Half-year Report

RNS Number : 8015V
British American Tobacco PLC
26 July 2018
 

 

 

 

 

26 July 2018

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.

HALF-YEAR REPORT TO 30 JUNE 2018

 

ON TRACK FOR ANOTHER GOOD YEAR

 

"Our strategy is to continue to grow our combustible business while investing in the exciting potentially reduced risk categories of THP, vapour and oral. As the Group expands its portfolio in these categories, we will continue to drive sustainable growth.

In the first six months of 2018, the Group continued to perform well. The cigarettes and THP portfolio has outperformed the industry as market share grew 40 basis points (bps) with a tobacco price mix of approximately 4% which is expected to strengthen in the second half of the year. The performance of Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) since acquisition is encouraging and the Group's diverse NGP portfolio has grown strongly. The foreign exchange impact on the Group's results was a headwind of 8% for the first six months of the year and is estimated to be 5-6% for the full year, based upon the current foreign exchange rates.

Despite the recent slowdown in the THP category in some markets, including Japan and South Korea, we remain confident of exceeding £1 billion of reported revenue in NGP in 2018 as we expect a range of new launches to re-energise growth in THP in the second half of the year. We anticipate another good year of adjusted earnings growth at constant rates of exchange".

Nicandro Durante, Chief Executive

 

KEY FINANCIALS

2018

 

Change vs 2017

Six Months Results - unaudited

Current

Constant

 

Current

Constant

 

rates

rates

 

Rates

rates

Revenue

£11,636m

 

 

+56.9%

 

Profit from operations

£4,438m

 

 

+72.4%

 

Basic earnings per share (EPS)

117.7p

 

 

-3.4%

 

Diluted EPS

117.4p

 

 

-3.3%

 

Net cash generated from operating activities

£3,858m

 

 

+126.1%

 

Borrowings

£48,512m

 

 

-1.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP:

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted revenue on a representative basis*

£11,533m

£12,553m

 

-6.4%

+1.9%

Adjusted profit from operations on a representative basis*

£4,818m

£5,216m

 

-5.4%

+2.4%

Adjusted diluted EPS

137.2p

148.4p

 

+2.1%

+10.4%

Adjusted cash generated from operations

£2,953m

£3,147m

 

+204%

+224%

Net debt

£45,679m

 

 

+0.2%

 

The use of non-GAAP measures, including adjusting items and constant currencies, are further discussed on page 50 to 51, with reconciliations from the most comparable IFRS measure provided. 

* Representative basis - see page 3 for explanation of this metric. All variances above are against equivalent 2017 information for the six-month period ended 30 June 2017, except for borrowings and net debt which are against the 31 December 2017 position.

 

·   On an IFRS reported basis, due to the inclusion of the results from acquisitions completed in 2017, notably RAI (contributing approximately 40% to revenue and profit from operations), which was partially offset by a translational foreign exchange headwind of approximately 8%:

o Revenue increased by 56.9% with revenue from the strategic portfolio up 128%;

o Volume from cigarettes and THP grew 11.0%;

o Profit from operations was up 72.4%; and

o Operating margin increased 340 bps to 38.1%.

Key financials continued…

·   On a representative basis (as if BAT had owned RAI and the other acquisitions, completed in 2017, from 1 January 2017, and defined on page 3):

o Cigarettes and THP volume fell 2.2% to 348 billion (including 3 billion of THP), outperforming the industry which is estimated to be down 3-4% in the first half of 2018;

o Cigarettes and THP market share1 in the Key Markets2 increased by 40 bps driven by strategic cigarette and THP volume growth of 11.7%;

o Adjusted revenue, at constant rates, increased by 1.9%, driven by robust price mix (4% on cigarettes and THP, which is expected to strengthen in the second half of the year as the impact of Pakistan and GCC unwinds);

o Adjusted revenue would have grown by 2.6% on a representative, constant currency basis, excluding an estimated £89 million of revenue recognised by RAI in the first six months of 2017, largely related to the sale of inventory associated with the international brand rights of Natural American Spirit;

o Revenue from the strategic portfolio (defined on page 3) was up 8.5% on a constant rate basis, driven by a 5.0% growth in revenue from the strategic combustible brands and the growth of THP revenue (up over 750% at £305 million) driven by glo in Japan;

o Adjusted profit from operations grew 2.4% at constant rates as the adjusted revenue growth was partly offset by increased investment in NGP; and

o Adjusted operating margin, at current rates, grew 50 bps. 

 

·   Basic earnings per share fell 3.4%, with diluted earnings per share 3.3% down, as the net effect from the inclusion of the operating performance of RAI was more than offset by higher financing costs, an increase in costs associated with the amortisation of acquired trademarks, provisions for tax claims and the foreign exchange headwinds;

·   Adjusted diluted earnings per share rose 10.4% at constant rates of exchange; and

·   The next quarterly dividend payment of 48.8p will be paid in August 2018, as part of the previously announced interim dividend of 195.2p per share which is payable in four equal instalments.

 

The Group expects foreign exchange to be a headwind on the full year financial results of approximately 5-6%.

1 - Key Market offtake share, as independently measured by retail audit agencies (including Nielsen), shipment share estimates, and share of retail for the US business, based upon latest available validated data.

2 - The Group's Key Markets represent over 80% of the Group's cigarette volume.

 

 

Definition of key terms

 

Adjusting items and constant currency measures

To provide a more comprehensive understanding of the performance of the Group, this announcement also presents the adjusted performance of the Group, at current and constant translational rates of exchange. This excludes the adjusting items explained on pages 27 to 31 and without the potentially distorting impact of foreign exchange on the Group's results.

Adjusting items within this interim report represent certain items of income and expense which the Group considers distinctive based upon their size, nature or incidence.

As explained on page 50, the Group does not adjust for normal transactional gains or losses in profit from operations which are generated by exchange rate movements.

Inclusion of results on a "representative basis"

Where appropriate, the Group is also presenting (as a supplement to the results) the 2018 performance against 2017, as though the Group had owned the acquisitions made in 2017 for the whole of that year. Comparison of results on this basis will be termed "on a representative basis" and will provide shareholders with a results comparison representative of the position as if the Group had owned the acquisitions throughout 2017 and 2018.

Results on a representative basis are not deemed to be equivalent to proforma financial information as it is derived from an adjusted measure, which will exclude the adjusting items, that may arise in the context of a pro forma presentation due to the requirements of such areas as purchase price allocation adjustments (to inventory, amortisation of the fair value adjustment to debt and the amortisation of trademarks).

As previously announced, in 2017, the Group withdrew from the Philippines. No adjustment to the 2017 representative basis information has been included as this is immaterial to the Group's results.

For a reconciliation from the most directly comparable IFRS measures to the Group's adjusted results on a representative basis, see the appendix on pages 51 and 52.

Revenue from the Strategic Portfolio

As previously announced, from 1 January 2018, the Group introduced a new measure called Revenue Growth of our Strategic Portfolio, as part of the short-term incentive scheme.  The strategic portfolio is comprised of:

·      Kent, Dunhill, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall and Rothmans (previously referred to as the Global Drive Brands, or GDBs);

·      the 3 main brands from the US combustibles business (Camel, Newport and Natural American Spirit); and

·      our Potentially Reduced Risk Products portfolio, including our NGP business of THP and vapour, as well as the snus and moist snuff brands.

 

Strategic Cigarettes

The strategic cigarettes comprise the brands Kent, Dunhill, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans, Newport, Camel and Natural American Spirit.

 

Strategic Combustibles

Strategic combustibles comprise the strategic cigarette brands and volume of OTP associated with the strategic brands (mainly Dunhill, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall and Rothmans).

 

Potentially reduced risk products (PRRP)

PRRP comprises the THP and vapour products (collectively referred to as NGP) and oral products.

 

Oral

Oral comprises the moist snuff brands (Granit, Mocca, Grizzly, Kodiak) and other oral products (including Camel Snus and Epok).

 

Other tobacco products (OTP)

OTP comprises largely the sales of roll your own (RYO), make your own (MYO), pipe and cigarillos.

 

Revision of 2017 results for IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers), effective 1 Jan 2018

The Group's results for the six months ended 30 June 2018 are presented in accordance with IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers). The 2017 results have been revised for IFRS 15 (as previously announced on 2 May 2018) which the Group adopted on a fully retrospective basis. 
 

 

PERFORMANCE IN NUMBERS

Six Months ended 30 June 2018

 

 

Reported

 

Adjusted2

 

Adjusted2 at CC3

 

 

2018

Vs 20171

 

2018

Vs 20171 representative basis4

 

2018

Vs 20171 representative basis4

 

Cigarettes and THP Volume (bn sticks)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cigarettes

345.0 

+10.0%

 

 

 

 

 

-3.1%

 

Strategic cigarettes

213.0 

+37.4%

 

 

 

 

 

+10.2%

 

Other

132.0 

-16.7%

 

 

 

 

 

-18.8%

 

THP

3.3 

+855%

 

 

 

 

 

+855%

 

 

348.3 

+11.0%

 

 

 

 

 

-2.2%

 

By region:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

US

38.6 

-

 

 

 

 

 

-5.5%

 

APME

116.0 

+3.5%

 

 

 

 

 

+3.5%

 

AMSSA

77.0 

-5.9%

 

 

 

 

 

-5.9%

 

ENA

116.7 

-2.6%

 

 

 

 

 

-3.9%

 

Total

348.3 

+11.0%

 

 

 

 

 

-2.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other volume

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oral - bn sticks equivalent

4.4 

+1,093%

 

 

 

 

 

+2.0%

 

Vapour - mn 10ml units

77.6 

+160%

 

 

 

 

 

+16.5%

 

OTP (incl RYO and MYO) - bn sticks equivalent

10.3 

-6.9%

 

 

 

 

 

-8.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue (£m):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

US

4,525 

-

 

4,525 

-8.5%

 

4,943 

0.0%

 

APME

2,384 

-4.2%

 

2,384 

-3.9%

 

2,620 

+5.6%

 

AMSSA

1,951 

-9.2%

 

1,951 

-9.0%

 

2,206 

+2.9%

 

ENA

2,776 

-0.1%

 

2,673 

-2.8%

 

2,784 

+1.3%

 

Total

11,636 

+56.9%

 

11,533 

-6.4%

 

12,553 

+1.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strategic combustibles

7,286 

+110%

 

7,286 

-3.1%

 

7,894 

+5.0%

 

NGP

405 

+400%

 

405 

+153%

 

427 

+167%

 

Vapour

116 

+152%

 

116 

-7.2%

 

122 

-2.4%

 

THP

289 

+726%

 

289 

+726%

 

305 

+771%

 

Oral

434 

+3,517%

 

434 

+2.1%

 

473 

+11.3%

 

PRRP

839 

+802%

 

839 

+43.4%

 

900 

+53.7%

 

Strategic Portfolio

8,125 

+128%

 

8,125 

+0.2%

 

8,794 

+8.5%

 

Other

3,511 

-8.8%

 

3,408 

-19.1%

 

3,759 

-10.7%

 

Total Revenue

11,636 

+56.9%

 

11,533 

-6.4%

 

12,553 

+1.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit from operations (£m):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

US

1,875 

-

 

2,089 

-3.8%

 

2,295 

+5.6%

 

APME

920 

-9.5%

 

950 

-12.7%

 

1,033 

-5.0%

 

AMSSA

796 

-1.2%

 

829 

-6.1%

 

920 

+4.1%

 

ENA

847 

+12.6%

 

950 

+0.2%

 

968 

+2.2%

 

Total

4,438 

+72.4%

 

4,818 

-5.4%

 

5,216 

+2.4%

 

                     
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE IN NUMBERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months ended 30 June 2018

 

 

Reported

 

Adjusted2

 

Adjusted2 at CC3

 

 

2018

Vs 20171

 

2018

Vs 20171 representative basis4

 

2018

Vs 20171 representative basis4

 

Operating Margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

US

41.4%

-

 

46.2%

+220 bps

 

46.4%

+240 bps

 

APME

38.6%

-220 bps

 

39.8%

-400 bps

 

39.4%

-440 bps

 

AMSSA

40.8%

+330 bps

 

42.5%

+130 bps

 

41.7%

+50 bps

 

ENA

30.5%

+340 bps

 

35.5%

+100 bps

 

34.8%

+30 bps

 

Total

38.1%

+340 bps

 

41.8%

+50 bps

 

41.6%

+20 bps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share (pence)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

117.7p

-3.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

117.4p

-3.3%

 

137.2p

+2.1%

 

148.4p

+10.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow

 

 

 

 

Six months to June

 

 

 

2018

2017

Variance

 

 

 

£m

£m

%

 

 

Net cash generated from operating activities

3,858 

1,706 

+126%

 

 

Net cash impact of adjusting items

229 

352 

-35%

 

 

Restructuring costs

129 

220 

-41%

 

 

Non-tobacco litigation (Fox River)

9 

2 

+350%

 

 

Tobacco litigation (Engle, Quebec deposit)

91 

130 

-30%

 

 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

(96)

(106)

-9.4%

 

 

Net interest paid

(723)

(326)

+122%

 

 

Net capital expenditure

(231)

(187)

+24%

 

 

Dividends from associates

(1)

(465)

not meaningful

 

 

Trading loans to third parties

(83)

- 

not meaningful

 

 

Other

-

(4)

+25%

 

 

Adjusted cash generated from operations

2,953 

970 

+204%

 

 

Cash conversion ratio

86.9%

66.3%

 

 

 

(Net cash generated from operating activities as a % of profit from operations)

 

Operating cash flow conversion

96.7%

70.0%

 

 

 

(Net cash generated from operating activities before the impact of adjusting items, trading loans, pension shortfall funding, taxes paid and after net capital expenditure and dividends from associates as a % of adjusted profit from operations)

 

                                           

1. The results for the six-months period ended 30 June 2017 have been amended ("Revised") following the Group's retrospective application of IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers).  2017 also reflects the new regional structure, effective 1 January 2018. See page 61.

2. Adjusting items represent certain items which the Group considers distinctive based upon their size, nature or incidence. See pages 50 and 51. Reconciliations from the most comparable IFRS measures have been provided, for revenue, on page 51, for profit from operations on page 52, for tax, on page 53, for diluted earnings per share, on page 36, and for cash conversion, on page 53.

3. CC - constant currency - measures are calculated based on a retranslation, at the prior year's exchange rates, of the current year's results of the Group and, where applicable, its segments.

4. Representative basis - as though BAT had owned RAI and other acquisitions, undertaken in 2017, from 1 January 2017. This measure is presented on an adjusted basis at constant rates of exchange. A reconciliation to the 2017 adjusted "representative" results is provided in the attached appendices starting on page 61.

Note: In respect of the United States region, all financial statements and financial information provided by or with respect to the US business or RAI (and/or the RAI Group) are prepared on the basis of US GAAP and constitute the primary financial statements or financial information of the US business or RAI (and/or the RAI Group). Solely, for the purpose of consolidation within the results of BAT p.l.c. and the BAT Group, this financial information is then converted to International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the IASB and adopted by the European Union (IFRS). To the extent any such financial information provided in these financial statements relate to the US business or RAI (and/or the RAI Group), it is provided as an explanation of the US business' or RAI's (and/or the RAI Group's) primary US GAAP based financial statements and information.
 

 

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

 

The following review presents the Group's performance for the six-months period ended 30 June 2018.

Revenue

On a reported basis, revenue increased by 56.9% to £11,636 million. This was driven by an 11.0% growth in volume from cigarettes and THP, which was mainly due to both the inclusion of RAI as a wholly-owned subsidiary and good pricing, partly offset by an estimated translational foreign exchange headwind of 8%.

On a representative basis, adjusted revenue was up 1.9% at constant rates of exchange. This excludes the distorting effect on revenue discussed on page 28 related to excise on products acquired under short-term contract manufacturing arrangements and includes the impact of acquisitions undertaken in the prior year.

2017's revenue comparator included a number of other non-recurring items recognised by RAI prior to the acquisition, including revenue from the sale of inventory related to the international brand rights of Natural American Spirit. Excluding these items, adjusted revenue would have increased by 2.6% on a representative, constant currency basis.

The drivers of growth in revenue are summarised below:

·      Robust pricing in cigarettes and THP (with approximately 70% of pricing taken in the year so far) which more than offset the decline in mix due to both the growth in volume in Pakistan and Bangladesh, and downtrading in Malaysia and GCC - resulting in an aggregate price mix from cigarettes and THP of 4%;

·      The growth of the NGP portfolio (with adjusted revenue up 167% to £427 million on a constant rate, representative basis). NGP revenue comprises:

o   THP revenue of £305 million, up over 750% compared to the first six months of 2017; and

o   Vapour revenue of £122 million (in line with 2017, on a representative basis), which was impacted by the product recall related to an isolated consignment of batteries in the US. Excluding the recall, vapour revenue would have been up 8% on a representative basis; and

·      The growth of the oral category (up 11.3%) driven by the US.

These drivers more than outweighed a 2.2% reduction in volume, on a representative basis. The movement in volume was due to an increase in Pakistan, as the market recovered following the revision to excise, and increases in Turkey, Bangladesh and Egypt being more than offset by lower volume in GCC (due to trade inventory movements in the first six months 2017), Brazil (due to down-trading) and Russia due to both market contraction and inventory movements in the supply chain and lower volume in the US.

Revenue from our Strategic Portfolio grew by 128% (to £8,125 million) mainly due to the inclusion of RAI. On a representative constant currency basis, this was an increase of 8.5% driven by pricing and the performance of the Group's strategic brands which grew share over 160 bps.

