TIDMWOS
RNS Number : 8778K
Wolseley PLC
27 September 2016
Wolseley plc
A YEAR OF CONTINUED PROGRESS
Results for the year ended 31 July 2016
This press release contains inside information
GBPm 2016 2015 Change Change Like-for-
(at constant like
exchange change(2)
rates)
======================== ============= =============== ======== =================== ====================
Revenue 14,430 13,300 +8.5% +4.2% +2.4%
Trading profit (1) 917 857 +7.0% +1.6%
Profit
before
tax 727 508
Impairment and exceptional
items 96 264
Headline earnings per
share (1) 247.7p 230.2p +7.6%
Net debt 936 805
Ordinary dividend
per share 100p 90.75p +10.2%
Financial highlights
- Revenue 4.2% ahead of last year at constant exchange rates,
including like-for-like growth of 2.4%.
- Commodity price deflation reduced revenue by 1.5%. Changes in
foreign exchange rates increased revenue by GBP552 million, trading
profit by GBP46 million and net debt by GBP149 million.
- Gross margin of 28.3%, 0.3% ahead of last year.
- Record trading profit of GBP917 million.
- Net debt of GBP936 million (2015: GBP805 million) after GBP538
million of dividends and share buybacks.
- Proposed final dividend of 66.72p, bringing the total for the
year to 100p, 10.2% ahead of last year.
Operating highlights
- Ferguson revenue growth of 6.2% at constant exchange rates and
market share gains in all major segments.
- Good US residential and commercial markets, whilst industrial
remained weak. US revenue growth at constant exchange rates by end
market was:
-- Residential +10%
-- Commercial +7%
-- Municipal +6%
-- Industrial (10%)
- Accelerated investment in e-commerce, now 14% of Group revenue at GBP2.1 billion.
- Invested GBP113 million in 16 bolt-on acquisitions with
annualised revenue of GBP197 million. Since the year end a further
GBP300 million has been either invested or approved.
- UK turnaround and repositioning strategy announced today.
Expect the closure of around 80 branches, one distribution centre
and up to 800 job losses. Restructuring charges of about GBP100
million, the cash element funded by working capital efficiencies
and disposal proceeds. Impairment charge of GBP94 million incurred
in the year.
- Review of Nordics operating strategy underway.
(1) Before exceptional items, the amortisation and impairment of
acquired intangibles and with respect to headline earnings per
share before non-recurring tax items.
(2) The increase or decrease in revenue excluding the effect of
currency exchange, acquisitions and disposals, trading days and
branch openings and closures.
John Martin, Group Chief Executive, commented:
"Ferguson, our core US business which generates over 80 per cent
of the Group's trading profit, performed well and achieved good
growth in residential and commercial markets, partly offset by
weakness in industrial markets. Commodity deflation, principally in
the US, reduced the Group's growth rate by 1.5%. Ferguson continues
to be the main priority for organic expansion and bolt-on
acquisitions.
"Our review of UK operational strategy has identified
opportunities to transform our customer propositions whilst
simplifying our branch network and supporting logistics facilities
to greatly improve service levels, drive availability and choice
for customers and generate better returns for shareholders.
Regrettably this will result in job losses which we will handle
sensitively and minimise through redeployment and attrition as far
as possible.
"Like-for-like revenue growth in the new financial year has been
1.5 per cent for the Group and 4.5 per cent in the US. Demand
across our markets remains mixed, with some uncertainty in the
economic outlook. We will remain vigilant in controlling our costs
to protect profitability while investing in attractive
opportunities for profitable growth. We are confident that Wolseley
will make further progress in the year ahead."
For further information please contact Wolseley plc
David Keltner, Interim Group +41 (0) 41723
Chief Financial Officer Tel: 2230
Mark Fearon, Director of Corporate +44 (0) 7711
Communications and IR Mobile: 875070
Media Enquiries
Mike Ward, Head of Corporate +44 (0) 7894
Communications Mobile: 417060
Michael Harrison, Nina Coad +44 (0) 20 7404
(Brunswick) Tel: 5959
There will be an analyst and investor presentation at 0830 (UK
time) today at The London Stock Exchange, 10 Paternoster Square,
London EC4M 7LS. A live video webcast and slide presentation of
this event will be available on www.wolseley.com. We recommend you
register at 0815 (UK time). Photographs are available at
www.newscast.co.uk.
Group results
The Group delivered an improvement in overall results.
Residential and commercial markets in the US, which account for the
majority of revenue, held up well in volume terms, though
industrial markets, which account for 12% of US revenue, were
weaker and commodity price deflation was a significant headwind.
The heating market in the UK weakened and consumer demand in the
Nordics fell in the second half.
Revenue of GBP14,430 million (2015: GBP13,300 million) was 4.2%
ahead at constant exchange rates and 2.4% ahead on a like-for-like
basis. Price deflation, particularly in the US, reduced revenue by
1.5%. Improving gross margins remained a key focus and were 30
basis points ahead overall. This was achieved as a result of
focusing on a better mix of higher value-add products and services
and improving our purchasing terms. Operating expenses were 6%
higher at constant exchange rates, including 2% from
acquisitions.
Trading profit of GBP917 million (2015: GBP857 million) was a
record for the Group, and 1.6% ahead of last year at constant
exchange rates. The trading margin was consistent with last year at
6.4%. There was one fewer trading day than last year which reduced
trading profit by about GBP6 million, there will be one more in the
year ending 31 July 2017. Foreign exchange rate movements increased
revenue by GBP552 million and trading profit by GBP46 million.
The normal amortisation charge in relation to the Group's
acquired intangible assets was GBP53 million (2015: GBP56 million).
A net GBP2 million exceptional charge (2015: GBP4 million) was
incurred comprising an GBP8 million gain relating to the disposal
and closure of businesses and a GBP10 million charge arising from
restructuring in the UK. An impairment charge of GBP94 million was
made in relation to goodwill and acquired intangible assets in the
UK reflecting difficult market conditions.
Net finance charges of GBP40 million (2015: GBP26 million) were
higher due to the issue of $800 million US Private Placement bonds
in September 2015 at an average fixed interest rate of 3.7%. Profit
before tax of GBP727 million (2015: GBP508 million) reflects the
impairment and exceptional charges. The tax charge of GBP231
million is stated net of a GBP21 million credit on the amortisation
and impairment of intangible assets. The underlying tax charge of
GBP248 million represents an effective tax rate on ongoing trading
profit less net finance costs of 28.3% (2015: 27.9%).
Headline earnings per share were 247.7 pence (2015: 230.2 pence)
an increase of 7.6%, reflecting the growth in trading profit and
accretion from last year's share buyback programme. Basic earnings
per share from continuing and discontinued operations were 256.4
pence (2015: 82.1 pence).
Strategic priorities
We have recently established three priorities against which we
will allocate resources across the organisation:
- Generate best profitable growth in Ferguson. Our US subsidiary
generated over 80 per cent of the Group's trading profit in 2016
and we will focus on accelerating Ferguson's revenue growth on a
sustainable basis while continuing to generate attractive returns
for shareholders.
- Execute UK turnaround and repositioning plan. We have
announced today the results of our review of operational strategy
to transform the UK business with a well defined offering for
customers and a leaner, more efficient operating model.
- Review Nordics operational strategy and restore business to
profitable growth. We have initiated a review of operating strategy
across the Nordics to ensure we have a successful strategy to
deliver great service, gain market share and improve financial
performance.
Our operating principles will be to focus on generating
profitable growth and improving our operating models. We will
continue to recruit, develop and retain the best people and build
on the strong service culture in our businesses. We will allocate
resources where they can generate the best returns for shareholders
while dealing with any underperforming parts of the Group
decisively and quickly. We will continue to maintain a strong,
investment grade balance sheet.
Operating and financial review
Further details of the financial performance and market
conditions in the Group's businesses, and the reconciliation to
reported results, are set out below.
Regional analysis
GBPm Revenue Revenue Change Trading Trading Change
2016 2015 (at constant profit profit (at constant
exchange 2016 2015 exchange
rates) rates)
--------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------------ --------- --------- --------------
US 9,456 8,337 +6.2% 775 683 +6.3%
UK 1,996 1,987 +0.5% 74 90 (17.8%)
Nordics 1,881 1,863 +0.8% 60 72 (17.6%)
Canada and Central
Europe 1,097 1,113 +0.3% 53 55 (0.2%)
Central costs (45) (43)
--------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------------ --------- --------- --------------
Ongoing businesses 14,430 13,300 +4.2% 917 857 +1.6%
Closed, sold or
held for sale - 32 (1) (3)
--------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------------ --------- --------- --------------
Group 14,430 13,332 916 854
--------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------------ --------- --------- --------------
Quarterly like-for-like revenue growth
Q4 2015 Q1 2016 Q2 2016 Q3 2016 Q4 2016
===================== ======= ======= ======== ======== =======
US +7.1% +4.5% +4.0% +5.0% +3.1%
UK +3.1% (1.1%) (2.9%) (0.4%) (2.1%)
Nordics +6.4% +5.5% +2.4% (2.6%) (2.3%)
Canada and Central
Europe (5.0%) (2.8%) (1.7%) - +0.3%
===================== ======= ======= ======== ======== =======
Ongoing businesses +5.4% +3.2% +2.3% +2.8% +1.5%
===================== ======= ======= ======== ======== =======
USA (81% of Group trading profit)
Ferguson, our US plumbing and heating business, grew revenue
4.1% on a like-for-like basis. Price deflation was 2.2% principally
due to falling commodity prices. Acquisitions contributed 1.9% of
additional revenue. Residential and commercial markets grew well,
though industrial markets, which accounted for 12% of revenue,
contracted throughout the year.
