TIDMFSTA
RNS Number : 5170P
Fuller,Smith&Turner PLC
18 November 2016
STRICTLY EMBARGOED
UNTIL 7AM FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2016
FULLER, SMITH & TURNER P.L.C.
("Fuller's" or "the Company")
Half year results for the 26 weeks ended 24 September 2016
A good performance in changing times
Financial Highlights
-- Adjusted earnings per share up 6% to 32.44p (2015/16: 30.74p)
-- Adjusted profit before tax up 6% to GBP22.8 million (2015/16: GBP21.6 million)
-- Revenue up 11% to GBP197.6 million (2015/16: GBP177.7 million)
-- EBITDA up 9% to GBP36.3 million (2015/16: GBP33.3 million)
-- Interim dividend up 5% to 7.25p (2015/16: 6.90p)
-- Net debt to EBITDA at 3.0 times (2015/16: 3.0 times)
Operational Indicators
-- Managed Pubs and Hotels grew like for like sales by 3.4%,
supported by further growth in food, with a rise in operating
profit before exceptional items of 6%
-- Tenanted Inns operating profit before exceptional items
marginally down 1% and like for like profit down 2%
-- Craft beer brands showed strong growth for The Fuller's Beer
Company and operating profit before exceptional items rose by 8%,
although total beer and cider volumes decreased by 4%
1. Calculated using adjusted profit after tax and the same
weighted average number of shares as for the basic earnings per
share and using a 40p ordinary share. Basic earnings per share were
32.08p (2015/16: 29.84p)
2. Adjusted profit before tax is the profit before tax excluding
exceptional items. Statutory profit before tax was GBP21.4 million
(2015/16: GBP21.2 million)
3. Pre-exceptional earnings before interest, tax, depreciation,
profit on disposal of properties and amortisation
4. Net debt to EBITDA is calculated on a pro forma 12 month
basis adjusting as appropriate for acquisitions and disposals
Strategy Update
-- Acquired two new Managed Pubs, The Gun on the River Thames in
Docklands overlooking The O2 arena, and The Half Moon, Herne
Hill
-- Added 16 boutique hotel rooms to our estate, which is
well-positioned to attract expected additional inbound tourists and
staycationers
-- Further developed our portfolio of premium brands with the
addition of new Sierra Nevada beers, Cornish Orchards Blush on
draught and Alhambra, a refreshing premium lager imported from
Spain
-- Investment in additional warehouse capacity at Nectar, with
further expansion at Cornish Orchards nearing completion
-- Ongoing investment in our team across the Group to ensure we
recruit, develop and retain motivated and inspired people
Current Trading and Outlook
-- Managed Pubs and Hotels like for like sales up by 2.6% for 33 weeks
-- Tenanted Inns like for like profit down by 2% for 33 weeks
-- Total beer and cider volumes down by 5% for 33 weeks
-- Acquired The Albert Arms in Esher - a freehold site and our first pub in the area
-- Started development schemes in six pubs since the half year,
with 15 more planned before the year end
-- Opened The Stable, Exeter in October 2016
Commenting on the results, Chief Executive Simon Emeny said: "We
have had a good start to the year and our Managed Pubs and Hotels,
which represent the largest share of our profits, have yet again
led the way with a rise in like for like sales that has
outperformed the market.
"Trading since the period end has been good and as expected,
with comparisons to last year being heavily influenced by the 2015
Rugby World Cup. For the first 33 weeks, like for like sales in our
Managed Pubs and Hotels grew 2.6%, Tenanted Inns like for like
profits declined 2% and Fuller's Beer Company volumes fell 5%.
"There is no doubt that the UK economy is facing some
significant challenges. The impact of increases in business rates
and the National Living Wage, combined with uncertainty around the
UK's departure from the EU, make for changing times ahead. However,
Fuller's has a long-term, strategic vision, a solid balance sheet
and a predominantly freehold estate, which is well-invested and
supported by excellent, engaged team members and dedicated, skilled
management. These are the qualities needed to continue to delight
and excite our customers, provide a good return for our
shareholders and attract the best new recruits to our
business."
-Ends-
For further information, please contact:
Fuller, Smith & Turner P.L.C.
Simon Emeny, Chief Executive (press) 020 8996 2175
James Douglas, Finance Director (analysts) 020 8996 2000
Georgina Wald, Corporate Communications
Manager 020 8996 2198/07831 299801
Instinctif Partners
Justine Warren 020 7457 2020
Notes to Editors:
Fuller, Smith and Turner P.L.C. is an independent traditional
family brewer founded in 1845 and is based at the historic Griffin
Brewery in Chiswick, London, where brewing has taken place
continuously since 1654. The Company runs 196 Tenanted pubs and 196
Managed Pubs and Hotels, with a focus on delicious fresh,
home-cooked food, outstanding cask and craft ale, great wine and
exceptional service. The Company also has 665 boutique bedrooms in
its Managed estate. The Fuller's pub estate stretches from Brighton
to Birmingham and from Bristol to the Greenwich Peninsula,
including 175 locations within the M25. In 2014, Fuller's acquired
a 51% stake in The Stable, a craft cider and gourmet pizza
restaurant business. A further 25% stake was acquired in May 2016,
taking our ownership to 76%. The Stable has 17 sites in England and
Wales.
The Fuller's Beer Company brews a portfolio of premium beers
including London Pride, Oliver's Island, ESB, Organic Honey Dew and
Frontier Craft Lager. In June 2013, the Company acquired Cornish
Orchards, a craft cider maker producing a range of award-winning
ciders and premium soft drinks. Fuller's is also the UK distributor
for Sierra Nevada, the premier US craft beer. In December 2015,
Fuller's acquired a 51% stake in Nectar Imports, a wholesale drinks
business.
