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WOS Wolseley

4,527.00
0.00 (0.00%)
17 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Wolseley LSE:WOS London Ordinary Share JE00BFNWV485 ORD 10 53/66P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 4,527.00 4,530.00 4,532.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Wolseley PLC Final Results for the year ended 31 July 2016 (8778K)

27/09/2016 7:01am

UK Regulatory


Wolseley (LSE:WOS)
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TIDMWOS

RNS Number : 8778K

Wolseley PLC

27 September 2016

Wolseley plc

A YEAR OF CONTINUED PROGRESS

Results for the year ended 31 July 2016

This press release contains inside information

 
GBPm                                  2016             2015    Change               Change             Like-for- 
                                                                              (at constant                  like 
                                                                                  exchange             change(2) 
                                                                                    rates) 
========================     =============  ===============  ========  ===================  ==================== 
Revenue                             14,430           13,300     +8.5%                +4.2%                 +2.4% 
Trading profit (1)                     917              857     +7.0%                +1.6% 
Profit 
 before 
 tax                                   727              508 
Impairment and exceptional 
 items                                  96              264 
Headline earnings per 
 share (1)                          247.7p           230.2p     +7.6% 
Net debt                               936              805 
Ordinary dividend 
 per share                            100p           90.75p    +10.2% 
 
 

Financial highlights

- Revenue 4.2% ahead of last year at constant exchange rates, including like-for-like growth of 2.4%.

- Commodity price deflation reduced revenue by 1.5%. Changes in foreign exchange rates increased revenue by GBP552 million, trading profit by GBP46 million and net debt by GBP149 million.

   -    Gross margin of 28.3%, 0.3% ahead of last year. 
   -    Record trading profit of GBP917 million. 

- Net debt of GBP936 million (2015: GBP805 million) after GBP538 million of dividends and share buybacks.

- Proposed final dividend of 66.72p, bringing the total for the year to 100p, 10.2% ahead of last year.

Operating highlights

- Ferguson revenue growth of 6.2% at constant exchange rates and market share gains in all major segments.

- Good US residential and commercial markets, whilst industrial remained weak. US revenue growth at constant exchange rates by end market was:

   --       Residential               +10% 
   --       Commercial              +7% 
   --       Municipal                  +6% 
   --       Industrial                   (10%) 
   -    Accelerated investment in e-commerce, now 14% of Group revenue at GBP2.1 billion. 

- Invested GBP113 million in 16 bolt-on acquisitions with annualised revenue of GBP197 million. Since the year end a further GBP300 million has been either invested or approved.

- UK turnaround and repositioning strategy announced today. Expect the closure of around 80 branches, one distribution centre and up to 800 job losses. Restructuring charges of about GBP100 million, the cash element funded by working capital efficiencies and disposal proceeds. Impairment charge of GBP94 million incurred in the year.

   -    Review of Nordics operating strategy underway. 

(1) Before exceptional items, the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles and with respect to headline earnings per share before non-recurring tax items.

(2) The increase or decrease in revenue excluding the effect of currency exchange, acquisitions and disposals, trading days and branch openings and closures.

John Martin, Group Chief Executive, commented:

"Ferguson, our core US business which generates over 80 per cent of the Group's trading profit, performed well and achieved good growth in residential and commercial markets, partly offset by weakness in industrial markets. Commodity deflation, principally in the US, reduced the Group's growth rate by 1.5%. Ferguson continues to be the main priority for organic expansion and bolt-on acquisitions.

"Our review of UK operational strategy has identified opportunities to transform our customer propositions whilst simplifying our branch network and supporting logistics facilities to greatly improve service levels, drive availability and choice for customers and generate better returns for shareholders. Regrettably this will result in job losses which we will handle sensitively and minimise through redeployment and attrition as far as possible.

"Like-for-like revenue growth in the new financial year has been 1.5 per cent for the Group and 4.5 per cent in the US. Demand across our markets remains mixed, with some uncertainty in the economic outlook. We will remain vigilant in controlling our costs to protect profitability while investing in attractive opportunities for profitable growth. We are confident that Wolseley will make further progress in the year ahead."

For further information please contact Wolseley plc

 
David Keltner, Interim Group                     +41 (0) 41723 
 Chief Financial Officer             Tel:         2230 
Mark Fearon, Director of Corporate               +44 (0) 7711 
 Communications and IR               Mobile:      875070 
 
Media Enquiries 
Mike Ward, Head of Corporate                   +44 (0) 7894 
 Communications                      Mobile:    417060 
Michael Harrison, Nina Coad                    +44 (0) 20 7404 
 (Brunswick)                         Tel:       5959 
 

There will be an analyst and investor presentation at 0830 (UK time) today at The London Stock Exchange, 10 Paternoster Square, London EC4M 7LS. A live video webcast and slide presentation of this event will be available on www.wolseley.com. We recommend you register at 0815 (UK time). Photographs are available at www.newscast.co.uk.

Group results

The Group delivered an improvement in overall results. Residential and commercial markets in the US, which account for the majority of revenue, held up well in volume terms, though industrial markets, which account for 12% of US revenue, were weaker and commodity price deflation was a significant headwind. The heating market in the UK weakened and consumer demand in the Nordics fell in the second half.

Revenue of GBP14,430 million (2015: GBP13,300 million) was 4.2% ahead at constant exchange rates and 2.4% ahead on a like-for-like basis. Price deflation, particularly in the US, reduced revenue by 1.5%. Improving gross margins remained a key focus and were 30 basis points ahead overall. This was achieved as a result of focusing on a better mix of higher value-add products and services and improving our purchasing terms. Operating expenses were 6% higher at constant exchange rates, including 2% from acquisitions.

Trading profit of GBP917 million (2015: GBP857 million) was a record for the Group, and 1.6% ahead of last year at constant exchange rates. The trading margin was consistent with last year at 6.4%. There was one fewer trading day than last year which reduced trading profit by about GBP6 million, there will be one more in the year ending 31 July 2017. Foreign exchange rate movements increased revenue by GBP552 million and trading profit by GBP46 million.

The normal amortisation charge in relation to the Group's acquired intangible assets was GBP53 million (2015: GBP56 million). A net GBP2 million exceptional charge (2015: GBP4 million) was incurred comprising an GBP8 million gain relating to the disposal and closure of businesses and a GBP10 million charge arising from restructuring in the UK. An impairment charge of GBP94 million was made in relation to goodwill and acquired intangible assets in the UK reflecting difficult market conditions.

Net finance charges of GBP40 million (2015: GBP26 million) were higher due to the issue of $800 million US Private Placement bonds in September 2015 at an average fixed interest rate of 3.7%. Profit before tax of GBP727 million (2015: GBP508 million) reflects the impairment and exceptional charges. The tax charge of GBP231 million is stated net of a GBP21 million credit on the amortisation and impairment of intangible assets. The underlying tax charge of GBP248 million represents an effective tax rate on ongoing trading profit less net finance costs of 28.3% (2015: 27.9%).

Headline earnings per share were 247.7 pence (2015: 230.2 pence) an increase of 7.6%, reflecting the growth in trading profit and accretion from last year's share buyback programme. Basic earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations were 256.4 pence (2015: 82.1 pence).

Strategic priorities

We have recently established three priorities against which we will allocate resources across the organisation:

- Generate best profitable growth in Ferguson. Our US subsidiary generated over 80 per cent of the Group's trading profit in 2016 and we will focus on accelerating Ferguson's revenue growth on a sustainable basis while continuing to generate attractive returns for shareholders.

- Execute UK turnaround and repositioning plan. We have announced today the results of our review of operational strategy to transform the UK business with a well defined offering for customers and a leaner, more efficient operating model.

- Review Nordics operational strategy and restore business to profitable growth. We have initiated a review of operating strategy across the Nordics to ensure we have a successful strategy to deliver great service, gain market share and improve financial performance.

Our operating principles will be to focus on generating profitable growth and improving our operating models. We will continue to recruit, develop and retain the best people and build on the strong service culture in our businesses. We will allocate resources where they can generate the best returns for shareholders while dealing with any underperforming parts of the Group decisively and quickly. We will continue to maintain a strong, investment grade balance sheet.

Operating and financial review

Further details of the financial performance and market conditions in the Group's businesses, and the reconciliation to reported results, are set out below.

Regional analysis

 
  GBPm                        Revenue         Revenue              Change    Trading    Trading          Change 
                                 2016            2015        (at constant     profit     profit    (at constant 
                                                                 exchange       2016       2015        exchange 
                                                                   rates)                                rates) 
---------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------- 
  US                            9,456           8,337               +6.2%        775        683           +6.3% 
  UK                            1,996           1,987               +0.5%         74         90         (17.8%) 
  Nordics                       1,881           1,863               +0.8%         60         72         (17.6%) 
  Canada and Central 
   Europe                       1,097           1,113               +0.3%         53         55          (0.2%) 
  Central costs                                                                 (45)       (43) 
---------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------- 
  Ongoing businesses           14,430          13,300               +4.2%        917        857           +1.6% 
  Closed, sold or 
   held for sale                    -              32                            (1)        (3) 
---------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------- 
  Group                        14,430          13,332                            916        854 
---------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------- 
 

Quarterly like-for-like revenue growth

 
                       Q4 2015  Q1 2016   Q2 2016   Q3 2016  Q4 2016 
=====================  =======  =======  ========  ========  ======= 
  US                     +7.1%    +4.5%     +4.0%     +5.0%    +3.1% 
  UK                     +3.1%   (1.1%)    (2.9%)    (0.4%)   (2.1%) 
  Nordics                +6.4%    +5.5%     +2.4%    (2.6%)   (2.3%) 
  Canada and Central 
   Europe               (5.0%)   (2.8%)    (1.7%)         -    +0.3% 
=====================  =======  =======  ========  ========  ======= 
  Ongoing businesses     +5.4%    +3.2%     +2.3%     +2.8%    +1.5% 
=====================  =======  =======  ========  ========  ======= 
 

USA (81% of Group trading profit)

Ferguson, our US plumbing and heating business, grew revenue 4.1% on a like-for-like basis. Price deflation was 2.2% principally due to falling commodity prices. Acquisitions contributed 1.9% of additional revenue. Residential and commercial markets grew well, though industrial markets, which accounted for 12% of revenue, contracted throughout the year.

