1st Quarter Results

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC 16 May 2006 16 May 2006 InterContinental Hotels Group PLC First Quarter Results to 31 March 2006 First Quarter Headlines • Continuing revenue up 22% from £153m to £186m, up 14% at constant exchange rates. • Continuing operating profit up 40% from £30m to £42m, up 27% at constant exchange rates. • Total operating profit, including discontinued operations, of £46m. • Franchised operating profit up 25% to £55m. Managed operating profit up 36% to £19m. • Adjusted earnings per share up 13% from 6.8p to 7.7p. • Total gross revenue from all hotels in IHG's system up 9% to $3.4bn.* • Global constant currency RevPAR growth of 11.6%. Strongest growth in Americas, up 13.0%, with continued rate increases. • Room count steady at 537,544 rooms. Pipeline up by 8,452 to 116,964. * Total gross revenue is defined as total room revenue (i.e. excluding food and beverage) from franchised hotels and total hotel revenue from managed, owned and leased hotels. It is not revenue attributable to IHG, as it is derived mainly from hotels owned by third parties. The metric is highlighted as an indicator of the scale and reach of IHG's brands. All figures and movements unless otherwise noted are at actual exchange rates and before other operating income and expenses. Constant exchange rate comparatives shown in appendix 4. See appendix 3 for analysis of financial headlines. Commenting on the results and trading, Andrew Cosslett, Chief Executive of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC said: "Results for the quarter were strong, helped by buoyant market conditions around the world and the impact of actions taken during the second half of 2005. These changes included strengthened and refocused development teams, new operating structures and revisions to our marketing approach in key locations. The disposal programme is on track, we remain focused on enhancing the quality of our estate and our pipeline of new hotel signings, the largest in the industry, continues to grow. The outlook for the rest of the year remains positive." Americas: strong performance across all brands Revenue performance RevPAR increased 13.0% with rate generating most of the increase, up 8.4%. InterContinental, Holiday Inn and Candlewood each outperformed their market segments, with RevPAR up 14.5%, 12.5% and 13.0% respectively. Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites also showed continued good RevPAR growth, with 13.8%, 11.9% and 8.6% increases respectively. Operating profit performance Operating profit from continuing operations increased 25% from $69m to $86m. Continuing owned and leased profit improved from $2m to $4m, driven by increased rates at InterContinental New York and InterContinental Buckhead, Atlanta, but impacted by pre opening costs at InterContinental Boston. Managed profit was up 38% to $11m, benefiting from retained management contracts on assets disposed. Franchised profit increased 13% to $85m. Including discontinued operations, total operating profit increased from $84m to $87m. EMEA: RevPAR growth accelerating Revenue performance RevPAR increased 8.7%, with all major countries performing well. The Middle East had another outstanding quarter, growing RevPAR by 27.9%. Germany achieved a 3.2% RevPAR gain in the quarter. France delivered a RevPAR increase of 2.3%, benefiting from continued improvement at InterContinental Paris Le Grand. In the UK, the Holiday Inn estate grew RevPAR by 3.0%. Operating profit performance Operating profit from continuing operations increased 200% from £1m to £3m. Continuing owned and leased operations generated a loss of £5m, with the improved performance at InterContinental Le Grand Paris, where occupancy increased from 52% to 70%, outweighed by the impact of the closure of InterContinental London for refurbishment. The InterContinental London is now expected to reopen towards the end of 2006. Managed profit was up 33% from £6m to £8m, primarily as a result of retained management contracts on assets disposed. Franchised profit increased 25% from £4m to £5m. Including discontinued operations, total operating profit reduced from £26m to £6m. Asia Pacific: strong growth Revenue performance RevPAR increased 8.8%, mainly driven by rate. Occupancy increased from 70.4% to 72.3%. Crowne Plaza RevPAR increased 11.1%, and Holiday Inn RevPAR 10.4%. Greater China RevPAR increased 8.5%, driven by rate increases as strong demand for IHG's brands continues. Operating profit performance Operating profit from continuing operations increased 18% from $11m to $13m. Owned and leased operating profit increased 33% from $6m to $8m as a result of excellent trading at InterContinental Hong Kong, driven by a nearly 20% rate increase. Managed hotels profit was steady at $8m, after accounting for the cost of