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TATE Tate & Lyle Plc

631.50
-1.50 (-0.24%)
Last Updated: 11:52:22
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Tate & Lyle Plc LSE:TATE London Ordinary Share GB00BP92CJ43 ORD 29 1/6P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -1.50 -0.24% 631.50 631.00 632.50 644.00 630.00 644.00 80,591 11:52:22
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Flavoring Extract,syrup, Nec 1.85B 190M 0.4730 13.33 2.53B

Tate & Lyle PLC Final Results

24/05/2018 7:00am

UK Regulatory


 
TIDMTATE 
 
 

24 May 2018

 

TATE & LYLE PLC STATEMENT OF FULL YEAR RESULTS For the year ended 31 March 2018

 
                          Statutory results        Adjusted results1 
Year ended 31 March                                              Constant 
Continuing operations                                            currency 
GBPm unless stated          2018   2017   Change     2018   2017   change 
otherwise 
Sales                     2 710  2 753  (2%)                     (1%) 
Profit before             286    233    23%        301    271    13% 
tax (PBT) 
Diluted earnings          56.1p  54.2p  4%         50.1p  47.1p  7% 
per share 
Net debt - at             392    452 
31 March 
Dividend per share        28.7p  28.0p 
 
 

Actions to accelerate business performance

 
 
    -- Growth strategy refocused around three programmes:- Sharpen 

focus on our customers and key categories of beverages, dairy, and

soups, sauces and dressings- Accelerate portfolio development:

innovation, partnerships, acquisitions- Simplify the business

and deliver US$100m productivity improvements over four years

 
 
    -- As programmes gather momentum, we expect:- Growth2 in 

earnings per share to accelerate- Organic return on capital

employed2 to improve- Strong cash generation to

support progressive dividend policy

 
 
    -- Acquired minority stake in Sweet Green Fields, a leading stevia 

business

 

Reporting changes

 
 
    -- Two divisions renamed: Primary Products and Food & Beverage Solutions 

(including Sucralose)

 
    -- Three reporting segments: Primary Products, Food & Beverage Solutions, 

Sucralose

 

Year of progress: profit and cash delivery

 
 
    -- 13% increase in adjusted profit before tax at constant currency with 

profit growth in all businesses

 
    -- 8% increase in Food & Beverage Solutions profit3 to 

GBP137m, with good volume and New Products momentum

 
    -- 5% increase in Sucralose profit3 to GBP55m 
 
    -- 30% increase in Primary Products profit3 to GBP166m, 11% 

profit3 growth in main business, Commodities +GBP24m

 
    -- 7% increase in earnings per share4 at constant currency 
 
    -- GBP53m higher Group statutory profit before tax with improved trading 

and lower exceptional costs

 
    -- Net debt GBP60m lower, with adjusted free cash flow GBP22m higher at GBP196m 
 
    -- Proposed final dividend increased by 0.5p to 20.3p per share; making a 

total dividend of 28.7p, up 2.5%

 

Nick Hampton, Chief Executive, said:

 

"Tate & Lyle delivered another year of progress, with good profit and cash delivery. Profit increased in all businesses, cash generation remained strong, and return on capital employed increased by 190 bps to 16.2%. The Group remains in a strong financial position, increasingly well-positioned to address growing consumer demand for healthier diets with less sugar, calories and fat and more fibre.

 

To accelerate business performance and inject more pace into the organisation, we are implementing three programmes to sharpen our focus on our customers, accelerate portfolio development and to simplify the business and deliver greater productivity.

 

For the year ending 31 March 2019, we expect growth in earnings per share4 in constant currency to be in a mid-single digit range, albeit towards the lower end due to energy and transport cost inflation in North America and a strong year of Commodities performance in fiscal 2018. Looking further ahead, as our three programmes gather momentum, we expect growth in earnings per share2 to accelerate, organic return on capital employed2 to improve and strong cash generation to support our progressive dividend policy."

 
1   The results for the year ended 31 March 2018 have 
    been adjusted to  exclude exceptional items, 
    net retirement benefit interest,  amortisation 
    of acquired intangible assets, the tax on 
    those  adjustments and tax items that themselves 
    meet these definitions. A  reconciliation 
    of statutory and adjusted information is included 
    in  Note 3 to the Financial Information. 
2   In constant currency 
3   Adjusted operating profit, percentage change in constant currency 
4   Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations 
 
 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 
Year ended 31 March              2018     2017               Constant 
                                                             currency 
Continuing operations            GBPm       GBPm       Change    change 
Sales: 
- Food & Beverage Solutions      850      834      2%        2% 
- Sucralose                      146      162      (10%)     (9%) 
- Primary Products               1 714    1 757    (2%)      (1%) 
Sales                            2 710    2 753    (2%)      (1%) 
Adjusted operating profit 
- Food & Beverage Solutions      137      129      5%        8% 
- Sucralose                      55       52       6%        5% 
- Primary Products               166      129      28%       30% 
- Central                        (58)     (46) 
Adjusted operating profit        300      264      14%       15% 
Adjusted net finance expense     (27)     (25) 
Share of profit after            28       32       (14%)     (14%) 
tax of joint 
ventures and associates 
Adjusted profit before tax       301      271      11%       13% 
Adjusted effective tax rate      21.9%    18.2% 
Adjusted diluted earnings        50.1p    47.1p    6%        7% 
per share 
Adjusted free cash flow          196      174 
Net debt - at 31 March           392      452 
 
 

The results for the year ended 31 March 2018 have been adjusted to exclude exceptional items, net retirement benefit interest, amortisation of acquired intangible assets, the tax on those adjustments and tax items that themselves meet these definitions. A reconciliation of statutory and adjusted information is included in Note 3 to the Financial Information.

 
 
    -- Food & Beverage Solutions adjusted operating profit GBP8m higher:- 

Good volume growth and recovery of stabilisers (formerly Food Systems)

in Europe.- Investment in longer term development of the

business and higher transport costs moderated profit growth.-

15% increase in sales from New Products, products in the first seven

years after launch, to US$121m.

 
 
    -- Primary Products adjusted operating profit GBP37m higher:- 

Sweeteners and Starches profit GBP13m higher with robust margins, mix

improvements, and cost management.- Commodities profit GBP24m

higher reflecting market opportunities across co-products and corn

sourcing.

 
 
    -- Central costs increased to GBP58m, principally reflecting higher captive 

insurance claims.

 
    -- Share of profit after tax of joint ventures and associates of GBP28m, 

GBP4m lower, reflecting lower profits in the Almex joint venture in

Mexico due to the lapping of prior year exchange gains.

 
    -- Adjusted effective tax rate for continuing operations of 21.9% (2017 - 

18.2%):- Impact of changes in tax legislation in the UK and an

increase in profits generated in the US, a jurisdiction with a higher

rate of corporation tax in the year.- Estimate that the adjusted

effective tax rate for the 2019 financial year will be in the range of

20% to 22%.

 
 
    -- Statutory diluted earnings per share from continuing operations 

increased by 4% to 56.1p; strong operating performance mostly offset

by the impact of a higher statutory tax rate of 8.1% (2017 - credit of

9.6%).

 
    -- Adjusted free cash flow increased to GBP196m benefiting from higher 

earnings and lower capital expenditure at GBP131m (2017 - GBP153m).

Capital expenditure for 2019 financial year is expected to be between

GBP130m and GBP150m.

 
    -- Net debt at GBP392m was GBP60m lower:- Strong cash flow generation 

and GBP35m beneficial impact from foreign exchange translation of US

dollar debt.- Additional GBP56m accelerated contribution to US

pension schemes, moving schemes close to full funding.- Net

debt:EBITDA (on a financial covenant basis) reduced to 0.8x (31 March

2017 - 0.9x).

 
 
    -- The sensitivity of the Group's results to changes in US dollar 

currency translation rates has increased reflecting higher profits

earned in that currency. For the year ending 31 March 2019, it is

expected that the annual impact of a one cent change on adjusted

profit before tax would be around GBP2.5m.

 
    -- As a result of the improved funding status of the Group's pension 

schemes, the Group no longer intends to exclude net retirement benefit

interest from its alternative performance measures from the 2019

financial year, and will restate 2018 adjusted performance metrics for

the GBP5m charge in that year for comparative purposes.

 

ACCELERATING BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

 

At the presentation of the Group's Full Year Results to investors and analysts at 10.00 (BST) today in London, Nick Hampton, Chief Executive, will set out his priorities for the business and the Group's longer term financial outlook. This presentation will be webcast as detailed on page 4.

 

An integrated business with a strong value proposition

 

Tate & Lyle operates as one integrated business going to market as two trading divisions. Food & Beverage Solutions and Primary Products each has a distinct role to play, and both are important to the Group's future. They share common assets and we manage them together to optimise overall returns for shareholders.

 

Food & Beverage Solutions, which operates in the large and growing global food ingredients market, combines a deep understanding of sweetness, texture and fibre enrichment with expertise in key categories of beverages, dairy, and soups, sauces, and dressings, to tailor solutions for our customers. These solutions help meet growing global consumer demand for food and drink with less sugar, calories and fat, and more fibre. While food is global, taste is local, so our customers also value our ability to deliver solutions in their local markets.

 

Primary Products is predominantly anchored in the more stable North American market, with strong market positions in high-volume sweeteners and industrial starches, and supported by scale, cost competitive assets.

 

Underpinning our business is a reputation built over many years as a trusted supplier, with highly skilled people motivated by a strong sense of purpose to improve people's lives by enabling healthier food choices.

 

Actions to accelerate business performance

 

Leveraging these strengths and our strong balance sheet, we are implementing three programmes to accelerate business performance:

 

1. Sharpen Focus on Customers and Key Categories

 
 
    -- Focus our growth strategy on three categories globally - beverages, 

dairy, and soups, sauces and dressings - and two or three additional

categories in each region where we have local expertise.

 
    -- Reorganise our commercial teams to reflect how our customers are 

organised in these categories.

 
    -- Integrated Food Systems into Food & Beverage Solutions to provide one 

approach for customers.

 

2. Accelerate Portfolio Development

 
 
    -- Accelerate development and commercialisation of new products. 
 
    -- Develop more external partnerships and alliances to catalyse 

innovation.

 
    -- Increase emphasis on acquisitions and joint ventures. 
 

3. Simplify and Drive Productivity

 
 
    -- Target US$100 million of productivity savings over the next four years. 
 
    -- Simplify the business, reduce costs, and increase efficiencies across 

the supply chain.

 
    -- Productivity benefits expected to be paced evenly across the four 

years, and will be invested to grow the business, improve customer

service, and support margin progression.

 

Investment case

 

In Food & Beverage Solutions, we expect to accelerate revenue growth and deliver margin accretion, while managing Sucralose for cash; and in Primary Products optimise product mix to underpin stable earnings and cash flow delivery. As the three programmes we are implementing gather momentum, we expect growth in earnings per share in constant currency to accelerate, organic return on capital employed in constant currency to improve, and strong cash generation to support our progressive dividend policy.

 

Tate & Lyle is in a strong financial position. We generate a good return on our assets and have a strong balance sheet with modest leverage. We believe the appropriate leverage over the longer term for our business lies in the range of 1x to 2x net debt:EBITDA, giving us flexibility to invest and grow the business. To maintain our financial position and investment grade credit rating, we will apply clear capital allocation priorities:

 
 
    -- Invest in sustainable organic growth 
 
    -- Fund acquisitions, partnerships or joint ventures to accelerate growth 
 
    -- Maintain our progressive dividend policy 
 
    -- Return surplus capital to shareholders 
 

Overall, we are in a strong financial position with clear priorities to accelerate growth.

 

Cautionary statement

 

This Statement of Full Year Results contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results, operations and businesses of Tate & Lyle PLC. These statements and forecasts involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and forecasts.

 

A copy of this Statement of Full Year Results for the year ended 31 March 2018 can be found on our website at www.tateandlyle.com. A hard copy of this statement is also available from the Company Secretary, Tate & Lyle PLC, 1 Kingsway, London WC2B 6AT.

 

SPLA® is a trademark of Heartland Consumer Products LLC.

