17th Mar 2008 07:01
Wolseley PLC17 March 2008 NEWS RELEASE 17 March 2008 Wolseley plc Wolseley plc announces its Unaudited Interim Results for the half year ended 31 January 2008 Summary of Results Financial highlights Change -------------- Half year to Half year to Reported In constant 31 January 2008 31 January 2007 currency(1) £m £m % % ----------------------- --------- -------- -------- -------- Group revenue 8,029 7,870 +2.0 +3.1 ----------------------- --------- -------- -------- -------- Group trading profit(2) 300 390 -23.1 -22.1 Group operating profit 146 345 -57.7 -57.5 ----------------------- --------- -------- -------- -------- Group profit before tax, 233 330 -29.4 -28.6 before amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles Group profit before tax 79 285 -72.5 -72.3 ----------------------- --------- -------- -------- -------- Earnings per share, 26.69p 38.72p -31.1 -30.4 before amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles Basic earnings per share 9.87p 32.97p -70.1 -69.8 ----------------------- --------- -------- -------- -------- Interim dividend per 11.25p 10.85p +3.7 share ----------------------- --------- -------- -------- -------- Overview • Results reflect increasingly difficult trading conditions across many businesses and the continuing action to significantly reduce the Group's cost base and maximise cash flow. • Ferguson continued to outperform its markets, achieving an increase in trading profit and margin. • Stock is the primary reason for the reduction in the Group trading profit, recording a trading loss of £44 million (2007: profit of £42 million) and a goodwill and other acquired intangibles impairment of £89 million. • Operational improvements from recent UK initiatives starting to deliver benefits, with underlying improvement in the UK (excluding Ireland) in trading profit, despite a slowing market. • Markets in the Nordic region generally held up well, enabling another good performance by DT Group which achieved a trading margin of 6.3% and organic revenue growth of 3.9%. • French profits declined in a generally less positive business environment, although improved market focus and cost control resulted in a better performance in the second quarter. • Improved cash conversion(3) from 115% to 122% achieved, but operating cash flow of £367 million (2007: £447 million) reflects lower trading profit. • Capital expenditure reduced to £155 million (2007: £206 million). In addition, £173 million (2007: £325 million) was invested in bolt-on acquisitions. • Gearing(4) of 83.9% (2007: 89.6%), interest cover(5) of 4.3 times (2007: 6.6 times) and net debt to annualised EBITDA of 2.85 times. • The Group is fully in compliance with its borrowing covenants at 31 January 2008 and is confident that this will remain the case. It had committed and undrawn banking facilities of around £1 billion at 31 January 2008. • After careful consideration, the Board has decided to increase the interim dividend by 3.7% to 11.25 pence per share (2007: 10.85 pence). The Board believes that this strikes an appropriate balance between its undiminished confidence in the longer term fundamental strength of the Group and the short term market uncertainties. Outlook • The Board expects business conditions in a number of the Group's markets to become more challenging. • In the USA, the housing market is likely to deteriorate further and put additional pressure on the RMI market. The US commercial and industrial market is likely to remain stable for the next few months, but soften thereafter. • Growth rates in European markets are likely to slow, but the RMI and commercial and industrial segments, that drive the majority of the Group's business, are expected to remain marginally positive. • Management's immediate focus will remain on achieving a cost base appropriate to market conditions, with further significant cost reductions in the second half, and on maximising cash flow. The Group will apply a highly selective approach to further capital and acquisition expenditure. • The Board remains confident that the Group's fundamental strategy for exploiting market fragmentation through acquisition and organic growth will continue to provide significant opportunities in the future. SUMMARY OF RESULTS As at, and for the six months ended 31 January 2008 2007 Change Revenue £8,029m £7,870m +2.0% Operating profit- before amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles £300m £390m -23.1%- amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles £(154)m £(45)m Operating profit £146m £345m -57.7%Net finance costs £(67)m £(60)m Profit before tax- before amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles £233m £330m -29.4%- amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles £(154)m £(45)m Profit before tax £79m £285m -72.5% Earnings per share- before amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles 26.69p 38.72p -31.1%- amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles (16.82)p (5.75)p Basic earnings pershare 9.87p 32.97p -70.1% Dividend per share 11.25p 10.85p +3.7% Net borrowings £2,894m £2,917m Gearing(4) 83.9% 89.6% Interest cover (times)(5) 4.3x 6.6x Operating cash flow £367m £447m Return on grosscapital employed(6) 11.4% 15.9% Chip Hornsby, Wolseley plc Group Chief Executive said: "The first half results reflect creditable performances in most of our majormarkets against the background of increasingly challenging conditions. In theshort-term, we remain very focused on maximising cash flow, reducing costs andgrowing market share. We are confident in the long term fundamentals of ourmarkets and will emerge from this current downturn as a stronger organisationwith an excellent platform for future growth." (1) Constant currency percentage changes are calculated by retranslating prioryear amounts at the exchange rates used in the preparation of the financialstatements for the six months ended 31 January 2008. (2) Trading profit, a term used throughout this announcement, is defined asoperating profit before the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles.Trading margin is the ratio of trading profit to revenue expressed as apercentage. Organic change is the total increase or decrease in the yearadjusted for the impact of exchange rates, new acquisitions in 2008 and theincremental impact of acquisitions in 2007. (3) Cash conversion is the ratio of operating cash flow to trading profit. (4) Gearing ratio is the ratio of net debt, excluding construction loanborrowings, to shareholders' funds. (5) Interest cover is trading profit divided by net finance costs, excluding netpension related finance costs. (6) Return on gross capital employed is the ratio of trading profit to theaggregate of average shareholders' funds, minority interests, net debt andcumulative acquired intangibles written off. ENQUIRIES: Analysts/Investors: Guy Stainer +44 (0)118 929 8744Group Investor Relations Director +44 (0)7739 778187 John English +1 513 771 9000Vice President, Investor Relations, North America +1 513 328 4900 Media: Mark Fearon +44 (0)118 929 8787Director of Corporate Communications Brunswick +44 (0)20 7404 5959Andrew Fenwick An interview with Chip Hornsby, Group Chief Executive and Steve Webster, GroupFinance Director, in video/audio and text will be available from 0700 onwww.wolseley.com and www.cantos.com There will be an analyst and investor meeting at 0930 at UBS Presentation Suite,1 Finsbury Avenue, London EC2M 2PP. A live audio cast and slide presentation ofthis event will be available at 0930 on www.wolseley.com. There will also be a conference call at 1500 (UK time): UK free phone dial-in number: 0800 028 1277US free phone dial-in number: 1888 935 4577Rest of the World dial-in number: + 44 (0)20 7806 1955 Confirmation Code: 5064334 The call will be recorded and available for playback until midnight 23rd March2008 on the following numbers: UK free phone number: 0800 559 3271 5064334#US free phone number: 1866 239 0765 5064334#UK/European replay dial-in number: +44 (0)20 7806 1970 5064334# Photographs of Chip Hornsby, Group Chief Executive and Steve Webster, ChiefFinancial Officer are available at: www.newscast.co.uk andwww.wolseleyimages.com NEWS RELEASE 17 March 2008 Wolseley plcWolseley plc announces its Unaudited Interim Results for the half year ended 31 January 2008 Overview Wolseley, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing andheating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of buildingmaterials and services, today announces its interim figures. These results reflect the deteriorating US housing market and reducing consumerconfidence arising from global credit restrictions. Whilst the liquidity squeezehas particularly affected the US consumer, uncertainty is also having someimpact on European markets. Against this background, good performances were achieved in the US plumbing andheating business (Ferguson), Wolseley UK, the Nordic region, the Netherlands andSwitzerland. Stock Building Supply ("Stock") was adversely affected by thecontinuing slowdown