Photography is available from the Fuller's Press Office on 020
8996 2175 or by email at pr@fullers.co.uk.
Copies of this statement, the Interim Report and results
presentation will be available on the Company's website,
www.fullers.co.uk. The presentation will be available from 12 noon
on 18 November 2016.
FULLER, SMITH & TURNER P.L.C.
HALF YEAR RESULTS FOR THE 26 WEEKSED 24 SEPTEMBER 2016
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
I am pleased to be announcing another good set of results,
demonstrating the benefits of a long-term, balanced business with a
clear vision and an excellent management team. Total revenue has
increased by 11% to GBP197.6 million benefiting from the
acquisition last year of Nectar and the expansion of The Stable
(2015/16: GBP177.7 million). Our adjusted profit before tax(2) has
increased by 6% to GBP22.8 million (2015/16: GBP21.6 million) and
in line with this, the key measure for our shareholders of adjusted
earnings per share(1) has also risen by 6%, to 32.44p (2015/16:
30.74p).
These good results have been driven by further growth in our
Managed Pubs and Hotels division, which has seen like for like
sales rise by 3.4% (2015/16: 5.6%), once again outperforming the
market. Our Managed Pubs continue to deliver a very clear customer
offer based around delicious, home-cooked, seasonal food, a great
range of premium drinks, well-invested pubs and excellent customer
service. Our continuous programme of refurbishing and investing in
our existing estate, together with targeted acquisitions, ensures
we look after our existing customers while attracting new guests in
new locations.
Times have been tougher for our Tenanted Inns and The Fuller's
Beer Company, but as a long-term business, we look with optimism to
the future. We have a plan in progress to create a Tenanted
division that better reflects the Fuller's vision and values and a
similar forward looking approach for The Fuller's Beer Company. Our
commitment to developing balanced beers that pack great flavours,
while remaining moreish, has resulted in good sales for our craft
keg range and at Cornish Orchards, a similar ethos to making cider
has resulted in sales growth in this important market sector
too.
We have continued to invest heavily in our people and I am
delighted to see further internal promotions during the first half
of this financial year. This commitment has helped us to recruit
the best people, develop and retain them and they, in turn,
continue to deliver long-term success for the Company and returns
for our shareholders. I would like to thank the whole team for
their hard work and dedication.
DIVID
The Board is pleased to announce an increase of 5% in the
interim dividend to 7.25p (2015/16: 6.90p) per 40p 'A' and 'C'
ordinary share and 0.725p (2015/16: 0.69p) per 4p 'B' ordinary
share. This will be paid on 3 January 2017 to shareholders on the
share register as at 2 December 2016.
Michael Turner
Chairman
17 November 2016
CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REVIEW
We have had a good start to the year and our Managed Pubs and
Hotels, which represent the largest share of our profits, have yet
again led the way with a rise in like for like sales that has
outperformed the market. Our Tenanted Inns and The Fuller's Beer
Company have had a demanding six months, but the benefits of a
balanced business portfolio have resulted in a pleasing set of
results for the Group. It has been a period of two distinct parts.
The poor start to the summer season and uncertainty due to the EU
referendum slowed early like for like growth, while the good
weather in August and September provided a welcome lift.
Fuller's has a long history in both retailing and brewing and we
have progressed through changing times over nearly two centuries.
The current political environment makes for uncertain times once
again and there are cost pressures on the horizon in the form of a
steep rise in business rates, combined with an increase in the
National Living Wage. However our clear, differentiated strategy,
executed with outstanding standards and supported by a solid
balance sheet, provides the stability and long-term vision needed
to steer a course through any future choppy waters.
There have been a number of highlights over the last six months
and I am particularly delighted with the progress we have made in
improving awareness of our fantastic fresh food, the wide range of
Fuller's craft beer and our continued focus on our people. We have
seen further internal promotions and a reduction in labour
turnover.
Before analysing the various elements of the Fuller's business
in more detail, it is important to view the Group as a whole. The
manner in which our business is structured offers real benefit in
fluctuating conditions as business rates and the National Living
Wage affect only Fuller's Inns, with no impact on The Fuller's Beer
Company. Meanwhile, in terms of raw material costs, our Managed
Pubs and Hotels and The Stable have both majored on using local
ingredients, ensuring a UK-centric supply chain, and our beers and
ciders also use predominantly British ingredients.
FULLER'S INNS
Fuller's Inns has had another good six months with like for like
sales increasing in our Managed Pubs and Hotels by 3.4% and
operating profit before exceptional items rising 6% to GBP18.0
million (2015/16: GBP17.0 million). Our Tenanted Inns have had a
more testing period, with like for like profit decreasing by 2%,
but we have long-term plans in place to strengthen this part of our
business.
We have added two new pubs to the estate during the period - The
Gun in Docklands and The Half Moon in Herne Hill. The Gun is an
iconic pub on the outskirts of Canary Wharf with a fascinating
history. Nestled on the banks of The River Thames, it overlooks The
O2 arena and has an enviable reputation for fantastic food. It is
one of London's gems and we were delighted to acquire this freehold
property.
The Half Moon in Herne Hill is another iconic pub, in a
prominent location opposite Herne Hill station. This is an area
which is new territory for Fuller's and the pub, which is on a
lease from The Dulwich Estate, will provide 12 boutique hotel
rooms, a large trading area and will further expand our geographic
footprint to a new area of London. A Grade II star listed property,
it will be a stunning addition to our portfolio when it opens in
February next year following an extensive refurbishment.
