Interim Results

RNS Number : 7884Z
Barr(A.G.) PLC
29 September 2009
 




For immediate release                                                                                                         29 September 2009


A.G.BARR p.l.c.


INTERIM RESULTS 


A.G.BARR p.l.c. the soft drinks group announces its interim results today for the six months ended  1 August 2009.


Key Points


  • Total turnover versus the comparable period up 27.1% at £104.7m (2008 - £82.4m).

  • Like for like turnover stripping out the acquisition of Rubicon increased by 11.5%.

  • Profit on ordinary activities before tax increased by 19.5% to £13.50m (2008 - £11.26m).

  • Strong free cash flow in the period of £11.0m.

  • Net debt of £25.5m significantly better than forecast.

  • The IRN-BRU brand grew revenue by 6.5%, with particularly strong market share gains in England and Wales.

  • Rubicon has grown sales on a like for like basis by 22% - contributing £12.8m sales revenue in the period.

  • Rubicon integration delivered earlier than planned with little disruption and minimal cost.

  • Interim dividend of 6.25p per share, a like for like increase of 7.8% post share split.



Commenting on the results Chief Executive, Roger White, said:


'We are pleased to report a strong financial performance in a period of continued economic uncertainty. We have benefited from some better year on year weather, although not the previously forecast 'barbecue summer'. In the period, sales momentum across our portfolio has continued to gain pace. Strong performances from all our core carbonates brands and some real momentum behind the Rubicon brand have delivered excellent revenue growth.


The early integration of the Rubicon business has gone to plan and is now beginning to deliver further opportunities to grow the brand across a wider front. The acquisition has, to date, been financially enhancing to our business and is also improving our overall business balance across product sectors and geographically.


As a consequence of our increased focus on cash across the business we have delivered strong free cash flow and improvements in our net debt position ahead of expectations.


Comparative sales growth in the second half of the year is more challenging than that of the first half, however we believe we are well positioned to meet our expectations for the full year.'  

 


For more information, please contact:


A.G.Barr    Tel: 01236 852400    Buchanan Communications    Tel: 020 7466 5000

Roger White, Chief Executive       Tim Thompson / Nicola Cronk

Alex Short, Finance Director

 

Interim Statement



We are pleased to report strong sales and profit growth in the six months to 1 August 2009.



Trading


Total turnover increased by 27.1% to £104.7m delivered by both strong organic growth in our core business and from Rubicon which was acquired in August 2008. Rubicon contributed £12.8m of turnover. Eliminating the effect of Rubicon, like for like sales increased by 11.5%.


Profit before tax increased by 19.5% to £13.5m. Basic earnings per share were 51.3 pence (2008: 44.2 pence), an increase of 16.2%.


The trading environment during the period remained challenging.  Against the backdrop of difficult general economic conditions, the soft drinks market declined by 1% in both volume and value (source Nielsen).  The carbonates segment performed better with 3% volume growth and 1% growth in value with consumers appearing to favour high-quality established brands.


It was widely reported that better than average weather was forecast for the U.K. this summer however the impact of weather was less marked than anticipated, with favourable comparisons in late June and early July but a less favourable comparison in May.


Operating margins held up despite continued pressure on input costs. Recent increases in oil and plastic pricing would suggest that cost volatility is likely to be an ongoing feature of our operating environment.


The integration benefits from the Rubicon acquisition are being achieved ahead of schedule, with minimal cost and as forecast the acquisition is earnings enhancing The combination of the positive integration performance and strong sales growth in the period has meant that overall Rubicon has delivered ahead of our expectations This is testament to the cooperation between the teams across the business.


Our core business remains the main driver of our performance.  Our growth in the carbonates sector substantially outperformed the market.  IRN-BRU grew revenue by 6.5% in the period with growth being particularly strong in England and Wales reflecting further increases in brand distribution.


Overall our regional portfolio continued to show strong growth in both carbonates and stills. The  water market however remains competitive and Strathmore sales were down 5.9% reflecting the decline in the out of home channel.


