Interim Results

RNS Number : 4118A
BAE SYSTEMS PLC
01 August 2008
 



BAE Systems plc

Half-yearly Report 2008


Results in brief

Results from continuing operations

Six months to 
30 June 2008

Six months to 
30 June 2007

Sales1

£7,751m

£6,891m

EBITA2

£881m

£700m

Operating profit

£789m

£643m

Underlying earnings3 per share

17.5p

15.3p

Basic earnings per share4

16.7p

15.3p

Order book5

£41.1bn

£31.7bn

Other results including discontinued operations



Interim dividend per share

5.8p

5.0p

Cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities

£(387)m

£165m

Net (debt)/cash as defined by the Group

£(708)m

£1,266m


Highlights 

- Sales1 growth of 12% 

- EBITA2 up 26% at £881m, including £61m profit on disposal of Surveillance and Attack business

- Underlying earnings3 per share increased by 14% 

- Interim dividend increased 16% to 5.8p per share

- Acquisitions of MTC Technologies and Tenix Defence completed 


Outlook 

Building on the first half performance, the previously anticipated growth outlook for 2008 as a whole is expected to benefit further from the current high demand for armoured wheeled vehicles to meet operational requirements. 


We anticipate a return to operating cash inflow in the second half year.



1 including share of equity accounted investments

2 earnings before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance costs and taxation expense 

3 earnings excluding amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, and non-cash finance movements on pensions and financial derivatives (see note 4)

4 basic earnings per share in accordance with International Accounting Standard 33 

5 including share of equity accounted investments' order books and after the elimination of intra-group orders of £1.3bn (2007 £1.4bn)



Cautionary statement

All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this document, including, without limitation, those regarding the financial condition, results, operations and businesses of BAE Systems and its strategy, plans and objectives and the markets and economies in which it operates, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, which reflect management's assumptions made on the basis of information available to it at this time, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors which could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of BAE Systems or the markets and economies in which BAE Systems operates to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Nothing in this document shall be regarded as a profit forecast. BAE Systems plc and its directors accept no liability to third parties in respect of this document, save as would arise under English law. Accordingly, any liability to a person who has demonstrated reliance on any untrue or misleading statement or omission shall be determined in accordance with section 90A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

  Interim management report


In the first half of 2008, BAE Systems has continued to deliver robust performance across its operations and to make good progress on the Group's strategy. 


Headline sales1 growth in the six month period was 12%. On a like-for-like basis sales1 reduced by 3% as sales this year have a strong second-half bias. We continue to expect good organic growth for the year as a whole. Growth in EBITA2 on a like-for-like basis increased by almost 9%, supporting the Group's enhanced outlook. There was a cash outflow from operating activities of £387m in the first six months. 


Orders for further mine protected vehicle and other land systems contracts have enhanced the Group's outlook for 2008. Notwithstanding budget pressures in many defence markets, BAE Systems' large order book, together with realistic planning assumptions, provide confidence in the outlook for the Group. 


The Group is benefiting from customers prioritising the provision of equipment and capability to their armed forces engaged in overseas operations. Most notably, strong growth has again been achieved in the land systems sector. 


Having identified substantial opportunities in the land systems market, the Group has successfully implemented a strategy that has grown its position in that market from a business with less than $1 billion in sales in 2004 to a business with annualised sales in excess of $10 billion today. Organic growth of 28% was achieved in the Land & Armaments business in the first half year.


In addition to the strong growth in its US operations, progress continues to be made in growing the Group's business in our other home markets, including through acquisitions. Two such acquisitions, MTC Technologies, Inc. and Tenix Defence, were completed in June 2008 for a combined consideration of approximately £0.5 billion. 


The acquisition of MTC Technologies in the US is an important step in addressing opportunities to grow in the US readiness and sustainment market, complementing the substantial and growing support activities in our home markets of the UK, Australia and Saudi Arabia.


In Australia, the acquisition of Tenix Defence more than doubles BAE Systems' presence in that market. The acquired business will be integrated with the existing operations of BAE Systems Australia. The two organisations are an excellent fit and will deliver enhanced capabilities in the air, land and sea sectors. The transaction establishes the Group as the largest in-country defence supplier to the Australian Defence Force, with over 5,500 people and with current annual sales in excess of A$1.2 billion (£561m).


In June 2008, following the UK government's commitment to the manufacturing contract for the Future Aircraft Carrier programme, BAE Systems and VT Group signed a legally binding agreement to form a surface shipbuilding and naval support joint venture company. The joint venture was formed on 1 July 2008 and combines the BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions business with VT Group's surface warship building and naval support businesses, including the jointly held interests in Fleet Support Limited. 


The sale of the US Surveillance and Attack business was completed in the period, generating a profit on disposal of £61m. 


On 28 July 2008, BAE Systems announced a recommended offer to acquire the entire share capital of Detica Group plc, valuing the business at £538m, including assumed net debt.


With implementation of its home market strategy progressing, the Group is also pursuing opportunities to establish an industrial presence in additional markets. Discussions with potential partners in India are maturing.


In May 2008, BAE Systems welcomed the publication of the Woolf Committee Report. In July 2008, the Group published its programme for implementation of the findings of the Report with a view to positioning BAE Systems as a leader in standards of ethical business conduct among global companies. 


Recently, the Group announced the appointment of Ian King to succeed Mike Turner as Chief Executive with effect from 1 September 2008. Mike Turner retires from the Company at the end of August having served 42 years, including leading BAE Systems as Chief Executive for the past six years. Ian King is currently Chief Operating Officer, with responsibility for the Group's UK/Rest of World businesses, and has been a director of the Company since January 2007. 


Two new non-executive directors have been appointed to the BAE Systems Board, with Ravi Uppal joining in April and Carl Symon in June. Peter Weinberg retired from the Board at the Company's Annual General Meeting held in May.


We continue to have excellent forward visibility in the business from the £41.1 billion order book.


Summarised income statement from continuing operations

Six months to 
30 June 2008
Unaudited
£m

Six months to 
30 June 2007
Unaudited
£m

Sales1

7,751

6,891

EBITA2

881

700

Amortisation

(102)

(50)

Net financial income1

30

31

Taxation expense1

(210)

(180)

Profit for the period

599

501




Basic earnings per share3

16.7p

15.3p

Underlying earnings4 per share

17.5p

15.3p

Dividend per share

5.8p

5.0p


Exchange rates

Six months to 
30 June 2008

Six months to 
30 June 2007

£/€ - average

1.291

1.482

£/$ - average

1.975

1.970

£/€ - period end

1.264

1.486

£/$ - period end

1.989

2.007


Segmental analysis

Sales1


EBITA2


Six months to 30 June 2008
Unaudited
£m

Six months to 
30 June 2007
Unaudited
£m


Six months to 30 June 2008
Unaudited
£m

Six months to 
30 June 2007
Unaudited
£m

Electronics, Intelligence & Support

1,959

1,958


259

193

Land & Armaments

2,595

1,201


241

117

Programmes & Support

1,917

2,354


191

231

International Businesses

1,397

1,550


219

221

HQ & Other Businesses

113

124


(29)

(62)

Intra-group

(230)

(296)


-

-


7,751

6,891


881

700


Sales1

In the first half, sales1 from continuing operations increased by 12% to £7,751m (2007 £6,891m). After adjusting for the impacts of exchange translation and acquisitions and disposals, sales reduced by 3%. Sales in 2008 are expected to have a strong second half bias. In the first half of 2008, the Armor Holdings business, acquired in July 2007, contributed sales1 of £1,042m.


EBITA2

EBITA2 increased 26% to £881m (2007 £700m). The sale of the Surveillance and Attack business for $231m (£118m) cash was completed in the period, generating a profit on disposal of £61m. Excluding this disposal gain, return on sales increased to 10.6% (2007 10.2%). In the first half of 2008, the Armor Holdings business contributed EBITA2 of £117m.


Net financial income1

Net financial income, including the Group's share of the net financial income of equity accounted investments, was £30m (2007 £31m). The underlying interest charge of £32m (2007 £20m) was reduced by a net credit of £62m (2007 £51m) arising from pension accounting, marked-to-market revaluation of financial instruments and foreign currency movements. 


Taxation expense1

The Group's effective tax rate for continuing operations for the period was 26% (2007 26%). 


