the
assessed going concern period.
A scenario created to model the circumstances required to breach the Group's
banking covenants at the end of the going concern period. Management believes that the combination of severe downsides to be remote, and
that there are numerous mitigating factors over and above those built into the
The Board considered the potential impacts in preparing the stress test. The reverse stress test modelling which the Board would consider to avoid a
below scenario was analysed: covenant breach.
Reducing unit volumes by 33% from the base case and decreasing gross profit
overall by 42% through additional margin pressure.
The selection of the assumptions or the sensitised case is inherently
subjective, and whilst the Board considered these assumptions to reflect a
downside scenario, the future impact of economic downturn, interest rate rises
or inflating overhead costs is impossible to predict with absolute accuracy.
Whilst the same applies to the reverse stress test, we note that this scenario
is specifically designed to demonstrate the point at which the covenants
breach during the going concern period. The reverse stress test reflects, in
the Board's opinion, a remote circumstance and numerous mitigating factors
could be implemented to avoid a covenant breach in this scenario.
Scenario modelling has been considered throughout the year and at year end by
management to formulate response options against moderate or severe downturns
in sales volumes, potential margin pressures and possible cost challenges.
During the year the Group successfully extended its revolving credit facility
'RCF' agreement to June 2028 and agreed a seasonal uplift of an additional
£5.0m bringing the total facility size throughout the second half of the
financial period to £19.0m (FY25: 14.0m). The Group also has an uncommitted
overdraft facility of £6.0m which remains in place at the year end. Both are
until June 2028. With respect to the Group's stocking facilities, these have
increased from £165.0m to £205.0m (of which £40.0m is seasonal) during the
year which the Board deem appropriate given current market conditions. After
the year end, the limit available was increased to £210.0m.
The Group has continued to demonstrate a flexible approach to trading, both in
times of economic uncertainty and where opportunities exist. The Board is
mindful of downstream effects of current geopolitical and economic
uncertainty; the Group has considered both restriction of supply and interest
rate increases in its going concern assessment as well as a range of other
macroeconomic factors.
The Group has a strong consumer offering through its price leadership and has
historically responded proactively to consumer uncertainty in the eventuality
of a period of prolonged economic downturn resulting in material reductions in
sales volume or prices, as well as rising overhead costs. It is possible that
the Group would need to negotiate changes to its current banking covenants,
but such an extreme downturn is not currently considered plausible.
The Group continues to consider and monitor further potential mitigation
actions it could take to strengthen its cash position and reduce operating
costs in the event of a more severe downside scenario. Such cost reduction and
cash preservation actions would include but are not limited to: reducing spend
on specific variable cost lines including marketing and store trading
expenses; team costs, most notably sales commissions; pausing new stock
commitments; and reviewing expansionary capital spend, dividend and share
buyback activity.
The Directors have also made use of the post year end trading performance to
confirm that performance is in line with expectation. Whilst only a short
period has passed since the year end, this evidence suggests that this is the
case.
Based on this assessment, the Board confirms that it has a reasonable
expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its
liabilities as they fall due over the period to 30 September 2027.
The Board has determined that the period to September 2027 constitutes an
appropriate period over which to provide its going concern assessment. This is
the period detailed in our base case model which we approve each year as part
of the strategic review. Whilst the Board has no reason to believe the Group
will not be viable over a longer period, given the inherent uncertainty
involved we believe this presents users of the Annual Report and Accounts
with a reasonable degree of confidence while still providing a medium
term perspective.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of
the Company, entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries) and the
Motorpoint Group Plc Employee Benefit Trust made up to 31 March each year.
The EBT is consolidated on the basis that the Company has control, thus the
assets and liabilities of the EBT are included in the balance sheet and shares
held by the EBT in the Company are presented as a deduction from equity. The
EBT has been solely set up for the purpose of issuing shares to Group
employees to satisfy awards under the various share-based schemes and has no
ability to access or use assets, or settle liabilities, of the Group.
Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control. The Group
controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable
returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect
those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully
consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They
are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. Intercompany
transactions and balances between Group companies are eliminated on
consolidation.
2. Segmental reporting
The Group has prepared segmental reporting in accordance with IFRS 8
'Operating Segments'. Segmental information is presented on the same basis as
the management reporting.
a. Description of segments and principal activities
The Group's operating segments are determined based on the Group's internal
reporting to the Board. The performance of operating segments is assessed by
the Board on the basis of gross profit with all assets and liabilities
assessed on a Group basis.
The Board examines the Group's performance from a product perspective and has
identified two reportable segments of its business:
Retail - the Motorpoint brand is an omnichannel vehicle retailer offering
nearly new cars, the majority of which are under six years old or have
completed less than 40,000 miles. This segment also includes a range of
commercial vehicles under the Motorpoint brand.
Wholesale - Auction4Cars.com is an independent trade car auction site offering
a business-to-business entirely online auction market place platform allowing
an efficient and quick route for sale of part exchange vehicles which do not
fall into the nearly new retail criteria and purchases direct from consumers.