in US new residential construction, but produced betterresults than the market generally. A variety of management actions have been taken to adjust the Group's cost basein response to the deteriorating market conditions. In the USA, significantheadcount reductions in Stock and in Ferguson have been achieved. In Europe,headcount and overhead cost reductions have been implemented with furtherrationalisation and restructuring of businesses being undertaken. In bothcontinents, decisions have been taken to reduce discretionary revenue andcapital spend. Significant further cost reduction is expected in the secondhalf. Group Results After taking account of currency translation, Group revenue for the six monthsended 31 January 2008 increased by 2.0% to £8,029 million (2007: £7,870million). Trading profit was 23.1% lower at £300 million (2007: £390 million).The Group's trading margin fell from 5.0% to 3.7% primarily due to the lossrecorded by Stock. Lower profitability in France, Ireland and Central andEastern Europe also impacted the group margin, but to a lesser extent. Afterdeducting amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles of £154 million(2007: £45 million) including an impairment of £89 million in Stock, operatingprofit declined by 57.7% to £146 million (2007: £345 million). Currency translation reduced Group revenue by £81 million (1.0%) and Grouptrading profit by £6 million (1.5%) in the six month period. On a constantcurrency basis, Group revenue increased by 3.1% and trading profit declined by22.1% for the first six months, compared with the prior year. Reported profit before tax and amortisation and impairment of acquiredintangibles reduced by 29.4% to £233 million (2007: £330 million). Reportedprofit before tax, after amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles,declined by 72.5% to £79 million (2007: £285 million). Net finance costs of £67million (2007: £60 million) reflect the increase in acquisition spend and higherinterest rates. Interest cover was 4.3 times (2007: 6.6 times). The decrease in earnings per share before amortisation and impairment ofacquired intangibles was 31.1%, to 26.69 pence (2007: 38.72 pence), reflectingthe lower level of profitability. Basic earnings per share were down 70.1%, to9.87 pence (2007: 32.97 pence). The business continues to be strongly cash generative. Cash conversion improvedfrom 115% to 122% due to the ongoing focus on improving working capital and cashflow management throughout the Group. Operating cash flow was lower at £367million (2006: £447 million) due to the Group's lower trading profit. During the first half, the Group continued with its programme of actions tomaximise profit and cash flow. These are outlined below: Profit maximisation Group initiatives designed to enhance profitability continue. Private labelsales have grown as a percentage of the Group's revenue in the half year. Mostof the major companies have new initiatives to improve selling prices and newcustomer service programmes to grow market share have been implemented acrossNorth America and in the UK. The Group continues to use its scale and leverageto drive improved terms with suppliers and rationalise its supplier base tomaximise rebates. A number of actions have been taken to adjust the Group's cost position.Headcount, which represents around 60% of Wolseley's cost base (excluding costof goods sold), declined by around a further 4,000 employees, excludingacquisitions. This is expected to produce annualised savings of £64 million. In the past 18 months, total headcount reductions across the Group have beenaround 10,000, more than 10% of the workforce. In the USA, where marketconditions have been the most severe, cumulative headcount reductions in Stockhave been 5,250 which is around one-third of the workforce. In Ferguson,cumulative headcount reductions of 2,700 or around 12% have been achieved. InEurope, more modest headcount reductions have also been implemented. In Franceand Central and Eastern Europe, further rationalisation and restructuring ofbusinesses has been undertaken. Cash maximisation Cash flow has been a significant focus over the past 12 months with aggressiveimprovement targets established for each of the Group's businesses relating toinventory, receivables and payables. This focus has resulted in a furtherimprovement in the cash conversion in this half. In addition, the Group is reducing discretionary revenue spending, curtailingcapital expenditure and taking an increasingly selective approach toacquisitions. As a result, capital expenditure was £155 million in this period,down from £206 million last year and the investment in bolt-on acquisitionsreduced to £173 million (2007: £325 million). A bottom-up review has also been undertaken of the planned expenditure on theGroup's Business Change Programme and priorities re-established. As aconsequence, the planned IT expenditure over the next four years has beenreduced from the previously announced £100 million to £150 million to £75million to £100 million per annum, with expenditure expected to peak this yearat around £130 million. Increased attention has also been paid to rigorously applying the Group'sestablished credit control processes and procedures to minimise the growingincidence of bad debts in the industry. Operating Review Further details of market conditions and financial performance in each of theGroup's businesses are set out below. North America The results in Wolseley's North American division were significantly impacted bya further slowdown in the US new housing sector and falling consumer confidence.However, it enhanced its position as the leading distributor of constructionproducts to the professional contractor in North America by taking furthermarket share in the period. Reported revenue, in sterling, of the division decreased 9.0% to £3,973 million(2007: £4,367 million), reflecting a 4.2% negative impact of currencytranslation and organic revenue decline of 9.5%, partly offset by acquisitions.Trading profit, in sterling, declined by 38.1% to £142 million (2007:£229 million), after charging £4 million (2007: £5 million) of North Americanhead office costs. The North American back office operations have been increasingly integrated witha number of central functions now supporting all three businesses. On 1 August2007, Wolseley Canada was integrated into Ferguson, operating with the samebusiness structure, and has started to benefit from leveraging the USoperations, including the DC network. There was a net increase of 11 branches in North America from 1,985 at 31 July2007 to 1,996 locations at 31 January 2008. US Plumbing and Heating (34% of Group revenue) New housing starts have continued to decline and the RMI market has slowed inresponse to weaker consumer sentiment. This relates to the sub-prime problemsand concerns associated with the impact of the deteriorating housing market onthe US economy. The commercial and industrial sectors continued to hold up. Ferguson produced another strong performance and out-performed the market. Localcurrency revenue in the US plumbing and heating operations rose by 3.2% to$5,554 million (2007: $5,384 million) due to acquisitions, with organic revenuebeing down 2.7%. Trading profit was up by 4.9% to $350 million (2007: $333million). Gross margin was up, reflecting internal process improvement, changesof business mix towards higher margin business generated from showrooms, countersales and private label products, and improved sourcing programmes. The tradingmargin was also slightly higher at 6.3% (2007: 6.2%), benefiting from the marginenhancing acquisitions completed recently. In response to the slowingresidential markets in the first half, Ferguson reduced its headcount by 1,575.These reductions equate to around 6% of its total employees and will give riseto annualised savings of $75 million and brings the cumulative headcountreduction in Ferguson to around 12% of its employees. The on-going priorities for Ferguson include focusing on more profitablesame-store sales growth, gross margin enhancement, cost control, supply chainefficiency and the further integration of Wolseley Canada. Ferguson's total branch numbers increased by 36 to 1,453 locations (31 July2007: 1,417), which will provide additional opportunities for market sharegains. US Building Materials (11% of Group revenue) The continued decline in the new residential market caused a reduction involumes, increased price competition and also kept lumber and structural panelprices low. These factors have inevitably impacted Stock's financial performancedespite an aggressive cost reduction programme. Stock continues to outperform inmost of its major markets with volumes in its top 5 US states, which account for50% of its revenue, declining 25% compared to housing starts which fell 30%. The new residential market, which accounted for 75% of the activity in thisbusiness in the first half, has continued to be difficult. Housing starts havefallen by 25% from an average annual rate of 1.6 million for the six months to31 