Britvic plc Interim results (0367G)

Share Name	Share Symbol	Market	Type	Share ISIN	Share Description
Britvic Plc	LSE:BVIC	London	Ordinary Share	GB00B0N8QD54	ORD 20P

	Price Change	% Change	Share Price	Bid Price	Offer Price	High Price	Low Price	Open Price	Shares Traded	Last Trade
	12.00	1.44%	845.00	840.50	842.00	843.00	823.50	833.00	845,791	16:35:09

Industry Sector	Turnover	Profit	EPS - Basic	PE Ratio	Market Cap
Btld & Can Soft Drinks,water	1.75B	124M	0.4969	16.91	2.1B

Britvic (LSE:BVIC)
Historical Stock Chart

From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024

TIDMBVIC

RNS Number : 0367G

Britvic plc

24 May 2017

Britvic plc Interim Results - 24 May 2017

Covering the 28 weeks ended 16 April 2017.

"A strong first half performance, confident of meeting market expectations for FY17"

Group Financial Headlines:

   --      Revenue increased 11.5% to GBP756.3m 
   --      Pre-exceptional EBITA* increased 6.7% to GBP73.6m 
   --      Organic revenue* increased 3.7% and organic pre-exceptional EBITA* increased 5.1%

-- Profit after tax decreased 4.9% to GBP38.6m, impacted by GBP5.8m of exceptional and other items

   --      Adjusted earnings per share* increased 9.2% to 18.9p 
   --      Interim dividend per share of 7.2p, an increase of 2.9%

Strategic highlights:

   --      Strong revenue growth, with all business units in growth compared to last year 
   --      Organic pre-exceptional EBITA margin* increased 10bps

-- Successful management of cost inflation through disciplined revenue management and cost efficiency

   --      Actions taken to deliver GBP5m overhead savings in FY17

-- Complementary bolt-on acquisition of Bela Ischia completed in Brazil, integration underway and on track to deliver R$10m of cost synergies

   --      Building quality distribution of Fruit Shoot in the USA

-- Business Capability Programme, on track to deliver substantial cost benefits and commercial flexibility

 
                                   28 weeks ended 16     28 weeks ended 10      % change Actual      % change Organic 
                                    April 2017 GBPm       April 2016 GBPm        Exchange Rate      Constant Exchange 
                                                                                                           Rate 
-------------------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  ------------------- 
 Revenue                                 756.3                 678.0                 11.5%                 3.7% 
  Pre-exceptional EBITA*                  73.6                  69.0                  6.7%                 5.1% 
  Pre-exceptional EBITA margin*           9.7%                 10.2%                (50)bps               +10bps 
  Profit after tax                        38.6                  40.6                 (4.9)%                  - 
  Basic EPS                              14.7p                 15.5p                 (5.2)%                  - 
  Adjusted EPS*                          18.9p                 17.3p                  9.2%                   - 
  Interim dividend per share              7.2p                  7.0p                  2.9% 
  Adjusted net debt/EBITDA                2.4x                  2.0x                 (0.4)x 
-------------------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  -------------------

* Items marked with an asterisk throughout this document are non-GAAP measures, definitions and relevant reconciliations are provided in the Glossary on page 10.

Simon Litherland, Chief Executive Officer commented:

"Britvic has delivered a strong first half performance driven by organic revenue growth in all our markets and successful management of input cost inflation. We have continued to make progress delivering our strategic priorities and have exciting commercial plans for the second half of the year. I am confident that we will deliver full year performance in line with market expectations."

For further information please contact:

Investors:

 
 Steve Nightingale (Director of 
  Investor Relations)              +44 (0) 7808 097784

Media:

 
 Victoria McKenzie-Gould (Director 
  of Corporate Relations)             +44 (0) 7885 828342 
 Ben Foster (Teneo Blue Rubicon)      +44 (0) 203 603 5220

There will be a live webcast of the presentation given today at 10:00am by Simon Litherland (Chief Executive Officer) and Mathew Dunn (Chief Financial Officer). The webcast will be available at www.britvic.com/investors with a transcript available in due course.

Notes to editors

About Britvic

Britvic is one of the leading branded soft drinks businesses in Europe. The company combines its own leading brand portfolio including Fruit Shoot, Robinsons, Tango, J2O, Teisseire and MiWadi with PepsiCo brands such as Pepsi, 7UP and Mountain Dew Energy which Britvic produces and sells in GB and Ireland under exclusive PepsiCo agreements.

