213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-01-31 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-12-31 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2023-01-01 2024-01-31 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-02-01 2024-12-31 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2022-12-31 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2023-01-01 2024-01-31 ifrs-full:RetainedEarningsMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2023-01-01 2024-01-31 ifrs-full:ReserveOfExchangeDifferencesOnTranslationMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2023-01-01 2024-01-31 ifrs-full:OtherReservesMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2023-01-01 2024-01-31 ifrs-full:CapitalRedemptionReserveMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2023-01-01 2024-01-31 ifrs-full:SharePremiumMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2023-01-01 2024-01-31 ifrs-full:IssuedCapitalMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2023-01-01 2024-01-31 pine:UnderlyingMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2023-01-01 2024-01-31 pine:NonUnderlyingMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-02-01 2024-12-31 ifrs-full:SharePremiumMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-02-01 2024-12-31 ifrs-full:IssuedCapitalMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-02-01 2024-12-31 ifrs-full:RetainedEarningsMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-02-01 2024-12-31 ifrs-full:ReserveOfExchangeDifferencesOnTranslationMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-02-01 2024-12-31 ifrs-full:OtherReservesMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-02-01 2024-12-31 ifrs-full:CapitalRedemptionReserveMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-02-01 2024-12-31 pine:UnderlyingMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-02-01 2024-12-31 pine:NonUnderlyingMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2022-12-31 ifrs-full:RetainedEarningsMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2022-12-31 ifrs-full:ReserveOfExchangeDifferencesOnTranslationMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2022-12-31 ifrs-full:OtherReservesMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2022-12-31 ifrs-full:CapitalRedemptionReserveMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2022-12-31 ifrs-full:SharePremiumMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2022-12-31 ifrs-full:IssuedCapitalMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-01-31 ifrs-full:IssuedCapitalMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-01-31 ifrs-full:SharePremiumMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-01-31 ifrs-full:CapitalRedemptionReserveMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-01-31 ifrs-full:OtherReservesMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-01-31 ifrs-full:ReserveOfExchangeDifferencesOnTranslationMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-01-31 ifrs-full:RetainedEarningsMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-12-31 ifrs-full:SharePremiumMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-12-31 ifrs-full:IssuedCapitalMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-12-31 ifrs-full:RetainedEarningsMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-12-31 ifrs-full:ReserveOfExchangeDifferencesOnTranslationMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-12-31 ifrs-full:OtherReservesMember 213800VRSPZFOGMMIS18 2024-12-31 ifrs-full:CapitalRedemptionReserveMember iso4217:GBP iso4217:GBP xbrli:shares
Transforming
automotive retail.
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC
Annual Report FY24
We’re a leading automotive retail ecosystem,
with purely cloud-based software designed
around customers and hyperscale. Our system is
active in 21 countries, with over 35,000 users in
the UK, Europe and Asia. Our recurring revenue
streams deliver consistent growth in revenue
and high, stable gross margins.
The benefits we’re deriving from
Pinewood are fundamentally changing
the way we operate as a business, more
efficiently and more effectively.”
View more at pinewood.ai/customer-stories
Dougal Keith
Managing Director, DM Keith
01
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
02
Business Overview
04
Chariman’s Statement
06
Chief Executive Officers Review
08
Business Strategy
09
Investment Case
10
Business Model
12
Financial Review
13
Operating Review
16
S172 Statement
18
Life at Pinewood
20
Environmental, Social &
Governance Report
32
Risk Overview & Management
36
Viability Statement
Directors’ Report
38
Board of Directors
40
Corporate Governance Report
44
Audit Committee Report
46
Nomination Committee Report
48
Remuneration Committee Report
49
Directors’ Remuneration Report
57
Directors’ Report
60
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
Financial Statements
62
Independent Auditors’ Report
70
Group Financial Statements & Notes
107
Company Financial Statements & Notes
115
Advisors, Banks & Shareholder
Information
02
Business overview
16
Life at Pinewood
30
36
Risk overview and
management
Board of Directors
06
Chief Executive
Officer’s review
View our report at pinewood.ai/investors/results/
02
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Our Dealer Management System is built around modern
processes and role-based workflows, taking advantage
of an Enterprise database, ensuring people have the
right information when they need it.”
Steve Meadows,
Chief Commercial Officer
Pinewood Software
Licensing of Software as a Service to global automotive business users.
Personalised video
to customers
Online
payments
Integrated website
solution for online
buying
Integrated website
solution for service
booking
Integration with
the world’s leading
automotive
manufacturers
Cars
Business overview
Accelerating performance.
Increasing revenues.
03
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Pinewood Apps
Our apps are designed to streamline processes and improve efficiency across the whole dealership.
Our fully integrated suite of apps work seamlessly with our Pinewood Dealer Management System (DMS).
Our apps are multi-platform and users can choose their preferred tablet or mobile, across iOS, Windows
and Android devices.
Tech+
Improve the service and repair
experience, including video integration
and technician time management.
Integrated video processes including
360° tours of a used vehicle in stock,
or health check.
Efficiently manage the vehicle sales
process and provide a great customer
experience – the ultimate showroom
app for sales professionals.
Host+
Sales+
Stock+
Respond to enquiries with personalised
videos, instantly update stock
information and store vehicle
documentation.
Issue parts on-the-move, saving time
with our in-built barcode scanner.
Parts+
Commercial vehicles
I am delighted with the progress that the business has made
in its first financial year and our strong financial performance
is evidence of this.”
Ian Filby ,
Non-Executive Chairman
04
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
FY24 has been a
hugely
significant
period for
our business.
In addition to the substantial returns from the
transaction, shareholders were also given the
opportunity to benefit from significant further
upside from continued ownership of the newly
formed Pinewood Technologies Group. Since
then, all our energy has gone into making
the most of the opportunities we have ahead
of us in our target markets.
I am delighted with the progress that the
business has made in its first financial year and
our strong financial performance is evidence
of this. This was driven in no small part by the
successful rollout of our platform into Lithia
UK’s dealerships and our team deserves great
credit for how they executed that programme
of work. Importantly, organic customer
growth was healthy and churn levels remained
extremely low, demonstrating the value of our
products to the dealers and OEMs we serve.
More broadly, we have had great success at
delivering against our strategic goal of growing
our customer base among large UK auto retail
groups. The agreements signed with Marshall
Motor Group and, after period end, with Global
Auto Holdings are significant achievements and
position us well for the coming year.
Chairman’s statement
The strong financial and operational
performance has been underpinned by some
notable projects to strengthen our customer-
facing proposition. In October, we unveiled
a new brand identity which has landed well
with customers and colleagues alike, and gives
a strong platform to build from in the years
ahead. Our technical teams have also been
hard at work on a whole new user experience,
which will be launched during 2025.
Since the period ended, we announced
the acquisition of the remainder of Seez,
a leading AI and machine learning platform,
for $42 million (£33.3 million). The deal
is a significant milestone for our business,
enhancing our own in-house capabilities
and it will be central to the offering we are
developing for the North American market.
A major focus for 2025 will be ensuring we
remain on track to begin piloting our solution
in Lithia’s US stores in the second half of 2025.
As we have spoken about previously, the
opportunity in the US and Canada is a significant
one and we remain confident in our ability
to capture an aractive share of the market.
We started the year by announcing
the completion of the sale
of our dealership and leasing business to Lithia Motors
for £395m,
with approximately £358m returned to shareholders by way
of a special dividend.
During the course of the year, I have had
the pleasure of spending time with many
colleagues from across the business and
I never fail to be impressed with the quality
of the people we have in our ranks. On behalf
of the Board, I would like to express my thanks
to them for their hard work in making our first
year as a stand-alone business such a success.
From my conversations with them, I know
that the excitement for the opportunities we
have ahead of us runs deep within Pinewood
Technologies and we are all looking ahead
with the confidence to 2025.
The Board is rightly proud of the value
achieved for shareholders as part of Lithia’s
acquisition of Pendragon and we are now
focused on supporting Bill and his team on
delivering on the ambitious plans we have
grow our share in target markets in the UK,
Internationally and in North America.
Ian Filby,
Chairman
05
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
06
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Chief Executive Officer’s review
Accelerating our
international expansion.
Pinewood has made a strong start to life as a standalone software
business. A key priority this year was the implementation of our
system into Lithia’s UK network, and I’m pleased this project
has been completed successfully, driving up our total users and
revenues. On top of this we delivered major customer wins, most
notably with Marshall, while maintaining a low level of churn
thanks to the quality of our service.
Since the close of the financial year, our positive momentum has
continued with the announcement of our largest ever contract with
Global Auto Holdings, the acquisition of Seez, and our significantly
oversubscribed equity raise. This year will see us focus on
implementing our market-leading system with our new customers
in the UK, driving growth in our key international geographies
and continuing to prepare for our roll-out in the US through our
‘joint venture’ with Lithia. Trading in the current year has started
well, and we remain highly confident in the opportunities ahead
for Pinewood.”
Bill Berman,
Chief Executive Officer
07
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
I am delighted to report such a strong first period for Pinewood as
a standalone pure-play cloud-based software business. Not only
have
we delivered a robust set of results during FY24
, reflecting our
strong growth in the period, but the business has been strategically
transformed during 2024 and early 2025. We are confident that
we are now well-positioned to grow significantly over the next few
years, as we look to expand our global customer base and develop
the functionality of our technology.
Pinewood is a unique proposition. It is a
business with over two decades of industry
experience, we are the proud partner to over
50 OEM brands worldwide and our system is
active in 21 countries with over 35,000 users.
We have deep customer relationships with
high levels of user loyalty, with an average
churn rate of less than c.2% in the past
three years, and this translates to recurring
revenues of c.85%. Despite this long history
and broad international footprint, the
business still has the mentality and nimbleness
of a start-up and we are hugely energised by
the opportunities we see ahead of us.
The global DMS and software market serving
the automotive industry is fragmented and we
are well positioned to benefit from this. There
is a huge opportunity globally and in particular
in North America where the Total Addressable
Market for automotive systems is $6.5 billion.
Our first period as a standalone company
has seen us begin to lay the foundations to
fully access the growth potential we believe
exists within the business by strengthening
our brand and proposition. Alongside our
Strategy Update at our Capital Markets Day
in October, we launched our reinvigorated
customer-facing brand identity under
the banner of Pinewood.AI (Automotive
Intelligence
®
). This has further strengthened
our go-to-market function, as it is a brand
identity that corresponds with our ambitions
and it positions us as a leading automotive
retail ecosystem. The recent acquisition of
Seez also further enhances this positioning
and technical capability within the Group.
An upgraded user experience (UX) for all
Pinewood system customers will be launched
during 2025. Development work on this new
UX has taken place over the last few years
and this is a key next step in the evolution of
the Pinewood system.
One of our key priorities during FY24 has been
to deliver best-in-class implementations of
our system into the Lithia UK dealers.
It is testament to the huge efforts made by our
teams that the feedback we have had from
Lithia has been excellent. Time and again,
our teams have gone the extra mile to ensure
the implementations have gone as seamlessly
as possible, while our software development
and product teams have worked relentlessly
to enhance what is already a best-in-class
automotive retail ecosystem.
We recognise that maximising system
functionality has to be done alongside
maintaining as secure an environment as
possible. We continue to invest heavily in
enhancing our platform architecture and
cyber security.
While the primary driver for our increase
in users to c.35,200 was the Lithia UK
implementation, we have also had new
customer wins in the UK and our international
markets. Crucially, we have kept our average
net user churn to c.1% during FY24 which is
testament to the market leading product
we have.
One of the key milestones this year was signing
a five-year contract with Marshall Motor
Group in October 2024, which will be the first
non-associated major dealership group in the
UK to implement Pinewood systems into all of
its dealerships. This momentum was continued
post-period in February 2025, when we signed
a five-year contract with Global Auto Holdings
to implement the Pinewood system into their
dealerships across the UK, North America
and Scandinavia, the largest non-associated
dealership group to adopt the platform so
far. We are excited to be working with these
leading retailers, and this has meant that we
have already achieved the target set out at our
Capital Markets Event in October 2024, to sign
two more of the UK’s Top 20 retailers in 2025.
As further laid out at the Capital Markets
Event, we are focusing our growth on a
number of key geographies around the world.
As well as expanding our UK customer base,
we are commied to maximising growth in
central Europe, Japan and Southeast Asia
and South Africa. We have a number of
opportunities in these areas and will look to
capitalise on them during 2025.
At the same time, we will continue to develop
our system in readiness for roll-out into the
key North American market. I have been
pleased with the progress we have made in
the last year in both developing relationships
and beginning integration work with Key
North American OEMs and other third party
‘layered app’ providers. We remain confident
that we are on course to pilot the Pinewood
system in Lithia’s US stores in the second half
of 2025, with a view to beginning the full
rollout into North America in 2026. In addition,
Pinewood is exploring options to potentially
assume majority control of the ‘joint venture’
to significantly enhance its value proposition
to other North American dealers.
In March 2025 we completed the acquisition
of Seez, a leading AI and Machine Learning
automotive company which offers a wide
range of products including AI chatbots.
Historically, Pinewood has developed all
technology in-house, but the acquisition was
a compelling opportunity on many levels.
The opportunity in AI automotive technology
is enormous and the acquisition of Seez
gives us scale and technical capabilities that
would have taken many years and significant
investment to develop. We have already begun
integrating Seez’s technology into Pinewood’s
infrastructure following our initial strategic
investment in September 2024, and therefore
expect full integration to be straightforward.
We think this is a key moment for Pinewood
and will act as a springboard for us to cement
our position as a market leader globally. The
significantly oversubscribed equity raise that
funded the Seez acquisition was an important
vote of confidence from both existing and
new shareholders in our strategy and the
opportunity this deal opens up.
We continue to look to maximise growth for
our shareholders, both through expanding our
user base but also through selling vertically
to existing customers, as we develop more
products. The Board remains confident in
the prospects for the Group and expects
underlying profit before tax for the full year to
be in line with current market expectations.
Bill Berman
Chief Executive Officer
26 March 2025
08
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Business strategy
The Pinewood business strategy, as outlined at our Capital
Markets Event can be seen below. So far, we have seen strong
initial execution with significant opportunity ahead.
North American JV
UK &
Ireland
– Target Large UK
Auto Retail Groups
– Top 100 Sweep
– Maximise Product
Sales in Existing
Customer Base
International
– Northern &
Central Europe
– Asia Pacific
– South Africa
Products/
Vertical Sales
– Multiple Product
Opportunities
to Upsell
– AI
– Build vs Buy
vs Partner
North
America
– Discovery Phase &
Development Work
– US Store Pilot
– Rollout into
US Market
09
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Investment case
Business strengths
A leading
automotive retail
ecosystem
High user
loyalty
Recurring revenue
streams
– Pure cloud-based
software designed around
customers and hyperscale
– Our system is active
in 21 countries by over
35,000 users focused
on the UK
– < 2% average net user
churn over the last 3 years
– c.1% average net user
churn during FY24
– Consistent growth
in revenue and high,
stable gross margins
– c.85% of revenue
is recurring
Experienced
workforce
Partnerships
with 50+
OEM brands
– 40 years experience in the
automotive industry
– International workforce
across multiple countries
– Headcount of c.300
employees of which c.50%
are software developers
– Longstanding strategic
partners
– Enables transformation
of customer experience,
improved efficiency and
increased profitability
10
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Business model
Technology platforms.
Built by car people
for car people.
How we create value
What we offer
Connected, real time data
Superior customer insights
Customer-centric culture
The problems we solve
For more information see page 02-03
– Our USP is more than a DMS
– The inability of dealerships to unlock the
value of their data isn’t just the limitations
of their current DMS
– Cultural lack of customer-centricity is an
industry problem that technology does
not solve
– Dealerships focus on functional silos not
the automotive buyer journey
– We can offer an ecosystem that combines
connected dealership data with connected
customer journeys to deliver unprecedented
business performance
11
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
We are excited to be embarking on this new
partnership with Pinewood over the coming months.
This partnership will allow us to integrate and upgrade
our systems whilst enhancing and accelerating our
continuing strive to deliver market leading customer
service to our consumer and business partners.”
Avril Palmer-Baunack,
Executive Chairman of Constellation Automotive Group
What our clients value
Connected customer journey
Personalised conversations
Customer-centric experience
Benefits we provide to dealerships
– Enabling dealers to operate with one version
of the truth in real time
– Pinewood is 100% cloud hosted which is highly
scalable and secure
– End-to-end connected data for efficiency
– The recent industry cyber-security issues
have created a ‘big-bang’ moment
– Deep and longstanding customer
relationships, <2% net user churn over the
last 3 years
– A stable, highly skilled team, unrivalled
automotive industry expertise and
experience – built by car people for
car people
12
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Financial review
Strong growth
with
global demand
11m period comparison
13m period ended 31 January 2024 (FY23)
£m
11m period ending
31-Dec-24 (FY24)
– Continuing
operations
11m period ending
31-Dec-23
– Continuing
operations
1,2
Variance
Continuing
operations
Discontinued
operations
Total
Revenue
31.2
27.1
15.1%
24.5
4,318.0
4,342.5
Gross Profit
28.2
24.2
16.5%
21.8
485.4
507.2
Underlying Operating Profit
8.4
8.5
(1.2%)
10.0
147.6
157.6
Underlying Profit Before Tax
8.5
8.5
9.9
9.9
Profit Before Tax
8.2
8.2
9.9
81.9
91.8
Underlying EBITDA
14.0
13.1
6.9%
15.6
15.6
1
Unaudited results for the 11 month period ended 31 December 2023.
2
In FY23, Pinewood was part of Pendragon PLC and therefore intercompany revenue received from Pendragon PLC was eliminated on consolidation in FY23 – see next page.
The pro-forma financial information above has been given to provide
a like for like comparison of results for the current and prior periods.
The 2 adjustments made are as follows:
The comparative 13 month period has been adjusted to show only the
comparable 11 month period.
In the comparative 11 month period revenue of £6.3m arose from
Pendragon PLC. As Pinewood was part of the same group in that
period, this revenue was eliminated on consolidation. This revenue has
been added back in the comparative pro-forma information above.
Comparing the 11 month periods ended 31-Dec-24 and 31-Dec-23,
revenue increased by 15.1%, gross profit increased by 16.5% and
underlying profit before tax was flat at £8.5m in both periods.
Revenue increased from £24.5m in FY23 to £31.2m in FY24 and gross
profit increased from £21.8m in FY23 to £28.2m in FY24. £27.0m of the
FY24 revenue of £31.2m was recurring (86.5%). Underlying profit before
tax decreased from £9.9m in FY23 to £8.5m in FY24.
Total revenues including intercompany revenue decreased by 2.5% to
£31.2m compared to FY23. This was due to FY24 being an 11 month
period and FY23 being a 13 month period.
Gross profit including intercompany gross profit decreased by 1.1% to
£28.2m. The gross margin increased by 130bps to 90.4% in FY24, as
a series of measures to make our cloud hosting as efficient as possible
have been put in place.
Underlying administrative expenses in FY24 increased by £8.0m
compared to FY23 to £19.8m. In FY23, there were £6.7m of
intercompany administrative expenses and in FY24 this was nil. In FY24
the amortisation charge of £5.0m made up approximately a quarter
of administrative costs. The majority of Pinewood’s administrative
expenses are resource costs and during FY24, headcount was
‘right-sized’ to ensure the business had the necessary resource to
deliver the stretching future growth plans.
As a result of these movements, underlying operating profit was £8.4m,
a decrease of 16.0% compared to FY23.
There was a non-underlying loss before tax of £0.3m (FY23: nil).
This consisted of restructuring and transition costs following the sale
of the UK Motor and Leasing businesses to Lithia of £2.2m, transaction
costs following the sale of the UK Motor and Leasing businesses to
Lithia of £0.9m, share based payments of £1.0m, interest receivable
of £4.3m earned on cash held prior to a special dividend payment
and £0.5m of loss from the Group’s share of the result from the
‘joint venture’ (Pinewood North America, LLC).
Group net assets were £39.0m at 31 December 2024 (31-Jan-2024:
£360.4m), with the main balances being a £9.6m investment in
associate (31-Jan-2024: £nil), £16.3m of capitalised software
intangibles (31-Jan-2024: £13.8m), £21.4m of trade and other
receivables (31-Jan-2025: £421.8m), £9.3m of cash (31-Jan-2024:
£47.4m), £11.0m of trade and other payables (31-Jan-2024: £23.0m)
and £7.6m of deferred income (31-Jan-2024: £6.5m).
Cash at the start of FY24 was £47.4m and the main movements
to arrive at the £9.3m at the end of FY24 were £395.4m received
from Lithia for the sale of the ex-Pendragon dealerships and leasing
business, a £93.0m loan repayment, £30.0m from issuing share capital
and a £358.4m special dividend paid to shareholders. The software
intangible increased during the period as more development work
was capitalised.
13
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Ollie Mann
Chief Financial Officer
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Operating review
Strong financial
performance
Revenue and gross profit include intercompany amounts.
£m
H1 FY24
H2 FY24
FY24
H1 FY23
H2 FY23
FY23
Change
Revenue including intercompany amounts
1
16.1
15.1
31.2
14.5
17.5
32.0
(2.5%)
Gross Profit including intercompany amounts
1
14.5
13.7
28.2
12.9
15.6
28.5
(1.1%)
Gross margin rate
90.1%
90.7%
90.4%
89.0%
89.1%
89.1%
1.3%
Underlying Administrative Expenses
(10.5)
(9.3)
(19.8)
(8.3)
(10.2)
(18.5)
7.0%
Underlying Operating Profit
1
4.0
4.4
8.4
4.6
5.4
10.0
(16.0%)
1
This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) – see page 77
Note: FY24 is an 11 month period ended 31 December 2024 and FY23 is a 13 month period ended 31 January 2024. H1 FY24 is the 6 month period ended 31 July 2024 and H1 FY23 is the 6 month
period ended 30 June 2023.
There was no intercompany revenue, gross profit or underlying
administrative expenses in FY24. Some of the key financials for FY23
can be seen below:
£m
Intercompany
Contribution
Contribution
from external
customers
Group
Total
Revenue including
intercompany amounts
1
7.5
24.5
32.0
Gross Profit including
intercompany amounts
1
6.7
21.8
28.5
Underlying administrative
expenses including
intercompany amounts
1
(2.4)
(16.1)
(18.5)
1
Unaudited
Pinewood is a software business that provides an automotive retail
ecosystem in the UK and 20 other countries worldwide. Pinewood
provides Software as a Service (SaaS) with the majority of revenue
being recurring.
The automotive system market for Franchised Motor Dealers is
estimated to be worth at least £100 million in the UK. Two providers
dominate the UK market, one of which is Pinewood. The global
automotive system market is highly fragmented with over 50 different
providers within Europe alone. In North America, the market for what
are called Dealer Management Systems (DMS) is £2.4 billion. In addition
in North America, the market for complimentary add-on products such
as CRMs and service tools is worth an additional £4.1 billion. All of this
North American market is an opportunity for Pinewood.
14
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Operating review
continued
A key financial KPI for Pinewood is the amount of development
expenditure. In FY24 Pinewood increased its investment in the
system with £9.0m of development expenditure of which £7.4m
was capitalised (82% capitalisation rate). The main focuses for
the development team during FY24 were ‘hyperscale’ system
development to ensure the system is ready for deployment in
North America, working on a new customer user interface which
will be launched in FY25 and ongoing investment in platform
architecture and security. Other key financial KPIs are Underlying
Operating Profit, Underlying Profit Before Tax and Underlying
EBITDA. A key non-financial KPI used by the Group is the number
of employees in the development and product teams. At the
end of FY24, there were 172 employees in the development and
product teams, compared to 137 employees in the development
and product teams at the end of FY23.
The five year contract signed in October 2024 with Marshall Motor
Group to implement Pinewood systems into their stores was a
highly significant moment for Pinewood, with Marshalls being
one of the leading automotive retailers in the United Kingdom.
Their scale, with c.120 dealerships as well as the other businesses
in their wider Group including cinch, BCA and webuyanycar
make them a unique and valued customer. The contract
represents the first non-associated major dealership group in
the UK to adopt the Pinewood product suite following the recent
Lithia UK implementation.
Pinewood’s unique approach to the market
is characterised by:
a single ecosystem which is deployed globally with continuous
software updates
a cloud-based solution which is highly secure and feature-rich
focus on strong manufacturer partnerships and supporting
dealer profitability; and
commitment to using the latest technology to reshape
motor retail
Pinewood was an early adopter of the SaaS business model and
has focused on developing recurring revenue streams. Today, c.85%
of Pinewood’s revenues are on a recurring basis.
During FY24, overall user numbers increased by 2,100 users
(6.3% increase) to 35,200. 1,700 of the user increase was due to
the combined impact of the roll-out of the Pinewood system into
the (ex-Jardine Motor Group) Lithia UK stores as well as the closure
of a number of Lithia UK stores. New customers added 700 users
in FY24 and there was net churn of 300 users in Pinewood’s existing
customer base. This very low net churn of just 1.1% reflects the
‘stickiness’ of the Pinewood system.
15
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
16
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
s.172 statement
Statement By The Directors In Performance Of Their Statutory Duties in Accordance with s.172(1) Companies Act 2006
The Board of directors of Pinewood Technologies Group PLC confirm that during the period under review, it has acted to promote the long term
success of the company for the benefit of all shareholders, whilst having regard to the maers set out in section 172(1)(a)-(f) of the Companies Act
2006 in the decisions taken during the period ended 31 December 2024, further detail of which is set out below and which are incorporated into
others parts of the Strategic Report.
How we engage
Why we engage
What maers to this group
What did we do as a result
Customers
We continue to engage with our customers in a variety of
ways, including:
Seeking continual feedback from both new and existing
customers
Listening to any suggested enhancements to the
Pinewood system
Our purpose is to deliver
a market-leading Dealer
Management System to all
of our customers
Uninterrupted access
to our system
Use of a market
leading system
Having a relationship with us
where they are listened to
Improved the Pinewood
system by listening to
customers
Ensured that our development
team updated the system on
a regular basis, often several
times a week
Associates
We listen carefully to the views of all
of our employees through regular
employee surveys
We wish to continue to be
a responsible employer,
both in terms of continuing
to ensure the health,
safety and wellbeing of
our employees and also
ensuring we maintain a
responsible approach to
the pay and benefits our
employees receive
Fair employment, fair pay
and benefits
Tackling our gender pay gap
Diversity and Inclusion
Training, development and
career opportunities
Health and Safety
Responsible use of
personal data
Ability of the workforce to
raise concerns in confidence
We reviewed associate pay
and conditions
We continued to enhance
the range of benefits available
to associates, including adding
full EV’s to the company
car offering
To engage with the workforce,
biannual conferences have
been introduced, which
are effective as they have
produced consistent dialogue
between associates and the
executive directors and senior
management team
Any associate concerns
can be raised in confidence
through the Pinewood
HR team, who will conduct
any investigations needed
and will escalate concerns to
Board level where deemed
appropriate. The Board will
take any follow up action as
considered appropriate
Suppliers
Regular meetings and updates with all key suppliers with
management
Supplier payment terms reported and published
All our suppliers must be
able to demonstrate that
they take appropriate action
to prevent involvement in
modern slavery, corruption,
bribery and breaches of
competition law
We engage with our suppliers
to ensure a high quality of
service is maintained
Fair trading and
payment terms
Anti-Bribery
Anti-Modern Slavery
Operational Improvement
We surveyed all key suppliers
for adherence to anti-slavery
standards
17
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Shareholders And Potential Shareholders
Annual Report and Accounts
Corporate website
AGM
Results announcements and presentation
Shareholder and analyst meeting with management,
followed by feedback from brokers and financial PR
consultants
Engagement via the Directors and Company Secretary
We work to ensure our
shareholders and their
representatives have a
good understanding of our
strategy and business model
Long term value creation
Fair and equal treatment
Growth opportunity
Financial stability
Transparency
To share in the success
of our business
The chief executive officer and
chief financial officer reported
back to the Board after the
investor roadshows
The Group’s brokers and
financial advisors provided
detailed feedback after full
and half year announcements
and investor roadshows
to inform the Board about
investor views
The non-executive chairman
and senior independent
director were available to
shareholders and responded
on maers relating to their
responsibilities where requested
The chairman met with a
number of large shareholders
at a Capital Market Event in
October 2024
We continued to consult with all
major shareholders in relation
to our remuneration policy
At our AGM, shareholders
were given the opportunity
to engage with the respective
Commiee Chairs to discuss
any maers of significance
that they want to raise
We engaged with
shareholders with reference
to resumption of dividends
Environment
Over the last four years, we have seriously re-evaluated
our responsibilities to our customers, investors,
associates, suppliers and the public in terms of how our
activities impact the natural environment.
We continue to regularly review our environment policy.
We acknowledge the
responsibility we have to
protect the environment
and to minimise the
environmental impact
of our activities
Minimising atmospheric
emissions, commercial and
industrial waste
Minimising energy wastage
Complying with statutory
requirements relating to
environmental maers
Ensuring environmental
priorities are accounted for
appropriately in planning
and decision making
Operated an obsolete asset
disposal policy
Minimised and where possible,
eliminated pollution
We continued to reduce
incidences of energy wastage
wherever possible, as
reported in our Environment,
Social and Governance
Report at page 25 of this
Annual Report
How we engage
Why we engage
What maers to this group
What did we do as a result
Community
Regular involvement in charity appeals
We generate community
involvement through local
engagement, contributing
to local areas in a variety
of ways
Charitable donations
and support
Employment opportunities
Volunteering
Fair tax policy
We continued other charitable
activities where possible
18
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Social Report
Life at
Pinewood.
At Pinewood, our people are the driving force
behind pushing boundaries and making the
extraordinary, possible.
People are the heart of our business
and the key to our success. That’s
why we’re commied to aracting,
retaining, and developing the best
and brightest talent.
Long term success relies on inspiring
and nurturing a range of talent,
from all sectors and industries.
We pride ourselves on seeing the
potential of our team members
before they even join the business
and, then once they have, providing
the support, encouragement and
skills needed to build a long and
rewarding career.
Defining our purpose
Pinewood recently completed a
comprehensive employee feedback and
engagement programme designed to support
its evolution from a majority UK business to
becoming a true global player. This strategic
initiative not only preserves Pinewood’s core
cultural values but also lays the foundation
for scalable growth worldwide, fostering
an environment where innovation and
expansion thrive.
Beginning your journey
We review our talent araction and retention
strategies to ensure we are aracting and
identifying a diverse range of talent to
join and develop within our business. We
continually utilise modern araction strategies
to ensure we are reaching a diverse range of
candidates to confirm we are capturing skills
and talent within the sector balancing an
internal versus external perspective.
We remain commied to investing in early
career programmes, with 25% of team
members recruited in FY24 specifically to join
either one of the graduate or early careers
schemes. During an exciting period of growth,
this expresses our commitment to invest in
those who are kick-starting their careers.
We maintain strong relationships with several
academic institutions across the Midlands
to ensure we continue our commitment to
growing careers from within. Investment in
career growth is a key factor when it comes
to retention, with 9% of team members
being promoted across the Group. This was
conducted via regular one-to-ones, ensuring
team members have guidance and support
when it comes to progression. This is also a
key reason why team turnover continues to
remain low at 14% during FY24.
19
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Your workplace & your reward
Looking after our team members is essential
and we continuously review our benefits
offering. Our ambition is to offer an industry
competitive total reward package that values
our team members and enables us to be a
responsible and aractive employer.
Your inclusion & your influence
With 28 nationalities across Pinewood and
an above-industry average representation
of females, as at year end of 31%, company-
wide, we are commied to fostering a more
diverse, inclusive, and unified culture that is
representative of our team members, our
customers and the society in which we live.
As we look to embed our global offering, our
diversity and cultural awareness will only
be more enhanced. There are tremendous
benefits to an environment where everyone
feels valued and included. We cannot
underestimate the positive impact that
diversity and inclusion can have on how
we understand our customers, drive our
innovation and, most importantly, engage
and inspire our team of colleagues.
25%
Employees joining graduate/
early careers schemes FY24
28
Nationalities
9%
Team members being promoted
31%
Female employees
14%
Team turnover
20
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
ESG Report
Creating positive
impact through ESG.
Reducing environmental impact,
positive social change, transparent
and responsible governance
Since transitioning into a pure-play,
independent Software as a Service
(SaaS) business, we have taken the
opportunity to reassess and refine
our approach to Environmental,
Social, and Governance (ESG)
objectives. Our focus is now fully
aligned with the unique nature
of our SaaS operations, ensuring
our ESG strategy is both relevant
and impactful.
This strategic review has enabled us to:
Enhance engagement and oversight
through dedicated cybersecurity and
ESG sessions, including an initial review
into Pinewood’s climate strategy.
Define our future aspirations, seing
ambitious targets and plans to improve
ESG reporting and the effectiveness of
our initiatives.
Establish a clear roadmap with well-defined
milestones over the short (0-2 years),
medium (2-5 years), and long term
(up to 2050), enabling us to track progress
and take corrective action if targets
are not met.
As we move forward, our ESG strategy will
continue to evolve, adapting to the needs
of both our business and the wider society.
We remain commied to embedding ESG
considerations into our strategic priorities
and linking them to remuneration incentives,
ensuring lasting impact and accountability.
21
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Environmental report
Pinewood remains commied to
environmental responsibility, operating under
a formal Environment Policy that has been
reviewed and updated to reflect our evolution
as a pure-play SaaS business. We recognise
our duty to protect the environment and
actively work to minimise the impact
of our operations.
Collaborating with employees, customers,
and suppliers, we strive to uphold high
standards of environmental protection
aligned with our business activities. Our
Environment Policy is guided by Board-level
oversight, ensuring a strategic focus on
climate impact and resource sustainability.
We are continuously enhancing our
operational standards, embedding
environmental considerations into planning
and decision-making. Wherever possible,
we take proactive steps to reduce or minimise
our environmental footprint, reinforcing our
commitment to a sustainable future.
In accordance with Listing Rule 6.6.6R(8),
we set out in the TCFD (Task Force on
Climate-related Financial Disclosures)
overview table beginning on page 22
certain climate-related financial disclosures
aligned to the four recommendations and
11 recommended disclosures contained within
the TCFD additional guidance (Implementing
the Recommendations of the Task Force on
Climate Related Financial Disclosures (2021
TCFD Annex)).
Within the TCFD overview table, we have
also included disclosures by each of the
recommended disclosures, identifying
whether we consider such disclosures to be
either consistent with the recommendations
of the TCFD or, where disclosures have only
been partially made or omied, a further
description of any steps taken or planned
to ensure our disclosures are consistent in
the future, including relevant timeframes.
In particular, of the 11 TCFD recommended
disclosures, the Company considers that it is
consistent with full disclosure for nine items
and partially consistent with two disclosures:
(i) Strategy B – financial impact of climate
related risks – due to the disposal, we have
not been able to assess the impact that
climate related risks may have on the SaaS
business. This includes the impact climate
related risks may have on the Group’s financial
planning process. We will continue to assess
the impact climate related risks may have on
financial planning in the next financial year.
ii) Metrics and Targets B – Scope 3 emissions
– Scope 3 emissions have been disclosed for
our employee commuting as well as our core
cloud service emissions. This is enhanced
from previous years and the Group will look
to include additional metrics in the next
financial year.
Environmental
impact.
Environmental Report
Pinewood is actively
supporting the UK
Government’s Simpler
Recycling initiative,
partnering with our
waste management
provider to minimise
landfill waste, enhance
recycling efficiency, and
drive our sustainability
goals toward a
greener future
22
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
ESG Report
continued
Environmental Report
TCFD overview
Recommendation
Recommended
disclosures
Summary of Progress/Measures planned to ensure
future consistency with the recommendation
Reference
Disclosure
Level
Governance
Disclose the
organisation’s
governance around
climate-related risks
and opportunities
a) Describe the Board’s
oversight of climate-related
risks and opportunities
The Board drives our climate ambition and oversees
our approach to climate-related risks and opportunities,
as outlined in our annually reviewed Environment
Policy. As the ultimate authority on the Group’s risk
appetite, risk management, and internal controls,
the Board delegates oversight to the Audit Commiee,
ESG Commiee, and Risk Control Group to ensure
ESG risks are effectively managed.
In 2024, the ESG Commiee met more frequently than
the expected twice-yearly schedule, reinforcing our
commitment to sustainability. ESG maers are now
a standing agenda item at Board meetings, ensuring
continuous focus and accountability. The ESG Commiee
plays a pivotal role in assessing how climate-related risks
and opportunities influence budgets and business plans,
determining how climate strategies are implemented.
The chair of the ESG Commiee monitors progress
towards targets, allowing us to drive meaningful impact.
FY 25 priorities
We remain commied to integrating climate-related
risks into Board-level discussions, ensuring they are a key
consideration in shaping our strategy and assessing their
potential impact on our financial performance. The ESG
Commiee intends to meet at least three times a year,
maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and driving
progress on our ESG commitments.
Annual Report
Environmental,
social and
governance report
page 21
b) Describe management’s
role in assessing and managing
climate-related risks and
opportunities
The Board retains ultimate accountability for the Group’s
climate strategy and approach to TCFD; however, to
strengthen governance and execution, it has established an
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Commiee.
Meeting at least twice a year, the ESG Commiee includes
the Group CFO, and two members of senior management,
with other team members invited to meetings where they
support the ESG Commiee meeting agenda item(s) with
their knowledge or abilities.
Working alongside the Risk Control Group (RCG), the ESG
Commiee provides ongoing oversight of climate-related
risks. It maintains a direct reporting line to the Audit
Commiee, ensuring regular updates on progress and key
developments. The Audit Commiee, composed entirely of
independent non-executive directors, meets at least three
times a year. Following the same rigorous governance
approach used for financial management, it assesses the
potential financial impact of climate change, incorporating
scenario analysis, the costs of meeting climate and
environmental targets, and their implications for financial
statements and disclosures.
FY 25 priorities
The Group remains commied to strengthening ESG
reporting, ensuring climate-related considerations are
integrated into budgets, business plans, performance
objectives, capital expenditure, and investment decisions.
Additionally, we will further embed climate-conscious
decision-making into our energy procurement and supplier
selection processes, reinforcing our commitment to
sustainability at every level of our operations.
Annual Report
Environmental,
social and
governance report
page 21
Disclosure Level:
Full
Partial
Omied
23
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Recommendation
Recommended
disclosures
Summary of Progress/Measures planned to ensure
future consistency with the recommendation
Reference
Disclosure
Level
Strategy
Disclose the actual and
potential impacts of
climate-related risks
and opportunities on
the organisation’s
businesses, strategy
and financial planning
where such information
is material
a) Describe the climate-related
risks and opportunities the
organisation has identified
in the short, medium and
long term
As a pure-play SaaS business, the Group faces limited
direct climate risk. However, we remain proactive in
assessing potential climate impacts across the short term
(Jan 25 – Dec 26), medium term (Jan 27 – Dec 29), and long
term (up to 2050). These time scales align with our business
planning and the UK Net Zero target date. A detailed
analysis of these risks and opportunities can be found on
pages 26 to 27 of this report.
In the medium term, rising energy costs pose a key
consideration for Pinewood, while longer-term risks include
the resilience of cloud hosting infrastructure, which may be
influenced by geographic factors and exposure to extreme
weather events. To stay ahead, we will continue to conduct
climate risk and opportunity assessments, ensuring that
our SaaS business remains agile and well-prepared for the
evolving environmental landscape.
FY25 priorities
Continued assessment of the impact of climate related
risks for the Group in the short, medium and long term.
Annual Report
Risk Management,
page 35
Environmental,
social and
governance report
page 21
b) Describe the impact
of climate related risks
and opportunities on the
organisation’s businesses,
strategy and financial planning
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC operates as a pure-
play SaaS business with two physical office locations
and cloud-based hosting. Given our digital-first model,
we anticipate minimal impact from climate-related
factors on our core products and services, including dealer
management system software licences, as we continue
to innovate and evolve.
FY25 priorities
The Group is actively evaluating how climate-related
factors may influence our products and services. This
assessment is underway, and we anticipate completing it in
the next financial year, ensuring we remain proactive and
well-prepared for any potential impacts.
Annual Report
Risk Management,
page 35
Environmental,
social and
governance report
page 21
c) Describe the resilience
of the organisation’s strategy,
taking into consideration
different climate related
scenarios, including a 2ºC
or lower scenario
The Group has assessed potential climate-related risks
to our SaaS business under two key climate scenarios:
below 2 degrees
: As a pure-play SaaS provider,
our business model is centred on delivering software
licences. We would expect evolving regulatory
frameworks for the reporting of business climate
impact, as well as investors placing a greater
importance on climate risk strategies under this
scenario.
above 3 degrees
: Even in a scenario with heightened
physical climate risks, we expect minimal disruption.
The Group operates from two leased office locations
in urban areas that are not significantly exposed to
climate risks. Additionally, our robust remote working
infrastructure ensures business continuity. Our cloud
services, hosted by third-party providers, include
contingency plans to mitigate potential disruptions,
ensuring seamless service delivery. In line with the
above, the Group considers itself to be resilient to
climate related physical risks.
FY25 priorities
The Group will continue to refine its climate risk scenario
analysis, aligning it with the specific needs and evolving
landscape of a SaaS business.
Disclosure Level:
Full
Partial
Omied
24
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Disclosure Level:
Full
Partial
Omied
Recommendation
Recommended
disclosures
Summary of Progress/Measures planned to ensure
future consistency with the recommendation
Reference
Disclosure
Level
Risk management
Disclose how the
organisation identifies,
assesses and manages
climate-related risks
a) Describe the organisation’s
processes for identifying and
assessing climate-related risks
Environmental risk is a key component of our overall
risk management framework. The ESG Commiee, as a
minimum twice a year, evaluates climate-related risks that
could impact our operations, reporting findings to the Risk
Control Group (RCG) and, where necessary, escalating to
the Audit Commiee and Board.
The Risk Control Group (RCG) meets three times a
year, the meeting includes an analysis of potential risks
and opportunities associated with climate change and
includes representation from the ESG Commiee. Risks
are based on “worst case” scenarios with likelihood and
impact assessment considering our business, suppliers,
customers and investors taking place. Once classified they
are integrated into the existing risk management system.
Climate change risks, along with relevant opportunities,
are reported three time a year to the Executive Team and
the Board. While climate-related risks are considered
an emerging risk, they remain an important part of our
strategic risk assessment. For more details, please refer to
pages 33 to 35 on our Group’s risk management approach.
FY25 priorities
The Group annually reviews/revises its Environmental
Policy with a heightened focus on integrating climate-
related issues. Climate considerations have now become a
permanent agenda item at Board meetings.
Annual Report
Risk Management,
page 26
b) Describe the organisation’s
processes for managing
climate related risks
The business is subject to regular risk identification,