The revenue growth at constant exchange rates by customer end market was as follows:

 
                               % of US          Growth 
                               revenue            2016 
                                               (change 
                                           at constant 
                                              exchange 
                                                rates) 
==============          ===  =========  ============== 
  Residential                      45%            +10% 
  Commercial                       28%             +7% 
  Municipal                        15%             +6% 
  Industrial                       12%           (10%) 
===========================  =========  ============== 
 

Despite deflationary headwinds Blended Branches, Waterworks, HVAC and Fire and Fabrication generated good growth and gained market share. Industrial revenues declined as activity levels remained weak, particularly in the major oil producing states.

Build.com, our B2C e-commerce business, continued to grow very strongly throughout the year. Online ordering is an essential channel for our customers, giving them even greater flexibility to do business with us at the time that is most convenient for them. We have continued to invest substantially in both B2B and B2C e-commerce to improve the customer experience. This included upgrading our technology platforms, improving the suite of apps available and adding services which help our customers manage their businesses more efficiently. E-commerce accounted for GBP1.8 billion (19%) of Ferguson's revenue.

We improved our gross margins again and continued to invest in our estate, technology and brand building, with operating expenses 8% higher than last year at constant exchange rates, including 2% from acquisitions. Exchange rate movements were favourable and increased trading profit by GBP47 million. Trading profit of GBP775 million (2015: GBP683 million) was 6.3% ahead of last year at constant exchange rates.

13 acquisitions were completed during the year and these are being integrated with our existing business units. In the final quarter we acquired Michigan Meter Technology Group, a Waterworks business, Michigan Pipe and Valve, a pipe valves and fittings distributor, and Bruce Rogers, a plumbing, heating and air-conditioning equipment distributor. The businesses acquired in the year had total annualised revenue of GBP183 million. Since the year end we have acquired Signature Hardware, a Kentucky based online private label kitchen and bathroom retailer, and Westfield Lighting, an Indianapolis based lighting company. These businesses had GBP92 million of annualised revenue and GBP19 million of annualised trading profit.

We opened a net 21 branches in the year with a further 26 arising from acquisitions. Associate numbers were 4% higher, of which 2% arose from acquisitions.

Ferguson maintained last year's record trading margin of 8.2%.

UK (8% of Group trading profit)

In the UK, like-for-like revenue declined 1.6% and acquisitions contributed 2.7% of additional revenue. Whilst new residential construction markets grew, Repair, Maintenance and Improvement markets, where we generate the majority of our trading profit, declined. Volume growth was weak.

Restructuring charges of GBP10 million were incurred in the year and have been classified as exceptional. Overall we closed 21 branches in the year and associate numbers were 4% lower. Trading profit of GBP74 million was GBP16 million below last year.

The UK heating market has been relatively flat and the competitive landscape has been very challenging for some time. We have just completed a review of operating strategy to return the business to profitable growth. There are good opportunities to improve our customer propositions and transform the way we serve our customers and we have started an investment programme to enhance the customer experience and to generate better returns for shareholders.

We expect to incur restructuring charges of about GBP100 million of which GBP70 million is cash and will be fully funded by working capital efficiencies and disposal proceeds. In addition we plan to invest an incremental GBP40 million over three years in refurbishment, technology and accelerating our investment in digital tools. The closure of around 80 branches and one distribution centre is expected to lead to up to 800 job losses, the impact of which we will minimise through redeployment and attrition as far as possible. The programme is subject to consultation which will commence shortly and is expected to take 90 days. Overall, the transformation will take two to three years and is expected to generate GBP25 million to GBP30 million of annualised cost savings when complete.

Nordics (6% of Group trading profit)

In the Nordics like-for-like revenue growth was 0.6%. Market conditions in Denmark weakened in the second half of the year and demand remained weak in Finland. Gross margins were lower in the second half mainly due to a higher mix of revenue from direct business from large contractors. Operating expenses increased by 3% at constant exchange rates.

Trading profit of GBP60 million was GBP12 million below last year. In light of the challenging market conditions and disappointing performance we are initiating a review of the operating strategy of the business to restore it to profitable growth.

Canada and Central Europe (5% of Group trading profit)

Like-for-like revenue fell by 1.1% and price inflation was 1.9% due to the impact of the strengthening of the US dollar on imports to Canada, partially offset by commodity price deflation in Central Europe. Gross margins were lower due to competitive conditions in Canada.

Operating expenses were well controlled. Overall, we closed a net 12 branches in the year and headcount was 1.6% lower. Exchange rate movements were unfavourable and reduced trading profit by GBP1 million. Reported trading profit of GBP53 million was GBP2 million behind last year.

Board and management changes

In August 2016 Ian Meakins retired from the Group after serving as Group Chief Executive since July 2009. He made an outstanding contribution to Wolseley, transforming the Group's businesses and generating great returns for our shareholders. We wish him well in his retirement and thank him for his distinguished service and leadership. Ian was succeeded by John Martin on 1 September 2016.

On 1 September 2016 David Keltner was appointed interim Chief Financial Officer. David has over 10 years' experience as CFO of Ferguson, our US business, and we are fortunate to have such a high calibre and experienced executive to step up. The selection process to appoint a permanent Chief Financial Officer is progressing well.

Kath Durrant was appointed as Group HR Director in January 2016. She has broad international experience in large multinational businesses and was previously Group HR Director at Rolls-Royce plc. In February 2016 Søren Olesen was appointed interim Chief Executive of the Nordics region. Søren is a strong leader with considerable operational experience gained principally in the building materials industry in Europe. In July 2016 Simon Oakland was appointed Chief Executive of Canada and Central Europe. Simon has been with Wolseley since 2013 and previously spent over 25 years in private equity. He has considerable international and operational experience.

Cashflow

The Group generated EBITDA of GBP1,056 million (2015: GBP971 million). Acquisitions resulted in a cash outflow of

GBP113 million. Net interest and tax amounted to GBP232 million and dividends and share buyback payments were GBP538 million (2015: GBP472 million). Capital investment amounted to GBP218 million (2015: GBP231 million).

Net debt

The Group's reported net debt at 31 July 2016 was GBP936 million (31 July 2015: GBP805 million). Net debt would have been approximately GBP120 million higher before short term fluctuations in working capital at the year end. Changes in foreign exchange rates increased net debt by GBP149 million. The Group aims to operate within investment grade credit metrics and with a net debt/EBITDA ratio of 1x to 2x. The Group has a strong liquidity position and has GBP2.3 billion in credit facilities.

Pension obligations

Net pension liabilities under IAS 19 were GBP147 million (2015: GBP15 million), the increase arising primarily from lower corporate bond interest rates partly offset by improved equity markets. The Group has committed GBP25 million per year of additional funding to the UK defined benefit pension plan following the recent triennial valuation, consistent with the last valuation.

Shareholder returns

The Group aims to generate attractive and sustainable financial returns for shareholders. The Board will recommend a final dividend of 66.72 pence per share (2015: 60.5 pence per share) for payment on 1 December 2016 to shareholders on the register on 28 October 2016. This will bring the total dividend for the year to 100 pence per share (2015: 90.75 pence per share), which is a year-on-year increase of 10.2%. The Board is committed to a progressive dividend policy.

Our investment priorities remain focused on achieving organic growth, maintaining the ordinary dividend through the cycle and investing in bolt-on acquisitions that meet our stringent investment criteria. Any surplus cash after meeting these investment needs will be returned to shareholders. Given the high level of investment in acquisitions in the new financial year and taking into account a good pipeline of future opportunities the Board has deferred any decision on returning surplus cash for the time being.

Outlook

Like-for-like revenue growth in the new financial year has been 1.5 per cent for the Group and 4.5 per cent in the US. Demand across our markets remains mixed, with some uncertainty in the economic outlook. We will remain vigilant in controlling our costs to protect profitability while investing in attractive opportunities for profitable growth. We are confident that Wolseley will make further progress in the year ahead.

Notes to statement

   1.    About Wolseley 

Wolseley plc is the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials, operating in North America, the UK and Continental Europe. Revenue for the year ended 31 July 2016 was GBP14,430 million and trading profit was GBP917 million. Wolseley has about 39,000 employees and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: WOS) and is in the FTSE 100 index of listed companies. For more information, please visit www.wolseley.com or follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/wolseleyplc.

   2.    Financial calendar 
 
                                2016 
Annual General Meeting          29 November 
*Q1 IMS for the period          6 December 
 ending 30 October 2016 
 
                                2017 
H1 results for period ending    28 March 
 31 January 2017 
*Q3 IMS for the period          20 June 
 ending 30 April 2017 
Full Year Results for year      3 October 
 ended 31 July 2017 
 

*Please note change of date.

   3.    Timetable for the final dividend 

The timetable for payment of the final dividend of 66.72 pence per share is as follows:

 
  Ex-dividend date:    27 October 2016 
  Record date:         28 October 2016 
  Payment date:        1 December 2016 
 

A dividend reinvestment plan is in operation. Those shareholders who have not elected to participate in this plan, and who would like to participate with respect to the 2016 final dividend, may do so by contacting Equiniti on 0371 384 2934 (or if outside the UK +44 (0) 121 415 7173). The last day for election for the proposed final dividend is 10 November 2016 and any requests should be made in good time ahead of that date.

   4.    Legal disclaimer 

Certain information included in this announcement is forward-looking and involves risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements cover all matters which are not historical facts and include, without limitation, projections relating to results of operations and financial conditions and the Company's plans and objectives for future operations, including, without limitation, discussions of expected future revenues, financing plans, expected expenditures and divestments, risks associated with changes in economic conditions, the strength of the plumbing and heating and building materials market in North America and Europe, fluctuations in product prices and changes in exchange and interest rates. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including terms such as "believes", "estimates", "anticipates", "expects", "forecasts", "intends", "plans", "projects", "goal", "target", "aim", "may", "will", "would", "could" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. All forward-looking statements in this announcement are based upon information known to the Company on the date of this announcement. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any particular expectation will be met and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only at their respective dates. Additionally, forward-looking statements regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. Other than in accordance with its legal or regulatory obligations (including under the UK Listing Rules, the Prospectus Rules, the Disclosure Rules and the Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority), the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Nothing in this announcement shall exclude any liability under applicable laws that cannot be excluded in accordance with such laws.

