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GFTU Grafton Grp.uts

1,051.60
36.80 (3.63%)
26 Jul 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Name Symbol Market Type
Grafton Grp.uts LSE:GFTU London Packaged Unit
  Price Change % Change Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Traded Last Trade
  36.80 3.63% 1,051.60 1,050.00 1,056.00 1,069.80 991.00 1,009.60 269,608 16:35:04

Grafton Group PLC Half Year Report (2611X)

27/08/2020 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Grafton Grp.uts (LSE:GFTU)
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RNS Number : 2611X

Grafton Group PLC

27 August 2020

Half Year Report

For the Six Months Ended 30 June 2020

Grafton Group plc

Half Year Report for the Six Months Ended 30 June 2020

Emerging from Lockdown in Strong Position

 
 GBPm(1)                                               H1 2020   H1 2019(2)       Change 
 Revenue - total                                         1,058        1,483        (29%) 
  - Revenue - continuing operations                      1,058        1,314        (19%) 
----------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 Adjusted(3) 
 Operating profit - all operations                        39.4        104.5        (63%) 
 - Operating profit - continuing operations               39.4         99.8        (61%) 
 Profit before tax - continuing operations                24.8         87.1        (72%) 
 Earnings per share - basic (continuing operations)       8.1p        30.1p        (73%) 
----------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 Statutory results 
 Operating profit - continuing operations                 35.1         97.2        (64%) 
 Profit before tax - continuing operations                20.5         84.4        (76%) 
 Earnings per share - basic (continuing operations)       6.7p        29.2p        (77%) 
----------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 Dividend                                                 0.0p         6.5p       (100%) 
 Net cash/(debt) (pre IFRS 16)                            58.6        (0.1)    +GBP58.7m 
 Net debt                                                479.2        540.5   (GBP61.3m) 
 Adjusted operating margin pre property profit            3.7%         7.2%     (350bps) 
 Adjusted operating profit margin                         3.7%         7.6%     (390bps) 
 Return on capital employed                               7.8%        10.4%     (260bps) 
----------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 

(1) Supplementary financial information in relation to Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) is set out on pages 37 to 46.

(2) H1 2019 has now been restated as the Plumbase business is now classified as a discontinued operation. Details are set out in Note 14 and in the APM's.

(3) The term "Adjusted" means before exceptional items and amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions in both periods.

Highlights

-- Revenue down 19% and adjusted operating profit in continuing operations down 61% due to Covid-19 pandemic

   --       Strong recovery in RMI markets across all geographies 
   --       Exceptional performance by Woodie's following 51 days of suspended trading 

-- Netherlands business remained open with increased scale and profitability following Polvo acquisition

   --       Strong cash flow from operations of GBP121.5 million (2019: GBP157.2 million) 

-- Net cash position (pre IFRS 16) increases to GBP58.6 million (31 December 2019: GBP7.8 million)

   --       Liquidity of GBP693.4 million at 30 June 2020 (30 June 2019: GBP628.6 million) 
   --       Encouraging start to second half with average daily like-for-like revenue up by 3.8% 

Gavin Slark, Chief Executive Officer Commented :

"We are very pleased with the performance of our business which was made possible by the outstanding efforts and commitment of colleagues in a half year outturn that demonstrates the resilience and the cash generative qualities of our Group and the agility of our management teams in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Grafton's resilience, market positioning and geographic diversity together with its low debt and strong liquidity leaves the Group well positioned for continuing progress. We are very encouraged by the performance of the Group in recent months as it emerged in a strong position from the Covid-19 lockdown and based on current trends the Group should deliver a similar level of adjusted operating profit in the second half to the comparable period last year."

Webcast and Conference Call Details

A pre-recorded results presentation and a copy of the results presentation document are available at 7:00am today via the home page of the Company's website www.graftonplc.com .

A live audio conference call for analysts and investors will be hosted by Gavin Slark and David Arnold at 9:30am tod ay. If investors would like to listen to the conference call, they can do so via the "Live Audio Conference Call" webcast link on the home page of the Company's website www.graftonplc.com .

Analysts will be invited to raise questions on the call. Should investors wish to submit a question in advance, they can do so before 8.45am today by sending an email to ir@graftonplc.com . A recording of the call will be available on the Company's website later today.

Enquiries:

Grafton Group plc + 353 1 216 0600

Gavin Slark, Chief Executive Officer

David Arnold, Chief Financial Officer

Murray + 353 1 498 0300

Pat Walsh

MHP Communications + 44 20 3128 8549

Tim Rowntree/Rachel Mann

Cautionary Statement

Certain statements made in this announcement are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward looking statements. They appear in a number of places throughout this announcement and include statements regarding the intentions, beliefs or current expectations of Directors and senior management concerning, amongst other things, the results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the businesses operated by the Group. The Directors do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Half Year Report

For the Six Months Ended 30 June 2020

Group Results

The Covid-19 pandemic and the measures taken to contain it had a significant impact on our businesses and is reflected in these results. The performance for the half year demonstrated both the resilience and the cash generative qualities of the Group and it also highlighted the agility of our management teams in responding at speed to this unparalleled event.

Our number one priority was, and remains, the health and safety of our colleagues and customers and this informed and shaped our response from the outset of the crisis. A wide range of health and safety protocols and social distancing measures were implemented in our branches and stores. We also sought to support essential services and the emergency needs of households with the supply of building materials and we took immediate steps to protect the Group's strong financial position.

Trading across the Group was broadly in line with expectations until the second half of March. The impact of Covid-19 on trading over the remainder of the first half varied by country and market and was influenced by the nature and duration of the lockdown measures adopted.

Distribution

Trading in the UK distribution business was affected by the national lockdown and the majority of our branches were closed from 24 March until the beginning of May when reopening commenced on a phased basis. Practically the entire branch estate was reopened on a full-service basis by the end of June. Selco, in particular, benefitted from the marked post-lockdown recovery in the residential repair, maintenance and improvement ("RMI") market. House building sites began reopening at a more gradual pace from mid-May and as a consequence the recovery in this end-use segment of the distribution market was less advanced at the end of the half year.

The Chadwicks distribution business in Ireland was closed on 28 March except for essential deliveries and it fully reopened on 18 May in the first phase of the Irish Government's roadmap for reopening the country. June revenue was ahead of the prior year driven by strong demand from trade and retail customers undertaking housing RMI projects. House building activity was more subdued and slower to recover.

The Netherlands business was categorised as an essential service and remained open throughout the half year while observing strict social distancing and health and safety measures. The business performed well despite the national lockdown and significantly increased its profit contribution following the acquisition of Polvo in July 2019 which performed in line with expectations.

Retailing

Woodie's market leading DIY, Home and Garden business in Ireland was closed between 28 March and 18 May except for digital transactions. On reopening, it experienced a surge in demand that continued to the end of June and remarkably, it reported a similar level of profit to the prior year despite being closed for 51 trading days.

Manufacturing

Revenue in the CPI EuroMix mortar manufacturing business in Great Britain was affected by the closure of plants during the lockdown and by the slow recovery in house building which accounts for a very high proportion of output.

Property Profit

The Group realised a profit of GBP0.3 million (2019: GBP4.7 million) from the disposal of surplus properties in the UK.

Organisational Changes

In view of the weaker trading conditions in the traditional UK distribution business, some organisational and branch changes are being implemented in the second half. These measures will provide sustainable benefits in 2021 and beyond and result in a current year exceptional charge of GBP16 million. These steps are expected to result in a cash outflow of GBP6.0 million, and a payback of less than one year, with the benefit of unwinding working capital in the branches affected and the disposal of freehold property.

Cash Flow

The Group continued to be very cash generative with cashflow from operations of GBP121.5 million (2019: GBP157.2 million). The Group had net cash of GBP58.6 million on the balance sheet at 30 June 2020 before lease liabilities having opened the year with net cash of GBP7.8 million. Lease liabilities were GBP537.8 million at 30 June 2020 (31 December 2019: GBP543.4 million) and net debt including lease liabilities was GBP479.2 million (31 December 2019: GBP533.8 million), an improvement of GBP54.6 million in the half year.

Dividend

On 24 March 2020, the Group announced that it was implementing a range of precautionary measures in light of Covid-19 to preserve liquidity and ensure it came through the crisis well positioned for growth. One of these actions was the suspension of the second interim dividend for 2019 of 12.5p per share, which was due to be paid on 6 April 2020.

In view of the impact on trading of Covid-19, the Board does not propose paying a first interim dividend for 2020 in respect of the financial performance for the six months ended 30 June 2020, as it normally would do at this time. The Group however recognises the importance of dividends to shareholders and will consider the scope for the payment of the suspended second interim dividend for 2019 and a full year dividend for 2020, having regard to any significant interruptions to trading from Covid-19 in the second half, as part of its overall review of the full year results.

Outlook

The outlook for the Group's businesses remains uncertain due to the unprecedented situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. It is likely that Governments and health authorities will require some social distancing and other measures to remain in place for some time, including possible local or national lockdowns which may be reintroduced from time to time, impacting sentiment, trading and the broader economic environment over the remainder of the year.

The reopening of the UK economy and relaxation of social distancing measures has seen a recovery in the Group's UK distribution and mortar manufacturing businesses in May and June that was sustained in July and August. The gradual recovery in housebuilding is expected to continue but will remain sensitive to the confidence of households to make long term commitments of this nature, employment prospects after the furlough scheme ends and the availability of mortgage finance.

The recovery in the UK housing RMI market is likely to have benefitted from pent-up demand and an increase in household savings during the lockdown. RMI spending over the remainder of the year will be influenced by consumer sentiment at a time of significant uncertainty and the willingness of households to undertake indoor projects due to concerns about social distancing.

In Ireland, although economic activity remains below pre-Covid-19 levels, the Chadwicks and Woodie's businesses have in recent months outperformed the prior year. The near-term prospects remain favourable but are sensitive to the possible reintroduction of containment measures that may be needed to control the spread of the virus and the associated impact on unemployment, consumer confidence and spending over the coming months.

In the Netherlands, measures to control Covid-19, a decline in exports and a moderation in household spending are likely to temper demand in the Isero and Polvo businesses over the remainder of the year. The Polvo acquisition made over a year ago provides an opportunity to continue to realise integration benefits in the enlarged business.

Average daily like-for-like Group revenue increased by 3.8 per cent in the period from 1 July to 16 August. This comprises a decline of 0.7 per cent in UK Distribution, an increase of 11.6 per cent in Irish Distribution, a decline of 1.3 per cent in the Netherlands Distribution, an increase of 35.6 per cent in Retailing and a decline of 12.3 per cent in Manufacturing.

We are very encouraged by the performance of the Group in recent months as it emerged in a strong position from the Covid-19 lockdown but we remain cautious about revenue trends in our markets over the remainder of the year. Based on current trends the Group should deliver a similar level of adjusted operating profit in the second half to the comparable period last year.

Operating Review - Continuing Operations

Distribution Segment* (88% of Group Revenue)

 
                                               Restated 
                                     H1 2020    H1 2019 
                                       GBP'm     GBP'm*     Change 
                                    --------  --------- 
 Revenue                               933.7    1,173.0    (20.4%) 
 Adjusted operating profit before 
  property profit                       31.6       83.8    (62.3%) 
 Adjusted operating profit margin 
  before property profit                3.4%       7.1%   (370bps) 
 Adjusted operating profit              31.9       88.5    (64.0%) 
 Adjusted operating profit margin       3.4%       7.5%   (410bps) 
                                    --------  ---------  --------- 
 
 

* Excludes Belgium Distribution and the Plumbase Business

The distribution businesses in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands contributed 88.2 per cent of Group revenue (2019: 89.3 per cent), retailing 9.4 per cent (2019: 7.6 per cent) and manufacturing 2.4 per cent (2019: 3.1 per cent). UK distribution generated 57.2 per cent (2019: 65.9 per cent) of Group revenue.

UK Distribution*

 
 
                                               Restated 
                                     H1 2020    H1 2019 
                                       GBP'm     GBP'm*     Change 
                                    --------  --------- 
 Revenue                               605.4      865.8    (30.1%) 
 Adjusted operating profit before 
  property profit                        2.3       55.5    (95.9%) 
 Adjusted operating profit margin 
  before property profit                0.4%       6.4%   (600bps) 
 Adjusted operating profit               2.6       56.5    (95.4%) 
 Adjusted operating profit margin       0.4%       6.5%   (610bps) 
                                    --------  ---------  --------- 
 

* Excludes the Plumbase Business

The measures adopted to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus had a very material impact on revenue and profitability in the UK distribution business. There was a sharp and immediate fall in revenue between 24 March 2020 when the majority of branches were closed and the beginning of May when reopening commenced on a phased basis leading to a gradual recovery in trading.

Revenue in the like-for-like business declined by GBP258.6 million due to the pandemic. Revenue for the half year was further reduced by GBP5.4 million following the consolidation of a number of branches while the opening of new Selco and Leyland SDM branches contributed revenue of GBP3.6 million.

The UK distribution business availed of UK Government support of GBP19.4 million through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for colleagues who were furloughed when branches were closed or operating at a reduced capacity on re-opening.

A decline in the gross margin by 150 basis points was driven mainly by competitive market conditions in the traditional distribution market.

Selco Builders Warehouse performed in line with expectations in the period up to the lockdown which took effect on 24 March 2020 with the closure of all branches.

Selco initially reopened 42 branches on 6 May for Click & Collect and Click & Delivered trading. The remaining 26 branches were reopened on the same basis on 18 May. In a gradual return to a more normalised operating environment, trading in the 42 branches that were initially reopened was extended to a full in-branch self-select service by the end of May and the remainder of the branch estate was fully operational on 22 June 2020 except for Sunday trading which resumed on 9 August 2020.

Average daily like-for-like revenue increased by 4.7 per cent in June and by 8.2 per cent in the period from 22 June to the month end when all branches were fully open. Selco performed strongly in June with the benefit of strong revenue growth and an increase in the gross margin. Reduced promotional activity and a favourable change in product mix contributed to the improvement in gross margin. Revenue from landscaping products, tools and ironmongery grew strongly in June offsetting declines in insulation, plasterboard and other materials used in projects where preserving social distancing was more challenging for tradespeople and households.

Selco strengthened its digital capability with a major upgrade to its website in February of this year. Functionality was enhanced to provide an improved user experience for customers. This investment better positioned the business to support a higher proportion of online revenue on reopening. Online click & deliver and click & collect accounted for 18 per cent of revenue in May enhancing Selco's reputation for service and providing customers with more flexibility and convenience. It also extended the reach and awareness of the brand enabling customers located in areas not serviced by a local branch to trade with Selco. Digital contributed 12 per cent of revenue in June as customers availed of the self-select service option to make purchases.

The Kingston-Upon-Thames branch that was opened at the end of November performed well and extended coverage of the London market where Selco trades from 39 branches. In February, Selco opened its 68th branch in Orpington and a new branch in Salford is scheduled to open in October. The Bristol branch will be relocated to a larger purpose-built facility prior to the year end and the Chessington branch will be extended into an adjoining unit in September.

