Trading Statement
Group
· Anticipating a record half year profit.
· Net debt of £90 million (2012: £58 million) rose as planned, reflecting the significant increase in the landbank, and was at the lower end of expectations due to a strong performance from Construction.
Housebuilding
· Continued strong performance with encouraging rates of sale and prices above expectations, in line with our November statement.
· 20% increase in total sales reserved, contracted and completed at £652 million (2012: £544 million).
· Average selling price up 16% at £288,000 (2012: £248,000) reflecting the strong demand for our well located southern sites and increased focus on houses. The average selling price for affordable sales was £118,000 (2012: £115,000) producing a combined average selling price of £250,000 (2012: £216,000).
· Revenue is expected to be up on the equivalent half year period, as a consequence of 1,359 unit completions, 1,279 net of joint venture partners share (2012: 1,364 and 1,229), and the significant increase in the average selling price.
· Good unit sales per outlet per week at 0.50 (2012: 0.46). Cancellation levels remain around the long term average at 19% (2012: 19%).
· Record landbank of 13,100 plots with the land market continuing to be positive. 90% of landbank now secured at current market values (31 December 2012: 83% of 10,400). 98% of land secured for 2015.
· Operating margin has improved since the previous half year (31 December 2012) and anticipated to be broadly in line with the full year to June 2013.
Construction
· Challenging market conditions although pipeline of opportunities continues to increase. Order book remains robust at £1.75 billion as we continue to focus on strong cash management and margin protection (2012: £1.6 billion).
· 98% of projected revenue for the current financial year secured with 62% for the year 30 June 2015 (31 December 2012: 99% and 62% respectively).
· High quality and diverse future revenues with 40% of order book in the regulated sector, 39% in public and 21% in private (2012: 40%, 42% and 18% respectively).
· During the previous six months we have announced a number of major project wins across our divisions including the new four year Education Funding Agency contractors framework, financial close of the Brunswick regeneration scheme, preferred bidder for the Kent 'Excellent Homes for All' scheme, the Forbury Place office contract in Reading and several health and education contracts in Scotland and the Midlands.
· As planned, realignment of Partnerships division successfully implemented, to strengthen focus in this key growth area.