Final Results
Bellway PLC
17 October 2006
NATIONAL HOUSEBUILDER BELLWAY p.l.c. TODAY, TUESDAY 17 OCTOBER 2006, ANNOUNCE
THEIR PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2006.
HIGHLIGHTS Year to 31 July
2006 2005 Increase
Revenue - £m 1,240.2 1,178.1 5.3%
Operating profit - £m 239.3 230.1 4.0%
Profit before taxation - £m 220.7 213.8 3.2%
Basic earnings per ordinary share - pence 137.5 133.1 3.3%
Dividend per ordinary share - pence 34.5 31.25 10.4%
Net asset value per ordinary share - pence 793 689 15.1%
HOWARD DAWE, CHAIRMAN OF BELLWAY p.l.c. COMMENTING ON THE NEWCASTLE BASED
HOUSEBUILDER'S ANNUAL RESULTS SAID 'I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT BELLWAY HAS
EXTENDED ITS TRACK RECORD OF GROWTH....'.
ON REVIEWING THE YEAR HE SAID 'THE PROFIT BEFORE TAX HAS INCREASED....TO £220.7
MILLION AND EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE HAVE ADVANCED TO 137.5P.... BOTH OF
WHICH ARE NEW RECORDS FOR THE GROUP'.
COMMENTING ON CURRENT TRADING MR DAWE SAID 'ALTHOUGH SOME PARTS OF THE COUNTRY
HAVE SHOWN RESILIENCE.....INCENTIVES ARE STILL REQUIRED TO CONCLUDE MOST
TRANSACTIONS'. HE WAS DELIGHTED TO REPORT THAT 'ON 30 SEPTEMBER 2006 THE
FORWARD ORDER BOOK STOOD AT £647 MILLION' AND 'INCLUDING COMPLETIONS TO DATE, WE
HAVE SECURED AROUND 58% OF OUR PLANNED AND INCREASED OUTPUT FOR 2006/07'.
IN CONCLUSION THE CHAIRMAN SAID 'WITH OUR EMPHASIS ON LOWER VALUE HOUSING,
FORWARD SELLING, INCREASING VOLUMES AND TIGHT CONTROL OVER LAND BUYING, THE
BOARD REMAINS CONFIDENT AS TO THE FUTURE PROSPECTS FOR THE GROUP'.
2006 2005
* Homes sold - no. 7,117 7,001
* Average selling price - £000 169.0 163.8
* Operating margin - % 19.3 19.5
* Return on average capital employed - % 23.4 27.0
* Land bank - plots with planning permission 22,600 22,500
* Net assets - £m 903.5 779.8
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT JOHN WATSON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OR ALISTAIR
LEITCH, FINANCE DIRECTOR
TUESDAY 17 OCTOBER - FRIDAY 20 OCTOBER
J WATSON: 07855 337007
A LEITCH: 07855 337001
THEREAFTER: 0191 217 0717
BELLWAY p.l.c.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
I am pleased to report that Bellway has extended its track record of growth in
volume, turnover and earnings to record levels over the last twelve months.
Volume and turnover has grown for the fifteenth consecutive year and earnings
per share have increased for the tenth consecutive year. I can confirm that
these annual results have been prepared for the first time under International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and are summarised below.
The number of homes sold in the year ended 31 July 2006 has increased from
7,001 to 7,117 and the average price of these homes has increased from £163,800
to £169,000. Total turnover for the Group advanced by 5.3% to £1,240 million
from £1,178 million. Due to the increased volume and tight control of costs,
the Group has been able to restrict the attrition on the operating margin from
19.5% to 19.3% resulting in operating profit increasing to £239.3 million
compared with £230.1 million last year. Net financing costs have risen to £18.4
million from £16.4 million. The profit before tax has increased by 3.2% from
£213.8 million to £220.7 million and earnings per ordinary share have advanced
to 137.5p from 133.1p, both of which are new records for the Group.