Britvic is the largest supplier of branded still soft drinks in Great Britain ("GB") and the number two supplier of branded carbonated soft drinks in GB. Britvic is an industry leader in the island of Ireland with brands such as MiWadi and Ballygowan, in France with brands such as Teisseire and Pressade and in Brazil with Maguary and Dafruta. Britvic is growing its reach into other territories through franchising, export and licensing. Britvic's management team has successfully developed the business through a clear strategy of organic growth and international expansion based on creating and building scale brands. Britvic is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the code BVIC and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

This announcement includes statements that are forward-looking in nature. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the group to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Except as required by the Listing Rules and applicable law, Britvic undertakes no obligation to update or change any forward-looking statements to reflect events occurring after the date such statements are published.

Market data

GB take-home market data referred to in this announcement is supplied by Nielsen and runs to 15 April 2017. ROI take-home market data referred to in this announcement is supplied by Nielsen and runs to 26 March 2017. French market data is supplied by IRI and runs to 2 April 2017.

Next scheduled announcement

Britvic will publish its quarter three interim management statement on 27 July 2017.

Chief Executive Officer's Strategic Review

This year we have continued to make strong progress delivering our long term strategic goals. The challenges we face in all our markets have been well documented, however our relentless focus on meeting consumer needs, successfully executing our commercial plans and driving cost efficiency has translated into a strong first half performance. We have delivered revenue growth in all our markets, and our pre-exceptional EBITA* increased by 6.7%, enabling us to declare a 2.9% increase in the interim dividend.

Generate profitable growth in our core markets

The GB soft drinks market, as measured by Nielsen, is now showing value growth ahead of volume. In all our markets, we have experienced rising costs from underlying cost inflation and in GB we have faced the additional burden from the weakening of sterling leading to further cost increases for raw materials we purchase in either Euro or US Dollar. We have led the value growth in the soft drinks category and focused on driving value ahead of volume to protect our profitability. We have continued to benefit from a strong performance in our portfolio of immediate refreshment packs, as well as in channels such as leisure and foodservice, where we are winning and retaining major accounts such as Mitchells & Butlers, Subway and KFC.

In the carbonates category, our focus on no and low sugar offerings has continued to resonate with consumers. Despite a highly competitive grocery market, Pepsi Max has continued to gain volume and value share and we have seen a good performance across the portfolio. In GB Stills, whilst we have seen a decline in revenue, our performance trajectory has continued to improve and we returned to volume growth. Robinsons in particular, whilst facing pricing pressure in grocery, grew volume through a stabilisation of the core pack formats and successful targeting of new occasions via new pack formats such as Squash'd, dispense and core range bottle sizes - with this innovation generating 12% of brand revenue this year.

I am encouraged by the performance of our recent innovations such as Drench and Purdey's, which we believe offer significant future growth opportunities. Both brands are in strong growth and we have recently extended Drench with the introduction of a range of sparkling variants. In the second half of the year we will benefit from the new Pepsi Max Ginger variant and the launch of Robinsons "REFRESH'D". This ready to drink format offers a natural formulation with no artificial ingredients and no added sugar, enabling consumers to enjoy tasty, healthy hydration and the initial trade and consumer response has been very positive.

France

The soft drinks market, as measured by IRI, has remained subdued, reflecting both the challenging trading conditions and the continued impact of the consolidation of procurement by grocery retailers. Despite these headwinds, we have seen a strong start to the year, driven by the growth of our branded portfolio. We have focused our brand marketing on Pressade ahead of Fruité and this was the main success in the first half, driven by the introduction of the "Bonjour" range of breakfast time juices. In addition, Fruit Shoot has continued to grow, benefiting from the recent introduction of an Iced Tea flavour variant. In the second half of the year we are adding another new flavour variant of Fruit Shoot, a higher juice Fruit Shoot range called Fruizeo and extending the appeal of Pressade with the launch of a new range of organic syrups.

Ireland

The year has started very well in Ireland, with growth in both our own brand portfolio and the Counterpoint wholesale business. The biggest drivers have been Ballygowan water and MiWadi squash, both benefiting from the consumer trend towards healthy hydration. MiWadi has also benefited from the growth of the Zero sugar range and the recent introduction of the MiWadi Mini super concentrate pack format. Growth in Counterpoint has been further boosted by additional business in Dublin following the successful completion of the acquisition of East Coast.