The revenue growth at constant exchange rates by customer end
market was as follows:
% of US Growth
revenue 2016
(change
at constant
exchange
rates)
============== === ========= ==============
Residential 45% +10%
Commercial 28% +7%
Municipal 15% +6%
Industrial 12% (10%)
=========================== ========= ==============
Despite deflationary headwinds Blended Branches, Waterworks,
HVAC and Fire and Fabrication generated good growth and gained
market share. Industrial revenues declined as activity levels
remained weak, particularly in the major oil producing states.
Build.com, our B2C e-commerce business, continued to grow very
strongly throughout the year. Online ordering is an essential
channel for our customers, giving them even greater flexibility to
do business with us at the time that is most convenient for them.
We have continued to invest substantially in both B2B and B2C
e-commerce to improve the customer experience. This included
upgrading our technology platforms, improving the suite of apps
available and adding services which help our customers manage their
businesses more efficiently. E-commerce accounted for GBP1.8
billion (19%) of Ferguson's revenue.
We improved our gross margins again and continued to invest in
our estate, technology and brand building, with operating expenses
8% higher than last year at constant exchange rates, including 2%
from acquisitions. Exchange rate movements were favourable and
increased trading profit by GBP47 million. Trading profit of GBP775
million (2015: GBP683 million) was 6.3% ahead of last year at
constant exchange rates.
13 acquisitions were completed during the year and these are
being integrated with our existing business units. In the final
quarter we acquired Michigan Meter Technology Group, a Waterworks
business, Michigan Pipe and Valve, a pipe valves and fittings
distributor, and Bruce Rogers, a plumbing, heating and
air-conditioning equipment distributor. The businesses acquired in
the year had total annualised revenue of GBP183 million. Since the
year end we have acquired Signature Hardware, a Kentucky based
online private label kitchen and bathroom retailer, and Westfield
Lighting, an Indianapolis based lighting company. These businesses
had GBP92 million of annualised revenue and GBP19 million of
annualised trading profit.
We opened a net 21 branches in the year with a further 26
arising from acquisitions. Associate numbers were 4% higher, of
which 2% arose from acquisitions.
Ferguson maintained last year's record trading margin of
8.2%.
UK (8% of Group trading profit)
In the UK, like-for-like revenue declined 1.6% and acquisitions
contributed 2.7% of additional revenue. Whilst new residential
construction markets grew, Repair, Maintenance and Improvement
markets, where we generate the majority of our trading profit,
declined. Volume growth was weak.
Restructuring charges of GBP10 million were incurred in the year
and have been classified as exceptional. Overall we closed 21
branches in the year and associate numbers were 4% lower. Trading
profit of GBP74 million was GBP16 million below last year.
The UK heating market has been relatively flat and the
competitive landscape has been very challenging for some time. We
have just completed a review of operating strategy to return the
business to profitable growth. There are good opportunities to
improve our customer propositions and transform the way we serve
our customers and we have started an investment programme to
enhance the customer experience and to generate better returns for
shareholders.
We expect to incur restructuring charges of about GBP100 million
of which GBP70 million is cash and will be fully funded by working
capital efficiencies and disposal proceeds. In addition we plan to
invest an incremental GBP40 million over three years in
refurbishment, technology and accelerating our investment in
digital tools. The closure of around 80 branches and one
distribution centre is expected to lead to up to 800 job losses,
the impact of which we will minimise through redeployment and
attrition as far as possible. The programme is subject to
consultation which will commence shortly and is expected to take 90
days. Overall, the transformation will take two to three years and
is expected to generate GBP25 million to GBP30 million of
annualised cost savings when complete.
Nordics (6% of Group trading profit)
In the Nordics like-for-like revenue growth was 0.6%. Market
conditions in Denmark weakened in the second half of the year and
demand remained weak in Finland. Gross margins were lower in the
second half mainly due to a higher mix of revenue from direct
business from large contractors. Operating expenses increased by 3%
at constant exchange rates.
Trading profit of GBP60 million was GBP12 million below last
year. In light of the challenging market conditions and
disappointing performance we are initiating a review of the
operating strategy of the business to restore it to profitable
growth.
Canada and Central Europe (5% of Group trading profit)
Like-for-like revenue fell by 1.1% and price inflation was 1.9%
due to the impact of the strengthening of the US dollar on imports
to Canada, partially offset by commodity price deflation in Central
Europe. Gross margins were lower due to competitive conditions in
Canada.
Operating expenses were well controlled. Overall, we closed a
net 12 branches in the year and headcount was 1.6% lower. Exchange
rate movements were unfavourable and reduced trading profit by GBP1
million. Reported trading profit of GBP53 million was GBP2 million
behind last year.
Board and management changes
In August 2016 Ian Meakins retired from the Group after serving
as Group Chief Executive since July 2009. He made an outstanding
contribution to Wolseley, transforming the Group's businesses and
generating great returns for our shareholders. We wish him well in
his retirement and thank him for his distinguished service and
leadership. Ian was succeeded by John Martin on 1 September
2016.
On 1 September 2016 David Keltner was appointed interim Chief
Financial Officer. David has over 10 years' experience as CFO of
Ferguson, our US business, and we are fortunate to have such a high
calibre and experienced executive to step up. The selection process
to appoint a permanent Chief Financial Officer is progressing
well.
Kath Durrant was appointed as Group HR Director in January 2016.
She has broad international experience in large multinational
businesses and was previously Group HR Director at Rolls-Royce plc.
In February 2016 Søren Olesen was appointed interim Chief Executive
of the Nordics region. Søren is a strong leader with considerable
operational experience gained principally in the building materials
industry in Europe. In July 2016 Simon Oakland was appointed Chief
Executive of Canada and Central Europe. Simon has been with
Wolseley since 2013 and previously spent over 25 years in private
equity. He has considerable international and operational
experience.
Cashflow
The Group generated EBITDA of GBP1,056 million (2015: GBP971
million). Acquisitions resulted in a cash outflow of
GBP113 million. Net interest and tax amounted to GBP232 million
and dividends and share buyback payments were GBP538 million (2015:
GBP472 million). Capital investment amounted to GBP218 million
(2015: GBP231 million).
Net debt
The Group's reported net debt at 31 July 2016 was GBP936 million
(31 July 2015: GBP805 million). Net debt would have been
approximately GBP120 million higher before short term fluctuations
in working capital at the year end. Changes in foreign exchange
rates increased net debt by GBP149 million. The Group aims to
operate within investment grade credit metrics and with a net
debt/EBITDA ratio of 1x to 2x. The Group has a strong liquidity
position and has GBP2.3 billion in credit facilities.
Pension obligations
Net pension liabilities under IAS 19 were GBP147 million (2015:
GBP15 million), the increase arising primarily from lower corporate
bond interest rates partly offset by improved equity markets. The
Group has committed GBP25 million per year of additional funding to
the UK defined benefit pension plan following the recent triennial
valuation, consistent with the last valuation.
Shareholder returns
The Group aims to generate attractive and sustainable financial
returns for shareholders. The Board will recommend a final dividend
of 66.72 pence per share (2015: 60.5 pence per share) for payment
on 1 December 2016 to shareholders on the register on 28 October
2016. This will bring the total dividend for the year to 100 pence
per share (2015: 90.75 pence per share), which is a year-on-year
increase of 10.2%. The Board is committed to a progressive dividend
policy.
Our investment priorities remain focused on achieving organic
growth, maintaining the ordinary dividend through the cycle and
investing in bolt-on acquisitions that meet our stringent
investment criteria. Any surplus cash after meeting these
investment needs will be returned to shareholders. Given the high
level of investment in acquisitions in the new financial year and
taking into account a good pipeline of future opportunities the
Board has deferred any decision on returning surplus cash for the
time being.
Outlook
Like-for-like revenue growth in the new financial year has been
1.5 per cent for the Group and 4.5 per cent in the US. Demand
across our markets remains mixed, with some uncertainty in the
economic outlook. We will remain vigilant in controlling our costs
to protect profitability while investing in attractive
opportunities for profitable growth. We are confident that Wolseley
will make further progress in the year ahead.
Notes to statement
1. About Wolseley
Wolseley plc is the world's largest specialist trade distributor
of plumbing and heating products to professional contractors and a
leading supplier of building materials, operating in North America,
the UK and Continental Europe. Revenue for the year ended 31 July
2016 was GBP14,430 million and trading profit was GBP917 million.