We have also continued our programme of investment in our
existing estate to ensure our customers benefit from a first class
environment in which to enjoy delicious food, a great range of
premium brands and our excellent customer service. Among the
highlights of this refurbishment programme are The Queen's Head in
Kingston, which has reopened with 10 exquisite bedrooms, and The
Astronomer, formerly The Shooting Star, in Middlesex Street
opposite Liverpool Street station. The latter is part of our
successful Ale & Pie brand and the scheme has proved popular
with new and existing customers. We have also completed
transformational schemes at a number of pubs including The William
Walker in Winchester and The Harpenden Arms in Harpenden.
Managed Pubs and Hotels
The rise in like for like sales of 3.4% reflects growth across
all parts of our Managed Pubs and Hotels business, which generates
63% of the Group's total operating profit. Food sales have risen by
3.6% with drinks and accommodation both rising by 3.3%. We continue
to deliver a distinctive customer experience and these figures
underpin the success of that strategy.
We began a journey to become famous for food over five years ago
and the steady growth, year on year, in our food sales is very
rewarding. One of the key elements in this growth is the Chef's
Guild programme, which currently has 127 students involved in at
least one of its programmes. This commitment to recruiting and
developing a home grown team of excellent chefs and chef trainees
has led the way in our sector, reduced head chef turnover by 36%
and it is flattering to see others attempt to imitate our lead.
During the first half, we really have put our chefs front and
centre. We named our first ever Chefs of the Year - Gavin Sinden,
from The Stonemasons Arms in Hammersmith, who took the senior prize
and Luke Emmess of The Still & West in Southsea, who won the
under-25s title. The prize for Gavin and Luke was an inspirational
trip to Dubai to spend time with some amazing chefs and experience
an incredible plethora of tastes and flavours. We have also used
our chefs in a marketing campaign promoting Fuller's Kitchen - our
food initiative. They have appeared on posters across London and
the South, in press advertising and as part of a digital
campaign.
The rise in bar sales has been driven by a continual move to
higher margin, premium products. Craft beer sales in particular
have been rising, including Frontier and other Fuller's craft
brands. Our Managed Pubs and Hotels also have access to a wide
range of beers from other brewers and are encouraged to ensure they
have a range that is suitable for their customers. Premium spirits
are also in growth, with gin once again being the star of the show,
up by 20% and cocktails have also grown, with sales rising by 19%.
Wine sales have also fared well, rising by 4%, with Albarino, a
white wine from Spain, performing particularly well.
5 Operating profit before unallocated central management costs
and exceptional items
Our premium strategy helped grow margins, offsetting the impact
of the National Living Wage. The outlook, though, is becoming more
challenging, with inflation from a weaker pound next year and from
1 April 2017, higher business rates that will cost the division
around GBP2.0 million in the full year to March 2018.
Accommodation sales have also risen steadily during the period
and we see this as an opportunity moving forward. We believe that a
weaker pound will encourage inbound tourism and staycations and
Fuller's is well-placed to capitalise on this. During the first six
months, we have added six new bedrooms at The Princess Royal in
Farnham, giving the site a total of 27 rooms, as well as opening 10
new rooms at The Queen's Head in Kingston. We currently have 665
bedrooms across our Managed Pubs and Hotels estate, intend to add
an additional 18 before the year end and have already identified a
number of suitable opportunities for the future.
To attract today's consumer, we have a comprehensive marketing
programme of interesting events and targeted promotions. During the
first half, we have increased our contactable customer database by
83% and linked up with AMEX on a pilot partnership aimed at
attracting customers into our pubs.
The ever-popular Shakespeare in the Garden series returned for
another season with 22 performances of Twelfth Night in 13 Managed
Pubs and Hotels. We also teamed up with Artichoke, the artistic
promotion company behind Great Fire 350 commemorating the Great
Fire of London, creating the official pie and hosting a number of
tours around our City pubs. Finally, we ran an innovative Father's
Day campaign, which saw one lucky Dad have his own pub for the day.
The competition had been run through social media, generating high
levels of interest and engagement, as well as follow up coverage in
traditional media.
While delicious food, an interesting portfolio of premium
brands, fantastic hotel bedrooms and innovative events and
marketing draw the customers in, the battle to retain customers and
generate repeat visits is still won on service. Our successful
service coach programme and investment in training, development and
recognised career paths, continue to drive loyalty and
customer-centric behaviour and drive down labour turnover rates. We
will be covering the cost of applying for a permanent residence
card for any EU or EEA nationals who have worked for Fuller's for a
period of five years or more and we will provide support and
guidance throughout the application process. We are very proud of
the cosmopolitan workforce we have in our business and we have a
clear position of supporting and rewarding the loyalty shown by all
our team members, regardless of nationality.
The Stable, the cathedral to cider and pizza, continues to
attract a younger, more female demographic than our traditional
estate and we increased our shareholding in the business during the
period to 76%. The Stable has had a busy six months, with three new
sites opening in Whitechapel, Kew and Bournemouth. A site in
Exeter, which incorporates a fabulous roof terrace, opened in
October taking us to 17 restaurants.
The Stable continues to grow fans across the country with its
delicious pizzas, focus on local produce and comprehensive range of
ciders. Social media plays a large role in its marketing activity
and innovative campaigns generate an abundance of comment on
Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as great local press
coverage. We have appointed an Operations Director, another
internal promotion, and were delighted when Andy Briggs, one of The
Stable's founders, won the Technical Award at the recent National
Pizza Awards held just after the period end.