Realise global opportunities in kids, family and adult categories

Following an excellent first year in Brazil, we acquired Bela Ischia in March of this year. Bela Ischia is a strong and well recognised consumer brand with its largest presence in the key areas of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. The acquisition strengthens both Britvic's brand portfolio and geographical footprint by complementing our existing strengths in Sao Paulo and the North East. The acquisition will realise cost savings of at least R$10m, principally from efficiencies in procurement, production, logistics and administration.

Trading in Brazil in the first half of this year has been challenging, reflecting the current volatile macro-economic environment. Despite this, we have delivered organic revenue growth as a result of the price increases implemented to recover the impact of inflation. Last year we introduced Maguary Fruit Shoot into Sao Paulo and following its initial success we are now using the combined Ebba and Bela Ischia footprint to expand its presence further in Brazil, launching across Sao Paulo state and into Rio de Janeiro. Whilst the macro environment is likely to remain challenging in the short-term, I am very confident that we have built a strong platform for future growth.

Fruit Shoot in the USA has made further progress following the launch of the multi-pack last year. We have continued to grow multi-pack distribution, improving our packs, launching a new Fruit Punch variant and focusing on delivering consistent in-store execution. Later this year, we will further expand our range with the introduction of Hydro flavoured water, whilst our efforts will continue to focus on building both consumer trial and brand awareness through sampling, digital marketing and consistent on-shelf presentation. The single-serve pack format has continued to progress, building listings following the route to market transition and securing additional chiller placements.

Continue to step change our business capability

2017 finds us right in the middle of our three-year, GBP240m business capability investment programme. The large PET line installed in Leeds last year is now fully operational, delivering the planned cost savings and starting to unlock some of the anticipated commercial benefits. As well as a new 1.5 litre PET contour bottle, we have launched a 3 litre PET carbonates pack that is facilitating access to new commercial opportunities. Our Rugby factory is undergoing substantial change this year, with major groundworks, three new can lines and preparation for a new aseptic line all underway. At our London site, the new large PET line is now fully operational. Undergoing such a major change programme has required a huge effort and level of commitment from the Britvic team. Implementation challenges are inevitable with a programme of this scale and I am proud of how the team continue to overcome obstacles and keep us on schedule and on-track to deliver the planned benefits. Once complete, this programme will step change our ability to compete in the market and give us a fantastic platform to grow the business.

Build trust and respect in our communities

The investment in our supply chain is also leading to broader environmental as well as efficiency and commercial benefits. In FY16 our new high-speed PET line in Leeds meant we could lightweight our bottles which avoided the use of 155 tonnes of PET packaging, equivalent to saving 443 tonnes of CO2. Already in the first half of this year our investment has led to a 6% reduction in our water ratio and a 3% reduction in our effluent ratio.

Public health is a key plank of our Trusted and Respected pillar, and playing a proactive role in helping to address obesity has been an integral part of our business strategy since 2013. We have taken bold steps to help consumers make healthier choices through reformulating our drinks with no compromise on taste or quality, innovation in our products and range, and using the power of our brands responsibly. Our actions have led to an annualised calorie reduction across our portfolio of 19 billion since 2012, and our innovation pipeline has been significantly weighted towards better for you products for some time. We were the first UK soft drinks company to introduce stevia and we removed the added sugar Fruit Shoot range in GB in 2014 and the added sugar Robinsons range in summer 2015. We have a Responsible Marketing Code and do not market to under 12s. We do not advertise high sugar products to under 16s and 83% of all advertising spend in GB in FY16 was on low/no sugar products. Since 2005, all Pepsi advertising has been led with sugar-free Pepsi MAX.

In the first half of the year we have continued to focus our innovation on low and no sugar products with the launch of Club Zero Rock Shandy in Ireland. We have also continued to work with our customers to make it easier for consumers to make healthier choices. From July 2016 to July 2017, Subway stores will have removed around 3.7 billion calories from British diets after converting to the Britvic/PepsiCo portfolio.

Finally, I am delighted that Britvic has for the first time been listed in the independent 'Great Place to Work' rankings in all of GB, France and Ireland. Britvic was the only soft drinks firm listed in GB. This is testament to both the quality of our people and their commitment to the business.

