Interim Results

BAE SYSTEMS PLC 13 September 2001 Interim Report 2001 BAE SYSTEMS Highlights The company has made good progress despite the difficulties reported in our January trading statement. Reported earnings are marginally ahead of those for this time last year. Operating cash flow performance is in line with plan, with net debt representing around 10% of market capitalisation at the half year. A key milestone since the last Annual Report was the UK Government's announcement in respect of its far-sighted procurement strategy for the Type 45 Destroyer. This sustains a long-term workload for our shipyards. The integration of the former British Aerospace and Marconi Electronic Systems businesses has been highly successful. Integration of the newly acquired North American businesses is also on plan. These results include the first six months' contribution from the new integrated joint Airbus company, which has made further progress in financial performance. Profit before interest Profit before tax Diluted Dividend Net debt Order (1) (1) EPS (1) per share book £551m £482m 10.2p 3.5p £1,035m £45bn Up 9% Up 4% Up 2% Up 6% Up 15% Up 10% Outlook Business performance for the full year remains on track. The rationalisation programme announced in January is being implemented, and growth in the company's performance is expected to resume in 2002 as planned. This is underpinned by the progression of the Eurofighter Typhoon programme into production, together with a strong business position now established in the growing US defence systems market, and also continuing progress through our joint venture company, Airbus. (1)excluding goodwill amortisation and exceptional items Chairman's statement Dear Shareholder I am pleased to report that the company has made good progress despite the difficulties reported earlier in the year, and performance for the first half of 2001 has been in line with plan. Profit before interest(1) increased on the same period last year, resulting in broadly unchanged earnings per share. Business performance for the full year remains on track. The rationalisation programme announced in January, designed to address capacity issues, is being implemented and, as programme activity recovers, we expect growth in the company's performance to resume in 2002 as planned. The 6% increase in the interim dividend to 3.5 pence per share is a reflection of our confidence in the group's outlook. Excellent progress has been made in the UK market. The UK Government took a major step in announcing a far-sighted procurement strategy for the Type 45 Destroyer. Our Marine business will assemble and launch all of this class of up to 12 ships, of which the UK Government has already committed to the first six. This is good news and will sustain a long-term workload for our shipyards. It is allowing us to plan and invest in our naval facilities and, despite the previously announced near-term redundancies, will result in more stable employment for the future. Airbus continues to consolidate its strong position in its markets. In particular, the A380 completes the top end of the range. An order backlog of over 1,700 Airbus aircraft places the business in a good position as the commercial aircraft industry enters a period of uncertainty following the slowdown in the global economy. The newly formed integrated joint Airbus company, in which we have a 20% interest, gives us a strong and dedicated management structure to respond to the anticipated changes in the economic environment. Our positioning and growth in the important US market has provided increased profitability and reinforces our involvement as a global systems business. We are now involved in many major US programmes, including Joint Strike Fighter, and are well placed to play an important part in the largest defence market in the world. Integration of the former British Aerospace and Marconi Electronic Systems businesses has been highly successful and is essentially complete. Anticipated synergy savings are being achieved in line with our plans. Good results from our North America business, which acquired two former Lockheed Martin operations last year, reflect our ability to integrate acquired businesses successfully. The key to delivering our existing commitments and future aspirations remains the people in the BAE SYSTEMS team. The demands placed on our employees at all levels are significant, especially when set against a background of continuing challenge, innovation and change. It is through the ability and commitment of BAE SYSTEMS people that these challenges are met and I am grateful for the team's dedication. Sir Richard Evans Chairman (1)excluding goodwill amortisation and exceptional items. 