Interim Results

Marshalls PLC 07 September 2007 Interim Results for the Half Year Ended 30 June 2007 Marshalls plc, the specialist Landscape Products Group, delivers a resilient trading performance Half year ended Half year ended Increase 30 June 2007 30 June 2006 % Revenue £209.9m £197.9m 6.0 EBITDA £40.9m £38.2m 7.2 Operating profit £30.5m £28.3m 7.9 Profit before tax £27.4m £25.1m 9.1 Basic EPS 13.80p 12.21p 13.0 Interim dividend per share 4.55p 4.30p 5.8 Business Highlights - Good underlying momentum before exceptional summer rainfall - Pace of development activity increasing: - £11.8 million invested in bolt on acquisitions - £3.5 million invested in strategic organic expansion - Our fourth Marshalls Garden and Driveway Display Centre is now open with a further six planned for the 2008 season Commenting on these results, Graham Holden, Chief Executive, said: 'We have good visibility of demand in the Public Sector and Commercial market and lead indicators continue to be positive for 2007 and 2008. The outcome of the ongoing Comprehensive Spending Review will be announced later this year and this is expected to reinforce medium term demand. The outlook for this market sector, which represents half of our sales, remains good and we continue to invest organically and through acquisition to deliver growth. Underlying activity in the Domestic market was good until it was hampered by exceptional summer rainfall. Installer order books continue to be strong at 9.7 weeks. Our successful sponsorship of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has increased brand awareness and provided the platform to launch our National Garden Design and Installation Service. Continuing investment will result in a network of ten Marshalls Garden and Driveway Display Centres for the 2008 season. The pace of development is increasing and with the spread of our business across the Public Sector and Commercial and Domestic markets we are well placed to take advantage of market growth opportunities.' Enquiries: Graham Holden Chief Executive Marshalls plc 01484 438900 Ian Burrell Finance Director Marshalls plc 01484 438900 Jon Coles Brunswick Group 0207 404 5959 Kate Miller Brunswick Group 0207 404 5959 Chief Executive's Statement Group Results Marshalls' revenue was up 6.0 per cent, including acquisitions, in the half year ended 30 June 2007 at £209.9 million (2006: £197.9 million). Like for like revenue was up 3.7 per cent. Acquisition growth was 2.3 per cent at £4.7 million. Operating profit for the period increased by 7.9 per cent to £30.5 million (2006: £28.3 million) after accounting for start up costs and one-off items. The start up costs of strategic initiatives expensed in the period were £2.3 million and these were partially offset by a net profit of £1.8 million from the sale of surplus properties. Operating profit before these one-off items was £31.0 million (2006: £30.0 million) an increase of 3.3 per cent. Net financial expenses were £3.1 million (2006: £3.2 million) and interest cover was 9.1 times (2006: 8.9 times). The effective tax rate has reduced to 28.0 per cent (2006: 30.3 per cent) due to the one-off beneficial impact on deferred tax of the future reduction in the rate of corporation tax. Basic earnings per share was up 13.0 per cent at 13.80 pence per share (2006: 12.21 pence per share). The interim dividend will be 4.55 pence per share (2006: 4.30 pence per share) an increase of 5.8 per cent. Our dividend policy continues to be that dividends will move in line with medium term earnings growth. Operating Performance Like for like sales to the Public Sector and Commercial market, which represents half of Group sales, were 5 per cent ahead of 2006 with encouraging double digit organic growth in natural stone products. Underlying activity in the Domestic market was good until it was hampered by exceptional summer rainfall. Like for like sales to the Domestic market were 3 per cent ahead of 2006. Installer order books at the end of June were a healthy 9.7 weeks, compared to 8.9 weeks at the same time last year, although in part, this increase reflects the backlog due to the reduced number of installations in June. At the heart of Marshalls is a single manufacturing and distribution operation that supports our two main markets. This fundamental competitive advantage delivers industry leading product availability and delivery performance. We continue to invest in order to improve our productivity, to make our workplace safer and to reduce the environmental impact of our operations. Marshalls now has 54 robots installed in our manufacturing facilities which are delivering a significant competitive advantage. Sustainability continues to be an integral part of the Marshalls culture. We have committed significant resources to establish and maintain third party accreditation for environmental management, safety management and quality. In 2006, independent audits confirmed that our chosen natural stone supplier partners in India and China were complying with the Ethical Trading