 

Webcast and Conference Call Details

 

A presentation of the results by Chief Executive, Nick Hampton will be audio webcast live at 10.00 (BST) on Thursday 24 May 2018. To view and/or listen to a live audio-cast of the presentation, visit http://view-w.tv/797-1031-19725/en. Please note that remote listeners will not be able to ask questions during the Q&A session.

 

A webcast replay of the presentation will be available within two hours of the end of the live broadcast on the link above.

 

For those unable to view the webcast, there will also be a teleconference facility for the presentation. Details are given below:

 
Dial in details: 
UK dial in number: +44 (0) 20 3003 2666 
US dial in number: +1 212 999 6659 
Password: Tate & Lyle 
14 day conference call replay: 
UK replay number: +44 (0) 20 8196 1998 
US replay number: +1 866 583 1039 
Access pin: 4204776# 
For more information contact Tate & Lyle PLC: 
Christopher Marsh, VP Investor Relations 
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7257 2110 or Mobile: +44 (0) 7796 192 688 
Andrew Lorenz, FTI Consulting (Media) 
Tel: +44 (0) 20 3727 1323 or Mobile: +44 (0) 7775 641 807 
 
 

DIVISIONAL OPERATING PERFORMANCE

 

Food & Beverage Solutions

 
                                     2018 
Year ended 31 March                  Volume 
Continuing operations                Change 
Volume 
North America                        1% 
Asia Pacific and Latin America       7% 
Europe, Middle East and Africa       6% 
Total                                3% 
                                                              Constant 
                                                              currency 
                                     2018     2017   Change   change 
                                     GBPm       GBPm     %        % 
Sales 
North America                        416      420    (1%)     -% 
Asia Pacific and Latin America       184      176    4%       5% 
Europe, Middle East and Africa       250      238    5%       1% 
Total                                850      834    2%       2% 
Adjusted operating profit            137      129    5%       8% 
The Group has made changes to its reportable segments which are  explained on page 16 of this statement. 
 
 

Volume growth and encouraging performance while we continue to invest for longer-term growth

 

Volume grew by 3%, with growth in all regions including a return to growth in North America. Sales were 2% higher in constant currency at GBP850 million. Adjusted operating profit was 8% higher in constant currency reflecting both higher volume and the recovery of our stabiliser business (formerly Food Systems) following the successful consolidation of our blending facilities in Europe and the lapping of the GBP5 million write down of an unrecoverable debt.

 

During the year, we invested in the expansion of customer-facing applications laboratories in the emerging markets and invested in our offer to customers by selectively balancing competitive price positioning and growing margins. These decisions, together with increasing North American transport costs, moderated profit growth in the second half of the year.

 

The effect of currency translation was to increase sales by GBP1 million, but reduce adjusted operating profit by GBP2 million.

 

North America

 

In North America, market conditions continued to be challenging as the overall US food and beverage market remained flat with consumers increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional brands, and many of our largest customers experiencing end market softness. Despite this, volume grew 1% as we: (1) continued to win new business in targeted higher-growth sub-categories across dairy, bakery and health and nutrition, where our technical depth and expertise are providing increasing value to our customers; (2) developed our business in customer channels growing faster than the market, such as food service and own label; and (3) gained share in our larger food and beverage customers.

 

Sales in constant currency were flat at GBP416 million, reflecting product mix and pass through of lower corn costs.

 

Asia Pacific and Latin America

 

In Asia Pacific and Latin America, volume was 7% higher, with especially strong growth in China and Mexico. Sales increased by 5% in constant currency to GBP184 million.

 

In Latin America, Mexico saw double digit volume growth, with particularly strong demand for sweeteners helped by favourable market dynamics. In Brazil, we delivered double digit volume growth, mainly driven by texturant and sweetener sales in the dairy category. Weakness in the Venezuelan market led to double digit decline in volume in the Andean region.

 

In Asia Pacific, we delivered strong double digit volume growth in China with good growth in dairy and beverages, while in South Eastern Asia volume was lower due to a competitive sweetener market.

 

During the year, we expanded our customer-facing applications facilities in Shanghai, Singapore and Mexico City, and completed the expansion of manufacturing capacity at our polydextrose fibre facility in Nantong, China.

 

Europe, Middle East and Africa

 

In Europe, Middle East and Africa, volume increased by 6% driven by double digit volume growth both in Southern Europe, where sweetener demand in beverages was strong, and in Central Europe, reflecting good demand for our texturant solutions in soups, sauces and dressings. In Russia, stabiliser volume was significantly lower following a customer credit issue in the prior year. Sales at GBP250 million increased by 1% in constant currency, impacted by lower mix of stabiliser sales.

 

To meet increasing customer demand, during the year we announced an expansion of maltodextrin capacity at our facility in Slovakia, which is expected to come on line in the 2019 calendar year.

 

New Products

 

Volume of New Products grew by 24%. Sales increased by 15% to US$121 million or GBP91 million (2017 - US$105 million or GBP81 million).

 

Higher sales in texturants were led by growth in clean label starches and in our range of Non-GMO products. Our CLARIA® line of functional clean label starches continues to perform well, with a new line of instant starches released in the year and a promising customer pipeline. We continue to broaden our offering of Non-GMO solutions in line with this growing consumer trend.

 

The replacement of sugar in beverages led to higher sales of our stevia portfolio of products, with PUREFRUITTM, our monk fruit extract high intensity sweetener, also performing well. In April 2017, we entered into an exclusive partnership with Sweet Green Fields, one of the largest fully integrated stevia players. Reflecting the encouraging progress demonstrated over the first year of this partnership, in May 2018, we extended our relationship by acquiring a 15% shareholding in Sweet Green Fields.

 

Sucralose

 
                                                        Constant 
                                                        currency 
                                 2018   2017   Change   change 
                                 GBPm     GBPm     %        % 
Volume                                         (12%) 
Sales                            146    162    (10%)    (9%) 
Adjusted operating profit        55     52     6%       5% 
The Group has made changes to its reportable segments which are  explained on page 16 of this statement. 
 
 

Value-based strategy delivering returns

 

As expected, Sucralose volume reduced by 12% reflecting the sale of excess inventory in the first half of the comparative year following the completion of the transition to our facility in McIntosh, Alabama in March 2016. Pricing was firm with sales 9% lower in constant currency at GBP146 million. While volume was lower, our McIntosh facility continued to operate well and at close to capacity, delivering lower operating costs, and adjusted operating profit was 5% higher in constant currency at GBP55 million.

 

While overall market demand for sucralose continues to grow over the longer term, market prices are expected to moderate reflecting increases in industry supply from Chinese manufacturers.

 

The effect of currency translation was to reduce sales by GBP1 million, with no impact on adjusted operating profit.

 

Primary Products

 
                                         2018 
Year ended 31 March                      Volume 
Continuing operations                    Change 
Volume 
North American Sweeteners                3% 
North American Industrial Starches       0% 
Total Primary Products                   1% 
                                                                   Constant 
                                                                   currency 
                                         2018     2017    Change   change 
                                         GBPm       GBPm      %        % 
Sales                                    1 714    1 757   (2%)     (1%) 
Total Primary Products 
Adjusted operating profit 
Sweeteners and Starches                  134      121     10%      11% 
Commodities                              32       8       311%     333% 
Total Primary Products                   166      129     28%      30% 
The Group has made changes to its reportable segments which are  explained on page 16 of this statement. 
 
 

Strong performance, firm margins and consistent execution

 

Volume increased by 1% with North American sweetener growth and robust demand.

 

Adjusted operating profit of GBP166 million increased by 30% in constant currency. Sweeteners and Starches adjusted operating profit increased by 11% in constant currency, benefiting from strong commercial and supply chain execution, solid demand, and moderate margin gains secured in the 2017 calendar year contracting round. In the second half, increasing energy and transport costs held back profit growth. Commodities contributed profits of GBP32 million, an increase of GBP24 million.

 

The effect of currency translation was to decrease sales by GBP20 million and adjusted operating profit by GBP2 million.

 

The US corn wet milling industry remains relatively well balanced, reflecting firm overall demand with modestly declining US domestic demand for high fructose corn syrup offset by growing sweetener demand in some end-use categories, including the brewing industry, other fermentation uses and sweetener exports to Mexico.

 

Corn prices

 

For the fourth consecutive year, the US corn crop was good with strong yields resulting in high closing US inventories. Corn prices varied through the year, trading mostly in the $3.30 to $3.90 per bushel range, in advance of the 2017 crop. US corn prices moved modestly higher in the first quarter of the 2018 calendar year reflecting concerns of a smaller crop in Argentina and increased exports by the US.

 

North American Sweeteners

 

Volume increased 3%, led by stable demand in the US and growth in export volume to Mexico. Unit margins for contracts renewed for the 2017 calendar year increased, reflecting successful contracting and continued good industry supply demand balance. Unit margins further benefited from product mix management and efficiency initiatives.

 

The 2018 calendar year contracting round delivered unit margins broadly in line with the previous year.

 

North American Industrial Starches

 

North American Industrial Starches volume was flat compared with the prior year. Overall demand for paper remains steady with growing demand for packaging and tissue, offsetting declines in printing and writing paper. Demand for starches in construction materials also remained steady in a relatively stable US housing market.

 

Commodities

 

Commodities had a strong year delivering profits of GBP32 million, GBP24 million higher than the prior year. The stronger performance mainly reflected gains from the sourcing of corn and stronger co-products profits. Profits from corn gluten feed, a co-product used for animal nutrition, strengthened reflecting improved market conditions and better realised prices during the year. Profits from our network of corn elevators also increased.

 

US ethanol cash margins remained towards the low-end of the historical range with industry inventories high.

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

 

The United States, Canada, and Mexico commenced discussions in August 2017 to modernise NAFTA. NAFTA is very important to the US food and agriculture sector, and Mexico in particular is a key export market for the corn wet milling industry, notably for high fructose corn syrup. As at the date of this statement, talks between the three parties are continuing, and we continue to monitor the situation closely.

 

Board Changes

 

Javed Ahmed retired from the Company and the Board on 1 April 2018 after over eight years as Chief Executive. Nick Hampton, previously Chief Financial Officer, succeeded Javed Ahmed as Chief Executive on 1 April 2018.

 

Imran Nawaz will join the Company and the Board as Chief Financial Officer, with effect from 1 August 2018. He joins Tate & Lyle from Mondelez International where he has been Senior Vice President Finance Europe since 2014. Prior to that, during a 16-year career at Mondelez and Kraft Foods, he held a number of senior financial roles across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

 

Liz Airey, a Non-Executive Director, retired from the Board after 10 years of service at the AGM on 27 July 2017.

 

Jeanne Johns, a Non-Executive Director, ceased to be a director with effect from 31 October 2017. Jeanne was appointed chief executive officer of a company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and, as a result, could no longer commit the required time to travel to the UK on a regular basis to attend Tate & Lyle Board meetings.

 

Executive Team Appointments

 

During the year, the Group Executive Committee was further strengthened with the following appointments:

 

i) Andrew Taylor was appointed President, Innovation and Commercial Development from 5 September 2017. Andrew previously worked at The Boston Consulting Group, where he was a Senior Partner and Managing Director, leading the global Innovation Practice.

 

ii) Melissa Law was appointed President, Global Operations from 18 September 2017. Melissa previously worked at Baker Hughes, where she led the Global Specialties Chemicals Division, a major part of its Oilfield Service portfolio.

