Trading Update
Trading Performance
Marshalls' revenue from continuing operations for the year ended 31 December 2014 was up 17 per cent at £359 million (2013: £307 million). Revenue for the six months to 31 December 2014 was up 19 per cent compared with the second half of 2013. The Group continues to experience strong order intake and sales growth in all its end markets.
Sales to the Public Sector and Commercial end market, which now represent approximately 64 per cent of Marshalls' sales, were up 20 per cent for the full year, on a continuing basis, compared with 2013. The Group continues to target those parts of the market where higher levels of growth are expected, such as Rail, Newbuild Housing, Water Management and Street Furniture.
Sales to the Domestic end market, which represent approximately 30 per cent of Group sales, were up 9 per cent for the full year, compared with the prior year period. The survey of Marshalls' c. 1,000 domestic installer teams at the end of October 2014 revealed order books of 11.9 weeks (October 2013: 11.0 weeks).
International revenue has grown by 28 per cent in the year ended 31 December 2014 and is now 6 per cent of expanded Group sales. Focus has been directed to ensure that International operations are better aligned with market opportunities. This resulted in a charge of £2 million in the second half of 2014 in relation to the restructuring of Marshalls NV. Notwithstanding this charge the expectations for 2014 full year results remain unchanged.
Outlook
The Construction Products Association's Autumn Forecast predicts growth in UK market volumes of 4.8 per cent in 2014 and 5.3 per cent in 2015. The Group continues to increase output to meet growing demand and to deliver benefits from its operational gearing.
The Group remains focused on product innovation and service delivery initiatives to deliver continued sales growth and improve trading margins. Continued emphasis is being placed on the further development of the Marshalls' brand across all of the Group's businesses.