Outlook

We have again demonstrated in the first half our ability to deliver our strategic priorities in the face of a challenging external environment. As well as producing a good first half financial performance we have continued to progress on our long-term growth drivers and we are excited by the opportunities that we have in our core markets and internationally. With a portfolio of market leading brands, strong marketing plans for the important summer period and clear strategic priorities for the balance of the year we remain confident of meeting market expectations for the full year.

Chief Financial Officer's Review

Overview

In the period, we sold over 1.1 billion litres of soft drinks, an increase of 2.0% on the previous year, with Average Realised Price (ARP*) of 61.8p, increasing by 1.5% on a constant currency basis. Revenue was GBP756.3m, an increase of 11.5% (AER) compared to last year and 3.7% on an organic constant currency basis. Pre-exceptional EBITA* increased 6.7% (AER) to GBP73.6m, and pre-exceptional EBITA* margin decreased 50bps (AER). Organic margin, on a constant currency basis, increased by 10bps.

 
 GB carbonates              28 weeks    28 weeks 
                              ended       ended       % change 
                             16 April    10 April 
                               2017        2016 
                               GBPm        GBPm 
                           ----------  ----------  ----------- 
 Volume (million litres)      644.4       631.2        2.1 
 ARP* per litre               46.7p       46.5p        0.4 
 Revenue                      301.1       293.8        2.5 
 Brand contribution*          114.2       117.7       (3.0) 
 Brand contribution                                   (220) 
  margin*                     37.9%       40.1%         bps

GB carbonates generated strong growth in the period as a result of both volume and ARP growth. Brand contribution margin decreased as a result of adverse mix, impact of foreign exchange on raw materials and increased product costs impacting ahead of revenue management actions. Second quarter revenue was flat, reflecting our leadership of new price and promotional changes in grocery. Despite the headwinds and a competitive cola category Pepsi, led by Max, grew revenue and gained market share. Both Purdey's and R Whites, which were relaunched last year, also delivered robust growth in the first half of the year.

 
 GB stills                  28 weeks    28 weeks 
                              ended       ended       % change 
                             16 April    10 April 
                               2017        2016 
                               GBPm        GBPm 
                           ----------  ----------  ----------- 
 Volume (million litres)      177.0       174.3        1.5 
 ARP* per litre               81.3p       84.7p       (4.0) 
 Revenue                      143.9       147.7       (2.6) 
 Brand contribution*          66.9        69.7        (4.0) 
 Brand contribution 
  margin*                     46.5%       47.2%      (70) bps

GB stills revenue declined in the first half of the year, with a 1.5% volume increase outweighed by a 4.0% ARP decline. The ARP decline was due to both adverse brand mix and pricing weakness in the squash category. Encouragingly Q2 generated volume growth of nearly 4%. Robinsons benefited from the introduction of new at-home pack formats and growth out-of-home, where it is now available on dispense in chains such as Subway and KFC. Fruit Shoot benefited from growth in the flavoured water variant Hydro and the high juice My5 variant, both generating double-digit volume increases. J20 declined in the second quarter as it transitioned to new promotional price points in grocery.

 
 France                 28 weeks    28 weeks    % change    % change 
                          ended       ended       actual     constant 
                         16 April    10 April    exchange    exchange 
                           2017        2016        rate        rate 
                           GBPm        GBPm

                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Volume (million 
  litres)                 142.1       137.7        3.2         3.2 
 ARP* per litre           94.8p       78.9p       20.2         3.2 
 Revenue                  134.7       108.6       24.0         6.5 
 Brand contribution*      38.0        31.5        20.6         3.8 
 Brand contribution 
  margin*                 28.2%       29.0%     (80) bps    (70) bps

Performance in France was strong in the first half, with volume and ARP growth resulting in a 6.5% increase in revenue. Pressade was the primary driver of growth, largely as a result of the "Bonjour" juice range launch. Fruit Shoot revenue increased over 10%, supported by the launch of a new Iced Tea variant. Brands continued to grow ahead of private label and now account for 62% of revenue, compared to 50% on acquisition in 2010. The higher margin syrups brands were broadly flat during the period.