The new distribution centre that opened earlier this year in Oxford is successfully providing a fulfilment service for lightside products to all branches.

The safety of colleagues and customers has guided Selco's response to managing the Covid-19 pandemic and they have been reassured by the phased resumption of trading to allow for modifications to branches and the implementation of comprehensive safety and social distancing measures.

Leyland SDM , London's largest specialist decorators' merchant, was categorised as an essential business and was therefore permitted to remain open during the lockdown. All stores implemented strict social distancing and health and safety measures including appointing marshals to safely manage queuing outside the stores and limiting the number of customers allowed in stores at any time. The decline in construction activity across London in response to the lockdown contributed to lower demand from trade customers which was offset by increased spending on painting and decorating products by households. There were early indications in June that the trade business was starting to recover in the central London stores. Revenue and profitability for the half year were broadly in line with the prior year. The new stores in Maida Vale and Streatham performed well. In July, GDC Paints, a five branch decorators merchant based in London, was acquired. The acquisition of this leading specialist business provides Leyland SDM with complementary trading locations in Acton, Greenford, Cricklewood, Fulham and Tooting and increases the store network to 28.

Buildbase experienced low single digit growth in average daily revenue in the period up to the lockdown on 24 March but competitive market conditions exerted strong pricing pressure and consequently the gross margin was lower than the prior year. Buildbase maintained a limited service from 40 branches during the lockdown providing materials to support public infrastructure and essential supplies for the repair and maintenance of homes. The phased reopening of the business commenced in early May with the opening of 80 branches and the remaining branches, except for a small number, were reopened by the end of May. Customers initially placed orders and completed transactions by calling branches or on-line for either same day collection at designated times from branches or for direct delivery to customers sites. Branches were open on a full service basis by mid-June when health and safety and social distancing measures were in place.

Average daily like-for-like revenue was 86 per cent of the prior year level for the month of June and reflected strong demand for materials used for outdoor residential RMI projects, caution on the part of some households undertaking internal RMI projects due to social distancing concerns and the more gradual resumption of house building and commercial new build projects. Buildbase also upgraded its website offering in the first half which led to growth in online activity.

The new Microsoft AX ERP system went live in a number of branches prior to the lockdown and rollout to the remaining branches recommenced in June. The entire branch network is scheduled to migrate on a phased basis over the next 18 months. Amortisation of the system development cost over a period of ten years commenced on 1 January 2020.

Civils & Lintels , a distributor of heavyside building materials to groundworks and civils sub-contractors operating in the new housing market, was materially impacted by the closure of its branch network between 24 March and 11 May and by the moderate rate of recovery which reached close to 80 per cent of the prior year level by the end of the half year. Demand for groundworks materials was influenced by the phased reopening of new housing sites, new ways of working and house builders prioritising the completion and sale of units that were in progress at the time of the lockdown before commencing new developments.

In Scotland, lockdown restrictions were relaxed on construction sites in a series of phases that permitted a gradual return of workers in June. The Buildbase PDM branches made good progress in the month operating at over 70 per cent of the prior year level.

MacBlair , the Northern Ireland distribution business, traded positively up to the lockdown on 24 March. Branches across the province reopened on a phased basis between 30 April and 13 May and traded strongly in the period to the end of the half year. Growth in average daily revenue in June was driven by strong demand in the residential RMI market which more than offset weakness in the housebuilding and commercial markets. A focus on outdoor projects saw exceptional demand for landscaping, fencing, decking and paint products from both trade and private customers. Changes to end-use markets supplied and product mix contributed to a favourable gross margin outcome.

TG Lynes , a leading distributor of commercial pipes and fittings in London, maintained a partial service throughout the lockdown to support essential services including hospitals and care homes. The business fully reopened in late April and revenue slowly recovered in May and June ending the half year at 80 per cent of the prior year level. Demand from its building services contractor customer base, who are engaged in refurbishment and new build projects in the commercial, public sector and residential markets, was impacted by construction sites operating at a lower levels of productivity than the pre-Covid-19 level due to new work practices and protocols.

Irish Distribution

 
 
                                                                     Constant 
                                     H1 2020   H1 2019               Currency 
                                       GBP'm     GBP'm     Change      Change 
                                    --------  --------  --------- 
 Revenue                               190.2     226.2    (15.9%)     (16.0%) 
 Operating profit before property 
  profit                                15.2      19.3    (21.2%)     (22.0%) 
 Operating profit margin before 
  property profit                       8.0%      8.5%    (50bps) 
 Operating profit                       15.2      23.1    (34.1%)     (34.7%) 
 Operating profit margin                8.0%     10.2%   (220bps) 
                                    --------  --------  ---------  ---------- 
 

Chadwicks average daily like-for-like revenue was marginally ahead of the prior year in January and February. The rate of growth accelerated to 5.1 per cent in the period to 28 March when the lockdown restrictions imposed by the Irish Government to slow the spread of Covid-19 took effect. All branches were closed except for nineteen that remained partially open and over 1,100 colleagues were placed on leave of absence. Health and other critical public sector projects continued to be supplied on a delivered-only basis and emergency supplies of materials were also made to businesses and homes in line with public health guidelines.

Revenue was significantly impacted during the lockdown which ended on 18 May with the reopening of all branches on a full-service basis while implementing strict social distancing measures and health and safety protocols to protect colleagues and customers. Average daily like-for-like revenue was down by 5.0 per cent between 18 May and the month end and increased by 7.3 per cent in June driven primarily by strong demand in the residential repair, maintenance and improvement market. Promotional activity on social media and local marketing campaigns generated increased footfall in branches and a higher proportion of revenue from retail transactions.

The recovery in housebuilding activity was slower as sites reopened on a phased basis with new health and safety measures and work practices extending construction timelines. House completions are estimated to have declined by one-third in the second quarter and are forecast to decline by 20 per cent for the year to 16,500 units. House builders were focused on completing units in existing developments that were under construction prior to the lockdown and they adopted a more cautious approach to commencing work on new sites.

The programme announced last September for rebranding all distribution branches in Ireland under the Chadwicks brand, except for three large destination branches, continued in the half year with the upgrading and rebranding of the Gorey, Limerick and Drogheda branches taking the number completed to fifteen.

Geographic coverage of the Irish market was extended in July with the acquisition of Daly Brothers (North East) Ltd., a single branch builders distribution business located in Dundalk, County Louth that complements the Chadwicks branch network.

A new Chadwicks Fixing Centre launched late last year in the Thomas Street branch in Central Dublin performed well and the concept was replicated at the end of June in Cork Builders Providers, a destination branch in Cork City. The Fixing Centre's supply builders, engineers and specialist tradespeople with a broad range of fixings and tools.

The gross margin benefitted in May and June from changes in mix with a higher proportion of revenue from lower value RMI transactions which attracted a higher margin.

Chadwicks second quarter revenue declined by 35 per cent on the prior year and the business availed of the Temporary Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme for the quarter. All colleagues were retained on the payroll and a subsidy of GBP4.7 million was received under the terms of the scheme that partially funded payroll costs in the quarter. Branch colleagues received their normal salary in full during the period. Overheads for the half year were down due to the wage subsidy and a decline in variable costs that were partly offset by a small increase in provisioning for potential bad debts.

Netherlands Distribution

 
                                                       Constant 
                       H1 2020   H1 2019               Currency 
                         GBP'm     GBP'm     Change      Change 
                      --------  --------  --------- 
 Revenue                 138.1      80.9     +70.6%      +70.4% 
 Adjusted operating 
  profit                  14.1       9.0     +56.9%      +56.1% 
 Adjusted operating 
  profit margin          10.2%     11.1%    (90bps) 
                      --------  --------  ---------  ---------- 
 

The relatively mild lockdown in the Netherlands resulted in a less severe downturn in the economy compared to other European countries. The Covid-19 pandemic has nevertheless reduced construction activity and the economy is forecast to contract by almost six per cent in the current year. The lockdown measures were partially relaxed on 11 May and eased further on 1 June and 1 July with the reopening of most of the economy.

The Isero and Polvo ironmongery, tools and fixings business was not required to close as the Dutch Government and health authorities deemed construction an essential activity that was permitted to continue operating subject to implementing health and safety and social distancing measures. Health and safety protocols were implemented to allow all Isero and Polvo branches and offices to operate safely and to preserve social distancing.

Average daily like-for-like revenue in Isero was down by 0.7 per cent for the half year driven by modest growth in January and February, market weakness in March and April due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a return to growth in May and June. The Polvo business acquired on 1 July 2019 was also very resilient and performed in line with plan for the period.

Demand from corporations that carry out routine maintenance on social housing and public sector properties was directly impacted by the lockdown. Revenue from technical services was also weaker, major projects were delayed and investment by key customers in power tools, scaffolding, PPE and other products was deferred. Revenue shortfalls in these segments of the market were offset by stronger demand from the core customer base of tradespeople engaged in private residential RMI projects whose customers used the lockdown as an opportunity to undertake home renovations.

Activity in the housing market was positive with growth in prices and transactions supported by a housing shortage and low mortgage interest rates. Demand held up well in both the secondary and new build markets.

Polvo transitioned to the Isero buying group at the end of last year which enabled a move towards supplier consolidation, a closer alignment of private label brands and greater harmonisation of procurement terms in the current year.

The Amsterdam based Gunters en Meuser branches were successfully migrated to the Isero Microsoft AX ERP system which has improved visibility of the business and provided opportunities for realising further integration benefits. This development enabled the Gunters en Meuser branches to be supplied on a twice daily basis with a wider range of products from the increased capacity provided by the new purpose-built distribution centre that was opened last year in Waddinxveen, North East Rotterdam. Kooning, a single branch business located at Schiphol airport acquired in November 2019, performed to plan in the period and was migrated to the Polvo Microsoft AX ERP platform.

The Group's strategy for the integration of its market leading Netherlands business remained firmly on track in the half year despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Retail Segment (9% of Group Revenue)

 
 
                                                   Constant 
                     H1 2020   H1 2019             Currency 
                       GBP'm     GBP'm   Change      Change 
                    --------  --------  ------- 
 Revenue                99.3      99.9   (0.6%)      (1.5%) 
 Operating profit        9.7       9.5    +1.8%      (1.6%) 
 Operating profit 
  margin                9.8%      9.5%   +30bps 
                    --------  --------  -------  ---------- 
 

Marginal revenue declines in January and February were more than offset by a one-third increase in revenue in March as customers engaged in forward buying ahead of the lockdown imposed by the Irish Government that took effect on 28 March when all stores were closed. These restrictions required the closure of all non-essential businesses including hardware and DIY stores and remained in place until 18 May.

Extensive social distancing measures and health and safety protocols were developed during the lockdown to allow for the safe reopening of our stores and colleagues were provided with training to implement these changes in line with the public health guidelines.

Woodie's stores reopened on 18 May to a surge in demand that saw revenue for the 14 trading days to the month end increase by 153 per cent on the same period in the prior year. Growth continued at a moderating pace through the month of June when revenue was ahead of the prior year by 62 per cent establishing a new record for monthly revenue. Revenue growth was driven by exceptional levels of demand for interior and exterior paint and woodcare products. There was also strong demand for shrubs and plants, garden furniture, barbeques, outdoor sheds, fencing and tools. A material increase in average transaction values reflected increased purchases by customers due to pent-up demand.

The gross margin for the half year was slightly impacted by a change in the mix from increased sales of seasonal products.

Operating costs were lower due to savings on variable store costs during the lockdown and a lower spend on discretionary costs including marketing and advertising. Improved terms were agreed on a number of lease renewals to align rents with current market levels. These savings were partly offset by significant Covid-19 costs related to social distancing, incremental cleaning and sanitation and other health and safety initiatives in stores to protect customers and colleagues.

Woodie's claimed support under the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme for April and May but following the strong recovery in trading on reopening the business, this support has been fully repaid since the end of the half year.

Woodie's digital revenue increased by 25.1 per cent from a low base as shopping patterns rapidly evolved and restrictions caused by the pandemic increased omnichannel activity. Customers availed of the digital option particularly during the seven week period when stores were closed. While Woodie's stores will remain at the heart of the customer experience, the business has responded to the shift in consumer behaviour by accelerating planned investment in digital channels.

In February and March, Woodie's successfully transitioned to an upgrade of its established Microsoft ERP system that has delivered the latest retail technology at the point of sale with a modern and more streamlined navigation experience and an updated supply chain and financial management platform. The upgrade also provides improved technology to support the planned growth in digital revenue.

Woodie's response to Covid-19 underscored its reputation as Ireland's leading DIY, Home and Garden retailer and as a great place to work. The business performed well in the half year and despite the closure of all stores for a seven week period reported only a marginal decline in revenue and a small increase in operating profit.

Manufacturing Segment (3% of Group Revenue)

 
 
                                                     Constant 
                     H1 2020   H1 2019               Currency 
                       GBP'm     GBP'm     Change      Change 
                    --------  --------  --------- 
 Revenue                25.4      40.7    (37.7%)     (37.7%) 
 Operating profit        3.6       9.2    (61.0%)     (61.0%) 
 Operating profit 
  margin               14.1%     22.5%   (840bps) 
                    --------  --------  ---------  ---------- 
 

CPI EuroMix, the market leading dry mortar manufacturing business that operates nationally from ten plants in Great Britain, was making good progress and broadly on track to meet our current year expectations in the period to 24 March 2020 when a decision was taken to temporarily close all plants in line with the advice from the UK Government. Procedures and protocols were developed during the lockdown ahead of the safe reopening of the nine plants in England on a phased basis during late April and early May. The plant in Scotland reopened at the end of June following the lifting of Government restrictions.

Volumes were negligible for April and recovered to one-third of the prior year level in May and seventy per cent in June as house building sites gradually reopened and construction recommenced with an initial focus on completing houses that were at an advanced stage of construction. There was significant disruption to the housing market during the second quarter as the shutdown of sites delayed building programmes and reduced volumes. Completion timelines were extended on reopening sites due to the operation of social distancing measures.

The shortage of homes has underpinned demand in the new housing market which saw increased activity as the economy gradually reopened and emerged from the lockdown. Strong underlying demand was supported by a shortage of supply, an historically low interest rate environment and support for first time buyers through the Help to Buy Scheme.

CPI EuroMix has a resilient and flexible operating model that was responsive to changes in market conditions during the period and continued to deliver good returns and cash flows on substantially lower revenue.

Operating Review - Discontinued Operations

The Group entered into a conditional agreement in the first half of 2019 for the sale of its business in Belgium which completed on 4 October 2019. The business was reported as a discontinued operation in the half year to 30 June 2019 and the assets and liabilities were presented as held for sale. The goodwill allocated to the Belgium business of GBP9.2 million was written-off in the period and net assets were written down to fair value less costs to sell of GBP16.8 million, totalling GBP26.0 million. This charge, including the profit for the period of GBP0.3m, resulted in an overall net loss of GBP25.7 million which was recognised as a loss after tax from discontinued operations in the income statement.