Tenanted Inns
Our Tenanted Inns saw average EBITDA(3) per pub increase by 1%,
in spite of like for like profit decreasing by 2% and operating
profit before exceptional items by 1% to GBP6.6 million (2015/16:
GBP6.7 million). The number of Tenants on substantive agreements
has risen by 4%, we disposed of two sites and two other sites were
transferred to Managed Pubs.
We held a performance of Shakespeare in the Garden at The
Calleva Arms in Silchester, the first time we have included a
tenanted pub in this successful initiative. In addition, we were
delighted that The Royal Oak in Paley Street retained its Michelin
Star for the eighth year running.
We have continued to improve access to online training for our
tenants and their teams and we have become better at leveraging the
expertise inherent within our Managed Pubs team, to provide better
advice to our Tenants. However, there is still a big opportunity to
move this highly cash-generative division back into profit
growth.
Over the coming months, we will be looking to help our Tenants
to open, develop and promote pubs that deliver the distinctive
experience customers expect when they see the Fuller's name. We
will achieve this by having the right pubs in the right locations,
with engaged and entrepreneurial Tenants and a joint investment
programme that will include a focus on kitchens. As part of this
plan, 18 sites which no longer fit our criteria have been earmarked
for sale.
We currently have a very wide range of Tenanted Inns - from high
end food houses, to community locals. While we want to protect this
diversity, we want to ensure our customers receive a great Fuller's
experience regardless of location or operating style. Our future
plans will enable us to do that and create an estate that is good
for Fuller's, is in line with our values and vision, and is
profitable for our Tenants.
THE FULLER'S BEER COMPANY
The Fuller's Beer Company revenues rose by 19%, reflecting the
revenue contribution from Nectar Imports. As a result, operating
profit before exceptional items rose by 8% to GBP3.9 million
(2015/16: GBP3.6 million) although beer and cider volumes were down
4%. Frontier Craft Lager, our second biggest brand, saw strong
sales growth of 37% and it was also pleasing to see sales of our
other craft keg beers, such as Montana Red and Wild River, grow by
22% - outperforming the market.
The development of Westside Drinks as a vehicle to sell our
craft beer portfolio has proved successful and our investment in
Nectar creates more opportunities for the future. Nectar is already
delivering additional revenue - and sales of Fuller's beers through
this channel have also increased. Nectar and Westside work closely
together to improve the flow of Fuller's beers and ciders to
customers outside our heartland and to give our existing customers
access to a wider range.
Westside Drinks also generated further sales opportunities at a
number of festivals, which attract craft beer customers in droves,
and this has helped to drive sales of Frontier in particular. We
created a new bar during the period, in a shipping container, which
has improved our visual impact. In order to better support our
trade customers, we also launched a bespoke Fuller's craft beer
glass which is contemporary in style, with a nod to our
heritage.
Access to new distribution has also come through Sierra Nevada.
This important agency brand is in good growth and, as the UK
distributor of its wider range, it opens the doors to new accounts.
Today's consumer demands authenticity and provenance and our
brewing team is respected across the globe. This has led to
Fuller's collaborating on beers with a number of UK and foreign
craft brewers adding yet more sought after, limited edition,
premium beers to our extensive portfolio.
Cask beer is still at our core and we were delighted to be asked
to host The Cask Yard, a dedicated section of the London Craft Beer
Festival in August this year. London Pride retained its status as
the Official Beer of the London Marathon and this activity was
supported with innovative on course branding, pub guides, mascots
participating in the race itself and a free pint offer for every
runner. Oliver's Island was a sponsor of the Great River Race, held
in September, and we created a spectator guide and hosted an
Oliver's Island branded bar area for thirsty viewers and
oarsmen.
It has also been a good six months for Cornish Orchards, with
sales in double digit growth. The launch of Cornish Orchards Blush
on draught has been well received and the brand has also benefited
from its sponsorship of Boardmasters - the Newquay surfing festival
that attracts a global audience. The Wine Division has targeted
higher margin, premium customers, resulting in a rise in overall
profit contribution.
Looking forward, we will continue to focus on recruiting new
drinkers with interesting beers and ciders from both Fuller's and
through our agency brands. We have also invested in new equipment
at our Chiswick Brewery, including a cross-flow filter which will
further improve quality, widen our range of brews and drive
efficiencies. A new warehouse is near completion at Nectar to
increase capacity and at Cornish Orchards new offices, a new
warehouse, new containers and an improved water treatment system
are due to come on stream imminently.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
The Group has a strong financial position as a cash generative
business with a high quality, mainly freehold asset base and a
ratio of net debt to pro forma EBITDA(4) at 3.0 times, consistent
with last year.
The Group generated cash from operating activities of GBP34.0
million in the period (2015/16 GBP33.4 million). In line with our
long term investment strategy, we invested GBP28.6 million in
capital expenditure. We spent GBP19.1 million on our continued
investment in the Fuller's Inns estate and equipment at the
Chiswick Brewery. In addition, GBP9.5 million was spent on
acquisitions including The Gun and the purchase of an additional
25% share in The Stable Pizza & Cider Limited on 27 May 2016
for GBP2.7 million, taking our ownership to 76%. In addition,
GBP6.1 million was paid in dividends and GBP2.5 million was spent
on the purchase of own shares. This led to net debt increasing by
GBP4.3 million from 26 March 2016 to GBP202.8 million.