Earnings per share

Underlying earnings4 per share from continuing operations for the period increased by 14% to 17.5p compared with 2007 (15.3p).


Basic earnings per share in accordance with IAS 33 Earnings per Share, from continuing operations, increased by 9% to 16.7p (2007 15.3p).


Dividend

The Board has declared an interim dividend of 5.8p per share (2007 5.0p), representing an increase of 16%. 


Retirement benefit obligations

The net effect of worse than expected investment returns, an increase in real discount rates and the inclusion of an allowance for a minimum rate of future annual improvements in the mortality assumption has resulted in the Group's share of the pension deficit increasing to £2,247m from £1,570m at 31 December 2007 after allocation to equity accounted investments and other participating employers. Further disclosure on the above is provided in note 5 of this report.


Reconciliation of cash flow from operating activities to net (debt)/cash

Six months to 
30 June 2008 Unaudited
£m

Six months to 
30 June 2007 Unaudited
£m

Cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities

(387)

165

Capital expenditure (net) and financial investment

(216)

(82)

Dividends received from equity accounted investments

17

41

Operating business cash (outflow)/inflow

(586)

124

Interest and preference dividends

(29)

(29)

Taxation

(160)

(43)

Free cash (outflow)/inflow

(775)

52

Acquisitions and disposals

(384)

75

Debt acquired on acquisition of subsidiaries

(32)

-

(Purchase)/issue of equity shares (net) 

(19)

604

Equity dividends paid

(274)

(221)

Preference share conversion

-

242

Other non-cash movements

51

6

Foreign exchange

7

50

Movement in cash on customers' account5

18

23


(1,408)

831

Opening net cash as defined by the Group

700

435

Closing net (debt)/cash as defined by the Group

(708)

1,266

Analysed as:



Term deposits - non-current

-

4

Term deposits - current

2

134

Cash and cash equivalents

1,712

3,856

Loans - non-current 

(2,112)

(2,407)

Loans - current

(280)

(255)

Overdrafts - current

(18)

(27)

Loans and overdrafts - current

(298)

(282)

Cash on customers' account5 (included within payables)

(12)

(39)

Closing net (debt)/cash as defined by the Group

(708)

1,266


Operating business cash flow

Six months to 
30 June 2008 Unaudited
£m

Six months to 
30 June 2007 Unaudited
£m

Electronics, Intelligence & Support

28

95

Land & Armaments

84

(47)

Programmes & Support

134

184

International Businesses

(739)

26

HQ & Other Businesses

(93)

(134)


(586)

124


Cash flows

Cash outflow from operating activities was £387m (2007 inflow £165m), which includes £94m (2007 £66m) of additional contributions into the UK pension schemes. These outflows were primarily as a result of working capital build-up in Land & Armaments ahead of higher second-half sales volumes and utilisation of advances on a number of export contracts, in particular on the Saudi Arabia Salam programme.


There was an outflow from net capital expenditure and financial investment of £216m (2007 £82m), including incremental investments made in the new residential and office facilities, and the industrialisation programme in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 


Dividends from equity accounted investments, primarily Eurofighter GmbH and Saab, amounted to £17m (2007 £41m).


The resulting operating business cash outflow of £586m (2007 inflow £124m) gave rise to free cash outflow, after interest, preference dividends and taxation, of £775m (2007 inflow £52m).


Net cash outflow from all acquisitions and disposals (note 9) was £384m (2007 inflow £75m). On 9 June 2008, the Group acquired MTC Technologies, Inc., for $367m (£184m). On 27 June 2008, the Group acquired Tenix Defence, for A$689m (£325m). Disposal of the Group's investment in the Surveillance and Attack business in the period gave rise to a cash inflow of $231m (£118m).


The Group's net debt at 30 June 2008 was £708m (2007 net cash £1,266m), a net outflow of £1,408m from the net cash position of £700m at the start of the year.


Critical accounting policies

The Group's critical accounting policies are detailed in the Annual Report 2007, a copy of which is available on the Group's website at www.baesystems.com. These include:

- contract revenue and profit recognition;

- retirement benefit plans;

- intangible assets; and

- regional aircraft valuations.


Principal risks

The principal risks facing the Group for the remaining six months of the year are unchanged from those reported in the Annual Report 2007.

These risks, together with the Group's risk management process, are detailed on pages 44 to 50 of the above report and relate to the following areas:

- defence spending;

- fixed-price contracts;

- global market;

- export controls and other restrictions;

- competition;

- consortia and joint ventures;

- pension funding;

- acquisitions;

- regional aircraft;

- laws and regulations; and

- exchange rates.



1 including share of equity accounted investments 

2 earnings before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance costs and taxation expense

3 basic earnings per share in accordance with International Accounting Standard 33

4 earnings excluding amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, and non-cash finance movements on pensions and financial derivatives (see note 4)

5 cash on customers' account is the unexpended cash received from customers in advance of delivery which is subject to advance payment guarantees unrelated to Group performance



Electronics, Intelligence & Support

The Electronics, Intelligence & Support business group, with 33,000 employees1 and headquartered in the US, is a provider of defence and aerospace systems, sub-systems and services and comprises two operating groups: Electronics & Integrated Solutions and Customer Solutions.

Six months to
30 June 2008 Unaudited

Six months to 
30 June 2007 Unaudited

Year to 
31 December 2007 Audited

Sales1

£1,959m

£1,958m

£3,916m

EBITA2

£259m

£193m

£429m

Return on sales

13.2%

9.9%

11.0%

Cash inflow3

£28m

£95m

£302m

Order intake1

£2,050m

£1,969m

£4,178m

Order book1

£3.6bn

£3.3bn

£3.5bn


In the first half of 2008, Electronics, Intelligence & Support achieved EBITA2 of £259m (2007 £193m) on sales1 of £1,959m (2007 £1,958m) and generated an operating cash inflow3 of £28m (2007 £95m).


On a like-for-like basis, sales growth was 3% over 2007. The disposal of the Surveillance and Attack business in February 2008 generated a gain of £61m. This business had sales of $67m (£33m) for the year to 31 December 2007.


Electronics & Integrated Solutions (E&IS) 

E&IS designs, develops, and produces electronic systems and sub-systems for a wide range of military and commercial applications, focusing on four primary capabilities: electronic warfare, avionics and controls, sensor systems, and network systems. 


In electronic warfare, E&IS delivered its 1,400th Common Missile Warning System and received additional orders valued at $138m (£69m) from the US Army. JETEYE™, the commercial version of the infrared countermeasures system to protect against shoulder-fired missiles, began a nine-month performance evaluation aboard passenger aircraft in July 2008. 


In avionics and controls, the HybriDrive® propulsion technology on more than 1,000 hybridrive powered buses in North America has prevented the release of about 50,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. In London, performance trials of a double-decker hybrid electric bus are targeted for the third quarter of 2008.


The sensor systems business received a $169m (£85m) US Army contract for continued production of thermal weapon sights. The programme has a production rate of more than 1,500 units per month and more than 27,000 units have been delivered to date. In May, a $60m (£30m) order to provide thermal imaging modules for the US Army's Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station was secured, allowing soldiers to detect and identify targets while remaining protected in their vehicles. The award is the first phase of a five-year contract. 


The network systems business was selected to develop and produce the Airborne Maritime Fixed Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS). With this award, BAE Systems is now a partner on all four JTRS programmes, the family of software-programmable tactical radios that will permit combat personnel to communicate at every level of command. 


E&IS was selected by the US Army Research Laboratory to lead a university and industry team to develop micro-autonomous systems and technology for the US military. The five-year programme seeks to develop bio-inspired, miniature intelligence-gathering robots for use in urban and complex terrain. 


Customer Solutions

The Customer Solutions operating group comprises three businesses: BAE Systems Information Technology (IT); Technology Solutions & Services (TSS); and BAE Systems Ship Repair. 


During the first half of 2008, BAE Systems IT won a number of opportunities worth more than $350m (£176m), including 99% of programme recompetes worth more than $210m (£106m). Services provided under these contracts include IT infrastructure engineering and operational support, application development, information assurance, and analytical services. BAE Systems IT also won positions on four multiple award indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracts, including a position on the Defense Information Systems Agency's Encore II contract. As a prime contract holder on these contracts, BAE Systems IT will be among a select group of companies competing for individual task orders with an expected value of more than $375m (£189m).


