WOS Wolseley

CINCINNATI, March 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Summary of Results Financial highlights Change Half year to Half year to Reported In January 31, January 31, constant 2007 2006 currency million pounds million pounds % % Group revenue 7,870 6,734 +16.9 +23.7 Group trading profit(1) 390 385 +1.3 +7.8 Group operating profit 345 371 -7.0 -1.0 Group profit before tax, before amortization of acquired intangibles 330 360 -8.3 -3.7 Group profit before tax 285 346 -17.6 -13.4 Earnings per share, before amortization of acquired intangibles 38.72p 43.91p -11.8 -3.4 Basic earnings per share 32.97p 41.58p -20.7 -13.0 Interim dividend per share 10.85p 9.85p +10.2 Overview -- Market outperformance in the Group's principal markets -- Strong revenue growth but profits held back by US residential market, commodity price deflation and currency translation -- One off costs of 11 million pounds Sterling in the first half giving rise to benefits of 30 million pounds in the second half. Further rationalization costs of 6 million pounds expected in the UK in the second half -- First half operating cash flow up significantly (73%) reflecting increased focus on cash flow to finance future growth -- Trading margin target of 7% within 4 years -- Continuation of double digit growth target Operating highlights -- North American revenues slightly up reflecting strong growth in Ferguson, including 9% organic growth, offsetting the tougher trading conditions for Stock caused by the slowing US residential market. Trading profit was down 15% due to Stock's lower profitability. -- Revenue growth of 44.5% in Europe included 26% from the acquisition of DT Group and double digit organic growth. Trading profit was up 33%. Trading margin was lower, reflecting lower UK margins due to ongoing investment. -- Good progress in France with 11.1% increase in revenue and 13.1% in trading profit. -- DT Group performing ahead of expectations and Central and Eastern Europe achieved more than 20% increase in revenue and around 50% increase in trading profit. -- Further investment with DCs opened in the UK and Italy. A total of 581 new branches added and expansion into 8 new European countries. -- Bolt on acquisition investment of 325 million pounds for 30 acquisitions completed in the first half, which are expected to add 566 million pounds of revenues in a full year. A further 34 million pounds of investment in the second half so far to bring aggregate investment to 359 million pounds. This is in addition to the 1,339 million pounds acquisition of DT Group completed on September 25, 2006. Outlook -- The US housing market is expected to continue to remain soft for the remainder of the calendar year. The repairs maintenance and improvement ("RMI") and commercial and industrial markets are expected to continue to hold up. Ferguson should increase its market share and achieve good levels of organic growth, albeit at a more modest rate than the first half. -- In Canada, exploration related business is expected to improve but the new residential housing market is likely to slow from recent high levels. -- The UK business is expected to show improved profits and underlying trading margin in the second half against the background of a positive economy and a gradual improvement in the RMI market. -- The recent improved performance of the French operation is expected to continue, although growth in the French RMI market is likely to remain modest. -- The outlook for the markets in which DT Group operates remain positive and its second half contribution will benefit from its seasonal bias in the second half. -- The Central and Eastern European operations are expected to continue to progress well. -- Increasing benefits are expected in the second half from the recent cost reduction initiatives. These actions, together with an increased focus on enhancing trading margins, and working capital efficiency should position the Group well in to the next financial year, to achieve its growth objectives. SUMMARY OF RESULTS As at, and for the six months ended 31 January 2007 2006 Change Revenue 7,870m pounds 6,734m pounds +16.9% Operating profit - before amortization of acquired intangibles - amortization of acquired intangibles 390m pounds 385m pounds +1.3% (45)m pounds (14)m pounds Operating profit 345m pounds 371m pounds -7.0% Net finance costs (60)m pounds (25)m pounds Profit before tax - before amortization of acquired intangibles 330m pounds 360m pounds -8.3% - amortization of acquired intangibles (45)m pounds (14)m pounds Profit before tax 285m pounds 346m pounds -17.6% Earnings per share - before amortization of acquired intangibles 38.72p 43.91p -11.8% - amortization of acquired intangibles (5.75)p (2.33)p Basic earnings per share 32.97p 41.58p -20.7% Dividend per share 10.85p 9.85p +10.2% Net borrowings 2,917m pounds 1,671m pounds Gearing(2) 89.6% 68.1% Interest cover (times) (3) 7x 15x Operating cash flow 447m pounds 258m pounds Return on gross capital employed(4) 15.9% 18.8% Chip Hornsby, Wolseley plc Group Chief Executive said: "The decline in US housing starts has clearly had an impact on our results for the first half, but we have taken swift and decisive action to reduce our cost base and to position the Group to benefit from improving markets. Meanwhile, we are very encouraged with the progress being made in Europe including the acquisitions which have taken us into 8 new countries. We will continue to pursue our double-digit growth targets through a combination of organic and acquisitive growth with a renewed focus on margin, cash flow and working capital improvement." (1) Trading profit, a term used throughout this announcement, is defined as operating profit before the amortization of acquired intangibles. Trading margin is the ratio of trading profit to revenues expressed as a percentage. Organic change is the total increase or decrease in the year adjusted for the impact of exchange rates, new acquisitions in 2007 and the incremental impact of acquisitions in 2006. (2) Gearing ratio is the ratio of net debt, excluding construction loan borrowings, to shareholders' funds. (3) Interest cover is trading profit divided by net finance costs, excluding net pension related finance costs. (4) Return on gross capital employed is the ratio of trading profit to the aggregate of average shareholders' funds, minority interests, net debt and cumulative goodwill written off. An interview with Chip Hornsby, Group Chief Executive and Steve Webster, Group Finance Director, in video/audio and text will be available from 0700 on http://www.wolseley.com/ and http://www.cantos.com/ There will be an analyst and investor meeting at 0930 at UBS, 4th Floor, 100 Liverpool Street, London EC2M 2RH. A live audio cast and slide presentation of this event will be available at 0930 on http://www.wolseley.com/. There will also be a conference call at 1500 (UK time): UK free phone dial-in number: 0800 0281299 US free phone dial-in number: 888 935 4577 Rest of the World dial-in number: + 44 (0)20 7806 1955 Password: Wolseley The call will be recorded and available for playback until April 1, 2007 on the following numbers: UK free phone number: 0800 559 3271 Passcode: 1049772# US free phone number: 1866 239 0765 Passcode: 1049772# UK/European replay dial-in number: +4420 7806 1970 Passcode: 1049772# Photographs of Chip Hornsby, Group Chief Executive and Steve Webster, Group Finance Director are available at: http://www.newscast.co.uk/ and http://www.wolseleyimages.com/ Announcement of Interim Results Wolseley, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials and services, today announces its interim figures. These results reflect strong organic revenue growth, particularly in the US plumbing and heating business (Ferguson), Wolseley UK, Central & Eastern Europe and the additional contribution from acquisitions. Brossette in France showed good momentum with revenues and profits up. DT Group performed ahead of expectations. These factors were largely offset by the performance of Stock Building Supply ("Stock") which was adversely affected by the significant slowdown in US new residential construction and its exposure to commodity lumber and