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MSLH Marshalls Plc

256.00
-0.50 (-0.19%)
Last Updated: 14:40:45
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Marshalls Plc LSE:MSLH London Ordinary Share GB00B012BV22 ORD 25P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -0.50 -0.19% 256.00 255.00 256.00 258.00 252.50 254.00 109,733 14:40:45
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Construction Matl-whsl, Nec 674.4M 18.6M 0.0736 34.78 647.14M

Marshalls PLC Annual Financial Report (8055S)

14/03/2019 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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TIDMMSLH

RNS Number : 8055S

Marshalls PLC

14 March 2019

Preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2018

Marshalls plc, the specialist Landscape Products Group, announces its full year results for the year ended 31 December 2018.

 
 Financial Highlights                             Year ended           Year ended        Increase 
                                                 31 December          31 December               % 
                                                        2018                 2017 
 
 Revenue                                           GBP491.0m            GBP430.2m              14 
 EBITDA                                             GBP80.8m             GBP67.9m              19 
 Operating profit                                   GBP64.8m             GBP53.4m              21 
 Profit before tax                                  GBP62.9m             GBP52.1m              21 
 Basic EPS                                            26.29p               21.52p              22 
 Total dividends - ordinary and 
  supplementary                                       16.00p               14.20p              13 
 Final ordinary dividend - recommended                 8.00p                6.80p              18 
  Supplementary dividend - recommended                 4.00p                4.00p               - 
 
  Return on capital employed ("ROCE")                  21.9%                20.8%          up 110 
                                                                                     basis points 
  Net debt                                          GBP37.4m             GBP24.3m 
 

Note

Alternative performance measures are used consistently throughout this Preliminary Announcement. These relate to like-for-like, EBITA, EBITDA and ROCE. For further details of their purpose, definition and reconciliation to the equivalent statutory measures see Note 2.

Highlights:

   --      Revenue up 14% to GBP491.0 million (2017: GBP430.2 million) 
   --      Profit before tax up 21% to GBP62.9 million (2017: GBP52.1 million) 

-- ROCE improved 110 basis points to 21.9% (2017: 20.8%) and on a like-for-like basis (excluding the acquisition of Edenhall) ROCE was 23.3% (2017: 24.8%)

   --      EPS up 22% to 26.29 pence (2017: 21.52 pence) 
   --      Strong cash generation has continued with Group operating cash flow at 92% of EBITDA 

-- Net debt of GBP37.4 million (2017: GBP24.3 million) reflects cash outflow of GBP16.4 million relating to the Edenhall acquisition

   --      Final ordinary dividend increased by 18% to 8.00 pence (2017: 6.80 pence) per share 

-- Supplementary dividend of 4.00 pence (2017: 4.00 pence) per share, reflecting better than expected year end debt levels

-- Strong trading start to 2019 - sales up 16% including Edenhall (up 8% underlying) in first 2 months

Delivering our strategic growth objectives:

   --      EBITDA growth continues alongside improved ROCE, strong cash flows and a strengthened brand 
   --      Self help programme well advanced and delivering efficiency gains 
   --      Organic capital investment continuing strongly 
   --      Research and development expenditure continues to be increased 
   --      Focus on innovation, new product development and service to drive sales growth 
   --      Focus on increasing profitability of the emerging UK businesses continues 

-- Wide-ranging digital strategy gaining momentum and continuing to drive real benefits across the business

   --      Integrating CPM and Edenhall and continue to target selective bolt-on acquisitions 
   --      Maintain a 2 times dividend cover policy 

Commenting on these results, Martyn Coffey, Chief Executive, said:

"The Group delivered a strong result in 2018 and continues to outperform the Construction Products Association's ("CPA") growth figures, despite ongoing macro-economic and Brexit uncertainty. The CPA's recent Winter Forecast predicted a decrease in UK market volumes of 0.2 per cent in 2018, followed by an increase of 0.3 per cent in 2019. However, our recent trading has been strong and the underlying indicators in the New Build Housing, Road, Rail and Water Management markets remain supportive to our growth strategy and plans.

Good progress has been made during the year, notably the successful integration of CPM and the ongoing self help programme to drive organic growth and these have been enhanced by the acquisition of Edenhall. The Group's focus remains the delivery of long-term sustainable growth, whilst maintaining a strong balance sheet and a flexible capital structure."

Enquiries:

 
 Martyn Coffey      Chief Executive    Marshalls plc         +44(0)1422 314777 
 Jack Clarke        Group Finance 
                     Director 
 Andrew Jaques                                               +44(0)20 3128 
  Charlie Barker                        MHP Communications    8540 
 

There will be a live video webcast of the analyst presentation today at 09:00am, which you can access via the following link: http://webcasting.brrmedia.co.uk/broadcast/5c472b4cfb847413cc045078 or from our website, www.marshalls.co.uk. An on demand version of the webcast will be available on the website later in the day. The presentation is also available by dial in conference call on +44 (0)330 336 9125: meeting code 1767284.

Group Results

Group revenue for the year ended 31 December 2018 was up 14 per cent at GBP491.0 million (2017: GBP430.2 million). This is a very positive result given the first 4 months of the year were affected by severe weather conditions. Revenue growth in the second half of the year was particularly strong at 17 per cent.

Sales in the Domestic end market, which represented approximately 29 per cent of Group sales, continue to outperform CPA forecasts and were up 3 per cent compared with the prior year period. Whilst the first half of the year was particularly affected by the severe weather, revenue growth in the second half of the year was up 7 per cent against the prior period. The survey of domestic installers at the end of February 2019 revealed order books of 10.0 weeks (2018: 10.8 weeks) which compared with 10.8 weeks at the end of October 2018.

Sales in the Public Sector and Commercial end market, which represented approximately 66 per cent of Group sales, were up 20 per cent compared with 2017. This included a full year contribution from CPM.

The core Commercial and Domestic businesses continue to deliver benefits from operational efficiency improvements. The strong performance of our Landscape Protection business in the second half of the year and the growth in the sustainable profitability of our emerging UK businesses remain a key part of the Group's strategy. The organic growth of protective security street furniture continues with strong focus on new product development and new target markets.

International revenue grew by 4 per cent during 2018 and represents approximately 5 per cent of Group sales. Marshalls has made continued progress in developing the International business and its trading performance has improved in line with revenue growth.

Profit before tax increased by 21 per cent to GBP62.9 million (2017: GBP52.1 million) and EBITDA increased by 19 per cent to GBP80.8 million (2017: GBP67.9 million). Basic EPS was 26.29 pence (2017: 21.52 pence), an increase of 22 per cent.

ROCE remained strong and, notwithstanding the acquisition of Edenhall in December 2018, was 21.9 per cent (2017: 20.8 per cent), on a reported basis, at 31 December 2018. On a like-for-like basis (excluding the acquisition of Edenhall), ROCE was 23.3 per cent (2017: 24.8 per cent). Capital employed increased by 16.1 per cent to GBP304.1 million (2017: GBP261.9 million) following the acquisition of Edenhall. The consistently high ROCE reflects the Group's focus on capital structure and the tight control and management of inventory and monetary working capital.

Net finance costs were GBP1.9 million (2017: GBP1.4 million) and interest was covered 34.1 times (2017: 38.5 times). Interest charges on bank loans totalled GBP1.4 million (2017: GBP1.0 million) and, including scheme administration costs, there was an IAS 19 notional interest charge of GBP0.5 million (2017: GBP0.4 million) in relation to the Group's Pension Scheme. The IAS 19 notional interest includes interest on obligations under the defined benefit section of the Marshalls plc Pension Scheme, net of the expected return on Scheme assets.

The effective tax rate was 18.0 per cent (2017: 19.1 per cent). The Group paid GBP9.9 million (2017: GBP10.5 million) of corporation tax during the year. Deferred tax of GBP1.7 million in relation to the actuarial gain arising on the defined benefit Pension Scheme in the year has been taken to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

For the fifth year running, Marshalls has been awarded the Fair Tax Mark which recognises social responsibility and transparency in a company's tax affairs. The Group's tax approach has long been closely aligned with the Fair Tax Mark's objectives and this is supported by the Group's tax strategy and fully transparent tax disclosures. Taking into account not only corporation tax paid but also the PAYE and NI paid on our employee wages, aggregate levy, VAT, fuel duty and business rates Marshalls has funded total taxation receipts to the UK economy of GBP108 million during 2018.

Capital discipline remains a key priority for the Board and the Group's strong cash generation has continued in the year. Operating cash flow was 92 per cent of EBITDA. Net debt at 31 December 2018 of GBP37.4 million (2017: GBP24.3 million) was better than expected, even after the total cash outflow of GBP16.4 million in connection with the acquisition of Edenhall.

Acquisition of Edenhall

As previously announced, the Group acquired Edenhall Holdings Limited on 11 December 2018 for an initial cash consideration of GBP16.4 million including the take on of GBP4.7 million of existing Edenhall debt. The acquisition of Edenhall is in line with our stated Group strategy of expanding into adjacent building products related to New Build Housing. This is a strategic focus for Marshalls. Edenhall is a concrete brick manufacturer capable of providing a spectrum of colours, shades and textures to meet any specification requirements for facing bricks and specials. The acquisition will enable us to offer customers a broader product choice. The combination of Marshalls and Edenhall will build our specification ability for both brands and will also create leverage for our existing business in Mortars and Screeds. Trading since completion has been strong and integration is on track with our expectations.