In the first half of 2008, TSS secured a position as one of four prime contractors on the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization programme worth up to $450m (£226m) to provide integrated analysis services, subject matter expertise and programme support. TSS won a contract from the US Navy to provide integration of C4I4 capabilities aboard new construction ships over the next five years; the award includes three one-year options with a potential value of $344m (£173m).


In June 2008, the acquisition of MTC Technologies, Inc. was completed and integration is underway.


At Ship Repair, work is underway on a $75m (£38m) contract to maintain, repair and modernise the guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill in San Diego. Work also continues on a five-year multi-ship multi-option contract to maintain and repair all Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. In the first half of 2008, Ship Repair secured a post-shakedown availability contract for destroyers worth $110m (£55m) and a multi-ship multi-option award worth $50m (£25m) for repairs to Mine Countermeasures Ships. 


Looking Forward 

The sector is expected to deliver future growth at a rate in excess of Department of Defense defence spending based upon the business strategy, strong technical discriminators, research and development investment, and customer relationships.



Land & Armaments

The Land & Armaments business group, with 20,900 employees1 and headquartered in the US, is a leader in the design, development, production and through-life support and upgrade of armoured combat vehicles, tactical wheeled vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, artillery systems, intelligent munitions, and survivability and protection systems.

Six months to
 30 June 2008 Unaudited

Six months to 
30 June 2007 Unaudited

Year to 
31 December 2007 Audited

Sales1 

£2,595m

£1,201m

£3,538m

EBITA2

£241m

£117m

£312m

Return on sales

9.3%

9.7%

8.8%

Cash inflow/(outflow)3

£84m

£(47)m

£10m

Order intake1 

£3,262m

£1,380m

£4,535m

Order book1 

£7.9bn

£5.0bn

£7.3bn


In the first half of 2008, Land & Armaments achieved EBITA2 of £241m (2007 £117m) on sales1 of £2,595m (2007 £1,201m) and generated an operating cash inflow3 of £84m (2007 outflow £47m).


On a like-for-like basis, sales growth was 28% over 2007. In the first half of 2008, the Armor Holdings business, acquired in July 2007, contributed sales1 and EBITA2 of £1,042m and £117m respectively.


United States 

In the first half of 2008, contracts were secured for the refurbishment and upgrade of Bradley, M88 Hercules improved recovery vehicles and M113 fighting vehicles totalling $0.9 billion (£0.5 billion). 


Follow-on awards for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) wheeled vehicles, totalling $0.9 billion (£0.5 billion) have been received in 2008. Delivery of these vehicles will be largely completed in the current year.


In June 2008, Land & Armaments won a contract to supply up to 10,400 Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV), worth up to $2.2 billion (£1.1 billion). An initial $1.7 billion (£0.9 billion) of order intake has been recorded. 


In other vehicle programmes, Land & Armaments was selected in December 2007 as the prime contractor for up to 2,500 Medium Mine Protected Vehicles (MMPV). To date 131 vehicles have been ordered ($121m (£61m)).


In armaments, the business completed the first fully integrated Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon prototype and the vehicle was displayed in Washington DC in June 2008. 


In naval guns, Land & Armaments began production of the first four Advanced Gun Systems at the Group's facility in Cordova, Alabama. The guns will be installed on the US Navy's first two Zumwalt class (DDG 1000) destroyers. 


In May 2008, the US Coast Guard conducted preliminary acceptance of its first National Security Cutter, Bertholf, which features the 57mm Mk 110 gun system. This is the first gun system produced by BAE Systems for service with the US Coast Guard.


United Kingdom

In the UK, Land & Armaments is bidding on the Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) programme competing for the vehicle integrator role on the Utility Vehicles and the Specialist Vehicles.


Continued demand from Urgent Operational Requirements arising from the British Army's operations in Afghanistan and Iraq has resulted in additional work supporting Warrior, Bulldog (FV430) and CVR(T) vehicles. 


The demand for the M777 lightweight howitzer continues with a new US order for 87 guns and down-selection in both Canada and Australia.


In munitions, the long-term partnering agreement with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) for munitions acquisition and capability is in the final stages of the approval process. 


Following discussions with the customer, a revised programme for the delayed UK Terrier armoured tractor programme has been agreed.


South Africa

A demanding 2008 production schedule for 184 RG31 MRAP vehicles was met, with deliveries made to schedule to the prime contractor, General Dynamics. This resulted in an order for a further 111 RG31 vehicles. The business has continued to develop its systems capability with the £7m acquisition of South African turret and fire control business, IST Dynamics, expected to complete in the second half of the year.


Sweden

In the area of intelligent munitions for artillery and mortar systems, the GPS-guided 155mm artillery ammunition is now fielded and has performed extremely well. There are ongoing discussions with the Swedish and Norwegian governments regarding serial production of the 155mm Archer Artillery System.


Looking forward

Land & Armaments continues to benefit from operational requirements in Iraq and Afghanistan, especially in the wheeled vehicle market. With the integration of the Armor Holdings business complete, current sales growth is being driven from these operational requirements.



Programmes & Support

The Programmes & Support business group, with 29,400 employees1, comprises the Group's UK-based air and naval activities and the Integrated System Technologies business.

Six months to
 30 June 2008 Unaudited

Six months to 
30 June 2007 Unaudited

Year to 
31 December 2007 Audited

Sales1

£1,917m

£2,354m

£5,327m

EBITA2

£191m

£231m

£456m

Return on sales

10.0%

9.8%

8.6%

Cash inflow3

£134m

£184m

£807m

Order intake1

£1,711m

£2,553m

£9,091m

Order book1

£20.7bn

£17.3bn

£20.9bn


In the first half of 2008, Programmes & Support achieved EBITA2 of £191m (2007 £231m) on sales1 of £1,917m (2007 £2,354m) and generated an operating cash inflow3 of £134m (2007 £184m).


Sales reduced compared with the corresponding period last year due largely to the transition on the Typhoon programme from deliveries of the Tranche 1 aircraft to the Tranche 2 standard, and from the close out of the Brunei Offshore Patrol Vessel contract in 2007.


Military Air Solutions 

Military Air Solutions is responsible for delivering a range of military programmes including Typhoon, Hawk, Nimrod MRA4, F-35 Lightning II (Joint Strike Fighter) and Autonomous Systems & Future Capability. In addition, it is responsible for through-life support for these programmes as well as for the UK's Royal Air Force (RAF) fleets of Harrier, Tornado, Nimrod MR2 and VC-10 aircraft.


The business made strong progress during the first half of the year, both on delivering programme commitments and working in partnership with its customers to enhance their military capability. Work with the UK MoD towards creation of an air sector longer-term partnering arrangement continues and, building on the success of the foundation contract signed in March 2007, the business is now negotiating a contract to demonstrate the benefits from entering into such a longer-term partnering arrangement. 


Delivery of Typhoon aircraft to the four partner nations and Austria continues with 147 Tranche 1 aircraft delivered as at 30 June 2008. The final Tranche 1 aircraft for Austria has now been delivered. Tranche 2 aircraft are now in final assembly. Initial type acceptance enabling aircraft to be delivered is expected in the second half of the year. Work has also commenced on further air-to-ground capability enhancements. Discussions regarding the Tranche 3 requirements of each of the four partner nations are ongoing with initial contract award expected in 2009.


In the UK, RAF Typhoons are operational in Air Defence and Quick Reaction Alert roles with the multi-role operational effectiveness date achieved in July. Discussions to establish long-term, availability-based support contracts are progressing. 


On the Hawk contract for India, 12 aircraft have been accepted by the customer to date and the first package of training aids delivered. The introduction of the first Hawks into the Indian Air Force took place earlier this year and the remaining 12 UK-built Hawks are due for acceptance later in 2008. Hawk aircraft deliveries for South Africa are nearing completion with 22 of 24 now accepted. 


Good progress is being made on development and production of the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer for the RAF, with deliveries due to commence later in 2008. 


The Integrated Operational Support contract for the Hawk TMk1 aircraft has completed a successful first year of operation and provision of synthetic training to RAF fast jet pilots continues at RAF Valley.


The Nimrod MRA4 aircraft development programme is progressing towards completion and the production programme continues to perform in line with contractual milestones. A five-week programme of icing certification flights, operated from Nashville, Tennessee, has recently been successfully completed.