The strategic cigarette and THP brands collectively grew volume 11.7% on a representative basis:

·      Dunhill's overall market share was down 10 bps (despite a strong performance in South Africa and Brazil) with volume 9.3% lower. The volume decline was driven by the down-trading in the GCC following the excise changes, as well as a reduction in volume in both Indonesia and South Korea which were a result of the contraction in those combustible markets;

·      Kent's market share was up 50 bps, with volume increasing 8.7%, driven by the growth of glo in Japan and higher volume and market share in Turkey and Brazil. This more than offset lower volume in Russia (despite an increase in market share), which was affected by trade inventory movements;

 

·      Lucky Strike grew market share 10 bps and volume increased by 2.0% driven by Indonesia, Colombia, and Japan, more than offsetting lower volume in France;

Performance summary cont…

·      Rothmans' market share continued to grow, increasing a further 80 bps with volume up 34.4% driven by Russia and Malaysia, and supported by migrations in Poland, Brazil and Colombia;

·      Pall Mall market share grew 30 bps, with volume up 46.6% due to the inclusion of RAI (as the Group now includes the volume of Pall Mall in the US). This was an increase of 20.9% on a representative basis, due to strong post-excise revision volume performance in both Pakistan and the GCC and successful launch in Egypt;

·      Newport grew market share 10 bps in the US. Volume fell 5.6%, on a representative basis, mainly due to inventory movements within the supply chain;

·      Natural American Spirit's share momentum continued in the US, up 10 bps, with volume lower by 4.0% on a representative basis, outperforming the market (estimated to be 5% down) due to a strong performance in the premium segment;

·     Camel's market share fell 10 bps in the US. Volume was lower by 3.2%, on a representative basis, partly due to a strong comparator period which was impacted by various brand launches; and

·     In Japan, glo grew market share to 4.3% (from 3.3% at the end of 2017) and to a share of the category of 20%, against a backdrop of slowing category growth after an initial rapid expansion driven by early adopters. New product developments are planned for the second half of 2018 and we expect to see category growth in Japan during this period. Elsewhere, glo reached 6.4% category share in South Korea (which will also benefit from new product and device developments) and is present in five other markets with several more market launches planned for the second half of 2018 and early 2019. 

Vapour volume increased 16.5% on a representative basis. The Group continues to perform well in a number of markets and is the closed system market leader in the UK and Germany. Exciting new product launches are planned for the second half of 2018 with Vype ePen3 launched earlier this month in the UK and Canada where initial indicators have been extremely positive regarding consumer acquisition, conversion and retention. In the US, Vuse grew volume of consumables (up over 20%) despite a decline in market share to 21%.

Oral tobacco volume was significantly higher, due to the inclusion of the RAI portfolio and EPOK. This was an increase of 2.0% on a representative basis, as oral volume was in line with prior year in the US and EPOK drove growth in Sweden, Norway and Switzerland, where EPOK achieved 14% market share ten weeks after launch.

Volume of other tobacco products (OTP) fell 6.9% (or 8.5% on a representative basis) to 10 billion sticks equivalent (being less than 3% of the Group portfolio), driven by a reduction in the US and competitive pricing in France and Hungary.

Profit from operations and operating margin

Profit from operations, on a reported basis was up 72.4% at £4,438 million with operating margin up approximately 340 bps. This was largely due to the growth in revenue described above, partly offset by:

·      Raw materials and other consumables were £474 million higher due to the inclusion of RAI and an increase in Japan due to the growth in THP;

·      Employee benefit costs, increased by 23.2% to £1,409 million due to the inclusion of RAI;

·      Depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs, up 26.3% to £437 million, driven by higher amortisation and impairment charges related to the previous acquisitions (including RAI) and an increase in depreciation due to the consolidation of RAI's manufacturing infrastructure; and

·      Other operating expenses, higher by £1,636 million or 111% to £3,105 million. RAI accounted for over 95% of the increase, which was largely due to the charges in relation to the master settlement agreement (MSA), whilst the increased investment across the Group in NGP was partly offset by the ongoing cost efficiency programmes throughout the organisation.

Adjusted profit from operations and adjusted operating margin

Adjusted profit from operations, on a representative basis and at constant rates of exchange was 2.4% higher at £5,216 million, reflecting the ongoing performance whilst investing behind the expansion of NGP. On a representative basis, adjusted operating margin, at current rates, was 50 bps higher.
 

REGIONAL REVIEW

The performances of the regions are discussed below. The following discussion is based upon the Group's internal reporting structure announced in 2017 and effective from 1 January 2018, as discussed and disclosed in the Group's Annual Report and Accounts and Form 20-F for the period ended 31 December 2017. Prior period comparators have been revised accordingly. Prior periods have also been revised for the impact of IFRS 15.

Regional Summary information

 

Cigarettes and THP

(bn sticks)

 

Revenue

(£m)

 

Profit from operations

(£m)

 

2018

Vs 2017

 

2018

Vs 2017

 

2018

Vs 2017

 

 

Actual

Adj Repres at cc

 

 

Actual

Adj Repres at cc

 

 

Actual

Adj Repres at cc

US

38.6 

-

-5.5%

 

4,525 

-

0.0%

 

1,875 

-

+5.6%

APME

116.0 

3.5%

+3.5%

 

2,384 

-4.2%

+5.6%

 

920 

-9.5%

-5.0%

AMSSA

77.0 

-5.9%

-5.9%

 

1,951 

-9.2%

+2.9%

 

796 

-1.2%

+4.1%

ENA

116.7 

-2.6%

-3.9%

 

2,776 

-0.1%

+1.3%

 

847 

+12.6%

+2.2%

Total

348.3 

+11.0%

-2.2%

 

11,636

+56.9%

+1.9%

 

4,438

+72.4%

+2.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance termed "Adj Repres at cc" refers to the variance between the 2018 adjusted performance, at 2017 exchange rates, against the adjusted 2017 performance on a representative basis - as though the Group had owned the acquisitions undertaken in 2017 for the full financial year. A reconciliation of the 2017 performance to adjusted representative is provided on page 61.

UNITED STATES (US):

Cigarette volume in the six months to June 2018 was 39 billion sticks. On a representative basis, this was 5.5% lower than in 2017. This was in line with the industry decline driven by movements in trade inventory in 2017 related to the change in excise in California and the impact of higher gasoline prices on disposable income. The industry is expected to be down around 5% for the full year. RAI volumes were further impacted by a strong comparator due to Camel and Newport product launches in the first six months of 2017. The Group's market share was down 10 bps (based upon sales to retail), as the premium brands grew share 20 bps but were more than offset by a reduction in the remainder of the portfolio, on a representative basis.

The vapour category continues to experience strong growth (up approximately 20%) which the Group estimates has resulted in a total volume decline in cigarettes of 0.4% during the first half of 2018.

While new competitor vapour brands have taken market share, Vuse continued to grow volume of consumables on a representative basis (up over 20%), despite a product recall arising from an isolated issue related to a consignment of batteries. The issue has largely been resolved. Excluding the recall, the Group estimates that revenue from vapour would have grown by 12% in the six months ended 30 June 2018.

The Group is making good progress with the product applications to the US Food and Drug Administration. Clearance has been received for the SE application for our improved carbon tipped tobacco heating product. The SE application related to glo, filed in February, has passed into scientific review.

Oral volume was marginally lower on a representative basis, with market share down against the prior period which, on a representative basis, benefited from market disruption due to a competitor's product recall.

 

Regional review continued…

Reported revenue was £4,525 million, which was in line with the prior year on a constant currency, representative basis as pricing in both the combustibles and oral categories, and higher Vuse consumables volume was offset by the reduction in combustibles and oral volume (noted above) and the impact of the recall. Excluding the revenue recognised in 2017 from the sale of inventory related to the international brand rights of Natural American Spirit and other non-recurring items, revenue would have been 1.8% higher in 2018, on a representative, constant currency basis.

Reported profit from operations was £1,875 million, or £2,295 million on an adjusted constant currency basis.  This is an increase of 5.6% on an adjusted, constant currency, representative basis, and is driven by the timing of expenditure and cost reductions since the acquisition of RAI.

Cost synergies are progressing well, with annualised savings of approximately US$140 million delivered to date. The Group continues to expect to deliver over US$400 million of synergies by the end of 2020.

ASIA-PACIFIC AND MIDDLE EAST (APME):

Volume was up 3.5% at 116 billion sticks driven by a recovery in the combustible volume in Pakistan (following the revision to the excise structure that negatively impacted the equivalent period in 2017), continued growth in Bangladesh and the performance of glo in Japan with sales of 3 billion sticks in the period. This growth in volume was partly offset by the impact of lower industry volume and trade inventory movements in GCC following the implementation of a new sales tax in 2017, and a combination of market contraction and the growth of illicit trade in Malaysia.

Market share in the region was up 110 bps- driven by Japan (increasing the share of total tobacco by 80 bps), Saudi Arabia (due to the growth of Pall Mall), Malaysia (driven by Rothmans which more than outweighed a decline in Dunhill) and in Bangladesh due to up-trading to the premium segment. This growth was partially offset by lower share in South Korea (due to a reduction in Dunhill driven by the growth of the THP segment).

Reported revenue fell 4.2% to £2,384 million, as pricing, higher volume (discussed above) and the positive mix effect - largely in Japan through the growth in glo, was offset by a combination of inventory movements in the prior year and down-trading in GCC and negative mix in Malaysia, and by the foreign exchange headwinds related to the relative strength of sterling. Excluding currency, adjusted revenue, on a representative basis at constant rates of exchange grew 5.6%.

Reported profit from operations declined 9.5% to £920 million, partly due to the foreign exchange headwinds and the higher investment behind THP in Japan and South Korea. On a representative constant currency basis, adjusted profit from operations was down 5.0% to £1,033 million, as growth in Australia, Pakistan and Bangladesh was more than offset by increased investment behind THP and the negative mix effects described above.

AMERICAS AND SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA (AMSSA):

Volume was 5.9% lower at 77 billion sticks, largely driven by the growth of illicit trade in Brazil and South Africa and market contraction in Mexico, Canada, Colombia and Venezuela. 

Market share was 10 bps lower as growth driven by Kent in Brazil, Dunhill in South Africa, Rothmans (in Brazil, Colombia and Argentina), and Pall Mall in Mexico was more than offset by declines in the local portfolio.

In May, Vype was launched in Canada and early signs are encouraging. Distribution partnerships have been secured with the top 4 key accounts covering 30% of volume weighted distribution nationally.

 

Regional review continued…

Reported revenue fell 9.2% to £1,951 million, due to the translational foreign exchange headwind of 12%. On a constant currency, representative basis, adjusted revenue grew by 2.9% to £2,206 million, as pricing across the region (notably in Canada, Chile and Nigeria) more than offset the lower total volume and the impact of mix in a number of markets, which was largely driven by the growth of the lower priced products following the significant excise-led price increases.

Reported profit from operations was down 1.2% to £796 million, as the effect of currency headwinds more than offset growth across the region. Excluding adjusting items and the effect of currency, adjusted profit from operations on a representative, constant currency basis grew by 4.1% to £920 million, driven by Canada, Nigeria and Chile, partly offset by the continued difficult trading environment in South Africa.

EUROPE AND NORTH AFRICA (ENA):

Volume fell 2.6% to 117 billion sticks, which was a decline of 3.9% on a representative basis, as volume from acquired assets in the prior year combined with growth in Turkey and North Africa was more than offset by lower volume in Russia (due to both market contraction and trade inventory movements related to the implementation of graphical health warnings), lower volume in Ukraine (driven by an increase in illicit trade), Italy (partly due to higher prices) and France (following the excise-led price increase).

Market share was flat as growth in Kent (Ukraine, Russia and Turkey) and Rothmans (Ukraine, Russia, Poland and Italy) was offset by the continued discount-led down-trading environment in Switzerland, the impact of a short-term price disadvantage in Romania and a decline in the low-priced portfolio in Russia.

Our NGP portfolio continued to expand, with glo now present in Russia, Switzerland, Romania and Italy.  Volume of vapour (devices and consumables) grew, notably in the UK (driven by Vype, Ten Motives and ViP). Through Chic, the Group is the market leader in vaping in Poland. Further launches and product developments are planned across the portfolio during 2018.

In oral, volume grew 29.6%, mainly driven by EPOK which is the fastest growing premium oral brand in both Sweden and Norway, with both countries achieving record oral category market share of 12% and 8% respectively. In Switzerland, EPOK grew to a 14% share of the oral category three months after launch.

Reported revenue was in line with 2017 at £2,776 million as improved mix in Russia and Romania and pricing (notably in Romania, Germany and Ukraine) was outweighed by the impact of lower regional volume, continued excise absorption in France and the translational foreign exchange headwinds.

Adjusted revenue, on a constant currency, representative basis was 1.3% higher at £2,784 million (30 June 2017: £2,749 million). This excludes excise on bought-in goods, acquired and sold under short term contract manufacturing arrangements (which distorts revenue and operating margin on a temporary basis), and the impact of currency on revenue.

Reported profit from operations grew 12.6% to £847 million, largely due to the acquisitions in the prior year and the timing of expenditure. Excluding adjusting items and the impact of the foreign currency headwind, adjusted profit from operations at constant rates, on a representative basis was up 2.2%, at £968 million. This was driven by Romania, Germany and Ukraine offsetting France and Italy.
 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OTHER

NET FINANCE COSTS

Net finance costs for the six months to 30 June 2018 were £701 million, compared to £325 million in the same period last year, driven by the increase in borrowings (up £27,605 million to £48,512 million) due to the acquisition of RAI and subsequent consolidation of the RAI borrowings into the Group. Net adjusted finance costs increased by 141% or 163% on a constant currency basis.

Net finance (costs)/income comprise:

 

     6 months to

 

Year to 

 

30.6.18 

 

30.6.17 

 

31.12.17 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance costs

(763)

 

(381)

 

(1,197)

Finance income

62 

 

56 

 

103 

Net finance costs

(701)

 

(325)

 

(1,094)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: adjusting items (see below)

35 

 

49 

 

205 

Hedge ineffectiveness

- 

 

10 

 

Interest on adjusting tax payable, see below

35 

 

12 

 

43 

Acquisition of RAI

- 

 

27 

 

153 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net adjusted finance costs

(666)

 

(276)

 

(889)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprising:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest payable

(786)

 

(347)

 

(1,094)

Interest and dividend income

40 

 

36 

 

84 

Fair value changes - derivatives

40 

 

82 

 

149 

Exchange differences

40 

 

(47)

 

(28)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net adjusted finance costs

(666)

 

(276)

 

(889)

Impact of foreign exchange

(61)

 

 

 

Net adjusted finance costs (at constant rates of exchange)

(727)

 

(276)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the six months ended 30 June 2018, the Group incurred interest on adjusting tax payables of £35 million, including interest of £12 million (2017: £12 million) in relation to the Franked Investment Income Group Litigation Order (FII GLO), as described on page 41, and a £22 million charge in respect of withholding tax in Russia as explained on page 12.

In 2017, the Group incurred pre-financing costs related to the acquisition of RAI of £153 million, of which £27 million was incurred in the six months ended 30 June 2017. As this related to the pre-financing of the acquisition, and will not repeat, the costs were treated as an adjusting item.

Also in 2017, the Group realised a charge in relation to the reversal of a gain recognised in 2016, related to hedge ineffectiveness on external swaps following the referendum regarding "Brexit". This was deemed to be adjusting as it is not representative of the underlying performance of the business.

All of the charges noted above have been included in the adjusted earnings per share calculation on page 36.
 

RESULTS OF ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

The Group's share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures fell by £546 million to £232 million, largely due to RAI being a wholly-owned subsidiary from 25 July 2017. For the Group's other main associate, ITC Ltd (ITC) in India, the Group's share of post-tax results was down by 0.9% to £227 million which was impacted by the foreign exchange headwind. On an adjusted constant rate basis, the Group's share of post-tax results from ITC was an increase of 5.6% to £206 million.

TAXATION

 

      6 months to

 

Year to 

 

30.6.18 

 

30.6.17 

 

31.12.17 

 

 

 

Revised

 

Revised

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UK

 

 

 

 

 

-    current year tax

68 

 

12 

 

26 

Overseas

 

 

 

 

 

       -    current year tax expense

1,136 

 

635 

 

1,615 

       -    adjustment in respect of prior periods

62 

 

 

Current tax

1,266 

 

652 

 

1,643 

Deferred tax

(73)

 

28 

 

(9,756)

 

1,193 

 

680 

 

(8,113)

Adjusting items (see below)

(75)

 

48 

 

10,220 

Net adjusted tax charge

1,118 

 

728 

 

2,107 

 

The tax rate in the income statement was a charge of 30.1% for the six months to 30 June 2018, compared to a charge of 22.5% for the six months to 30 June 2017, and a credit of 27.4% for the full year 2017. The credit in 2017 was due to the revaluation of net deferred tax liabilities following the change to the Federal tax rate in the US (£9.6 billion), as disclosed on page 36 of the Group's Annual Report and Accounts and Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2017. The increase in the tax rate in 2018 to 30.1% from 22.5% was largely due to the inclusion of RAI as a wholly-owned subsidiary following the acquisition (previously RAI was included within post tax results of associates) and was also affected by the impact of the adjusting items referred to below.

The Group's tax rate is also affected by the inclusion of the share of associates' and joint ventures' post-tax profit in the Group's pre-tax results and by other adjusting items. Excluding these items, the underlying tax rate for subsidiaries reflected in the adjusted earnings per share on page 36 was 26.9% in 2018 and 28.4% for the six months to 30 June 2017.  For the year to 31 December 2017, it was 29.7%.

Adjusting items relate to:

·     a £69 million charge due to changes in the US State tax rates in the period, relating to the revaluation of deferred tax liabilities arising on trademarks recognised on the RAI acquisition in 2017; and

·     a £77 million charge related to recent guidelines issued in Russia where higher withholding taxes could apply from 2015 onwards. A provision for the associated tax change and £22 million of interest has been recognised in the period for 2015 through to 2017.

As both of the above items are not reflective of the ongoing business, these have been recognised as adjusting items within taxation. This is partially offset by £71 million for the six months to 30 June 2018 (30 June 2017: £48 million, 31 December 2017: £454 million) in respect of the taxation on other adjusting items, as described on pages 29 and 30.

Refer to page 41 for the Franked Investment Income Group Litigation Order update.
 

CASH FLOW

In the Group's cash flow, prepared in accordance with IFRS and presented on page 25, net cash generated from operating activities grew by 126% to £3,858 million due to the cash generated by RAI, including the timing of the MSA payment. The Group's conversion rate (as defined as net cash generated from operating activities as a proportion of profit from operations) increased from 66% to 87% in the first half of 2018.

Adjusted cash generated from operations (ACGFO)

Before the effect of adjusting items and the receipt of dividends from associates, and excluding interest, receipts in relation to a trading loan to a third party, net capital expenditure, and dividends paid to non-controlling interests, the Group generated £2,953 million adjusted cash from operations, an increase on the six months ended 30 June 2017 of over 200%, with an operating cash conversion rate (based upon adjusted profit from operations, and defined on page 53) of 97% (30 June 2017: 70%). Normalising the timing of the MSA payment (£1.4 billion) that was brought forward to December 2017, ACGFO would have increased by 60% compared to the same period in 2017, with a conversion rate of 68%.