On 1 October 2019 the Group completed the disposal of Plumbase, a specialist UK plumbing and heating business. The results for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been restated to report the Plumbase profit of GBP3.2 million as a discontinued operation.

Financial Review

The Group achieved a satisfactory outcome for the half in unprecedented circumstances. The sharp decline in revenue and profitability experienced by the Group's businesses in the UK and Ireland was due to a public health intervention in both countries which led to a shutdown of branches to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus rather than a lack of demand by customers.

Despite the decline in profitability, cash flow from operations remained strong at GBP121.5 million (2019: GBP157.2 million). The decline in revenue released working capital of GBP25.1 million. Trade and other receivables declined by GBP102.4 million but this cash inflow was offset by a decline in trade and other payables by GBP101.4 million.

Revenue

Group revenue from continuing operations declined by 19.4 per cent to GBP1.06 billion (2019: GBP1.31 billion) and by 19.5 per cent in constant currency. Revenue in the like-for-like business declined by GBP312.9 million. Acquisitions and new branches contributed revenue of GBP61.9 million and revenue was reduced by GBP5.4 million from branch consolidations. A currency translation gain increased revenue by GBP1.2 million.

The UK accounted for 59.4 per cent (2019: 68.8 per cent) of Group revenue, Ireland for 27.5 per cent (2019: 25.0 per cent) and the Netherlands 13.1 per cent (2019: 6.2 per cent).

Adjusted Operating Profit

Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations of GBP39.4 million (2019: GBP99.8 million) declined by 60.5 per cent due to the decline in profitability in the distribution and manufacturing businesses in the UK and the distribution business in Ireland as a consequence of the measures introduced to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus including the temporary closure of branches.

Adjusted operating profit before property profit of GBP39.1million (2019: GBP95.1 million) declined by 58.9 per cent. The adjusted operating profit margin declined by 390 basis points to 3.7 per cent and by 350 basis points to 3.7 per cent excluding property profit.

Property

The disposal of a small number of UK properties that were held for resale generated proceeds of GBP1.1 million (2019: GBP8.2 million) and a profit on disposal of GBP0.3 million (2019: GBP4.7 million).

Net Finance Income and Expense

The net finance expense increased by GBP1.9 million to GBP14.6 million (2019: GBP12.7 million). The recognition of leases on the balance sheet under IFRS 16 created an interest charge on lease liabilities of GBP9.3 million (2019: GBP9.3 million).

Interest payable on bank borrowings and US Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes, net of bank interest received on deposits, increased by GBP0.8 million to GBP4.0 million (2019: GBP3.2 million). The increase was mainly due to the drawdown of GBP263.0 million as a precautionary measure to increases liquidity in response to the Covid-19 crisis. The rate of interest receivable on bank deposits declined during the period because of excess liquidity in the banking system which led to lower interest rates on sterling deposits and more negative rates on euro deposits.

The net finance expense included a foreign exchange translation loss of GBP1.1 million which compares to a gain of GBP0.1 million in the same period last year.

Taxation

The income tax expense of GBP4.5 million (2019: GBP14.9 million) is equivalent to an effective tax rate of 22.1 per cent on profit from continuing operations (2019: 17.7 per cent) and is based on the current forecast rate for the year. This is a blended rate of corporation tax on profits in the jurisdictions where the Group operates and is higher than the rate of 19.5 per cent guided at the time of our 2019 Final Results Announcement which was based on a higher level of forecast profitability for the year.

Legislation that was passed in 2016 to reduce the UK rate of corporation tax by two percent to 17 per cent with effect from 1 April 2020 did not proceed leading to a one-off increase in the charge for deferred tax which increased the forecast tax rate for the current year by 3.1 percentage points as opposed to 1.1 per cent in the guided rate of 19.5 per cent.

Certain items of expenditure charged in arriving at profit before tax, including depreciation on buildings, are not eligible for a tax deduction. The ineligible expenditure accounted for a higher proportion of profit forecast for the year which along with a change in the profit mix from each jurisdiction contributed to a net increase in the forecast tax rate for 2020 by 0.6 per cent.

Capital Expenditure and Investment in Intangible Assets

As a precautionary measure to preserve liquidity, the Group has cautiously managed its capital expenditure commitments since the outbreak of Covid-19 in March 2020. Gross capital expenditure was GBP13.2 million (2019: GBP19.3 million) and there was also expenditure of GBP0.3 million (2019: GBP1.1 million) on intangible assets. Proceeds of GBP1.4 million (2019: GBP9.0 million) were received on disposal of fixed assets and the net investment on capital expenditure and intangible assets was GBP12.2 million (2019: GBP11.4 million).

The Group incurred capital expenditure of GBP6.5 million (2019: GBP7.5 million) on various development initiatives including new Selco branches, upgrades to Woodie's and Chadwicks branches in Ireland, energy-efficient lighting systems and other projects of a development nature.

Asset replacement capital expenditure of GBP6.7 million (2019: GBP11.8 million) compares to the pre-IFRS 16 depreciation charge for the period of GBP22.5 million and related principally to replacement of the distribution fleet that supports delivered revenue, replacement of equipment, forklifts, plant and tools for hire by customers and other assets required to operate the Group's branch network. An investment of GBP0.3 million (2019: GBP1.1 million) was made on software development projects.

Pensions

The IAS 19 deficit on defined benefit pension schemes was GBP44.7 million at 30 June 2020, an increase of GBP23.5 million from GBP21.2 million at 31 December 2019. Changes to financial assumptions increased scheme liabilities by GBP14.2 million. There was a further fall in discount rates used to discount scheme liabilities in line with declines in corporate bond rates. The rate used to discount UK liabilities fell by 60 basis points to 1.5 per cent and the rate used to discount Irish liabilities fell by 10 basis points to 0.95 per cent. Changes in financial assumptions that were based on experience increased liabilities by GBP3.3 million and there was an actuarial loss of GBP5.0 million on plan assets due to the investment performance in the period being less than the actuarial assumptions.

Net Cash/Debt

The Group's net cash position, before recognising lease liabilities, increased to GBP58.6 million at 30 June 2020 from GBP7.8 million at 31 December 2019. The Group remains in a very strong financial position with pre-IFRS 16 EBITDA interest cover of 14.4 times (Year ended 31 December 2019: 39.9 times).

Net debt including lease obligations referred to below improved by GBP54.6 million to GBP479.2 million at 30 June 2020 from GBP533.8 million at 31 December 2019.

The Group's policy is to maintain its investment grade credit rating while investing in organic developments and acquisition opportunities that are expected to generate attractive returns and maintain a progressive dividend policy.

Liquidity

Grafton started the year in a very strong financial position and well placed to respond to the adverse impact on trading of Covid-19 with excellent liquidity, net cash before IFRS 16 lease liabilities and a robust balance sheet.

The Group had liquidity of GBP693.4 million at 30 June 2020 (30 June 2019: GBP628.6 million) of which GBP419.0 million (30 June 2019: GBP354.9 million) was held in accessible cash and GBP274.4 million (30 June 2019: GBP273.7 million) in undrawn revolving bank facilities.

The Group had bilateral loan facilities of GBP494.6 million with six relationship banks at 30 June 2020 and debt obligations of GBP146.0 million (31 December 2019: GBP136.1 million) from the issue of unsecured senior notes in the US Private Placement market.

The average maturity of the committed bank facilities and unsecured senior notes at 30 June 2020 was 4.2 years.

In addition, the Group moved quickly to secure access to the Bank of England's Covid Corporate Financing Facility and was approved to borrow up to GBP300 million. This facility remains undrawn and there is no current intention to utilise it, serving as it does as an additional backstop to Grafton's existing committed facilities.

The Group's key financing objective continues to be to ensure that it has the necessary liquidity and resources to support the short, medium and long term funding requirements of the business. These resources together with strong cash flow from operations provide good liquidity and the capacity to fund investment in working capital, routine capital expenditure and development activity including acquisitions.

The Group's gross debt is drawn in euros and provides a hedge against exchange rate risk on euro assets in the businesses in Ireland and the Netherlands.

IFRS 16 Leases

Leases that are recorded on the balance sheet principally relate to distribution and DIY branch properties, office buildings, cars and distribution vehicles.

IFRS 16 increased operating profit by GBP6.3 million and the finance (interest) expense by GBP9.2 million in the half year. Profit before tax was reduced by GBP3.0 million and profit after tax by GBP2.4 million as a result of IFRS 16.

It should be noted that the overall impact on the Income Statement of adopting IFRS 16 will be neutral over the life of a lease but will result in a higher charge in the earlier years following implementation and a lower charge in the later years. The overall effect on profit before tax is expected to be neutral after approximately three to four years, then becoming positive moving towards the end of the leases.

The right-of-use asset in the balance sheet at 30 June 2020 was GBP504.0 million (31 December 2019: GBP522.2 million).

IFRS 16 did not alter the overall cashflows or the economic effect of the leases to which the Group is a party. Similarly, there was no effect on Grafton's banking covenants as a result of the implementation of IFRS 16 in 2019.

Shareholders' Equity

The Group's balance sheet strengthened further with shareholders' equity up by GBP14.1 million to GBP1.38 billion. Profit after tax increased shareholders' equity by GBP16.0 million and there was a gain of GBP16.0 million on translation of euro denominated net assets to sterling. Shareholders' equity was reduced by GBP18.9 million for a remeasurement loss on pension schemes.

Return on Capital Employed

Return on Capital Employed before recognising IFRS 16 leased assets declined by 420 basis points to 10.1 per cent (2019: 14.3 per cent) and by 260 basis points to 7.8 per cent (2019: 10.4 per cent) including leased assets. The decline reflects the fall in profitability in the half year caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The primary risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are set out on pages 48 to 53 of the 2019 Annual Report and will be updated in the 2020 Annual Report. These risks refer to Macro Economic Conditions in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands including the Impact of Brexit; Colleagues; Pandemic Risk - Covid-19 Virus; Competition in Distribution, DIY and Mortar Markets; Information Technology Systems and Infrastructure; Cyber Security and Data Protection; Health and Safety; Acquisition and Integration of New Businesses; Supplier Management and Rebates; Internal Controls and Fraud; and Sustainability.

The Covid-19 pandemic has increased the potential impact of certain of these risks and the longer term impacts will depend on a range of factors including the duration and scope of the pandemic, the impact of the pandemic on economic activity in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands and the nature and severity of measures adopted by governments in these countries, including restrictions on or temporarily requiring the closure of the Group's businesses including, distribution branches, DIY, Home and Garden stores and mortar manufacturing plants, travel, regulations that require avoiding large gatherings and orders to self-quarantine or self-isolate. The Covid-19 pandemic may have significant negative impacts in the medium and long term on the Group's businesses. Changes in consumer behaviour as a result of government imposed lock downs and the need for people to self-quarantine or self-isolate or observe social distancing for an indeterminate period of time may lead to the closure of distribution branches, DIY, Home and Garden stores and mortar manufacturing plants. The severity of government-imposed lock downs and the period for which they continue in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands will have an impact on customer demand in those countries. A deterioration in the financial position of customers and consumers as a result of Covid-19 pandemic may also impact demand for the Group's distribution, DIY and mortar products. In addition, disruptions as a result of Covid-19 in manufacturing, supply and distribution arrangements may also adversely impact the performance of the overall Group.

Period End Financial Information

The consolidated period-end financial statements presented on pages 17 to 36 comprise:

   --      the Group condensed balance sheet as at 30 June 2020; 

-- the Group condensed income statement and Group condensed statement of comprehensive income for the six months to 30 June 2020;

   --      the Group condensed statement of cash flows for the six months to 30 June 2020; 
   --      the Group condensed statement of changes in equity; and 

-- the explanatory notes to the condensed consolidated half year financial statements on pages 23 to 36 .

Grafton Group plc

Group Condensed Income Statement

For the six months ended 30 June 2020

 
                                                Notes                2020                2019 
                                                              (unaudited)         (unaudited) 
                                                                                     Restated 
                                                                  GBP'000             GBP'000 
 Revenue                                          2             1,058,412           1,313,603 
 Operating costs                                              (1,023,596)         (1,221,166) 
 Property profits                                 3                   308               4,737 
                                                            -------------       ------------- 
 Operating profit                                                  35,124              97,174 
 Finance expense                                  4              (15,161)            (13,284) 
 Finance income                                   4                   515                 510 
                                                            -------------       ------------- 
 Profit before tax                                                 20,478              84,400 
 Income tax expense                              17               (4,524)            (14,939) 
                                                            -------------       ------------- 
 Profit after tax for the financial 
  period from continuing operations                                15,954              69,461 
 Loss after tax from discontinued operations     14                     -            (22,541) 
 Profit after tax for the financial 
  period                                                           15,954              46,920 
 
 Profit attributable to: 
 Owners of the Company                                             15,954              46,920 
 Profit attributable to: 
 Continuing operations                                             15,954              69,461 
 Discontinued operations                                                -            (22,541) 
 
 Earnings per ordinary share (continuing 
  operations) - basic                             5                  6.7p               29.2p 
 Earnings per ordinary share (continuing 
  operations) - diluted                           5                  6.7p               29.1p 
 Earnings per ordinary share (discontinued 
  operations) - basic                             5                  0.0p              (9.5p) 
 Earnings per ordinary share (discontinued 
  operations) - diluted                           5                  0.0p              (9.5p) 
 Earnings per ordinary share (total) 
  - basic                                         5                  6.7p               19.7p 
 Earnings per ordinary share (total) 
  - diluted                                       5                  6.7p               19.7p 
 

Grafton Group plc

Group Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the six months ended 30 June 2020

 
                                              Notes          Six months          Six months 
                                                             to 30 June          to 30 June 
                                                       2020 (Unaudited)    2019 (Unaudited) 
                                                                GBP'000             GBP'000 
 Profit after tax for the financial 
  period                                                         15,954              46,920 
                                                     ------------------  ------------------ 
 Other comprehensive income 
 Items that are or may be reclassified 
  subsequently to the income statement 
 Currency translation effects: 
 - on foreign currency net investments                           16,034               1,649 
 Fair value movement on cash flow 
  hedges: 
 - effective portion of changes in 
  fair value of cash flow hedges                                   (68)                (41) 
 - net change in fair value of cash 
  flow hedges transferred from equity                                 -                 151 
 Deferred tax on cash flow hedges                                     -                 (9) 
                                                     ------------------  ------------------ 
                                                                 15,966               1,750 
                                                     ------------------  ------------------ 
 Items that will not be reclassified 
  to the income statement 
 Remeasurement (loss) on Group defined 
  benefit pension schemes                      13              (22,998)               (676) 
 Deferred tax on Group defined benefit 
  pension schemes                                                 4,089                 383 
                                                     ------------------  ------------------ 
                                                               (18,909)               (293) 
                                                     ------------------  ------------------ 
 Total other comprehensive income                               (2,943)               1,457 
                                                     ------------------  ------------------ 
 Total comprehensive income for the 
  financial period                                               13,011              48,377 
                                                     ------------------  ------------------ 
 