 

Summary of financial results for the year ended 31 March 2018 (audited)

 
                                                    Constantcurrencychange% 
Year ended 31 March 1      2018    2017    Change 
Continuing operations      GBPm      GBPm      % 
unless 
stated otherwise 
Sales                      2 710   2 753   (2%)     (1%) 
Adjusted operating 
profit 
- Food & Beverage          137     129     5%       8% 
Solutions 
- Sucralose                55      52      6%       5% 
- Primary Products         166     129     28%      30% 
- Central                  (58)    (46) 
Adjusted operating         300     264     14%      15% 
profit 
Adjusted net finance       (27)    (25) 
expense 
Share of profit after      28      32      (14%)    (14%) 
tax of joint 
ventures and associates 
Adjusted profit            301     271     11%      13% 
before tax 
Exceptional gain/(loss)    2       (19) 
Amortisation               (12)    (12) 
of acquired 
intangible assets 
Net retirement benefit     (5)     (7) 
interest 
Profit before tax          286     233 
Income                     (23)    22 
tax (expense)/credit 
Profit for the year        263     255 
- continuing 
operations 
Profit for the year        2       1 
- discontinued 
operations 
Profit for the year        265     256 
- total operations 
Earnings per share 
- continuing 
operations (pence) 
Basic                      57.0p   55.0p   4% 
Diluted                    56.1p   54.2p   4% 
Adjusted earnings per 
share - continuing 
operations (pence) 
Basic                      50.9p   47.8p   6%       8% 
Diluted                    50.1p   47.1p   6%       7% 
Cash flow and net debt 
Adjusted free cash flow    196     174 
Net debt - At 31 March     392     452 
 
 
1   Adjusted results and a number of other terms and 
    performance  measures used in this document 
    are not directly defined within  accounting standards. 
    We have provided descriptions of the 
    various  metrics and their reconciliation to the 
    most directly comparable  measures reported 
    in accordance with IFRS, and the calculation 
    where  relevant of any ratios, in Note 3 
 
 

Sales from continuing operations of GBP2,710 million were 2% lower (1% lower at constant currency) reflecting the impact of lower corn costs.

 

On a statutory basis, profit before tax from continuing operations increased by GBP53 million to GBP286 million. Statutory diluted earnings per share from continuing operations increased by 1.9p to 56.1p as improved operating performance was largely offset by the effect of an increased statutory effective tax rate of 8.1% (2017 - 9.6% credit reflecting the recognition of exceptional deferred tax credits). As a result of the increased current year tax charge, profit for the year from total operations increased only modestly to GBP265 million (2017 - GBP256 million).

 

Adjusted profit before tax from continuing operations was 11% higher than last year (13% in constant currency), at GBP301 million. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations increased by 3.0p to 50.1p as increased profits were partially offset by a higher adjusted effective tax rate of 21.9% (2017 - 18.2%).

 

Central costs

 

Central costs, which include head office costs, treasury and reinsurance activities, were GBP12 million higher at GBP58 million reflecting higher captive insurance costs, following an increase in self-insured claims from the Group's operations.

 

Net finance expense

 

Adjusted net finance expense from continuing operations, which excludes net retirement benefit interest, was GBP2 million higher at GBP27 million, mainly driven by lower capitalised interest (principally related to the construction of the Loudon co-generation facility, commissioned in the second half of the 2017 financial year) and the impact of increased US interest rates on floating rate debt.

 

Share of profit after tax of joint ventures and associates

 

The Group's share of profit after tax of joint ventures and associates of GBP28 million was GBP4 million lower than the prior year reflecting lower profits in the Group's Almex joint venture in Mexico due to the lapping of prior year non-trading gains, principally transactional currency gains.

 

Exceptional items from continuing operations

 

Operating exceptional credits from continuing operations of GBP2 million were recognised in respect of the disposal of an investment held as part of the Group's venture fund portfolio (2017 - total net operating exceptional costs of GBP19 million).

 

In the year ended 31 March 2018, the Group recognised exceptional tax gains totalling GBP38 million, comprising two items: firstly, a credit of GBP36 million, reflecting mainly the revaluation downwards of net US deferred tax liabilities following the reduction in the US federal tax rate; and secondly, a net credit of GBP2 million following an increase in UK deferred tax assets resulting from changes in both UK and US tax legislation and anticipated changes to the Group's internal financing arrangements. In the comparative year, the Group recognised exceptional deferred tax credits totalling GBP65 million.

 

More details on the tax exceptional items can be found in Notes 5 and 7 to the attached financial information.

 

Taxation

 

The adjusted effective tax rate on earnings for continuing operations for the year ended 31 March 2018 increased to 21.9% (2017 - 18.2%).

 

Two factors drove the increase in the adjusted effective tax rate in the year: firstly, changes to UK legislation arising from the OECD's Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project and consequent changes to the internal financing arrangements we use to fund our international businesses; and secondly, an increase in profits generated in the US, a jurisdiction with a higher rate of corporation tax during the year to 31 March 2018. The Group adjusted effective tax rate was at the lower end of the 21% to 24% range anticipated coming into the year.

 

On 22 December 2017, the United States enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ('US Tax Reforms'). This legislation reduced the headline rate of federal income tax in the United States to 21% (from 35%) from 1 January 2018, as well as introducing a number of incentives for companies to invest in the US and other changes to broaden the tax base in the US. Due to the efficiency of its internal financing arrangements the Group will generate modest benefit from the US Tax Reforms, with future upward pressure on the adjusted effective tax rate also removed.

 

The reported effective tax rate on statutory earnings for the year was a charge of 8.1% (2017 - credit of 9.6%). The statutory tax charge was impacted by exceptional tax charges and credits in the year including the write down of deferred tax assets and liabilities related to legislation changes in the UK and US and anticipated changes to the Group's internal financing arrangements. Legislation limiting the utilisation of carry forward losses in the UK was enacted in the year, resulting in a write off of part of a deferred tax asset created in the prior year, with a consequent charge to the statutory tax rate. Overall, exceptional tax gains in the 2018 financial year were GBP38 million compared to GBP65 million in the comparative year.

 

The recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities is dependent on a number of key judgements, estimates and assumptions. Judgements relate principally to: the size and duration of future internal financing arrangements; the interest coupon payable on these arrangements; the future level of deductible expenses incurred in the UK; and foreign currency exchange rates. Changes in assumptions, along with future changes in legislation, could have a material impact on the amount of tax recognised in future accounting periods.

 

We estimate that the adjusted effective tax rate for the 2019 financial year will be in the range of 20% to 22%.

 

A list of key uncertainties affecting the Group's adjusted and reported effective tax rates, as well as the factors that are expected to influence the sustainability of the Group's effective tax rates in the future, were set out on pages 137 and 138 of the Group's 2017 Annual Report.

 

Discontinued operations

 

The Group recognised a gain of GBP2 million from discontinued operations in respect of its former Moroccan operation (2017 - profit of GBP1 million).

 

Earnings per share

 

Adjusted basic earnings per share from continuing operations increased by 6% (8% in constant currency) to 50.9p and adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations at 50.1p were 6% higher (7% in constant currency).

 

Dividend

 

The Board is recommending a 0.5p or 2.5% increase in the final dividend to 20.3p (2017 - 19.8p) per share. This increased final dividend makes a full year dividend of 28.7p (2017 - 28.0p) per share, up 2.5% on the prior year. Subject to shareholder approval, the proposed final dividend will be due and payable on 1 August 2018 to all shareholders on the Register of Members on 22 June 2018. In addition to the cash dividend option, shareholders will continue to be offered a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) alternative.

 

Assets

 

Gross assets of GBP2,571 million at 31 March 2018 were GBP200 million lower than at 31 March 2017, mainly reflecting the adverse impact of the weakening US dollar.

 

Net assets increased by GBP35 million to GBP1,367 million as the profit for the year was partially offset by net exchange losses of GBP83 million and the dividend payment of GBP131 million.

 

Retirement benefits

 

The Group maintains pension plans for its employees in a number of countries. Some of these arrangements are defined benefit pension schemes and, although we have closed the main UK scheme and the US salaried and hourly paid schemes to future accrual, certain obligations remain. In the US, we also provide medical benefits as part of retirement packages.

 

The net surplus on the Group's retirement benefits plans was GBP18 million, an improvement of GBP157 million from a net deficit at 31 March 2017 of GBP139 million. The improvement was led by a reduction in the deficit of the US schemes largely as a result of foreign exchange movements from the weakening of the US dollar and by cash contributions. In addition to total regular cash contributions of GBP44 million in the year, the Group made an accelerated gross cash contribution to the US schemes of GBP56 million, in light of an opportunity to fund the schemes while taking advantage of a higher US tax deduction.

 

Under funding arrangements in connection with the 2016 triennial actuarial valuation, the Group has committed to make core funding contributions for the main UK scheme of GBP12 million per year and supplementary contributions of GBP6 million per year until 31 March 2023 into a secured funding account, payable to the Trustee on certain triggering events.

 

During the year ending 31 March 2019, the Group expects to contribute approximately GBP30 million to retirement benefit schemes, comprising GBP26 million to its defined benefit plans and GBP4 million in relation to retirement medical plans.

 

Cash flow and net debt

 
                                                Year ended 31 March1 
                                                2018    2017 
                                                GBPm      GBPm 
Adjusted operating profit from                  300     264 
continuing operations 
Adjusted for: 
Non-cash items in adjusted operating            121     162 
profit and working capital 
Net retirement benefit obligations              (94)    (36) 
Less: accelerated US defined benefit schemes    56      - 
contribution  (exceptional cash flows) 
Net retirement benefit obligations:             (38)    (36) 
underlying funding 
Net interest and tax paid                       (36)    (63) 
Less: cash tax benefit on                       (20)    - 
accelerated contribution 
(exceptional cash  flows) 
Net interest and tax paid: underlying           (56)    (63) 
Capital expenditure                             (131)   (153) 
Adjusted free cash flow                         196     174 
                                                At 31 March 
                                                2018    2017 
                                                GBPm      GBPm 
Net debt                                        392     452 
 
 
1   Adjusted results and a number of other terms and 
    performance  measures used in this document 
    are not directly defined within  accounting standards. 
    We have provided descriptions of the 
    various  metrics and their reconciliation to the 
    most directly comparable  measures reported 
    in accordance with IFRS, and the calculation 
    where relevant of any ratios, in Note 3 
 
 

Adjusted free cash flow (representing cash generated from continuing operations after net interest paid, income tax paid, and capital expenditure, and excluding the impact of exceptional items) was GBP196 million, GBP22 million higher than the prior year principally reflecting higher earnings and lower capital expenditure.

 

Capital expenditure of GBP131 million, which included a GBP20 million investment in intangible assets, was 0.9 times the depreciation and adjusted amortisation charge of GBP142 million and reflects continued investment in capacity as well as efficiency and sustaining investments. We expect capital expenditure for the 2019 financial year to be between GBP130 million and GBP150 million.

 

Other significant cash flows in arriving at net debt included: GBP26 million of dividends received from joint ventures; external dividend payments of GBP131 million; GBP27 million payments for the purchase of shares to satisfy share option commitments and a net GBP36 million accelerated funding payment to the US pension schemes (a gross payment of GBP56 million, less GBP20 million tax deduction).

 

Overall net debt at 31 March 2018 of GBP392 million was GBP60 million lower than at 31 March 2017. Net debt decreased by GBP25 million in the year (2017 - decrease of GBP39 million) before the favourable impact of exchange rates. Foreign currency translation, mainly from the impact of the weakening US dollar, reduced net debt by GBP35 million.

 

Basis of preparation

 

The Group's principal accounting policies are unchanged from the year ended 31 March 2017. A number of minor changes to accounting policies have been adopted during the year, although they have had no material effect on the Group's financial statements.

 

Details of the basis of preparation, including information in respect of the methodology used to calculate the Group's alternative performance measures, can be found in Note 2 to the attached financial information.

 

Impact of changes in exchange rates

 

The Group's reported financial performance at average rates of exchange for the year ended 31 March 2018 was adversely impacted by currency translation compared to the prior year. The average and closing US dollar and euro exchange rates used to translate reported results were as follows:

 
                            Average rates         Closing rates 
Year ended 31 March         2018    2017          2018    2017 
US dollar : sterling        1.33    1.30          1.40    1.25 
Euro : sterling             1.13    1.19          1.14    1.17 
 
 

For the year ended 31 March 2018, foreign exchange translation decreased Group adjusted profit before tax by GBP4 million (Food & Beverage Solutions by GBP2 million, Primary Products by GBP2 million with no change in Sucralose).

