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2025-02-01 15:35 Lookers plc Q3 Trading Update Released : 06 Oct 2021 RNS Number : 12660 Lookers PLC 06 October 2021 6 October 2021 Q3 Trading Update LOOKERS plc Q3 Trading Update Strong performance in challenging conditions and increase in full year expectations Lookers plc , one of the leading UK motor retail and aftersales service groups , today provides a trading update covering the three month period ended 30 September 2021 ( " Q3 " or the " Period " ) and an increase in the Board's expectations for underlying profit before tax for the full year . Trading Update Trading in Q3 remained strong and above the Board's expectations driven by new vehicle market outperformance , excellent new and used vehicle margins and continued tight cost and working capital control . The well documented global shortage of semi - conductors has continued to place increasing pressure throughout Q3 on the supply and availability of new vehicles , with used vehicles in strong demand as a consequence . During the Period the UK new car market declined by 31.1 % . The Group continued to outperform this by approximately 3.4 percentage points supported by the Group's significantly improved omni - channel customer experience . In the important registration plate change month of September , the UK new car market declined by 34.4 % . Supply of used vehicles also remained restricted during the Period . Like - for - like used unit sales were down 16.9 % in Q3 versus strong comparatives . This was more than offset by unprecedented margin retention driven by ongoing strong customer demand and improvement to the Group's stock management processes . Aftersales revenues in the Period remained robust and on a like - for - like basis were 3.5 % below last year . Financial Position The Board retains its focus on cash management and liquidity . At 30 September 2021 , the Group had a net cash balance of approximately £ 30.0m compared to net debt of £ 25.9m at 30 September last year . As previously announced the Board has undertaken to repay all CJRS receipts in 2021 and in this regard a £ 4.1m payment has now been made . Outlook https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/(S(eksmqbtdfhbmzarzl25mzfbu))/uk/lookers_plc/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=1429&newsid=1514801 1/3