Initiative base code. We continue to be the only major UK supplier in our sector who can provide this degree of assurance to customers, providing a key business differentiator. We are increasing the pace of development of our integrated offer to the Public Sector and Commercial market by continuing to improve the range of innovative products and services we offer. This is particularly important for large prestigious developments. In the Public Sector and Commercial market we expect a good level of activity for the balance of 2007 and 2008. The Group's Domestic strategy is gathering momentum. We continue to invest in sales and marketing direct to the consumer to create 'pull through' demand and improve product mix. We now have four Marshalls Garden and Driveway Display Centres open and will have ten sites open for the 2008 season. Our sponsorship of the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show in May was very successful and our presence at the Hampton Court and Tatton Park flower shows has further increased brand awareness and public recognition of Marshalls' innovative and design led products and services. Corporate Activity In the first half of 2007 we have invested £25.4 million in capital expenditure and acquisitions, and further such investment will continue to be a key part of our growth strategy. Capital expenditure was £13.6 million including £10.1 million replacing assets and for business and process improvements. In addition to the incremental revenue investment referred to above we invested £3.5 million of capital investment on strategic organic expansion to drive future growth. This included the fourth Marshalls Garden and Driveway Display Centre and a range of natural stone and street furniture developments that will begin to payback in 2008. In the first half of 2007 we also invested £11.8 million in bolt on acquisitions. We acquired one street furniture and two natural stone businesses. Balance Sheet Net assets at 30 June 2007 were £199.4 million which represented 139.4 pence per share. At 30 June 2007 net debt was £73.5 million (2006: £47.4 million) with gearing of 36.8 per cent. The movement in net debt in the period is mainly due to the acquisitions and developments outlined above. The liability for defined benefit pension obligations decreased from £41.9 million at 31 December 2006 to £28.2 million at 30 June 2007. This reduction is mainly due to an increase in the AA corporate bond rate from 5.10 per cent to 5.75 per cent. An actuarial gain of £9.2 million (net of deferred taxation) has been recorded in the Consolidated Interim Statement of Recognised Income and Expenses. Dividend The Board has declared an interim dividend of 4.55 pence (2006: 4.30 pence) per ordinary share, an increase of 5.8 per cent. This dividend will be paid on 5 December 2007 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 2 November 2007. The ex-dividend date will be 31 October 2007. Outlook We have good visibility of demand in the Public Sector and Commercial market and lead indicators continue to be positive for 2007 and 2008. The outcome of the ongoing Comprehensive Spending Review will be announced later this year and this is expected to reinforce medium term demand. The outlook for this market sector, which represents half of our sales, remains good and we continue to invest organically and through acquisition to deliver growth. Underlying activity in the Domestic market was good until it was hampered by exceptional summer rainfall. Installer order books continue to be strong at 9.7 weeks. Our successful sponsorship of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has increased brand awareness and provided the platform to launch our National Garden Design and Installation Service. Continuing investment will result in a network of ten Marshalls Garden and Driveway Display Centres for the 2008 season. The pace of development is increasing and with the spread of our business across the Public Sector and Commercial and Domestic markets we are well placed to take advantage of market growth opportunities. Graham Holden Chief Executive 7 September 2007 Consolidated Interim Income Statement for the half year ended 30 June 2007 Half year Year ended ended June December Notes 2007 2006 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 Revenue 2 209,860 197,898 378,100 Net operating costs (179,362) (169,638) (330,339) ------- ------- ------- Operating profit 2 30,498 28,260 47,761 Financial expenses 3 (8,390) (7,853) (14,904) Financial income 3 5,279 4,688 8,846 ------- ------- ------- Profit before tax 2 27,387 25,095 41,703 Income tax expense (7,682) (7,628) (12,623) ------- ------- ------- Profit for the financial period 19,705 17,467 29,080 ======= ======= ======= Earnings per share (total and continuing operations): Basic 4 13.80p 12.21p 20.34p ======= ======= ======= Diluted 4 13.77p 12.21p 20.32p ======= ======= ======= Dividend: Pence per share 5 8.85p 8.40p 12.70p ======= ======= ======= Dividends paid 5 12,665 12,010 18,158 ======= ======= ======= Consolidated