Interim Results

C&C Group Plc 11 October 2004 Strictly Embargoed until 7.00 am on Monday 11th October 2004 C&C Group plc 11 October, 2004 FIRST HALF RESULTS FOR SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 AUGUST, 2004 Dublin, London, 11 October, 2004: C&C Group plc ('C&C' or the 'Group'), the leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded beverages and snacks in Ireland, today announced first half results for the six months ended 31 August, 2004. Financial & Operating Highlights Financial Highlights • Turnover growth of 6%(i) • Operating Profit growth of 6%(i) • Earnings growth of 27%(ii) • Adjusted EPS of 14.6 cent • Interim dividend of 5.5 cent per share • Free cash flow of €52.3 million (71% of EBITDA) Operating Highlights • Volume for the Group's principal brand, Bulmers, grew by 4% • Volume for the Group's International spirit & liqueur brands grew by 17% • Completed the roll out of Magners distribution in Scotland • Marketing investment in the period was increased by 21%(i) (i) Comparisons are for continuing operations and are based on figures excluding exceptionals and amortisation and are on a constant 2004 currency basis. (ii) Excluding exceptional items and amortisation. Investors and analysts Irish Media International Media Mark Kenny or Jonathan Neilan Paddy Hughes or Mark Cahalane Edward Orlebar K Capital Source Drury Communications Finsbury Group Tel: +353-1- 631 5500 Tel: +353 1 260 5000 Tel: +44 20 7251 3801 Email :c&cgroup@kcapitalsource.com Email: phughes@drurycom.com Email: edward.orlebar@finsbury.com Or: mcahalane@drurycom.com First half results for six months ended 31 August, 2004 C&C is reporting operating profit of €64.2 million and adjusted Earnings Per Share of 14.6 cent for the six months ended 31 August 2004, increases of 6%(i) and 27% respectively. The company generated free cash flow of €52.3m in the period. Maurice Pratt, Group Chief Executive Officer, commented "The trading environment, for the period in review, was characterised by a number of adverse factors including, unseasonal summer weather, a mixed tourist season and the introduction of the Irish smoking ban. Against this background C&C's results demonstrate its defensive growth characteristics and resilience and its cash flow generation capability." Dividends and Dividend Policy Reflecting the Group's strong and sustainable cash flow generation capability and, consistent with the commitments given by the Board, the Group will pay an interim dividend for the period of 5.5 cent per share. The interim dividend will be paid on 3 November, 2004 to shareholders on the Group's register at the close of business on 22 October, 2004. It is proposed to introduce a scrip dividend option from July 2005 when the final dividend is payable. C&C proposes to maintain a progressive dividend policy. Outlook Tony O'Brien, Group Chairman, concluded "Our first reported results as a public, listed company represent a milestone in our history. C&C is pleased to report progress in line with expectations. Our objective is to continue to establish a track record of performance and, in time, to demonstrate the unique characteristics of the C&C Group. The favourable prevailing economic conditions in Ireland are expected to continue throughout the remainder of fiscal year 2005. While the impact of the smoking ban, over the winter months, is unpredictable, the Group believes that it is on track to deliver earnings in line with current market expectations." (i)Continuing operations at constant fx rates First Half Review C&C's objective is to deliver turnover, profit and cash flow growth by: - Leveraging proven brand management skills across a portfolio of leading beverage and snack products; - Exploiting niche and new market growth opportunities both in Ireland and internationally; and - Developing its extensive distribution channels and direct sales platforms; - Maintaining operating margins in mature categories. C&C's financial objectives include generating consistent, high levels of free cash flow and paying an attractive dividend. C&C will further enhance shareholder value by applying free cash flow to debt paydown. Bulmers, C&C's principal brand, outperformed the Irish long alcohol drinks (LAD) market in the first half and recorded solid volume growth. The Group's