Interim Results

21st Mar 2006 07:01

Wolseley PLC21 March 2006 NEWS RELEASE21 March 2006 Wolseley plc Unaudited Interim Results for the half year ended 31 January 2006 Wolseley plc announces a tenth set of record first half results Summary of Results Financial highlights Change ------------------- Half year Half year to Reported In constant to 31 January to 31 January currency 2006 2005 £m £m % %--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Group revenue 6,734.5 5,331.9 +26.3 +22.3-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Group trading profit (1) 384.9 315.6 +21.9 +17.8 Group operating profit 371.1 314.9 +17.8 +13.7profit -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Group profit before tax, 359.8 297.5 +20.9 +17.1before amortisation ofacquired intangibles Group profit before tax 346.0 296.8 +16.6 +12.9-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per share, before 43.91p 36.44p +20.5 +17.6amortisation of acquired intangibles Basic earnings per share 41.58p 36.32p +14.5 +11.7-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interim dividend per share 9.85p 8.80p +11.9-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- • Group revenue up 26.3%, including organic growth of 12.2%. • Significant increase in Group half year profits: o Operating profit up 17.8% o Trading profit up 21.9% o Profit before tax and before amortisation of acquired intangibles up 20.9%. • Operating cash flow of £258.1 million (2005: £303.1 million). Reduction compared to prior year principally reflects higher rates of organic growth in North America. • Strong financial position with gearing(2) of 68.1% (2005: 58.6%) and interest cover(3) of 15 times (2005: 21 times). • Return on gross capital employed (ROGCE(4)) at 18.8%, well ahead of the Group's weighted average cost of capital and demonstrating significant shareholder value creation. Operating highlights-------------------- • Record first half results achieved, despite generally flat European markets and significant investment in the business to position the Group for continued growth. • Increased diversity of the business as the Group has expanded into distribution of electrical products and insulation materials, achieved an entry into the Belgian market and increased its presence in installed services in the USA. • North American revenues up 40.1% and trading profit up 39.0%. • European revenues up 7.6% but trading profit marginally down, reflecting the more difficult market environment in the UK and restructuring in France. UK and Ireland revenues up 9.3%, including 1.5% organic growth and trading profit up 5.9%. • Market outperformance in all of the Group's principal markets except France, mainly due to restructuring to accelerate future growth. • Acquisition investment of £436 million for 22 acquisitions completed in the first half, which are expected to add £701 million of revenues in a full year. A further £162 million of investment in the second half so far to bring aggregate investment to £598 million, a record in any one year for the Group. Outlook------- • Market conditions in North America are expected to remain favourable and Wolseley's North American operations are expected to make good progress in the second half. This is against the background of an improving industrial and commercial market, a growing RMI market and a strong housing market, although the number of starts may show a small decline. • For Europe, overall, it is likely that trading profit for the second half will be broadly flat compared to the equivalent period in the prior year, reflecting the generally flat market conditions. • The UK business expects to see a gradual but steady improvement in the RMI and housing markets as the second half progresses. • The business improvement initiatives relating to information technology, supply chain, sourcing and procurement will continue as the Group pursues its double-digit growth targets. • The acquisition pipeline remains strong and the Group will continue to pursue opportunities for product and geographic diversity. • The Board expects another year of good progress, driven by strong growth in North America and the benefits from recent acquisitions. (1) Trading profit, a term used throughout this announcement, is defined as operating profit before the amortisation of acquired intangibles. Trading margin is the ratio of trading profit to revenues expressed as a percentage. Organic change is the total increase or decrease in the year adjusted for the impact of exchange rates, new acquisitions in 2006 and the incremental impact of acquisitions in 2005.(2) Gearing ratio is the ratio of net borrowings, excluding construction loan borrowings, to shareholders' funds.(3) Interest cover is trading profit divided by net finance costs, excluding net pension related finance costs.(4) Return on gross capital employed is the ratio of trading profit (before loss on disposal of operations and goodwill) to the aggregate of average shareholders' funds, minority interests, net debt and cumulative goodwill written off. SUMMARY OF RESULTS ------------------ As at, and for the six months ended 31 January 2006 2005 Change Revenue £6,734.5m £5,331.9m +26.3% Operating profit- before amortisation of acquiredintangibles £384.9m £315.6m +21.9%- amortisation of acquired intangibles £(13.8)m £(0.7)m Operating profit £371.1m £314.9m +17.8%Net finance costs £(25.1)m £(18.1)m Profit before tax- before amortisation of acquiredintangibles £359.8m £297.5m +20.9%- amortisation of acquired intangibles £(13.8)m £(0.7)m Profit before tax £346.0m £296.8m +16.6% Earnings per share- before amortisation of acquiredintangibles 43.91p 36.44p +20.5%- amortisation of acquired intangibles (2.33)p (0.12)p Basic earnings per share 41.58p 36.32p +14.5% Dividend per share 9.85p 8.80p +11.9% Net borrowings £1,670.7m £1, 144.0m Gearing 68.1% 58.6% Interest cover (times) 15x 21x Operating cash flow £258.1m £303.1m Charles Banks, Wolseley plc Group Chief Executive said: "We are delighted to report record half-year results for the tenth consecutivetime. Overall, revenue increased by more than 26% and trading profit was up morethan 21%. We are continuing to invest significantly in further improving oursupply chain, sourcing and procurement to deliver growth and enhancedoperational efficiency. The business is performing well, we are finding goodacquisitions and the economic outlook for the rest of the year gives usconfidence going forward." ENQUIRIES: Investors/Analysts: Guy Stainer +44 (0)118 929 8744Head of Investor Relations +44 (0)7739 778 187 John English +1 513 771-9000Director of Investor Relations, North America +1 513 328-4900 Press: Penny Studholme +44 (0)118 929 8886Director of Corporate Communications +44 (0)7860 553 834 Brunswick +44 (0)20 7404 5959 Andrew FenwickNina Coad An interview with Charles Banks, 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,100 Liverpool Street, London EC2M 2RH. A live audio cast and slide presentationof this event will be available at 0930 on www.wolseley.com. There will be a conference call at 1500 (UK time):UK/European dial-in number: + 44 (0)20 7162 0125US dial-in number: + 1 334 323 6203The call will be recorded and available for playback until 4 April 2006 on thefollowing numbers:UK/European replay dial-in number: +44 (0)20 7031 4064 Passcode: 695501UK-only free phone number: 0800 358 1860North American replay dial-in number: +1 954 334 0342 Passcode: 695501North American free phone number: +1 888 365 0240 NEWS RELEASE 21 March 2006 Wolseley plc Unaudited Interim Results for the half year ended 31 January 2006 Wolseley plc announces a tenth set of record first half results Announcement of Interim Results------------------------------- Wolseley, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing andheating products and a leading supplier of building materials and services toprofessional contractors, is pleased to announce another set of record firsthalf results, the tenth consecutive improvement in its interim figures. Theseresults reflect strong organic growth, particularly in North America and theadditional contribution from acquisitions. They have been achieved whilst theGroup continues to invest in people, facilities and technology to secure futuregrowth. Wolseley's US plumbing and heating business, Ferguson, performed very stronglyin the first six months of the year, achieving organic revenue growth of 27.0%and trading profit growth, including acquisitions, up 36.4%. Stock BuildingSupply ("Stock") achieved growth in revenue, including acquisitions, of 34.0%and trading profit up 59.6%. The businesses in the UK, Ireland, Canada, theNetherlands, Italy and Switzerland also performed well in their respectivemarkets although Brossette in France lost ground mainly due to itsrestructuring. After taking account of currency translation, Group revenue increased by 26.3%from £5,331.9 million to £6,734.5 million. Trading profit rose by 21.9% from£315.6 million to £384.9 million. After deducting amortisation of acquiredintangibles of £13.8 million (2005: £0.7 million), operating profit increased by17.8% from £314.9 million to £371.1 million. On a constant currency basis, Group revenue increased by 22.3% and tradingprofit by 17.8% for the first six months compared to the previous comparableperiod. Currency translation increased Group revenue by £175.8 million (3.3%)and Group trading profit by £11.3 million (3.6%) in the six month period. Profit before tax and amortisation of acquired intangibles increased by 20.9%from £297.5 million to £359.8 million. Profit before tax, after amortisation ofacquired intangibles, increased by 16.6% from £296.8 million to £346.0 million.The increase in earnings per share before amortisation of acquired intangibleswas 20.5%, from 36.44 pence to 43.91 pence. Basic earnings per share were up14.5%, from 36.32 pence to 41.58 pence. North America------------- Wolseley's North American division performed strongly with significant rises inrevenue and profits, maintaining its position as the leading distributor ofconstruction products to the professional contractor in North America. Reported revenue of the division was up 40.1% from £3,076.9 million to £4,309.3million, reflecting organic growth of 19.2%, acquisitions and the beneficialimpact of currency translation. Trading profit, in sterling, increased by 39.1%from £194.2 million to £270.0 million, after North American central costs. Currency translation increased divisional revenue by £181.5 million (5.9%) andtrading profit by £11.6 million (6.0%). There was a net increase of 175 branchesin North America from 1,434 at 31 July 2005 to 1,609 locations at 31 January2006. North American central costs increased by £4.9 million, reflecting the creationof the new North American management structure with effect from 1 August 2005. US Plumbing and Heating----------------------- Ferguson produced an outstanding performance generating strong organic growthfrom its focus on selected markets, from new branch openings and driving furthercommercial advantage from its distribution centre ("DC") network. These factorscontributed to significant market outperformance in the first half. Local currency revenue in the US plumbing and heating operations rose by 37.8%to $4,530.5 million (2005: $3,287.1 million) with trading profit up by 29.5%.Organic revenue growth was 27.0%. Gross margin fell slightly due to the absenceof commodity price benefits in the first half compared to the prior year, partlyoffset by the continuing benefits from the distribution centre network, a focuson organic growth and operational leverage. As expected, the trading margin of6.5% was marginally lower in the first half compared to the prior year's firsthalf margin of 6.9%, which included one-off commodity price gains. Volumes through the DC network grew by 44% in the first half compared to thefirst half last year and more than 50% of branch sales now go through the DCnetwork. Further investment continues in the DCs and in the first half anadditional 200,000 square feet of capacity was added through the expansion ofthe DC in McGregor, Texas. Further expansion of the DC network is planned in thecurrent financial year to build on Ferguson's competitive advantage and Boardapproval has recently been given for new DCs in Florida and northern California. Of the markets in which Ferguson operates, housing related activity remainedstrong with the more positive economic environment benefiting the repairs,maintenance and improvement ("RMI") sector. RMI is becoming an increasinglyimportant element of overall construction spend in the USA. To benefit from thisopportunity, Ferguson is rolling out both the XpressNet branch format and alsocontinuing to expand its very successful showrooms. Furthermore, greateremphasis