 
   Total comprehensive income attributable 
   to: 
 Owners of the Company                                           13,011              48,377 
 Total comprehensive income for the 
  financial period                                               13,011              48,377 
                                                     ==================  ================== 
 

Grafton Group plc - Group Condensed Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2020

 
                                     Notes             30 June                  30 June                 31 Dec 
                                                          2020         2019 (Unaudited)         2019 (Audited) 
                                                   (Unaudited) 
 ASSETS                                                GBP'000                  GBP'000                GBP'000 
 Non-current assets 
 Goodwill                             15               676,450                  637,553                657,845 
 Intangible assets                    16                99,764                   77,256                103,268 
 Property, plant and equipment         9               498,208                  509,126                500,924 
 Right-of-use asset                    8               504,012                  525,457                522,245 
 Investment properties                 9                12,752                   13,786                 12,526 
 Deferred tax assets                                    12,143                    7,263                  7,600 
 Lease receivable                     10                 2,266                    2,423                  2,417 
 Retirement benefit assets            13                   890                    1,714                    756 
 Other financial assets                                    128                      126                    127 
                                                 -------------       ------------------       ---------------- 
 Total non-current assets                            1,806,613                1,774,704              1,807,708 
                                                 -------------       ------------------       ---------------- 
 
 Current assets 
 Properties held for sale              9                19,936                   11,992                 16,274 
 Inventories                          10               303,163                  344,093                317,632 
 Trade and other receivables          10               294,462                  477,340                388,023 
 Lease receivable                     10                   151                      301                    297 
 Derivative financial instruments     11                     -                       84                      7 
 Cash and cash equivalents            11               422,988                  358,926                348,787 
 Total current assets                                1,040,700                1,192,736              1,071,020 
                                                 -------------       ------------------       ---------------- 
 Assets of disposal group held 
  for sale                            14                     -                   32,525                      - 
                                                 -------------       ------------------       ---------------- 
 Total assets                                        2,847,313                2,999,965              2,878,728 
                                                 =============       ==================       ================ 
 
 EQUITY 
 Equity share capital                                    8,552                    8,514                  8,516 
 Share premium account                                 213,785                  213,452                213,719 
 Capital redemption reserve                                621                      621                    621 
 Revaluation reserve                                    12,864                   13,057                 12,954 
 Shares to be issued reserve                             8,745                    9,520                 12,889 
 Cash flow hedge reserve                                  (59)                       58                      9 
 Foreign currency translation 
  reserve                                               86,176                   80,929                 70,142 
 Retained earnings                                   1,049,926                  991,251              1,047,698 
 Treasury shares held                                  (3,897)                  (3,897)                (3,897) 
                                                 -------------       ------------------       ---------------- 
 Equity attributable to owners 
  of the Parent                                      1,376,713                1,313,505              1,362,651 
 Total equity                                        1,376,713                1,313,505              1,362,651 
                                                 -------------       ------------------       ---------------- 
 
 LIABILITIES 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Interest-bearing loans and 
  borrowings                          11               364,308                  357,043                339,261 
 Lease liabilities                    11               480,656                  489,198                487,999 
 Provisions                                             17,742                   16,066                 15,785 
 Retirement benefit obligations       13                45,572                   22,189                 21,939 
 Deferred tax liabilities             17                49,342                   40,446                 47,109 
                                                 -------------       ------------------       ---------------- 
 Total non-current liabilities                         957,620                  924,942                912,093 
                                                 -------------       ------------------       ---------------- 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Lease liabilities                    11                57,144                   53,198                 55,368 
 Trade and other payables             10               424,154                  634,841                511,855 
 Current income tax liabilities       17                22,824                   33,890                 27,461 
 Derivative financial instruments     11                    62                       27                      - 
 Provisions                                              8,796                    9,471                  9,300 
                                                 -------------       ------------------       ---------------- 
 Total current liabilities                             512,980                  731,427                603,984 
                                                 -------------       ------------------       ---------------- 
 Liabilities of disposal group 
  held for sale                       14                     -                   30,091                      - 
                                                 -------------       ------------------       ---------------- 
 Total liabilities                                   1,470,600                1,686,460              1,516,077 
                                                 -------------       ------------------       ---------------- 
 
 Total equity and liabilities                        2,847,313                2,999,965              2,878,728 
                                                 =============       ==================       ================ 
 

Grafton Group plc - Group Condensed Cash Flow Statement

 
 For the six months ended 30 June 2020            Notes          Six months     Six months 
                                                                 to 30 June     to 30 June 
                                                           2020 (Unaudited)           2019 
                                                                                  Restated 
                                                                    GBP'000    (Unaudited) 
                                                                                   GBP'000 
 Profit before taxation from continuing 
  operations                                                         20,478         84,400 
 Loss before taxation from discontinued 
  operations                                       14                     -       (21,759) 
                                                         ------------------  ------------- 
 Profit before taxation                                              20,478         62,641 
 Finance income                                                       (515)          (510) 
 Finance expense                                                     15,161         13,284 
                                                         ------------------  ------------- 
 Operating profit                                                    35,124         75,415 
 Depreciation                                      8,9               53,270         54,170 
 Amortisation of intangible assets                 16                 6,829          3,680 
 Share-based payments charge                                            949          3,176 
 Movement in provisions                                                 248          2,435 
 Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment                          293            112 
 Property profits                                                     (308)        (4,737) 
 Asset impairment adjustments / other                                   506          (169) 
 Fair value adjustments                            14                     -         16,788 
 Goodwill impairment                                                      -          9,176 
 Contributions to pension schemes in excess 
  of IAS 19 charge                                                    (592)          (255) 
 Decrease / (increase) in working capital          10                25,137        (2,626) 
 Cash generated from operations                                     121,456        157,165 
 Interest paid                                                     (14,791)       (12,994) 
 Income taxes paid                                                 (10,251)       (14,196) 
                                                         ------------------  ------------- 
 Cash flows from operating activities                                96,414        129,975 
                                                         ------------------  ------------- 
 
   Investing activities 
 Inflows 
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant 
  and equipment                                     9                   304            788 
 Proceeds from sales of properties held 
  for sale                                          9                 1,078          8,176 
 Interest received                                                      515            368 
                                                                      1,897          9,332 
                                                         ------------------  ------------- 
 Outflows 
 Investment in intangible asset - computer 
  software                                         16                 (336)        (1,118) 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment          9              (13,232)       (19,297) 
                                                                   (13,568)       (20,415) 
                                                         ------------------  ------------- 
 Cash flows from investing activities                              (11,671)       (11,083) 
                                                         ------------------  ------------- 
 
   Financing activities 
 Inflows 
 Proceeds from the issue of share capital                               102             22 
 Proceeds from borrowings                                           261,099        116,256 
                                                         ------------------  ------------- 
                                                                    261,201        116,278 
                                                         ------------------  ------------- 
 Outflows 
 Repayment of borrowings                                          (262,640)       (32,671) 
 Dividends paid                                     6                     -       (28,532) 
 Treasury share purchased                                                 -        (6,080) 
 Payment on lease liabilities                                      (19,164)       (29,202) 
                                                                  (281,804)       (96,485) 
                                                         ------------------  ------------- 
 Cash flows from financing activities                              (20,603)         19,793 
                                                         ------------------  ------------- 
 
 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                           64,140        138,685 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January                             348,787        222,984 
 Net cash reclassified as held for sale            14                     -        (2,461) 
 Effect of exchange rate fluctuations 
  on cash held                                                       10,061          (282) 
                                                         ------------------  ------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the end 
  of the period                                                     422,988        358,926 
                                                         ==================  ============= 
 Cash and cash equivalents are broken 
  down as follows: 
                                                         ------------------  ------------- 
 Cash at bank and short-term deposits                               422,988        358,926 
                                                         ==================  ============= 
 

Grafton Group plc

Group Condensed Statement of Changes in Equity

 
                                                            Shares     Cash      Foreign 
                 Equity    Share     Capital                 to be     flow     currency 
                  share  premium  redemption  Revaluation   issued    hedge  translation   Retained  Treasury      Total 
                capital  account     reserve      reserve  reserve  reserve      reserve   earnings    shares     equity 
                GBP'000  GBP'000     GBP'000      GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000 
Six months to 
30 
June 2020 
(Unaudited) 
At 1 January 
 2020             8,516  213,719         621       12,954   12,889        9       70,142  1,047,698   (3,897)  1,362,651 
Profit after 
 tax 
 for the 
 financial 
 period               -        -           -            -        -        -            -     15,954         -     15,954 
                -------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------  -----------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Total other 
comprehensive 
income 
Remeasurement 
 loss 
 on pensions 
 (net 
 of tax)              -        -           -            -        -        -            -   (18,909)         -   (18,909) 
Movement in 
 cash 
 flow hedge 
 reserve 
 (net of tax)         -        -           -            -        -     (68)            -          -         -       (68) 
Currency 
 translation 
 effect on 
 foreign 
 currency net 
 investments          -        -           -            -        -        -       16,034          -         -     16,034 
Total other 
 comprehensive 
 income               -        -           -            -        -     (68)       16,034   (18,909)         -    (2,943) 
                -------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------  -----------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 income               -        -           -            -        -     (68)       16,034    (2,955)         -     13,011 
                -------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------  -----------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Transactions 
with 
owners of the 
Company 
recognised 
directly 
in equity 
Dividends paid        -        -           -            -        -        -            -          -         -          - 
Issue of 
 Grafton 
 Units               36       66           -            -        -        -            -          -         -        102 
Share based 
 payments 
 charge               -        -           -            -      949        -            -          -         -        949 
Transfer from 
 shares 
 to be issued 
 reserve              -        -           -            -  (5,093)        -            -      5,093         -          - 
Transfer from 
 revaluation 
 reserve              -        -           -         (90)        -        -            -         90         -          - 
                -------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------  -----------  ---------  --------  --------- 
                     36       66           -         (90)  (4,144)        -            -      5,183         -      1,051 
                -------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------  -----------  ---------  --------  --------- 
At 30 June 
 2020             8,552  213,785         621       12,864    8,745     (59)       86,176  1,049,926   (3,897)  1,376,713 
                =======  =======  ==========  ===========  =======  =======  ===========  =========  ========  ========= 
 
Six months to 
30 
June 2019 
(Unaudited) 
At 1 January 
 2019             8,514  213,430         621       13,146   11,220     (43)       79,280    974,271   (3,897)  1,296,542 
Profit after 
 tax 
 for the 
 financial 
 period               -        -           -            -        -        -            -     46,920         -     46,920 
                -------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------  -----------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Total other 
comprehensive 
income 
Remeasurement 
 gain 
 on pensions 
 (net 
 of tax)              -        -           -            -        -        -            -      (293)         -      (293) 
Movement in 
 cash 
 flow hedge 
 reserve 
 (net of tax)         -        -           -            -        -      101            -          -         -        101 
Currency 
 translation 
 effect on 
 foreign 
 currency net 
 investments          -        -           -            -        -        -        1,649          -         -      1,649 
Total other 
 comprehensive 
 income               -        -           -            -        -      101        1,649      (293)         -      1,457 
                -------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------  -----------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 income               -        -           -            -        -      101        1,649     46,627         -     48,377 
                -------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------  -----------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Transactions 
with 
owners of the 
Company 
recognised 
directly 
in equity 
Dividends paid        -        -           -            -        -        -            -   (28,532)         -   (28,532) 
Issue of 
 Grafton 
 Units                -       22           -            -        -        -            -          -         -         22 
Share based 
 payments 
 charge               -        -           -            -    3,176        -            -          -         -      3,176 
Transfer from 
 shares 
 to be issued 
 reserve              -        -           -            -  (4,876)        -            -      4,876         -          - 
Purchase of 
 treasury 
 shares               -        -           -            -        -        -            -          -   (6,080)    (6,080) 
Cancellation 
 of treasury 
 shares               -        -           -            -        -        -            -    (6,080)     6,080          - 
Transfer from 
 revaluation 
 reserve              -        -           -         (89)        -        -            -         89         -          - 
                -------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------  -----------  ---------  --------  --------- 
                      -       22           -         (89)  (1,700)        -            -   (29,647)         -   (31,414) 
                -------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------  -----------  ---------  --------  --------- 
At 30 June 
 2019             8,514  213,452         621       13,057    9,520       58       80,929    991,251   (3,897)  1,313,505 
                =======  =======  ==========  ===========  =======  =======  ===========  =========  ========  ========= 
 
 
 

Grafton Group plc

Group Condensed Statement of Changes in Equity (continued)

 
                                                            Shares     Cash      Foreign 
                 Equity    Share     Capital                 to be     flow     currency 
                  share  premium  redemption  Revaluation   issued    hedge  translation   Retained  Treasury      Total 
                capital  account     reserve      reserve  reserve  reserve      reserve   earnings    shares     equity 
                GBP'000  GBP'000     GBP'000      GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000 
Year to 31 
December 
2019 (Audited) 
At 1 January 
 2019             8,514  213,430         621       13,146   11,220     (43)       79,280    974,271   (3,897)  1,296,542 
                -------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------  -----------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Profit after 
 tax 
 for the 
 financial 
 year                 -        -           -            -        -        -            -    119,232         -    119,232 
                -------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------  -----------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Total other 
comprehensive 
income 
Remeasurement 
 gain 
 on pensions 
 (net 
 of tax)              -        -           -            -        -        -            -      (918)         -      (918) 
Movement in 
 cash 
 flow hedge 
 reserve 
 (net of tax)         -        -           -            -        -       52            -          -         -         52 
Currency 
 translation 
 effect on 
 foreign 
 currency net 
 investments          -        -           -            -        -        -      (9,138)          -         -    (9,138) 
Total other 
 comprehensive 
 income               -        -           -            -        -       52      (9,138)      (918)         -   (10,004) 
                -------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------  -----------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 income               -        -           -            -        -       52      (9,138)    118,314         -    109,228 
                -------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------  -----------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Transactions 
with 
owners of the 
Company 
recognised 
directly 
in equity 
Dividends paid        -        -           -            -        -        -            -   (43,986)         -   (43,986) 
Issue of 
 Grafton 
 Units                2      289           -            -        -        -            -          -         -        291 
Share based 
 payments 
 charge               -        -           -            -    6,171        -            -          -         -      6,171 
Tax on share 
 based 
 payments             -        -           -            -      485        -            -          -         -        485 
Purchase of 
 treasury 
 shares               -        -           -            -        -        -            -          -   (6,080)    (6,080) 
Cancellation 
 of treasury 
 shares               -        -           -            -        -        -            -    (6,080)     6,080          - 
Transfer from 
 shares 
 to be issued 
 reserve              -        -           -            -  (4,987)        -            -      4,897         -          - 
Transfer from 
 revaluation 
 reserve              -        -           -        (192)        -        -            -        192         -          - 
                -------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------  -----------  ---------  --------  --------- 
                      2      289           -        (192)    1,669        -            -   (44,887)         -   (43,119) 
                -------  -------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------  -----------  ---------  --------  --------- 
At 31 December 
 2019             8,516  213,719         621       12,954   12,889        9       70,142  1,047,698   (3,897)  1,362,651 
                =======  =======  ==========  ===========  =======  =======  ===========  =========  ========  ========= 
 
 

Grafton Group plc

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Half Year Financial Statements for the six months ended 30 June 2020

   1.   General Information 

Grafton Group plc ("Grafton" or "the Group") is an international distributor of building materials to trade customers who are primarily engaged in residential repair, maintenance and improvement projects and house building.