assessment and review, which includes consideration
of environmental and climate related risk. Climate risk
is considered a sub-risk to our main environmental risk.
See pages 32 to 35 on risk management in the Group.
FY25 priorities
Our ESG Commiee reviews climate risks and
opportunities in each meeting which ensures we stay
informed and effectively monitor any identified climate-
related risks.
Annual Report
Risk Management,
page 33
c) Describe how processes
for identifying, assessing and
managing climate-related
risks are integrated into the
organisation’s overall risk
management
Climate-related risks are integrated into our overall risk
management framework as a principal risk, with climate
change addressed within the broader environmental risk
category. The ESG Commiee will continue to evaluate
and assess any climate-related risks that could impact
our operations, reporting findings to the RCG and, when
necessary, escalating to the Audit Commiee and Board.
FY25 priorities
Maintain strong focus on all areas that facilitate
management and assessment of climate related risks.
Annual Report
Risk Management,
page 33
TCFD overview
continued
ESG Report
continued
Environmental Report
25
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Disclosure Level:
Full
Partial
Omied
Recommendation
Recommended
disclosures
Summary of Progress/Measures planned to ensure
future consistency with the recommendation
Reference
Disclosure
Level
Metrics and targets
Disclose the metrics
and targets used to
assess and manage
relevant climate-
related risks and such
opportunities where
such information
is material
a) Disclose the metrics
used by the organisation
to assess climate-related
risks and opportunities in
line with its strategy and risk
management process
The Group has been reporting on energy and carbon
emissions since 2013. Emissions are captured from our
facilities, operations and transport and reported in Tonnes
CO
2
. We consider it important to recognise that as revenue
increases so will emissions, which is why we include tonnes
of CO
2
per £m of revenue as a further key metric.
FY24 will serve as a baseline allowing us to report future
changes. More information on the Group’s carbon
emissions is provided on page 28.
FY25 priorities
The Group is commied to expanding our Scope 3
reporting metrics as relevant data becomes available,
ensuring greater transparency and a more comprehensive
view of our environmental impact.
Annual Report
Environmental,
social and
governance report
page 28
b) Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2
and, if appropriate, Scope 3
greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions and the related risks
The Group reports Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions
in accordance with the GHG reporting requirements, with
further details on carbon emissions available on page 28.
Notably, we’ve expanded our Scope 3 reporting to include
emissions from our cloud server operations.
FY25 priorities
The Group is focused on enhancing our data capture
process for additional Scope 3 categories in the upcoming
financial year, driving greater accuracy and breadth
in our reporting.
Annual Report
Environmental,
social and
governance report
page 28
c) Describe the targets
used by the organisation
to manage climate-related
risks and opportunities and
performance against targets
The Group will focus on its CO
2
emissions by £m of revenue
as a key metric driving immediate action to reduce its
environmental impact.
FY25 priorities
The Group will target a 10% reduction of the CO
2
emissions
over the next three years from a base year of 2024.
Annual Report
Environmental,
social and
governance report
page 28
26
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
ESG Report
continued
Environmental Report
Climate-related risks, once assessed are provided numeric likelihood and impact values within our risk management system. These are used
to calculate a total risk value before and after mitigation. Material risks are any risk with a value that exceeds our materiality threshold. Outlined
below are the material climate related risks and opportunities as applicable to the Group. For the purpose of the below table, in terms of impact
and rating: Minor shall mean the risk has relatively lile, or non material financial impact; Limited shall mean the risk has a moderate financial
impact; Major shall mean the risk has a major or material financial impact.
Area
Risk
Time horizon
and climate scenario
Category
and impact
Metric
Policy &
Legal
Increased reporting requirements and adverse energy
regulation due to climate change
Enhanced disclosure requirements, evolving regulatory
frameworks and the need for more granular data collection
add layers of administrative effort across multiple
business functions.
Mitigation
Ensuring compliance while maintaining efficiency will require
ongoing investment in technology, processes and expertise.
Medium term
Below 2 degrees
Transitional
Minor
Increase in annual cost
(£) of internal resources
used to monitor
climate legislation and
compliance remain
below 10%.
Market
Risks
Pinewood international partners
Pinewood partners with third-party providers in select
markets to deliver essential support and services. As these
providers navigate the shift to renewable energy, potential
relocations and rising operational costs due to extreme
weather events, their expenses are likely to increase. This
could lead to Pinewood reassessing partnerships and, in some
cases, transitioning to new providers, introducing temporary
operational disruptions but ensuring long-term resilience and
efficiency. Retaining and supporting partner markets is a vital
driver of our delivery strategy.
Mitigation
Maintaining clear communication and support for partners.
Medium to long term
Above 3 degrees
Transitional
Limited
Number of providers
requesting contract
reviews based on
increased costs does
not exceed 1.
Data Centre server costs
Pinewood relies on third-party providers for data centres.
As climate-related factors drive up operational and overhead
costs for data centre providers, these expenses will inevitably
be passed on to customers, including Pinewood. Rising
temperatures and extreme weather conditions will make
cooling data centres increasingly challenging and costly. As a
result, the strategic location of data centres, those favouring
regions with lower energy costs and cooler climates, will
become a critical factor. This may lead Pinewood to reassess its
data centre partnerships, potentially transitioning to alternative
providers to optimise costs, though this would involve
associated overhead and transition expenses. Regular reviews
allow us to make informed decisions and get the best value from
data centre suppliers.
Mitigation
Regular review of data centre costs and reported
climate changes.
Medium to long term
Above 3 degrees
Transitional
Limited
Change in annual cost
(£) relating to data
centre services per user
remain below 15%.
Supply chain and third party risks
Extreme weather events, shifting geopolitical climate policies,
and resource scarcity could disrupt cloud providers and IT
hardware suppliers, potentially impacting service reliability.
Climate-related disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and
droughts, may further strain global semiconductor production,
leading to supply chain bolenecks, increased hardware costs,
and potential delays in service delivery.
Mitigation
Ensuring critical suppliers have robust disaster recovery plans.
Long term
Above 3 degrees
Physical
Limited
Number of cloud
disruptions within
a 12 month period
impact less than 0.1%
of our service provision.
27
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Area
Risk
Time horizon
and scenario
Category
and impact
Metric
Reputation
Risks
Investor and market sentiment
Investors are placing greater emphasis on ESG risks, and SaaS
companies that fail to showcase robust climate strategies risk
reputational setbacks, potential divestment, and diminished
access to funding. Continued positive ESG reporting improves
future investment opportunities.
Mitigation
Ensure focus on ESG issues is maintained and communicated.
Short term
Below 2 degrees
Transitional
Limited
Count of failed funding
rounds within a year
does not exceed 1.
Loss of revenue linked to damaged reputation
Reputational risks from a customer standpoint could have a
significant financial impact, potentially driving customers toward
competitors with stronger ESG and sustainability commitments.
As demand for environmentally responsible solutions grows,
failing to meet expectations could erode brand loyalty and
market position. As a SaaS business minimising customer churn
is important to achieving our strategic objectives.
Mitigation
Keen awareness of published content both online and offline.
Maintaining strong relationships with our clients through
dedicated account management.
Short term
Below 2 degrees
Transitional
Minor
We review press
reports and social
media commentary
daily.
Technology
Risks
Increased cyber threats
Climate-related disruptions can heighten cybersecurity risks,
as power outages, infrastructure failures, and emergency
responses create vulnerabilities that cybercriminals may
exploit. Unstable network connections, weakened system
defences, and diverted IT resources increase the likelihood
of aacks, threatening data security and business continuity.
Proactively reducing cyber threats is crucial for building trust
with customers and partners while unlocking new opportunities
to drive our strategic goals.
Mitigation
Constant focus on cyber security and security alerts.
Medium to long term
Above 3 degrees
Physical
Major
Impact of cyber threat
interruptions on service
provision does not
exceed 0.1% up time.
Regulatory technology mandates
Governments may introduce mandates for energy-efficient
software and carbon footprint transparency, requiring
significant investment in development, compliance, audits and
reporting enhancements.
Mitigation
Investment to maintain compliance.
Medium term
Below 2 degrees
Transitional
Minor
Increased annual
cost (£) associated
with reporting
enhancements remains
below 15%.
Area
Opportunity
Time horizon
and scenario
Category
and impact
Metric
Resource
Efficiency
Energy efficiency in operations
Years of strategic investment in resource efficiency across the
Group have successfully reduced energy intensity, resulting in
lower, more predictable operating costs while driving greater
operational efficiency. Continued reduction in energy intensity
supports our ESG goal of reducing CO
2
emissions.
Mitigation
Review of energy usage targeted on reducing intensity.
Short term
Below 2 degrees
Physical
Minor
Annual cost (£) relating
to energy and CO
2
reduction against prior
year > 5%
28
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
ESG Report
continued
Environmental Report
Global greenhouse gas emissions data
As the result of the sale of the Group’s motor retail and leasing
businesses to Lithia UK Holding Limited on 31/01/2024, the current
period is an 11 month period and the prior period is a 13 month period.
As a pure play SaaS business with two UK office locations, our overall
emissions have been significantly reduced, while our energy intensity
has increased which provides an area of improvement to focus on.
Source*
Tonnes of CO
2
e
01.02.24 – 31.12.24
31.12.23 – 31.01.24
Scope 1: Direct emissions
from activities for which the
company own or control
– emissions generated by
its internal fleet operations
(Scope 1/tCO
2
e)
43
3,634
Scope 2: lndirect emissions
from the use of purchased
electricity and gas
(Scope 2/tCO
2
e)
71
13,373
Scope 3: emissions generated
by employee commuting &
Azure cloud services
(Scope 3/tCO
2
e)
359
6,793
Total gross scope1, 2 & 3
emissions:/tCO
2
e
473
23,800
Energy consumption used
to calculate above emissions:/
kWh (Scope 2)
361,773
69,931,129
Scope 1, 2 & 3 Intensity
Ratio (tonnes of CO
2
per £m
of total revenue)
15
5.5
Methodology:
(i) Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been reported where the Group has operational control of a property or an asset. This includes emissions from driving activities as
detailed in note (ii). (ii) CO
2
emied from driving activity comprising business vehicle mileage (Scope 1) and employee commuting (Scope 3) is the result of analysis of mileage, vehicle and
employee commute data over the reporting period to quantify the total mileage and CO
2
emissions across business operations. The mileage of vehicles was extracted from mileage expense
claims. A UK Government resource was used to provide carbon emissions data for each vehicle. Employee home and work postcode information was used to calculate commuting distances,
with an average CO
2
emissions per mile (based on the UK average) used to calculate total emissions (iii) Other than employee commuting and Azure cloud services, additional Scope 3
emissions are currently not included, as the business does not have the capability to capture the required additional data set. We use the latest UK Government GHG Conversion Factors
for Company Reporting, published by DEFRA, to calculate our greenhouse gas emissions.
*Table includes UK only emissions, the disclosure of overseas emissions is immaterial.
29
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Social Report
Social
commitment.
Innovation, expert knowledge and passion
drive us forward
As a technology-driven business,
our success is powered by the
expertise and passion of our
people. We cultivate a workplace
where innovation thrives, and our
employees take pride in being part
of the Group. Our leadership team
and HR function are commied to
fostering a dynamic, empowering
culture that drives engagement,
motivation, and long-term success.
Our People
Our commitment to being a responsible
employer drives everything we do. Prioritising
the health, safety, and wellbeing of our
team members is at the core of our business
practices. We actively seek out, nurture,
and retain top talent, ensuring our team is
equipped with the skills and vision needed
to shape the future.
Our Inclusion
We firmly believe that embracing diversity,
fostering inclusion, and ensuring equal
opportunities for all our team members,
regardless of their identity, are vital to
our future success. Our people are the
driving force behind our business, and we
are dedicated to promoting a culture that
reflects the vibrant communities we serve.
By empowering our team members to bring
their authentic selves to work, we create an
environment where they can thrive and realise
their full potential.
At every stage, from araction and
recruitment to selection, employment, and
internal promotion, our employment decisions,
including consideration to applications from
disabled people and those who may become
disabled whilst employed, are free from
irrelevant or discriminatory criteria.
We remain commied to a formal, rigorous,
and transparent process for appointments at
the Board and senior executive levels. Guided
by merit and objective criteria, we actively
promote diversity in gender, social and
ethnic backgrounds, alongside cognitive and
personal strengths. This approach aligns with
Principle J of the UK Corporate Governance
Code, reflecting our dedication to balanced
and inclusive leadership.
30
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
ESG Report
continued
Social Report
Gender balance
We describe our approach to Board composition diversity in the Nomination Commiee’s report on page 46.
Number of Group employees by category
as at 31 December 2024
as at 31 January 2024
Male
Female
Total
Male
Female
Total
Director
7
2
9
8
2
10
Senior Manager*
4
2
6
3
0
3
All employees
203
93
296
142
76
218
*Senior Managers include all employees that are included in the regular Executive Meeting group with the CEO and CFO
Gender Pay Gap Reporting
The company’s annual report containing
data on our gender pay gap will be published
in full on our website www.pinewood.ai in
accordance with the statutory timescale.
Our Reward
We continually refine our benefits offerings
to deliver a competitive and comprehensive
rewards package. Our benefits provision
supports a range of options beyond salary and
add to the full value of each team members
package. We provide the flexibility and choice
to allow team members to tailor benefits to
each individual’s needs where possible.
Pinewood remains commied to safeguarding
our team members futures by investing in robust
pension schemes and insured benefits that
provide security for health-related maers.
This year, we have further enhanced our
offering by launching a Group Share Incentive
Plan (SIP) with a generous 1:1 company share
match, empowering our team members to
invest in their future while sharing in our
collective success.
Our Development
Our training and development programmes
support both our assocites needs and
the requirements of the wider business.
Combining online modules with virtual and
in-person classroom experiences.
These blended learning solutions are
designed to meet regulatory and statutory
requirements, safeguarding both our team
members and customers from potential risks.
To drive growth and success, we systematically
plan and deliver training while identifying
individual and organisational development
needs through regular performance
check-ins, ensuring everyone at Pinewood
is equipped to thrive.
Our Engagement
We have recently completed an extensive series
of workshops to establish a baseline for our
current corporate culture and team members
engagement. This foundation will enable us in
FY25 to refine and restructure our engagement
channels, preserving the strengths and
addressing areas for improvement.
These enhancements will position us to foster
a business culture that fuels continued success
and drives long-term growth.
31
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
32
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Risk Overview and Management
Optimising risk strategies
in automotive retail.
Proactive risk management:
staying ahead of the curve
Principal risks
Acknowledging that all businesses involve
inherent risks, the Board adopts a proactive
approach to continuously identify and review
risks that could lead to significant deviations
between actual and expected future Group
results. The Board remains commied to
conducting thorough assessments of the
Group’s emerging and key risks, ensuring
alignment with our strategic goals and overall
business objectives.
The table on pages 34
to 35 is an overview
of the principal risks faced by the Group,
with corresponding controls and mitigating
factors. The risks outlined are not meant to
be an exhaustive list of all potential risks and
uncertainties. In 2024, comprehensive risk
reviews were conducted with full company-
wide involvement by the Risk Control Group.
These risk factors should be considered
alongside the Group’s risk management
system, as detailed below and in the
Corporate Governance Report on page 45.
Impact
1
Information and cyber security
2
People
3
Customer and sales partners
4
Execution and scalability
5
Technology and information systems
6
Competition and market changes
7
Micro-economic, political and environmental
8
Business resilience and compliance
Probability
8
4
3
7
5
2
6
1
Risk heat map
33
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Risk Management and
Internal Controls
Accountability
The Board is accountable for overseeing risk
management and internal controls to ensure
the Group’s objectives are achieved.
The control system established by the Board
addresses both financial reporting and the
mitigation of business and operational risks.
Designed to manage rather than eliminate
risks, this system offers reasonable assurance,
but not absolute certainty, against material
misstatement or loss.
Financial Reporting
The executive directors lead the preparation
of the Group’s annual corporate plan,
which is then reviewed and approved by
the Board. Performance is monitored
monthly to track progress against the plan,
and revised forecasts are presented for
Board approval as needed throughout the
year. To ensure compliance with relevant
accounting policies, internal reporting data
is thoroughly reviewed.
These reviews focus on the application of
IFRS and the integrity of the Group’s financial
control systems. Designed to provide accurate
and reliable reporting, these controls ensure
a true and fair representation of the Group’s
financial position.
Operational and Other Risks
Operational management is empowered
by the Board to identify and assess risks
faced by the Group’s businesses daily,
with support from the Risk Control Group
(RCG). Risk evaluations are conducted
through both top-down and boom-up
approaches. The contents of the risk
registers are regularly reviewed and
discussed with senior management and
within our governance commiees to ensure
comprehensive oversight.
The approach to risk control and the work of
the RCG are described on page 42. The Group
remains commied to the principles of the
three lines of assurance model. In addition
to management’s core responsibilities, we
deploy specialised second-line support and
oversight for key risks through dedicated
teams, including Finance & Insurance and
Health & Safety, ensuring comprehensive
risk management.
Strategy and
business objectives
Strategic risks
Financial risks
Operational risks
Compliance risks
Environmental risks
34
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Risk Overview and Management
continued
No.
Principal risks
Impact before mitigation
Mitigation
1
Information and cyber security
FY24 – No change in risk
Failure to deliver or maintain robust
cyber security credentials throughout
our Dealership Management System
(DMS) services.
Failure to protect our software assets from
security threats and vulnerabilities.
Failure of Third-Party Hosting Service.
Failure to comply with legal or regulatory
requirements relating to data security
or data privacy in the course of our
business activities.
This could impact our customers’ ability
to efficiently operate their dealerships,
resulting in potential data loss, diminished
competitive advantage, and exposure to
regulatory scrutiny, which could lead to fines
and penalties.
This could result in intellectual property
theft, system sabotage, data loss, or misuse,
potentially causing significant reputational
damage. Additionally, regulatory penalties,
including fines and criminal sanctions, may
be imposed, leading to business disruption
and impairing our ability to serve customers.
These factors could materially impact our
financial performance.
The business actively monitors cybersecurity
threats, leveraging robust systems and
streamlined processes to swiftly detect, respond
to, and mitigate incidents affecting its services.
This is demonstrated through our
ISO27001 certification.
Our cyber liability insurance includes access to
a dedicated Cyber Incident Response Centre,
ensuring expert support and rapid crisis
management when it maers most.
2
People
FY24 – No change in risk
Failure to retain key personnel or recruit the
necessary additional talent to deliver our
strategic ambitions.
This may hinder the timely and high-
quality execution of our business strategy,
potentially impacting overall performance
and long-term growth.
We could fail to meet our financial targets
which could negatively impact our
performance and customer satisfaction, with
potential service disruptions and development
delays affecting overall business outcomes.
The loss of key personnel could disrupt our
development pipeline, impact product quality,
and weaken relationships with customers and
key brand partners, potentially affecting long-
term growth and operational stability.
A shortage of resources may lead to declining
colleague engagement and wellbeing,
potentially affecting productivity, morale, and
overall business performance.
Our dedicated HR team actively tracks employee
satisfaction using a blend of quantitative data
and qualitative insights, ensuring a dynamic and
responsive approach to workforce engagement.
Talent Management & Recruitment programme.
The Pinewood Academy offers a dynamic,
multi-step career roadmap that highlights clear
and exciting growth opportunities.
Pinewood Academy graduates have a high
employee retention rate.
Reward schemes including bonuses, commissions
and share schemes.
3
Customer and sales partners
FY24 – No change in risk
Failure to deliver the service levels we have
agreed with customers and sales partners.
Failure to fulfil the ongoing contractual
agreements we enter with our customer
and sales partners.
The loss of a key customer or sales partner
would have a notable impact on profitability,
presenting a challenge to sustained growth.
Customer dissatisfaction, leading to penalties
and potential litigation, straining relationships
and causing reputational damage, which
would have an impact on our ability to achieve
key strategic objectives.
Increased strain on colleagues arising from the
additional workload to the extra work caused
by any delays in planned implementation
timelines or customer service levels.
Dedicated Business Account Management team
in place.
Each major customer is assigned a dedicated
account manager to offer tailored support and
expert guidance.
Regular meetings with customers aiming to
identify any issues, and enhance user experience
with demos of new features.
We conduct weekly reviews of our Development
Backlog Priorities to ensure alignment and
progress. Additionally, we regularly assess the
feasibility of agreed-upon customer timelines
and maintain clear communication to manage
expectations effectively.
Backups are securely stored across multiple
geographic locations within Azure, ensuring
enhanced data protection and resilience.
35
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
6
Competition and market changes
FY24 – No change in risk
Failure to meet competitive challenges such
as entry of a new competitor, competitor
consolidation, or changes to the franchise
dealer networks or operating model.
The continued relevance of our Dealership
Management System may be at risk if we fail
to adapt to evolving customer needs.
Customers migrate to alternative
software providers.
Revenues and profits may decline due
to competitive pressures and/or shifts in the
customer base.
Adoption of agile development methodology,
coupled with continuous research into emerging
technologies, positions Pinewood as a leader
in innovation. Our technological advancement
makes the DMS market increasingly unaractive
to new entrants, solidifying our competitive edge.
Keen awareness of potential market entrants
and emerging technologies and embracing agile
development methodologies. Regular monthly
management reviews ensure we stay ahead of
trends and continuously optimise our strategy.
7
Micro-economic, political and environmental
FY24 – No change in risk
Global economic and business conditions
deteriorate, impacting customers’
willingness or ability to pay for our software
or adopt a new system.
Failure to manage or mitigate currency
exchange rate fluctuations.
Loss of a key customer reducing profit and/or
limiting growth.
Delays in customer payments or instances
of customer insolvency can negatively
impact cash flow and liquidity, posing a risk
to financial stability.
Financial results are negatively affected by losses
arising from foreign exchange rate changes.
Aged debts are actively and effectively managed
to maintain financial stability.
Customer deposits are secured to safeguard
against the risk of customer insolvency.
8
Business resilience and compliance
FY24 – No change in risk
Failure to comply with legal and other
requirements across multiple territories
and respond to changes which could have
a material effect on our business model.
Failure to manage the increased demands
and costs of operating our organisation
on a PLC basis.
Failure to respond to changes in legislation,
such as in relation to environmental,
employment, and governance, which could
lead to shareholder and other stakeholder
dissatisfaction.
Business disruption may arise from insufficient
knowledge of territory-specific regulatory
requirements and/or the lack of appropriate
operational and financial controls.
This could result in fines, criminal penalties,
litigation and adversely affect our reputation,
financial performance and/or our ability
to conduct business.
Resources are diverted to address urgent
remediation, as well as taking proceedings
or defending legal or regulatory action.
Before we enter a new market, we carry out
pre entry market evaluation, which includes
seeking legal advice and understanding national
compliance requirement.
We conduct proof of concept implementations
and regularly review other ERP systems within
those markets to ensure we remain competitive
and responsive to evolving customer needs.
5
Technology and information systems
FY24 – No change in risk
Failure to maintain current technology,
or identify and adapt to new
technological opportunities.
This could lead to a significant risk to our
operational effectiveness, potentially
resulting in the loss of critical information
and competitive advantage. It could expose
us to regulatory scrutiny, leading to fines and
penalties, further impacting our business
stability and reputation.
This could constrain growth and expand
operational risks.
The Product Team conducts multi-level sign-offs,
ensuring thorough pre-release functionality
reviews with key stakeholders. We proactively
provide customers with product release notes
ahead of each launch.
Continuous investment in Development
(approx. 20% of turnover).
Our Microsoft partnership empowers the
business to leverage cuing-edge technology
and tools, driving innovation and enhancing
operational capabilities.
4
Execution and scalability
FY24 – No change in risk
Failure to implement our strategy
effectively through inability to deliver
product development or sales growth in-line
with the business plan.
The failure to meet our financial targets could
result in the alienation of key stakeholders,
a loss of customers, and a diminished ability
to invest in the future growth of the business.
Rigorous Quality Assurance tests are conducted
for every piece of development work, ensuring the
highest standards of performance and reliability.
Risk assessments are now a mandatory and
integral part of the development process,
ensuring proactive identification and mitigation
of potential challenges.
No.
Principal risks
Impact before mitigation
Mitigation
Viability Statement
In accordance with provision 31 of the UK
Corporate Governance Code, published
by the Financial Reporting Council in July
2018 (the ‘Code’), taking into account the
company’s current position and principal risks,
the Directors have assessed the viability and
prospects of the company over the three-year
period to 31 December 2027. The Directors
believe this period to be appropriate as the
Group’s strategic planning encompasses
this period.
The Group’s three-year review considers the
Group’s profit and loss, cash flows, debt and
other key financial ratios over the period.
At the start of this period, the Group had
£9.3m of cash and during this period, the
three-year review forecasts indicate that the
Group will be highly cash generative.
These metrics are subject to a stress-test
that has a 10% reduction in revenue. Given
the Group’s activity is Software as a Service
(SaaS), with net customer ‘churn’ of c.2%, new
large customers being on 5 year contracts and
annual price increases for all customers, this
is a severe but plausible downside scenario.
When the 10% revenue reduction was applied in
FY25, the Group was still forecast to generate
£12.1m of cash in the year. The Group has a
£10m RCF facility that they do not expect to
utilise. It is assumed that an equivalent facility
will be available beyond the facility expiry date.
Based on the results of this analysis, the
Directors have a reasonable expectation
that the company will be able to continue
in operation and meet its liabilities as they
fall due over the three-year period of their
assessment. The Directors are mindful of
the potential impact of a macro-economic
downturn but after assessing the risks
do not believe there to be a material risk
to going concern.
In addition, further discussion of the principal
risks affecting Pinewood Technologies
Group PLC can be found within the Annual
Report and Accounts on pages 32 to 35. The
risk disclosures section of the consolidated
financial statements set out the principal risks
the Group is exposed to, including information
and cyber security, people, customers and
sales partners, execution and scalability,
technology and information systems and
competition & market changes. The Board
considers risks during the year through the
Risk Control Group and annually at a Board
meeting with ad hoc reporting as required.
The principal risks and the mitigation steps
that the Board considered as part of this
viability statement were as follows:
Failure to deliver or maintain robust
cyber security credentials throughout
our system.
We mitigate these risks by
monitoring cyber security threats and having
systems and processes in place to deal with
incidents, which is demonstrated through the
ISO 27001 certification. We also have cyber
liability insurance in place, that includes Cyber
Incident Response Centre, providing access
to expertise to assist during a crisis.
The ability to retain key personnel or recruit
the necessary additional talent to deliver our
strategic ambitions
. We mitigate these risks
through a dedicated HR team and a talent
management & recruitment programme.
During FY24, the Board carried out a robust
assessment of the principal risks facing the
Group, including those that would threaten
its business model, future performance,
solvency or liquidity. The Directors believe
that the Group is able to manage its business
risks successfully, having taken into account
the current economic outlook and the
results of the severe but plausible downside
scenario for the three-year viability period.
Accordingly, the Board believes that,
taking into account the Group’s current
position, and subject to the principal risks
faced by the business, the Group will be
able to continue in operation and to meet
its liabilities as they fall due over the three
year period assessed.
This strategic report was approved by order
of the Board.
Ollie Mann
Chief Financial Officer
1 April 2025
36
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Directors’ Report
38
Board of Directors
40
Corporate governance report
44
Audit Committee report
46
Nomination Committee report
48
Remuneration Committee report
49
Directors’ Remuneration
Committee report
57
Directors’ report
60
Statement of directors’ responsibilities
in respect of the annual report and the
financial statements
Directors’
Report.
37
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
All figures are as at the date of this
Annual Report and Accounts.
White British/American
100.0%
Ethnic Background
0–3 years
4–7 years
55.6%
44.4%
Tenure
Gender Diversity
Male
Female
77.8%
22.2%
Board of Directors
The Executive Board
Bill Berman
Chief Executive Officer
Bill joined the company on 18 April 2019 as a
Non-Executive Director, and became Chief
Executive Officer on 19 February 2020.
Formerly the President and Chief Operating
Officer of AutoNation, the largest automotive
retailer in America, Bill has executive experience
in the effective deployment of automotive
technology management systems, enabling him
to provide effective leadership of Pinewood’s
Board and advise in relation to the Company’s
future strategy.
Ollie Mann
Chief Financial Officer
Ollie joined the company in December 2005.
He previously worked at Deloie, where he
qualified as a chartered accountant. He has held
a number of senior finance roles across the then
wider organisation including Group Financial
Controller and Director of Group Finance. Ollie
had a key role in the disposal of the UK Motor
and Leasing divisions of the Company to Lithia
Motors, Inc. Ollie’s accounting, financial and
investor relations experience adds significant
value to the Board.
Chris Holzshu
Director
Chris joined the Pinewood board on 31 January
2024 and currently serves as Executive Vice
President and Chief Operations Officer for Lithia
& Driveway (LAD). Since joining LAD in 2003,
the organisation has experienced tremendous
growth under his leadership. LAD is the number
one automotive retailer in the North America,
with continued expansion expected across the
United States, Canada and Western Europe.
Over the past two decades, Chris’ leadership
experience at LAD also includes serving as a
Chief Financial Officer, Chief People Officer
and Chief Operating Officer which position
him to bring a unique operational and change
management perspective to the Pinewood Board.
George Hines
Director
George joined the Pinewood board on 31 January
2024, and brings 30 years of software product
development and digital transformation
leadership in retail, eCommerce, hospitality
and live event marketing to our Board. George
currently serves as the Chief Innovation &
Technology Officer for Lithia & Driveway (LAD).
In his role, he drives digital innovation, technology
strategy and execution for LAD’s 500+ automotive
retail stores, eCommerce channel and automotive
finance company. Additionally, he brings a focus
on human-centered design from customer and
employee experience transformations. George’s
international work experience in South America
and Europe will provide a global perspective on
leveraging auto retail technology platforms for
the Pinewood Board.
The Non-Executive Board
38
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Nikki Flanders
Non-Executive Director
Nikki joined the company on 01 April 2020 and
has over 25 years in-depth retail experience,
from physical to online, leading on growth
and transformation strategies across multiple
goods and services categories, including digital
services, energy and telco products. She is
currently the Managing Director of the Customer
division (UK and Ireland) at SSE plc. Her previous
roles include that of Chief Operating Officer
at Drax plc, Managing Director for Digital at
Telefonica Plc and other senior leadership roles
within Centrica Plc, Marks and Spencer plc
and WH Smith plc. Nikki is widely recognised
as a leading advocate for Diversity & Inclusion
and in conjunction with her career experience
brings deep commercial, customer and people
leadership experience with valuable insights.
Brian Small
Non-Executive Director
Brian joined the company on 10 December 2019,
following an extensive executive career in the
retail sector, where most recently he held the
position of Chief Finance Officer at JD Sports
Fashion Plc between 2004 and 2018. Brian is also
non-executive director and chairman of the Audit
Commiee of Mothercare Plc. Brian qualified as
a chartered accountant with Price Waterhouse in
1981, and with industry experience across a range
of retailers, he brings additional financial and
strategic perspectives to the Board.
Ian Filby
Non-Executive Chairman
Ian joined the company on 01 November 2021
as non-executive chairman, following a 40 year
career in retail, a large proportion of which was
spent with Alliance Boots. In his last executive
role, Ian was the chief executive officer of
furniture retailer DFS, which significantly
increased its market leadership in both online
and in physical stores during his tenure; Ian’s
extensive executive experience enables him
to provide effective leadership of Pinewood’s
Board and advise in relation to the company’s
future strategy.
Dietmar Exler
Non-Executive Director
Dietmar joined the company on 20 April 2020,
following an extensive executive career including
experience in the automotive sector, banking
and sports management. Dietmar currently
serves as Chief Operating Officer of AMB
Sports & Entertainment. Prior to that, he held
the position of President and Chief Executive
Officer of Mercedes-Benz USA and Head of
Region, NAFTA Mercedes-Benz. His previous
automotive sector specific executive experience,
enables Dietmar to contribute the industry
perspective in relation to the deployment of
dealer management systems and is of significant
value to the Board. Dietmar was appointed SID
on 24 February 2021.
Jemima Bird
Non-Executive Director
Jemima joined the company on 10 July 2023.
Jemima is the founder of Hello Finch Limited,
a strategic brand and marketing consultancy
alongside being a Non-Executive Director
and chair of the Remuneration Commiee for
both Headlam Group PLC and Revolution Bars
PLC, where she is also the Senior Independent
Director. Jemima brings three decades of retail
experience across multiple consumer sectors
including food, fashion and leisure.
Key to memberships, roles and
re-election status during FY24
A
Audit Commiee Member
N
Nomination Commiee Member
R
Remuneration Commiee Member
S
Senior Independent Director
C
Chairman of Commiee
F
Audit commiee member with recent
and relevant financial experience
More detailed professional
biographies of the Directors
are on the Company’s website
www.pinewood.ai
Company Secretary
Ollie Mann
Registered Office
2960 Trident Court Solihull Parkway
Birmingham Business Park
Birmingham B37 7YN
Telephone 0121 697 6600
Registered in England and Wales
www.pinewood.ai
Registered number 2304195
39
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Corporate governance report
The 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code (Code) applies to the
Company and is available on the FRC website at hps://www.frc.org.uk.
During the period ended 31 December 2024, the Company complied
with the majority of the applicable provisions of the Code, with the
exception of the provisions detailed below in the ‘Non-compliance
with the Code’ section. The corporate governance statement as
required by the Listing Rules 6.6.6 R (5&6) is set out below.
Our Board
The Board drives Pinewood’s strategic vision, ensuring the financial,
human resources and culture are in place to achieve our objectives
and sustain long-term success. Collectively, they are dedicated to
steering the Company’s growth while upholding our responsibility
to stakeholders.
Our executive directors, led by the CEO, are tasked with implementing
the strategy through the executive commiee, which includes senior
management. This team ensures that our approach considers
environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors and operates
within clearly defined authority levels, such as capital expenditure limits.
Executives closely monitor business performance and culture through
regular operational meetings with their leadership teams, continuously
assessing the effectiveness of key controls. They report to the Board on
performance metrics and address any variances. The Board, in turn,
oversees and evaluates management performance to ensure alignment
with Pinewood’s strategic goals.
A comprehensive programme of workshops has recently been
completed to establish a base line for the existing corporate culture.
After consideration by the senior team the results will be reported
to the Board. Outside of that process employees can ask questions
regarding all aspects of the business during our biannual conferences
with the Group’s Executive Management team. Our information sharing
platforms include Teams channels and our intranet, that provide timely
and relevant news to all. An employee share investment scheme is
in place to provide UK-based employees with a tax efficient way of
investing in the Company.
While the Board entrusts the Chief Executive and Chief Financial
Officer with the primary responsibility of engaging with key
stakeholders, major shareholders, and the investor community,
the Non-Executive Chairman remains readily accessible to connect
with shareholders, supported by the Senior Independent Director
when appropriate. The Chairman met with several of the largest
shareholders during the year. Insights gathered from shareholder
engagements are shared across the entire Board, ensuring they
are fully integrated into our financial planning and strategic
decision-making processes.
The Board operates through three key commiees Audit, Nomination,
and Remuneration composed exclusively of non-executive
directors, ensuring robust governance and independent oversight.
Complementing these is the Risk Control Group (RCG), which
comprises the CFO, the company secretary and a number of senior
operational leaders. Senior management from the Group’s operational
functions are brought into the RCG as needed, providing flexibility and
specialised expertise to address evolving priorities.
Additionally, the Board has established an Environmental, Social,
and Governance (ESG) Commiee, tasked with guiding the Board
in reviewing and enhancing the Company’s strategies, policies, and
performance on ESG maers. The commiee identifies opportunities
for improvement, evaluates the Company’s environmental and
social impact, while ensuring the Board stays informed about the
processes and mechanisms in place for engaging key stakeholders
on sustainability issues.
Each commiee operates under delegated authority and clear terms
of reference established by the Board, which are reviewed annually and
made available on the company’s website. The following pages of this
Report outline the work of each commiee. Executive Directors may
aend commiee meetings when relevant to their business, but only
with prior approval from the commiee.
Main Board commiees
Audit
Commiee
Executive
Commiee
Nomination
Commiee
Remuneration
Commiee
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Board
Operational meetings
Risk Control Group
ESG
Commiee
40
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Leadership and board composition
As at 1 April 2025, the Board comprises two executive directors,
five non-executive directors, (including the non-executive chairman)
and two directors nominated by Lithia Motors Inc. The respective
responsibilities of the Board, the non-executive chairman and
the chief executive are clearly defined by the Board in formal
responsibilities documents, which the Board reviewed, readopted
in April 2023 and available at hps://pinewood.ai/investors/investor-
relations/corporate-governance/. The roles of chief executive officer
and non-executive chairman are fully segregated. The Board remains
commied to the progressive refreshing of our membership, so as
to maintain the right balance of skills, experience, independence
and knowledge of the Company to enable us to continue to operate
effectively. The Board considers that an appropriate combination
of executive and non-executive directors is in place in accordance
with the Code.
As noted below, in accordance with the Code, all Directors will be
subject to annual re-election at the Annual General Meeting of the
company. Details of the Directors offering themselves for election in
2025, together with directors’ brief biographical details appear on
page 38, and gender balance details are on page 46.
Non-executive directors and independence
The non-executive chairman (who, on appointment to that role,
fulfilled the requirement to be independent) has ensured that the
Board performs effectively through a well-functioning combination
of Board and Commiee meetings and other appropriate channels for
strategic input and constructive challenge for non-executive directors.
The remuneration of non-executives directors is determined by the
Board and non-executive agreements can be terminated at one
month’s notice by either the director or the Board. The chairman has
had meetings with the non-executive directors without the executive
directors present, where necessary, to assist Board effectiveness, and,
following the 2024 year end, conducted individual meetings with each
director to arrive at his and the Board’s assessment of the directors’
respective contributions, training needs and independence. Led by the
senior independent director, the non-executive directors have assessed
the chairman’s effectiveness in his role.
The Board has routinely operated conflict management procedures
and has deemed these procedures effective. Through these, and the
evaluations which are described below, we have concluded that:
the Board’s collective skills, experience, knowledge of the company
and independence allow it and its commiees to discharge their
respective duties properly;
the Board and each of its commiees is of the right size and balance
to function effectively;
we have satisfactory plans for orderly succession to Board roles;
the non-executive chairman and respective commiee chairs are
performing their roles effectively;
all non-executive directors are independent in character
and judgement;
other than the Lithia-appointed directors, and Bill Berman,
Ollie Mann and Dietmar Exler being on the associate Board,
which will be managed through the conflict clearance process,
no director has any relationships or circumstances which could
affect their exercising independent judgement; and
the non-executive chairman and each of the non-executive directors
is devoting the amount of time required to aend to the company’s
affairs and their duties as a Board member.
Audit tender
Following the conclusion of a competitive tender process and following
approval at the 2024 AGM, RSM UK Audit LLP were appointed as the
Company’s auditor.
Board evaluation
In FY24, the Board and its commiees carried out formal evaluations
of their effectiveness, focusing on key areas from the Code, governance
best practices, and corporate standards. The non-executive chairman,
commiee chairs, and the full Board reviewed the results, with the
non-executive chairman incorporating recommended improvements
into our 2025 Board programme. For more information on our
approach to individual and Board evaluations, please visit the
company’s website.
Re-election of directors
In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, all current
directors will be subject to annual re-election or election (in the case
of new directors) at the AGM.
Non-compliance with the code
On 31 January 2024, Ollie Mann was appointed as an executive director
and on 1 February 2024, Mark Willis stepped down as an executive
director. Therefore, on 1 February 2024, there was non-compliance
with provision 11 of the Code, as at least 50% of the board, excluding
the chairman, were not independent.
Information and support
To ensure well-informed and thoroughly debated decisions, the
Chairman sets the Board’s agenda well in advance, allowing time for
detailed information to be shared with all directors ahead of meetings.
The Company Secretary plays a key role in facilitating the flow of
information within the Board, aending all meetings, advising the
Board and its commiees, through their respective chairs, on corporate
governance and procedural maers.
Directors have access to expert support on legal, governance, and
procedural issues, as well as guidance for their induction and ongoing
professional development. Additionally, all directors have the right
to seek independent advice at the Company’s expense and to receive
information from the Company and other Board members as
necessary to make informed decisions and effectively fulfil their duties.
41
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Corporate governance report
continued
How the Board manages risk
The Board and its Commiees operate within a structured meeting
agenda that ensures all relevant risks are identified and managed
through appropriate controls. We closely review management
information to establish operational oversight and track performance
against our strategic goals and business plans. Non-executive directors
take a leading role in overseeing financial and performance reporting,
ensuring steady progress towards our objectives.
The Board also evaluates the effectiveness of internal controls and risk
management. To mitigate risks across the Group, we have carefully
reviewed reports from the Risk Control Group, addressing any material
issues that arose. After implementing necessary mitigations, the Board
has confirmed that the control environment is now effective.
Board Aendance
Current Directors
Board
Audit
Nomination
Remuneration
Bill Berman
4/4
N/A
N/A
N/A
Jemima Bird
4/4
2/2
2/2
2/2
Dietmar Exler
4/4
1/2
2/2
2/2
Ian Filby
4/4
N/A
1/2
2/2
Nikki Flanders
4/4
1/2
2/2
2/2
Brian Small
4/4
2/2
2/2
2/2
Ollie Mann
4/4
N/A
N/A
N/A
Chris Holzshu
4/4
N/A
N/A
N/A
George Hines
4/4
N/A
N/A
N/A
Work of the risk control group
The RCG, made up of the chief financial officer, company secretary
and, by invitation, other members of the Group’s senior operational and
financial management, meets regularly to consider the detailed work on risk
assessment performed by leaders and key business areas and oversees the
effective implementation of new measures designed to mitigate or meet
any specific risks or threats. The RCG reports to the Audit Commiee on
its work. The Board and any of its commiees is able to refer specific risks
to the RCG for evaluation and for controls to be designed or modified; this
occurs in consultation with executive management. The executive directors
are responsible for communicating and implementing mitigating controls
and operating suitable systems of check. The RCG met 3 times in FY24.
In addition to reviewing and refining the Group’s corporate risk register for
Board review and adoption, the RCG continues to monitor and review the
Group’s anti-bribery controls, including the development of e-learning, gifts
