Half Yearly Report
Financial results (continuing operations)1
· Howden Joinery UK depot revenue increased by 11.6% to £428.2m (up 8.7% on a same depot basis). Group revenue was £435.4m (2013: £390.8m);
· Gross profit margin was 63.2% (2013: 61.5%);
· Operating profit rose to £57.6m (2013: £44.2m);
· Profit before tax increased to £57.2m (2013: £41.6m);
· Basic earnings per share increased to 6.6p (2013: 4.8p);
· Net cash of £161.1m at 14 June 2014 (28 December 2013: £140.5m net cash,
15 June 2013: £102.0m net cash);
· Interim dividend of 1.9p per share declared (2013: 1.0p).
Business developments
· We continue to invest in future growth across the whole business:
- in line with our plans, 17 new UK depots opened so far in 2014, bringing total to 576;
- capital expenditure totalled £17.2m (2013: £8.8m), reflecting increased investment in depots.
Current trading and outlook
· Howden Joinery UK depot revenue increased by 14.0% in the first four week period of the second half of the year;
· The Board is pleased with the good first half performance and, while we still have our important "Period 11" to come and face risks to gross margin from exchange rates and cost inflation, the Group is well placed to achieve its expectations for the full year.
1. 2013 comparatives exclude exceptional items.