ACGFO is reconciled from net cash generated from operating activities as follows:

 

6 months to

 

Year to

 

30.6.18 

 

30.6.17 

 

31.12.17 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

£m 

Net cash generated from operating activities (page 25)

3,858 

 

1,706 

 

5,347 

Cash impact of adjusting items

229 

 

352 

 

685 

Adjusted net cash generated from operating activities

4,087 

 

2,058 

 

6,032 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

(96)

 

(106)

 

(167)

Net interest paid

(723)

 

(326)

 

(1,004)

Net capital expenditure

(231)

 

(187)

 

(767)

Dividends from associates

(1)

 

(465)

 

(903)

Trading loans to third parties

(83)

 

- 

 

101 

Other

- 

 

(4)

 

(10)

ACGFO

2,953 

 

970 

 

3,282 

Exchange

194 

 

 

 

 

ACGFO at constant rates of exchange

3,147 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BORROWINGS AND NET DEBT

Total borrowings were £48,512 million at 30 June 2018, an increase over 30 June 2017 (£20,907 million) due to the debt related to the acquisition of RAI.  The movement from 31 December 2017 (£49,450 million) mainly relates to the repayment and issuance of debt as explained on page 33. The Group defines net debt as borrowings including related derivatives, less cash and cash equivalents and current investments held at fair value. Closing net debt was £45,679 million (30 June 2017: £18,481 million and 31 December 2017: £45,571 million). A reconciliation of borrowings to net debt is provided below. 

 

6 months to

 

Year to 

 

30.6.18 

 

30.6.17 

 

31.12.17 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total borrowings

48,512 

 

20,907 

 

49,450 

Derivatives in respect of net debt:

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

(627)

 

(540)

 

(640)

Liabilities

107 

 

159 

 

117 

Cash and cash equivalents

(2,125)

 

(2,019)

 

(3,291)

Current investments held at fair value

(188)

 

(26)

 

(65)

Net debt

45,679 

 

18,481 

 

45,571 

Maturity profile of net debt:

 

 

 

 

 

Net debt due within one year

2,904 

 

3,891 

 

2,048 

Net debt due beyond one year

42,775 

 

14,590 

 

43,523 

Net debt

45,679 

 

18,481 

 

45,571 

Borrowings includes £940 million (30 June 2017: £nil, 31 December 2017: £947 million) in respect of the purchase price adjustments related to the acquisition of RAI. The Group remains confident about its ability to access the debt capital markets successfully and reviews its options on a continuing basis.

FOREIGN CURRENCIES

The principal exchange rates used to convert the results of the Group's foreign operations to pound sterling, for the purposes of inclusion and consolidation within the Group's financial statements are indicated in the table below. Where the Group has provided results "at constant rates of exchange" this refers to the translation of the results from the foreign operations at rates of exchange prevailing in the prior period - thereby eliminating the potentially distorting impact of the movement in foreign exchange on the reported results.

The principal exchange rates used were as follows:

 

Average

Closing

 

30.6.18

 

30.6.17

 

31.12.17

 

30.6.18

 

30.6.17

 

31.12.17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australian dollar

1.784

 

1.670

 

1.681

 

1.787

 

1.693

 

1.730

Brazilian real

4.712

 

4.006

 

4.116

 

5.080

 

4.304

 

4.487

Canadian dollar

1.758

 

1.681

 

1.672

 

1.737

 

1.687

 

1.695

Euro

1.137

 

1.163

 

1.142

 

1.131

 

1.139

 

1.127

Indian rupee

90.351

 

82.766

 

83.895

 

90.457

 

83.961

 

86.343

Japanese yen

149.588

 

141.509

 

144.521

 

146.237

 

145.950

 

152.387

Russian rouble

81.805

 

73.005

 

75.170

 

82.783

 

76.987

 

77.880

South African rand

16.931

 

16.632

 

17.150

 

18.096

 

17.019

 

16.747

US dollar

1.376

 

1.260

 

1.289

 

1.320

 

1.299

 

1.353

Please refer to page 54 for pound sterling expressed in US dollar per pound sterling, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
 

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The principal risks and uncertainties which may affect the business activities of the Group were identified under the heading 'Principal Group risk factors', set out on pages 48 to 54 of the Annual Report and Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2017, a copy of which is available on the Group's website www.bat.com.

In the view of the Board, the principal risks and uncertainties for the Group have remained broadly unchanged over the last six months. However, the risk relating to the inability to obtain price increases and the impact of price increases on consumer affordability thresholds is no longer considered a principal risk, as the likelihood has decreased following improved pricing delivery over recent years and through recognition that the RAI acquisition has resulted in better geographical diversity. Additionally, the previously stated principal risk relating to the failure to successfully develop and commercialise Next Generation Products now includes all innovation across the Group's portfolio of brands.

The principal Group risks and applicable sub-categories are summarised under the headings of:

·     Competition from illicit trade;

·     Tobacco and nicotine regulation inhibits growth strategy;

·     Significant excise increases or structure changes;

·     Litigation;

·     Geopolitical tensions;

·     Disputed taxes, interest and penalties;

·     Market size reduction and consumer down-trading;

·     Foreign exchange rate exposures;

·     Injury, illness or death in the workplace;

·     Solvency and liquidity; and

·     Inability to lead the development and roll-out of BAT innovations (NGP and Combustible).

 

A summary of other risks for the Group which are not considered principal risks, but are monitored by the Board through the Group's risk register is set out on pages 226 to 227 of the Annual Report and Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2017. In addition to those disclosed, following the change to the NGP risk above, the non-principal risks also include associated NGP risks in respect of manufacturing and marketing. The risk relating to the inability to obtain price increases and the impact of price increases on consumer affordability thresholds will also be included as a non-principal risk. The risk associated with failing to successfully integrate RAI companies into the Group's business is no longer considered a risk to the Group. These and all of the Group's risks should be read in the context of the forward-looking statements on page 56 of this Half-Year Report.

UPDATE ON ONGOING INVESTIGATION INTO MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS

As previously reported, we are investigating, through external legal advisers, allegations of misconduct and have been liaising with the UK's Serious Fraud Office ("SFO") and other relevant authorities. It was announced in August 2017 that the SFO had opened an investigation in relation to the Company, its subsidiaries and associated persons. We are co-operating with the SFO's investigation. A sub-Committee of the Board has oversight of these matters, providing support for the investigation between Board meetings.

UPDATE ON QUEBEC CLASS ACTION

On 27 October 2015, the Quebec Court of Appeal made an Order for Security in the amount of CAD$984 million, of which Imperial Tobacco Canada's ("ITCAN") share was CAD$758 million paid in seven equal quarterly instalments. ITCAN appealed the substantive decision awarding CAD$15.6 billion to the plaintiffs, of which ITCAN's share was CAD$10.4 billion. This appeal was heard by a panel of five judges of the Quebec Court of Appeal on 21-25 November 2016 with a decision pending. As at the date of this release, no judgment has been made. Please refer to the 2017 Annual Report and Form 20-F, note 28 Contingent Liabilities and Financial Commitments for a full discussion.
 

BANGLADESH

On 25 July 2018, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh has reversed the decision of the High Court Division against BAT Bangladesh in respect of the retrospective demands for VAT and Supplementary Duty amounting to approximately £170 million. The Attorney General's Office has 30 days from receipt of the certified Court Order in which to seek a review of this decision.

GOING CONCERN

A full description of the Group's business activities, its financial position, cash flows, liquidity position, facilities and borrowings position together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position, as well as the risks associated with the business, are set out in the Strategic Report and in the notes to the accounts, all of which are included in the 2017 Annual Report and Form 20-F that is available on the Group's website, www.bat.com. This Half-Year Report provides updated information regarding the business activities, including cash flow, for the six months to 30 June 2018 and of the financial position and liquidity position at 30 June 2018.

The Group has, at the date of this report, sufficient financing available for its estimated existing requirements for at least the next 12 months.  This, together with the proven ability to generate cash from trading activities, the performance of the Group's Strategic Portfolio, its leading market positions in a number of countries and its broad geographical spread, as well as numerous contracts with established customers and suppliers across different geographical areas and industries, provides the Directors with the confidence that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully in the context of the current financial conditions and the general outlook in the global economy.

After reviewing the Group's annual budgets, plans and financing arrangements, the Directors consider that the Group has adequate resources to continue operating for the foreseeable future and that it is therefore appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing this Half-Year Report.

DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge, this condensed financial information has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the European Union, and that this Half-Year Report includes a fair review of the information required by the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority, paragraphs DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8.

The Directors of British American Tobacco p.l.c. are as listed on pages 56 and 57 in the British American Tobacco Annual Report and Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2017, with the exception of Ann Godbehere and Dr Pedro Malan, both of whom retired as Directors at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting on 25 April 2018.

Details of all the current Directors of British American Tobacco p.l.c. are maintained on www.bat.com.

For and on behalf of the Board of Directors:

 

 

 

Richard Burrows                                                         Ben Stevens

Chairman                                                                      Finance Director

25 July 2018

 

 

ENQUIRIES:

INVESTOR RELATIONS:

PRESS OFFICE:

Mike Nightingale

Rachael Brierley

John Harney

+44 (0)20 7845 1180

+44 (0)20 7845 1519

+44 (0)20 7845 1263

Press Office

+44 (0)20 7845 2888

 

       

 

Webcast and Conference Call                         Participant PIN code: 19617517#
A live webcast of the results is available via www.bat.com/ir to be held on Thursday 26 July 2018, at 09.30 BST.

Dial in number(s)                                UK Toll Number: +44 (0) 3333000804

UK Toll-Free Number: 08003589473

 

International dial in details can be accessed via the following URL:

http://events.arkadin.com/ev/docs/NE_W2_TF_Events_International_Access_List.pdf.

 

 

Conference Call Playback Facility                   Passcode: 301231035#

A replay of the conference call will also be available from 1:00 p.m. for 48 hours.

Dial in number(s):               UK Toll Number: +44 (0) 333 300 0819

UK Toll-Free Number: 0800 358 2049

US Toll Free Number: +1 (844) 307-9361

 

INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.

Conclusion 

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 2018 which comprises Group Income Statement, the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Group Statement of Changes in Equity, the Group Balance Sheet, the Group Cash Flow Statement and the related explanatory notes. 

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-Year financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2018 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules ("the DTR") of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority ("the UK FCA").   

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.  We read the other information contained in the Half-Year financial report and consider whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements. 

A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) 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.   

Directors' responsibilities 

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

As disclosed in Account Policies and Basis of Preparation the annual financial statements of the group are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU and as issued by the IASB.  The directors are responsible for preparing the condensed set of financial statements included in the Half-Year financial report in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the EU and as issued by the IASB

Our responsibility 

Our responsibility is to express to the company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the Half-Year financial report based on our review. 

The purpose of our review work and to whom we owe our responsibilities

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 DTR of the UK FCA.  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. 

 

Mark Baillache

for and on behalf of KPMG LLP 

Chartered Accountants 

15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL                                                                                             

25 July 2018

Interim Financial Statements

GROUP INCOME STATEMENT - unaudited

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 months to

 

Year to 

 

30.6.18 

 

30.6.17 

 

31.12.17 

 

 

 

Revised 

 

Revised

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

£m 

Revenue 1

11,636 

 

7,418 

 

19,564 

Raw materials and consumables used

(2,355)

 

(1,881)

 

(4,520)

Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress

76 

 

(59)

 

(513)

Employee benefit costs

(1,409)

 

(1,144)

 

(2,679)

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs

(437)

 

(346)

 

(902)

Other operating income

32 

 

55 

 

144 

Other operating expenses

(3,105)

 

(1,469)

 

(4,682)

Profit from operations

4,438 

 

2,574 

 

6,412 

Net finance costs

(701)

 

(325)

 

(1,094)

Finance income

62 

 

56 

 

103 

Finance costs

(763)

 

(381)

 

(1,197)

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

232 

 

778 

 

24,209 

Profit before taxation

3,969 

 

3,027 

 

29,527 

Taxation on ordinary activities

(1,193)

 

(680)

 

8,129 

Profit for the period

2,776 

 

2,347 

 

37,656 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

Owners of the parent

2,690 

 

2,261 

 

37,485 

Non-controlling interests

86 

 

86 

 

171 

 

2,776 

 

2,347 

 

37,656 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

117.7p

 

121.8p

 

1,833.9p

Diluted

117.4p

 

121.4p

 

1,827.6p

 

 

 

 

 

 

All of the activities during both years are in respect of continuing operations.

The accompanying notes on pages 26 to 47 form an integral part of this condensed consolidated financial information.

1 Revenue is net of duty, excise and other taxes of £18,250 million and £17,377 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018 and 2017 respectively, and £37,780 million for the year ended 31 December 2017.

 

The results for the six-month period ended 30 June 2017 and the year ended 31 December 2017 have been amended ("Revised") following the Group's retrospective application of IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers).  See page 26.

 

 

 

 

Interim Financial Statements

GROUP STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - unaudited

 

6 months to

 

Year to 

 

30.6.18 

 

30.6.17 

 

31.12.17 

 

 

 

Revised

 

Revised

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

£m 

Profit for the period (page 19)

2,776 

 

2,347 

 

37,656 

Other comprehensive income/(expense)

 

 

 

 

 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

978 

 

(536)

 

(3,809)

Differences on exchange

 

 

 

 

 

- subsidiaries

1,358 

 

(216)

 

(3,084)

- associates

(70)

 

(393)

 

(923)

Cash flow hedges

 

 

 

 

 

- net fair value losses

- 

 

(166)

 

(264)

- reclassified and reported in profit for the period

8 

 

13 

 

109 

- reclassified and reported in net assets

7 

 

(13)

 

(16)

Investments held at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

- net fair value losses in respect of subsidiaries

- 

 

 

(27)

- net fair value gains in respect of associates, net of tax

12 

 

 

5 

Net investment hedges

 

 

 

 

 

- net fair value (losses)/gains

(192)

 

237 

 

425 

- differences on exchange on borrowings

(136)

 

(56)

 

(68)

Tax on items that may be reclassified

(9)

 

53 

 

34 

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

287 

 

115 

 

681 

Retirement benefit schemes

 

 

 

 

 

- net actuarial gains in respect of subsidiaries

346 

 

119 

 

833 

- surplus recognition and minimum funding obligations in respect of subsidiaries

(3)

 

(1)

 

(6)

- actuarial gains in respect of associates, net of tax

- 

 

36 

 

25 

Tax on items that will not be reclassified

(56)

 

(39)

 

(171)

Total other comprehensive income/(expense) for the period, net of tax

1,265 

 

(421)

 

(3,128)

Total comprehensive income for the period, net of tax

4,041 

 

1,926 

 

34,528 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

Owners of the parent

3,952 

 

1,853 

 

34,361 

Non-controlling interests

89 

 

73 

 

167 

 

4,041 

 

1,926 

 

34,528 

 

The accompanying notes on pages 26 to 47 form an integral part of this condensed consolidated financial information.

 

The results for the six-month period ended 30 June 2017 and the year ended 31 December 2017 have been amended ("Revised") following the Group's retrospective application of IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers).  See page 26.

 

 

 

 

Interim Financial Statements

GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - unaudited

 

At 30 June 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to owners of the parent

 

 

 

Share

capital

£m

Share premium, capital redemption and merger reserves

£m

Other

reserves

£m

Retained earnings

£m

Total attributable

to owners

of parent

£m

Non-controlling interests

£m

Total equity

£m

Balance at 31 December 2017 - revised

614 

26,602 

(3,392)

36,935 

60,759 

222 

60,981 

Accounting policy change (IFRS 9) - see page 26

(9)

(29)

(38)

(38)

Revised balance at 1 January 2018

614 

26,602 

(3,401)

36,906 

60,721 

222 

60,943 

Total comprehensive income for the period, net of tax (page 20)

- 

- 

975 

2,977 

3,952 

89 

4,041 

Profit for the period (page 19)

- 

- 

- 

2,690 

2,690 

86 

2,776 

Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax (page 20)

- 

- 

975 

287 

1,262 

3 

1,265 

Employee share options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- value of employee services

- 

- 

- 

64 

64 

- 

64 

- proceeds from shares issued

- 

3 

- 

- 

3 

- 

3 

Dividends and other appropriations

 

 

 

 

 

- 

 

- ordinary shares

- 

- 

- 

(2,224)

(2,224)

- 

(2,224)

- to non-controlling interests

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(93)

(93)

Purchase of own shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- held in employee share ownership

   Trusts

- 

- 

- 

(143)

(143)

- 

(143)

Other movements

- 

- 

- 

28 

28 

- 

28 

Balance at 30 June 2018

614 

26,605 

(2,426)

37,608 

62,401 

218 

62,619 

At 30 June 2017 (Revised)

Attributable to owners of the parent

 

 

 

Share

capital

£m

Share premium, capital redemption and merger reserves

£m

Other

reserves

£m

Retained earnings

£m

Total attributable

to owners

of parent

£m

Non-controlling interests

£m

Total equity

£m

Balance at 1 January 2017

507 

3,931 

413 

3,331 

8,182 

224 

8,406 

Total comprehensive (expenses)/income for the period, net of tax (page 20)

(523) 

2,376 

1,853 

73 

1,926 

Profit for the period (page 19)

2,261 

2,261 

86 

2,347 

Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the period, net of tax (page 20)

(523) 

115 

(408)

(13)

(421)

Employee share options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- value of employee services

36

36

36 

- proceeds from shares issued

2

2

2 

Dividends and other appropriations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- ordinary shares

(2,181)

(2,181)

(2,181)

- to non-controlling interests

(105)

(105)

Purchase of own shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- held in employee share ownership

   trusts

(215)

(215)

(215)

- deferred tax on employee share schemes

42 

42 

42 

Other movements

(1)

(1) 

(2) 

(2)

Balance at 30 June 2017

507 

3,933 

(111)

3,388 

7,717 

192 

7,909 

                 
 

 

Interim Financial Statements

GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - unaudited cont…

 

At 31 December 2017 (Revised)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to owners of the parent

 

 

 

 

Share

capital

£m

Share premium, capital redemption and merger reserves

£m

Other

reserves

£m

Retained

earnings

£m

Total

attributable

to owners

of parent

£m

Non-controlling

interests

£m

 

Total equity

£m

Balance at 1 January 2017

507 

3,931 

413 

3,331 

8,182 

224 

8,406 

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year, net of tax (page 20)

(3,805)

38,166 

34,361 

167 

34,528 

Profit for the year (page 19)

37,485 

37,485 

171 

37,656 

Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the year, net of tax (page 20)

(3,805)

681 

(3,124)

(4)

(3,128)

Employee share options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- value of employee services

105 

105 

105 

- proceeds from shares issued

Dividends and other appropriations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- ordinary shares

(4,465)

(4,465)

(4,465)

- to non-controlling interests

(169)

(169)

Purchase of own shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- held in employee share ownership

   trusts

(205)

(205)

(205)

Shares issued - RAI acquisition

107 

22,666 

22,773 

22,773 

Other movements

Balance at 31 December 2017

614 

26,602 

(3,392)

36,935 

60,759 

222 

60,981 

The accompanying notes on pages 26 to 47 form an integral part of this condensed consolidated financial information.