and hospitality training, Modern Slavery Act 2015 awareness and further
initiatives designed to reduce incidences of theft and fraud. The RCG
ensures any internal control deficiencies identified are swiftly remediated.
Executive directors remuneration
Executive director remuneration is made up of both fixed and variable
elements. The variable elements include annual bonus and Long
Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs). Underlying profit before tax and Total
Shareholder Return are two of the key metrics used in determining the
variable element as these have been identified by our shareholders as
key metrics. No discretion has been used to determine executive director
remuneration for FY24. Any executive director annual pay rise dates
have been aligned with pay rise dates for the wider workforce. Variable
pay metrics for the wider workforce has been updated such that targets
for senior management are now aligned to the executive directors.
How the Board manages associate risk
The Board has an associate, Pinewood North America, LLC, in which
it has a 49% investment. Three of the Pinewood Board, Bill Berman,
Ollie Mann and Dietmar Exler are also Board members of the
associate. They ensure that any relevant financial, operational and risk
related information for the associate are shared with the Pinewood
Board in a timely manner.
Post year-end commiee changes
In March 2025, membership of the Group’s commiee was revised
as follows, with the members of each commiee listed below:
Audit Commiee: Brian Small, Chris Holzshu, Dietmar Exler
Remuneration Commiee: Jemima Bird, Ian Filby, Dietmar Exler,
Chris Holzshu
Nomination Commiee: Ian Filby, Dietmar Exler, Brian Small,
Nikki Flanders, Jemima Bird, Chris Holzshu, George Hines
Ian Filby
Non-executive Chairman
1 April 2025
42
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
43
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Audit Commiee report
The Audit Commiee is
a commiee of the Board and has
been chaired by Brian Small since January 2020
and is made
up entirely of independent non-executive directors.
Their names and qualifications are on page 38 and 39 and
aendance at meetings in the table on page 42.
External auditor appointment and
performance evaluation
FY23 was the final audit period of the previous
auditor, KPMG, due to EU legislation on
audit firm rotation. During FY23, an audit
tender process was carried out and following
approval at the 2024 AGM, RSM UK Audit LLP
were appointed as external auditors.
The commiee considered auditor
effectiveness and independence of the audit
during the period, and concluded that the
auditor was effective and independent.
The Commiee arrived at its conculsions by:
applying exclusively objective criteria;
evaluating the ability of the audit firm
to demonstrate its independence;
assessing the effectiveness of the audit firm
in the performance of its audit duties; and
assessing the audit firm’s adherence to
applicable professional standards.
Review of non-audit services
The commiee reviewed the company’s
policy on its use of its audit firm for non-
audit work. Its main principles are that the
auditor is excluded from providing certain
non-audit services the performance of which
is considered incompatible with its audit
duties, but is eligible to tender for other
non-audit work on a competitive basis and
can properly be awarded such work if its
fees and service represent value for money.
The policy can be viewed on the company’s
website. No non-audit services were provided
by RSM during the period. Details of audit
work performed by RSM and the related fees
appear annually in the notes to the company’s
financial statements.
The Commiee’s work for the period
beginning 1 February 2024
The Audit Commiee met two times in the
period and this report describes its work
and conclusions.
Financial statements review
The commiee received the auditor’s
memorandum on the company’s FY23
financial statements, discussed the auditor’s
findings with the auditor, satisfied itself of
the integrity of the financial statements and
recommended the financial statements for
approval by the Board.
The Commiee received the company’s FY24
interim financial statements.
Audit risk considered by the commiee
The table on page 45 sets out the key audit
risks and judgements applied, for the FY24
year end results, which the Commiee
considered and discussed with the auditor,
and the Commiee’s conclusions.
Key Responsibilities of the
Audit Commiee
monitors the integrity of the
financial statements and formal
announcements and reviewing
significant financial reporting
judgements contained in them
reviews and approves the Annual
Report and Accounts for adoption
by the Board
recommends to the Board the
selection of the external auditor and
its terms of appointment and monitors
its effectiveness and independence
governs policy for the allocation of
non-audit work to the audit firm
reviews internal controls and
risk management
reviews and monitors
whistleblowing arrangements
provides advice whether the
annual report and accounts taken
as a whole is fair and balanced
and understandable
reporting to the Board on how it has
discharged its responsibilities
Its terms of reference detail its key
responsibilities and appear, with relevant
background information, on the company’s
website
www.pinewood.ai
4
Commiee members
2
Commiee meetings
75%
Meeting aendance
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
44
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
These are the key risks considered by the commiee
Capitalisation of software intangible assets
Audit risk considered by the Commiee
Evidence considered and conclusion reached
The Company has capitalised software development costs. There is
judgement in determining whether the Pinewood system is one asset
or whether it would be more appropriate to identify a number of
separate assets. The Company considers the system to be one asset.
There is also judgement and estimate in determining the method
for calculating the development time and costs associated with
capitalised development costs.
The Commiee consider the Pinewood system to be one asset which
is continuously developed. The system is the same version in all
countries that the customers operate in. The updates that are done
to the system, which can be several times a week, are rolled out
across all countries at the same time. For this reason, the Commiee
is comfortable with the conclusion that the Pinewood system
is one asset.
Accounting for investment in Pinewood North America, LLC
Audit risk considered by the Commiee
Evidence considered and conclusion reached
The Company has a 49% investment in Pinewood North America,
LLC. (PinNA) It had to be determined whether or not to account
for PinNA as a Joint Venture or an Associate.
There is also judgement involved in the capitalisation of software
development in Pin NA and whether any revenue should be recorded
in respect of development work done for PinNA.
The Commiee consider PinNA to be an associate and not a joint
venture. PinNA is not considered to be a joint venture as there is
not joint control of the entity with the 51% owner, Lithia Motors, Inc.
A number of maers reserved for the Board give Lithia the ability
to direct the relevant activities of PinNA. The Commiee deem that
revenue should be recorded in respect of development work done
for PinNA.
These are the other risks considered by the commiee.
A full statement of the fees paid to RSM UK
Audit LLP for work performed during the
year is set out in note 2.5 to the financial
statements on page 82. Having satisfied itself
on each item for its review, the Commiee
reported to the Board that:
the company’s existing policy continues
to be appropriate, has been adhered to
throughout the year, and is operating
effectively to provide the necessary
safeguards to independence of the
external auditor;
there are no facts or circumstances relating
to the award or performance of non-audit
work that affect the independence of RSM
UK Audit LLP as auditor;
no contract for non-audit services has
been awarded to RSM UK Audit LLP in any
circumstance of perceived or potential
conflict of interest or non-compliance with
the company’s policy; and
RSM UK Audit LLP did not perform any non-
audit services during the period. The ratio
of non-audit to audit fees was 0.0:1 in FY24
(FY23: 0.48:1).
Review of risk management and
internal controls
The Commiee reviewed the effectiveness of
the company’s system of internal control and
financial risk management during the financial
period. It received reports from the RCG on
each of these areas whose work is described
on page 34 on the company’s risk register,
emerging risks and corresponding internal
controls. It scrutinised the key risks register,
as revised by the RCG, and approved it for
adoption by the Board. Its work informed and
supported the Board’s assessments detailed
under “How the Board manages risk” on page
42. During FY24, the Commiee assessed
whether an internal audit function was
needed and recommended to the Board that
it was not needed. This assessment was made
following the Commiee assessing the work
of the RCG, which gave it assurance that all
identifiable risks had a mitigation plan. They
felt that the work of the RCG was to a high
enough level of detail that an internal audit
function was not necessary.
Review of anti-bribery controls and
whistleblowing
The Commiee reviewed the company’s
anti-bribery processes and controls and
evaluated and approved these and the
company’s bribery risk assessment. On its
recommendation, the Board readopted the
company’s anti-bribery policy statements
and associated controls. The Commiee
considered reports on known instances of
alleged wrongdoing and maers reported,
reviewed the adequacy of whistleblowing
procedures and commissioned follow-up action
and improvements in risk-related controls.
Our current anti-bribery value statements
and our policies on the control of fraud, theft
and bribery risks appear on the company’s
website and are drawn to the aention of all
parties seeking to transact with the Group.
The company is currently reviewing options
regarding whistleblowing procedures.
Currently, to ensure confidentiality, any
whistleblowing is reporting via the Human
Resources department, who operate as a
standalone part of the business.
There have been no incidents of actual
corruption or bribery recorded in our
businesses in FY24.
Board evaluation
The Board and its commiees conducted
formal evaluations of their effectiveness in
FY24, addressing questions based closely
on the Code, applicable good governance
topics and drawn from best corporate
practice. The results were reviewed by the
non-executive chairman, the Commiee
chairs and the Board as a whole and the
non-executive chairman has factored
suggested improvements into our FY24 Board
programme. More details on the Board’s
approach to individual and Board evaluation
are on the company’s website.
Approval
This report was approved by the Commiee
and signed on its behalf by:
Brian Small
Chairman of the Audit Commiee
1 April 2025
45
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Key responsibilities of the
Nomination Commiee
reviews the Board’s size, structure
and composition and leads
recruitment to Board positions
undertakes annual Board
performance evaluation
satisfies itself on the company’s
refreshing of Board membership
and succession planning
The Nomination Commiee is
chaired by Ian Filby, who assumed
the role on his appointment as non-executive chairman following
his appointment in November 2021.
The Nomination Commiee
is made up entirely of independent non-executive directors.
Their names and qualifications are on page 38 and 39 and
aendance at meetings in the table at page 42 above.
Nomination Commiee report
The commiee’s work in 2024
The Nomination commiee met two times
in FY24 and in early 2025 to conclude its
ordinary year end business. This report
describes its work and conclusions.
5
Commiee members
2
Commiee meetings
90%
Meeting aendance
Its terms of reference detail its key
responsibilities and appear, with
relevant background information, on the
company’s website
www.pinewood.ai
Gender Diversity
Number of
Board members
Percentage
of the Board
Number of senior
positions on the
Board (CEO, CFO,
SID and chair)
Number in
executive
management
Percentage
of executive
management
Men
7
77.78%
4
4
100%
Women
2
22.22%
0
0
0%
Ethnic Background
Number of
Board members
Percentage
of the Board
Number of senior
positions on the
Board (CEO, CFO,
SID and chair)
Number in
executive
management
Percentage
of executive
management
White British or other White
(including minority-white groups)
9
100%
4
4
100%
Review of Board composition and balance
During FY24, the commiee completed its
year end work by reviewing the structure of
the Board, in relation to its size composition
and potential vacancies, the combination of
executive to non-executive directors and the
balance of the Board, to ensure that no one
individual or group of individuals dominated
discussion of decision making. The commiee
concluded that the size and structure
outlined still remained appropriate for the
company, and considered that both the size,
structure and balance of the Board remained
appropriate, although the structure did not
preclude the appointment of additional
directors, such as non-executive directors
with specialist skills should the commiee, and
ultimately the Board, consider it necessary
and prudent to do so in line with the execution
of the company’s strategy.
The adequacy of time devoted by the non-
executive directors to Board business, and the
independence of the non-executive directors
was also considered and the Commiee
concluded that all non-executive directors
were able to devote sufficient time to their
roles, and all remained independent.
46
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
During FY23, the Chairman had announced
he would be standing down. In May 2024 the
commiee met to consider and recommend the
appointment of Chairman, following the search
process to identify a replacement. Against
this backdrop, the Nomination commiee
considered many strong external candidates
who have been excited about the company’s
prospects and also included Ian Filby in the
process after he expressed a willingness to be
in contention for the position. The commiee
engaged an independent external search
agency, Teneo, to assist in the search for a new
Chairman. Teneo are independent from the
company and its directors.
On conclusion of this process the commiee
decided that Ian Filby was to remain as
non-executive chariman. The commiee
was confident that his stewardship provides
Pinewood with continuity and stability
following a period of considerable change and
this will be important as the company executes
its strategy at pace to capitalise on the
significant opportunities in its end markets.
Evaluation
The annual evaluations of the Board and
its members were conducted by the Board
and are described on page 41. As part of
that process, the Commiee conducted an
evaluation of its own performance.
The non-executive directors met without
the Chairman during FY24 to assess the
Chairman’s performance.
Diversity
All appointments made, including those of
Board members, adhere to the company’s
diversity and equal opportunities policy,
which can be viewed on the company’s
website. For non-executive director
appointments, where executive search
consultants are instructed, they are done
so in a manner consistent with this policy.
The commiee is mindful of the proposals
outlined in the FCA Policy Paper: Diversity
and Inclusion on Company Boards and
Executive Management, and will aim to
consider how the company will aim to comply
the recommendations where they align with
its overall business strategy. At present, the
company has not adopted a gender balance
target for its Board, although continues
to make appointments at Board and
immediately below Board level in accordance
with a formal, rigorous and transparent
procedure, embracing diversity of thought
as our target. Appointments are based
on merit and objective criteria, and within
this context, we aim to promote diversity
of social background, relative experience,
alongside cognitive and personal strengths
in accordance with Principle J of the Code.
In order to further this objective, we continue
to partner with external recruitment agencies,
and maintain our relationship with agencies
commied to reaching and providing
access to diverse talent pools to assist with
these processes.
As required by Listing Rule (LR) 6.6.6R (9) the
Board notes that as at 31/12/2024, two of the
nine directors were female, representing 22%
which is below the LR target of 40%. There is
a further LR target whereby at least one of
the roles of Chair, SID, CEO or CFO is held by
a female, which the company did not meet
due to the current make-up of the Board of
directors. Finally, the LR has a target that at
least one Director is from a minority ethnic
background, which the company did not meet
due to the current make-up of the Board of
directors.
Ian Filby
Chairman of the Nomination Commiee
1 April 2025
47
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Key Responsibilities of the
Remuneration Commiee
has delegated responsibility
for determining the policy for
executive director remuneration
and seing remuneration for the
chairman, executive directors, the
company secretary and the senior
management immediately below
Board level;
reviews workforce remuneration and
related policies and the alignment
of incentives and rewards with
culture, taking these into account
when seing executive director
remuneration;
ensures that executive directors are
provided with appropriate incentives
which align their interests with those
of shareholders, and encourage
enhanced performance in the
short and medium term, as well as
achievement of the company’s longer
term strategic goals;
determines targets for any
performance related pay schemes;
and
seeks shareholder approval for
the (normally triannual) renewal of
remuneration policy and any long-
term incentive arrangements
Remuneration Commiee report
The Remuneration Commiee is a
commiee of the Board,
and is currently chaired by Jemima Bird.
It is comprised
entirely of independent non-executive directors. Their
names and qualifications are on pages 38 and 39
and aendance at meetings in the table on page 42.
The commiees schedule in FY24
The Remuneration Commiee met twice in
2024. The Directors’ Remuneration Report,
beginning at page 50 describes its work
and conclusions.
The commiee’s work in FY24
set the annual bonus awards in respect
of FY24;
consulted major shareholders in respect
of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy taken
to shareholders for approval at the 26 June
2024 General Meeting;
determined performance targets and
granted LTIP awards in July 2024;
noted remuneration trends across
the Group; and
considered the gender pay gap report
Advisors
FIT Remuneration Consultants LLP (FIT)
has served as independent adviser to the
Remuneration Commiee throughout the
period under review. FIT also provided
additional related advice to the Company
in relation to drafting this report and share
plan rule drafting. FIT’s fees in respect of
advice provided to the commiee during
the period ended 31 December 2024 were
£40,938 (excluding VAT) (FY23: £62,526) and
were charged on a time and disbursements
basis. FIT is a member of the Remuneration
Consultants Group and as such voluntarily
operates under its Code of Conduct in relation
to executive remuneration in the UK. FIT
has no other connection to the company
or individual directors.
Disclosures
This report complies with the requirements
of The Large and Medium sized Companies
and Groups (Accounts and Reports)
Regulations 2008, The Large and Medium-
sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and
Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013,
the Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting)
Regulations 2018 and The Companies
(Directors’ Remuneration Policy and Directors’
Remuneration Report) Regulations 2019
(the Regulations) and has been prepared in
accordance with the prevailing UK Corporate
Governance Code and the UKLA Listing Rules.
The parts of the report which have been
audited in accordance with the Regulations
have been identified.
5
Commiee members
2
Commiee meetings
100%
Meeting aendance
The terms of reference of the
Remuneration Commiee are available at
www.pinewood.ai
48
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Directors’ Remuneration Commiee report
Annual Statement
Dear Shareholder
On behalf of the Remuneration Commiee,
I am pleased to present the Directors’
Remuneration Report for the 11 month
financial period ended 31 December 2024.
The report comprises two sections being:
(i) this
Annual Statement
; and (ii) the
Annual
Report on Remuneration
which details
the remuneration paid to directors for the
11 month period ended 31 December 2024 and
how the remuneration policy will be operated
for the year ending 31 December 2025.
The current Directors’ Remuneration Policy,
which was approved by a majority of
shareholders at the 26 June 2024 General
Meeting, is set out in the Notice of General
Meeting dated 3 June 2024 (www.pinewood.
ai/wp-content/uploads/docs/2024/10/
NoticeofGM.pdf).
Business performance and incentive
out-turn for FY24
During FY24, the Group achieved an
underlying profit before tax of £8.5m.
For FY24, annual bonus opportunity was
capped at 150% of base salary and based on
sliding scale underlying profit targets which
reflected the company’s focus on growth.
Following an assessment of the performance
targets, the commiee determined that 100%
of the maximum bonus should be payable.
To the extent that executive directors have not
met their shareholding guidelines, 25% of the
bonus award will be deferred into shares.
In respect of LTIP awards, given that the
outstanding LTIP awards vested/lapsed on
completion of the sale of the motor and
leasing assets, no LTIPs are due to vest in
respect of the performance period ended
31 December 2024 (currently, only the July
2024 LTIP awards remain outstanding in
respect of the executive directors).
Discretion
The Remuneration Commiee is conscious
of its role in ensuring that remuneration
is appropriate when considering the
performance of the business and the
individual directors. No discretion was
applied in respect of the period ended
31 December 2024.
Implementation of the Remuneration Policy
for FY25
In respect of implementing the Remuneration
Policy for 2025:
Base salary:
The following base salary
values will be effective from 1 May 2025:
• Bill Berman £592,000
• Ollie Mann £250,000
Pension:
Executive directors will continue
to receive a workforce aligned pension
contribution, currently set at 6% of salary.
Annual bonus:
For the year ending
31 December 2025, annual bonus potential
will continue to be limited to 150% of salary.
Performance will be based on sliding scale
profit targets aligned to the company’s
accelerated growth strategy. Outstanding
performance will be required for the
maximum bonus to become payable. 25% of
any bonus will be deferred into shares until
the shareholding guidelines are met in line
with the current Policy. Full retrospective
disclosure of the performance metrics,
targets and ouurns will be provided in the
Directors’ Remuneration Report for the
year ending 31 December 2025.
LTIPs:
It is the commiee’s intention to
make LTIP awards in 2025 up to 150% of
salary for the CEO and CFO. Performance
metrics with be underlying Total
Shareholder Return “TSR” (70% weighting)
and the number of North American
stores the Pinewood system has been
implemented in (30% weighting).
For 2024, non-executive director fees were
set at £150,000 for the Chairman with a
£50,000 base fee and additional fees of:
(i) £4,000 for acting as SID; and (ii) £10,000
for chairing a commiee.
From 1 May 2025, Non-executive Director fees
have been set at £154,500 for the Chairman
with a £51,500 base fee and additional fees
of: (i) £10,000 for acting as SID; and (ii)
£10,000 for chairing a commiee.
All changes have been approved using data
provided from a commissioned benchmarking
exercise for both exec and non exec
directors and aligned with our Group pay
review principles.
The remuneration of the non-executive
directors is determined by the Board.
Shareholder views and voting outcomes
The Remuneration Commiee conducted
a consultation exercise with our largest
shareholders and the major proxy voting
agencies in advance of the 2024 AGM and
GM on our new Policy and was grateful for the
responses and the level of support received.
During the consultation exercise, and as set
out in the detailed consultation wrap-up
leer, one change was made to the original
proposals (being the addition of a 300 pence
underpin for the July 2024 LTIP awards) in
light of shareholder feedback received.
We hope we will again receive your support
at the forthcoming AGM.
2025 AGM resolution
On the basis that the Directors’ Remuneration
Policy was approved by shareholders at the
2024 GM and no changes are proposed, the
Directors’ Remuneration Report (excluding
the Policy) will be subject to an advisory
shareholder vote at the 2025 AGM.
Directors’ notice periods
The executive directors have twelve month
notice periods and the non-executive
directors have one month notice periods.
Conclusion
We remain commied to a responsible
approach to executive pay and I would be
happy to meet or speak with our shareholders
to the extent that there are any questions or
feedback on our approach.
Jemima Bird
Chair of the Remuneration Commiee
1 April 2025
49
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Directors’ Remuneration Commiee report
continued
Annual Report on Remuneration
Certain information provided in this part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report is subject to audit. This is annotated as audited. Any information
not annotated as audited is unaudited.
Single total figure of remuneration for directors (audited)
The table below reports the total remuneration receivable in respect of qualifying services by each of the directors for the 11 month period ended
31 December 2024 and the 13 month period ended 31 January 2024.
Base
salary/fees
£000
Taxable
benefits
1
£000
Pension
2
£000
Total fixed
£000
Annual
bonus
£000
LTIP
£000
Total
variable
£000
Total
£000
Executive Directors
Bill Berman
2024 (11m)
517
46
31
2
594
863
8
863
1,457
2023 (13m)
596
167
41
2
804
825
1,111
1,936
2,740
Ollie Mann
3
2024 (11m)
184
22
14
220
300
300
520
2023 (13m)
Non-Executive Directors
Jemima Bird
4
2024 (11m)
55
55
55
2023 (13m)
31
31
31
Dietmar Exler
2024 (11m)
50
50
50
2023 (13m)
58
58
58
Ian Filby
2024 (11m)
138
138
138
2023 (13m)
163
163
163
Nikki Flanders
2024 (11m)
46
46
46
2023 (13m)
54
54
54
Brian Small
2024 (11m)
55
55
55
2023 (13m)
67
9
67
67
Chris Holzshu
5
2024 (11m)
8
8
8
2023 (13m)
George Hines
5
2024 (11m)
8
8
8
2023 (13m)
Former Directors
Martin Casha
6
2023 (13m)
297
8
16
321
321
Mark Willis
7
2023 (13m)
328
23
15
366
454
611
1,065
1,431
Total
2024 (11m)
1,061
68
45
1,174
1,163
1,163
2,337
2023 (13m)
1,594
9
198
72
1,864
9
1,279
1,722
3,001
4,863
9
1.
Taxable Benefits include life assurance, private health cover in the UK (& abroad if applicable), professional subscriptions, the provision of tax support for expatriate associates and car
benefit which since April 2024 is car allowance only.
2.
Salary supplement in lieu of pension contribution.
3.
Appointed on 31 January 2024.
4.
Appointed 10 July 2023.
5.
Appointed on 31 January 2024
6.
Leaver 7 October 2023.
7.
Leaver 1 February 2024.
8.
Additional bonus of £1.1m was paid in March 2025 by Lithia for managing the transition of the Group to a pure-play SaaS business.. Not reported in the single figure as not paid in or based
on FY24 financial performance.
9.
Backpay relating to PFIS duties to 2020 paid in March 2024. 2023 figure (and 2023 total) adjusted to reflect backpay for that period.
50
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Annual bonus for FY24 (audited)
For the 11 month period ending 31 December 2024, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer had a maximum annual bonus
opportunity equal to 150% of base salary, assessed against sliding scale Underlying Profit before taxation (PBT) targets. The targets, out-turn and
payouts are shown in the table below:
Performance metric
Threshold
Target
Maximum
Actual
Bonus
earned
(% max)
Bonus
Receivable
CEO (£k)
Bonus
Receivable
CFO (£k)
Underlying PBT
£6.9m
£7.7m
£8.5m
£8.5m
150%
863
300
25% of any bonus will be deferred into shares until the shareholding guidelines are met in line with the current Policy.
Share awards vested in FY24 (audited)
No share awards vested in respect of, or during, the period ending 31 December 2024.
Share awards granted in FY24 (audited)
Pinewood Technologies Group Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
LTIP awards were granted to the Executive Directors on 15 July 2024 as follows;
Number of
nil-cost options
over which
award granted
Value of award
£000
% of salary
% of award
vesting at
threshold
Date of grant
Performance
period
Bill Berman
1,256,067
£2,587
450%
0%
15 July 2024
1 February
2024 (being the
completion date
for the motor
asset disposal)
until 15 July 2027
Ollie Mann
291,262
£600
300%
0%
1.
As per the shareholder consultation exercise and shareholder approval obtained at the July 2024 GM, the share price used to determined the number of shares under award in respect
of the LTIP awards and DSP for the CEO was 206 pence (being). The actual share price on 15 July 2024 was 351.50 pence.
The performance targets for the 2024 LTIP award are based on absolute Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) to reflect the Company’s accelerated
growth strategy as follows:
Vesting outcome (expressed as face value as a % of salary)
Required TSR CAGR performance
0%
Below 10% p.a.
Up to 100%
10% (0% of awards vests) – 15% p.a.
100% to 300%
15% – 25% p.a.
300% to 450% (CEO Only)
25% – 37.5% p.a.
In addition to the absolute TSR targets, the following underpins will also apply to the 2024 LTIP awards:
10 US stores (including two or more Original Equipment Manufacturers) must be opened during the performance period;
Following shareholder feedback during the consultation exercise, the share price must be in excess of 300 pence (adjusted for dividends
on a basis consistent with total shareholder return methodology); and
the Remuneration Commiee must be satisfied that the share price performance of the company reflects the company’s underlying
financial performance.
To the extent that one or more of the underpins are not considered to be met, the Remuneration Commiee retains the discretion to reduce award
levels appropriately (including to zero).
51
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Directors’ Remuneration Commiee report
continued
Pinewood Technologies Group Deferred Share Plan (DSP)
As a condition of holding the 2024 LTIP award, the CEO was required to acquire or maintain an interest in shares equivalent to at least 100%
of salary. In this regard, the CEO voluntarily deferred all of his 2023 bonus (up to the maximum of 150% of salary) into an award over shares
(noting that the requirement under the Policy requires only a 25% deferral).
As such, the Company granted a DSP award in the form of a conditional share award over 400,495 shares on 15 July 2024. The DSP Award will
ordinarily become exercisable on the third anniversary of grant subject to the grantee’s continued service and is subject to dividend equivalents
in the form of additional shares. The number of ordinary shares over which the awards were granted was calculated based on a share price
of 206 pence per ordinary share.
10 Year history of Chief Executive Remuneration
CEO
2024
(11 months)
2023
(13 months)
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
Total
Remuneration
1,516
2,740
1,313
3,561
510
464
589
727
1,605
1,775
Annual Bonus
100%
100%
73%
100%
100%
0%
0%
30%
87%
100%
LTIP
79%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
56%
Total shareholder return chart
The graph below shows the total shareholder return (TSR) on the Company’s shares in comparison to the FTSE Small Cap Index (excluding
investment companies). TSR has been calculated as the percentage change, during the relevant period, in the market price the shares, assuming
that any dividends paid are reinvested on the ex-dividend date. The relevant period is the ten years ending 31 December 2024.
0
50
100
150
200
250
31/12/2024
31/12/2023
31/12/2022
31/12/2021
31/12/2020
31/12/2019
31/12/2018
31/12/2017
31/12/2016
31/12/2015
31/12/2014
Source: Datastream (a LSEG product)
Pinewood
FTSE SmallCap (Ex Investment Trusts)
Notes: Total Shareholder Return (TSR) has been calculated over the ten years ended on 31 December 2024 and reflects the theoretical growth in the value of a shareholding over that period,
assuming dividends (if any) are reinvested in shares in the Company. The price at which dividends are reinvested is assumed to be the amount equal to the closing price of the shares on
the ex-dividend date. The calculation ignores tax and reinvestment charges. The FTSE SmallCap index has been selected as a comparator as it represents the equity market in which the
Company was a constituent member for the majority of the relevant ten year period ending 31 December 2024.
Payment for loss of office and to past Directors (Audited)
No payments were made for loss of office and there have been no payments to past directors to be reported for the period under review.
Executive directors LTIPs vesting and holding period
LTIPs issued to executive directors have a three year vesting period and two year holding period, so the total vesting and holding period is five years.
52
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Executive Directors’ Share Awards outstanding (Audited)
Bill Berman
Scheme
Number
of shares/
options as at
31 January
2024
Shares/
options
granted
Shares/
options
lapsed
Shares/
options
exercised
Number
of shares/
options at
31 December
2024
Date of
grant
Share price
(pence)
Exercise
Price (pence)
Market price
on exercise
date (pence)
Vesting date
LTIP
1,256,067
1,256,067
15/07/2024
206*
Nil
July 2027
DSP
400,495
400,495
15/07/2024
206*
Nil
July 2027
Ollie Mann
Scheme
Number
of shares/
options as at
31 January
2024
Shares/
options
granted
Shares/
options
lapsed
Shares/
options
exercised
Number
of shares/
options at
31 December
2024
Date of
grant
Share price
(pence)
Exercise
price (pence)
Market price
on exercise
date (pence)
Vesting date
LTIP
291,262
291,262
15/07/2024
206*
Nil
July 2027
* As per the shareholder consultation exercise and shareholder approval obtained at the July 2024 GM, the share price used to determined the number of shares under award in respect
of the LTIP awards and DSP for the CEO was 206 pence. The actual share price on 15 July 2024 was 351.50 pence.
Directors’ shareholdings (Audited)
The shareholdings of all Directors, including the shareholdings of their connected persons as at 31 December 2024, are set out below.
Executive Directors
As at
31 December
2024
As at
31 January
2024
LTIP
Awards
Deferred
Bonus Awards
SIP/
SAYE
Shareholding
requirement
(% of base
salary
Shareholding
as at
31 December
2024
(% of base
salary)
Bill Berman
73,106
1,256,067
400,495
200%
Ollie Mann
32,734
1,236
291,262
100%
59%
Non- Executive
Directors
Jemima Bird
15,627
Dietmar Exler
15,000
10,500
Ian Filby
Nil
Nikki Flanders
5,714
Nil
Brian Small
20,000
20,000
Chris Holzshu
28,000
Nil
George Hines
Nil
53
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Directors’ Remuneration Commiee report
continued
Percentage change in Director Remuneration
The table below illustrates the percentage change in the remuneration awarded to the directors (excluding leavers) over the last five years and that
of the Group’s employees across its entire UK business.
2024
(11m period)
2023
(13 month period)
2022
2021
2020
Director
Salary
and
fees (%
change)
All
taxable
benefits
(%
change)
Annual
Bonuses
(%
change)
Salary
and
fees (%
change)
All
taxable
benefits
(%
change)
Annual
Bonuses
(%
change)
Salary
and
fees (%
change)
All
taxable
benefits
(%
change)
Annual
Bonuses
(%
change)
Salary
and
fees (%
change)
All
taxable
benefits
(%
change)
Annual
Bonuses
(%
change)
Salary
and
fees (%
change)
All
taxable
benefits
(%
change)
Annual
Bonuses
(%
change)
Executive Directors
Bill
Berman
2.5%
(67.4%)
23.6%
8.4%
16.8%
36.8%
0
(15.9%)
(26.9%)
7.8%
0%
99.8%
105.6%
0%
100%
Ollie
Mann
1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Non-Executive Directors
Jemima
Bird
2
0%
N/A
N/A
100%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Dietmar
Exler
0%
N/A
N/A
8%
N/A
N/A
0%
N/A
N/A
42.9%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Ian Filby
0%
N/A
N/A
8.7%
N/A
N/A
500%
N/A
N/A
100%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Nikki
Flanders
0%
N/A
N/A
8%
N/A
N/A
0%
N/A
N/A
38.9%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Brian
Small
3
0%
N/A
N/A
8%
N/A
N/A
0%
N/A
N/A
(3.8%)
N/A
N/A
1,633.3%
N/A
N/A
Chris
Holzshu
1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
George
Hines
1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
All Emp-
loyees
(average)
8.2%
15.0%
12.5%
8.1%
6.5%
2.5%
8.7%
(27.0%)
12.1%
7.0%
(33.3%)
39.0%
8.1%
0%
0%
1.
Appointed on 31 January 2024
2. Appointed 10 July 2023
3.
Brian Small received £15k during 2024 for fees related to unpaid PFIS responsibility (£5k per annum over 3 years) which had not previously been reported or paid.
The % changes for the 13 month period ended 31 January 2024 and prior show the gross movement.
The % changes for the 11 month period ended 31 December 2024 show the movement in annualised remuneration.
Chief Executive Officer pay ratio
The table below shows our chief executive officer pay ratio at 25th, median and 75th percentiles of our UK associates. The ratios have been
calculated based on the single total figure of remuneration for the chief executive officer and the total pay for the associates based on our gender
pay gap data under Option B of The Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018. We have used Option B as the Company has already
completed comprehensive data collection and analysis for the purposes of gender pay gap reporting, and continues to do so on a monthly basis.
The gender pay gap data used was collated on 31 December 2024.
Financial Period
Method
25th percentile pay ratio
(lower quartile)
Median pay ratio (median)
75th percentile pay ratio
(upper quartile)
2024 (11m)
Option B
43:1
40:1
25:1
2023 (13m)
Option B
28:1
23:1
17:1
2022
Option B
26:1
25:1
16:1
2021
Option B
30:1
25:1
19:1
2020
Option B
30:1
26:1
20:1
1. Total pay for the percentile employees taken from our gender pay gap data includes the following pay elements: base salary, holiday pay, hourly pay, national minimum wage top ups,
car allowance, acting up allowance, monthly advances, team member vouchers subject to national insurance, benefit schemes, statutory sick pay, maternity pay and paternity pay.
Associates who have not received pay (in terms of salary and adjustments) but has still received other salary payments are excluded from our gender pay gap data.
54
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Relative importance of spend on pay
The table below illustrates the period-on-period change in total team member pay (being the aggregate of staff costs as set out in note 2.4 to the
financial statements and distributions to shareholders (being declared dividends).
Team member pay
Distribution to shareholders
11m period ended
31 December 2024
13m period ended
31 January 2024
% change
11m period ended
31 December 2024
13m period ended
31 January 2024
% change
£18.8m
£263.3m
-92.9%
0
£358.4m
n/a
Non-Executive Directors’ appointments
Name
Commencement
Expiry/cessation
Unexpired at date of report
(months)
Brian Small
10.12.19
31.12.25
9
Nikki Flanders
13.03.20
31.04.25
1
Dietmar Exler
20.04.20
31.12.26
21
Ian Filby
01.11.21
31.12.26
21
Jemima Bird
10.07.23
31.12.26
21
Shareholders’ votes on Remuneration in FY24
The following table sets out the results of the binding vote on the Directors’ Remuneration Policy and amendments to the LTIP at the 2024 GM and
the advisory vote on the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the 13-month period ended 31 January 2024 at the 2024 AGM.
% of votes cast
For
% of votes cast
Against
Number of
Shares
Withheld
To approve the Directors’ Remuneration Policy and authorise the
amendment of the company’s LTIP
(26 June 2024 General Meeting)
80.42
19.58
75,085
To approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the 13-month period
ended 31 January 2024
(26 June 2024 Annual General Meeting)
86.74
13.26
1,163,869
Share price information and performance
Other than those detailed above, there are no share option or long term incentive schemes in which the directors are eligible to participate.
The middle market price of Pinewood Technologies PLC ordinary shares at 31 December 2024 was 359 pence and the range during the period was
257 pence to 396 pence.
55
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Directors’ Remuneration Commiee report
continued
Shareholder approved Remuneration Policy
The following table summarises how our shareholder approved remuneration policy fulfils the factors set out in provision 40 of the 2018 UK
Corporate Governance Code.
Area
Implementation
Clarity
The commiee is commied to providing transparent disclosures to shareholders and the workforce about executive
remuneration arrangements. The Directors’ Remuneration Report sets out the detail of such arrangements in a clear and
transparent way. Our AGM allows shareholders to ask questions on remuneration arrangements.
Simplicity
Our remuneration arrangements for executive directors are simple in nature and understood by all participants, having
operated in a similar manner for a number of years. Executive directors receive fixed pay (salary, benefits, pension) and
participate in a single short term annual bonus and a single long-term incentive plan (LTIP).
Predictability
Payouts under the annual bonus and LTIP schemes are dependent on company performance over the short and long term
and are governed by achievement against set targets. These schemes have strict maximum opportunities, which are outlined
in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.
Risk
The commiee has designed incentives that do not encourage inappropriate risk-taking. The commiee retain discretion in
both the annual bonus and LTIP schemes to adjust payouts where the formulaic outcomes are not considered reflective of
underlying performance and individual contribution. Robust withholding and recovery provisions apply to variable incentives.
Proportionality
Payouts from variable incentive schemes require strong performance against challenging conditions over the short and
longer term. Performance conditions have been selected to support Group strategy and consist of both financial and
non-financial metrics. The commiee retains discretion to override formulaic outcomes in both schemes to ensure they are
appropriate and reflective of overall performance.
Alignment to
culture
Performance measures used in our variable incentive schemes are selected to be consistent with the company’s purpose,
values and strategy. The use of annual bonus deferral, LTIP holding periods and our shareholding requirement provide a
clear link to the ongoing performance of the Group and ensures alignment with shareholders.
Work of the Remuneration Commiee
During FY24, the commiee reviewed executive directors’ remuneration policy, structure and metrics and concluded that continuing to employ
a mix of fixed pay through salary and variable pay through annual bonuses and LTIPs was the correct way to remunerate the executive directors,
as having variable pay was key to driving performance in key strategic areas. Feedback received by the Chair of the commiee was taken
into account when seing metrics for FY25 bonuses and LTIPs. The executive directors pay was benchmarked against peers and the salaries
were changed accordingly. The commiee has ensured that metrics used for executive directors annual bonuses are also used for senior
management teams and have ensured that senior management teams are aware of this alignment. No discretion has been made to executive
director remuneration outcomes in FY24. The commiee considers that the remuneration policy operated as intended during FY24, with the
executive directors earning maximum bonus levels for delivering profitability beyond the profitability level set for maximum bonus achievement.
The commiee considers that all factors in the table above are addressed by the remuneration policy, in particular the clarity of the bonus and
LTIP metrics which shareholders, directors and other company employees all understand and can see are linked to the ongoing success of the Group.
Implementation of the Policy for FY25
Details of how the commiee intends to implement the Remuneration Policy for the year ending 31 December 2025 are set out in the Annual Statement.
Approval
This report was approved by the commiee and signed on its behalf by:
Jemima Bird
Chair of the Remuneration Commiee
1 April 2025
56
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Directors’ report
Strategic review and prescribed reporting
Our Strategic Report at pages 02 to 35
contains the information, prescribed by the
Companies Act 2006, required to present
a fair review of the company’s business,
a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties it faces, and certain of the
information on which reports and statements
are required by the UK Corporate Governance
Code and the Companies Act 2006. The
Board approved the Strategic Report set out
on pages 02 to 35 and the Viability Statement
set out on page 36. Additional information
on which the directors are required by law to
report is set out below and in the following:-
Environmental, Social and
Governance Report
Board of Directors
Audit Commiee Report
Nomination Commiee Report
Directors’ Remuneration Report
• Directors’ Report
Directors’ Responsibility Statement
In the interests of increasing the relevance
of the Report and reducing the environmental
impacts of over-lengthy printed reports,
we have placed on our website certain
background information on the company
the disclosure of which, in this Report, is
not mandatory. We monitor reaction to the
publication of shareholder information on
our website, to help shape our shareholder
communication and future improvements.
Results and dividends
The results of the Group for the year are set
out in the financial statements on pages 62 to
114. A special dividend of £358.4m was made
during the year following the completion of
the sale of the motor division and leasing
division to Lithia.
Appointment and powers of the
company’s directors
Appointment and removal of directors
is governed by the company’s articles of
association (the Articles), the UK Corporate
Governance Code (the Code), the Companies
Acts and related legislation. Subject to the
Articles (which shareholders may amend by
special resolution), relevant legislation and
any directions given by special resolution,
the company and its Group is managed by its
Board of directors. By resolutions passed at
company general meetings, the shareholders
have authorised the directors: (i) to allot and
issue ordinary shares; (ii) to offer and allot
ordinary shares in lieu of some or all of the
dividends; and (iii) to make market purchases
of the company’s ordinary shares (in practice,
exercised only if the directors expect it to
result in an increase in earnings per share).
Details of movements in the company’s
share capital are given in note 4.4 to the
financial statements.
From time to time, Pinewood provides
financial assistance to its independent
employee benefits trust to facilitate the
market purchase of ordinary shares in the
company for use in connection with various
of the company’s employee incentive
schemes. The company did not purchase any
shares in this way in FY24.
Business at the AGM
At the AGM, a separate shareholders’
resolution is proposed for each substantive
maer. We will issue to our shareholders
the company’s annual report and financial
statements together with the notice of AGM,
giving not less than the requisite period of
notice. The notice sets out the resolutions the
directors are proposing and has explanatory
notes for each. At the AGM, directors’ terms
of appointment are available for inspection
and, as well as dealing with formal AGM
business, the Board takes the opportunity
to give an update to shareholders on the
company’s trading position. The Chairman
and each commiee chairman are available to
answer questions put by shareholders present.
Directors and their interests in shares
Current directors are listed on pages 38
and 39. Details of the terms of appointment
and notice period of each of the current
directors, together with executives directors’
respective interests in shares under the
company’s long term incentive plan (non-
executive directors have none), appear
in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on
pages 49 to 56. Directors who served during
FY24 and their respective interests in the
company’s issued ordinary share capital
are shown in the table below. All holdings
shown are beneficial. None of the directors
holds options over company shares, other
than nil paid options pursuant to the LTIP
as described on page 51 in the Director’s
Remuneration Report. Executive directors will
aim to fulfil the requirements of the company’s
share ownership policy applicable to them
within five years of appointment. There is
no company policy requiring non-executive
directors to hold a minimum number of
company shares.
Directors’ rotation
The UK Corporate Governance Code (July
2018) imposes an obligation that all directors
should be subject to annual re-election.
Indemnities to directors
In line with market practice and the company’s
Articles, each director has the benefit of a
deed of indemnity from the company, which
includes provisions in relation to duties as a
director of the company or an associated
company, qualifying third party indemnity
provisions and protection against derivative
actions. Copies of these are available for
shareholders’ inspection at the AGM.
Share capital
As at 31 December 2024, Pinewood’s
issued share capital comprised a single
class: ordinary shares of 100 pence each.
The Articles permit the creation of more than
one class of share, but there is currently none
other than ordinary shares. Details of the
company’ share capital are set out in note
4.4 to the accounts. All issued shares are fully
paid. The company issued 13,969,444 shares
during the period under review. The rights
and obligations aaching to the company’s
ordinary shares are set out in the Articles.
The company is currently authorised to issue
up to two-thirds of its current issued share
capital pursuant to a resolution passed at its
2024 AGM. In February 2025, there was an
equity fundraise, which resulted in 11,325,031
new ordinary shares being issued. In March
2025 2,098,633 ordinary shares were also
issued as consideration shares as part of the
Seez App Holdings Ltd acquisition. Therefore,
there are now 100,539,286 ordinary shares
in issue.
57
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Directors’ shareholdings
Number at 31.12.24
Number at 31.01.24*
Bill Berman
nil
73,106
Ollie Mann
32,734
1,236
Dietmar Exler
15,000
10,500
Ian Filby
nil
nil
Nikki Flanders
5,714
nil
Brian Small
20,000
20,000
Jemima Bird
15,627
nil
Chris Holzshu
28,000
nil
George Hines
nil
nil
Significant direct or indirect shareholdings
At 1 March 2025 the directors had been advised of the following interests in the shares of the company:
Shareholder
Number of shares
Percentage of voting rights
of the issued share capital
Lithia Motors Inc
22,214,484
22.57
Fidelity Investments
10,052,628
10.21
Working Capital
9,398,765
9.55
Newtyn Management
8,524,721
8.66
Harwood Capital
7,297,300
7.41
Hosking Partners
4,296,743
4.36
Kestrel Investment Partners
2,870,781
2.92
Dimensional Fund Advisors
1,880,897
1.91
Sellaronda Global Management
1,861,994
1.89
Morgan Stanley
1,773,286
1.80
* Figures differ to prior year disclosures following 1 for 20 share consolidation during FY24
Directors’ report
continued
58
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Voting rights, restrictions on voting rights
and deadlines for voting rights
Shareholders (other than any who, under
the Articles or the terms of the shares they
hold, are not entitled to receive such notices)
have the right to receive notice of, and to
aend and to vote at, all general and (if any)
applicable class meetings of the company.
A resolution put to the vote at any general
or class meeting is decided on a show of
hands unless (before or on the declaration
of the result of the show of hands or on the
withdrawal of any other demand for a poll)
a poll is properly demanded. At a general
meeting, every member present in person
has, upon a show of hands, one vote, and on
a poll, every member has one vote for every
100 pence nominal amount of share capital of
which they are the holder. In the case of joint
holders of a share, the vote of the member
whose name stands first in the register of
members is accepted to the exclusion of any
vote tendered by any other joint holder. Unless