-ends-

Group income statement

Year ended 31 July 2016

 
                                                      2016                                       2015 
                                       2016    Exceptional                        2015    Exceptional 
                                     Before          items                      Before          Items 
                                exceptional          (note      2016       exceptional          (note     2015 
                                      items             4)     Total             items             4)    Total 
                    Notes              GBPm           GBPm      GBPm              GBPm           GBPm     GBPm 
=================  ======  ================  =============  ========  ================  =============  ======= 
Revenue                 2            14,430              -    14,430            13,332              -   13,332 
Cost of sales                      (10,350)            (1)  (10,351)           (9,604)              -  (9,604) 
=================  ======  ================  =============  ========  ================  =============  ======= 
Gross profit                          4,080            (1)     4,079             3,728              -    3,728 
=================  ======  ================  =============  ========  ================  =============  ======= 
Operating costs: 
amortisation of 
 acquired 
 intangible 
 assets                                (53)              -      (53)              (56)              -     (56) 
impairment of 
 goodwill 
 and acquired 
 intangible 
 assets                                (94)              -      (94)             (238)              -    (238) 
other                               (3,164)            (1)   (3,165)           (2,874)            (4)  (2,878) 
=================  ======  ================  =============  ========  ================  =============  ======= 
Operating costs         3           (3,311)            (1)   (3,312)           (3,168)            (4)  (3,172) 
=================  ======  ================  =============  ========  ================  =============  ======= 
Operating profit      2,3               769            (2)       767               560            (4)      556 
Finance income                            -              -         -                 1              -        1 
Finance costs           5              (40)              -      (40)              (27)           (22)     (49) 
=================  ======  ================  =============  ========  ================  =============  ======= 
Profit before tax                       729            (2)       727               534           (26)      508 
Tax                     6             (232)              1     (231)             (184)            (3)    (187) 
=================  ======  ================  =============  ========  ================  =============  ======= 
Profit from 
 continuing 
 operations                             497            (1)       496               350           (29)      321 
Profit/(loss) 
 from 
 discontinued 
 operations             7                 2            152       154               (1)          (107)    (108) 
=================  ======  ================  =============  ========  ================  =============  ======= 
Profit for the 
 year                                   499            151       650               349          (136)      213 
Attributable to: 
Shareholders of 
 the 
 Company                                508            151       659               349          (136)      213 
Non-controlling 
 interests                              (9)              -       (9)                 -              -        - 
=================  ======  ================  =============  ========  ================  =============  ======= 
                                        499            151       650               349          (136)      213 
=================  ======  ================  =============  ========  ================  =============  ======= 
 
Earnings per 
 share                 10 
=================  ======  ================  =========================================  ====================== 
Continuing 
operations 
and discontinued 
operations 
Basic earnings 
 per 
 share                                                        256.4p                                     82.1p 
Diluted earnings 
 per share                                                    254.8p                                     81.9p 
=================  ======  ===============================  ========  ================  ====================== 
Continuing operations only 
Basic earnings 
 per 
 share                                                        195.6p                                    123.8p 
Diluted earnings 
 per share                                                    194.4p                                    123.4p 
=================  ======  ===============================  ========  ================  ====================== 
 
  Non-GAAP performance measures 
Trading profit 
 from 
 ongoing 
 operations             2               917                                        857 
Trading loss from 
 non-ongoing 
 operations             2               (1)                                        (3) 
=================  ======  ================  =======================  ================  ====================== 
Trading profit 
 from 
 continuing 
 operations           2,9               916                                        854 
=================  ======  ================  =======================  ================  ====================== 
EBITDA before 
 exceptional 
 items                  9             1,056                                        971 
=================  ======  ================  =======================  ================  ====================== 
Profit before 
 tax, exceptional 
 items and the 
 amortisation 
 and impairment 
 of acquired 
 intangible 
 assets                 9               876                                        828 
=================  ======  ================  =======================  ================  ====================== 
Headline earnings 
 per 
 share                 10            247.7p                                     230.2p 
=================  ======  ================  =======================  ================  ====================== 
Headline diluted 
 earnings 
 per share             10            246.2p                                     229.4p 
=================  ======  ================  =======================  ================  ====================== 
 
 

Group statement of comprehensive income

Year ended 31 July 2016

 
                                                       2016    2015 
                                                       GBPm    GBPm 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------ 
Profit for the year                                     650     213 
Other comprehensive income: 
Items that may be reclassified subsequently 
 to profit or loss: 
Exchange gain on translation of overseas 
 operations(1)                                          495      10 
Exchange loss on translation of borrowings 
 and derivatives designated as hedges of 
 overseas 
 operations(1)                                        (107)    (46) 
Cumulative currency translation differences 
 on disposals(1)                                      (125)      26 
Tax charge on items that may be reclassified 
 to profit or loss(2)                                   (7)       - 
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently 
 to profit or loss: 
Actuarial loss on retirement benefit plans(2)         (120)    (61) 
Tax credit on items that will not be reclassified 
 to profit or loss(2)                                    25      15 
==================================================  =======  ====== 
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for 
 the year                                               161    (56) 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------ 
Total comprehensive income for the year                 811     157 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------ 
Total comprehensive income/(expense) attributable 
 to: 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------ 
    Continuing operations                               781     276 
    Discontinued operations                              30   (119) 
==================================================  =======  ====== 
Total comprehensive income for the year                 811     157 
==================================================  =======  ====== 
 
   1.   Impacting the translation reserve 
   2.   Impacting the profit and loss reserve account 

Group statement of changes in equity

Year ended 31 July 2016

 
                                                                     Reserves 
                                                                                Profit 
                                                                          Own      and 
                               Share    Share  Translation  Treasury   Shares     loss  Non-controlling   Total 
                             capital  Premium      Reserve    Shares     GBPm  account         interest  Equity 
                      Notes     GBPm     GBPm         GBPm      GBPm              GBPm             GBPm    GBPm 
--------------------  -----  -------  -------  -----------  --------  -------  -------  ---------------  ------ 
Shareholders' equity 
 at 1 August 2014                 29       41          127         -     (93)    2,782                -   2,886 
 
Profit for the year                -        -            -         -        -      213                -     213 
Other comprehensive 
 expense                           -        -         (10)         -        -     (46)                -    (56) 
--------------------  -----  -------  -------  -----------  --------  -------  -------  ---------------  ------ 
Total comprehensive 
 (expense)/income                  -        -         (10)         -        -      167                -     157 
New share capital 
 subscribed                        -        1            -         -        -        -                -       1 
Purchase of own 
 shares by Employee 
 Benefit Trusts                    -        -            -         -     (15)        -                -    (15) 
Issue of own shares 
 by Employee Benefit 
 Trusts                            -        -            -         -       45     (40)                -       5 
Credit to equity 
 for share-based 
 payments                          -        -            -         -        -       20                -      20 
Tax relating to 
 share-based 
 payments                          -        -            -         -        -       10                -      10 
Purchase of Treasury 
 shares                            -        -            -     (250)        -        -                -   (250) 
Disposal of Treasury 
 shares                            -        -            -        10        -      (2)                -       8 
Dividends paid            8        -        -            -         -        -    (222)                -   (222) 
Changes in 
 non-controlling 
 interest in 
 subsidiaries                      -        -            -         -        -        -                7       7 
--------------------  -----  -------  -------  -----------  --------  -------  -------  ---------------  ------ 
Shareholders' equity 
 at 31 July 2015                  29       42          117     (240)     (63)    2,715                7   2,607 
--------------------  -----  -------  -------  -----------  --------  -------  -------  ---------------  ------ 
 
Profit for the year                -        -            -         -        -      659              (9)     650 
Other comprehensive 
 income/(expense)                  -        -          263         -        -    (102)                -     161 
--------------------  -----  -------  -------  -----------  --------  -------  -------  ---------------  ------ 
Total comprehensive 
 income/(expense)                  -        -          263         -        -      557              (9)     811 
Purchase of own 
 shares by Employee 
 Benefit Trusts                    -        -            -         -     (14)        -                -    (14) 
Issue of own shares 
 by Employee Benefit 
 Trusts                            -        -            -         -       20     (19)                -       1 
Credit to equity 
 for share-based 
 payments                          -        -            -         -        -       20                -      20 
Purchase of Treasury 
 shares                            -        -            -     (300)        -        -                -   (300) 
Disposal of Treasury 
 shares                            -        -            -        24        -     (10)                -      14 
Dividends paid            8        -        -            -         -        -    (238)                -   (238) 
--------------------  -----  -------  -------  -----------  --------  -------  -------  ---------------  ------ 
Shareholders' equity 
 at 31 July 2016                  29       42          380     (516)     (57)    3,025              (2)   2,901 
--------------------  -----  -------  -------  -----------  --------  -------  -------  ---------------  ------ 
 
 

Group balance sheet

As at 31 July 2016

 
                                                2016   2015 
                                        Notes   GBPm   GBPm 
====================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Assets 
Non-current assets 
Intangible assets: goodwill                11    902    816 
Intangible assets: other                   11    202    195 
Property, plant and equipment              11  1,434  1,164 
Financial assets                                  23     16 
Retirement benefit assets                          -     57 
Deferred tax assets                              127    115 
Trade and other receivables                      212    172 
Derivative financial assets                       20     24 
====================================  =======  =====  ===== 
                                               2,920  2,559 
====================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Current assets 
Inventories                                    2,017  1,688 
Trade and other receivables                    2,207  1,915 
Current tax receivable                             -      4 
Derivative financial assets                       11     10 
Cash and cash equivalents                        940  1,105 
====================================  =======  =====  ===== 
                                               5,175  4,722 
====================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Assets held for sale                       13     56    201 
====================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Total assets                                   8,151  7,482 
====================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Liabilities 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                       2,634  2,281 
Current tax payable                              101     58 
Bank loans and overdrafts                        701  1,001 
Obligations under finance leases                   4      4 
Derivative financial liabilities                   -      1 
Provisions                                 12     88     78 
Retirement benefit obligations                     9      8 
====================================  =======  =====  ===== 
                                               3,537  3,431 
====================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Non-current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                         163    125 
Bank loans                                     1,175    913 
Obligations under finance leases                  27     25 
Deferred tax liabilities                          65     53 
Provisions                                 12    133    128 
Retirement benefit obligations                   138     64 
====================================  =======  =====  ===== 
                                               1,701  1,308 
====================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Liabilities held for sale                  13     12    136 
====================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Total liabilities                              5,250  4,875 
====================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Net assets                                     2,901  2,607 
====================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Equity 
Share capital                                     29     29 
Share premium account                             42     42 
Reserves                                       2,832  2,529 
------------------------------------  -------  -----  ----- 
Equity attributable to shareholders 
 of the Company                                2,903  2,600 
------------------------------------  -------  -----  ----- 
Non-controlling interest                         (2)      7 
------------------------------------  -------  -----  ----- 
Total equity                                   2,901  2,607 
------------------------------------  -------  -----  ----- 
 