Wolseley has about 39,000 employees and is listed on the London
Stock Exchange (LSE: WOS) and is in the FTSE 100 index of listed
companies. For more information, please visit www.wolseley.com or
follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/wolseleyplc.
2. Financial calendar
2016
Annual General Meeting 29 November
*Q1 IMS for the period 6 December
ending 30 October 2016
2017
H1 results for period ending 28 March
31 January 2017
*Q3 IMS for the period 20 June
ending 30 April 2017
Full Year Results for year 3 October
ended 31 July 2017
*Please note change of date.
3. Timetable for the final dividend
The timetable for payment of the final dividend of 66.72 pence
per share is as follows:
Ex-dividend date: 27 October 2016
Record date: 28 October 2016
Payment date: 1 December 2016
A dividend reinvestment plan is in operation. Those shareholders
who have not elected to participate in this plan, and who would
like to participate with respect to the 2016 final dividend, may do
so by contacting Equiniti on 0371 384 2934 (or if outside the UK
+44 (0) 121 415 7173). The last day for election for the proposed
final dividend is 10 November 2016 and any requests should be made
in good time ahead of that date.
4. Legal disclaimer
Certain information included in this announcement is
forward-looking and involves risks, assumptions and uncertainties
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements cover all matters which are not historical facts and
include, without limitation, projections relating to results of
operations and financial conditions and the Company's plans and
objectives for future operations, including, without limitation,
discussions of expected future revenues, financing plans, expected
expenditures and divestments, risks associated with changes in
economic conditions, the strength of the plumbing and heating and
building materials market in North America and Europe, fluctuations
in product prices and changes in exchange and interest rates.
Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of
forward-looking terminology, including terms such as "believes",
"estimates", "anticipates", "expects", "forecasts", "intends",
"plans", "projects", "goal", "target", "aim", "may", "will",
"would", "could" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or
other variations or comparable terminology. Forward-looking
statements are not guarantees of future performance. All
forward-looking statements in this announcement are based upon
information known to the Company on the date of this announcement.
Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any particular
expectation will be met and readers are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only at
their respective dates. Additionally, forward-looking statements
regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a
representation that such trends or activities will continue in the
future. Other than in accordance with its legal or regulatory
obligations (including under the UK Listing Rules, the Prospectus
Rules, the Disclosure Rules and the Transparency Rules of the
Financial Conduct Authority), the Company undertakes no obligation
to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement, whether
as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Nothing
in this announcement shall exclude any liability under applicable
laws that cannot be excluded in accordance with such laws.
-ends-
Group income statement
Year ended 31 July 2016
2016 2015
2016 Exceptional 2015 Exceptional
Before items Before Items
exceptional (note 2016 exceptional (note 2015
items 4) Total items 4) Total
Notes GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
================= ====== ================ ============= ======== ================ ============= =======
Revenue 2 14,430 - 14,430 13,332 - 13,332
Cost of sales (10,350) (1) (10,351) (9,604) - (9,604)
================= ====== ================ ============= ======== ================ ============= =======
Gross profit 4,080 (1) 4,079 3,728 - 3,728
================= ====== ================ ============= ======== ================ ============= =======
Operating costs:
amortisation of
acquired
intangible
assets (53) - (53) (56) - (56)
impairment of
goodwill
and acquired
intangible
assets (94) - (94) (238) - (238)
other (3,164) (1) (3,165) (2,874) (4) (2,878)
================= ====== ================ ============= ======== ================ ============= =======
Operating costs 3 (3,311) (1) (3,312) (3,168) (4) (3,172)
================= ====== ================ ============= ======== ================ ============= =======
Operating profit 2,3 769 (2) 767 560 (4) 556
Finance income - - - 1 - 1
Finance costs 5 (40) - (40) (27) (22) (49)
================= ====== ================ ============= ======== ================ ============= =======
Profit before tax 729 (2) 727 534 (26) 508
Tax 6 (232) 1 (231) (184) (3) (187)
================= ====== ================ ============= ======== ================ ============= =======
Profit from
continuing
operations 497 (1) 496 350 (29) 321
Profit/(loss)
from
discontinued
operations 7 2 152 154 (1) (107) (108)
================= ====== ================ ============= ======== ================ ============= =======
Profit for the
year 499 151 650 349 (136) 213
Attributable to:
Shareholders of
the
Company 508 151 659 349 (136) 213
Non-controlling
interests (9) - (9) - - -
================= ====== ================ ============= ======== ================ ============= =======
499 151 650 349 (136) 213
================= ====== ================ ============= ======== ================ ============= =======
Earnings per
share 10
================= ====== ================ ========================================= ======================
Continuing
operations
and discontinued
operations
Basic earnings
per
share 256.4p 82.1p
Diluted earnings
per share 254.8p 81.9p
================= ====== =============================== ======== ================ ======================
Continuing operations only
Basic earnings
per
share 195.6p 123.8p
Diluted earnings
per share 194.4p 123.4p
================= ====== =============================== ======== ================ ======================
Non-GAAP performance measures
Trading profit
from
ongoing
operations 2 917 857
Trading loss from
non-ongoing
operations 2 (1) (3)
================= ====== ================ ======================= ================ ======================
Trading profit
from
continuing
operations 2,9 916 854
================= ====== ================ ======================= ================ ======================
EBITDA before
exceptional
items 9 1,056 971
================= ====== ================ ======================= ================ ======================
Profit before
tax, exceptional
items and the
amortisation
and impairment
of acquired
intangible
assets 9 876 828
================= ====== ================ ======================= ================ ======================
Headline earnings
per
share 10 247.7p 230.2p
================= ====== ================ ======================= ================ ======================
Headline diluted
earnings
per share 10 246.2p 229.4p
================= ====== ================ ======================= ================ ======================
Group statement of comprehensive income
Year ended 31 July 2016
2016 2015
GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------------------- ------- ------
Profit for the year 650 213
Other comprehensive income:
Items that may be reclassified subsequently
to profit or loss:
Exchange gain on translation of overseas
operations(1) 495 10
Exchange loss on translation of borrowings
and derivatives designated as hedges of
overseas
operations(1) (107) (46)
Cumulative currency translation differences
on disposals(1) (125) 26
Tax charge on items that may be reclassified
to profit or loss(2) (7) -
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently
to profit or loss:
Actuarial loss on retirement benefit plans(2) (120) (61)
Tax credit on items that will not be reclassified
to profit or loss(2) 25 15
================================================== ======= ======
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for
the year 161 (56)
-------------------------------------------------- ------- ------
Total comprehensive income for the year 811 157
-------------------------------------------------- ------- ------
Total comprehensive income/(expense) attributable
to:
-------------------------------------------------- ------- ------
Continuing operations 781 276
Discontinued operations 30 (119)
================================================== ======= ======
Total comprehensive income for the year 811 157
================================================== ======= ======
1. Impacting the translation reserve
2. Impacting the profit and loss reserve account
Group statement of changes in equity
Year ended 31 July 2016
Reserves
Profit
Own and
Share Share Translation Treasury Shares loss Non-controlling Total
capital Premium Reserve Shares GBPm account interest Equity
Notes GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
-------------------- ----- ------- ------- ----------- -------- ------- ------- --------------- ------
Shareholders' equity
at 1 August 2014 29 41 127 - (93) 2,782 - 2,886
Profit for the year - - - - - 213 - 213
Other comprehensive
expense - - (10) - - (46) - (56)
-------------------- ----- ------- ------- ----------- -------- ------- ------- --------------- ------
Total comprehensive
(expense)/income - - (10) - - 167 - 157
New share capital
subscribed - 1 - - - - - 1
Purchase of own
shares by Employee
Benefit Trusts - - - - (15) - - (15)
Issue of own shares
by Employee Benefit
Trusts - - - - 45 (40) - 5
Credit to equity
for share-based
payments - - - - - 20 - 20
Tax relating to
share-based
payments - - - - - 10 - 10
Purchase of Treasury
shares - - - (250) - - - (250)
Disposal of Treasury
shares - - - 10 - (2) - 8
Dividends paid 8 - - - - - (222) - (222)
Changes in
non-controlling
interest in
subsidiaries - - - - - - 7 7
-------------------- ----- ------- ------- ----------- -------- ------- ------- --------------- ------
Shareholders' equity
at 31 July 2015 29 42 117 (240) (63) 2,715 7 2,607
-------------------- ----- ------- ------- ----------- -------- ------- ------- --------------- ------
Profit for the year - - - - - 659 (9) 650
Other comprehensive
income/(expense) - - 263 - - (102) - 161
-------------------- ----- ------- ------- ----------- -------- ------- ------- --------------- ------
Total comprehensive
income/(expense) - - 263 - - 557 (9) 811
Purchase of own
shares by Employee
Benefit Trusts - - - - (14) - - (14)
Issue of own shares
by Employee Benefit
Trusts - - - - 20 (19) - 1
Credit to equity
for share-based
payments - - - - - 20 - 20
Purchase of Treasury
shares - - - (300) - - - (300)
Disposal of Treasury
shares - - - 24 - (10) - 14
Dividends paid 8 - - - - - (238) - (238)
-------------------- ----- ------- ------- ----------- -------- ------- ------- --------------- ------
Shareholders' equity
at 31 July 2016 29 42 380 (516) (57) 3,025 (2) 2,901
-------------------- ----- ------- ------- ----------- -------- ------- ------- --------------- ------
Group balance sheet
As at 31 July 2016
2016 2015
Notes GBPm GBPm
==================================== ======= ===== =====
Assets
Non-current assets
Intangible assets: goodwill 11 902 816
Intangible assets: other 11 202 195
Property, plant and equipment 11 1,434 1,164
Financial assets 23 16
Retirement benefit assets - 57