January 2007 to an average of 1.2 million this half, with the figure inJanuary 2008 being even lower, at 1.0 million. There continue to be significantregional variations although all markets are showing a decline compared to theprior period. In local currency, Stock's revenue, including acquisitions, was down 25.7% to$1,797 million (2007: $2,419 million) principally reflecting a 22.8% decline inlike for like sales volumes. Despite reducing headcount by a further 1,750 inthe period, Stock reported a trading loss of $89 million in the first halfreflecting the lower volumes and an increasing incidence of bad debts, comparedwith a trading profit of $81 million in the comparable period in the prior year.These headcount reductions will give rise to annual savings of $52 million. Acquisitions contributed $52 million (2.2%) to revenue continuing Stock'sstrategy of reducing its dependency on the new residential market and expandingits presence in the commercial and industrial and RMI markets. Stock's gross margin was lower due to pricing pressure in the difficult markets. A goodwill and other intangible asset impairment of £89 million has beenrecorded at Stock in the period reflecting a reassessment of their carryingvalue in the Texas, New York and Florida regions and in the constructionservices business in Nevada. Stock's branch numbers reduced by 22 during the first half to 286 locations (31July 2007: 308). Wolseley Canada (4% of Group revenue) In Canada the residential market continued to hold up well and has not beensignificantly impacted by the factors affecting the US housing market. Economicactivity was also positive, although the strength of the Canadian dollar ishaving a negative impact on export businesses and causing some price deflationin products sourced from the USA. Activity levels in the oil and gas explorationindustries in Western Canada continue to be weak. Against this background, Wolseley Canada's local currency revenue increased by3.7% to C$684 million (2007: C$660 million), including 2.3% organic revenuegrowth. Gross margin improved although trading profit was 15.0% lower at C$35million (2007: C$41 million) reflecting branch closure costs of around C$4million (£2 million) and the inclusion of C$2 million (£1 million) of propertygains in the comparative period. Branch numbers in Canada were reduced by 3 to 257 (31 July 2007: 260). Europe Reported revenue, in sterling, for Europe increased by 15.8% to £4,056 million(2007: £3,503 million), of which 0.5% was from organic growth. Recentacquisitions accounted for £432 million (12.3%) of revenue growth, including DTGroup in the Nordic region which was acquired in September 2006. Trading profitincreased 1.4% from £180 million to £182 million. Excluding DT Group, tradingprofit was 21.6% lower due to a disappointing performance in France and someinitial disruption, now diminishing, caused by the IT systems implementation inAustria and the new distribution centre (DC) in Italy. Currency translationincreased divisional revenue by £101 million (2.9%) and trading profit by £4million (2.2%). The overall divisional trading margin, after the allocation of central costs,declined from 5.1% to 4.5% of revenue. The run rate of profitability has beenimproving and a better performance is expected in the second half. In the first six months, a further net 92 branches were added to the Europeannetwork, giving a total of 3,403 locations (31 July 2007: 3,311), including 34added through acquisitions. UK and Ireland (20% of Group revenue) In the UK, the new residential market is declining and the rate of growth in theRMI market has been weakening in response to deteriorating consumer sentimentand tighter credit conditions. Government expenditure on social housing, healthand education remains positive. In Ireland the business faced much toughertrading conditions as a result of housing starts which have fallen around 50%. Against this background, Wolseley UK, which includes Ireland, recorded a 3.1%increase in revenue to £1,602 million (2007: £1,554 million), including 2.1%organic growth. The overall gross margin improved due to price management andcontinued growth in private label sales. The UK business showed organic profit growth although, overall, the tradingprofit reduced by 8.2% compared to the prior year, from £92 million to £85million, due to the lower profitability in Ireland and lower property profitswhich were £2 million compared to £8 million last year. As a result the UK andIreland trading margin fell from 6.0% to 5.3%. There were particularly goodtrading margin performances achieved in Plumb Center and Bathstore. Wolseley UK was successful at winning substantial new business from British Gasto supply domestic heating products. These products are being delivered toconsumers directly from the DCs which improves efficiency and service levels. During the first six months, 10 net new locations were added in the UK andIreland taking the total number of branches for Wolseley UK to 1,927 (31 July2007: 1,917). The new regional DC in Chorley was handed over to Wolseley UK inFebruary. France (12% of Group revenue) In France, housing starts slowed in the period as a result of tighter credit andlow consumer confidence which led to a generally less positive businessenvironment, including the effect of French national industrial disruption. Wolseley's French operations achieved revenue growth of 1.0% to €1,334 million(2007: €1,321 million) as a result of acquisitions and organic growth in PBM.Although the performance of the business improved during the period as a resultof better market focus and cost control, the overall trading profit for the halfreduced to €43 million (2007: €60 million), including the previously announced€4 million of restructuring costs. Trading margin was 3.2% (2007: 4.6%)reflecting previously announced internal restructuring and start up issues atthe new national DC in Orleans. The DC is fully operational with fill ratesimproving from 80% to 91% in the past three months, with a target to rapidlymove above 95%. New products continue to be added. Wolseley's French businesses continue to seek opportunities to generatesynergies by expansion of the number of joint sites, cross selling of products,rationalisation of the business model and centralisation of functions such assourcing and purchasing. The number of branches in France increased by 60,to 885 (31 July 2007: 825),including 30 recently acquired Sofiparts locations. Nordic (13% of Group revenue) Markets in the Nordic region have generally held up well. The Danish new housingand DIY markets continued to slow in response to higher interest rates and therate of growth in the Danish professional market was more modest. The SwedishDIY market has also slowed, but other markets in the Nordic region remainedrelatively robust. DT Group continued to perform well. In local currency, DT Group's revenue, including acquisitions, was DKK10,920million (£1,035 million) compared to DKK6,878 million (£621 million) for theperiod of Wolseley's ownership in the prior year (25 September 2006 to 31January 2007). DT achieved good organic growth of 3.9% for the four monthcomparative period. Its gross margin improved as it focused on improving itsrelationship with the key small and mid-sized contractors and craftsmen,combined with the strategy of targeting the RMI market. Trading profit increasedfrom DKK338 million (2007: £31 million) to DKK688 million (£65 million). Tradingmargin was 6.3% and it was able to reduce working capital further from analready excellent low level. DT Group had 277 branches as at 31 January 2008 (31 July 2007: 275). Central and Eastern Europe (6% of Group revenue) The Group's other Continental European operations achieved revenue growth, insterling, of 8.6% to £477 million (2007: £439 million), primarily due toacquisitions. Gross margin was lower with price deflation evident in somecommodities, mainly affecting the Austrian, Eastern European and Belgianbusinesses. Trading profit, in sterling, declined 49.4% to £11 million (2007:£21 million). The trading margin declined to 2.2% (2007: 4.8%) due to thepreviously announced restructuring in Italy following the opening of the newdistribution centre and the expected lower profitability in Austria caused bydisruption from the IT implementation which went live in August 2007. Thesestart-up issues abated over the period. The Italian DC now services all theItalian branches with the majority of their stock replenishment needs andservice levels and efficiency will continue to improve as suppliers and branchesbecome more comfortable with the new operational procedures. In Austria, plannedbenefits from the new IT system, such as gross margin enhancement and improvedinventory management, started to be realised. In the Benelux region, Wasco in the Netherlands made excellent progress withgood organic revenue growth and trading margin improvement. Tobler, in Switzerland, had another strong performance with good organic growthwhilst significantly increasing its trading margin. During the period, 20 