the Board decides otherwise, a shareholder
may not vote at any general or class meeting
or exercise any rights in relation to meetings
whilst any amount of money relating to his
shares remains outstanding.
A member is entitled to appoint a proxy to
exercise all or any of their rights to aend and
speak and vote on their behalf at a general
meeting. Further details regarding voting
can be found in the notes to the notice of the
AGM. Details of the exercise of voting rights
aached to the ordinary shares held by the
company’s Employee Benefit Trust are set out
below. None of the ordinary shares, including
those held by the Employee Benefit Trust,
carries any special voting rights with regard
to control of the company.
To be effective, electronic and paper proxy
appointments and voting instructions must be
received by the company’s registrars not later
than 48 hours before a general meeting.
The Articles may be obtained from Companies
House in the UK or upon application to
the company secretary. Other than those
prescribed by applicable law and the company’s
procedures for ensuring compliance with it,
there are no specific restrictions on the size of
a holding nor on the transfer of shares, which
are governed by the Articles and prevailing
legislation. The directors are not aware of any
agreement between holders of the company’s
shares that may result in restrictions on the
transfer of securities or the exercise of voting
rights. No person has any special rights of
control over the company’s share capital.
Shares held by the Pendragon Employee
Benefit Trust
As at 31 December 2024, the company’s
Employee Benefit Trust with Accuro Trustees
(Jersey) Limited (the Trustee) held 2,500 shares,
representing 0.00% of the total issued share
capital at that date (FY23: 3,330,734; 4.55%,
number of shares restated for 1 for 20 share
consolidation and to include 2,711,224 shares
issued on 31 January 2024). The Trustee has
waived its voting rights aached to these shares.
During FY24, the Trust sold 3,328,234 shares.
It holds these shares to enable it to satisfy
entitlements under the company’s share schemes.
Contracts
The company and members of its Group are
party to agreements relating to banking,
properties and employee share plans which alter
or terminate if the company or Group company
concerned undergoes a change of control.
None is considered significant in terms of its likely
impact on the business of the Group as a whole.
Compensation for loss of office in the event
of a takeover bid
The Directors are not aware of any
agreements between the Company and
its Directors or employees that provide for
compensation for loss of office or employment
that occurs because of a takeover bid.
Stakeholder engagement
Details of the Company’s engagement with
key stakeholders can be seen in the s.172
statement on pages 16 to 17.
Employee engagement
See the social report on pages 29 to 30 and
the s172 statement on pages 16 to 17 for
details of employee engagement.
Research and development activities
The Company undertakes both research
and development activities as part of the
development of the Pinewood system.
The system is being continually evolved
and enhanced.
Post balance sheet events
For details of post balance sheet events,
see note 5.3 on page 106.
Financial instruments
See note 4.2 in the accounts on page 100.
Political donations
The company and its Group made no political
donations (FY23: £ nil).
Auditor
The directors who held office at the date of
approval of this directors’ report confirm
that: so far as they are each aware, there is
no relevant audit information of which the
Group’s auditors are unaware; and each
director has taken all the steps that they
ought to have taken as a director to make
themselves aware of any relevant audit
information and to establish that the Group’s
auditors are aware of that information.
By order of the Board
Ollie Mann
Company Secretary
1 April 2025
59
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Statement of directors’ responsibilities in respect
of the annual report and the financial statements
The directors are responsible for preparing
the Strategic Report and the Directors’
Report, the Directors’ Remuneration Report
and the financial statements in accordance
with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare
group and company financial statements
for each financial year. The directors have
elected under company law and are required
under the Listing Rules of the Financial
Conduct Authority to prepare group financial
statements in accordance with UK-adopted
International Accounting Standards. The
directors have elected under company law to
prepare the company financial statements in
accordance with United Kingdom Generally
Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom
Accounting Standards and applicable law).
The group financial statements are required by
law and UK-adopted International Accounting
Standards to present fairly the financial position
and performance of the group; the Companies
Act 2006 provides in relation to such financial
statements that references in the relevant part
of that Act to financial statements giving a true
and fair view are references to their achieving
a fair presentation.
Under company law the directors must not
approve the financial statements unless they are
satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the
state of affairs of the group and the company and
of the profit or loss of the group for that period.
In preparing each of the Group and company
financial statements, the directors are required to:
a.
select suitable accounting policies and
then apply them consistently;
b.
make judgements and accounting estimates
that are reasonable and prudent;
c.
for the Group financial statements,
state whether they have been prepared
in accordance with UK-adopted
International Accounting Standards;
d.
for the company financial statements, state
whether applicable UK accounting standards
have been followed, subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the
company financial statements;
e.
prepare the financial statements on
the going concern basis unless it is
inappropriate to presume that the Group
and the company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping
adequate accounting records that are
sufficient to show and explain the group’s and
the company’s transactions and disclose with
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial
position of the group and the company and
enable them to ensure that the financial
statements and the Directors’ Remuneration
Report comply with the Companies Act 2006.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the
assets of the group and the company and hence
for taking reasonable steps for the prevention
and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Directors’ statement pursuant to the
Disclosure and Transparency Rules
Each of the directors, whose names and functions
are listed in the Directors’ Report confirm that,
to the best of each person’s knowledge:
a.
the financial statements, prepared in
accordance with the applicable set of
accounting standards, give a true and
fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial
position and loss of the company and the
undertakings included in the consolidation
taken as a whole; and
b.
the Strategic Report/Directors’ Report
contained in the Annual Report includes
a fair review of the development and
performance of the business and
the position of the company and the
undertakings included in the consolidation
taken as a whole, together with a
description of the principal risks and
uncertainties that they face.
The directors are responsible for the maintenance
and integrity of the corporate and financial
information included on the company’s website.
Legislation in the United Kingdom governing
the preparation and dissemination of financial
statements may differ from legislation in
other jurisdictions.
The directors consider the Annual Report
and Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair,
balanced and understandable and provides
the information necessary for shareholders to
assess the Group’s and the company’s position,
performance, business model and strategy.
By order of the Board
Ollie Mann
Chief Financial Officer
1 April 2025
60
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Financial Statements
62
Independent Auditors’ Report
70
Group Financial Statements & Notes
107
Company Financial Statements & Notes
115
Advisors, Banks & Shareholder
Information
Financial
Statements.
61
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
62
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Independent auditor’s report to the members of
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Pinewood Technologies Group PLC (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) for the
11 month period ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income,
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, Consolidated Balance Sheet, Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, Company Statement of Other
Comprehensive Income, Company Statement of Changes in Equity, Company Balance Sheet and notes to the financial statements, including
significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the group financial statements is
applicable law and UK-adopted International Accounting Standards. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation
of the parent company financial statements is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards including Financial Reporting Standard 101
“Reduced Disclosure Framework” (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion:
the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2024
and of the group’s profit for the period then ended;
the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards;
the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting
Practice; and
the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those
standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent
of the group and parent company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK,
including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest entities and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance
with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Summary of our audit approach
Key audit maers
Group
Capitalisation of development costs
Accounting for Downsteam Transactions with Associate
Parent Company
No key audit maers noted
Materiality
Group
Overall materiality: £380,000
Performance materiality: £266,000
Parent Company
Overall materiality: £3,080,000
Performance materiality: £2,156,000
Scope
Our audit procedures covered 99% of revenue, 99% of total assets and 96% of profit before tax.
63
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Financial Statements
Directors’ Report
Key audit maers
Key audit maers are those maers that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the group financial statements
of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) we identified, including
those which had the greatest effect on the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit and directing the efforts of the engagement
team. These maers were addressed in the context of our audit of the group financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon,
and we do not provide a separate opinion on these maers.
Capitalisation of development costs
Key audit maer description
The Group balance sheet includes significant levels of Intangible Assets in respect of capitalised
development costs with £7.5m within the period. The costs capitalised include payroll costs of the
development team.
Such costs should be capitalised if they meet the criteria set out in IAS 38 Intangible Assets.
Due to the high level of estimation and judgement in determining whether time spent by the
development team meet the criteria in IAS 38 and the highly material values being capitalised
we have concluded that this represents a significant audit risk.
In accordance with IAS 38, development expenditure is capitalised when it can be reliably measured,
the product is both technically and commercially feasible, future economic benefits are probable,
and the Group has the intention and resources to complete the development and utilise or sell the
asset. This has been disclosed within Note 3.1.
How the maer was addressed in the audit
Our audit work in relation to the capitalised development costs included the following.
We have
Considered management’s process for identifying costs to be capitalised under IAS 38 and
critically challenged the key assumptions and inputs utilised by management.
Critically assessed if the development work captured in the capitalised development cost model
meets the criteria for capitalisation under IAS 38 on a sample basis.
Tested the accuracy and completeness of the underlying data utilised in calculating the
development costs to be capitalised including the use of an advanced analytics expert in review
of relevant reports.
Reperformed management’s calculation of the capitalised development costs, adjusting
as necessary for any errors or reasonable possible changes identified from our work.
Reviewed and assessed the appropriateness of the costs included in the calculation of capitalised
development costs and whether they met the requirements of IAS 38 or were operating costs
which should be expensed.
We also considered whether the financial statement disclosures in relation to the capitalisation
of development costs were appropriate.
Key observations
Based on the procedures performed we consider that the group’s accounting for development
costs and the related disclosures is appropriate.
64
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Independent auditor’s report to the members of
Pinewood Technologies Group plc
continued
Accounting for Downsteam Transactions with Associate
Key audit maer description
In February 2024 the Group made a £10m investment as part of an agreement with
PNA Holding LLC (a subsidiary of Lithia Motors Inc.) in Pinewood North America LLC (‘PinNA’ or
‘the associate’) of which it owns 49% of the shares.
PinNA has entered into a license and framework service agreement with the group to sell access
to the group’s software in North America. The license also states that PinNA will fund all of the
development work required to further enhance Pinewood’s technology for the needs of the
US Market.
There is a level of judgement regarding the accounting for the development work under IAS 38 and
IFRS 15 and downstream transactions under IAS 28. This has been disclosed within Note 5.2.
How the maer was addressed
in the audit
Our audit work in relation to the transactions with the associate included the following.
We:
Obtained and critically assessed the license and framework service agreement between the
group and the associate.
Obtained and challenged management’s accounting papers in relation to the transactions with
the associate including involvement of our in-house technical specialists.
Performed audit work in relation to the associate’s transactions in the year including considering
GAAP differences between US GAAP and the groups accounting policies under IFRS.
Critically challenged management’s assessment of transactions under IAS 38 and IFRS 15.
Critically challenged management’s consolidation adjustments under IAS 28.
We also considered whether the financial statement disclosures in relation to the associate including
the disclosure of the associate result as non-underlying were appropriate.
Key observations
Based on the procedures performed we consider that the group’s accounting for the transactions
with the associate and the related disclosures are appropriate.
65
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Financial Statements
Directors’ Report
Our application of materiality
When establishing our overall audit strategy, we set certain thresholds which help us to determine the nature, timing and extent of our audit
procedures. When evaluating whether the effects of misstatements, both individually and on the financial statements as a whole, could reasonably
influence the economic decisions of the users we take into account the qualitative nature and the size of the misstatements. Based on our
professional judgement, we determined materiality as follows:
Group
Parent company
Overall materiality
£380,000
£3,080,000
Basis for determining
overall materiality
4.5% of underlying profit before tax.
1.6% of Fixed Asset Investments.
For the purposes of the group audit, which
excludes items which eliminate on consolidation,
the parent company materiality is restricted
to £195,000.
Rationale for benchmark
applied
Underlying profit before tax is considered the
key benchmark of the Group.
Fixed Asset Investments is considered the key
benchmark of the parent Company as the
entity relies on its investments as a non-revenue
generating entity.
Performance materiality
£266,000
£2,156,000
Basis for determining performance
materiality
70% of overall materiality
70% of overall materiality
Reporting of misstatements
to the Audit Commiee
Misstatements in excess of £19,000 and
misstatements below that threshold
that, in our view, warranted reporting
on qualitative grounds.
Misstatements in excess of £19,000 and
misstatements below that threshold that, in our
view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.
An overview of the scope of our audit
The group consists of 8 components, located in the following countries: United Kingdom, United States of America, Japan & Sweden.
The coverage achieved by our audit procedures was:
Number of
components
Revenue
Total assets
Profit before tax
Full scope audit
2
99%
99%
96%
Total
2
99%
99%
96%
Full scope audits were performed for 2 components, with no components subject to specific audit procedures. Specific audit procedures were
performed in relation to the Group’s associate (Pinewood North America LLC). All audit procedures were performed by RSM UK Audit LLP.
66
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Independent auditor’s report to the members of
Pinewood Technologies Group plc
continued
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the
financial statements is appropriate. Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the group’s and parent company’s ability to continue to adopt
the going concern basis of accounting included:
Obtaining copies of management’s board approved forecasts and sensitivity analysis for the Group and checking the mathematical accuracy
of the forecasts;
Comparing the forecasts to historical trading results and the key assumptions for expected growth, margin improvement and capital
expenditure plans;
Undertaking our own stress test to consider circumstances under which headroom would be eroded;
Verifying the commied funding available to the Group and parent Company for the forecast period and the headroom this provided to the
Group and parent Company.
Assessing the groups going concern and viability disclosures ensuring they are consistent with the work performed.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or
collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group’s or the parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least
twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
In relation to the entity reporting on how they have applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, we have nothing material to add or draw
aention to in relation to the directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether the directors considered it appropriate to adopt
the going concern basis of accounting.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report
thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annal report. Our opinion on the financial statements does
not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance
conclusion thereon.
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the
financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such
material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement
in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other
information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other maers prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the
Companies Act 2006.
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial period for which the financial statements are prepared
is consistent with the financial statements; and
the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
67
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Financial Statements
Directors’ Report
Maers on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit,
we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic Report or the Directors’ Report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following maers in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if,
in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from
branches not visited by us; or
the parent company financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement with the
accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Corporate governance statement
We have reviewed the directors’ statement in relation to going concern, longer-term viability and that part of the Corporate Governance
Statement relating to the parent company’s compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review
by the Listing Rules.
Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the Corporate Governance Statement
is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit:
Directors’ statement with regards the appropriateness of adopting the going concern basis of accounting and any material uncertainties
identified set out on page 36;
Directors’ explanation as to their assessment of the group’s prospects, the period this assessment covers and why the period is appropriate
set out on page 36;
Directors’ statement on whether it has a reasonable expectation that the group will be able to continue in operation and meets its liabilities
set out on page 36;
Directors’ statement on fair, balanced and understandable set out on page 60;
Board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks set out on pages 32 to 35;
Section of the annual report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems set out on pages 32 to
35; and,
Section describing the work of the audit commiee set out on pages 44 to 45.
Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 67, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the
financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary
to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group’s and the parent company’s ability to continue as a going
concern, disclosing, as applicable, maers related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either
intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
68
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Independent auditor’s report to the members of
Pinewood Technologies Group plc
continued
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement,
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance,
but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected
to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
The extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
Irregularities are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. The objectives of our audit are to obtain sufficient appropriate audit
evidence regarding compliance with laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements, to perform audit procedures to help identify instances of non-compliance with other laws and regulations that may have
a material effect on the financial statements, and to respond appropriately to identified or suspected non-compliance with laws and regulations
identified during the audit.
In relation to fraud, the objectives of our audit are to identify and assess the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements due
to fraud, to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks of material misstatement due to fraud through designing
and implementing appropriate responses and to respond appropriately to fraud or suspected fraud identified during the audit.
However, it is the primary responsibility of management, with the oversight of those charged with governance, to ensure that the entity’s operations
are conducted in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations and for the prevention and detection of fraud.
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud, the group audit engagement team:
obtained an understanding of the nature of the industry and sector, including the legal and regulatory frameworks that the group and parent
company operates in and how the group and parent company are complying with the legal and regulatory frameworks;
inquired of management, and those charged with governance, about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities,
including any known actual, suspected or alleged instances of fraud;
discussed maers about non-compliance with laws and regulations and how fraud might occur including assessment of how and where the
financial statements may be susceptible to fraud for regulated entities, as defined in ISA 250B: having obtained an understanding of the overall
control environment.
The most significant laws and regulations were determined as follows:
Legislation/Regulation
Additional audit procedures performed by the Group audit engagement team included:
UK-adopted IAS/FRS101/Companies Act
2006/Listing Rules
Review of the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation.
Completion of disclosure checklists to identify areas of non-compliance.
Tax compliance regulations
Inspection of advice received from external tax advisors.
Consideration of whether any maer identified during the audit required reporting
to an appropriate authority outside the entity.
GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018
Inquired of those directors responsible for the group’s legal maers to confirm compliance
with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
The areas that we identified as being susceptible to material misstatement due to fraud were:
Risk
Audit procedures performed by the audit engagement team:
Revenue recognition
Testing a sample of transactions accounted pre and post-yearend for each significant revenue
stream ensuring that revenue is recognised in the correct accounting period in line with the group’s
accounting policy;
Transactions posted to nominal ledger codes outside of the normal revenue cycle were identified
using a data analytic tool and investigated.
Management override of controls
Testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments;
Assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative
of a potential bias; and
Evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside
the normal course of business.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at:
hp://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
69
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Financial Statements
Directors’ Report
Other maers which we are required to address
Following the recommendation of the audit commiee, we were appointed by the board of directors on 25 September 2024 to audit the
financial statements for the 11 month period ending 31 December 2024 and subsequent financial periods.
The period of total uninterrupted consecutive appointments is one year, covering the period ended 31 December 2024.
The non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the group or the parent company and we remain independent
of the group and the parent company in conducting our audit.
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit commiee in accordance with ISAs (UK).
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006.
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those maers we are required to state to them
in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permied by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone
other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
As required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, these financial statements form part of
the Annual Financial Report prepared in Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML) format and filed on the National Storage Mechanism
of the UK FCA. This auditor’s report provides no assurance over whether the annual financial report has been prepared in XHTML format.
Rachel Fleming
(Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of RSM UK Audit LLP, Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants
103 Colmore Row
Birmingham
B3 3AG
1 April 2025
70
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Consolidated Income Statement
11 month period ended 31 December 2024
Notes
11m period
ended
31 December
2024
Underlying
£m
11m period
ended
31 December
2024 Non-
underlying*
£m
11m period
ended
31 December
2024 Total
£m
13m period
ended
31 January
2024
Underlying
£m
13m period
ended
31 January
2024 Non-
underlying
£m
13m period
ended
31 January
2024 Total
£m
Continuing operations
Revenue
2.1
31.2
31.2
24.5
24.5
Cost of sales
(3.0)
(3.0)
(2.7)
(2.7)
Gross profit
28.2
28.2
21.8
21.8
Administrative expenses
(19.8)
(4.1)
(23.9)
(11.8)
(11.8)
Operating profit/(loss)
2.2
8.4
(4.1)
4.3
10.0
10.0
Finance expense
4.3
(0.3)
(0.3)
(0.1)
(0.1)
Finance income
4.3
0.4
4.3
4.7
Share of loss in associate
5.2
(0.5)
(0.5)
Profit/(loss) before taxation
8.5
(0.3)
8.2
9.9
9.9
Income tax expense
2.6
(2.1)
(0.4)
(2.5)
(1.6)
(1.6)
Profit/(loss) for the period from
continuing operations
6.4
(0.7)
5.7
8.3
8.3
Discontinued operations
Profit/(loss) for the period from
discontinued operations, net of tax**
3.7
73.4
73.4
Profit/(loss) for the period
6.4
(0.7)
5.7
8.3
73.4
81.7
Earnings per share – Total***
Basic earnings per share
2.7
5.1p
55.2p
Diluted earnings per share
2.7
5.1p
55.2p
Earnings per share –
continuing operations***
Basic earnings per share
2.7
5.1p
5.6p
Diluted earnings per share
2.7
5.1p
5.6p
*
See note 2.8.
**
The discontinued operations in the 13m period to 31 January 2024 is in respect of the Group’s motor and leasing businesses.
***
Diluted EPS for the 13 m period ended 31 January 2024 has been restated, see note 2.7.
The notes on pages 75 to 106 form part of these financial statements.
71
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Financial Statements
Directors’ Report
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
11 month period ended 31 December 2024
Notes
11m period
ended
31 December
2024
£m
13m period
ended
31 January
2024
£m
Profit for the period
5.7
81.7
Other comprehensive income/(expense)
Items that will never be reclassified to profit and loss:
Defined benefit plan remeasurement (losses) and gains
(11.3)
Income tax relating to defined benefit plan remeasurement (losses) and gains
2.6
2.3
(9.0)
Items that are or may be reclassified to profit and loss:
Foreign currency translation differences of foreign operations
0.1
(0.1)
0.1
(0.1)
Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax
0.1
(9.1)
Total comprehensive income for the period
5.8
72.6
Total comprehensive income for the period aributable to equity shareholders of the Group arises from:
Continuing operations
5.8
8.2
Discontinued operations
64.4
5.8
72.6
The notes on pages 75 to 106 form part of these financial statements.
72
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
11 month period ended 31 December 2024
Share
capital
£m
Share
premium
£m
Capital
redemption
reserves
£m
Other
reserve
£m
Translation
reserve
£m
Retained
earnings
£m
Total
£m
Balance at 1 January 2023
69.9
56.8
5.6
12.6
0.5
135.6
281.0
Total comprehensive income
for the period
Profit for the period
81.7
81.7
Other comprehensive income
for the period, net of tax
(0.1)
(9.0)
(9.1)
Total comprehensive income
for the period
(0.1)
72.7
72.6
Issue of ordinary shares*
3.3
(3.3)
Share based payments
5.9
5.9
Reserve realised due to re-organisation
(see note 4.4)
(12.6)
12.6
Income tax relating to share based payments
(0.1)
(0.1)
EBT consideration on repurchased shares
1.0
1.0
Balance at 31 January 2024
73.2
56.8
5.6
0.4
224.4
360.4
Balance at 1 February 2024
73.2
56.8
5.6
0.4
224.4
360.4
Total comprehensive income
for the period
Profit for the period
5.7
5.7
Other comprehensive income
for the period, net of tax
0.1
0.1
Total comprehensive income
for the period
0.1
5.7
5.8
Issue of ordinary shares
13.9
16.1
30.0
Share based payments
1.0
1.0
Income tax relating to share
based payments
0.2
0.2
Dividends paid
(358.4)
(358.4)
Balance at 31 December 2024
87.1
72.9
5.6
0.5
(127.1)
39.0
*
During the 13 month period to 31 January 2024, 65,979,118 ordinary shares were issued at par value for proceeds of £3.3m. These shares were subsequently acquired by the EBT in order
to satisfy pending share awards.
The notes on pages 75 to 106 form part of these financial statements.
73
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Financial Statements
Directors’ Report
Notes
31 December
2024
£m
31 January
2024
£m
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
3.2
1.7
1.1
Goodwill
3.1
0.3
0.3
Investment in associate
5.2
9.6
Other investments
3.6
3.2
Other intangible assets
3.1
16.3
13.8
Total non-current assets
31.1
15.2
Current assets
Trade and other receivables
3.3
21.4
421.8
Current tax assets
2.6
0.3
Cash and cash equivalents
4.2
9.3
47.4
Total current assets
30.7
469.5
Total assets
61.8
484.7
Current liabilities
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
4.2
(93.0)
Lease liabilities
4.7
(0.7)
(0.4)
Trade and other payables
3.4
(11.0)
(23.0)
Deferred income
3.5
(7.6)
(6.5)
Current tax payable
2.6
(0.1)
Total current liabilities
(19.4)
(122.9)
Non-current liabilities
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
4.2
(0.2)
(0.2)
Lease liabilities
4.7
(0.7)
(0.6)
Deferred tax
2.6
(2.5)
(0.6)
Total non-current liabilities
(3.4)
(1.4)
Total liabilities
(22.8)
(124.3)
Net assets
39.0
360.4
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
4.4
87.1
73.2
Share premium account
4.4
72.9
56.8
Capital redemption reserve
4.4
5.6
5.6
Other reserves
4.4
Translation reserve
4.4
0.5
0.4
Retained earnings
(127.1)
224.4
Total equity aributable to equity shareholders of the company
39.0
360.4
Approved by the Board of directors on 1 April 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
W Berman
Chief Executive
O Mann
Chief Financial Officer
The notes on pages 75 to 106 form part of these financial statements.
Registered Company Number: 02304195
Consolidated Balance Sheet
At 31 December 2024
74
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Notes
11m period
ended
31 December
2024
£m
13m period
ended
31 January
2024
£m
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit for the period
5.7
81.7
Adjustment for taxation
2.6
2.5
10.1
Share of result of associate
5.2
0.5
Adjustment for net financing (income)/expense
4.3
(4.4)
65.8
4.3
157.6
Depreciation and amortisation
5.6
30.7
Share based payments
1.0
5.9
Profit on disposal of own shares by EBT
0.5
Profit on sale of businesses and property, plant and equipment
(41.8)
Contribution into defined benefit pension scheme
(14.2)
Changes in inventories
38.5
Changes in trade and other receivables
(4.7)
(45.9)
Changes in trade and other payables
(1.3)
39.7
Movement in contract hire vehicle balances
(57.3)
Cash generated from operations
4.9
113.7
Net taxation paid
(0.1)
(6.6)
Bank and stocking interest paid
(0.1)
(45.4)
Bank interest received
4.5
1.9
Lease interest paid
(0.1)
(16.2)
Finance lease interest received
1.0
Net cash inflow from operating activities
9.1
48.4
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of businesses net of fees paid
395.4
1.3
Fees paid in advance of completion on business disposal to Lithia
(6.6)
Cash disposed as part of business disposal
(15.3)
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and intangible assets
3.1, 3.2
(7.5)
(40.2)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, equipment and intangible assets
3.1, 3.2
11.0
Receipt of lease receivables
2.4
Investment in associate
5.2
(10.0)
Other investments
3.6
(3.2)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) in investing activities
374.7
(47.4)
Cash flows from financing activities
Payment of lease liabilities
4.7
(0.5)
(19.0)
Repayment of loans
(93.0)
(4.0)
Proceeds from issue of share capital
30.0
Payment of dividend
(358.4)
Net cash outflow from financing activities
(421.9)
(23.0)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(38.1)
(22.0)
Cash and cash equivalents at start of period
47.4
69.4
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2024/31 January 2024
4.2
9.3
47.4
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
11 month period ended 31 December 2024
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
75
Notes to the Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
1. Basis of preparation
Presented below are those accounting policies that relate to the financial
statements as a whole and includes details of new accounting standards
that are or will be effective for FY24 (being the 11 month period ended
31 December 2024) or later years. To facilitate the understanding of
each note to the financial statements those accounting policies that are
relevant to a particular category are presented within the relevant notes.
On 6 February 2024, the company extended its accounting reference
period to end on 31 January 2024 to match the completion date of the
disposal of the UK Motor and Leasing businesses to Lithia. On 13 February
2024, the company changed it name to Pinewood Technologies Group
PLC (formerly Pendragon PLC). On 11 March 2025, the company
shortened its accounting reference period to end on 31 December 2024.
Pinewood Technologies Group Plc is a Group domiciled in the United
Kingdom. The consolidated financial statements of the Group for the
11 month period ended 31 December 2024 comprise the Group and its
subsidiaries and the Group’s interest in jointly controlled entities, together
referred to as the ‘Group’.
The consolidated financial statements of the Group as at and for the
11 month period ended 31 December 2024 (FY23: 13 month period ended
31 January 2024) have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted
IFRS in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors have elected to prepare its parent Company financial
statements in accordance with FRS 101. These are presented on pages
107 to 114.
The financial statements are presented in millions of UK pounds,
rounded to the nearest £0.1m. They have been prepared under the
historical cost convention and where other bases are applied these are
identified in the relevant accounting policy in the notes below.
Going concern
The directors are, at the time of approving the financial statements,
satisfied that the Group has adequate resources to continue in
operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, they continue to
adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial
statements. The directors have considered the potential impact of a 10%
reduction in revenue. The Group meets its day-to-day working capital
requirements from operating in a net cash position and being a highly
cash generative business. The Group is forecasting a cash inflow of
£15.1m in FY25. The Group also has access to a £10m RCF, which expires
in February 2027.
In the context of the above, the directors have prepared cash flow
forecasts for the period to 31 December 2026 which indicate that, taking
account of reasonably possible downsides, the Group will have sufficient
funds to meet its liabilities as they fall due for that period. The directors
have modelled scenarios as follows:
1.
A base cash flow forecast. The 2025 figures in this forecast are based
on the Group’s FY25 budget, which reflect current run-rates and
expected strategic improvements. The 2026 figures in the base cash
flow forecast are based on the 2025 budget.
2.
A severe, but plausible downside scenario. The directors have also
prepared a sensitised forecast which considers the impact of a
10% reduction in revenue when compared to the base case. In this
scenario, the Group would remain cash generative.
The directors are mindful of the potential impacts to macro-economic
conditions but after assessing the risks do not believe there to be a
material risk to going concern.
Based on the above, the directors are confident that the Group and
company will have sufficient funds to continue to meet its liabilities as they
fall due for at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial
statements, and therefore the directors believe it remains appropriate to
prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.
Judgements
The Group applies judgement in how it applies its accounting policies, which
do not involve estimation, but could materially affect the numbers disclosed
in these financial statements. The following accounting judgements,
without estimation, have been applied in these financial statements.
Internally generated intangible assets relate to activities that involve
the development of the dealer management system by the Group.
The directors consider the dealer management system to be one
separately identifiable intangible asset that is continuously developed.
Accordingly, subsequent expenditure that does not relate to ongoing
maintenance or research activities provides additional future economic
benefit and meets the definition of an intangible asset.
The Group holds a 49% interest in Pinewood North America LLC, which
has the right to sell the Group’s software in the United States of America
and Canada. The Group level of control or influence over Pinewood
North America LLC has been assessed in accordance with IAS 28 and IFRS
10. It has been determined that the Group does not have either control
or joint control but does have significant influence, as such Pinewood
North America LLC has been classified as an associate.
In the 11 month period ended 31 December 2024 the Group provided
software development services to Pinewood North America LLC.
The income from these services has been assessed under the criteria
of IFRS 15 and has been recognised as revenue, which has been reduced
under the equity method consolidation procedures required by IAS 28
to remove the Group’s share of the gain resulting from a downstream
transaction, see note 5.2.
The Group has presented non-underlying items separately within the
income statement. These are items which in management’s judgement
need to be disclosed separately by virtue of their size, nature or
frequency to aid understanding of the performance for the year or
comparability between periods. Non-underlying items includes the
Group’s share of the loss from its associate Pinewood North America LLC,
see the Alternative Performance Measures section below and note 2.8.
Accounting estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with adopted
IFRSs requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period/year. Although these estimates are based on
management’s best knowledge of the amount, events or actions, actual
results ultimately may differ from those estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing
basis. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical
experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable
under the circumstances. The value of capitalised development work
relies on an estimate of the time spent on different development
projects. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period
in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period,
or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects
both current and future periods. The directors do not consider there to
be any areas of estimation uncertainty that could be significant under
IAS 1, ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’, being areas of estimation
uncertainty with a significant risk of a material change to the carrying
value of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.
Climate change
In preparing these financial statements, management has taken
into account climate change risks. This has included reassessing the
estimated useful lives of assets and developing assumptions, used in
determining estimates, by considered potential impacts of climate risks
and the Group’s planned response.
continued
1. Basis of preparation
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
76
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements
of Pinewood Technologies Group PLC, all its subsidiary undertakings
and investments. Consistent accounting policies have been applied in
the preparation of all such financial statements.
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls
an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its
involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns
through its power over the entity.
The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated
financial statements from the date that control commences until the
date that control ceases.
Intragroup balances and any unrealised gains or losses or income
and expenses arising from intragroup transactions, are eliminated
in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
The Group’s interests in associates are accounted for using the equity
method. On initial recognition the investment in an associate is
recognised at cost and the carrying amount is subsequently increased
or decreased to recognise the Group’s share of the profit or loss, other
comprehensive income and changes in equity of the associate after
the date of acquisition. The net investment in an associate is impaired
and impairment losses are incurred if, and only if, there is objective
evidence of impairment as a result of events that occurred after the
initial recognition of the net investment which have an impact on the
estimated future cash flows that can be reliably estimated.
Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective
functional currency of Group entities at the foreign exchange rate
ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are
translated to the functional currency at the foreign exchange rate
ruling at that date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are
measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated
using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are stated
at fair value are translated to sterling at foreign exchange rates
ruling at the dates the fair value was determined. Foreign currency
differences arising on retranslation are recognised in profit or loss.
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill
and fair value adjustments arising on consolidation, are translated
to sterling at foreign exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date.
The revenues and expenses of foreign operations are translated to
sterling at rates approximating to the foreign exchange rates ruling
at the dates of the transactions.
Foreign currency differences arising on the retranslation of a financial
liability designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign
operation are recognised directly in equity, in the foreign currency
translation reserve, to the extent the hedge is effective. To the extent
the hedge is ineffective, such differences are recognised in profit or loss.
When the hedged net investment is disposed of, the cumulative amount
in equity is transferred to profit and loss on disposal.
Cash and cash equivalents
For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents
comprise deposits with banks and financial institutions, bank and
cash balances, and liquid investments, net of bank overdrafts.
Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral
part of the Group’s cash management are included as a component
of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of
cash flows. In the balance sheet, bank overdrafts are included in
current borrowings.
Impairment
The carrying amounts of the Group’s assets, other than deferred
tax assets (see note 2.6), are reviewed at each balance sheet date to
determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such
indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated.
For goodwill the recoverable amount is estimated at each balance
sheet date. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less
costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated
future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax
discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value
of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of
future cash flows have not been adjusted.
In assessing fair value less costs to sell, the estimated future cash flows
are multiplied by an appropriate trading multiple or by assessing the
fair value of the individual assets.
For the purpose of impairment testing, assets are grouped together
into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from
continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows from
other groups of assets (‘the cash generating unit’). The goodwill
acquired in a business combination, for the purpose of impairment
testing is allocated to cash generating units. Management has
determined that there is only one cash generating unit of the Group.
An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of
an asset or its cash generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount.
Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement.
Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash generating units are
allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated
to cash generating units and then, to reduce the carrying amount of the
other assets in the unit on a pro-rata basis.
An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. In respect
of other assets, an impairment loss is reversed if there has been a
change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount.
An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s
carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have
been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment
loss had been recognised. The impact of the current period impairment
review can be seen in note 3.1.
Classification of operating costs
The presentation of operating expenses from the prior period, which
were split between administrative expenses and distribution costs has
been reviewed. It has been concluded that for the remaining Group
these costs should all be classified as administrative expenses. The prior
period classification within note 2.2 has been amended to be consistent
with the current period.
Adoption of new and revised standards and new standards and
interpretations not yet adopted
A number of new standards, amended standards and interpretations
are effective for annual periods beginning after 1 January 2025
and earlier application is permied; however, the Group has not
early adopted the new or amended standards in preparing these
consolidated financial statements. The adoption of the following new
standards, amended standards and interpretations is not expected to
have a material effect on the accounts, with the possible exception of
IFRS18, the impact of which is currently being evaluated.
IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related
Financial Information and IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures
(subject to UK endorsement).
Amendments to the Classification and Measurement of Financial
Instruments – Amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7 (effective date
1 January 2026, subject to UK endorsement).
IFRS 18 ‘Presentation and Disclosure’ in Financial Statements
(effective date 1 January 2027, subject to UK endorsement).
Amendments to IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange
Rates: Lack of Exchangeability (effective date 1 January 2025)
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
77
Alternative performance measures
The Group uses a number of key performance measures (KPIs) which are non-IFRS measures to monitor the performance of its operations.
The Group believes these KPIs provide useful historical financial information to help investors and other stakeholders evaluate the performance
of the business and are measures commonly used by certain investors for evaluating the performance of the Group. The Group will report the
following KPIs on a consistent basis and they are defined and reconciled as follows:
Gross margin %
– gross margin is defined as gross profit as a percentage of revenue.
Operating margin %
– operating margin is defined as operating profit as a percentage of revenue.
Underlying operating profit/profit before tax
– results on an underlying basis exclude items which in management’s judgement need to be
disclosed separately by virtue of their size, nature or frequency to aid understanding of the performance for the year or comparability between
periods. The non-underlying results are shown separately on the face of the consolidated income statement to reconcile from the underlying
to total results. The details of the non-underlying items including their tax impact are shown in note 2.8.
Revenue including intercompany revenue
is reconciled on page 13 of the annual accounts to the nearest GAAP measure
Gross Profit including intercompany revenue
is reconciled on page 13 of the annual accounts to the nearest GAAP measure
Underlying administrative expenses including intercompany revenue
reconciled on page 13 of the annual accounts to the nearest GAAP measure
 
