REG-Persimmon Plc Half Yearly Report - Part 1
Released: 25/08/2009

com:20090825:RnsY9310X
                                                                                                                       .
RNS Number : 9310X  
  
Persimmon PLC  
  
25 August 2009  
  
TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2009  
  
HALF YEAR RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2009  
  
 
 * Pre-tax profit of £9.8 million after the exceptional release of £27.9 million 
of net realisable value provision (H1 2008: £36.9 million - after exceptional 
charge of £64.0m)  
 * Legal completions for H1 2009 of 4,006 units (H1 2008: 5,501) at an average 
selling price of £155,524* (H1 2008: £181,485) 
 * Total sales revenue of £611.8 million** (H1 2008: £998.4 million)  
 * Operating profit of £36.5 million*** (H1 2008: £75.7 million)  
 * Borrowings reduced to £494.2 million**** (H1 2008: £905.5 million) - ahead of 
expectations 
 * Year end debt now expected to be below £400 million - improvement on previous 
guidance  
 * Recent visitor levels exceeded those of last year and cancellation rates have 
been significantly lower throughout the period at c.16% (FY 2008: c. 30%)  
 * Current forward sales including legal completions since 1 July 2009 increased 
c.9% to c.£910 million (2008: £836 million) 
 * 64,347 plots of land owned and under control - representing c.7 years supply 
of land 
 * Investment in part exchange stock has decreased significantly to £11.4 
million at end June (30 June 2008: £120.0 million)  
 * Recent introduction of HomeBuy Direct shared equity scheme by the Government 
continues to gain momentum and provides opportunities for first time buyers. 
Carrying value of shared equity asset on the balance sheet at 30 June 2009 £47.2 
million (30 June 2008: £19.8 million)  
  
John White, Group Chairman said: "We expect sales rates to remain resilient due 
to the successful destocking that has occurred in the industry combined with the 
continuing good levels of underlying demand for new homes in the UK. Recently, 
selling prices have stabilised in most parts of mainland UK. Future volume 
increases and price movements will be dependent upon mortgage availability, job 
prospects and the health of the general economy.  
  
Our strong balance sheet, reduced debt, long landbank and strategic land 
opportunities, combined with an experienced management team provides an 
excellent platform to create value for shareholders."  
  
* calculated from nominal value of turnover - before £11.2m adjustment to fair 
value shared equity sales (H1 2008: £nil)  
  
** stated after £11.2m adjustment to fair value shared equity sales (H1 2008: 
£nil)  
  
*** including the exceptional release of £27.9 million of net realisable value 
provision (H1 2008: £64.0m exceptional charge)  
  
**** stated before finance leases and financing expenses   
  
 
  For further information, please contact:                                     
                                                    Edward Orlebar             
                                                    Charlotte McMullen         
                                                    Marylene Guernier          
  John White, Group Chairman                       
  Mike Farley, Group Chief Executive               
  Mike Killoran, Group Finance Director            
  Persimmon plc                                     M: Communications          
  Tuesday 25th August: Tel: +44 (0) 20 7920 2333    Tel: +44 (0) 20 7920 2333  
  For Future Enquiries: Tel: +44 (0)1904 642199                                
  
  
Analysts wishing to listen to the presentation at 10:30am remotely may dial +44 
(0)20 3037 9100  
  
A webcast of today's analyst presentation will be available on 
http://corporate.persimmonhomes.com/ this afternoon.  
  
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT  
  
RESULTS  
  
During the six months ended 30 June 2009 Persimmon legally completed 4,006 units 
(H1 2008: 5,501) at an average selling price of £155,524 (H1 2008: £181,485). 
Total sales revenue for the period was £623.0 million (H1 2008: £998.4 million) 
before adjusting for the fair value of shared equity sales of £11.2 million 
leaving reported revenues at £611.8 million.  
  
Pre-tax profit for the period was £9.8 million (H1 2008: £36.9 million) 
including the release of £27.9 million of net realisable value provision as an 
exceptional item. Operating profit was £36.5 million (H1 2008: £75.7 million) on 
the same basis.    
  