Shareholders' equity has risen by almost £124 million to £903.6 million, and net
assets per ordinary share are now 793p, up from 689p at the same time last year,
an increase of some 15%. Gearing at the year end was 19% with net borrowings of
£173.7 million, down from £191.6 million at the same time last year.
Dividend
To reflect the Group's creditable performance, and as a show of confidence in
future prospects, the Board has decided to recommend an increase in the total
dividend payable per ordinary share by 10.4% from 31.25p to 34.5p which is
covered just less than four times. This will result in a final dividend of
20.2p (18.25p - 2005) being paid on Monday 15 January 2007 to all ordinary
shareholders on the Register of Members at the close of business on Friday 15
December 2006.
Current Trading
Although some parts of the country have shown resilience, notably in the North
East, Scotland and the Thames Gateway, the rest of the country remains
challenging and, as a consequence, incentives are still required to conclude
most transactions. However, these incentives are being well controlled and
closely managed by our divisions resulting in margins being held at satisfactory
levels. To grow earnings in this market, and with build cost pressures, the
Group intends to increase volumes this year from a greater number of outlets and
divisions. The foundations of this growth are in place as the number of outlets
has risen by 7% and the divisional network has been augmented by a new division
operating in the South Midlands area, increasing the number of current operating
divisions to eighteen. Our policy of forward selling, resulted in the Group's
total order book having grown to £561 million as at 31 July 2006. Since 1
August 2006 through to 30 September 2006 reservations have been some 9% ahead of
the same period last year and on 30 September the forward order book stood at
£647 million. Including completions to date, we have secured around 58% of our
planned and increased output for 2006/07.
Land
Land is the lifeblood of the industry and the procurement process remains as
competitive and as difficult as ever. Plots with planning permission held at 31
July 2006 were 22,600, just ahead of last year's position. We are particularly
pleased with the progress that has been made with our medium term land holdings,
with plots pending planning permission having grown by 25% to 15,000 plots
giving a total land bank of 37,600 plots, representing over five years supply.
In addition, our City Solutions operation has been awarded preferred developer
status for some 4,200 plots on regeneration schemes throughout the country.
People
These record results would not have been possible without the hard work, skill
and commitment of all our employees, suppliers, sub-contractors and partners
across the country and this is greatly appreciated by the Board.
Future Prospects
The current market, although stable, remains price competitive and is one in
which Bellway has traditionally thrived. With our emphasis on lower value
housing, forward selling, increasing volumes and tight control over land buying,
the Board remains confident as to the future prospects for the Group.
H C Dawe
Chairman
16 October 2006
BELLWAY p.l.c.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S OPERATING REVIEW
Strategy
I am delighted to report another year of significant progress with the number of
homes sold increasing to 7,117 at an average selling price of £169,000. This
has resulted in the revenue from the sale of homes reaching a new high of £1,203
million up from £1,147 million last year. Other turnover of £37 million was
generated during the year which came mainly from land sales and the sales of
commercial units taking the total turnover to a record high of £1,240 million.
As long as the market remains competitive, the Group recognises that revenue
growth must be generated primarily by increasing volume output. Our strategy
therefore is to optimise and increase the divisional network and to improve the
size and quality of the land bank. In addition we continue to focus on cost
control in all aspects of the business.
New Appointments
With regard to our volume growth objectives, we have recently appointed two new
regional chairmen, covering the north and south of the country, to oversee the
day to day divisional operations. Land acquisition and financial control will
remain at Head Office to ensure strong controls remain in place. This change to
our structure is an important initiative in driving output in those divisions
trading below optimum scale and also gives us the additional resource to
establish future new divisions.
Divisional Performance
Northern Divisions
During the year the northern divisions sold 3,764 homes, an increase from the
previous year's 3,685 homes. Of this total, 221 homes were sold to housing
associations compared to 196 the previous year. Overall the average selling
price in the north fell slightly to £154,569 but, with the volumes increasing,
turnover increased to £581.8 million.