11m period ended
13m period ended
Underlying EBITDA
– underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation.
31 December 2024
31 January 2024
Underlying EBITDA – reconciliation
£m
£m
Underlying operating profit
8.4
10.0
Depreciation and amortisation
5.6
5.6
Underlying EBITDA
14.0
15.6
2. Results and trading
This section contains the notes and information to support the results presented in the income statement.
2.1
Revenue
2.2
Operating profit
2.3
Operating segments
2.4
Staff costs
2.5
Audit fees
2.6
Taxation
2.7
Earnings per share
2.8
Non-underlying items
2.1 Revenue
Accounting policy
Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer and excludes amounts collected on behalf of third parties.
The Group recognises revenue when it transfers control over a product or service to a customer.
The following is a description of principal activities from which the Group generates its revenue categorised by the reportable segments as detailed
in note 2.3.
Software
The Group supplies dealer management systems to motor vehicle dealers. These systems include consultancy, training and installation services
and the right to use the Group’s software over a contractual period. Products and services may be sold separately or in bundled packages.
Examples of a bundled package will include system consultancy, on and off site training for users together with the right for a number of users to
use the software. For bundled packages, the Group accounts for individual products and services separately as they are distinct items, as each
performance obligation within that contract is separately identifiable from other items in the bundled package. The consideration is allocated
between separate products and services in a bundle based on their stand-alone selling prices. The stand-alone selling prices are determined
based on the list prices at which the Group sells these items and are separately identified on the customer’s contract and subsequent invoice.
Products and services
Nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligations and significant payment terms
Software
Pinewood supply its software on a hosting basis and licence specific numbers of users to access this service.
 