The Group has leading regional or national market positions in the distribution markets in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. Grafton is also the market leader in the DIY retailing market in Ireland and is the largest manufacturer of dry mortar in Great Britain.

The Group's origins are in Ireland where it is headquartered, managed and controlled. It has been a publicly quoted company since 1965 and its Units (shares) are quoted on the London Stock Exchange where it is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index and the FTSE All-Share Index.

The condensed consolidated half year financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2020 are unaudited but have been reviewed by the auditor whose report is set out on pages 48 and 49.

The financial information presented in this report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the European Union. These condensed consolidated half year financial statements do not include all the information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Group's annual financial statements in respect of the year ended 31 December 2019 that are available on the Company's website www.graftonplc.com .

The condensed consolidated half year financial statements presented do not constitute full statutory accounts. The financial information included in this report in relation to the year ended 31 December 2019 does not comprise statutory annual financial statements within the meaning of section 295 of the Companies Act 2014. The 2019 annual financial statements have been filed with the Registrar of Companies and the audit report thereon was unqualified and did not contain any matters to which attention was drawn by way of emphasis.

Basis of Preparation, Accounting Policies and Estimates

(a) Basis of Preparation and Accounting Policies

The condensed consolidated half year financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007, the related Transparency Rules of the Central Bank of Ireland and with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the European Union. They do not include all the information and disclosures necessary for a complete set of IFRS compliant financial statements. However, selected explanatory notes are included to explain events and transactions that are significant to an understanding of the changes to the Group's financial position and performance since the last annual consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2019.

The accounting policies applied by the Group in the condensed consolidated half year financial statements are the same as those applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2019, except for those noted below.

The financial statements are prepared in GBP (Sterling) which is the functional currency of the majority of the Group's business.

The financial information includes all adjustments that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of such financial information. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.

   1.   General Information (continued) 

Basis of Preparation, Accounting Policies and Estimates (continued)

   (a)   Basis of Preparation and Accounting Policies (continued) 

Going Concern

The Group's net cash position, before recognising lease liabilities, increased to GBP58.6 million at 30 June 2020 from GBP7.8 million at 31 December 2019. The Group had liquidity of GBP693.4 million at 30 June 2020 of which GBP419.0 million was held in accessible cash and GBP274.4 million in undrawn revolving bank facilities. In addition, the Group has access to the Bank of England's Covid Corporate Financing Facility ("BOE CCFF") and was approved to borrow up to GBP300 million. In view of the Group's strong cash and liquidity position, debt of GBP263 million that had been prudently drawn in April under the committed revolving bank facilities and held in cash was repaid. No refinancing of debt is due until March 2023, the Group does not have a leverage (net debt/EBITDA) covenant in its financing arrangements and its assets are unsecured.

Having made appropriate enquiries and regard to the above information, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that Grafton Group plc, and the Group as a whole, have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, being 12 months from the date of approval of the Half Year Report. Having reassessed the principal risks, as detailed on page 16, in particular the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and based on expected cashflows, the strong liquidity position of the Group and additional BOE CCFF borrowing facility, the directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing its condensed interim financial statements.

   (b)   Estimates 

The preparation of half-yearly financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

In preparing these condensed consolidated half year financial statements, the significant judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2019.

Goodwill

Goodwill is subject to impairment testing on an annual basis and at any time during the year if an indicator of impairment is considered to exist. In view of the impact on the Group's businesses in the UK and Ireland from the introduction of national lockdowns which resulted in the temporary closure of the majority of the branches, the impairment review conducted at the end of 2019 was updated at 30 June 2020. The impairment testing process resulted in no impairment of goodwill.

Impacts of standards and interpretations in issue but not yet effective

Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for the current reporting period and have not been early adopted by the Group. These standards are not expected to have a material impact on the Group in the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions.

Impacts of standards effective from 1 January 2020

Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are effective from 1 January 2020. These standards did not have a material impact on the Group in the current reporting period and are not expected to have a material impact on future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions.

   2.   Segmental Analysis 

The amount of revenue and operating profit under the Group's reportable segments of Distribution, Retailing and Manufacturing is shown below. Segment profit measure is operating profit before exceptional items and amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions.

 
                                  Six months          Six months               Six months               Six months 
                                          to                  to               to 30 June               to 30 June 
                                                                         2019 (Unaudited)         2019 (Unaudited) 
                                     30 June             30 June                 Restated                 Restated 
                                        2020                2020 
                                 (Unaudited)         (Unaudited)                                          Pre-IFRS 
                                                                                                                16 
                                                        Pre-IFRS 
                                                              16 
                                     GBP'000             GBP'000                  GBP'000                  GBP'000 
 Revenue 
 UK distribution                     605,443             605,443                  865,820                  865,820 
 Ireland distribution                190,150             190,150                  226,210                  226,210 
 Netherlands distribution            138,125             138,125                   80,945                   80,945 
                                                   -------------       ------------------ 
 Total distribution - 
  continuing                         933,718             933,718                1,172,975                1,172,975 
 Retailing                            99,319              99,319                   99,924                   99,924 
 Manufacturing                        29,680              29,680                   47,391                   47,391 
 Less: inter-segment revenue 
  - manufacturing                    (4,305)             (4,305)                  (6,687)                  (6,687) 
                                                   -------------       ------------------ 
 Total revenue from 
  continuing 
  operations                       1,058,412           1,058,412                1,313,603                1,313,603 
                                                   -------------       ------------------ 
 
 Segmental operating 
 profit 
 before exceptional 
 items 
 and intangible 
 amortisation 
 arising on 
 acquisitions 
 UK distribution                       2,303             (1,579)                   55,517                   51,968 
 Ireland distribution                 15,231              15,085                   19,330                   19,151 
 Netherlands distribution             14,055              13,560                    8,959                    8,629 
                                                   -------------       ------------------ 
 Total distribution - 
  continuing                          31,589              27,066                   83,806                   79,748 
 Retailing                             9,694               7,982                    9,524                    8,045 
 Manufacturing                         3,568               3,530                    9,156                    9,123 
                               -------------       -------------       ------------------       ------------------ 
                                      44,851              38,578                  102,486                   96,916 
 Reconciliation to 
 consolidated 
 operating profit 
 Central activities                  (5,745)             (5,758)                  (7,383)                  (7,434) 
                               -------------       -------------       ------------------       ------------------ 
                                      39,106              32,820                   95,103                   89,482 
 Property profits                        308                 308                    4,737                    4,737 
                               -------------       -------------       ------------------       ------------------ 
 Operating profit before 
  exceptional items and 
  intangible 
  amortisation arising on 
  acquisitions                        39,414              33,128                   99,840                   94,219 
 
 Amortisation of intangible 
  assets arising on 
  acquisitions                       (4,290)             (4,290)                  (2,666)                  (2,666) 
                               -------------       -------------       ------------------       ------------------ 
 Operating profit                     35,124              28,838                   97,174                   91,553 
 
 Finance expense                    (15,161)             (5,925)                 (13,284)                  (3,989) 
 Finance income                          515                 515                      510                      510 
                               -------------       -------------       ------------------       ------------------ 
 Profit before tax                    20,478              23,428                   84,400                   88,074 
 
 Income tax expense                  (4,524)             (5,032)                 (14,939)                 (15,609) 
                               -------------       -------------       ------------------       ------------------ 
 Profit after tax for the 
  financial period from 
  continuing 
  operations                          15,954              18,396                   69,461                   72,465 
 
 Loss after tax from 
  discontinued 
  operations                               -                   -                 (22,541)                 (22,844) 
                               -------------       -------------       ------------------       ------------------ 
 Profit after tax for the 
  financial period                    15,954              18,396                   46,920                   49,621 
                               -------------       -------------       ------------------       ------------------ 
 
 
   2.   Segmental Analysis (continued) 

The amount of revenue by geographic area is as follows:

 
                                                  Six months          Six months 
                                                  to 30 June          to 30 June 
                                            2020 (Unaudited)    2019 (Unaudited) 
                                                                        Restated 
                                                     GBP'000             GBP'000 
 Revenue* 
 United Kingdom                                      628,963             904,199 
 Ireland                                             291,324             328,459 
 Netherlands                                         138,125              80,945 
                                          ------------------  ------------------ 
 Total revenue - continuing operations             1,058,412           1,313,603 
                                          ==================  ================== 
 

*Service revenue, which is recognised over time, amounted to GBP12.6 million for the period (2019: GBP16.2 million)

 
                                                30 June 2020   30 June 2019 
                                                 (Unaudited)    (Unaudited) 
                                                     GBP'000        GBP'000 
 Segment assets 
 Distribution                                      2,147,057      2,324,539 
 Retailing                                           216,111        223,677 
 Manufacturing                                        47,996         51,111 
                                               -------------  ------------- 
                                                   2,411,164      2,599,327 
 Unallocated assets 
 Deferred tax assets                                  12,143          7,263 
 Assets of disposal group held for sale                    -         32,525 
 Retirement benefit assets                               890          1,714 
 Other financial assets                                  128            126 
 Cash and cash equivalents                           422,988        358,926 
 Derivative financial instruments (current)                -             84 
 Total assets                                      2,847,313      2,999,965 
                                               =============  ============= 
 
 
                                                    30 June 2020   30 June 2019 
                                                     (Unaudited)    (Unaudited) 
                                                         GBP'000        GBP'000 
 Segment liabilities 
 Distribution                                            750,830        966,323 
 Retailing                                               224,542        214,668 
 Manufacturing                                            13,120         21,783 
                                                   -------------  ------------- 
                                                         988,492      1,202,774 
 Unallocated liabilities 
 Interest bearing loans and borrowings (current 
  and non-current)                                       364,308        357,043 
 Liabilities of disposal group held for 
  sale                                                         -         30,091 
 Retirement benefit obligations                           45,572         22,189 
 Deferred tax liabilities                                 49,342         40,446 
 Current income tax liabilities                           22,824         33,890 
 Derivative financial instruments (non-current)               62             27 
 Total liabilities                                     1,470,600      1,686,460 
                                                   =============  ============= 
 
   3.   Operating Profit 

Operating profit includes Government Assistance of GBP25.1 million in respect of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in the UK and the Temporary Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme in Ireland.

The property profit of GBP0.3 million (2019: GBP4.7 million) relates to the disposal of four UK properties (2019: two UK properties and two Irish properties).

   4.   Finance Expense and Finance Income 
 
                                                           Six months            Six months 
                                                           to 30 June            to 30 June 
                                                     2020 (Unaudited)      2019 (Unaudited) 
                                                                                   Restated 
                                                              GBP'000               GBP'000 
 Finance expense 
 Interest on bank loans, US senior notes 
  and overdrafts                                                4,555   *             3,580   * 
 Net change in fair value of cash flow 
  hedges transferred from equity                                    -                   151 
 Interest on lease liabilities                                  9,292                 9,343 
 Net finance cost on pension scheme obligations                   169                   210 
 Foreign exchange loss                                          1,145                     - 
                                                               15,161                13,284 
                                                   ==================        ============== 
 
 Finance income 
 Interest income on bank deposits                               (515)   *             (368)   * 
 Foreign exchange gain                                              -                 (142) 
                                                                (515)                 (510) 
                                                   ==================        ============== 
 
 Net finance expense                                           14,646                12,774 
                                                   ------------------        -------------- 
 

* Net bank and US senior note interest of GBP4.0 million (2019: GBP3.2 million).

   5.   Earnings per Share 

The computation of basic, diluted and underlying earnings per share is set out below.

 
                                                              Half Year 30             Half Year 30 
                                                     June 2020 (Unaudited)    June 2019 (Unaudited) 
                                                                                           Restated 
                                                                   GBP'000                  GBP'000 
 Numerator for basic, adjusted and diluted 
  earnings per share: 
 
 Profit after tax for the financial period 
  from continuing operations                                        15,954                   69,461 
 Loss after tax for the financial period 
  from discontinued operations                                           -                 (22,541) 
 
 Numerator for basic and diluted earnings 
  per share                                                         15,954                   46,920 
                                                   -----------------------  ----------------------- 
 
 
 Profit after tax for the financial period 
  from continuing operations                                        15,954                   69,461 
 Amortisation of intangible assets arising 
  on acquisitions                                                    4,290                    2,666 
 Tax relating to amortisation of intangible 
  assets arising on acquisitions                                     (874)                    (532) 
 Numerator for adjusted earnings per share                          19,370                   71,595 
                                                   -----------------------  ----------------------- 
 
                                                                 Number of                Number of 
                                                                   Grafton                  Grafton 
                                                                     Units                    Units 
 Denominator for basic and adjusted earnings 
  per share: 
 
 Weighted average number of Grafton Units 
  in issue                                                     238,352,174              237,778,336 
 
 Dilutive effect of options and awards                                   -                  659,376 
 
 Denominator for diluted earnings per share                    238,352,174              238,437,712 
                                                   -----------------------  ----------------------- 
 
 Earnings per share (pence) - from total 
  operations 
 - Basic                                                               6.7                     19.7 
 - Diluted                                                             6.7                     19.7 
 
 Earnings per share (pence) - from continuing 
  operations 
 - Basic                                                               6.7                     29.2 
 - Diluted                                                             6.7                     29.1 
 
 Earnings per share (pence) - from discontinued 
  operations 
 - Basic                                                                 -                    (9.5) 
 - Diluted                                                               -                    (9.5) 
 
 Adjusted earnings per share (pence) - from 
  continuing operations 
 - Basic                                                               8.1                     30.1 
 - Diluted                                                             8.1                     30.0 
 
 
   6.   Dividends 

On 24 March 2020, the Group announced that it was implementing a range of precautionary measures in light of Covid-19 to preserve liquidity and ensure it came through the crisis well positioned for growth. One of these actions was the suspension of the second interim dividend for 2019 of 12.5p per share, which was due to be paid on 6 April 2020.

In view of the impact on trading of Covid-19, the Board does not propose paying a first interim dividend for 2020 in respect of the financial performance for the six months ended 30 June 2020, as it normally would do at this time. The Group however recognises the importance of dividends to shareholders and will consider the scope for the payment of the suspended second interim dividend for 2019 and a full year dividend for 2020, having regard to any significant interruptions to trading from Covid-19 in the second half, as part of its overall review of the full year results.

A liability in respect of any future dividend has not been recognised at 30 June 2020, as there was no present obligation to pay any dividends at the half-year.