Operating performance

During 2018, the ongoing development of the self help capital investment programme has been complemented by the acquisition of Edenhall and the successful integration of CPM.

Capital expenditure was GBP29.2 million in the year ended 31 December 2018, which included GBP17.0 million of additional, planned, self help investment. We continue to identify a good pipeline of capital investment projects that will drive future organic growth. In addition, increases in research and new product development expenditure continue to be made as part of our growth strategy.

We continue to explore bolt-on acquisitions within our targeted growth sectors of New Build Housing, Water Management, Landscape Protection and Minerals. Our approach remains focused and any proposed acquisition target will be carefully assessed against strict investment criteria and will be thoroughly investigated during the detailed due diligence phase.

Marshalls' digital strategy remains a key priority and continued investment is being directed to enhancing the Group's digital capability. The aim is to provide our customers with world class experiences and the digital objective is to ensure they receive the right data, at the right time, in the right format. During 2018, we established a new platform for our Commercial end market customers which runs a state-of-the-art digital infrastructure that provides greater ability and a blueprint for future systems architecture. We are planning to release a new platform for our Domestic end market customers in 2019. Our web and mobile applications enable customers to model their requirements and allow full digital access. The digital strategy is underpinned by continuous improvement driven by data analysis and customer insight. We are integrating artificial intelligence in key transactional systems and, during 2019, we aim to create an artificial intelligence infrastructure upon which other business initiatives will be able to leverage.

New product development remains a key part of our strategy. In the core Landscape Products business, the growth in revenue from new products continued strongly and new product sales represented 12 per cent of total revenue in 2018. Our objective is to deliver innovative market leading new products that are aligned with customer needs across all business areas. The development pipeline continues to be strong and the Group is committed to providing high performance product solutions. Our new Surface Performance Technology paving products are generating increased sales, specifically in New Build Housing, which is one of our targeted growth areas.

The self help capital investment programme is continuing to improve operational and manufacturing efficiency. By way of example, we are now seeing significant efficiency benefits following the GBP3 million investment in a modern sawmill and production facility at Natural Stone Paving in 2017. The more recent new GBP3.5 million static crushing plant at Howley Park is capable of crushing 7 different products at one time and will both reduce operating costs and improve efficiency. In addition, the Group's in-house logistics fleet provides a competitive advantage and the vehicles have industry leading safety technology. With around 375,000 deliveries made each year, this remains part of the Group's operations where there are still further opportunities for improvement.

Marshalls is committed to safeguarding the health and safety of every employee and all stakeholders who may be affected by our undertakings. Maintaining the highest standards of health and safety remains a cornerstone of the Group's culture and we are committed to the continual improvement in health and safety performance. The achievement of annual health and safety improvement targets is directly linked to the remuneration of the Executive Directors and senior management.

Current priorities and operational strategy

The Group's 2020 Strategy has been successful and the results in 2018 demonstrate this. Our long-term strategy remains to grow the business, deliver increasing operating margins in all businesses and improve ROCE. We are mindful of increased political and economic uncertainties and a conservative approach is being taken to the development of our strategic objectives over the longer term. We are currently developing our strategic plan for sustainable growth over the next 5 years and this will become the Group's 2023 Strategy.

During 2018, the potential impact of Brexit and wider economic and political uncertainties have been considered in the assessment of risk and strategic priorities. The Group has developed a detailed Brexit plan which includes specific mitigation measures within the supply chain to mitigate the risk of raw material shortages.

Capital allocation

The Group's capital allocation strategy remains to maintain a strong balance sheet and flexible capital structure that recognises cyclical risk, while focusing on security, efficiency and liquidity.

The Board's priorities for capital allocation are:

1. Organic growth - capital investment with GBP23 million planned for 2019;

2. Increased research and development and new product development expenditure;

3. Ordinary dividends - maintaining dividend cover of 2 times earnings over the business cycle;

4. Selective bolt-on acquisition opportunities in New Build Housing, Water Management, Landscape Protection and Minerals; and

5. Supplementary dividends where Group financial resources allow such shareholder returns to be prudently made - these will remain discretionary and non-recurring.

Balance sheet and net debt

Net assets at 31 December 2018 were GBP266.7 million (2017: GBP237.6 million). The Group has a strong balance sheet with a good range of medium-term bank facilities available to fund investment initiatives to generate growth.

Net debt at 31 December 2018 was GBP37.4 million (2017: GBP24.3 million), which reflects the payment of initial consideration of GBP11.7 million in relation to the acquisition of Edenhall, together with the impact of taking on Edenhall's net borrowings of GBP4.7 million. The ratio of net debt to EBITDA was 0.46 times at 31 December 2018 which is comfortably within our target range of between 0 to 1 times and well below covenant levels.

Cash management continues to be a high priority with continued focus on the close control of inventory and the effective management of working capital. The key working capital metrics are in line with the Group plan.

We have developed a detailed plan for the implementation of IFRS 16. Upon transition on 1 January 2019, the Group will recognise a right-of-use lease asset that is expected to be between GBP42 million and GBP47 million and a financial lease liability that is expected to be between GBP44 million and GBP51 million. A transition adjustment that is expected to be between GBP2 million and GBP4 million will be taken to retained earnings along with an opening deferred tax adjustment.

Dividends

The Board is recommending a final dividend of 8.00 pence per share (2017: 6.80 pence per share) which, together with the interim dividend of 4.00 pence per share (2017: 3.40 pence per share), makes a total ordinary dividend of 12.00 pence per share (2017: 10.20 pence per share), an increase of 18 per cent for the year.

The Board is also recommending a supplementary dividend of 4.00 pence per share for 2018 (2017: 4.00 pence per share). The payment of a discretionary supplementary dividend is in line with the Board's objective of maintaining an efficient capital structure whilst retaining capacity to invest in further growth opportunities. The Group's cash flows remain strong and permit us to recommend and maintain a supplementary dividend of 4.00 pence. The level of supplementary dividend reflects a better than expected year end debt position and this year provides increased total returns for shareholders whilst recognising the increased political and economic uncertainties caused by the prolonged Brexit negotiations. The Board will continue to adhere to the Group's capital allocation policy and the Group's policy of rewarding shareholders on the basis of maintaining a 2 times dividend cover.

Outlook

The Group delivered a strong result in 2018 and continues to outperform the Construction Products Association's ("CPA") growth figures, despite ongoing macro-economic and Brexit uncertainty. The CPA's recent Winter Forecast predicted a decrease in UK market volumes of 0.2 per cent in 2018, followed by an increase of 0.3 per cent in 2019. However, our recent trading has been strong and the underlying indicators in the New Build Housing, Road, Rail and Water Management markets remain supportive to our growth strategy and plans.

Good progress has been made during the year, notably, the successful integration of CPM and the ongoing self help programme to drive organic growth and these have been enhanced by the acquisition of Edenhall. The Group's focus remains the delivery of long-term sustainable growth, whilst maintaining a strong balance sheet and a flexible capital structure.

Marshalls plc

Preliminary Announcement of Results

Consolidated Income Statement

for the year ended 31 December 2018

 
                                                2018       2017 
                                    Notes    GBP'000    GBP'000 
----------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
Revenue                                 3    490,988    430,194 
Net operating costs                     4  (426,154)  (376,755) 
----------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
Operating profit                        3     64,834     53,439 
Financial expenses                      5    (1,904)    (1,388) 
Financial income                        5          5          - 
----------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
Profit before tax                       2     62,935     52,051 
Income tax expense                      6   (11,307)    (9,925) 
----------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
Profit for the financial year                 51,628     42,126 
----------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
Profit for the year 
Attributable to: 
Equity shareholders of the Parent             51,958     42,503 
Non-controlling interests                      (330)      (377) 
----------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
                                              51,628     42,126 
----------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
Earnings per share 
Basic                                   7     26.29p     21.52p 
Diluted                                 7     26.08p     21.37p 
----------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
Dividend 
Pence per share                         8     14.80p     12.20p 
Dividends declared                      8     29,250     24,105 
----------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 

All results relate to continuing operations.