As such Pinewood supply ‘Software as a Service’ (SaaS). The software licences are provided only in conjunction
 
with a hosting service, the customer cannot take control of the licence or use the software without the hosting
 
service and as such the customer cannot benefit from the licence on its own and the licence is not separable
 
from the hosting services. Therefore, the licence is not distinct and would be combined with the hosting service.
 
The Group’s assessment of its performance obligation under IFRS 15 of providing SaaS is that revenue is
 
recognised over the period of the contract. SaaS is billed one month in advance of a quarterly billing cycle
 
ensuring payment is received prior to commencement of usage.
Training, Installation and
The Group recognises revenue on the provision of any consultancy time, training and installation at the point of
Consultancy
providing and delivering the service. Consultancy hours are billed at the time of delivery. Training courses are
 
billed at the time of booking which may be in advance of the date the training is scheduled for. Installation hours
 
are billed at the time of completion of the service.
continued
2. Results and trading
continued
2.1 Revenue
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
78
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
Disaggregation of revenue
In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by primary geographical market, major products/service lines and timing of revenue recognition.
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Software
UK Motor
11m period ended
13m period ended
11m period ended
13m period ended
31 December 2024
31 January 2024
31 December 2024
31 January 2024
£m
£m
£m
£m
Primary geographical markets
UK
27.8
21.5
4,235.1
Europe (excl. UK)
1.6
1.6
Africa
0.7
0.6
Asia and Middle East
0.7
0.8
North America
0.4
Revenue from external customers
31.2
24.5
4,235.1
Major products/service lines
Aftersales revenue
343.7
Used vehicle revenue
2,190.2
New vehicle revenue
1,701.2
Software revenue
30.8
24.5
Software development revenue
0.4
Leasing revenue
Revenue from external customers
31.2
24.5
4,235.1
Timing of revenue recognition
At point in time
3.9
2.5
4,221.4
Over time
27.3
22.0
13.7
Revenue from external customers
31.2
24.5
4,235.1
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
79
Discontinued operations
Leasing
Sub total
Total
11m period ended
13m period ended
11m period ended
13m period ended
11m period ended
13m period ended
31 December 2024
31 January 2024
31 December 2024
31 December 2024
31 January 2024
31 January 2024
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
82.9
4,318.0
27.8
4,339.5
1.6
1.6
0.7
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.4
82.9
4,318.0
31.2
4,342.5
343.7
343.7
2,190.2
2,190.2
1,701.2
1,701.2
30.8
24.5
0.4
82.9
82.9
82.9
82.9
4,318.0
31.2
4,342.5
48.0
4,269.4
3.9
4,271.9
34.9
48.6
27.3
70.6
82.9
4,318.0
31.2
4,342.5
continued
2. Results and trading
continued
2.1 Revenue
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
80
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
Contract liabilities
The Group recognises the following contract liabilities:
 
11m period ended
13m period ended
 
31 December –
31 January –
 
£m
£m
Unearned proportion of software as a service sold
7.6
6.5
Customer deposits
0.3
0.2
Contract liabilities have increased by £1.2m as the Group is providing more software services.
2.2 Operating profit
The following items have been included in arriving at operating profit from continuing operations:
 
11m period ended
13m period ended
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
 
£m
£m
Staff costs
18.8
15.1
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
0.6
0.4
Amortisation of intangible assets
5.0
5.2
Capitalisation of software development costs
(7.4)
(6.8)
In the 13 month period ended 31 January 2024 there were £379.6m of operating expenses from discontinued operations. This balance comprised
of: £212.9m of distribution costs; £169.8m of administrative expenses; £0.3m of impairment losses on trade receivables and £3.4m of income
from rents received.
2.3 Operating segments
The Group adopts IFRS 8 “Operating Segments”, which determines and presents operating segments based on information provided to the
Group’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), Bill Berman, Chief Executive Officer. The CODM receives information about the Group overall
and therefore there is one operating segment.
In the 13 month period ended 31 January 2024 there were three reportable segments, as described below, which were the Group’s strategic business
units prior to the disposal of the UK Motor and Leasing segments to Lithia Uk Holding Limited on 31 January 2024. The segments offered different
ranges of products and services and were managed separately because they require their own specialism in terms of market and product. For each
of these segments, the Executive Commiee which is deemed to be the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), reviewed internal management
reports on at least a monthly basis. The review of these management reports enabled the CODM to allocate resources to each segment and form
the basis of strategic and operational decisions, such as acquisition strategy, closure programme or working capital allocation. The following
summary describes the operations in each of the Group’s reportable segments operational in the period:
Software
– This segment comprises the Group’s activities as a dealer management systems provider. For the period from 1 February 2024 this was
the only reportable operating segment of the Group.
UK Motor
– Following the sale of the entire issued share capital of Pendragon NewCo 2 Limited to Lithia UK Holding Limited on 31 January 2024,
the UK Motor segment was a discontinued operation.
Leasing
– Following the sale of the entire issued share capital of Pendragon NewCo 2 Limited to Lithia UK Holding Limited on 31 January 2024,
the Leasing segment was a discontinued operation.
Inter-segment transfers and transactions are entered into under normal commercial terms and conditions that would also be available to unrelated
third parties.
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
81
13 month period ended 31 January 2024
 
Continuing
     
Discontinued
 
 
operations
   
Group
operations
 
 
Software
UK Motor
Leasing
Interest
Sub Total
Total
 
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
Revenue including intercompany amounts
32.0
4,235.1
99.8
4,334.9
4,366.9
Inter-segment revenue
(7.5)
(16.9)
(16.9)
(24.4)
Revenue from external customers
24.5
4,235.1
82.9
4,318.0
4,342.5
 
Continuing
     
Discontinued
 
 
operations
   
Group
operations
 
 
Software
UK Motor
Leasing
Interest
Sub Total
Total
 
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
Operating profit
10.0
124.6
23.0
147.6
157.6
Finance expense
(0.1)
(3.3)
(65.5)
(68.8)
(68.9)
Finance income
 
3.1
3.1
3.1
Segmental profit before tax
9.9
124.6
19.7
(62.4)
81.9
91.8
Other items included in the income statement are as follows:
 
Continuing
     
Discontinued
 
 
operations
   
Group
operations
 
 
Software
UK Motor
Leasing
Interest
Sub Total
Total
 
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
Depreciation and impairment
(0.4)
(24.8)
(28.2)
(53.0)
(53.4)
Amortisation
(5.2)
(0.2)
(0.2)
(0.4)
(5.6)
Share based payments
(5.9)
(5.9)
(5.9)
Other income – profit on the sale of businesses
           
and property, plant and equipment
41.8
41.8
41.8
Geographical information
In the 11 month period to 31 December 2024 the operating segment originates in the United Kingdom. In the 13 month period to the 31 January 2024
the UK Motor and Leasing segments are discontinued operations.
2.4 Staff costs
The average number of people employed by the Group in the following areas was:
     
11m period
   
13m period
     
ended
   
ended
 
Continuing
Discontinued
31 December
Continuing
Discontinued
31 January
 
operations
operations
2024
operations
operations
2024
 
Number
Number
Number
Number
Number
Number
Sales
44
44
33
1,800
1,833
Aftersales
2,500
2,500
Administration and software development
222
222
173
1,049
1,222
 
266
266
206
5,349
5,555
Following the disposal of the UK Motor and Leasing business to Lithia UK Holding Limited on 31 January 2024 employees in the discontinued
operations transferred to the new owners and are no longer employed by the Group.
2. Results and trading
continued
2.4 Staff costs
continued
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
82
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
Costs incurred in respect of these employees were:
     
11m period
   
13m period
     
ended
   
ended
 
Continuing
Discontinued
31 December
Continuing
Discontinued
31 January
 
operations
operations
2024
operations
operations
2024
 
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
Wages and salaries
15.5
15.5
13.3
215.3
228.6
Social security costs
1.9
1.9
1.4
20.9
22.3
Contributions to defined contribution plans
0.4
0.4
0.4
5.8
6.2
Income/(cost) recognised for defined benefit
           
plans
(0.2)
(0.2)
Surplus on disposal of pension scheme
0.5
0.5
Share based payments
1.0
1.0
5.9
5.9
 
18.8
18.8
15.1
248.2
263.3
Information relating to directors’ emoluments, share options and pension entitlements is set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on
pages 50 to 56.
2.5 Audit fees
     
11m period
     
     
ended
   
13m period
 
Continuing
Discontinued
31 December
Continuing
Discontinued
ended
 
operations
operations
2024
operations
operations
31 January
Auditors’ remuneration:
£000
£000
£000
£000
£000
£000
Fees payable to the company’s auditor for the
           
audit of the company’s annual accounts
290.0
290.0
265.0
501.0
766.0
Fees payable to the company’s auditor and its
           
associates for other services
Audit of the Group’s subsidiaries as part of the
           
audit of the Group
50.0
50.0
50.0
400.0
450.0
Audit-related assurance services
167.0
167.0
Other assurance services
425.0
425.0
 
340.0
340.0
315.0
1,493.0
1,808.0
2.6 Taxation
Accounting policy
Income tax comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items
recognised directly in other comprehensive income, in which case it is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the period/year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance
sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.
Deferred tax is recognised using the balance sheet liability method, recognising temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are not recognised:
initial recognition of goodwill, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination that affect neither
accounting nor taxable profit. The amount of deferred tax recognised is based on the expected manner of realisation or selement of the carrying
amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be
utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.
Estimates and judgements
The actual tax on the Group’s profits is determined according to complex laws and regulations. Where the effect of these laws and regulations is
unclear, estimates are used in determining the liability for the tax to be paid on profits which are recognised in the financial statements. The Group
considers the estimates, assumptions and judgements to be reasonable but this can involve complex issues which may take a number of years to
resolve. The final determination of tax liabilities could be different from the estimates reflected in the financial statements but the Group believes
that none has a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the liability within the next financial year.
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
83
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Estimates and judgements
Deferred tax assets and liabilities require management judgement in determining the amounts to be recognised. In particular, judgement is used when
assessing the extent to which deferred tax assets should be recognised with consideration given to the timing and level of future taxable income.
Taxation – Income statement
     
11m period
   
13m period
     
ended
   
ended
     
31 December
   
31 January
 
Continuing
Discontinue
2024
Continuing
Discontinued
2024
 
operations
operations
Total
operations
operations
Total
 
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
UK corporation tax:
           
Current tax on profit for the period
0.4
0.4
1.6
1.6
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
(0.7)
(0.1)
(0.8)
Total current tax
0.4
0.4
0.9
(0.1)
0.8
Deferred tax expense:
           
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
2.1
2.1
0.7
7.6
8.3
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
1.0
1.0
Total deferred tax
2.1
2.1
0.7
8.6
9.3
Total income tax expense in the income statement
2.5
2.5
1.6
8.5
10.1
Factors affecting the tax charge for the period:
     
11m period
   
13m period
     
ended
   
ended
     
31 December
   
31 January
 
Continuing
Discontinued
2024
Continuing
Discontinued
2024
 
operations
operations
Total
operations
operations
Total
 
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
Profit before taxation
8.2
8.2
9.9
81.9
91.8
Tax on profit from continuing operations at UK
           
rate of 25.0% (FY23: 23.64%)
2.1
2.1
2.3
19.4
21.7
Differences:
           
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible
           
in determining taxable profit
0.3
0.3
0.7
0.7
Permanent differences arising in respect of
           
fixed assets
1.1
1.1
Unrecognised losses
0.1
0.1
Employee share option plan
(0.3)
(2.4)
(2.7)
Impact of UK corporation tax rate change
0.3
(1.8)
(1.5)
Non-taxable disposal of investments in
           
subsidiaries
(9.5)
(9.5)
Loss in respect of associates
0.1
0.1
Adjustments to tax charge in respect of
           
previous periods
(0.7)
0.9
0.2
Total income tax expense in the income statement
2.5
2.5
1.6
8.5
10.1
Tax rate
The UK tax rate applying throughout FY24 was 25.0% (FY23: 23.6%), the tax rate increased from 19% to 25% on 1 April 2023. The UK corporation
tax rate applicable to the year ended 31 December 2024 and later periods is 25%.
The adjustment to prior period tax charge of £0.7m in 2023 continuing operations is the release of a historic brought forward liability which has
no probability of requiring payment. This liability related to a historic group relief claim from a joint venture partner where payment for the Group
relief was separately seled. The adjustment to prior period tax charge of £0.9m in 2023 discontinued operations primarily relates to a taxable
reversal of an impairment of amounts due from group undertakings.
continued
2. Results and trading
continued
2.6 Taxation
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
84
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
Pillar 2
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC is not be within scope of the enacted Pillar 2 rules due to revenue being below the threshold of €750m.
Deferred tax assets/(liabilities)
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities
and when the deferred income taxes relate to the same fiscal authority. The deferred tax assets all relate to the UK.
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
 
£m
£m
Deferred tax assets
1.5
Deferred tax liabilities
(4.0)
(0.6)
Deferred tax (liabilities)/assets
(2.5)
(0.6)
The table below outlines the deferred tax (liabilities)/assets that are recognised on the balance sheet, together with their movements in the period;
   
(Charged)
     
   
to
(Charged)
   
   
consolidated
to equity or other
 
At
 
At 1 January
income
comprehensive
 
31 January
 
2023
statement
income
Disposed
2024
 
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
Property, plant and equipment
6.3
(8.7)
2.6
0.2
Retirement benefit obligations
1.0
(3.4)
2.3
0.1
Other short term temporary differences
0.4
1.4
(0.1)
(5.1)
(3.4)
Losses
3.9
1.4
(2.7)
2.6
Tax assets/(liabilities)
11.6
(9.3)
2.2
(5.1)
(0.6)
During FY23 the Group disposed of the UK motor and leasing business along with the an associated current tax asset and deferred tax assets
and liabilities. As part of the disposal LTIPs vested at the end of January 2024 which gave a tax deduction to Pinewood Technologies Group PLC
which could not be group relieved to the UK motor and leasing business due to limitations in the UK group relief rules. The tax deduction on LTIPs
generated a carried forward loss which is expected to be utilised in full against future profits.
   
(Charged)/
     
   
credited to
Credited/(charged)
   
 
At
consolidated
to equity or other
 
At
 
31 January
income
comprehensive
 
31 December
 
2024
statement
income
Disposed
2024
 
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
Property, plant and equipment
0.2
(0.1)
0.1
Other short term temporary differences
(3.4)
(0.4)
0.2
(3.6)
Losses
2.6
(1.6)
1.0
Tax (liabilities)/assets
(0.6)
(2.1)
0.2
(2.5)
Current tax liability
At 31 December 2024 the Group had a current tax liability of £0.1m (FY23 current tax asset of £0.3m).
2.7 Earnings per share
Accounting policy
The Group presents basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit or loss
aributable to ordinary shareholders of the Group by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period. The shares held
by the EBT have been excluded from the calculation until such time as they vest unconditionally with the employees. Diluted EPS is calculated by
dividing the profit and loss aributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue taking account of the
effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares, which comprise of share options granted to employees and LTIPs.
In accordance with IAS 33, the weighted average number of ordinary shares in both the current and prior period has been adjusted for the effects
of the share consolidation and special dividend announced in April 2024, as well as the equity raise completed in February 2025, see note 5.3.
As part of the acquisition of Seez App Holding Limited in March 2025, 2,098,633 new ordinary shares were issued and these shares do not form
part of the EPS calculation, see note 5.3.
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
85
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
11m period
11m period
13m period
13m period
ended
ended
ended
ended
31 December
31 December
31 January
31 January
2024
2024
2024*
2024
Earnings per
Earnings
Earnings per
Earnings
share
Total
share
Total
Earnings per share calculation
pence
£m
pence
£m
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
5.1
5.7
5.6
8.3
Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations
49.6
73.4
Basic earnings per share
5.1
5.7
55.2
81.7
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
5.1
5.7
5.6
8.3
Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations
49.6
73.4
Diluted earnings per share
5.1
5.7
55.2
81.7
 
11m period
13m period
 
ended
ended
 
31 December
31 January
The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share
2024
2024*
is based on the following number of shares in issue (millions):
Number
Number
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue
111.4
147.9
Weighted average number of dilutive shares under option
Weighted average number of shares in issue taking account of applicable outstanding share options
111.4
147.9
Non-dilutive shares under option
2.5
* Restated to adjust for the effects of the share consolidation and special dividend announced in April 2024.
2.8 Non-underlying items
Non-underlying items are items that in management’s judgement need to be disclosed separately by virtue of their size, nature or frequency to aid
understanding of the performance for the year or comparability between periods.
 
11m period
13m period
 
ended
ended
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
 
£m
£m
Within administrative expenses
   
Restructuring and transition costs following the sale of the UK Motor and Leasing businesses to Lithia UK Holding Limited
(2.2)
Share based payments
(1.0)
Transaction costs relating to the sale of the UK Motor and Leasing businesses to Lithia UK Holding Limited
(0.9)
 
(4.1)
Other items
   
Interest arising on cash proceeds from the sale of the UK Motor and Leasing businesses to Lithia UK Holding
   
Limited prior to the payment of the dividend
4.3
Group share of the result from Pinewood North America, LLC
(0.5)
Total non-underlying items before tax in continuing operations
(0.3)
Non-underlying items in tax
(0.4)
Non-underlying items after tax in continuing operations
(0.7)
Non-underlying items in discontinued operations net of tax
73.4
Total non-underlying items after tax
(0.7)
73.4
Some of the transition costs and some of the transaction costs relating to the sale of the UK Motor and Leasing businesses to Lithia UK Holding
Limited shown in the 11 month period ended 31 December 2024 amounting to £1.5m should have been accrued in the prior period. A prior period
adjustment has not been considered necessary as these costs were not material to the prior period accounts.
The Group share of the result from Pinewood North America, LLC, is treated as a non-underlying item. The income and costs in Pinewood
North America, LLC, represent the phase of launching the Group’s system into the North American DMS market. The North American DMS market
is c.20,000 franchised dealerships. Once the Group achieves a market share of 0.1% or 20 dealers, with the Pinewood system fully implemented
in these dealers, the Pinewood share of Pinewood North America, LLC, will be treated as underlying. Until this point, any share of income and
expenditure will be the non-recurring entry phase to the North American market and shown as non-underlying.
The revenue arising from the sale of software development services to Pinewood North America LLC has been shown as part of the underlying
business as it has arisen from Pinewood’s core operating activities, which are the development and sale of software. The software development
revenue of £0.4m (FY23 £0.0m) is shown in note 2.1.
As well as the items included above there is a net £nil charge relating to a transition bonus for Bill Berman which is being funded by Lithia.
Further disclosure in relation to this can be seen in the Directors Remuneration report.
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
86
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
3. Operating assets and liabilities
This section contains the notes and information to support those assets and liabilities presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet that relate to the
Group’s operating activities.
3.1
Intangible assets and goodwill
3.2
Property, plant and equipment
3.3
Trade and other receivables
3.4
Trade and other payables
3.5
Deferred income
3.6
Other Investments
3.7
Profit from discontinued operations
3.1 Intangible assets and goodwill
Accounting policies
All business combinations are accounted for by applying the purchase method. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the
net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquired subsidiary undertakings at the effective date of acquisition
and is included in the balance sheet under the heading of intangible assets. The goodwill is allocated to cash generating units (CGUs), which
are business units and in relation to the prior period also franchise dealer groups. An impairment test is performed annually as detailed below.
Goodwill is then held in the balance sheet at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
Adjustments are applied to bring the accounting policies of acquired businesses into alignment with those of the Group. The costs associated
with reorganising or restructuring are charged to the post acquisition income statement. Fair value adjustments are made in respect of
acquisitions. If at the balance sheet date the fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities can only be
established provisionally then these values are used. Any adjustments to these values made within 12 months of the acquisition date are taken
as adjustments to goodwill.
Internally generated intangible assets relate to activities that involve the development of dealer management systems. Development expenditure
is capitalised only if development costs can be measured reliably, the product is technically and commercially feasible, future economic benefits are
probable and the Group intends to and has sufficient resources to complete development and to use or sell the asset. The expenditure capitalised
includes the costs of labour and overhead costs that are directly aributable to preparing the asset for its intended use. If the development
expenditure does not meet the above criteria it is expensed to the income statement.
Capitalised development expenditure is measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses and is amortised over
a period of five years beginning at the point of capitalisation.
Intangible assets other than goodwill are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and any impairment losses. This category of asset includes
purchased computer software and internally generated intangible assets which are amortised by equal instalments over five years and the fair
value of the benefit of forward sales orders assumed on acquisition, which is amortised by reference to when those orders are delivered.
Subsequent expenditure on capitalised intangible assets is capitalised only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the specific
asset to which it relates. All other expenditure is expensed as incurred.
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
87
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
 
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
 
   
Other
   
Other
   
 
Goodwill
intangibles
Sub Total
Goodwill
intangibles
Sub Total
Total
 
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
Cost
             
At 1 January 2023
0.3
31.1
31.4
398.3
4.9
403.2
434.6
Additions
6.8
6.8
0.2
0.2
7.0
Classified as non-current assets
             
held for sale
(398.3)
(5.1)
(403.4)
(403.4)
At 31 January 2024
0.3
37.9
38.2
38.2
At 1 February 2024
0.3
37.9
38.2
38.2
Additions
7.5
7.5
7.5
Disposals
(1.0)
(1.0)
(1.0)
At 31 December 2024
0.3
44.4
44.7
44.7
Amortisation
             
At 1 January 2023
18.9
18.9
254.0
4.7
258.7
277.6
Amortised during the year
5.2
5.2
0.4
0.4
5.6
Classified as non-current assets
             
held for sale
(254.0)
(5.1)
(259.1)
(259.1)
At 31 January 2024
24.1
24.1
24.1
At 1 February 2024
24.1
24.1
24.1
Amortised during the period
5.0
5.0
5.0
Disposals
(1.0)
(1.0)
     
(1.0)
At 31 December 2024
28.1
28.1
28.1
Carrying amounts
             
At 1 January 2023
0.3
12.2
12.5
144.3
0.2
144.5
157.0
At 31 January 2024
0.3
13.8
14.1
14.1
At 31 December 2024
0.3
16.3
16.6
16.6
 
11m period
13m period
 
ended
ended
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
The following have been recognised in the income statement within net operating expenses:
£m
£m
Amortisation of internally generated intangible assets
5.0
5.2
Amortisation of other intangible assets
0.4
Research and development costs (expensed)
1.6
1.6
3.1 Intangible assets and goodwill
Accounting policies
continued
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
88
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
continued
3. Operating assets and liabilities
continued
Goodwill is allocated across a single cash-generating unit. This is the lowest level at which cash-generating units are formed. Therefore there is
a consistent approach to performing the annual impairment test to assess the carrying value of this amount is taken. This value was determined
by comparing the carrying value of the asset with the higher of its fair value less costs to sell (where value is determined by applying a trading
multiple to the estimated future cash flow or by assessing the depreciated replacement cost of the individual assets) and value in use (where value is
determined by discounting the future cash flows generated from the continuing use of the unit and was based on the following key assumptions):
The CGU’s goodwill carrying value has been based on its value in use. There is significant headroom between the carrying value of the goodwill asset
and the value in use and as such no sensitivity disclosures are relevant as at 31 December 2024.
Goodwill has been reviewed for any possible impairment and as a result of this review there was no impairment charge made during the period
(FY23: £nil).
3.2 Property, plant and equipment
Accounting policy
Freehold land is not depreciated. Depreciation is provided to write off the cost less the estimated residual value of other assets by equal instalments
over their estimated useful economic lives. On transition to IFRS as at 1 January 2004, all land and buildings were restated to fair value as permied
by IFRS 1, which is then treated as the deemed cost. All other assets are initially measured and recorded at cost.
Depreciation rates are as follows:
Freehold buildings – 2% per annum
 
Right of use assets – over the period of the lease
 
Leasehold property improvements – 2% per annum or over the period of the lease if less than 50 years
 