international cider brand, Magners reported strong volume growth in Northern Ireland and Scotland. The Group's principal export spirit & liqueur brands, Carolans and Tullamore Dew, have also shown strong growth in the period. The Carolans brand was successfully re-launched and initial distributor and consumer feedback is positive. Current Business Mix & New Product Development Reflecting C&C's market-led focus, the current product portfolio is positioned towards growth segments within the overall beverage industry. Our financial performance shows growth in both the Alcohol and International Spirits & Liqueurs divisions. The Group continues to adapt to and anticipate changes in consumer behaviour and consumption. The successful launch and introduction of the Tayto Honest range of healthier snacks and the Club Energise and Club Source range of drinks represent three such developments within the last year. The Group also extended the scope of its operations in the period by the full roll out of its export cider brand, Magners, in Scotland. Operating Review Group Operating Summary(i) 6 months to 6 months to 6 months to Growth 31 August 2004 31 August 2003 31 August 2003 Year-on-Year (Constant fx) (Constant fx) €m €m €m % Turnover 386.3 363.9 363.4 6.3 Operating Profit 64.2 62.9 60.5 6.1 Operating Margin % 16.6 17.3 16.6 Turnover, from continuing operations of €386.3 million, represents a 6.3% increase on 2003 levels. Operating profit increased 6.1% to € 64.2 million against € 60.5 million in 2003. Operating margin, at 16.6%, is unchanged year-on-year, not withstanding a 21%(ii) increase in marketing investment. The turnover increase reflects growth in both the Alcohol and International divisions, the Soft Drinks & Snacks division being broadly unchanged. The operating margin reflects increased margins in the International division offset by a decline in margins in the Soft Drinks & Snack division, with the Alcohol division unchanged. On a reported basis, turnover and operating profit, for continuing operations, increased 6.1% and 2.1% respectively resulting in a decline in operating margin of 0.7 percentage points. (i) Continuing operations - excludes the results of Barbero SpA which was disposed of in December 2003 from the 2003 comparatives (ii) Continuing operations at constant fx rates Divisional Analysis: Alcohol Alcohol Division 6 months to 6 months to 6 months to Growth 31 August 2004 31 August 2003 31 August 2003 Year-on-Year (Constant fx) (Constant fx) €m €m €m % Turnover 226.0 205.9 207.7 8.8 Operating Profit 39.5 36.2 36.3 8.8 Operating Margin % 17.5 17.6 17.5 Turnover for the Alcohol division of € 226.0 million, represents an 8.8% increase on 2003 levels. Operating profit increased 8.8% to € 39.5 million against € 36.3 million in 2003. Operating margin, at 17.5%, is unchanged year-on-year. The ban on smoking in licensed premises in the Republic of Ireland came into effect at the end of March, 2004. The ban contributed to the estimated overall decline of 2% in industry volumes in the LAD market in the 6 months to August 2004 with a more pronounced decline in the on-trade. Weather conditions were mixed over the first half period. Favourable weather, up to the end of June, reduced the impact of the smoking ban on the on-trade in that period. Weather in the months of July and August was poor and the decline in industry LAD volumes was more pronounced in that period. The full year impact of the ban is dependent on consumer behaviour over the winter period. Sales of the division's principal brand, Bulmers outperformed the LAD market and grew by 4% in the first half. The change in the timing of the annual price increase (delayed from March to June) resulted in an associated trade sell-in which positively impacted performance comparisons year-on-year. Excluding the positive impact of the trade sell-in, underlying growth in Bulmers is estimated at approximately 2% year-on-year. It is expected that the positive benefits of the trade sell-in will be partially reversed in the second half of the year. The Group's export cider brand, Magners, continues to achieve strong growth in volumes and has increased its share of the LAD market in Northern Ireland. Performance to date, in the full roll-out of Magners in Scotland, is ahead of expectations. Wine & Spirit