Deferred tax assets 127 115
Trade and other receivables 212 172
Derivative financial assets 20 24
==================================== ======= ===== =====
2,920 2,559
==================================== ======= ===== =====
Current assets
Inventories 2,017 1,688
Trade and other receivables 2,207 1,915
Current tax receivable - 4
Derivative financial assets 11 10
Cash and cash equivalents 940 1,105
==================================== ======= ===== =====
5,175 4,722
==================================== ======= ===== =====
Assets held for sale 13 56 201
==================================== ======= ===== =====
Total assets 8,151 7,482
==================================== ======= ===== =====
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 2,634 2,281
Current tax payable 101 58
Bank loans and overdrafts 701 1,001
Obligations under finance leases 4 4
Derivative financial liabilities - 1
Provisions 12 88 78
Retirement benefit obligations 9 8
==================================== ======= ===== =====
3,537 3,431
==================================== ======= ===== =====
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables 163 125
Bank loans 1,175 913
Obligations under finance leases 27 25
Deferred tax liabilities 65 53
Provisions 12 133 128
Retirement benefit obligations 138 64
==================================== ======= ===== =====
1,701 1,308
==================================== ======= ===== =====
Liabilities held for sale 13 12 136
==================================== ======= ===== =====
Total liabilities 5,250 4,875
==================================== ======= ===== =====
Net assets 2,901 2,607
==================================== ======= ===== =====
Equity
Share capital 29 29
Share premium account 42 42
Reserves 2,832 2,529
------------------------------------ ------- ----- -----
Equity attributable to shareholders
of the Company 2,903 2,600
------------------------------------ ------- ----- -----
Non-controlling interest (2) 7
------------------------------------ ------- ----- -----
Total equity 2,901 2,607
------------------------------------ ------- ----- -----
Group cash flow statement
Year ended 31 July 2016
2016 2015
Notes GBPm GBPm
=========================================== ======= ===== =====
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations 14 1,019 937
Interest received 2 2
Interest paid (41) (45)
Tax paid (193) (210)
=========================================== ======= ===== =====
Net cash generated from operating
activities 787 684
=========================================== ======= ===== =====
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of businesses (net of
cash acquired) 15 (113) (105)
Disposals of businesses (net of cash
disposed of) 16 9 35
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (187) (205)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant
and equipment and assets held for
sale 56 20
Purchases of intangible assets (31) (26)
Disposals of financial assets - 31
=========================================== ======= ===== =====
Net cash used in investing activities (266) (250)
=========================================== ======= ===== =====
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from the issue of shares
to shareholders - 1
Purchase of own shares by Employee
Benefit Trusts (14) (15)
Purchase of Treasury shares (300) (250)
Proceeds from the sale of shares by
Employee Benefit Trusts 1 5
Proceeds from the sale of Treasury
shares 14 8
Proceeds from borrowings and derivatives 585 533
Repayments of borrowings (591) (324)
Finance lease capital payments (4) (4)
Dividends paid to shareholders 8 (238) (222)
=========================================== ======= ===== =====
Net cash used by financing activities (547) (268)
=========================================== ======= ===== =====
Net cash (used)/generated (26) 166
Effects of exchange rate changes 18 (77)
=========================================== ======= ===== =====
Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash
equivalents and bank overdrafts (8) 89
Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts
at the beginning of the year 256 167
=========================================== ======= ===== =====
Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts
at the end of the year 248 256
=========================================== ======= ===== =====
2016 2015
GBPm GBPm
=================================== ===== =====
Cash, cash equivalents and bank
overdrafts at the end of the year
in the Group balance sheet 17 248 257
Bank balances and overdrafts in
liabilities held for sale - (1)
=================================== ===== =====
Cash, cash equivalents and bank
overdrafts at the end of the year 248 256
=================================== ===== =====
Notes to the full year results announcement
Year ended 31 July 2016
1. Basis of preparation
The full year results announcement for the year ended 31 July
2016, which is an abridged statement of the full Annual Report, has
been prepared in accordance with the International Financial
Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European Union.
The full year results announcement has been prepared on a going
concern basis. The Directors are confident that on the basis of
current financial projections and facilities available, and after
considering sensitivities, the Group has sufficient resources for
its operational needs and will remain in compliance with the
financial covenants in its bank facilities for the foreseeable
future.
The Company is incorporated in Jersey under the Companies
(Jersey) Law 1991 and is headquartered in Switzerland.
The financial information for the year ended 31 July 2016 does
not constitute the statutory financial statements of the Group. The
statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2015 have
been filed with the Jersey Registrar of Companies. The auditors
have reported on those accounts and on the statutory financial
statements for the year ended 31 July 2016 which will be filed with
the Jersey Registrar of Companies following the Annual General
Meeting. Both the audit reports were unqualified and did not
contain any statements under Article 111(2) or Article 111(5) of
the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 or under section 498 of the
Companies Act 2006.
Accounting developments and changes
The following standards have been published, but not yet
applied:
-- IFRS 9 "Financial Instruments" - applicable from year ending 31 July 2019;
-- IFRS 15 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" - applicable
from year ending 31 July 2019; and
-- IFRS 16 "Leases" - applicable from year ended 31 July 2020.
The Directors do not expect the adoption of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15
will have a material impact on the financial statements of the
Group in future periods.
The adoption of IFRS 16 will have a significant impact on the
Group's balance sheet and reported results because of the value of
operating lease commitments the Group has. The application of IFRS
16 will not reflect any changes in the underlying economics of the
business. Beyond the information above, it is not practicable to
provide a reasonable estimate of the effect of these standards
until a detailed review has been completed. As at the date of this
report IFRS 9, IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 have not been endorsed by the
EU.
No other issued standard or interpretation would have a material
impact on the consolidated financial statements.
2. Segmental analysis
The Group's reportable segments are the operating businesses
overseen by distinct divisional management teams responsible for
their performance. All reportable segments derive their revenue
from a single business activity, the distribution of plumbing and
heating products and building materials.
The Group's business is not highly seasonal and the Group's
customer base is highly diversified, with no individually
significant customer.
Canada and Central Europe represent less than 10 per cent of the
Group's operating profit and do not meet other quantitative
thresholds and therefore do not represent a reportable segment.
They have been reported on a combined basis and all comparatives
have been restated for the purposes of consistency and
comparability.
The changes in revenue and trading profit for continuing
operations between the years ended 31 July 2015 and 31 July 2016
include changes in exchange rates, disposals, acquisitions and
organic change.
Where businesses are disposed in the year, the difference
between the revenue and trading profit in the current year up to
the date of disposal and the revenue and trading profit in the
equivalent portion of the prior year is included in organic
change.
Revenue by reportable segment for continuing operations is as
follows:
Organic
Analysis of change 2015 Exchange Disposals Acquisitions change 2016
in revenue GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
=================== ====== ======== ========= ============ ======= ======
USA 8,343 569 (6) 173 377 9,456
UK 1,987 - - 53 (44) 1,996
Nordic 1,864 3 (1) 5 10 1,881
Canada and Central
Europe 1,138 (20) (25) 14 (10) 1,097
Group 13,332 552 (32) 245 333 14,430
=================== ====== ======== ========= ============ ======= ======
Trading profit/(loss) (note 9) by reportable segment for
continuing operations is as follows:
Analysis of change Organic
in trading profit/(loss) 2015 Exchange Disposals Acquisitions change 2016
(note 9) GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
========================== ===== ======== ========= ============ ======= =====
USA 681 47 2 3 42 775
UK 90 - - 1 (17) 74
Nordic 71 - - - (12) 59
Canada and Central
Europe 55 (1) - 2 (3) 53
Central and other costs (43) - - - (2) (45)
Group 854 46 2 6 8 916
========================== ===== ======== ========= ============ ======= =====
The reconciliation between trading profit/(loss) (note 9) and
operating profit/(loss) by reportable segment for continuing
operations is as follows:
2016 2015
======================================================= ===============================================================
Amortisation Amortisation
and and
impairment impairment
of acquired of acquired
Trading Exceptional intangible Operating Trading Exceptional intangible Operating
profit/(loss) items assets profit/(loss) profit/(loss) items assets profit/(loss)
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
======== ============= =========== ============ ============= ============= ============ =============== =================
USA 775 2 (34) 743 681 6 (27) 660
UK 74 (9) (106) (41) 90 2 (13) 79
Nordic 59 2 (5) 56 71 (2) (249) (180)
Canada
and
Central
Europe 53 - (2) 51 55 (9) (5) 41
Central
and
other
costs (45) 3 - (42) (43) (1) - (44)
-------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------- ------------ --------------- -----------------
Group 916 (2) (147) 767 854 (4) (294) 556
Finance
income - 1
Finance
costs (40) (49)
-------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------- ------------ --------------- -----------------
Profit
before
tax 727 508
-------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------- ------------ --------------- -----------------
In 2015 and 2016, a number of Group businesses or groups of
branches have been disposed of, closed or are classified as held
for sale. The revenue and trading profit of the Group's segments
excluding those businesses and branches ("ongoing segments") are
analysed in the following table. This is non-GAAP information.