structural panels which declined sharply in price. Adverse currency translation also impacted the reported figures. The Group continues to invest in people, facilities and technology to secure future growth. After taking account of currency translation, Group revenue increased by 16.9% from 6,734 million pounds to 7,870 million pounds. Trading profit rose by 1.3% from 385 million pounds to 390 million pounds. The Group's trading margin fell from 5.7% to 5.0% primarily due to the lower margins in Stock and Wolseley UK, commodity price gains last year which were not repeated and additional investments in the business to position the Group for further growth. After deducting amortization of acquired intangibles of 45 million pounds (2006: 14 million pounds), operating profit declined by 7.0% from 371 million pounds to 345 million pounds. On a constant currency basis, Group revenue increased by 23.7% and trading profit by 7.8% for the first six months compared to the previous comparable period. Currency translation reduced Group revenue by 370 million pounds (5.5%) and Group trading profit by 23 million pounds (5.9%) in the six month period. Reported profit before tax, after amortization of acquired intangibles, declined by 17.6% from 346 million pounds to 285 million pounds. Net finance costs of 60 million pounds (2006: 25 million pounds) reflect the increase in acquisition spend and higher interest rates, partly offset by stronger operating cash flow. Interest cover was 7 times (2006: 15 times). The decrease in earnings per share before amortization of acquired intangibles was 11.8%, from 43.91 pence to 38.72 pence, reflecting the lower level of profitability and the increase in the number of shares in issue following the placing on September 25, 2006. Basic earnings per share were down 20.7%, from 41.58 pence to 32.97 pence. North America Wolseley's North American division performed well ahead of a market which was significantly impacted by a slowdown in the new housing sector, maintaining its position as the leading distributor of construction products to the professional contractor in North America. Reported revenue of the division was up 1.3% from 4,309 million pounds to 4,367 million pounds, reflecting acquisitions, partly offset by an organic revenue decline of 1.3% and the impact of currency translation. Trading profit, in sterling, declined by 15.0% from 270 million pounds to 229 million pounds, after charging 6 million pounds of one off costs relating to headcount reductions and branch closures and 5 million pounds (2006: 5 million pounds) of North American head office costs. Currency translation reduced divisional revenue by 348 million pounds (8.1%) and trading profit by 22 million pounds (8.1%). There was a net increase of 166 branches in North America from 1,797 at July 31, 2006 to 1,963 locations at January 31, 2006. In the USA, new housing starts have fallen more sharply than originally expected, but the repairs maintenance and improvement ("RMI") market and the commercial and industrial sectors continue to hold up. Aggregate local currency revenue from the Group's US businesses was around 11% higher and US trading profit was down by around 8%. US Plumbing and Heating Ferguson produced another strong performance with a balance of organic growth and acquisitions. Investment continued to strengthen the company and to diversify its business. Commercial and industrial activity and continued focus on the RMI sector, allowed for further outperformance in the first half, even as the new residential market declined. Local currency revenue in the US plumbing and heating operations rose by 18.8% to $5,384 million (2006: $4,530 million) with trading profit up by 13.4%. Organic revenue growth of 9.1% was more than twice that of the market generally. Gross margin fell slightly due to tougher business conditions. As expected, the trading margin of 6.2% was lower in the first half compared to the prior year's first half margin of 6.5%. This was due to the initial impact of acquisitions, the effects of the weakening new residential markets and the absence of one-off commodity price gains of around $8 million which benefited the first half of 2006. In response to the slowing new housing market in the first half, Ferguson reduced its headcount by around 1,000 from its peak in August 2006. There have been a further 150 reductions since January 31, 2007. These reductions equate to around 5% of its total employees and should give rise to cost savings of around $12 million in the second half. Ferguson's total branch numbers increased by 156 during the first half to 1,393 locations (July 31, 2006: 1,237). US Building Materials The continued slowdown in the new residential market over the past few months has caused a reduction in volumes, increased price competition and has also led to significantly lower lumber and structural panel prices. This has impacted Stock's financial performance despite an aggressive cost reduction program. Stock continues to outperform in most of its major markets with a 10% reduction in volumes compared to the 25% average decline in housing starts. New housing, which accounted for 80% of the activity in this business in the first half, has continued to be a difficult market. Housing starts have fallen from an average annual rate of 2.1 million for the six months to January 31, 2006 to an average of 1.6 million this half, with the figure in January 2007 being even lower, at 1.4 million. There continues to be significant regional variations with the markets in Georgia, Utah, Idaho, Texas and the Carolinas holding up well while the Northeast, Midwest, Las Vegas and Florida markets have been weak. In local currency, Stock's revenue was down 3.1% to $2,419 million (2006: $2,497 million) with trading profit down 48.6% from $157 million to $81 million, after charging one off costs of around $11 million relating to branch closures and headcount reductions. Between the peak in June 2006 and the period end, there was a reduction of around 4,000 people, representing approximately 25% of the total workforce. Since January 31, 2007, there has been a further reduction of 500. Cost savings as a result of all these reductions should amount to between $40 million and $50 million in the second half of the financial year. The decline in organic revenue in the first half was 20.4%, reflecting the 10% fall in volume and commodity price deflation in lumber and structural panels, which fell 23% and 34%, respectively. The deflation in commodities, which account for around 43% of Stock's revenue, had the effect of reducing local currency revenue by $270 million (11%) in the first half compared to the first half of last year. Acquisitions contributed $431 million (17.3%) to revenue growth. Stock's trading margin reduced significantly from 6.3% to 3.3% primarily due to lower volumes and prices and the effect of one-off costs. The gross margin was slightly higher due to acquisitions and a more favorable sales mix arising from increased value added products and installed services. As part of a cost cutting program, a number of initiatives have been undertaken including centralizing the sourcing of commodity products and the closure of 22 branches. Stock's branch numbers increased by 6 during the first half to 320 locations (July 31, 2006: 314) with the acquired branches more than offsetting closed facilities. Of the previously announced 22 planned branch closures, 15 will occur in the second half. Stock currently operates in 34 states, having entered the Phoenix, Arizona market in the first half. Wolseley Canada In Canada, although housing markets held up reasonably well, business from the oil and gas exploration industries in Western Canada slowed as a result of warmer weather, lower gas prices and higher gas inventory levels. Against this background, Wolseley Canada's local currency revenue increased by 0.6% to C$660 million (2006: C$656 million). Gross margin improved and trading profit rose by 3.1% to C$41 million (2006: C$40 million). Trading margin was up slightly at 6.2% (2006: 6.1%). Wolseley Canada opened a new regional distribution center and its total branch numbers increased from 246 to 250 