Marshalls plc

Preliminary Announcement of Results

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 31 December 2018

 
                                                                2018     2017 
                                                             GBP'000  GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Profit for the financial year                                 51,628   42,126 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Other comprehensive income / (expense) 
Items that will not be reclassified to the Income 
 Statement: 
Remeasurements of the net defined benefit asset                9,985      328 
Deferred tax arising                                         (1,698)     (56) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Total items that will not be reclassified to the 
 Income Statement                                              8,287      272 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Items that are or may in the future be reclassified 
 to the Income Statement: 
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash 
 flow hedges                                                     528      146 
Fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to the 
 Income Statement                                              (668)    (385) 
Deferred tax arising                                              27       35 
Exchange difference on retranslation of foreign currency 
 net investment                                                (208)      179 
Exchange movements associated with borrowings                    199    (638) 
Foreign currency translation differences - non-controlling 
 interests                                                      (35)      371 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Total items that are or may be reclassified subsequently 
 to the Income Statement                                       (157)    (292) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Other comprehensive income / (expense) for the year, 
 net of income tax                                             8,130     (20) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Total comprehensive income for the year                       59,758   42,106 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Attributable to: 
Equity shareholders of the Parent                             60,123   42,112 
Non-controlling interests                                      (365)      (6) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                              59,758   42,106 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

Marshalls plc

Preliminary Announcement of Results

Consolidated Balance Sheet

for the year ended 31 December 2018

 
                                                          2018      2017* 
                                              Notes    GBP'000    GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
Assets 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment                          190,991    169,093 
Intangible assets                                       89,645     72,060 
Employee benefits                                 9     13,516      4,127 
Deferred taxation assets                                 1,406      2,775 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
                                                       295,558    248,055 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
Current assets 
Inventories                                             84,361     77,859 
Trade and other receivables                             80,430     68,221 
Cash and cash equivalents                               45,709     19,845 
Derivative financial instruments                           276        447 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
                                                       210,776    166,372 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
Total assets                                           506,334    414,427 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
Liabilities 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                               121,953    100,173 
Corporation tax                                          9,683      9,299 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings                    2,974         35 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
                                                       134,610    109,507 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
Non-current liabilities 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings                   80,168     44,107 
Provisions                                               7,288      8,200 
Deferred taxation liabilities                           17,553     14,986 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
                                                       105,009     67,293 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
Total liabilities                                      239,619    176,800 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
Net assets                                             266,715    237,627 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
Equity 
Capital and reserves attributable to equity 
 shareholders of the Parent 
Called-up share capital                                 49,998     49,845 
Share premium account                                   24,326     22,695 
Own shares                                               (888)    (2,359) 
Capital redemption reserve                              75,394     75,394 
Consolidation reserve                                (213,067)  (213,067) 
Hedging reserve                                            273        386 
Retained earnings                                      329,585    303,274 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
Equity attributable to equity shareholders 
 of the Parent                                         265,621    236,168 
Non-controlling interests                                1,094      1,459 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
Total equity                                           266,715    237,627 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 

* The comparatives have been restated as a result of a reassessment of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired (Note 10).

Marshalls plc

Preliminary Announcement of Results

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

for the year ended 31 December 2018

 
                                                             2018      2017 
                                                  Notes   GBP'000   GBP'000 
------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
Cash flows from operating activities 
Profit for the financial year                              51,628    42,126 
Income tax expense                                    6    11,307     9,925 
------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
Profit before tax                                          62,935    52,051 
Adjustments for: 
Depreciation                                               14,199    13,314 
Amortisation                                                1,759     1,142 
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment               (738)     (948) 
Equity settled share-based payments                           534     2,382 
Financial income and expenses (net)                         1,899     1,388 
------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
Operating cash flow before changes in working 
 capital                                                   80,588    69,329 
(Increase) / Decrease in trade and other 
 receivables                                              (6,927)     5,334 
Increase in inventories                                   (4,314)   (4,252) 
Increase / (Decrease) in trade and other 
 payables                                                   6,909     (320) 
Operational restructuring costs paid                      (1,244)   (1,217) 
Acquisition costs paid                                      (594)     (193) 
------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
Cash generated from operations                             74,418    68,681 
Financial expenses paid                                   (1,308)     (911) 
Income tax paid                                           (9,855)  (10,465) 
------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
Net cash flow from operating activities                    63,255    57,305 
------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and 
 equipment                                                  1,637     3,891 
Financial income received                                       5         - 
Acquisition of subsidiary undertaking                    (11,726)  (41,227) 
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment             (27,296)  (18,895) 
Acquisition of intangible assets                          (1,995)   (1,750) 
------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
Net cash flow from investing activities                  (39,375)  (57,981) 
------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Proceeds from issue of share capital                        1,784         - 
Payments to acquire own shares                            (1,210)   (1,068) 
Payment in respect of share-based payment 
 awards                                                   (3,683)         - 
Increase in debt on acquisition of subsidiaries           (4,742)   (3,407) 
Net increase in other debt and finance leases              39,000    28,226 
Equity dividends paid                                    (29,250)  (24,105) 
------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
Net cash flow from financing activities                     1,899     (354) 
------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
Net increase/ (decrease) in cash and cash 
 equivalents                                               25,779   (1,030) 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning 
 of the year                                               19,845    20,681 
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations                           85       194 
------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the 
 year                                                      45,709    19,845 
------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
 

Marshalls plc

Preliminary Announcement of Results

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31 December 2018

 
                                  Attributable to equity holders of the Company 
                           Share              Capital                                                     Non- 
                  Share  premium      Own  redemption  Consolidation  Hedging  Retained            controlling     Total 
                capital  account   shares     reserve        reserve  reserve  earnings     Total    interests    equity 
                GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000  GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000 
--------------  -------  -------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------  --------  --------  -----------  -------- 
Current year 
At 1 January 
 2018            49,845   22,695  (2,359)      75,394      (213,067)      386   303,274   236,168        1,459   237,627 
--------------  -------  -------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------  --------  --------  -----------  -------- 
Total 
comprehensive 
income 
for the year 
Profit for the 
 financial 
 year 
 attributable 
 to equity 
 shareholders 
 of the Parent        -        -        -           -              -        -    51,958    51,958        (330)    51,628 
Other 
comprehensive 
income / 
(expense) 
Foreign 
 currency 
 translation 
 differences          -        -        -           -              -        -       (9)       (9)         (35)      (44) 
Effective 
 portion 
 of changes in 
 fair value of 
 cash 
 flow hedges          -        -        -           -              -      528         -       528            -       528 
Net change in 
 fair 
 value of 
 cash flow 
 hedges 
 transferred 
 to the Income 
 Statement            -        -        -           -              -    (668)         -     (668)            -     (668) 
Deferred tax 
 arising              -        -        -           -              -       27         -        27            -        27 
Defined 
 benefit plan 
 actuarial 
 gain                 -        -        -           -              -        -     9,985     9,985            -     9,985 
Deferred tax 
 arising              -        -        -           -              -        -   (1,698)   (1,698)            -   (1,698) 
--------------  -------  -------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------  --------  --------  -----------  -------- 
Total other 
 comprehensive 
 income               -        -        -           -              -    (113)     8,278     8,165         (35)     8,130 
--------------  -------  -------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------  --------  --------  -----------  -------- 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 for the year         -        -        -           -              -    (113)    60,236    60,123        (365)    59,758 
--------------  -------  -------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------  --------  --------  -----------  -------- 
Transactions 
with 
owners, 
recorded 
directly 
in equity 
Contributions 
by and 
distributions 
to 
owners 
Share-based 
 payments             -        -        -           -              -        -   (2,249)   (2,249)            -   (2,249) 
Deferred tax 
 on 
 share-based 
 payments             -        -        -           -              -        -     (171)     (171)            -     (171) 
Corporation 
 tax on 
 share-based 
 payments             -        -        -           -              -        -       426       426            -       426 
Dividends to 
 equity 
 shareholders         -        -        -           -              -        -  (29,250)  (29,250)            -  (29,250) 
Shares issued       153    1,631        -           -              -        -         -     1,784            -     1,784 
Purchase of 
 own shares           -        -  (1,210)           -              -        -         -   (1,210)            -   (1,210) 
Disposal of 
 own shares           -        -    2,681           -              -        -   (2,681)         -            -         - 
--------------  -------  -------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------  --------  --------  -----------  -------- 
Total 
 contributions 
 by and 
 distributions 
 to owners          153    1,631    1,471           -              -        -  (33,925)  (30,670)            -  (30,670) 
--------------  -------  -------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------  --------  --------  -----------  -------- 
Total 
 transactions 
 with 
 owners of the 
 Company            153    1,631    1,471           -              -    (113)    26,311    29,453        (365)    29,088 
--------------  -------  -------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------  --------  --------  -----------  -------- 
At 31 December 
 2018            49,998   24,326    (888)      75,394      (213,067)      273   329,585   265,621        1,094   266,715 
--------------  -------  -------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------  --------  --------  -----------  -------- 
 
 