Group cash flow statement

Year ended 31 July 2016

 
                                                       2016   2015 
                                               Notes   GBPm   GBPm 
===========================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Cash flows from operating activities 
Cash generated from operations                    14  1,019    937 
Interest received                                         2      2 
Interest paid                                          (41)   (45) 
Tax paid                                              (193)  (210) 
===========================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Net cash generated from operating 
 activities                                             787    684 
===========================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Acquisition of businesses (net of 
 cash acquired)                                   15  (113)  (105) 
Disposals of businesses (net of cash 
 disposed of)                                     16      9     35 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment            (187)  (205) 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant 
 and equipment and assets held for 
 sale                                                    56     20 
Purchases of intangible assets                         (31)   (26) 
Disposals of financial assets                             -     31 
===========================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Net cash used in investing activities                 (266)  (250) 
===========================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Proceeds from the issue of shares 
 to shareholders                                          -      1 
Purchase of own shares by Employee 
 Benefit Trusts                                        (14)   (15) 
Purchase of Treasury shares                           (300)  (250) 
Proceeds from the sale of shares by 
 Employee Benefit Trusts                                  1      5 
Proceeds from the sale of Treasury 
 shares                                                  14      8 
Proceeds from borrowings and derivatives                585    533 
Repayments of borrowings                              (591)  (324) 
Finance lease capital payments                          (4)    (4) 
Dividends paid to shareholders                     8  (238)  (222) 
===========================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Net cash used by financing activities                 (547)  (268) 
===========================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Net cash (used)/generated                              (26)    166 
Effects of exchange rate changes                         18   (77) 
===========================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash 
 equivalents and bank overdrafts                        (8)     89 
Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts 
 at the beginning of the year                           256    167 
===========================================  =======  =====  ===== 
Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts 
 at the end of the year                                 248    256 
===========================================  =======  =====  ===== 
 
 
                                          2016   2015 
                                          GBPm   GBPm 
===================================      =====  ===== 
Cash, cash equivalents and bank 
 overdrafts at the end of the year 
 in the Group balance sheet          17    248    257 
Bank balances and overdrafts in 
 liabilities held for sale                   -    (1) 
===================================      =====  ===== 
Cash, cash equivalents and bank 
 overdrafts at the end of the year         248    256 
===================================      =====  ===== 
 

Notes to the full year results announcement

Year ended 31 July 2016

1. Basis of preparation

The full year results announcement for the year ended 31 July 2016, which is an abridged statement of the full Annual Report, has been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European Union.

The full year results announcement has been prepared on a going concern basis. The Directors are confident that on the basis of current financial projections and facilities available, and after considering sensitivities, the Group has sufficient resources for its operational needs and will remain in compliance with the financial covenants in its bank facilities for the foreseeable future.

The Company is incorporated in Jersey under the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 and is headquartered in Switzerland.

The financial information for the year ended 31 July 2016 does not constitute the statutory financial statements of the Group. The statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2015 have been filed with the Jersey Registrar of Companies. The auditors have reported on those accounts and on the statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2016 which will be filed with the Jersey Registrar of Companies following the Annual General Meeting. Both the audit reports were unqualified and did not contain any statements under Article 111(2) or Article 111(5) of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 or under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.

Accounting developments and changes

The following standards have been published, but not yet applied:

   --     IFRS 9 "Financial Instruments" - applicable from year ending 31 July 2019; 

-- IFRS 15 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" - applicable from year ending 31 July 2019; and

   --     IFRS 16 "Leases" - applicable from year ended 31 July 2020. 

The Directors do not expect the adoption of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 will have a material impact on the financial statements of the Group in future periods.

The adoption of IFRS 16 will have a significant impact on the Group's balance sheet and reported results because of the value of operating lease commitments the Group has. The application of IFRS 16 will not reflect any changes in the underlying economics of the business. Beyond the information above, it is not practicable to provide a reasonable estimate of the effect of these standards until a detailed review has been completed. As at the date of this report IFRS 9, IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 have not been endorsed by the EU.

No other issued standard or interpretation would have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

2. Segmental analysis

The Group's reportable segments are the operating businesses overseen by distinct divisional management teams responsible for their performance. All reportable segments derive their revenue from a single business activity, the distribution of plumbing and heating products and building materials.

The Group's business is not highly seasonal and the Group's customer base is highly diversified, with no individually significant customer.

Canada and Central Europe represent less than 10 per cent of the Group's operating profit and do not meet other quantitative thresholds and therefore do not represent a reportable segment. They have been reported on a combined basis and all comparatives have been restated for the purposes of consistency and comparability.

The changes in revenue and trading profit for continuing operations between the years ended 31 July 2015 and 31 July 2016 include changes in exchange rates, disposals, acquisitions and organic change.

Where businesses are disposed in the year, the difference between the revenue and trading profit in the current year up to the date of disposal and the revenue and trading profit in the equivalent portion of the prior year is included in organic change.

Revenue by reportable segment for continuing operations is as follows:

 
                                                                Organic 
Analysis of change     2015  Exchange  Disposals  Acquisitions   change    2016 
 in revenue            GBPm      GBPm       GBPm          GBPm     GBPm    GBPm 
===================  ======  ========  =========  ============  =======  ====== 
USA                   8,343       569        (6)           173      377   9,456 
UK                    1,987         -          -            53     (44)   1,996 
Nordic                1,864         3        (1)             5       10   1,881 
Canada and Central 
 Europe               1,138      (20)       (25)            14     (10)   1,097 
Group                13,332       552       (32)           245      333  14,430 
===================  ======  ========  =========  ============  =======  ====== 
 

Trading profit/(loss) (note 9) by reportable segment for continuing operations is as follows:

 
Analysis of change                                                    Organic 
 in trading profit/(loss)    2015  Exchange  Disposals  Acquisitions   change   2016 
 (note 9)                    GBPm      GBPm       GBPm          GBPm     GBPm   GBPm 
==========================  =====  ========  =========  ============  =======  ===== 
USA                           681        47          2             3       42    775 
UK                             90         -          -             1     (17)     74 
Nordic                         71         -          -             -     (12)     59 
Canada and Central 
 Europe                        55       (1)          -             2      (3)     53 
Central and other costs      (43)         -          -             -      (2)   (45) 
Group                         854        46          2             6        8    916 
==========================  =====  ========  =========  ============  =======  ===== 
 

The reconciliation between trading profit/(loss) (note 9) and operating profit/(loss) by reportable segment for continuing operations is as follows:

 
                                                             2016                                                             2015 
          =======================================================  =============================================================== 
                                      Amortisation                                                 Amortisation 
                                               and                                                          and 
                                        impairment                                                   impairment 
                                       of acquired                                                  of acquired 
                Trading  Exceptional    intangible      Operating        Trading   Exceptional       intangible          Operating 
          profit/(loss)        items        assets  profit/(loss)  profit/(loss)         items           assets      profit/(loss) 
                   GBPm         GBPm          GBPm           GBPm           GBPm          GBPm             GBPm               GBPm 
========  =============  ===========  ============  =============  =============  ============  ===============  ================= 
USA                 775            2          (34)            743            681             6             (27)                660 
UK                   74          (9)         (106)           (41)             90             2             (13)                 79 
Nordic               59            2           (5)             56             71           (2)            (249)              (180) 
Canada 
 and 
 Central 
 Europe              53            -           (2)             51             55           (9)              (5)                 41 
Central 
 and 
 other 
 costs             (45)            3             -           (42)           (43)           (1)                -               (44) 
--------  -------------  -----------  ------------  -------------  -------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------------- 
Group               916          (2)         (147)            767            854           (4)            (294)                556 
Finance 
 income                                                         -                                                                1 
Finance 
 costs                                                       (40)                                                             (49) 
--------  -------------  -----------  ------------  -------------  -------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------------- 
Profit 
 before 
 tax                                                          727                                                              508 
--------  -------------  -----------  ------------  -------------  -------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------------- 
 

In 2015 and 2016, a number of Group businesses or groups of branches have been disposed of, closed or are classified as held for sale. The revenue and trading profit of the Group's segments excluding those businesses and branches ("ongoing segments") are analysed in the following table. This is non-GAAP information.