Total net borrowings at 30 June 2009 were £494.2 million (H1 2008: £905.5 
million). We continue to achieve debt reductions ahead of our expectations and 
now anticipate reducing borrowings ahead of previous guidance. We expect year 
end debt to be below £400 million, well within the total facilities for the 
Group of over £1 billion. These new and amended credit facilities were finalised 
and signed on 13 March 2009.  
  
Net interest charge for the period was £26.7 million (H1 2008: £38.8 million). 
As previously stated, the Board does not intend to pay a dividend this year.  
  
We reported at the time of our trading update that we did not expect to make 
further provisions against the value of our landholdings in the absence of any 
substantial change in current market conditions. We reiterate this stance today. 
As mentioned above, our trading experience over the last six months has resulted 
in the release of £27.9 million of net realisable value provision previously 
incurred, which demonstrates the realistic current book value of our 
landholdings of c. £1.7 billion.  
  
CURRENT TRADING  
  
Net reservations continue to run ahead of the comparative weeks of 2008. Sales 
in the historically quieter summer weeks have held up well and are ahead of our 
expectations. In recent weeks visitor levels have exceeded those of last year, 
whilst cancellation rates have been significantly lower at c. 16% (Full Year 
2008: c. 30%). Mortgage availability continues to be a concern, particularly the 
scarcity of higher loan to value products. However, the overall situation in 
respect of the mortgage market and valuations has recently shown signs of 
improvement.  
  
Current forward sales, including legal completions since 1 July 2009, are c. 
£910 million (2008: £836 million). The average selling price of homes reserved 
since 1 July 2009, is c. £174,000 compared to c. £163,650 over the same period 
in 2008. This reflects a higher proportion of traditional housing sales, 
particularly in the South, and a lower proportion of housing association sales.  
  
We expect sales rates to remain resilient due to the successful destocking that 
has occurred in the industry combined with the continuing good levels of 
underlying demand for new homes in the UK.  
  
The recent introduction of the HomeBuy Direct shared equity scheme by the 
Government is gaining momentum. The scheme provides shared equity loans held 
equally by the Government and Persimmon. This allows us to spread our equity 
over an increased volume of house sales. We are using this scheme to good effect 
and plan to continue with it. We are confident this remains a most attractive 
offer in the current mortgage market, particularly to first time buyers, and 
that it will deliver additional returns over the medium term.  
  
We continue to carry shared equity receivables at fair value, having made 
further provision of £11.2 million on first half completions (H1 2008: £nil) to 
reflect the deferred receipt of these outstanding sales proceeds. The carrying 
value of the shared equity asset on the balance sheet at 30 June 2009 was £47.2 
million (2008: £19.8 million).    
  
Whilst investment in shared equity continues, the investment in part exchange 
stock has decreased significantly. Part exchange stock owned was £11 million at 
30 June 2009 (2008: £120 million).  
  
LAND  
  
We currently have 64,347 plots of land owned and under control with residential 
planning permission. This represents c. 7 years supply of land. We remain 
focussed on improving planning consents on existing sites. We believe there are 
good opportunities to improve returns by addressing issues surrounding Section 
106 Agreements and overall house type and mix improvements. Our exposure to 
inner city apartment schemes continues to be negligible.  
  
We are making good progress with the planning of our strategic land portfolio. 
This land will provide an excellent source of our new land requirements over 
future years and can be acquired, in most cases, at a discount to the prevailing 
market value, which will enhance margins in the future.  
  
With our strong, consented landbank and significant strategic land portfolio 
which is well spread geographically and focussed on traditional house types, we 
can grow the business without the need to buy large amounts of new land. Indeed 
the current opportunities available in this respect are limited. However, we 
have selectively acquired a number of smaller sites for early development at 
appropriate prices which will deliver a good level of return for the business. 
We will continue with this carefully managed strategy for the foreseeable 
future, although with the combination of our current credit facilities and 
strong cash generation we are in an excellent position to add new land to our 
portfolio as opportunities arise.  
  
OUTLOOK  
  
Recently, selling prices have stabilised in most parts of mainland UK, including 
more latterly in the North of England. In the South, where the market is 
stronger, we have achieved an increased rate of sales per site per week. Future 
volume increases and price movements will be dependent upon mortgage 
availability, job prospects and the health of the general economy.  
  
We have continued to monitor all areas of expenditure in our business and are 
beginning to see the full benefits of the actions we took last year to cut 
overheads. Whilst we have been careful to maintain our national coverage, 
operating expenses are currently running at a reduced rate of c. £6.5 million 
per month. This will generate an overhead saving to the business in excess of 
£50 million per annum when compared with the level of the latter months of 2007, 
the period prior to our restructuring. Despite this, we expect that margin 
recovery to more normal levels will take some time to achieve.  
  
However our strong balance sheet, reduced debt, long landbank and strategic land 
opportunities, combined with an experienced management team provides an 
excellent platform to create value for shareholders. We are therefore confident 
that we remain in a strong position to grow our business once again as 
conditions improve.    
  
PERSIMMON PLC  
  
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)   
  
For the six months to 30 June 2009  
  
 
                                                                                         Six months to 30 June 2009                                 Six months to 30 June 2008                                 Year to 31 December 2008                                    
                                                                                         Before exceptional items    Exceptional items              Before exceptional items    Exceptional items              Before exceptional items    Exceptional items               
                                                                                         £m                           (Note 2)                      £m                          (Note 2)                       £m                          (Note 2)                        
  Note                                                                                                               £m                  Total                                  £m                  Total                                  £m                   Total      
                                                                                                                                         £m                                                         £m                                                          £m         
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
  Revenue                                                                                611.8                       -                   611.8      998.4                       -                   998.4      1,755.1                     -                    1,755.1    
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
  Cost of sales                                                                          (571.6)                     27.9                (543.7)    (821.1)                     (49.0)              (870.1)    (1,489.8)                   (688.2)              (2,178.0)  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
  Gross profit / (loss)                                                                  40.2                        27.9                68.1       177.3                       (49.0)              128.3      265.3                       (688.2)              (422.9)    
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
  Other operating income                                                                 5.4                         -                   5.4        13.9                        -                   13.9       21.4                        -                    21.4       
  Operating expenses                                                                     (36.5)                      -                   (36.5)     (51.6)                      (15.0)              (66.6)     (91.0)                      (222.9)              (313.9)    
  Share of results of jointly controlled entities                                        (0.5)                       -                   (0.5)      0.1                         -                   0.1        0.8                         -                    0.8        
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
  Profit / (loss) from operations before impairment of                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
  intangible assets                                                                      10.0                        27.9                37.9       139.7                       (64.0)              75.7       198.3                       (710.1)              (511.8)    
  Impairment of intangible assets                                                        (1.4)                       -                   (1.4)      -                           -                   -          (1.8)                       (201.0)              (202.8)    
  Profit / (loss) from operations                                                        8.6                         27.9                36.5       139.7                       (64.0)              75.7       196.5                       (911.1)              (714.6)    
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
  Finance income                                                                         2.3                         -                   2.3        2.6                         -                   2.6        4.1                         6.3                  10.4       
  Finance costs                                                                          (29.0)                      -                   (29.0)     (41.4)                      -                   (41.4)     (75.8)                      -                    (75.8)     
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
  Profit / (loss) before tax                                                             (18.1)                      27.9                9.8        100.9                       (64.0)              36.9       124.8                       (904.8)              (780.0)    
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
  Tax                                                       3                            5.2                         (5.2)               -          (28.7)                      18.2                (10.5)     (20.7)                      175.7                155.0      
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
  Profit / (loss) after tax                                                              (12.9)                      22.7                9.8        72.2                        (45.8)              26.4       104.1                       (729.1)              (625.0)    
  (all attributable to equity holders of the parent)                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
  Other comprehensive(expense)/income                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
  Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow                                (0.6)                       -                   (0.6)      1.9                         -                   1.9        (0.8)                       -                    (0.8)      
  hedges                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
  Net actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes   9                            (26.1)                      -                   (26.1)     (4.3)                       -                   (4.3)      (43.8)                      -                    (43.8)     
  Tax on other comprehensive (expense)/income                                            7.5                         -                   7.5        0.7                         -                   0.7        (11.3)                      -                    (11.3)     
  Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the period, net of tax                        (19.2)                      -                   (19.2)     (1.7)                       -                   (1.7)      (55.9)                      -                    (55.9)     
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
  Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the period                                    (32.1)                      22.7                (9.4)      70.5                        (45.8)              24.7       48.2                        (729.1)              (680.9)    
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
  Earnings per share i                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
  Basic                                                     5                                                                            3.3p                                                       8.8p                                                        (208.3p)   
  Diluted                                                   5                                                                            3.3p                                                       8.8p                                                        (208.3p)   
  Non-GAAP measures - Underlying earnings per share ii                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
  Basic                                                     5                                                                            (3.8p)                                                     24.1p                                                       35.3p      
  Diluted                                                   5                                                                            (3.8p)                                                     24.0p                                                       35.2p      
  
  
i Earnings per share is calculated in accordance with IAS 33 'Earnings Per 
Share'  
  
ii Underlying earnings per share excludes exceptional items and goodwill 
impairment  
  
PERSIMMON PLC  
  
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited)   
  
As at 30 June 2009  
  
 
                                                                                         
                                                  30 June     30 June     31 December    
                                          Note    2009        2008        2008           
                                                  £m          £m          £m             
                                                                                         
  ASSETS                                                                                 
  Non-current assets                                                                     
  Intangible assets                               263.2       467.7       264.7          
  Property, plant and equipment                   36.0        44.9        45.1           
  Investments                                     3.4         3.2         3.9            
  Trade and other receivables                     52.0        25.2        31.4           
  Forward currency swaps                  8       15.7        -           96.0           
  Deferred tax assets                             14.0        51.7        6.5            
                                                  384.3       592.7       447.6          
                                                                                         
  Current assets                                                                         
  Inventories                             6       2,307.6     3,528.3     2,546.5        
  Trade and other receivables                     130.5       160.7       138.2          
  Forward currency swaps                  8       -           -           20.8           
  Cash and cash equivalents               8       0.3         14.0        0.8            
  Assets held for sale                            5.7         -           -              
                                                  2,444.1     3,703.0     2,706.3        
                                                                                         
  Total assets                                    2,828.4     4,295.7     3,153.9        
                                                                                         
                                                                                         
  LIABILITIES                                                                            
  Non-current liabilities                                                                
  Interest bearing loans and borrowings   8       (385.2)     (667.3)     (571.2)        
  Forward currency swaps                  8       (9.5)       (46.8)      -              
  Deferred tax liabilities                        (26.5)      (30.8)      (26.5)         
  Retirement benefit obligation           9       (116.3)     (61.4)      (95.3)         
  Other liabilities                               (101.1)     (142.0)     (132.0)        
                                                  (638.6)     (948.3)     (825.0)        
                                                                                         
  Current liabilities                                                                    
  Interest bearing loans and borrowings   8       (93.7)      (191.6)     (147.6)        
  Forward currency swaps                  8       (2.5)       (16.7)      -              
  Trade and other payables                        (471.9)     (745.3)     (551.9)        
  Current tax liabilities                         (74.2)      (119.0)     (74.2)         
                                                  (642.3)     (1,072.6)   (773.7)        
                                                                                         
  Total liabilities                               (1,280.9)   (2,020.9)   (1,598.7)      
                                                                                         
  Net assets                                      1,547.5     2,274.8     1,555.2        
                                                                                         
                                                                                         
  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                                   
  Ordinary share capital issued                   30.3        30.3        30.3           
  Share premium                                   233.6       233.6       233.6          
  Hedge reserve                                   (0.4)       2.1         0.1            
  Other non-distributable reserve                 281.4       281.4       281.4          
  Retained earnings                               1,002.6     1,727.4     1,009.8        
                                                                                         
  Total shareholders' equity                      1,547.5     2,274.8     1,555.2        
                                                                                         
  
  
PERSIMMON PLC  
  
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (unaudited) 
  
  
As at 30 June 2009  
  
 
                                             Share capital£m   Share premium£m   Hedge reserve£m   Other non distributable reserve£m   Retained earnings£m   Total shareholders' equity£m  
                                                                                                                                                                                           
  6 months ended 30 June 2009:                                                                                                                                                             
  Balance at 31 December 2008                30.3              233.6             0.1               281.4                               1,009.8               1,555.2                       
  Profit for the period                      -                 -                 -                 -                                   9.8                   9.8                           
  Other comprehensive expense                -                 -                 (0.5)             -                                   (18.7)                (19.2)                        
  Transactions with owners:                                                                                                                                                                
  Exercise of share options/share awards     -                 -                 -                 -                                   0.2                   0.2                           
  Share option charge and taxation thereon   -                 -                 -                 -                                   0.9                   0.9                           
  Other reserve movement                     -                 -                 -                 -                                   0.6                   0.6                           
  Balance at 30 June 2009                    30.3              233.6             (0.4)             281.4                               1,002.6               1,547.5                       
                                                                                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                                                                           
  6 months ended 30 June 2008:                                                                                                                                                             
  Balance at 31 December 2007                30.3              233.6             0.7               281.4                               1,799.4               2,345.4                       
  Profit for the period                      -                 -                 -                 -                                   26.4                  26.4                          
  Other comprehensive expense                -                 -                 1.4               -                                   (3.1)                 (1.7)                         
  Transactions with owners:                                                                                                                                                                
  Exercise of share options/share awards     -                 -                 -                 -                                   2.4                   2.4                           
  Own shares purchased                       -                 -                 -                 -                                   (2.2)                 (2.2)                         
  Share option charge and taxation thereon   -                 -                 -                 -                                   2.6                   2.6                           
  Dividends approved and paid                -                 -                 -                 -                                   (98.1)                (98.1)                        
  Balance at 30 June 2008                    30.3              233.6             2.1               281.4                               1,727.4               2,274.8                       
                                                                                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                                                                           
  Year ended 31 December 2008:                                                                                                                                                             
  Balance at 31 December 2007                30.3              233.6             0.7               281.4                               1,799.4               2,345.4                       
  Loss for the year                          -                 -                 -                 -                                   (625.0)               (625.0)                       
  Other comprehensive expense                -                 -                 (0.6)             -                                   (55.3)                (55.9)                        
  Transactions with owners:                                                                                                                                                                
  Exercise of share options/share awards     -                 -                 -                 -                                   3.2                   3.2                           
  Own shares purchased                       -                 -                 -                 -                                   (2.4)                 (2.4)                         
  Share option charge and taxation thereon   -                 -                 -                 -                                   3.7                   3.7                           
  Dividends approved and paid                -                 -                 -                 -                                   (113.1)               (113.1)                       
  Other reserve movement                     -                 -                 -                 -                                   (0.7)                 (0.7)                         
  Balance at 31 December 2008                30.3              233.6             0.1               281.4                               1,009.8               1,555.2                       
                                                                                                                                                                                           
  
  
  PERSIMMON PLC  
  
Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (unaudited)   
  
For the six months to 30 June 2009  
  
 
                                                                                                          Six months to    Six months to    Year to        
                                                                                                          30 June          30 June          31 December    
  Note                                                                                                    2009             2008             2008           
                                                                                                          £m               £m               £m             
                                                                                                                                                           
  Cash flows from operating activities:                                                                                                                    
  Profit / (loss) for the period                                                                          9.8              26.4             (625.0)        
                                                                                                                                                           
  Adjustments for:                                                                                                                                         
  Tax                                                                                                     -                10.5             (155.0)        
  Finance income                                                                                          (2.3)            (2.6)            (4.1)          
  Finance costs                                                                                           29.0             41.4             75.8           
  Depreciation charge                                                                                     3.4              4.5              8.7            
  Amortisation of intangible assets                                                                       0.1              0.1              0.3            
  Impairment of intangible assets                                                                         1.4              -                1.8            
  Share of results of jointly controlled entities                                                         0.5              (0.1)            (0.8)          
  Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment                                                     -                (0.4)            (0.7)          
  Share-based payment charge                                                                              0.9              3.3              4.4            
  Exceptional non-cash items                                                                              (27.9)           61.8             892.7          
  Other non-cash items                                                                                    1.5              0.4              (3.1)          
  Profit from operations before working capital movements                                                 16.4             145.3            195.0          
                                                                                                                                                           
  Movements in working capital:                                                                                                                            
  Decrease / (increase) in inventories                                                                    266.8            (190.7)          187.8          
  (Increase) / decrease in trade and other receivables                                                    (11.5)           11.5             (8.1)          
  (Decrease) / increase in trade and other payables                                                       (118.9)          24.2             (173.6)        
  Net cash from operations                                                                                152.8            (9.7)            201.1          
                                                                                                                                                           
  Interest paid                                                                                           (24.7)           (34.7)           (67.6)         
  Interest received                                                                                       0.9              2.6              4.1            
  Tax (paid) / received                                                                                   -                (43.4)           106.2          
  Net cash from / (used in) operating activities                                                          129.0            (85.2)           243.8          
                                                                                                                                                           
  Cash flows from investing activities:                                                                                                                    
  Received from jointly controlled entities                                                               -                0.1              0.1            
  Purchase of property, plant and equipment                                                               (0.3)            (2.1)            (6.9)          
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment                                                     0.3              1.3              2.2            
  Net cash used in investing activities                                                                   -                (0.7)            (4.6)          
                                                                                                                                                           
  Cash flows from financing activities:                                                                                                                    
  Repaymentof borrowings                                                                                  (105.1)          (75.7)           (162.2)        
  Drawdown of loan facilities                                                                             -                280.0            65.0           
  Other financing expenses                                                                                (21.3)           -                -              
  Finance lease principal payments                                                                        (0.6)            (0.7)            (1.4)          
  Own shares purchased                                                                                    -                (2.2)            (2.4)          
  Exercise of share options                                                                               -                0.6              0.8            
  Dividends paid to Group shareholders                                                                    -                (98.1)           (113.1)        
  Net cash (used in) / fromfinancing activities                                                           (127.0)          103.9            (213.3)        
                                                                                                                                                           
  Increase in net cash and cash equivalents  7                                       2.0                                   18.0             25.9           
                                                                                                                                                           
  Net cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   (22.9)                                                            (48.8)           (48.8)         
                                                                                                                                                           
  Net cash and cash equivalents at end of period          8                          (20.9)                                (30.8)           (22.9)         
                                                                                                                                                           
  
  
Notes to the condensed consolidated half year financial statements (unaudited)  
  
 
  1.   Basis of preparation and approval of the half yearfinancial     
       statements                                                      
                                                                       
       The half year financial statements for the six months to 30     
       June 2009 have been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure  
       and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services Authority and  
       with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial   
       Reporting", as adopted by the European Union. This report       
       should be read in conjunction with the Group's annual financial 
       statements for the year ended 31 December 2008, which have been 
       prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European    
       Union.                                                          
                                                                       
       Except as described below, the accounting policies applied are  
       consistent with those of the annual financial statements for    
       the year ended 31 December 2008, as described in those annual   
       financial statements.                                           
                                                                       
       The following new standards and amendments to standards are     
       mandatory for the first time for the financial year beginning 1 
       January 2009:                                                   
       * IAS 1 (revised), 'Presentation of financial statements'. The  
       most significant change within IAS 1(revised) is the            
       requirement to produce a statement of comprehensive income       
  
  
More to follow, for following part double-click [nRn2Y9310X]
Back to Regulatory News