The contracts for VC-10 and Nimrod MR2 aircraft support continue and a contract expansion will see the business take responsibility for much of the on-base engineering, logistics and technical support for the VC-10.


The Tornado availability programme, ATTAC, is in full service and a contract expansion has been agreed, increasing the scope to include further areas of the depth maintenance activities for the RAF's GR4 Tornado aircraft. 


The Harrier GR9 upgrade programme continues to deliver to schedule and cost. The Harrier aircraft is currently providing close air support to UK military operations overseas. Discussions are progressing on contracting for a Harrier availability service.


Military Air Solutions is partnered with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman on the F-35 Lightning II programme, with responsibility for the design and manufacture of the rear fuselage, empennage and delivery of a number of key aircraft systems. All three aircraft variants: Carrier, Conventional Take-Off and Landing, and Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) are now in various stages of manufacture and assembly. A significant milestone was achieved in June when a BAE Systems pilot flew the first STOVL variant of the F-35 Lightning II on its maiden flight. Lockheed Martin has been formally awarded funding for Low Rate Initial Production Lot 2 with subcontract flow down to BAE Systems expected shortly.


The business continues to consolidate its position in the unmanned air systems market. In addition to the existing Taranis programme, which is a key enabler to the UK MoD's evaluation of future requirements, BAE Systems has entered into a jointly funded UK MoD advanced technology demonstrator programmed called Mantis. The aim of this programme is to demonstrate the potential of a large unmanned system to support future operational needs. The unmanned air systems portfolio also includes the HERTI surveillance system and Fury armed vehicle.


In April, a redundancy programme affecting the Brough and Woodford sites was announced involving a potential reduction of some 580 jobs, following a review of the engineering and manufacturing capabilities required as products move from design and development into the support phase.


Surface Fleet Solutions

The Type 45 project has continued to make excellent progress. In April, the first of class ship, HMS Daring, successfully completed its second set of sea trials. Initial support contracts are being received as the ship heads towards acceptance in December. Manufacture of Type 45 ships 2 to 5 remains on schedule. In March, the first steel was cut for the sixth Type 45, HMS Duncan.


Work continues on the design of two new aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy. On 3 July 2008, the UK government signed the manufacturing contract for the Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) programme following the formation of the BVT Surface Fleet Limited joint venture between BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions and VT Shipbuilding and Naval Support on 1 July 2008. 


A consortium led by the business was down-selected as one of four competitors bidding to build six Fleet Tankers for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Partnering with BMT Defence Services Limited, the ships would, if the consortium is successful, be built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering in Korea and would form the first part of the Military Afloat Reach & Sustainability (MARS) programme. 


Pricing and commercial negotiations continue for the Malaysia Batch 2 frigate contract. 


The third and final ex-Royal Navy Type 23 frigate for the Chilean navy completed its reactivation, and was handed over to the customer in May 2008. 


Submarine Solutions

The Astute project has continued to progress with four submarines now under construction. Orders have also been received for the procurement of long-lead items on Boat 5 and initial funding for the concept phase of the Successor Submarine Programme.


Design work continues on the mid block hangar deck section of the two new Aircraft Carriers. 


Integrated System Technologies 

The Falcon programme is scheduled to complete Equipment Acceptance Trials in 2009. Falcon will provide the UK Armed Forces with a new mobile tactical high capacity, secure information infrastructure capability.


The CVF Mission System will move to full manufacture stage in the second half of 2008 following the MoD's commitment to the Future Aircraft Carrier programme. 


The Sampson Radar, the combat management system and long-range radar programmes for the Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyers all successfully completed their Phase 1 sea trials on the first of class ship, HMS Daring.


The Seawolf mid-life update tracker has now completed installation trials and is being installed on the first upgraded Royal Navy Type 23 frigate.


The Maritime Composite Training System programme is operational at the HMS Collingwood and HMNB Devonport naval training facilities.


The Sting Ray lightweight torpedo main production order for the Royal Navy remains on schedule.


The Archerfish mine disposal system has successfully passed initial qualification trials with the US Navy as the common neutraliser for sea mines and is now under contract with that customer.


Looking forward

The future of Programmes & Support is strongly linked to MoD funding as it seeks to meet current UK operational requirements and delivery of the Defence Industrial Strategy. 


In the air sector, short-term growth is dependent upon increased production activity and in-service support performance both in the UK and on export programmes.


Growth prospects for the BVT Surface Fleet Limited joint venture include the UK's CVF and MARS programmes. The six ship Type 45 programme underpins the business for the next few years. 


The Submarines business is focused on the Astute programme deliveries, on delivering the concept design work and securing further work for the Successor Submarines Programme, and on the detailed design work for the mid block section of the CVF programme. Securing follow-on orders for Astute is key to retaining the skill base necessary to design and build the next generation nuclear deterrent submarine.



International Businesses

The International Businesses business group, with 18,300 employees1, comprises the Group's businesses in Saudi Arabia and Australia, together with a 37.5% interest in the pan-European MBDA joint venture and a 20.5% shareholding in Saab of Sweden.

Six months to
 30 June 2008 Unaudited

Six months to 
30 June 2007 Unaudited

Year to 
31 December 2007 Audited

Sales1

£1,397m

£1,550m

£3,359m

EBITA2

£219m

£221m

£435m

Return on sales

15.7%

14.3%

13.0%

Cash (outflow)/inflow3

£(739)m

£26m

£678m

Order intake1

£1,520m

£1,711m

£3,876m

Order book1

£9.8bn

£7.2bn

£7.9bn


In the first half of 2008, International Businesses achieved EBITA2 of £219m (2007 £221m) on sales1 of £1,397m (2007 £1,550m) and had an operating cash outflow3 of £739m (2007 inflow £26m).


Sales reduced compared with the corresponding period last year on lower spares and support volumes in Saudi Arabia.


The first half of 2008 saw cash utilisation on the Salam Typhoon contract ahead of milestone payments scheduled for the second half year.


Customer Solutions & Support International

BAE Systems has a major presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where it acts as prime contractor for the government-to-government defence agreement. Over the last two decades the programme has included the provision of aircraft, associated hardware, support, infrastructure and manpower training for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) and Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF). Progress is being made on modernising the Saudi armed forces in line with the Understanding Document signed in December 2005 between the UK and Saudi Arabian governments. Under the terms of the signed document, Typhoon aircraft will replace Tornado Air Defence Variant aircraft and others currently in service with the RSAF. A contract for the delivery of 72 Typhoon aircraft was signed in 2007, with aircraft deliveries commencing in 2009. Discussions are ongoing with the RSAF to define and finalise the support and training solutions to enable the aircraft to enter into service during 2009.


Around 4,600 people are employed by the Group in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, of whom approximately half are Saudi nationals. The business is continuing to develop its presence in Saudi Arabia, including the relocation of staff from the UK, and is helping to develop a greater indigenous capability in the Kingdom. The security of employees is the highest priority and progress is well advanced on new residential and office facilities as well as increased security measures. Employees are in occupation at the first new residential and office facility. 


Through the core Saudi support programme, the business continues to provide significant support to both the RSAF and RSNF operations and steps are being taken with the RSAF to maintain the capability of the Tornado aircraft while extending its operational life. BAE Systems' investment and support for infrastructure development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia includes the creation of training and youth welfare programmes.


Australia

The acquisition of Tenix Defence was completed in June 2008, establishing the Group as the largest in-country defence supplier to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with over 5,500 people and with current annual sales in excess of A$1.2 billion (£561m).


BAE Systems has recently been down-selected by the Australian government to provide a medium/heavy capability vehicle to replace the Australian Army's wheeled tactical logistic vehicle fleet. The business has also been shortlisted for the Industry Capability Partner role on the AIR7000 programme, a multi-role Unmanned Air Vehicle System to provide an Airborne Surveillance Capability for the ADF.


The Australian business is a subcontractor to Boeing on the Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control system for the Royal Australian Air Force. The programme is behind schedule and BAE Systems is engaged jointly with Boeing and the customer to deliver electronic warfare systems in support of the aircraft integration programme and ground systems in order to meet the operational training requirements of the customer.


The first aircraft modification to incorporate the Echidna electronic warfare system for the Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters has been completed and ground tested. The interim ground support system has also been accepted. 