The Group has GBP210 million of available long term facilities
GBP126.7 million of which has been extended for a year and is now
available until August 2021. An additional GBP20 million facility
is available until August 2017. Our undrawn committed facilities at
24 September 2016 were GBP45.5 million and this, along with our
strong balance sheet position, gives us the flexibility to invest
strategically in future opportunities as they arise.
EBITDA(3) increased by 9% to GBP36.3 million (2015/16: GBP33.3
million), which was greater than the increase in adjusted profit
before tax. Net finance costs before exceptional items increased
from GBP2.9 million to GBP3.4 million primarily as a result of the
higher average level of net debt in the period compared to last
year as a result of our significant capital investment in H1
2015/16. This increased investment in new and existing sites has
also led to an increase in depreciation and amortisation in the
period compared to H1 2015/16 of 15%.
Net exceptional costs before tax of GBP1.4 million consists of
profits on property disposals of GBP0.5 million, offset by
acquisition costs expensed of GBP0.6 million, reorganisation costs
of GBP0.6 million, deemed remuneration on the future purchase of
shares in The Stable of GBP0.3 million and a net interest charge on
our pension deficit of GBP0.4 million.
Statutory profit before tax after exceptional items was GBP21.4
million (2015/16: GBP21.2 million). Tax has been provided for at an
effective rate before exceptional items of 21.5% which is
consistent with the full year 2016 rate before prior year
adjustments to deferred tax (2015/16: 20.4%). The overall effective
tax rate of 17.3% (2015/16: 21.2%) has benefited from a deferred
tax credit of GBP1.0 million relating to the reduction of the UK
corporation tax rate from 18% to 17% from 1 April 2020 following
The Finance Act 2016 receiving Royal Assent. A full analysis of the
tax charge is set out in Note 5. The net impact of these items
results in basic earnings per share increasing by 8% to 32.08p
(2015/16: 29.84p), with adjusted earnings per share(1) up 6% to
32.44p (2015/16: 30.74p).
The deficit on the defined benefit pension scheme has increased
by GBP17.9 million from the year end to GBP41.4 million (March
2016: GBP23.5 million, September 2015: GBP24.2 million). The
present value of scheme liabilities has increased by GBP30.6
million since year end primarily due to a reduction in the discount
rate from 3.55% to 2.30% and this has been partially offset by an
increase in the value of the plan assets. The net actuarial
movement of GBP17.9 million has led to the Group's net assets
reducing by GBP5.4 million to GBP295.5 million.
During the period 233,109 'A' ordinary 40p shares were purchased
by the Company into treasury for a total of GBP2.4 million. In
addition, 105,764 'B' ordinary 4p shares were purchased for a total
of GBP0.1 million by the Trustees of the Company's Long Term
Incentive Share Plan to cover future issuance.
CURRENT TRADING AND OUTLOOK
Trading since the period end has been good and as expected, with
comparisons to last year being heavily influenced by the 2015 Rugby
World Cup. For the first 33 weeks, like for like sales in our
Managed Pubs and Hotels grew 2.6%, Tenanted Inns like for like
profits declined 2% and Fuller's Beer Company volumes fell 5%.
The important Christmas trading period is fast approaching and
bookings are strong, our enthusiastic team members are geared up
and ready to deliver a fantastic customer experience and our estate
is in excellent condition.
Since the period end, we have acquired one new pub - The Albert
Arms in Esher, which will reopen in the new year following a full
refurbishment and gives us a foothold in the town. We have also
opened The Stable in Exeter, which is trading well. In addition, we
have completed a number of schemes, including The Tea Merchant in
Canary Wharf, formerly The Cat & Canary, and The King's Head in
Earl's Court Village. Another 15 schemes are planned for the second
half and we will continue with our investment programme.
There is no doubt that the UK economy is facing some significant
challenges. The impact of increases in business rates and the
National Living Wage, combined with uncertainty around the UK's
departure from the EU, make for changing times ahead. However,
Fuller's has a long-term, strategic vision, a solid balance sheet
and a predominantly freehold estate, which is well-invested and
supported by excellent, engaged team members and dedicated, skilled
management. These are the qualities needed to continue to delight
and excite our customers, provide a good return for our
shareholders and attract the best new recruits to our business.
Simon Emeny
Chief Executive
17 November 2016
FULLER, SMITH & TURNER P.L.C.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR THE 26 WEEKSED 24 SEPTEMBER 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
26 weeks ended 26 weeks ended 52 weeks ended
24 September 26 September Change 26 March
2016 2015 2016/2015 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm
---------------------------- -------------- -------------- --------- --------------
Revenue 197.6 177.7 11% 350.5
Adjusted profit (1) 22.8 21.6 6% 40.9
Adjusted earnings per
share (2) 32.44p 30.74p 6% 58.35p
EBITDA (3) 36.3 33.3 9% 65.0
Basic earnings per share(4) 32.08p 29.84p 8% 59.25p
Profit before tax 21.4 21.2 1% 39.2
Dividend per share (4) 7.25p 6.90p 5% 17.90p
Net debt (5) 202.8 191.2 198.5
Pro forma net debt /
EBITDA (6) 3.0 times 3.0 times 3.0 times
---------------------------- -------------- -------------- --------- --------------
1 Adjusted profit is the profit before tax excluding exceptional items.
2 Calculated using adjusted profit after tax and the same
weighted average number of shares as for the basic earnings per
share and using a 40p ordinary share.
3 Pre-exceptional earnings before interest, tax, depreciation,
loss on disposal of plant and equipment and amortisation.
