Interim Management Statement

Barratt Developments PLC 19 November 2007 19 November 2007 Barratt Developments PLC Interim Management Statement Barratt Developments PLC is publishing today its first Interim Management Statement as required by the UK Listing Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules. This statement covers the 19 week period from 1 July 2007. At the end of September, the Group issued its preliminary results for the year ended 30 June 2007. As anticipated at the time, the cumulative impact of 5 interest rate rises over the previous 18 months, combined with the effect of the more recent liquidity squeeze on the availability and cost of mortgage finance, has led to a tightening of the UK housing market. These conditions have continued throughout this period and the Group continues to prioritise operating margins rather than volume, by focusing on cost reduction and deploying its sales capabilities to deliver completion volumes and sale prices at satisfactory levels. Private sales per week per site were lower when compared with the particularly strong period last year, but were more in line with 2005/6 levels. This reflects the more challenging market conditions but also our decision not to pursue the lower margin segments of the buy to let market. Cancellation rates have continued to track broadly in line with historic norms but are above last year's exceptionally low levels and remain sensitive to mortgage availability. In the period to the end of October, net average selling prices increased by 2%, despite average sales discounts running marginally higher than the same period last year. As a result, we expect our operating margin for the half year to be broadly in line with the guidance given at the preliminary results. The average number of outlets is forecast at 580 for the first half, rising to 620 in the second half, reflecting the phasing of planning approvals. Based on current trends, first half completions are expected to be approximately 8,750 units. We continue to maintain a strong forward order book, which currently stands at approximately £1.8bn. Together with completions to date, we have now secured around 61% of our full year requirement. We continue to make good progress in delivering the announced synergy targets of at least £30m in 2007/8 rising to at least £60m the following year. The Group's new IT systems are currently being rolled out in accordance with plan. Net debt at the end of the first half of the financial year is expected to be approximately £1.7bn. At the end of October, Group net assets, excluding goodwill, were circa £2.0bn representing just over £5.80 per share. The Board remains committed to maximising shareholder value by prudently managing the balance sheet, taking into account current and future market conditions. Mark Clare, Group Chief Executive commented, 'We expect to enter the New Year with increased outlets, a highly focused sales operation and with an increased expectation that the interest rate cycle has peaked. However, consumer confidence and mortgage finance availability and pricing, will be key to determining the success of the 2008 Spring selling season. Barratt's highly experienced management team will remain focused on efficient and effective operational delivery, whilst optimising its land spend to ensure we are ready to capitalise on any improvement in market conditions. Looking forward, the fundamentals of the market remain strong with demand exceeding supply and with a Government committed to increasing the supply of new housing.' - ends - For further information please contact: Barratt Developments PLC Mark Clare, Group Chief Executive Mark Pain, Group Finance Director For analyst/investor enquiries, please contact: Barratt Developments PLC 020 7299 4880 James Mason, Head of IR For media enquiries, please contact: Weber Shandwick Financial 020 7067 0700 Terry Garrett / Nick Dibden This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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