locations. Europe Most of the European operations achieved good revenue and profit improvements in markets which showed little growth in the first half. The results in Europe also benefited from acquisitions which expanded the geographic diversity of the Group. Reported revenue for this division increased by 44.5% from 2,425 million pounds to 3,503 million pounds, of which 10.1% was from organic growth. Recent acquisitions accounted for 857 million pounds (35.3%) of revenue growth, including DT Group in the Nordic region in September 2006. Trading profit, after the allocation of European central costs of 5 million pounds (2006: 5 million pounds), increased 33% from 135 million pounds to 180 million pounds. The overall divisional trading margin, after the allocation of central costs, declined from 5.6% to 5.1% of revenue, primarily due to the lower trading margins in Wolseley UK and Italy and the dilutive effect of the first half margin in DT Group which reflects the seasonal bias towards the second half in that business. Underlying margin improvements were achieved in France (both PBM and Brossette) and nearly all of the Central and Eastern European operations. In the first six months, a further net 415 branches were added to the European network, giving a total of 3,276 locations (July 31, 2006: 2,861), including 344 added through acquisitions. UK and Ireland Wolseley UK grew strongly in an improving market. The fundamentals of the UK economy remained positive, with good economic growth and relatively low unemployment. The Irish economy continued to be positive. Against this background, Wolseley UK, which includes Ireland, recorded a 23.1% increase in revenue to 1,554 million pounds (2006: 1,262 million pounds). Organic growth of 11.0% significantly outperformed the market generally, which is estimated to have risen by 2%. Wolseley UK's trading profit increased by 3.2% in the first half compared to the equivalent period in the prior year. Price competition in the core Plumb and Build brands continued, but the effect was more than offset at the gross margin level by the benefits from the other brands including the recent acquisitions. However, the trading margin fell from 7.1% to 6.0%. This was as a result of the continuing investment in the business to improve supply chain in terms of DC space, the initial dilutive impact of opening new branches, integration costs of the prior year's record acquisitions and increasing the management resource, including a doubling of the graduate program. Following the closure of a number of regional offices, certain functions have been successfully centralized into Wolseley UK's new head office in Leamington Spa, with support services for the core brands fully integrated. One off costs in the first half were approximately 5m pounds including those related to the step up in the number of branch openings. Further rationalization costs of approximately 6 million pounds are anticipated in the second half relating to refinement of the branch network and planned headcount reduction following the centralization of head offices. The emphasis in the second half will be more on margin improvement. The new national DC in Leamington Spa began operations in autumn 2006 and the regional DC, in the North West is now under construction. These investments and the current initiatives to centralize control of transport and branch inventory management, should enhance customer service and support continued growth in the business. The central branch replenishment program has been fully rolled out in Plumb Center and Parts Center and has improved inventory turn and stock availability in the branches. This will be introduced to other brands. During the first six months, 68 net new locations were added in the UK and Ireland taking the total number of branches for Wolseley UK to 1,926 (July 31, 2006: 1,858). More than 30 new Bathstore branches were opened as well as additional investment in its office and distribution space and this opening program will continue in the second half. The electrical distribution businesses, AC Electrical and William Wilson, were brought together as Electric Center and a further 11 new branches were opened. The integration of Hire Center with Brandon Hire was also completed, with a further 2 branches added. France In France, government tax incentives continued to underpin growth, albeit at a slowing rate, in the new residential market. However, RMI, which represents approximately two thirds of revenue for both Brossette and PBM, continues to show only marginal improvement against the background of little growth in the overall economy, weak consumer confidence and persistent high levels of unemployment. Wolseley's French operations now operate under one central management as three divisions, namely: Building Materials (PBM Heavyside), Import and Wood solutions (PBM Import) and Plumbing and Heating (Brossette Lightside). Overall, in France, first half revenue was up 12.8% to euro 1,321 million (2006: euro 1,170 million), including organic growth of 7.1%, slightly ahead of the market. Trading profit was up 14.9% to ?60 million (2006: ?52 million), as a result of the continuing reorganization and rationalization of back office functions and good performances from all three divisions. The underlying trading margin improved to 4.6% (2006: 4.3%). PBM (Heavyside and Import and Wood Solutions) achieved an increase in revenue of 15.9% in local currency, half of which was organic growth. Gross margin was up slightly and PBM also improved its trading margin, after adjusting for one-off items in the corresponding period in the prior year. PBM's branch opening program continued with 5 new locations added, giving 354 in total. PBM continues to centralize its back office functions. Against the background of ongoing restructuring, local currency revenue in Brossette was 8.2% up on the first half last year, 6.1% of which was organic growth. Underlying trading profit was up 12.8%, on a comparable basis. Brossette's results reflect the benefits from its recent reorganization including the centralization of a number of functions including purchasing and logistics. As the majority of regional management teams are now in place, the ongoing restructuring that is expected to continue for the next two years, will principally be in relation to its distribution and branch network. Brossette's branch opening program continued with 29 new locations added, giving 467 in total. Wolseley's French businesses continue to seek opportunities to generate synergies by expansion of the number of joint sites, cross selling of products and centralization of functions such as sourcing and purchasing. Nordic In the Nordic region, DT Group has made a good start since being acquired by Wolseley on 25 September 2006 for 1,339 million pounds. The response from the DT management team to the integration process has been very positive and the integration will be completed by the year end, ahead of schedule. The four Nordic countries in which DT Group operates continue to show good economic growth as well as benefiting from favorable winter weather conditions in what is normally a quieter business period. This positive environment helped DT Group report a good financial performance ahead of expectations at the time of acquisition. For the four months of Wolseley ownership to January 31, 2007, revenue was DKK6,878 million (621 million pounds) and trading profit was DKK338 million (31 million pounds). The trading margin was 4.9%. DT Group is expected to achieve a much higher level of profitability in the second half, reflecting the normal seasonal bias of the business. For the 12 months to January 31, 2007, DT Group's year end prior to being acquired by Wolseley, management accounts show an underlying increase in revenue over the prior year of 12.9% and in trading profit, of 28.0%. Central and Eastern Europe The Group's other Continental European operations enjoyed generally good results with growth significantly ahead of generally flat markets. Revenue in Central Europe was up by 21.2% to 439 million pounds (2006: 362 million pounds), reflecting organic growth of 13.8% and the benefit of acquisitions. Trading