net new locations were added in Central and EasternEurope, taking the total number to 314 (31 July 2007: 294). Business Change Programme The Business Change Programme is designed to support Wolseley's businessimprovement initiatives and to enable it to improve its competitive position inthe marketplace. Specifically, it is expected to result in improved workingcapital efficiencies and business processes, leading to higher productivity andbetter customer service. KPI's are being established to target improvedperformance in line with the Group's Earn, Turn, Grow initiative. Certainsolutions have already been rolled out, such as a warehouse management systemwhich is now installed in more than 90 distribution locations in the USA and inthe new distribution centres in the UK and Italy, with France to follow later inthe year. In addition, consistent financial management systems have beenimplemented across the Group and common HR processes and technology have beenadopted at Wolseley plc's Head Office in Theale and in Wolseley UK. This will befurther rolled out in the USA over the next several months. During the first half, the implementation of the pilot SAP programme into theOAG business in Austria was completed. The knowledge gained from thisimplementation process will assist in the further roll out of the technology tothose regions where the need for replacement systems are the greatest. Furtherpilots are planned for the latter part of this financial year. Interim Dividend After careful consideration, the Board has decided to pay an interim dividend of11.25 pence per share (2007: 10.85 pence per share) to be paid on 30 May 2008 toshareholders on the register on 28 March 2008, which will absorb £74 million ofcash. This represents an increase of 3.7% over last year's interim dividend andthe Board believes that this strikes an appropriate balance between itsundiminished confidence in the longer term fundamental strength of the Group andthe short term market uncertainties. It is expected that the interim dividendwill be approximately one third of the total dividend for the year. The dividendreinvestment plan will continue to be available to eligible shareholders. Financial Review Net finance costs of £67 million (2007: £60 million) reflect an increase inGroup debt as a result of the higher level of acquisition spend and higherinterest rates. Net interest receivable on construction loans amounted to £5million (2007: £6 million). Group interest cover for the six months was 4.3times (2007: 6.6 times). The tax rate, on profit before tax and amortisation and impairment of acquiredintangibles, decreased marginally from 25.6% to 25.0% due to the reduction in USprofit in the period. This tax rate is consistent with the rate expected for theyear ending 31 July 2008. Before the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles, earnings pershare decreased by 31.1% to 26.69 pence (2007: 38.72 pence), reflecting thelower level of profitability. Basic earnings per share were 70.1% lower at 9.87pence (2007: 32.97 pence). The average number of shares in issue during thefirst half was 655 million (2007: 635 million). Cash flow conversion improved from 115% to 122% due to the increased focus onimproving working capital and cash flow management throughout the Group.Operating cash flow was lower at £367 million (2007: £447 million) due to theGroup's lower trading profit. Capital expenditure in the first half was £155 million (2007: £206 million) andis expected to be slightly higher in the second half. Total capital expenditurefor the year, therefore, will be well below the £400 million previouslyannounced. The Group's branch network has been extended through acquisitions and branchopenings by a net 103 locations, bringing the total to 5,399 (31 July 2007:5,296). Investment in bolt-on acquisitions completed during the period, includingdeferred consideration and net debt, amounted to £173 million (2007: £325million). These 11 acquisitions are expected to add around £221 million perannum of incremental revenues in a full year. Goodwill and intangible assetsrelated to these acquisitions was £119 million. Since 31 January 2008, the Grouphas made a further four bolt-on acquisitions for a consideration of £32 million.These four acquisitions are expected to add around £42 million per annum ofincremental revenues in a full year. Further details regarding acquisitions areincluded in notes 12 and 15. Net borrowings, excluding construction loan borrowings, at 31 January 2008amounted to £2,894 million compared with £2,467 million at 31 July 2007, givinggearing of 83.9% compared to 71.5% at 31 July 2007 and 89.6% at 31 January 2007.The increase since 31 July 2007 reflects acquisition spend, the strengthening ofthe Euro, in which £1.8 billion of the Group's borrowings were denominated on 31January 2008, and seasonality. The Group is fully in compliance with its borrowing covenants at 31 January 2008and is confident that this will remain the case. It had committed and undrawnbanking facilities of around £1 billion at 31 January 2008. The majority of theGroup's covenants are for net debt to be less than 3.5 times annualised EBITDA,although there are two facilities, totalling £270 million, requiring net debt tobe less than 3 times EBITDA. These two facilities can be repaid from existingcommitted facilities, when appropriate. At 31 January 2008 the ratio of net debtto annualised EBITDA was 2.85 times. The Group has a number of plans in place toensure continued compliance with its covenants should markets deteriorate bymore than anticipated. In the USA, construction loan receivables, financed by an equivalent amount ofconstruction loan borrowings, were £272 million (2007: £293 million). Thedecrease primarily reflects a more cautious approach to lending following thedecline in the US new housing market. Return on gross capital employed (ROGCE) was 11.4% (2007: 15.9%) primarily as aresult of the reduced profitability of the Group. The ROGCE remains above theGroup's pre-tax weighted average cost of capital, which is currently estimatedto be 9.4%. Provisions in the balance sheet include the estimated liability for asbestosclaims on a discounted basis. This liability has been actuarially determined asat 31 January 2008 based on advice from independent professional advisors.Asbestos related litigation is fully covered by insurance and accordingly anequivalent insurance receivable has been included in receivables. The level ofinsurance cover available significantly exceeds the expected level of futureclaims and no profit or cash flow impact is therefore expected to arise in theforeseeable future. There were 320 claims outstanding at 31 July 2007 (31 July2006: 246). An update on the estimated liability and number of claimsoutstanding will be provided with the Group's Preliminary Results announcementin September 2008. Outlook The Board expects business conditions in a number of the Group's markets tobecome more challenging over the next few months. In the USA, the housing market is likely to deteriorate further and putadditional pressure on the RMI market. The commercial and industrial market islikely to remain stable for the next few months, but soften thereafter. In Canada, the domestic economy should remain positive although the newresidential housing market is likely to continue to slow from recent highlevels. Growth rates in European markets are likely to slow, but the RMI and commercialand industrial segments, that drive the majority of the Group's business, areexpected to remain marginally positive. Management's immediate focus will remain on achieving a cost base appropriate tomarket conditions, with further significant cost reductions in the second half,and on maximising cash flow. The Group will apply a highly selective approach tofurther capital and acquisition expenditure. The Board remains confident that the Group's fundamental strategy for exploitingmarket fragmentation through acquisition and organic growth will continue toprovide significant opportunities in the future. Principal risks and uncertainties The principal risks and uncertainties which could affect the Group for theremainder of the financial year remain those detailed on pages 34 to 37 and 40to 41 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2007, a copy of which is available atwww.wolseley.com. In addition, the Outlook section of this interim statementprovides a commentary concerning the remainder of the financial year. Statement of Directors' responsibilities The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge: •The condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34; •The interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7 R (indication of important events during the first 6 months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining 6 months of the year); and •The interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8 R (disclosure of material related party transactions and changes therein). At the date of this statement, the directors are those listed in the