 

Changes to reporting segments

 

The Group will continue to operate in two divisions, Food & Beverage Solutions (which includes Sucralose, and was previously named Speciality Food Ingredients) and Primary Products (previously named Bulk Ingredients). The Food & Beverage Solutions division will be reported across two reportable segments (Food & Beverage Solutions and Sucralose) reflecting their different economic characteristics and how we manage them. The segmental disclosure prepared in this statement of Full Year Results reflects this change from two reportable segments to three, and has been further amended to report Food Systems operations (the Group's stabiliser solutions business) within the regional results of Food & Beverage Solutions, mirroring a change to the management of that business.

 

Disclosure of the performance of the divisions is provided below in the form previously used at the 2017 financial year end for comparability purposes, together with restated comparatives for the six month period to 30 September 2017, which will serve as comparatives for the Group's forthcoming half year results.

 

Food & Beverage Solutions and Sucralose results for the year ended 31 March 2018 in previous disclosure format

 
Year ended 
31 March 
Continuing 
operations 
                    Volume  Sales                         Adjusted 
                    Change                                operating profit 
                                                Constant                              Constant 
                                                currency                              currency 
                            2018  2017  Change  change    2018  2017          Change  change 
                            GBPm    GBPm    %       %         GBPm    GBPm            %       % 
North               1%      355   357   (1%)    1% 
America 
Asia Pacific        8%      147   148   0%      1% 
and 
Latin 
America 
Europe,             8%      163   145   13%     9% 
Middle 
East 
and Africa 
Total: 
excluding 
SPLA® 
Sucralose           4%      665   650   2%      2%        118   125           (6%)    (4%) 
and 
Food Systems 
Food Systems        (5%)    185   184   0%      (1%)      19    4             353%    357% 
SPLA®Sucralose   (12%)   146   162   (10%)   (9%)      55    52            6%      5% 
                    3%      996   996   0%      0%        192   181           6%      7% 
 
 

Food & Beverage Solutions results for the six months to 30 September 2017 on the revised disclosure format

 
                                          2017 
Six months to 30 September 2017           Volume 
Continuing operations                     Change 
Volume 
North America                             0% 
Asia Pacific and Latin America            6% 
Europe, Middle East and Africa            6% 
Total                                     3% 
 
                                          2017 
                                          GBPm 
Sales 
North America                             211 
Asia Pacific and Latin America            98 
Europe, Middle East and Africa            124 
Total                                     433 
Adjusted operating profit                 75 
 
 

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

 
                                                Year ended 31 March 
                                                2018   2017 
                                         Notes  GBPm     GBPm 
Continuing operations                    4      2 710  2 753 
Sales 
Operating profit                         4      290    233 
Finance income                           6      2      2 
Finance expense                          6      (34)   (34) 
Share of profit after tax of joint              28     32 
ventures and associates 
Profit before tax                               286    233 
Income tax (expense)/credit              7      (23)   22 
Profit for the year - continuing                263    255 
operations 
Profit for the year - discontinued       8      2      1 
operations 
Profit for the year - total operations          265    256 
Profit for the years presented 
from total operations 
is entirely  attributable 
to owners of the Company. 
Earnings per share                              Pence  Pence 
Continuing operations: 
- basic                                  9      57.0p  55.0p 
- diluted                                9      56.1p  54.2p 
Total operations: 
- basic                                  9      57.4p  55.2p 
- diluted                                9      56.5p  54.4p 
Analysis of adjusted profit for the             GBPm     GBPm 
year - continuing operations 
Profit before tax - continuing                  286    233 
operations 
Adjusted for: 
Net (gain)/loss for exceptional items    5      (2)    19 
Amortisation of acquired                        12     12 
intangible assets 
Net retirement benefit interest          6,12   5      7 
Adjusted profit before tax               3      301    271 
- continuing operations 
Adjusted income tax expense              3,7    (66)   (49) 
- continuing operations 
Adjusted profit for the year             3      235    222 
- continuing operations 
 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 
                                                     Year ended 31 March 
                                                     2018   2017 
                                              Notes  GBPm     GBPm 
Profit for the year                                  265    256 
Other comprehensive income/(expense) 
Items that have been/may be reclassified 
to profit or loss: 
Fair value gain on cash flow hedges                  -      1 
Fair value (gain)/loss on cash                       (4)    4 
flow hedges transferred 
to the income statement 
Reclassified and reported in                         -      (1) 
the income statement in 
respect of available-for-sale 
financial assets 
Fair value gain on available-for-sale                3      - 
financial assets 
(Loss)/gain on currency translation                  (122)  185 
of foreign operations 
Fair value gain/(loss) on                            39     (69) 
net investment hedges 
Share of other comprehensive                         (9)    7 
(expense)/ income 
of joint venturesand  associates 
Amounts transferred to the income statement   15     -      (1) 
upon disposal of  subsidiary 
Amounts transferred to the income statement   15     (1)    - 
upon disposal of  associate 
Tax effect of the above items                        -      - 
                                                     (94)   126 
Items that will not be reclassified 
to profit or loss: 
Re-measurement of retirement benefit plans 
- actual return higher than                   12     2      179 
interest on plan assets 
- net actuarial gain/(loss) on                12     41     (106) 
retirement benefit obligations 
Tax effect of the above items                        (33)   (30) 
                                                     10     43 
Total other comprehensive (expense)/income           (84)   169 
Total comprehensive income                           181    425 
Analysed by: 
- continuing operations                              179    425 
- discontinued operations                            2      - 
Total comprehensive income                           181    425 
Total comprehensive income 
is entirely attributable 
to owners of  the Company. 
 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 
                                                        At 31 March 
                                             Notes      2018      2017 
                                                        GBPm        GBPm 
ASSETS 
Non-current assets 
Goodwill and other intangible assets                    360       401 
Property, plant and equipment                           965       1 061 
Investments in joint ventures                           85        92 
Investments in associates                               -         4 
Available-for-sale financial assets                     37        30 
Derivative financial instruments                        8         15 
Deferred tax assets                                     7         22 
Trade and other receivables                             3         1 
Retirement benefit surplus                   12         178       120 
                                                        1 643     1 746 
Current assets 
Inventories                                             419       441 
Trade and other receivables                             294       291 
Current tax assets                                      1         1 
Derivative financial instruments                        24        31 
Cash and cash equivalents                    11         190       261 
                                                        928       1 025 
TOTAL ASSETS                                            2 571     2 771 
EQUITY 
Capital and reserves 
Share capital                                           117       117 
Share premium                                           406       406 
Capital redemption reserve                              8         8 
Other reserves                                          159       253 
Retained earnings                                       677       548 
Equity attributable to                                  1 367     1 332 
owners of the Company 
TOTAL EQUITY                                            1 367     1 332 
LIABILITIES 
Non-current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                                10        10 
Borrowings                                   11         554       604 
Derivative financial instruments                        21        37 
Deferred tax liabilities                                42        25 
Retirement benefit deficit                   12         160       259 
Provisions for other liabilities                        15        17 
and charges 
                                                        802       952 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                                312       315 
Current tax liabilities                                 57        57 
Borrowings and bank overdrafts               11         16        88 
Derivative financial instruments                        12        17 
Provisions for other liabilities                        5         10 
and charges 
                                                        402       487 
TOTAL LIABILITIES                                       1 204     1 439 
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES                            2 571     2 771 
 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 
                                                  Year ended 31 March 
                                         Notes    2018     2017 
                                                  GBPm       GBPm 
Cash flows from operating activities 
Profit before tax from                            286      233 
continuing operations 
Adjustments for: 
Depreciation of property,                         114      109 
plant and equipment 
Amortisation of intangible assets                 40       40 
Share-based payments                              15       21 
Exceptional income statement items       5        (4)      (5) 
Net finance expense                      6        32       32 
Share of profit after tax of joint                (28)     (32) 
ventures and associates 
Net retirement benefit obligations,               (94)     (36) 
comprising: 
Accelerated US defined                   7        (56)     - 
benefit schemes 
contribution(exceptional 
cash flows) 
Underlying funding                                (38)     (36) 
Changes in working capital and                    (36)     4 
other non-cash movements 
Cash generated from continuing                    325      366 
operations 
Net income tax paid, comprising:                  (11)     (35) 
Cash tax benefit on accelerated          7        20       - 
contribution 
(exceptionalcash  flows) 
Net underlying income tax paid                    (31)     (35) 
Interest paid                                     (27)     (30) 
Cash used in discontinued operations     8        (1)      (3) 
Net cash generated from                           286      298 
operating activities 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Purchase of property,                             (111)    (127) 
plant and equipment 
Purchase of intangible assets                     (20)     (26) 
Disposal of property,                             -        2 
plant and equipment 
Cash adjustment in respect                        -        3 
of previous acquisitions 
Disposal of businesses,                           -        3 
net of cash disposed 
Disposal of associates                   15       5        - 
Purchase of available-for-sale                    (8)      (4) 
financial assets 
Disposal of available-for-sale                    4        4 
financial assets 
Interest received                                 2        2 
Dividends received from joint                     26       29 
ventures and associates 
Net cash used in investing                        (102)    (114) 
activities 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Purchase of own shares                            (27)     (18) 
to trust or treasury 
Cash inflow from additional                       4        66 
borrowings 
Cash outflow from repayment                       (77)     (189) 
of borrowings 
Repayment of capital element                      (1)      (1) 
of finance leases 
Dividends paid to the owners             10       (131)    (130) 
of the Company 
Net cash used in financing                        (232)    (272) 
activities 
Net decrease in cash                     11       (48)     (88) 
and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents: 
Balance at beginning of year                      261      317 
Net decrease in cash                              (48)     (88) 
and cash equivalents 
Currency translation differences                  (23)     32 
Balance at end of year                   11       190      261 
A reconciliation of the movement 
in cash and cash equivalents 
to  the movement in net debt 
is presented in Note 11. 
 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 
                              Sharecapital andsharepremium   Capitalredemptionreserve                                      Attributableto the ownersof   Non-controllinginterests(NCI) 
                                                                                        Otherreserves   Retainedearnings   theCompany                                                    Total equity 
                              GBPm                             GBPm                         GBPm              GBPm                 GBPm                            GBPm                              GBPm 
At 1 April 2016               523                            8                          127             370                1 028                         1                               1 029 
Year ended 31 March 2017: 
Profit for the year           -                              -                          -               256                256                           -                               256 
- total operations 
Other comprehensive income    -                              -                          126             43                 169                           -                               169 
Total comprehensive income    -                              -                          126             299                425                           -                               425 
Share-based payments,         -                              -                          -               24                 24                            -                               24 
net of tax 
Purchase of own shares        -                              -                          -               (18)               (18)                          -                               (18) 
to trust or treasury 
Derecognition of put          -                              -                          -               3                  3                             -                               3 
option on NCI 
Movement on NCI               -                              -                          -               -                  -                             (1)                             (1) 
Dividends paid (Note 10)      -                              -                          -               (130)              (130)                         -                               (130) 
At 31 March 2017              523                            8                          253             548                1 332                         -                               1 332 
Year ended 31 March 2018: 
Profit for the year           -                              -                          -               265                265                           -                               265 
- total operations 
Other comprehensive           -                              -                          (94)            10                 (84)                          -                               (84) 
(expense)/income 
Total comprehensive           -                              -                          (94)            275                181                           -                               181 
(expense)/income 
Share-based payments,         -                              -                          -               12                 12                            -                               12 
net of tax 
Purchase of own shares        -                              -                          -               (27)               (27)                          -                               (27) 
to trust or treasury 
Dividends paid (Note 10)      -                              -                          -               (131)              (131)                         -                               (131) 
At 31 March 2018              523                            8                          159             677                1 367                         -                               1 367 
 
 

TATE & LYLE PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATIONFOR THE YEARED 31 MARCH 2018

 

1. Background

 

The financial information on pages 17 to 41 is extracted from the Group's consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2018, which were approved by the Board of Directors on 23 May 2018.

 

The financial information does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of sections 434(3) and 435(3) of the Companies Act 2006 or contain sufficient information to comply with the disclosure requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and related interpretations as adopted for use in the European Union.