is being placed on opening new specialist branches for heating,ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) and waterworks and this focus shouldlead to further growth opportunities. The commercial and industrial sectorscontinue to show signs of improvement. Investment in people and IT continued during the period. More than 2,500 peoplejoined the business and the rollout of the new warehouse management system tolarge branches started. This should lead to better customer service as a resultof faster and more accurate product picking and more accurate and efficientinventory management. Ferguson's total branch numbers increased by 156 during the first half to 1,097locations (31 July 2005: 941). US Building Materials--------------------- The strong performance of Stock benefited from improved market focus which wasbrought about by the recent business restructuring and from strong organicgrowth, partly offset by lower lumber prices. Reported figures also benefitedfrom currency translation and slightly higher structural panel prices. In local currency, Stock's revenue was up 27.2% to $2,497.2 million (2005:$1,962.9 million) with trading profit up by 51.5% from $104.0 million to $157.3million. Organic revenue growth was 7.9% reflecting some commodity pricedeflation in lumber and structural panels. These commodity price movements hadthe effect of decreasing Stock's local currency revenue by $39 million (2.0%) inthe first half compared to the first half of last year. Acquisitions contributed$378 million (19.3%) to revenue growth. Stock's trading margin increased significantly from 5.3% to 6.3% primarily dueto a more favourable sales mix arising from increased value added products andinstalled services. New housing, which accounted for 87% of the activity in this business in thefirst half, has generally continued to be a bright spot in the US economy.Aggregate housing starts during the period continued at a high annual rate ofaround two million. Whilst the inventory of unsold new homes has been risingrecently, reaching 5.2 months in January 2006, it remains below the long termaverage of around 6 months, demonstrating the current strength of the housingmarket. There continue to be significant variations in regional housing marketsin which Stock operates. The markets in Florida, Georgia, Utah and the Carolinashave been strong. Texas and California have enjoyed an improving trend althoughMichigan, Ohio, Indiana, Colorado and the North East have been more challenging. Plans to increase the range of value-added products and services being offeredand increase the penetration of the RMI and commercial markets continue to beimplemented. Value-added sales were up 41%, installed business sales up morethan 100% and sales to commercial and RMI contractors increased by 10%. As wellas achieving this through its existing branch network and acquisitions, Stockopened a number of new facilities and has expanded its turnkey supply model fromthe Las Vegas market into Denver. These initiatives further complement Stock'sinstalled service expertise. Stock's branch numbers increased by 17 during the first half to 272 locations(31 July 2005: 255). Since 31 January 2006, the branch opening programme hascontinued so that Stock currently operates in 33 states. The latest is a jointfacility with Ferguson in New Orleans, which takes Stock into Louisiana for thefirst time. Wolseley Canada--------------- In Canada, the construction and housing markets remained strong with the buoyantenergy sector in Western Canada helping sales in the industrial and commercialsector. Local currency revenue increased by 14.9% to C$655.8 million (2005: C$570.7million). More than 11% of the revenue growth was organic, ahead of the marketgenerally. Local currency trading profit rose by 4.4% reflecting pricingpressure and the investment to position the business for future growth. Work continued to consolidate back offices, recruit additional people to fillmanagement and trainee positions and to improve logistics. The second of threeregional supply centres for larger inventory items was opened in Quebec inOctober 2005. These regional supply centres should lead to lower inventorylevels and enable the branch network to be utilised more effectively. Wolseley Canada's total branch numbers increased from 238 to 240 locations. Europe------ The markets in Europe showed very little growth in the first half. Nonetheless,with the exception of CFM in Luxembourg, which had marginally lower revenue, allof the Continental European operations increased revenue and most achievedprofit improvements. The results in Europe also benefited from acquisitions andfrom the net benefit of the matters unrelated to normal trading in France,described below. Reported revenue for this division increased by 7.6% from £2,255.0 million to£2,425.2 million, of which 2% was from organic growth. Recent acquisitionsaccounted for £129.8 million (5.8%) of revenue growth, including William Wilsonand Encon (UK) in October 2005 and Iser Zauli (Italy) in January 2005. Tradingprofit, after the allocation of European central costs, fell 3.0% from £139.3million to £135.2 million. European central costs rose by £2.7 million due tothe planned expansion of the European infrastructure to drive future growthinitiatives. The overall divisional trading margin, after the allocation of central costs,reduced from 6.2% to 5.6% of revenue, primarily due to acquisitions and thelower trading margins in Brossette and Austria. Margin improvements wereachieved in PBM (France), Manzardo (Italy), Cesaro (Czech Republic), Electro Oil(Denmark) and Wasco (Netherlands). In the first six months a further net 146 branches were added to the Europeannetwork, giving a total of 2,632 locations (31 July 2005: 2,486). UK and Ireland-------------- Wolseley UK's performance held up well against a UK market which is estimated tobe around 4% down on the prior period. Whilst the fundamentals of the UK economyremained positive, with relatively low interest rates and low unemployment, RMIspending slowed in the first half of the financial year in response to weakerconsumer confidence. Government spending remains a relative bright spot althoughthere have been noticeable delays on planned social housing expenditure. Against this more challenging background, Wolseley UK, which includes Ireland,recorded a 9.3% increase in revenue to £1,262.1 million (2005: £1,155.0million). Organic growth of 1.5% outperformed the market generally, withBathstore, the retail bathroom offering, and Heatmerchants and Brooks, the Irishbusinesses, performing particularly well. Wolseley UK's trading profit increased by 5.9% in the first half compared to theequivalent period in the prior year mainly as a result of the acquisitions ofWilliam Wilson and Encon in October 2005, both of which have outperformedexpectations at the time of acquisition. Although the trading margin increasedbefore taking account of the dilutive effect of acquisitions, Wolseley UK'soverall reported trading margin fell slightly from 7.3% to 7.1%. The new national DC in Leamington Spa, which is to be located alongside WolseleyUK's new headquarters, is expected to be operational by autumn 2006. Theregional DC, in the North West, should open around a year later. Theseinvestments and the current initiatives to centralise control of transport andbranch inventory management, should enhance customer service and supportcontinued growth in the business. Early trials from the central branchreplenishment programme were very encouraging with improved inventory turn andincreased stock availability in the branches. Within Wolseley UK, the Irish businesses, Heatmerchants and Brooks, bothproduced double digit organic revenue growth, benefiting from a strong localeconomy. During the first six months, 100 net new locations were added in the UK andIreland taking the total number of branches for Wolseley UK to 1,670 (31 July2005: 1,570), including 67 branches added as a result of the William Wilson andEncon acquisitions. 23 new Bathstore branches were opened in the first half andthis opening programme will continue in the second half, together with newelectrical and insulation branch openings and the expansion of the Unifix directsales offering, through mail order and e-commerce channels to the RMI market. France------ In France, government tax incentives continue to underpin growth in the newresidential market, but RMI, representing approximately two thirds of revenuefor both Brossette and PBM, continues to show only marginal improvement againstthe background of little growth in the overall economy, weak consumer confidenceand persistent high levels of unemployment. Wolseley's French operations generated first half revenue up 2.6% to €1,170.3million (2005: €1,140.3 million), including organic growth of 1.1%. Tradingprofit for France was down to €52.4 million (2005: €59.2 million) as a result ofthe lower level of profitability in Brossette. As previously announced, the French results for the first half have benefitedfrom matters unrelated to normal trading. An outstanding claim with the Frenchcustoms authorities relating to wood import duties has been settled in PBM'sfavour, resulting in a benefit to trading profit and interest of €11.5 million(£8 million) and €5 million (£3 million), respectively. In addition, Brossette(together with many other French companies) has been fined by the FrenchCompetition Authorities. A provision for €7.6 million (£5 million) has beencharged against trading profit in the period but relates to matters which tookplace more than ten years ago. Overall, therefore, there was a net £3 millionbenefit at the trading profit level and £3 million benefit on the interest linearising from matters unrelated to normal trading. Local currency revenue in Brossette was 2.3% up on the first half last year. Trading profit was lower, before taking account of the fine from the FrenchCompetition Authorities. Brossette's results reflect the ongoing reorganisationof the district, branch and management structures and the move to centralisationof purchasing and logistics, all of which are designed to enhance customerservice and facilitate future expansion. Another new customer delivery centreopened in the first half. A significant number of management changes have beenmade with associated one off severance costs. PBM achieved an increase in revenue of 2.9% in local currency, more than half ofwhich was organic growth. The sales trends in PBM improved in the second quarterand this upward momentum is expected to continue. Five new satellites and tenhire locations were added in the first half and a further six satellites andeight hire locations are planned for the second half. The underlying tradingprofit, before taking account of the wood import duties rebate referred to aboveand other one off items, showed an improvement, as did the underlying tradingmargin. PBM is expanding the number of joint sites with Brossette and exploitingopportunities to create purchasing synergies and indirect cost savings inco-operation with other group companies. Central Europe-------------- Revenue in the Group's other Continental European operations were up by 14.6%reflecting organic growth of 6.3% and the benefit of acquisitions. Tradingprofit was down due to the lower level of profitability in Austria. Tobler, in Switzerland, had a strong half with revenue up 20%, including 13%organic growth. Despite competitive market conditions putting some pressure onprices and a change in the business mix to lower margin products, trading profitwas up 14%. During the first half, two new branches were opened and threebranches from previous acquisitions were rebranded. OAG, in Austria, increased revenue slightly although trading profit fell due tocontinued competitive pressure on prices as a consequence of difficult housingand RMI markets and business restructuring. In Hungary and the Czech Republic,local market conditions remained difficult but both businesses improved revenue,with Cesaro in the Czech Republic also increasing trading profit. Hungaryexperienced a higher level of provisions for bad debts reflecting slowerpayments from customers. In Italy, revenue in the first half increased by 49% and profits more thandoubled, compared to the comparable period in the prior year, mainly due to theacquisition of Iser Zauli in January 2005. Despite a flat economy, theaggressive branch opening programme of the past few years continued to benefitManzardo with organic revenue and trading profit growth up more than 10%. Threenew branches were opened in the first half. Iser Zauli traded ahead ofexpectations and is currently being integrated into the Manzardo operations. Inaddition, purchasing synergies between the two companies have exceededexpectations. This acquisition