Fixtures, fiings and office equipment – 10 – 33% per annum
 
Plant and machinery – 10 – 33% per annum
 
Motor vehicles – 20 – 25% per annum
The residual value of all assets, depreciation methods and useful economic lives, if significant, are reassessed annually.
The Group recognises in the carrying amount of an item of property, plant and equipment the cost of replacing part of such an item when that cost
is incurred if it is possible that the future economic benefits embodied with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured
reliably. All other costs are recognised in the income statement as an expense as incurred.
Gains and losses on disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds from disposal with the
carrying amount of property, plant and equipment and are recognised net within other income in the income statement.
The depreciation charge in respect of property, plant and equipment is recognised within administrative expenses within the income statement.
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
89
 
Continuing operations
 
Land &
Plant &
Motor
 
 
buildings
equipment
vehicles
Sub Total
 
£m
£m
£m
£m
Cost
       
At 1 January 2023
0.3
2.0
2.3
Additions
1.4
0.1
1.5
Business disposals
Other disposals
Contract hire vehicles transferred to inventory
Classified as non-current assets held for sale
At 31 January 2024
1.7
2.1
3.8
At 1 February 2024
1.7
2.1
3.8
Additions
0.2
1.0
1.2
Disposals
(1.8)
(1.8)
At 31 December 2024
1.7
0.5
1.0
3.2
Depreciation
       
At 1 January 2023
0.3
2.0
2.3
Charge for the period
0.4
0.4
Disposals
Contract hire vehicles transferred to inventory
Classified as non-current assets held for sale
At 31 January 2024
0.7
2.0
2.7
At 1 February 2024
0.7
2.0
2.7
Charge for the period
0.4
0.1
0.1
0.6
Disposals
(1.8)
(1.8)
At 31 December 2024
1.1
0.3
0.1
1.5
Carrying amounts
       
At 1 January 2023
At 31 January 2024
1.0
0.1
1.1
At 31 December 2024
0.6
0.2
0.9
1.7
continued
3. Operating assets and liabilities
continued
3.2 Property, plant and equipment
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
90
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
Discontinued operations
Land &
Plant &
Motor
Contract hire
buildings
equipment
vehicles
vehicles
Sub Total
Total
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
Cost
At 1 January 2023
692.0
83.1
2.4
220.0
997.5
999.8
Additions
18.3
9.4
0.4
55.6
83.7
85.2
Business disposals
(0.1)
(0.1)
(0.1)
Other disposals
(33.9)
(4.2)
(0.1)
(38.2)
(38.2)
Contract hire vehicles
transferred to inventory
(53.3)
(53.3)
(53.3)
Classified as non-current
assets held for sale
(676.4)
(88.2)
(2.7)
(222.3)
(989.6)
(989.6)
At 31 January 2024
3.8
At 1 February 2024
3.8
Additions
1.2
Disposals
(1.8)
At 31 December 2024
3.2
Depreciation
At 1 January 2023
327.8
57.9
0.8
95.1
481.6
483.9
Charge for the period
18.0
6.7
28.3
53.0
53.4
Disposals
(32.4)
(3.9)
(36.3)
(36.3)
Contract hire vehicles
transferred to inventory
(36.3)
(36.3)
(36.3)
Classified as non-current
assets held for sale
(313.4)
(60.7)
(0.8)
(87.1)
(462.0)
(462.0)
At 31 January 2024
2.7
At 1 February 2024
2.7
Charge for the period
0.6
Disposals
(1.8)
At 31 December 2024
1.5
Carrying amounts
At 1 January 2023
364.2
25.2
1.6
124.9
515.9
515.9
At 31 January 2024
1.1
At 31 December 2024
1.7
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
91
 
11m period
13m period
 
ended
ended
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
 
£m
£m
The following items have been charged to the income statement as operating expenses during the period:
   
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment – leased
0.4
12.3
Depreciation of contract hire vehicles – leased
0.1
28.3
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment – owned
0.1
12.8
 
11m period
13m period
 
ended
ended
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
Cash flow statement information
£m
£m
Additions to property, plant, equipment and intangible assets:
   
Additions to land and buildings
(19.7)
Additions to plant and equipment
(0.2)
(9.5)
Additions to motor vehicles
(1.0)
(0.4)
Additions to intangible assets (see note 3.1)
(7.5)
(7.0)
Total additions
(8.7)
(36.6)
Additions to property, plant and equipment of disposal group held for sale
(8.6)
Less additions to intangibles where cost is accrued
0.2
Less additions of property, plant and equipment acquired under leases for which no cash flow arises
   
(excludes fees capitalised of £0.0m (FY23: £0.7m))
1.0
5.0
Cash flows from investing activities in respect of additions to property, plant and equipment
(7.5)
(40.2)
continued
3. Operating assets and liabilities
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
92
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
3.3 Trade and other receivables
Accounting policy
Trade and other receivables are recognised initially at fair value and are subsequently stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method,
less any impairment losses.
Impairment losses are measured in accordance with IFRS 9, which is based on an ‘expected credit loss’ (ECL) model. At 31 December 2024 and
31 January 2024 the allowance for ECLs on financial assets are not material.
The Group considers a trade or other receivable to be in default when the borrower is unlikely to pay its credit obligations to the Group in full after
all reasonable actions have been taken to recover the debt.
Credit risk management
The Group is exposed to credit risk primarily in respect of its trade receivables and financial assets. Trade receivables are stated net of provision
for estimated impairment losses. Exposure to credit risk in respect of trade receivables is mitigated by the Group’s policy of only granting credit to
certain customers after an appropriate evaluation of credit risk.
Before granting any new customer credit terms the Group uses external credit scoring systems to assess the potential new customer’s credit quality
and defines credit limits by customer. These limits and credit worthiness are regularly reviewed and use is made of monitoring alerts provided by the
providers of the credit scoring systems. The Group has no customer that represents more than 5% of the total balance of trade receivables.
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
Balance sheet
£m
£m
Trade receivables
9.2
3.6
Allowance for doubtful debts
(0.6)
(0.5)
 
8.6
3.1
Proceeds receivable in respect of sale of business to Lithia UK Holding Limited
377.5
Other receivables
12.8
41.2
 
21.4
421.8
All amounts are due within one year.
All trade receivables are classified as loans and receivables and held at amortised cost in the current period and prior year.
The average credit period taken on sales of goods is 92 days (FY23: 29 days). No interest is charged on trade receivables. The Group makes
an impairment provision based on the expected credit losses it deems likely to incur. The calculation is based on an average of previous default
experiences which is assessed against the risk of the current total in light of current economic expectations. An expense has been recognised in
respect of impairment losses during the 11 month period of £0.2m (FY23: £0.3m).
The trade receivables at 31 December 2024 includes £5.5m due from Lithia UK Holdings Ltd, which is a related party, see note 5.1. In addition,
trade receivables at 31 December 2024 also includes £1.1m due from Pinewood North America LLC.
Other receivables includes £11.1m (FY23: £40.3m) owed by Lithia UK Holding Limited in relation to the selement of intra-group balances arising
from the sale of the UK Motor and Leasing businesses. The balance was seled in full by March 2025.
The ageing of trade and other receivables at the reporting date was:
 
Trade
Other
Trade
Other
 
receivables
receivables
receivables
receivables
 
31 December
31 December
31 January
31 January
 
2024
2024
2024
2024
 
£m
£m
£m
£m
Not past due
3.9
12.1
2.8
418.7
Past due 0-30 days
2.7
0.1
Past due 31-120 days
2.2
0.1
Past due 120+ days
0.4
0.6
 
9.2
12.1
3.6
418.7
Provision for impairment
(0.6)
(0.5)
 
8.6
12.1
3.1
418.7
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
93
The movement in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade receivables during the period was as follows:
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
 
£m
£m
Balance at 1 February 2024/1 January 2023
0.5
0.3
Utilisation
(0.1)
(0.3)
Impairment loss recognised
0.2
0.8
Reclassified as assets held for sale
(0.3)
Balance at 31 December 2024/31 January 2024
0.6
0.5
The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates their fair value.
3.4 Trade and other payables
Accounting policy
Trade and other payables are recognised initially at fair value and are subsequently stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method,
less any write-offs.
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
Balance sheet
£m
£m
Trade payables
2.1
0.5
Other taxation and social security
1.3
3.3
Accruals and customer deposits
7.6
19.2
 
11.0
23.0
Non-current
Current
11.0
23.0
 
11.0
23.0
Trade payables are classified as other financial liabilities. Fair value is deemed to be the same as carrying value.
3.5 Deferred income
Software as a Service
The Group invoices customers of its Dealer Management System on a Software as a Service basis and is billed one month in advance of a
quarterly billing cycle. Revenue and income are recognised over the quarter billed and any unrecognised income is held within deferred income.
Movements for FY24 are stated gross to include external and intra group income. All amounts recognised as deferred income as at 31 January 2024
and 1 January 2023 were recognised as income during the subsequent period.
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024*
 
£m
£m
At 31 January 2024/31 December 2022
6.5
4.4
Created in the period
28.4
30.1
Recognised as income during the period
(27.3)
(28.0)
At 31 December 2024/31 January 2024
7.6
6.5
* Restated to amend the opening balance at 31 December 2022 and to include what were previously inter-group revenues within Recognised as income during the period.
3.6 Other investments
Other investments is comprised solely of the Group’s investment in Seez App Holding Ltd (Seez). Seez is an automotive AI company which boasts
a broad product portfolio built on market leading proprietary technology, which includes its AI Chatbot along with several other AI SaaS modules.
In September 2024 the Group entered into an advance subscription agreement with Seez under the terms of which the Group invested USD
4.2 million in exchange for 9.1% of the share capital of Seez.
Under IFRS 9 the investment is classified as Fair Value Through Profit or Loss. At the balance sheet date the Group holds the investment at the
cost on initial recognition. An assessment has been made as to whether subsequent fair value adjustments are required. In March 2025 the Group
acquired the outstanding 90.9% of the share capital of Seez for a total consideration of USD 42.0 million, which is approximately the same price per
share as the initial investment, as such the initial cost is considered to be the most appropriate estimate of fair value as at 31 December 2024.
continued
3. Operating assets and liabilities
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
94
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
3.7 Profit from discontinued operations
Discontinued Operations
During the 13 month period to 31 January 2024, the Group agreed to sell its entire motor and leasing businesses together with related central
activities to Lithia UK Holding Limited. The proceeds from the sale of businesses and selement of intra-group balances net of fees paid
was £395.4m. The sale received shareholder approval in October 2023 and completed on 31 January 2024, the balance sheet date of the
FY23 report. The motor business, leasing business and related central activities were classified as a disposal group held for sale in October 2023.
The comparative consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income has been represented to show these discontinued
operations separately from continuing operations. The US Motor business is now classified as continuing as operations continue in administering
the final transactions of that business.
The results of the discontinued operations and other financial information relating to the discontinued operation for FY23 is set out below.
Income statement
 
13m period
 
ended 31 January
 
2024
Results from discontinued operations
£m
Revenue
4,318.0
Cost of sales
(3,832.6)
Gross profit
485.4
Operating expenses
(379.6)
Operating profit before other income
105.8
Other income – gains on the sale of businesses and property, plant and equipment
41.8
Operating profit
147.6
Finance expense
(68.8)
Finance income
3.1
Net finance costs
(65.7)
Profit before taxation
81.9
Income tax (expense)
(8.5)
Profit for the period
73.4
4. Financing activities and capital structure
This section contains the notes and information to support the elements of both debt and equity financing as presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
4.1
Accounting policies
4.2
Financial instruments and derivatives
4.3
Net financing costs
4.4
Capital and reserves
4.5
Dividends
4.6
Share based compensation
4.7
Leases
4.1 Accounting policies
IFRS 9 requires an entity to recognise a financial asset or a financial liability in its statement of financial position when it becomes party to the
contractual provisions of the instrument. At initial recognition, an entity measures a financial asset or a financial liability at its fair value plus
or minus, in the case of a financial asset or a financial liability not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly aributable
to the acquisition or issue of the financial asset or the financial liability. Subsequent to initial recognition financial assets and financial liabilities are
classified and measured as described below.
Financial assets
IFRS 9 classifies assets according to the business model for their realisation, as determined by the expected contractual cashflows.
This classification determines the accounting treatment, and the classification under IFRS 9 is by reference to the accounting treatment
i.e. amortised cost, fair value through other comprehensive income or fair value through profit and loss.
A financial asset is measured at amortised cost if both of the following conditions are met:
the asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets in order to collect contractual cash flows; and
the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the
principal amount outstanding.
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
95
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Financial assets are therefore classified and measured in these financial statements at amortised cost.
The Group recognises loss allowances for expected credit losses (ECLs) on financial assets measured at amortised cost, debt investments measured
at FVOCI and contract assets (as defined in IFRS 15).
The Group measures loss allowances at an amount equal to lifetime ECL, except for other debt securities and bank balances for which credit risk
(i.e. the risk of default occurring over the expected life of the financial instrument) has not increased significantly since initial recognition which are
measured as 12-month ECL.
Loss allowances for trade receivables and contract assets are always measured at an amount equal to lifetime ECL.
When determining whether the credit risk of a financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition and when estimating ECL,
the Group considers reasonable and supportable information that is relevant and available without undue cost or effort. This includes both
quantitative and qualitative information and analysis, based on the Group’s historical experience and informed credit assessment and including
forward-looking information.
The Group assumes that the credit risk on a financial asset has increased significantly if it is more than 30 days past due.
The Group considers a financial asset to be in default when:
the borrower is unlikely to pay its credit obligations to the Group in full, without recourse by the Group to actions such as realising security
(if any is held); or
the financial asset is more than 90 days past due.
Lifetime ECLs are the ECLs that result from all possible default events over the expected life of a financial instrument.
12-month ECLs are the portion of ECLs that result from default events that are possible within the 12 months after the reporting date (or a shorter
period if the expected life of the instrument is less than 12 months).
The maximum period considered when estimating ECLs is the maximum contractual period over which the Group is exposed to credit risk.
Measurement of ECLs
ECLs are a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses. Credit losses are measured as the present value of all cash shortfalls (i.e. the difference
between the cash flows due to the entity in accordance with the contract and the cash flows that the Group expects to receive). ECLs are discounted
at the effective interest rate of the financial asset.
Credit-impaired financial assets
At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether financial assets carried at amortised cost and debt securities at FVOCI are credit-impaired.
A financial asset is ‘credit-impaired’ when one or more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial
asset have occurred.
Write-offs
The gross carrying amount of a financial asset is wrien off (either partially or in full) to the extent that there is no realistic prospect of recovery.
Impairment of financial assets
IFRS 9 adopts an expected credit loss approach (ECL). The IFRS 9 approach does not require a credit event (an actual loss or a debt past a number
of days due) to occur but is based on changes in expectations of credit losses. IFRS 9 also requires that impairment of financial assets be shown
as a separate line item in either the statement of comprehensive income or the income statement.
   
31 December
31 January
   
2024
2024
Financial assets
IFRS 9 classification
£m
£m
Trade and other receivables
Amortised cost
21.4
421.8
Cash and cash equivalents
Amortised cost
9.3
47.4
Trade and other receivables
– see note 3.3
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and demand deposits, and other short term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible
to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.
Loans and borrowings
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less aributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition,
interest-bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption value being recognised in the income
statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis. The effective interest basis is a method of calculating the amortised
cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest payments over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts
estimated future cash payments through the expected life of the financial liability, or where appropriate, a shorter period.
Trade and other payables
– see note 3.4
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
96
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
continued
4. Financing activities and capital structure
4.2 Financial instruments and derivatives
Cash and cash equivalents
 
Carrying value &
Carrying value &
 
fair value
fair value
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
 
£m
£m
Bank balances and cash equivalents
9.3
47.4
Cash and cash equivalents in the Balance Sheet
9.3
47.4
Bank overdrafts repayable on demand and used for cash management in the Balance Sheet
Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows
9.3
47.4
Bank overdrafts reflect the aggregated overdrawn balances of Group companies (even if those companies have other positive cash balances)
Borrowings
As at 31 December 2024, borrowing facilities comprised of a £10m RCF with Barclays Bank, expiring in February 2027.
As at 31 December 2024, total facility commitments and expiry are as set out below:
 
Expiry date
£m
RCF
February 2027
10.0
At the date of this report the RCF remains undrawn.
For the 11 month period to 31 December 2024, the following margins and fees were in place:
   
Commitment
 
Current margin
(non-utilisation) fee
RCF
2.50%
1.00%
For the 11 month period to 31 December 2024, the following covenants were in place:
The R&D adjusted net leverage covenant is calculated as the ratio of net borrowings at the end of each relevant period to R&D adjusted EBITDA.
This ratio cannot exceed 2.00 times. At the final reported covenant end period of 31 December 2024, reported to Barclays, the ratio was 0.0 times.
The R&D adjusted interest cover covenant is calculated as the ratio of R&D adjusted EBITDA for each relevant period to gross financing costs
for such relevant period. This ratio must exceed 4.00 times. At the final reported covenant end period of 31 December 2024, reported to Barclays,
the ratio was 35.42 times.
Summary of borrowings
 
Carrying
 
Carrying
 
 
value
Fair value
value
Fair value
 
31 December
31 December
31 January
31 January
 
2024
2024
2024
2024
 
£m
£m
£m
£m
Non-current:
       
Other loan notes
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
Lease liabilities
0.7
0.7
0.6
0.6
Total non-current
0.9
0.9
0.8
0.8
Senior Facilities Agreement (SFA)
93.0
93.0
Lease liabilities
0.7
0.7
0.4
0.4
Total current
0.7
0.7
93.4
93.4
Total borrowings
1.6
1.6
94.2
94.2
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
97
Reconciliation of movements of liabilities to cash flows arising from financing activities
13 month period ended 31 January 2024
Borrowings
Equity
Long term
Finance
Share
Other
Retained
borrowings
Lease
capital
reserves
earnings
Total
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
At 1 January 2023
92.7
217.9
69.9
75.5
135.6
591.6
Cash flows from financing activities
Payment of lease liabilities
(19.0)
(19.0)
Repayment of loans
(4.0)
(4.0)
Proceeds from issue of loans (net of directly
aributable transaction costs)
Disposal of leases as part of business disposal
(207.0)
(207.0)
(4.0)
(226.0)
(230.0)
Other changes
The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates
(0.1)
(0.1)
New leases undertaken – non cash
10.0
10.0
Issue of ordinary shares to the benefit of the EBT
for which no cash flow arises
3.3
(3.3)
Disposal of leases – non cash
(0.5)
(0.5)
Liability-related: Lease expenses – non cash
(0.4)
(0.4)
Liability-related: Amortisation of fees
and expenses
4.5
4.5
Equity-related : Total other changes
(12.6)
92.1
79.5
At 31 January 2024
93.2
1.0
73.2
62.8
224.4
454.6
11 month period ended 31 December 2024
Borrowings
Equity
Long term
Share
Other
Retained
borrowings
Leases
capital
reserves
earnings
Total
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
At 1 February 2024
93.2
1.0
73.2
62.8
224.4
454.6
Cash flows from financing activities
Payment of lease liabilities
(0.5)
(0.5)
Repayment of loans
(93.0)
(93.0)
Proceeds from issue of share capital
13.9
16.1
30.0
Payment of dividend
(358.4)
(358.4)
(93.0)
(0.5)
13.9
16.1
(358.4)
(421.9)
Other changes
The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates
0.1
0.1
New leases undertaken – non cash
1.0
1.0
Liability-related: Lease expenses through
operating activities
(0.1)
(0.1)
Equity-related: Total other changes
6.9
6.9
At 31 December 2024
0.2
1.4
87.1
79.0
(127.1)
40.6
Interest payments in respect of the above borrowings are reported in operating cash flows in the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement.
4. Financing activities and capital structure
continued
4.2 Financial instruments and derivatives
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
98
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
continued
Fair value hierarchy
Financial instruments carried at fair value are required to be measured by reference to the following levels:
Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly
(i.e. derived from prices)
Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs)
The effective interest rates for all borrowings are all based by reference to SONIA. Leases are effectively held at fixed rates of interest within the
range set out below. Information regarding classification of balances and interest, the range of interest rates applied in the period to 31 December
2024 and repricing periods, is set out in the table below.
   
Carrying
       
   
value
 
Interest
Interest
Repricing
 
Classification
£m
Classification
classification
rate range
periods
 
Loans and
 
Amortised
   
6 months
Bank balances and cash equivalents
receivables
9.3
cost
Floating GBP
0% to 3.5%
or less
Borrowings
           
Non-current:
           
 
Other
         
 
financial
 
Amortised
     
Other loan notes
liabilities
0.2
cost
Fixed GBP
12.50%
n/a
 
Other
         
 
financial
 
Amortised
     
Lease liabilities
liabilities
0.7
cost
Fixed GBP
10.00%
n/a
 
Other
         
 
financial
         
Total non-current
liabilities
0.9
       
 
Other
         
 
financial
 
Amortised
 
N/A – not
6 months
RCF
liabilities
cost
Floating GBP
drawn
or less
 
Other
         
 
financial
 
Amortised
     
Lease liabilities
liabilities
0.7
cost
Fixed GBP
10.00%
n/a
Total current
 
0.7
       
Total borrowings
 
1.6
       
The carrying amounts of the Group’s borrowings are denominated in the following currencies:
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
 
£m
£m
Pound sterling
1.6
94.2
Treasury policy, financial risk, funding and liquidity management
Financial risk management
During the period, the Group was exposed to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:
Funding and liquidity risk – the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due.
Credit risk – the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations,
and arises principally from the Group’s receivables from customers and investment securities.
Market risk – the risk that changes in market prices, such as interest rates and foreign exchange rates, have on the Group’s financial performance.
The Group’s quantitative exposure to these risks is explained throughout these financial statements whilst the Group’s objectives and management
of these risks is set out below.
Treasury policy and procedures
Group treasury maers are managed within policy guidelines set by the Board with prime areas of focus being liquidity and interest rate exposure.
Management of these areas is the responsibility of the Group’s treasury function. The Board does not permit the speculative use of derivatives.
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
99
Funding and liquidity management
The Group is financed primarily by RCF and operating cash flow. The RCF is a commied facility which matures within appropriate timescales and
is maintained at levels in excess of planned requirements.
The maturity of non-current borrowings is as follows, excluding lease liabilities:
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
 
£m
£m
Between 1 and 2 years
Between 2 and 5 years
0.2
0.2
 
0.2
0.2
The Group has £0.2m of loan notes outstanding with a contractual repayment date of March 2027. The maturities therefore represent the final
repayment dates for these facilities and the total cash outflows associated with all borrowings, assuming interest rates remain at the same rates
as at the period/year end, are estimated on an undiscounted basis as follows:
 
Carrying
Contractual
Within 6
6–12
1-2
2-5
over 5
31 December 2024
amount
cashflows
months
months
years
years
years
RCF
Loan notes
0.2
0.3
0.3
 
0.2
0.3
0.3
Leases liabilities
1.4
1.5
0.4
0.4
0.5
0.2
Trade payables
2.1
2.1
2.1
       
Accruals and other payables
8.9
8.9
8.9
 
12.6
12.8
11.4
0.4
0.5
0.5
 
Carrying
Contractual
Within 6
6–12
1-2
2-5
over 5
31 January 2024
amount
cashflows
months
months
years
years
years
RCF
SFA
93.0
94.9
94.9
Loan notes
0.2
0.3
0.3
 
93.2
95.2
94.9
0.3
Lease liabilities
1.0
1.1
0.3
0.2
0.5
0.1
Trade payables
0.5
0.5
0.5
 
94.7
96.8
95.7
0.2
0.5
0.4
The Group has the following undrawn borrowing facilities:
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
 
£m
£m
Expiring in 1-2 years
70.0
Expiring in 2-5 years
10.0
 
10.0
70.0
Interest rate risk management
The objective of the Group’s interest rate policy is to minimise interest costs whilst protecting the Group from adverse movements in interest rates.
Borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk whereas borrowings issued at fixed rates expose the Group to
fair value interest rate risk. The Group does not actively manage cash flow interest rate risk and it is normal Group policy to borrow on a floating
rate basis. Given that the Group is expected to remain cash positive, interest rate sensitivity risk is not relevant.
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
100
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
continued
4. Financing activities and capital structure
continued
4.2 Financial instruments and derivatives
Foreign exchange risk management
The Group faces currency risk in respect of its net assets denominated in currencies other than sterling. On translation into sterling, movements
in currency will affect the value of these assets. The Group’s policy is therefore to match, where possible, net assets in overseas subsidiaries which
are denominated in a foreign currency with borrowings in the same currency. With very lile US assets at the year end there is no material hedging
requirement so the Group has no USD borrowings (FY23: nil) against its net assets held in overseas subsidiaries.
Hedges of net investments in overseas operations
A gain or loss in respect of an effective hedge of a net investment in an overseas operation is recognised directly in equity. Any ineffective portion
of the hedge is recognised in the income statement.
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
 
£m
£m
Foreign exchange gains/(losses) on translation of net investments to sterling at balance sheet date
0.1
(0.1)
Net exchange gain/(loss) recognised within translation reserve in equity
0.1
(0.1)
The Group is financed primarily by RCF and operating cash flow. The RCF is a commied facility which matures within appropriate timescales and
is maintained at levels in excess of planned requirements.
Capital management
The Group views its financial capital resources as primarily comprising share capital, cash generated through operating cashflow and access
to an RCF, which nonetheless is expected to remain largely undrawn. As the Group’s business is Software as a Service (SaaS), involving payment
of licence fees in advance for periods of use, the Group is expected to remain cash positive.
4.3 Finance income and Finance expense
Accounting policy
Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested that are recognised in profit and loss. Interest income is recognised as it accrues
in profit and loss, using the effective rate method.
Finance expense comprises interest expense on borrowings, unwinding of the discount on provisions recognised in profit and loss. All borrowing
costs are recognised in profit and loss using the effective interest method.
Finance expense
 
11m period
13m period
 
ended
ended
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
Continuing operations – Recognised in profit and loss
£m
£m
Interest payable on leases
0.1
0.1
Interest on borrowings, RCF commitment and arrangement fees
0.2
Total finance expense in continuing operations
0.3
0.1
Discontinued operations – Recognised in profit and loss
   
Interest payable on bank borrowings, SFA, Senior note and loan notes
15.6
Vehicle stocking plan interest
30.1
Interest payable on leases
16.2
Costs incurred on early redemption of SFA
4.1
Less: interest capitalised
(0.5)
Total interest expense being interest expense in respect of financial liabilities held at amortised cost
65.5
Unwinding of discounts in contract hire residual values
3.3
Total finance expense in discontinued operations
68.8
Total finance expense
0.3
68.9
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
101
Finance income
 
11m period
13m period
 
ended
ended
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
 
£m
£m
Net interest on pension scheme obligations
0.2
Bank interest receivable
4.7
1.9
Interest receivable on finance leases
1.0
Total finance income
4.7
3.1
All of the finance income in the prior period was received in discontinued operations
4.4 Capital and reserves
Ordinary share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly aributable to the issue of ordinary shares are recognised as a deduction from
equity, net of any tax effects.
 
31 December
31 December
31 January
31 January
Alloed, called up and fully paid shares of £1.00 each at 31 December 2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
and alloed, called up and fully paid shares of £0.05 each at 31 January 2024
Number
£m
Number
£m
At 31 January 2024/31 December 2022
1,462,923,523
73.2
1,396,944,405
69.9
Share issues
279,388,917
13.9
65,979,118
3.3
Share consolidation
(1,655,196,818)
At 31 December 2024/31 January 2024
87,115,622
87.1
1,462,923,523
73.2
On 22 April 2024 the company undertook a capital reorganisation whereby 1 new ordinary share of 100 pence each was issued for every 20 existing
ordinary shares of 5 pence each.
On 1 February 2024 a further 279,388,880 were issued to Lithia Motors, Inc. for a consideration of 10.7377 pence per share, totalling £30.0m
pursuant to the business disposal agreement. This equated to 13,969,444 further shares, following the 1 for 20 capital reorganisation.
The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings
of the Group. All shares rank equally with regard to the Group’s residual assets.
Share premium
The share premium account relates to the proceeds received in excess of the nominal value of shares issued, net of any transaction costs.
Capital redemption reserve
The capital redemption reserve arose following the purchase by the Group of its own shares in FY23 and comprises the amount by which
distributable profits were reduced on these transactions in accordance with s733 of the Companies Act 2006. There were no transfers into the
capital redemption reserve during the period in respect of shares purchased by the Group and subsequently cancelled.
Other reserves
Other reserves included the amount of demerger reserve arising on the demerger of the Group from Williams Holdings PLC in 1989. During FY23
the Company restructured it’s investments resulting in a reclassification of £12.6m in respect of the merger reserve to the profit and loss reserve.
Own shares held by Employee Benefit Trust (EBT)
Transactions of the Group-sponsored EBT are included in the Group financial statements. In particular, the trust’s purchases of shares in the Group,
which are classified as own shares, are debited directly to equity through retained earnings. When own shares are sold or reissued the resulting
surplus or deficit on the transaction is also recognised within retained earnings.
The market value of the investment in the Group’s own shares at 31 December 2024 was £0.0m (31 January 2024: £24.2m), being 0.0m (FY23: 66.6m)
shares with a nominal value of £1.00p each, acquired at an average cost of £1.00 each (FY23: £0:05). 66.6m shares were transferred to employees by the
Trust on 1 February 2024 for the selement of the share options which vested on the sale of the UK Motor and Leasing businesses. These options all vested
and were accounted for in the prior year however processed by the Trust on 1 February 2024. The trustee of the EBT is Accuro Trustees (Jersey) Limited.
Dividends on the shares owned by the trust, the purchase of which were funded by interest free loans to the trust from Pinewood Technologies Group
PLC, are waived. All expenses incurred by the trust are seled directly by Pinewood Technologies Group PLC and charged in the accounts as incurred.
The trust is regarded as a quasi subsidiary and its assets and results are consolidated into the financial statements of the Group.
Translation reserve
The translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations as well
as from the translation of liabilities held to hedge the respective net investment in foreign operations.
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
102
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
continued
4. Financing activities and capital structure
4.5 Dividends
A dividend of 490p per ordinary share amounting to a total of £358.4m was paid on 7 May 2024 (FY23: nil) as communicated to shareholders in the
circular to shareholders dated October 2023 in respect of the sale of part of the business to Litha Motors Inc. Lithia UK Holding Limited, who held
13,969,444 ordinary shares waived their right to a dividend as per the terms of the business sale outlined in the afore mentioned circular.
4.6 Share based compensation
Accounting policy
The Group operates an employee share option scheme. The fair value at the date at which the share options are granted is recognised in the income
statement on a straight line basis over the vesting period, taking into account the number of options that are expected to vest. The fair value of
the options granted is measured using an option pricing model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted.
The number of options that are expected to become exercisable is reviewed at each balance sheet date and if necessary estimates are revised.
The primary performance metric for the 2024 LTIP awards will be measured on absolute Total Shareholder Return (TSR) of the Company.
The following threshold (10%. p.a.), target (15% p.a.), stretch (25% p.a.) and super stretch (37.5% p.a.) targets are to apply, which will be measured
off the starting market capitalisation of £191m as at 1 February 2024. The absolute TSR condition is a market-based performance condition: this
has been incorporated into the fair value calculation. The TSR performance period is from 1 February 2024 to 15 July 2027.
Executive share options
The number and weighted average exercise prices of share options is as follows:
   
 
Weighted
Number
Weighted
Number
 
average
of
average
of
 
exercise
options
exercise
options
 
price
millions
price
millions
 
FY24
FY24
FY23
FY23
Outstanding at the start of the period
0.00p
636.0p
0.1
Granted during the period
0.00p
0.00p
Lapsed during the period
0.00p
636.0p
(0.1)
Exercised during the period
0.00p
636.0p
(0.1)
Outstanding at the end of the period
0.00p
0.00p
A share consolidation took place in FY24 and so the FY23 comparator has been adjusted for comparative purposes.
Executive Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
The number and weighted average exercise prices of executive LTIPs is as follows:
   
 
Weighted
Number
Weighted
Number
 
average
of
average
of
 
exercise
options
exercise
options
 
price
millions
price
millions
 
FY24
FY24
FY23
FY23
Outstanding at the start of the period
0.00p
0.0p
3.2
Granted during the period
351.5p
2.5
0.0p
0.8
Lapsed during the period
0.00p
0.0p
(0.7)
Exercised during the period
0.00p
0.0p
(3.3)
Outstanding at the end of the period
351.5p
2.5
0.0p
A share consolidation took place in FY24 and so the FY23 comparator has been adjusted for comparative purposes. The LTIP options outstanding
at 31 December 2024 have an exercise price in the range of £2.15 and £2.58 and have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.54 years.
Movements in the number of options to acquire ordinary shares under the Group’s LTIP, together with the outstanding position at 31 December
2024 were as follows:
   
           
At 31
   
At 31 January
     
December
   
2024
Granted
Lapsed
Exercised
2024
Exercise period
Date of grant
Number
Number
Number
Number
Number
15 July 2027
15 July 2024
2,475,729
2,475,729
   
2,475,729
2,475,729
All options are seled by physical delivery of shares. The fair value at the date at which the share options are granted is recognised in the income
statement on a straight line basis over the vesting period, taking into account the number of options that are expected to vest. The number of
options that are expected to become exercisable is reviewed at each balance sheet date and if necessary estimates are revised. The fair value
of the services received in return for the LTIPs is measured by reference to the fair value of the LTIPs granted.
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
103
The table below is in respect of the LTIPs granted in the year.
   