Despite the difficult economic climate we have continued to invest in our business and brands - increasing spend on marketing activity across our core brands and investing  in increased instore execution and sales resources. Operationally our performance has continued to improve reflecting the significant investments in prior years.



Balance Sheet


During the period the business has increased its focus on cash management and has generated a free cash flow of £11m and increased EBITDA by 29.8% to £18.2m.


The Group net debt position as at 1 August 2009 of £25.5m was substantially better than previously forecast. However this position is flattered to an extent by payables which fell due in early August.


As previously announced, the 2 for 1 share split, which is aimed at improving liquidity and marketability of the company's shares became effective on 21 September.


The only note of substance to the strong Statement of Financial Position (formerly the Balance Sheet) is the change in the net pension deficit which has increased to £8.9m reflecting the increase in pension liabilities driven by lower gilt yields but partially offset by improved asset values in the period.  A formal actuarial valuation was carried out as at April 2008 and concluded that the pension deficit recovery plan was performing as expected.  The pension trustees and the company have agreed that no change to the deficit recovery plan is required at this time.


Dividend


Given the increase in profits and the continued satisfactory financial position of the company the board has declared an interim dividend of 6.25 pence per share, payable on 23 October 2009. This is an increase of 7.8% on a like for like basis on the interim dividend paid last year.



Current Trading and Outlook


Despite mixed weather in August and September in contrast to the forecast 'barbecue summer' total turnover has continued to run ahead of last year. In contrast the overall soft drinks market has performed less well in August and overall competition in the sector is forecast to remain fierce.


In the first half we moved decisively to integrate the Rubicon business ahead of plan to help offset cost pressures due to weak sterling and the business has responded extremely well with strong sales momentum.


We anticipate continued volatility in our material costs and expect strong competition in our market place.  Given our platform for sustainable, profitable growth and our investment in the development of the businesswe are confident that we will meet our expectations for the full year.





R G Hanna       R A White

CHAIRMAN    CHIEF EXECUTIVE


29 September 2009










  

Consolidated Condensed Income statement








6 months ended  

1 August 2009


6 months ended 

26 July 2008


Year ended  

31 January 2009


 

 

£000

 

£000

 

£000


Revenue


104,658


82,373


169,698


Cost of sales

 

50,390

 

41,807

 

84,962










Gross profit


54,268


40,566


84,736










Net operating expenses


40,048


29,920


61,552










Operating profit


14,220


10,646


23,184










Operating profit before exceptional items

 

14,220

 

10,516

 

23,054


Exceptional credit


-


(130)


(130)


Operating profit

 

14,220

 

10,646

 

23,184


 








Finance income


46


689


1,062


Finance costs

 

(804)

 

(74)

 

(1,037)


Profit before tax


13,462


11,261


23,209










Tax on profit

 

3,589

 

2,775

 

6,134










Profit attributable to equity holders 

 

9,873

 

8,486

 

17,075










Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 


Basic earnings per share


51.31

p

44.16

p

89.12

p

Diluted earnings per share

 

51.02

p

43.52

p

88.16

p









Dividends

 

 

 

 

 

 


Dividend per share paid


30.40

p

28.00

p

39.60

p

Dividend paid (£000)


5,837


5,373


7,604


Dividend per share proposed


6.25

p

11.60

p

30.40

p

Dividend proposed (£000)

 

2,433

 

2,258

 

5,916



 


Consolidated Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income





6 months ended  

1 August 2009


6 months ended

 26 July 2008


Year ended  31 January 2009








Profit after tax for the period


9,873


8,486


17,075








Other comprehensive income







Actuarial loss recognised on defined benefit pension plans


(5,009)


-


(62)

Fair value gains on cash flow hedges


-


-


102

Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges


280


-


(1,476)

Deferred tax movements on items taken directly to equity


1,493


(87)


(63)

Current tax movements on items taken directly to equity

 