makes Manzardo one of the largest companies inthe Italian sanitary/heating market. Progress on the €20 million new central DCin northern Italy continues. This facility is expected to be completed aroundautumn 2006 and will enable further expansion of the business. In The Netherlands, Wasco continued to make good progress expanding its productrange into sanitary ware, developing its offering to the more profitable RMImarket and focusing on cost control. It achieved organic revenue growth of 10%and trading profit improved by 27%. In Luxembourg, CFM's revenue fell by 6%principally due to the absence of large commercial orders for underground pipethat occurred in the previous year. Centratec, the Belgian business acquired inOctober 2005, performed in line with expectations and is now working with Wascoand CFM to obtain improvements in sourcing, logistics and inventory management. Interim Dividend---------------- The Board has decided to pay an interim dividend of 9.85 pence per share (2005:8.80 pence per share) to be paid on 31 May 2006 to shareholders on the registeron 31 March 2006, which will absorb £58.4 million of cash. This represents anincrease of 11.9% over last year's interim dividend and reflects the Board'sconfidence in the future prospects of the Group and its strong financialposition. It is expected that the interim dividend will be approximately onethird of the total dividend for the year. The dividend reinvestment plan willcontinue to be available to eligible shareholders. International Integration and Infrastructure Developments---------------------------------------------------------- In support of the Group's ambitious growth targets and as part of its continuousimprovement programme, Wolseley is bringing about greater cohesion across itsoperating units through leveraging its international purchasing, internationalsourcing and supply chain efficiencies. To achieve this, the Group continues tomake investments in its infrastructure in terms of systems, logistics andpeople, with employee numbers increasing from 60,000 to more than 64,000 duringthe first half. With respect to IT systems development, two years ago the Group announced plansto develop a common technology platform. The first phase of this projectincluded the development of common financial applications across the Group and,in parallel, a number of other common applications were to be developed andpiloted including packages for a warehouse management system and a humanresource application. The implementation of the financial application is well onthe way to completion, with most of the Group's operating companies havingimplemented the new system with the rest expected in the next 6 months. Work onthe human resource package, which is at an early stage of development, continuesto progress. The warehouse management system ("WMS"), which having beensuccessfully piloted in a Ferguson branch in the US, is currently being rolledout across Ferguson's largest branches and will be used by locations in Europein due course, including the new DC's in Italy and the UK which will open laterthis year. The Group continues with initiatives such as global sourcing and creating a moreefficient supply chain, supported by the implementation of the WMS, describedabove. Significant benefits are expected to arise over future years from theGroup's continuous improvement programmes enabled by the common technologyplatform. Through its investments today, the Group is committed to creating asustainable competitive advantage to meet customers changing needs. This will bebuilt around strong human resources, supported by efficient processes,technology driven supply chain management and logistics. Financial Review---------------- Net finance costs of £25.1 million (2005: £18.1 million) reflect an increase inGroup debt as a result of acquisitions and an increase in interest rates, partlyoffset by operating cash flow and interest on the French customs refund. Netinterest receivable on construction loans amounted to £5.4 million (2005: £4.3million). Interest cover was 15 times (2005: 21 times). The effective tax rate decreased marginally from 28.3% to 27.9%. The effectivetax rate for the half-year to 31 January 2006 is consistent with the rateexpected for the year to 31 July 2006. Before the amortisation of acquired intangibles, earnings per share increased by20.5% from 36.44 pence to 43.91 pence. Basic earnings per share were up by 14.5%to 41.58 pence (2005: 36.32 pence). The average number of shares in issue duringthe first half was 590.4 million (2005: 585.5 million). Net cash flow from operating activities reduced from £303.1 million to £258.1million, mainly due to the increase in working capital to support higher organicgrowth in the USA, partly offset by higher operating profit. Capital expenditure increased from £109.7 million to £143.5 million reflectingcontinued investment in the business. During the period the DC and branchnetwork in the USA was expanded, investment commenced on DCs in the UK and Italyand further expenditure was incurred on the common IT platform. Brossette andWolseley UK moved into new corporate offices. Cash received on the sale of fixed assets was £11.2 million, compared with £57.1million in the comparable period when receipts were higher due to the sale ofproperties acquired as part of the Brooks acquisition. Investment in acquisitions completed during the first half, including anydeferred consideration and net debt, amounted to £436 million (2005: £218million). These 22 acquisitions are expected to add around £701 million perannum of incremental revenues in a full year. Ten additional acquisitions, for aconsideration of £162 million, have been completed since 31 January 2006.Details of the three acquisitions not previously announced are set out below. On 10 March 2006, Ferguson acquired Indiana Plumbing Supply Co., Inc., ("ThePlumbers Warehouse") a plumbing wholesaler, from John Muckel and Russ Long. Inthe year ended 31 December 2004 Indiana had sales of $63.9 million (£36.5million) and gross assets of $12.5 million (£7.2 million) at that date. On 10 March 2006, Wolseley Canada acquired Can-Con Industries Inc. ("Can-Con"),a fabricator and distributor of pipe fittings for the natural gas, oil and waterindustries, from Mark Mercier, Brian Cropley, Garry Pickieson and Scott Toshack.Can-Con has one outlet in Edmonton, Alberta. In the year ended 31 January 2005it had sales of C$6.6 million (£3.3 million) and gross assets of C$3.4 million(£1.7 million) at that date. On 13 March 2006, Ferguson acquired the assets of Alamo Pipe and Supply("Alamo") a plumbing distributor based in Ruidoso, New Mexico. In the year ended31 December 2004 Alamo had sales of $2.3 million (£1.3 million) and gross assetsof $0.5 million (£0.3 million) at that date. Further details regarding acquisitions are included in note 9. The Group's branch network during the first half has been extended throughacquisitions and branch openings by a net of 321 branches, bringing the total to4,241 (31 July 2005: 3,920). Net borrowings, excluding construction loan borrowings, at 31 January 2006amounted to £1,670.7 million compared to £1,170.5 million at 31 July 2005,giving gearing of 68.1% compared to 50.8% at the previous year end and 58.6% at31 January 2005. The increase principally relates to acquisitions. In the USA, construction loan receivables, financed by an equivalent amount ofconstruction loan borrowings, were £293.7 million compared to £262.0 million at31 July 2005. The increase is due to an expanding loan book. Return on gross capital employed (ROGCE) fell from 19.1% for the year to 31 July2005 to 18.8% in the first half of 2006 as a result of acquisitions partlyoffset by the significant organic growth in profit. The ROGCE remains well abovethe Group's weighted average cost of capital, demonstrating significantshareholder value creation. Provisions for liabilities and charges in the balance sheet include theestimated liability for asbestos claims on a discounted basis. This liabilityhas been determined by independent professional actuarial advisors. The asbestosrelated litigation is fully covered by insurance and accordingly an equivalentinsurance receivable has been included in debtors. The level of insurance coveravailable significantly exceeds the expected level of future claims and noprofit or cash flow impact is therefore expected to arise in the foreseeablefuture. There were 235 claims outstanding at 31 July 2005 (31 July 2004: 308).An update on the estimated liability and number of claims outstanding will beprovided with the Group's Preliminary Results announcement. Outlook------- Market conditions in North America are expected to remain favourable for theremainder of this financial year and should enable the Group's North Americanbusinesses to achieve further good progress. It is expected that the US housing market will remain strong, although thenumber of housing starts may show a small decline as a result of higher interestrates. The positive RMI market is expected to continue and the strong US economyshould present further opportunities for organic growth, albeit at a lower ratethan the first half. The improvement in the industrial and commercial sectors isalso expected to continue. Stock should continue to make further good progress and benefit from a morefavourable product mix, allowing continued margin progression. Although lumberand panel prices are expected to hold up relatively well, there is likely to besome price deflation in the second half compared to the comparable period in theprior year. In Canada, the overall environment is expected to remain positive although thenew residential housing market may fall slightly from recent high levels. For Europe overall, it is likely that trading profit for the second half will bebroadly flat compared to the equivalent period in the prior year, reflecting thegenerally flat market conditions. The fundamentals of the UK economy are expected to remain positive and there areindicators which would suggest a gradual but steady improvement in the UK RMIand housing markets as the second half progresses. Against this background, theUK business is expected to show modest profit growth in the second half comparedto the corresponding period in the prior financial year as the businesscontinues to invest in branch openings and infrastructure, and obtains furtherbenefits from recent acquisitions. In France, growth in the RMI market is likely to remain modest. PBM is expectedto show progress compared to the second half, benefiting from acquisitions, newbranch openings and other business improvement initiatives. Investments toaccelerate future growth will continue. The reorganisation of Brossette will continue throughout the second half andfurther investments in the business will be made to create a platform for futuregrowth. It is unlikely that the trading profit in Brossette will match that ofthe equivalent period in the prior year. Whilst the markets in the rest of Continental Europe are likely to remainbroadly flat and competitive, Wolseley's operations are expected to show solidprogress, particularly in Italy, Switzerland and the Netherlands. There are a number of business improvement initiatives in place relating tosupply chain, sourcing and procurement that should deliver increasing benefitsto the bottom line. The Group will continue to pursue its objective ofachieving, on average, double digit sales and profit improvements through acombination of organic growth and acquisitions. The acquisition pipeline remainsstrong and the Group will continue to pursue opportunities for product andgeographic diversity. The Board expects another year of good progress, driven by strong growth inNorth America and the benefits of recent acquisitions. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 SEC filings, including, without limitation, the Company's Reporton Form 20-F for the year ended 31 July 2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FINANCIAL CALENDER FOR 20062006----29 March - Shares quoted ex-dividend31 March - Record date for final dividend31 May - Interim dividend payment date17 July - Trading update for 11 months to 30 June 200631 July - Financial year end25 September* - Announcement of Preliminary results4 October* - Shares quoted ex-dividend6 October* - Record date for final dividend9 November* - Final date for DRIP elections29 November* - Annual General Meeting30 November* - Final dividend payment date (*) expected A copy of this Interim Announcement, together with all other recent public announcements can be found on Wolseley's web site at www.wolseley.com.Copies of the Preliminary Results' presentation given to stockbrokers' analysts are also available on this site. Group Income Statement (unaudited) Year to Half year to Half year to 31 July 31 January 31 January 2005 2006 2005 £m £m £m-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11,256.3 Revenue 6,734.5 5,331.9--------- -------- -------- (5.8) Operating costs: amortisation of (13.8) (0.7) acquired intangibles(10,548.5) Operating costs: other (6,349.6) (5,016.3)---------- -------- --------(10,554.3) Operating costs: total (6,363.4) (5,017.0)---------- -------- -------- 702.0 Operating profit 371.1 314.9 26.7 Finance revenue (note 3) 19.8 12.0 (63.5) Finance costs (note 3) (44.9) (30.1)---------- -------- -------- 665.2 Profit before tax 346.0 296.8 (186.0) Tax expense (note 4) (100.5) (84.3)---------- -------- -------- 479.2 Profit for the period attributable 245.5 212.5 to equity shareholders ---------- -------- -------- Earnings per share (note 6) 81.61p Basic earnings per share 41.58p 36.32p---------- -------- -------- 80.75p Diluted earnings per share 41.13p 35.87p---------- -------- -------- 26.40p Dividends per share 9.85p 8.80p Non-GAAP measures of performance (note 10) 707.8 Trading profit 384.9 315.6 671.0 Profit before tax and the amortisation 359.8 297.5 of acquired intangibles---------- -------- -------- Translation rates 1.8514 US dollars 1.7604 1.8548 1.4587 Euro 1.4619 1.4546 Group Statement of Recognised Income and Expense (unaudited) Year to Half year to Half year to 31 July 31 January 31 January 2005 2006 2005 £m £m £m-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 479.2 Profit for the period 245.5 212.5 56.9 Currency translation differences (16.9) (25.7) (4.1) Actuarial losses (4.1) (15.4) (10.9) Cash flow hedges 12.6 (0.7) 30.2 Tax on gains/(losses) not recognised in (11.3) 5.6 the income statement -------- -------- -------- 72.1 Net (losses)/gains not recognised in (19.7) (36.2) the income statement -------- -------- -------- 551.3 Total recognised income and expense 225.8 176.3-------- -------- -------- Group Balance Sheet (unaudited) As at As at As at31 July 31 January 31 January 2005 2006 2005 £m £m £m-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Non-current assets 815.6 Intangible fixed assets - goodwill 1,004.2 729.0 132.8 Intangible fixed assets - other 230.1 56.1 882.9 Property, plant and equipment ("PPE") 990.0 771.3 54.8 Deferred income tax assets 34.4 117.2 5.7 Available for sale financial assets 4.3 2.9--------------------------------------------------------------------------------1,891.8 2,263.0 1,676.5-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current assets1,706.1 Inventories 1,886.6 1,589.52,241.4 Trade and other receivables 2,312.6 1,839.2 262.0 Financial receivables - construction 293.7 209.3 loans (secured) 3.3 Derivative financial instruments 14.5 1.1 4.8 Trading investments 4.5 6.8 381.1 Cash and cash equivalents 438.8 246.3--------------------------------------------------------------------------------4,598.7 4,950.7 3,892.2-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8.1 Assets held for resale 5.9 4.4--------------------------------------------------------------------------------6,498.6 Total assets 7,219.6 5,573.1-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EQUITY Capital and reserves attributable to equity shareholders 389.3 Share capital and share premium 419.2 363.0 81.5 Foreign currency translation reserve 56.1 (25.7)1,829.9 Retained earnings 1,979.7 1,615.1--------------------------------------------------------------------------------2,300.7 2,455.0 1,952.4-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIABILITIES Non-current liabilities 18.0 Trade and other payables 18.0 -1,044.6 Bank loans 1,351.9 879.8 57.9 Obligations under finance leases 49.2 42.6 61.5 Deferred income tax liabilities 79.3 32.4 181.1 Retirement benefit obligations 190.6 194.1 63.5 Provisions 78.1 83.1--------------------------------------------------------------------------------1,426.6 1,767.1 1,232.0-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current liabilities1,943.4 Trade and other payables 1,867.7 1,553.5 70.3 Corporation tax payable 61.1 124.9 262.0 Borrowings - construction loans 293.7 209.3 (unsecured) 439.0 Bank loans and overdrafts 699.0 458.3 4.0 Obligations under finance leases 15.7 15.0 14.2 Derivative financial instruments 12.7 2.5 16.5 Retirement benefit obligations 17.1 15.8 21.9 Provisions 30.5 9.4--------------------------------------------------------------------------------2,771.3 2,997.5 2,388.7--------------------------------------------------------------------------------4,197.9 Total liabilities 4,764.6 3,620.7--------------------------------------------------------------------------------6,498.6 Total equity and liabilities 7,219.6 5,573.1-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Translation rates 1.7564 US dollars 1.7787 1.8833-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.4479 Euro 1.4631 1.4449-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Group Cash Flow Statement (unaudited) As at As at As at31 July 31 January 31 January 2005 2006 2005 £m £m £m-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from operating activities: 765.1 Cash generated from operations 258.1 303.1 26.1 Interest received 14.2 11.5 (57.4) Interest paid (32.0) (23.9)(150.7) Income tax paid (95.2) (97.1)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 583.1 Net cash generated from operating activities 145.1 193.6-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from investing activities:(405.5) Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash (420.5) (206.5) acquired 4.5 Disposals of businesses, net of cash - - disposed of(217.5) Purchases of property, plant and (138.7) (97.3) equipment 73.9 Proceeds from sale of property, plant 11.2 57.1 and equipment (21.4) Purchases of intangible assets (4.8) (12.4) - Purchases of trading investments - (0.6) 1.6 Proceeds from disposal of trading investments 0.5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------(564.4) Net cash used in investing activities (552.3) (259.7)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from financing activities: 32.7 Proceeds from the issue of shares to 13.1 16.8 shareholders (18.6) Purchases of shares by Employee Benefit (10.7) (18.6) Trusts 409.9 New borrowings 854.4 182.4(233.9) Repayments of borrowings and (149.8) (65.7) derivatives (5.2) Finance lease capital payments (4.3) (4.3)(145.4) Dividends paid to shareholders (104.0) (93.6)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39.5 Net cash generated from financing activities 598.7 17.0-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 58.2 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and 191.5 (49.1) bank overdrafts (87.7) Cash and bank overdrafts at the (56.0) (87.7) beginning of the period (26.5) Exchange (losses)/gains on cash and (17.4) 9.8 bank overdrafts -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (56.0) Cash and bank overdrafts at the end of 118.1 (127.0) the period -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reconciliation of Profit to Net Cash Flow from Operating Activities (unaudited) As at As at As at31 July 31 January 31 January 2005 2006 2005 £m £m £m-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 479.2 Profit for the period 245.5 212.5 36.8 Finance costs - net 25.1 18.1 186.0 Income tax expense 100.5 84.3 116.5 Depreciation of PPE and amortisation of 61.5 55.9 non-acquired intangibles 5.8 Amortisation of acquired intangibles 13.8 0.7 (11.1) Profit on disposal of PPE (2.5) (4.3) (55.3) Increase in inventories (119.8) (47.5)(180.2) Decrease/(increase) in trade and other 70.7 95.5 receivables 168.1 (Decrease)/increase in trade and other (169.6) (124.8) payables (0.3) Increase/(decrease) in provisions and 20.3 (0.8) other liabilities 19.6 Share based payments and other non cash 12.6 13.5 items -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 765.1 Net cash generated from operations 258.1 303.1-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes to the interim financial information for the six months ended 31 January 2006------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 Basis of preparation The next annual financial statements of the Group will be prepared in accordancewith International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by theEuropean Union, and to those parts of the Companies Act 1985 applicable tocompanies reporting under IFRS. The financial information contained in theseinterim financial statements has been prepared on the basis of IFRS that thedirectors expect to be applicable as at 31 July 2006. IFRS is subject toamendment and interpretation by the IASB and there is an ongoing process ofreview and endorsement by the European Commission. For these reasons, it ispossible that the information presented here may be subject to change before itsinclusion in the 2006 Report and Accounts, which will be the Group's firstcomplete financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. The accounting policies followed in the interim financial statements are set outin Appendix 1. The results for the first half of the financial year have not been audited andwere approved by the Board of Directors on 20 March 2006. The summary of resultsfor the year ended 31 July 2005 does not constitute the full financialstatements within the meaning of s240 of the Companies Act 1985. The fullfinancial statements for that year, prepared under UK GAAP, have been reportedon by the Group's auditors and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. Theaudit report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under s237(2) ors237(3) of the Companies Act 1985. 2 Segmental analysis of results The Group has a single business segment, the distribution and supply ofconstruction materials. The Group's geographical segments are Europe, consisting of UK and Ireland,France and Central Europe, and North America. The Group has determined that itsgeographical segments are its primary segments for IFRS reporting purposes. Therevenue, operating profit and trading profit of the Group's geographical segments are detailed in the following tables. Revenue by geographical segment Year to Half year to Half year to31 July 31 January 31 January 2005 2006 2005 £m £m £m-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2,353.9 UK and Ireland 1,262.1 1,155.0 1,644.4 France 800.6 783.9 638.7 Central Europe 362.5 316.1 --------- -------- -------- 4,637.0 Europe 2,425.2 2,255.0 --------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- 6,619.3 North America 4,309.3 3,076.9 --------- -------- -------- --------- -------- --------11,256.3 Total 6,734.5 5,331.9 --------- -------- -------- Operating profit by geographical segment Year to Half year to Half year to31 July 31 January 31 January 2005 2006 2005 £m £m £m-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 181.2 UK and Ireland 86.6 84.2 97.4 France 35.6 40.7 29.8 Central Europe 13.7 15.7 (3.0) European central costs (4.5) (1.8)--------- -------- -------- 305.4 Europe 131.4 138.8--------- -------- ----------------- -------- -------- 422.8 North America 260.0 194.0--------- -------- ----------------- -------- -------- (26.2) Group central costs (20.3) (17.9)--------- -------- ----------------- -------- -------- 702.0 Total 371.1 314.9--------- -------- -------- Trading profit by geographical segment Year to Half year to Half year to31 July 31 January 31 January 2005 2006 2005 £m £m £m-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 182.9 UK and Ireland 89.6 84.7 97.8 France 35.8 40.7 30.2 Central Europe 14.3 15.7 (3.0) European central costs (4.5) (1.8)--------- -------- -------- 307.9 Europe 135.2 139.3--------- -------- ----------------- -------- -------- 426.1 North America 270.0 194.2--------- -------- ----------------- -------- -------- (26.2) Group central costs (20.3) (17.9)--------- -------- ----------------- -------- -------- 707.8 Total trading profit (note 10) 384.9 315.6 (5.8) Amortisation of acquired intangibles (13.8) (0.7)--------- -------- -------- 702.0 Total operating profit 371.1 314.9--------- -------- -------- The amortisation of acquired intangibles for the six months ended 31 January2006 attributable to the above segments is UK and Ireland £3.0 million (31January 2005: £0.5 million); France £0.2 million (31 January 2005: £nil);Central Europe £0.6 million (31 January 2005: £nil); North America £10.0 million(31 January 2005: £0.2 million). The Group will prepare segmental disclosures in accordance with US GAAP andinclude them in its Form 20-F for the full year ending 31 July 2006. Thedisclosure requirements under US GAAP differ from those under IFRS, such thatrevenue and operating profit for North America will be further analysed byoperating segment in the Form 20-F. In order to ensure consistency ofinformation disclosed to all investors, the following table is