 
 Ireland                28 weeks    28 weeks    % change    % change 
                          ended       ended       actual     constant 
                         16 April    10 April    exchange    exchange 
                           2017        2016        rate        rate 
                           GBPm        GBPm 
                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Volume (million 
  litres)                 112.0       104.2        7.5         7.5 
 ARP* per litre           54.7p       49.1p       11.4        (1.1) 
 Revenue                  80.3        62.9        27.7        13.3 
 Brand contribution*      27.2        21.5        26.5        10.6 
 Brand contribution 
  margin*                 33.9%       34.2%     (30) bps    (80) bps

Note: Volumes and ARP include own-brand soft drinks sales and do not include factored product sales included within total revenue and brand contribution

Ireland has continued to grow, with both owned brands and Counterpoint wholesale revenue increasing. Owned brand growth was led by the stills portfolio, with Ballygowan and MiWadi the major growth drivers. Counterpoint benefited from an improved offering across its alcohol and snacks range as well as a small benefit from the acquisition of East Coast towards the end of the period. Whilst brand contribution increased, margin declined largely as a result of adverse mix and rising product costs impacting ahead of revenue management actions.

 
 International          28 weeks    28 weeks    % change    % change 
                          ended       ended       actual     constant 
                         16 April    10 April    exchange    exchange 
                           2017        2016        rate        rate 
                           GBPm        GBPm 
                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Volume (million 
  litres)                 19.0        18.9         0.5         0.5 
 ARP* per litre          137.9p      110.6p       24.7        13.3 
 Revenue                  26.2        20.9        25.4        13.9 
 Brand contribution*       8.6         3.9        120.5       109.8 
 Brand contribution 
  margin*                 32.8%       18.7%     1,410 bps   1,500 bps

Note: Concentrate sales are included in both revenue and ARP but do not have any associated volume.

International has generated revenue growth across all channels with the exception of Asia, following the withdrawal from India last year. The USA has benefited from the launch of Fruit Shoot multi-pack last year as well as continued growth of singles. Whilst volumes in Benelux were subdued, both revenue and brand contribution have increased as a result of disciplined revenue management and a focus on value ahead of volume. Offsetting the USA volume growth was a decline in the Travel & Export sector following a decision to withdraw from unprofitable contracts. Brand contribution increased significantly as a result of the strong pricing growth in Benelux and growth in the USA.

 
               Brazil   28 weeks    28 weeks    % change    % change 
                          ended       ended       actual     organic 
                         16 April    10 April    exchange    constant 
                           2017        2016        rate      exchange 
                           GBPm        GBPm                    rate 
                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Volume (million 
  litres)                 98.1        102.6       (4.4)      (10.0) 
 ARP* per litre           71.5p       43.0p       66.3        15.6 
 Revenue                  70.1        44.1        59.0         4.0 
 Brand contribution*      14.4         9.1        58.2         3.3 
 Brand contribution 
  margin*                 20.5%       20.6%      (10)bps     (20)bps

Brazil has benefited from the inclusion of Bela Ischia, following the acquisition completion in early March and the impact of foreign exchange movements. The underlying organic, constant currency performance of Ebba across the first half was impacted by the well documented macro-economic challenges in the country. Underlying organic revenue increased 4.0% as a result of significant price increases to recover cost inflation, whilst underlying organic volume declined 10.0%. Reported and underlying organic margin declined largely as a result of phasing of price increases to recover product cost inflation.

 
 Fixed costs             28 weeks    28 weeks    % change    % change 
                           ended       ended       actual     organic 
                          16 April    10 April    exchange    constant 
                            2017        2016        rate      exchange 
                            GBPm        GBPm                    rate 
                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Non-brand A&P*            (5.4)       (6.5)       16.9        18.0 
 Fixed supply chain       (56.4)      (50.2)      (12.4)       (3.9) 
 Selling costs            (67.6)      (62.2)       (8.7)       (1.1) 
 Overheads and 
  other                   (71.7)      (69.1)       (3.8)        2.6 
 Total                    (201.1)     (188.0)      (7.0)        0.1 
----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Total A&P investment     (31.5)      (31.6)        0.3         4.8 
 A&P as a % of 
  own-brand revenue        4.3%        4.7%      (40) bps    (30) bps

A&P spend declined GBP0.1m (AER) and by GBP1.6m on a constant currency basis, as a result of efficiencies in our non-working A&P spend, which continues to reduce as a percentage of our overall investment. Fixed supply chain costs have increased largely as a result of incremental depreciation from our GB investment programme, whilst overheads and other costs have benefitted from our rigorous approach to cost control. We took proactive cost action by extending our business capability programme to incorporate GBP5m of overhead savings, and we have implemented the actions to deliver this benefit in 2017. This includes a flattening of our structure in some areas as well as reducing duplication between our business units through the combination of some roles.