Interim Balance Sheet at 30 June 2007 June December 2007 2006 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 Assets Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 213,003 200,281 202,941 Intangible fixed assets 58,799 49,882 52,667 Deferred taxation assets 10,136 17,748 15,018 ------- ------- ------- 281,938 267,911 270,626 ------- ------- ------- Current assets Inventories 74,738 69,096 68,256 Trade and other receivables 66,556 64,016 34,290 Cash and cash equivalents 67 3,912 22 ------- ------- ------- 141,361 137,024 102,568 ------- ------- ------- Total assets 423,299 404,935 373,194 ======= ======= ======= Liabilities Current liabilities Bank overdraft 9,150 - 999 Trade and other payables 96,833 92,800 65,547 Interest bearing loans and borrowings 14,165 161 3,565 ------- ------- ------- 120,148 92,961 70,111 ------- ------- ------- Non-current liabilities Interest bearing loans and borrowings 50,214 51,143 50,064 Employee benefits 28,163 58,877 41,945 Deferred taxation liabilities 25,334 24,749 26,532 ------- ------- ------- 103,711 134,769 118,541 ------- ------- ------- Total liabilities 223,859 227,730 188,652 ======= ======= ======= Net assets 199,440 177,205 184,542 ======= ======= ======= Equity Capital and reserves attributable to equity shareholders of the parent Share capital 35,777 35,777 35,777 Share premium account 2,734 2,732 2,732 Own shares (2,280) (407) (453) Capital redemption reserve 73,298 72,986 73,298 Consolidation reserve (213,067) (213,067) (213,067) Hedging reserve (4) (4) (6) Retained earnings 302,982 279,188 286,261 ------- ------- ------- Equity shareholders' funds 199,440 177,205 184,542 ======= ======= ======= Consolidated Interim Cash Flow Statement for the half year ended 30 June 2007 Half year Year ended ended June December Notes 2007 2006 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 Net cashflow from operating 6 activities 7,121 12,459 38,846 Net cashflow from investing 6 activities (23,840) (12,597) (28,033) Net cashflow from financing 6 activities 8,613 (1,160) (17,000) ------- ------- ------- Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (8,106) (1,298) (6,187) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period (977) 5,210 5,210 ------- ------- ------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period (9,083) 3,912 (977) ======= ======= ======= Reconciliation of Net Cash Flow to Movement in Net Debt 2007 2006 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (8,106) (1,298) (6,187) Cash (inflow)/outflow from decrease in debt and lease financing (10,164) 594 (1,731) Finance leases acquired on acquisition of subsidiary undertakings (586) - - ------- ------- ------- Movement in net debt in the period (18,856) (704) (7,918) Net debt at beginning of the period (54,606) (46,688) (46,688) ------- ------- ------- Net debt at the end of the period (73,462) (47,392) (54,606) ======= ======= ======= Consolidated Interim Statement of Recognised Income and Expenses 2007 2006 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 Cash flow hedges: Effective portion of changes in fair value (net of deferred taxation) (2) (2) (4) Actuarial gains (net of deferred taxation) 9,212 5,672 7,342 ------- ------- ------- Net income recognised directly in equity 9,210 5,670 7,338 Profit for the financial period attributable to equity shareholders of the parent 19,705 17,467 29,080 ------- ------- ------- Total recognised income and expenses for the period(for equity shareholders of the parent) 28,915 23,137 36,418 ======= ======= ======= Notes to the Consolidated Interim Financial Statements 1. Basis of preparation Marshalls plc (the 'Company') is a company domiciled in the United Kingdom. The Consolidated Interim Financial Statements of the Company for the half year ended 30 June 2007 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the 'Group'). The Consolidated Interim Financial Statements have been prepared on the basis of the recognition and measurement requirements of IFRSs in issue and endorsed by the EU and effective at 30 June 2007. The Consolidated Interim Financial Statements do not include all the information required for full annual Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group as at and for the year ended 31 December 2006. The Consolidated Interim Financial Statements were approved by the Board on 7 September 2007. The Consolidated Interim Financial Statements have been prepared applying the accounting policies and presentation that were applied in the Company's published Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2006. The accounting policies are included on the Company's website and have been applied consistently throughout the Group for the purposes of these Consolidated Interim Financial Statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. 