Performance under the five-year maintenance support contract for the Hawk Lead-In Fighter exceeded contractual requirements in the first half of 2008. Growing maintenance workload will require additional resources to maintain performance levels whilst the Australian Department of Defence has been directed to lower capability sustainment costs by 5% across the board.


MBDA (37.5% interest)

MBDA performed well in the first half of 2008. Key domestic deliveries included Mica air-to-air missiles, Aster surface-to-air missiles, Taurus cruise missiles and the final delivery of Brimstone air-to-ground missiles. Key export deliveries included the air weapons package to Greece. 


Order intake has also been good, with a key export order for the Spada (air-to-surface weapon system) plus options exercised on export versions of the Aster air-to-surface missile and weapons package for the European Multi Mission Frigate. As the UK MoD's designated lead contractor in managing its complex weapons sector under the Defence Industrial Strategy, MBDA UK also secured a series of important Assessment Phase contracts for new programmes.


Development programmes continue to progress well. The first half of 2008 has seen a number of successful development firings on key programmes, including Meteor (six-nation air-to-air missile) and the Aster weapon system. In addition, the Fire Shadow Loitering Munition was successfully fired during April 2008, completing a rapid development demonstrator programme lasting just 15 months.


Saab (20.5% shareholding)

Sales rose to SEK11,025m (£911m) and operating income reduced by 10% to SEK944m (£78m) with an operating margin of 8.6%. 


Key orders won during the first half of 2008 include a SEK2 billion (£167m) order from the Thailand government for an integrated air surveillance system, a £30m order from Lockheed Martin UK for five GIRAFFE multi-mission radar systems and a $48m (£24m) order from the US for Carl-Gustaf system containing both guns and ammunition.


Saab commenced a SEK1 billion (£84m) cost reduction programme in 2008 which is scheduled to end in 2010. 


Looking forward

The Group seeks to sustain its long-term presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through delivering on current support and investment commitments, and delivering new business.


The Tenix Defence acquisition in Australia provides a significant footprint in both the land and sea sectors whilst enhancing the existing capabilities in the air sector. The combined entity will be the leading defence company in Australia and positions the business as the leading through-life capability support partner to the Australian Defence Force.



HQ & Other Businesses

HQ & Other Businesses, with 1,800 employees1, comprises the regional aircraft asset management and support activities, head office and UK shared services activity, including research centres and property management.

Six months to
 30 June 2008 Unaudited

Six months to 
30 June 2007 Unaudited

Year to 
31 December 2007 Audited

Sales1

£113m

£124m

£243m

EBITA2

£(29)m

£(62)m

£(155)m

Cash (outflow)/inflow3

£(93)m

£(134)m

£181m

Order intake1

£149m

£177m

£345m

Order book1

£0.4bn

£0.3bn

£0.4bn


In the first half of 2008, HQ & Other Businesses reported a loss2 of £29m (2007 £62m) and had an operating cash outflow3 of £93m (2007 £134m). Of this, the reported loss for Regional Aircraft was £2m (2007 £65m) and operating cash inflow was £22m (2007 outflow £14m).


Regional Aircraft

During the period, the Regional Aircraft leasing team secured new leases or extensions with existing customers on 32 aircraft, including nine Avro RJ Jets with Malmo of Sweden. The market continues to present challenges, with airline profitability being impacted by sustained high oil prices and tight availability of funding due to the global credit issues. 


The freighter conversion programme for the 146 Jet continues to plan with the first customer delivery expected to take place in August 2008. 


Support revenues fell from the same period last year after disposal of the Customer Training Business in late 2007 and lower demand for aircraft modifications, although Power by the Hour contracts worth £31m were secured during the first half of 2008.


Much of the leasing business was underpinned by the Group's Financial Risk Insurance Programme which makes good shortfalls in actual lease income against originally estimated future income for a 15-year period from 1998 to 2013. Since 2006, BAE Systems and certain of the reinsurers have been in dispute over several areas of the policy. During 2007, agreement was reached with almost all reinsurers and settlements have been paid by them based on the net present value of estimated future claims. Arbitration proceedings are ongoing with one reinsurer. 


Looking forward

Market conditions are increasingly challenging for the airline sector. Losses, although at much reduced levels from those of prior years, are expected to continue.


1 including share of equity accounted investments

2 earnings before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance costs and taxation expense

3 net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities after capital expenditure (net) and financial investment, and dividends from equity accounted investments

4 Command, Control, Communications, Computing and Intelligence



Responsibility statement

Each of the directors (as detailed below) confirms that, to the best of his knowledge, this condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the European Union, and that the interim management report herein includes a fair review of the information required by the Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules of the UK's Financial Services Authority, paragraphs DTR 4.2.7R and DTR 4.2.8R. 


For and on behalf of the directors: 




R L Olver Chairman 

31 July 2008


Directors

Dick Olver

Chairman

Mike Turner

Chief Executive

Walt Havenstein

Chief Operating Officer - BAE Systems, Inc.

Ian King

Chief Operating Officer - UK/Rest of World

George Rose

Group Finance Director

Phil Carroll

Non-executive director

Michael Hartnall

Non-executive director

Andy Inglis

Non-executive director

Sir Peter Mason

Non-executive director

Roberto Quarta

Non-executive director

Sir Nigel Rudd

Non-executive director

Carl Symon

Non-executive director

Ravi Uppal

Non-executive director



Independent review report to BAE Systems plc 


Introduction

We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2008 which comprises the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, the Consolidated Statement of Recognised Income and Expense, and the related explanatory notes. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.


This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with the terms of our engagement to assist the Company in meeting the requirements of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (the DTR) of the UK's Financial Services Authority (the UK FSA). Our review has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company those matters we are required to state to it in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have reached.


Directors' responsibilities

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the DTR of the UK FSA.


As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union (EU). The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU.


Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.


Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the UK. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.


Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2008 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the EU and the DTR of the UK FSA.





KPMG Audit Plc 

Chartered Accountants

London

31 July 2008

  Consolidated income statement


Six months to
 30 June 2008 Unaudited


Six months to
 30 June 2007 Unaudited


Year to 
31 December 2007 
Audited


Notes

£m

£m


£m

£m


£m

£m

Continuing operations










Combined sales of Group and equity accounted investments



7,751



6,891



15,710

Less: share of equity accounted investments



(657)



(545)



(1,401)

Revenue

2


7,094



6,346



14,309

Operating costs



(6,493)



(5,850)



(13,480)

Other income



121



97



209











Group operating profit excluding amortisation and impairment of intangible assets


824



643



1,335


Amortisation


(102)



(50)



(149)


Impairment


-



-



(148)


Group operating profit



722



593



1,038

Share of results of equity accounted investments excluding finance costs and taxation expense


57



57



142


Financial income of equity accounted investments

3

28



17



35


Taxation expense of equity accounted investments


(18)



(24)



(38)


Share of results of equity accounted investments



67



50



139











Earnings before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance costs and taxation expense (EBITA)

2

881



700



1,477


Amortisation


(102)



(50)



(149)


Impairment


-



-



(148)


Financial income of equity accounted investments

3

28



17



35


Taxation expense of equity accounted investments


(18)



(24)



(38)


Operating profit



789



643



1,177

Finance costs:

3









Financial income


718



661



1,257


Financial expense


(716)



(647)



(1,199)





2



14



58

Profit before taxation



791



657



1,235

Taxation expense:










UK taxation


(82)



(102)



(201)


Overseas taxation


(110)



(54)



(134)





(192)



(156)



(335)

Profit for the period from continuing operations



599



501



900

Profit for the period from discontinued operations



-



17



22

Profit for the period



599



518



922











Attributable to:










BAE Systems shareholders



586



515



901

Minority interests



13



3



21




599



518



922











Earnings per share

4









Continuing operations:










Basic earnings per share



16.7p



15.3p



26.0p

Diluted earnings per share



16.6p



15.0p



25.8p

Discontinued operations:










Basic earnings per share



-



0.5p



0.6p

Diluted earnings per share



-



0.5p



0.6p

Total:










Basic earnings per share



16.7p



15.8p



26.6p

Diluted earnings per share



16.6p



15.5p



26.4p











Dividends per ordinary share

8









Prior year final dividend paid in the period £274m (2007 £221m)



7.8p



6.9p



6.9p

Interim dividend declared £204m (2007 paid £175m)