Exceptional and other items

In the period, we accounted for a net charge of GBP7.2m of pre-tax (GBP5.8m post tax) exceptional and other costs. These include:

   --           Acquisition and integration costs of GBP2.1m 
   --           Costs in relation to closure of operations in India of GBP0.1m 
   --           Strategic restructuring - business capability programme of GBP11.2m 
   --           Net impairment reversal of intangible asset carrying value GBP2.6m 
   --           Fair value gains of GBP6.2m 
   --           Unwind of discount on deferred consideration of GBP2.6m

The cash costs of exceptional and other items in the period were GBP15.3m. Further detail on exceptional and other items can be found on page 11 of the financial statements.

Interest

The net finance charge before exceptional and other items for the 28-week period for the group was GBP11.0m compared with GBP10.9m in the prior year.

Taxation

The underlying tax charge was GBP12.9m which equates to an effective tax rate of 22.5% (28 weeks ended 10 April 2016: 23.5%). The first half benefits from a reduction in the French corporate tax rate which has generated a one-off benefit on our deferred tax liabilities.

Earnings per share

Adjusted basic EPS* for the period was 18.9p, up 9.2% on the same period last year. Basic EPS for the period was 14.7p compared with 15.5p for the same period last year.

Dividends

The board is recommending an interim dividend of 7.2p per share, an increase of 2.9% on the dividend declared last year, with a total value of GBP19.0m. The interim dividend will be paid on 14 July 2017 to shareholders on record as at 2 June 2017. The ex-dividend date is 1 June 2017.

Cash flow and net debt

Underlying free cash flow* was a GBP32.7m outflow, compared to a GBP46.9m outflow the previous year. Working capital generated an outflow of GBP12.8m (2016: GBP49.5m) benefiting from the reversal of the additional payment run incurred in 2016, due to the additional week last year and a continued focus on working capital management across the business. Inventory costs increased due to a pro-active decision to build stock to mitigate risk from the business capability programme. Capital expenditure was GBP29.5m higher than last year, driven by the continuation of the transformational business capability programme in GB. Overall adjusted net debt* increased by GBP133.9m and took our leverage to 2.4x EBITDA* from 2.0x last year. Half year net debt is a high point for the group as a result of stock building ahead of the peak summer trading period.

Treasury management

The financial risks faced by the group are identified and managed by a central treasury department, whose activities are carried out in accordance with board approved policies and subject to regular Audit and Treasury Committee reviews. The department does not operate as a profit centre and no transaction is entered into for trading or speculative purposes. Key financial risks managed by the treasury department include exposures to movements in interest rates and foreign exchange rates whilst managing the group's debt and liquidity, currency risk, interest rate risk and cash management. The group uses financial instruments to hedge against interest rate and foreign currency exposures. At 16 April 2017 the group had GBP1,075.4m of committed debt facilities consisting of a GBP400.0m bank facility which matures in 2021, and a series of private placement notes with maturities between 2017 and 2032, providing the business with a secure funding platform.

At 16 April 2017, the group's unadjusted net debt of GBP731.1m (excluding derivative hedges) consisted of GBP49.9m drawn under the group's committed bank facilities, GBP675.4m of private placement notes, GBP5.4m of accrued interest and GBP2.7m of finance leases, offset by net cash and cash equivalents of GBP40.7m and unamortised loan issue costs of GBP2.3m. After taking into account the element of the fair value of interest rate currency swaps hedging the balance sheet value of the private placement notes, the group's adjusted net debt was GBP572.8m which compares to GBP438.9m at 10 April 2016.

