Interim Results
Associated British Foods PLC
19 April 2006
For release 19 April 2006
Associated British Foods plc announces its
interim results for the 24 weeks ended 4 March 2006
Highlights
• Adjusted operating profit up 5% to £255m*
• Group revenue up 10% to £2,887m
• Adjusted profit before tax down 2% to £255m **
• Adjusted earnings per share down 1% to 23.3p **
• Interim dividend per share up 4% to 6.25p
• Net debt of £162m
• Basic earnings per share down 16% to 21.0p and profit before tax down
13% to £234m
George Weston, Chief Executive of Associated British Foods, said:
'The resilience of the group's operations has produced good results despite
tough trading conditions in some markets and sharply higher energy costs.
Primark continues to perform strongly and will benefit from the heavy investment
now being made in its expansion, while our hot beverages and international yeast
businesses are also doing well. As expected, British Sugar has experienced
price pressure but it is well positioned for the medium term and we remain
confident about its prospects.'
* before amortisation of intangibles and profits less losses on the sale of
property, plant & equipment
** before amortisation of intangibles, profits less losses on the sale of
property, plant & equipment and losses on the sale of businesses
All figures stated after profits on the sale of businesses and property,
plant & equipment and amortisation of intangibles are shown on the face of
the consolidated income statement.
For further information please contact:
Associated British Foods:
Until 1500 only
George Weston, Chief Executive Geoff Lancaster, Head of External Affairs
John Bason, Finance Director Mobile: 07860 562 659
Tel: 020 7638 9571
Jonathan Clare/Chris Barrie/Sara Batchelor, Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Tel: 020 7638 9571
After 1500
John Bason, Finance Director
Tel: 020 7399 6500
High resolution photographs of the recently opened Primark Bromley store are
available at www.prshots.com.
For release 19 April 2006
ASSOCIATED BRITISH FOODS plc
INTERIM REPORT
FOR THE 24 WEEKS ENDED 4 MARCH 2006
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
This period has been an eventful one for the group. Imbalances in supply and
demand within the EU sugar market and changes in producer behaviour in
anticipation of the new regime resulted in price pressure and much lower profit
for British Sugar. Energy costs have risen sharply and have affected all of our
businesses. Primark has again produced excellent results despite a devastating
fire at its main UK warehouse and there was good progress at AB Mauri, the
recently acquired bakery ingredients business.
In the face of significant profit pressures, it is a demonstration of the
resilience of the group that operating profit, before amortisation of
intangibles and profits less losses on the sale of property, plant & equipment
and businesses, rose by 5% to £255m. As expected net investment income has
fallen and consequently net earnings attributable to shareholders have shown a
marginal decline.
The EU Commission published final proposals for sugar regime reform in November
which define the shape of the sugar market from 2009. The changes are aimed at
reducing processing capacity within the EU, eliminating subsidised exports and
reducing sugar prices. Producers in Least Developed Countries ('LDCs') will be
able to sell sugar without quota or tariff into the EU. British Sugar has
always recognised the need for reform and expects, as a highly efficient
producer, to have a strong and profitable position within the EU sugar market.
However, the changes and continued imbalances in supply and demand can be
expected to affect the profit of British Sugar during the transition period.
In our grocery businesses, there was good organic growth in hot beverages,
Ryvita and our Mexican oils business. However, profit growth was held back by
lower UK bakery volumes and the final commissioning costs of the new Sydney
bakery.
In Ingredients, the major feature was the good progress of AB Mauri, which
reflected the benefit of volume increases and improved pricing for yeast and a
very satisfactory growth in bakery ingredients. We continue to invest for
future growth with the opening of a new factory in Western China and other
capacity increases at many locations.
Primark's strong revenue and profit growth reflected a 6% like-for-like sales
increase and the addition of seven new stores. This like-for-like growth was
achieved against a background of weak sales in the UK high street generally but
was inevitably affected by the warehouse fire, which occurred only eight weeks
before Christmas. Stock levels have now recovered and the stores were ready for
the Spring season. These results are a great credit to all Primark's people who
reacted superbly to a crisis.
Following the acquisition of the Littlewoods retail business last July it is
very satisfying that the profit from trading these stores prior to the closure
in January was ahead of our expectations. Primark is now refurbishing and
refitting 41 stores which will add a further 1.4 million sq ft to its retail
selling space by early 2007. Good progress has been made in disposing of the
remainder of the Littlewoods stores.
The investment in stores for Primark is the major contributor to the £16m
reduction in net investment income. As a result, profit before taxation,
adjusted for profits less losses on the sale of property, plant & equipment and
businesses and before amortisation of intangibles, fell by £4m to £255m. The
group's underlying effective rate of tax was 27.1% as against 27.4% in the first
half of the previous year. Adjusted earnings per share fell by 1% to 23.3p.