5.8p



5.0p



5.0p


Consolidated balance sheet

Notes

30 June 
2008
Unaudited
£m

30 June 
2007
Unaudited
£m

31 December 2007
 Audited
£m

Non-current assets





Intangible assets


9,966

7,445

9,559

Property, plant and equipment


1,911

1,632

1,774

Investment property


111

123

113

Equity accounted investments


886

673

781

Other investments


6

11

6

Other receivables


315

815

322

Other financial assets


69

50

48

Deferred tax assets


703

704

567



13,967

11,453

13,170

Current assets





Inventories


735

410

701

Trade and other receivables including amounts due from customers for contract work


3,848

2,934

2,933

Current tax


20

-

35

Other investments


2

134

164

Other financial assets


167

80

101

Cash and cash equivalents


1,712

3,856

3,062



6,484

7,414

6,996

Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale


-

96

94



6,484

7,510

7,090

Total assets

2

20,451

18,963

20,260

Non-current liabilities





Loans


(2,112)

(2,407)

(2,197)

Trade and other payables


(503)

(502)

(413)

Retirement benefit obligations

5

(2,288)

(1,788)

(1,629)

Other financial liabilities


(24)

(38)

(26)

Deferred tax liabilities


(21)

(15)

(40)

Provisions


(419)

(311)

(399)



(5,367)

(5,061)

(4,704)

Current liabilities





Loans and overdrafts


(298)

(282)

(299)

Trade and other payables


(8,092)

(6,877)

(8,245)

Other financial liabilities


(59)

(51)

(71)

Current tax


(405)

(434)

(499)

Provisions


(394)

(471)

(410)



(9,248)

(8,115)

(9,524)

Liabilities directly associated with disposal groups held for sale


-

(24)

(30)



(9,248)

(8,139)

(9,554)

Total liabilities


(14,615)

(13,200)

(14,258)

Net assets


5,836

5,763

6,002

Capital and reserves





Issued share capital


90

89

90

Share premium


1,235

1,204

1,222

Equity option of convertible preference shares


-

1

-

Other reserves


4,730

4,514

4,631

Retained earnings


(268)

(65)

23

Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent


5,787

5,743

5,966

Minority interests


49

20

36

Total equity

7

5,836

5,763

6,002


  Consolidated cash flow statement

Six months to 30 June 
2008
 Unaudited
£m

Six months to 
30 June 
2007
 Unaudited
£m 

Year to 
31 December 
2007
Audited
£m

Profit for the period from continuing operations

599

501

900

Profit for the period from discontinued operations

-

17

22

Profit for the period

599

518

922

Taxation expense

192

156

335

Share of results of equity accounted investments

(67)

(50)

(139)

Net finance costs 

(2)

(14)

(58)

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment

237

205

610

(Gain)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

(9)

-

3

Gain on disposal of investment property

(8)

(10)

(47)

Gain on disposal of non-current other investments

-

(8)

(8)

Gain on disposal of business - continuing operations

(61)

(44)

(40)

Gain on disposal of business - discontinued operations

-

(17)

(22)

Cost of equity-settled employee share schemes

20

17

34

Movements in provisions

(34)

101

52

Decrease in liabilities for retirement benefit obligations

(134)

(112)

(233)

(Increase)/decrease in working capital:




Inventories

(13)

(54)

(188)

Trade and other receivables

(834)

(739)

(271)

Trade and other payables

(273)

216

1,212

Cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities

(387)

165

2,162

Interest paid

(93)

(113)

(224)

Interest element of finance lease rental payments

(5)

(4)

(6)

Taxation paid

(160)

(43)

(112)

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities

(645)

5

1,820

Dividends received from equity accounted investments

17

41

78

Interest received

69

98

175

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(213)

(99)

(307)

Purchases of intangible assets

(19)

(15)

(31)

Equity accounted investment funding

-

-

(4)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

16

7

13

Proceeds from sale of investment property

-

11

53

Proceeds from sale of non-current other investments

-

15

15

Purchase of non-current other investments

-

(1)

(1)

Purchase of subsidiary undertakings

(509)

-

(1,731)

Net cash acquired with subsidiary undertakings

1

-

6

Purchase of equity accounted investments

-

(1)

(1)

Proceeds from sale of subsidiary undertakings

131

19

96

Cash and cash equivalents disposed of with subsidiary undertakings

(7)

-

(1)

Proceeds from sale of equity accounted investments

-

57

57

Net proceeds from sale of other deposits/securities

162

369

343

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities

(352)

501

(1,240)

Capital element of finance lease rental payments

(4)

(14)

(25)

Proceeds from issue of share capital

13

790

805

Purchase of treasury shares

-

(152)

(152)

Purchase of own shares 

(32)

(34)

(50)

Equity dividends paid

(274)

(221)

(396)

Dividends paid to minority interests

-

-

(1)

Dividends paid on preference shares

-

(10)

(10)

Cash outflow from repayment of loans

(63)

(111)

(782)

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities

(360)

248

(611)

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

(1,357)

754

(31)

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

3,046

3,074

3,074

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

5

1

3

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

1,694

3,829

3,046

Comprising:




Cash and cash equivalents

1,712

3,856

3,062

Overdrafts

(18)

(27)

(16)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

1,694

3,829

3,046


  Consolidated statement of recognised income and expense

Six months to 
30 June
 2008
 Unaudited
£m

Six months to
 30 June 
2007
 Unaudited
£m 

Year to 
31 December 
2007
Audited
£m

Currency translation on foreign currency net investments:




Subsidiaries

(4)

(33)

(1)

Equity accounted investments

60

(8)

43

Amounts credited/(charged) to hedging reserve

61

(2)

41

Net actuarial (losses)/gains on defined benefit pension schemes:




Subsidiaries

(839)

775

544

Equity accounted investments

(13)

17

24

Fair value movements on available-for-sale investments

-

6

5

Current tax on items taken directly to equity

37

52

96

Deferred tax on items taken directly to equity:




Subsidiaries

195

(327)

(259)

Tax rate adjustment

-

-

(19)

Equity accounted investments

4

(5)

(6)

Recycling of fair value movements on disposal of available-for-sale investments

-

(6)

(6)

Recycling of cumulative currency translation on disposal

1

-

-

Net (expense)/income recognised directly in equity

(498)

469

462

Profit for the period

599

518

922

Total recognised income and expense

101

987

1,384





Attributable to:




Equity shareholders

88

984

1,363

Minority interests

13

3

21


101

987

1,384


  Notes to the half-yearly financial statements


1. Accounting policies 


Basis of preparation and statement of compliance

These condensed consolidated half-yearly financial statements of BAE Systems plc (the Group) have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting (IAS 34), and have been prepared on the basis of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union that are effective for the year ending 31 December 2008. They do not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements. These condensed consolidated half-yearly financial statements do not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985, and should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report 2007. The comparative figures for the year ended 31 December 2007 are not the Group's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts have been reported upon by the Group's auditors and delivered to the registrar of companies. The report of the auditors was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and did not contain statements under section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985.


Except as described below, the accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these condensed consolidated half-yearly financial statements to 30 June 2008 are consistent with the policies applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements as at, and for the year ended, 31 December 2007.


Changes in accounting policies

The Group has early adopted IFRS 8 Operating Segments (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009). This requires that entities adopt the 'management approach' to reporting the financial reporting of their operating segments. The standard is concerned with disclosure only and has no impact on the consolidated income statement or balance sheet. 


International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) interpretation 11, IFRS 2, Group and Treasury Share Transactions and IFRIC 14, IAS 19, The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction are both effective for the Group for the year ending 31 December 2008. The Group has reviewed the effect of these IFRICs and has concluded that they have no impact on these condensed consolidated half-yearly financial statements.