Group'sAnnual Report and Accounts 2007 with the exception of Robert M Walker whostepped down from the Board on 31 October 2007. By order of the Board, Chip HornsbyGroup Chief Executive17 March 2008 Stephen P WebsterChief Financial Officer17 March 2008 Condensed Group Income Statement (unaudited) Year to Half year to 31 Half year to 31 31 July January 2008 January 2007 2007 £m £m £m -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- 16,221 Revenue 8,029 7,870(11,702) Cost of sales (5,821) (5,702) -------- -------- -------- 4,519 Gross profit 2,208 2,168 (2,958) Distribution costs (1,541) (1,432) -------- -------- -------- (124) Administrative expenses: amortisation (154) (45) and impairment of acquired intangibles (723) Administrative expenses: other (377) (360) -------- -------- -------- (847) Administrative expenses: total (531) (405) 39 Other income 10 14 -------- -------- -------- 753 Operating profit 146 345 58 Finance revenue (note 3) 42 34 (177) Finance costs (note 3) (109) (94) -------- -------- -------- 634 Profit before tax 79 285 (160) Tax expense (note 4) (14) (76) -------- -------- -------- 474 Profit for the period attributable to 65 209 -------- equity shareholders -------- -------- Earnings per share (note 6) 73.52p Basic earnings per share 9.87p 32.97p -------- -------- -------- 73.17p Diluted earnings per share 9.86p 32.78p -------- -------- -------- Non-GAAP measures of performance (note 7) 877 Trading profit 300 390 -------- -------- -------- 758 Profit before tax and the amortisation 233 330 -------- and impairment of acquired intangibles -------- -------- Translation rates 1.9487 US dollars 2.0214 1.9198 1.4823 Euro 1.4159 1.4850 Condensed Group Statement of Recognised Income and Expense (unaudited) Year to 31 July Half year to 31 Half year to 31 2007 January 2008 January 2007 £m £m £m -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- 474 Profit for the period 65 209 (132) Net exchange adjustments offset in reserves 103 (110) Cash flow hedges 2 - fair value gains and losses (10) 3 (1) - reclassified and reported in net profit - (1) for the period 70 Actuarial (losses)/gains on retirement benefits (22) 54 (5) Change in fair value of available-for-sale investments (5) 2 (17) Tax credit/(charge) not recognised in the income statement 8 (9) -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- (83) Net gains/(losses) not recognised in the income statement 74 (61) -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- 391 Total recognised income attributable to shareholders 139 148 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- Condensed Group Balance Sheet (unaudited) As at As at As at 31 July 31 January 2008 31 January 2007 2007 £m £m £m -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- ASSETS Non-current assets 1,890 Intangible assets: goodwill 1,995 1,908 790 Intangible assets: other 855 804 1,718 Property, plant and equipment ("PPE") 1,830 1,668 9 Deferred tax assets 8 35 91 Trade and other receivables 97 37 12 Financial assets: available-for-sale investments 7 20 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- 4,510 4,792 4,472 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- Current assets 2,069 Inventories 2,143 2,086 2,829 Trade and other receivables 2,700 2,679 8 Current tax receivable 27 25 4 Financial assets: trading investments 5 6 10 Derivative financial assets 26 11 286 Financial receivables: construction loans (secured) 272 293 244 Cash and cash equivalents 216 286 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- 5,450 5,389 5,386 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- 10 Assets held for resale 18 9 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- 9,970 Total assets 10,199 9,867 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- Liabilities Current liabilities 2,796 Trade and other payables 2,578 2,389 133 Current tax payable 159 107 286 Borrowings: construction loans (unsecured) 272 293 530 Bank loans and overdrafts 496 261 17 Obligations under finance leases 18 16 18 Derivative financial liabilities 7 20 31 Provisions 31 30 24 Retirement benefit obligations 22 19 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- 3,835 3,583 3,135 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- Non-current liabilities 63 Trade and other payables 64 19 2,097 Bank loans 2,551 2,860 63 Obligations under finance leases 69 63 275 Deferred tax liabilities 258 330 99 Provisions 116 81 87 Retirement benefit obligations 109 123 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- 2,684 3,167 3,476 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- 6,519 Total liabilities 6,750 6,611 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- 3,451 Net assets 3,449 3,256 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- Shareholders' equity 165 Called up share capital 165 165 945 Share premium account 948 930 (181) Foreign currency translation reserve (78) (159) 2,522 Retained earnings 2,414 2,320 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- 3,451 Equity shareholders' funds 3,449 3,256 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- Condensed Group Cash Flow Statement (unaudited) Year to Half year to 31 Half year to 31 31 July January 2008 January 2007 2007 £m £m £m -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- Cash flows from operating activities 1,299 Cash generated from operations 367 447 57 Interest received 44 25 (174) Interest paid (104) (82) (167) Tax paid (57) (104) -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- 1,015 Net cash generated from operating activities 250 286 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- Cash flows from investing activities (1,346) Acquisition of businesses (net of cash acquired) (148) (1,272) (346) Purchases of property, plant and equipment (116) (179) 62 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 36 25 (50) Purchases of intangible assets (39) (27) -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- (1,680) Net cash used in investing activities (267) (1,453) -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- Cash flows from financing activities 673 Proceeds from the issue of shares to shareholders 2 658 (27) Purchases of shares by Employee Benefit Trusts - (24) 1,143 Proceeds from new borrowings 256 604 (1,134) Repayments of borrowings and derivatives (31) (66) (12) Finance lease capital payments (8) (16) (198) Dividends paid to shareholders (141) (128) -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- 445 Net cash generated from financing activities 78 1,028 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- (220) Net cash generated/(used) 61 (139) (12) Effects of exchange rate changes (9) (19) -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- (232) Net increase/(decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and bank 52 (158) overdrafts 292 Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts at the 60 292 beginning of the period -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- 60 Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts at the end 112 134 of the period -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- Reconciliation of Profit to cash generated from operations (unaudited) Year to Half year to 31 Half year to 31 31 July January 2008 January 2007 2007 £m £m £m -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- 474 Profit for the period 65 209 119 Net finance costs 67 60 160 Tax expense 14 76 182 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 101 88 9 Amortisation of non-acquired intangibles 7 2 (27) Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment (4) (11) 124 Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles 154 45 88 Decrease in inventories 58 81 4 Decrease in trade and other receivables 279 202 149 (Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables (378) (319) (3) Increase/(decrease) in provisions and other liabilities 6 4 20 Share based payments and other non cash items (2) 10 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- 1,299 Cash generated from operations 367 447 -------- ---------------------------- -------- -------- Notes to the interim financial statements for the six months ended 31 January 2008 1 Basis of preparation The interim financial statements for the six months ended 31 January 2008 wereapproved by the Board of Directors on 17 March 2008. The interim financialstatements have been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and TransparencyRules of the Financial Services Authority and with International AccountingStandard 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' (IAS 34). The accounting policies applied by the Group in these interim financialstatements are the same as those set out in the Group's Annual Report andAccounts 2007. The following new standards, interpretations and amendments topublished standards are effective for the Group in the financial year ending 31July 2008, but have had no material impact on the results or the financialposition of the Group for the six months ended 31 January 2008: IFRS 7 'Financial Instruments: Disclosure' and amendments to IAS 1 'Presentationof Financial Statements - Capital Disclosures'IFRIC 10 Interim Financial Reporting and ImpairmentIFRIC 11 Group and Treasury Share Transactions In addition, the Group has elected to adopt IFRS 8 'Operating Segments' in thefinancial year ending 31 July 2008, and the segmental analysis of results innote 2 presents those disclosures required by IFRS 8 which are applicable tointerim financial information prepared in accordance with IAS 34. Segmentaldisclosures equivalent to those required by IFRS 8 were previously presented inthe Group's Form 20-F, prepared in accordance with US GAAP, and were provided asadditional information in the Group's Annual Report and Accounts 2007. The interim financial statements are unaudited. The financial information forthe year ended 31 July 2007 does not constitute the full financial statementswithin the meaning of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The full financialstatements for that year have been reported on by the Group's auditors and filedwith the Registrar of Companies. The audit report was unqualified and did notcontain a statement under sections 237(2) or 237(3) of the Companies Act 1985. 