Revenue Trading Profit
============== ================
2016 2015 2016 2015
Ongoing segments GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
============================= ====== ====== ======= =======
USA 9,456 8,337 775 683
UK 1,996 1,987 74 90
Nordic 1,881 1,863 60 72
Canada and Central Europe 1,097 1,113 53 55
Central and other costs - - (45) (43)
============================= ====== ====== ======= =======
Total ongoing segments 14,430 13,300 917 857
Entities disposed of, closed
or classified as held for
sale - 32 (1) (3)
============================= ====== ====== ======= =======
Continuing operations 14,430 13,332 916 854
Other information on assets and liabilities by segment is set
out in the tables below:
2016 2015
--------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Segment Segment Segment Segment Segment Segment
Segment assets assets liabilities net assets/liabilities assets liabilities net assets/liabilities
and liabilities GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
---------------------- ------- ------------ ---------------------- ------- ------------ ----------------------
USA 4,268 (1,645) 2,623 3,451 (1,345) 2,106
UK 856 (508) 348 1,046 (510) 536
Nordic 1,243 (620) 623 1,032 (520) 512
Canada and Central
Europe 599 (265) 334 478 (195) 283
Central and other
costs 18 (103) (85) 19 (86) (67)
Discontinued 69 (36) 33 198 (164) 34
====================== ======= ============ ====================== ======= ============ ======================
Total 7,053 (3,177) 3,876 6,224 (2,820) 3,404
Tax assets and
liabilities 127 (166) (39) 119 (111) 8
Net cash/(debt) 971 (1,907) (936) 1,139 (1,944) (805)
---------------------- ------- ------------ ---------------------- ------- ------------ ----------------------
Group
assets/(liabilities) 8,151 (5,250) 2,901 7,482 (4,875) 2,607
---------------------- ------- ------------ ---------------------- ------- ------------ ----------------------
2016 2015
---------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
Additions
Additions Additions Additions Additions Additions to
to other to to property, to other to property,
Additions acquired non-acquired plant Additions acquired non-acquired plant
to intangible intangible and to intangible intangible and
goodwill assets assets equipment goodwill assets assets equipment
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ---------- ------------ ------------ ----------
USA 34 25 17 123 24 28 12 125
UK - - 5 15 29 14 6 24
Nordic - - 6 33 - 1 3 33
Canada and
Central
Europe 6 3 2 18 4 2 3 8
Central
and other
costs - - 1 1 - - 2 1
Discontinued - - - - - - - 16
------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ---------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Group 40 28 31 190 57 45 26 207
------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ---------- ------------ ------------ ----------
2016 2015
==================================================== ======================================================
Impairment Impairment
of Depreciation of Depreciation
goodwill and goodwill and
and Amortisation Amortisation impairment and Amortisation Amortisation impairment
other of other of of property, other of other of of property,
acquired acquired non-acquired plant acquired acquired non-acquired plant
intangible intangible intangible and intangible intangible intangible and
assets assets assets equipment assets assets assets equipment
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
============= ========== ============ ============ ============ ========== ============ ============ ==============
USA - 34 7 72 - 27 6 55
UK 94 12 5 17 - 13 4 16
Nordic - 5 1 25 234 15 1 22
Canada
and Central
Europe - 2 1 9 4 1 1 9
Central
and other
costs - - 1 2 - - 1 2
Discontinued - - - - - - - 4
============= ========== ============ ============ ============
Group 94 53 15 125 238 56 13 108
============= ========== ============ ============ ============ ========== ============ ============ ==============
3. Operating costs
Amounts charged/(credited) in arriving at operating profit
include:
2016 2015
GBPm GBPm
================================================= ======== =====
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
(note 11) 123 103
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
(note 11) 2 1
(Gain)/loss on disposal and closure of
businesses (8) 5
Loss/(gain) on disposal of property, plant
and equipment and assets held for sale 1 (3)
Staff costs 2,026 1,832
Amortisation of non-acquired intangible
assets (note 11) 15 13
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
(note 11) 53 56
Impairment of goodwill and acquired intangible
assets (note 11) 94 238
Operating lease rentals: land and buildings 174 160
Operating lease rentals: plant and machinery 64 54
Amounts included in costs of goods sold
with respect to inventory 10,223 9,497
Trade receivables impairment 14 19
================================================= ======== =====
Deloitte PwC
2016 2015
GBPm GBPm
======== =====
During the year, the Group obtained the
following services from the Company's auditor
and its associates:
Fees for the audit of the parent company
and consolidated financial statements 0.9 0.9
Fees for the audit of the Company's subsidiaries
pursuant to legislation 2.0 2.5
================================================= ======== =====
Total fees for audit related services 2.9 3.4
Other assurance services 0.2 0.1
Tax - compliance services - 1.0
Tax - advisory services - 0.2
Other non-audit services - 0.4
================================================= ======== =====
Total fee for non-audit related services 0.2 1.7
================================================= ======== =====
Total fees payable to the auditors 3.1 5.1
================================================= ======== =====
4. Exceptional items
Exceptional items are those which are considered significant by
virtue of their nature, size or incidence, and are presented
separately in the income statement to enable a full understanding
of the Group's financial performance. If provisions have been made
for exceptional items in previous years, then any reversal of those
provisions is shown as exceptional.
Exceptional items included in operating profit from continuing
operations are analysed by purpose as follows:
2016 2015
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Gain/(loss) on disposal and closure of businesses 8 (5)
Other exceptional items (10) 1
--------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Total included in operating profit (2) (4)
--------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
For the year ended 31 July 2016, the gain on disposal
principally relates to the release of provisions from prior year
disposals in the USA, UK and Central Europe. Other exceptional
items in the year represent restructuring costs incurred in the UK
during phase 1 of the UK turnaround strategy. In September 2016,
phase 2 of the strategy for the UK was approved and this is
expected to reduce the number of operational locations and
employees by at least 10 per cent and will continue into the next
financial year.
The net cash outflow from exceptional items was GBP3 million
(2015: GBP1 million).
Exceptional items relating to discontinued operations are
detailed in note 7 and exceptional items relating to finance costs
are detailed in note 5.
5. Finance costs
2016 2015
GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------------------------- -----
Interest payable
- Bank loans and overdrafts 48 39
- Unwind of fair value adjustment to senior
unsecured loan notes (9) (12)
- Finance lease charges 2 2
Net interest income on defined benefit obligation - (2)
Valuation gains on financial instruments
- Derivatives held at fair value through (1) -
profit and loss
--------------------------------------------------- ---- -----
40 27
Exceptional finance expense - 22
--------------------------------------------------- ---- -----
Total finance costs 40 49
=================================================== ==== =====
The GBP22 million exceptional finance expense in 2015 relates to
the recycling of deferred foreign exchange translation losses in
accordance with IAS 21 "The effects of changes in foreign exchange
rates", following the liquidation of a number of dormant financing
companies. Finance income from discontinued operations is detailed
in note 7.
6. Tax
2016 2015
The tax charge for the year comprises: GBPm GBPm
========================================== ================ ======
Current year tax charge 234 215
Adjustments to tax charge in respect
of prior years (7) (8)
========================================== ================ ======
Total current tax charge 227 207
Deferred tax charge/(credit): origination
and reversal of temporary differences 4 (20)
========================================== ================ ======
Total tax charge 231 187
========================================== ================ ======
An exceptional tax credit of GBP1 million was recorded in
relation to exceptional items in 2016 (2015: charge GBP3 million).
The deferred tax charge of GBP4 million (2015: credit GBP20
million) includes a charge of GBP5 million (2015: credit GBP2
million) resulting from changes in tax rates.
Tax on items credited/(charged) to
the statement of other comprehensive 2016 2015
income: GBPm GBPm
======================================= ============== ========
Deferred tax credit on actuarial loss
on retirement benefits 25 14
Current tax credit on actuarial loss
on retirement benefits - 1
Deferred tax charge on losses (7) -
======================================= ============== ========
Total tax on items credited to other
comprehensive income 18 15
======================================= ============== ========
GBP1 million (2015: GBPnil) of the GBP18 million credit relates
to changes in tax rates.
