20 Jan 2021 07:00
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT INCLUDES INSIDE INFORMATION AS DEFINED IN ARTICLE 7 OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION NO. 596/2014
20 January 2021
Wincanton plc
("Wincanton" or the "Group")
Q3 TRADING UPDATE
Strong Group performance driven by buoyant trading revenues across the business
Wincanton plc, a leading supply chain partner for UK business, today announces an update on its trading performance in the period since its half year results announcement on 5 November 2020.
The Group has seen a continued improvement in revenues and profitability since the initial impact of COVID-19 early in 2020 and, following a period of recovery and stabilisation, the Group returned to growth in Q3 of the financial year. Group revenue rose by over 10% in Q3 compared to the prior year, with growth in all of the Group's four core business segments, reflecting both positive momentum in the delivery of the Group's strategy and the operational value Wincanton brings to its customers. The largest increase was in the Digital and eFulfilment sector where revenue was up 40% due to higher demand as customers continue to switch to shopping from home. Revenue in the Public and Industrial sector has been boosted by strong volumes in construction and the increased utilisation of the Group's shared transport network.
The Group's performance has also benefitted from work commencing on a series of recent contract wins. In the public sector, these include a mandate to provide logistics services at a number of Inland Border Clearance Centres and a contract for the storage, order fulfilment and customer delivery of testing kits to priority locations across the UK. Further significant new business in Digital and eFulfilment for both Waitrose and Dobbies, will commence before year-end.
At this stage, the current lockdown is not expected to have a significant impact on the Group's trading performance. The Group will continue to prioritise the health and safety of its colleagues amid the recent increase in cases of the virus, while ensuring it meets its service commitment to its customers.
The Group's strong performance means the Board expects profitability for the current year to be materially ahead of market expectations, assuming no unforeseen severe COVID-19 impact in the closing months of the year.
James Wroath, Wincanton Chief Executive Officer commented:
"I would like to thank my colleagues for their incredible efforts in delivering a hugely successful Q3 and Christmas period, despite the ongoing challenges of COVID-19. The strong performance of our underlying business and the new contracts we are implementing in our strategic growth markets are clear evidence that we are delivering on our strategy even in the difficult current climate."
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For further information please contact:
Wincanton Plc Tel: +44 12 4971 0000
Tim Lawlor, Chief Financial Officer
Headland Tel: +44 20 3805 4822
Susanna Voyle/ Henry Wallers/ Jane Glover
E: wincanton@headlandconsultancy.com
Notes to Editors
About Wincanton
Wincanton is the largest British third-party logistics (3PL) company, providing supply chain solutions to some of the world's most admired companies across a wide range of industries including retail, construction, defence and energy.
As a trusted and respected business partner, we design and implement services and solutions that range from setting up and operating distribution networks, through to bonded warehouses, technology hosting, container transport and storage. We strive for operational excellence in everything we do.
We work hard to understand and respond to our customers' needs, build long-term relationships and use our skills and expertise to deliver a smarter, added value service, every day. Our customers rely on us to make their businesses operate more efficiently and to gain a competitive advantage in their sector.
Key facts:
• 19,100 colleagues
• 200+ locations
• Responsible for 3,500 vehicles
• Revenue £1.1bn
• 5,500 drivers
• 14m sq ft of warehousing space