'The outlook for the year remains in line with our 2000 result and we expect growth to resume in 2002 as planned.' Summarised profit and loss account Restated(1) Restated(1) Six Six Year to months months to 30 to 30 31 June June December 2001 2000 2000 Unaudited Unaudited Audited £m £m £m Sales 6,292 5,663 12,185 Operating profit (2) 393 500 807 Share of operating profit of joint ventures (2) 158 7 143 Net interest (69) (43) (91) Profit before tax, goodwill amortisation and exceptional items 482 464 859 Profit before tax, after goodwill amortisation and 171 214 179 exceptional items Tax (142) (128) (198) Minority interests (6) (5) (6) Profit/(loss) for the period 23 81 (25) Basic earnings per share(2) 10.3p 10.2p 18.8p Diluted earnings per share (2) 10.2p 10.0p 18.8p Dividend per share 3.5p 3.3p 8.5p (1) see note 6 (2) excluding goodwill amortisation and exceptional items as appropriate Segmental analysis Sales Profit/(loss) Restated(1) Restated(1) Six months Six months Six months Six months to 30 June to 30 June to 30 June To 30 June 2001 2000 2001 2000 Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited £m £m £m £m Programmes 1,049 1,005 34 129 Customer Solutions & Support 1,023 881 190 230 (CS&S) International Partnerships 799 805 51 27 Avionics 433 594 37 54 North America 1,264 745 112 71 Operations 656 628 13 (31) Commercial Aerospace 1,509 1,448 117 34 Centre 16 11 (3) (7) 6,749 6,117 551 507 Less: intra-group (457) (454) Net interest (69) (43) 482 464 Goodwill amortisation, including joint (246) (183) ventures Exceptional items (note 2) (65) (67) 6,292 5,663 171 214 (1) see note 6 Chief Executive's review The group's performance in the first six months has been in line with plan. Pre-exceptional and pre-goodwill EPS has been broadly the same over the comparable period. Sales of £6.3bn were 11% higher compared to the same period in 2000, this growth coming principally from acquisitions. Profit before interest(1) of £551m increased 9%. Interest costs rose to £69m, leaving pre-tax profits(1) up 4% at £482m. Operating cash flow performance is in line with plan, with net debt at £1.0bn representing around 10% of market capitalisation at the half year. Stronger trading is expected in the second half. Seasonality continues to be a feature of a number of our business groups. In particular in the second half, Programmes will benefit from cost reduction actions and the achievement of a significantly higher number of milestones on Eurofighter Typhoon. Avionics will also benefit from increased Eurofighter Typhoon equipment deliveries. Order book at the end of June stands at £45.4bn with a strong order intake performance from Airbus and CS&S, the latter driven by more spares and repairs activity. Order intake for engineering work relating to sustaining the capability of in-service aircraft for the UK MoD has recovered well and is expected to finish the year slightly better than plan. Programmes Delays in military aircraft order intake for our Programmes business group were a key factor in the challenges identified in our January trading statement. Good progress has been made in restructuring to align business capacity with anticipated throughput, and this work continues. Production of the Hawk aircraft is a significant aspect of the throughput plan for Programmes. Prospects for the sale of further Hawk aircraft remain good with campaigns leading to potential sales of 100-200 aircraft over the next 10 years. We are gaining greater confidence that Hawk will form the fast jet trainer solution to the UK MoD's Military Flying Training System requirements. The Nimrod programme, though demanding, is progressing towards maturity. Notable achievements in the first half have been the completion of the airframe and systems design. We are proceeding according to the revised plan resulting from the 2000 review. Lessons learned from this contract have strengthened our prime contracting processes. The first production Eurofighter Typhoon is progressing well for delivery in 2002, building on a successful development programme which is now nearing completion. Although we were disappointed by the decision of the Greek Government to postpone its planned Eurofighter Typhoon contract, overall export marketing activity at this early stage of the programme is encouraging. Headway has been made on our naval programmes. All major procurement items have been awarded under the prime contract for Astute, the next generation of nuclear powered attack submarines, and construction of the first boat is under way. North America The North America business group, which operates in our largest global market, has achieved strong order intake and prospects are encouraging as US defence budget priorities become clearer. In general, the US defence budgets are increasing, although much of