#103953
Re: Cobas AM: Nueva Gestora de Francisco García Paramés
Balance sheet
The Group's net debt1 (excluding lease obligations) at 31 December 2020 was £1,207 million, a reduction of £255 million compared to 31 December 20192. Although this position is higher than that reported at 30 September 2020 of £871 million, it is consistent with the average net debt for the first nine months of this financial year of £1,222 million3.
Review of contract profitability and balance sheet
We have recently started a detailed review of our balance sheet and contract profitability. Early indications suggest that there may be negative impacts on the balance sheet and/or income statement for current and/or future years. This review is being supported by an independent accounting firm and the outputs will be reviewed by our auditor (PWC), Audit Committee and Board prior to the publication of our audited results for the year ending 31 March 2021 expected in May.
Outlook
Uncertainty remains around the outturn for this financial year, especially given that our fourth quarter is historically our strongest and that the COVID-19 situation has worsened in most of our markets. Given this uncertainty, and the start of our review of contract profitability and balance sheet, we continue not to provide financial guidance for this financial year.
Review of strategic priorities
We announced a review of the Group's strategic priorities in November 2020 and this is now well underway. Our focus throughout this review will be on cash delivery, being a strategic partner to the UK Government, international growth, driving innovation across the Group, and transforming our ESG and people agenda. We will outline our refreshed strategy alongside our full year results.
David Lockwood, CEO said:
"While trading in the third quarter has continued to reflect the challenges of the first half and there remain a number of near term uncertainties, the fundamental strengths of the Group and the opportunities ahead give us confidence for future years and I look forward to reporting back at the full year results".
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