increased infrastructure in China. Overheads As previously disclosed, IHG expects that in 2006 regional and central overheads will increase ahead of inflation at constant exchange rates. In the quarter, aggregated regional overheads were up £1m at £16m after continued infrastructure investment in China. Central overheads increased by £3m to £17m. This included the cost of the first phase of new global research aimed at gaining a deeper insight into customers' brand perceptions across the lodging sector, and further developing IHG's franchise capability around the world. These projects have been planned for 2006 to inform and direct management decision making and support performance in 2007 and beyond. Increase in development pipeline size IHG continues to increase its pipeline, in pursuit of the target of 50,000-60,000 net organic room additions by the end of 2008. • 18,131 rooms were signed; 9,975 in the Americas, 1,101 in EMEA and 7,055 in Asia Pacific. • 116,964 rooms are now in the pipeline, up 8,452 since the start of the year. • IHG's development activity in China continues to be successful. 11 hotels, 6,470 rooms, were signed in the first quarter, including two InterContinentals and the world's largest Holiday Inn Express. IHG maintains its focus on enhancing the quality of its portfolio, in tandem with growth. • 8,343 rooms opened; 7,140 in the Americas and 1,203 in EMEA. • 8,332 rooms exited; 5,922 in the Americas, 2,076 in EMEA and 334 in Asia Pacific. The majority were at IHG's instigation. • The room count at the end of the period remained steady at 537,544. 2,508 net InterContinental and Crowne Plaza rooms were added, enhancing the mix of IHG's hotel portfolio and the distribution of IHG's upscale brands. Disposals and returns of funds The disposal of 24 hotels in Continental Europe was announced during the first quarter, with a 15 year franchise agreement, for which proceeds of approximately £240m have been received. Seven InterContinental branded hotels in Continental Europe were put on the market in the quarter. The sale of IHG's shares in FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated ("Felcor") was also completed for a total of $191m, generating a gain of £25m, following the renegotiation of IHG's hotel management agreement with Felcor. IHG's returns of funds to shareholders continued in the quarter, with the second £250m share buyback now completed, the third £250m share buyback underway, and £500m proposed to be returned to shareholders on 22 June 2006 via a special dividend. Upon completion of the third share buyback and the £500m special dividend, IHG will have returned £2.75bn to its shareholders since Separation from Six Continents in April 2003. Appendix 1: Asset disposal programme detail Number of hotels Proceeds Net book value Disposed to date 168 £2.5bn £2.4bn On the market 7 - £0.4bn Remaining hotels 22 - £0.9bn For a full list please visit www.ihgplc.com/Investors Appendix 2: Return of funds programme* Timing Total return Returned to date Still to be returned £501m special dividend Paid December 2004 £501m £501m Nil First £250m share Completed in 2004 £250m £250m Nil buyback Second £250m share Completed in 2006 £250m £250m Nil buyback £996m capital return Paid 8 July 2005 £996m £996m Nil Third £250m share Underway £250m £20m £230m buyback £500m special dividend 22 June 2006 £500m - £500m Total £2.75bn £2.02bn £0.73bn *To 16 May 2006. Appendix 3: Financial headlines Q1 £m Total Americas EMEA Asia Pacific Central 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 Franchised operating profit 55 44 49 39 5 4 1 1 - - Managed operating profit 19 14 6 4 8 6 5 4 - - Continuing owned and leased 1 1 2 2 (5) (4) 4 3 - - operating profit Regional overheads (16) (15) (8) (8) (5) (5) (3) (2) - - Continuing operating profit pre 59 44 49 37 3 1 7 6 - - central overheads Central overheads (17) (14) - - - - - - (17) (14) Continuing operating profit 42 30 49 37 3 1 7 6 (17) (14) Discontinued owned and leased 4 35 1 7 3 25 - 3 - - operating profit Total operating profit 46 65 50 44 6 26 7 9 (17) (14) Appendix 4: Constant currency continuing operating profits before special items for the period. Americas EMEA Asia Pacific Total*** Actual Constant Actual Constant Actual Constant Actual Constant currency* currency** currency* currency** currency* currency* currency** currency** Growth 32% 22% 200% 200% 17% 17% 40% 27% Exchange rates USD:GBP EUR:GBP Q1 2006 1.75 1.46 Q1 2005 1.90 1.44 * Sterling actual currency ** Translated at constant Q1 2005 exchange rates *** After Central Overheads For further information, please contact: Investor Relations (Gavin Flynn/Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson): +44 (0) 1753 410 176 +44 (0) 7808 098 972 Media Affairs (Leslie McGibbon): +44 (0) 1753 410 425 +44 (0) 7808 094 471 High resolution images to accompany this announcement are available for the media to download free of charge from www.vismedia.co.uk . This includes profile shots of the key executives. Conference call for Analysts and Shareholders A conference call with Andrew Cosslett (Chief Executive) and Richard Solomons (Finance Director) will commence at 8.00 am (London time) on 16 May. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. UK Local Rate 0800 953 0844 Standard International Dial In +44 (0)1452 562 716 Conference ID: 8468828 A recording of the conference call will be available for 7 days. To access this please dial the relevant number below and use the access number 8468828# UK dial in 0800 953 1533 International dial-in +44 (0)1452 550 000 US Q&A conference call There will also be a conference call, primarily for US investors and analysts, at 10am (Eastern Standard Time) on 16 May with Andrew Cosslett (Chief Executive) and Richard Solomons (Finance Director). There will be an opportunity to ask questions. International dial-in +44 (0)1452 562 716 US Toll Free 1866 832 0717 Conference ID: 8509756 A recording of the conference will also be available for 7 days. To access this please dial the relevant number below and use the access number 8509756# International dial-in +44 (0)1452 550 000 US Toll Free 1866 247 4222 Website The full release and supplementary data will be available on our website from 7.00 am (London time) on 16 May 2006. The web address is www.ihgplc.com/Q1 Note to Editors: InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom (LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)) is the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms. InterContinental Hotels Group owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 3,600 hotels and 537,500 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. The Group owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotel brands including InterContinental(R) Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn(R) Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express(R), Staybridge Suites(R), Candlewood Suites(R) and Hotel IndigoTM, and also manages the world's largest hotel loyalty programme, Priority Club(R) Rewards. InterContinental Hotels Group offers information and online reservations for all its hotel brands at www.ichotelsgroup.com and information for the Priority Club Rewards programme at www.priorityclub.com. For the latest news from InterContinental Hotels Group, visit our online Press Office at www.ihgplc.com/media Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements as defined under US law (Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements often use words such as ' target', 'expect', 'intend', 'believe' or other words of similar meaning. By their nature, forward-looking statements are inherently predictive, speculative and involve risk and uncertainty. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect the business and the financial results are described in "Risk Factors" in the InterContinental Hotels Group PLC Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLC GROUP INCOME STATEMENT For the three months ended 31 March 2006 3 months ended 31 March 2006 3 months ended 31 March 2005 Continuing Discontinued Continuing Discontinued operations operations operations operations Total Total £m £m £m £m £m £m Revenue (note 3) 186 53 239 153 380 533 Cost of sales (90) (46) (136) (77) (295) (372) Administrative expenses (39) - (39) (34) (17) (51) ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ 57 7 64 42 68 110 Depreciation and amortisation (15) (3) (18) (12) (22) (34) Other operating income and 25 - 25 - - - expenses (note 8) ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ Operating profit (note 4) 67 4 71 30 46 76 Financial income 9 - 9 7 - 7 Financial expenses (10) - (10) (18) - (18) ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ Profit before tax 66 4 70 19 46 65 UK tax (2) - (2) 5 (11) (6) Foreign tax (16) (1) (17) (10) (3) (13) ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ Total tax (note 9) (18) (1) (19) (5) (14) (19) ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ Profit after tax 48 3 51 14 32 46 Gain on disposal of assets, net - 2 2 - 9 9 of tax credit of £1m (2005 £1m) ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ Profit available for 48 5 53 14 41 55 shareholders ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent 48 5 53 14 37 51 Minority equity interest - - - - 4 4 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ Profit for the period 48 5 53 14 41 55 ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== Earnings per ordinary share (note 10): Basic 11.1p 1.2p 12.3p 2.3p 5.9p 8.2p Diluted 10.9p 1.1p 12.0p 2.3p 5.8p 8.1p Adjusted 7.0p 7.7p 2.3p 6.8p ===== ===== ===== ===== INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLC GROUP