Tax on items credited/(charged) to 2016 2015
equity: GBPm GBPm
============================================ ================ ======
Current tax credit on share-based payments 6 8
Deferred tax (charge)/credit on share-based
payments (6) 2
Total tax on items credited to equity - 10
============================================ ================ ======
2016 2015
========= =========
Tax reconciliation: GBPm % GBPm %
===================================== ==== === ==== ===
Weighted average tax rate 243 33 143 28
Prior year amounts (7) (1) 2 1
Non-taxable amortisation, impairment
and exceptional items 19 2 31 6
Tax rate change 5 1 (2) (1)
Other non-deductible and non-taxable
items (29) (3) 13 3
------------------------------------- ---- --- ---- ---
Total tax charge/tax rate on
profit before tax 231 32 187 37
The 5 per cent increase in the weighted average tax rate is
primarily due to the increase in the share of profit generated in
the USA.
7. Discontinued operations
As at 31 July 2015, the Group's remaining business and property
assets in France ("the disposal group") were classified as
discontinued in accordance with IFRS 5 "non-current assets held for
sale and discontinued operations". On 7 March 2016, the remaining
French building materials business was sold. The Group is in the
process of selling its remaining property assets in France. The
results from discontinued operations, which have been included in
the Group income statement, are set out below.
2016 2015
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Before Before
exceptional Exceptional exceptional Exceptional
items items Total items items Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
========================== ============= ============ ====== ============= ============ ========
Revenue 255 - 255 587 - 587
Cost of sales (179) - (179) (411) - (411)
========================== ============= ============ ====== ============= ============ ========
Gross profit 76 - 76 176 - 176
========================== ============= ============ ====== ============= ============ ========
Operating costs:
gain/(loss) on
disposal of businesses - 139 139 - (59) (59)
impairment of
net assets - - - - (67) (67)
other (76) 14 (62) (178) 3 (175)
========================== ============= ============ ====== ============= ============ ========
Operating costs (76) 153 77 (178) (123) (301)
========================== ============= ============ ====== ============= ============ ========
Operating profit/(loss) - 153 153 (2) (123) (125)
Finance income 2 4 6 1 16 17
========================== ============= ============ ====== ============= ============ ========
Profit/(loss)
before tax 2 157 159 (1) (107) (108)
Attributable
tax expense - (5) (5) - - -
========================== ============= ============ ====== ============= ============ ========
Profit/(loss)
from discontinued
operations 2 152 154 (1) (107) (108)
========================== ============= ============ ====== ============= ============ ========
Basic earnings/(loss)
per share 0.8p 60.0p 60.8p (0.4p) (41.3p) (41.7p)
Diluted earnings/(loss)
per share 0.8p 59.6p 60.4p (0.4p) (41.1p) (41.5p)
========================== ============= ============ ====== ============= ============ ========
A tax charge of GBP5 million (2015: GBPnil) was generated from
discontinued operations in the current year. During the year,
discontinued operations used GBP16 million (2015: generated GBP17
million) in respect of operating activities, generated GBP41
million (2015: GBP22 million) in respect of investing activities
and generated GBP27 million (2015: GBP15 million) in respect of
financing activities.
8. Dividends
2016 2015
------ ------ ------ ------
Pence Pence
per per
GBPm share GBPm share
------------------------------------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Amounts recognised as distributions
to equity shareholders:
Final dividend for the year
ended 31 July 2014 - - 144 55p
Interim dividend for the
year ended 31 July 2015 - - 78 30.25p
Final dividend for the year
ended 31 July 2015 154 60.50p - -
Interim dividend for the
year ended 31 July 2016 84 33.28p - -
------------------------------------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Dividends paid 238 222
------------------------------------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Since the end of the financial year, the Directors have proposed
a final ordinary dividend of GBP167 million (66.72 pence per
share). The dividend is subject to approval by shareholders at the
Annual General Meeting and is therefore not included in the balance
sheet as a liability at 31 July 2016.
9. Non-GAAP performance measures
Trading profit is defined as operating profit before exceptional
items and the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible
assets. It is a non-GAAP measure. The Group considers that trading
profit, and other performance measures based on it, including
EBITDA before exceptional items, present valuable additional
information.
2016 2015
Continuing operations GBPm GBPm
============================================ ===== =====
Operating profit 767 556
Add back: amortisation and impairment
of acquired intangible assets 147 294
Add back: exceptional items in operating
profit 2 4
============================================ ===== =====
Trading profit 916 854
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
of property, plant and equipment and
software excluding exceptional items
in operating profit 140 117
============================================ ===== =====
EBITDA before exceptional items 1,056 971
============================================ ===== =====
Profit before tax 727 508
Add back: amortisation and impairment
of acquired intangible assets 147 294
Add back: exceptional items in profit
before tax 2 26
============================================ ===== =====
Profit before tax , exceptional items
and the amortisation and impairment of
acquired intangible assets 876 828
============================================ ===== =====
Tax expense (231) (187)
Deduct: tax credit on the amortisation
and impairment of acquired intangible
assets (21) (47)
(Deduct)/add back: tax (credit)/charge
on exceptional items (1) 3
Add back: non-recurring tax charge relating
to changes in tax rates 5 -
============================================ ===== =====
Adjusted tax expense (248) (231)
-------------------------------------------- ----- -----
Net profit from continuing operations 496 321
Add back: amortisation and impairment
of acquired intangible assets net of
tax 126 247
Add back: exceptional items net of tax 1 29
Add back: non-recurring tax charge relating
to changes in tax rates 5 -
============================================ ===== =====
Headline profit after tax from continuing
operations 628 597
============================================ ===== =====
Applying the adjusted tax expense of GBP248 million to the
profit before tax, exceptional items and the amortisation and
impairment of acquired intangible assets of GBP876 million gives an
effective tax rate of 28.3 per cent (2015: 27.9 per cent).
10. Earnings per share
2016 2015
---------- ------------- ----------- ---------- ------------- -----------
Basic Diluted Basic Diluted
earnings earnings earnings earnings
per per per per
Earnings share share Earnings share share
GBPm Pence Pence GBPm Pence Pence
============================= ========== ============= =========== ========== ============= ===========
Headline profit after
tax from continuing
operations 628 247.7 246.2 597 230.2 229.4
Exceptional items (net
of tax) (1) (0.4) (0.4) (29) (11.2) (11.1)
Amortisation and impairment
of acquired intangible
assets (net of tax) (126) (49.7) (49.4) (247) (95.2) (94.9)
Non-recurring tax charge
relating to changes
in tax rates (5) (2.0) (2.0) - - -
----------------------------- ---------- ------------- ----------- ---------- ------------- -----------
Profit from continuing
operations 496 195.6 194.4 321 123.8 123.4
Profit/(loss) from
discontinued operations 154 60.8 60.4 (108) (41.7) (41.5)
----------------------------- ---------- ------------- ----------- ---------- ------------- -----------
Profit from continuing
and discontinued operations 650 256.4 254.8 213 82.1 81.9
----------------------------- ---------- ------------- ----------- ---------- ------------- -------------
The weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during
the year, excluding those held by Employee Benefit Trusts and those
held by the Company as Treasury shares, was 253.5 million (2015:
259.3 million). The impact of all potentially dilutive share
options on earnings per share would be to increase the weighted
average number of shares in issue to 255.1 million (2015: 260.2
million).
11. Intangible and tangible assets
Total
Property, intangible
Acquired plant and
intangible and tangible
Goodwill assets Software equipment assets
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
============================== ========== ============= ========== ============ ====================
Net book value at 1 August
2015 816 152 43 1,164 2,175
Additions - - 31 190 221
Acquisitions 40 28 - 11 79
Adjustment to fair value
on prior year acquisitions 1 - - - 1
Disposals and transfers - - (5) (2) (7)
Reclassified as held for
sale - - - (2) (2)
Depreciation and amortisation - (53) (15) (123) (191)
Impairment (86) (8) - (2) (96)
Exchange rate adjustment 131 24 5 198 358
============================== ========== ============= ========== ============ ====================
Net book value at 31 July
2016 902 143 59 1,434 2,538
============================== ========== ============= ========== ============ ====================
Goodwill and intangible assets acquired during the year have
been allocated to the individual cash generating units or
aggregated cash generating units (together "CGUs") which are deemed
to be the smallest identifiable group of assets generating
independent cash inflows. CGUs have been aggregated in the
disclosure below at a segmental level except for certain CGUs in
the USA which are considered to be significant (more than 10 per
cent of the current year goodwill balance). Impairment reviews were
performed for each individual CGU during the year ended 31 July
2016.