4 Calculated on a 40p ordinary share.
5 Net debt comprises cash and short term deposits, bank
overdraft, bank loans, debenture stock and preference shares.
6 Pro forma net debt / EBITDA is calculated on a 12 month basis
adjusting as appropriate for acquisitions and disposals.
FULLER, SMITH & TURNER P.L.C.
CONDENSED GROUP INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE 26 WEEKSED 24 SEPTEMBER 2016
Before exceptional Exceptional
Unaudited - 26 weeks ended items items Total
24 September 2016 Note GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------ ----------- -------
Revenue 2 197.6 - 197.6
Operating costs 3 (171.4) (1.5) (172.9)
------------------ ----------- -------
Operating profit 26.2 (1.5) 24.7
Profit on disposal of properties 3 - 0.5 0.5
Finance costs 3,4 (3.4) (0.4) (3.8)
------------------ ----------- -------
Profit before tax 22.8 (1.4) 21.4
Taxation 3,5 (4.9) 1.2 (3.7)
------------------ ----------- -------
Profit for the period 17.9 (0.2) 17.7
------------------ ----------- -------
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders of the Parent
Company 17.9 (0.2) 17.7
Non-controlling interests - - -
------------------ ----------- -------
17.9 (0.2) 17.7
------------------ ----------- -------
Before exceptional Exceptional
Unaudited - 26 weeks ended items items Total
26 September 2015 Note GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------ ----------- -------
Revenue 2 177.7 - 177.7
Operating costs 3 (153.2) (1.6) (154.8)
------------------ ----------- -------
Operating profit 24.5 (1.6) 22.9
Profit on disposal of properties 3 - 1.6 1.6
Finance costs 3,4 (2.9) (0.4) (3.3)
------------------ ----------- -------
Profit before tax 21.6 (0.4) 21.2
Taxation 3,5 (4.4) (0.1) (4.5)
------------------ ----------- -------
Profit for the period 17.2 (0.5) 16.7
------------------ ----------- -------
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders of the Parent
Company 17.0 (0.5) 16.5
Non-controlling interests 0.2 - 0.2
------------------ ----------- -------
17.2 (0.5) 16.7
------------------ ----------- -------
Before exceptional Exceptional
Audited - 52 weeks ended items items Total
26 March 2016 Note GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------ ------------ --------
Revenue 2 350.5 - 350.5
Operating costs 3 (303.6) (3.9) (307.5)
------------------ ------------ --------
Operating profit 46.9 (3.9) 43.0
Profit on disposal of properties 3 - 2.9 2.9
Finance costs 3,4 (6.0) (0.7) (6.7)
------------------ ------------ --------
Profit before tax 40.9 (1.7) 39.2
Taxation 3,5 (8.4) 2.2 (6.2)
------------------ ------------ --------
Profit for the year 32.5 0.5 33.0
------------------ ------------ --------
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders of the Parent
Company 32.3 0.5 32.8
Non-controlling interests 0.2 - 0.2
------------------ ------------ --------
32.5 0.5 33.0
------------------ ------------ --------
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
26 weeks 26 weeks 52 weeks
ended ended ended
24 September 26 September 26 March
2016 2015 2016
Pence Pence Pence
Per 40p 'A' and 'C' ordinary
share
Basic 6 32.08 29.84 59.25
Diluted 6 31.62 29.45 58.45
Adjusted 6 32.44 30.74 58.35
Diluted adjusted 6 31.98 30.35 57.56
Per 4p 'B' ordinary share
Basic 6 3.21 2.98 5.93
Diluted 6 3.16 2.95 5.85
Adjusted 6 3.24 3.07 5.84
Diluted adjusted 6 3.20 3.03 5.76
FULLER, SMITH & TURNER P.L.C.
CONDENSED GROUP STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE 26 WEEKSED 24 SEPTEMBER 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
26 weeks 26 weeks 52 weeks
ended ended ended
24 September 26 September 26 March
2016 2015 2016
Note GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------ ------------ --------
Profit for the period 17.7 16.7 33.0
------------ ------------ --------
Items that may be reclassified
to profit or loss:
Net gains/(losses) on valuation
of financial assets and liabilities (1.5) 0.5 (0.3)
Tax related to items that may
be reclassified to profit or
loss 5 0.2 (0.1) 0.1
Items that will not be reclassified
to profit or loss:
Net actuarial (losses) on pension
scheme 10 (17.9) (0.1) 0.7
Tax related to items that will
not be reclassified to profit
or loss 5 3.0 - (0.8)
------------ ------------ --------
Other comprehensive income/(loss)
for the period, net of tax (16.2) 0.3 (0.3)
Total comprehensive income for
the period 1.5 17.0 32.7
------------ ------------ --------
Total comprehensive income attributable
to:
Equity shareholders of the Parent
Company 1.5 16.8 32.5
Non-controlling interests - 0.2 0.2
------------ ------------ --------
1.5 17.0 32.7
------------ ------------ --------
FULLER, SMITH & TURNER P.L.C.