STATEMENT OF RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE For the three months ended 31 March 2006 2006 2005 3 months 3 months ended 31 March ended 31 March £m £m Income and expense recognised directly in equity Losses on valuation of available-for-sale assets (1) (19) Exchange differences on retranslation of foreign operations (3) 6 _____ _____ (4) (13) Transfers to the income statement On disposal of available-for-sale assets (15) - Tax on items above taken directly to or transferred from equity 8 - _____ _____ Net expense recognised directly in equity (11) (13) Profit for the period 53 55 _____ _____ Total recognised income and expense for the period 42 42 ===== ===== Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent 42 38 Minority equity interest - 4 _____ _____ 42 42 ===== ===== InterContinental Hotels Group PLC GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT For the three months ended 31 March 2006 2006 2005 3 months 3 months ended 31 March ended 31 March £m £m Profit for the period 53 55 Adjustments for: Net financial expenses 1 11 Income tax charge 19 19 Gain on disposal of assets, net of tax (2) (9) Other operating income and expenses (25) - Depreciation and amortisation 18 34 Equity settled share-based cost, net of payments 1 (1) _____ _____ Operating cash flow before movements in working capital 65 109 Increase in inventories - (4) Increase in receivables (18) (31) Decrease in provisions and other payables (20) (28) Decrease in employee benefit obligation - (29) _____ _____ Cash flow from operations 27 17 Interest paid (10) (13) Interest received 7 4 Tax paid (8) (12) _____ _____ Net cash from operating activities 16 (4) _____ _____ Cash flow from investing activities Purchases of property, plant and equipment - Hotels (18) (25) Purchases of associates and other financial assets - Hotels (4) (7) Disposal of assets, net of cash disposed of - Hotels 26 239 Proceeds from other financial assets - Hotels 110 6 Purchases of property, plant and equipment - Soft Drinks - (16) _____ _____ Net cash from investing activities 114 197 _____ _____ Cash flow from financing activities Proceeds from the issue of share capital 2 3 Purchase of own shares (27) (47) Net movement in shares in employee share trusts (8) - Dividends paid to shareholders - (17) Decrease in borrowings (124) (112) _____ _____ Net cash from financing activities (157) (173) _____ _____ Net movement in cash and cash equivalents in the period (27) 20 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 324 72 Exchange rate effects (1) (1) _____ _____ Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period 296 91 ===== ===== INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLC GROUP BALANCE SHEET 31 March 2006 2006 2005 31 March 31 December £m £m ASSETS Property, plant and equipment 967 1,356 Goodwill 116 118 Intangible assets 122 120 Investment in associates 41 42 Other financial assets 114 113 _____ _____ Total non-current assets 1,360 1,749 _____ _____ Inventories 3 3 Trade and other receivables 249 252 Current tax receivable 18 22 Cash and cash equivalents 296 324 Other financial assets 6 106 _____ _____ Total current assets 572 707 Non-current assets classified as held for sale 672 279 ______ ______ Total assets 2,604 2,735 ===== ===== LIABILITIES Loans and other borrowings (24) (2) Trade and other payables (447) (468) Current tax payable (326) (324) _____ _____ Total current liabilities (797) (794) _____ _____ Loans and other borrowings (267) (410) Employee benefits (76) (76) Provisions and other payables (109) (107) Deferred tax payable (122) (210) _____ _____ Total non-current liabilities (574) (803) Liabilities classified as held for sale (119) (34) _____ ______ Total liabilities (1,490) (1,631) ===== ===== Net assets (note 13) 1,114 1,104 ===== ===== EQUITY IHG shareholders' equity 1,094 1,084 Minority equity interest 20 20 ______ ______ Total equity 1,114 1,104 ===== ===== INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLC NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Basis of preparation These interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 'Interim Financial Reporting'. The unaudited financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2006 and 31 March 2005 and the audited balance sheet for the year ended 31 December 2005 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards endorsed by the European Union and available for use by listed European companies. Details of the accounting policies applied in the period ended 31 March 2006 are set out in the 2005 InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) Annual Report and Financial Statements. These interim financial statements are unaudited and do not constitute statutory accounts of the Group within the meaning of Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2005, which contain an unqualified audit report, have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. A reclassification that reduced the 31 March 2005 administrative expenses by £6m and increased costs of sales has been made. 2. Exchange rates The results of overseas operations have been translated into sterling at the weighted average rates of exchange for the period. In the case of the US dollar, the translation rate for the three months ended 31 March is £1= $1.75 (2005 3 months, £1 = $1.90). In the case of the euro, the translation rate for the three months ended 31 March is £1 = €1.46 (2005 3 months, £1 = €1.44). Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities have been translated into sterling at the rates of exchange on the last day of the period. In the case of the US dollar, the translation rate is £1=$1.73 (2005 31 March £1 = $1.88; 31 December £1 = $1.73). In the case of the euro, the translation rate is £1 = €1.43 (2005 31 March £1 = €1.45; 31 December £1= €1.46). Revenue 3. 2006 2005 3 months 3 months ended 31 March ended 31 March* £m £m Hotels Continuing operations Americas (note 5) 106 83 EMEA (note 6) 41 40 Asia Pacific (note 7) 27 20 Central 12 10 ____ ____ 186 153 Discontinued operations Hotels 53 191 Soft Drinks - 189 ____ ____ 53 380 ____ ____ 239 533 ==== ==== * Other than for Soft Drinks which reflects 16 weeks ended 17 April 2005. 4. Operating profit 2006 2005 3 months 3 months ended 31 March ended 31 March* £m £m Hotels Continuing operations Americas (note 5) 49 37 EMEA (note 6) 3 1 Asia Pacific (note 7) 7 6 Central (17) (14) ____ ____ 42 30 Discontinued operations Hotels 4 35 Soft Drinks - 11 ____ ____ 4 46 ____ ____ 46 76 Other operating income and expenses (note 8) 25 - ____ ____ Operating profit 71 76 ==== ==== * Other than for Soft Drinks which reflects 16 weeks ended 17 April 2005. 5. Americas 2006 2005 3 months 3 months ended 31 March ended 31 March $m $m Revenue Owned & Leased 54 48 Managed 36 25 Franchised 96 85 ____ ____ Continuing operations 186 158 Discontinued operations - Owned & Leased 6 61 ____ ____ Total $m 192 219 ==== ==== Sterling equivalent £m 109 115 ==== ==== Operating profit Owned & Leased 4 2 Managed 11 8 Franchised 85 75 ____ ____ Continuing operations 100 85 Discontinued operations - Owned & Leased 1 15 ____ ____ 101 100 Regional overheads (14) (16) ____ ____ Total $m 87 84 ==== ==== Sterling equivalent £m 50 44 ==== ==== 6. EMEA 2006 2005 3 months 3 months ended 31 March ended 31 March £m £m Revenue Owned & Leased 20 24 Managed 14 10 Franchised 7 6 ____ ____ Continuing operations 41 40 Discontinued operations - Owned & Leased 50 143 ____ ____ Total 91 183 ==== ==== Operating profit Owned & Leased (5) (4) Managed 8 6 Franchised 5 4 ____ ____ Continuing operations 8 6 Discontinued operations - Owned & Leased 3 25 ____ ____ 11 31 Regional overheads (5) (5) ____ ____ Total 6 26 ==== ==== 7. Asia Pacific 2006 2005 3 months 3 months ended 31 March ended 31 March $m $m Revenue Owned & Leased 32 27 Managed 13 10 Franchised 2 1 ____ ____ Continuing operations 47 38 Discontinued operations - Owned & Leased - 30 ____ ____ Total $m 47 68 ==== ==== Sterling equivalent £m 27 36 ==== ==== Operating profit Owned & Leased 8 6 Managed 8 8 Franchised 1 1 ____ ____ Continuing operations 17 15 Discontinued operations - Owned & Leased - 5 ____ ____ 17 20 Regional overheads (4) (4) ____ ____ Total $m 13 16 ==== ==== Sterling equivalent £m 7 9 ==== ==== 8. Special items 2006 2005 3 months 3 months ended 31 March ended 31 March £m £m Other operating income and expenses Gain on sale of investment in FelCor Lodging Trust, Inc. 25 - ==== ==== Tax Tax on other operating income and expenses (7) - ==== ==== All special items relate to continuing operations. 9. Tax The tax charge on profit before tax, excluding the impact of special items (note 8), has been calculated using an estimated effective annual tax rate of 28%. 10. Earnings per ordinary share Basic earnings per ordinary share is calculated by dividing the profit for the period available for IHG equity holders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares, excluding investment in own shares, in issue during the period. Diluted earnings per ordinary share is calculated by adjusting basic earnings per ordinary share to reflect the notional exercise of the weighted average number of dilutive ordinary share options outstanding during the period. 