National Express get Brexit boost on overseas earnings

The UK's largest coach and bus specialist National Express Group has reported strong trading for Q3, saying revenue is expected to be around 9% greater than the previous period, with profit up 5%, and confirming that it expected to "at least" deliver its targets for profit, cash, and gearing for the full-year.

Performance in the quarter was driven by particularly strong results from the groups' overseas businesses, which were boosted by Brexit-induced forex movements on overseas earnings:

"Year to date, like-for-like Group operating profit is 5% higher on a constant currency basis and up 12% on a reported basis, boosted by foreign currency movements on overseas earnings and after a significant increase in the c2c franchise premium. The Group is on course to at least deliver its targets for profit, cash flow and gearing for the year."

Group revenue is up 11% in 2016 (constant currency) and up 17% on a reported basis, which was supported by 6% passenger growth. Group PBT is up 9% (constant currency) and up 15% on a reported basis.

Management expect the company to generate at least £100m of free cash flow for the year and close the year with gearing within its 2-2.5x net debt to EBITDA range. The group also intends to refinance its £350m bond shortly, hoping to achieve significant savings in interest costs.

Dean Finch, Chief Executive, said the company had continued to deliver good growth, generate strong cash flow and open new market opportunities:

"We will stick to our fundamental principles of safe and punctual operations at affordable prices with particular emphasis on controlling costs to generate cash and keep fares low.

The combination of our relatively resilient UK performance together with the strong growth we are seeing from our international operations enables us to selectively invest in growth opportunities subject to our strict financial criteria and continue to deliver attractive and sustainable returns to shareholders."

NEX's share price increased 3.74% to 368p this morning, and currently trades on a P/E of 15.2 and forecast P/E of 13.9.