2 Segmental analysis of results Wolseley's reportable segments are the operating businesses overseen by distinctcontinental and divisional management teams responsible for their performance.All reportable segments derive their revenue from a single business activity,the distribution and supply of construction materials and services. The Group's business is not highly seasonal and its customer base is highlydiversified, with no individually significant customer. The revenue, trading profit and operating profit of the Group's reportablesegments are detailed in the following three tables. Revenue by geographical segment Year to Half year to 31 Half year to 31 31 July January 2008 January 2007 2007 £m £m £m --------- ------------------------ -------- -------- 3,171 UK and Ireland 1,602 1,554 1,872 France 942 889 1,617 Nordic 1,035 621 899 Central and Eastern Europe 477 439 --------- -------- -------- 7,559 Europe 4,056 3,503 --------- -------- -------- 5,685 US Plumbing and Heating 2,748 2,804 2,358 US Building Materials 889 1,260 619 Canada 336 303 --------- -------- -------- 8,662 North America 3,973 4,367 --------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- 16,221 Total 8,029 7,870 --------- -------- -------- Notes to the interim financial statements for the six months ended 31 January 2008 2 Segmental analysis of results (continued) Trading profit by geographical segment Year to Half year to 31 Half year to 31 31 July January 2008 January 2007 2007 £m £m £m --------- ------------------------ -------- -------- 211 UK and Ireland 85 92 101 France 30 41 99 Nordic 65 31 35 Central and Eastern Europe 11 21 (13) European central costs (9) (5) --------- -------- -------- 433 Europe 182 180 --------- -------- -------- 411 US Plumbing and Heating 173 173 44 US Building Materials (44) 42 42 Canada 17 19 (10) North American central costs (4) (5) --------- -------- -------- 487 North America 142 229 --------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- (43) Group central costs (24) (19) --------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- 877 Total trading profit (note 7) 300 390 --------- -------- -------- Operating profit by geographical segment Year to Half year to 31 Half year to 31 31 July January 2008 January 2007 2007 £m £m £m --------- ------------------------ -------- -------- 193 UK and Ireland 76 84 100 France 28 41 58 Nordic 41 21 33 Central and Eastern Europe 9 20 (13) European central costs (9) (5) --------- -------- -------- 371 Europe 145 161 --------- -------- -------- 386 US Plumbing and Heating 160 163 8 US Building Materials (147) 26 41 Canada 16 19 (10) North American central costs (4) (5) --------- -------- -------- 425 North America 25 203 --------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- (43) Group central costs (24) (19) --------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- 753 Total operating profit 146 345 --------- -------- -------- Notes to the interim financial statements for the six months ended 31 January 2008 2 Segmental analysis of results (continued) Analysis of movement in revenue 2007 Exchange New Acquisitions Organic Change 2008 Acquisitions Increment 2008 2007 £m £m £m £m £m % £m--------------- ------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- ------ UK and Ireland 1,554 7 3 6 32 2.1% 1,602France 889 43 20 9 (19) (2.1)% 942Nordic 621 31 - 358 25 3.9% 1,035Central andEastern Europe 439 20 - 36 (18) (3.9)% 477 ------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- ------Europe 3,503 101 23 409 20 0.5% 4,056 ------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- ------ US Plumbing andHeating 2,804 (141) 37 119 (71) (2.7)% 2,748US BuildingMaterials 1,260 (63) 13 13 (334) (27.9)% 889Canada 303 22 - 4 7 2.3% 336 ------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- ------North America 4,367 (182) 50 136 (398) (9.5)% 3,973 ------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- ------ ------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- ------ TOTAL 7,870 (81) 73 545 (378) (4.8)% 8,029 ------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- ------ Analysis of movement in trading profit 2007 Exchange New Acquisitions Organic Change 2008 Acquisitions Increment 2008 2007 £m £m £m £m £m % £m--------------- ------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- ------ UK and Ireland 92 - - - (7) (8.5)% 85France 41 2 1 - (14) (32.0)% 30Nordic 31 1 - 26 7 20.6% 65Central andEastern Europe 21 1 - 1 (12) (54.8)% 11Europeancentral costs (5) - - - (4) (9) ------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- ------Europe 180 4 1 27 (30) (16.6)% 182 ------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- ------ US Plumbingand Heating 173 (9) 4 9 (4) (2.8)% 173US BuildingMaterials 42 (2) 1 - (85) (210.5)% (44)Canada 19 1 - - (3) (15.3)% 17North Americancentral costs (5) - - - 1 (4) ------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- ------North America 229 (10) 5 9 (91) (41.5)% 142 ------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- ------ ------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- ------Group centralcosts (19) - - - (5) (24) ------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- ------ ------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- ------ TOTAL 390 (6) 6 36 (126) (33.0)% 300 ------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- ------ 3 Net finance costs Year to Half year to 31 Half year to 31 31 July January 2008 January 2007 2007 £m £m £m -------- ------------------------- -------- -------- 58 Interest receivable 40 34 - Net pension finance income 2 - -------- -------- -------- 58 Finance revenue 42 34 -------- -------- -------- Interest payable (171) - Bank loans and overdrafts (106) (93) (5) - Finance lease charges (2) (1) (2) Net pension finance cost - (1) Valuation gains/(losses) on financial instruments 2 - Derivatives held at fair value through profit and 36 5 loss (2) - Loans in a fair value hedging relationship (37) (5) 1 - Recycled from equity - 1 -------- -------- -------- (177) Finance costs (109) (94) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- (119) Net finance costs (67) (60) -------- -------- -------- Notes to the interim financial statements for the six months ended 31 January 2008 4 Taxation The tax charge on ordinary activities for the half year has been calculated atthe rate which it is expected will apply for the year ending 31 July 2008adjusted for the tax credit related to the impairment of goodwill which has beenfully recorded in the tax charge for the period. The tax charge comprises thefollowing elements: Year to Half year to 31 Half year to 31 31 July January 2008 January 2007 2007 £m £m £m -------- ------------------------- -------- -------- Tax on profit for the period 20 - UK 23 17 154 - Overseas 32 50 -------- ------------------------- -------- -------- 174 55 67 (14) Deferred tax (41) 9 -------- ------------------------- -------- -------- 160 14 76 -------- ------------------------- -------- -------- 5 Dividends Year to Half year to 31 Half year to 31 31 July January 2008 January 2007 2007 £m £m £m -------- ------------------------- -------- -------- 128 Final paid for 2005/6 of 19.55 pence - 128 per share 70 Interim paid for 2006/7 of 10.85 pence - - per share - Final paid for 2006/7 of 21.55 pence 141 - per share -------- ------------------------- -------- -------- 198 141 128 -------- ------------------------- -------- -------- The proposed interim dividend of £74 million (11.25 pence per share assuming 655million shares in issue) is not included as a liability in these financialstatements. 