 
                                      Revenue    Trading Profit 
                               ==============  ================ 
                                 2016    2015     2016     2015 
Ongoing segments                 GBPm    GBPm     GBPm     GBPm 
=============================  ======  ======  =======  ======= 
USA                             9,456   8,337      775      683 
UK                              1,996   1,987       74       90 
Nordic                          1,881   1,863       60       72 
Canada and Central Europe       1,097   1,113       53       55 
Central and other costs             -       -     (45)     (43) 
=============================  ======  ======  =======  ======= 
Total ongoing segments         14,430  13,300      917      857 
Entities disposed of, closed 
 or classified as held for 
 sale                               -      32      (1)      (3) 
=============================  ======  ======  =======  ======= 
Continuing operations          14,430  13,332      916      854 
 
 

Other information on assets and liabilities by segment is set out in the tables below:

 
                                                                 2016                                           2015 
                        ---------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------- 
                        Segment       Segment                 Segment  Segment       Segment                 Segment 
Segment assets           assets   liabilities  net assets/liabilities   assets   liabilities  net assets/liabilities 
 and liabilities           GBPm          GBPm                    GBPm     GBPm          GBPm                    GBPm 
----------------------  -------  ------------  ----------------------  -------  ------------  ---------------------- 
USA                       4,268       (1,645)                   2,623    3,451       (1,345)                   2,106 
UK                          856         (508)                     348    1,046         (510)                     536 
Nordic                    1,243         (620)                     623    1,032         (520)                     512 
Canada and Central 
 Europe                     599         (265)                     334      478         (195)                     283 
Central and other 
 costs                       18         (103)                    (85)       19          (86)                    (67) 
Discontinued                 69          (36)                      33      198         (164)                      34 
======================  =======  ============  ======================  =======  ============  ====================== 
Total                     7,053       (3,177)                   3,876    6,224       (2,820)                   3,404 
Tax assets and 
 liabilities                127         (166)                    (39)      119         (111)                       8 
Net cash/(debt)             971       (1,907)                   (936)    1,139       (1,944)                   (805) 
----------------------  -------  ------------  ----------------------  -------  ------------  ---------------------- 
Group 
 assets/(liabilities)     8,151       (5,250)                   2,901    7,482       (4,875)                   2,607 
----------------------  -------  ------------  ----------------------  -------  ------------  ---------------------- 
 
 
                                                               2016                                                2015 
               ----------------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                                                              Additions 
                              Additions     Additions     Additions                 Additions     Additions          to 
                               to other            to  to property,                  to other            to   property, 
                Additions      acquired  non-acquired         plant   Additions      acquired  non-acquired       plant 
                       to    intangible    intangible           and          to    intangible    intangible         and 
                 goodwill        assets        assets     equipment    goodwill        assets        assets   equipment 
                     GBPm          GBPm          GBPm          GBPm        GBPm          GBPm          GBPm        GBPm 
-------------  ----------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ----------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
USA                    34            25            17           123          24            28            12         125 
UK                      -             -             5            15          29            14             6          24 
Nordic                  -             -             6            33           -             1             3          33 
Canada and 
 Central 
 Europe                 6             3             2            18           4             2             3           8 
Central 
 and other 
 costs                  -             -             1             1           -             -             2           1 
Discontinued            -             -             -             -           -             -             -          16 
-------------  ----------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ----------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
Group                  40            28            31           190          57            45            26         207 
-------------  ----------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ----------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
                                                               2016                                                    2015 
               ====================================================  ====================================================== 
               Impairment                                            Impairment 
                       of                              Depreciation          of                                Depreciation 
                 goodwill                                       and    goodwill                                         and 
                      and  Amortisation  Amortisation    impairment         and  Amortisation  Amortisation      impairment 
                    other      of other            of  of property,       other      of other            of    of property, 
                 acquired      acquired  non-acquired         plant    acquired      acquired  non-acquired           plant 
               intangible    intangible    intangible           and  intangible    intangible    intangible             and 
                   assets        assets        assets     equipment      assets        assets        assets       equipment 
                     GBPm          GBPm          GBPm          GBPm        GBPm          GBPm          GBPm            GBPm 
=============  ==========  ============  ============  ============  ==========  ============  ============  ============== 
USA                     -            34             7            72           -            27             6              55 
UK                     94            12             5            17           -            13             4              16 
Nordic                  -             5             1            25         234            15             1              22 
Canada 
 and Central 
 Europe                 -             2             1             9           4             1             1               9 
Central 
 and other 
 costs                  -             -             1             2           -             -             1               2 
Discontinued            -             -             -             -           -             -             -               4 
=============  ==========  ============  ============  ============ 
Group                  94            53            15           125         238            56            13             108 
=============  ==========  ============  ============  ============  ==========  ============  ============  ============== 
 
 

3. Operating costs

Amounts charged/(credited) in arriving at operating profit include:

 
                                                       2016   2015 
                                                       GBPm   GBPm 
=================================================  ========  ===== 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
 (note 11)                                              123    103 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment 
 (note 11)                                                2      1 
(Gain)/loss on disposal and closure of 
 businesses                                             (8)      5 
Loss/(gain) on disposal of property, plant 
 and equipment and assets held for sale                   1    (3) 
Staff costs                                           2,026  1,832 
Amortisation of non-acquired intangible 
 assets (note 11)                                        15     13 
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 
 (note 11)                                               53     56 
Impairment of goodwill and acquired intangible 
 assets (note 11)                                        94    238 
Operating lease rentals: land and buildings             174    160 
Operating lease rentals: plant and machinery             64     54 
Amounts included in costs of goods sold 
 with respect to inventory                           10,223  9,497 
Trade receivables impairment                             14     19 
=================================================  ========  ===== 
 
                                                   Deloitte    PwC 
                                                       2016   2015 
                                                       GBPm   GBPm 
                                                   ========  ===== 
During the year, the Group obtained the 
 following services from the Company's auditor 
 and its associates: 
Fees for the audit of the parent company 
 and consolidated financial statements                  0.9    0.9 
Fees for the audit of the Company's subsidiaries 
 pursuant to legislation                                2.0    2.5 
=================================================  ========  ===== 
Total fees for audit related services                   2.9    3.4 
 
Other assurance services                                0.2    0.1 
Tax - compliance services                                 -    1.0 
Tax - advisory services                                   -    0.2 
Other non-audit services                                  -    0.4 
=================================================  ========  ===== 
Total fee for non-audit related services                0.2    1.7 
=================================================  ========  ===== 
Total fees payable to the auditors                      3.1    5.1 
=================================================  ========  ===== 
 

4. Exceptional items

Exceptional items are those which are considered significant by virtue of their nature, size or incidence, and are presented separately in the income statement to enable a full understanding of the Group's financial performance. If provisions have been made for exceptional items in previous years, then any reversal of those provisions is shown as exceptional.

Exceptional items included in operating profit from continuing operations are analysed by purpose as follows:

 
 
                                                        2016     2015 
                                                        GBPm     GBPm 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 Gain/(loss) on disposal and closure of businesses         8      (5) 
 Other exceptional items                                (10)        1 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 Total included in operating profit                      (2)      (4) 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
 
 

For the year ended 31 July 2016, the gain on disposal principally relates to the release of provisions from prior year disposals in the USA, UK and Central Europe. Other exceptional items in the year represent restructuring costs incurred in the UK during phase 1 of the UK turnaround strategy. In September 2016, phase 2 of the strategy for the UK was approved and this is expected to reduce the number of operational locations and employees by at least 10 per cent and will continue into the next financial year.

The net cash outflow from exceptional items was GBP3 million (2015: GBP1 million).

Exceptional items relating to discontinued operations are detailed in note 7 and exceptional items relating to finance costs are detailed in note 5.

5. Finance costs

 
 
 2016                                                      2015 
  GBPm                                                      GBPm 
 --------------------------------------------------------  ----- 
Interest payable 
- Bank loans and overdrafts                           48    39 
- Unwind of fair value adjustment to senior 
 unsecured loan notes                                 (9)  (12) 
- Finance lease charges                               2       2 
Net interest income on defined benefit obligation     -     (2) 
Valuation gains on financial instruments 
- Derivatives held at fair value through              (1)     - 
 profit and loss 
---------------------------------------------------  ----  ----- 
                                                       40   27 
Exceptional finance expense                            -    22 
---------------------------------------------------  ----  ----- 
Total finance costs                                   40    49 
===================================================  ====  ===== 
 
 

The GBP22 million exceptional finance expense in 2015 relates to the recycling of deferred foreign exchange translation losses in accordance with IAS 21 "The effects of changes in foreign exchange rates", following the liquidation of a number of dormant financing companies. Finance income from discontinued operations is detailed in note 7.

6. Tax

 
 
                                                        2016    2015 
  The tax charge for the year comprises:                GBPm    GBPm 
==========================================  ================  ====== 
Current year tax charge                                  234     215 
Adjustments to tax charge in respect 
 of prior years                                          (7)     (8) 
==========================================  ================  ====== 
Total current tax charge                                 227     207 
Deferred tax charge/(credit): origination 
 and reversal of temporary differences                     4    (20) 
==========================================  ================  ====== 
Total tax charge                                         231     187 
==========================================  ================  ====== 
 

An exceptional tax credit of GBP1 million was recorded in relation to exceptional items in 2016 (2015: charge GBP3 million). The deferred tax charge of GBP4 million (2015: credit GBP20 million) includes a charge of GBP5 million (2015: credit GBP2 million) resulting from changes in tax rates.

 
 
 
  Tax on items credited/(charged) to 
  the statement of other comprehensive             2016      2015 
  income:                                          GBPm      GBPm 
=======================================  ==============  ======== 
Deferred tax credit on actuarial loss 
 on retirement benefits                              25        14 
Current tax credit on actuarial loss 
 on retirement benefits                               -         1 
Deferred tax charge on losses                       (7)         - 
=======================================  ==============  ======== 
Total tax on items credited to other 
 comprehensive income                                18        15 
=======================================  ==============  ======== 
 

GBP1 million (2015: GBPnil) of the GBP18 million credit relates to changes in tax rates.

 
 
 
  Tax on items credited/(charged) to                      2016    2015 
  equity:                                                 GBPm    GBPm 
============================================  ================  ====== 
Current tax credit on share-based payments                   6       8 
Deferred tax (charge)/credit on share-based 
 payments                                                  (6)       2 
Total tax on items credited to equity                        -      10 
============================================  ================  ====== 
 
 
                                            2016       2015 
                                       =========  ========= 
Tax reconciliation:                    GBPm    %  GBPm    % 
=====================================  ====  ===  ====  === 
Weighted average tax rate               243   33   143   28 
Prior year amounts                      (7)  (1)     2    1 
Non-taxable amortisation, impairment 
 and exceptional items                   19    2    31    6 
Tax rate change                           5    1   (2)  (1) 
Other non-deductible and non-taxable 
 items                                 (29)  (3)    13    3 
-------------------------------------  ----  ---  ----  --- 
Total tax charge/tax rate on 
 profit before tax                      231   32   187   37 
 
 

The 5 per cent increase in the weighted average tax rate is primarily due to the increase in the share of profit generated in the USA.