2. Segmental analysis (unaudited)

Combined sales of
Group and equity accounted investments


Less: 
sales by equity 
accounted investments


Add: 
sales to equity 
accounted investments


Revenue


Six months to 30 June 2008
£m

Six months to 30 June 2007
£m


Six months to 30 June 2008
£m

Six months to 30 June 2007
£m


Six months to 30 June 2008
£m

Six months to 30 June 2007
£m


Six months to 30 June 2008
£m

Six months to 30 June 2007
£m

Electronics, Intelligence & Support

1,959

1,958


-

(5)


-

-


1,959

1,953

Land & Armaments

2,595

1,201


-

-


-

-


2,595

1,201

Programmes & Support

1,917

2,354


(478)

(569)


341

453


1,780

2,238

International Businesses

1,397

1,550


(568)

(501)


-

-


829

1,049

HQ & Other Businesses

113

124


-

-


-

-


113

124


7,981

7,187


(1,046)

(1,075)


341

453


7,276

6,565

Intra-business group sales/revenue

(230)

(296)


12

-


36

77


(182)

(219)


7,751

6,891


(1,034)

(1,075)


377

530


7,094

6,346


  

EBITA1


Amortisation of 
intangible assets


Business 
group result


Six months to 30 June 2008
£m

Six months to 30 June 2007
£m


Six months to 30 June 2008
£m

Six months to 30 June 2007
£m


Six months to 30 June 2008
£m

Six months to 30 June 2007
£m

Electronics, Intelligence & Support

259

193


(13)

(7)


246

186

Land & Armaments

241

117


(78)

(31)


163

86

Programmes & Support

191

231


(10)

(10)


181

221

International Businesses

219

221


(1)

(2)


218

219

HQ & Other Businesses

(29)

(62)


-

-


(29)

(62)


881

700


(102)

(50)


779

650

Financial income of equity accounted investments







28

17

Taxation expense of equity accounted investments







(18)

(24)

Operating profit







789

643

Finance costs







2

14

Profit before taxation







791

657

Taxation expense 







(192)

(156)

Profit for the period from continuing operations







599

501


1 earnings before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance costs and taxation expense

Total assets


Six months to
 30 June
2008
 Unaudited
 £m

Six months to
30 June
 2007
 Unaudited
£m

Year to
31 December
2007
Audited
£m

Electronics, Intelligence & Support

6,204

5,895

5,900

Land & Armaments

6,049

2,942

5,945

Programmes & Support

1,749

2,121

1,655

International Businesses

2,974

1,674

1,866

HQ & Other Businesses

997

1,242

913


17,973

13,874

16,279

Disposal groups held for sale 

-

96

94

Tax 

723

704

602

Pension prepayment

41

295

59

Cash as defined by the Group

1,714

3,994

3,226

Consolidated total assets

20,451

18,963

20,260


  3. Finance costs

Six months to
 30 June
2008
 Unaudited
 £m

Six months to
30 June
 2007
 Unaudited
£m

Year to
31 December
2007
Audited
£m

Net financial income - Group

2

14

58

Net financial income - share of equity accounted investments

28

17

35


30

31

93

Analysed as:




Net interest:




Interest income

67

98

169

Interest expense

(108)

(137)

(241)

Facility fees

(2)

(2)

(4)

Net present value adjustments

(17)

(1)

(1)

Gain on sale of available-for-sale investments

-

6

6

Share of equity accounted investments

28

16

33


(32)

(20)

(38)

Other net financial income:




Group:




Net financing credit on pensions

21

49

92

Market value and foreign exchange movements on financial instruments and investments

41

1

37

Share of equity accounted investments

-

1

2


62

51

131






30

31

93


  4. Earnings per share (unaudited)

Six months to 30 June 2008


Six months to 30 June 2007


£m

Basic pence
 per
share

£m

Diluted pence 
per 
share


£m

Basic pence 
per 
share

£m

Diluted pence 
per 
 share

Profit for the period attributable to equity shareholders

586


586



515


515


Interest on the debt instrument of the convertible preference shares

-


-



-


13


Profit for the period after adjusting for interest on the debt instrument of the convertible preference shares

586

16.7

586

16.6


515

15.8

528

15.5

Represented by:










Continuing operations

586

16.7

586

16.6


498

15.3

511

15.0

Discontinued operations

-

-

-

-


17

0.5

17

0.5

Add back/(deduct):










Net financing credit on pensions, post tax

(16)


(16)



(36)


(36)


Market value movements on derivatives, post tax

(30)


(30)



(1)


(1)


Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, post tax

75


75



37


37


Underlying earnings

615

17.5

615

17.4


515

15.8

528

15.5

Represented by:










Continuing operations

615

17.5

615

17.4


498

15.3

511

15.0

Discontinued operations

-

-

-

-


17

0.5

17

0.5


615

17.5

615

17.4


515

15.8

528

15.5



Millions


Millions


Millions


Millions

Weighted average number of shares used in calculating basic earnings per share

3,516


3,516


3,262


3,262

Add:








Incremental shares in respect of employee share schemes



12




25

Incremental shares in respect of convertible preference shares



-




113

Weighted average number of shares used in calculating diluted earnings per share



3,528




3,400


Underlying earnings per share is presented in addition to that required by IAS 33 Earnings per Share as the directors consider that this gives a more appropriate indication of underlying performance.


In accordance with IAS 33, the diluted earnings per share are without reference to adjustments in respect of outstanding share options and convertible preference shares where the impact would be anti-dilutive.


  5. Retirement benefit obligations (unaudited)

UK defined
benefit
pension
plans
£m

US and
other
pension
plans
£m

Total
£m

Deficit in defined benefit pension plans at 1 January 2008

(1,908)

(91)

(1,999)

Actual return on assets below expected return

(1,271)

(339)

(1,610)

Decrease in liabilities due to changes in assumptions

864

110

974

Increase in liabilities due to changes in mortality assumptions

(325)

-

(325)

Current service cost

(65)

(26)

(91)

Employer contributions

251

18

269

Other movements

5

(4)

1

Deficit in defined benefit pension plans at 30 June 2008

(2,449)

(332)

(2,781)

US healthcare plans



(19)

Total IAS 19 deficit



(2,800)

Allocated to equity accounted investments and other participating employers1



553

Group's share of IAS 19 deficit excluding the Group's share of amounts allocated to equity accounted investments and other participating employers



(2,247)

Represented by:




Pension prepayment (within trade and other receivables)



41

Retirement benefit obligations



(2,288)




(2,247)





Group's share of IAS 19 deficit of equity accounted investments



(60)


1 Certain of the Group's equity accounted investments participate in the Group's defined benefit plans as well as Airbus SAS, the Group's share of which was disposed of during 2006. As these plans are multi-employer plans the Group has allocated an appropriate share of the IAS 19 pension deficit to the equity accounted investments and to Airbus SAS based upon a reasonable and consistent allocation method intended to reflect a reasonable approximation of their share of the deficit. The Group's share of the IAS 19 pension deficit allocated to the equity accounted investments is included in the balance sheet within equity accounted investments.


As a result of the recent fall in global stock markets the actual return on assets is below that expected.


The decrease in liabilities due to changes in assumptions is primarily due to an increase in corporate bond yields which has increased the discount rates used to calculate the liabilities of the pension plans as at 30 June 2008. Global credit issues have resulted in current corporate bond yields being notably higher than in the recent past.


For its UK pension arrangements the Group has, for the purpose of calculating its liabilities as at 30 June 2008, continued to use the most recent mortality tables published by the Institute of Actuaries known as PA OO medium cohort tables based on year of birth, subject to a minimum assumed rate of future annual mortality improvements of 1% for both pensioner and non-pensioner members. For its US pension arrangements the mortality tables used for pensioners and non-pensioners are RP 2000 projected to 2010. For the pension and healthcare arrangements the post-retirement mortality assumptions allow for expected increases in longevity.


The Group's share of the IAS 19 deficit excluding the Group's share of amounts allocated to equity accounted investments and other participating employers is £1,583m (31 December 2007 £1,048m) after tax.


6. Contingent liabilities


Aircraft financing contingent liabilities

30 June 
2008 
Unaudited 
£m

30 June 2007 
Unaudited £m

31 December 2007
Audited
£m

Potential future cash flow payments in respect of aircraft financing obligations

123

176

134

Anticipated aircraft values

(52)

(91)

(55)

Adjustments to net present values

-

(16)

(9)

Net exposure provided

71

69

70


The Group has provided residual value guarantees (RVGs) in respect of certain commercial aircraft sold. At 30 June 2008 the Group's exposure to make future payments in respect of these arrangements was £123m (31 December 2007 £134m). The Group's net exposure to these guarantees is covered by the provisions held and the residual values of the related aircraft.