Pensions

At 16 April 2017, the group had IAS 19 pension surpluses in GB and NI totalling GBP14.4m and IAS 19 pension deficits in ROI and France totalling GBP7.5m resulting in a net pension surplus of GBP6.9m (2 October 2016: net liability of GBP17.4m). The net surplus has increased primarily due to changes in the financial assumptions and additional employer contributions made to the GB plan of GBP20.0m partially offset by changes in demographic assumptions. The defined benefit section of the GB plan was closed to new members on 1 August 2002, and closed to future accrual for active members from 1 April 2011, with new members being invited to join the defined contribution scheme. The Northern Ireland scheme is only open to future accrual for members who joined before 28 February 2006, and new employees are eligible to join the defined contribution scheme. All new employees in Ireland join the defined contribution plan. The 31 March 2016 actuarial valuation of the GB plan was recently completed. Agreement has been made with the scheme trustee on a number of key principles including allowing a longer period to fund the deficit and agreeing that no additional contributions will be payable over and above those payments to 2019 agreed at the 2013 valuation. Future contributions beyond 2019 will be on a contingent basis. The Ireland and Northern Ireland Defined Benefit Pension schemes have an investment strategy journey plan to manage the risks as the funding position improves. The GB Pension scheme mainly has credit-type investments and the Trustees have developed proposals to manage the investment risks.

Risk management process

As with any business we face risks and uncertainties. We believe that effective risk management supports the successful delivery of our strategic objectives. The management of these risks is based on a balance of risk and reward determined through assessment of the likelihood and impact as well as the Company's risk appetite. The Executive Team perform a formal robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Company annually, which is reviewed by the Board. Similarly, all business units and functions perform formal annual risk assessments that consider the Company's principal risks and specific local risks relevant to the market in which they operate. Risks are monitored throughout the year with consideration to internal and external factors, the Company's risk appetite and updates to risks and mitigation plans are made as required. The principal risks that could potentially have a significant impact on our business in the future are set out on pages 28 to 31 of the 2016 annual report.

Glossary

Non-GAAP measures are provided because they are closely tracked by management to evaluate Britvic's operating performance and to make financial, strategic and operating decisions.

Volume is defined as number of litres sold, excluding factored brands sold by Counterpoint in Ireland. No volume is recorded in respect of international concentrate sales.

ARP is defined as average revenue per litre sold, excluding factored brands and concentrate sales.

Revenue is defined as sales achieved by the group net of price promotional investment and retailer discounts.

Brand contribution is a non-GAAP measure and is defined as revenue less material costs and all other marginal costs that management considers to be directly attributable to the sale of a given product. Such costs include brand specific advertising and promotion costs, raw materials, and marginal production and distribution costs.

Brand contribution margin is a non-GAAP measure and is a percentage measure calculated as brand contribution, divided by revenue. Each business unit's performance is reported down to the brand contribution level.

Pre-exceptional EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure defined as operating profit before exceptional and other items, depreciation, amortisation, impairment of PPE/intangible assets and profit/loss from sale of PPE/intangible assets.

Pre-exceptional EBITA is a non-GAAP measure and is defined as operating profit before exceptional and other items and amortisation. Only amortisation attributable to intangibles related to acquisitions is added back, in the period this is GBP5.3m (2016: GBP3.6m). EBITA margin is EBITA as a proportion of group revenue.

Adjusted earnings per share are a non-GAAP measure calculated by dividing adjusted earnings by the average number of shares during the period. Adjusted earnings is defined as the profit/(loss) attributable to ordinary equity shareholders before exceptional and other items adjusted for the adding back of acquisition related amortisation. Average number of shares during the period is defined as the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period excluding any own shares held by Britvic that are used to satisfy various employee share-based incentive programmes. The weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue for adjusted earnings per share for the period was 262.9m (2016: 261.1m).

Underlying free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure and is defined as net cash flow excluding movements in borrowings, dividend payments and exceptional and other items.

Adjusted net debt is a non-GAAP measure and is defined as group net debt, adding back the impact of derivatives hedging the balance sheet debt.

Organic is a non-GAAP measure and excludes the impact of the acquisition of Bela Ischia and on a constant currency basis.

Innovation is defined as new launches over the last three years, excluding new flavours and pack sizes of established brands.

Revenue management is a measure and is used to define a range of actions to affect ARP. It includes, but is not limited to, price increases, changes to price promotions and variation pf pack size.

Quality distribution is a measure used to describe the placement of products in the appropriate outlets for the specified product.

Retail market value and volume is a measure and is a measure of the recorded sales at the retail point of purchase. This data is typically collated by independent organisations such as Nielsen and IRI from data supplied by retailers.