2016 2015
============================================= =============================================
Long-term Post-tax Pre-tax Long-term Post-tax Pre-tax
growth discount discount growth discount discount
rate rate rate Goodwill rate rate rate Goodwill
% % % GBPm % % % GBPm
-------------- ========== ========== ========== ========= ========== ========== ========== =========
Blended
Branches 314 264
B2C 89 62
Waterworks 127 105
Rest of
USA 113 81
========= =========
USA 2.2 8.2 13.4 643 2.0 9.1 14.9 512
UK 2.0 8.2 10.2 32 2.0 8.8 11.0 118
Nordic 2.2 7.5 9.7 91 1.1 7.2 9.3 77
Canada 2.0 8.0 10.8 88 2.0 8.7 11.8 68
Central
Europe 1.0 6.6 8.4 48 1.0 7.2 9.1 41
============== ========== ========== ========== ========= ========== ========== ========== =========
Total 902 816
============== ========== ========== ========== ========= ========== ========== ========== =========
The relevant inputs to the value in use calculations of each CGU
were:
Cash flow forecasts for years one to three are derived from the
most recent Board approved strategic plan. The forecast for year
five represents an estimate of "mid-cycle" trading performance for
the CGU based on historic analysis. Year four is calculated as the
average of the final year of the strategic plan and year five's
mid-cycle estimate. The other inputs include risk-adjusted, pre-tax
discount rate, calculated by reference to the weighted average cost
of capital ("WACC") of each country and the 30-year long-term
growth rate by country, as published by the IMF in March 2016.
The strategic plan is developed based on analyses of sales,
markets and costs at a regional level. Consideration is given to
past events, knowledge of future contracts and the wider economy.
It takes into account both current business and future
initiatives.
Management has performed a sensitivity analysis across all CGUs
which have goodwill and acquired intangible assets using the
following key impairment review assumptions: compound average
revenue growth rate, post-tax discount rate and long-term growth
rate, keeping all other assumptions constant.
UK
The impairment review for the UK has resulted in an impairment
charge in the year of GBP94 million. In allocating the impairment
charge we have considered the impairment of all assets as well as
goodwill. An impairment trigger arose for the UK businesses due to
the continuing challenging market conditions and uncertainty over
performance. Expectations of future profitability for the UK
businesses were therefore significantly reduced, resulting in
impairment charges for Plumb, Parts & Drain, Pipe &
Climate, Infrastructure and Soak.com. The Soak.com business was
acquired in February 2015 and has incurred losses despite
generating good revenue growth. We do expect the business to
generate future profits and it remains an important part of the
Group's European B2C strategy but due to the uncertainty of the
timing of profitability an impairment charge has been made against
the carrying value of its goodwill.
The UK impairment charge has been incurred as follows:
Acquired Post-tax Pre-tax
intangible Remaining discount discount
Goodwill assets Total Impairment balance rate rate
CGU GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm % %
================== ========= ============ ====== =========== ========== ========== ==========
Plumb, Parts
& Drain 7 - 7 (7) - 8.2 10.2
Pipe & Climate 26 - 26 (26) - 8.2 10.2
Infrastructure 29 8 37 (37) - 8.2 10.2
Soak.com 24 - 24 (24) - 8.2 10.2
================== ========= ============ ====== =========== ========== ========== ==========
Total 86 8 94 (94) - 8.2 10.2
================== ========= ============ ====== =========== ========== ========== ==========
12. Provisions
Environmental Wolseley Other
and legal Insurance Restructuring provisions Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------- --------------- ----------- ---------------- --------------- --------
At 1 August 2014 85 41 55 66 247
Adjustment to fair value
on prior year acquisitions (2) - - - (2)
Utilised in the year (12) (13) (22) (6) (53)
Amortisation of discount (3) - - - (3)
Charge for the year 6 11 4 3 24
Acquisition of businesses - - - 1 1
Disposal of businesses
and reclassified as held
for sale (7) - (4) 2 (9)
Exchange rate adjustment 3 2 (1) (3) 1
=============================== =============== =========== ================ =============== ========
At 31 July 2015 70 41 32 63 206
Utilised in the year (7) (12) (12) (4) (35)
Amortisation of discount 3 - - - 3
Charge for the year 5 18 8 7 38
Disposal of businesses
and reclassified as held
for sale (7) - (1) (11) (19)
Exchange rate adjustment 11 6 1 10 28
At 31 July 2016 75 53 28 65 221
=============================== =============== =========== ================ =============== ========
Provisions have been analysed between current and
non-current as follows:
Environmental Wolseley Other
and legal Insurance Restructuring provisions Total
At 31 July 2016 GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
=============================== =============== =========== ================ =============== ========
Current 23 14 16 35 88
Non-current 52 39 12 30 133
=============================== =============== =========== ================ =============== ========
Total provisions 75 53 28 65 221
=============================== =============== =========== ================ =============== ========
The environmental and legal provision includes GBP61 million
(2015: GBP49 million) for the estimated liability for asbestos
litigation on a discounted basis using a long-term discount rate of
1.5 per cent (2015: 2.2 per cent). This amount has been actuarially
determined as at 31 July 2016 based on advice from independent
professional advisers. The Group has insurance that it currently
believes is sufficient cover for the estimated liability and
accordingly an equivalent insurance receivable has been recorded in
other receivables. Based on current estimates, the amount of
performing insurance cover significantly exceeds the expected level
of future claims and no material profit or cash flow impact is
therefore expected to arise in the foreseeable future. Due to the
nature of these provisions, the timing of any settlements is
uncertain.
Wolseley Insurance provisions represent an estimate, based on
historical experience, of the ultimate cost of settling outstanding
claims and claims incurred but not reported on certain risks
retained by the Group (principally USA casualty and global property
damage).
Restructuring provisions include provisions for staff redundancy
costs and future lease rentals on closed branches. In determining
the provision for onerous leases, the cash flows have been
discounted on a pre-tax basis using appropriate government bond
rates. The weighted average maturity of these obligations is
approximately three years.
Other provisions include warranty costs relating to businesses
disposed of, rental commitments on vacant properties and
dilapidations on leased properties. The weighted average maturity
of these obligations is approximately four years.
13. Assets and liabilities held for sale
2016 2015
GBPm GBPm
=============================== ===== =====
Properties awaiting disposal 10 28
Assets of disposal groups held
for sale 46 173
=============================== ===== =====
Assets held for sale 56 201
=============================== ===== =====
Liabilities of disposal groups
held for sale 12 136
=============================== ===== =====
During the previous year, the Group announced its decision to
sell its remaining businesses in France. As at 31 July 2016, the
sales process for the remaining French property assets was
continuing and accordingly these properties are classified as held
for sale.
The assets and liabilities of disposal groups held for sale
consist of:
2016 2015
GBPm GBPm
================================== ===== =====
Property, plant and equipment 42 54
Inventories - 16
Trade and other receivables 4 93
Tax receivables - 10
Bank balances and overdrafts - (1)
Finance leases - (12)
Trade and other payables (7) (105)
Provisions and retirement benefit
obligations (1) (14)
Tax payables (4) (4)
================================== ===== =====
34 37
================================== ===== =====
14. Reconciliation of profit to cash generated from
operations
Profit for the year is reconciled to cash generated from
operations as follows:
2016 2015
GBPm GBPm
============================================ ===== =====
Profit for the year 650 213
Net finance costs 34 31
Tax expense 236 187
(Gain)/loss on disposal and closure of
businesses and revaluation of disposal
groups (147) 129
Depreciation and impairment of property,
plant and equipment 125 108
Amortisation and impairment of non-acquired
intangible assets 15 13
Amortisation and impairment of goodwill
and acquired intangible assets 147 294
Profit on disposal of property, plant
and equipment and assets held for sale (18) (3)
Increase in inventories (36) (113)
Increase in trade and other receivable
assets (21) (54)
Increase in trade and other payables 13 159
Increase/(decrease) in provisions and
other liabilities 1 (47)
Share-based payments 20 20
============================================ ===== =====
Cash generated from operations 1,019 937
============================================ ===== =====
Trading profit is reconciled to cash generated from operations
as follows:
2016 2015
GBPm GBPm
============================================ ===== =====
Trading profit 916 854
Exceptional items in operating profit (2) (4)
(Gain)/loss on disposal and closure of
businesses and revaluation of disposal
groups (147) 129
Operating profit/(loss) from discontinued
operations (note 7) 153 (125)
Depreciation and impairment of property,
plant and equipment 125 108
Amortisation and impairment of non-acquired
intangible assets 15 13
Profit on disposal of property, plant
and equipment and assets held for sale (18) (3)
Increase in inventories (36) (113)
Increase in trade and other receivable
assets (21) (54)
Increase in trade and other payables 13 159
Increase/(decrease) in provisions and
other liabilities 1 (47)
Share-based payments 20 20
============================================ ===== =====
Cash generated from operations 1,019 937
============================================ ===== =====
15. Acquisitions
The Group acquired the following 16 businesses in the year ended
31 July 2016. All these businesses are engaged in the distribution
of plumbing and heating products and building materials. All
transactions have been accounted for by the purchase method of
accounting except for the 50 percent acquisition of BraByggare
Sverige AB, which has been accounted for as a joint venture.