   7.   Exchange Rates 

The results and cash flows of subsidiaries with euro functional currencies have been translated into sterling using the average exchange rate for the half-year. The balance sheets of subsidiaries with euro functional currencies have been translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date.

The average sterling/euro rate of exchange for the six months ended 30 June 2020 was Stg87.46p (six months to 30 June 2019: Stg87.36p). The sterling/euro exchange rate at 30 June 2020 was Stg91.24p (30 June 2019: Stg89.66p and 31 December 2019: Stg85.08p).

   8.   Right-Of-Use Asset 
 
                                    Right-of-use 
                                           asset 
                                         GBP'000 
 Recognised at 1 January 2020            522,245 
 Additions                                   786 
 Disposals                               (2,525) 
 Depreciation                           (30,796) 
 Remeasurements                          (1,276) 
 Currency translation adjustment          15,578 
                                   ------------- 
 As at 30 June 2020                      504,012 
                                   ------------- 
 
   9.   Property, Plant and Equipment, Properties Held for Sale and Investment Properties 
 
                                     Property,       Properties    Investment 
                                     plant and    held for sale    properties 
                                     equipment 
 Net Book Value                        GBP'000          GBP'000       GBP'000 
 As at 1 January 2020                  500,924           16,274        12,526 
 Additions                              13,232                -             - 
 Depreciation                         (22,474)                -             - 
 Disposals                               (625)            (741)             - 
 Impairment charge                           -            (146)             - 
 Transfer to properties held for 
  sale                                 (3,294)            3,579         (285) 
 Currency translation adjustment        10,445              970           511 
                                   -----------  ---------------  ------------ 
 As at 30 June 2020                    498,208           19,936        12,752 
                                   -----------  ---------------  ------------ 
 

10. Movement in Working Capital

 
                                                            Trade        Trade 
                                                        and other    and other 
                                       Inventories    receivables     payables      Total 
 Current                                   GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000 
 At 1 January 2020                         317,632        388,023    (511,855)    193,800 
 Currency translation adjustment             9,630          8,884     (13,706)      4,808 
 Working capital movement in 2020         (24,099)      (102,445)      101,407   (25,137) 
 At 30 June 2020                           303,163        294,462    (424,154)    173,471 
                                    ==============  =============  ===========  ========= 
 
   Lease receivable under IFRS 16 
 Included in current assets                      -            151            -        151 
 Included in non-current assets                  -          2,266            -      2,266 
                                    --------------  -------------  -----------  --------- 
 At 30 June 2020                                 -          2,417            -      2,417 
                                    --------------  -------------  -----------  --------- 
 

11. Interest-Bearing Loans, Borrowings and Net Debt

 
                                           30 June     30 June      31 Dec 
                                              2020        2019        2019 
                                           GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Bank loans                                219,020     214,338     203,814 
 US senior notes                           145,288     142,705     135,447 
 Total non-current interest-bearing 
  loans and borrowings                     364,308     357,043     339,261 
                                        ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Leases 
 Included in non-current liabilities       480,656     489,198     487,999 
 Included in current liabilities            57,144      53,198      55,368 
                                        ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total leases                              537,800     542,396     543,367 
                                        ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Derivatives 
 Included in current liabilities                62          27           - 
 Included in current assets                      -        (84)         (7) 
 Total derivatives                              62        (57)         (7) 
                                        ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents               (422,988)   (358,926)   (348,787) 
 
 Net debt                                  479,182     540,456     533,834 
                                        ==========  ==========  ========== 
 

In April 2020, the Group drew GBP261.1 million under its revolving bank facilities which was held in cash as a precautionary measure to increase liquidity. In view of the Group's strong cash flow from operations, loans of GBP263.1 million were repaid in June 2020.

11. Interest-Bearing Loans, Borrowings and Net Debt (continued)

The following table shows the fair value of financial assets and liabilities including their level in the fair value hierarchy. It does not include fair value information for financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value if the carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of fair value.

 
                                                       30 June        31 Dec 
                                                          2020          2019 
                                                       GBP'000       GBP'000 
    Assets/liabilities measured at fair value 
  Designated as hedging instruments 
  Interest rate swaps and other derivatives (Level 
   2)                                                       62           (7) 
                                                     ---------  ------------ 
 
    Liabilities not measured at fair value 
  Liabilities at amortised cost 
  Bank loans                                           220,159       205,295 
  US senior notes                                      145,984       136,128 
  Leases                                               537,800       543,367 
                                                       903,943       884,790 
                                                     =========  ============ 
 

Financial assets and liabilities recognised at amortised cost

Except as detailed above, it is considered that the carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities including trade payables, trade receivables, net debt and deferred consideration, which are recognised at amortised cost in the condensed consolidated half year financial statements, approximate to their fair values.

Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value

All of the Group's financial assets and liabilities which are carried at fair value are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. There have been no transfers between levels in the current period. Fair value measurements are categorised into different levels in the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs to valuation techniques used. The fair values of interest rate swaps and other derivatives are calculated as the present value of the estimated future cash flows based on the terms and maturity of each contract and using forward currency rates and market interest rates as applicable for a similar instrument at the measurement date. Fair values reflect the credit risk of the instrument and include adjustments to take account of the credit risk of the Group entity and counterparty where appropriate.

12. Reconciliation of Net Cash Flow to Movement in Net Debt

 
 The impact of IFRS 16 on net debt is also              30 June     30 June 
  set out within the APM's.                                2020        2019 
                                                        GBP'000     GBP'000 
 
 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents               64,140     138,685 
 Net cash reclassified as held for sale                       -     (2,461) 
 Net movement in derivative financial instruments          (69)         111 
 Movement in debt and lease financing                     7,228   (623,774) 
 Change in net debt resulting from cash 
  flows                                                  71,299   (487,439) 
 
 Currency translation adjustment                       (16,647)          70 
 Movement in net debt in the period                      54,652   (487,369) 
 
 Net debt at 1 January                                (533,834)    (53,087) 
 
 Net debt at end of the period                        (479,182)   (540,456) 
                                                     ==========  ========== 
 
 Gearing                                                    35%         41% 
                                                     ==========  ========== 
 

13. Retirement Benefits

The principal financial assumptions employed in the valuation of the Group's defined benefit scheme liabilities for the current and prior year were as follows:

 
                                    Irish Schemes                 UK Schemes 
                               At 30 June   At 31 Dec   At 30 June       At 31 Dec 
                                     2020        2019         2020            2019 
 
Rate of increase in salaries        1.90%  *    2.30%  *     0.00%  **       0.00%  ** 
Rate of increase of pensions 
 in payment                             -           -        2.70%           2.90% 
Discount rate                       0.95%       1.05%        1.50%           2.10% 
Inflation                           0.70%       1.10%        2.00%  ***      1.90%  *** 
 

*1.90% applies from 2 January 2021 (31 December 2019: 2.30% from 2 January 2020)

** Pensionable salaries are not adjusted for inflation

*** The inflation assumption shown for the UK is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI)

The following table provides a reconciliation of the scheme assets (at bid value) and the actuarial value of scheme liabilities:

 
                                          Assets                  Liabilities       Net asset/(deficit) 
                                Half year        Year     Half year        Year     Half year        Year 
                               to 30 June       to 31    to 30 June       to 31    to 30 June       to 31 
                                     2020    Dec 2019          2020    Dec 2019          2020    Dec 2019 
                                  GBP'000     GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000 
 At 1 January                     249,933     230,671     (271,116)   (250,834)      (21,183)    (20,163) 
 Acquired in the year                   -           -             -       (227)             -       (227) 
 Disposed in the year                   -     (1,575)             -       1,998             -         423 
 Interest income on 
  plan assets                       1,997       5,352             -           -         1,997       5,352 
 Contributions by employer          2,129       2,956             -           -         2,129       2,956 
 Contributions by members             302         621         (302)       (621)             -           - 
 Benefit payments                 (4,485)    (11,376)         4,485      11,376             -           - 
 Current service cost               (246)           -       (1,255)     (2,443)       (1,501)     (2,443) 
 Settlement cost                        -           -             -       (580)             -       (580) 
 Other long term benefit 
  (expense)                             -           -          (36)        (49)          (36)        (49) 
 Interest cost on scheme 
  liabilities                           -           -       (2,166)     (5,763)       (2,166)     (5,763) 
 Remeasurements 
 Actuarial gains/(loss) 
  from: 
 -experience variations                 -           -       (3,305)       1,579       (3,305)       1,579 
 -financial assumptions                 -           -      (14,220)    (31,178)      (14,220)    (31,178) 
 -demographic assumptions               -           -         (509)     (1,048)         (509)     (1,048) 
 Return on plan assets 
  excluding interest 
  income                          (4,964)      29,356             -           -       (4,964)      29,356 
 Translation adjustment             8,502     (6,072)       (9,426)       6,674         (924)         602 
 At 30 June / 31 December         253,168     249,933     (297,850)   (271,116)      (44,682)    (21,183) 
                             ============  ==========  ============  ========== 
 Related deferred tax 
  asset (net)                                                                           7,597       3,228 
                                                                                 ------------  ---------- 
 Net pension liability                                                               (37,085)    (17,955) 
                                                                                 ============  ========== 
 

13. Retirement Benefits (continued)

The net pension scheme deficit of GBP44.7 million is shown in the Group balance sheet as retirement benefit obligations (non-current liabilities) of GBP45.6 million and retirement benefit assets (non-current assets) of GBP0.9 million. GBP15.9 million of the retirement benefit obligations relates to schemes in Ireland and the Netherlands and GBP29.7 million relates to one UK scheme. GBP0.3 million of the retirement benefit asset relates to a second UK scheme and GBP0.6 million is one scheme in Ireland.

The 2019 net pension scheme deficit of GBP21.2 million is shown in the Group balance sheet as retirement benefit obligations (non-current liabilities) of GBP21.9 million and retirement benefit assets (non-current assets) of GBP0.7 million. GBP10.8 million of the retirement benefit obligations relates to schemes in Ireland and the Netherlands and GBP11.1 million relates to one UK scheme. GBP0.3 million of the retirement benefit asset relates to a second UK scheme and GBP0.4 million to one scheme in Ireland.

   14.    Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations 

30 June 2019

In early 2019, the Group conducted a strategic review of its operations in Belgium in the context of its allocation and reallocation of capital. This resulted in a decision to divest of the business and a process was initiated to dispose of the operations. The Group entered into a conditional agreement for the sale of the business which was subsequently completed on 4 October 2019. For reporting purposes, for the period ended 30 June 2019, the assets and liabilities of the Belgium operations were presented as held for sale and the Belgium Group was reported as a discontinued operation. The related goodwill allocated to the Belgium Group was written off in the period (30 June 2019: GBP9.2 million). The write down to fair value of the assets, less costs to sell was GBP16.8 million. Together, for the period ended 30 June 2019, this resulted in an overall net loss of GBP26.0 million which was recognised as Exceptional Items within the Income Statement of the discontinued operation.

On 1 October 2019 the Group completed the disposal of Plumbase, its specialist UK plumbing and heating business, to Plumbing and Heating Investments Limited ("PHIL"), a UK company engaged in the distribution of plumbing and heating products. The disposal of Plumbase is in line with the Group's strategy of orientating towards higher returning businesses with good long-term growth prospects. As a result of this, the results for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been restated to report Plumbase as a discontinued operation.

Assets of disposal group (Belgium) classified as held for sale

 
                                  Transferred    Fair value   Total assets 
                                      to held    Adjustment    transferred 
                                     for sale                      GBP'000 
                                      GBP'000       GBP'000 
 Property, plant and equipment          4,114       (4,114)              - 
 Right-of-use assets                    9,777       (9,777)              - 
 Investment property                      159             -            159 
 Inventory                             14,752       (2,897)         11,855 
 Trade and other receivables           16,979             -         16,979 
 Cash and cash equivalents              3,532             -          3,532 
                                 ------------  ------------ 
 Total assets held for sale            49,313      (16,788)         32,525 
                                 ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 

Liabilities of disposal group (Belgium) classified as held for sale

 
                                     GBP'000 
 Trade and other payables           (18,897) 
 Lease liabilities                   (9,829) 
 Loans and borrowings                (1,071) 
 Pension liability                     (294) 
 Total liabilities held for sale    (30,091) 
                                   --------- 
 
   14.    Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (continued) 

Net cash movement on transfer to held for sale - Belgium

 
                              GBP'000 
 Cash and cash equivalents      3,532 
 Loans and borrowings         (1,071) 
                             -------- 
 Total cash flow movement       2,461 
                             -------- 
 

Exceptional items recognised in the period within the discontinued operation - Belgium

 
                                                  GBP'000 
 Fair value adjustment to assets held for sale     16,788 
 Goodwill impairment                                9,176 
 Total exceptional items recognised                25,964 
                                                 -------- 
 

Results from discontinued operations

 
                                            30 June             30 June             30 June         31 December 
                                               2019                2019                2019                2019 
                                        (unaudited)         (unaudited)         (unaudited)         (unaudited) 
                                           Reported            Restated           Restated*            Reported 
                                            Belgium            Plumbase 
                                            GBP'000             GBP'000             GBP'000             GBP'000 
 Revenue                                     45,290             123,713             169,003             251,792 
 Operating costs                           (44,654)           (119,660)           (164,314)           (245,297) 
                                      -------------       -------------       -------------       ------------- 
 Operating profit 
  pre-exceptional items                         636               4,053               4,689               6,495 
 Exceptional items 
  (see above)                              (25,964)                   -            (25,964)            (29,357) 
                                      -------------       -------------       -------------       ------------- 
 Operating (loss)                          (25,328)               4,053            (21,275)            (22,862) 
 Net finance costs                            (234)               (250)               (484)               (702) 
                                      -------------       ------------- 
 (Loss) before tax                         (25,562)               3,803            (21,759)            (23,564) 
 Income tax                                   (140)               (642)               (782)             (1,128) 
                                      -------------       -------------       -------------       ------------- 
 (Loss) after tax 
  for the financial 
  period                                   (25,702)               3,161            (22,541)            (24,692) 
                                      -------------       -------------       -------------       ------------- 
 

* The Reported Results at 30 June 2019 included Belgium only as a discontinued operation. Results for the period ended 30 June 2019 have since been restated to include the Plumbase business as a discontinued operation.

The overall impact on the Group income statement for June 2019 is set out below. The results for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been restated to include the Plumbase business as a discontinued operation.