A&P is a measure of marketing spend including marketing, research and advertising.

Non-working A&P is a measure of marketing spend that is not spent directly on consumer facing activity. It would include, but not limited to, agency fees, research and production costs.

Constant currency is a non-GAAP measure of performance in the underlying currency to eliminate the impact of foreign exchange movements.

Great Place to Work (GPTW) is a methodology process adopted by businesses to measure employee engagement.

Non-GAAP reconciliations

Organic

 
                                Revenue   EBITA 
 HY16                            GBPm     GBPm 
 28-week period ended 
  10 April 2016, as reported     678.0    69.0 
 Adjust for FX                   47.2      0.5 
 28-week period ended 
  10 April 2016 @ constant 
  currency                       725.2    69.5 
                               --------  ------ 
 
   HY17 
 28-week period ended 
  16 April 2017, as reported     756.3    73.6 
 Bela Ischia                     (4.2)    (0.5) 
 HY17 Organic with HY16          752.1    73.1 
                               --------  ------

EBITDA

 
                                        28-week         28-week 
                                      period ended    period ended 
                                        16 April        10 April 
                                          2017            2016 
                                         GBPm            GBPm 
 Operating profit before 
  exceptional and other items            68.3            65.4 
 Acquisition related amortisation 
  (note 9 interim accounts                5.3             3.6 
 Pre-exceptional EBITA                   73.6            69.0 
                                    --------------  -------------- 
 
 Depreciation                            21.5            17.1 
 Amortisation (non-acquisition 
  related)                                4.6             4.6 
 Pre-exceptional loss/(profit) 
  on disposal of PPE                      0.8            (0.1) 
 Pre-exceptional EBITDA                  100.5           90.6 
                                    --------------  -------------- 
 
 
 Free cash flow                28-week         28-week 
                             period ended    period ended

                               16 April        10 April 
                                 2017            2016 
                                GBPm            GBPm 
 Pre-exceptional EBITDA         100.5           90.6 
 Pre-exceptional working 
  capital movements            (12.8)          (49.5) 
 Purchases of intangible 
  and tangible assets          (76.8)          (47.3) 
 Net pension charge 
  less contributions           (21.6)          (22.6) 
 Net Interest and 
  finance costs                (10.2)           (9.8) 
 Income tax paid               (14.0)          (16.2) 
 Share based payments            4.2             5.2 
 Issue of shares                 0.9             3.8 
 Purchase of own shares         (3.2)           (1.6) 
 Other                           0.3             0.5 
 Underlying free cash 
  flow                         (32.7)          (46.9) 
                           --------------  --------------

BRITVIC PLC

INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 28 weeKSED 16 april 2017

Company number: 5604923

RESPONSIBILITY AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENTS

The directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge, this unaudited condensed set of consolidated interim financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union, and that the interim management report herein includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R and DTR 4.2.8R.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

This report is addressed to the shareholders of Britvic plc and has been prepared solely to provide information to them.

This report is intended to inform the shareholders of the group's performance during the 28 weeks to 16 April 2017. This report contains forward-looking statements based on knowledge and information available to the directors at the date the report was prepared. These statements should be treated with caution due to the inherent uncertainties underlying any such forward-looking information and any statements about the future outlook may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different.

DIRECTORS

The directors of Britvic plc are:

Gerald Corbett

Simon Litherland

Mathew Dunn

Joanne Averiss

Sue Clark

John Daly

Ben Gordon

Ian McHoul

Euan Sutherland

By order of the board

Simon Litherland

Chief Executive Officer

Mathew Dunn

Chief Financial Officer

Date: 23 May 2017

INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT TO BRITVIC PLC

Introduction

We have been engaged by Britvic plc (the 'company') to review the condensed set of financial statements in the interim financial report for the 28 weeks ended 16 April 2017 which comprises the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income/(expense), consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statement of cash flows, consolidated statement of changes in equity and the related notes 1 to 19. We have read the other information contained in the interim financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

This report is made solely to the company in accordance with guidance contained in International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 (UK and Ireland) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" 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 financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the interim financial report in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included in this interim financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union.

Our Responsibility

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

Scope of Review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the interim financial report for the 28 weeks ended 16 April 2017 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

Ernst & Young LLP

Birmingham

Date: 23 May 2017

consolidated income statement