Marshalls plc

Preliminary Announcement of Results

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

 
                                  Attributable to equity holders of the Company 
                           Share              Capital                                                     Non- 
                  Share  premium      Own  redemption  Consolidation  Hedging  Retained            controlling     Total 
                capital  account   shares     reserve        reserve  reserve  earnings     Total    interests    equity 
                GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000  GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000 
--------------  -------  -------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------  --------  --------  -----------  -------- 
Prior year 
At 1 January 
 2017            49,845   22,695  (3,622)      75,394      (213,067)      590   283,821   215,656        1,465   217,121 
--------------  -------  -------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------  --------  --------  -----------  -------- 
Total 
comprehensive 
income 
for the year 
Profit for the 
 financial 
 year 
 attributable 
 to equity 
 shareholders 
 of the Parent        -        -        -           -              -        -    42,503    42,503        (377)    42,126 
Other 
comprehensive 
income / 
(expense) 
Foreign 
 currency 
 translation 
 differences          -        -        -           -              -        -     (459)     (459)          371      (88) 
Effective 
 portion 
 of changes in 
 fair value of 
 cash 
 flow hedges          -        -        -           -              -      146         -       146            -       146 
Net change in 
 fair 
 value of 
 cash flow 
 hedges 
 transferred 
 to the Income 
 Statement            -        -        -           -              -    (385)         -     (385)            -     (385) 
Deferred tax 
 arising              -        -        -           -              -       35         -        35            -        35 
Defined 
 benefit plan 
 actuarial 
 gain                 -        -        -           -              -        -       328       328            -       328 
Deferred tax 
 arising              -        -        -           -              -        -      (56)      (56)            -      (56) 
--------------  -------  -------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------  --------  --------  -----------  -------- 
Total other 
 comprehensive 
 income               -        -        -           -              -    (204)     (187)     (391)          371      (20) 
--------------  -------  -------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------  --------  --------  -----------  -------- 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 for the year         -        -        -           -              -    (204)    42,316    42,112          (6)    42,106 
--------------  -------  -------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------  --------  --------  -----------  -------- 
Transactions 
with 
owners, 
recorded 
directly 
in equity 
Contributions 
by and 
distributions 
to 
owners 
Share-based 
 payments             -        -        -           -              -        -     2,382     2,382            -     2,382 
Deferred tax 
 on 
 share-based 
 payments             -        -        -           -              -        -       885       885            -       885 
Corporation 
 tax on 
 share-based 
 payments             -        -        -           -              -        -       306       306            -       306 
Dividends to 
 equity 
 shareholders         -        -        -           -              -        -  (24,105)  (24,105)            -  (24,105) 
Purchase of 
 own shares           -        -  (1,068)           -              -        -         -   (1,068)            -   (1,068) 
Disposal of 
 own shares           -        -    2,331           -              -        -   (2,331)         -            -         - 
--------------  -------  -------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------  --------  --------  -----------  -------- 
Total 
 contributions 
 by and 
 distributions 
 to owners            -        -    1,263           -              -        -  (22,863)  (21,600)            -  (21,600) 
--------------  -------  -------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------  --------  --------  -----------  -------- 
Total 
 transactions 
 with 
 owners of the 
 Company              -        -    1,263           -              -    (204)    19,453    20,512          (6)    20,506 
--------------  -------  -------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------  --------  --------  -----------  -------- 
At 31 December 
 2017            49,845   22,695  (2,359)      75,394      (213,067)      386   303,274   236,168        1,459   237,627 
--------------  -------  -------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------  --------  --------  -----------  -------- 
 
 

Marshalls plc

Preliminary Announcement of Results

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2018

1 Basis of preparation

Whilst the Financial Information included in this Preliminary Announcement has been prepared on the basis of the recognition and measurement criteria of IFRSs in issue, as adopted by the European Union and effective at 31 December 2018, this announcement does not itself contain sufficient information to comply with IFRS. The Group expects to publish full Consolidated Financial Statements in April 2019.

The Financial Information set out in this Preliminary Announcement does not constitute the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended 31 December 2018 or 2017, but is derived from those Financial Statements. Statutory Financial Statements for 2017 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and those for 2018 will be delivered following the Company's Annual General Meeting. The auditor, Deloitte LLP, has reported on those Financial Statements. The audit reports were unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis without qualifying the reports and did not contain statements under Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006 in respect of the Financial Statements for 2018 or 2017.

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted for use in the EU and therefore the Group Financial Statements comply with Article 4 of the EU IAS Regulations. The Group has applied all accounting standards and interpretations issued by the IASB and International Financial Reporting Committee relevant to its operations and which are effective in respect of these Financial Statements.

Adoption of new standards in 2018

IFRS 15, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" superceded IAS 18, "Revenue", and has been adopted from 1 January 2018. IFRS 15 establishes a principles-based approach to revenue recognition and measurement based on the concept of recognising revenue when performance obligations are satisfied. The adoption has not had any material impact on the disclosures or on the amounts reported in these Consolidated Financial Statements.

IFRS 9, "Financial Instruments", has been adopted from 1 January 2018. IFRS 9 has introduced new classification and measurement requirements for financial assets and financial liabilities. These changes have not had a material impact on the Group's Financial Statements.

Amendments to IFRSs that are mandatorily effective for the current year

In the current year, the Group has applied a number of amendments to IFRSs issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") that are mandatorily effective for an accounting period that begins on or after 1 January 2018. Their adoption has not had any material impact on the disclosures or on the amounts reported in these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
Amendments to IFRS           The amendments clarify the following: 
 2:                           a. In estimating the fair value of a cash settled share-based 
                              payment, the accounting for the effects of vesting and 
 "Classification and          non-vesting conditions should follow the same approach 
 Measurement of Share-based   as for equity settled share-based payments; 
 Payment Transactions." 
                              b. Where tax law or regulation requires an entity to 
                              withhold a specified number of equity instruments equal 
                              to the monetary value of the employee's tax obligation 
                              to meet the employee's tax liability which is then remitted 
                              to the tax authority (typically in cash), i.e. the share-based 
                              payment arrangement has a "net settlement feature", 
                              such an arrangement should be classified as equity settled 
                              in its entirety, provided that the share-based payment 
                              would have been classified as equity settled had it 
                              not included the net settlement feature; and 
 
                              c. How the modification of a share-based payment that 
                              changes the transaction from cash settled to equity 
                              settled should be accounted for. 
---------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------- 
Amendments to IAS            The Group has adopted the amendments to IAS 40 "Transfers 
 40:                          of Investment Property" for the first time in the current 
                              year. The amendments clarify that a transfer to, or 
 "Transfers of Investment     from, investment property necessitates an assessment 
 Property."                   of whether a property meets, or has ceased to meet, 
                              the definition of investment property, supported by 
                              observable evidence that a change in use has occurred. 
                              The amendments further clarify that the situations listed 
                              in IAS 40 are not exhaustive and that a change in use 
                              is possible for properties under construction (i.e. 
                              a change in use is not limited to completed properties). 
---------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------- 
"Annual Improvements         The Group has adopted the amendments to IAS 28 included 
 to IFRSs 2014-2016           in the "Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2014-2016 
 Cycle."                      Cycle" for the first time in the current year. The amendments 
                              clarify that the option for a venture capital organisation 
                              and other similar entities to measure investments in 
                              associates and joint ventures at FVTPL is available 
                              separately for each associate or joint venture, and 
                              that election should be made at initial recognition. 
                              In respect of the option for an entity that is not an 
                              investment entity to retain the fair value measurement 
                              applied by its associates and joint ventures that are 
                              investment entities when applying the equity method, 
                              the amendments make a similar clarification that this 
                              choice is available for each investment entity associate 
                              or investment entity joint venture. 
---------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------- 
IFRIC 22 Foreign             IFRIC 22 addresses how to determine the "date of transaction" 
 Currency                     for the purpose of determining the exchange rate to 
                              use on initial recognition of an asset, expense or income, 
 "Transactions and            when consideration for that item has been paid or received 
 Advance Consideration."      in advance in a foreign currency which resulted in the 
                              recognition of a non-monetary asset or non-monetary 
                              liability (for example, a non-refundable deposit or 
                              deferred revenue). 
 
                              The Interpretation specifies that the date of transaction 
                              is the date on which the entity initially recognises 
                              the non-monetary asset or non-monetary liability arising 
                              from the payment or receipt of advance consideration. 
                              If there are multiple payments or receipts in advance, 
                              the Interpretation requires an entity to determine the 
                              date of transaction for each payment or receipt of advance 
                              consideration. 
---------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------- 
 

New and revised IFRSs in issue but not yet effective

At the date of authorisation of these Financial Statements, the Group has not applied the following new or revised IFRSs that have been issued but are not yet effective and, in some cases, have not yet been adopted by the EU:

 
                          "Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation" (effective 
IFRS 9 (amendments)        1 January 2019) 
                          "Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures" 
IAS 28 (amendments)        (effective 1 January 2019) 
                          "Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement" (effective 
IAS 19 (amendments)        1 January 2019) 
IFRS 17                   "Insurance Contracts" (effective 1 January 2021) 
IAS 1 and IAS 8           "Definition of Material" (effective 1 January 2020) 
IAS Conceptual Framework  "Definition of Material" (effective 1 January 2020) 
"Annual Improvements      Amendments to IFRS 3 "Business Combinations", IFRS 11 
 to IFRSs 2015-2017        "Joint Arrangements", IAS 12 "Income Tax" and IAS 23 
 Cycle"                    "Borrowing Costs" (effective 1 January 2019) 
                          "Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments" (effective 
IFRIC 23                   1 January 2019) 
------------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------- 
 

The Directors do not expect that the adoption of the standards listed above will have a material impact on the Financial Statements of the Group in future periods, except as noted below:

IFRS 16, "Leases"

IFRS 16 is effective from 1 January 2019 and replaces IAS 17 "Leases" and related interpretations. It will result in almost all leases being recognised on the balance sheet by lessees, as the distinction between operating and finance leases is removed.