Negative cash flow from operations reflects the normal seasonal investment in
working capital. This, together with continuing capital expenditure on renewing
and extending capacity, particularly at Primark, and on new businesses, resulted
in net borrowings at the period end of £162m, compared with net cash funds in
September of £212m. The group's financial resources remain strong.
On 15 March ABF confirmed that it was in discussions that could involve it
acquiring a 51% interest in Illovo Sugar Limited. At the time of writing these
discussions continue. Illovo, which is quoted on the Johannesburg Securities
Exchange with a market capitalisation of around £510m, is the largest sugar
producer in Africa and one of the world's leading low cost sugar producers. It
grows and processes sugar cane in South Africa and Swaziland, as well as Malawi,
Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia which are classified as LDCs. Total production
in 2004/5 was 1.9 million tonnes. With the recently announced changes to the EU
sugar regime, LDCs will receive unrestricted access for sugar exports to the EU
from 2009.
British Sugar has a long experience of operations outside the UK, first in
Poland and then in China. Its worldwide sugar production in 2004/5 was 2.0
million tonnes. A partnership between British Sugar and Illovo would enable the
transfer of its expertise to support the development of Illovo's low cost
production in Southern Africa and British Sugar would become Illovo's route to
market when exports have unrestricted access to the EU from 2009.
In anticipation of reform, the proportion of the group accounted for by sugar
has reduced substantially in recent years as major investments have been made in
our other food businesses and in Primark. We are committed to our investment in
British Sugar, a profitable and highly efficient producer, and the addition of
Illovo would strengthen this position.
Dividends
The interim dividend will be 6.25p per share, an increase of 4% over last year.
The interim dividend will be paid on 3 July 2006 to shareholders registered at
the close of business on 2 June 2006.
International Financial Reporting Standards
These interim financial statements have been prepared under International
Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') and apply the accounting policies
published in our IFRS Transition Document on 15 December 2005. The comparative
results have been restated accordingly.
Outlook
Operating profit in the remainder of the year will continue to be adversely
affected by conditions in the UK sugar business, our bakery operations and by
energy costs. The benefit of trading profits from the Littlewoods stores prior
to their closure has ended, and there will be net interest payable in the second
half of the year reflecting the investment in fitting out the former Littlewoods
stores. As a consequence, some reduction in earnings after tax can be expected
in the second half compared with the previous year.
Looking beyond the current year, the transition to the new EU sugar regime may
well continue to impact on profits through 2006/7. We are confident that when
the transition to the new regime is completed British Sugar will be
satisfactorily profitable. We expect that the major investment in Primark will
generate good returns which will build progressively as the new stores open and
trading develops, and that there will be a substantial profit contribution in
2006/7 and beyond.
Our financial resources remain strong. Even allowing for a successful outcome
of the discussions with Illovo Sugar, the group will be well placed to continue
to fund further investment in its businesses. The outlook for further progress
in the long term remains good.
Martin Adamson
Chairman
19 April 2006
OPERATING REVIEW
Group revenue increased by 10% to £2,887m and adjusted operating profit by 5% to
£255m.
This growth in operating profit has been achieved in the period despite an
increased cost of some £20m across the group from higher energy prices and a
significant reduction in profit from our EU sugar operations. Although some
businesses recovered the higher energy costs through pricing, an estimated half
of the £20m cost was not recovered and consequently affected profit. Excluding
energy, profit at British Sugar reduced by £22m which resulted from the weakness
of the euro and lower sugar pricing, caused in turn by changes in producer
behaviour in anticipation of the new regime and by oversupply within the market.
This lower sugar pricing was more severe and earlier than we expected.
Many businesses delivered excellent growth in the period, notably Primark, from
strong like-for-like sales growth and new store openings, AB Mauri and
International Hot Beverages.
GROCERY
2006 2005
Revenue £m 1,292 1,235
Operating profit £m 85 84
Revenue increased by 5% to £1,292m and profit by 1% to £85m. Strong progress
was made by Ryvita, International Hot Beverages and ACH. However, the overall
profit increase was held back by lower volumes at Allied Bakeries, commissioning
costs at the new Sydney bakery and lower sugar pricing in Silver Spoon.
ACH performed well. In Mexico, Capullo grew strongly and, supported by new
advertising, has increased its market share. The Karo syrup brand, a recent
acquisition, has been successfully integrated. In the US, the consumer brands
in spices and yeast performed to expectation. In consumer oils Mazola volumes
were down in a category which declined sharply. Significant investment has
been made to support the launch of Mazola Pure oil spray. This is an innovative
pan release and flavour enhancing oil spray without the alcohol or silicone
found in many competitive products. It has been well received by both the
trade and consumers.
The UK cracker and crispbread market has continued to grow strongly and Ryvita
achieved growth in its traditional products. Ryvita Minis, launched last year
in the rapidly expanding healthy bagged snack market, continued to perform well.