The West Lancashire division, which is now building on several sites in the
Liverpool Pathfinder area, has successfully completed 600 homes in the year with
an average selling price of only £136,000. The North East division has
commenced two neighbourhood renewal schemes replacing areas of former local
authority housing. We anticipate the average selling price of these 950 new
homes to be in the region of £127,000. This is an extremely affordable price
even for the North East and will help to grow volumes in future years. A new
division was formed during the year to cover the South Midlands area. It is
acquiring new land opportunities in the region as well as handling the Solihull
regeneration project which has recently commenced. We will see production from
the division in the 2006/07 financial year and it increases the number of
trading divisions to 18.
Southern Divisions
The southern divisions sold 3,353 homes, an increase from the previous year's
3,316. Of this total, 569 homes were sold to housing associations compared to
632 the previous year. Overall the average selling price in the south increased
to £185,200 and with volumes increasing, turnover lifted to £621.1 million, a
7.8% increase on the previous year.
The South West division, only formed in 2004, increased output to 153 homes and
is set to continue growing helped by further land acquisitions in Devon and
Somerset. The Thames Gateway South division has established itself as a major
provider of affordable homes in East London, with an overall average selling
price of only £169,000. The division has recently completed a development of
214 apartments in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and construction of a
further 532 houses and apartments is on-going in Stepney, in the same borough.
Demand for these competitively priced homes is proving to be particularly
strong. The Thames Gateway North division which was only established in 2005
completed 42 homes in the period. It has been successful in acquiring several
more sites and production levels will steadily increase in the coming years.
Land Bank
The divisional network must also be supported by an expanding land bank and in
particular sales outlets. The Group presently has 22,600 plots owned with
planning permission on the balance sheet, similar to last year's levels.
However, the medium term land bank, which is typically held by the company
pending the receipt of a planning permission, has increased significantly from
12,000 to 15,000 plots. These plots often take several years to convert into
active sites but are a valuable source of land and often result in enhanced
margins. A start will be made on a site next year near Bedford, an old RAF
depot, which was acquired outright in 2001 and has now received planning
permission for around 600 homes.
In addition, the Group's long term strategic land contains the 4,200 plots being
processed through the system by City Solutions. These plots together with
approximately 2,900 acres of greenfield land, typically held under option, will
further enhance Bellway's land bank and underpin our long term growth
aspirations.
City Solutions
City Solutions, a procurement team, is taking advantage of the Government's
regeneration initiatives and is focused on sourcing large scale regeneration
opportunities where the operating margin is agreed in advance. Once a project
reaches development stage it is handed over to a division. So far City
Solutions has made its first contribution towards the land bank handing over 500
plots to divisions and currently it has preferred bidder status on the
previously mentioned 4,200 plots in cities such as Leeds, Liverpool,
Middlesbrough and Newport. These new opportunities will be a sizeable boost to
our land bank.
Design and Cost Control
During the year the Group received awards from the Commission for Architecture
and the Built Environment (CABE) for outstanding design. Whilst it is pleasing
to receive such recognition, it is important to ensure that we complement good
design with cost control. For example, with the new Part A building regulations
imposing additional design criteria on buildings over four storeys and above, we
have introduced more timber frame construction which represents a cost saving
against concrete or steel construction. As a result, timber frame construction
accounted for almost a third of output. This system brings a greater
standardisation of floor design and has economy of scale benefits. As a highly
insulated system, it helps to reduce CO(2) emissions, an item high on the
Government's list of priorities, and as a consequence its use may well increase
in the future. These measures, along with a greater use of standard material
specifications, have helped to support the Group's operating margin.
Environment
Government statistics demonstrate that improvements in construction techniques
and materials have all contributed to a new home being 40% more energy efficient
today than it was five years ago. New building regulations and other Government
initiatives will continue to improve the standard of new homes in the future.
However, despite this, the effect of climate change cannot be underestimated as
housing is a major contributor in the production of CO(2). In an effort to
improve the environmental performance of our product, we are currently paying
the energy bills and monitoring the performance of several homes recently
constructed in the North West of England where more innovative methods of
generating heat and power have been employed.