Segment Gross profit
Retail Retail Wholesale 2026 Wholesale 2025 Total Total
2026 2025 £m £m 2026 2025
£m £m £m £m
Revenue 1,130.8 1,028.4 137.8 144.7 1,268.6 1,173.1
Cost of sales (1,042.4) (948.4) (127.3) (133.9) (1,169.7) (1,082.3)
Gross profit 88.4 80.0 10.5 10.8 98.9 90.8
Cost of sales are specific and therefore directly attributable to each
segment. Operating and financial expenses are not segregated for internal
reporting purposes and hence have not been disclosed here.
Segment assets and liabilities
Segment assets and liabilities are measured in the same way as in the
financial statements. No further disclosure has been provided here, as
internally assets and liabilities are not segregated for reporting purposes.
3. Revenue
Revenue has been analysed between the sale of goods and the sale of services
below.
2026 2025
£m £m
Revenue analysis
Revenue from sale of motor vehicles 1,205.8 1,119.2
Revenue from motor related services and commissions 59.7 50.8
Revenue recognised that was included in deferred income at the beginning of 0.1 0.1
the year - Sale of motor vehicles
Revenue recognised that was included in deferred income at the beginning of 3.0 3.0
the year - Motor related services and commissions
Total revenue 1,268.6 1,173.1
4. Operating profit
Analysed as:
Operating profit includes the effect of charging / (crediting): 2026 2025
£m £m
Inventory recognised as expense 1,163.9 1,077.0
Movement in provision against inventory 0.2 (0.8)
Employee benefit expense 39.9 39.4
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets 8.4 9.2
Amortisation of intangible assets 1.3 1.2
Expense on short term and low value leases 0.1 0.3
Profit on disposals of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets - (0.4)
Total expenses comprise: 2026 2025
£m £m
Cost of sales 1,169.7 1,082.3
Operating expenses:
Selling and distribution expenses 20.7 22.0
Administrative expenses 60.5 56.1
Total operating expenses 81.2 78.1
Total expenses 1,250.9 1,160.4
5. Earnings per share
Basic and diluted EPS are calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to
equity shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares during
the year.
2026 2025
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders (£m) 5.6 3.2
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue ('000) 84,309 87,447
Basic EPS (pence) 6.6 3.7
Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue ('000) 84,704 87,946
Diluted EPS (pence) 6.6 3.6
The difference between the basic and diluted weighted average number of shares
represents the dilutive effect of the currently operating schemes and the
vested but not yet exercised options. This is shown in the reconciliation
below.
There is a maximum of 805,454 additional options which have not been included
in the dilutive calculation in relation to the SAYE schemes out of the money
at the reporting date.
2026 2025
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue ('000) 84,309 87,447
Adjustment for share options ('000) 395 499
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for 84,704 87,946
diluted earnings per share ('000)
6. Borrowings
During the year the Company renegotiated the terms of its stocking facilities,
increasing available headroom in Q3 and Q4 each year from £165.0m to
£205.0m. As at the reporting date £14m of the revolving credit facility
(FY25: £Nil) and £Nil of the overdraft (FY25: £Nil) was drawn down. The
terms of the revolving credit facility and overdraft require a full repayment
for a period of at least one day or more in each financial year and half year
with no less than one month between repayments.
The finance charge for utilising the revolving credit facility was dependent
on the Group's borrowing ratios as well as the base rate of interest in
effect. During the year ended 31 March 2026 interest was charged at 6.0%
(FY25: 7.0%) per annum. The interest charged for the year of £0.7m (FY25:
£0.4m) has been expensed as a finance cost.
7. Called up share capital
2026 2025
Number Amount Number Amount
'000 £m '000 £m
Allotted, called up and fully paid
ordinary shares of 1p each
Balance at the beginning of the year 86,620 0.9 89,970 0.9
Released from treasury awaiting cancellation - - 30 -
Cancelled treasury shares - - (30) -
Bought back and cancelled during (3,000) (0.1) (3,350) -
the year
Balance at the end of the year((1)) 83,620 0.8 86,620 0.9
1. During the period 3,000,000 shares were purchased
by the Group in accordance with the terms of its share buyback programme. All
of these shares were cancelled as at 31 March 2026. The shares were acquired
at an average price of 165.3p per share, with prices ranging from 120.3p to
185.0p.
In total the 3,000,000 shares bought back and cancelled represent 3.5% of the
issued ordinary shares, at a purchase cost of £5.0m (FY25: 3,349,808 shares
at a cost of £4.7m).
Shares are held on behalf of employees within the Employee Benefit Trust
(EBT).
The Group does not have a limited amount of authorised capital.
8. Post balance sheet events
After the year end, the Group successfully secured a new Property Revolving
Credit Facility for up to £10m, to help fund new store expansion. This will
expire in line with the existing facilities with Santander UK Plc, in June
2028.
In May 2026 the Group purchased a new site for £2.0m, to enable a future
store opening in a new market.
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