profit was up 47.2% to 21 million pounds (2006: 14 million pounds). The trading margin improved to 4.8% (2006: 3.9%). In the Benelux countries, the business achieved revenue growth of more than 30%, including organic growth of 18%, with Wasco in The Netherlands and CFM in Luxembourg making excellent progress. Trading profit rose more than 60% as centralization of sourcing, logistics and inventory management across Benelux is progressed. Tobler, in Switzerland, had another strong half with double digit improvements in revenue and trading profit, including 12.5% organic revenue growth. Trading margin also rose. OAG, in Austria, benefited from its recent business restructuring and management changes to report 16.8% organic revenue growth and a significant improvement in trading margin. In Italy, revenue in the first half increased although profits were down, as expected, due to the initial costs of the new euro 20 million DC that commenced branch deliveries at the end of 2006. The DC will gradually roll out deliveries to other branches over the next 12 months, allowing a return to margin growth. In Eastern Europe, the Woodcote acquisition in October 2006, which took Wolseley into Croatia, Slovakia, Poland and Romania for the first time, is performing in line with expectations and across all markets Wolseley businesses are outperforming the local markets. Interim Dividend The Board has decided to pay an interim dividend of 10.85 pence per share (2006: 9.85 pence per share) to be paid on May 31, 2007 to shareholders on the register on March 30, 2007, which will absorb 71 million pounds of cash. This represents an increase of 10.2% over last year's interim dividend and reflects the Board's confidence in the future prospects of the Group and its strong financial position. It is expected that the interim dividend will be approximately one third of the total dividend for the year. The dividend reinvestment plan will continue to be available to eligible shareholders. Management and organizational changes Larry Stoddard has been appointed to the Wolseley Executive Committee as Chief Operations Officer. The Executive Committee provides overall leadership to the Wolseley Group, ensuring that its strategy and initiatives are implemented throughout the organization. Larry has been with Ferguson Enterprises for 25 years and is now responsible for driving overall business and margin improvement. The Executive Committee comprises: Chip Hornsby (Chief Executive Officer), Steve Webster (Chief Financial Officer), Rob Marchbank (Chief Executive Officer - Europe), Frank Roach (Chief Executive Officer - North America), Fenton Hord (President & Chief Executive Officer Stock Building Supply), Larry Stoddard (Chief Operations Officer) and Adrian Barden (Chief Business Development Officer). Mark White, Group Company Secretary and Counsel, will be leaving the Group on 31 May 2007 to take up another position. Strategy The Group's strategy continues to be to grow the business both organically and by acquisition and pursue geographic, customer, product and business segment diversity to help underpin the resilience in its performance over economic cycles. The Group's scale, diversity, operational excellence and emphasis on customer service represent a clear competitive advantage and it will continue to invest to build on this strength. Over the last few months the Group has placed an increased emphasis on increased working capital efficiency and margin enhancement, in order to support its investment program and drive greater efficiency across the business. The initiatives in the areas of supply chain, sourcing, business improvement, human resource development and organic and acquisitive growth have delivered positive results and will continue to drive future benefits. The Group will focus aggressively on driving the full benefit from the step-up in its investments over the last few years in people, technology and infrastructure. There will be no change to the Group's overall financial targets of double digit sales growth and a higher rate of profit growth whilst maintaining an incremental return on gross capital employed of at least 4% more than the pre- tax Weighted Average Cost of Capital. The Group still believes it has the potential to double its size over the next five to seven years in the fragmented markets in which it operates, which is equivalent to a compound annual growth rate of 10% to 14%. The Group's business improvement initiatives and increased scale and leverage should produce a trading margin of at least 7% within the next four years, subject to business conditions and the mix of businesses within the Group at that time. The Board will continue to carefully monitor its progress against this target. Financial Review Net finance costs of 60 million pounds (2006: 25 million pounds) reflect a significant increase in Group debt as a result of a higher level of acquisition spend and an increase in interest rates, partly offset by strong operating cash flow. Net interest receivable on construction loans amounted to 6 million pounds (2006: 5 million pounds). Interest cover was 7 times (2006: 15 times). The effective tax rate, being tax payable on profit before tax and amortization of acquired intangibles, decreased from 27.9% to 25.6% due to a higher proportion of the Group's profits coming from lower tax jurisdictions in Europe following the DT acquisition and the impact of deferred tax on share options. The effective tax rate for the half-year to January 31, 2007 is consistent with the rate expected for the year to July 31, 2007. Before the amortization of acquired intangibles, earnings per share decreased by 11.8% from 43.91 pence to 38.72 pence, reflecting the lower level of profitability and the placing of 59.5 million shares on September 25, 2006. Basic earnings per share were 20.7% lower at 32.97 pence (2006: 41.58 pence). The average number of shares in issue during the first half was 635 million (2006: 590 million). Net cash flow from operating activities increased by 73% from 258 million pounds to 447 million pounds, due to the increased focus on improving working capital and cash flow management throughout the Group. Capital expenditure increased from 144 million pounds to 206 million pounds reflecting continued investment in the business, particularly in the DCs in the UK and Italy, IT and new branch openings. Capital expenditure in the second half is expected to be at a similar level. The Group's branch network during the first half has been extended through acquisitions and branch openings by a net of 581 branches, bringing the total to 5,239 (July 31, 2006: 4,658). Net borrowings, excluding construction loan borrowings, at January 31, 2007 amounted to 2,917 million pounds compared to 1,950 million pounds at July 31, 2006, giving gearing of 89.6% compared to 75.2% at the previous year end and 68.1% at January 31, 2006. The increase principally relates to acquisitions partially offset by the share placing of 655 million pounds on September 25, 2006 and strong operating cash flow. In the USA, construction loan receivables, financed by an equivalent amount of construction loan borrowings, were 293 million pounds compared to 313 million pounds at July 31, 2006. Return on gross capital employed (ROGCE) fell from 18.8% in 2006 to 15.9% in the first half of 2007 primarily as a result of the initial impact of the DT Group acquisition and the lower organic growth in profit. The ROGCE remains above the Group's weighted average cost of capital. Provisions in the balance sheet include the estimated liability for asbestos claims on a discounted basis. This liability has been determined as at January 31, 2007 by independent professional actuarial advisors. The asbestos related litigation is fully covered by insurance and accordingly an equivalent insurance receivable has been included in receivables. The level of insurance cover available significantly exceeds the expected level of future claims and no profit or cash flow impact is therefore expected to arise in the foreseeable future. There were 246 claims outstanding at July 31, 2006 (July 31, 2005: 235). An update on the estimated liability and number of claims