The brand was extended further with the launch of Ryvita Goodness nutritional
bars in January.
Our international hot beverage brands, Twinings and Ovaltine, continued to grow
well with investment in new products and marketing. Twinings showed strong
growth in the UK following the launch of premium Everyday and with higher Green
Tea sales. The television advertising, featuring Stephen Fry, was extended to
Green Teas and infusions promoting their health and wellness benefits. The
rationalisation of the tea packing cost base was successfully completed. Plants
in France and the US have been closed and a new facility opened in Shanghai,
China. Ovaltine benefited from growth in powder sales in Thailand and from new
product launches in Thailand, China and Switzerland.
In Australia, profit at the bakery business was affected by commissioning costs
of the new Sydney bakery. This new bakery replaces bakeries at Fairfield, which
was destroyed by fire, and at Chatswood, which is now closed, and the
distribution centre at Chipping Norton. Profitability of the New South Wales
business will benefit once this facility is fully commissioned and a significant
improvement is planned for the second half of the year. Good progress was made
in all of the other Australian states and in New Zealand.
Performance at Allied Bakeries was unsatisfactory. Kingsmill and own label
revenues both declined and profit fell as a result. Steps are in place to
recover lost volumes and to reduce our cost base further but a recovery in
profitability is not likely in the second half.
In Silver Spoon both Light, a low calorie offering, and Billington's continued
to perform well but pricing pressure on granulated sugar reduced profit.
Westmill's established position as a leading supplier to the UK ethnic food
sector was strengthened with the acquisition in February of the Rajah, Green
Dragon and Lotus brands from Heinz which it had just acquired from Danone. We
also reached an agreement for the distribution of the Amoy brand in this
channel.
PRIMARY FOOD & AGRICULTURE
Primary Food 2006 2005
Revenue £m 282 288
Operating profit £m 53 78
Agriculture 2006 2005
Revenue £m 299 393
Operating profit £m 8 8
In Primary Food, revenue reduced to £282m and the sharp decline in profit from
£78m to £53m was caused by the EU operations of British Sugar. Imbalances in
supply and demand within the EU sugar market and changes in producer behaviour
in anticipation of the new regime resulted in more severe price pressure than
had been expected. In addition, profit was reduced by a weaker euro and
significantly higher energy costs, particularly gas prices in the UK.
This year's processing campaigns were excellent with sugar production of 1.34
million tonnes in the UK and 206,000 tonnes in Poland. A number of production
records were set covering productivity, sugar yields and energy usage.
The EU Commission published its final proposals for sugar regime reform last
November which have now been accepted by the Council of Ministers.
Implementation will commence in July 2006. The key components are cuts in sugar
and beet prices of 36% and 39% respectively over a four year transition period
and a reduction in total EU quota of 5 million tonnes from 17.4 million tonnes
to 12.4 million tonnes. A restructuring mechanism for quota reduction has been
adopted within the regulations. Quota volume can be surrendered to the
Commission with compensation paid out of a levy, funded by the industry, over
the first three years. Announcements by some European processors regarding
their quota have already been made. We view these changes as positive and we
expect that efficient sugar beet producers, like British Sugar, will have a
strong and profitable position in the EU sugar market from 2009 onwards.
During the transition period the impact of these changes and imbalances in
supply and demand can be expected to continue to affect the profit at British
Sugar. In anticipation of oversupply in 2006/7, the Commission has announced a
2.5 million tonne transitional quota cut. This is higher than the current year
and for British Sugar this equates to 133,000 tonnes in the UK and 20,000 tonnes
in Poland. The Commission has confirmed that the restructuring levy will be
based on the full permanent quota.
In a continued drive for efficiency, the Dobre and Unislaw factories in Poland
have now been closed and investment in expansion at Glinojeck has created a
world class beet processing factory. In the UK, work has continued on cost
reduction.
Construction has started on the UK's first bioethanol production facility at
Wissington. The 55,000 tonne, 70 million litres, unit will commence operations
in February 2007 and has already attracted significant interest from the major
oil companies.
The Chinese cane sugar operations performed well in the first campaign following
the expansion of the Shibie and WuXuan factories. Capacity is now more than
half a million tonnes although the factories will produce substantially below
this level this year because of a much reduced cane crop caused by insufficient
rainfall. Despite the lower crop, profit was maintained through sharply higher
sugar prices.
In Agriculture revenue fell to £299m reflecting the sale of the grain trading
business, Allied Grain, into Frontier, a joint venture with Cargill. Profit was
maintained at £8m despite the effects of higher energy costs and avian
influenza. Revenue from animal feeds in China was affected by a substantial
cull of chickens in the North East following the outbreak of avian influenza
there. Despite this our business in China continues to develop well and we have
built a new feed mill in South Henan which will begin production in April.