The Group has also increased the number of 'Eco Homes' built during the year and
our development at Broughton in Milton Keynes will see Bellway delivering our
first site of 234 homes to 'Eco Homes Excellent' standard.
To ensure the sustainability of raw materials, especially timber, this year we
undertook a review of our major suppliers and introduced a new Group procurement
policy. This is especially important considering the Group's increased use of
timber frame techniques. Waste is a significant by-product of development and
an area we are continuing to focus upon. In the year under review, 150 sites
have segregated their waste, more importantly 4,708 tonnes of plasterboard have
been recycled representing a substantial increase over the corresponding period
last year.
Throughout the course of the year the Group has agreed, pursuant to agreements
under s106 of the Town and Country Planning Acts, to make payments which in
total amount to over £5m for such items as education, highway and open space
facilities. These payments provide benefits for the whole community following
the granting of a planning permission.
Customers
There is a strong requirement to deliver a quality product combined with a level
of service that satisfies customer demands. During the year the Group has
undertaken a comprehensive review of its customer care procedures and also
appointed an independent survey company. The latest figures from this survey
show that over 75% of purchasers would recommend their friend to buy a new
Bellway home. This, and future surveys, will be used to focus the Group's
efforts to produce quality homes and satisfy customers on a consistent basis.
Health and Safety
A review of our health and safety systems was carried out during the course of
the year by an independent firm of consultants. Recommendations from the review
have been implemented resulting in the Group devoting more resources into this
area of our business. In conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive,
Bellway has been holding joint workshops throughout the Group to make both
sub-contractors and employees aware of good practice with regard to manual
handling. We have, as a result, made a number of changes to products being used
on site and now insist on the use of mechanical lifting devices when handling
heavy materials.
I am pleased to report that the number of reportable accidents, namely those
involving absence from work for over three days, has been reduced for the fourth
consecutive year, a trend we hope can be maintained in the coming years by
setting new targets and introducing initiatives on site to improve performance.
Outlook
Revenue growth in a low inflationary environment more than ever relies on
increasing our volume output. The foundations for this growth are in place with
the number of sales outlets increasing by around 7%, the divisional network has
been expanded and the land bank is being further enhanced by future urban
regeneration schemes. The cost base will benefit from more standardisation
helping to reduce inherent cost pressures. Bellway's strategy remains unaltered
and is supported by a strong order book which has grown to £647 million at the
end of September. This places the Group in an excellent position to maintain
its track record into the future.
J K Watson
Chief Executive
16 October 2006
BELLWAY p.l.c.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
For the year ended 31 July 2006
Notes 2006 2005
£000 £000
Revenue 1,240,193 1,178,063
Cost of sales (947,921) (896,167)
__________ __________
Gross profit 292,272 281,896
Administrative expenses (52,932) (51,784)
__________ __________
Operating profit 239,340 230,112
Finance income 2 2,941 2,250
Finance expenses 2 (21,339) (18,627)
Share of (losses) / profit of associates (233) 94
__________ __________
Profit before taxation 220,709 213,829
Income tax expense 3 (64,967) (64,667)
__________ __________
Profit for the year (all attributable to equity holders of the parent) 155,742 149,162
Earnings per ordinary share - basic 5 137.5p 133.1p
Earnings per ordinary share - diluted 5 136.2p 131.8p
Statement of Recognised Income and Expense
For the year ended 31 July 2006
Group
2006 2005
£000 £000
Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension scheme (2,203) (5,040)
Tax on items taken directly to equity 661 1,512
__________ __________
Net expense recognised directly in equity (1,542) (3,528)
Profit for the year 155,742 149,162
__________ __________
Total recognised income (all attributable to equity holders of the parent) 7 154,200 145,634
====== ======
BELLWAY p.l.c.