the extra spend is expected to be channelled more towards improving the quality of life for forces personnel than towards equipment procurement. While we anticipate that total US defence procurement spending will increase in the future, clarification will be obtained from Congressional budget approval, expected by year end. In the meantime, the Pentagon has already announced the launch of low rate production of the F-22 combat aircraft and decisions on other major programmes are also expected before year end. Our existing involvement in major US programme platforms and our presence in North America leave us well-positioned to benefit from the changing defence marketplace. Customer Solutions & Support The CS&S business group has produced a strong sales performance in the first half, being 16% ahead of the first half of 2000. Growth in support services is another important market opportunity as customers seek suppliers with a broad range of capability and the ability to integrate and support complex solutions through their full lifecycle. We are well-placed to meet these requirements as they materialise and we continue to work closely with our customers to ensure that BAE SYSTEMS will deliver value from profitable opportunities as they emerge. Avionics As referred to above, results for Avionics reflect the phasing of equipment deliveries for Eurofighter Typhoon. This second half year will see over 70% of the Eurofighter Typhoon radar systems for this year being delivered. This production ramp up will continue into 2002 with the initial electronic warfare protection systems being delivered for the aircraft. Commercial Aerospace Since January, Airbus has been operating as an integrated joint company. The legal formalities have now also been completed, giving BAE SYSTEMS a 20% shareholding. Airbus continues to enjoy a strong market performance with aircraft orders of 309 in the first half before 49 cancellations. The 380-seat A340-600 made its maiden flight in April 2001 and Airbus established its position in the ultra-large airliner market with the A380. Since its launch the A380 has attracted significant interest, with firm orders already totalling 48 aircraft by the end of June. Airbus now offers a full family of aircraft with a high degree of commonality. The market for large jet aircraft is softening in line with the global economic outlook. Deliveries of Airbus aircraft are expected to continue to rise next year from some 330 this year. Airbus performance is underpinned by a greater number of the more valuable larger, long-range aircraft expected to be delivered over future years. Confirmation of the first order for the new RJX regional jet from British European was a notable success for our Aircraft Services group. RJX flight development started in April and is proceeding successfully with prospects to build the order book further. Operations Our Operations business group delivered the planned improvement in profitability. First half results have moved to a profit of £13m from a loss of £31m in 2000. Features supporting this improvement include the securing of a five-year supply agreement with Airbus for aerostructures work and further improvements in manufacturing efficiency across the Operations business group. The medium and long-term outlook for our Marine shipyard business is more stable since the UK Government announced its Type 45 procurement strategy in July. Progress on design of the Type 45 has been good and we are looking forward to working with Vosper Thornycroft which will be responsible for approximately 15% of the Type 45 steelwork. The commitment in July of the UK Government to a further three Type 45 Destroyers, taking the total to six, is expected to result in an extra £0.7bn of orders by 2004. In the near-term, however, a planned reduction of some 1,150 jobs in the shipyards will go ahead. Steps are being taken to mitigate the impact on individuals affected by the redundancy programme with particular emphasis on redeployment and re-skilling, where appropriate. International Partnerships Our International Partnerships business group is showing a sustained recovery as development programmes mature and move into production. In July, Thales, which partners BAE SYSTEMS in the Thomson Marconi Sonar (TMS) joint venture, declared its intention to exercise its right to purchase our 49.9% holding in TMS. We are particularly pleased to have reached a definitive agreement with EADS and Finmeccanica to enhance the MBD joint venture, by merging the missile and missile system activities of Matra BAE Dynamics, Aerospatiale Matra Missiles and Alenia Marconi Systems (AMS) to form MBDA. This joint venture is awaiting regulatory clearance but, once this has been given, it will be the second largest