INGREDIENTS
2006 2005
Revenue £m 343 254
Operating profit £m 33 25
AB Mauri, our international yeast and bakery ingredients business, contributed
strongly to the increase in revenue of 35% to £343m and profit of 32% to £33m.
This reflected a full half-year of profit following its acquisition during the
first half of last year, the benefits of price and volume increases in yeast,
and growth in bakery ingredients.
Good progress has been made with price increases for yeast in a number of key
markets including North America, China, India and Western Europe. These have
recovered higher raw material costs, particularly molasses and energy.
The newly opened factory in Western China is operating well. The existing
Harbin and Hebei plants in China are in the process of expansion and will be
completed in the second half of the year as will the expansion in Vietnam and at
Chiplun in India.
We have worked hard to transfer our technology in bakery ingredients to all
parts of AB Mauri. Resources are now in place in most markets with further
opportunities to be developed particularly in China. Agreement has been reached
to sell the small bakery mix and icings business of Cereform US which is based
in Denver, Colorado. The operation was not well located and was loss-making. A
loss of £5m on the sale of the business has been included in the income
statement.
Our yeast extracts businesses achieved good growth and have benefited from
improvements in manufacturing efficiency and yield. Plans are in place to
expand capacity, increase the product range and enhance our position in the food
and fermentation markets. Our enzymes business continues to focus on the
introduction of new products, particularly in the textile and bakery sectors.
Despite higher energy costs our polyols business traded in line with last year,
with food polyols benefiting from improved manufacturing efficiencies and
antacids maintaining the improvement in performance seen last year.
RETAIL
2006 2005
Primark
Revenue £m 530 448
Operating profit £m 71 59
Littlewoods
Revenue £m 141 -
Operating profit £m 16 -
Primark performed well once again with a revenue increase of 18% to £530m and a
profit increase of 20% to £71m. The revenue increase resulted from 6% growth in
like-for-like sales and a substantial increase in retail selling space.
This is a remarkable result given the upheaval caused by the fire which
destroyed the main UK warehouse last November. The potentially disastrous
effect on the supply of stock to the stores was mitigated by the swift action of
the management team. Operations were immediately transferred to an adjacent
warehouse and back-up systems were rapidly commissioned. Deliveries to stores
were restored after 48 hours and air-lifts and road transport were used to
replace the lost warehouse stock. Like-for-like growth was inevitably affected
by the fire but stock levels recovered well and we were ready for the Spring
season.
The stock loss, additional costs of working and business interruption were
insured and a substantial proportion of the cash for the stock loss and
additional costs of working was received during the period. However, the profit
includes a charge for the self-insurance element of the claim. The overall
profit margin improved, despite this charge, benefiting from lower levels of
discounts.
There was an extensive programme of new store openings in the period and initial
trading has been very strong. Stores were opened in Dundalk, Lakeside Thurrock,
Cardiff, Leicester, Bromley, Hull and Oxford. Three small stores were closed.
At the end of the period we were trading from 126 stores and 2.9 million sq ft
of retail selling space.
The Littlewoods retail business was acquired last July and comprised 120 stores.
This business was very successfully traded out and finally closed in early
January. The profit from trading of £16m was well ahead of our expectation at
the time of the acquisition. Of the 79 stores not required by Primark 61 have
now been sold and negotiations for the sale of the remainder are continuing.
The remaining 41 stores are now being extensively refurbished and refitted and
will open as Primark over a period from May to early 2007. In total we will add
1.4 million sq ft of retail selling space. By the end of the financial year in
September 2006 we expect that 16 of these stores and 0.4 million sq ft of retail
selling space will have commenced trading. The first store in Spain, at
Plenilunio outside Madrid, is expected to open in early Summer.
This significant investment will have doubled the selling space in the UK from
1.8 million sq ft in September 2005 to 3.6 million sq ft when all these stores
have opened. Primark will be firmly established as a major high street
retailer.