The Group is also exposed to actual and contingent liabilities arising from commercial aircraft financing and RVGs given by Saab AB. Provision is made against the expected net exposures on a net present value basis within the accounts of Saab. The Group's share of such exposure is limited to its percentage shareholding in Saab.


Other contingent liabilities 

The Group is subject to an ongoing investigation by the UK Serious Fraud Office (the SFO) in connection with marketing of the Group's products. The Group is co-operating fully with the SFO.


At this stage management cannot determine whether or not it might lead to any proceedings being brought against the Group. Accordingly, the potential for fines or other penalties cannot currently be assessed, although the directors continue to consider that the Group has not acted unlawfully in relation to any of the matters under investigation. As the investigation is ongoing it is not possible to identify the timescale in which these issues might be resolved. 


In addition, in June 2007, the US Department of Justice notified the Group that it had commenced a formal investigation relating to the Group's compliance with anti-corruption laws, including its business concerning the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Again, given the status of this matter it is not possible to provide any details of any possible future financial effects that might result from the investigation and any subsequent actions or events that might occur as a result of the investigation. Equally it is not possible to provide any timescale in which these issues might be resolved. The directors continue to consider that the Group has not acted unlawfully in relation to its dealings with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or in relation to anti-corruption laws.


Should any financial effects arise as a result of these investigations the directors consider it unlikely that there is any likelihood of reimbursement for such costs from any sources other than certain rights to recover reimbursement of the legal costs under the Group's insurance policies.


7. Reconciliation of movements in total equity

30 June
2008
 Unaudited
£m

30 June
2007
 Unaudited
 £m

31 December
 2007
Audited
£m

Total equity at beginning of period

6,002

4,134

4,134

Total recognised income and expense

101

987

1,384

Share placing (net of costs)

-

741

741

Share-based payments

26

17

34

Share options:




Proceeds from shares issued

13

49

64

Purchase of own shares

(32)

(34)

(50)

Conversion of preference shares

-

242

245

Purchase of treasury shares

-

(152)

(152)

Other

-

-

(1)

Ordinary share dividends

(274)

(221)

(397)

Total equity at end of period

5,836

5,763

6,002


8. Dividends


The directors have declared an interim dividend of 5.8p per ordinary share (2007 5.0p), totalling £204m (2007 £175m). The dividend will be paid on 1 December 2008 to shareholders registered on 17 October 2008. The ex-dividend date is 15 October 2008.


Shareholders who do not at present participate in the Company's Dividend Reinvestment Plan and wish to receive the final dividend in shares rather than cash should complete a mandate form for the Dividend Reinvestment Plan and return it to the registrars no later than 10 November 2008.

9. Acquisitions and disposals (unaudited)


Acquisitions

The Group acquired MTC Technologies, Inc. (MTC) in the US on 9 June 2008 and Tenix Defence in Australia on 27 June 2008. If the acquisitions had occurred on 1 January 2008, revenue and profit for the period from continuing operations would not have been materially different.


MTC

On 9 June 2008, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of MTC in the US for a cash consideration of $367m (£184m). Provisional goodwill arising on consolidation is £130m.


Based in Dayton, Ohio, MTC provides technical and professional services, and equipment integration and modernisation for the US military and intelligence agencies.


In the period from acquisition to 30 June, MTC contributed revenue and loss after tax of £9m and £1m, respectively, to the Group's consolidated results.


The acquisition of MTC complements the existing US business in the Electronics, Intelligence & Support business group. It allows for synergies in professional services, aircraft integration centres, and modification and sustainment. The opportunities presented by these circumstances do not translate to separately identifiable intangible assets, but represent much of the assessed value within the Electronics, Intelligence & Support business group supporting the goodwill.


Certain of the fair values assigned to the net assets acquired are provisional. These will be amended as necessary in light of subsequent knowledge or events to the extent that these reflect conditions as at the date of acquisition.


The MTC acquisition had the following effect on the Group's assets and liabilities:

Book value
£m

Accounting policy alignments
£m

Fair value adjustments
£m

Fair value
£m

Intangible assets

12

-

13

25

Property, plant and equipment

14

(1)

5

18

Inventories

4

-

1

5

Receivables

48

-

-

48

Deferred tax assets

1

-

15

16

Payables

(23)

-

-

(23)

Deferred tax liabilities

(4)

-

4

-

Provisions

-

-

(1)

(1)

Cash and cash equivalents

2

-

-

2

Loans

(32)

-

-

(32)

Net assets/(liabilities) acquired

22

(1)

37

58

Provisional goodwill




130

Consideration




188






Consideration satisfied by:





Cash




184

Directly attributable costs:





Accrued




4





188


Tenix Defence

Tenix Defence, a leading Australian defence contractor, comprises four wholly-owned businesses in the Land, Aerospace, Electronic Systems and Marine sectors (Tenix Defence Holdings Pty Limited), and two joint ventures. 


On 27 June 2008, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Tenix Defence Holdings Pty Limited for a cash consideration of A$689m (£325m), subject to adjustment according to the level of working capital in the business at the acquisition date.

The Group has also agreed to acquire 50% of the issued share capital of the two joint ventures for an additional A$89m (£43m), subject to waiver by the other parties to the joint ventures of their respective rights of first refusal in respect of the acquisition of those shares within four months of the acquisition date. 


As a result of the timing of the acquisition, the accounting policy alignment and fair value exercises have yet to be completed, and the book value of the acquired business included in the Group's consolidated balance sheet is provisional and under review.


The provisional net assets and resultant goodwill at acquisition included in the Group's consolidated balance sheet are £5m and £320m, respectively.


No post-acquisition trading results for Tenix Defence have been included in the Group's consolidated results.


Disposals

On 22 February 2008, the Group completed the sale of its Surveillance and Attack business based in Lansdale, Pennsylvania in the US to Sensor and Antenna Systems, Lansdale, Inc., a division of Cobham Defense Electronic Systems Corporation. Cash consideration was $231m (£118m) after the finalisation of certain working capital adjustments and transaction costs. The profit on disposal was £61m. The disposal does not represent a discontinued operation in accordance with IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations.


Cash flows in relation to acquisitions and disposals

Subsidiaries



MTC
£m

Tenix Defence
£m

Total acquisitions
£m

Surveillance and Attack
£m

Other disposals
£m

Total disposals
£m

Total
£m

Cash (consideration)/proceeds including transaction costs

(184)

(325)

(509)

118

13

131

(378)

Cash and cash equivalents net of overdrafts acquired/disposed

2

(1)

1

-

(7)

(7)

(6)

Acquisitions and disposals

(182)

(326)

(508)

118

6

124

(384)

Debt acquired on acquisition of subsidiary

(32)

-

(32)

-

-

-

(32)


(214)

(326)

(540)

118

6

124

(416)


10. Related party transactions

The Group has an interest in a number of equity accounted investments. Transactions with the equity accounted investments occur in the normal course of business and are priced on an arm's length basis and settled on normal trade terms. The more significant of these transactions are disclosed below:

Six months 
to 30 June 
2008
 Unaudited
£m

Six months 
to 30 June 2007
 Unaudited
 £m

Year to
31 December
2007
Audited
£m

Sales to related parties

377

530

1,281

Purchases from related parties

79

97

148

Amounts owed by related parties

223

258

239

Amounts owed to related parties

885

698

854


11. Events after the balance sheet date


UK naval surface ship joint venture

On 1 July 2008, the Group exchanged a 45% shareholding in BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions Limited (SFSL) as consideration for the contribution to SFSL of 100% of VT Group plc's shipbuilding and naval support businesses to form the joint venture, BVT Surface Fleet Limited (BVT). 


The results of SFSL have been fully consolidated into the Group's results until 30 June 2008. 


From 1 July 2008, the results of BVT will be equity accounted in the Group's consolidated financial statements. 


The Group's share of the joint venture's net assets and net income, and any goodwill arising from the transaction, will be adjusted for any items necessary upon completion of the fair value exercise which, due to the timing of the transaction, has not yet been completed. Therefore, an analysis of the fair value of the joint venture's assets and liabilities, and the profit on disposal of the Group's 45% shareholding in SFSL cannot be finalised at this stage. This information will be disclosed in the Group's Annual Report for the year ending 

31 December 2008.


12. Annual General Meeting


The Annual General Meeting of BAE Systems plc will be held on 6 May 2009.


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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