Period ended
 
Other
31 December
CEO & CFO
employee
2024
LTIPs
LTIPs
Number of share options granted in period
1,547,330
928,399
Weighted average share price (pence)
351.50
351.50
Weighted average exercise price (pence)
351.50
351.50
Expected volatility (%)
47.89%
50.79%
Expected life (years)
5.0
3.0
Risk free interest rate (%)
4.32%
4.09%
Expected volatility in the table above in respect of the 2024 award was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group’s share price
over the corresponding historical period. The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the
effects of exercise restrictions and associate turnover.
Deferred Share Plan (DSP)
During 2024, Bill Berman, CEO, was granted an award in July 2024 under the DSP equal to the value of his 2023 bonus (equal to £850,000) over shares.
This DSP will vest three years from grant, in July 2027, to align with the vesting period of the 2024 LTIP, subject to continued service. Consistent with the
approach taken for the 2024 LTIP awards, a share price of 206 pence was used to determine the number of shares awarded (412,621 shares). The DSP
options outstanding at 31 December 2024 have an exercise price of £3.52 and have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.54 years.
The maximum total fair value of the LTIP and DSP is £6.7m. £5.3m relates to LTIPs and £1.4m relates to DSP.
Income statement
The estimate of the fair value of the services received in respect of share options issued to the CEO and CFO was measured using the Finnerty
option pricing model. The estimate of the fair value of the services received in respect of share options issued to employees excluding the CEO and
CFO was measured using a Stochastic option pricing model. The estimate of the fair value of the services received in respect of the Deferred Share
Plan issued to the CEO was measured using the Black-Scholes pricing model.
The Group recognised a total net expense of £1.0m (FY23: £5.9m) as an employee benefit cost in respect of all equity-seled share based payment
transactions included within administration costs.
4.7 Leases
Accounting policies
Leases as a lessee
At inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys
the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right
to control the use of an identified asset, the Group uses the definition of a lease in IFRS 16. This policy is applied to contracts entered into, on or after
1 January 2019.
The Group recognises a right of use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right of use asset is initially measured at cost,
and subsequently at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability.
Cost comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any initial direct costs incurred less any lease incentives received. Depreciation
is recognised on a straight line basis over the period of the lease the right of use asset is expected to be utilised.
The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted by the
interest rate implicit in the lease or when this is not readily aainable, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate. Lease payments include fixed rental
payments and amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee. Generally the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate as the
discount rate. The Group determines its incremental borrowing rate by obtaining interest rates from various external financing sources and makes
certain adjustments to reflect the terms of the lease and type of the asset leased.
The lease liability is subsequently increased by the interest cost on the lease liability and reduced by payments made. It is remeasured when there
is a change in future lease payments arising from a change of index or rate, a variation in amounts payable following contractual rent reviews and
changes in the assessment of whether an extension/termination option is reasonably certain to be exercised. When the lease liability is remeasured
in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying
amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero.
The Group presents right-of-use assets that do not meet the definition of investment property in ‘property, plant and equipment’ and lease
liabilities in ‘loans and borrowings’ in the Balance Sheet.
The Group has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases of low-value assets and short-term leases. The Group
recognises the lease payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Balance sheet
The Group has a property lease with three years six months to expiry. This lease does not contain an extension clause. The lease has a break clause
allowing the Group to terminate the agreement earlier than the lease expiry date. The Group has applied judgement in that unless it is reasonably
certain that such a break option will be exercised, the calculation of the lease liability and right of use asset is made up to the expiry date of the
lease. The Group has also entered into lease agreements on a fleet of motor vehicles. At the 31 December 2024 the Group was leasing 47 vehicles
under a three year lease agreements which all expire in 2027.
Right of use assets are presented as part of property, plant and equipment as presented in note 3.2.
4. Financing activities and capital structure
continued
4.7 Leases
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
104
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
continued
Right of use assets
Land &
Motor
buildings
vehicles
Total
£m
£m
£m
Balance at 1 January 2023
130.5
130.5
Additions to right of use assets
5.7
5.7
Depreciation charge
(12.3)
(12.3)
Disposals of right of use assets
(1.1)
(1.1)
Classified as non-current assets held for sale
(122.0)
(122.0)
Balance at 31 January 2024
0.8
0.8
Balance at 1 February 2024
0.8
0.8
Additions to right of use assets
1.0
1.0
Depreciation charge
(0.3)
(0.1)
(0.4)
Balance at 31 December 2024
0.5
0.9
1.4
Lease liabilities
Land &
Motor
buildings
vehicles
Total
£m
£m
£m
Balance at 1 January 2023
(217.9)
(217.9)
Additions to right of use assets
(5.3)
(5.3)
Interest expense related to lease liabilities
(12.2)
(12.2)
Repayment of lease liabilities (including interest element)
26.3
26.3
Transfer of liability to Liabilities held for sale as part of a disposal group
208.1
208.1
Balance at 31 January 2024
(1.0)
(1.0)
Non-current
(0.6)
(0.6)
Current
(0.4)
(0.4)
Balance at 31 January 2024
(1.0)
(1.0)
Balance at 1 February 2024
(1.0)
(1.0)
Additions to right of use assets
(1.0)
(1.0)
Interest expense related to lease liabilities
0.1
0.1
Repayment of lease liabilities
0.4
0.1
0.5
Balance at 31 December 2024
(0.5)
(0.9)
(1.4)
Non-current
(0.4)
(0.3)
(0.7)
Current
(0.1)
(0.6)
(0.7)
Balance at 31 December 2024
(0.5)
(0.9)
(1.4)
The calculation of the lease liability and the right of use asset relies upon the estimation of a suitable interest rate. The Group has applied rates
to represent the different types of leases it has by applying its incremental borrowing rate for shorter term leases and a higher rates based upon
market rates for borrowing against equivalent assets with similar risk profiles in specific markets for medium to longer term leases.
Other future possible cash outflows not included in the lease liability include the payment of dilapidations in respect of properties where the lease
contains specific condition of return clauses. Whilst the Group endeavours to maintain its properties to a high standard it is likely that such payments
will be made in the future when lease contracts end.
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
105
Amounts recognised in profit or loss
 
11m period
13m period
 
ended
ended
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
 
£m
£m
Depreciation of right of use assets
0.4
12.3
(Losses) on the disposal, termination and assignment of leases (non-underlying)
(0.1)
Interest on lease liabilities
0.1
16.2
Expense relating to variable lease payments not included in lease liabilities
0.2
Expenses relating to low value leases
0.8
Expenses relating to short term leases
0.2
3.0
Expenses relating to variable lease payments not included in lease liabilities relate to the payment of dilapidation claims made on properties.
5. Other notes
This section contains the notes and information relating to acquisitions and disposals and related party transactions:
5.1
Related party transactions
5.2
Interest in associate
5.3
Post balance sheet events
5.1 Related party transactions
Subsidiaries
The Group’s ultimate parent Company is Pinewood Technologies Group PLC. A listing of subsidiaries is shown within the financial statements of the
Group on page 112.
Transactions with key management personnel
The key management personnel of the Group comprise the executive and non-executive directors. The details of the remuneration, long term
incentive plans, shareholdings, share option and pension entitlements of individual directors are included in the Directors’ Remuneration Report
on pages 50 to 56.
Directors of the Group and their immediate relatives control 0.1% of the ordinary shares of the Group.
During the period/year key management personnel compensation was as follows:
 
11m period
13m period
 
ended
ended
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
 
£m
£m
Short term employee benefits
2.4
3.1
Post-employment benefits
0.1
Share based payments (including the charge recognised for the accelerated vesting in the period ending
   
31 January 2024)
0.7
2.3
 
3.1
5.5
During the year Group companies entered into the following transactions with related parties who are not members of the Group. Lithia UK Holding
Ltd owned more than 25% of the Group’s outstanding shares during the period and has appointed two non-executive directors to the Board. In
accordance with IAS 24 Lithia UK Holding Ltd is considered to have significant influence and has therefore been categorised as a related party.
 
11m period ended
11m period ended
   
 
31 December
31 December
31 December
31 December
 
2024
2024
2024
2024
 
Sale of
Purchase of
Amounts owed
Amounts owed
 
services
services
by related parties
to related parties
 
£m
£m
£m
£m
Pinewood North America LLC
0.4
1.2
Lithia UK Holding Ltd
8.7
0.6
16.6
The Group has not made any allowance for bad or doubtful debts in respect of related party debtors nor has any guarantee been given or received
during 2024 or 2023 regarding related party transactions.
Transactions and outstanding balances between the parent and its subsidiaries within the Group and between those subsidiaries have been
eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note.
continued
5. Other notes
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
106
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
5.2 Interest in Associate
The Group holds a 49% interest in Pinewood North America LLC, which has the exclusive right to sell the Group’s software in the United States
of America and Canada. The principle place of business of Pinewood North America LLC is the United States of America.
The tables below summarises the financial information of Pinewood North America LLC as included in its own financial statements for the period
1 February 2024 to 31 December 2024, adjusting for differences in accounting policies but not for cut-off differences on the timing of payments
to the Group. The Group obtained its 49% interest in Pinewood North America LLC following a cash contribution of £10.0m on 1 February 2024.
As the Group had no interest in Pinewood North America LLC in the 13 month period ended 31 January 2024 period no comparative figures
for this period are presented.
The elimination of the profit on downstream sales of £0.4m is held in deferred income.
 
31 December
 
2024
 
£m
Non-current assets
0.8
Current assets
18.8
Current liabilities
(0.1)
Non-current liabilities
Net assets
19.5
Group’s share of net assets 49%
9.6
Elimination of unrealised profit on downstream sales
Carrying amount of interest in associate
9.6
 
11m period
 
ended
 
31 December
 
2024
 
£m
Operating loss
(1.7)
Finance Income
0.7
Profit from operations after tax
(1.0)
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income
(1.0)
Group’s share of total comprehensive income (49%)
(0.5)
Details of the related party transactions with Pinewood North America LLC as set out in note 5.1. The carrying value of the investment has been
assessed for impairment.
5.3 Post balance sheet events
On 14 February 2025 the Group entered into a five year contract with Global Auto Holdings Plc to implement the Pinewood Automotive Intelligence
platform. In recognition of the significant scale of this contract, Pinewood has issued warrants to an affiliate of Global Auto Holdings in respect
of a maximum of 6,098,093 ordinary shares up to an equivalent of 7% of the current issued share capital of Pinewood, which shall be exercisable
at a strike price of 330.0p in tranches subject to the satisfactory completion of the installation of the Pinewood Automotive Intelligence platform.
On 19 February 2025, the Group entered into a new 5 year lease on its London office with a break clause in December 2025 and an annual rent of £0.1m.
On 21 February 2025, the Group announced the results of an equity fundraise by way of a cash placing to institutional investors, a separate retail
offer, and direct subscriptions to the company. In total, 11,325,031 new ordinary shares of £1.00 each in the company were subscribed for at a price
of 315 pence per share. Total gross proceeds from the fundraise were £35.7m.
On 25 February 2025, the Group’s shares commenced trading on the OTCQX
®
Best Market (OTCQX) in the US under the symbol “PINWF”.
The company’s ordinary shares will continue to trade on the main market of the London Stock Exchange. No new ordinary shares will be issued
as part of the commencement of trading on OTCQX.
On 4 March 2025, the acquisition of Seez App Holding Limited, an automotive AI & ML SaaS platform, completed for a total consideration
of $42 million (totalling £33.3 million), with £22.8 million payable in cash to certain sellers on completion of the acquisition, £3.9 million payable
on completion of the acquisition to the holders of certain ESOP options over shares in the capital of Seez and which will be cash-cancelled at
completion of the acquisition, and the balance, £6.6 million, paid through the issue of 2,098,633 new ordinary shares of £1.00 in the company
to certain sellers. As a result, the Group now has 100,539,286 ordinary shares in issue. The initial fair value exercise has not been performed given
the timing of the transaction. Details of the acquisition accounting will be included in the FY25 interim results. The acquisition is expected to be
significantly earnings accretive by FY26, being the first full year under Pinewood’s ownership.
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
107
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Company statement of comprehensive income
11 month period ended 31 December 2024
 
11m period
13m period
 
ended
ended
 
31 December
31 January
 
2024
2024
Notes
£m
£m
Loss for the period
(0.9)
(8.6)
Other comprehensive (expense)/income
   
Items that will never be reclassified to profit and loss:
   
Defined benefit plan remeasurement (losses) and gains
(9.9)
Income tax relating to defined benefit plan remeasurement (losses) and gains
2.3
Other comprehensive (expense) for the period, net of tax
(7.6)
Total comprehensive (expense) for the period
(0.9)
(16.2)
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
108
Statement of changes in equity
11 month period ended 31 December 2024
Share
Capital
Share
premium
redemption
Other
Retained
capital
account
reserves
reserve
earnings
Total
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
Balance at 1 January 2023
69.9
56.8
5.6
13.9
365.4
511.6
Total comprehensive expense for 2024
Loss for the period
(8.6)
(8.6)
Other comprehensive expense for the year, net of tax
(7.6)
(7.6)
Total comprehensive expense for the year
(16.2)
(16.2)
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Issue of ordinary shares
3.3
(3.3)
Share based payments
5.9
5.9
Income tax relating to share based payments
(0.1)
(0.1)
Own shares issued by EBT
(13.9)
13.9
Own shares purchased by EBT
1.0
1.0
Total contributions by and distributions to owners
3.3
(13.9)
17.4
6.8
Balance at 31 January 2024
73.2
56.8
5.6
366.6
502.2
Balance at 1 February 2024
73.2
56.8
5.6
366.6
502.2
Total comprehensive expense
for the period
Loss for the period
(0.9)
(0.9)
Other comprehensive expense
for the period, net of tax
Total comprehensive expense
for the period
(0.9)
(0.9)
Transactions with owners, recorded directly
in equity
Issue of ordinary shares
13.9
16.1
30.0
Share based payments
1.0
1.0
Income tax relating to share based payments
0.1
0.1
Dividends paid
(358.4)
(358.4)
Total contributions by and distributions
to owners
13.9
16.1
(357.3)
(327.3)
Balance at 31 December 2024
87.1
72.9
5.6
8.4
174.0
The notes on pages 110 to 114 form part of these financial statements.
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
109
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Company Balance Sheet
At 31 December 2024
   
31 December
31 January
   
2024
2024
 
Notes
£m
£m
Fixed assets
     
Investment in subsidiaries
4
184.3
547.1
Other investments
4
3.2
   
187.5
547.1
Current assets
     
Debtors
5
14.6
43.4
Deferred tax assets (all due in over 1 year)
8
1.3
2.6
Cash at bank and in hand
 
3.7
34.5
   
19.6
80.5
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
6
(32.9)
(125.2)
Net current liabilities
 
(13.3)
(44.7)
Total assets less current liabilities
 
174.2
502.4
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
7
(0.2)
(0.2)
Net assets
 
174.0
502.2
Capital and reserves
     
Called up share capital
10
87.1
73.2
Share premium account
10
72.9
56.8
Capital redemption reserve
10
5.6
5.6
Profit and loss account
 
8.4
366.6
Equity shareholders’ funds
 
174.0
502.2
The loss after taxation aributable to the company dealt with in its own accounts for the 11m period ended 31 December 2024 is £0.9m
(13m Jan24: loss of £8.6m).
Approved by the Board of directors on 1 April 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
W Berman
Chief Executive
O Mann
Chief Financial Officer
The notes on pages 110 to 114 form part of these financial statements.
Registered Company Number: 02304195
110
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Notes to the financial statements of the Company
1. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
Pinewood Technologies Group Plc is a company incorporated and domiciled in England, UK. The company changed its name from Pendragon PLC
to Pinewood Technologies Group Plc on 13 February 2024.
These financial statements were prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (‘FRS 101’).
In preparing these financial statements, the company applies the recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements of UK-adopted
international accounting standards (“Adopted IFRSs”), but makes amendments where necessary in order to comply Companies Act 2006 and has
set out below where advantage of the FRS 101 disclosure exemptions has been taken.
These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as explained in note 1 of the Group Financial Statements.
In these financial statements, the company has applied the exemptions available under FRS 101 in respect of the following disclosures:
Cash Flow Statement and related notes;
Comparative period reconciliations for share capital;
Disclosures in respect of transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries;
Disclosures in respect of capital management;
The effects of new but not yet effective IFRSs;
Disclosures in respect of the compensation of Key Management Personnel.
Disclosures of transactions with a management entity that provides key management personnel services to the company;
Certain disclosures required by IAS 36 Impairments of Assets in respect of the impairment of assets.
As the consolidated financial statements of the company include the equivalent disclosures, the company has also taken the exemptions under
FRS 101 available in respect of the following disclosures:
IFRS 2 Share Based Payments in respect of group seled share based payments;
Certain disclosures required by IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement and the disclosures required by IFRS 7 Financial Instrument Disclosures.
The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented in these
financial statements.”
Judgements
The company applies judgement in how it applies its accounting policies, which do not involve estimation, but could materially affect the numbers disclosed
in these financial statements. The only key accounting judgement applied in these financial statements is that the dividend received from Pendragon
Group Holdings Limited was a return of investment.
Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with FRS 101 requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period/year.
Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the amount, events or actions, actual results ultimately may differ from those
estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical
experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the
period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. The directors consider the impairment assessment
of the value in use of the company’s investment in Pendragon Group Holdings Limited to be a key estimate applicable to the financial statements,
which has a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year or in
the long-term.
In preparing these financial statements, management has taken into account climate change risks. This has included reassessing the estimated
useful lives of assets and developing assumptions, used in determining estimates, by considered potential impacts of climate risks and the Group’s
planned response.
Deferred taxation
Full provision is made for deferred taxation on all timing differences which have arisen but have not reversed at the balance sheet date,
except as follows:
(i) tax payable on the future remiance of the past earnings of subsidiaries is provided only to the extent that dividends have been accrued
as receivable or a binding agreement to distribute all past earnings exists;
(ii) deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is more likely than not that they will be recovered.
Deferred tax is measured on a non-discounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the timing differences
reverse, based on tax rates and laws substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
111
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Financial Statements
Directors’ Report
Impairment excluding deferred tax assets
Financial assets (including trade and other debtors)
A financial asset not carried at fair value through profit or loss is measured for impairment losses in accordance with IFRS 9 using an expected credit
loss (ECL) model. The impairment model applies to financial assets measured at amortised cost. The calculation of ECLs are a probability-weighted
estimate of credit losses. For trade receivables, the company applies the simplified approach set out in IFRS 9 to measure expected credit losses
using a lifetime expected credit loss allowance. The company considered trade or other receivables, including intercompany receivables, to be
in default when the borrower is unlikely to pay its credit obligations to the company in full after all reasonable actions have been taken to recover
the debt.
Non-financial assets
The carrying amounts of the company’s non-financial assets, other than deferred tax assets, are reviewed at each reporting date to determine
whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated.
The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in
use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments
of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For the purpose of impairment testing, assets that cannot be tested individually are
grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows
of other assets or groups of assets (the cash-generating unit’).
An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or its CGU exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Impairment losses are
recognised in profit or loss. Impairment losses recognised in respect of CGUs are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill
allocated to the units, and then to reduce the carrying amounts of the other assets in the unit (group of units) on a pro rata basis.
Investments
Investments held as fixed assets are stated at cost less any impairment losses.
Employee benefits – Share based payments
The company operates a number of employee share option schemes. The fair value at the date at which the share options are granted is recognised
in profit and loss on a straight line basis over the vesting period, taking into account the number of options that are expected to vest. The number of
options that are expected to become exercisable is reviewed at each balance sheet date and if necessary estimates are revised.
Dividends
Dividends proposed by the Board and unpaid at the end of the period are not recognised in the financial statements until they have been approved
by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. Interim dividends are recognised when they are paid.
Own shares held by EBT trust
Transactions of the group-sponsored ESOP trust are included in the company financial statements. In particular, the trust’s purchases and sales
of shares in the company are debited and credited directly to equity.
Auditor’s remuneration
Amounts receivable by the company’s auditor and its associates in respect of services to the company and its associates, other than the audit of
the company’s financial statements, have not been disclosed as the information is required instead to be disclosed on a consolidated basis in the
consolidated financial statements.
Profit and loss account
In accordance with the exemption allowed by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the profit and loss account of the company is not presented.
2. Directors
Total emoluments of key management personnel (including pension contributions) amounted to £3.1m (FY23: £5.5m). Information relating
to directors’ emoluments, share options (including share gains) and pension entitlements is set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages
50 to 56.
3. Dividends
A dividend of 490p per ordinary share amounting to a total of £358.4m was paid on 7 May 2024 (FY23: nil) as communicated to shareholders in the
circular to shareholders dated October 2023 in respect of the sale of part of the business to Litha Motors Inc. Lithia UK Holding Limited, who held
13,969,444 ordinary shares waived their right to a dividend as per the terms of the business sale outlined in the afore mentioned circular.
112
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Notes to the financial statements of the Company
continued
4. Investments
Shares in
subsidiary
undertakings
£m
Cost
At 31 December 2022
981.2
Additions due to group restructuring
547.1
Additions to investments for share based payment arrangements
3.6
Disposals due to group restructuring
(984.8)
At 31 January 2024
547.1
At 1 February 2024
547.1
Dividend received from Pendragon Group Holdings Ltd
(362.8)
At 31 December 2024
184.3
Impairment
At 31 December 2022
Impairment charge due to disposal transaction
(242.5)
Impairment charge for share based payment arrangements
(3.6)
Disposals due to group restructuring
246.1
At 31 January 2024
At 1 February 2024
Impairment charge
At 31 December 2024
Carrying amounts
At 31 December 2022
981.2
At 31 January 2024
547.1
At 31 December 2024
184.3
At the period end, the company holds an investment in Pendragon Group Holdings Limited only, which has been assessed for impairment on a value
in use basis. In assessing the carrying value of investments in subsidiary undertakings, an assessment of the recoverable amount of each investment
has been undertaken in line with IAS 36. When assessing the carrying value, the value was determined by the higher of its value in use and its fair value less
costs to sell. The directors have considered and assessed reasonably possible changes to the key assumptions used in determining the recoverable
amounts and have performed sensitivities on these key assumptions. This assessment resulted in the reasonably possible key assumption changes
not leading to any impact on the carrying value of investments in subsidiary undertakings at 31 December 2024.
Full details of the company’s other investments are given in note 3.6 to the consolidated financial statements. Shares in subsidiary undertakings are
stated at cost. Pinewood Technologies Group PLC owns directly or indirectly 100 percent of the issued ordinary share capital and voting rights of the
following subsidiaries.
Incorporated in Great Britain
having a registered office at 2960 Trident Court, Solihull Parkway, Birmingham, B37 7YN:
Pendragon Group Holdings Limited. *
Pinewood Technologies PLC.
Pendragon Overseas Limited.
Pinewood Computers Limited.
Incorporated in the United States of America
having a registered office at 2171 Campus Dr Ste 260, Irvine, California:
Pendragon North America Automotive, Inc. being a merger of the following companies:
Penegon West, Inc.
Bauer Motors, Inc.
Penegon Mission Viejo, Inc.
Penegon Properties, Inc.
Penegon Newport Beach, Inc.
Penegon East, Inc.
Incorporated in Sweden
having a registered office at Eversheds Sutherland, Strandvägen, Box 11451, 104 40, Stockholm.
Pinewood Technologies Northern Europe AB
Incorporated in Japan
having a registered office at Saiwai Building 9th floor, 3-1 Uchisaiwai-cho 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Pinewood DMS Japan GK
Incorporated in the United States of America
having a registered office at Corporation Trust Centre 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington. Delaware.
Pinewood US Holdings LLC
* Direct subsidiary of Pinewood Technologies Group PLC.
113
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Financial Statements
Directors’ Report
5. Debtors
31 December
2024
£m
31 January
2024
£m
Amounts due within one year:
Amounts owed by Lithia UK Holdings Ltd
11.1
40.3
Other debtors
1.9
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
1.6
3.1
14.6
43.4
The amount of £11.1m owed by Lithia UK Holding Limited was due in relation to the selement of intra-group balances arising from the sale of the
UK Motor and Leasing businesses. The balance was seled in full by March 2025. Other debtors includes £1.2m owed by Pinewood North America
LLC. Full details of related party transactions are disclosed in note 5.1 of the Group accounts.
Expected credit losses in respect of trade and other intercompany receivables are deemed immaterial.
6. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
31 December
2024
£m
31 January
2024
£m
Other creditors and accruals
4.5
5.4
Other taxation and social security
2.1
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings
28.4
24.7
Senior Term Finance Agreement
93.0
32.9
125.2
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings are repayable on demand but may remain outstanding indefinitely.
7. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
31 December
2024
£m
31 January
2024
£m
Other loan notes
0.2
0.2
Full details of the company’s borrowings including security and maturity are given in note 4.2 to the consolidated financial statements.
8. Deferred tax
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities
and when the deferred income taxes relate to the same fiscal authority. There are no offset amounts as follows:
31 December
2024
£m
31 January
2024
£m
Deferred tax assets
1.3
2.6
The movement in the deferred tax assets for the period is as follows:
Retirement
benefit
obligations
£m
Other
provisions
£m
Losses
£m
Total
£m
At 1 January 2023
1.0
0.9
1.9
Credited/(Charged) to income statement
(3.4)
(0.8)
2.6
(1.6)
Credited/(Charged) to equity
2.3
(0.1)
2.2
Disposal
0.1
0.1
At 31 January 2024
2.6
2.6
At 1 February 2024
2.6
2.6
Charged to income statement
(1.4)
(1.4)
Credited to equity
0.1
0.1
At 31 December 2024
1.3
1.3
114
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
9. Share based payments
Details of share schemes in place for the Group of which the company participates as at 31 December 2024 are fully disclosed above in note 4.6
of this report.
10. Called up share capital and reserves
Alloed, called up and fully paid shares of £1.00 each at 31 December 2024 and alloed,
called up and fully paid shares of £0.05 each at 31 January 2024
Number
£m
At 31 January 2024
1,462,923,523
73.2
Share issues
279,388,917
13.9
Share consolidation
(1,655,196,818)
At 31 December 2024
87,115,622
87.1
Full details of the share issue and share consolidation are given in note 4.4 to the consolidated financial statements. Movements in the number
of options to acquire ordinary shares under the Group’s various share option schemes, together with exercise prices are fully disclosed above
in note 4.6 of this report.
Transactions of the Group-sponsored EBT are included in the company’s financial statements. In particular, the trust’s purchases of shares in
the company, which are classified as own shares, are debited directly to equity through retained earnings. When own shares are sold or reissued
the resulting surplus or deficit on the transaction is also recognised within retained earnings.
The market value of the investment in the Group’s own shares at 31 December 2024 was £0.0m (31 January 2024: £24.2m), being 0.0m
(FY23: 66.6m) shares with a nominal value of £1.00p each, acquired at an average cost of £1.00 each (FY23: £0:05). 66.6m shares were
transferred to employees by the Trust on 1 February 2024 for the selement of the share options which vested on the sale of the UK Motor
and Leasing businesses. These options all vested and were accounted for in the prior year however processed by the Trust on 1 February 2024.
The trustee of the EBT is Accuro Trustees (Jersey) Limited.
Dividends on the shares owned by the trust, the purchase of which were funded by interest free loans to the trust from Pendragon PLC, are waived.
All expenses incurred by the trust are seled directly by Pendragon PLC and charged in the accounts as incurred.
Share premium
The share premium account relates to the proceeds received in excess of the nominal value of shares issued, net of any transaction costs.
Capital redemption reserve
The capital redemption reserve arose following the purchase by the Group of its own shares in FY23 and comprises the amount by which
distributable profits were reduced on these transactions in accordance with s733 of the Companies Act 2006. There were no transfers into the
capital redemption reserve during the period in respect of shares purchased by the Group and subsequently cancelled.
Other reserves
Other reserves included the amount of demerger reserve arising on the demerger of the Group from Williams Holdings PLC in 1989. During FY23
the company restructured its investments resulting in a reclassification of £13.9m in respect of the merger reserve to the profit and loss reserve.
11. Related party transactions
Identity of related parties.
The company has related party relationships with its subsidiaries, Lithia UK Holdings Limited, Pinewood North America LLC and with its key
management personnel.
Transactions with related parties.
The transactions with Lithia UK Holdings Limited and Pinewood North America LLC and directors of the company are set out in note 5.1 to the
consolidated financial statements.
12. Parental Guarantee
The UK registered subsidiaries of Pinewood Technologies Group Plc have taken an exemption from audit per Section 479A of the Companies
Act for the 11 month period ended 31 December 2024. Pinewood Technologies Group Plc will guarantee the debts and liabilities for Pendragon
Group Holdings Limited, Pinewood Technologies Plc, Pendragon Overseas Limited and Pinewood Computers Limited, which have claimed
the statutory audit exemption at the balance sheet date of 31 December 2024 in accordance with Section 479C of the Companies Act 2006.
The company has assessed the probability of loss under the guarantee as remote.
Notes to the financial statements of the Company
continued
115
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
Strategic Report
Financial Statements
Directors’ Report
Advisors, banks and shareholder information
Financial Calendar FY24
1 April 2025
date of this Report
1 April 2025
preliminary announcement of FY24 results
Auditor
RSM UK Audit LLP, Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants
103 Colmore Row
Birmingham
B3 3AG
Banks
Lloyds Banking Group plc
Barclays PLC
Handelsbanken AB
Mizuho Financial Group Inc
U.S. Bancorp Inc
Closed in FY24
Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Allied Irish Banks plc
HSBC Bank plc
Stockbrokers
Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG
Jefferies International Limited
Solicitors
CMS Cameron McKenna
Nabarro Olswang LLP
Geldards LLP
Eversheds LLP
AMT Lawyers Ltd
Stock Classification
The company’s ordinary shares are traded on the London Stock
Exchange. Investment codes for Pinewood’s shares are:
London Stock Exchange: PINE
OTCQX Market: PINWF
Bloomberg: PINE.LN
GlobalTOPIC and Reuters: PINE.L
Share dealing service
Pinewood’s company registrar offers a share dealing service,
provided by Link Asset Services (a trading name of Link Market
Services). Details appear at www.linksharedeal.com
Shareholder and investor information
Making some of our corporate materials and policies available on our
website reduces the length of this Report. This year we have placed
certain background information on policy and governance on our
website. We also display historic financial reports and have a section
on company news, which we regularly update on www.pinewood.ai
Geing company reports online
Reduces the environmental impacts of report distribution. To choose
online only reporting, visit the share portal and register for electronic
form reporting, or contact our registrar, whose details are:
Registrar and shareholder enquiries
Link Asset Services
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent
BR3 4TU
shareholderenquiries@linkgroup.co.uk
Tel: 0871 644 0300
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC Annual Report FY24
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Pinewood Technologies Group PLC
2960 Trident Court,
Solihull Parkway,
Birmingham B37 7YN
www.pinewood.ai