George Weston
Chief Executive
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
24 weeks 24 weeks 52 weeks
ended ended ended
4 March 5 March 17 September
2006 2005 2005
Note £m £m £m
Revenue 2,887 2,618 5,622
Operating costs (2,651) (2,387) (5,099)
236 231 523
Share of profit from joint ventures and associates 3 2 7
Profits less losses on sale of property, plant & - 19 20
equipment
Operating profit 239 252 550
Adjusted operating profit 1 255 243 555
Profits less losses on the sale of property, plant - 19 20
& equipment
Amortisation of intangibles (16) (10) (25)
Losses on sale of businesses (5) - (1)
Provision for loss on termination of an operation - - (47)
Profit before interest 234 252 502
Investment income 20 25 49
Interest payable (25) (14) (34)
Other net financial income 5 5 10
Profit before taxation 234 268 527
Adjusted profit before taxation 255 259 580
Profits less losses on the sale of property, plant - 19 20
& equipment
Losses on sale of businesses (5) - (1)
Provision for loss on termination of an operation - - (47)
Amortisation of intangibles (16) (10) (25)
Taxation: UK (34) (42) (82)
Overseas (32) (26) (59)
2 (66) (68) (141)
Profit for the period 168 200 386
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders 166 198 379
Minority interests 2 2 7
Profit for the period 6 168 200 386
Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share 3 21.0 25.1 48.0
(pence)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
At At At
4 March 5 March 17 September
2006 2005 2005
Note £m £m £m
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 1,239 1,078 1,152
Property, plant & 2,203 1,632 2,255
equipment
Investments in joint ventures 39 15 36
Investments in associates 18 13 15
Employee benefits asset 96 73 95
Deferred tax assets 78 41 78
Other investments - 1 -
Total non-current assets 3,673 2,853 3,631
Current assets
Non-current assets held 77 12 9
for sale
Inventories 854 839 556
Trade and other 758 665 678
receivables
Other investments 201 429 269
Cash and cash 354 640 929
equivalents
Total current assets 2,244 2,585 2,441
TOTAL ASSETS 5,917 5,438 6,072
Current liabilities
Interest bearing loans and overdrafts (166) (102) (447)
Trade and other payables (791) (753) (747)
Income tax (99) (116) (113)
Amounts owed to joint ventures (6) (2) (3)
Provisions (11) (13) (61)
Total current (1,073) (986) (1,371)
liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Interest bearing loans and overdrafts (551) (503) (539)
Income tax - (2) (4)
Provisions (38) (39) (29)
Deferred tax liabilities (251) (186) (233)
Employee benefits (21) (10) (19)
liability
Total non-current (861) (740) (824)
liabilities
TOTAL LIABILITIES (1,934) (1,726) (2,195)
NET ASSETS 3,983 3,712 3,877
Equity
Issued capital 47 47 47
Other reserves 173 173 173
Translation reserve 78 15 42
Retained earnings 3,657 3,453 3,586
3,955 3,688 3,848
Minority interest 28 24 29
TOTAL EQUITY 6 3,983 3,712 3,877
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
24 weeks 24 weeks 52 weeks
ended ended ended
4 March 5 March 17 September
2006 2005 2005
£m £m £m
Cash flow from operating activities
Profit before taxation 234 268 527
Add back non-operating items
Profits less losses on sale of property, plant & - (19) (20)
equipment
Losses on sale of businesses 5 - 1
Provision for loss on termination of an operation - - 47
Investment income (20) (25) (49)
Interest payable 25 14 34
Other net financial income (5) (5) (10)
Adjustments for
Share of (profit) from joint ventures and (3) (2) (7)
associates
Amortisation 16 10 25
Depreciation 95 79 161
Pension cost less contributions 3 7 (8)
Increase in inventories (279) (306) (25)
Increase in receivables (58) (15) (20)
Increase/(decrease) in payables 14 52 (9)
(Decrease)/increase in other provisions (45) 13 -
Cash generated from operations (18) 71 647
Income taxes paid (69) (72) (132)
Net cash from operating activities (87) (1) 515
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends received from joint ventures - - 2
Dividends received from associates - - 2
Purchase of property, plant & equipment (156) (142) (403)
Sale of property, plant & equipment 83 31 39
Purchase of subsidiary undertakings (100) (630) (1,130)
Sale of subsidiary undertakings - 1 8
Sale of joint ventures and associates - 1 (18)
Interest received 22 27 54
Loan repayment from joint venture - - 51
Net cash from investing activities (151) (712) (1,395)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to minorities (4) (2) (4)
Dividends paid to shareholders (95) (88) (135)
Interest paid (25) (13) (29)
Management of liquid resources 70 109 273
Financing (287) 200 551
Net cash from financing activities (341) 206 656
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (579) (507) (224)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the 929 1,144 1,144
period
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held 4 3 9