 

The Company's auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, have given an unqualified report on the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2018. The auditors' report did not include reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention without qualifying their report and did not contain any statement under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006. The consolidated financial statements will be filed with the Registrar of Companies, subject to their approval by the Company's shareholders on 26 July 2018 at the Company's Annual General Meeting.

 

2.Basis of preparation

 

Basis of accounting

 

The Group's consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2018 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and related interpretations as adopted for use in the European Union and those parts of the Companies Act 2006 that are applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

 

The Directors are satisfied that the Group has adequate resources to continue to operate for a period of not less than 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements and that there are no material uncertainties around their assessment. Accordingly, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting.

 

The Group's principal accounting policies have been consistently applied throughout the year and will be set out in Notes 2 and 3 of the Group's 2018 Annual Report.

 

Changes in accounting policy and disclosures

 

In the current year, the Group has adopted, with effect from 1 April 2017, new or revised accounting standards as set out below:

 

- IAS 7 Disclosure Initiative- IAS 12 Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses- Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014-16 cycle

 

The adoption of these amendments has had no material effect on the Group's financial statements.

 

The following new standards have been issued and are relevant to the Group, but were not effective for the financial year beginning 1 April 2017, and have not been adopted early:

 

IFRS 15 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (effective for the year ending 31 March 2019)The Group has undertaken a review of its commercial arrangements across all significant revenue streams and geographies including assessing the timing of revenue recognition as well as focusing on the accounting for principal and agency relationships, consignment stocks and discounts provided. As a result of the review, the Group has concluded that the adoption of IFRS 15 is not expected to have a material impact on reported revenue or revenue growth rates.

 

IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments (effective for the year ending 31 March 2019)The Group has reviewed the key areas of IFRS 9 and its activities in these areas to ensure full compliance upon adoption. The Group has concluded that the adoption of IFRS 9 will not have a material impact on its consolidated results or financial position.

 

The review focused on all three aspects of IFRS 9:

 

a) Classification and measurement.The Group expects to continue measuring at fair value all financial assets currently held at fair value. The Group intends to apply the option to present fair value changes in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) for those equity shares currently held as available-for-sale (AFS) and which are intended to be held for the foreseeable future. All other assets held as AFS are expected to be measured at fair value through profit or loss. Any amounts held in OCI related to those other assets will be reclassified to retained earnings, the quantum of which is expected to be immaterial. Trade receivables and other receivables are held to collect the principal amount in line with the contractual arrangements. As such, the Group has concluded that they meet the criteria for amortised cost measurement under IFRS 9. This is consistent with the current basis of accounting.

 

b) ImpairmentThe Group will apply the simplified approach and record lifetime expected losses on all trade receivables. The loss allowance to be recognised is not expected to be material.

 

c) Hedge accountingThe Group determined that all existing hedge relationships that are currently designated in effective hedging relationships will continue to qualify for hedge accounting under IFRS 9. As IFRS 9 does not change the general principles of how an entity accounts for effective hedges, applying the hedging requirements of IFRS 9 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Group's financial statements.

 

IFRS 16 - Leases (effective for the year ending 31 March 2020)The standard eliminates the classification of leases as either operating or finance leases and introduces a single accounting model, requiring the recognition of substantially all current operating lease commitments on the statement of financial position.

 

The Group is in the process of performing an impact assessment by assessing all existing leases against the guidance contained in IFRS 16. Material judgements and estimates are required in identifying and accounting for leases and determining the discount rate, as well as choosing the transition methodology. The Group is continuing to assess the impact of these judgements and estimates, and based on current information, expects a material increase in both property, plant and equipment and associated lease obligations. A quantification of the impact upon adoption will be included in the 31 March 2019 financial statements.

 

IFRIC 23 - Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments (effective for the year ending 31 March 2020, subject to EU endorsement)The interpretation is to be applied to the determination of taxable profit (tax loss), tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits and tax rates, when there is uncertainty over income tax treatments under IAS 12. The financial impact of this, together with any other implications of this interpretation, will be assessed during the 2019 financial year.

 

No other new standards, new interpretations or amendments to standards or interpretations have been published which are expected to have a significant impact on the Group's financial statements.

 

Changes in constant currency

 

Where changes in constant currency are presented in this statement, they are calculated by retranslating current year results at prior year exchange rates. Reconciliations of the movement in constant currency have been included in the additional information within this document.

 

Use of alternative performance measures

 

The Group also presents alternative performance measures, including adjusted operating profit, adjusted profit before tax, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted operating cash flow and adjusted free cash flow, which are used for internal performance analysis and incentive compensation arrangements for employees. These measures are presented because they provide investors with additional information about theperformance of the business which the Directors consider to be valuable. For the years presented, alternative performance measures exclude, where relevant:

 
 
    -- Exceptional items (excluded as they relate to events which are 

unlikely to recur, are outside the normal course of business and

therefore merit separate disclosure in order to provide a better

understanding of the Group's underlying financial performance)

 
    -- Amortisation of acquired intangible assets (costs associated 

with amounts recognised through acquisition accounting that impact

earnings compared to organic investments)

 
    -- Net retirement benefit interest (accounting charges or credits 

which are not linked to the underlying performance of the business.

The amounts excluded reflect the net interest cost of post-retirement

benefit plans substantially closed to future accrual)

 
    -- Tax on the above items and tax items that themselves meet these 

definitions. For tax items to be treated as exceptional, amounts

must be material and their treatment as exceptional enable a better

understanding of the Group's underlying financial performance.

 

Alternative performance measures reported by the Group are not defined terms under IFRS and may therefore not be comparable with similarly-titled measures reported by other companies. Reconciliations of the alternative performance measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures are presented in Note 3.

 

Following the improved funding status of the Group's pension schemes, the Group no longer intends to exclude net retirement benefit interest from its alternative performance measures from the beginning of the 2019 financial year as the size of this adjustment is no longer expected to be material.

 

Exceptional items

 

Exceptional items comprise items of income, expense and cash flow, including tax items, that are material in amount, relate to events which are unlikely to recur, are outside the normal course of business and therefore merit separate disclosure in order to provide a better understanding of the Group's underlying financial performance. Examples of events that give rise to the disclosure of material items of income, expense and cash flow as exceptional items include, but are not limited to: impairment events; significant business transformation activities; disposals of operations or significant individual assets; litigation claims by or against the Group; and restructuring of components of the Group's operations. For tax items to be treated as exceptional, amounts must be material and their treatment as exceptional enable a better understanding of the Group's underlying financial performance.

 

All material amounts relating to exceptional items in the Group's financial statements are classified on a consistent basis across accounting periods.

 

Discontinued operations

 

An operation is classified as discontinued if it is a component of the Group that: (i) has been disposed of, or meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale; and (ii) represents a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations or will be disposed of as part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations. The results, assets and liabilities and cash flows of discontinued operations are presented separately from those of continuing operations.

 

During the year ended 31 March 2018, the Group reached a settlement with the Moroccan tax authorities over historical tax matters relating to the Group's former corn wet mill in Casablanca, Morocco, This resulted in a net credit of GBP2 million.

 

Discontinued operations in the comparative year also related to the Group's Moroccan subsidiary.

 

3.Reconciliation of alternative performance measures

 

Income statement measures

 

For the reasons set out in Note 2, the Group presents alternative performance measures including adjusted operating profit, adjusted profit before tax and adjusted earnings per share.

 

For the years presented, these alternative performance measures exclude, where relevant:- exceptional items;- the amortisation of acquired intangible assets;- net retirement benefit interest; and- tax on the above items and tax items that themselves meet these definitions.

 

Following the improved funding status of the Group's pension schemes, the Group no longer intends to exclude net retirement benefit interest from its alternative performance measures from the beginning of the 2019 financial year as the size of this adjustment is no longer expected to be material.

 

The following table shows the reconciliation of the key income statement alternative performance measures to the most directly comparable measures reported in accordance with IFRS:

 
                    Year ended 31 March 2018                            Year ended 31 March 2017 
GBPm                  IFRSreported   Adjustingitems   Adjustedreported    IFRSreported   Adjustingitems   Adjustedreported 
unless 
otherwise 
statedContinuing 
operations 
Sales               2 710          -                2 710               2 753          -                2 753 
Operating           290            10               300                 233            31               264 
profit 
Net finance         (32)           5                (27)                (32)           7                (25) 
expense 
Share of            28             -                28                  32             -                32 
profit 
after tax 
of 
jointventures 
and 
associates 
Profit              286            15               301                 233            38               271 
before 
tax 
Income              (23)           (43)             (66)                22             (71)             (49) 
tax 
(expense)/credit 
Profit for          263            (28)             235                 255            (33)             222 
the year 
Basic               57.0p          (6.1p)           50.9p               55.0p          (7.2p)           47.8p 
earnings 
per 
share 
(pence) 
Diluted             56.1p          (6.0p)           50.1p               54.2p          (7.1p)           47.1p 
earnings 
per 
share 
(pence) 
Effective           8.1%                            21.9%               (9.6%)                          18.2% 
tax rate 
expense/(credit) 
% 
 
 

The following table shows the reconciliation of the adjusting items impacting adjusted profit for the year in the current and comparative year:

 
                                              Year ended 31 March 
Continuing operations                Notes    2018    2017 
                                              GBPm      GBPm 
Exceptional (gain)/loss              5        (2)     19 
in operating profit 
Amortisation of acquired                      12      12 
intangible assets 
Total excluded from adjusted                  10      31 
operating profit 
Net retirement benefit interest      6        5       7 
Total excluded from adjusted                  15      38 
profit before tax 
Tax credit on adjusting items        7        (5)     (6) 
Exceptional tax credits              5, 7     (38)    (65) 
Total excluded from adjusted                  (28)    (33) 
profit for the year 
 
 

Cash flow measures

 

The Group also presents two alternative cash flow measures which are defined as follows:

 

(a) Adjusted free cash flow represents cash generated from continuing operations after net interest and tax paid, and capital expenditure, and excluding the impact of exceptional items.

 

(b) Adjusted operating cash flow is defined as adjusted free cash flow from continuing operations, adding back net interest and tax paid, retirement cash contributions, and excluding derivative and margin call movements within working capital.

 

The following table shows the reconciliation of these alternative cash flow performance measures:

 
                                                 Year ended 31 March 
                                                 2018    2017 
                                                 GBPm      GBPm 
Adjusted operating profit from                   300     264 
continuing operations 
Adjusted for: 
Depreciation and adjusted amortisation           142     137 
Share-based payments charge                      15      21 
Changes in working capital and                   (36)    4 
other non-cash movements 
Net retirement benefit obligations               (94)    (36) 
Less: accelerated US defined benefit schemes     56      - 
contribution  (exceptional cash flows) 
Net retirement benefit obligations:              (38)    (36) 
underlying funding 
Capital expenditure                              (131)   (153) 
Net interest and tax paid                        (36)    (63) 
Less: cash tax benefit on                        (20)    - 
accelerated contribution 
(exceptional cash  flows) 
Net interest and tax paid: underlying            (56)    (63) 
Adjusted free cash flow                          196     174 
Add back: net interest and                       56      63 
tax paid (excluding 
exceptional cash  flows) 
Add back: net retirement underlying              44      42 
cash contributions 
Less: derivatives and margin call movements      3       (6) 
within changes in  working capital 
Adjusted operating cash flow                     299     273 
 
 

Other performance measures

 

The Group presents certain financial measures as defined in its external financial covenants as well as return on capital employed (ROCE) as Key Performance Indicators. Net debt to EBITDA and interest cover are defined under the Group's financial covenants and are required to be reported on a proportionate consolidation basis. For financial covenant purposes these ratios are calculated based on the accounting standards that applied for the 2014 financial year, with new accounting standards adopted by the Group subsequent to 1 April 2014 disregarded. Net debt is calculated using average currency exchange rates. Average invested operating capital represents the average at the beginning and end of the year of goodwill and other intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, working capital, provisions, non-debt derivatives and other assets. All ratios are calculated based on unrounded figures in GBP million. The following tables present the calculation of these alternative measures:

