MNGS17 May 2011 08:06
CONT
However, earnings continue to be adversely affected by the lower level of UK sales and the weakness of Sterling, particularly against the Euro, which has increased the cost of engines from Italy. In addition, UK sales in the four months ended 30 April 2011 included the remaining 108 vehicles built prior to the restructuring of the Coventry operation in July 2010, which generated margins significantly lower than the current TX4, launched in November 2010. In the four months ended 30 April 2011, on a management accounts basis, the Group broke even at the earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation ("EBITDA") level, compared with an equivalent loss of £0.3m in 2010.
With these improvements in EBITDA, and a reduction in working capital, the Group returned to cash generation during the four months ended 30 April 2011, with a £0.3m reduction in net debt (2010: £7.9m increase) to £14.1m, with total unutilised facilities of £1.3m as at 30 April 2011 (2010: £2.7m). The Group's relationship with its bankers remains good.