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 354 640 929
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE
24 weeks 24 weeks 52 weeks
ended ended ended
4 March 5 March 17 September
2006 2005 2005
£m £m £m
Actuarial losses on defined benefit schemes - - (7)
Foreign exchange translation differences 39 16 44
Unrealised gain on sale of businesses - - 2
Movement of cash flow hedging position (8) - -
Tax on currency translation differences (2) - (1)
Net income recognised directly in equity 29 16 38
Profit for the period 168 200 386
Total recognised income and expense for the period 197 216 424
Adjustments relating to the adoption of IAS 32 and 9 - -
IAS 39 on
18 September 2005 (Equity shareholders)
206 216 424
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders 203 214 416
Minority interests 3 2 8
206 216 424
NOTES TO THE INTERIM REPORT
1. Segmental analysis
Revenue Adjusted operating profit
24 weeks 24 weeks 52 weeks 24 weeks 24 weeks 52 weeks
ended ended ended ended ended ended
4 March 5 March 17 September 4 March 5 March 17 September
2006 2005 2005 2006 2005 2005
Business segments £m £m £m £m £m £m
Grocery 1,292 1,235 2,590 85 84 185
Primary Food 282 288 700 53 78 166
Agriculture 299 389 735 8 8 20
Ingredients 343 254 583 33 25 65
Retail 671 448 1,006 87 59 140
Central - - - (11) (11) (21)
2,887 2,614 5,614 255 243 555
Businesses disposed:
Agriculture - 4 8 - - -
2,887 2,618 5,622 255 243 555
Geographical segments
United Kingdom 1,487 1,364 2,923 133 140 314
Rest of Europe 312 296 638 36 35 72
The Americas 597 517 1,100 59 46 102
Australia, Asia & Rest of World 491 437 953 27 22 67
2,887 2,614 5,614 255 243 555
Businesses disposed:
United Kingdom - 4 8 - - -
2,887 2,618 5,622 255 243 555
1. Segmental analysis - 24 weeks ended 4 March 2006
Business segments Primary Elimina-
Grocery Food Agriculture Ingredients Retail Central tions Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Total revenue 1,298 330 299 362 671 - (73) 2,887
Internal revenue (6) (48) - (19) - - 73 -
Revenue from external customers 1,292 282 299 343 671 - - 2,887
Adjusted operating profit 85 53 8 33 87 (11) - 255
Amortisation of intangibles (4) - - (12) - - - (16)
Profits less losses on sale of property, - - - - - - - -
plant & equipment
Losses on sale of businesses - - - (5) - - - (5)
Provision for loss on termination of an - - - - - - - -
operation
Profit before interest and taxation 81 53 8 16 87 (11) - 234
Net financing costs (5) - (5)
Other net financial income 5 - 5
Income tax expense (66) - (66)
Profit for the period 81 53 8 16 87 (77) - 168
Segment assets (excl. investments in 1,970 946 198 1,100 816 455 - 5,485
associates and joint
ventures)
Investment in associates and joint 6 6 25 20 - - - 57
ventures
Segment assets 1,976 952 223 1,120 816 455 - 5,542
Employee benefits asset 96 - 96
Deferred tax assets 78 - 78
Other investments 201 - 201
Segment liabilities (337) (159) (56) (113) (168) (13) - (846)
Interest bearing loans and overdrafts (717) - (717)
Income tax (99) - (99)
Deferred tax liabilities (251) - (251)
Employee benefits liability (21) - (21)
Net assets 1,639 793 167 1,007 648 (271) - 3,983
Capital expenditure 38 22 4 18 69 11 - 162
Depreciation 37 26 3 13 13 3 - 95
Amortisation 4 - - 12 - - - 16
Other significant non-cash expenses - - - - - - - -
Geographical segments Australia,
United Rest of The Asia & Elimina-
Kingdom Europe Americas Rest of tions Total
World
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Revenue from external customers 1,487 312 597 491 - 2,887
Segment assets 2,622 949 1,164 807 - 5,542
Capital expenditure 100 18 11 33 - 162
Depreciation 58 7 14 16 - 95
Amortisation 2 3 9 2 - 16
Other significant non-cash expenses - - - - - -
1. Segmental analysis - 24 weeks ended 5 March 2005
Business segments Primary Elimina-
Grocery Food Agriculture Ingredients Retail Central tions Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Total revenue 1,248 342 398 269 448 - (91) 2,614
Businesses disposed - - 4 - - - - 4
Internal revenue (13) (54) (9) (15) - - 91 -
Revenue from external customers 1,235 288 393 254 448 - - 2,618
Adjusted operating profit 84 78 8 25 59 (11) - 243
Amortisation of intangibles (1) - - (9) - - - (10)
Profits less losses on sale of property, - 19 - - - - - 19
plant & equipment
Losses on sale of businesses - - - - - - - -
Provision for loss on termination of an - - - - - - - -
operation
Profit before interest and taxation 83 97 8 16 59 (11) - 252
Net financing income 11 - 11
Other net financial income 5 - 5
Income tax expense (68) - (68)
Profit for the period 83 97 8 16 59 (63) - 200
Segment assets (excl. investments in 1,787 897 282 929 497 474 - 4,866
associates and joint
ventures)
Investment in associates and joint 1 4 - 23 - - - 28
ventures
Segment assets 1,788 901 282 952 497 474 - 4,894
Employee benefits asset 73 - 73
Deferred tax assets 41 - 41