 
                                                                  31 March 
                                                    2018          2017 
                                                    GBPm            GBPm 
Calculation of Net debt to EBITDA ratio 
- on a financial covenant  basis 
Net debt (see Note 11)                              392           452 
Further adjustments set out 
in financial covenants: 
to reflect use of average exchange 
rates in translating net debt and 
proportionate consolidation                         25            (13) 
Net debt - on a financial covenant basis            417           439 
Adjusted operating profit                           300           264 
Further adjustments set out 
in financial covenants: 
to reflect proportionate consolidation              44            48 
to exclude charges for share-based payments         15            21 
to add back depreciation and                        142           137 
adjusted amortisation 
deduction for other finance costs                   (2)           - 
Pre-exceptional EBITDA - on                         499           470 
a financial covenant basis 
Net debt to EBITDA ratio (times)                    0.8           0.9 
                                                                  31 March 
                                                    2018          2017 
                                                    GBPm            GBPm 
Calculation of interest cover ratio 
- on a financial covenant  basis 
Adjusted operating profit                           300           264 
Further adjustments set out 
in financial covenants: 
to reflect proportionate consolidation              39            43 
to exclude charges for share-based payments         15            21 
deduction for other finance costs                   (2)           - 
Operating profit before exceptional                 352           328 
items and amortisation 
of  intangible assets - on 
a financialcovenant basis 
Adjusted net finance expense                        27            25 
Less: other finance costs                           (2)           - 
Further adjustments set out in 
financial covenants to reflect 
proportionate consolidation                         (1)           (1) 
and other adjustments 
Net finance expense - on a                          24            24 
financial covenant basis 
Interest cover ratio (times)                        14.6          13.9 
                                              31 March 
                                              2018        2017    2016 
                                              GBPm          GBPm      GBPm 
Calculation of return on capital employed 
Adjusted operating profit                     300         264 
Add back: amortisation of acquired            (12)        (12) 
intangible assets 
Profit before interest, tax                   288         252 
and exceptional items 
from continuing  operations for ROCE 
Goodwill and other intangible assets          360         401     390 
Property, plant and equipment                 965         1 061   926 
Working capital, provisions                   385         394     323 
and non-debt derivatives 
Other                                         -           -       29 
Invested operating capital                    1 710       1 856   1 668 
of continuing operations 
Average invested operating capital            1 783       1 762 
Return on capital employed (ROCE) %           16.2        14.3 
 
 

4. Segment information

 

Segment information is presented on a basis consistent with the information presented to the Board (the designated Chief Operating Decision Maker) for the purposes of allocating resources within the Group and assessing the performance of the Group's businesses. As described on page 16, continuing operations now comprise three reportable segments: Food & Beverage Solutions, Sucralose (which together made up the Speciality Food Ingredients segment in the prior year) and Primary Products (Bulk Ingredients segment in the prior year). This change was made to reflect the different economic characteristics of these products, and reflects the way in which information on the Group's performance is presented to the Board. Central, which comprises central costs including head office, treasury and re-insurance activities, does not meet the definition of an operating segment under IFRS 8 'Operating Segments' but is included in order to be consistent with the presentation of segment information presented to the Board. The segments are served by a single manufacturing network, and receive services from a number of global support functions. The segmental allocation of costs is performed using standard product costs to allocate all direct costs (including manufacturing facility-based depreciation) and allocation keys for all indirect costs (including share-based payments and amortisation), consistently applied over time.

 

The Board uses adjusted operating profit as the measure of the profitability of the Group's businesses. Adjusted operating profit is, therefore, the measure of segment profit presented in the Group's segment disclosures. Adjusted operating profit represents operating profit before specific items that are considered to hinder comparison of the trading performance of the Group's businesses year on year. During the years presented, the items excluded from operating profit in arriving at adjusted operating profit were the amortisation of acquired intangible assets and exceptional items. The segmental classification of exceptional items is detailed in Note 5.

 

An analysis of total assets and total liabilities by operating segment is not presented to the Board but it does receive segmental analysis of net working capital (inventories, trade and other receivables, less trade and other payables). Accordingly, the amounts presented for segment assets and segment liabilities in the tables below represent those assets and liabilities that comprise elements of net working capital. The segmental split of working capital allocates raw material and co-product inventories, and associated payables, based on the segmental split of primary capacity. Other payables, work in progress and finished goods inventories and receivables are allocated based on the products to which they relate. The segment results were as follows:

 

(a)Segment sales and results

 
                                                 Year ended 31 March 
Sales                                    Notes   2018    2017* 
                                                 GBPm      GBPm 
Food & Beverage Solutions                        850     834* 
Sucralose                                        146     162* 
Primary Products                                 1 714   1 757 
Sales - continuing operations                    2 710   2 753 
Sales - discontinued operations          8       -       3 
Sales - total operations                         2 710   2 756 
Results 
Adjusted operating profit 
Food & Beverage Solutions                        137     129* 
Sucralose                                        55      52* 
Primary Products                                 166     129 
Central                                          (58)    (46) 
Adjusted operating profit                        300     264 
- continuing operations 
Adjusting items: 
- exceptional items                      5       2       (19) 
- amortisation of acquired                       (12)    (12) 
intangible assets 
Operating profit - continuing                    290     233 
operations 
Finance income                           6       2       2 
Finance expense                          6       (34)    (34) 
Share of profit after tax of joint               28      32 
ventures and associates 
Profit before tax - continuing                   286     233 
operations 
Profit before tax - discontinued         8       -       1 
operations 
Profit before tax - total operations             286     234 
* Restated to reflect the 
change in reportable 
segments  made in the 
2018 financial year. 
 
 

If the above segmental information were presented on a basis consistent with the prior year, Food & Beverage Solutions and Sucralose would be combined as Speciality Food Ingredients to show sales for the year ended 31 March 2018 of GBP996 million (2017 - GBP996 million) and adjusted operating profit of GBP192 million (2017 - GBP181 million). Primary Products was renamed from Bulk Ingredients in the year.

 
                                                  Year ended 31 March 
                                                    2018    2017* 
                                                    %       % 
Adjusted operating margin 
- continuing operations 
Food & Beverage Solutions                           16.1%   15.5%* 
Sucralose                                           37.7%   32.1%* 
Primary Products                                    9.7%    7.3% 
Central                                             n/a     n/a 
Total - continuing operations                       11.1%   9.6% 
* Restated to reflect the change in reportable 
segments  made in the 2018 financial year. 
 
 

If the above segmental information were presented on a basis consistent with the prior year, Food & Beverage Solutions and Sucralose would be combined as Speciality Food Ingredients to show adjusted operating margin of 19.3% (2017 - 18.2%). Primary Products was renamed from Bulk Ingredients in the year.

 

(b) Segment assets/(liabilities)

 
                                       At 31 March 2018 
                                       Assets   Liabilities   Net 
                                       GBPm       GBPm            GBPm 
Net working capital 
Food & Beverage Solutions              287      (133)         154 
Sucralose                              62       (9)           53 
Primary Products                       357      (145)         212 
Central                                10       (35)          (25) 
Group working capital - continuing     716      (322)         394 
and total operations 
Other assets/(liabilities)             1 855    (882)         973 
Group assets/(liabilities)             2 571    (1 204)       1 367 
                                       At 31 March 2017* 
                                       Assets   Liabilities   Net 
                                       GBPm       GBPm            GBPm 
Net working capital 
Food & Beverage Solutions              307*     (122)*        185* 
Sucralose                              64*      (7)*          57* 
Primary Products                       349      (146)         203 
Central                                13       (50)          (37) 
Group working capital - continuing     733      (325)         408 
and total operations 
Other assets/(liabilities)             2 038    (1 114)       924 
Group assets/(liabilities)             2 771    (1 439)       1 332 
* Restated to reflect the 
change in reportable 
segments made in  the 
2018 financial year. 
 
 

If the above segmental information were presented on a basis consistent with the prior year, Food & Beverage Solutions and Sucralose would be combined as Speciality Food Ingredients to show net working capital assets of GBP349 million (2017 - GBP371 million) and net working capital liabilities of GBP142 million (2017 - GBP129 million). Primary Products was renamed from Bulk Ingredients in the year.

 

5. Exceptional items

 

Exceptional items recognised in arriving at operating profit were as follows:

 
                                                  Year ended 31 March 
                                                  2018    2017 
                                     Footnotes    GBPm      GBPm 
Continuing operations 
Tate & Lyle Ventures                 (a)          2       3 
gain on disposals 
Business re-alignment                (b)          -       (5) 
- impairment, 
restructuring and other net costs 
Asset impairments and                (c)          -       (26) 
related costs 
US retirement benefit obligation     (d)          -       9 
settlement gain 
Exceptional items - continuing                    2       (19) 
operations 
Discontinued operations 
Business re-alignment                (e)          -       1 
- Eaststarch 
/ Morocco disposals 
Exceptional items - discontinued                  -       1 
operations 
Exceptional items -                               2       (18) 
total operations 
 
 

In addition, the following exceptional tax items were recognised in the current and comparative year:

 
                                                   Year ended 31 March 
                                                   2018    2017 
                                      Footnotes    GBPm      GBPm 
Continuing operations 
US tax adjustments                    (f)          36      31 
UK tax adjustments                    (g)          2       34 
Exceptional tax credit -                           38      65 
continuing operations 
Discontinued operations 
Moroccan tax matters                  (h)          2       - 
Exceptional tax credit -                           2       - 
discontinued operations 
Exceptional tax credit                             40      65 
- total operations 
 
 

Continuing operations - within operating profit

 

(a) In the year ended 31 March 2018, the Group recognised a GBP2 million cash gain, in respect of the disposal of an investment held as part of its venture fund portfolio, previously classified as an available-for-sale financial asset. This gain was classified within central costs.

 

In the year ended 31 March 2017, the Group recognised a GBP3 million cash gain, primarily in respect of deferred consideration received following disposal of part of its venture fund portfolio. This profit was classified within central costs.

 

(b) In the year ended 31 March 2018, the Group paid cash of GBP2 million to utilise remaining provisions in respect of the business re-alignment of Sucralose and its European operations, but recognised no charges in this respect during the year.

 

In the year ended 31 March 2017, the Group recognised a net GBP5 million charge (GBP6 million of cash costs offset by a GBP1 million non-cash credit) in respect of the business re-alignment of Sucralose and its European operations. Cash payments in respect of this re-alignment were GBP21 million. The net GBP5 million charge was recognised within the Sucralose segment.

 

(c) In the year ended 31 March 2017, the Group recognised a net GBP13 million exceptional charge in respect of its Brazilian Food Systems business, Gemacom Tech Indústria E Comércio S.A. reflecting a partial impairment of goodwill offset by lower contingent consideration now expected to fall due. The net charge was recognised within the Food & Beverage Solutions segment.

 

In the year ended 31 March 2017, the Group recognised a GBP7 million charge for the disposal of its equity interest in Jiangsu Tate & Lyle Howbetter Food Co., Ltd, its Food Systems subsidiary in China. Cash payments for costs totalled GBP3 million. This charge was recognised within the Food & Beverage Solutions segment.

 

Also recognised in the year ended 31 March 2017 was a non-cash charge of GBP6 million in respect of the impairment of certain redundant assets at our Decatur facility in the US. The charge was recognised within the Primary Products segment.

 

(d) In the year ended 31 March 2017, the Group recognised a GBP9 million non-cash gain in respect of the settlement of certain elements of its US retirement benefit plan obligations. The exceptional gain was recognised within the Primary Products segment (GBP6 million) and the Food & Beverage Solutions segment (GBP3 million).

 

There was no net tax on continuing exceptional items in either the current or comparative year. Tax credits/charges on exceptional items are only recognised to the extent that gains/losses incurred are expected to result in tax recoverable/payable in the future.

 

Discontinued operations - within operating profit

 

(e)On 1 June 2016, the Group completed the sale of its corn wet mill in Casablanca, Morocco to ADM, receiving gross cash proceeds of GBP4 million. In the year ended 31 March 2017, following completion of this disposal, the Group recognised a GBP1 million exceptional gain resulting from the recycling of cumulative foreign exchange translation gains from reserves to the income statement. This non-cash gain was recognised within the Primary Products segment.