2. Segmental analysis Revenue Operating Profit Half year Year ended Half year Year ended ended June December ended June December 2007 2006 2006 2007 2006 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Continuing operations 209,860 197,898 378,100 30,498 28,260 47,761 ======= ======= ======= Financial income and expenses (net) (3,111) (3,165) (6,058) ------ ------ ------ Profit on ordinary activities before tax 27,387 25,095 41,703 ====== ====== ====== 2007 2006 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 Geographical destination of revenue: United Kingdom 208,693 196,055 374,627 Rest of the world 1,167 1,843 3,473 ------- ------- ------- 209,860 197,898 378,100 ======= ======= ======= All revenue originates in the United Kingdom from continuing operations and there is no material inter-segmental turnover. 3. Financial expenses and income Half year Year ended ended June December 2007 2006 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 (a) Financial expenses Interest expense on bank loans, overdrafts and loan notes 1,935 1,376 2,406 Interest on obligations under the defined benefit pension scheme 5,248 5,278 10,107 Debenture interest expense 1,137 1,137 2,275 B share dividend expense 42 48 92 Finance lease interest expense 28 14 24 ------- ------- ------- 8,390 7,853 14,904 ======= ======= ======= (b) Financial income Expected return on scheme assets under the defined benefit pension scheme 5,273 4,678 8,802 Interest receivable and similar income 6 10 44 ------- ------- ------- 5,279 4,688 8,846 ======= ======= ======= 4. Earnings per share Basic earnings per share on total and continuing operations of 13.80 pence (30 June 2006: 12.21 pence) (31 December 2006: 20.34 pence) is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders from total operations of £19,705,000 (30 June 2006: £17,467,000) (31 December 2006: £29,080,000) by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period of 142,799,251 (30 June 2006: 143,001,830) (31 December 2006: 142,949,818). Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders Half year Year ended ended June December 2007 2006 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders - Continuing operations 19,705 17,467 29,080 ======= ======= ======= Weighted average number of ordinary shares Half year Year ended ended June December 2007 2006 2006 Number Number Number Issued ordinary shares at beginning of period 143,106,254 143,087,712 143,087,712 Effect of shares issued in the period - 10,463 14,536 Effect of shares transferred into employee benefit trust (307,003) (96,345) (152,430) ----------- ----------- ----------- Weighted average number of ordinary shares at end of period 142,799,251 143,001,830 142,949,818 =========== =========== =========== Diluted earnings per share on total and continuing operations of 13.77 pence (30 June 2006: 12.21 pence) (31 December 2006: 20.32 pence) is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to ordinary shares and potentially dilutive ordinary shares from total operations of £19,705,000 (30 June 2006: £17,467,000) (31 December 2006: £29,080,000) by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period of 142,799,251 (30 June 2006: 143,001,830) (31 December 2006: 142,949,818) plus dilutive shares of 307,003 (30 June 2006: 96,345) (31 December 2006: 152,430) which totals 143,106,254 (30 June 2006: 143,098,175) (31 December 2006: 143,102,248). Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted) Half year Year ended ended June December 2007 2006 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 Weighted average number of ordinary shares 142,799,251 143,001,830 142,949,818 Effect of share transfer 307,003 96,345 152,430 ----------- ----------- ----------- Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted) 143,106,254 143,098,175 143,102,248 =========== =========== =========== 5. Dividends The following dividends were approved by the shareholders in the period. Half year Year ended ended June December 2007 2006 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 8.85 pence per qualifying ordinary share 12,665 12,010 18,158 (30 June 2006: 8.40 pence, 31 December 2006: 12.70 pence) ====== ====== ====== After the balance sheet date, the following dividends were proposed by the Directors. The dividends have not been provided and there were no income tax consequences. Half year Year ended ended June December 2007 2006 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 4.55 pence (30 June 2006: 4.30 pence, 31 December 2006: 8.85 pence) 6,511 6,154 12,665 ====== ====== ====== 6. Notes to the cash flow statement Half year Year ended ended June December 2007 2006 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 Cash flows from operating activities Profit before tax 27,387 25,095 41,703 Adjustments for: Depreciation 10,180 9,750 19,530 Amortisation 240 160 357 Negative goodwill (700) - - (Gain) / loss on sale of property, plant & equipment (1,846) (39) 66 Gain / (loss) in hedging instrument 2 (2) - Equity settled share based expenses 456 - 250 Financial income and expenses (net) 3,110 3,165 6,058 ------ ------ ------ Operating cash flow before changes in working capital, provisions and pension scheme contributions 38,829 38,129 67,964 (Increase) / decrease in trade and