outstanding will be provided with the Group's Preliminary Results announcement in September 2007. Acquisitions Investment in bolt on acquisitions completed during the first half, including any deferred consideration and net debt, amounted to 325 million pounds (2006: 436 million pounds). These 30 acquisitions are expected to add around 566 million pounds per annum of incremental revenues in a full year. In addition, on September 25, 2006, the Group completed the acquisition of DT Group for 1,339 million pounds which brings aggregate acquisition spend for the six months to January 31 to 1,664 million pounds. Six additional acquisitions, for a consideration of 34 million pounds, have been completed since January 31, 2007. This includes three further bolt on acquisitions not previously announced which were acquired for an aggregate consideration of 24 million pounds. In a full year, these bolt on acquisitions are expected to add approximately 39 million pounds to total revenue. Further details of these acquisitions follows below. On February 26, 2007, Stock Building Supply acquired certain assets of Oregon Pacific Building Products (New Mexico), Inc. ("Albuquerque Door") from Orepac Building Products. Albuquerque Door is a single facility, based in Albuquerque, which assembles pre-hung exterior and interior doors and specialty architectural millwork items. In the year ended October 31, 2006, Albuquerque Door had revenue of $10.9 million (5.6 million pounds) and gross assets of $3.3 million (1.7 million pounds) at that date. On March 1, 2007, Improvement Direct, Inc. ("Improvement Direct") was acquired from Christian B. Friedland, David T.S. Boctor, Craig S. Stilwell, Daniel R. Davis, Brett D. Morse and Nathan J.Kanemoto. Improvement Direct owns a network of online stores selling a wide variety of home improvement products, including taps, plumbing supplies, lighting fixtures, cabinet hardware, window treatments, tools, heating, ventilation and air conditioning. In the year ended December 31, 2006, Improvement Direct had revenue of $55.7 million (28.7 million pounds) and gross assets of $0.3 million (0.2 million pounds) at that date. On February 19, 2007, Wolseley UK acquired the business of Conlon Quinn. Ltd. ("CQL") from Gay Doran, Brian Conlon, Sean Conlon and Sean McGee. CQL is an Irish wholesaler of electrical installation and maintenance materials with a head office and main branch in Dundalk and further branches in Monaghan and Navan. CQL services the electrical contracting market in counties Louth, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan and North Dublin. In the year ended March 31, 2006, CQL had revenue of euro 7.3 million (5.0 million pounds) and gross assets of euro 3.4 million (2.6 million pounds) at that date. The divisional split of the total acquisition spend since August 1, 2006 is: Division No. of Spend Acquisitions Million Pounds Europe 17 84 North America 19 275 TOTAL BOLT ONS 36 359 Acquisition of DT Group 1 1,339 TOTAL ACQUISITION SPEND 37 1,698 The following exchange rates have been used for the acquisitions since January 31, 2007 included above: 1 pound = $1.94, 1 pound = euro 1.47. Further details regarding acquisitions are included in note 12. Outlook In the USA, the housing market is expected to continue to remain soft for the remainder of the calendar year, but with significant regional variations. The RMI and commercial and industrial markets are expected to continue to hold up. Ferguson should increase its market share and achieve good levels of organic revenue growth, albeit at a more modest rate than the first half. Based on expected market conditions for the second half no further headcount reductions are planned in the USA, however, if markets show signs of weakening further, prompt action will be taken to reduce the cost base. In Canada, activity in the exploration industries in Western Canada is expected to improve although the new residential housing market is likely to continue to slow from recent high levels. In the UK, the fundamentals of the UK economy are expected to remain positive and the gradual improvement in the RMI market is expected to be maintained, although it is still too early to assess the full impact that recent interest rate increases may have on consumer and housing related expenditure. Against this background, the UK business is expected to show improved profit growth and underlying trading margin in the second half compared to the corresponding period in the prior financial year as the business begins to obtain the benefits from previous investment in central management systems, acquisition integration and the branch network. Although growth in the French RMI market is likely to remain modest, the recent positive performance of the French operations is expected to continue. A number of initiatives continue to be implemented to reorganize the French businesses and the investment in Brossette will continue as it refines its branch and logistics network. The outlook for the markets in which DT Group operates remain generally positive and its second half profit contribution will benefit from its seasonal bias. The Central and Eastern European operations are expected to continue to progress well. The Group should see increasing benefits in the second half from the recent cost reduction initiatives. These actions, together with an increased focus on enhancing trading margins and working capital efficiency should position the Group well in to the next financial year, to achieve its growth objectives. About Wolseley plc Wolseley plc is the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials in North America, the UK and Continental Europe. Group revenue for the year ended July 31, 2006 was approximately 14.2 billion pounds and operating profit, before amortization of acquired intangibles, was 882 million pounds. Wolseley has around 78,200 employees operating in 28 countries namely: UK, USA, France, Canada, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Slovak Republic, Poland, Romania, Croatia, San Marino, Panama, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, Mexico, Barbados and Greenland. Wolseley is listed on the London and New York Stock Exchanges (NYSE:WOS) (LSE:WOS) and is in the FTSE 100 index of listed companies. Certain information included in this release is forward-looking and involves risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, projections relating to results of operations and financial conditions and the Company's plans and objectives for future operations, including, without limitation, discussions of expected future revenues, financing plans and expected expenditures and divestments. All forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information known to the Company on the date of this report. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. It is not reasonably possible to itemize all of the many factors and specific events that could cause the Company's forward looking statements to be incorrect or that could otherwise have a material adverse effect on the future operations or results of an international Group such as Wolseley. Information on some factors which could result in material difference to the results is available in the Company's SEC filings, including, without limitation, the Company's Report on Form 20-F for the year ended July 31, 2006. FINANCIAL CALENDAR FOR 2007 March 28 - Shares quoted ex-dividend March 30 - Record date for final dividend May 31 - Interim dividend payment date July 16 - Trading update for 11 months to June 30, 2007 July 31 - Financial year end September 24 - Announcement of Preliminary results for year to July 31, 2007 October 3 - Shares quoted ex-dividend October 5 - Record date for final dividend November 28 - Annual General Meeting November 30 - Final dividend payment date A copy of this release, together with all other recent public announcements can be found on Wolseley's web site at http://www.wolseley.com/. Copies of the presentation given to institutional investors and analysts are also available on this site. Condensed Group Income Statement (unaudited) Year to Half year to Half year to July 31 January 31 January 31 2006 2007 2006 m