2006 2005 3 months ended 3 months ended 31 March 31 March Continuing Continuing operations Total operations Total £m £m £m £m Basic earnings per share Profit available for equity holders 48 53 14 51 Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions) 430 430 617 617 Basic earnings per share (pence) 11.1 12.3 2.3 8.2 ==== ===== ==== ===== Adjusted earnings per share Profit available for equity holders 48 53 14 51 Less adjusting items: Other operating income and expenses (note 8) (25) (25) - - Tax (note 8) 7 7 - - Gain on disposal of assets, net of tax - (2) - (9) ____ _____ ____ _____ Adjusted earnings 30 33 14 42 Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions) 430 430 617 617 Adjusted earnings per share (pence) 7.0 7.7 2.3 6.8 ==== ===== ==== ===== Diluted earnings per share Profit available for equity holders 48 53 14 51 Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions) (see below) 442 442 629 629 Diluted earnings per share (pence) 10.9 12.0 2.3 8.1 ==== ===== ==== ===== 2006 2005 31 March 31 March millions millions Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares is calculated as: Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares 430 617 Dilutive potential ordinary shares - employee share options 12 12 ____ ____ 442 629 ==== ==== Adjusted earnings per ordinary share is disclosed in order to show performance undistorted by special items, to give a more meaningful comparison of the Group's performance. 11. Cash flows from discontinued operations 2006 2005 3 months 3 months ended 31 March ended 31 March £m £m Hotels Operating profit before interest, depreciation and amortisation 9 43 Investing activities (2) (9) Financing activities (1) (14) ____ ____ 6 20 ==== ==== Soft Drinks Operating profit before interest, depreciation and amortisation - 25 Investing activities - (16) Financing activities - 64 ____ ____ - 73 ==== ==== 12. Net debt 2006 2005 31 March 31 December £m £m Cash and cash equivalents 296 324 Loans and other borrowings (291) (412) ____ ____ 5 (88) ==== ==== 13. Net assets 2006 2005 31 March 31 December £m £m Hotels Americas 300 369 EMEA 856 951 Asia Pacific 293 296 Central 90 88 ____ ____ 1,539 1,704 Net debt 5 (88) Unallocated assets and liabilities (430) (512) ____ ____ 1,114 1,104 ==== ==== 14. Movement in IHG shareholders' equity 2006 2005 3 months 3 months ended 31 March ended 31 March £m £m At 1 January 1,084 1,817 Total recognised income and expense for the period 42 38 Issue of ordinary shares 3 3 Purchase of own shares (28) (67) Movement in shares in employee share trusts and share (7) (1) schemes ____ ____ At 31 March 1,094 1,790 ==== ==== 15. Contingencies At 31 March 2006 the Group had contingent liabilities of £20m (2005 31 December, £20m), mainly comprising guarantees given in the ordinary course of business. 16. Post balance sheet event The disposal of 23 hotels in Continental Europe was announced on 13 March 2006. The disposal was completed on 28 April 2006. INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLC Introduction We have been instructed by the company to review the financial information for the three months ended 31 March 2006 which comprises the Group Income Statement, Group Statement of Recognised Income and Expense, Group Cash Flow Statement, Group Balance Sheet and the related notes 1 to 16. We have read the other information contained in the interim report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial information. This report is made solely to the company in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4 'Review of interim financial information' issued by the Auditing Practices Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed. Directors' responsibilities The interim report, including the financial information contained therein, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the interim report in accordance with the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority which require that the accounting policies and presentation applied to the interim figures should be consistent with those applied in preparing the preceding annual accounts except where any changes, and the reasons for them, are disclosed. Review work performed We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4 'Review of interim financial information' issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review consists principally of making enquiries of group management and applying analytical procedures to the financial information and underlying financial data, and based thereon, assessing whether the accounting policies and presentation have been consistently applied, unless otherwise disclosed. A review excludes audit procedures such as tests of controls and verification of assets, liabilities and transactions. It is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and therefore provides a lower level of assurance than an audit. Accordingly we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information. Review conclusion On the basis of our review we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial information as presented for the three months ended 31 March 2006. Ernst & Young LLP London 15 May 2006 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange QQ
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