 

                             
 

 

Interim Financial Statements

GROUP BALANCE SHEET - unaudited

 

 

 

 

 

 

30.6.18

 

30.6.17

 

31.12.17

 

 

 

Revised

 

Revised

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets

120,006 

 

12,177 

 

117,785 

Property, plant and equipment

4,849 

 

3,636 

 

4,882 

Investments in associates and joint ventures

1,775 

 

9,438 

 

1,577 

Retirement benefit assets

1,200 

 

615 

 

1,123 

Deferred tax assets

423 

 

468 

 

333 

Trade and other receivables

722 

 

758 

 

756 

Investments held at fair value

50 

 

44 

 

42 

Derivative financial instruments

539 

 

576 

 

590 

Total non-current assets

129,564 

 

27,712 

 

127,088 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

6,339 

 

5,177 

 

5,864 

Income tax receivable

49 

 

71 

 

460 

Trade and other receivables

4,039 

 

3,833 

 

4,053 

Investments held at fair value

188 

 

26 

 

65 

Derivative financial instruments

193 

 

312 

 

228 

Cash and cash equivalents

2,125 

 

2,019 

 

3,291 

 

12,933 

 

11,438 

 

13,961 

Assets classified as held-for-sale

4 

 

36 

 

5 

Total current assets

12,937 

 

11,474 

 

13,966 

Total assets

142,501 

 

39,186 

 

141,054 

 

The accompanying notes on pages 26 to 47 form an integral part of this condensed consolidated financial information.

 

 

 

The results for the six-month period ended 30 June 2017 and the year ended 31 December 2017 have been amended ("Revised") following the Group's retrospective application of IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers).  See page 26.

 

 

Interim Financial Statements

GROUP BALANCE SHEET - unaudited cont…

 

 

 

 

 

 

30.6.18

 

30.6.17

 

31.12.17

 

 

 

Revised

 

Revised

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Capital and reserves

 

 

 

 

 

Share capital

614 

 

507 

 

614 

Share premium, capital redemption and merger reserves

26,605 

 

3,933 

 

26,602 

Other reserves

(2,426)

 

(111)

 

(3,392)

Retained earnings

37,608 

 

3,388 

 

36,935 

Owners of the parent

62,401 

 

7,717 

 

60,759 

Non-controlling interests

218 

 

192 

 

222 

Total equity

62,619 

 

7,909 

 

60,981 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings

43,225 

 

15,085 

 

44,027 

Retirement benefit liabilities

1,489 

 

827 

 

1,821 

Deferred tax liabilities

17,612 

 

659 

 

17,129 

Provisions

347 

 

395 

 

354 

Trade and other payables

1,059 

 

1,036 

 

1,058 

Derivative financial instruments

100 

 

79 

 

79 

Total non-current liabilities

63,832 

 

18,081 

 

64,468 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings

5,287 

 

5,822 

 

5,423 

Income tax payable

739 

 

622 

 

720 

Provisions

330 

 

330 

 

399 

Trade and other payables

9,498 

 

5,948 

 

8,908 

Derivative financial instruments

196 

 

474 

 

155 

Total current liabilities

16,050 

 

13,196 

 

15,605 

Total equity and liabilities

142,501 

 

39,186 

 

141,054 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes on pages 26 to 47 form an integral part of this condensed consolidated financial information.

 

The results for the six-month period ended 30 June 2017 and the year ended 31 December 2017 have been amended ("Revised") following the Group's retrospective application of IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers).  See page 26.

 

 

Interim Financial Statements

GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT - unaudited

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 months to

 

Year to

 

30.6.18

£m

 

30.6.17

£m

 

31.12.17

£m

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Cash generated from operating activities (page 32)

4,670 

 

1,788 

 

6,119 

Dividends received from associates

1 

 

465 

 

903 

Tax paid

(813)

 

(547)

 

(1,675)

Net cash generated from operating activities

3,858 

 

1,706 

 

5,347 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Interest received

36 

 

34 

 

83 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(205)

 

(198)

 

(791)

Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment

9 

 

23 

 

95 

Purchases of intangibles

(35)

 

(99)

 

(187)

Purchases of investments

(124)

 

(90)

 

(170)

Proceeds on disposals of investments

48 

 

85 

 

160 

Acquisition of RAI net of cash acquired

- 

 

 

(17,657)

Investment in associates and acquisitions of other subsidiaries net of cash acquired

(14)

 

(52)

 

(77)

Net cash used in investing activities

(285)

 

(297)

 

(18,544)

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

(752)

 

(379)

 

(1,114)

Proceeds from increases in and new borrowings

1,650 

 

3,839 

 

40,937 

Inflows/(outflows) relating to derivative financial instruments

25 

 

(108)

 

(406)

Purchases of own shares held in employee share ownership trusts

(143)

 

(215)

 

(205)

Reductions in and repayments of borrowings

(3,067)

 

(2,365)

 

(20,827)

Dividends paid to owners of the parent

(2,114)

 

(2,179)

 

(3,465)

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

(96)

 

(106)

 

(167)

Other

4 

 

 

Net cash (used in)/from financing activities

(4,493)

 

(1,511)

 

14,759 

Net cash flows (used in)/from operating, investing and financing activities

(920)

 

(102)

 

1,562 

Differences on exchange

(148)

 

(139)

 

(391)

(Decrease)/increase in net cash and cash equivalents in the period

(1,068)

 

(241)

 

1,171 

Net cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

2,822 

 

1,651 

 

1,651 

Net cash and cash equivalents at period end

1,754 

 

1,410 

 

2,822 

Cash and cash equivalents per balance sheet

2,125 

 

2,019 

 

3,291 

Overdrafts and accrued interest

(371)

 

(609)

 

(469)

Net cash and cash equivalents at period end

1,754 

 

1,410 

 

2,822 

The accompanying notes on pages 26 to 47 form an integral part of this condensed consolidated financial information. The net cash outflows relating to the Quebec Class action and adjusting items on pages 29 and 30, included in the above, are £229 million (30 June 2017: £352 million, 31 December 2017: £685 million).

The results for the six-month period ended 30 June 2017 and the year ended 31 December 2017 have been amended ("Revised") following the Group's retrospective application of IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers).  See page 26.

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND BASIS OF PREPARATION

The condensed consolidated financial information comprises the unaudited interim financial information for the six months to 30 June 2018 and as revised for IFRS 15 for both the six-month period ended 30 June 2017 and the year ended 31 December 2017, approved on 25 July 2018. This condensed consolidated financial information has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the European Union (EU) and as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules issued by the Financial Conduct Authority. The condensed consolidated financial information is unaudited but has been reviewed by the auditor and its review report is set out on page 18.

The condensed consolidated financial information does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of the UK Companies Act 2006 and should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report and Form 20-F, including the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017, which were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the IASB, IFRS as adopted by the EU, and in accordance with the provisions of the UK Companies Act 2006. IFRS as adopted by the EU differs in certain respects from IFRS as issued by the IASB. The differences have no impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements for the periods presented. The Annual Report and Form 20-F for 2017 represent the statutory accounts for that year and have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on those statements was unmodified and did not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph and did not contain any statement under Section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

This condensed consolidated financial information has been prepared under the historical cost convention, except in respect of certain financial instruments, and on a basis consistent with the accounting policies as set out in the Annual Report and Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2017, except where noted below.

With effect from 1 January 2018, the Group has adopted IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Group has revised prior periods, as permitted by the Standard, to ensure comparability of the income statement across prior periods. This Standard has changed the way the Group accounts for consideration payable to customers, and requires certain payments to indirect customers, previously shown as marketing expenses, to be shown as deductions from revenue. This has reduced revenue for the six months to 30 June 2017 and the twelve months to 31 December 2017 by £299 million and £664 million, respectively, with a corresponding reduction in operating costs. In addition, due to the timing of the recognition of certain payments to indirect customers, revenue and operating profit for the twelve months ended 31 December 2017 has been reduced by a further £64 million (£nil for the six-month period ended 30 June 2017).

In addition, with effect from 1 January 2018, the Group has adopted IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with no revision of prior periods, as permitted by the Standard. The cumulative impact of adopting the Standard, including the effect of tax entries, has been recognised as a revision of opening reserves in 2018, and is £38 million arising from the impairment of financial assets under the expected loss model required under IFRS 9, which accelerates recognition of potential impairment on loans and trade receivables when compared with the incurred loss model under IAS 39. A simplified "lifetime expected loss model" has been used for balances arising as a result of revenue recognition, as permitted by the Standard, by applying a standard rate of provision on initial recognition of trade debtors based upon the Group's historical experience of credit loss modified by expectations of the future, and increasing this provision to take account of overdue receivables. Applying the requirements of IFRS 9 has resulted in a decrease of trade and other debtors of £45 million as at 1 January 2018.

 

 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

Accounting policies and basis of preparation cont…

IFRS 9 also changes the classification and measurement of financial assets. The category of available-for-sale investments (where fair value changes were deferred in reserves until disposal of the investment) has been replaced with the category of financial assets at Fair Value through Profit and Loss (for most investments) and the category of financial assets at Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income (for qualifying equity investments). The available-for-sale reserve at 1 January 2018 has been reclassified as appropriate into retained earnings. In addition, certain loans and receivables which do not meet the recognition and measurement tests for amortised cost classification under IFRS 9 have been reclassified as financial assets at Fair Value through Profit and Loss at the same date.

Given the immateriality of the various investment classes and to avoid clutter on the face of the balance sheet, the Group will use the term "investments held at fair value" to refer to all of these financial assets both pre- and post- the adoption of IFRS 9.

For further details on the impact on the Group's balance sheet of these changes are provided on page 38. The Group has adopted the hedge accounting requirements of IFRS 9 prospectively from 1 January 2018.

In addition, with effect from 1 January 2018, the Group has changed certain estimates of useful economic lives for plant and machinery across the Group, harmonising depreciation rates used by the International Businesses and by RAI from 14 years and 30 years, respectively, to a standard 20-year life. The effect of the change is not material to the Group, and will be slightly less than £60 million (£30 million for the period ended 30 June 2018). RAI recognised an impairment charge of £13 million in compliance with the new estimate.

The preparation of this condensed consolidated financial information requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of this condensed consolidated financial information. Such estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable in the circumstances and constitute management's best judgement at the date of the condensed consolidated financial information. The key estimates and assumptions were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial information for the year ended 31 December 2017, apart from updating the assumptions used to determine the carrying value of liabilities for retirement benefit schemes. In the future, actual experience may deviate from these estimates and assumptions, which could affect this condensed consolidated financial information as the original estimates and assumptions are modified, as appropriate, in the period in which the circumstances change.

ADJUSTING ITEMS

Adjusting items are significant items of income or expense in revenue, profit from operations, net finance costs, taxation and the Group's share of the post-tax results of associates and joint ventures which individually or, if of a similar type, in aggregate, are relevant to an understanding of the Group's underlying financial performance because of their size, nature or incidence. In identifying and quantifying adjusting items, the Group consistently applies a policy that defines criteria that are required to be met for an item to be classified as adjusting. These items are separately disclosed in the segmental analyses or in the notes to the accounts as appropriate.

The Group believes that these items are useful to users of the Group financial statements in helping them to understand the underlying business performance and are used to derive the Group's principal non-GAAP measures of adjusted revenue, adjusted profit from operations, adjusted diluted earnings per share, operating cash flow conversion ratio and adjusted cash from operations, all of which are before the impact of adjusting items and which are reconciled from revenue, profit from operations, diluted earnings per share, cash conversion ratio and net cash generated from operating activities.
 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

 

ANALYSIS OF REVENUE BY SEGMENT

 

2018

2017

 

Reported

Adj Items1

Adjusted

Exchange

Adjusted at CC2

Revised*

Adj Items1

Adjusted

Revenue

£m

£m

£m

£m 

£m

£m

£m

£m

US

4,525 

- 

4,525 

418 

4,943 

- 

- 

- 

APME

2,384 

- 

2,384 

236 

2,620 

2,489 

- 

2,489 

AMSSA

1,951 

- 

1,951 

255 

2,206 

2,149 

- 

2,149 

ENA

2,776 

(103)

2,673 

111 

2,784 

2,780 

(69)

2,711 

Total Region

11,636 

(103)

11,533 

1,020 

12,553 

7,418 

(69)

7,349 

 

ADJUSTING ITEMS INCLUDED IN REVENUE

Adjusting items in revenue relate to certain third-party contract manufacturing arrangements. The Group will acquire and sell goods inclusive of excise, acquired from a third party under short-term arrangements, and then passed on to customers. This increases both revenue and cost of sales, with no impact to profit from operations but distorts operating margin. To better reflect the underlying performance of the Group, this uplift from excise in both revenue and cost of sales has been adjusted for, given the temporary nature of the arrangement.

ANALYSIS OF PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE BY SEGMENT

 

2018

2017

 

Reported

Adj Items1

Adjusted

Exchange

Adjusted at CC2

Revised*

Adj Items1

Adjusted

 

£m

£m

£m

£m 

£m

£m

£m

£m

Profit from Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

US

1,875 

214 

2,089 

206 

2,295 

- 

- 

- 

APME

920 

30 

950 

83 

1,033 

1,016 

45 

1,061 

AMSSA

796 

33 

829 

91 

920 

806 

54 

860 

ENA

847 

103 

950 

18 

968 

752 

168 

920 

Total Region

4,438 

380 

4,818 

398 

5,216 

2,574 

267 

2,841 

Net finance costs

(701)

35 

(666)

(61)

(727)

(325)

49 

(276)

Associates and joint ventures

232 

(37)

195 

18 

213 

778 

(22)

756 

Profit before tax

3,969 

378 

4,347 

355 

4,702 

3,027 

294 

3,321 

Taxation

(1,193)

75 

(1,118)

(90)

(1,208)

(680)

(48)

(728)

Non-controlling interests

(86)

(86)

(8)

(94)

(86)

(2)

(88)

Profit attributable to shareholders

2,690 

453 

3,143 

257 

3,400 

2,261 

244 

2,505 

Diluted number of shares (m)

2,291 

 

2,291 

 

2,291 

1,863 

 

1,863 

Diluted earnings per share (pence)

117.4 

 

137.2 

 

148.4 

121.4 

 

134.4 

 

Notes to the analysis of revenue and profit from operations above:

(1)      Adjusting items represent certain items which the Group considers distinctive based upon their size, nature or incidence.

(2)      CC: constant currency - measures are calculated based on a retranslation, at the prior year's exchange rates, of the current year's results of the Group and, where applicable, its segments.

*         2017 results have been revised for the impact of IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers), effective 1 January 2018 with retrospective application, and for the change to the regions, effective 1 January 2018, as previously announced.
 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

ADJUSTING ITEMS INCLUDED IN PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS

Adjusting items are significant items in the profit from operations that individually or, if of a similar type, in aggregate, are relevant to an understanding of the Group's underlying financial performance. These items are separately disclosed in the segmental analyses.

(a) Restructuring and integration costs

Restructuring costs reflect the costs incurred as a result of initiatives to improve the effectiveness and the efficiency of the Group as a globally integrated enterprise, including the relevant operating costs of implementing the new operating model. These costs represent additional expenses incurred that are not related to the normal business and day-to-day activities. The new operating model includes revised organisation structures, standardised processes and shared back office services underpinned by a global single instance of SAP. These initiatives also include a review of the Group's manufacturing operations, supply chain, overheads and indirect costs, organisational structure and systems and software used. The costs of these initiatives, together with the costs of integrating acquired businesses into existing operations, including acquisition costs, are included in profit from operations under the following headings:

 

 

6 months to

 

 

Year to 

 

30.6.18 

 

30.6.17 

 

 

31.12.17 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

 

£m 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee benefit costs

36 

 

50 

 

 

193 

Depreciation and impairment costs

27 

 

6 

 

 

85 

Other operating expenses

42 

 

77 

 

 

330 

Other operating income

(6)

 

 

 

(8)

Total

99 

 

133 

 

 

600 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The adjusting charge in the six-months ended 30 June 2018 relates to the integration costs associated with the acquisition of RAI and ongoing costs of implementing the revisions to the Group's operating model. This includes the cost of packages in respect of permanent headcount reductions and permanent employee benefit reductions in the Group. The costs also cover the downsizing activities in Germany, partially offset by the income from sale of certain assets that have become available as part of the downsizing activities.

Restructuring and integration costs in the six months to 30 June 2017 include advisor fees and costs incurred related to the acquisition of the remaining shares in Reynolds not already owned by the Group, that completed on 25 July 2017. It also includes the implementation of a new operating model and the cost of packages in respect of permanent headcount reductions and permanent employee benefit reductions in the Group. The costs also cover the downsizing activities in Germany.

(b) Amortisation and impairment of trademarks and similar intangibles

The acquisition of trademarks from RAI, Bulgartabac Holdings and previous business combinations, including TDR, Chic and ST, have resulted in the capitalisation of trademarks and similar intangibles that are amortised over their expected useful lives, which do not exceed 20 years. The charge of £189 million is included in depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs in the profit from operations for the six months to 30 June 2018 (30 June 2017: £134 million).  For the year to 31 December 2017, the charge was £383 million.

 

 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

Adjusting items included in profit from operations cont…

(c) Fox River

In 2011, a Group subsidiary provided £274 million in respect of claims in relation to environmental clean-up costs of the Fox River. On 30 September 2014, a Group subsidiary, NCR, Appvion and Windward Prospects entered into a Funding Agreement with regard to the costs for the clean-up of Fox River. Based on this Funding Agreement, in the six months to 30 June 2018, £9 million has been paid (30 June 2017: £2 million, 31 December 2017: £25 million).