pounds m pounds m pounds 14,158 Revenue 7,870 6,734 (10,222) Cost of sales (5,702) (4,889) 3,936 Gross profit 2,168 1,845 (2,413) Distribution costs (1,432) (1,167) Administrative expenses: (48) amortization of acquired intangibles (45) (14) (665) Administrative expenses: other (360) (298) (713) Administrative expenses: total (405) (312) 24 Other income 14 5 834 Operating profit 345 371 49 Finance revenue (note 3) 34 20 (114) Finance costs (note 3) (94) (45) 769 Profit before tax 285 346 (232) Tax expense (note 4) (76) (101) Profit for the period attributable 537 to equity shareholders 209 245 Earnings per share (note 6) 90.77p Basic earnings per share 32.97p 41.58p 90.02p Diluted earnings per share 32.78p 41.13p Dividends (note 5) 27.45p Dividends per share 10.85p 9.85p Non-GAAP measures of performance (note 7) 882 Trading profit 390 385 Profit before tax and the amortization 817 of acquired intangibles 330 360 Translation rates 1.7885 US dollars 1.9198 1.7604 1.4577 Euro 1.4850 1.4619 Condensed Group Statement of Recognized Income and Expense (unaudited) Year to Half year to Half year to July 31 January 31 January 31 2006 2007 2006 m pounds m pounds m pounds 537 Profit for the period 209 245 Net exchange adjustments (124) offset in reserves (110) (17) Cash flow hedges 14 - fair value gains and losses 3 12 - reclassified and reported in net (1) profit for the period (1) - 7 Actuarial gains/(losses) 54 (4) Change in fair value of (7) available-for-sale investments 2 - Tax charge not recognized in (13) the income statement (9) (11) Net losses not recognized in (124) the income statement (61) (20) 413 Total recognized income and expense 148 225 Condensed Group Balance Sheet (unaudited) As at As at As at July 31 January 31 January 31 2006 2007 2006 m pounds m pounds m pounds ASSETS Non-current assets 1,173 Intangible assets: goodwill 1,908 1,004 333 Intangible assets: other 804 230 1,144 Property, plant and equipment ("PPE") 1,668 990 16 Deferred tax assets 35 35 36 Trade and other receivables 37 34 Financial assets: 21 available-for-sale investments 20 4 2,723 4,472 2,297 Current assets 1,954 Inventories 2,086 1,887 2,650 Trade and other receivables 2,679 2,279 1 Current tax receivable 25 33 4 Financial assets: trading investments 6 4 10 Derivative financial assets 11 14 Financial receivables: 313 construction loans (secured) 293 294 416 Cash and cash equivalents 286 439 5,348 5,386 4,950 7 Assets held for resale 9 6 8,078 Total assets 9,867 7,253 Liabilities Current liabilities 2,294 Trade and other payables 2,389 1,868 91 Current tax payable 107 94 Borrowings: 313 construction loans (unsecured) 293 294 192 Bank loans and overdrafts 261 699 18 Obligations under finance leases 16 16 29 Derivative financial liabilities 20 13 29 Provisions 30 30 29 Retirement benefit obligations 19 17 2,995 3,135 3,031 Non-current liabilities 25 Trade and other payables 19 18 2,084 Bank loans 2,860 1,352 57 Obligations under finance leases 63 49 88 Deferred tax liabilities 330 79 77 Provisions 81 78 160 Retirement benefit obligations 123 191 2,491 3,476 1,767 5,486 Total liabilities 6,611 4,798 2,592 Net assets 3,256 2,455 Shareholders' equity 149 Called up share capital 165 149 288 Share premium account 930 270 (49) Foreign currency translation reserve (159) 56 2,204 Retained earnings 2,320 1,980 2,592 Equity shareholders' funds 3,256 2,455 Condensed Group Cash Flow Statement (unaudited) Year to Half year to Half year to July 31 January 31 January 31 2006 2007 2006 m pounds m pounds m pounds Cash flows from operating activities 850 Cash generated from operations 447 258 45 Interest received 25 14 (102) Interest paid (82) (32) (206) Tax paid (104) (95) Net cash generated from operating 587 activities 286 145 Cash flows from investing activities Acquisition of businesses (822) (net of cash acquired) (1,272) (420) Disposals of businesses 2 (net of cash disposed of) - - Purchases of property, plant (326) and equipment (179) (139) Proceeds from sale of property, 52 plant and equipment 25 11 (20) Purchases of intangible assets (27) (5) (23) Purchases of investments - - - Proceeds from disposal of investments - 1 (1,137) Net cash used in investing activities (1,453) (552) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from the issue of 31 shares to shareholders 658 13 Purchases of shares by Employee (27) Benefit Trusts (24) (11) 2,486 Proceeds from new borrowings 604 854 (1,405) Repayments of borrowings and derivatives (66) (150) (17) Finance lease capital payments (16) (4) (162) Dividends paid to shareholders (128) (104) Net cash generated from 906 financing activities 1,028 598 356 Net cash (used)/generated (139) 191 (8) Effects of exchange rate changes (19) (17) Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash 348 equivalents and bank overdrafts (158) 174 Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts at the beginning of (56) the period 292 (56) Cash, cash equivalents and bank 292 overdrafts at the end of the period 134 118 Reconciliation of Profit to Net Cash Flow from Operating Activities (unaudited) Year to Half year to Half year to July 31 January 31 January 31 2006 2007 2006 m pounds m pounds m pounds 537 Profit for the period 209 245 65 Net finance costs 60 25 232 Tax expense 76 101 Depreciation of property, 134 plant and equipment 88 59 6 Amortization of non-acquired intangibles 2 3 Profit on disposal of property, (16) plant and equipment (11) (3) 48 Amortization of acquired intangibles 45 14 (171) Decrease/(increase) in inventories 81 (120) Decrease/(increase) in trade and (243) other receivables 202 71 (Decrease)/increase in trade and 217 other payables (319) (170) Increase in provisions and other 19 liabilities 4 20 Share based payments and other non 22 cash items 10 13 850 Net cash flow from operating activities 447 258 Notes to the condensed unaudited financial information for the six months ended January 31, 2007 1 Basis of preparation The Group prepares its annual financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted for use in the EU, and those parts of the Companies Act 1985 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The condensed financial information presented in these interim financial statements has been prepared in accordance with the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority. The accounting policies applied by the Group in these interim consolidated financial statements are the same as those applied by the Group in its audited consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended July 31, 2006. The results for the first half of the financial year have not been audited and were approved by the Board of Directors on March 19, 2007. The summary of results for the year ended July 31, 2006 does not constitute the full financial statements within the meaning of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The full financial statements for that year, prepared under IFRS, have been reported on by the Group's auditors and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The audit report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under sections 237(2) or 237(3) of the Companies Act 1985. 