BALANCE SHEET
At 31 July 2006
Consolidated
2006 2005
Notes £000 £000
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 13,749 17,631
Investment property 1,713 -
Investments in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities - 136
Other receivables 5,736 7,462
Deferred tax assets 10,174 11,475
________ ________
31,372 36,704
Current assets
Inventories 1,433,999 1,283,222
Trade and other receivables 26,503 31,703
Cash and cash equivalents 2,329 66,441
________ ________
1,462,831 1,381,366
________ ________
Total assets 1,494,203 1,418,070
===== =====
LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 159,000 256,000
Retirement benefit obligations 11,716 12,084
Land payables 23,958 19,265
________ ________
194,674 287,349
Current liabilities
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 17,024 2,000
Trade and other payables 349,995 316,591
Current tax liabilities 29,010 32,302
________ ________
396,029 350,893
________ ________
Total liabilities 590,703 638,242
===== =====
________ ________
Net assets 903,500 779,828
===== =====
EQUITY
Issued capital 14,252 14,154
Share premium 111,903 108,886
Other reserves 1,492 1,492
Retained earnings 775,919 655,362
________ ________
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent 903,566 779,894
Minority interest (66) (66)
________ ________
Total equity 7 903,500 779,828
===== =====
Approved by the Board of Directors on 16 October 2006 and signed on its behalf
by
H C Dawe A M Leitch
Director Director
BELLWAY p.l.c.
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
For the year ended 31 July 2006
Consolidated
Notes 2006 2005
£000 £000
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit for the year 155,742 149,162
Depreciation charge 3,141 3,269
Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment (1,152) (189)
Finance income (2,941) (2,250)
Finance expenses 21,339 18,627
Dividends received - -
Share based payment charge 2,550 1,575
Income tax expense 64,967 64,667
Increase in inventories (150,777) (227,574)
Decrease / (increase) in trade and other receivables 6,895 (11,858)
Increase in trade and other payables 32,243 9,249
________ ________
Cash from operations 132,007 4,678
Interest paid (17,937) (15,374)
Income tax paid (65,198) (68,062)
________ ________
Net cash inflow / (outflow) from operating activities 48,872 (78,758)
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (4,808) (5,153)
Acquisition of investment property (1,713) -
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 6,721 1,066
Interest received 2,962 2,267
Dividends received - -
________ ________
Net cash inflow / (outflow) from investing activities 3,162 (1,820)
Cash flows from financing activities
(Decrease) / increase in bank borrowings (97,000) 63,000
Proceeds from the issue of share capital on exercise of share options 3,115 4,540
Purchase of own shares by employee share option plans (403) (313)
Dividends paid (36,882) (32,150)
________ ________
Net cash (outflow) / inflow from financing activities (131,170) 35,077
________ ________
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (79,136) (45,501)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 66,441 111,942
________ ________
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 6 (12,695) 66,441
===== =====
BELLWAY p.l.c.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The financial information has been prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union (EU) and
effective (or available for early adoption) at 31 July 2006. Comparative
information for the year ended 31 July 2005 has been stated on an IFRS basis.
Full details of IFRS policies applied and reconciliations of comparative figures
between UK GAAP and IFRSs are available in our announcement of restatement of
financial information for 2005 issued on 31 March 2006. A copy of the
announcement is available under the Investor Relations section of our website,
www.bellway.co.uk
2 FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSE
2006 2005
£000 £000
Interest income 2,941 2,250
===== =====
Interest payable on bank loans and overdrafts 16,358 13,533
Interest on deferred term land payables 2,680 2,726
Interest element of movement in pension scheme deficit 305 339
Other interest expense 96 129
Preference dividends 1,900 1,900
________ ________
Finance expenses 21,339 18,627
===== =====
3 TAXATION
Taxation has been calculated at an effective rate of 29.5% of profit before tax
(2005: 30.2%).
4 DIVIDENDS ON EQUITY SHARES
2006 2005
£000 £000
Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the year :
Final dividend for the year ended 31 July 2005 of 18.25p per share (2004: 15.7p) 20,657 17,594
Interim dividend for the year ended 31 July 2006 of 14.3p per share (2005: 13.0p) 16,232 14,599
________ ________
36,889 32,193
===== =====
Proposed final dividend for the year ended 31 July 2006 of 20.2p per share (2005: 23,028 20,600
18.25p)
The proposed final dividend is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual
General Meeting on 12 January 2007 and, in accordance with IAS 10, has not been
included as a liability in these financial statements.