7. Discontinued operations

As at 31 July 2015, the Group's remaining business and property assets in France ("the disposal group") were classified as discontinued in accordance with IFRS 5 "non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations". On 7 March 2016, the remaining French building materials business was sold. The Group is in the process of selling its remaining property assets in France. The results from discontinued operations, which have been included in the Group income statement, are set out below.

 
                                                           2016                                   2015 
                            -----------------------------------  ------------------------------------- 
                                   Before                               Before 
                              exceptional   Exceptional            exceptional   Exceptional 
                                    items         items   Total          items         items     Total 
                                     GBPm          GBPm    GBPm           GBPm          GBPm      GBPm 
==========================  =============  ============  ======  =============  ============  ======== 
 Revenue                              255             -     255            587             -       587 
 Cost of sales                      (179)             -   (179)          (411)             -     (411) 
==========================  =============  ============  ======  =============  ============  ======== 
 Gross profit                          76             -      76            176             -       176 
==========================  =============  ============  ======  =============  ============  ======== 
 Operating costs: 
  gain/(loss) on 
   disposal of businesses               -           139     139              -          (59)      (59) 
  impairment of 
   net assets                           -             -       -              -          (67)      (67) 
  other                              (76)            14    (62)          (178)             3     (175) 
==========================  =============  ============  ======  =============  ============  ======== 
 Operating costs                     (76)           153      77          (178)         (123)     (301) 
==========================  =============  ============  ======  =============  ============  ======== 
 Operating profit/(loss)                -           153     153            (2)         (123)     (125) 
 Finance income                         2             4       6              1            16        17 
==========================  =============  ============  ======  =============  ============  ======== 
 Profit/(loss) 
  before tax                            2           157     159            (1)         (107)     (108) 
 Attributable 
  tax expense                           -           (5)     (5)              -             -         - 
==========================  =============  ============  ======  =============  ============  ======== 
 Profit/(loss) 
  from discontinued 
  operations                            2           152     154            (1)         (107)     (108) 
==========================  =============  ============  ======  =============  ============  ======== 
 Basic earnings/(loss) 
  per share                          0.8p         60.0p   60.8p         (0.4p)       (41.3p)   (41.7p) 
 Diluted earnings/(loss) 
  per share                          0.8p         59.6p   60.4p         (0.4p)       (41.1p)   (41.5p) 
==========================  =============  ============  ======  =============  ============  ======== 
 

A tax charge of GBP5 million (2015: GBPnil) was generated from discontinued operations in the current year. During the year, discontinued operations used GBP16 million (2015: generated GBP17 million) in respect of operating activities, generated GBP41 million (2015: GBP22 million) in respect of investing activities and generated GBP27 million (2015: GBP15 million) in respect of financing activities.

8. Dividends

 
                                                2016            2015 
                                      ------  ------  ------  ------ 
                                               Pence           Pence 
                                                 per             per 
                                        GBPm   share    GBPm   share 
------------------------------------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Amounts recognised as distributions 
 to equity shareholders: 
Final dividend for the year 
 ended 31 July 2014                        -       -     144     55p 
Interim dividend for the 
 year ended 31 July 2015                   -       -      78  30.25p 
Final dividend for the year 
 ended 31 July 2015                      154  60.50p       -       - 
Interim dividend for the 
 year ended 31 July 2016                  84  33.28p       -       - 
------------------------------------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Dividends paid                           238             222 
------------------------------------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 

Since the end of the financial year, the Directors have proposed a final ordinary dividend of GBP167 million (66.72 pence per share). The dividend is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and is therefore not included in the balance sheet as a liability at 31 July 2016.

9. Non-GAAP performance measures

Trading profit is defined as operating profit before exceptional items and the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets. It is a non-GAAP measure. The Group considers that trading profit, and other performance measures based on it, including EBITDA before exceptional items, present valuable additional information.

 
 
                                               2016   2015 
Continuing operations                          GBPm   GBPm 
============================================  =====  ===== 
Operating profit                                767    556 
Add back: amortisation and impairment 
 of acquired intangible assets                  147    294 
Add back: exceptional items in operating 
 profit                                           2      4 
============================================  =====  ===== 
Trading profit                                  916    854 
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment 
 of property, plant and equipment and 
 software excluding exceptional items 
 in operating profit                            140    117 
============================================  =====  ===== 
EBITDA before exceptional items               1,056    971 
============================================  =====  ===== 
Profit before tax                               727    508 
Add back: amortisation and impairment 
 of acquired intangible assets                  147    294 
Add back: exceptional items in profit 
 before tax                                       2     26 
============================================  =====  ===== 
Profit before tax , exceptional items 
 and the amortisation and impairment of 
 acquired intangible assets                     876    828 
============================================  =====  ===== 
Tax expense                                   (231)  (187) 
Deduct: tax credit on the amortisation 
 and impairment of acquired intangible 
 assets                                        (21)   (47) 
(Deduct)/add back: tax (credit)/charge 
 on exceptional items                           (1)      3 
Add back: non-recurring tax charge relating 
 to changes in tax rates                          5      - 
============================================  =====  ===== 
Adjusted tax expense                          (248)  (231) 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ----- 
Net profit from continuing operations           496    321 
Add back: amortisation and impairment 
 of acquired intangible assets net of 
 tax                                            126    247 
Add back: exceptional items net of tax            1     29 
Add back: non-recurring tax charge relating 
 to changes in tax rates                          5      - 
============================================  =====  ===== 
Headline profit after tax from continuing 
 operations                                     628    597 
============================================  =====  ===== 
 

Applying the adjusted tax expense of GBP248 million to the profit before tax, exceptional items and the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets of GBP876 million gives an effective tax rate of 28.3 per cent (2015: 27.9 per cent).

10. Earnings per share

 
 
                                                                 2016                                    2015 
                               ----------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -------------  ----------- 
                                                   Basic      Diluted                      Basic      Diluted 
                                                earnings     earnings                   earnings     earnings 
                                                     per          per                        per          per 
                                 Earnings          share        share    Earnings          share        share 
                                     GBPm          Pence        Pence        GBPm          Pence        Pence 
=============================  ==========  =============  ===========  ==========  =============  =========== 
Headline profit after 
 tax from continuing 
 operations                           628          247.7        246.2         597          230.2        229.4 
Exceptional items (net 
 of tax)                              (1)          (0.4)        (0.4)        (29)         (11.2)       (11.1) 
Amortisation and impairment 
 of acquired intangible 
 assets (net of tax)                (126)         (49.7)       (49.4)       (247)         (95.2)       (94.9) 
Non-recurring tax charge 
 relating to changes 
 in tax rates                         (5)          (2.0)        (2.0)           -              -            - 
-----------------------------  ----------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -------------  ----------- 
Profit from continuing 
 operations                           496          195.6        194.4         321          123.8        123.4 
Profit/(loss) from 
 discontinued operations              154           60.8         60.4       (108)         (41.7)       (41.5) 
-----------------------------  ----------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -------------  ----------- 
Profit from continuing 
 and discontinued operations          650          256.4        254.8         213           82.1           81.9 
-----------------------------  ----------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -------------  ------------- 
 

The weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year, excluding those held by Employee Benefit Trusts and those held by the Company as Treasury shares, was 253.5 million (2015: 259.3 million). The impact of all potentially dilutive share options on earnings per share would be to increase the weighted average number of shares in issue to 255.1 million (2015: 260.2 million).

11. Intangible and tangible assets

 
                                                                                                    Total 
                                                                          Property,            intangible 
                                                 Acquired                     plant                   and 
                                               intangible                       and              tangible 
                                  Goodwill         assets    Software     equipment                assets 
                                      GBPm           GBPm        GBPm          GBPm                  GBPm 
==============================  ==========  =============  ==========  ============  ==================== 
Net book value at 1 August 
 2015                                  816            152          43         1,164                 2,175 
Additions                                -              -          31           190                   221 
Acquisitions                            40             28           -            11                    79 
Adjustment to fair value 
 on prior year acquisitions              1              -           -             -                     1 
Disposals and transfers                  -              -         (5)           (2)                   (7) 
Reclassified as held for 
 sale                                    -              -           -           (2)                   (2) 
Depreciation and amortisation            -           (53)        (15)         (123)                 (191) 
Impairment                            (86)            (8)           -           (2)                  (96) 
Exchange rate adjustment               131             24           5           198                   358 
==============================  ==========  =============  ==========  ============  ==================== 
Net book value at 31 July 
 2016                                  902            143          59         1,434                 2,538 
==============================  ==========  =============  ==========  ============  ==================== 
 

Goodwill and intangible assets acquired during the year have been allocated to the individual cash generating units or aggregated cash generating units (together "CGUs") which are deemed to be the smallest identifiable group of assets generating independent cash inflows. CGUs have been aggregated in the disclosure below at a segmental level except for certain CGUs in the USA which are considered to be significant (more than 10 per cent of the current year goodwill balance). Impairment reviews were performed for each individual CGU during the year ended 31 July 2016.

 
                                                         2016                                           2015 
                =============================================  ============================================= 
                 Long-term    Post-tax     Pre-tax              Long-term    Post-tax     Pre-tax 
                    growth    discount    discount                 growth    discount    discount 
                      rate        rate        rate   Goodwill        rate        rate        rate   Goodwill 
                         %           %           %       GBPm           %           %           %       GBPm 
--------------  ==========  ==========  ==========  =========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ========= 
   Blended 
    Branches                                              314                                            264 
   B2C                                                     89                                             62 
   Waterworks                                             127                                            105 
   Rest of 
    USA                                                   113                                             81 
                                                    =========                                      ========= 
   USA                 2.2         8.2        13.4        643         2.0         9.1        14.9        512 
   UK                  2.0         8.2        10.2         32         2.0         8.8        11.0        118 
   Nordic              2.2         7.5         9.7         91         1.1         7.2         9.3         77 
   Canada              2.0         8.0        10.8         88         2.0         8.7        11.8         68 
   Central 
    Europe             1.0         6.6         8.4         48         1.0         7.2         9.1         41 
==============  ==========  ==========  ==========  =========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ========= 
   Total                                                  902                                            816 
==============  ==========  ==========  ==========  =========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ========= 
 

The relevant inputs to the value in use calculations of each CGU were:

Cash flow forecasts for years one to three are derived from the most recent Board approved strategic plan. The forecast for year five represents an estimate of "mid-cycle" trading performance for the CGU based on historic analysis. Year four is calculated as the average of the final year of the strategic plan and year five's mid-cycle estimate. The other inputs include risk-adjusted, pre-tax discount rate, calculated by reference to the weighted average cost of capital ("WACC") of each country and the 30-year long-term growth rate by country, as published by the IMF in March 2016.