included in theseinterim financial statements. Year to Half year to Half year to31 July 31 January 31 January 2005 2006 2005 £m £m £m-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue3,858.6 US Plumbing and Heating 2,573.6 1,772.22,248.9 US Building Materials 1,418.5 1,058.3 511.8 Canada 317.2 246.4--------- -------- --------6,619.3 North America 4,309.3 3,076.9--------- -------- -------- Operating profit (before amortisation of acquired intangibles) 260.0 US Plumbing and Heating 166.9 122.4 131.6 US Building Materials 89.4 56.0 35.6 Canada 19.2 16.4 (1.1) North American central costs (5.5) (0.6)--------- -------- -------- 426.1 North America 270.0 194.2--------- -------- -------- The amortisation of acquired intangibles for the six months ended 31 January2006 attributable to the above segments is US Plumbing and Heating £2.8 million(31 January 2005: £0.2 million); US Building Materials £7.1 million (31 January2005: £nil); Canada £0.1 million (31 January 2005: £nil). Analysis of movement in revenue New Acquisitions Acqs Increment Organic Change 2006 2005 Exchange 2006 2005 £m £m £m £m £m % £m-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UK and Ireland 1,155.0 - 75.8 13.9 17.4 1.5 1,262.1France 783.9 (3.9) 0.9 10.8 8.9 1.1 800.6Central Europe 316.1 (1.8) 11.1 17.3 19.8 6.3 362.5 --------- ------- ------ -------- ------ ------ ------Europe 2,255.0 (5.7) 87.8 42.0 46.1 2.0 2,425.2 --------- ------- ------ -------- ------ ------ ------ US Plumbing andHeating 1,772.2 95.0 72.9 129.4 504.1 27.0 2,573.6US BuildingMaterials 1,058.3 56.8 45.3 169.5 88.6 7.9 1,418.5Canada 246.4 29.7 1.2 8.0 31.9 11.6 317.2 ------- -------- -------- ------- ------ ------ ------North America 3,076.9 181.5 119.4 306.9 624.6 19.2 4,309.3 ------- -------- -------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------ ------TOTAL 5,331.9 175.8 207.2 348.9 670.7 12.2 6,734.5 ------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------ ------ Analysis of movement in operating profit (before amortisation of acquiredintangibles) New Acquisitions Acqs Increment Organic Change 2006 2005 Exchange 2006 2005 £m £m £m £m £m % £m--------------------------------------------------------------------------------UK and Ireland 84.7 - 2.6 0.7 1.6 2.0 89.6France 40.7 (0.2) - 0.2 (4.9) (12.0) 35.8Central Europe 15.7 (0.1) 0.8 0.7 (2.8) (18.0) 14.3Europeancentral costs (1.8) - - - (2.7) (4.5) ------- -------- ------- -------- ------ ------ ------Europe 139.3 (0.3) 3.4 1.6 (8.8) (6.2) 135.2 ------- -------- ------- -------- ------ ------ ------ US Plumbingand Heating 122.4 6.6 4.4 7.8 25.7 20.0 166.9US BuildingMaterials 56.0 3.0 2.3 17.0 11.1 18.7 89.4Canada 16.4 2.0 - 0.4 0.4 2.1 19.2North Americancentral costs (0.6) - - - (4.9) (5.5) ------- -------- ------ ------- ----- ----- ------North America 194.2 11.6 6.7 25.2 32.3 15.7 270.0 ------- -------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ ------- -------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------Group centralcosts (17.9) - - - (2.4) (20.3) ------- -------- ------- -------- ------ ------ ----- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------ ------ ----- TOTAL 315.6 11.3 10.1 26.8 21.1 6.5 384.9 ------- -------- ------- -------- ------ ----- ----- 3 Net finance costs Year to Half year to Half year to 31 July 31 January 31 January 2005 2006 2005 £m £m £m------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26.7 Interest receivable 19.2 12.0 - Net pension finance income 0.6 --------- -------- -------- 26.7 Finance revenue 19.8 12.0-------- -------- -------- (55.2) Interest payable on loans and (42.9) (25.8) overdrafts (2.3) Interest payable on finance leases (1.2) (1.0) 0.6 Fair value (losses)/gains on (0.8) (0.1) derivatives (6.6) Net pension finance cost - (3.2)-------- -------- -------- (63.5) Finance costs (44.9) (30.1)-------- -------- ---------------- -------- -------- (36.8) Net finance costs (25.1) (18.1)-------- -------- -------- 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 2006 andcomprises the following elements: Year to Half year to Half year to 31 July 31 January 31 January 2005 2006 2005 £m £m £m------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tax on profit for the period 38.0 - UK 11.1 21.7 103.8 - Overseas 67.8 65.5-------- ------------------------- -------- -------- 141.8 78.9 87.2 44.2 Deferred tax 21.6 (2.9)-------- ------------------------- -------- -------- 186.0 100.5 84.3-------- ------------------------- -------- -------- 5 Dividends Year to Half year to Half year to 31 July 31 January 31 January 2005 2006 2005 £m £m £m------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 51.7 Interim paid - - 93.6 Final paid 104.0 93.6 -------- ------------------------- -------- -------- 145.3 Dividends charge for the period 104.0 93.6 -------- ------------------------- -------- -------- 6 Earnings per share Earnings per share, calculated on an average of 590.4 million (2005: 585.5million) ordinary shares in issue, are as follows: Year to Half year to Half year to 31 July 31 January 31 January 2005 2006 2005Pence per Pence per share Pence per share share------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 82.60p Before amortisation of acquired 43.91p 36.44p intangibles (0.99)p Amortisation of acquired (2.33)p (0.12)p intangibles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 81.61p Basic earnings per share 41.58p 36.32p------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The impact of all potentially dilutive share options on earnings per share wouldbe to increase the weighted average number of shares in issue to 596.9 millionand to reduce basic earnings per share to 41.13p. Diluted earnings per sharebefore amortisation of acquired intangibles is 43.44p. 7 Reconciliation of movements in capital and reserves Year to Half year to Half year to 31 July 31 January 31 January 2005 2006 2005------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 479.2 Profit for the period 245.5 212.5 72.1 Other recognised income and expense (19.7) (36.2) (145.3) Dividends paid (104.0) (93.6) 22.7 Credit to equity for share based 26.0 15.9 payments 3.5 Deferred tax on share based payments 4.1 1.2 32.7 New share capital subscribed 13.1 16.8 (18.6) Purchase of own shares (10.7) (18.6) -------- -------- -------- 446.3 Net addition to shareholders' funds 154.3 98.01,854.4 Opening shareholders' funds 2,300.7 1,854.4 -------- -------- --------2,300.7 Closing shareholders' funds 2,455.0 1,952.4 -------- -------- -------- 8 Analysis of change in net debt At Non cash Exchange At 31 July movements movement 31 January 2005 Cashflow Aquisitions 2006 £m £m £m £m £m £m--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Cash and cashequivalents 381.1 77.2 - - (19.5) 438.8Bankoverdrafts (437.1) 114.3 - - 2.1 (320.7) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- (56.0) 191.5 - - (17.4) 118.1 Tradinginvestments 4.8 (0.5) 0.2 - - 4.5Derivativefinancialinstruments (10.9) 5.6 - 5.9 1.2 1.8Bank loans (1,046.5) (710.2) (9.0) (0.9) 36.4 (1,730.2)Obligationsunder financeleases (61.9) 4.3 (0.1) (7.6) 0.4 (64.9) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------Total net debt (1,170.5) (509.3) (8.9) (2.6) 20.6 (1,670.7) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- 9 Acquisitions The following table summarises the investment in acquisitions made during thehalf year. In certain cases the consideration is deferred or subject toadjustment and includes net borrowings acquired. Estimated Expected consideration contribution toAcquistions including debt Group revenue in a full year £m £m----------------------- --------------- --------------- UK and Ireland 225 280France 5 9Central Europe 21 34 ---------- ----------Europe 251 323 ---------- ---------- US Plumbing and Heating 110 214US Building Materials 74 162Canada 1 2 ---------- ----------North America 185 378 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------Total Group 436 701 ---------- ---------- Ten additional acquisitions, for a combined consideration of £162 million, havebeen completed since 31 January 2006 with three in US Plumbing and Heating, twoin US Building Materials and one in Canada in North America and four in France.They are expected to contribute £224 million to Group turnover in a full year. Acquisition cash expenditure during the period, including any deferredconsideration in respect of prior period acquisitions and net cash balancesacquired, amounted to £420.5 million (2005: £206.5 million). 10 Non-GAAP measures of performance Trading profit is defined as operating profit before the amortisation ofacquired intangibles and is a non-GAAP measure. The current businesses withinWolseley have arisen through internal organic growth and through acquisition.Operating profit includes the amortisation of acquired intangibles arising onthose businesses that have been acquired subsequent to 31 July 2004 and as suchdoes not reflect equally the performance of businesses acquired prior to 31 July2004 (where no amortisation of acquired intangibles was recognised), businessesthat have developed organically where no intangibles are attributed and thosebusinesses more recently acquired. Wolseley believes that trading profitprovides valuable additional information for users of the interim financialstatement in assessing the Group's performance since it provides information onthe performance of the business that local managers are more directly able toinfluence and on a basis consistent across businesses. Year to Half year to Half year to 31 July 31 January 31 January 2005 2006 2005------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 702.0 Operating profit 371.1 314.9 5.8 Add back: amortisation of acquired 13.8 0.7-------- intangibles -------- -------- 707.8 Trading profit 384.9 315.6-------- -------- -------- 665.2 Profit before tax 346.0 296.8 5.8 Add back: amortisation of acquired 13.8 0.7-------- intangibles -------- -------- 671.0 Profit before tax and the amortisation 359.8 297.5-------- of acquired intangibles -------- -------- 11 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 $1.7604 to the £1 compared to $1.8548 for the comparable period last year,an increase of 5.4%, and €1.4619 to the £1 compared to €1.4546, a decrease of0.5%. Should the exchange rates between the US$ and £, and the • and the £,remain at the 31 January 2006 spot rates used to translate the 31 January 2006balance sheet ($1.7787 and €1.4631) then the averages for the year as a wholewould be $1.7688 and €1.4624 and this would have the effect of decreasing salesand trading profit for the first half by £19.4 million and £0.8 million,respectively. 12 Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards As at As at As at 31 July 31 January 1 August 2005 2005 2004 £m £m £m--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Net assets under UK GAAP 2,306.9 2,026.3 1,901.9Adjustments (before taxation)Intangible assets (i) 50.9 27.8 0.7Post employment benefits (ii) (152.1) (162.1) (147.6)Share based payments (iii) (12.5) (11.2) (14.3)Leases (iv) (7.8) (7.1) (6.5)Derivatives (v) (10.9) (1.4) (0.5)Post balance sheet events (vi) 104.0 51.7 93.6Other (16.0) (10.8) (13.6)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (44.4) (113.1) (88.2)Taxation (vii) 38.2 39.2 40.7--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Net assetsunder IFRS 2,300.7 1,952.4 1,854.4-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year to Half year to 31 July 2005 31 January 2005 £m £m-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income under UK GAAP 461.2 204.0Adjustments (before taxation)Intangible assets (i) 37.3 20.2Post employment benefits (ii) 0.6 0.7Share based payments (iii) (21.6) (12.8)Leases (iv) (1.3) (0.6)Foreign exchange gains and losses (viii) 3.9 (0.7)Other (1.5) 2.8-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17.4 9.6Taxation (vii) 0.6 (1.1)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Net income under IFRS 479.2 212.5-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The adjustments made in converting UK GAAP financial information into IFRSfinancial information are summarised below. A more comprehensive review of theadjustments made in respect of the year ended 31 July 2005 can be found in theGroup's IFRS Statement dated 22 November 2005 on its website www.wolseley.com inthe "Investor Centre" section. The net assets of the Group under IFRS containedin that statement have been reduced by £13 million in order to reflect theGroup's most recent interpretation of its IFRS deferred tax position. (i) Intangible assets Under UK GAAP, goodwill was amortised over its useful economic life, tested forimpairment and provided against as necessary. Under IFRS, goodwill is no longeramortised but must be tested for impairment as at 1 August 2004 (the transitiondate) and