5 EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE
Basic earnings per ordinary share is calculated by dividing earnings by the
weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year (excluding
the weighted average number of ordinary shares held by the employee share
ownership plans which are treated as cancelled).
Diluted earnings per ordinary share uses the same earnings figure as the basic
calculation except that the weighted average number of shares has been adjusted
to reflect the dilutive effect of outstanding share options allocated under
employee share schemes where the market value exceeds the option price. It is
assumed that all dilutive potential ordinary shares are converted at the
beginning of the accounting period. Diluted earnings per ordinary share is
calculated by dividing earnings by the diluted weighted average number of
ordinary shares.
Reconciliations of the earnings and weighted average number of shares used in
the calculations are outlined below:
Earnings Weighted Earnings Weighted
average average
number of number of
ordinary ordinary
shares shares
2006 2006 2005 2005
£000 £000
For basic earnings per ordinary share 155,742 113,248,814 149,162 112,054,913
Options and awards - 1,121,473 - 1,134,149
__________ __________ _________ __________
For diluted earnings per ordinary share 155,742 114,370,287 149,162 113,189,062
====== ====== ====== ======
6 ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT
Group At 1 August Cash At 31 July
2005 Flows 2006
£000 £000 £000
Cash and cash equivalents 66,441 (64,112) 2,329
Bank overdrafts - (15,024) (15,024)
________ ________ ________
Net cash and cash equivalents 66,441 (79,136) (12,695)
Bank loans (238,000) 97,000 (141,000)
Preference shares redeemable after more than one year (20,000) - (20,000)
________ ________ ________
Net debt (191,559) 17,864 (173,695)
===== ===== =====
7 RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Group Attributable to equity holders of the parent
Ordinary Share Other Retained Total Minority Total
share premium reserves earnings interest equity
capital
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
At 1 August 2004 14,008 104,492 1,492 540,754 660,746 (66) 660,680
Total recognised income and expense - - - 145,634 145,634 - 145,634
Dividends on equity shares - - - (32,193) (32,193) - (32,193)
Shares issued 146 4,394 - - 4,540 - 4,540
Charge in relation to share options and - - - 1,480 1,480 - 1,480
tax thereon
Exercise of share options / share - - - (313) (313) - (313)
awards
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
At 31 July 2005 14,154 108,886 1,492 655,362 779,894 (66) 779,828
Total recognised income and expense - - - 154,200 154,200 - 154,200
Dividends on equity shares - - - (36,889) (36,889) - (36,889)
Shares issued 98 3,017 - - 3,115 - 3,115
Charge in relation to share options and - - - 3,649 3,649 - 3,649
tax thereon
Exercise of share options / share - - - (403) (403) - (403)
awards
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
At 31 July 2006 14,252 111,903 1,492 775,919 903,566 (66) 903,500
===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Within retained earnings are amounts relating to ordinary shares held by the
employee share ownership plans. The number of shares held within these plans at
31 July 2006 was 441,439 (2005: 488,624) which are held within the financial
statements at a value of £2,173,000 (2005: £2,175,000).
8 STATUTORY ACCOUNTS
These financial statements do not constitute statutory accounts for the year
ended 31 July 2006 or 2005 (as restated for IFRSs), which will be filed with the
Registrar of Companies for the year ended 31 July 2006 following the Company's
Annual General Meeting.
The comparative information has been prepared on an IFRS basis. The comparative
figures for the financial year ended 31 July 2005 are not the statutory accounts
of the Group for that financial year. Those accounts, which were prepared under
UK GAAP, have been reported on by the Company's auditors and delivered to the
Registrar of Companies. The Report of the Auditors was unqualified and did not
contain statements under Section 237 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange