September 27, 2022

Ferguson plc reports fourth quarter and year end results

EXECUTING OUR STRATEGY TO DELIVER STRONG OPERATING PERFORMANCE

Fourth quarter highlights

-           Strong sales growth of 21.4%, with core strengths driving market share gains.

-           Operating profit growth of 23.1% (21.5% on an adjusted basis) driven by strong sales and operating cost leverage.

-           Delivered operating margin of 10.2% (10.7% on an adjusted basis).

-           Completed seven acquisitions in the quarter with annualized revenues of approximately $470 million.

-           Share repurchases of $627 million during the fourth quarter.

Full year highlights

-           Sales growth of 25.3% driven by organic growth and further consolidation of our markets through acquisitions.

-           Operating profit growth of 44.6% (adjusted operating profit growth of 41.1%) outpaced net sales growth, resulting in operating margin of 9.9%, up 130 basis points (10.3% on an adjusted basis, up 110 basis points).

-           Final dividend increased by 15% to $1.91 per share bringing the total dividend to $2.75 per share, an increase of 15% for the year.

-           The Company will move to a quarterly interim dividend schedule in FY2023 with our first expected dividend declaration alongside our Q1 results.

-           Invested $650 million in seventeen acquisitions with annualized revenues of approximately $750 million.

-           Completed $1.5 billion of our $2.0 billion share repurchase program and extended the program by a further $0.5 billion, expected to complete within the next 12 months.

-           Balance sheet remains strong with net debt to adjusted EBITDA of 1.0x, at the bottom of our 1-2x target range.

FY2023 Guidance

•      Net sales growth of low single digits driven by market outperformance and completed acquisitions

•      Adjusted operating margin of 9.3% to 9.9%

•      Interest expense of $170 - $190 million

•      Adjusted effective tax rate of approximately 25%

•      Capital expenditures of $350 - $400 million

Kevin Murphy, Ferguson CEO, commented "Our associates delivered another quarter of strong financial performance driven by continued market share gains and our ability to appropriately manage and pass through price inflation. Ongoing cost control ensured a robust profit performance in the quarter as we ran up against tough prior year comparables. For the full year, our teams achieved excellent results despite labor and supply chain challenges. The balance sheet remains strong as we continue to invest for organic growth, consolidate our fragmented markets through acquisitions and return capital to shareholders.

"We are well positioned for the year ahead with diversified end market exposure and a strong balance sheet. The agility of our business model will enable us to navigate macro economic headwinds.

Importantly, we remain confident in the strength of our markets over the longer term and our financial guidance continues to reflect market outperformance, both organically and from acquisitions."

⁽¹⁾ The results are presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP on a continuing operations basis.

⁽²⁾ The Company uses certain non-GAAP measures, which are not defined or specified under U.S. GAAP. See the section titled "Non-GAAP Reconciliations and Supplementary Information."

Summary of financial results

Fourth quarter

Net sales of $7,971 million were 21.4% ahead of last year, 19.5% higher on an organic basis with a

further 2.1% contribution from acquisitions, partially offset by a 0.2% adverse impact from foreign exchange rates. Inflation in the fourth quarter was approximately 20%.

Gross margins of 30.5% were 90 basis points lower than last year driven primarily by strong prior year comparables, during a period of rapid commodity price inflation. Operating expenses continued to be well controlled, resulting in a net operating margin increase of 10 basis points on a reported and adjusted basis. We remain focused on productivity and efficiencies while investing in our talented associates, supply chain capabilities and technology.

Reported operating profit was $814 million, 23.1% ahead of last year. Adjusted operating profit of $849 million, increased 21.5% compared to last year.

Reported diluted earnings per share was $2.73 (Q4 FY2021: $2.98), a decrease of 8.4% due to a non- recurring prior year tax benefit. Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $2.85 increased 20.3% with the increase due to the strength of the operating profit performance in the quarter and the lower share count from share repurchases, partially offset by higher interest and tax.

Full year

Net sales of $28,566 million were 25.3% ahead of last year, 23.5% higher on an organic basis with an additional 1.8% from acquisitions. Inflation during the year was approximately high teens.

Gross margins of 30.7% were 10 basis points ahead of last year and operating expenses continued to be well controlled, resulting in an operating margin increase of 130 basis points (adjusted operating margin

+110 basis points).

Reported operating profit was $2,820 million, 44.6% ahead of last year. Adjusted operating profit was

$2,951 million, an increase of 41.1%.

Reported diluted earnings per share was $9.59 (FY2021: $7.25). Adjusted diluted earnings per share of

$9.76 increased 44.6% due to the strength of the profit performance through the year and the lower share count from share repurchases.

USA - fourth quarter

The US business grew net sales by 22.1%, driven by 19.8% organic growth and an additional 2.3% from acquisitions.

Residential end markets, which comprise just over half of US revenue, remained robust during the quarter. New residential housing start and permit activity has eased but RMI work has remained resilient. Overall, residential revenue grew by approximately 17% in the fourth quarter.

Non-residential end markets, representing just under half of US revenue, experienced continued strong growth. Non-residential revenue grew by approximately 28% in the fourth quarter.

Adjusted operating profit of $829 million was 20.5% or $141 million ahead of last year.

We completed seven acquisitions during the quarter with annualized revenues of approximately $470 million. Among others, these included Aaron & Company, a leading plumbing and HVAC distributor in New Jersey and Minka Lighting, an own brand lighting and fan company. Geographic bolt-on and capability acquisitions, such as these, remain core to our growth strategy as we continue to consolidate our fragmented markets.

Within the Waterworks customer group we expanded our capabilities in geosynthetic and erosion control solutions by acquiring D2 Land & Water Resource and Triton Environmental, geotextile and erosion control specialists operating across the Midwest, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Texas. Additionally, we acquired STE, giving broader distribution rights for certain geotextile products that remove contaminants from polluted water.

Canada - fourth quarter

Net sales grew by 10.5%, with organic revenue growth of 14.2% offset by 3.7% due to the adverse impact of foreign exchange rates. Both residential and non-residential end markets grew in the quarter against strong comparables. Adjusted operating profit of $35 million grew by 25.0%, significantly outpacing revenue growth as a result of good operating leverage.

Segmental overview

Financial position

Net debt at July 31, 2022 was $3.2 billion and during the year we invested $0.3 billion in capex, distributed $0.5 billion of dividends, invested $0.7 billion in 17 acquisitions, and repurchased $1.5 billion of the previously announced $2.0 billion share repurchase program.

Taking into account the Company's strong financial position, we have extended the share repurchase program by an additional $0.5 billion, resulting in a remaining balance of approximately $1.0 billion, expected to be completed within the next 12 months.

If approved at the 2022 Annual General Meeting ("AGM"), the proposed final dividend of $1.91 per share (2021: $1.665 per share) representing an increase of 15% will be paid on December 8, 2022 to shareholders on the register on October 28, 2022. This brings the full year dividend to $2.75, a growth of 15% for the year.

In addition, the Company will move to a quarterly interim dividend payment from a semi-annual distribution schedule. Our first quarterly interim dividend is expected to be declared in December alongside our first quarter results announcement.

There have been no other significant changes to the financial position of the Company.

Board changes

Jacky Simmonds will step down as a Non-Executive Director at the 2022 AGM. The Board has benefitted from Ms. Simmonds' extensive experience and from her leadership over the years of the Remuneration Committee (which has now been renamed the Compensation Committee as part of our transition to a US governance model). We thank Ms. Simmonds for her excellent service as a Board member and committee Chair, especially through a period of significant change for Ferguson, and we wish her well for her future. Subject to re-election at the AGM, Kelly Baker will become the Chair of the Compensation Committee after the AGM in succession to Ms. Simmonds. Also as part of the Board's long term succession planning, and subject to re-election at the AGM, Suzanne Wood will succeed Alan Murray and become the Chair of the Audit Committee following re-election at this year's AGM. Subject to re-election at the AGM, Mr. Murray will remain a member of the Audit Committee and has taken over as Chair of the Nominations & Governance Committee.

For further information please contact

Investor conference call and webcast

A call with Kevin Murphy, CEO and Bill Brundage, CFO will commence at 7:30 a.m. ET (12:30 p.m. BST) today. The call will be recorded and available on our website after the event at www.fergusonplc.com.

Ask for the Ferguson call quoting 196425. To access the call via your laptop, tablet or mobile device please go to www.fergusonplc.com. If you have technical difficulties, please click the "Listen by Phone" button on the webcast player and dial the number provided.

About us

Ferguson plc (NYSE: FERG; LSE: FERG) is a leading value-added distributor in North America providing expertise, solutions and products from infrastructure, plumbing and appliances to HVAC, fire, fabrication and more. We exist to make our customers' complex projects simple, successful and sustainable.

Ferguson is headquartered in the U.K., with its operations and associates solely focused on North America and managed from Newport News, Virginia. For more information, please visit www.fergusonplc.com or follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ferguson-enterprises.

Analyst resources

For further information on quarterly financial breakdowns, visit www.fergusonplc.com on the Investors & Media page under Analyst Consensus and Resources.

Provisional financial calendar

Timetable for the final dividend

The timetable for payment of the proposed final dividend of $1.91 per share is as follows:

The final dividend is declared in US dollars. Following the additional listing on NYSE of Ferguson plc ordinary shares in March 2021, the default currency for dividends is US dollars. Those shareholders who have not elected to receive the dividend in pounds sterling and who would like to make such an election with respect to the 2022 final dividend may do so online by going to Computershare's Investor Center and returning the completed form to the address located in the upper-right corner of the form. The form is available at www-us.computershare.com/investor/#home and navigating to Company Info > FERG > GBP Dividend Election and Mandate Form. Please note shareholders who were on the register as at close of business on March 5, 2021 with no alternative currency election in place will have been defaulted to receive dividends in pounds sterling.

The deadline to elect to receive the final dividend in pounds sterling, or to amend an existing election, is 5:00 p.m. ET on November 11, 2022 and any requests should be made in good time ahead of that date.

Cautionary note on forward-looking statements

Certain information included in this announcement is forward-looking, including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and involves risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements cover all matters which are not historical facts and include, without limitation, statements or guidance regarding or relating to our future financial position, results of operations and growth, projected interest in and ownership of our ordinary shares by domestic US investors, plans and objectives for future capabilities, risks associated with changes in global and regional economic, market and political conditions, ability to manage supply chain challenges, ability to manage the impact of product price fluctuations, our financial condition and liquidity, legal or regulatory changes, and other statements concerning the success of our business and strategies. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including terms such as "believes", "estimates", "anticipates", "expects", "forecasts", "guidance", "intends", "continues," "plans", "projects", "goal", "target", "aim", "may", "will", "would", "could" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology and other similar references to future periods. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. They are not assurances of future performance and are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: weakness in the economy, market trends, uncertainty and other conditions in the markets in which we operate, and other factors beyond our control, including any macroeconomic or other consequences of the current conflict in Ukraine; failure to rapidly identify or effectively respond to direct and/or end customers' wants, expectations or trends; decreased demand for our products as a result of operating in highly competitive industries and the impact of declines in the residential and non- residential markets, as well as the repair, maintenance and improvement ("RMI") and new construction markets; changes in competition, including as a result of market consolidation; failure of a key information technology system or process as well as exposure to fraud or theft resulting from payment- related risks; privacy and protection of sensitive data failures, including failures due to data corruption, cybersecurity incidents or network security breaches; ineffectiveness of or disruption in our domestic or international supply chain or our fulfillment network, including delays in inventory, increased delivery costs or lack of availability; failure to effectively manage and protect our facilities and inventory; unsuccessful execution of our operational strategies; failure to attract, retain and motivate key associates; exposure of associates, contractors, customers, suppliers and other individuals to health and safety risks; inherent risks associated with acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures and other business combinations, dispositions or strategic transactions; regulatory, product liability and reputational risks and the failure to achieve and maintain a high level of product and service quality; inability to renew leases on favorable terms or at all, as well as any remaining obligations under a lease if we close a facility; changes in, interpretations of, or compliance with tax laws in the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland or Canada; our indebtedness and changes in our credit ratings and outlook; fluctuations in foreign currency and product prices (e.g., commodity-priced materials, inflation/deflation); funding risks related to our defined benefit pension plans; legal proceedings as well as failure to comply with domestic and foreign laws and regulations or the occurrence of unforeseen developments such as litigation; risks associated with the relocation of our primary listing to the United States and any volatility in our share price and shareholder base in connection therewith; the costs and risk exposure relating to environmental, social and governance matters; adverse impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (or related variants); and other risks and uncertainties set forth in our Annual Report and Accounts 2021 under the heading "Principal risks and their management" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on September 28, 2021 under the heading "Risk Factors," and in other filings we make with the SEC in the future.

Additionally, forward-looking statements regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. Other than in accordance with our legal or regulatory obligations, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward- looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Ferguson plc

Non-GAAP Reconciliations and Supplementary Information (unaudited)

Non-GAAP items

This announcement contains certain financial information that is not presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP measures include adjusted operating profit, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted earnings per share - diluted, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted effective tax rate, net debt and net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio. The Company believes that these non-GAAP measures provide users of the Company's financial information with additional meaningful information to assist in understanding financial results and assessing the Company's performance from period to period. Management believes these measures are important indicators of operations because they exclude items that may not be indicative of our core operating results and provide a better baseline for analyzing trends in our underlying businesses, and they are consistent with how business performance is planned, reported and assessed internally by management and the Board. Such non-GAAP adjustments include: amortization of acquired intangible assets, discrete tax items, business restructuring charges, corporate restructuring charges which includes costs associated with the Company's listing in the United States, gains or losses on the disposals of businesses which by their nature do not reflect primary operations and certain other items deemed non-recurring in nature and/or that are not a result of the Company's primary operations. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies' non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results reported under U.S. GAAP. These non- GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of operations that, when viewed with U.S. GAAP results, provide a more complete understanding of the business. The Company strongly encourages investors and shareholders to review Company financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.

The Company does not provide a reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures on a forward-looking basis because it is unable to predict with reasonable certainty or without unreasonable effort non-recurring items, such as those described above as non-GAAP adjustments, that may arise in the future.

Summary of Organic Revenue

Management evaluates organic revenue growth as it provides a consistent measure of the change in revenue year-on-year. Organic revenue growth is determined as the growth in total reported revenue excluding the growth (or decline) attributable to currency exchange rate fluctuations, trading days, acquisitions and disposals, divided by the preceding financial year's revenue at the current year's exchange rates.

A summary of the Company's historical revenue and organic revenue growth is below:

For further details regarding organic revenue growth, visit www.fergusonplc.com on the Investors & Media page under Analyst Consensus and Resources.

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Operating Profit and Adjusted EBITDA