In January 2017, NCR and Appvion entered into a consent decree with the US Government to resolve how the remaining clean-up will be funded and to resolve further outstanding claims between them. The Consent Decree was approved by the District Court of Wisconsin in August 2017.  The US Government enforcement action against NCR was terminated as a result of that order and contribution claims from the Potentially Responsible Parties ("PRPs") against NCR were dismissed.  One of the PRPs, P.H. Glatfelter has filed an appeal against the approval of the Consent Decree in the US Court of Appeals.  This hearing will be heard in late 2018. Considering these developments, the provision has been reviewed. No adjustment has been proposed, other than as related to the charge above, with the provision standing at £129 million at 30 June 2018 (30 June 2017: £161 million, 31 December 2017: £138 million).

In July 2016, the High Court ruled in a Group subsidiary's favour that a dividend of €135 million paid by Windward to Sequana in May 2009 was a transaction made with the intention of putting assets beyond the reach of the Group subsidiary and of negatively impacting its interests. On 10 February 2017, further to a hearing in January 2017 to determine the relief due, the Court found in the Group subsidiary's favour, ordering that Sequana must pay an amount up to the full value of the dividend plus interest which equates to around US$185 million, related to past and future clean-up costs. The Court granted all parties leave to appeal and Sequana a stay in respect of the above payments. The appeal was heard in June 2018 with a judgment expected by the end of 2018. Due to the uncertain outcome of the case no asset has been recognised in relation to this ruling. In February 2017, Sequana entered into a process in France seeking court protection (the "Sauvegarde"), exiting the Sauvegarde in June 2017. No payments have been received.

(d) Other

In the six months ended June 2018, the Group incurred £92 million of other adjusting items, including £77 million related to Engle progeny litigation offset by credits related to the Non-Participating Manufacturers settlement, which have been adjusted within "other operating expenses".

In the year ended 31 December 2017, the release of the fair value acquisition accounting adjustments to finished goods inventories of £465 million has been adjusted within "changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress".

Also included in 2017 is the impairment of certain assets (£69 million) related to a third-party distributor (Agrokor) in Croatia, that has been adjusted within "other operating expenses".

ADJUSTING ITEMS INCLUDED IN NET FINANCING COSTS

In the six months ended 30 June 2018, the Group incurred interest on adjusting tax payables of £35 million, including interest of £12 million (2017: £12 million) in relation to FII GLO, as described on page 41, and a £22 million charge in respect of withholding tax in Russia as explained on page 31.
 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

ADJUSTING ITEMS INCLUDED IN SHARE OF POST-TAX RESULTS OF ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

The following is a summary of the adjusting items incurred in respect of the Group's associates and joint ventures, shown reflecting the Group's share of post-tax results:

 

 

6 months to

 

Year to 

 

30.6.18 

 

30.6.17 

 

31.12.17 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on deemed disposal of RAI as an associate

- 

 

 

23,288 

Costs incurred by RAI related to its acquisition by BAT

 

 

 

(33)

Other adjusting items incurred by RAI pre-acquisition

- 

 

(12)

 

(60)

Tisak/Agrokor adjustment

- 

 

 

(27)

Reversal of tax claim in ITC

10 

 

 

Dilution of interest in ITC

27 

 

34 

 

29 

Total

37 

 

22 

 

23,197

 

The Group's interest in ITC decreased from 29.71% to 29.66% as a result of ITC issuing ordinary shares under the company's Employees Share Option Scheme.  The issue of these shares and change in the Group's share of ITC resulted in a gain of £27 million, which is treated as a deemed partial disposal and included in the income statement. ITC also recognised an adjusting gain related to the release of certain provisions related to a tax claim, the Group's share of which, net of tax, was £10 million.

The share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures is after the adjusting items shown above which are excluded from the calculation of adjusted earnings per share as set out on page 36.

ADJUSTING ITEMS INCLUDED IN TAXATION

Adjusting items relate to a:

·     £69 million charge due to changes in the US State tax rates in the period, relating to the revaluation of deferred tax liabilities arising on trademarks recognised on the RAI acquisition in 2017; and

·     £77 million charge related to recent guidelines issued in Russia where higher withholding taxes could apply from 2015 onwards. A provision for the associate tax change and £22 million of interest has been recognised in the period for 2015 through to 2017.

As both of the above items are not reflective of the ongoing business, these have been recognised as adjusting items within tax. This is partially offset by £71 million for the six months to 30 June 2018 (30 June 2017: £48 million, 31 December 2017: £454 million) in respect of the tax on other adjusting items, as described on pages 29 and 30.

 

 

 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

CASH FLOW

Net cash generated from operating activities

Net cash generated from operating activities in the IFRS cash flows on page 25 includes the following items:

 

 

6 months to

 

Year to 

 

30.6.18 

 

30.6.17 

 

31.12.17 

 

 

 

Revised

 

Revised

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit from operations

4,438 

 

2,574 

 

6,412 

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment

437 

 

346 

 

902 

(Increase)/decrease in inventories

(582)

 

539 

 

1,409 

Increase in trade and other receivables

(78)

 

(151)

 

(732)

Increase in amounts receivable in respect of the Quebec Class Action

- 

 

(130)

 

(130)

Increase/(decrease) in provision for MSA

719 

 

- 

 

(934)

Decrease in trade and other payables

(189)

 

(1,312)

 

(685)

Decrease in net retirement benefit liabilities

(77)

 

(36)

 

(131)

Decrease in provisions

(66)

 

(74)

 

(78)

Other non-cash items

68 

 

32 

 

86 

Cash generated from operating activities

4,670 

 

1,788 

 

6,119 

Dividends received from associates

1 

 

465 

 

903 

Tax paid

(813)

 

(547)

 

(1,675)

Net cash generated from operating activities

3,858 

 

1,706 

 

5,347 

 

Net cash generated from operating activities increased by £2,152 million due to the cash generated from operating activities by RAI in 2018, offsetting the reduction in dividends received from associates as this was predominantly RAI's dividend to the Group in 2017. The increase in inventory in 2018 was predominantly related to the timing of leaf purchases and inventory movements in Australia, Russia and Bangladesh. The lower decrease in trade and other payables, compared to the six months ended 30 June 2017, was driven by a reduction in excise payable which is impacted by the timing of inventory movements in the supply chain. 2017 was also impacted by the final quarterly payments in relation to the Quebec Class Action.

Expenditure on research and development was approximately £112 million in the six months ended June 2018 (30 June 2017: £77 million) with a focus on products that could potentially reduce the risk associated with smoking conventional cigarettes.

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was largely in line with prior year at £285 million (30 June 2017: £297 million) and includes the purchase of treasury instruments in certain markets. 2017 included a number of acquisitions including Winnington Holdings AB in Sweden and certain assets from Must Have Limited in the UK, including the electronic cigarette brand ViP.

Included within investing activities is gross capital expenditure which includes purchases of property, plant and equipment and purchases of intangibles. This includes the investment in the Group's global operational infrastructure (including, but not limited to, the manufacturing network, trade marketing and IT systems). In the six months ended June 2018, the Group invested £241 million, an increase of 14.8% on the prior year (30 June 2017: £210 million).

 

 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

Cash flow cont…                                                                                                                                   

Net cash used in financing activities

Net cash used in financing activities was £4,493 million in the period ended 30 June 2018 (30 June 2017: £1,511 million). This was due to the reductions and repayment of borrowings, partly offset by proceeds from increases in and new borrowings, as the Group:

·     repaid a €0.4 billion bond (in March 2018) and three bonds totalling US$2.5 billion (in June 2018) at maturity;

·     repaid the £0.6 billion, that was drawn under the revolving credit facility, and £1.2 billion of commercial paper that were both outstanding at 31 December 2017; and

·     issued and repaid commercial paper with a net amount of £2.6 billion outstanding at 30 June 2018.

The Group also paid the two quarterly interim dividends in February (43.6p per share) and May (48.8p per share) to shareholders.

LIQUIDITY

The Treasury function is responsible for raising finance for the Group, managing the Group's cash resources and the financial risks arising from underlying operations. All these activities are carried out under defined policies, procedures and limits.

The Group has targeted an average centrally managed bond maturity of at least five years with no more than 20% of centrally managed debt maturing in a single rolling year. As at 30 June 2018, the average centrally managed debt maturity of bonds was 9.2 years (30 June 2017: 8.5 years; 31 December 2017: 9.2 years) and the highest proportion of centrally managed debt maturing in a single rolling 12-month period was 14.0% (30 June 2017: 19.7%; 31 December 2017: 13.2%).

The Group continues to maintain investment-grade credit ratings, with ratings from Moody's/S&P at Baa2 (stable outlook)/BBB+ (stable outlook) respectively. The strength of the ratings has underpinned debt issuance and the Group is confident of its ability to successfully access the debt capital markets. All contractual borrowing covenants have been met and none are expected to inhibit the Group's operations or funding plans.

It is Group policy that short-term sources of funds (including drawing under both the US$4 billion and £3 billion euro commercial paper programmes) are backed by undrawn committed lines of credit and cash.

In July 2018, the Group exercised a one-year extension option for the £3 billion 364-day revolving credit facility, extending the final maturity to 2019. The Group also has access to a £3 billion revolving credit facility with a maturity date in 2021. These facilities were undrawn at 30 June 2018.

BORROWINGS

The maturity profile of borrowings, which were higher due to the acquisition of RAI, is as follows:

 

6 months to

 

Year to 

 

30.6.18 

 

30.6.17 

 

31.12.17 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

£m 

Due within one year:

5,287 

 

5,822 

 

5,423 

Due beyond one year:

43,225 

 

15,085 

 

44,027 

Total borrowings

48,512 

 

20,907 

 

49,450 

 

 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND VALUATION PROCESSES

The Group held certain financial instruments at fair value at 30 June 2018. The definitions and valuation techniques employed for these as at 30 June 2018 are consistent with those used at 31 December 2017 and disclosed in Note 23 on pages 161 to 164 of the 2017 Annual Report and Form 20-F:

-     Level 1 financial instruments are traded in an active market and fair value is based on quoted prices at the period end.

-     Level 2 financial instruments are not traded in an active market, but the fair values are based on quoted market prices, broker/dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. The Group's level 2 financial instruments include OTC derivatives.

-     The fair values of level 3 financial instruments have been determined using a valuation technique where at least one input (which could have a significant effect on the instrument's valuation) is not based on observable market data. The Group's level 3 financial instruments primarily consist of interest free loans and an equity investment in an unquoted entity which is valued using the discounted cash flows of estimated future dividends.

While the carrying values of assets and liabilities at fair value have changed since 31 December 2017, the Group does not consider the movements in value to be significant, and the categorisation of these assets and liabilities in accordance with the disclosure requirements of IFRS 7 has not materially changed. In accordance with the adoption of IFRS 9, as shown on page 38, the Group has reclassified £146 million from trade and other receivables to investments held at fair value. The values of level 1 assets and level 3 assets are not material to the Group and were £88 million and £150 million respectively at 30 June 2018 (30 June 2017: £26 million and £44 million respectively and 31 December 2017: £91 million and £16 million respectively). 

Level 2 assets and liabilities are shown below.

 

30.6.2018

30.6.2017

31.12.2017

 

Level 2

£m

Level 2

£m

Level 2
£m

Assets at fair value

 

 

 

Derivatives relating to

 

 

 

- interest rate swaps

141

209

166

- cross-currency swaps

436

528

450

- forward foreign currency contracts

155

151

202

Assets at fair value

732

888

818

Liabilities at fair value

 

 

 

Derivatives relating to

 

 

 

- interest rate swaps

82

212

91

- cross-currency swaps

16

132

-

- forward foreign currency contracts

198

209

143

Liabilities at fair value

296

553

234

 

Borrowings are carried at amortised cost. The fair value of borrowings is estimated to be £47,527 million (30 June 2017: £21,718 million and 31 December 2017: £50,449 million). The value of other assets/liabilities held at amortised cost are not materially different from their fair values. 

 

 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no material changes in related parties or related party transactions. The Group's related party transactions and relationships for 2017 were disclosed on page 170 of the Annual Report and Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2017.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share were 3.4% lower at 117.7p (2017: 121.8p) as the increase in the Group's operating performance was more than offset by the translational foreign exchange headwind, increased financing charges and withholding tax charge in Russia. Adjusted diluted earnings per share grew by 2.1% to 137.2p (2017: 134.4p) as the Group's improved operating performance before adjusting items was partially offset by the higher interest charges, reduced profit from associates and joint ventures and the transactional foreign exchange headwind.

 

6 months to

 

Year to

 

30.6.18

 

30.6.17

 

31.12.17

 

 

 

Revised

 

Revised

 

pence

 

pence

 

pence

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

- basic

117.7

 

121.8

 

1,833.9

- diluted

117.4

 

121.4

 

1,827.6

Adjusted earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

- basic

137.5

 

134.9

 

283.1

- diluted

137.2

 

134.4

 

282.1

Headline earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

- basic

117.2

 

126.4

 

699.8

- diluted

116.7

 

126.0

 

697.3

 

Basic earnings per share are based on the profit for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period (excluding treasury shares). For the calculation of the diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of shares reflects the potential dilutive effect of employee share schemes.

 

 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

Earnings Per Share cont…

 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share are calculated by taking the following adjustments into account (see pages 29 to 31): 

 

 

6 months to

 

Year to

 

 

30.6.18 

 

30.6.17 

 

31.12.17 

 

 

 

Revised

 

Revised

 

pence 

 

pence 

 

pence 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

117.4 

 

121.4 

 

1,827.6 

Effect of restructuring and integration costs

3.9 

 

5.1 

 

22.8 

Effect of amortisation of trademarks and similar intangibles

6.6 

 

6.4 

 

14.3 

Effect of other adjusting items

6.5 

 

- 

 

17.1 

Effect of associates' adjusting items

(1.7)

 

(1.2)

 

(1,131.0)

Effect of adjusting items in net finance costs

1.5 

 

2.7 

 

7.5 

Effect of adjusting items in respect of deferred taxation

3.0 

 

- 

 

(476.2)

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

137.2 

 

134.4 

 

282.1 

 

The presentation of headline earnings per share, as an alternative measure of earnings per share, is mandated under the JSE Listing Requirements.  It is calculated in accordance with Circular 4/2018 'Headline Earnings' as issued by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Diluted headline earnings per share are calculated by taking the following adjustments into account: 

 

 

6 months to

 

Year to 

 

30.6.18 

 

30.6.17 

 

31.12.17 

 

 

 

Revised

 

Revised

 

pence 

 

pence 

 

pence 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

117.4 

 

121.4 

 

1,827.6 

Effect of impairment of intangibles and property, plant and equipment and held-for-sale assets

1.1 

 

3.2 

 

6.9 

Effect of gains on disposal of property, plant and equipment and held-for-sale assets

(0.2)

 

(0.4)

 

(1.7)

Effect of share of associates' gain on disposal of asset held-for-sale, and effect of issue of shares and change in shareholding in associate

(1.2)

 

1.8 

 

(1.4)

Gain on deemed disposal of an associate (RAI)

- 

 

- 

 

(1,135.4)

Other

(0.4) 

 

- 

 

1.3 

Diluted headline earnings per share

116.7 

 

126.0 

 

697.3 

 

 

 

 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

Earnings Per Share cont…

 

The following is a reconciliation of earnings to headline earnings, in accordance with the JSE Listing Requirements:

 

 

6 months to

 

Year to 

 

30.6.18 

 

30.6.17 

 

31.12.17 

 

 

 

Revised

 

Revised

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings

2,690 

 

2,261 

 

37,485 

Effect of impairment of intangibles and property, plant and equipment and held-for-sale assets

29 

 

59 

 

144 

Effect of gains on disposal of property, plant and equipment and held-for-sale assets

(5)

 

(8)

 

(35)

Effect of share of associates' gain on disposal of asset held-for-sale, and effect of issue of shares and change in shareholding in associate

(27)

 

34 

 

(29)

Gain on deemed disposal of an associate (RAI)

- 

 

- 

 

(23,288)

Other

(10)

 

- 

 

27 

Headline earnings

2,677 

 

2,346 

 

14,304

 

The earnings per share are based on:

 

 

30.6.18

 

30.6.17

 

31.12.17

 

Earnings

 

Shares

 

Earnings

 

Shares

 

Earnings

 

Shares

 

 

 

 

 

Revised

 

 

 

Revised

 

 

 

£m

 

m

 

£m

 

m

 

£m

 

m

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- basic

2,690

 

2,285

 

2,261

 

1,858

 

37,485

 

2,044

- diluted

2,690

 

2,291

 

2,261

 

1,863

 

37,485

 

2,051

Adjusted earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- basic

3,143

 

2,285

 

2,505

 

1,858

 

5,786

 

2,044

- diluted

3,143

 

2,291

 

2,505

 

1,863

 

5,786

 

2,051

Headline earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- basic

2,677

 

2,285

 

2,346

 

1,858

 

14,304

 

2,044

- diluted

2,677

 

2,291

 

2,346

 

1,863

 

14,304

 

2,051

 

 

 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

IMPLEMENTATION OF IFRS 15 and IFRS 9

 

 

31 December 2017

 

Impact of IFRS 9

 

01 Jan 2018

 

Reported

Adoption of IFRS 15

Revised

 

Financial assets reclass

Expected loss impairment

 

Revised for IFRS 9

 

£m 

£m 

£m 

 

£m 

£m 

 

£m 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets

317 

16 

333 

 

 

340 

Trade and other receivables

756 

756 

 

(2)

 

754 

Investments held at fair value

42 

42 

 

 

44 

Other

125,957 

125,957 

 

 

125,957 

Total non-current assets

127,072 

16 

127,088 

 

 

127,095 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other receivables

4,053 

4,053 

 

(144)

(45)

 

3,864 

Investments held at fair value

65 

65 

 

144 

 

209 

Other

9,848 

9,848 

 

 

9,848 

Total current assets

13,966 

13,966 

 

(45)

 

13,921 

Total assets

141,038 

16 

141,054 

 

(38)

 

141,016 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital and reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share capital

614 

614 

 

 

614 

Share premium, capital redemption and merger reserves

26,602 

26,602 

 

 

26,602 

Other reserves

(3,395)

(3,392)

 

(9)

 

(3,401)

Retained earnings

36,983 

(48)

36,935 

 

(38)

 

36,906 

Owners of the parent

60,804 

(45)

60,759 

 

(38)

 

60,721 

Non-controlling interests

222 

222 

 

 

222 

Total equity

61,026 

(45)

60,981 

 

(38)

 

60,943 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

64,468 

64,468 

 

 

64,468 

Total non-current liabilities

64,468 

64,468 

 

 

64,468 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

8,847 

61 

8,908 

 

 

8,908 

Other

6,697 

6,697 

 

 

6,697 

Total current liabilities

15,544 

61 

15,605 

 

 

15,605 

Total equity and liabilities

141,038 

16 

141,054 

 

(38)

 

141,016 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS

The Group has contingent liabilities in respect of litigation, taxes and guarantees in various countries, as described in Note 28 to the 2017 Annual Report and Accounts and Form 20-F, pages 172 to 188. The Group is subject to contingencies pursuant to requirements that it complies with relevant laws, regulations and standards. Failure to comply could result in restrictions in operations, damages, fines, increased tax, increased cost of compliance, interest charges, reputational damage or other sanctions. These matters are inherently difficult to quantify.