CONDENSED GROUP BALANCE SHEET
24 SEPTEMBER 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
At At At
24 September 26 September 26 March
2016 2015 2016
Note GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------- ------------- ---------
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 39.4 38.3 39.8
Property, plant and equipment 8 545.9 515.2 533.8
Investment properties 5.2 4.6 4.6
Other financial assets 0.1 0.2 0.1
Other non-current assets 0.4 0.2 0.3
Deferred tax assets 11.6 8.8 8.3
------------- ------------- ---------
Total non-current assets 602.6 567.3 586.9
------------- ------------- ---------
Current assets
Inventories 13.6 11.1 12.4
Trade and other receivables 23.6 18.5 21.0
Cash and short term deposits 9 8.5 7.1 6.2
------------- ------------- ---------
Total current assets 45.7 36.7 39.6
------------- ------------- ---------
Assets classified as held for
sale 1.5 - 0.5
------------- ------------- ---------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 66.4 54.5 60.8
Current tax payable 5.0 5.1 4.4
Provisions 1.6 0.3 0.4
Borrowings 9 20.0 20.0 20.0
------------- ------------- ---------
Total current liabilities 93.0 79.9 85.6
------------- ------------- ---------
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings 9 191.3 178.3 184.7
Other financial liabilities 10.0 6.8 10.7
Retirement benefit obligations 10 41.4 24.2 23.5
Deferred tax liabilities 17.6 20.9 19.0
Provisions 0.7 2.2 2.2
Other non-current payables 0.3 0.3 0.4
Total non-current liabilities 261.3 232.7 240.5
------------- ------------- ---------
Net assets 295.5 291.4 300.9
------------- ------------- ---------
Capital and reserves
Share capital 22.8 22.8 22.8
Share premium account 4.8 4.8 4.8
Capital redemption reserve 3.1 3.1 3.1
Own shares (17.6) (14.8) (15.8)
Hedging reserve (3.9) (2.0) (2.6)
Retained earnings 289.2 280.4 293.0
------------- ------------- ---------
Equity attributable to the owners
of the parent 298.4 294.3 305.3
------------- ------------- ---------
Non-controlling interest (2.9) (2.9) (4.4)
------------- ------------- ---------
Total equity 295.5 291.4 300.9
------------- ------------- ---------
FULLER, SMITH & TURNER P.L.C.
CONDENSED GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE 26 WEEKSED 24 SEPTEMBER 2016
Share Capital Non-
Share premium redemption Own Hedging Retained Total controlling Total
capital account reserve shares reserve earnings Interest equity
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
------- ------- ---------- ------ ------- -------- ------ ----------- ------
Unaudited - 26 weeks
ended 24 September 2016
At 26 March 2016 22.8 4.8 3.1 (15.8) (2.6) 293.0 305.3 (4.4) 300.9
------- ------- ---------- ------ ------- -------- ------ ----------- ------
Profit for the period - - - - - 17.7 17.7 - 17.7
Other comprehensive
income/(loss) for
the period - - - - (1.3) (14.9) (16.2) - (16.2)
Total comprehensive
income/(loss) for
the period - - - - (1.3) 2.8 1.5 - 1.5
Shares purchased to be held in
ESOT
or as treasury - - - (2.5) - - (2.5) - (2.5)
Shares released from ESOT and
treasury - - - 0.7 - (0.2) 0.5 - 0.5
Dividends (note 7) - - - - - (6.1) (6.1) - (6.1)
Share-based payment charges - - - - - 1.2 1.2 - 1.2
Adjustment arising from change
in non-controlling
interest - - - - - (1.5) (1.5) 1.5 -
Tax credited directly to equity -
(note
5) - - - - - - - -
At 24 September 2016 22.8 4.8 3.1 (17.6) (3.9) 289.2 298.4 (2.9) 295.5
------- ------- ---------- ------ ------- -------- ------ ----------- ------
Unaudited - 26 weeks
ended 26 September 2015
At 28 March 2015 22.8 4.8 3.1 (13.5) (2.4) 270.0 284.8 (3.1) 281.7
------- ------- ---------- ------ ------- -------- ------ ----------- ------
Profit for the period - - - - - 16.5 16.5 0.2 16.7
Other comprehensive loss for the
period - - - - 0.4 (0.1) 0.3 - 0.3
Total comprehensive income for
the
period - - - - 0.4 16.4 16.8 0.2 17.0
Shares purchased to be held in
ESOT
or as treasury - - - (4.3) - - (4.3) - (4.3)
Shares released from ESOT and
treasury - - - 3.0 - (2.4) 0.6 - 0.6
Dividends (note 7) - - - - - (5.6) (5.6) - (5.6)
Share-based payment charges - - - - - 1.7 1.7 - 1.7
Tax credited directly to equity
(note
5) - - - - - 0.3 0.3 - 0.3
At 26 September 2015 22.8 4.8 3.1 (14.8) (2.0) 280.4 294.3 (2.9) 291.4
------- ------- ---------- ------ ------- -------- ------ ----------- ------
Share Capital Non-
Share premium redemption Own Hedging Retained Total controlling Total
capital account reserve shares reserve earnings Interest equity
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
------- ------- ---------- ------ ------- -------- ----- ----------- ------
Audited - 52 weeks
ended 26 March 2016
At 28 March 2015 22.8 4.8 3.1 (13.5) (2.4) 270.0 284.8 (3.1) 281.7
------- ------- ---------- ------ ------- -------- ----- ----------- ------
Profit for the period - - - - - 32.8 32.8 0.2 33.0
Other comprehensive loss for the
period - - - - (0.2) (0.1) (0.3) - (0.3)
Total comprehensive (loss)/income
for
the period - - - - (0.2) 32.7 32.5 0.2 32.7
Shares purchased to be held in
ESOT
or as treasury - - - (6.2) - - (6.2) - (6.2)
Shares released from ESOT and
treasury - - - 3.9 - (3.1) 0.8 - 0.8
Dividends (note 7) - - - - - (9.5) (9.5) - (9.5)
Share-based payment charges - - - - - 2.6 2.6 - 2.6
Tax credited directly to equity
(note
5) - - - - - 0.3 0.3 - 0.3
Adjustment arising from change in
non-controlling
interest - - - - - - - (1.5) (1.5)
------- ------- ---------- ------ ------- -------- ----- ----------- ------
At 26 March 2016 22.8 4.8 3.1 (15.8) (2.6) 293.0 305.3 (4.4) 300.9
------- ------- ---------- ------ ------- -------- ----- ----------- ------
FULLER, SMITH & TURNER P.L.C.