The strategic plan is developed based on analyses of sales, markets and costs at a regional level. Consideration is given to past events, knowledge of future contracts and the wider economy. It takes into account both current business and future initiatives.

Management has performed a sensitivity analysis across all CGUs which have goodwill and acquired intangible assets using the following key impairment review assumptions: compound average revenue growth rate, post-tax discount rate and long-term growth rate, keeping all other assumptions constant.

UK

The impairment review for the UK has resulted in an impairment charge in the year of GBP94 million. In allocating the impairment charge we have considered the impairment of all assets as well as goodwill. An impairment trigger arose for the UK businesses due to the continuing challenging market conditions and uncertainty over performance. Expectations of future profitability for the UK businesses were therefore significantly reduced, resulting in impairment charges for Plumb, Parts & Drain, Pipe & Climate, Infrastructure and Soak.com. The Soak.com business was acquired in February 2015 and has incurred losses despite generating good revenue growth. We do expect the business to generate future profits and it remains an important part of the Group's European B2C strategy but due to the uncertainty of the timing of profitability an impairment charge has been made against the carrying value of its goodwill.

The UK impairment charge has been incurred as follows:

 
                                   Acquired                                     Post-tax     Pre-tax 
                                 intangible                        Remaining    discount    discount 
                     Goodwill        assets   Total   Impairment     balance        rate        rate 
 CGU                     GBPm          GBPm    GBPm         GBPm        GBPm           %           % 
==================  =========  ============  ======  ===========  ==========  ==========  ========== 
   Plumb, Parts 
    & Drain                 7             -       7          (7)           -         8.2        10.2 
   Pipe & Climate          26             -      26         (26)           -         8.2        10.2 
   Infrastructure          29             8      37         (37)           -         8.2        10.2 
   Soak.com                24             -      24         (24)           -         8.2        10.2 
==================  =========  ============  ======  ===========  ==========  ==========  ========== 
   Total                   86             8      94         (94)           -         8.2        10.2 
==================  =========  ============  ======  ===========  ==========  ==========  ========== 
 

12. Provisions

 
                                   Environmental     Wolseley                              Other 
                                       and legal    Insurance     Restructuring       provisions     Total 
                                            GBPm         GBPm              GBPm             GBPm      GBPm 
-------------------------------  ---------------  -----------  ----------------  ---------------  -------- 
   At 1 August 2014                           85           41                55               66       247 
   Adjustment to fair value 
    on prior year acquisitions               (2)            -                 -                -       (2) 
   Utilised in the year                     (12)         (13)              (22)              (6)      (53) 
   Amortisation of discount                  (3)            -                 -                -       (3) 
   Charge for the year                         6           11                 4                3        24 
   Acquisition of businesses                   -            -                 -                1         1 
   Disposal of businesses 
    and reclassified as held 
    for sale                                 (7)            -               (4)                2       (9) 
   Exchange rate adjustment                    3            2               (1)              (3)         1 
===============================  ===============  ===========  ================  ===============  ======== 
At 31 July 2015                               70           41                32               63       206 
Utilised in the year                         (7)         (12)              (12)              (4)      (35) 
Amortisation of discount                       3            -                 -                -         3 
Charge for the year                            5           18                 8                7        38 
Disposal of businesses 
 and reclassified as held 
 for sale                                    (7)            -               (1)             (11)      (19) 
Exchange rate adjustment                      11            6                 1               10        28 
At 31 July 2016                               75           53                28               65       221 
===============================  ===============  ===========  ================  ===============  ======== 
 
  Provisions have been analysed between current and 
  non-current as follows: 
                                   Environmental     Wolseley                              Other 
                                       and legal    Insurance     Restructuring       provisions     Total 
At 31 July 2016                             GBPm         GBPm              GBPm             GBPm      GBPm 
===============================  ===============  ===========  ================  ===============  ======== 
Current                                       23           14                16               35        88 
Non-current                                   52           39                12               30       133 
===============================  ===============  ===========  ================  ===============  ======== 
Total provisions                              75           53                28               65       221 
===============================  ===============  ===========  ================  ===============  ======== 
 
 

The environmental and legal provision includes GBP61 million (2015: GBP49 million) for the estimated liability for asbestos litigation on a discounted basis using a long-term discount rate of 1.5 per cent (2015: 2.2 per cent). This amount has been actuarially determined as at 31 July 2016 based on advice from independent professional advisers. The Group has insurance that it currently believes is sufficient cover for the estimated liability and accordingly an equivalent insurance receivable has been recorded in other receivables. Based on current estimates, the amount of performing insurance cover significantly exceeds the expected level of future claims and no material profit or cash flow impact is therefore expected to arise in the foreseeable future. Due to the nature of these provisions, the timing of any settlements is uncertain.

Wolseley Insurance provisions represent an estimate, based on historical experience, of the ultimate cost of settling outstanding claims and claims incurred but not reported on certain risks retained by the Group (principally USA casualty and global property damage).

Restructuring provisions include provisions for staff redundancy costs and future lease rentals on closed branches. In determining the provision for onerous leases, the cash flows have been discounted on a pre-tax basis using appropriate government bond rates. The weighted average maturity of these obligations is approximately three years.

Other provisions include warranty costs relating to businesses disposed of, rental commitments on vacant properties and dilapidations on leased properties. The weighted average maturity of these obligations is approximately four years.

13. Assets and liabilities held for sale

 
                                  2016   2015 
                                  GBPm   GBPm 
===============================  =====  ===== 
Properties awaiting disposal        10     28 
Assets of disposal groups held 
 for sale                           46    173 
===============================  =====  ===== 
Assets held for sale                56    201 
===============================  =====  ===== 
 
Liabilities of disposal groups 
 held for sale                      12    136 
===============================  =====  ===== 
 

During the previous year, the Group announced its decision to sell its remaining businesses in France. As at 31 July 2016, the sales process for the remaining French property assets was continuing and accordingly these properties are classified as held for sale.

The assets and liabilities of disposal groups held for sale consist of:

 
                                     2016   2015 
                                     GBPm   GBPm 
==================================  =====  ===== 
Property, plant and equipment          42     54 
Inventories                             -     16 
Trade and other receivables             4     93 
Tax receivables                         -     10 
Bank balances and overdrafts            -    (1) 
Finance leases                          -   (12) 
Trade and other payables              (7)  (105) 
Provisions and retirement benefit 
 obligations                          (1)   (14) 
Tax payables                          (4)    (4) 
==================================  =====  ===== 
                                       34     37 
==================================  =====  ===== 
 

14. Reconciliation of profit to cash generated from operations

Profit for the year is reconciled to cash generated from operations as follows:

 
                                               2016   2015 
                                               GBPm   GBPm 
============================================  =====  ===== 
Profit for the year                             650    213 
Net finance costs                                34     31 
Tax expense                                     236    187 
(Gain)/loss on disposal and closure of 
 businesses and revaluation of disposal 
 groups                                       (147)    129 
Depreciation and impairment of property, 
 plant and equipment                            125    108 
Amortisation and impairment of non-acquired 
 intangible assets                               15     13 
Amortisation and impairment of goodwill 
 and acquired intangible assets                 147    294 
Profit on disposal of property, plant 
 and equipment and assets held for sale        (18)    (3) 
Increase in inventories                        (36)  (113) 
Increase in trade and other receivable 
 assets                                        (21)   (54) 
Increase in trade and other payables             13    159 
Increase/(decrease) in provisions and 
 other liabilities                                1   (47) 
Share-based payments                             20     20 
============================================  =====  ===== 
Cash generated from operations                1,019    937 
============================================  =====  ===== 
 

Trading profit is reconciled to cash generated from operations as follows:

 
                                               2016   2015 
                                               GBPm   GBPm 
============================================  =====  ===== 
Trading profit                                  916    854 
Exceptional items in operating profit           (2)    (4) 
(Gain)/loss on disposal and closure of 
 businesses and revaluation of disposal 
 groups                                       (147)    129 
Operating profit/(loss) from discontinued 
 operations (note 7)                            153  (125) 
Depreciation and impairment of property, 
 plant and equipment                            125    108 
Amortisation and impairment of non-acquired 
 intangible assets                               15     13 
Profit on disposal of property, plant 
 and equipment and assets held for sale        (18)    (3) 
Increase in inventories                        (36)  (113) 
Increase in trade and other receivable 
 assets                                        (21)   (54) 
Increase in trade and other payables             13    159 
Increase/(decrease) in provisions and 
 other liabilities                                1   (47) 
Share-based payments                             20     20 
============================================  =====  ===== 
Cash generated from operations                1,019    937 
============================================  =====  ===== 
 

15. Acquisitions

The Group acquired the following 16 businesses in the year ended 31 July 2016. All these businesses are engaged in the distribution of plumbing and heating products and building materials. All transactions have been accounted for by the purchase method of accounting except for the 50 percent acquisition of BraByggare Sverige AB, which has been accounted for as a joint venture.