 

There was no tax on discontinued exceptional items in either the current or comparative year.

 

Continuing operations - exceptional taxation items

 

(f)In the year ended 31 March 2018, the Group recognised an exceptional tax credit of GBP36 million, principally reflecting the revaluation downwards of net US deferred tax liabilities following the reduction in the US federal corporation tax rate from 1 January 2018. US deferred tax liabilities primarily comprise amounts arising from accelerated tax depreciation on assets.

 

In the year ended 31 March 2017, following the transfer at fair value of its sucralose intellectual property assets from the UK to the US, the Group recognised an exceptional deferred tax credit of GBP31 million, reflecting the anticipated future tax benefits.

 

(g) In the year ended 31 March 2018, two significant changes drove an exceptional net credit of GBP2 million resulting from the increase in UK deferred tax assets:

 
 
    -- UK legislation to limit to 50% the utilisation of brought forward 

losses was enacted during the second half of the 2018 financial year,

resulting in a GBP16 million write down of the previous deferred tax

asset recognised in relation to the Group's internal financing

arrangements;

 
 
    -- Anticipated changes to the Group's internal financing arrangements, 

enabled by amendments to US tax legislation, led to the recognition of

an increase in the deferred tax asset of GBP18 million.In

the year ended 31 March 2017, following changes in UK tax legislation

arising from the OECD's Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project and

changes to the internal financing arrangements we use to fund our

international businesses, the Group recognised an exceptional deferred

tax credit of GBP34 million, reflecting previously unrecognised tax

losses in the UK, which, based on enacted legislation at the time,

were expected to be utilised against future UK taxable profits.

 

Discontinued operations - exceptional taxation items

 

(h)In the year ended 31 March 2018, the Group recognised an exceptional tax gain of GBP2 million following settlement with the Moroccan tax authorities of historical matters relating to the Group's former Moroccan subsidiary. The Group made a payment of GBP1 million in respect of this matter during the 2018 financial year. This subsidiary was sold, as part of a broader transaction, to ADM on 1 June 2016.

 

Exceptional cash flows

 

Net cash outflows on exceptional items were as follows:

 
                                                 Year ended 31 March 
                                                 2018    2017 
Continuing operations:              Footnotes    GBPm      GBPm 
Continuing operations 
Business re-alignment               (b)          (2)     (21) 
- impairment, 
restructuring and 
other net costs 
Asset impairment and                (c)          -       (3) 
related costs 
Net cash outflows -                              (2)     (24) 
exceptional items 
Income statement (gain)/loss -                   (2)     19 
included in profit before tax 
Adjustment for exceptional                       (4)     (5) 
income statement 
items - per cash 
flow  statement 
Accelerated US defined benefit                   (56)    - 
schemes contribution 
(exceptional  cash flows) 
Cash tax benefit on accelerated                  20      - 
contribution 
(exceptional cash flows) 
Adjustment for exceptional          (i)          (36)    - 
cash flows 
 
 

(i) In the year ended 31 March 2018, the Group made an accelerated cash contribution of GBP56 million into the US defined benefit pension schemes against which the Group received a cash tax benefit of GBP20 million leading to an overall cash outflow of GBP36 million. This cash contribution was incremental to the on-going annual scheme payments.

 

In addition, in the year ended 31 March 2018, there were exceptional cash flows relating to the sale of assets from the Group's venture fund portfolio totalling GBP2 million (2017 - GBP2 million) recognised within cash from investing activities.

 

6. Finance income and finance expense

 
                                                 Year ended 31 March 
Continuing operations                    Note    2018    2017 
                                                 GBPm      GBPm 
Net finance expense 
Interest payable on bank                         (27)    (25) 
and other borrowings 
Fair value hedges: 
- fair value loss on interest                    (6)     (4) 
rate derivatives 
- fair value adjustment                          6       4 
of hedged borrowings 
Finance lease interest                           (1)     (1) 
Net retirement benefit interest          12      (5)     (7) 
Unwinding of discount on liabilities             (1)     (1) 
Finance expense                                  (34)    (34) 
Finance income                                   2       2 
Net finance expense                              (32)    (32) 
Reconciliation to adjusted               Note    GBPm      GBPm 
net finance expense 
Net finance expense                              (32)    (32) 
Net retirement benefit interest                  5       7 
Adjusted net finance expense             3       (27)    (25) 
- continuing operations 
 
 

Finance expense is shown net of borrowing costs capitalised within property, plant and equipment of GBPnil (2017 - GBP2 million) at a capitalisation rate of 3.9% (2017 - 3.8%).

 

Interest payable on other borrowings includes GBP0.2 million (2017 - GBP0.2 million) of dividends in respect of the Group's 6.5% cumulative preference shares. Finance income and finance expense relate wholly to continuing operations.

 

7. Income tax expense

 

Analysis of charge for the year - continuing operations:

 
                                           Year ended 31 March 
Continuing operations                      2018    2017 
                                           GBPm      GBPm 
Current tax: 
- United Kingdom                           (9)     - 
- Overseas                                 (45)    (23) 
Adjustments in respect                     -       - 
of previous years 
                                           (54)    (23) 
Deferred tax: 
Credit for the year                        31      45 
Adjustments in respect                     -       - 
of previous years 
Income tax (expense)/credit                (23)    22 
Reconciliation to adjusted         Note    GBPm      GBPm 
income tax expense 
Income tax (expense)/credit                (23)    22 
Adjusted for:                              (5)     (6) 
Taxation on exceptional items, 
amortisation of acquired 
intangibles and netretirement 
benefit interest 
Exceptional US tax credit          5       (36)    (31) 
Exceptional UK tax credit          5       (2)     (34) 
Adjusted income tax expense        3       (66)    (49) 
- continuing operations 
 
 

The Group recorded an income tax expense of GBP23 million in continuing operations for the year ended 31 March 2018 (2017 - credit of GBP22 million).

 

The Group's statutory effective tax rate on continuing operations, calculated on the basis of the reported income tax expense of GBP23 million as a proportion of profit before tax of GBP286 million was 8.1% (2017 - credit of 9.6%). In the year to 31 March 2018, the Group recognised exceptional tax gains totalling GBP38 million, comprising two items: firstly, a credit of GBP36 million predominantly reflecting the revaluation downwards of net US deferred tax liabilities following the reduction in the US federal tax rate; and secondly a net credit of GBP2 million following an increase in UK deferred tax assets. This resulted from changes to UK legislation limiting to 50% the utilisation of brought forward losses, resulting in a GBP16 million write down of the previous deferred tax asset; and anticipated changes to the Group's internal financing arrangements, enabled by amendments to US tax legislation, resulting in an increase of GBP18 million in the deferred tax asset. In the comparative year, the Group recognised tax credits totalling GBP65 million. Further details can be found in Note 5.

 

The Group's adjusted effective tax rate on continuing operations, calculated on the basis of the adjusted income tax expense of GBP66 million as a proportion of adjusted profit before tax of GBP301 million was 21.9% (2017 - 18.2%). The adjusted effective tax rate increased as a result of changes to the UK tax legislation and consequent changes to our internal financing arrangements and an increase in profits from the US, a jurisdiction with higher rates of corporation tax during the year.

 

The Group had tax losses of GBP556 million at 31 March 2018 (2017 - GBP508 million) for which no deferred tax has been recognised as there is uncertainty as to whether taxable profits against which these assets may be recovered, will be available.

 

The standard rate of corporation tax in the UK reduced from 20% to 19% with effect from 1 April 2017 and is expected to reduce from 19% to 17% with effect from 1 April 2020. The Group tax charge in future years is expected to benefit modestly from US Tax Reforms, which came into effect from 1 January 2018. Further changes in tax legislation in the jurisdictions in which the Group operates could have a material impact on the Group's tax charge and/or the amount of deferred tax recognised in future accounting periods.

 

8. Discontinued operations

 

The discontinued operations of the Group are disclosed in Note 2.

 

The results of the discontinued operations which have been included in the consolidated income statement were as follows:

 
                                                    Year ended 31 March 
Discontinued operations                  Notes      2018    2017 
- Eaststarch / Morocco                              GBPm      GBPm 
Sales                                    4          -       3 
Operating profit including                          -       1 
exceptional items 
Profit for the year - discontinued                  2       1 
operations 
Basic and diluted earnings per share     9          0.4p    0.2p 
- discontinued operations 
 
 

During the year ended 31 March 2018, the Group recognised an exceptional tax gain of GBP2 million following settlement with the Moroccan tax authorities of historical matters relating to the Group's former Moroccan subsidiary. The Group made a payment of GBP1 million in respect of this matter during the 2018 financial year. This subsidiary was sold as part of a broader transaction to ADM on 1 June 2016.

 

In the year ended 31 March 2017, the Group received gross cash proceeds of GBP4 million in relation to this sale to ADM and recognised a GBP1 million exceptional gain (see Note 5).

 

The results of the discontinued operations which have been included in the consolidated statement of cash flows were as follows:

 
                                           Year ended 31 March 
Discontinued operations-                   2018    2017 
Eaststarch / Morocco                       GBPm      GBPm 
Profit before tax from discontinued        -       1 
operations 
Adjustment for:                            (1)     (4) 
Exceptional items and changes 
in working capital 
Cash used in discontinued operations       (1)     (3) 
 
 

9. Earnings per share

 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to owners of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year, excluding an average of 6 million shares (2017 - 4 million shares) held by the Company and the Employee Benefit Trust to satisfy awards made under the Group's share-based incentive plans.

 

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue assuming conversion of potentially dilutive ordinary shares, reflecting vesting assumptions on employee share plans, as well as the profit attributable to owners of the Company for any proceeds on such conversions. Potentially dilutive ordinary shares arise from awards made under the Group's share-based incentive plans. Potentially dilutive ordinary shares are dilutive only when the average market price of the Company's ordinary shares during the year exceeds their exercise price (options) or issue price (other awards). The greater any such excess, the greater the dilutive effect. The average market price of the Company's ordinary shares during the year was 676p (2017 - 695p). The dilutive effect of share-based incentives was 7.7 million shares (2017 - 7.1 million shares).

 
                       Year ended 31 March 2018                                 Year ended 31 March 2017 
                       Continuingoperations   Discontinuedoperations   Total    Continuingoperations   DiscontinuedOperations   Total 
Profit attributable    263                    2                        265      255                    1                        256 
to owners 
ofthe Company 
(GBP million) 
Weighted average       462.3                  462.3                    462.3    464.1                  464.1                    464.1 
number 
ofordinary 
shares (million) 
-basic 
Basic earnings         57.0p                  0.4p                     57.4p    55.0p                  0.2p                     55.2p 
per share 
Weighted average       470.0                  470.0                    470.0    471.2                  471.2                    471.2 
number 
ofordinary 
shares (million) 
-diluted 
Diluted earnings       56.1p                  0.4p                     56.5p    54.2p                  0.2p                     54.4p 
per share 
 
 

Adjusted earnings per share

 

A reconciliation between profit attributable to owners of the Company from continuing operations and the equivalent adjusted metric, together with the resulting adjusted earnings per share metrics can be found below:

 
                                                   Year ended 31 March 
Continuing operations                     Notes    2018     2017 
                                                   GBPm       GBPm 
Profit attributable to                             263      255 
owners of the Company 
Adjusting items: 
- exceptional (gain)/loss                 5        (2)      19 
- amortisation of acquired                         12       12 
intangible assets 
- net retirement benefit interest         6,12     5        7 
- tax effect of the above adjustments     7        (5)      (6) 
- exceptional tax credits                 5,7      (38)     (65) 
Adjusted profit attributable              3        235      222 
to owners of the Company 
Adjusted basic earnings per share                  50.9p    47.8p 
(pence) - continuing operations 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share                50.1p    47.1p 
(pence) - continuing operations 
 
 

10. Dividends on ordinary shares

 

The Directors propose a final dividend for the financial year of 20.3p per ordinary share that, subject to approval by shareholders, will be paid on 1 August 2018 to shareholders who are on the Register of Members on 22 June 2018.