-

 

-

 

193

Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax


(3,236)


(87)


(1,306)

Total comprehensive income attributable to equity holders of the parent

 

6,637

 

8,399

 

15,769


 

 

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Financial Position







As at  1 August 2009


Restated 

As at  26 July 2008


Restated

As at  31 January 2009

 

 

£000

 

£000

 

£000








Non-current assets







Intangible assets


76,612


10,687


76,807

Property, plant and equipment


56,265


53,869


58,861

Financial instruments


98


-


33

 

 

132,975

 

64,556


135,701








Current assets







Inventories


15,178


11,687


14,528

Trade and other receivables


39,505


35,093


27,139

Cash and cash equivalents


10,469


21,290


6,680

Assets classified as held for sale


2,864


2,864


2,864

 

 

68,016

 

70,934

 

51,211








Total assets

 

200,991

 

135,490

 

186,912








Current liabilities







Borrowings


10,000


-


5,000

Trade and other payables


41,895


35,344


30,978

Provisions


75


80


80

Current tax


4,098


2,734


2,857

 

 

56,068

 

38,158


38,915








Non-current liabilities







Borrowings


25,702


-


32,665

Deferred income


110


72


144

Financial instruments


1,197


-


1,477

Retirement benefit obligations


8,900


6,595


4,989

Deferred tax liabilities


14,808


2,634


16,057

 

 

50,717

 

9,301


55,332








Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders







Called up share capital


4,865


4,865


4,865

Share premium account


905


905


905

Share options reserve


838


582


716

Cash flow hedge reserve


(1,094)


-


(1,374)

Retained earnings


88,692


81,679


87,553

 

 

94,206

 

88,031


92,665








Total equity and liabilities

 

200,991

 

135,490


186,912




Consolidated Condensed Cash Flow Statement







6 months ended  

1 August 2009


6 months ended 

26 July 2008


Year ended  31 January 2009

 

 

£000

 

£000

 

£000

Operating activities







Profit before tax


13,462


11,261


23,209

Adjustments for:







Interest receivable


(46)


(689)


(1,062)

Interest payable


804


74


1,037

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment


3,781


3,387


7,018

Fair value adjustment to financial instruments


(65)


-


82

Amortisation of intangible assets


195


114


340

Impairment of intangible assets


-


-


284

Share-based payment costs


243


175


341

Loss / (Gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment


3


(15)


(13)

Government grants written back

 

(34)

 

-

 

(28)

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital

18,343


14,307


31,208

(Increase) / decrease in inventories


(815)


721


1,038

(Increase) / decrease in receivables


(12,582)


(9,044)


1,976

Increase / (decrease) in payables


11,146


7,406


(468)

Net (decrease) in retirement benefit obligation

 

(1,098)

 

(1,920)

 

(2,996)

Cash generated by operations


14,994


11,470


30,758

Tax on profit paid

 

(2,104)

 

669

 

(2,142)

Net cash from operating activities


12,890


12,139


28,616








Investing activities







Refund of payment for / (acquisition) of subsidiary


216


(20)


(58,694)

Acquisition of intangible assets


-


(140)


(140)

Purchase of property, plant and equipment


(1,381)


(3,995)


(10,639)

Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment


94


113


161

Interest received

 

43

 

689

 

1,041

Net cash used in investing activities


(1,028)


(3,353)


(68,271)








Financing activities







New loans received


5,000


-


54,500

Loans repaid


(7,000)


-


(16,500)

Bank arrangement fees paid


-


-


(366)

Purchase of financial instrument


-


-


(114)

Purchase of company shares by employee benefit trusts


(228)


(767)


(1,482)

Proceeds from disposal of company shares by employee benefit trusts

726


819


862

Dividends paid


(5,837)


(5,373)


(7,604)

Interest paid

 

(734)

 

(74)

 

(860)

Net cash (used in) / generated by financing activities


(8,073)


(5,395)


28,436








Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

3,789

 