IFRS 16 distinguishes leases and service contracts on the basis of whether an identified asset is controlled by a customer. Distinctions of operating leases (off balance sheet) and finance leases (on balance sheet) are removed for lessee accounting, and are replaced by a model where a right-of-use asset and a corresponding liability have to be recognised for all leases by lessees (i.e. all on balance sheet) except for short-term leases and leases of low value assets.

The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost (subject to certain exceptions) less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, adjusted for any remeasurement of the lease liability. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at that date. Subsequently, the lease liability is adjusted for interest and lease payments, as well as the impact of lease modifications, amongst others. Furthermore, the classification of cash flows will also be affected because operating lease payments under IAS 17 are presented as operating cash flows, whereas under the IFRS 16 model, the lease payments will be split into a principal and an interest portion which will be presented as financing and operating cash flows respectively.

In adopting IFRS 16 from 1 January 2019, the Group is applying the modified retrospective transition approach and will not restate comparative amounts for the year ended 31 December 2018. For certain leases the Group has elected to measure the right-of-use asset as if IFRS 16 had been applied since the start of the lease, but using the incremental borrowing rate at 1 January 2019, with the difference between the right-of-use asset and the lease liability taken to retained earnings. In other cases, the Group is electing to measure right-of-use assets at the amount of the lease liability on adoption (adjusted for any lease prepayments or accrued lease expenses, onerous lease provisions and leased assets which have subsequently been sub-leased). The Group has elected to adopt the following practical expedients on transition:

- where an onerous lease provision is in existence, to utilise this provision to reduce the right-of-use asset value rather than undertaking an impairment review;

- to use hindsight in determining the lease term;

- to exclude initial direct costs from the measurement of the right-of-use asset; and

- to apply the portfolio approach where a group of leases has similar characteristics.

Impact of adoption of IFRS 16, "Leases"

Upon transition on 1 January 2019, the Group will recognise a right-of-use lease asset that is expected to be between GBP42 million and GBP47 million and a financial lease liability that is expected to be between GBP44 million and GBP51 million. A transition adjustment that is expected to be between GBP2 million and GBP4 million will be taken to retained earnings along with an opening deferred taxation adjustment.

The change in presentation, as a result of the adoption of IFRS 16, will see an improvement in cash flow generated from operating activities, offset by a corresponding decline in cash flow from financing activities. There is no overall cash flow impact from the adoption of the new standard.

Depreciation of the right-of-use asset will be recognised in the Income Statement on a straight-line basis, with interest recognised on the lease liability. This will result in a change to the profile of the net charge taken to the Income Statement over the life of the lease. These charges will replace the lease costs currently charged to the Income Statement.

The Group results announcement for the half year ending 30 June 2019 will be the first to be prepared under IFRS 16.

As at 31 December 2018, the Group has non-cancellable operating lease commitments of GBP66.5 million. IAS 17 does not require the recognition of any right-of-use asset or liability for future payments for these leases; instead, certain information is disclosed as operating lease commitments.

Details of the Group's funding position are set out in Note 11 and are subject to normal covenant arrangements. The Group's on-demand overdraft facility is reviewed on an annual basis and the current arrangements were renewed and signed on 9 August 2018. In the opinion of the Directors there are sufficient unutilised facilities held which mature after 12 months. The Group's performance is dependent on economic and market conditions, the outlook for which is difficult to predict. Based on current expectations, the Group's cash forecasts continue to meet half-year and year-end bank covenants and there is adequate headroom which is not dependent on facility renewals. The Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared on the historical cost basis except that the following assets and liabilities are stated at their fair value: derivative financial instruments and liabilities for cash settled share-based payments.

The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the Group for the purposes of these Consolidated Financial Statements and are also set out on the Company's website (www.marshalls.co.uk).

The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in Sterling, rounded to the nearest thousand. Sterling is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Group operates.

The preparation of Financial Statements in conformity with adopted IFRSs requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised, if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

2 Alternative performance measures

The Group uses alternative performance measures ("APMs") which are not defined or specified under IFRS. The Group believes that these APMs which are not considered to be a substitute for IFRS measures, provide additional helpful information. APMs are consistent with how business performance is planned, reported and assessed internally by management and the Board and provide more meaningful comparative information. In relation to the year ended 31 December 2018, certain APMs are required as a consequence of the acquisition of Edenhall on 11 December 2018 in order to ensure comparability with the prior year period. In relation to the year ended 31 December 2017, certain APMs are required as a consequence of the acquisition of CPM on 19 October 2017.

Like-for-like revenue growth

Management uses like-for-like revenue growth as it provides a consistent measure of the percentage increases / decrease in revenue year-on-year, excluding the effect of acquisitions.

 
                                       2018     2017  Increase 
                                    GBP'000  GBP'000         % 
----------------------------------  -------  -------  -------- 
Reported revenue                    490,988  430,194       14% 
Edenhall post-acquisition revenue     (675)        - 
----------------------------------  -------  -------  -------- 
Like-for-like revenue               490,313  430,194       14% 
----------------------------------  -------  -------  -------- 
 

EBITA and EBITDA

EBITA represents earnings before interest, tax and the amortisation of intangibles. This is a component of the ROCE calculation. EBITDA is calculated by adding back depreciation to EBITA.

 
                                        2018      2017  Increase 
                                     GBP'000   GBP'000         % 
----------------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
EBITDA                                80,792    67,895       19% 
Depreciation                        (14,199)  (13,314) 
----------------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
EBITA                                 66,593    54,581 
Amortisation of intangible assets    (1,759)   (1,142) 
----------------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
Operating profit                      64,834    53,439       21% 
----------------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

ROCE

Reported ROCE is defined as EBITA divided by shareholders' funds plus cash / net debt.

 
                         2018     2017 
                      GBP'000  GBP'000 
--------------------  -------  ------- 
EBITA                  66,593   54,581 
--------------------  -------  ------- 
Shareholders' funds   266,715  237,627 
Net debt               37,433   24,297 
--------------------  -------  ------- 
                      304,148  261,924 
--------------------  -------  ------- 
Reported ROCE           21.9%    20.8% 
--------------------  -------  ------- 
 

ROCE on a like-for-like basis (excluding the impact of acquisitions) includes adjustments to report the calculation on a basis that eliminates the impact of the acquisition of Edenhall in 2018 and CPM in 2017. This ensures comparability with the prior year period.

 
                                                               2018      2017 
                                                            GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Reported EBITA                                               66,593    54,581 
Post-acquisition EBIT                                          (21)     (749) 
Amortisation of intangible assets in year of acquisition         17       132 
Acquisition costs                                               375       837 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Adjusted EBITA                                               66,964    54,801 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Shareholders funds                                          266,715   237,627 
Net debt                                                     37,433    24,297 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
                                                            304,148   261,924 
Impact on net debt arising from the acquisitions 
 in the year                                               (16,468)  (41,227) 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
As adjusted                                                 287,680   220,697 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
ROCE on a like-for-like basis (excluding the impact 
 of acquisitions)                                             23.3%     24.8% 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

3 Segmental analysis

Segment revenues and results

 
                                    2018                         2017 
                        ----------------------------  --------------------------- 
                        Landscape                     Landscape 
                         Products    Other     Total   Products    Other    Total 
                          GBP'000  GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000 
----------------------  ---------  -------  --------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Total revenue             398,128   96,943   495,071    339,655   94,622  434,277 
Inter-segment revenue       (228)  (3,855)   (4,083)      (226)  (3,857)  (4,083) 
----------------------  ---------  -------  --------  ---------  -------  ------- 
External revenue          397,900   93,088   490,988    339,429   90,765  430,194 
----------------------  ---------  -------  --------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Segment operating 
 profit                    68,418    2,095    70,513     56,104    1,873   57,977 
----------------------  ---------  -------  --------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Unallocated 
 administration 
 costs                                       (5,679)                      (4,538) 
----------------------  ---------  -------  --------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Operating profit                              64,834                       53,439 
Finance charges 
 (net)                                       (1,899)                      (1,388) 
----------------------  ---------  -------  --------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Profit before tax                             62,935                       52,051 
Taxation                                    (11,307)                      (9,925) 
----------------------  ---------  -------  --------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Profit after tax                              51,628                       42,126 
----------------------  ---------  -------  --------  ---------  -------  ------- 
 

The Group has 2 customers which each contributed more than 10 per cent of total revenue in the current and prior year.

The Landscape Products reportable segment operates a national manufacturing plan that is structured around a series of production units throughout the UK, in conjunction with a single logistics and distribution operation. A national planning process supports sales to both of the key end markets, namely the UK Domestic and Public Sector and Commercial end markets and the operating assets produce and deliver a range of broadly similar products that are sold into each of these end markets. Within the Landscape Products operating segment the focus is on one integrated production, logistics and distribution network supporting both end markets.

Included in "Other" are the Group's Street Furniture, Mineral Products, Premier Mortars and International operations, which do not currently meet the IFRS 8 reporting requirements. Following the acquisition, the Edenhall business has been included within "Other".

The accounting policies of the Landscape Products operating segment are the same as the Group's accounting policies. Segment profit represents the profit earned without allocation of certain central administration costs that are not capable of allocation. Centrally administered overhead costs that relate directly to the reportable segment are included within the segment's results.