Shares/
Date of Country asset
acquisition of incorporation deal % acquired
--------------------------------- -------------- ------------------- --------- -----------
August
Central Pipe & Supply 2015 USA Asset 100
October
Living Direct, Inc 2015 USA Shares 100
Atlantic American Fire October
Equipment Co 2015 USA Asset 100
October
Renwes Appliances, Inc 2015 USA Asset 100
Action Fire Fab & Supply, November
Inc 2015 USA Asset 100
Professional Cleaning January
Service and Supply Corporation 2016 USA Asset 100
Medallion Pipe Supply February
Ltd 2016 Canada Asset 100
Underground Specialities,
Inc March 2016 Canada Asset 100
BraByggare Sverige AB March 2016 Sweden Shares 50
Andrews Lighting Gallery,
Inc April 2016 USA Asset 100
The Bath & Beyond April 2016 USA Asset 100
Dealernet, LLC April 2016 USA Asset 100
Bruce-Rogers Company May 2016 USA Shares 100
Michigan Pipe & Valve-Flint,
Inc June 2016 USA Asset 100
Michigan Pipe & Valve-Lansing,
Inc June 2016 USA Asset 100
Michigan Meter Technology
Group, Inc July 2016 USA Asset 100
--------------------------------- -------------- ------------------- --------- -----------
The assets and liabilities acquired and the consideration for
all acquisitions in the period are as follows:
Provisional
Book values Fair value fair values
acquired adjustments acquired
GBPm GBPm GBPm
============================== =========== ============ ============
Intangible assets
- Customer relationships - 16 16
- Trade names and brands - 7 7
- Other - 5 5
Property, plant and equipment 11 - 11
Inventories 30 (4) 26
Receivables 20 - 20
Cash, cash equivalents
and bank overdrafts 2 - 2
Payables (13) - (13)
Deferred tax - (2) (2)
Total 50 22 72
Goodwill arising 40
------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Consideration 112
------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Satisfied by:
Cash 94
Deferred consideration 18
------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Total consideration 112
------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
The fair value adjustments are provisional figures, being the
best estimates currently available. Further adjustments may be
necessary when additional information is available for some of the
judgemental areas.
The goodwill arising on these acquisitions is attributable to
the anticipated profitability of the new markets and product ranges
to which the Group has gained access and additional profitability
and operating efficiencies available in respect of existing
markets.
The acquisitions contributed GBP110 million to revenue, GBP6
million to trading profit and GBP6 million to the Group's operating
profit for the period between the date of acquisition and the
balance sheet date. It is not practicable to disclose profit before
and after tax, as the Group manages its borrowings as a portfolio
and cannot attribute an effective borrowing rate to an individual
acquisition.
If each acquisition had been completed on the first day of the
financial year, Group revenue would have been GBP14,517 million and
Group trading profit would have been GBP921 million. It is not
practicable to disclose profit before tax or profit attributable to
equity shareholders, as stated above. It is also not practicable to
disclose operating profit as the Group cannot estimate the amount
of intangible assets that would have been acquired at a date other
than the acquisition date.
The net outflow of cash in respect of the purchase of businesses
is as follows:
2016 2015
GBPm GBPm
======================================= ===== =====
Purchase consideration 94 100
Deferred and contingent consideration
in respect of prior year acquisitions 21 8
--------------------------------------- ----- -------
Cash consideration 115 108
Cash acquired (2) (3)
======================================= ===== =======
Net cash outflow in respect of the
purchase of businesses 113 105
======================================= ===== =======
16. Disposals
In the year ended 31 July 2016, the Group disposed of the
following businesses:
Date of Shares/asset
Name Country disposal deal
-------------------------- ------- ---------- ------------
Bois & Matériaux
SAS France March 2016 Shares
Guimier SAS France March 2016 Shares
Wolseley France Logistique
SAS France March 2016 Shares
Duomat SAS France March 2016 Shares
Helatukku Finland Oy Finland May 2016 Shares
AS Puukeskus Estonia July 2016 Shares
-------------------------- ------- ---------- ------------
The Group recognised a total gain on current year disposals of
GBP136 million. This primarily arose from the sale of the remaining
French building materials business which is disclosed in note 7 as
a discontinued exceptional gain on disposal.
Continuing Discontinued Group
operations operations 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm
================================== =========== ============ =====
Consideration received 4 10 14
Net (assets)/liabilities disposed
of (2) 4 2
Disposal costs - (5) (5)
Recycling of deferred foreign
exchange gains - 125 125
================================== =========== ============ =====
Gain on disposal 2 134 136
================================== =========== ============ =====
Details of assets and liabilities disposed of are provided in
the following table:
Continuing Discontinued Group
operations operations 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------- ----------- ------------ --------
Inventory 2 - 2
Receivables 3 - 3
Net liabilities held for sale - (4) (4)
Payables (3) - (3)
Total net assets/(liabilities)
disposed of 2 (4) (2)
=============================== =========== ============ ========
The net inflow of cash in respect of the disposal of businesses
is as follows:
Continuing Discontinued Group
operations operations 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ----------
Cash consideration received for
current year disposals (net of cash
disposed of) 4 - 4
Cash consideration received for
prior year disposals - 10 10
Disposal costs paid - (5) (5)
===================================== =========== ============ ==========
Net cash inflow 4 5 9
===================================== =========== ============ ==========
17. Reconciliation of opening to closing net debt
Acquisitions Fair
and value Held At
For the At new and for 31
year ended 1 August Cash finance Disposal other Sale Exchange July
31 July 2015 flows leases of businesses adjustments movements movement 2016
2016 GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------- ---------- ------- ------------- --------------- ------------- ----------- ---------- --------
Cash and
cash
equivalents 1,105 940
Bank
overdrafts (848) (692)
--------------- ---------- ------- ------------- --------------- ------------- ----------- ---------- --------
257 (28) 2 - - (1) 18 248
Derivative
financial
instruments 33 (10) - - 1 - 7 31
Bank loans (1,066) 16 - 27 9 - (170) (1,184)
Obligations
under
finance
leases (29) 4 (2) - - - (4) (31)
--------------- ---------- ------- ------------- --------------- ------------- ----------- ---------- --------
Net debt (805) (18) - 27 10 (1) (149) (936)
--------------- ---------- ------- ------------- --------------- ------------- ----------- ---------- --------
Acquisitions Fair
and value Reclassified At
For the At new Disposal and as held 31
year ended 1 August Cash finance of other for Exchange July
31 July 2014 Flows leases businesses adjustments sale Movement 2015
2015 GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------- ---------- ------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ---------- --------
Cash and
cash
equivalents 240 1,105
Bank
overdrafts (73) (848)
--------------- ---------- ------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ---------- --------
167 173 3 (10) - 1 (77) 257
Derivative
financial
instruments 42 (12) - - (1) - 4 33
Bank loans (877) (197) (13) 15 12 - (6) (1,066)
Obligations
under
finance
leases (43) 4 (3) 1 - 12 - (29)
--------------- ---------- ------- ------------- -------------
Net debt (711) (32) (13) 6 11 13 (79) (805)
--------------- ---------- ------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ---------- --------
18. Contingent liabilities
Group companies are, from time to time, subject to certain
claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business in
relation to, among other things, the products that we supply,
contractual and commercial disputes and disputes with employees.
Provision is made if, on the basis of current information and
professional advice, liabilities are considered likely to arise. In
the case of unfavourable outcomes, the Group may benefit from
applicable insurance protection.
Warranties and indemnities in relation to business disposals
Over the past few years, the Group has disposed of a number of
non-core businesses and various Group companies have provided
certain standard warranties and indemnities to acquirers and other
third parties. Provision is made where the Group considers that a
liability is likely to crystallise, though it is possible that
claims in respect of which no provision has been made could
crystallise in the future. Group companies have also made
contractual commitments for certain property and other obligations
which could be called upon in an event of default. As at the date
of this report, there are no significant outstanding claims in
relation to business disposals.
Environmental liabilities
The operations of certain Group companies are subject to
specific environmental regulations. From time to time, the Group
conducts preliminary investigations through third parties to assess
potential risks including potential soil or groundwater
contamination of sites. Where an obligation to remediate
contamination arises then this is provided for, though future
liabilities could arise from sites for which no provision is
made.
Outcome of claims and litigation
The outcome of claims and litigation to which Group companies
are party cannot readily be foreseen as, in some cases, the facts
are unclear, further time is needed to assess properly the merits
of the case, or they are part of continuing legal proceedings.
However, based on information currently available, the Directors
consider that the cost to the Group of an unfavourable outcome
arising from such litigation is not expected to have a material
adverse effect on the financial position of the Group.
19. Exchange rates
The results of overseas subsidiaries have been translated into
sterling using average rates of exchange. The year end rates of
exchange have been used to convert balance sheet amounts. The
principal currencies impacting the full year results announcement
are as follows.
2016 2015
====
US dollar translation rate
Income statement 1.46 1.56
Balance sheet 1.32 1.56
Euro translation rate
Income statement 1.31 1.33
Balance sheet 1.18 1.42
Canadian dollar translation rate
Income statement 1.94 1.86
Balance sheet 1.72 2.04
====
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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