at least annually thereafter. Goodwill amortisation charged under UKGAAP during the year ended 31 July 2005 has been credited back to the incomestatement under IFRS. In addition IFRS requires identifiable intangible assets to be recognisedseparately on the balance sheet and consequently certain intangible assets, suchas contractual customer relationships and trade names, which were previouslyrecorded as part of goodwill under UK GAAP, have been separately recognised asintangible assets under IFRS and amortised over their expected useful lives. (ii) Post-employment benefits Under UK GAAP, the Group accounted for post-employment benefits under SSAP 24,"Accounting for pension costs", whereby the cost of providing defined benefitpensions and post-retirement healthcare benefits was charged against operatingprofit on a systematic basis with surpluses and deficits arising recognised overthe expected average remaining service lives of participating employees.Actuarial gains and losses are charged to equity and the net deficit on theGroup's defined benefit pension schemes is carried in full in the Group's IFRSbalance sheet. (iii) Share-based payments Under UK GAAP, the cost of awards made under the Group's employee share schemeswas based on the intrinsic value of the awards, with the exception of SAYEschemes for which no cost was recognised. Under IFRS 2, "Share-based Payment",the cost of employee share schemes, including SAYE schemes, is based on the fairvalue of the awards that must be assessed using an option-pricing model. TheGroup has principally used a binomial model for this purpose. Generally, for an equity-settled award, the fair value of the award at the grantdate is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, withadjustments being made to reflect expected and actual forfeitures during thevesting period due to failure to satisfy service conditions or achievenon-market performance conditions, such as EPS growth targets. For acash-settled award, the fair value of the award at each balance sheet date isused to calculate the probable liability of the Group; changes in this liabilityfrom the opening to closing balance sheet are charged or credited to the incomestatement. (iv) Leases IAS 17, "Leases" requires that the land and buildings elements of propertyleases are considered separately for the purposes of determining whether thelease is a finance or operating lease. The majority of the Group's leasedbuildings are on short-term leases and, consistent with UK GAAP, are classifiedas operating leases under IFRS. There are, however, a small number of leaseswhere the building element of the lease has been reclassified as a finance leasebased on the criteria set out in IAS 17. Under UK GAAP, committed rental increases, which could be considered in the sameway as inflationary increases and increases due to market comparables, weregenerally recognised as they arose and property lease incentives were generallyrecognised over the period to the first market rent review. Under IFRS,committed rental increases and lease incentives are required to be spread overthe entire lease term. (v) Derivatives and hedge accounting The Group uses derivative contracts to manage economic exposure to movements ininterest rates and currency exchange rates. Under UK GAAP, such derivativecontracts were not recognised as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet andgains or losses arising on them were not recognised until the hedged item haditself been recognised in the financial statements. Under IFRS all derivative financial instruments are accounted for at fair marketvalue whilst other financial instruments are accounted for either at amortisedcost or at fair value depending on their classification. Subject to stringentcriteria, derivative financial instruments, financial assets and financialliabilities may be designated as forming hedge relationships as a result ofwhich fair value changes are offset in the income statement or charged/creditedto equity depending on the nature of the hedge relationship. Hedge accountinghas been applied to the Group's interest rate swaps (which are hedging floatingrate debt) and foreign currency financial instruments (which are hedging the netassets of the Group's foreign operations). (vi) Post balance sheet events Under UK GAAP dividends were recognised in the period to which they related. IAS10, "Events after the Balance Sheet Date" requires that dividends declared orapproved after the balance sheet date should not be recognised as a liability atthat balance sheet date as the liability does not represent a present obligationas defined by IAS 37, "Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and ContingentAssets". (vii) Taxation Under UK GAAP, deferred tax was provided on timing differences between theaccounting and taxable profit (an income statement approach). Under IFRS,deferred tax is provided on temporary differences between the book carryingvalue and tax base of assets and liabilities (a balance sheet approach). As aresult, the Group's IFRS balance sheet includes an additional deferred taxliability in respect of fair value property revaluations on acquisitions andproperty roll-over gains. In addition, deferred tax has been recognised on the adjustments between UK GAAPand IFRS with the majority of the net deferred tax asset relating to theadjustments for share options and post-employment benefits (reflecting thesubstantially increased defined benefit liability under IFRS). (viii) Foreign exchange gains and losses A small number of the Group's subsidiary companies have changed their functionalcurrency in order to comply with the more stringent functional currencyrequirements of IAS 21, "The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates" whichrequires companies that are acting on behalf of the parent company to have thesame functional currency as the parent company. As a result, some foreignexchange differences arising in these companies have been recorded in theGroup's income statement under IFRS rather than in equity, under UK GAAP. Independent review report to Wolseley plc----------------------------------------- Introduction We have been instructed by the company to review the financial information forthe six months ended 31 January 2006 which comprises the consolidated interimbalance sheet as at 31 January 2006 and the related consolidated interim incomestatement, cash flow statement, statement of recognised income and expense forthe six months then ended and related notes. We have read the other informationcontained in the interim report and considered whether it contains any apparentmisstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial information. Directors' responsibilities The interim report, including the financial information contained therein, isthe responsibility of, and has been approved by the directors. The directors areresponsible for preparing the interim report in accordance with the ListingRules of the Financial Services Authority. As disclosed in note 1, the next annual financial statements of the group willbe prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standardsadopted by the European Union. This interim report has been prepared inaccordance with the basis set out in note 1. The accounting policies are consistent with those that the directors intend touse in the next annual financial statements. As explained in note 1, there is,however, a possibility that the directors may determine that some changes arenecessary when preparing the full annual financial statements for the first timein accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards adopted by theEuropean Union. The IFRS standards and IFRIC interpretations that will beapplicable and adopted for use in the European Union at 31 July 2006 are notknown with certainty at the time of preparing this interim financialinformation. Review work performed We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A reviewconsists principally of making enquiries of Group management and applyinganalytical procedures to the financial information and underlying financial dataand, based thereon, assessing whether the disclosed accounting policies havebeen applied. A review excludes audit procedures such as tests of controls andverification of assets, liabilities and transactions. It is substantially lessin scope than an audit and therefore provides a lower level of assurance.Accordingly we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information.This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for thecompany for the purpose of the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authorityand for no other purpose. We do not, in producing this report, accept or assumeresponsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this reportis shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by ourprior consent in writing. Review conclusion On the basis of our review we are not aware of any material modifications thatshould be made to the financial information as presented for the six monthsended 31 January 2006. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLPChartered AccountantsLondon21 March 2006 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. Appendix 1 - Accounting Policies-------------------------------- The consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordancewith International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by theEuropean Union, including interpretations issued by the International AccountingStandards Board ("IASB") and its committees and with those parts of theCompanies Act 1985 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The disclosuresrequired by IFRS1, "First Time Adoption of International Financial ReportingStandards" concerning the transition from UK GAAP to IFRS are given in note 12.The date of transition to IFRS is 1 August 2004. A summary of the principal accounting policies applied by the Group in thepreparation of the consolidated interim financial statements is set out below. Basis of accounting-------------------The consolidated financial information has been prepared under the historicalcost convention as modified by the revaluation of available for sale investmentsand financial assets and liabilities held for trading. First time adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards------------------------------------------------------------------IFRS 1, "First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards"sets out the procedures that the Group must follow when it adopts IFRS for thefirst time as the basis for preparing its consolidated financial statements. TheGroup is required to establish its IFRS accounting policies as at 31 July 2006and, in general, apply these retrospectively to determine the IFRS openingbalance sheet at its date of transition, 1 August 2004. Certain optional exemptions to this general principle are available under IFRS 1and the significant first-time adoption choices made by the Group are asfollows. • The Group has elected not to apply IFRS 3 retrospectively to business combinations that took place before 1 August 2004. As a result, in the IFRS opening balance sheet, goodwill arising from past business combinations of £665.9 million remains as stated under UK GAAP at that date. • The Group has elected to recognise all cumulative actuarial gains and losses in relation to post employment defined benefit schemes at the date of transition. In addition, the Group has elected to recognise actuarial gains and losses in full in the period in which they occur in a statement of recognised income and expense. • The Group has elected to apply IFRS 2, "Share Based Payment" only to equity-settled awards that had not vested as at 1 August 2004 and were granted on or after 7 November 2002 and cash-settled awards that had not vested as at 1 August 2004. • The Group has elected to reset the foreign currency translation reserve to zero at 1 August 2004. Going forward, IFRS requires amounts taken to reserves on the retranslation of foreign subsidiaries to be recorded in a separate foreign currency translation reserve and be included in the future calculation of profit or loss on sale of the subsidiary. • The Group has elected to implement IAS 39, "Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement" and IAS 32, "Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation" at its date of transition, 1 August 2004, and apply hedge accounting where the requirements of IAS 39 are met. Consolidation-------------The consolidated financial information includes the results of the parentCompany and its subsidiary undertakings drawn up to 31 January 2006. The trading results of businesses acquired, sold or discontinued during the yearare included in profit on ordinary activities