Other investments 430 - 430
Segment liabilities (333) (182) (74) (78) (95) (45) - (807)
Interest bearing loans and overdrafts (605) - (605)
Income tax (118) - (118)
Deferred tax liabilities (186) - (186)
Employee benefits liability (10) - (10)
Net assets 1,455 719 208 874 402 54 - 3,712
Capital expenditure 40 11 2 10 67 - - 130
Depreciation 32 25 4 10 8 - - 79
Amortisation 1 - - 9 - - - 10
Other significant non-cash expenses 13 - - 1 - - - 14
Geographical segments Australia,
United Rest of The Asia & Elimina-
Kingdom Europe Americas Rest of tions Total
World
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Revenue from external customers 1,368 296 517 437 - 2,618
Segment assets 2,432 783 945 734 - 4,894
Capital expenditure 77 20 7 26 - 130
Depreciation 49 7 10 13 - 79
Amortisation 1 2 5 2 - 10
Other significant non-cash expenses - 5 9 - - 14
1. Segmental analysis - 52 weeks ended 17 September 2005
Business segments Primary Elimina-
Grocery Food Agriculture Ingredients Retail Central tions Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Total revenue 2,604 802 747 620 1,006 - (165) 5,614
Businesses disposed - - 11 - - - (3) 8
Internal revenue (14) (102) (15) (37) - - 168 -
Revenue from external customers 2,590 700 743 583 1,006 - - 5,622
Adjusted operating profit 185 166 20 65 140 (21) - 555
Amortisation of intangibles (5) - - (20) - - - (25)
Profits less losses on sale of (1) 24 (3) - - - - 20
property, plant & equipment
Losses on sale of businesses 1 - 3 - - (5) - (1)
Provision for loss on termination of an - - - - (47) - - (47)
operation
Profit before interest and taxation 180 190 20 45 93 (26) - 502
Net financing income 15 - 15
Other net financial income 10 - 10
Income tax expense (141) - (141)
Profit for the period 180 190 20 45 93 (142) - 386
Segment assets (excl. investments in 1,937 727 173 992 877 873 - 5,579
associates and joint
ventures)
Investment in associates and joint 5 5 25 16 - - - 51
ventures
Segment assets 1,942 732 198 1,008 877 873 - 5,630
Employee benefits asset 95 - 95
Deferred tax assets 78 - 78
Other investments 269 - 269
Segment liabilities (348) (96) (55) (99) (230) (12) - (840)
Interest bearing loans and overdrafts (986) - (986)
Income tax (117) - (117)
Deferred tax liabilities (233) - (233)
Employee benefits liability (19) - (19)
Net assets 1,594 636 143 909 647 (52) - 3,877
Capital expenditure 109 38 7 25 228 - - 407
Depreciation 68 35 6 24 28 - - 161
Amortisation 5 - - 20 - - - 25
Other significant non-cash expenses 14 - - 5 47 - - 66
Geographical segments Australia,
United Rest of The Asia & Elimina-
Kingdom Europe Americas Rest of tions Total
World
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Revenue from external customers 2,931 638 1,100 953 - 5,622
Segment assets 2,555 1,181 1,075 819 - 5,630
Capital expenditure 263 54 21 69 - 407
Depreciation 94 15 24 28 - 161
Amortisation 2 10 10 3 - 25
Other significant non-cash expenses 51 5 8 2 - 66
Other significant non-cash expenses includes a provision of £47m for costs associated with the termination of
Littlewoods.
24 weeks 24 weeks 52 weeks
ended ended ended
4 March 5 March 17 September
2006 2005 2005
£m £m £m
2. Income tax expense
Current tax expense
UK - corporation tax at 30% 28 39 84
Overseas - corporation tax 26 26 49
Over provided in prior years - - (1)
54 65 132
Deferred tax expense
UK deferred tax 5 3 (2)
Overseas deferred tax 7 - 12
Over provided in prior years - - (1)
Total income tax expense in income statement 66 68 141
Reconciliation of effective tax rate
Profit before taxation 234 268 527
Less share of profit from joint ventures and (3) (2) (7)
associates
Profit before taxation excluding share of profit 231 266 520
from
joint ventures and associates
Nominal tax charge at UK corporation tax rate (30%) 69 80 156
Lower tax rates on overseas earnings (10) (11) (25)
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 7 3 9
Utilisation of losses - (5) (1)
Deferred tax not recognised - 1 3
Adjustments in respect of prior periods - - (1)
66 68 141
3. Earnings per ordinary share Pence Pence Pence
Adjusted earnings per share 23.3 23.6 52.5
Earnings per share on:
Sale of property, plant & equipment - 2.4 2.5
Sale of businesses (0.7) - (0.1)
Provision for loss on termination of operation - - (6.0)
Tax effect on above - - 1.4
Amortisation of intangibles (2.0) (1.3) (3.2)
Tax credit on intangibles amortisation 0.4 0.4 0.9
Earnings per ordinary share 21.0 25.1 48.0
4. Dividends Pence Pence Pence
Per share
2004 final - 11.15 11.15
2005 interim - - 6.0
2005 final 12.0 - -
12.0 11.15 17.15
£m £m £m
Total
2004 final - 88 88
2005 interim - - 47
2005 final 95 - -
95 88 135
The 2005 final dividend of 12p was declared on 2 December 2005 and totalled £95m
when paid on 13 January 2006. The 2006 interim dividend of 6.25p will be paid
on 3 July 2006 to shareholders on the register on 2 June 2006.