In cases where the Group has an obligation as a result of a past event existing at the balance sheet date, it is probable that an outflow of economic resources will be required to settle the obligation and the amount of the obligation can be reliably estimated, a provision will be recognised based on best estimates and management judgement. There are, however, contingent liabilities in respect of litigation, taxes in some countries and guarantees for which no provisions have been made. While the amounts that may be payable or receivable could be material to the results or cash flows of the Group in the period in which they are recognised, the Board does not expect these amounts to have a material effect on the Group's financial condition.

Taxes

The Group has exposures in respect of the payment or recovery of a number of taxes. The Group is and has been subject to a number of tax audits covering, among others, excise tax, value-added taxes, sales taxes, corporate taxes, withholding taxes and payroll taxes. The estimated costs of known tax obligations have been provided in these accounts in accordance with the Group's accounting policies. In some countries, tax law requires that full or part payment of disputed tax assessments be made pending resolution of the dispute. To the extent that such payments exceed the estimated obligation, they would not be recognised as an expense.

There are disputes that may proceed to litigation in a number of countries including Brazil, South Africa and the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, the Dutch tax authority has issued further assessments related to a number of intra-group transactions and reorganisations. The assessments issued to date primarily covers the years between 2008 to 2014 in the sum of €978 million (£865 million) including tax, interest and penalties. The Group has appealed against the assessments in full.

In Bangladesh, on 25 July 2018, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in Bangladesh reversed the decision of the High Court against BAT Bangladesh in respect of the retrospective demands for VAT and Supplementary Duty amounting to approximately £170 million. The Attorney General has 30 days from receipt of the certified Court Order in which to seek a review of this decision.

The Group is also appealing the ruling in respect of sales taxes and penalties in South Korea.

Group litigation

Group companies, as well as other leading cigarette manufacturers, are defendants in a number of product liability cases. In a number of the cases, the amounts of compensatory and punitive damages sought are significant.

While it is impossible to be certain of the outcome of any particular case or of the amount of any possible adverse verdict, the Group believes that the defences of the Group's companies to all these various claims are meritorious on both the law and the facts, and a vigorous defence is being made everywhere. If an adverse judgment is entered against any of the Group's companies in any case, an appeal will be made. Such appeals could require the appellants to post appeal bonds or substitute security in amounts that could in some cases equal or exceed the amount of the judgment. At least in the aggregate, and despite the quality of defences available to the Group, it is not impossible that the Group's results of operations or cash flows in a particular period could be materially affected by this and by the final outcome of any particular litigation.

 

 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

Contingent liabilities and financial commitments cont…

In Canada, following the implementation of legislation enabling provincial governments to recover healthcare costs directly from tobacco manufacturers, ten actions for recovery of healthcare costs arising from the treatment of smoking and health-related diseases have been brought and are proceeding in ten provinces. Damages sought have not yet been quantified by all ten provinces; however, in respect of five provinces, the damages quantified in each of the provinces range between CAD$10 billion and CAD$118 billion. Legislation in two of the three territories has received the Royal Assent but is not yet in force. On 15 June 2018, the province of Ontario delivered an expert report quantifying its damages in the range of CAD$280 billion and CAD$630 billion in 2016/2017 dollars for the period 1954 - 2060. The province is seeking to amend its Statement of Claim to claim damages of CAD$330 billion from CAD$50 billion.

In respect of the two class actions against the Group's subsidiary Imperial Tobacco Canada ("ITCAN") in Quebec, in 2015 the Quebec Court of Appeal upheld the Order for Security, of which ITCAN's share is CAD $758 million, which has been paid in full to the Court escrow account as required by the judgment. ITCAN continues to retain strong legal grounds to appeal the original judgment. No charge against profit has been made with regards to the deposit, as ITCAN continues to assess that the deposits are fully recoverable upon a successful appeal of the original judgment.

As at 30 June 2018 the Group's subsidiary, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company ("RJRT"), had been served in 2,427 pending Engle progeny cases filed on behalf of approximately 3,072 individual plaintiffs. Many of these are in active discovery or nearing trial. Since 1 January 2016 through to 30 June 2018, RJRT or Lorillard Tobacco Company has paid judgments in 20 Engle progeny cases and have cumulatively paid US$116.6 million in compensatory or punitive damages and US$56.9 million for attorneys' fees and statutory interest, for a total of US$173.5 million in these cases. In addition, since 1 January 2016 through to 30 June 2018, outstanding jury verdicts in favour of the Engle progeny plaintiffs had been entered against RJRT or Lorillard Tobacco Company for US$137.2 million in compensatory damages (as adjusted) and US$176.3 million in punitive damages. A significant majority of these verdicts are in various stages in the appellate process and have been bonded as required by Florida law under the US$200 million bond cap passed by the Florida legislature in 2009. Although the Group cannot currently predict when or how much it may be required to bond and pay, RJRT will likely be required to bond and pay additional judgments as the litigation proceeds.

Criminal investigations

As previously reported by the Group, it has been investigating, through external legal advisors, allegations of misconduct and has been liaising with the UK's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and other relevant authorities. It was announced in August 2017 that the SFO had opened an investigation in relation to the Company, its subsidiaries and associated persons. The Group is cooperating with the SFO's investigation. The outcomes of these matters will be decided by the relevant authorities or, if necessary, the courts. It is too early to predict the outcomes, but these could include the prosecution of individuals and/or of a Group company or companies. Accordingly, the potential for fines, penalties or other consequences cannot currently be assessed. As the investigation is ongoing, it is not yet possible to identify the timescale in which these matters might be resolved.

Summary

Having regard to all these matters, with the exception of Fox River, the Group does not consider it appropriate to make any provision or charge in respect of any pending litigation. The Group does not believe that the ultimate outcome of this litigation will significantly impair the Group's financial condition. If the facts and circumstances change, then there could be a material impact on the financial statements of the Group.

Full details of the litigation against Group companies and tax disputes as at 31 December 2018 will be included in the Annual Report and Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2018. Whilst there has been some movement on new and existing cases against Group companies, there have been, except as otherwise stated, no material developments to date in 2018 that would impact on the financial position of the Group.
 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

FRANKED INVESTMENT INCOME GROUP LITIGATION ORDER

The Group is the principal test claimant in an action in the United Kingdom against HM Revenue and Customs ("HMRC") in the FII GLO. There are 25 corporate groups in the FII GLO. The case concerns the treatment for UK corporate tax purposes of profits earned overseas and distributed to the UK. Full details are provided in the 2017 Annual Report and Accounts and Form 20-F, note 6(b), page 127. The Supreme Court judgment in the CFC & Dividend Group Litigation Order, of which Prudential is the test case, was delivered on 25 July 2018. It is possible that certain matters arising in the Prudential judgment, which are common to both Group Litigation Orders, will have an impact on the Group's FII claim. 

Due to the uncertainty of the amounts and eventual outcome the Group has not recognised any impact in the Income Statement in the current or prior period in respect of the receipt which, net of the deduction by HMRC, is held as deferred income.  Any future recognition as income will be treated as an adjusting item, due to the size of the order, with interest of £12 million for the six months to 30 June 2018 (30 June 2017: £12 million, 31 December 2017: £25 million) accruing on the balance, which was also treated as an adjusting item.

 

 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following consolidating financial information is required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and is provided in anticipation of the exchange offer required by the registration rights agreement entered into in connection with the bond offering related to the acquisition of RAI.

Note: In respect of the United States region, all financial statements and financial information provided by or with respect to the US business or RAI (and/or the RAI Group) are prepared on the basis of US GAAP and constitute the primary financial statements or financial information of the US business or RAI (and/or the RAI Group). Solely, for the purpose of consolidation within the results of BAT p.l.c. and the BAT Group, this financial information is then converted to International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the IASB and adopted by the European Union (IFRS). To the extent any such financial information provided in these financial statements relate to the US business or RAI (and/or the RAI Group), it is provided as an explanation of the US business' or RAI's (and/or the RAI Group's) primary US GAAP based financial statements and information.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING INCOME STATEMENT

Period ended 30 June 2018

BAT p.l.c.

BATCAP

BATIF, BATNF, BATHTN and RAI

All other companies

 

BAT Group

 

Parent guarantor

Issuer

Subsidiary guarantors

Non-guarantor subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Revenue

11,636 

11,636 

Raw materials and consumables used

(2,355)

(2,355)

Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress

76 

76 

Employee benefit costs

(5)

(3)

(1,406)

5

(1,409)

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs

(437)

(437)

Other operating income

11 

21 

32 

Other operating expenses

(11)

(1)

(6)

(3,098)

11 

(3,105)

(Loss)/Profit from operations

(16)

(1)

2 

4,437 

16 

4,438 

Net finance income/(costs)

36 

223 

(163)

(243)

(554)

(701)

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

232 

232 

Profit before taxation

20 

222 

(161)

4,426 

(538)

3,969 

Taxation on ordinary activities

(76)

44 

(1,161)

(1,193)

Equity income from subsidiaries

2,776 

1,625 

- 

(4,401)

Profit for the period

2,796 

146 

1,508 

3,265 

(4,939)

2,776 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owners of the parent

2,796 

146 

1,508 

3,179 

(4,939)

2,690 

Non-controlling interests

86 

86 

 

2,796 

146 

1,508 

3,265 

(4,939)

2,776 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period ended 30 June 2017 (revised)

BAT p.l.c.

BATCAP

BATIF, BATNF, BATHTN and RAI

All other companies

 

BAT Group

 

Parent guarantor

Issuer

Subsidiary guarantors

Non-guarantor subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Revenue

7,418 

7,418 

Raw materials and consumables used

(1,881)

(1,881)

Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress

(59)

(59)

Employee benefit costs

(8)

(2)

(1,142)

(1,144)

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs

(346)

(346)

Other operating income

55 

55 

Other operating expenses

(3)

(1,469)

(1,469)

(Loss)/Profit from operations

(11)

(2)

2,576 

11 

2,574 

Net finance income/(costs)

(31)

(22)

(74)

(96)

(102)

(325)

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

778 

778 

Profit before taxation

(42)

(22)

(76)

3,258 

(91)

3,027 

Taxation on ordinary activities

(691)

(680)

Equity income from subsidiaries

2,347 

(2,347)

Profit for the period

2,305 

(14)

(73)

2,567 

(2,438)

2,347 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owners of the parent

2,305 

(14)

(73)

2,481 

(2,438)

2,261 

Non-controlling interests

86 

86 

 

2,305 

(14)

(73)

2,567 

(2,438)

2,347 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

Period ended 30 June 2018

BAT p.l.c.

BATCAP

BATIF, BATNF, BATHTN and RAI

All other companies

 

BAT Group

 

Parent guarantor

Issuer

Subsidiary guarantors

Non-guarantor subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Profit for the period

2,796 

146 

1,508 

3,265 

(4,939)

2,776 

Other comprehensive income/(expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss

19 

10 

949 

978 

Differences on exchange

1,288 

1,288 

Cash flow hedges

19 

10 

(14)

15 

Investments held at fair value

12 

12 

Net investment hedges

(328)

(328)

Tax on items that may be reclassified

(9)

(9)

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

287 

287 

Retirement benefit schemes

343 

343 

Tax on items that will not be reclassified

(56)

(56)

Total other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax

19 

10 

1,236 

1,265 

Share of subsidiaries OCI (other reserves)

287 

(287)

Share of subsidiaries OCI (retained earnings)

978 

(978)

Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the period, net of tax

4,061 

165 

1,518 

4,501 

(6,204)

4,041 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owners of the parent

4,061 

165 

1,518 

4,412 

(6,204)

3,952 

Non-controlling interests

89 

89 

 

4,061 

165 

1,518 

4,501 

(6,204)

4,041 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period ended 30 June 2017 (revised)

BAT p.l.c.

BATCAP

BATIF, BATNF, BATHTN and RAI

All other companies

 

BAT Group

 

Parent guarantor

Issuer

Subsidiary guarantors

Non-guarantor subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Profit for the period

2,305 

(14)

(73)

2,567 

(2,438)

2,347 

Other comprehensive income/(expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss

108 

(644)

(536)

Differences on exchange

(609)

(609)

Cash flow hedges

(63)

(103)

(166)

Investments held at fair value

Net investment hedges

171 

10 

181 

Tax on items that may be reclassified

53 

53 

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

115 

115 

Retirement benefit schemes

154 

154 

Tax on items that will not be reclassified

(39)

(39)

Total other comprehensive income/(expense) for the period, net of tax

108 

(529)

(421)

Share of subsidiaries OCI (other reserves)

115 

(115)

Share of subsidiaries OCI (retained earnings)

(536)

536 

Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the period, net of tax

1,884 

(14)

35 

2,038 

(2,017)

1,926 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owners of the parent

1,884 

(14)

35 

1,965 

(2,017)

1,853 

Non-controlling interests

73 

73 

 

1,884 

(14)

35 

2,038 

(2,017)

1,926 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

 

As at 30 June 2018

BAT p.l.c.

BATCAP

BATIF, BATNF, BATHTN and RAI

All other companies

 

BAT Group

 

Parent guarantor

Issuer

Subsidiary guarantors

Non-guarantor subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets

120,006 

120,006 

Property, plant and equipment

4,848 

4,849 

Investments in subsidiaries

31,511 

35,190 

(66,701)

Investments in associates and joint ventures

1,775 

1,775 

Retirement benefit assets

27 

1,173 

1,200 

Deferred tax assets

43 

380 

423 

Trade and other receivables

15,152 

21,896 

(37,194)

868 

722 

Investments held at fair value

50 

50 

Derivative financial instruments

34 

564 

(16)

(43)

539 

Total non-current assets

31,511 

15,229 

57,678 

91,022 

(65,876)

129,564 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

6,339 

6,339 

Income tax receivable

527 

(478)

49 

Trade and other receivables

5,129 

808 

21,849 

(15,474)

(8,273)

4,039 

Investments held at fair value

188 

188 

Derivative financial instruments

345 

(147)

(10)

193 

Cash and cash equivalents

182 

1,943 

(5)

2,125 

 

5,134 

813 

22,903

(7,629)

(8,288)

12,933 

Assets classified as held-for-sale

Total current assets

5,134 

813 

22,903 

(7,625)

(8,288)

12,937 

Total assets

36,645 

16,042 

80,581 

83,397 

(74,164)

142,501 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital and reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share capital

614 

14,163 

614 

(14,777)

614 

Share premium, capital redemption and merger reserves

22,853 

258 

3,401 

34,927 

(34,834)

26,605 

Other reserves

376 

(105)

(820)

(2,426)

549 

(2,426)

Retained earnings

8,008 

94 

9,520 

37,608 

(17,622)

37,608 

Owners of the parent

31,851 

247 

26,264 

70,723 

(66,684)

62,401 

Non-controlling interests

218 

218 

Total equity

31,851 

247 

26,264 

70,941 

(66,684)

62,619 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings

1,571 

15,095 

27,051 

(1,437)

945 

43,225 

Retirement benefit liabilities

42 

1,447 

1,489 

Deferred tax liabilities

26 

17,586 

17,612 

Provisions

347 

(1)

347 

Trade and other payables

99 

960 

(8)

1,059 

Derivative financial instruments

140 

(6)

(43)

100 

Total non-current liabilities

1,580 

15,104 

27,358 

18,897 

893 

63,832 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings

2,060 

584 

23,536 

(12,596)

(8,297)

5,287 

Income tax payable

79 

660 

739 

Provisions

330 

330 

Trade and other payables

1,154 

24 

3,144 

5,243 

(67)

9,498 

Derivative financial instruments

279 

(78)

(9)

196 

Total current liabilities

3,214 

691 

26,959 

(8,373)

16,050 

Total equity and liabilities

36,645 

16,042 

80,581 

83,397 

(74,164)

142,501 

 

 

 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET cont…

 

As at 30 June 2017 (revised)

BAT p.l.c.

BATCAP

BATIF, BATNF, BATHTN and RAI

All other companies

 

BAT Group

 

Parent guarantor

Issuer

Subsidiary guarantors

Non-guarantor subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets

12,177 

12,177 

Property, plant and equipment

3,636 

3,636 

Investments in subsidiaries

6,172 

4,365 

(10,537)

Investments in associates and joint ventures

9,438 

9,438 

Retirement benefit assets

69 

546 

615 

Deferred tax assets

45 

423 

468 

Trade and other receivables

8,989 

(11,229)

2,998 

758 

Investments held at fair value

44 

44 

Derivative financial instruments

489 

87 

576 

Total non-current assets

6,172 

45 

13,912 

15,122 

(7,539)

27,712 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

5,177 

5,177 

Income tax receivable

71 

71 

Trade and other receivables

4,860 

13 

30,339 

(22,331)

(9,048)

3,833 

Investments held at fair value

26 

26 

Derivative financial instruments

435 

(124)

312 

Cash and cash equivalents

130 

1,889 

(5)

2,019 

 

4,865 

13 

30,904 

(15,167)

(9,177)

11,438 

Assets classified as held-for-sale

36 

36 

Total current assets

4,865 

13 

30,904 

(15,131)

(9,177)

11,474 

Total assets

11,037 

58 

44,816 

(9)

(16,716)

39,186 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital and reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share capital

507 

322 

507 

(829)

507 

Share premium, capital redemption and merger reserves

182 

3,401 

1,595 

(1,251)

3,933 

Other reserves

204 

(78)

(677)

(111)

551 

(111)

Retained earnings

6,478 

(15)

2,551 

3,388 

(9,014)

3,388 

Owners of the parent

7,371 

(87)

5,597 

5,379 

(10,543)

7,717 

Non-controlling interests

192 

192 

Total equity

7,371 

(87)

5,597 

5,571 

(10,543)

7,909 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings

1,571

17 

14,984 

(2,439)

952 

15,085 

Retirement benefit liabilities

827 

827 

Deferred tax liabilities

17 

642 

659 

Provisions

395 

395 

Trade and other payables

4 

1,032 

(8)

1,036 

Derivative financial instruments

95 

(16)

79 

Total non-current liabilities

1,579 

17 

15,100 

441 

944 

18,081 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings

2,058 

23,675 

(12,926)

(6,985)

5,822 

Income tax payable

- 

622 

622 

Provisions

329 

330 

Trade and other payables

29 

15 

5,908 

(8)

5,948 

Derivative financial instruments

124 

428 

46 

(124)

474 

Total current liabilities

2,087 

128 

24,119 

(7,117)

13,196 

Total equity and liabilities

11,037 

58 

44,816 

(9)

(16,716)

39,186 

 

 

 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET cont…

 

As at 31 December 2017 (revised)

BAT p.l.c.