Impact on the Group Condensed Income Statement for the six months ended 30 June 2019

 
                                                      2019                 2019                2019 
                                               (unaudited)          (unaudited)         (unaudited) 
                                                Continuing         Discontinued               Total 
                                                  Restated             Restated 
                                                   GBP'000              GBP'000             GBP'000 
 Revenue                                         1,313,603              169,003           1,482,606 
 Operating costs                               (1,221,166)            (164,314)         (1,385,480) 
                                             -------------       --------------       ------------- 
 Operating profit before property 
  profits                                           92,437                4,689              97,126 
 Property profits                                    4,737                    -               4,737 
                                             -------------       --------------       ------------- 
 Operating profit before exceptional 
  items                                             97,174                4,689             101,863 
 Exceptional items                                       -             (25,964)            (25,964) 
                                             -------------       --------------       ------------- 
 Operating profit                                   97,174             (21,275)              75,899 
 Finance expense                                  (13,284)                (484)            (13,768) 
 Finance income                                        510                    -                 510 
                                             -------------       --------------       ------------- 
 Profit before tax                                  84,400             (21,759)              62,641 
 Income tax expense                               (14,939)                (782)            (15,721) 
                                             -------------       --------------       ------------- 
 Profit after tax for the financial 
  period                                            69,461             (22,541)              46,920 
                                             -------------       --------------       ------------- 
 
   15.    Goodwill 

Goodwill is subject to impairment testing on an annual basis and more frequently if an indicator of impairment is considered to exist. In view of the impact on the Group's businesses in the UK and Ireland from the introduction of national lockdowns which resulted in the temporary closure of the majority of the branches, the impairment review conducted at the end of 2019 was updated at 30 June 2020. The impairment testing process resulted in no impairment of goodwill.

 
                                    Goodwill 
                                     GBP'000 
 Net Book Value 
 As at 1 January 2020                657,845 
 Currency translation adjustment      18,605 
 As at 30 June 2020                  676,450 
                                   --------- 
 
   16.    Intangible Assets 
 
                                     Computer                       Customer 
                                     Software   Trade Names    Relationships      Total 
                                      GBP'000       GBP'000          GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Net Book Value 
 As at 1 January 2020                  36,195         5,507           61,566    103,268 
 Additions                                336             -                -        336 
 Amortisation                         (2,539)         (372)          (3,918)    (6,829) 
 Currency translation adjustment           64           238            2,687      2,989 
 As at 30 June 2020                    34,056         5,373           60,335     99,764 
                                   ----------  ------------  ---------------  --------- 
 

The computer software asset of GBP34.1 million at 30 June 2020 (December 2019: GBP36.2 million) primarily reflects the cost of the Group's investment on upgrading the IT systems and infrastructure that supports a number of UK businesses as part of a multi-year programme of investment.

The amortisation expense of GBP6.8 million (H1 2019: GBP3.7 million) has been charged in 'operating costs' in the income statement. Amortisation on acquired intangibles amounted to GBP4.3 million (H1 2019: GBP2.7 million).

   17.    Taxation 

The income tax expense of GBP4.5 million (2019: GBP14.9 million) is equivalent to an effective tax rate of 22.1 per cent on profit from continuing operations (2019: 17.7 per cent) and is based on the current forecast rate for the year. This is a blended rate of corporation tax on profits in the jurisdictions where the Group operates and is higher than the rate of 19.5 per cent guided at the time of our 2019 Final Results Announcement which was based on a higher level of forecast profitability for the year.

Legislation that was passed in 2016 to reduce the UK rate of corporation tax by two percent to 17 per cent with effect from 1 April 2020 did not proceed leading to a one-off increase in the charge for deferred tax which increased the forecast tax rate for the current year by 3.1 percentage points as opposed to 1.1 per cent in the guided rate of 19.5 per cent.

Certain items of expenditure charged in arriving at profit before tax, including depreciation on buildings, are not eligible for a tax deduction. The ineligible expenditure accounted for a higher proportion of profit forecast for the year which along with a change in the profit mix from each jurisdiction contributed to a net increase in the forecast tax rate for 2020 by 0.6 per cent.

The liability shown for current taxation includes a liability for tax uncertainties and is based on the Directors' estimate of (i) the most likely amount; or (ii) the expected value of the probable outflow of economic resources that will be required. As with all estimates, the actual outcome may be different to the current estimate.

   17.    Taxation (continued) 

Accounting estimates and judgements

Management is required to make judgements and estimates in relation to taxation provisions and exposures. In the ordinary course of business, the Group is party to transactions for which the ultimate tax determination may be uncertain. As the Group is subject to taxation in a number of jurisdictions, an open dialogue is maintained with

Revenue Authorities with a view to the timely agreement of tax returns. The amounts provided/recognised for tax are based on management's estimate having taken appropriate professional advice.

If the final determination of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded such differences could materially impact the income tax and deferred tax liabilities and assets in the period in which the determination was made.

Deferred tax

At 30 June 2020, there were unrecognised deferred tax assets in relation to capital losses of GBP1.2 million (31 December 2019: GBP1.6 million), trading losses of GBP2.0 million (31 December 2019: GBP1.9 million) and deductible temporary differences of GBP2.9 million (31 December 2019: GBP2.2 million).

Deferred tax assets were not recognised in respect of certain capital losses as they can only be recovered against certain classes of taxable profits. The Directors believe that it is not probable that such profits will arise in the foreseeable future. The trading losses arose in entities that have incurred losses in recent years and the Directors believe that it is not probable there will be sufficient taxable profits in the relevant entities against which they can be utilised. Separately, the Directors believe that it is not probable the deductible temporary differences will be utilised.

   18.    Related Party Transactions 

There have been no new related party transactions. There were no other changes in related parties from those described in the 2019 Annual Report that materially affected the financial position or the performance of the Group during the period to 30 June 2020.

   19.    Grafton Group plc Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) 

There were no LTIP awards made in the current period. The 2019 Annual Report discloses details of the scheme.

   20.    Issue of Shares 

During the year 814,284 Grafton Units were issued under the 2011 Grafton Group Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) on the vesting of the 2017 grants. A further 9,845 Grafton Units were issued under the Group's Savings Related Share Option Scheme (SAYE) to eligible UK employees.

   21.    Events after the Balance Sheet Date 

There have been no material events subsequent to 30 June 2020 that would require adjustment to or disclosure in this report.

   22.    Board Approval 

These condensed consolidated half year financial statements were approved by the Board of Grafton Group plc on 26 August 2020.

Supplementary Financial Information

Alternative Performance Measures

Certain financial information set out in this consolidated half year financial statements is not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). These key Alternative Performance Measures ("APMs") represent additional measures in assessing performance and for reporting both internally and to shareholders and other external users. The Group believes that the presentation of these APMs provides useful supplemental information which, when viewed in conjunction with IFRS financial information, provides readers with a more meaningful understanding of the underlying financial and operating performance of the Group.

None of these APMs should be considered as an alternative to financial measures drawn up in accordance with IFRS. The key Alternative Performance Measures ("APMs") of the Group are set out below. As amounts are reflected in GBP'm some non-material rounding differences may arise. Numbers that refer to 2019 are available in the 2019 Annual Report and the 2019 Half Year Report subject to restatement for discontinued operations.

Note: Plumbase and Belgium Distribution are now classified as discontinued operations for the period ended 30 June 2019. The revenue and operating profit of both businesses are excluded from the Group. Revenue and the operating result are reflected in the (loss)/profit after tax from discontinued operations. Prior year comparatives have been updated to conform to the current year presentation.

 
 APM                          Description 
 Adjusted operating           Profit before amortisation of intangible assets 
  profit/EBITA                 arising on acquisitions, exceptional items, 
                               net finance expense and income tax expense. 
 EBITA                        Profit before exceptional items, net finance 
                               expense, income tax expense and amortisation 
                               of intangible assets arising on acquisitions. 
 
 Operating profit/EBITA       Profit before net finance expense and income 
  margin                       tax expense as a percentage of revenue. 
 Adjusted operating           Profit before profit on the disposal of Group 
  profit/EBITA before          properties, amortisation of intangible assets 
  property profit              arising on acquisitions, exceptional items, 
                               net finance expense and income tax expense. 
 Adjusted operating           Adjusted operating profit/EBITA before property 
  profit/EBITA margin          profit as a percentage of revenue. 
  before property profit 
 Adjusted profit before       Profit before amortisation of intangible assets 
  tax                          arising on acquisitions, exceptional items 
                               and income tax expense. 
 Adjusted profit after        Profit before amortisation of intangible assets 
  tax                          arising on acquisitions and exceptional items 
                               but after deducting the income tax expense. 
 Capital Turn                 Revenue for the previous 12 months divided 
                               by average capital employed (where capital 
                               employed is the sum of total equity and net 
                               debt at each period end). 
 Constant Currency            Constant currency reporting is used by the 
                               Group to eliminate the translational effect 
                               of foreign exchange on the Group's results. 
                               To arrive at the constant currency change, 
                               the results for the prior period are retranslated 
                               using the average exchange rates for the current 
                               period and compared to the current period reported 
                               numbers. 
 
 
 EBITDA                       Profit before exceptional items, net finance 
                               expense, income tax expense, depreciation and 
                               amortisation of intangible assets arising on 
                               acquisitions. EBITDA (rolling 12 months) is 
                               EBITDA for the previous 12 months. 
 EBITDA Interest Cover        EBITDA divided by net bank/loan note interest. 
 Gearing                      The Group net debt divided by the total equity 
                               attributable to owners of the Parent times 
                               100, expressed as a percentage. 
 Like-for-like revenue        Changes in like-for-like revenue is a measure 
                               of underlying revenue performance for a selected 
                               period. Branches contribute to like-for-like 
                               revenue once they have been trading for more 
                               than twelve months. Acquisitions contribute 
                               to like-for-like revenue once they have been 
                               part of the Group for more than 12 months. 
                               When branches close, or where a business is 
                               disposed of, revenue from the date of closure, 
                               for a period of 12 months, is excluded from 
                               the prior year result. 
 Return on Capital Employed   Operating profit divided by average capital 
                               employed (where capital employed is the sum 
                               of total equity and net debt at each period 
                               end) times 100, expressed as a percentage. 
 
 
 Adjusted Operating Profit/EBITA before 
  Property Profit                                      Six months        Six months 
                                                       to 30 June        to 30 June 
                                                             2020     2019 Restated 
                                                         Reported             GBP'm 
                                                            GBP'm 
 Revenue - continuing                                     1,058.4           1,313.6 
 
 Operating profit                                            35.1              97.2 
 Property profit                                            (0.3)             (4.7) 
 Amortisation of intangible assets arising 
  on acquisitions                                             4.3               2.7 
                                                    -------------  ---------------- 
 Adjusted operating profit/EBITA before property 
  profit                                                     39.1              95.1 
 Adjusted operating profit/EBITA margin before 
  property profit                                            3.7%              7.2% 
                                                    -------------  ---------------- 
 
 
 Operating Profit/EBITA Margin 
                                     Six months        Six months 
                                     to 30 June        to 30 June 
                                           2020     2019 Restated 
                                       Reported             GBP'm 
                                          GBP'm 
 Revenue - continuing                   1,058.4           1,313.6 
 
 Operating profit                          35.1              97.2 
 Operating profit/EBITA margin             3.3%              7.4% 
                                  -------------  ---------------- 
 
 
 Adjusted Operating Profit/EBITA 
                                                 Six months          Six months 
                                                 to 30 June          to 30 June 
                                                       2020       2019 Restated 
                                                   Reported               GBP'm 
                                                      GBP'm 
 Revenue - continuing                               1,058.4           1,313.6 
 
 Operating profit                                      35.1              97.2 
 Amortisation of intangible assets arising 
  on acquisitions                                       4.3               2.7 
                                              -------------  ---------------- 
 Adjusted operating profit/EBITA                       39.4              99.8 
 Adjusted operating profit/EBITA margin                3.7%              7.6% 
                                              -------------  ---------------- 
 
 
 Adjusted Profit before Tax 
                                                 Six months        Six months 
                                                 to 30 June        to 30 June 
                                                       2020     2019 Restated 
                                                   Reported             GBP'm 
                                                      GBP'm 
 Profit before tax                                     20.5              84.4 
 Amortisation of intangible assets arising 
  on acquisitions                                       4.3               2.7 
                                              -------------  ---------------- 
 Adjusted profit before tax                            24.8              87.1 
                                              -------------  ---------------- 
 
 Adjusted Profit after Tax 
                                                 Six months        Six months 
                                                 to 30 June        to 30 June 
                                                       2020     2019 Restated 
                                                   Reported             GBP'm 
                                                      GBP'm 
 Profit after tax                                      16.0              69.5 
 Amortisation of intangible assets arising 
  on acquisitions                                       4.3               2.7 
 Related tax on amortisation of intangible 
  assets arising on acquisitions                      (0.9)             (0.5) 
                                              -------------  ---------------- 
 Adjusted profit after tax                             19.4              71.6 
                                              -------------  ---------------- 
 
 
 Reconciliation of Profit to EBITDA 
                                          Six months        Six months 
                                          to 30 June        to 30 June 
                                                2020     2019 Restated 
                                            Reported             GBP'm 
                                               GBP'm 
 Profit after tax                               16.0              69.5 
 Net finance expense                            14.6              12.8 
 Income tax expense                              4.5              14.9 
 Depreciation                                   53.3              54.2 
 Intangible asset amortisation                   6.8               3.7 
 EBITDA                                         95.2             155.0 
                                       -------------  ---------------- 
 
 
 Net Debt to EBITDA 
                                        Six months        Six months 
                                        to 30 June        to 30 June 
                                              2020     2019 Restated 
                                            Impact             GBP'm 
                                             GBP'm 
 EBITDA (rolling 12 months)                  252.8             270.9 
 Net debt                                    479.2             540.5 
 Net debt to EBITDA - times                   1.90              1.99 
                                     -------------  ---------------- 
 
 
 EBITDA Interest Cover 
                                     Six months          Six months 
                                     to 30 June          to 30 June 
                                           2020       2019 Restated 
                                       Reported               GBP'm 
                                          GBP'm 
 EBITDA                                    95.2             155.0 
 Net bank/loan note interest                4.0               3.2 
 EBITDA interest cover - times             23.6              48.3 
                                  -------------  ---------------- 
 
 
 Gearing 
                      30 June 2020       30 June 2019 
                          Reported           Restated 
                             GBP'm              GBP'm 
 Total equity              1,376.7          1,313.5 
 Group net debt              479.2            540.5 
 Gearing                       35%              41% 
                   ---------------  --------------- 
 
 
 Return on Capital Employed 
                                                       Six months        Six months 
                                                       to 30 June        to 30 June 
                                                             2020     2019 Restated 
                                                         Reported             GBP'm 
                                                            GBP'm 
 Operating profit (rolling 12 months)                       135.7             187.7 
 Exceptional items (rolling)                                    -               1.9 
 Amortisation of intangible assets arising 
  on acquisitions (rolling)                                   8.6               5.4 
 Adjusted operating profit (rolling 12 
  months)                                                   144.3             195.0 
                                                    -------------  ---------------- 
 
 Total equity - current period end                        1,376.7           1,313.5 
 Net debt - current period end                              479.2             540.5 
                                                    -------------  ---------------- 
 Capital employed - current period end                    1,855.9           1,854.0 
                                                    -------------  ---------------- 
 
 Total equity - prior period end                          1,313.5           1,232.2 
 Net debt - prior period end                                540.5             676.5 
                                                    -------------  ---------------- 
 Capital employed - prior period end                      1,854.0           1,908.7 
                                                    -------------  ---------------- 
 