company in the missile and missile systems field. BAE SYSTEMS will have a 37.5% interest in this new company. In another important restructuring of the European defence industry, the naval radar and combat systems businesses of BAE SYSTEMS and AMS will be combined to form a newly focused joint venture in which we will have a 50% interest. Outlook In summary, the business has performed to plan over the half year, which is expected to continue to the year end. We have made some important strategic progress and are well-positioned to resume growth in 2002. John Weston Chief Executive (1) excluding goodwill amortisation and exceptional items. Major business drivers Eurofighter Typhoon Good progress continues on the development of the aircraft towards service entry later next year. Assembly of the first production standard aircraft is well advanced with first flight planned around year end. Gripen Following the first export sale to South Africa, further export prospects are being pursued and joint marketing activity with Saab is being enhanced by the recent formation of a new joint venture company - Gripen International. Military aircraft engineering Order intake for engineering activity to sustain the capability of in-service aircraft for the UK MoD has recovered from the low level experienced in 2000. Order intake in the first half was slightly ahead of plan. Hawk Manufacturing capacity is being addressed to match near-term reduction in production of the Hawk. Good prospects remain for further sales. JSF The company has substantial involvement with both contenders for the US Joint Strike Fighter programme. Selection to proceed with either proposal, after the competitive 'concept definition' phase concludes this autumn, will be a substantial business opportunity. North America A strong business position has been established in the growing US defence systems market with the expansion of this business group, following acquisitions last year. BAE SYSTEMS has become a major supplier, including for support services, on many in-service US programmes and is well placed to make a significant contribution to emerging programmes such as the F-22 and Joint Strike Fighter. Customer Solutions & Support Growth in support activity is being delivered, including spares and support in Saudi Arabia under the Al Yamamah programme and other support activity in the UK. Opportunities for substantial growth from outsourcing and Public Private Partnerships in the UK remain good. Astute Good progress continues on this prime contract. Assembly of the major sections for the first of this class of nuclear submarine is under way. Type 45 As prime contractor, the company is well-advanced in the selection and procurement of major systems for this Air Defence Destroyer programme. UK naval shipbuilding The agreement with the UK MoD on the build strategy for the Type 45 Destroyer will result in greater stability for shipbuilding throughput and capacity. Plans for investment in our shipyards are now being implemented. Airbus Airbus has been successful in the large commercial jet market and has further strengthened its position in the first half of the year. Airbus is facing the weakening market with a combination of the newly integrated joint company, a large order book and new products entering the market. Consolidated profit and loss account Restated(see note 6) Six Six Year to months months 31 to 30 to 30 December June June 2001 2000 2000 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Sales Notes £m £m £m Less: adjustment for share of joint venture 6,292 5,663 12,185 sales (1,872) (1,142) (2,539) Turnover 4,420 4,521 9,646 Operating costs Excluding goodwill amortisation and (4,027) (4,021) (8,839) exceptional items Goodwill amortisation (197) (162) (330) Exceptional items 2 (65) (67) (288) (4,289) (4,250) (9,457) Operating profit 131 271 189 Share of operating profit/(loss) of joint ventures Share of operating profit before goodwill amortisation 158 7 143 and exceptional items Goodwill amortisation (49) (21) (43) Exceptional items - - (19) 109 (14) 81 Profit before interest Excluding goodwill amortisation and 551 507 950 exceptional items Goodwill amortisation and exceptional items (311) (250) (680) 240 257 270 Interest Net interest excluding joint ventures (87) (57) (114) Share of net interest of joint ventures 18 14 23 (69) (43) (91) Profit before tax on ordinary activities Excluding goodwill amortisation and 482 464 859 exceptional items Goodwill amortisation and exceptional items (311) (250) (680) 171 214 179 Tax Tax on profit excluding exceptional items (154) (145) (270) Tax on exceptional items 12 17 72 (142) (128) (198) Profit/(loss) after tax on ordinary 29 86 (19) activities Equity minority interests (6) (5) (6) Profit/(loss) for the period 23 81 (25) Dividends Equity: ordinary shares 4 (107) (99) (257) Non-equity: preference shares (10) (11) (21) (117) (110) (278) Retained loss (94) (29) (303) Basic earnings per share Including goodwill amortisation and 0.4p 2.3p (1.5p) exceptional items Excluding goodwill amortisation and 10.3p 10.2p 18.8p exceptional items Diluted earnings per share Including goodwill amortisation and 0.4p 2.3p (1.5p) exceptional items Excluding goodwill amortisation and 10.2p 10.0p 18.8p exceptional items All results arise from continuing operations. Consolidated balance sheet Restated (see note 6) 30 June 30 June 31 December 2001 2000 2000 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Notes £m £m £m Fixed assets Intangible assets 1 7,097 6,153 7,274 Tangible assets 1,844 2,154 2,356 Investments 1 Share of gross assets of joint ventures 7,306 5,245 5,676 Share of gross liabilities of joint ventures (6,024) (4,617) (4,988) Share of joint ventures 1,282 628 688 Others 42 21 40 1,324 649 728 10,265 8,956 10,358 Current assets Stocks 1,340 1,654 1,536 Debtors due within one year 2,289 3,011 2,210 Debtors due after one year 907 710 732 Investments 1,042 1,862 1,159 Cash at bank and in hand 1,570 1,053 1,475 7,148 8,290 7,112 Current liabilities Loans and overdrafts (2,044) (2,103) (2,397) Creditors 3 (5,129) (4,501) (4,743) (7,173) (6,604) (7,140) Net current (liabilities)/assets (25) 1,686 (28) Total assets less current liabilities 10,240 10,642 10,330 Liabilities falling due after one year Loans (1,554) (1,260) (1,063) Creditors 3 (594) (531) (619) Provisions for liabilities and charges 3 (1,138) (1,537) (1,571) 6,954 7,314 7,077 Capital and reserves Called up share capital 143 142 143 Share premium account 371 290 341 Statutory reserve 202 202 202 Other reserves 5,440 5,442 5,440 Profit and loss account 775 1,142 851 Shareholders' funds Equity: ordinary shares 6,665 6,952 6,711 Non-equity: preference shares 266 266 266 6,931 7,218 6,977 Equity minority interests 23 96 100 6,954 7,314 7,077 Consolidated cash flow Six Six Year to months months to 30 to 30 31 June June December 2001 2000 2000 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Notes £m £m £m Net cash inflow from operating activities Operating profit 131 271 189 Depreciation, amortisation and impairment 323 300 639 Profit on disposal of fixed assets and (20) (14) (29) investments Movement in provisions for liabilities and charges 5 (376) (127) (215) excluding deferred tax Decrease/(increase) in working capital: Stocks (494) (90) 47 Debtors (340) 644 1,620 Creditors 446 (502) (580) Customer stage payments 339 28 223 9 510 1,894 Cash flow statement Net cash inflow from operating activities 9 510 1,894 Dividends from joint ventures 10 12 18 Returns on investments and servicing of finance (46) (63) (97) Taxation 1 (4) (59) Capital expenditure and financial investment (83) (84) (283) Acquisitions and disposals Acquisitions - former Lockheed Martin businesses - - (1,560) Other - (45) (45) Disposal of subsidiary undertakings and joint ventures 82 55 115 Equity dividends paid (158) (101) (202) Net cash (outflow)/inflow before financing and management of liquid resources (185) 280 (219) Management of liquid resources 125 (254) 497 Financing 298 (14) (123) Net increase in cash available on demand 238 12 155 Reconciliation of net cash flow to net movement in net funds Net increase in cash available on demand 238 12 155 Net (decrease)/increase in liquid resources (125) 254 (497) (Increase)/decrease in other loans included within (293) 34 194 net funds Change in net funds from cash flows (180) 300 (148) Finance lease obligations relinquished on disposal of subsidiary undertakings 9 - - Other non cash movements 12 (22) 48 Net (decrease)/increase in net funds (159) 278 (100) Net debt at start of period (826) (726) (726) Net debt at end of period 5 (985) (448) (826) Reconciliation to movement in net debt as defined by the group Net (decrease)/increase in net funds (159) 278 (100) Decrease in cash on customers' account 5 23 24 26 Net (decrease)/increase for the period (136) 302 (74) Statement of total recognised gains and losses Restated (see note 6) Six Six Year to months months to 30 to 30 31 June June December 2001 2000 2000 Unaudited Unaudited Audited £m £m £m Profit/(loss) for the period Group excluding joint ventures (49) 90 (103) Joint ventures 72 (9) 78 Total profit/(loss) for the period 23 81 (25) Currency translation on foreign currency net investments, 11 (8) (20) including joint ventures Goodwill on disposal of Flight Simulation and 18 - - Training Inc Revaluation of land and buildings - (14) (14) Other recognised gains and losses relating to the 29 (22) (34) period (net) Total recognised gains and losses relating to the 52 59 (59) period Prior year adjustment in respect of the adoption (175) of FRS 19 (see note 6) Total recognised gains and losses (123) Reconciliation of movements in shareholders' funds Restated (see note 6) Six Six Year to months months to 30 to 30 31 June June December 2001 2000 2000 Unaudited Unaudited Audited £m £m £m Profit/(loss) for the period 23 81 (25) Dividends (117) (110) (278) (94) (29) (303) Other recognised gains and losses relating to the 29 (22) (34) period (net) Issuance of shares to QUEST 14 10 17 Exercise of share options, warrants and scrip 5 62 100 dividend issue Net increase in shareholders' funds (46) 21 (220) Opening shareholders' funds (restated) 6,977 7,197 7,197 Closing shareholders' funds 6,931 7,218 6,977 Notes to the interim report 1 Acquisitions and disposals Integrated joint Airbus company The integrated joint Airbus company was formed with effect from 1 January 2001 to take on the combined operations of the Airbus Industrie GIE partners, BAE SYSTEMS and EADS, together with Airbus Industrie GIE itself. BAE SYSTEMS holds a 20% interest in the new company with EADS holding the balance. The 20% investment in the new Airbus company is accounted for as a joint venture, with provisional goodwill arising on the transaction of £1,103m included within joint venture share of gross assets. This goodwill is being amortised over its estimated useful economic life, assessed at 20 years. Business disposals In April 2001 the group disposed of its Flight Simulation and Training business based in Tampa, Florida to CAE, Toronto, Canada, for a consideration of US$75m (£53m). In April 2001 the group disposed of its 54% interest in BAE SYSTEMS Canada Inc. to ONCAP for a consideration of Can$310m (£138m). In June 2001 the group disposed of its 50% interest in its US joint venture, LH Systems, to Leica Geosystems for a consideration of US$15m (£11m). Net cash inflow on business disposals (after accounting for cash retained in those businesses of £120m) amounted to £82m in the period (30 June 2000 £55m; 31 December 2000 £115m). 2 Exceptional items Six Six Year to months months to 30 to 30 31 June June December 2001 2000 2000 Unaudited Unaudited Audited £m £m £m Exceptional loss included within profit before interest 2000 rationalisation programme (44) - (109) 1999 defence sector rationalisation - (10) (47) MES integration costs (21) (57) (151) (65) (67) (307) Net exceptional loss included within profit before tax (65) (67) (307) 2000 rationalisation programme Costs associated with the 2000 rationalisation programme continue to be forecast at £225m before a tax credit of £52m. Cumulatively £153m has been charged to 30 June 2001. Of this, £44m has been charged in the first half of 2001, with an associated tax credit of £8m. A net cash outflow of £27m arose in the first half of 2001 in respect of these costs. BAe/MES integration Costs associated with the integration of the former MES and British Aerospace businesses totalling £21m before a tax credit of £4m were incurred in the first half of 2001. A net cash outflow of £19m arose in the first half of 2001 in respect of these costs. Costs relating to the actions taken to integrate these businesses will continue through to 31 December 2002. 3 Commercial aircraft financing Commercial aircraft are frequently sold for cash with the manufacturer retaining some financial exposure. Aircraft financing commitments of the group can be categorised as either direct or indirect. Direct commitments arise where the group has sold the aircraft to a third party lessor and then leased it back under an operating lease (or occasionally a finance lease) prior to an onward lease to an operator. Indirect commitments (contingent liabilities) may arise where the group has sold aircraft to third parties who either operate the aircraft themselves or lease the aircraft on to operators. In these cases the group may give guarantees in respect of the residual values of the related aircraft or certain head lease and finance payments to be made by either the third parties or the operators. The group's exposure to these commitments is offset by future lease rentals and the residual value of the related aircraft. The group has entered into arrangements which reduce its exposure from commercial aircraft financing by obtaining insurance cover from a syndicate of leading insurance companies over a significant proportion of the contracted and expected income stream from the aircraft portfolio including those aircraft where the group has provided residual value guarantees. SYSTEMS 2001 Asset Trust On 19 June 2001, the group restructured its obligations in respect of that element of the aircraft portfolio covered by the insurance arrangements. In summary, SYSTEMS 2001 Asset Trust (an independent group of companies which has entered into a servicing contract with the group) has assumed the aircraft head lease obligations and sub-lease income streams in return for the issuance of four tranches of promissory notes and a guaranteed funding facility from the group, required to meet any short-term funding requirements. As a result of the transaction, those liabilities previously classified as provisions in the group's accounts which now relate to the first tranche (promissory note A) have been transferred to creditors. Given the long term nature of the promissory notes, the directors believe it is appropriate to state the related creditor and provisions at their net present value. Recourse provision Movements in the recourse provision in the period are summarised as follows: £m Recourse provision at 31 December 2000 399 Utilisation in period (24) Net present value top up 17 Transferred to creditors in respect of promissory note A (282) At 30 June 2001 110 The estimated liability in respect of tranches two, three and four is included within the remaining recourse provision at 30 June 2001. Joint Ventures Both the new integrated joint Airbus company and Saab AB also have aircraft financing commitments and contingent liabilities arising from guarantees in connection with aircraft sales. Where these joint ventures are exposed to financial risk from aircraft sales, they make provision against the expected net exposure on a net present value basis, after taking into account the expected future sub-lease income and residual values of the aircraft. The group's exposure is limited to its respective shareholdings in these businesses. 4 Dividends The directors have declared the payment of an interim dividend of 3.5p per ordinary share (2000 3.3p). The dividend will be paid on 30 November 2001 to shareholders registered on 19 October 2001. The ex-dividend date will be 17 October 2001. 5 Cash flow items Net debt Net debt disclosed on page 1 at £1,035m on 30 June 2001 (30 June 2000 £523m; 31 December 2000 £899m) excludes cash received on customers' account of £50m (30 June 2000 £75m; 31 December 2000 £73m) which is included within creditors on the consolidated balance sheet. Net debt as disclosed on the face of the Cash Flow Statement on page 6 includes these amounts received on customers' account. SYSTEMS 2001 Asset Trust Included within the movement in provisions for liabilities and charges is a decrease of £282m with a corresponding increase in creditors as a result of the SYSTEMS 2001 Asset Trust transaction. This is explained further in note 3. 6 Restatements in accounts Segmental analysis of sales In prior years, sales to joint ventures were eliminated in full before the presentation of sales by business segment. As a result of the formation of the integrated joint Airbus company the directors have reconsidered this presentation and have determined a more appropriate treatment is, at business segment level, to eliminate sales only to JVs included in the respective business segment. All other JV sales eliminations are included in the overall intra-group adjustment. Comparative figures have been restated accordingly. Financial Reporting Standard 19 - Deferred Tax Financial Reporting Standard 19 - Deferred Tax has been adopted for the first time by the group in this Interim Report. In previous years the group had complied with Statement of Standard Accounting Practice 15 - Deferred Taxation (SSAP 15) which has been superseded by the introduction of FRS 19. SSAP 15 required provision for deferred tax to be made using the liability method to the extent that net deferred tax assets or liabilities were likely to crystallise in the foreseeable future. This method was commonly referred to as the partial provision method. FRS 19, by contrast, requires a form of full provisioning. The effect of the implementation of FRS 19 on reported results is as follows: Six months Six months Year to to 30 June to 30 June 31 December 2001 2000 2000 Unaudited Unaudited Audited £m £m £m Tax on profit excluding exceptionals (5) (6) (12) Reduction in profit for the period (5) (6) (12) 30 June 30 June 31 December 2001 2000 2000 Unaudited Unaudited Audited £m £m £m Goodwill (82) (82) (82) Deferred tax assets 201 170 159 Deferred tax provisions (299) (257) (252) Net assets (180) (169) (175) The adoption of FRS 19 has resulted in the provision for additional deferred tax liabilities primarily in respect of accelerated capital allowances, pensions and tax deductible goodwill arising in the US. In addition deferred tax assets arise on provisions, losses and other short term timing differences which were not recognised previously under SSAP 15. The reduction in goodwill is in respect of deferred tax assets previously unrecognised on the acquisition of MES in 1999. Recourse provision adjustment to net present value In prior years, long term recourse provisions had been established on a discounted net present value basis, and accordingly an adjustment was made in the year, and charged to interest, to maintain the net present value of these provisions. Prior to the 2000 year end Annual Report that part of the adjustment relating to provisions established as exceptional items had been treated as an exceptional charge within interest. As part of the 2000 year end reporting process the directors reconsidered this presentation in the light of the more common treatment of such adjustments to discounted provisions and accordingly this charge was included within the normal interest payable for the group in the 2000 year end Annual Report. The presentation of comparative 30 June 2000 figures has been restated in this year's Interim Report in consequence and in accordance with FRS 18. There is no net impact on profit reported for the comparative six month period, or on net assets. The adjustment for 30 June 2000, amounting to £16m, is included within the net interest charge of £57m. The associated tax credit of £4m and the earnings per share excluding exceptionals and goodwill amortisation have been restated for this change of presentation. The effect of this change is to reduce profit before tax excluding goodwill amortisation and exceptional items by £16m for that period. 7 Other information Segmental analysis The segmental analysis of results for the six months ended 30 June 2001 set out on page 3 forms a part of these notes to the Interim Report. Other The comparative figures for the year ended 31 December 2000 and the other financial information contained in these interim results do not constitute statutory accounts of the group within the meaning of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2000 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors have reported on those accounts, their report was not qualified and did not contain a statement under section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the results to 30 June 2001 are consistent with those set out in the 2000 Annual Report, with the exception of the adoption of FRS 19 for the first time in this report (see note 6). This report is being sent to shareholders. Copies are also available to the public from the company's registered office. Independent review report by KPMG Audit Plc to BAE SYSTEMS plc Introduction We have been instructed by the company to review the financial information set out on pages 6 to 12 and we have read the other information contained in the Interim Report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial information. Directors' responsibilities The Interim Report, including the financial information contained therein, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority require that the accounting policies and presentation applied to the interim figures should be consistent with those applied in preparing the preceding annual accounts except where they are to be changed in the next annual accounts in which case any changes, and the reasons for them, are to be disclosed. Review work performed We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999 /4; Review of Interim Financial Information issued by the Auditing Practices Board. A review consists principally of making enquiries of management and applying analytical procedures to the financial information and underlying financial data and, based thereon, assessing whether the accounting policies and presentation have been consistently applied unless otherwise disclosed. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with Auditing Standards and therefore provides a lower level of assurance than an audit. Accordingly we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information. Review conclusion On the basis of our review we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial information as presented for the six months ended 30 June 2001. KPMG Audit Plc Chartered Accountants London 12 September 2001 Shareholder information The Annual General Meeting of BAE SYSTEMS plc for 2002 will be held on 3 May 2002. Registered Office 6 Carlton Gardens London SW1Y 5AD Telephone: 01252 373232 (Registered in England & Wales No. 1470151) Registrars Lloyds TSB Registrars The Causeway Worthing, West Sussex BN99 6DA Telephone: 0870 600 3982 (+44 1903 502541 from outside the UK) If you have any queries regarding your shareholding, please contact the Registrars. Website details Company website: www.baesystems.com Investor relations website: http://ir.baesystems.com

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BAE Systems (BA.)
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