6 Earnings per share Basic earnings per share of 9.87 pence (31 January 2007: 32.97 pence) iscalculated on the profit for the period attributable to equity shareholders of£65 million (31 January 2007: £209 million) on a weighted average number ofordinary shares in issue during the year of 655 million (31 January 2007: 635million). As detailed in note 7 below, the Group believes that profit measuresbefore the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles provide valuableadditional information for users of the financial statements. Basic earnings pershare, before the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles, has,therefore, been presented in the following table. Year to Half year to 31 Half year to 31 31 July January 2008 January 2007 2007 Pence per share Pence per share Pence per share -------- ------------------------- -------- -------- 87.80p Before amortisation and 26.69p 38.72p impairment of acquired intangibles (14.28)p Amortisation and (16.82)p (5.75)p -------- impairment of acquired -------- -------- intangibles (net of deferred tax) ------------------------- 73.52p Basic earnings per share 9.87p 32.97p -------- ------------------------- -------- -------- The impact of all potentially dilutive share options on earnings per share wouldbe to increase the weighted average number of shares in issue to 656 million (31January 2007: 639 million) and to reduce basic earnings per share to 9.86 pence(31 January 2007: 32.78 pence). Diluted earnings per share before amortisationand impairment of acquired intangibles is 26.65 pence (31 January 2007: 38.49pence). Notes to the interim financial statements for the six months ended 31 January 2008 7 Non-GAAP measures of performance Trading profit is defined as operating profit before the amortisation andimpairment of acquired intangibles and is a non-GAAP measure. The currentbusinesses within the Group have arisen through internal organic growth andthrough acquisition. Operating profit includes only the amortisation andimpairment of acquired intangibles arising on those businesses that have beenacquired subsequent to 31 July 2004 and as such does not reflect equally theperformance of businesses acquired prior to 31 July 2004 (where no amortisationor impairment of acquired intangibles was recognised), businesses that havedeveloped organically (where no intangibles are attributed) and those businessesmore recently acquired (where amortisation and impairment of acquiredintangibles is charged). The Group believes that trading profit providesvaluable additional information for users of the financial statements inassessing the Group's performance since it provides information on theperformance of the business that local managers are more directly able toinfluence and on a basis consistent across the Group. The Group uses tradingprofit, and certain key performance indicators calculated by reference totrading profit, for planning, budgeting and reporting purposes and for itsinternal assessment of the operating performance of individual businesses withinthe Group. Year to Half year to 31 Half year to 31 31 July January 2008 January 2007 2007 £m £m £m -------- ------------------------- -------- -------- 753 Operating profit 146 345 124 Add back: amortisation and impairment 154 45 -------- of acquired intangibles -------- -------- 877 Trading profit 300 390 -------- -------- -------- 634 Profit before tax 79 285 124 Add back: amortisation and impairment 154 45 -------- of acquired intangibles -------- -------- 758 Profit before tax and the amortisation 233 and impairment of acquired intangibles 330 -------- -------- -------- 160 Tax expense 14 76 32 Add back: deferred tax credit on the 44 8 -------- amortisation and impairment of -------- -------- acquired intangibles 192 Tax charge before the effect of 58 84 -------- amortisation and impairment of -------- -------- acquired intangibles 8 Tangible and intangible assets Goodwill Other Property, plant Tangible and intangible and equipment intangible assets assets £m £m £m £m------------------ -------- --------- ---------- --------Net book valueat 1 August2007 1,890 790 1,718 4,398Acquisitions 69 50 19 138Additions - 39 116 155Disposals - - (22) (22)Depreciationandamortisation - (72) (101) (173)Impairment (87) (2) - (89)Exchange rateadjustment 123 50 100 273------------------ -------- --------- ---------- --------Net book valueat 31 January2008 1,995 855 1,830 4,680------------------ -------- --------- ---------- -------- At Stock Building Supply, the US building materials business, the furthersignificant deterioration in the US housing market has continued to adverselyaffect revenue and trading profit. The Group has consequently reassessed itsshort and medium term outlook for Stock's cash generating units and hasrecognised an impairment loss in the 6 months ended 31 January 2008. Theimpairment loss mainly relates to the Texas, Florida and New York regions andthe construction services business in Nevada. It is calculated on a value in usebasis and consists of an £87m write down of goodwill and a £2m write down ofother acquired intangible assets. There has been no material change in the level of capital commitments since 31July 2007. 9 Provisions Environmental Wolseley Restructuring Other Total and legal Insurance provisions £m £m £m £m £m--------------- --------- -------- -------- -------- ------- At 1 August2007 42 48 15 25 130Utilised inthe period (1) (8) (7) (3) (19)Charge for theperiod 2 12 3 5 22Unearnedpremium - 10 - - 10Exchangedifference 1 1 1 1 4 --------- -------- -------- -------- -------At 31 January2008 44 63 12 28 147 --------- -------- -------- -------- ------- 10 Reconciliation of movements in capital and reserves Year to Half year to 31 Half year to 31 31 July January 2008 January 2007 2007 £m £m £m -------- ------------------------- -------- -------- 474 Profit for the period attributable to 65 209 equity shareholders (229) Exchange gain/(loss) on translation of 305 (215) overseas operations 97 Exchange (loss)/gain on translation of (202) borrowings designated as hedges of overseas operations 104 (1) Valuation (loss)/gain on interest rate (10) swaps (less amounts reclassified and reported in net income) 2 2 Valuation gain on currency swaps - 1 70 Actuarial (loss)/gain on retirement (22) 54 benefits (5) Change in fair value of (5) 2 available-for-sale investments (17) Tax credit/(charge) not recognised in 8 (9) -------- the income statement -------- -------- 391 Total recognised income and expense 139 148 673 New share capital subscribed 2 658 (27) Purchase of own shares by Employee - (24) Benefit Trust 20 (Charge)/credit to equity for share (2) 10 based payments (198) Dividends paid (141) (128) -------- -------- -------- 859 Net (reduction in)/addition to (2) 664 shareholders' funds 2,592 Opening shareholders' funds 3,451 2,592 -------- -------- -------- 3,451 Closing shareholders' funds 3,449 3,256 -------- -------- -------- 11 Analysis of change in net debt At Cashflow Acquisitions New finance Fair value Exchange At 31 January 31 July leases adjustments and movement 2008 2007 other movements £m £m £m £m £m £m £m--------------- ------ ------- -------- ------ -------- -------- ------Cash and cashequivalents 244 (58) - - - 30 216Bank overdrafts (184) 119 - - - (39) (104) ------ ------- -------- ------ -------- -------- ------ 60 61 - - - (9) 112 ------ ------- -------- ------ -------- -------- ------ Financial assets:tradinginvestments 4 - - - 1 - 5Derivativefinancialinstruments (8) - - - 27 - 19Bank loans (2,443) (225) (27) - (37) (211) (2,943)Obligationsunder financeleases (80) 8 (4) (6) - (5) (87) ------ ------- -------- ------ -------- -------- ------Total net debt (2,467) (156) (31) (6) (9) (225) (2,894) ------ ------- -------- ------ -------- -------- ------ 12 Acquisitions In all acquisitions during the half year to 31 January 2008, the Group acquired100% of the issued share capital, and has accounted for the transaction by thepurchase method of accounting. Fair Provisional Book values value fair values acquired alignments acquiredAll acquisitions £m £m £m Intangible fixed assets- Customer relationships - 41 41- Trade names and brands - 1 1- Other - 8 8Property, plant and equipment 19 - 19Inventories 36 (3) 33Receivables 52 (1) 51Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts 8 - 8Borrowings (27) - (27)Finance Leases (4) - (4)Payables and provisions (34) - (34)Deferred tax (10) (5) (15) Total 40 41 81Goodwill arising 69Consideration 150 Satisfied by:Cash 135Deferred and contingent consideration 14Directly attributable costs 1Total consideration 150 The fair value adjustments shown above are provisional figures, being the bestestimates currently available. Further adjustments to goodwill and otherintangible fixed assets may be necessary when additional information becomesavailable. The goodwill arising is attributable to the anticipated profitability of the newmarkets and product ranges to which the Group has gained access, and toadditional profitability and operating efficiencies in respect of existingmarkets. A list of businesses acquired during the period, and the month of acquisition,is as follows: ProSource Builder Supply, Ltd August 2007Western Air Systems and Controls, Inc., August 2007Davidson Pipe Company, Inc., August 2007T & R Electrical Wholesalers Ltd August 2007Proaktiv Bygglogistic i Stockholm AB August 2007Architectural Building Supply, Co. October 2007Jacobi Hardware Co.., Inc. October 2007Sofiparts SAS November 2007J.D's Wholesale Plumbing & Supply November 2007K.B.C. Construction, LLC November 2007C.B. Group, Inc. (trading as JC Plumbing Supply) December 2007 All these businesses are engaged in the distribution and supply of constructionmaterials and services. The acquisitions contributed £73 million to revenue, £6 million to tradingprofit and £1 million to the Group's operating profit for the period between thedate of acquisition and the balance sheet date. If each acquisition had been completed on the first day of the financial year,Group revenue would have been £8,068 million and Group trading profit would havebeen £302 million. 