BATCAP

BATIF, BATNF, BATHTN and RAI

All other companies

 

BAT Group

 

Parent guarantor

Issuer

Subsidiary guarantors

Non-guarantor subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets

117,785 

117,785 

Property, plant and equipment

4,880 

4,882 

Investments in subsidiaries

58,255 

33,570 

- 

(91,825)

- 

Investments in associates and joint ventures

1,577 

1,577 

Retirement benefit assets

52 

1,071 

1,123 

Deferred tax assets

49 

16 

268 

333 

Trade and other receivables

14,787 

13,193 

(27,699)

475 

756 

Investments held at fair value

42 

42 

Derivative financial instruments

68 

594 

(4)

(68)

590 

Total non-current assets

58,255 

14,904 

47,427 

97,920 

(91,418)

127,088 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

5,864 

5,864 

Income tax receivable

339 

121 

460 

Trade and other receivables

7,365 

56 

31,382 

(25,490)

(9,260)

4,053 

Investments held at fair value

- 

- 

65 

65 

Derivative financial instruments

- 

339 

(111)

- 

228 

Cash and cash equivalents

122 

752 

2,417 

(5)

3,291 

 

7,370 

178

32,812 

(17,134)

(9,265)

13,961 

Assets classified as held-for-sale

5 

5 

Total current assets

7,370 

178 

32,812 

(17,129)

(9,265)

13,966 

Total assets

65,625 

15,082 

80,239 

80,791 

(100,683)

141,054 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital and reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share capital

614 

-

13,831 

614 

(14,445)

614 

Share premium, capital redemption and merger reserves

22,850 

258 

3,401 

32,005 

(31,912)

26,602 

Other reserves

770 

(129)

(809)

(3,392)

168 

(3,392)

Retained earnings

36,635 

(52)

8,941 

36,935 

(45,524)

36,935 

Owners of the parent

60,869 

77 

25,364 

66,162 

(91,713)

60,759 

Non-controlling interests

222 

222 

Total equity

60,869 

77 

25,364 

66,384 

(91,713)

60,981 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings

1,571 

14,783 

28,085 

(1,364)

952 

44,027 

Retirement benefit liabilities

42 

1,779 

- 

1,821 

Deferred tax liabilities

51 

17,078 

- 

17,129 

Provisions

- 

354 

- 

354 

Trade and other payables

8 

106 

952 

(8)

1,058 

Derivative financial instruments

- 

158 

(11)

(68)

79 

Total non-current liabilities

1,579 

14,783 

28,442 

18,788 

876 

64,468 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings

2,058 

160 

24,300 

(11,408)

(9,687)

5,423 

Income tax payable

- 

2 

7 

711 

- 

720 

Provisions

- 

- 

1 

398 

- 

399 

Trade and other payables

1,119 

54 

1,839 

6,049 

(153)

8,908 

Derivative financial instruments

- 

6 

286

(131)

(6)

155 

Total current liabilities

3,177 

222 

26,433 

(9,846)

15,605 

Total equity and liabilities

65,625 

15,082 

80,239 

80,791 

(100,683)

141,054 

 

 

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING CASH FLOW STATEMENT

 

Period ended 30 June 2018

BAT p.l.c.

BATCAP

BATIF, BATNF, BATHTN and RAI

All other companies

 

BAT Group

 

Parent guarantor

Issuer

Subsidiary guarantors

Non-guarantor subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash (used in)/generated from operating activities

(47)

(221)

299 

3,781 

46 

3,858 

Net cash generated/(used in) from investing activities

103 

572 

1,430 

(2,253)

(137)

(285)

Net cash (used in)/generated from financing activities

(56)

(471)

(2,276)

(1,909)

219 

(4,493)

Net cash flows (used in)/generated from operating, investing and financing activities

- 

(120)

(547)

(381)

128 

(920)

Differences on exchange

- 

(2)

22 

(168)

- 

(148)

(Decrease)/increase in net cash and cash equivalents in the period

- 

(122)

(525)

(549)

128 

(1,068)

Net cash and cash equivalents at 1 January*

5 

122 

559 

2,141 

(5)

2,822 

Net cash and cash equivalents at 30 June

5 

- 

34 

1,592 

123 

1,754 

 

Period ended 30 June 2017 (revised)

BAT p.l.c.

BATCAP

BATIF, BATNF, BATHTN and RAI

All other companies

 

BAT Group

 

Parent guarantor

Issuer

Subsidiary guarantors

Non-guarantor subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash (used in)/generated from operating activities

(22)

6 

75 

1,625 

22 

1,706 

Net cash generated/(used in) from investing activities

- 

- 

170 

(437)

(30)

(297)

Net cash generated/(used in) from financing activities

22 

(6)

(380)

(1,229)

82 

(1,511)

Net cash flows (used in)/generated from operating, investing and financing activities

- 

- 

(135)

(41)

74 

(102)

Differences on exchange

- 

- 

15 

(154)

- 

(139)

(Decrease)/increase in net cash and cash equivalents in the period

- 

- 

(120)

(195)

74 

(241)

Net cash and cash equivalents at 1 January*

5 

- 

(56)

1,707 

(5)

1,651 

Net cash and cash equivalents at 30 June

5 

- 

(176)

1,512 

69 

1,410 

 

* The opening balance of net cash and cash equivalents represents external cash held by the parent guarantor, issuer, subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor subsidiaries.

 

Other Information

DIVIDENDS

Declaration

On 22 February 2018, the Company announced that the Board had declared an interim dividend of 195.2p per ordinary share of 25p, payable in four equal quarterly instalments of 48.8p per ordinary share in May 2018, August 2018, November 2018 and February 2019.

The May 2018 dividend was paid to shareholders on the UK main register and South Africa branch register on 9 May 2018 and to holders of American Depositary Shares (ADSs) on 14 May 2018. The three remaining quarterly dividends will be paid to shareholders registered on either the UK main register or the South Africa branch register and to holders of ADSs, each on the applicable record dates set out under the heading 'Key Dates' below.

South Africa Branch Register

In accordance with the JSE Limited (JSE) Listing Requirements, the finalisation information relating to shareholders registered on the South Africa branch register (comprising the amount of the dividend in South African rand, the exchange rate and the associated conversion date) will be published on the dates stated below, together with South Africa dividends tax information.

The quarterly dividends are regarded as 'foreign dividends' for the purposes of the South Africa Dividends Tax. For the purposes of South Africa Dividends Tax reporting, the source of income for the payment of the quarterly dividends is the United Kingdom.

Holders of ADSs

For holders of ADSs listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the record dates and payment dates are also set out below. The equivalent quarterly dividends receivable by holders of ADSs in US dollars will be calculated based on the exchange rate on the applicable payment date. A fee of US$0.005 per ADS will be charged by Citibank, N.A. in its capacity as depositary bank for the British American Tobacco American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) programme in respect of each quarterly dividend payment.

General dividend information

The Group recognises interim dividends in the period that they are confirmed by the Directors. Therefore, the results, for the six-months ended 30 June 2018 reflect the first two quarterly dividends, of 48.8p per ordinary share as these were confirmed in March and June respectively.

 

 

For the six months ended June 2018

 

 

Pence per share 

 

US$ per ADS 

Quarterly payment 1 - paid in May 2018

 

48.8 

 

0.661142

Quarterly payment 2 - to be paid in August 2018

 

48.8 

 

*

 

 

97.6 

 

 

 

* On 22 February 2018, a preliminary dividend announcement was made to the NYSE and other market participants with an amount of US$0.679198 per ADS using the exchange rate on that date. The final ADS amount will be announced on 8 August 2018, using the rate of exchange on that date.

 

Key Dates

In compliance with the requirements of the London Stock Exchange (LSE), the NYSE and Strate, the electronic settlement and custody system used by the JSE, the following salient dates for the remaining quarterly dividend payments are applicable. All dates are 2018, unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Other Information

Dividends cont…

 

Event

Payment No.2

Payment No.3

Payment No.4

Preliminary Announcement (included declaration data required for JSE purposes)

22 February 2018

Publication of finalisation information (JSE)

19 June*

25 September

13 December

No removal requests permitted between the UK main register and the South Africa branch register

19 June to 29 June (inclusive)

25 September to 5 October (inclusive)

13 December to 28 December (inclusive)

Last Day to Trade (LDT) cum dividend (JSE)

26 June

2 October

21 December

Shares commence trading ex-dividend (JSE)

27 June

3 October

24 December

No transfers permitted between the UK main register and the South Africa branch register

27 June to 29 June (inclusive)

3 October to 5 October (inclusive)

24 December to 28 December (inclusive)

No shares may be dematerialised or rematerialised on the South Africa branch register

27 June to 29 June (inclusive)

3 October to 5 October (inclusive)

24 December to 28 December (inclusive)

Shares commence trading ex-dividend
(LSE and NYSE)

28 June

4 October

27 December

Record date
(JSE, LSE and NYSE)

29 June

5 October

28 December

Last date for receipt of Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) elections (LSE)

18 July

25 October

17 January 2019

Payment date (LSE and JSE)

8 August

15 November

7 February 2019

ADS payment date (NYSE)

13 August

20 November

12 February 2019

*JSE finalisation information published on 19 June 2018 can be found on the British American Tobacco website www.bat.com.

 

 

Other Information

NON-GAAP MEASURES

To supplement the presentation of the Group's results of operations and financial condition in accordance with IFRS, the Group also presents several non-GAAP measures used by management to monitor the Group's performance. The Group's management regularly reviews the measures used to assess and present the financial performance of the Group and, as relevant, its geographic segments. Please refer to the 2017 Annual Report on Form 20-F for a full description of each measure, pages 218 to 222.

The principal non-GAAP measures which the Group uses are adjusted revenue, adjusted profit from operations, adjusted diluted earnings per share, operating cash flow conversion ratio and adjusted cash generated from operations which are before the impact of adjusting items and are reconciled from revenue, profit from operations, diluted earnings per share, cash conversion ratio and net cash generated from operating activities. Adjusting items, as identified in accordance with the Group's accounting policies, represent certain items of income and expense which the Group considers distinctive based on their size, nature or incidence. These include significant items in revenue, profit from operations, net finance costs, taxation and the Group's share of the post-tax results of associates and joint ventures which individually or, if of a similar type, in aggregate, are relevant to an understanding of the Group's underlying financial performance. The adjusting items are used to calculate the non-GAAP measures of adjusted revenue, adjusted profit from operations, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net finance costs, adjusted taxation, adjusted share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures, underlying tax rate and adjusted diluted earnings per share. Although the Group does not believe that these measures are a substitute for IFRS measures, the Group does believe such results excluding the impact of adjusting items provide additional useful information to investors regarding the underlying performance of the business on a comparable basis.

The Group also includes measures of volume, revenue and profit from operations on a "representative basis" to ensure a full understanding of the underlying performance of the Group, including the impact of acquisitions undertaken in 2017 from 1 January 2017. Although the Group does not believe that these measures are a substitute for IFRS measures, the Group does believe such results including the impact of acquisitions as though the acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of 2017 provide additional useful information to investors regarding the underlying performance of the business on a comparable basis.

The Management Board, as the chief operating decision maker, reviews a number of our IFRS and non-GAAP measures for the Group and its geographic segments at constant rates of exchange. This allows comparison of the Group's results, had they been translated at the previous year's average rates of exchange. The Group does not adjust for the normal transactional gains and losses in operations that are generated by exchange movements. Although the Group does not believe that these measures are a substitute for IFRS measures, the Group does believe that such results excluding the impact of currency fluctuations year-on-year provide additional useful information to investors regarding the operating performance on a local currency basis.

The Group also supplements its presentation of cash flows in accordance with IFRS by presenting the non-GAAP measures of adjusted cash generated from operations and operating cash flow conversion ratio. The Group's management believes these measures, which are used internally, are useful to the users of the financial statements in helping them understand the underlying business performance and can provide insights into the cash flow available to, among other things, reduce debt and pay dividends. Adjusted cash generated from operations and operating cash flow conversion ratio have limitations as an analytical tool. They are not presentations made in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to net cash generated from operating activities determined in accordance with IFRS. Adjusted cash generated from operations and operating cash flow conversion ratio are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, readers should not consider these measures in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, the Group's results of operations or cash flows as determined in accordance with IFRS.

 

 

Other Information

Non-GAAP measures cont…

The Group also presents net debt, a non-GAAP measure, on page 14. The Group uses net debt to assess its financial capacity. The Management Board believes that this additional measure, which is used internally, is useful to the users of the financial statements in helping them to see how business financing has changed over the year. Net debt has limitations as an analytical tool. It is not a presentation made in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to borrowings or total liabilities determined in accordance with IFRS. Net debt is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, this measure should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, the Group's measures of financial position or liquidity as determined in accordance with IFRS.

Due to the secondary listing of the ordinary shares of British American Tobacco p.l.c. on the main board of the JSE Limited (JSE) in South Africa, the Group is required to present headline earnings per share and diluted headline earnings per share, as alternative measures of earnings per share, calculated in accordance with Circular 4/2018 'Headline Earnings' issued by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.  These are shown on page 35. 

The Group also presents underlying tax rate, a non-GAAP measure, on page 12 and page 53. The Group uses underlying tax rate to assess the tax rate applicable to the Group's underlying operations, excluding the Group's share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures in BAT's pre-tax results and adjusting items. The Management Board believes that this additional measure, which is used internally, is useful to the users of the financial statements because it excludes the contribution from the Group's associates, recognised after tax but within the Group's pre-tax profits, and adjusting items, thereby enhancing users' understanding of underlying business performance. Underlying tax rate has limitations as an analytical tool. It is not a presentation made in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to the Group's effective tax rate as determined in accordance with IFRS. Underlying tax rate is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, this measure should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, the Group's underlying tax rate as determined in accordance with IFRS.

Adjusted Revenue

Definition: Revenue before the impact of adjusting items

 

 

6 months to

 

30.6.18 

 

30.6.17 

 

 

 

Revised

 

£m 

 

£m 

Revenue

11,636 

 

7,418 

Less: Excise on goods bought-in on short-term arrangements

(103)

 

(69)

Adjusted revenue

11,533 

 

7,349 

Impact of foreign exchange

1,020 

 

Adjusted revenue re-translated at 2017 exchange rates

12,553 

 

7,349 

Impact of acquisitions

- 

 

4,968 

Adjusted revenue on a representative basis, at constant exchange rates

12,553 

 

12,317 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Information

Non-GAAP measures cont…

Adjusted profit from operations

Definition: Profit from operations before the impact of adjusting items

 

6 months to

 

30.6.18 

 

30.6.17 

 

 

 

Revised 

 

£m 

 

£m 

Profit from operations

4,438 

 

2,574 

Restructuring and integration costs

99 

 

133 

Amortisation of trademarks and similar intangibles

189 

 

134 

Other

92 

 

- 

Adjusted profit from operations

4,818 

 

2,841 

Impact of foreign exchange

398 

 

- 

Adjusted profit from operations re-translated at constant exchange rates

5,216 

 

2,841 

Impact of acquisitions

- 

 

2,251 

Adjusted profit from operations on a representative basis, at constant exchange rates

5,216 

 

5,092 

 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share, at constant rates of exchange

Definition: diluted earnings per share before the impact of adjusting items, presented in the prior year's rate of exchange

 

6 months to

 

30.6.18 

 

30.6.17 

 

 

 

Revised 

 

pence 

 

pence 

Diluted earnings per share

117.4 

 

121.4 

Effect of restructuring and integration costs

3.9 

 

5.1 

Effect of amortisation of trademarks and similar intangibles

6.6 

 

6.4 

Effect of other adjusting items

6.5 

 

- 

Effect of associates' adjusting items

(1.7)

 

(1.2)

Effect of adjusting items in net finance costs

1.5 

 

2.7 

Effect of adjusting items in respect of deferred taxation

3.0

 

- 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

137.2 

 

134.4 

Impact of foreign exchange

11.2 

 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share, at constant exchange rates

148.4 

 

134.4 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Information

Non-GAAP measures cont…

Underlying tax rate

Definition: Tax rate incurred before the impact of adjusting items and to adjust for the inclusion of the Group's share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures within the Group's pre-tax results

 

6 months to

 

30.6.18 

 

30.6.17 

 

 

 

Revised 

 

£m 

 

£m 

Profit before taxation

3,969 

 

3,027 

Less: Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

(232)

 

(778)

Adjusting items within profit from operations

380 

 

267 

Adjusting items within finance costs

35 

 

49 

Adjusted profit before taxation, excluding associates and joint ventures

4,152 

 

2,565 

 

 

 

 

Taxation on ordinary activities

1,193 

 

680 

Adjusting items within taxation

(146)

 

- 

Taxation on adjusting items

71 

 

48 

Adjusted taxation

1,118 

 

728 

Underlying tax rate

26.9%

 

28.4%

 

 

 

 

 

Operating cash flow conversion ratio

Definition: net cash generated from operating activities before the impact of adjusting items, trading loans to third parties, pension short fall funding, taxes paid and after net capital expenditure and dividends from associates, as a proportion of adjusted profit from operations

 

6 months to

 

30.6.18 

 

30.6.17 

 

 

 

 

Revised 

 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

Net cash generated from operating activities

3,858 

 

1,706 

 

Cash related to adjusting items

229 

 

352 

 

Dividends from associates

(1)

 

(465)

 

Tax paid

813 

 

547 

 

Net capital expenditure

(231)

 

(187)

 

Pension short fall funding

72 

 

40 

 

Trading loans to third parties

(83)

 

- 

 

Other

2 

 

(4)

 

Operating cash flow

4,659 

 

1,989 

 

Adjusted profit from operations

4,818 

 

2,841 

 

Operating cash flow conversion ratio

96.7%

 

70.0%

 

 

 

 

 

Other Information

US$ EXCHANGE RATE

The following table sets forth the high and low noon buying rates of each month of the last six months, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, for the pound sterling expressed in US dollars per pound sterling.