3,391

 

(11,219)








Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period


6,680


17,899


17,899

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

10,469

 

21,290

 

6,680


 

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Changes in Equity








Share capital

Share premium account

Share options reserve

Cash flow hedge reserve

Retained earnings

Total

 

 

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000









At 31 January 2009


4,865

905

716

(1,374)

87,553

92,665

Cash flow hedge - recognition of fair value


-

-

-

280

-

280

Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plans


-

-

-

-

(5,009)

(5,009)

Deferred tax on items taken directly to equity


-

-

90

-

1,403

1,493

Profit for the period

 

-

-

-

-

9,873

9,873

Total comprehensive income for the period


-

-

90

280

6,267

6,637









Purchase of company shares by employee benefit trusts


-

-

-

-

(228)

(228)

Proceeds from disposal of company shares by employee benefit trusts


-

-

-

-

726

726

Recognition of share-based payment costs


-

-

243

-

-

243

Transfer of reserve on share award


-

-

(211)

-

211

-

Dividends paid

 

-

-

-

-

(5,837)

(5,837)

At 1 August 2009

 

4,865

905

838

(1,094)

88,692

94,206









At 26 January 2008


4,865

905

964

-

78,044

84,778

Deferred tax on items taken directly to equity


-

-

(87)

-

-

(87)

Profit for the period

 

-

-

-

-

8,486

8,486

Total comprehensive income for the period


-

-

(87)

-

8,486

8,399









Purchase of company shares by employee benefit trusts


-

-

-

-

(767)

(767)

Proceeds from disposal of company shares by employee benefit trusts


-

-

-

-

819

819

Recognition of share-based payment costs


-

-

175

-

-

175

Transfer of reserve on share award


-

-

(470)

-

470

-

Dividends paid

 

-

-

-

-

(5,373)

(5,373)

At 26 July 2008

 

4,865

905

582

-

81,679

88,031









At 26 January 2008


4,865

905

964

-

78,044

84,778

Cash flow hedge - recognition of fair value


-

-

-

(1,476)

-

(1,476)

Movement in cash flow hedge


-

-

-

102

-

102

Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plans


-

-

-

-

(62)

(62)

Current tax on items taken directly to equity


-

-

-

-

193

193

Deferred tax on items taken directly to equity


-

-

(80)

-

17

(63)

Profit for the period

 

-

-

-

-

17,075

17,075

Total comprehensive income for the period


-

-

(80)

(1,374)

17,223

15,769









Purchase of company shares by employee benefit trusts


-

-

-

-

(1,481)

(1,481)

Proceeds from disposal of company shares by employee benefit trusts


-

-

-

-

862

862

Recognition of share-based payment costs


-

-

341

-

-

341

Transfer of reserve on share award


-

-

(509)

-

509

-

Dividends paid

 

-

-

-

-

(7,604)

(7,604)

At 31 January 2009

 

4,865

905

716

(1,374)

87,553

92,665


Restatement

Consistent with the presentation in the financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2009, the deferred tax assets and liabilities as disclosed in the 26 July 2008 comparatives have both been reduced by £3.3m as they related to the same items of property that had historically been eligible for Industrial Buildings Allowance relief. Whilst the adjustment has no effect on the profit for the year or net assets, non-current assets and liabilities have reduced from £67.9m and £12.6m to £64.6m and £9.3m respectively.


The retained earnings figure as at 26 July 2008 has been restated to include the value of the own shares held for use by employee benefit trusts. Previously the purchased value of the shares held by the employee benefit trusts was disclosed as a separate line on the balance sheet. The inclusion of the balance with retained earnings is to bring the reporting in to line with common practice. The restatement has reduced the retained earnings figures and previously presented own shares held figure as follows:



Earnings per share

 

 

 

As at  26 July 2008

£000

 

 As at   31 January 2009

  £000

Reduction in own shares held




2,629


3,258

Reduction in retained earnings

 



2,629


3,258



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