distribution experienced difficult trading in the period due to weakness in the spirit market, the shift to lower price wines and increased competition in wine distribution. The Group added the agency for Coors Brewers brands in Northern Ireland to its Wholesaling business during the last year and it contributed a 1.5% increase in the division's turnover during the period. Divisional Analysis: International Spirits & Liqueurs International Division 6 months to 6 months to 6 months to Growth 31 August 2004 31 August 2003 31 August 2003 Year-on-Year (Constant fx) (Constant fx) €m €m €m % Turnover 28.8 28.4 25.2 14.3 Operating Profit 7.7 8.9 6.2 24.2 Operating Margin % 26.7 31.3 24.6 Turnover for the International Spirits & Liqueurs division of €28.8 million, represents a 14.3% increase on 2003 levels. Operating profit increased 24.2% to € 7.7 million against € 6.2 million in 2003. Operating margin, at 26.7%, increased by 2.1 percentage points year-on-year. The improved operating margin reflects the strength of shipments growth in both Carolans and Tullamore Dew and favourable market mix. The Group successfully re-launched Carolans Irish cream liqueur in June with new packaging and label design. These changes have been well received by distributors and reflect the Group's commitment to build international brands by focusing investment spend on brands with credible growth potential. Overall volume shipments increased 17% year-on-year. This growth however, reflects soft comparisons in 2003. Depletions growth is estimated at 6% principally from Tullamore Dew in Europe and Carolans in the USA. The negative currency impact of the stronger Euro amounted to €3.2 million and €2.7 million in turnover and operating profit respectively in the period. Divisional Analysis: Soft Drinks & Snacks Soft Drinks & Snacks 6 months to 6 months to 6 months to Growth 31 August 2004 31 August 2003 31 August 2003 Year-on-Year (Constant fx) (Constant fx) €m €m €m % Turnover 131.5 129.6 130.5 0.8 Operating Profit 17.0 17.8 18.0 (5.5) Operating Margin % 12.9 13.7 13.8 Turnover for the Soft Drinks & Snacks division of €131.5 million, represents a 0.8% increase on 2003 levels. Operating profit decreased 5.5% to € 17.0 million against € 18.0 million in 2003. Operating margin, at 12.9%, declined by 0.9 percentage points year-on-year. The beverage market declined slightly in the period reflecting in part the poor summer weather compared to last year - a decline in carbonated soft drinks was partially offset by growth in bottled water. The snack market showed modest growth in the period. The turnover increase in the period comprises a 0.8% volume decline and growth in net price yield of 1.6%. The volume decline reflected aggressive price competition in the water category, which offset the benefits of strong volume growth from recent product development and launches such as Club Energise, Club Source and Tayto Honest. The net price yield reflects the focus on profitable volume but also the negative mix impact of a significant decline in licensed trade soft drinks. Production costs in the period benefited from the outsourcing of snack production. However, operating margins declined as a result of significantly increased marketing investment behind company brands. Finance Review Foreign Exchange Exchange rate movements in the period adversely affected operating profit by €2.4 million. The loss arises mainly in the International Spirit and Liqueur division from transaction exposure to the US Dollar and Canadian Dollar (a loss of €2.7 million). Based on the average hedged rate for the current fiscal year (US$1.14 and Can$1.65) the adverse transaction impact for the full year will be €6.8 million. The translation exposure to Sterling (a gain of €0.3 million) arises from the restatement of the 2003 results from the actual Euro: Sterling exchange rate of 0.70 in 2003 to the actual 2004 rate of 0.67. Exceptional Items The total cost of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of the Group's shares on the Dublin and London Stock Exchanges, which took place in May 2004, were borne by the Group and amounted to €29 million (including €9.1 million relating to the refinancing of existing debt). €15.3 million of the total cost has been accounted for as share issue costs and has been charged against the share premium account. Interest costs Interest costs excluding exceptional items amounted to €12.4 million, which is €13.8 million lower than the corresponding period in 2003. The reduction is due to lower levels of debt following the sale of Italian subsidiary, Barbero 1891 SpA in December 2003 and lower interest rates resulting from a restructuring of debt which coincided with the IPO. Future interest rate exposure is partially hedged at the following base interest rates: Balance of current year is fully hedged at 2.29%; Fiscal year 2006 - €300 million hedged at 3.35%; fiscal year 2007 - €250 million hedged at 3.37%; and fiscal year 2008 - €200 million hedged at 3.46%. Taxation The taxation charge for the period is based on an anticipated effective rate of tax on profits, before exceptional items, of approximately 10% for the full financial year to 28 February, 2005. Dividend The Company will pay an interim dividend of 5.5 cent per share on 3 November, 2004. The dividend will be payable to shareholders on the Group's register at the close of business on 22 October, 2004. Cash Flow Cash flow reduced net debt in the period by €34.0 million. When exceptional costs are excluded, free cash flow for the period was €52.3 million. As at 31 August, 2004, approximately €5 million of IPO costs have yet to be paid. Balance Sheet Net debt at 31 August, 2004 amounted to €452.6 million. This represents an Enterprise Value gearing (net debt as a percentage of market capitalisation plus net debt) of 36%. Interest cover based on EBITDA was 5.9 times. Group profit and loss account 6 months ended 31 August 2004 6 months ended 31 August 2003 Notes Before Goodwill Total Before Goodwill and Total goodwill and and goodwill and exceptional exceptional exceptional exceptional items & items items items & discontinued discontinued operations operations €m €m €m €m €m €m Turnover - continuing operations 2 386.3 - 386.3 363.9 - 363.9 - discontinued - - - - 29.4 29.4 operations 386.3 - 386.3 363.9 29.4 393.3 Net operating expenses (322.1) - (322.1) (301.0) (23.0) (324.0) IPO related transaction costs 2 - (3.4) (3.4) - - - Amortisation of goodwill 2 - (14.9) (14.9) - (15.4) (15.4) Operating profit - continuing operations 64.2 (18.3) 45.9 62.9 (14.9) 48.0 - discontinued operations - - - - 5.9 5.9 2 64.2 (18.3) 45.9 62.9 (9.0) 53.9 Exceptional items Reorganisation costs - - - - (8.8) (8.8) Profit/(loss) on disposal of - - - - (3.7) (3.7) fixed assets Profit on ordinary activities 64.2 (18.3) 45.9 62.9 (21.5) 41.4 before interest Net finance charges (12.4) (9.1) (21.5) (26.2) - (26.2) Profit on ordinary activities 51.8 (27.4) 24.4 36.7 (21.5) 15.2 before tax Tax on profit on ordinary (4.9) 0.4 (4.5) (3.8) (1.8) (5.6) activities Profit earned for ordinary 46.9 (27.0) 19.9 32.9 (23.3) 9.6 shareholders Ordinary dividends - proposed (17.7) - (17.7) - - - interim Retained profit 29.2 (27.0) 2.2 32.9 (23.3) 9.6 Earnings per ordinary share cent cent cent - Basic and diluted earnings per 3 6.2 3.0 share - Adjusted earnings per share 3 14.6 11.5(i) (i) Includes discontinued operations Group balance sheet Notes 31 August 2004 31 August 2003 29 February 2004 €m €m €m Fixed assets Intangible assets 3.6 3.7 3.6 Goodwill 443.4 486.8 458.2 Tangible assets 141.8 159.7 144.1 588.8 650.2 605.9 Current assets Stocks 57.7 64.0 51.7 Debtors - due after one year - 0.8 - Debtors - due within one year 122.9 143.2 96.2 Cash at bank and in hand 43.7 72.0 78.8 224.3 280.0 226.7 Creditors (due within one year) (176.6) (222.0) (161.6) Net current assets 47.7 58.0 65.1 Total assets less current 636.5 708.2 671.0 liabilities Creditors (due after one year) (486.3) (664.8) (507.0) Provisions for liabilities and (3.6) (11.5) (25.7) charges Net assets 146.6 31.9 138.3 Capital and reserves Share capital 4 3.2 0.5 0.5 Share premium and merger 4 28.3 24.9 24.9 Profit and loss account 4 115.1 6.5 112.9 Shareholders' funds - equity 146.6 31.9 138.3 Group cash flow statement 6 months ended 6 months ended 31 August 2004 31 August 2003 €m €m Net cash flow from operating activities Group operating profit 45.9 53.9 Goodwill amortisation 14.9 15.4 Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 9.0 9.7 Provision movement in respect of IPO 2.3 - costs Reorganisation costs paid (2.4) (0.2) Fire insurance proceeds - 17.8 