Segment assets

 
                                              2018    2017* 
                                           GBP'000  GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Fixed assets and inventory: 
Landscape Products                         201,489  182,391 
Other                                       73,863   64,561 
-----------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Total segment fixed assets and inventory   275,352  246,952 
Unallocated assets                         230,982  167,475 
-----------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Consolidated total assets                  506,334  414,427 
-----------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

* The comparatives have been restated as a result of a reassessment of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired (Note 10).

For the purpose of monitoring segment performance and allocating resources between segments, the Group's CODM monitors the tangible fixed assets and inventory. Assets used jointly by reportable segments are not allocated to individual reportable segments.

Other segment information

 
                      Depreciation and 
                        amortisation      Fixed asset additions 
                     ------------------  ----------------------- 
                         2018      2017         2018        2017 
                      GBP'000   GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000 
-------------------  --------  --------  -----------  ---------- 
Landscape Products     13,251    10,878       21,060      17,041 
Other                   2,707     3,578        6,256       5,445 
-------------------  --------  --------  -----------  ---------- 
                       15,958    14,456       27,316      22,486 
-------------------  --------  --------  -----------  ---------- 
 

Geographical destination of revenue

 
                       2018     2017 
                    GBP'000  GBP'000 
------------------  -------  ------- 
United Kingdom      467,032  407,215 
Rest of the world    23,956   22,979 
------------------  -------  ------- 
                    490,988  430,194 
------------------  -------  ------- 
 

The Group's revenue is subject to seasonal fluctuations resulting from demand from customers. In particular, demand is higher in the summer months. The Group manages the seasonal impact through the use of a seasonal working capital facility.

4 Net operating costs

 
                                                       2018     2017 
                                                    GBP'000  GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Raw materials and consumables                       172,175  151,343 
Changes in inventories of finished goods and work 
 in progress                                          6,267    7,231 
Personnel costs                                     116,588  100,811 
Depreciation                                         14,199   13,314 
Amortisation of intangible assets                     1,759    1,142 
Own work capitalised                                (3,340)  (1,919) 
Other operating costs                               120,187  106,569 
Operational restructuring costs                       1,244    1,217 
Acquisition costs                                       375      837 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Operating costs                                     429,454  380,545 
Other operating income                              (2,562)  (2,842) 
Net gain on asset and property disposals             (738)*    (948) 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Net operating costs                                 426,154  376,755 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

*This reflects the proceeds of the sale of a domain name and is net of associated digital strategy costs.

5 Financial expenses and income

 
                                                            2018     2017 
                                                         GBP'000  GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
(a) Financial expenses 
Net interest expense on defined benefit pension scheme       496      377 
Interest expense on bank loans, overdrafts and loan 
 notes                                                     1,403    1,005 
Finance lease interest expense                                 5        6 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                           1,904    1,388 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
(b) Financial income 
Interest receivable and similar income                         5        - 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

Net interest expense on the defined benefit pension scheme is disclosed net of Company recharges.

6 Income tax expense

 
                                                        2018     2017 
                                                     GBP'000  GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Current tax expense 
Current year                                          11,269   11,554 
Adjustments for prior years                            (934)    (732) 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                      10,335   10,822 
Deferred taxation expense 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences: 
Current year                                             921    (797) 
Adjustments for prior years                               51    (100) 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Total tax expense                                     11,307    9,925 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
 
                                     2018     2018   2017     2017 
                                        %  GBP'000      %  GBP'000 
----------------------------------  -----  -------  -----  ------- 
Reconciliation of effective tax 
 rate 
Profit before tax                   100.0   62,935  100.0   52,051 
----------------------------------  -----  -------  -----  ------- 
Tax using domestic corporation 
 tax rate                            19.0   11,957   19.3   10,020 
Impact of capital allowances 
 in excess of depreciation          (0.6)    (402)    0.3      184 
Short-term timing differences         0.9      595    1.2      630 
Adjustment to tax charge in prior 
 year                               (1.5)    (934)  (1.4)    (732) 
Expenses not deductible for tax 
 purposes                           (1.4)    (881)    1.4      720 
----------------------------------  -----  -------  -----  ------- 
Corporation tax charge for the 
 year                                16.4   10,335   20.8   10,822 
Impact of capital allowances 
 in excess of depreciation          (0.2)    (130)  (1.2)    (618) 
Short-term timing differences         1.8    1,139  (0.2)    (103) 
Pension scheme movements            (0.2)    (101)  (0.1)     (77) 
Other items                           0.5      300    1.0      532 
Adjustment to tax charge in prior 
 year                                 0.1       51  (0.2)    (100) 
Impact of the change in the rate 
 of corporation tax 
 on deferred taxation               (0.4)    (287)  (1.0)    (531) 
----------------------------------  -----  -------  -----  ------- 
Total tax charge for the year        18.0   11,307   19.1    9,925 
----------------------------------  -----  -------  -----  ------- 
 

The net amount of deferred taxation (debited) / credited to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in the year was GBP1,671,000 debit (2017: GBP21,000 debit).

The majority of the Group's profits are earned in the UK with the standard rate of corporation tax being 19.0 per cent for the year to 31 December 2018.

Capital allowances are tax reliefs provided in law for the expenditure the Group makes on fixed assets. The rates are determined by Parliament annually, and spread the tax relief due over a number of years. This contrasts with the accounting treatment for such spending, where the expenditure on fixed assets is treated as an investment with the cost then being spread over the anticipated useful life of the asset, and / or impaired if the value of such assets is considered to have reduced materially.

The different accounting treatment of fixed assets for tax and accounting purposes is one reason why the taxable income of the Group is not the same as its accounting profit. During the year ended 31 December 2018 the depreciation charge for the year exceeded the capital allowances due to the Group.

Short-term timing differences arise on items such as depreciation in stock and share-based payments because the treatment of such items is different for tax and accounting purposes. These differences usually reverse in the years following those in which they arise, as is reflected in the deferred tax charge in the Financial Statements.

Adjustments to tax charges arising in earlier years arise because the tax charge to be included in a set of accounts has to be estimated before those Financial Statements are finalised. Such charges therefore include some estimates that are checked and refined before the Group's corporation tax returns for the year are submitted to HM Revenue & Customs, which may reflect a different liability as a result.

Some expenses incurred may be entirely appropriate charges for inclusion in the Financial Statements but are not allowed as a deduction against taxable income when calculating the Group's tax liability for the same accounting period. Examples of such disallowable expenditure include business entertainment costs and some legal expenses.

Additional shares vesting in March 2018 have impacted corporation tax (in expenses not deductible for tax purposes) and deferred tax (in short-term timing differences).

As can be seen from the tax reconciliation, the process of adjustment that can give rise to current year adjustments to tax charges arising in previous periods can also give rise to revisions in prior year deferred tax estimates. This is why the current year adjustments to the current year charge for capital allowances and short-term timing differences are not exactly replicated in the deferred taxation charge for the year.

The Group's overseas operations comprise a manufacturing operation in Belgium and sales and administration offices in the USA, China and Dubai. The sales of these units, in total, were less than 5 per cent of the Group's turnover in the year ended 31 December 2018. In total, the trading profits were not material and no tax was due.

7 Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share of 26.29 pence (2017: 21.52 pence) per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to Ordinary Shareholders for the financial year, after adjusting for non-controlling interests, of GBP51,958,000 (2017: GBP42,503,000) by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period of 197,669,293 (2017: 197,518,109).

Profit attributable to Ordinary Shareholders

 
                                                    2018     2017 
                                                 GBP'000  GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Profit for the financial year                     51,628   42,126 
Loss attributable to non-controlling interests       330      377 
-----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Profit attributable to Ordinary Shareholders      51,958   42,503 
-----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares

 
                                                            2018         2017 
                                                          Number       Number 
---------------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
Number of issued Ordinary Shares                     199,419,571  199,378,755 
Effect of shares transferred into Employee Benefit 
 Trust                                               (1,750,278)  (1,860,646) 
---------------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares at the 
 end of the year                                     197,669,293  197,518,109 
---------------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 

Diluted earnings per share of 26.08 pence (2017: 21.37 pence) per share is calculated by dividing the profit for the financial year, after adjusting for non-controlling interests, of GBP51,958,000 (2017: GBP42,503,000) by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period of 197,669,293 (2017: 197,518,109) plus potentially dilutive shares of 1,548,929 (2017: 1,384,707), which totals 199,218,222 (2017: 198,902,816).

Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares (diluted)

 
                                                              2018         2017 
                                                            Number       Number 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares             197,669,293  197,518,109 
Potentially dilutive shares                              1,548,929    1,384,707 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares (diluted)   199,218,222  198,902,816 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 

8 Dividends

After the balance sheet date a final dividend of 8.00 pence (2017: 6.80 pence) per qualifying Ordinary Share was proposed by the Directors. In addition a supplementary dividend of 4.00 pence (2017: 4.00 pence) per qualifying Ordinary Share was proposed by the Directors. These dividends have not been provided for and there are no income tax consequences. The total dividends proposed in respect of the year are as follows:

 
                      Pence per     2018     2017 
                     qualifying 
                          share  GBP'000  GBP'000 
-------------------  ----------  -------  ------- 
2018 supplementary         4.00    7,930 
2018 final                 8.00   15,860 
2018 interim               4.00    7,906 
-------------------  ----------  -------  ------- 
                          16.00   31,696 
-------------------  ----------  -------  ------- 
2017 supplementary         4.00             7,904 
2017 final                 6.80            13,436 
2017 interim               3.40             6,718 
-------------------  ----------  -------  ------- 
                          14.20            28,058 
-------------------  ----------  -------  ------- 
 

The following dividends were approved by the shareholders and recognised in the year:

 
                      Pence per     2018     2017 
                     qualifying 
                          share  GBP'000  GBP'000 
-------------------  ----------  -------  ------- 
2018 interim               4.00    7,906 
2017 supplementary         4.00    7,905 
2017 final                 6.80   13,439 
-------------------  ----------  -------  ------- 
                          14.80   29,250 
-------------------  ----------  -------  ------- 
2017 interim               3.40             6,718 
2016 supplementary         3.00             5,927 
2016 final                 5.80            11,460 
-------------------  ----------  -------  ------- 
                          12.20            24,105 
-------------------  ----------  -------  ------- 
 

The Board recommends a 2018 final dividend of 8.00 pence per qualifying Ordinary Share (amounting to GBP15,860,000), alongside a supplementary dividend of 4.00 pence per qualifying Ordinary Share (amounting to GBP7,930,000), to be paid on 28 June 2019 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 7 June 2019.

9 Employee benefits

The Company sponsors a funded defined benefit pension scheme in the UK (the "Scheme"). The Scheme is administered within a trust which is legally separate from the Company. The Trustee Board is appointed by both the Company and the Scheme's membership and acts in the interest of the Scheme and all relevant stakeholders, including the members and the Company. The Trustee is also responsible for the investment of the Scheme's assets.

The defined benefit section of the Scheme provides pension and lump sums to members on retirement and to dependants on death. The defined benefit section closed to future accrual of benefits on 30 June 2006 with the active members becoming entitled to a deferred pension. Members no longer pay contributions to the defined benefit section. Company contributions to the defined benefit section after this date are used to fund any deficit in the Scheme and the expenses associated with administering the Scheme, as determined by regular actuarial valuations.

The Trustee is required to use prudent assumptions to value the liabilities and costs of the Scheme whereas the accounting assumptions must be best estimates.

The defined benefit section of the Scheme poses a number of risks to the Company, for example longevity risk, investment risk, interest rate risk, inflation risk and salary risk. The Trustee is aware of these risks and uses various techniques to control them. The Trustee has a number of internal control policies, including a risk register, which are in place to manage and monitor the various risks it faces. The Trustee's investment strategy incorporates the use of liability-driven investments ("LDIs") to minimise sensitivity of the actuarial funding position to movements in interest rates and inflation rates.

The defined benefit section of the Scheme is subject to regular actuarial valuations, which are usually carried out every 3 years. The next actuarial valuation is expected to be carried out with an effective date of 5 April 2018. These actuarial valuations are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Pensions Act 2004 and so include deliberate margins for prudence. This contrasts with these accounting disclosures which are determined using best estimate assumptions.

A formal actuarial valuation was carried out as at 5 April 2015. The results of that valuation have been projected to 31 December 2018 by a qualified independent actuary. The figures in the following disclosure were measured using the projected unit method.

The amounts recognised in the Consolidated Balance Sheet were as follows:

 
                                                     2018       2017       2016 
                                                  GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
Present value of Scheme liabilities             (330,222)  (350,554)  (355,793) 
Fair value of Scheme assets                       343,738    354,681    360,069 
----------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
Net amount recognised at the year end (before 
 any adjustments for deferred tax)                 13,516      4,127      4,276 
----------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 

The current and past service costs, settlements and curtailments, together with the net interest expense for the year, are included in the employee benefits expense in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Remeasurements of the net defined benefit surplus are included in other comprehensive income.

Following the High Court ruling in the Lloyds Banking case, an adjustment of GBP1.5 million has been made to increase Scheme liabilities for GMP equalisation. This has been recorded in the current year Income Statement as a past service cost.

 
                                                                  2018     2017 
                                                               GBP'000  GBP'000 
------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Net interest expense recognised in the Consolidated 
 Income Statement                                                  596      477 
------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Remeasurements of the net liability: 
Return on scheme assets (excluding amount included 
 in interest expense)                                            7,872  (2,819) 
(Gain) / loss arising from changes in financial assumptions   (16,326)   10,158 
Gain arising from changes in demographic assumptions           (1,531)  (7,667) 
Credit recorded in other comprehensive income                  (9,985)    (328) 
------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Total defined benefit (credit) / charge                        (9,389)      149 
------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 

The principal actuarial assumptions used were:

 
                                                                2018              2017 
                                                             GBP'000           GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
Liability discount rate                                        2.75%             2.50% 
Inflation assumption - RPI                                     3.15%             3.15% 
Inflation assumption - CPI                                     2.15%             2.15% 
Rate of increase in salaries                                     n/a               n/a 
Revaluation of deferred pensions                               2.15%             2.15% 
Increases for pensions in payment: 
CPI pension increases (maximum 5% p.a.)                        2.15%             2.15% 
CPI pension increases (maximum 5% p.a., minimum 
 3% p.a.)                                                      3.20%             3.20% 
CPI pension increases (maximum 3% p.a.)                        1.95%             1.95% 
Proportion of employees opting for early 
 retirement                                                       0%                0% 
Proportion of employees commuting pension 
 for cash                                                        50%             50.0% 
Mortality assumption - before retirement                     Same as           Same as 
                                                     post retirement   post retirement 
Mortality assumption - after retirement (males)         S2PXA tables      S2PMA tables 
Loading                                                         105%              105% 
Projection basis                                       Year of birth     Year of birth 
                                                       CMI_2017 1.0%     CMI_2016 1.0% 
Mortality assumption - after retirement (females)       S2PXA tables      S2PFA tables 
Loading                                                         105%              105% 
Projection basis                                       Year of birth     Year of birth 
                                                       CMI_2017 1.0%     CMI_2016 1.0% 
Future expected lifetime of current pensioner 
 at age 65: 
Male aged 65 at year end                                        86.1              86.2 
Female aged 65 at year end                                      88.0              88.0 
Future expected lifetime of future pensioner 
 at age 65: 
Male aged 45 at year end                                        87.1              87.2 
Female aged 45 at year end                                      89.2              89.2 
--------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 

10 Acquisition of subsidiary

On 11 December 2018, Marshalls Mono Limited acquired 100 per cent of the issued share capital of Edenhall Holdings Limited, a concrete brick manufacturer. Edenhall Holdings Limited operates within the UK and is registered in England and Wales. The fair values acquired are disclosed as provisional given that the acquisition was made on 11 December 2018.

The amounts recognised in respect of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are as set out in the table below:

 
                                                                      2018 
                                                                  Edenhall           2017 
                                                               provisional            CPM 
                                                               fair values    fair values 
                                                                  acquired       acquired 
                                                                   GBP'000        GBP'000 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
Land and buildings                                                   3,915          8,437 
Plant, machinery and vehicles                                        7,116          7,639 
Identifiable intangible assets                                       3,897          7,233 
Inventories                                                          2,105          4,580 
Trade and other receivables                                          5,726         12,334 
Cash and cash equivalents                                               33        (2,955) 
Trade and other payables                                          (12,192)       (19,552) 
Provisions                                                         (1,000)        (8,200) 
Borrowings                                                         (3,959)        (3,407) 
Finance leases                                                       (783)              - 
Corporation tax                                                      (692)        (1,825) 
Deferred tax                                                       (1,120)        (2,138) 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
Total identifiable net assets                                        3,046          2,146 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
Goodwill                                                            12,033         25,545 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
Total consideration 
Satisfied by: 
Cash consideration                                                  10,759         27,691 
Deferred consideration                                               1,900              - 
Contingent consideration                                             2,420              - 
Total cost of investment                                            15,079         27,691 
Monies paid into escrow                                              1,000         10,581 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
                                                                    16,079         38,272 
Analysis of amounts paid in connection with the acquisition 
Total cash payments                                                 11,759         38,272 
Net (cash) / borrowings acquired                                      (33)          2,955 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
Total cash outflow in connection with the acquisition               11,726         41,227 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
 

Acquisition of Edenhall Holdings Limited

Initial cash consideration paid to the vendors was GBP10,759,000 and, in addition, a further GBP1,000,000 was paid into an escrow account in relation to certain ongoing legal and regulatory matters identified during the course of due diligence carried out prior to concluding the acquisition. The Group has a right to be reimbursed from amounts held in escrow to the extent that any liability crystallises in respect of these ongoing legal and regulatory matters, up to the full value of the GBP1,000,000 held in escrow and consequently a reimbursement asset of GBP1,000,000 was recognised within other debtors. To the extent that any such liabilities are resolved at a lower value than the escrow balances, the excess balance remaining in escrow is payable to the vendors as additional consideration.

