Financially troubled firm Carillion has issued a fresh profit warning and revealed it expects to breach its financial covenants next month.
In trading update today, 17 November, the contractor said it was in discussions with stakeholders "regarding a broad range of options" to further reduce its net debt, as well as to repair and strengthen the Group's balance sheet.
"This will require some form of recapitalisation, which could involve a restructuring of the balance sheet," the company said.
It added a focus on cost cutting measures since July will help to reduce the Group's average net debt over time, however they will not be sufficient enough to achieve its year end targets.
Carillion said: "In its interim results on 29 September 2017, Carillion confirmed that it was forecast to be in compliance with its financial covenants as at 31 December 2017. As then indicated, compliance with its financial covenants was dependent on achieving its underlying forecasts, which assume that the normal pattern of receipts and payments continue alongside the completion of a number of PPP disposals and settlement receipts on contracts.
"The Board has kept under continuous review the risk that receipts from contract claims and/or disposals forecast to be received during November and December 2017 might slip beyond 31 December 2017.
"The Group now expects that a combination of delays to certain PPP disposals, a slippage in the commencement date of a significant project in the Middle East and lower than expected margin improvements across a small number of UK Support Services contracts, partially offset by cost savings initiatives realised in the fourth quarter, will lead to profits for the year to 31 December 2017 being materially lower than current market expectations."
The company added due to the impact of delays in receipts and disposals, it now expects full eyar average net borrowing this year "to be between £875m and £925m".
"Based on its latest forecasts, reflecting the items mentioned above, the Board now expects a covenant breach as at 31 December 2017," the Group said.
"Following discussions with its principal lenders and with their support, the Board has concluded that it is necessary to amend the relevant agreements to defer the test date for both its financial covenants from 31 December 2017 to 30 April 2018 (based on EBITDA for the 12 months to that date), by which time it expects to be implementing its recapitalisation plan.
"Carillion has now commenced a process to seek the consents necessary to make this amendment."
Interim Chief Executive, Keith Cochrane said it is clear significant challenges remain for the company and more needs to be done to reduce net debt.
"Constructive dialogue is continuing with our financial stakeholders to rebuild the Group's balance sheet, and I am grateful for their support," he continued.
"I remain focused on addressing this issue before my successor, Andrew Davies, takes up the role on 2 April 2018."
(LM)
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Construction News
17/11/2017
Carillion Issues Fresh Profit Warning Following Financial Concerns
Latest Construction News
15/11/2024
A significant redevelopment is underway at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose, Cornwall, following a contract award to Kier and Mott MacDonald. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the Royal Navy marked the occasion with a contract-signing and ground-breaking ceremony, ...
15/11/2024
JV North, a consortium of housing associations and local authorities, has unveiled a new £500 million procurement framework aimed at delivering over 3,000 affordable homes between 2025 and 2029. The initiative marks a significant boost for social housing and the construction sector. The ...
15/11/2024
Sempra Homes has announced funding approval for a new affordable housing project at Bowers Close on London Road, Pitsea. The development will deliver 31 high-quality homes, offering a mix of rental and shared ownership properties designed to address local housing needs. The project has received ...
15/11/2024
Vistry Group has received planning permission for the first phase of its Wolborough Grange development, which will deliver 94 high-quality homes. This milestone marks the beginning of a transformative project that will provide sustainable housing and significant community benefits in Newton ...
15/11/2024
Salisbury Coach Park and the main footpaths through the Central Car Park have reopened following an extensive transformation by the Environment Agency as part of the River Park scheme. The upgraded facilities aim to provide a more welcoming and comfortable experience for coach passengers visiting ...
15/11/2024
Pennyfarthing Homes has unveiled an exceptional collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments at Oakwood Grove, a modern development offering affordable homes through the Government-backed First Homes scheme, now available via Dorset Council. Located in the scenic rural village of Alderholt, ...
15/11/2024
Morris & Spottiswood Group has acquired part of the collapsed ISG group, offering a vital lifeline to the employees and projects operating within its remit. Absorbing the former ISG Cathedral business, Morris & Spottiswood Group, which is a specialist provider of fitout, refurbishment, M&E, ...
15/11/2024
Morgan Sindall Construction has officially commenced work on Rosherville Church of England Academy, a new primary school designed to address the educational needs of Northfleet’s expanding community. To commemorate the start of the project, a time capsule was ceremonially lowered into the ground, ...
15/11/2024
Vistry Group has exchanged contracts to develop over 200 mixed-tenure homes at Waggons Way, Doncaster. The 16-acre site, formerly part of the Hatfield Colliery, will be transformed into a vibrant new community featuring up to 236 high-quality homes. The proposed development will include homes ...
15/11/2024
The University of Sunderland has officially relaunched its newly refurbished cinema. The venue on St. Peter's Campus was damaged beyond use due to Storm Arwen in 2021, but now a £1.3m investment means it is back in action once again. To mark the occasion, Sir David Bell, the University’s ...