S&U PLC (LON:SUS) said recent numbers from its Advantage and Aspen businesses “bodes well” for a rebound in activity this year as the UK emerges from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
WATCH: S&U says business is 'surprisingly robust' with demand still 'very strong'
In an outlook statement accompanying its results for the year to January 31, the motor finance and specialist lending firm said recent government measures announced in the UK Budget, particularly in relation to the extension of the furlough, stamp duty concessions and business support measures “should, along with the vaccination programme, make a swift return to the new economic "normal" even faster than anticipated”.
“Although uncertainty still surrounds the economic climate following Covid, the skies are definitely brightening. As I predicted last year the suppression of consumer demand and confidence is likely to be temporary and will not alter the fundamentals underpinning the demand for the vehicles and properties S&U finances”, chairman Anthony Coombs said in a statement.
In its numbers for the full year, S&U reported a pre-tax profit of £18.1mln compared to £35.1mln in the prior year, attributing the reduction primarily to additional COVID-19-related provisions in motor finance, noting that profits in the second half had risen to £11.8mln from £6.3mln a year ago. Revenues for the full year were down 7% at £83.8mln.
Over the year, S&U noted a “significant rebound” in second-half profits for its Advantage motor finance business, while its Aspen bridging arm had seen “strong advances and repayments” in the last six months of the year.
“My confidence in our superb staff, our financial strength and sound strategy allows me to predict a return to S&U's habitual levels of success. We relish the challenge", Coombs said.