from the date of effectiveacquisition or up to the date of sale or discontinuance. Intra-group transactions and balances and any unrealised gains and lossesarising from intra-group transactions are eliminated on consolidation. Foreign currencies------------------Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group's subsidiaryundertakings are measured using the currency of the primary economic environmentin which the subsidiary undertaking operates (the "functional currency"). Theconsolidated financial statements are presented in sterling, which is thepresentational currency of the Group and the functional currency of the parentCompany. The trading results of overseas subsidiary undertakings are translated intosterling using average rates of exchange ruling during the relevant financialperiod. The balance sheets of overseas subsidiary undertakings are translated intosterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the period end. Exchange differencesarising between the translation into sterling of the net assets of thesesubsidiary undertakings at rates ruling at the beginning and end of the year arerecognised in the currency translation reserve as are exchange differences onforeign currency borrowings to the extent that they are used to finance orprovide a hedge against foreign currency net assets. Changes in the fair value and the final settlement value of derivative financialinstruments, entered into to hedge foreign currency net assets and that satisfythe hedging conditions of IAS 39, are recognised in the currency translationreserve (see the separate accounting policy on derivative financialinstruments). In the event that an overseas subsidiary undertaking is sold, the gain or losson disposal recognised in the income statement is determined after taking intoaccount the cumulative currency translation differences that are attributable tothe subsidiary undertaking concerned. As permitted by IFRS 1, the Group haselected to deem the cumulative currency translation differences of the Group tobe £nil as at 1 August 2004. As a result the gain or loss on disposal of anoverseas subsidiary undertaking does not include currency translationdifferences arising before 1 August 2004. Foreign currency transactions entered into during the year are translated intosterling at the rates of exchange ruling on the dates of the transactions.Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies areretranslated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Allcurrency translation differences are taken to the income statement with theexception of differences on foreign currency borrowings to the extent that theyare used to finance or provide a hedge against foreign currency net assets asdetailed above. Revenue-------Revenue is the amount receivable for the provision of goods and services fallingwithin the Group's ordinary activities, excluding intra-group sales, estimatedand actual sales returns, trade and early settlement discounts, value added taxand similar sales taxes. Revenue from the provision of goods is recognised when the risks and rewards ofownership of goods have been transferred to the customer. The risks and rewardsof ownership of goods are deemed to have been transferred when the goods areshipped to, or are picked up by, the customer. Revenue from services, other than those that arise from construction servicecontracts (see below), are recognised when the service provided to the customerhas been completed. Revenue in respect of construction service contracts, where the Group isproviding framing lumber installation services to residential propertycompanies, is recognised using the percentage of completion method, with thepercentage complete being determined by comparing the percentage of costsincurred to date with the estimated total costs of the contract. Losses on thesecontracts, if any, are recognised in the period when such losses become probableand can be reasonably estimated. Revenue from the provision of goods and all services is only recognised when theamounts to be recognised are fixed or determinable and collectibility isreasonably assured. Vendor rebates--------------The Group enters into agreements with certain vendors providing for inventorypurchase rebates. These purchase rebates are accrued as earned and are recordedinitially as a reduction in inventory with a subsequent reduction in cost ofsales when the related product is sold. Business Combinations---------------------The Group has applied the purchase method in its accounting for the acquisitionof subsidiaries. As permitted by IFRS 1, the Group has elected not to apply IFRS 3 "BusinessCombinations" to acquisitions of subsidiaries that were recognised before 1August 2004 and as a result the carrying amount of goodwill recognised as anasset under UK GAAP has been brought forward unadjusted as the cost of goodwillrecognised under IFRS as at 1 August 2004. IFRS 3 has been applied with effectfrom 1 August 2004 and goodwill amortisation ceased from that date. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the fair value of the assets given,equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date ofexchange, plus costs directly attributable to the acquisition. Identifiableassets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a businesscombination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date,irrespective of the extent of any minority interest. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the Group's shareof the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the cost ofacquisition is less than the fair value of the group's share of the net assetsof the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognised directly in the incomestatement. Intangible assets----------------- GoodwillGoodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair valueof the Group's share of the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiaryundertaking at the date of acquisition. Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaryundertakings is included in intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortised but is tested annually for impairment and carried atcost less accumulated impairment losses. Gains and losses on the disposal of anentity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairmenttesting. Each of those cash-generating units represents the lowest level withinthe Group at which the associated goodwill is monitored for management purposesand is not larger than the primary or secondary reporting segments determined inaccordance with IAS 14 "Segmental Reporting". Other intangible assetsAn intangible asset, which is an identifiable non-monetary asset withoutphysical substance, is recognised to the extent that it is probable that theexpected future economic benefits attributable to the asset will flow to theGroup and that its cost can be measured reliably. The asset is deemed to beidentifiable when it is separable or when it arises from contractual or otherlegal rights. Intangible assets, primarily brands, trade names and customer relationships,acquired as part of a business combination are capitalised separately fromgoodwill and are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulatedimpairment losses. Amortisation is calculated using the reducing balance methodfor customer relationships and the straight-line method for other intangibleassets. The cost of the intangible assets is amortised over their estimateduseful lives. Computer software that is not integral to an item of property, plant andequipment is recognised separately as an intangible asset and is carried at costless accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Costs includesoftware licences, consulting costs attributable to the development, design andimplementation of the computer software and internal costs directly attributableto the development, design and implementation of the computer software. Costs inrespect of training and data conversion are expensed as incurred. Amortisationis calculated using the straight-line method so as to charge the cost of thecomputer software to the income statement over its estimated useful life (3-5years). Property, plant and equipment ("PPE")-------------------------------------PPE is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairmentlosses, except for land and assets in the course of construction, which are notdepreciated and are carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Costincludes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of theitems. In addition, subsequent costs are included in the asset's carrying amountor recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable thatfuture economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and thecost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repair and maintenancecosts are charged to the income statement during the financial period in whichthey are incurred. Depreciation on assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocatethe cost of each asset to its residual value over its estimated useful life, asfollows:Freehold buildings and long leaseholds 35-50 years;Short leaseholds over the period of the leasePlant and machinery 7-10 yearsFixtures and fittings 5-7 yearsComputers 3-5 yearsMotor vehicles 4 years The residual values and useful lives of PPE are reviewed and adjusted ifappropriate at each balance sheet date. Borrowing costs attributable to assets under construction are charged to theincome statement in the period in which they are incurred. Leased assets-------------Assets held under finance leases, which are leases where substantially all therisks and rewards of ownership of the asset have transferred to the Group, arecapitalised in the balance sheet and depreciated over the shorter of the leaseterm or their useful lives. The asset is recorded at the lower of its fair valueand the present value of the minimum lease payments at the inception of thelease. The capital elements of future obligations under finance leases areincluded in liabilities in the balance sheet and analysed between current andnon-current amounts. The interest elements of future obligations under financeleases are charged to the income statement over the periods of the leases andrepresent a constant proportion of the balance of capital repayments outstandingin accordance with the effective interest rate method. Leases where the lessor retains substantially all the risks and rewards ofownership are classified as operating leases. The cost of operating leases (netof any incentives received from the lessor) is charged to the income statementon a straight line basis over the periods of the leases. Assets held for sale--------------------Assets are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will berecovered by sale rather than by continuing use in the business. For this to bethe case, the asset must be available for immediate sale in its presentcondition, management must be committed to and have initiated a plan to sell theasset which, when initiated, was expected to result in a completed sale withintwelve months. Assets that are classified as held for sale are not depreciatedand are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less coststo sell. Impairment of assets--------------------Assets that have an indefinite useful life, such as goodwill, are not subject toamortisation and are tested annually for impairment and whenever events orchanges in circumstance indicate that the carrying amount may not berecoverable. Assets that are subject to amortisation are tested for impairmentwhenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the carrying amount maynot be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which theasset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amountis the higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Forthe purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levelsfor which there are separately identifiable cash flows. Inventories-----------Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost isdetermined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method or the average costmethod as appropriate to the nature of the transactions in those items ofinventory. The cost of goods purchased for resale includes import and customduties, transport and handling costs, freight and packing costs and otherattributable costs less trade discounts, rebates and other subsidies. Itexcludes borrowing costs. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price inthe ordinary course of business, less applicable variable selling expenses. Taxation--------Current tax represents the expected tax payable (or recoverable) on the taxableincome for the year using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at thebalance sheet date and taking into account any adjustments arising from prioryears. Deferred tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporarydifferences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and theircarrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax is notaccounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability ina transaction, other than a business combination, that at the time of thetransaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted orsubstantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply whenthe related deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred tax liability issettled. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probablethat future taxable profit will be available against which the temporarydifferences can be utilised. Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments insubsidiaries except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differenceis controlled by the Group and it is probable that the temporary difference willnot reverse in the foreseeable future. Derivative financial instruments--------------------------------Derivative financial instruments, in particular, interest rate swaps andcurrency swaps, are used to manage the financial risks arising from the businessactivities of the Group and the financing of those activities. There is notrading activity in derivative financial instruments. At the inception of a hedging transaction entailing the use of derivativefinancial instruments, the Group documents the relationship between the hedgeditem and the hedging instrument together with its risk management objective andthe strategy underlying the proposed transaction. The Group also documents itsassessment, both at the inception of the hedging relationship and subsequentlyon an ongoing basis, of the effectiveness of the hedge in offsetting movementsin the fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. Derivative financial instruments are recognised as assets and liabilitiesmeasured at their fair values at the balance sheet date. Where derivativefinancial instruments do not fulfil the criteria for hedge accounting containedin IAS 39, changes in their fair values are recognised in the income statement. When hedge accounting is used, the relevant hedging relationships are classifiedas fair value hedges, cash flow hedges or net investment hedges. Where thehedging relationship is classified as a fair value hedge, the carrying amount ofthe hedged asset or liability is adjusted by the increase or decrease in itsfair value attributable to the hedged risk and the resulting gain or loss isrecognised in the income statement where, to the extent that the hedge iseffective, it will be offset by the change in the fair value of the hedginginstrument. Where the hedging relationship is classified as a cash flow hedge oras a net investment hedge, to the extent the hedge is effective, changes in thefair value of the hedging instrument arising from the hedged risk are recogniseddirectly in equity rather than in the income statement. When the hedged item isrecognised in the financial statements, the accumulated gains and lossesrecognised in equity are either recycled to the income statement or, if thehedged item results in a non-financial asset, are recognised as adjustments toits initial carrying amount. Pensions and other post retirement benefits--------------------------------------------Contributions to defined contribution pension plans and other post retirementbenefits are charged to the income statement as incurred. For defined benefit pension plans and other retirement benefits, the cost iscalculated annually using the projected unit credit method and is recognisedover the average expected remaining service lives of participating employees, inaccordance with the recommendations of independent qualified actuaries. Thecurrent service cost of defined benefit plans is recorded within operatingprofit, the expected return from pension scheme assets is recorded withinfinance revenue and the interest on pension scheme liabilities is recordedwithin finance costs. Past service costs resulting from enhanced benefits arerecorded within operating profit and recognised on a straight-line basis overthe vesting period, or immediately if the benefits have vested. Actuarial gainsand losses, which represent differences between the expected and actual returnson the plan assets and the effect of changes in actuarial assumptions, arerecognised in full in the statement of recognised income and expense in theperiod in which they occur. The defined benefit liability or asset recognised inthe balance sheet comprises the net total for each plan of the present value ofthe benefit obligation at the balance sheet date, less any past service costsnot yet recognised, less the fair value of the plan assets, if any, at thebalance sheet date. Where a plan is in surplus, the asset recognised is limitedto the amount of any unrecognised past service costs and the present value ofany amount which the Group expects to recover by way of refunds or a reductionin future contributions. Trade receivables-----------------Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and measuredsubsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, lessprovision for impairment. A provision for impairment of trade receivables isestablished when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able tocollect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. Cash and cash equivalents-------------------------Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held at call withbanks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities ofthree months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown withinborrowings in current liabilities on the balance sheet to the extent that thereis no right of offset and practice of net settlement with cash balances. Share capital-------------The Company only has one class of shares, ordinary shares, which are classifiedas equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or optionsare shown in equity as a deduction from the proceeds, net of tax. Where any Group company purchases the Company's equity share capital (treasuryshares), the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incrementalcosts (net of tax), is deducted from equity attributable to the company's equityholders until the shares are cancelled, reissued or disposed of. Where suchshares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received, net of anydirectly attributable incremental transaction costs and the related tax effects,is included in equity attributable to the Company's equity holders. Borrowings----------Borrowings are recognised initially at cost being the fair value of theconsideration received net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortised cost with any difference betweenthe proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value beingrecognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings using theeffective interest method. Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has anunconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 monthsafter the balance sheet date. Investments-----------The Group classifies its investments in the following categories: financialassets at fair value through profit or loss, loans and receivables,held-to-maturity investments, and available-for-sale financial assets. Theclassification depends on the purpose for which the investments were acquired.Management determines the classification of its investments at initialrecognition and re-evaluates this designation at every reporting date. (a) Financial assets at fair value through profit or lossThis category comprises financial assets held for trading which have beenacquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term. Derivativesalso fall within this category unless they are designated as hedges and thehedge is effective for accounting purposes. Assets in this category areclassified as current. (b) Loans and receivablesLoans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed ordeterminable payments that are not quoted in an active market and with nointention of trading. They are included in current assets, except for maturitiesgreater than 12 months after the balance sheet date, which are classified asnon-current assets. Loans and receivables are included in trade and otherreceivables in the balance sheet. (c) Held-to-maturity investmentsHeld-to-maturity investments are non-derivative financial assets with fixed ordeterminable payments and fixed maturities that the Group's management has thepositive intention and ability to hold to maturity. They are included innon-current assets unless the investment is due to mature within 12 months ofthe balance sheet date (d) Available-for-sale financial assetsAvailable-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative financial assets that areeither designated in this category or not classified in any of the othercategories. They are included in non-current assets unless management intends todispose of the investment within 12 months of the balance sheet date. Investments are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction costs forall financial assets not carried at fair value through profit or loss.Investments are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from theinvestments have expired or have been transferred and the Group has transferredsubstantially all risks and rewards of ownership. Available-for-sale financial assets and financial assets at fair value throughprofit or loss are subsequently carried at fair value. Loans and receivables andheld-to-maturity investments are subsequently carried at amortised cost usingthe effective interest method. Realised and unrealised gains and losses arisingfrom changes in the fair value of the "Financial assets at fair value throughprofit or loss" category are included in the income statement in the period inwhich they arise. Unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in the fairvalue of non-monetary securities classified as available-for-sale are recognisedin equity. When securities classified as available for sale are sold orimpaired, the accumulated fair value adjustments are included in the incomestatement as gains and losses from investment securities. Provisions----------Provisions for environmental restoration, restructuring costs and legal claimsare recognised when: the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation asa result of past events; it is more likely than not that an outflow of resourceswill be required to settle the obligation; and the amount can be reliablyestimated. Such provisions are measured at the present value of management'sbest estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation atthe balance sheet date. The discount rate used to determine the present valuereflects current market assessments of the time value of money. Provisions arenot recognised for future operating losses. Provisions for insurance represent an estimate, based on historical experience,of the ultimate cost of settling outstanding claims and claims incurred but notreported at the balance sheet. Share based payments--------------------Share-based incentives are provided to employees under the Group's executiveshare option, long term incentive and share purchase schemes. The Grouprecognises a compensation cost in respect of these schemes that is based on thefair value of the awards, measured using Black-Scholes, Binomial and Monte Carlovaluation methodologies. For equity-settled schemes, the fair value isdetermined at the date of grant and is not subsequently re-measured unless theconditions on which the award was granted are modified. For cash-settledschemes, the fair value is determined at the date of grant and is re-measured ateach balance sheet date until the liability is settled. Generally, thecompensation cost is recognised on a straight-line basis over the vestingperiod. Adjustments are made to reflect expected and actual forfeitures duringthe vesting period due to the failure to satisfy service conditions or achievenon-market performance conditions. As permitted by IFRS 1, the Group has applied IFRS2 "Share-based Payment"retrospectively only to equity-settled awards that had not vested as at 1 August2004 and were granted on or after 7 November 2002 and cash-settled awards thathad not vested as at 1 August 2004. Dividends payable-----------------Dividends on ordinary shares are recognised as a liability in the Group'sfinancial statements in the period in which the dividends are approved by theshareholders of the Company or paid. - Ends - This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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