2 Segmental analysis of results The Group has a single business segment, the distribution and supply of construction materials and services. The Group's geographical segments are Europe, consisting of UK and Ireland, France, Nordic and Central & Eastern Europe, and North America. The Group has determined that its geographical segments are its primary segments for IFRS reporting purposes. The revenue, trading profit and operating profit of the Group's geographical segments are detailed in the following three tables. Revenue by geographical segment Year to Half year to Half year to July 31 January 31 January 31 2006 2007 2006 m pounds m pounds m pounds 2,690 UK and Ireland 1,554 1,262 1,725 France 889 801 - Nordic 621 - 735 Central and Eastern Europe 439 362 5,150 Europe 3,503 2,425 9,008 North America 4,367 4,309 14,158 Total 7,870 6,734 Trading profit by geographical segment Year to Half year to Half year to July 31 January 31 January 31 2006 2007 2006 m pounds m pounds m pounds 201 UK and Ireland 92 90 91 France 41 36 - Nordic 31 - 31 Central and Eastern Europe 21 14 (7) European central costs (5) (5) 316 Europe 180 135 603 North America 229 270 (37) Group central costs (19) (20) 882 Total trading profit (note 7) 390 385 Operating profit by geographical segment Year to Half year to Half year to July 31 January 31 January 31 2006 2007 2006 m pounds m pounds m pounds 188 UK and Ireland 84 87 90 France 41 35 - Nordic 21 - 30 Central and Eastern Europe 20 14 (7) European central costs (5) (5) 301 Europe 161 131 570 North America 203 260 (37) Group central costs (19) (20) 834 Total operating profit 345 371 The Group will prepare segmental disclosures in accordance with US GAAP and disclose them in its Form 20-F for the full year ending July 31, 2007. The disclosure requirements under US GAAP differ from those under IFRS, such that revenue and operating profit for North America will be further analyzed by operating segment in the Form 20-F. In order to ensure consistency of information disclosed to all investors, the following table is included in these interim financial statements. Year to Half year to Half year to July 31 January 31 January 31 2006 2007 2006 m pounds m pounds m pounds Revenue 5,396 US Plumbing and Heating 2,804 2,574 2,966 US Building Materials 1,260 1,418 646 Canada 303 317 9,008 North America 4,367 4,309 Trading profit 378 US Plumbing and Heating 173 167 192 US Building Materials 42 89 44 Canada 19 19 (11) North American central costs (5) (5) 603 North America 229 270 Operating profit 369 US Plumbing and Heating 163 164 168 US Building Materials 26 82 44 Canada 19 19 (11) North American central costs (5) (5) 570 North America 203 260 Analysis of movement in revenue New Acqui- Acqui- sitions sitions Increment 2006 Exchange 2007 2006 Organic Change 2007 m m m m m % m pounds pounds pounds pounds pounds pounds UK and Ireland 1,262 (2) 8 148 138 11.0 1,554 France 801 (13) 10 35 56 7.1 889 Nordic - - 621 - - - 621 Central and Eastern Europe 362 (7) 16 19 49 13.8 439 Europe 2,425 (22) 655 202 243 10.1 3,503 US Plumbing and Heating 2,574 (213) 96 132 215 9.1 2,804 US Building Materials 1,418 (118) 6 219 (265) (20.4) 1,260 Canada 317 (17) 1 2 - - 303 North America 4,309 (348) 103 353 (50) (1.3) 4,367 TOTAL 6,734 (370) 758 555 193 3.0 7,870 Analysis of movement in trading profit New Acqui- Acqui- sitions sitions Increment 2006 Exchange 2007 2006 Organic Change 2007 m m m m m % m pounds pounds pounds pounds pounds pounds UK and Ireland 90 - 1 10 (9) (8.8) 92 France 36 (1) - 1 5 12.5 41 Nordic - - 31 - - - 31 Central and Eastern Europe 14 - 1 1 5 35.1 21 European central costs (5) - - - - - (5) Europe 135 (1) 33 12 1 1.0 180 US Plumbing and Heating 167 (14) 6 8 6 3.9 173 US Building Materials 89 (7) - 13 (53) (64.3) 42 Canada 19 (1) - 1 - 1.4 19 North American central costs (5) - - - - (5) North America 270 (22) 6 22 (47) (18.7) 229 Group central costs (20) - - - 1 (19) TOTAL 385 (23) 39 34 (45) (12.2) 390 3 Net finance costs Year to Half year to Half year to July 31 January 31 January 31 2006 2007 2006 m pounds m pounds m pounds 49 Interest receivable 34 19 - Net pension finance income - 1 49 Finance revenue 34 20 Interest payable (110) - Bank loans and overdrafts (93) (43) (3) - Finance lease charges (1) (1) (1) Net pension finance cost (1) - Valuation gains/(losses) on financial instruments - Derivatives held at fair value (27) through profit and loss 5 (2) - Loans in a fair value hedging 26 relationship (5) 1 1 - Recycled from equity 1 - (114) Finance costs (94) (45) (65) Net finance costs (60) (25) 4 Taxation The tax charge on ordinary activities for the half year has been calculated at the rate which it is expected will apply for the year ending July 31, 2007 and comprises the following elements: Year to Half year to Half year to July 31 January 31 January 31 2006 2007 2006 m pounds m pounds m pounds Tax on profit for the period 18 - UK 17 11 205 - Overseas 50 68 223 67 79 9 Deferred tax 9 22 232 76 101 5 Dividends Year to Half year to Half year to July 31 January 31 January 31 2006 2007 2006 m pounds m pounds m pounds 58 Interim paid - - 104 Final paid 128 104 162 128 104 The proposed interim dividend of 71 million pounds (10.85 pence per share assuming 653 million shares in issue) is not included as a liability in these financial statements. 6 Earnings per share Basic earnings per share of 32.97 pence (January 31, 2006: 41.58 pence) is calculated on the profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders of 209 million pounds (January 31, 2006: 245 million pounds) on a weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year of 635 million (January 31, 2006: 590 million). As detailed in note 7 below, the Group believes that profit measures before the amortization of acquired intangibles provide valuable additional information for users of the financial statements. Basic earnings per share, before the amortization of acquired intangibles, has, therefore, been presented in the following table. Year to Half year to Half year to July 31 January 31 January 31 2006 2007 2006 Pence Pence Pence per Per Per share Share Share Before amortization of acquired 98.90p intangibles 38.72p 43.91p (8.13)p Amortization of acquired intangibles (5.75)p (2.33)p 90.77p Basic earnings per share 32.97p 41.58p The impact of all potentially dilutive share options on earnings per share would be to increase the weighted average number of shares in issue to 639 million (January 31, 2006: 597 million) and to reduce basic earnings per share to 32.78 pence (January 31, 2006: 41.13 pence). Diluted earnings per share before amortization of acquired intangibles is 38.49 pence (January 31, 2006: 43.44 pence). 7 Non-GAAP measures of performance Trading profit is defined as operating profit before the amortization of acquired intangibles and is a non-GAAP measure. The current businesses within the Group have arisen through internal organic growth and through acquisition. Operating profit includes only the amortization of acquired intangibles arising on those businesses that have been acquired subsequent to July 31, 2004 and as such does not reflect equally the performance of businesses acquired prior to July 31, 2004 (where no amortization of acquired intangibles was recognized), businesses that have developed organically (where no intangibles are attributed) and those businesses more recently acquired (where amortization of acquired intangibles is charged). The Group believes that trading profit provides valuable additional information for users of the financial statements in assessing the Group's performance since it provides information on the performance of the business that local managers are more directly able to influence and on a basis consistent across businesses. Year to Half year to Half year to July 31 January 31 January 31 2006 2007 2006 m pounds m pounds m pounds 834 Operating profit 345 371 Add back: amortization of 48 acquired intangibles 45 14 882 Trading profit 390 385 769 Profit before tax 285 346 Add back: amortization of 48 acquired intangibles 45 14 Profit before tax and the amortization 817 of acquired intangibles 330 360 8 Capital expenditure Property, Tangible plant and Intangible and intangible assets equipment assets m pounds m pounds m pounds Net book value at August 1, 2006 1,506 1,144 2,650 Acquisitions 1,289 481 1,770 Additions 27 187 214 Disposals - (16) (16) Depreciation and amortization (47) (88) (135) Exchange rate adjustment (63) (40) (103) Net book value at January 31, 2007 2,712 1,668 4,380 9 Provisions Environmental Wolseley Other and legal Insurance provisions Total m pounds m pounds m pounds m pounds At August 1, 2006 39 47 20 106 Utilized in the period (5) (11) (2) (18) Charge for the period 1 20 5 26 New businesses - - 1 1 Exchange difference (2) (2) - (4) 33 54 24 111 10 Reconciliation of movements in capital and reserves Year to Half year to Half year to July 31 January 31 January 31 2006 2007 2006 m pounds m pounds m pounds Profit for the period attributable 537 to equity shareholders 209 245 Exchange loss on translation of (182) overseas operations (215) (24) Exchange gain on translation of borrowings designated as hedges of 58 overseas operations 104 7 Valuation gain on interest rate swaps (less