At Cash Flow Acquisition Exchange At
17 September of subsidiary adjustments 4 March 2006
2005 undertakings
£m £m £m £m £m
5. Analysis of net funds/
(debt)
Cash and cash equivalents at bank 929 (579) - 4 354
and in hand
Short-term borrowings (447) 285 (2) (2) (166)
Investments 269 (70) - 2 201
Loans over one year (539) - (1) (11) (551)
212 (364) (3) (7) (162)
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances, call deposits and investments with maturities of three months or
less.
24 weeks 24 weeks 52 weeks
ended ended ended
4 March 5 March 17 September
2006 2005 2005
£m £m £m
6. Summary of movements in equity
Opening shareholders' funds (as previously reported under UK - 3,496 3,496
GAAP)
Opening shareholders' funds (restated excluding IAS 32 and IAS 3,877 - -
39)
Adjustments on adoption of IFRS from 18 September 2004 - 91 91
Adjustments relating to adoption of IAS 32 and IAS 39 on 18 9 - -
September 2005
Opening shareholders' funds (restated) 3,886 3,587 3,587
Profit for the period 168 200 386
Other recognised income and expense for the period 29 16 38
Total recognised income and expense for the period 197 216 424
Dividends (95) (88) (135)
Net decrease/(increase) in own shares held (1) 2 7
Minority interests (4) (5) (6)
Closing shareholders' funds 3,983 3,712 3,877
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders 3,955 3,688 3,848
Minority interests 28 24 29
Closing shareholders' funds 3,983 3,712 3,877
7. Basis of preparation
The attached interim financial statements are the first interim financial
statements following the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS). These interim financial statements have been prepared under IFRS
applying the accounting policies published in the group's IFRS Transition
Document on 15 December 2005. Detailed income statement, balance sheet and cash
flow reconciliations to assist the reader in understanding the nature and
quantum of differences between the application of UK Generally Accepted
Accounting Practices ('UK GAAP') and IFRS for the restated comparative results
for the year ended 17 September 2005 and for the 24 weeks ended 5 March 2005 are
available on the company's website at www.abf.co.uk/media.
These interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
accounting policies the group expects to follow in its first full IFRS financial
statements which will be for the year ending 16 September 2006. EU law (IAS
Regulation EC 1606/2002) requires that the next annual consolidated financial
statements of the company, for the year ending 16 September 2006, be prepared in
accordance with IFRS adopted for use in the EU ('adopted IFRS').
These interim financial statements have been prepared on the basis of the
recognition and measurement requirements of IFRS in issue that either are
endorsed by the EU and effective (or available for early adoption) at 16
September 2006 or are expected to be endorsed and effective (or available for
early adoption) at 16 September 2006, the group's first annual reporting date at
which it is required to use adopted IFRS. Based on these IFRS, the directors
have made assumptions about the accounting policies expected to be applied when
the first annual IFRS financial statements are prepared for the year ending 16
September 2006. In particular, the directors have assumed that the draft
amendment to IAS 21, the Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates, issued by
the IASB on 30 September 2005 will be adopted and endorsed by the EU. The draft
amendment clarifies the identification and accounting for exchange differences
on monetary items forming part of a net investment in a foreign operation and
requires that exchange differences on such items be recognised in equity.
The adopted IFRS that will be effective (or available for early adoption) in the
annual financial statements for the year ending
16 September 2006 are still subject to change and to additional interpretations
and therefore cannot be determined with certainty. Accordingly, the accounting
policies for that annual period will be determined finally only when the annual
financial statements are prepared for the year ending 16 September 2006.
As allowed by IFRS 1, First-time adoption of IFRS, the group adopted IAS 32,
Financial Instruments: disclosure and presentation, and IAS 39, Financial
Instruments: recognition and measurement, prospectively from 18 September 2005.
Therefore, until 17 September 2005, the group continued to hedge account for
forecast foreign exchange transactions and commodity exposures in accordance
with UK GAAP, and hence the comparative financial statements exclude the impact
of these standards.
The half year results are unaudited and were approved by the board of directors
on 19 April 2006. The comparative figures for the financial year ended 17
September 2005 and half year ended 5 March 2005 are not the company's statutory
accounts for those financial periods. Those accounts, which were prepared under
UK GAAP, have been reported on by the company's auditors and delivered to the
Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors was unqualified and did not
contain statements under Section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985.
This information is provided by RNS
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