 

High

 

Low

 

 

 

 

January 2018

1.4264

 

1.3513

February 2018

1.4247

 

1.3794

March 2018

1.4236

 

1.3755

April 2018

1.4332

 

1.3751

May 2018

1.3611

 

1.3258

June 2018

1.3429

 

1.3095

The following table sets forth for each interim period the average of the noon buying rates on the last business day of each month the period, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, for the pound sterling expressed in US dollars per pound sterling for each of the five most recent fiscal interim periods.

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

Six-month period ended 30 June 2014

 

 

1.6771

Six-month period ended 30 June 2015

 

 

1.5276

Six-month period ended 30 June 2016

 

 

1.4148

Six-month period ended 30 June 2017

 

 

1.2731

Six-month period ended 30 June 2018

 

 

1.3708

On 23 July 2018, the latest practicable date prior to the publication of this Half-Year Report, the noon buying rate was £1.00 = US$1.3105.

The rates presented above may differ from the actual rates used in preparation of financial information appearing in this Half-Year report. The presentation of such rates is not meant to suggest that the US dollar amounts actually represent the pound sterling amounts or that such amounts could have been converted to US dollars at any particular date.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

British American Tobacco is one of the world's leading consumer products businesses, with brands sold in more than 200 markets. We have strategic combustible and THP brands - Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans, Newport (in the US), Camel (in the US) and Natural American Spirit (in the US) - and over 200 brands in our portfolio, including a growing portfolio of other potentially reduced risk products. We hold robust market positions in each of our regions and have leadership positions in more than 55 markets.

References in this document to information on websites, including the web address of BAT, have been included as inactive textual references only. These websites and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into or to form part of this report.

 

 

Other Information

PUBLICATION OF HALF-YEAR REPORT

This Half-Year Report is released or otherwise made available or notified to the London Stock Exchange, the JSE Limited and the New York Stock Exchange and filed in accordance with applicable regulations.  It may be viewed and downloaded from our website www.bat.com.

Copies of the announcement may also be obtained during normal business hours from: (1) the Company's registered office; (2) the Company's representative office in South Africa; (3) British American Tobacco Publications; and (4) Citibank Shareholder Services. Contact details are set out below.

ANNUAL REPORT: Statutory Accounts

The information for the year ended 31 December 2017 does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in s434 of the Companies Act 2006. A copy of the statutory accounts for that year 2017 has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on the 2017 accounts was unmodified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain statements under s498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

 

OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS

The Group reports volumes as additional information. This is done with cigarette sticks as the basis, with usage levels applied to other tobacco products to calculate the equivalent number of cigarette units.

The usage rates that are applied:

 

Equivalent to one cigarette

 

 

Roll-your-own (RYO)

0.8 grams

Make-your-own (MYO)

 

      -        Expanded tobacco

0.5 grams

      -        Optimised tobacco

0.7 grams

Cigars

1 cigar

Oral

 

      -        Pouches

1 pouch

      -        Loose

2.8 grams

 

 

 

Roll-your-own (RYO)

Loose tobacco designed for hand rolling, normally a finer cut with higher moisture, compared to cigarette tobacco.

Make-your-own (MYO)

MYO expanded tobacco; also known as volume tobacco.

Loose cigarette tobacco with enhanced filling properties - to allow higher yields of cigarettes/kg - designed for use with cigarette tubes and filled via a tobacco tubing machine.

MYO non-expanded tobacco; also known as optimised tobacco.

Loose cigarette tobacco designed for use with cigarette tubes and filled via a tobacco tubing machine.

 

 

 

Other Information

Forward looking statements

This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements, including "forward-looking" statements made within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as "believe," "anticipate," "could," "may," "would," "should," "intend," "plan," "potential," "predict," "will," "expect," "estimate," "project," "positioned," "strategy," "outlook", "target" and similar expressions. These include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, amongst other things, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the economic and business circumstances occurring from time to time in the countries and markets in which the Group operates.

 

All such forward-looking statements involve estimates and assumptions that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual future financial condition, performance and results to differ materially from the plans, goals, expectations and results expressed in the forward-looking statements and other financial and/or statistical data within this announcement. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements are uncertainties related to the following: the impact of competition from illicit trade; the impact of adverse domestic or international legislation and regulation; changes in domestic or international tax laws and rates; adverse litigation and dispute outcomes and the effect of such outcomes on the Group's financial condition; changes or differences in domestic or international economic or political conditions; adverse decisions by domestic or international regulatory bodies; the impact of market size reduction and consumer down-trading; translational and transactional foreign exchange rate exposure; the impact of serious injury, illness or death in the workplace; the ability to maintain credit ratings and to fund the business under the current capital structure; the inability to lead the development and roll-out of BAT innovations (NGP and Combustible); and changes in the market position, businesses, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Group.

 

It is believed that the expectations reflected in this announcement are reasonable but they may be affected by a wide range of variables that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. Past performance is no guide to future performance and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. The forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information available at the date of preparation of this announcement and the Group undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

 

No statement in this communication is intended to be a profit forecast and no statement in this communication should be interpreted to mean that earnings per share of BAT for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings per share of BAT.

 

Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 15 March 2018 and Current Reports on Form 6-K, which may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's website, http://www.sec.gov, and the Company's Annual Reports, which may be obtained free of charge from the British American Tobacco website www.bat.com.

 

 

Paul McCrory

Secretary

25 July 2018

 

 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

FINANCIAL CALENDAR

 

Wednesday 12 December 2018

 

Pre-close Trading Update

Thursday 28 February 2019

 

Preliminary Statement 2018

 

PROPOSED DATES FOR QUARTERLY DIVIDEND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2018

 

Event

Payment No. 1

Payment No. 2

Payment No. 3

Payment No. 4

Last day to trade (JSE)

18 March 2019

25 June 2019

1 October 2019

20 December 2019

Ex-dividend date (JSE)

19 March 2019

26 June 2019

2 October 2019

23 December 2019

Ex-dividend date (LSE)

21 March 2019

27 June 2019

3 October 2019

24 December 2019

Ex-dividend date (NYSE)

21 March 2019

27 June 2019

3 October 2019

26 December 2019

Record date
(JSE, LSE and NYSE)

22 March 2019

28 June 2019

4 October 2019

27 December 2019

Payment date

(LSE and JSE)

8 May 2019

8 August 2019

14 November 2019

6 February 2020

ADS payment date (NYSE)

13 May 2019

13 August 2019

19 November 2019

11 February 2020

 

Notes:

 

(1) A complete timetable for the quarterly dividend payments for the year ending 31 December 2018 and the declared amount will be included in the Preliminary Results Announcement in February 2019.

 

(2) The dates set out above may be subject to any changes to public holidays arising and changes or revisions to the LSE, JSE and NYSE timetables. Any confirmed changes to the dates will be announced.

 

 

 

CORPORATE INFORMATION

 

Premium listing

London Stock Exchange (Share Code: BATS; ISIN: GB0002875804)

Computershare Investor Services PLC

The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol BS99 6ZZ, UK

tel: 0800 408 0094; +44 370 889 3159

Share dealing tel: 0370 703 0084 (UK only)

Your account: www.computershare.com/uk/investor/bri

Share dealing: www.computershare.com/dealing/uk

Web-based enquiries: www.investorcentre.co.uk/contactus

 

Secondary listing

JSE (Share Code: BTI)

Shares are traded in electronic form only and transactions settled electronically through Strate.

Computershare Investor Services Proprietary Limited

PO Box 61051, Marshalltown 2107, South Africa

tel: 0861 100 634; +27 11 870 8216

email enquiries: web.queries@computershare.co.za

 

American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)

NYSE (Symbol: BTI; CUSIP Number: 110448107)

BAT's shares are listed on the NYSE in the form of American Depositary Shares (ADSs) and these are evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), each one of which represents one ordinary share of British American Tobacco p.l.c.  Citibank, N.A. is the depositary bank for the sponsored ADR programme.

Citibank Shareholder Services

PO Box 43077, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3077, USA

tel: 1-888-985-2055 (toll-free) or +1 781 575 4555

email enquiries: citibank@shareholders-online.com

website: www.citi.com/dr

 

Publications

British American Tobacco Publications

Unit 80, London Industrial Park, Roding Road, London E6 6LS, UK

tel: +44 20 7511 7797; facsimile: +44 20 7540 4326

e-mail enquiries: bat@team365.co.uk or

The Company's Representative office in South Africa using the contact details shown below.

 

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Registered office

Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London, WC2R 2PG, UK

tel: +44 20 7845 1000

 

British American Tobacco p.l.c. is a public limited company which is listed on the London Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange and the JSE Limited in South Africa. British American Tobacco p.l.c. is incorporated in England and Wales (No. 3407696) and domiciled in the UK.

 

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Representative office in South Africa

Waterway House South

No 3 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 8000

South Africa

(PO Box 631, Cape Town 8000, South Africa)

tel: +27 21 003 6576

DEFINITIONS and GLOSSARY

 

The following is a summary of the key definitions and terms used within this interim report:

 

Term

Definition

AMSSA

Americas (excluding US) and Sub-Saharan Africa. The key markets are:

Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa

APME

Asia Pacific and Middle East.  The key markets are:

Australia, Bangladesh, GCC, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam

ENA

Europe and North Africa. The Key Markets are:

Algeria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Egypt, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Morocco, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, Ukraine

NGP

Next Generation Products, comprising vapour and THP categories

Oral

Moist Snuff (Granit, Mocca, Grizzly, Kodiak) and other snus products (including Camel Snus, Epok)

PRRP

Potentially Reduced Risk Products - NGP and Oral categories

Representative

Results communications in 2018 include presentation of results (volume, revenue and profit from operations) against 2017, as though the Group had owned the acquisitions made in 2017 for the whole of that year. Comparison of results on this basis are termed "on a representative basis" and provide users of the communications with a comparison representative of the position as if the Group had owned the acquisitions throughout 2017 and 2018. For these comparison purposes, the Group has previously issued the 2017 results on such a basis for both the six months ended 30 June 2017 and the full year ended 31 December 2017. See appendix I for a reconciliation from the most directly comparable IFRS measure

Revised

Prior period results are revised to take account of changes to IFRS, including the impact of IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers), effective 1 January 2018 with retrospective application

US

United States of America

Strategic cigarette and THP brands

Includes Kent, Dunhill, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans, Newport (US), Natural American Spirit (US), Camel (US), glo

Strategic Portfolio

Includes Kent, Dunhill, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans, Newport (US), Natural American Spirit (US), Camel (US), Vype, Vuse, glo, Chic, Ten Motives, ViP, Epok, Granit, Mocca, Grizzly, Camel Snus, Kodiak

THP

Tobacco heating products, which include glo

Vapour

Rechargeable, battery-powered devices that heat liquid formulations - e-liquids - to create a vapour which is inhaled. Vapour products include Vype, Vuse, Chic and Ten Motives

 

 

Company

 

BAT p.l.c.

British American Tobacco p.l.c. - parent company

BATCAP

B.A.T Capital Corporation - issuer

BATIF

B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c. - guarantor

BATNF

B.A.T. Netherlands Finance B.V.  - guarantor

BATHTN

British American Tobacco Holdings (The Netherlands) B.V. - guarantor

RAI

Reynolds American Inc. - guarantor

 

 

APPENDICES

The following appendices reflect the 2017 results of the Group, after revision for IFRS 15 (effective 1 January 2018 with retrospective application), the new regional structure (effective 1 January 2018) and to provide the users of these results with a comparable (representative) base, inclusive of the results of acquisitions for the full comparable period, upon which to assess the Group's results in 2018.

The use of the term representative basis is not deemed to be the same as proforma as it excludes adjusting items including, where relevant, certain impacts from the purchase price allocation process.

These appendices also provide the 2017 comparator data for the new performance measure "Revenue from the Strategic Portfolio".

APPENDIX I

REVENUE FROM OUR STRATEGIC PORTFOLIO - unaudited

SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED 30 JUNE 2017 - including revision for IFRS 15

 

 

 

IFRS

 

Adjusting items

 

Adjusted

 

Acquisitions

 

Adj Repres

 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

£m 

Combustible Tobacco

 

3,476

 

- 

 

3,476

 

4,045

 

7,521

Potentially Reduced Risk:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vapour

 

46

 

- 

 

46

 

79

 

125

THP

 

35

 

 

35

 

 

35

Total NGP

 

81

 

 

81

 

79

 

160

Total Potentially Reduced Risk

 

93

 

- 

 

93

 

492

 

585

Total Revenue from the Strategic portfolio

 

3,569

 

 

3,569

 

4,537

 

8,106

Other brands / business

 

3,849

 

(69)

 

3,780

 

431

 

4,211

Total Revenue

 

7,418

 

(69)

 

7,349

 

4,968

 

12,317

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017 FULL YEAR - including revision for IFRS 15

 

 

IFRS

 

Adjusting items

 

Adjusted

 

Acquisitions

 

Adj Repres

 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

£m 

 

£m 

Combustible Tobacco

 

10,842 

 

- 

 

10,842 

 

4,553 

 

15,395 

Potentially Reduced Risk:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vapour

 

168 

 

- 

 

168 

 

90 

 

258 

THP

 

202 

 

 

202 

 

 

203 

Total NGP

 

370 

 

 

370 

 

91 

 

461 

Oral

 

402 

 

 

402 

 

453 

 

855 

Total Potentially Reduced Risk

 

772 

 

- 

 

772 

 

544 

 

1,316 

Total Revenue from the Strategic portfolio

 

11,614 

 

 

11,614 

 

5,097 

 

16,711 

Other brands / business

 

7,950 

 

(258)

 

7,692 

 

480 

 

8,172 

Total Revenue

 

19,564 

 

(258)

 

19,306 

 

5,577 

 

24,883 

Note - The term "Adj repres" refers to Adjusted results on a representative basis.
 

APPENDIX II

SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED 30 JUNE 2017 - VOLUME - unaudited

 

 

 

Reported

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions

 

Repres

 

 

Bn sticks

 

 

 

 

 

Bn sticks

 

Bn Sticks

Cigarettes

 

314

 

 

 

 

 

42

 

356

Key Strategic Brands

 

155

 

 

 

 

 

38

 

193

Other

 

159

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

163

THP

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

-

Cigarettes and THP

 

314

 

 

 

 

 

42

 

356

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

US

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

41

 

41

APME

 

112

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

112

AMSSA

 

82

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

82

ENA

 

120

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

121

 

 

314

 

 

 

 

 

42

 

356

 

SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED 30 JUNE 2017 revised for IFRS 15, on regional structure (effective 1 Jan 2018) and including acquisitions for comparison purposes - unaudited

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 IFRS 

 Adj items 

 Adjusted 

 Acquisitions 

Adj repres 

 

 

 

 £m 

 £m 

 £m 

 £m 

 £m 

 

 

US

4,943 

4,943 

 

 

APME

2,489 

2,489 

(7)

2,482 

 

 

AMSSA

2,149 

2,149 

(6)

2,143 

 

 

ENA

2,780 

(69)

2,711 

38 

2,749 

 

 

 

7,418 

(69)

7,349 

4,968 

12,317 

 

 

Profit from operations

 

 

 

 

 

 IFRS

 Adj items

 Adjusted

 Acquisitions

Adj repres

 

 

 

 £m

 £m

 £m

 £m

 £m

 

 

US

2,173 

2,173 

 

 

APME

1,016 

45 

1,061 

27 

1,088 

 

 

AMSSA

806 

54 

860 

23 

883 

 

 

ENA

752 

168 

920 

28 

948 

 

 

 

2,574 

267 

2,841 

2,251 

5,092 

 

 

Operating Margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 IFRS

 

 Adjusted

 

Adj repres

 

 

US

 

 

44.0%

 

 

APME

40.8%

 

42.6%

 

43.8%

 

 

AMSSA

37.5%

 

40.0%

 

41.2%

 

 

ENA

27.1%

 

33.9%

 

34.5%

 

 

 

34.7%

 

38.7%

 

41.3%

 

 

                       

Note - The term "Adj repres" refers to Adjusted results on a representative basis.
 

APPENDIX III

2017 FULL YEAR Volume (Cigarettes and THP) - unaudited

 

 

Reported

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions

 

Repres

 

 

Bn sticks

 

 

 

 

 

Bn sticks

 

Bn Sticks

Cigarettes

 

684

 

 

 

 

 

48

 

732

Key Strategic Brands

 

380

 

 

 

 

 

43

 

423

Other

 

304

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

309

THP

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

2

Cigarettes and THP

 

686

 

 

 

 

 

48

 

734

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

US

 

36

 

 

 

 

 

46

 

82

APME

 

226

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

226

AMSSA

 

166

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

166

ENA

 

258

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

260

 

 

686

 

 

 

 

 

48

 

734

 

2017 FULL YEAR revised for IFRS 15, on regional structure (effective 1 Jan 2018) and including acquisitions for comparison purposes - unaudited

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 IFRS

 Adj items

 Adjusted

 Acquisitions

Adj repres

 

 

 

 £m 

 £m 

 £m 

 £m 

 £m 

 

 

US

4,160 

4,160 

5,531 

9,691 

 

 

APME

4,973 

4,973 

(4)

4,969 

 

 

AMSSA

4,323 

4,323 

(3)

4,320 

 

 

ENA

6,108 

(258)

5,850 

53 

5,903 

 

 

 

19,564 

(258)

19,306 

5,577 

24,883 

 

 

Profit from operations

 

 

 

 

 

 IFRS

 Adj items

 Adjusted

 Acquisitions

Adj repres

 

 

 

 £m 

 £m 

 £m 

 £m 

 £m 

 

 

US

1,165 

763 

1,928 

2,502 

4,430 

 

 

APME

1,902 

147 

2,049 

25 

2,074 

 

 

AMSSA

1,648 

134 

1,782 

22 

1,804 

 

 

ENA

1,697 

473 

2,170 

29 

2,199 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,412 

1,517 

7,929 

2,578 

10,507 

 

 

Operating Margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 IFRS

 

 Adjusted

 

Adj repres

 

 

US

28.0%

 

46.3%

 

45.7%

 

 

APME

38.2%

 

41.2%

 

41.7%

 

 

AMSSA

38.1%

 

41.2%

 

41.8%

 

 

ENA

27.8%

 

37.1%

 

37.3%

 

 

 

32.8%

 

41.1%

 

42.2%

 

 

                       

Note - The term "Adj repres" refers to Adjusted results on a representative basis.


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