amounts reclassified and reported 8 in net income) 2 6 5 Valuation gain on currency swaps 1 6 Actuarial gain/(loss) on 7 retirement benefits 54 (4) Change in fair value of (7) available-for-sale investments 2 - Tax charge not recognized (13) in the income statement (9) (11) 413 Total recognized income and expense 148 225 31 New share capital subscribed 658 13 Purchase of own shares by Employee (27) Benefit Trust (24) (11) Credit to equity for share based 36 payments 10 31 (162) Dividends paid (128) (104) Net addition to/(reduction in) 291 shareholders' funds 664 154 2,301 Opening shareholders' funds 2,592 2,301 2,592 Closing shareholders' funds 3,256 2,455 11 Analysis of change in net debt Fair value adjustments and At New other Exchange January July 31, Cash- Acqui- finance move- move- 31, 2006 flow sitions leases ments ment 2007 m m m m m m m pounds pounds pounds pounds pounds pounds pounds Cash and cash equivalents 416 (102) - - - (28) 286 Bank overdrafts (124) (37) - - - 9 (152) 292 (139) - - - (19) 134 Financial assets: trading investments 4 - - - 2 - 6 Derivative financial instruments (19) - - - 9 1 (9) Bank loans (2,152) (538) (362) - (6) 89 (2,969) Obligations under finance leases (75) 16 (4) (19) - 3 (79) Total net debt (1,950) (661) (366) (19) 5 74 (2,917) 12 Acquisitions In all acquisitions during the half year to January 31, 2007, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital, and has accounted for the transaction by the purchase method of accounting. Fair Provisional Book values value fair values acquired alignments acquired All acquisitions m pounds m pounds m pounds Intangible fixed assets - Customer relationships - 266 266 - Trade names and brands - 236 236 - Other - 6 6 Property, plant and equipment 254 227 481 Inventories 306 (24) 282 Receivables 327 (1) 326 Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts 11 - 11 Borrowings (366) - (366) Payables and provisions (487) (1) (488) Deferred tax (39) (172) (211) Retirement benefit obligations (15) - (15) Total (9) 537 528 Goodwill arising 781 Consideration 1,309 Satisfied by: Cash 1,260 Deferred and contingent consideration 43 Directly attributable costs 6 Total consideration 1,309 The fair value adjustments shown above are provisional figures, being the best estimates currently available. Further adjustments to goodwill and other intangible fixed assets may be necessary when additional information becomes available. A list of businesses acquired during the period, and the month of acquisition, is as follows: Water Works Suppliers Inc. August 2006 Palermo Supply Co., Inc. et al August 2006 Lunts Heath Limited August 2006 Sigmatec SAS August 2006 United Automatic Heating Supply Ltd September 2006 Morris Insulation Limited, et al September 2006 DT Group A/S September 2006 Atout K-RO September 2006 Castle Group October 2006 Northern Water Works Supply, Inc October 2006 Murdock EDC Limited & Murdock Haworth Limited October 2006 Helatukku Finland Oy October 2006 Gulf Refrigeration Supply Inc. October 2006 Kandall Fabricating & Supply Corporation KF Industries LLC October 2006 Lee Window & Door Company October 2006 Perfection Truss Company, Inc. October 2006 Woodcote stavebni materialy, a.s. October 2006 Adelgaard Byggeforum October 2006 Hjalmars Tra AB November 2006 Ditac SAS November 2006 Kempsville Building Materials, Inc. November 2006 Hudson Plumbing Supplies Limited November 2006 Etablissements Pochon Felix December 2006 Onda-Lay Pipe & Rental, Inc. December 2006 T'N'T Sales , Inc. trading as Page's Appliances December 2006 Tonto Verde Construction, Inc. and Precision Forest Products, LLC December 2006 Guntersville Fabrication and Sprinkler Co, Inc. and Guntersville Pipe and Supply December 2006 R J Hosking Building Supplies Limited December 2006 Kopex Groothandel in Sanitaire Installatie Artikelen BV et al December 2006 Cal-Steam Supply, Inc December 2006 Superbygg Kalaallit Nunaat A/S January 2007 All these businesses are engaged in the distribution and supply of construction materials and services. The acquisitions contributed 758 million pounds to revenue, 39 million pounds to trading profit and 28 million pounds to the Group's operating profit for the period between the date of acquisition and the balance sheet date. If each acquisition had been completed on the first day of the financial year, Group revenue would have been 8,328 million pounds and Group trading profit would have been 435 million pounds. 13 Exchange rates The results of overseas subsidiaries have been translated into sterling using average rates of exchange. The period end rates of exchange have been used to convert balance sheet amounts. The average profit and loss account translation rate for the first six months was $1.9198 to the 1 pound compared to $1.7604 for the comparable period last year, a decrease of 8.3%, and euro 1.4850 to the 1 pound compared to euro 1.4619 a decrease of 1.6%. Should the exchange rates between the US$ and pound, and the euro and the pound, remain at the January 31, 2007 spot rates ($1.9637 and euro 1.5065) then the averages for the year as a whole would be $1.9401 and euro 1.4949 and this would have the effect of decreasing revenue and trading profit for the first half by 50 million pounds and 3 million pounds, respectively. Independent review report to Wolseley plc Introduction We have been instructed by the company to review the financial information for the six months ended January 31, 2007 which comprises the consolidated interim balance sheet as at January 31, 2007 and the related consolidated interim statements of income, cash flows statement, statement of recognized income and expense for the six months then ended and related notes. We have read the other information contained in the interim report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial information. Directors' responsibilities The interim report, including the financial information contained therein, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by the directors. The Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority require that the accounting policies and presentation applied to the interim figures should be consistent with those applied in preparing the preceding annual accounts except where any changes, and the reasons for them, are disclosed. This interim report has been prepared in accordance with the basis set out in Note 1. Review work performed We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4 issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review consists principally of making enquiries of Group management and applying analytical procedures to the financial information and underlying financial data and, based thereon, assessing whether the disclosed accounting policies have been applied. A review excludes audit procedures such as tests of controls and verification of assets, liabilities and transactions. It is substantially less in scope than an audit and therefore provides a lower level of assurance. Accordingly we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the company for the purpose of the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority and for no other purpose. We do not, in producing this report, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing. Review conclusion On the basis of our review we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial information as presented for the six months ended January 31, 2007. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Chartered Accountants London March 19, 2007 Notes: (a) The maintenance and integrity of the Wolseley plc web site is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the interim report since it was initially presented on the web site. (b) Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial information may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. DATASOURCE: Wolseley plc CONTACT: Guy Stainer, Head of Investor Relations, 0118 929 8744, 07739 778187, or John English, Vice President, Investor Relations, North America, +1-513-771-9000, +1-513-328-4900, both of Wolseley plc; or Andrew Fenwick or Nina Coad of Brunswick, 020 7404 5959, for Wolseley plc Web site: http://www.wolseley.com/

Copyright