Increase in stocks (6.0) (2.0) Increase in debtors (32.0) (29.2) Increase in creditors 37.0 29.4 Exchange difference - 0.1 68.7 94.9 Returns on investments and servicing of finance Interest received 0.4 0.5 Interest paid and similar costs (17.9) (20.8) (17.5) (20.3) Taxation paid (2.0) (5.9) Capital expenditure and financial investment Purchase of tangible fixed assets (8.0) (3.1) Disposal of tangible fixed assets 6.0 0.1 (2.0) (3.0) Net cash flow before financing 47.2 65.7 Financing Issue of shares 0.3 - Expenses paid in respect of shares (13.5) - issued Net repayment of bank loans (69.1) (21.0) (82.3) (21.0) (Decrease)/increase in cash (35.1) 44.7 * Cash flow figures for six months ended 31 August 2003 include discontinued operations Group cash flow statement (Contd.) Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt 6 months ended 6 months ended 31 August 2004 31 August 2003 €m €m (Decrease)/increase in cash (35.1) 44.7 Net repayment of bank loans 69.1 21.0 Reduction in net debt resulting from 34.0 65.7 cashflow Roll-up of deferred interest - (3.8) Loan issue costs written off in period (5.5) (1.4) Opening net debt (481.1) (714.9) Closing net debt (452.6) (654.4) Notes to the interim accounts for the 6 months ended 31 August 2004 1. Basis of preparation The interim accounts, which are unaudited, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and with the relevant accounting standards. The accounting policies have been applied on a basis consistent with those applied in the directors report and consolidated financial statements for the year ended 29 February 2004. The taxation charge for the 6 month period is calculated by applying the directors' best estimate of the annual effective tax rate to the profit for the period after adjusting for exceptional items. The interim accounts were approved by the Board on 11 October 2004. 2. Segmental analysis The segmental analysis of turnover, operating profits are as follows: 6 months ended 31 August 2004 6 months ended 31 August 2003 Turnover Operating Turnover Operating Profits Profits €m €m €m €m Class of business analysis Alcohol 226.0 39.5 205.9 36.2 International Spirits & Liqueurs - continuing 28.8 7.7 28.4 8.9 - discontinued - - 29.4 6.4 28.8 7.7 57.8 15.3 Soft Drinks & Snacks 131.5 17.0 129.6 17.8 386.3 64.2 393.3 69.3 Goodwill amortisation - continuing - (14.9) - (14.9) operations Goodwill amortisation - discontinued - - - (0.5) operations Non allocated IPO transaction costs - (3.4) - - Total 386.3 45.9 393.3 53.9 Notes to the interim accounts for the 6 months ended 31 August 2004 (Contd.) 3. Earnings per ordinary share 6 months to 6 months to 31 August 2004 31 August 2003 €m €m Earnings as reported 19.9 9.6 Adjustments for exceptional items net of tax 12.1 12.0 Adjustments for goodwill 14.9 15.4 Earnings adjusted for exceptional items and goodwill 46.9 37.0 '000 '000 Number of shares at beginning of period (adjusted) 320,978 320,978 New shares issued on IPO less shares redeemed 153 - Number of shares at end of period (adjusted) 321,130 320,978 Weighted average number of ordinary shares 321,040 320,978 Basic and diluted earnings per share - cent 6.2 3.0 Adjusted earnings per share - cent 14.6 11.5 The opening number of issued ordinary shares have been adjusted to include free shares and bonus shares issued without any corresponding increase in resources. In calculating the weighted average number of shares these have been treated as if they were in issue for the entire current and prior periods. Diluted earnings per share are the same as basic earnings per share because of the uncertainty regarding the fulfilment of the performance criteria under the executive share option scheme. 4. Movement in Shareholders funds 6 months to 31 August 2004 Profit & Called up Share Total 6 months Loss share Premium shareholder ended account capital account funds 31 August 2003 €m €m €m €m €m Profit earned for the period 19.9 - - 19.9 9.6 Currency translation differences - - - - (0.1) Ordinary dividends (17.7) - - (17.7) - Cancellation of convertible shares - (0.2) - (0.2) - Bonus shares issued prior to IPO - 2.8 (2.8) - - Net shares issued less shares redeemed - - 0.3 0.3 - Shares issued to employees/employee - 0.1 21.2 21.3 - trusts Share issue costs incurred - - (15.3) (15.3) - Net movement 2.2 2.7 3.4 8.3 9.5 At beginning of period 112.9 0.5 24.9 138.3 22.4 At end of period 115.1 3.2 28.3 146.6 31.9 Notes to the interim accounts for the 6 months ended 31 August 2004 (Contd.) 