 

Based on the number of ordinary shares outstanding at 31 March 2018 and the proposed amount, the total dividend for the financial year is expected to amount to GBP133 million. Total dividends paid during the year were GBP131 million (2017 - GBP130 million).

 

Dividends on ordinary shares in respect of the financial year:

 
                                                   Year ended 31 March 
                                                   2018     2017 
                                                   Pence    Pence 
In respect of the financial year: 
Interim                                            8.4      8.2 
Final                                              20.3     19.8 
                                                   28.7     28.0 
Paid in the financial year: 
Interim - in respect of the financial year         8.4      8.2 
Final - in respect of the prior financial year     19.8     19.8 
                                                   28.2     28.0 
 
 

11. Net debt

 

The components of the Group's net debt are as follows:

 
                                                  At 31 March 
                                                  2018     2017 
                                                  GBPm       GBPm 
Non-current borrowings                            (554)    (604) 
Current borrowings and bank overdrafts            (16)     (88) 
Debt-related derivative financial instruments     (12)     (21) 
Cash and cash equivalents                         190      261 
Net debt                                          (392)    (452) 
 
 

Debt-related derivative financial instruments represent the net fair value of currency and interest rate swaps that are used to manage the currency and interest rate profile of the Group's net debt. At 31 March 2018, the net fair value of these derivatives comprised assets of GBP10 million (2017 - GBP17 million) and liabilities of GBP22 million (2017 - GBP38 million).

 

Movements in the Group's net debt were as follows:

 
                                               Year ended 31 March 
                                               2018     2017 
                                               GBPm       GBPm 
Net debt at beginning of the year              (452)    (434) 
Decrease in cash and cash                      (48)     (88) 
equivalents in the year 
Net decrease in borrowings*                    74       124 
Fair value and other movements                 (1)      3 
Currency translation differences               35       (57) 
Decrease/(increase)in net debt in the year     60       (18) 
Net debt at end of the year                    (392)    (452) 
 
 
* Net change in borrowings includes repayments of capital elements 
of finance leases of GBP1 million (2017 - GBP1 million). 
 
 

12. Retirement benefit obligations

 

The net surplus on the Group's retirement benefits plans was GBP18 million at 31 March 2018, an improvement of GBP157 million from a net deficit at 31 March 2017 of GBP139 million. The improvement was driven by a reduction in the deficit of the US schemes largely as a result of foreign exchange movements from the weakening of the US dollar and by cash contributions. In addition to regular cash contributions of GBP44 million in the year, the Group made an accelerated gross cash contribution to the US schemes of GBP56 million, in light of an opportunity to fund the schemes while taking advantage of a higher US tax deduction. The movement in the net surplus is analysed as follows:

 
                          At 31 March 2018                            At 31 March 2017 
                          PensionsGBPm   MedicalbenefitsGBPm   TotalGBPm    Pensions   MedicalbenefitsGBPm   Total 
                                                                      GBPm                             GBPm 
Present                   (1 549)      (63)                (1 612)    (1 693)    (76)                (1 769) 
value 
of the 
benefit 
obligation 
Fair value                1 630        -                   1 630      1 630      -                   1 630 
of 
plan assets 
Net                       81           (63)                18         (63)       (76)                (139) 
surplus/(deficit) 
Presented 
as: 
Deficits                  (97)         (63)                (160)      (183)      (76)                (259) 
Surpluses                 178          -                   178        120        -                   120 
Net                       81           (63)                18         (63)       (76)                (139) 
surplus/(deficit) 
 
 

Changes in the net surplus/(deficit) during the year are analysed as follows:

 
                                          Year ended 31 March 2018 
                                          Pensions   Medical    Total 
                                          GBPm         benefits   GBPm 
                                                     GBPm 
Net liability at 1 April 2017             (63)       (76)       (139) 
Income statement: 
- service cost                            (3)        (1)        (4) 
- administration costs                    (2)        -          (2) 
- net interest expense                    (3)        (2)        (5) 
Other comprehensive income: 
- actual return higher than               2          -          2 
interest on plan assets 
- actuarial gain                          38         3          41 
Other movements: 
- employer's contributions                95         5          100 
- re-measurement of non-qualified         (2)        -          (2) 
deferred 
compensation arrangements 
- currency translation differences        19         8          27 
Net surplus/(deficit)                     81         (63)       18 
at 31 March 2018 
 
 

The main UK scheme triennial valuation as at 31 March 2016 was concluded during the prior year, with agreed core funding contributions maintained at GBP12 million per year, and the Group also committing to extend the supplementary contributions payable into the secured funding account of GBP6 million per year until 31 March 2023.

 

13. Contingent liabilities

 

Passaic River

 

The Group remains subject to a legal case arising from the notification in 2007 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ('USEPA') that it, along with approximately 70+ others, is a potentially responsible party ('PRP') for a 17 mile section of the northern New Jersey Passaic River, a major 'Superfund' site. In March 2016, the USEPA issued its Record of Decision ('ROD') on the likely cost for the remediation of the lower eight-mile section of the river (the most contaminated). Whilst the Group will continue to vigorously defend itself in this matter, in light of the publication of the ROD, the Group has maintained a provision of GBP6 million in respect of this. The Group continues to be unable to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss in respect of the remaining nine-mile section of the river and therefore has not recognised a provision for this section.

 

Other claims

 

The Group is subject to claims and litigation generally arising in the ordinary course of its business, some of which are for substantial amounts. All such actions are strenuously defended but provision is made for liabilities that are considered likely to arise on the basis of current information and legal advice. While there is always uncertainty as to the outcome of any claim or litigation, it is not expected that the claims and litigation existing at 31 March 2018 will have a material adverse effect on the Group's financial position.

 

14. Capital expenditure and commitments

 

In the year ended 31 March 2018, there were additions to intangible assets (excluding goodwill and acquired intangibles) of GBP20 million (2017 - GBP26 million) and additions to property, plant and equipment of GBP113 million (2017 - GBP128 million).

 

Commitments at the balance sheet date were as follows:

 
                                      At 31 March 
                                      2018    2017 
                                      GBPm      GBPm 
Commitments for the purchase of       26      25 
property, plant and equipment 
Total commitments                     26      25 
 
 

15. Acquisitions and disposals

 

Completion of Tapioca Development Corporation disposal in the 2018 financial year

 

On 2 November 2017, the Group completed the sale of its 33.3% share in an associated undertaking, the Tapioca Development Corporation. This sale resulted in cash proceeds of GBP5 million and resulted in a profit on disposal of GBP2 million, after recycling of cumulative foreign exchange translation gains of GBP1 million from reserves to the income statement upon disposal.

 

Completion of Moroccan disposal in the 2017 financial year

 

On 1 June 2016, the Group completed the sale of its corn wet mill in Casablanca, Morocco to ADM, receiving gross cash proceeds of GBP4 million, a net GBP3 million after cash disposed. In the year ended 31 March 2017, the Group recognised a GBP1 million exceptional gain resulting from the recycling of cumulative foreign exchange translation gains from reserves to the income statement upon disposal of the investment. Refer to Note 5 for details on the settlement reached with the Moroccan tax authorities in respect of historical tax matters relating to this entity.

 

Completion of Howbetter disposal in the 2017 financial year

 

On 23 December 2016, the Group completed the disposal of Jiangsu Tate & Lyle Howbetter Food Co., Ltd, its Food Systems subsidiary in China, recognising a GBP7 million operating exceptional charge in respect of impairing and deconsolidating the entity prior to disposal, and the associated costs of exiting (see Note 5).

 

16. Foreign exchange rates

 

The principal exchange rates used to translate the results, assets and liabilities and cash flows of the Group's foreign operations into pounds sterling were as follows:

 
                                     Year ended 31 March 
Average foreign exchange rates       2018    2017 
                                     GBP1 =    GBP1 = 
US dollar                            1.33    1.30 
Euro                                 1.13    1.19 
                                     At 31 March 
Year end foreign exchange rates      2018    2017 
                                     GBP1 =    GBP1 = 
US dollar                            1.40    1.25 
Euro                                 1.14    1.17 
 
 

17.Events after the reporting period

 

On 23 May 2018, the Group entered into an agreement to acquire a 15% equity holding in Sweet Green Fields, one of the largest privately held, fully integrated global stevia ingredient companies. Under the terms of the agreement, the Group has an option to acquire the remaining 85% share in due course.

 

TATE & LYLE PLC

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Calculation of changes in constant currency

 

Where changes in constant currency are presented in this statement, they are calculated by retranslating current year results at prior year exchange rates. The following table provides a reconciliation between the 2018 performance at actual exchange rates and at constant currency exchange rates. Absolute numbers presented in the tables are rounded for presentational purposes, whereas the growth percentages are calculated on unrounded numbers.

 
Adjusted         2018    FX     2018          Underlying             Change%   Change in 
performance      GBPm      GBPm     at constant   growth       2017*GBPm             constant 
Continuing                      currency      GBPm                               currency 
operations                      GBPm                                             % 
Sales            2 710   20     2 730         (23)         2 753     (2%)      (1%) 
Food             137     2      139           10           129*      5%        8% 
& 
Beverage 
Solutions 
Sucralose        55      -      55            3            52*       6%        5% 
Primary          166     2      168           39           129       28%       30% 
Products 
Central          (58)    -      (58)          (12)         (46)      (22%) 
Adjusted         300     4      304           40           264       14%       15% 
operating 
profit 
Adjusted         (27)    -      (27)          (2)          (25)      (8%) 
net 
finance 
expense 
Share of         28      -      28            (4)          32        (14%)     (14%) 
profit 
after 
tax 
of 
jointventures 
and 
associates 
Adjusted         301     4      305           34           271       11%       13% 
profit 
before 
tax 
Adjusted         (66)    (2)    (68)          (19)         (49)      (34%)     (37%) 
income 
tax 
expense 
Adjusted         235     2      237           15           222       6%        7% 
profit 
after 
tax 
Adjusted         50.1p   0.4p   50.5p         3.4p         47.1p     6%        7% 
diluted 
EPS 
(pence) 
* 
Restated 
to 
reflect 
the 
change 
in 
operating 
segments 
made 
in the 
2018 
financial 
year 
 
 

If the above segmental information were presented on a basis consistent with the prior year, Food & Beverage Solutions and Sucralose would be combined as Speciality Food Ingredients to show adjusted operating profit for the year ended 31 March 2018 of GBP192 million (2017 - GBP181 million). Primary Products was renamed from Bulk Ingredients in the year.

 

RATIO ANALYSIS

 
                                          31 March2018   31 March2017 
Net debt to EBITDA - on financial 
covenant basis 
= Net debt                                417            439 
Pre-exceptional EBITDA                    499            470 
                                          = 0.8 times    = 0.9 times 
Interest cover - on financial 
covenant basis 
= Operating profit before                 352            328 
exceptional items 
and amortisation of intangible assets 
Net finance expense                       24             24 
                                          = 14.6 times   = 13.9 times 
Earnings dividend cover 
= Adjusted basic earnings per share       50.9           47.8 
from  continuing operations 
Dividend per share                        28.2           28.0 
                                          = 1.8 times    = 1.7 times 
Cash dividend cover 
= Adjusted free cash flow from            196            174 
continuing  operations 
Cash dividends                            131            130 
                                          = 1.5 times    = 1.3 times 
Return on capital employed 
= Profit before interest,                 288            252 
tax and  exceptional 
items from continuing operations 
Average invested operating capital        1 783          1 762 
of continuing operations 
                                          = 16.2%        = 14.3% 
Adjusted operating cash flow              299            273 
Gearing 
= Net debt                                392            452 
Total equity                              1 367          1 332 
                                          = 29%          = 34% 
 
 

Note :

 

All ratios are calculated based on unrounded figures in GBP million. Net debt to EBITDA, interest cover, Adjusted Free cash flow, Adjusted operating cash flow, Average invested operating capital and return on capital employed are defined and reconciled in Note 3 of the attached financial information. Gearing is prepared using equity accounted net debt and total equity from the consolidated statement of financial position.

 
 
 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180523006472/en/

 
This information is provided by Business Wire 
 
 

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 24, 2018 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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