13 Related party transactions There are no related party transactions requiring disclosure under IAS 24,Related Party Disclosures, other than the compensation of key managementpersonnel which will be disclosed in the Group's Annual Report for the yearending 31 July 2008. 14 Exchange rates The results of overseas subsidiaries have been translated into sterling usingaverage rates of exchange. The period end rates of exchange have been used toconvert balance sheet amounts. The average profit and loss account translation rate for the first six monthswas $2.0214 to the £1 compared to $1.9198 for the comparable period last year, adecrease of 5.0%, and €1.4159 to the £1 compared to €1.4850 an increase of 4.9%. Should the exchange rates between the US$ and £, and the • and the £, remain atthe 31 January 2008 spot rates ($1.9872 and €1.3376) then the averages for theyear as a whole would be $2.0043 and €1.3768 and this would have the effect ofincreasing revenue and trading profit for the first half by £67 million and£2 million, respectively. 15 Post balance sheet events Since 31 January 2008, the Group has acquired 100 per cent of the share capitalof Gama Myjava s.r.o in Central and Eastern Europe and PFC Corofil Firestops Ltdin the UK and the assets of Precision Doors & Hardware, LLC. in US BuildingMaterials and Mastercraft Cabinets, Inc. in US Plumbing and Heating for anestimated consideration of £32 million (including net debt acquired). The estimated consideration is based on information available to the Group atthe date of approval of these interim financial statements. Adjustments may benecessary when additional information becomes available. Independent review report to Wolseley plc Introduction We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of financialstatements in the interim report for the six months ended 31 January 2008, whichcomprises the income statement, balance sheet, statement of recognised incomeand expense, cash flow statement and related notes. We have read the otherinformation contained in the interim report and considered whether it containsany apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information inthe condensed set of financial statements. Directors' responsibilities The interim report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, thedirectors. The directors are responsible for preparing the interim report inaccordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom'sFinancial Services Authority. As disclosed in the group accounting policies, the annual financial statementsof the group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EuropeanUnion. The condensed set of financial statements included in this interim reporthas been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34,"Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union. Our responsibility Our responsibility is to express to the company a conclusion on the condensedset of financial statements in the interim report based on our review. Thisreport, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the companyfor the purpose of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the FinancialServices Authority and for no other purpose. We do not, in producing thisreport, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any otherperson to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save whereexpressly agreed by our prior consent in writing. Scope of review We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on ReviewEngagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial InformationPerformed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity' issued by the AuditingPractices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financialinformation consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible forfinancial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other reviewprocedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted inaccordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) andconsequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become awareof all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, wedo not express an audit opinion. Conclusion Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believethat the condensed set of financial statements in the interim report for the sixmonths ended 31 January 2008 is not prepared, in all material respects, inaccordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the EuropeanUnion and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom'sFinancial Services Authority. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLPChartered Accountants17 March 2008London Notes: (a) The maintenance and integrity of the Wolseley plc web site is theresponsibility of the directors; the work carried out by the auditors does notinvolve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept noresponsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the interim reportsince it was initially presented on the web site. (b) Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation anddissemination of financial information may differ from legislation in otherjurisdictions. Notes to Editors Wolseley plc is the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing andheating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of buildingmaterials in North America, the UK and Continental Europe. Group revenue for theyear ended 31 July 2007 was approximately £16.2 billion and operating profit,before amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles, was £877 million.Wolseley has around 75,000 employees operating in 27 countries namely: UK, USA,France, Canada, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, CzechRepublic, Hungary, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, SlovakRepublic, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Panama, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago,Mexico, Barbados and Greenland. Wolseley is listed on the London Stock Exchange(LSE: WOS) and is in the FTSE 100 index of listed companies. Certain information included in this release is forward-looking and involvesrisks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materiallyfrom those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Forward-lookingstatements include, without limitation, projections relating to results ofoperations and financial conditions and the Company's plans and objectives forfuture operations, including, without limitation, discussions of expected futurerevenues, financing plans and expected expenditures and divestments. Allforward-looking statements in this release are based upon information known tothe Company on the date of this report. The Company undertakes no obligation topublicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result ofnew information, future events or otherwise. It is not reasonably possible to itemise all of the many factors and specificevents that could cause the Company's forward-looking statements to be incorrector that could otherwise have a material adverse effect on the future operationsor results of an international Group such as Wolseley. Information on somefactors which could result in material difference to the results is available inthe Company's Annual Report to shareholders for the year ended 31 July 2007. FINANCIAL CALENDAR FOR 2008 26 March - Shares quoted ex-dividend28 March - Record date for interim dividend21 May - Interim Management Statement30 May - Interim dividend payment date16 July - Trading update for 11 months to 30 June 200831 July - Financial year end22 September - Announcement of Preliminary results for year to 31 July 20081 October - Shares quoted ex-dividend3 October - Record date for final dividend7 November - Final date for DRIP elections18 November - Annual General Meeting and Interim Management Statement1 December - Final dividend payment date A copy of this release, together with all other recent public announcements canbe found on Wolseley's web site at www.wolseley.com. Copies of the presentation given to institutional investors and analysts are also available on this site. - ENDS - This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
Ferguson