 
                                                                          Shares/ 
                                          Date of              Country      asset 
                                      acquisition     of incorporation       deal   % acquired 
---------------------------------  --------------  -------------------  ---------  ----------- 
                                           August 
 Central Pipe & Supply                       2015                  USA      Asset          100 
                                          October 
 Living Direct, Inc                          2015                  USA     Shares          100 
 Atlantic American Fire                   October 
  Equipment Co                               2015                  USA      Asset          100 
                                          October 
 Renwes Appliances, Inc                      2015                  USA      Asset          100 
 Action Fire Fab & Supply,               November 
  Inc                                        2015                  USA      Asset          100 
 Professional Cleaning                    January 
  Service and Supply Corporation             2016                  USA      Asset          100 
 Medallion Pipe Supply                   February 
  Ltd                                        2016               Canada      Asset          100 
 Underground Specialities, 
  Inc                                  March 2016               Canada      Asset          100 
 BraByggare Sverige AB                 March 2016               Sweden     Shares           50 
 Andrews Lighting Gallery, 
  Inc                                  April 2016                  USA      Asset          100 
 The Bath & Beyond                     April 2016                  USA      Asset          100 
 Dealernet, LLC                        April 2016                  USA      Asset          100 
 Bruce-Rogers Company                    May 2016                  USA     Shares          100 
 Michigan Pipe & Valve-Flint, 
  Inc                                   June 2016                  USA      Asset          100 
 Michigan Pipe & Valve-Lansing, 
  Inc                                   June 2016                  USA      Asset          100 
 Michigan Meter Technology 
  Group, Inc                            July 2016                  USA      Asset          100 
---------------------------------  --------------  -------------------  ---------  ----------- 
 

The assets and liabilities acquired and the consideration for all acquisitions in the period are as follows:

 
                                                            Provisional 
                                Book values    Fair value   fair values 
                                   acquired   adjustments      acquired 
                                       GBPm          GBPm          GBPm 
==============================  ===========  ============  ============ 
Intangible assets 
- Customer relationships                  -            16            16 
- Trade names and brands                  -             7             7 
- Other                                   -             5             5 
Property, plant and equipment            11             -            11 
Inventories                              30           (4)            26 
Receivables                              20             -            20 
Cash, cash equivalents 
 and bank overdrafts                      2             -             2 
Payables                               (13)             -          (13) 
Deferred tax                              -           (2)           (2) 
Total                                    50            22            72 
Goodwill arising                                                     40 
------------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------ 
Consideration                                                       112 
------------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------ 
 
                                                          Satisfied by: 
Cash                                                                 94 
Deferred consideration                                               18 
------------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------ 
Total consideration                                                 112 
------------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------ 
 

The fair value adjustments are provisional figures, being the best estimates currently available. Further adjustments may be necessary when additional information is available for some of the judgemental areas.

The goodwill arising on these acquisitions is attributable to the anticipated profitability of the new markets and product ranges to which the Group has gained access and additional profitability and operating efficiencies available in respect of existing markets.

The acquisitions contributed GBP110 million to revenue, GBP6 million to trading profit and GBP6 million to the Group's operating profit for the period between the date of acquisition and the balance sheet date. It is not practicable to disclose profit before and after tax, as the Group manages its borrowings as a portfolio and cannot attribute an effective borrowing rate to an individual acquisition.

If each acquisition had been completed on the first day of the financial year, Group revenue would have been GBP14,517 million and Group trading profit would have been GBP921 million. It is not practicable to disclose profit before tax or profit attributable to equity shareholders, as stated above. It is also not practicable to disclose operating profit as the Group cannot estimate the amount of intangible assets that would have been acquired at a date other than the acquisition date.

The net outflow of cash in respect of the purchase of businesses is as follows:

 
                                          2016   2015 
                                          GBPm   GBPm 
=======================================  =====  ===== 
Purchase consideration                      94      100 
Deferred and contingent consideration 
 in respect of prior year acquisitions      21        8 
---------------------------------------  -----  ------- 
Cash consideration                         115      108 
Cash acquired                              (2)      (3) 
=======================================  =====  ======= 
Net cash outflow in respect of the 
 purchase of businesses                    113      105 
=======================================  =====  ======= 
 

16. Disposals

In the year ended 31 July 2016, the Group disposed of the following businesses:

 
                                        Date of  Shares/asset 
Name                        Country    disposal          deal 
--------------------------  -------  ----------  ------------ 
Bois & Matériaux 
 SAS                         France  March 2016        Shares 
Guimier SAS                  France  March 2016        Shares 
Wolseley France Logistique 
 SAS                         France  March 2016        Shares 
Duomat SAS                   France  March 2016        Shares 
Helatukku Finland Oy        Finland    May 2016        Shares 
AS Puukeskus                Estonia   July 2016        Shares 
--------------------------  -------  ----------  ------------ 
 

The Group recognised a total gain on current year disposals of GBP136 million. This primarily arose from the sale of the remaining French building materials business which is disclosed in note 7 as a discontinued exceptional gain on disposal.

 
                                     Continuing  Discontinued  Group 
                                     operations    operations   2016 
                                           GBPm          GBPm   GBPm 
==================================  ===========  ============  ===== 
Consideration received                        4            10     14 
Net (assets)/liabilities disposed 
 of                                         (2)             4      2 
Disposal costs                                -           (5)    (5) 
Recycling of deferred foreign 
 exchange gains                               -           125    125 
==================================  ===========  ============  ===== 
Gain on disposal                              2           134    136 
==================================  ===========  ============  ===== 
 

Details of assets and liabilities disposed of are provided in the following table:

 
                                  Continuing  Discontinued     Group 
                                  operations    operations      2016 
                                        GBPm          GBPm      GBPm 
-------------------------------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
Inventory                                  2             -         2 
Receivables                                3             -         3 
Net liabilities held for sale              -           (4)       (4) 
Payables                                 (3)             -       (3) 
Total net assets/(liabilities) 
 disposed of                               2           (4)       (2) 
===============================  ===========  ============  ======== 
 

The net inflow of cash in respect of the disposal of businesses is as follows:

 
                                        Continuing  Discontinued       Group 
                                        operations    operations        2016 
                                              GBPm          GBPm        GBPm 
-------------------------------------  -----------  ------------  ---------- 
Cash consideration received for 
 current year disposals (net of cash 
 disposed of)                                    4             -           4 
Cash consideration received for 
 prior year disposals                            -            10          10 
Disposal costs paid                              -           (5)         (5) 
=====================================  ===========  ============  ========== 
Net cash inflow                                  4             5           9 
=====================================  ===========  ============  ========== 
 

17. Reconciliation of opening to closing net debt

 
                                       Acquisitions                            Fair 
                                                and                           value         Held                    At 
   For the               At                     new                             and          for                    31 
    year ended     1 August     Cash        finance         Disposal          other         Sale    Exchange      July 
    31 July            2015    flows         leases    of businesses    adjustments    movements    movement      2016 
    2016               GBPm     GBPm           GBPm             GBPm           GBPm         GBPm        GBPm      GBPm 
---------------  ----------  -------  -------------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
   Cash and 
    cash 
    equivalents       1,105                                                                                        940 
   Bank 
    overdrafts        (848)                                                                                      (692) 
---------------  ----------  -------  -------------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
                        257     (28)              2                -              -          (1)          18       248 
   Derivative 
    financial 
    instruments          33     (10)              -                -              1            -           7        31 
   Bank loans       (1,066)       16              -               27              9            -       (170)   (1,184) 
   Obligations 
    under 
    finance 
    leases             (29)        4            (2)                -              -            -         (4)      (31) 
---------------  ----------  -------  -------------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
   Net debt           (805)     (18)              -               27             10          (1)       (149)     (936) 
---------------  ----------  -------  -------------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 
 
                                       Acquisitions                          Fair 
                                                and                         value   Reclassified                    At 
   For the               At                     new       Disposal            and        as held                    31 
    year ended     1 August     Cash        finance             of          other            for    Exchange      July 
    31 July            2014    Flows         leases     businesses    adjustments           sale    Movement      2015 
    2015               GBPm     GBPm           GBPm           GBPm           GBPm           GBPm        GBPm      GBPm 
---------------  ----------  -------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
   Cash and 
    cash 
    equivalents         240                                                                                      1,105 
   Bank 
    overdrafts         (73)                                                                                      (848) 
---------------  ----------  -------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
                        167      173              3           (10)              -              1        (77)       257 
   Derivative 
    financial 
    instruments          42     (12)              -              -            (1)              -           4        33 
   Bank loans         (877)    (197)           (13)             15             12              -         (6)   (1,066) 
   Obligations 
    under 
    finance 
    leases             (43)        4            (3)              1              -             12           -      (29) 
---------------  ----------  -------  -------------  ------------- 
   Net debt           (711)     (32)           (13)              6             11             13        (79)     (805) 
---------------  ----------  -------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 

18. Contingent liabilities

Group companies are, from time to time, subject to certain claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business in relation to, among other things, the products that we supply, contractual and commercial disputes and disputes with employees. Provision is made if, on the basis of current information and professional advice, liabilities are considered likely to arise. In the case of unfavourable outcomes, the Group may benefit from applicable insurance protection.

Warranties and indemnities in relation to business disposals

Over the past few years, the Group has disposed of a number of non-core businesses and various Group companies have provided certain standard warranties and indemnities to acquirers and other third parties. Provision is made where the Group considers that a liability is likely to crystallise, though it is possible that claims in respect of which no provision has been made could crystallise in the future. Group companies have also made contractual commitments for certain property and other obligations which could be called upon in an event of default. As at the date of this report, there are no significant outstanding claims in relation to business disposals.

Environmental liabilities

The operations of certain Group companies are subject to specific environmental regulations. From time to time, the Group conducts preliminary investigations through third parties to assess potential risks including potential soil or groundwater contamination of sites. Where an obligation to remediate contamination arises then this is provided for, though future liabilities could arise from sites for which no provision is made.

Outcome of claims and litigation

The outcome of claims and litigation to which Group companies are party cannot readily be foreseen as, in some cases, the facts are unclear, further time is needed to assess properly the merits of the case, or they are part of continuing legal proceedings. However, based on information currently available, the Directors consider that the cost to the Group of an unfavourable outcome arising from such litigation is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Group.

19. Exchange rates

The results of overseas subsidiaries have been translated into sterling using average rates of exchange. The year end rates of exchange have been used to convert balance sheet amounts. The principal currencies impacting the full year results announcement are as follows.

 
                             2016  2015 
                             ==== 
US dollar translation rate 
Income statement             1.46  1.56 
Balance sheet                1.32  1.56 
Euro translation rate 
Income statement             1.31  1.33 
Balance sheet                1.18  1.42 
Canadian dollar translation rate 
Income statement             1.94  1.86 
Balance sheet                1.72  2.04 
                             ==== 
 

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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September 27, 2016 02:01 ET (06:01 GMT)

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