other receivables (31,091) (26,940) 2,323 (Increase) in inventories (5,633) (1,039) (53) Increase / (decrease) in trade and other payables 13,001 9,050 (3,197) Increase / (decrease) in employee benefits - 1,117 (2,968) Pension scheme contributions (1,100) - (10,000) ------ ------ ------ Cash generated from the operations 14,006 20,317 54,069 Financial expenses paid (3,116) (2,338) (4,265) Non equity dividends paid (44) (105) (149) Income tax paid (3,725) (5,415) (10,809) ------ ------ ------ Net cash flow from operating activities 7,121 12,459 38,846 ====== ====== ====== Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment (net of costs) 1,538 125 565 Financial income received 6 4 44 Acquisition of subsidiaries (11,540) (1,000) (4,157) Bank (overdraft) / balance acquired with subsidiaries (239) - 79 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (13,605) (11,726) (24,564) ------ ------ ------ Net cash flow from investing activities (23,840) (12,597) (28,033) ====== ====== ====== Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issue of share capital 2 43 43 Payments to acquire own shares (1,827) (305) (453) Increase / (decrease) in other debt and lease financing 350 (181) (302) Redemption of B shares (312) (687) (848) New loans issued 10,400 - 2,758 Payment of transaction costs - (30) (40) Equity dividends paid - - (18,158) ------ ------ ------ Net cash flow from financing activities 8,613 (1,160) (17,000) ====== ====== ====== 7. Analysis of net debt 1 January Cash flow Other non 30 June 2007 cash changes 2007 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Cash at bank and in hand 22 45 - 67 Overdrafts (999) (8,151) - (9,150) ----- ------ ------ ------ (977) (8,106) - (9,083) Debt due within one year (3,423) (10,400) - (13,823) Debt due after one year (50,000) - - (50,000) Finance leases (206) 236 (586) (556) ----- ------ ------ ------ (54,606) (18,270) (586) (73,462) ===== ====== ====== ====== 8. Comparative information The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 December 2006 are not the Company's statutory financial statements for that financial year. Those financial statements have been reported on by the Company's auditors and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and (iii) did not contain a statement under section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. Independent Review Report Independent review report by KPMG Audit Plc to Marshalls plc Introduction We have been instructed by the Company to review the Financial Information for the six months ended 30 June 2007 which comprises the Consolidated Interim Income Statement, the Consolidated Interim Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Interim Cash Flow Statement, the Consolidated Interim Statement of Recognised Income and Expenses and the related notes. We have read the other information contained in the Interim Report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the Financial Information. This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with the terms of our engagement to assist the Company in meeting the requirements of the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority. Our review has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company those matters we are required to state to it in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have reached. Directors' responsibilities The Interim Report, including the Financial Information contained therein, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the Interim Report in accordance with the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority which require that the accounting policies and presentation applied to the interim figures should be consistent with those applied in preparing the preceding annual financial statements except where any changes, and the reasons for them, are disclosed. Review work performed We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4 issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the UK. A review consists principally of making enquiries of management and applying analytical procedures to the Financial Information and underlying financial data and, based thereon, assessing whether the accounting policies and presentation have been consistently applied unless otherwise disclosed. A review excludes audit procedures such as tests of controls and verification of assets, liabilities and transactions. It is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with International Statements on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and therefore provides a lower level of assurance than an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion on the Financial Information. Review conclusion On the basis of our review we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the Financial Information as presented for the six months ended 30 June 2007. KPMG Audit Plc Chartered Accountants Leeds 7 September 2007 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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