5. Analysis of net debt Cash at bank Bank loans Bank loans Total net and in hand due within due after debt one year one year €m €m €m €m At beginning of period 78.8 (52.9) (507.0) (481.1) At end of period 43.7 (10.0) (486.3) (452.6) 6. Dividend The directors have proposed dividend of 5.5 cent per share on 321,130,403 ordinary shares amounting to €17.7m. This will be paid on 3rd November to shareholders on the Group's register at the close of business on 22 October 2004. Notes not forming part of the accounts 1. General Unless otherwise stated comparative information in this statement for turnover, marketing investment and operating profit are for continuing operations, at constant foreign exchange rates for translation of Sterling and for transaction exposures for International spirits & liqueurs. They are before exceptional item and goodwill amortisation. Free cash flow and EBITDA are defined as before exceptional items. Volume data is in litres for ciders and soft drinks, 9 litre cases for wines and spirits and liqueurs, and kilos for snacks. Volume for the Soft Drinks and Snacks division is weighted on the basis of turnover. Unit price movements quoted are based on turnover net of excise duty where applicable. The loss from transaction exposure is calculated by applying the actual rates in 6 months to 31 August, 2004 to the actual currency receipts in 6 months to 31 August, 2003. 2. Reconciliation of 6 months to August 2003 results Actual 6 Discontinued Fx Fx 6 months to months to Operations Translation Transaction Aug 2003 at August 2003 constant currency €m €m €m €m €m Turnover Alcohol 205.9 - 1.8 - 207.7 International 57.8 (29.4) - (3.2) 25.2 Soft Drinks & Snacks 129.6 - 0.9 - 130.5 Total 393.3 (29.4) 2.7 (3.2) 363.4 Operating Profit (before goodwill amortisation) Alcohol 36.2 - 0.1 - 36.3 International 15.3 (6.4) - (2.7) 6.2 Soft Drinks & Snacks 17.8 - 0.2 - 18.0 Total 69.3 (6.4) 0.3 (2.7) 60.5 "Fx translation" relates to restating 2003 Sterling denominated results at 2004 Euro: Sterling rate. "Fx transaction" relates to restating 2003 US Dollar and Canadian Dollar exposures at 2004 rate. "Discontinued operations" relate to the sale of Barbero 1891 SpA in December 2003. Notes not forming part of the accounts (Contd.) 3. Free Cash Flow 6 months ended 31 August 2004 €m Net cash flow before financing per the financial statements 47.2 Add back exceptional items IPO costs included in interest and similar costs 4.0 IPO costs included in operating cash flow 1.1 Free cash flow 52.3 4. Special note regarding forward-looking information Some statement in this Interim Report contain forward-looking statements. They represent our expectations for our business, and involve risks and uncertainties. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. We believe that our expectations and assumptions with respect to these forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, because these forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which are in some cases beyond our control, our actual results or performance may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Shareholder Information Financial Calendar Event Date Interim results for 6 months ended 31 August, 2004 11 October, 2004 Ex-Dividend Date 20 October, 2004 Record date for Interim Dividend 22 October, 2004 Interim Dividend Payment Date 3 November, 2004 Preliminary results for year ended 28 February 2005 10 May 2005 Annual General Meeting * 8 July 2005 *Date is indicative only and is subject to change Registrars Capita Corporate Registrars plc, Unit 5, Manor Street Business Park, Manor Street, Dublin 7. T: +353 1 810 2400 F: +353 1 810 2422 E: enquiries@capitacorporateregistrars.ie Investor Relations Mark Kenny, K Capital Source, 8 Raglan Road, Dublin 4. T: +353 1 631 5500 F: +353 1 631 5899 E: c&cgroup@kcapitalsource.com Company Secretary & Registered Office Noreen O'Kelly, C&C Group plc., Kylemore Park, Dublin 10. T: +353 1 616 1100 Further Information For further information on the Group please visit: candcgroupplc.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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