The Group has agreed to pay the vendors deferred consideration of GBP1,900,000 which is payable on 11 December 2021. This is not dependent on performance. Additional consideration is also payable dependent on the achievement of performance targets in the periods post acquisition. These performance periods are up to 3 years in duration and will be settled in cash on their payment date on achieving the relevant targets. The range of the additional consideration payment is estimated to be between GBPnil and GBP2.4million. The Group has included GBP2.4 million as contingent consideration related to the additional consideration, which represents its fair value at the acquisition date. Contingent consideration has been calculated based on the Group's expectation of what it will pay in relation to the post-acquisition performance of the acquired entities.

Due to their contractual dates, the fair value of the receivables (shown above) is approximate to the gross contractual amounts receivable. The amount of gross contractual receivables not expected to be recovered is immaterial.

The goodwill arising from the acquisition represents the opportunity to grow by utilising the capabilities and technical expertise of the acquired workforce and by developing synergistic opportunities.

The goodwill arising from the acquisition is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Transaction costs incurred on acquisition were GBP375,000 and these were fully expensed in the period to 31 December 2018 (Note 4).

Edenhall Holdings Limited contributed revenue of GBP675,000 and profit of GBP4,000 to the Group's profit for the period between the date of acquisition and 31 December 2018.

If the acquisition of Edenhall Holdings Limited had been completed on the first day of the financial year, Group revenue for the period would have been GBP524,165,000 and Group profit before tax would have been GBP64,643,000.

Acquisition of CPM Group Limited

On 19 October 2017, Marshalls Mono limited acquired 100 per cent of the issued share capital of CPM Group Limited, a precast concrete manufacturer which specialises in underground water management solutions.

Initial cash consideration paid to the vendors was GBP26,272,000 and a further GBP12,000,000 was paid into an escrow account in relation to certain ongoing legal and regulatory matters identified during the course of due diligence carried out prior to concluding the acquisition. Provisions of GBP11,840,000 were recorded at the date of acquisition, for the estimated liabilities arising from concluding these ongoing matters. The Group has a right to be reimbursed of amounts held in escrow to the extent that any liability crystallises in respect of these ongoing legal and regulatory matters up to the full value of the GBP12,000,000 held in escrow, and consequently a reimbursement asset of GBP12,000,000 was recognised within other debtors. To the extent that such liabilities are resolved at a lower value than the escrow balances, the excess balance remaining in escrow is payable to the vendors as additional consideration.

As required under the terms of the sale and purchase agreement, a net working capital review was undertaken in the period. Adjustments were agreed with the vendor which resulted in a reimbursement of GBP2,163,000 to Marshalls Mono Limited during the period to 31 December 2018. This amount covered both the required working capital adjustment and monies that were required to settle certain of the legal and regulatory matters which crystallised during the period.

In addition, and as part of the same review required under the terms of the sale and purchase agreement, an amount of GBP1,419,000 was paid to the vendors from the escrow account during the period.

As part of the ongoing review of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired, adjustments were made to certain accruals and provisions during the period. These had the effect of increasing the fair value of the net assets acquired under the acquisition by GBP1,019,000, which has given rise to a reduction in goodwill of a similar amount. Goodwill, trade and other payables and provisions have been restated accordingly in respect of the reported 31 December 2017 balance sheet.

Due to their contractual dates, the fair value of the receivables (shown above) is approximate to the gross contractual amounts receivable. The amount of gross contractual receivables not expected to be recovered is immaterial.

The goodwill arising from the acquisition represents the opportunity to grow by utilising the capabilities and technical expertise of the acquired workforce and by developing synergistic opportunities.

The goodwill arising from the acquisition is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Transaction costs incurred on acquisition were GBP837,000, and these were fully expensed in the period to 31 December 2017 (Note 4).

11 Analysis of net debt

 
                                                 On acquisition 
                                                             of 
                           1 January                 subsidiary     Other  31 December 
                                2018  Cash flow     undertaking   changes         2018 
                             GBP'000    GBP'000         GBP'000   GBP'000      GBP'000 
-------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------------  --------  ----------- 
Cash at bank and in hand      19,845     25,746              33        85       45,709 
Debt due within 1 year             -      1,286         (3,959)  (19,820)     (22,493) 
Debt due after 1 year       (43,883)   (35,450)               -    19,625     (59,708) 
Finance leases                 (259)        106           (783)       (5)        (941) 
-------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------------  --------  ----------- 
                            (24,297)    (8,312)         (4,709)     (115)     (37,433) 
-------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------------  --------  ----------- 
 

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt

 
                                                            2018      2017 
                                                         GBP'000   GBP'000 
------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Net increase in cash equivalents                          25,746     1,925 
Cash inflow from increase in debt and lease financing   (34,063)  (24,819) 
On acquisition of subsidiary undertaking                 (4,709)   (6,362) 
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations                       (110)     (454) 
------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Movement in net debt in the year                        (13,136)  (29,710) 
Net debt at 1 January                                   (24,297)     5,413 
------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Net debt at 31 December                                 (37,433)  (24,297) 
------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Borrowing facilities

The total bank borrowing facilities at 31 December 2018 amounted to GBP140.0 million (2017: GBP115.0 million), of which GBP60.5 million (2017: GBP71.1 million) remained unutilised. There are additional seasonal bank working capital facilities of GBP10.0 million available between 1 February and 31 August each year. The undrawn facilities available at 31 December 2018, in respect of which all conditions precedent had been met, were as follows:

 
                                                       2018     2017 
                                                    GBP'000  GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Committed: 
Expiring in more than 5 years                        25,000        - 
Expiring in more than 2 years but not more than 5 
 years                                               20,292   50,617 
Expiring in 1 year or less                              180    5,500 
Uncommitted: 
Expiring in 1 year or less                           15,000   15,000 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                     60,472   71,117 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

On 9 August 2018, the Group renewed its short-term working capital facilities of GBP25.0 million. To support the acquisition of Edenhall Holdings Limited, the Group has taken out an additional committed facility of GBP25.0 million with a 2024 maturity date. The committed facilities are all revolving credit facilities with interest charged at variable rates based on LIBOR. The Group's bank facilities continue to be aligned with the current strategy to ensure that headroom against available facilities remains at appropriate levels.

The maturity profile of borrowing facilities is structured to provide balanced, committed and phased medium-term debt. The current facilities are set out as follows:

 
                                                    Cumulative 
                                          Facility    facility 
                                           GBP'000     GBP'000 
----------------------------------------  --------  ---------- 
Committed facilities 
Q1: 2024                                    25,000      25,000 
Q3: 2023                                    20,000      45,000 
Q3: 2022                                    20,000      65,000 
Q3: 2021                                    20,000      85,000 
Q3: 2020                                    20,000     105,000 
Q3: 2019                                    20,000     125,000 
On-demand facilities 
Available all year                          15,000     140,000 
Seasonal (February to August inclusive)     10,000     150,000 
----------------------------------------  --------  ---------- 
 

12 Principal risks and uncertainties

The principal risks and uncertainties that could impact the Group for the remainder of the current financial year are set out in the 2018 Annual Report. These cover the strategic, financial and operational risks.

Strategic risks include those relating to general economic conditions, Government policy, the actions of customers, suppliers and competitors and also weather conditions. Cyber risk within the wider market is also an increasing risk for the Group and an area of major focus. The Group also continues to be subject to various financial risks in relation to access to funding and to the pension scheme, principally the volatility of the discount (AA corporate bond) rate, any downturn in the performance of equities and increases in the longevity of members. The other main financial risks arising from the Group's financial instruments are liquidity risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and foreign currency risk.

External risks include prolonged uncertainty over Brexit negotiations and continued weakness in Sterling. During 2018, the potential impact of Brexit and wider economic and political uncertainties have been considered in the Group's assessment of risk. Other external operational risks include the weather, the effect of legislation or other regulatory actions, the actions of competitors, raw material prices and threats from cyber security, new technologies and business models. Internal operational risks include investment in new products, new business strategies, acquisitions and the integration of Edenhall.

The Group continues to monitor all these risks and pursue policies that take account of, and mitigate, the risks where possible.

13 Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting will be held at The Holiday Inn, Clifton Village, Brighouse, HD6 4HW at 11.00am on Wednesday 15 May 2019.

The Board

The Directors serving during the year ended 31 December 2018 were as follows:

 
 Vanda Murray OBE   Chair (appointed 9 May 
                     2018) 
 Janet Ashdown      Non-Executive Director 
 Jack Clarke        Finance Director 
 Martyn Coffey      Chief Executive 
 Tim Pile           Non-Executive Director 
 Graham Prothero    Non-Executive Director 
 Andrew Allner      Chairman (retired 9 May 
                     2018) 
 

By order of the Board

Cathy Baxandall

Company Secretary

14 March 2019

Cautionary Statement

This Preliminary Results announcement contains certain forward looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results, operations and business of Marshalls plc. These statements and forecasts involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward looking statements and forecasts. Nothing in this Preliminary Results announcement should be construed as a profit forecast.

Directors' Liability

Neither the Company nor the Directors accept any liability to any person in relation to the contents of this Preliminary Results announcement except to the extent that such liability arises under English law. Accordingly, any liability to a person who has demonstrated reliance on any untrue or misleading statement or omission shall be determined in accordance with section 90A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

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