 Average capital employed                                 1,854.9           1,881.3 
 
 Return on capital employed                                  7.8%             10.4% 
                                                    -------------  ---------------- 
 
 
 
 
 Capital Turn 
                                                  Six months        Six months 
                                                  to 30 June        to 30 June 
                                                        2020     2019 Restated 
                                                    Reported             GBP'm 
                                                       GBP'm 
 Revenue H2 prior period                             1,358.7           1,200.6 
 Revenue H1 current period                           1,058.4           1,313.6 
 Total revenue for previous 12 months                2,417.1           2,514.2 
 
 Average capital employed                            1,854.9           1,881.3 
                                               -------------  ---------------- 
 
 Capital turn - times                                    1.3               1.3 
                                               -------------  ---------------- 
 
 
 Liquidity 
                                                30 June           30 June 
                                                   2020     2019 Reported 
                                               Reported             GBP'm 
                                                  GBP'm 
 Cash and cash equivalents                        423.0             358.9 
 Less: cash held against letter of 
  credit                                          (4.0)             (4.0) 
 Accessible cash                                  419.0             354.9 
 
 Undrawn revolving bank facilities                274.4             273.7 
                                            -----------  ---------------- 
 
 Liquidity                                        693.4             628.6 
                                            -----------  ---------------- 
 

Supplementary Financial Information

Alternative Performance Measures

Impact of IFRS 16 "Leases" on the Group Income Statement

 
                                                     2020                2020                2020 
                                              (Unaudited)         (Unaudited)         (Unaudited) 
                                                 Pre IFRS             IFRS 16            Reported 
                                                16 Impact              Impact 
                                                  GBP'000             GBP'000 
                                                                                          GBP'000 
 Revenue                                        1,058,412                   -           1,058,412 
 Operating costs                              (1,029,882)               6,286         (1,023,596) 
                                            -------------       -------------       ------------- 
 Operating profit before property 
  profits                                          28,530               6,286              34,816 
 Property profits                                     308                   -                 308 
                                            -------------       -------------       ------------- 
 Operating profit                                  28,838               6,286              35,124 
 Finance expense                                  (5,925)             (9,236)            (15,161) 
 Finance income                                       515                   -                 515 
                                            -------------       -------------       ------------- 
 Profit before tax                                 23,428             (2,950)              20,478 
 Income tax expense                               (5,032)                 508             (4,524) 
                                            -------------       -------------       ------------- 
 Profit after tax for the financial 
  period                                           18,396             (2,442)              15,954 
                                            -------------       -------------       ------------- 
 
 Profit attributable to: 
 Owners of the Company                             18,396             (2,442)              15,954 
                                                                ------------- 
 Earnings per ordinary share - 
  basic                                              7.7p              (1.0p)                6.7p 
 Earnings per ordinary share - 
  diluted                                            7.7p              (1.0p)                6.7p 
 

Group Condensed Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2020

 
                                                     30 June                  30 June        30 June 2020 
                                                        2020         2020 (Unaudited)         (Unaudited) 
                                                 (Unaudited)                  IFRS 16            Reported 
                                                                               Impact 
                                                    Pre IFRS 
                                                          16 
                                                      Impact 
 ASSETS                                              GBP'000                  GBP'000             GBP'000 
 Non-current assets 
 Goodwill                                            676,450                        -             676,450 
 Intangible assets                                    99,764                        -              99,764 
 Property, plant and equipment                       500,362                  (2,154)             498,208 
 Right-of-use asset                                        -                  504,012             504,012 
 Investment properties                                12,752                        -              12,752 
 Deferred tax assets                                  11,393                      750              12,143 
 Lease receivable                                          -                    2,266               2,266 
 Retirement benefit assets                               890                        -                 890 
 Other financial assets                                  128                        -                 128 
                                               -------------       ------------------       ------------- 
 Total non-current assets                          1,301,739                  504,874           1,806,613 
                                               -------------       ------------------       ------------- 
 
 Current assets 
 Properties held for sale                             19,936                        -              19,936 
 Inventories                                         303,163                        -             303,163 
 Trade and other receivables                         299,834                  (5,372)             294,462 
 Lease receivable                                          -                      151                 151 
 Cash and cash equivalents                           422,988                        -             422,988 
 Total current assets                              1,045,921                  (5,221)           1,040,700 
                                               -------------       ------------------       ------------- 
 Total assets                                      2,347,660                  499,653           2,847,313 
                                               =============       ==================       ============= 
 
 EQUITY 
 Equity share capital                                  8,552                        -               8,552 
 Share premium account                               213,785                        -             213,785 
 Capital redemption reserve                              621                        -                 621 
 Revaluation reserve                                  12,864                        -              12,864 
 Shares to be issued reserve                           8,745                        -               8,745 
 Cash flow hedge reserve                                (59)                        -                (59) 
 Foreign currency translation 
  reserve                                             86,541                    (365)              86,176 
 Retained earnings (prior years)                   1,054,868                  (7,170)           1,047,698 
 Retained earnings (current year)                      4,670                  (2,442)               2,228 
 Treasury shares held                                (3,897)                        -             (3,897) 
                                               -------------       ------------------       ------------- 
 Total equity                                      1,386,690                  (9,977)           1,376,713 
                                               -------------       ------------------       ------------- 
 
 LIABILITIES 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings               364,308                        -             364,308 
 Lease liabilities                                     1,154                  479,502             480,656 
 Provisions                                           23,244                  (5,502)              17,742 
 Retirement benefit obligations                       45,572                        -              45,572 
 Deferred tax liabilities                             49,342                        -              49,342 
                                               -------------       ------------------       ------------- 
 Total non-current liabilities                       483,620                  474,000             957,620 
                                               -------------       ------------------       ------------- 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Lease liabilities                                       464                   56,680              57,144 
 Trade and other payables                            442,214                 (18,060)             424,154 
 Current income tax liabilities                       24,110                  (1,286)              22,824 
 Derivative financial instruments                         62                        -                  62 
 Provisions                                           10,500                  (1,704)               8,796 
                                               -------------       ------------------       ------------- 
 Total current liabilities                           477,350                   35,630             512,980 
                                               -------------       ------------------       ------------- 
 Total liabilities                                   960,970                  509,630           1,470,600 
                                               -------------       ------------------       ------------- 
 
 Total equity and liabilities                      2,347,660                  499,653           2,847,313 
                                               =============       ==================       ============= 
 

Group Condensed Cash Flow Statement

 
                                                      Six months          Six months          Six months 
                                                      to 30 June          to 30 June          to 30 June 
                                                2020 (Unaudited)    2020 (Unaudited)    2020 (Unaudited) 
                                                        Pre IFRS             IFRS 16            Reported 
                                                       16 Impact              Impact 
                                                         GBP'000             GBP'000             GBP'000 
 Profit before taxation                                   23,428             (2,950)              20,478 
 Finance income                                            (515)                   -               (515) 
 Finance expense                                           5,925               9,236              15,161 
                                              ------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 Operating profit                                         28,838               6,286              35,124 
 Depreciation                                             22,474              30,796              53,270 
 Amortisation of intangible assets                         6,829                   -               6,829 
 Share-based payments charge                                 949                   -                 949 
 Movement in provisions                                    (152)                 400                 248 
 Loss on sale of property, plant and 
  equipment                                                  293                   -                 293 
 Property profit                                           (308)                   -               (308) 
 Asset impairment / fair value adjustments                   146                 360                 506 
 Contributions to pension schemes in 
  excess of IAS 19 charge                                  (592)                   -               (592) 
 (Increase)/decrease in working capital                   34,791             (9,654)              25,137 
                                                                                      ------------------ 
 Cash generated from operations                           93,268              28,188             121,456 
 Interest paid                                           (5,555)             (9,236)            (14,791) 
 Income taxes paid                                      (10,251)                   -            (10,251) 
                                              ------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 Cash flows from operating activities                     77,462              18,952              96,414 
                                              ------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 
   Investing activities 
 Inflows 
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant 
  and equipment                                              304                   -                 304 
 Proceeds from sales of properties held 
  for sale                                                 1,078                   -               1,078 
 Interest received                                           515                   -                 515 
                                                                                      ------------------ 
                                                           1,897                   -               1,897 
                                              ------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 Outflows 
 Investment in intangible asset - computer 
  software                                                 (336)                   -               (336) 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment              (13,232)                   -            (13,232) 
                                                        (13,568)                   -            (13,568) 
                                              ------------------ 
 Cash flows from investing activities                   (11,671)                   -            (11,671) 
                                                                                      ------------------ 
 
   Financing activities 
 Inflows 
 Proceeds from the issue of share capital                    102                   -                 102 
 Proceeds from borrowings                                261,099                   -             261,099 
                                              ------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
                                                         261,201                   -             261,201 
                                              ------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 Outflows 
 Repayment of borrowings                               (262,640)                   -           (262,640) 
 Payment on lease liabilities                              (212)            (18,952)            (19,164) 
                                                                                      ------------------ 
                                                       (262,852)            (18,952)           (281,804) 
                                              ------------------                      ------------------ 
 Cash flows from financing activities                    (1,651)            (18,952)            (20,603) 
                                              ------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 
 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                64,140                   -              64,140 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January                  348,787                   -             348,787 
 Effect of exchange rate fluctuations 
  on cash held                                            10,061                   -              10,061 
                                              ------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the end 
  of the period                                          422,988                   -             422,988 
 

Reconciliation of Net Cash Flow to Movement in Net Cash/Debt

 
                                             30 June            30 June            30 June 
                                                2020   2020 (Unaudited)   2020 (Unaudited) 
                                         (Unaudited)            IFRS 16           Reported 
                                            Pre IFRS             Impact            GBP'000 
                                                  16            GBP'000 
                                              Impact 
                                             GBP'000 
 
Net increase in cash and cash 
 equivalents                                  64,140                  -             64,140 
Net movement in derivative financial 
 instruments                                    (69)                  -               (69) 
Movement in debt and lease financing           1,753              5,475              7,228 
Change in net cash/(debt) resulting 
 from cash flows                              65,824              5,475             71,299 
 
Currency translation adjustment             (16,647)                  -           (16,647) 
Movement in net cash/(debt) in 
 the period                                   49,177              5,475             54,652 
 
Net cash/(debt) at 1 January                   7,823          (541,657)          (533,834) 
 
Net cash/(debt) at end of the 
 period*                                      57,000          (536,182)          (479,182) 
 
 

* Lease liabilities amounting to GBP1.6m are included in the pre-IFRS 16 net cash balance. Excluding this, the pre-IFRS16 net cash position is GBP58.6m and the IFRS 16 impact is GBP537.8m.

Earnings per Share

 
                                                  30 June                30 June                30 June 
                                                     2020       2020 (Unaudited)       2020 (Unaudited) 
                                              (Unaudited)                IFRS 16               Reported 
                                                                          Impact 
                                                 Pre IFRS 
                                                       16 
                                                   Impact 
                                                  GBP'000                GBP'000                GBP'000 
Numerator for basic, adjusted 
 and diluted earnings per share: 
 
Profit after tax for the financial 
 period from continuing operations                 18,396                (2,442)                 15,954 
Numerator for basic and diluted 
 earnings per share                                18,396                (2,442)                 15,954 
 
Profit after tax for the financial 
 period from continuing operations                 18,396                (2,442)                 15,954 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
 arising on acquisitions                            4,290                      -                  4,290 
Tax relating to amortisation 
 of intangible assets arising 
 on acquisitions                                    (874)                      -                  (874) 
Numerator for adjusted earnings 
 per share - continuing                            21,812                (2,442)                 19,370 
 
                                                Number of              Number of              Number of 
                                                  Grafton                Grafton                Grafton 
                                                    Units                  Units                  Units 
Denominator for basic and adjusted 
 earnings per share: 
 
Weighted average number of Grafton 
 Units in issue                               238,352,174            238,352,174            238,352,174 
 
Dilutive effect of options and                          -                      -                      - 
 awards 
 
Denominator for diluted earnings 
 per share                                    238,352,174            238,352,174            238,352,174 
 
Earnings per share (pence) - 
 from continuing operations 
- Basic                                              7.7p                 (1.0p)                   6.7p 
- Diluted                                            7.7p                 (1.0p)                   6.7p 
 
 
Adjusted earnings per share 
 (pence) - from continuing operations 
- Basic                                              9.1p                 (1.0p)                   8.1p 
- Diluted                                            9.1p                 (1.0p)                   8.1p 
 

Responsibility Statement in Respect of the Six Months Ended 30 June 2020

The Directors, whose names and functions are listed on pages 66 and 67 in the Group's 2019 Annual Report, are responsible for preparing this interim management report and the condensed consolidated half year financial statements in accordance with the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007, the related Transparency Rules of the Central Bank of Ireland and with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the European Union.

The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

-- the condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the half year ended 30 June 2020 have been prepared in accordance with the international accounting standard applicable to interim financial reporting, IAS 34 as adopted by the EU;

-- the interim management report includes a fair review of the important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year, and their impact on the condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the half year ended 30 June 2020, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months;

-- the interim management report includes a fair review of related party transactions that have occurred during the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or the performance of the Group during that period, and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could have a material effect on the financial position or performance of the Group in the first six months of the current financial year.

On behalf of the Board:

Gavin Slark David Arnold

Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer

Independent review report to Grafton Group Plc

Report on the condensed consolidated half year financial statements

Our conclusion

We have reviewed Grafton Group Plc's condensed consolidated half year financial statements (the "interim financial statements") as set out on pages 17 to 47 and as defined below, in the Half Year Report of Grafton Group Plc for the six month period ended 30 June 2020. Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the interim financial statements are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 and the Transparency Rules of the Central Bank of Ireland .

What we have reviewed

The interim financial statements, comprise:

the Group Condensed Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2020;

the Group Condensed Income Statement and Group Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income for the period then ended;

the Group Condensed Cash Flow Statement for the period then ended;

the Group Condensed Statement of Changes in Equity for the period then ended; and

the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Half Year Financial Statements on pages 23 to 47.

The interim financial statements included in the Half Year Report have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 and the Transparency Rules of the Central Bank of Ireland .

As disclosed in note 1 to the interim financial statements, the financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the full annual financial statements of the group is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

Responsibilities for the interim financial statements and the review

Our responsibilities and those of the directors

The Half Year Report, including the interim financial statements, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the Half Year Report in accordance with the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 and the Transparency Rules of the Central Bank of Ireland .

Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the interim financial statements in the Half Year Report based on our review. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the company for the purpose of complying with the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 and the Transparency Rules of the Central Bank of Ireland and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving this conclusion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

What a review of interim financial statements involves

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity' issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom and Ireland. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures.

A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (Ireland) and, consequently, does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

We have read the other information contained in the Half Year Report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the interim financial statements.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Chartered Accountants

26 August 2020

Dublin, Ireland

Notes:

(a) The maintenance and integrity of the Grafton Group plc website is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially presented on the website.

(b) Legislation in the Republic of Ireland governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

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