CONDENSED GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE 26 WEEKSED 24 SEPTEMBER 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
26 weeks 26 weeks 52 weeks
ended ended ended
24 September 26 September 26 March
2016 2015 2016
Note GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------ ------------ --------
Group profit before tax 21.4 21.2 39.2
Net finance costs before exceptional
items 3.4 2.9 6.0
Exceptional items 3 1.4 0.4 1.7
Depreciation and amortisation 10.1 8.8 18.1
36.3 33.3 65.0
Difference between pension charge
and cash paid (0.4) (0.6) (1.0)
Share-based payment charges 1.2 1.7 2.6
Change in trade and other receivables (2.7) (0.7) (0.3)
Change in inventories (1.2) (0.5) (0.3)
Change in trade and other payables 6.4 4.7 3.7
Cash impact of operating exceptional
items 3 (1.0) (0.5) (1.1)
------------ ------------ --------
Cash generated from operations 38.6 37.4 68.6
Tax paid (4.6) (4.0) (8.5)
------------ ------------ --------
Cash generated from operating activities 34.0 33.4 60.1
------------ ------------ --------
Cash flow from investing activities
Business combinations (9.5) (6.2) (14.7)
Purchase of property, plant and
equipment (19.1) (46.7) (66.0)
Cash acquired on acquisition - - 0.9
Sale of property, plant and equipment 1.5 3.0 5.1
Net cash outflow from investing activities (27.1) (49.9) (74.7)
------------ ------------ --------
Cash flow from financing activities
Purchase of own shares (2.5) (4.3) (6.2)
Receipts on release of own shares
to option schemes 0.5 0.6 0.8
Interest paid (2.9) (2.6) (5.3)
Preference dividends paid (0.1) (0.1) (0.1)
Equity dividends paid 7 (6.1) (5.6) (9.5)
Drawdown of bank loans 6.5 30.5 36.4
Repayment of other loans - - (0.2)
Cost of refinancing - - (0.2)
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from
financing activities (4.6) 18.5 15.7
------------ ------------ --------
Net movement in cash and cash equivalents 9 2.3 2.0 1.1
------------ ------------ --------
Cash and cash equivalents at the
start of the period 6.2 5.1 5.1
------------ ------------ --------
Cash and cash equivalents at the
end of the period 9 8.5 7.1 6.2
------------ ------------ --------
FULLER, SMITH & TURNER P.L.C.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. HALF YEAR REPORT
Basis of preparation
The half year financial statements for the 26 weeks ended 24
September 2016 have been reviewed by the auditor and prepared in
accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules ("DTRs") of
the Financial Conduct Authority and with International Accounting
Standard ("IAS") 34, Interim Financial Reporting, as adopted by the
European Union and should be read in conjunction with the Annual
Report and Financial statements for the 52 weeks ended 26 March
2016, which have been prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European
Union.
The half year financial statements do not constitute full
accounts as defined by Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The
figures for the 52 weeks ended 26 March 2016 are derived from the
published statutory accounts. Full accounts for the 52 weeks ended
26 March 2016, including an unqualified auditor's report which did
not make any statement under Section 498 of the Companies Act 2006,
have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.
The Directors have reviewed current performance and forecasts,
combined with expenditure commitments
and made appropriate enquiries. On the basis of the strong cash
flows generated by the business and the
significant headroom available on the bank facilities the
Directors are confident that the Group has adequate resources to
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and,
accordingly, consider that it is appropriate to continue to adopt
the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial
statements.
The half year financial statements were approved by the
Directors on 17 November 2016.
Adoption of New Standards and Interpretations
There have been no further new accounting standards or
interpretations issued in the 26 weeks ended 24
September 2016 .The accounting policies adopted are consistent
with those applied in the 52 weeks ended
26 March 2016, which were published as part of the accounts for
that year and which are available from the
Group's website, www.fullers.co.uk.
Taxation
Taxes on income in the interim periods are accrued using the tax
rate that is expected to be applicable to total annual earnings for
the full year in each tax jurisdiction based on substantively
enacted or enacted tax rates at the interim date.
2. SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS
Managed
Unaudited - 26 weeks Pubs and Tenanted The Fuller's
ended 24 September 2016 Hotels Inns Beer Company Unallocated(1) Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Revenue:
Segment revenue 130.8 15.6 74.8 - 221.2
Inter-segment sales - - (23.6) - (23.6)
--------- -------- ------------- -------------- ------
Revenue from third parties 130.8 15.6 51.2 - 197.6
--------- -------- ------------- -------------- ------
Segment result 18.0 6.6 3.9 (2.3) 26.2
--------- -------- ------------- -------------- ------
Operating exceptional
items (1.5)
------
Operating profit 24.7
Profit on disposal of
properties 0.5
Net finance costs (3.8)
------
Profit before tax 21.4
------
Other segment information
Capital expenditure on
property plant and equipment 16.3 1.0 1.8 - 19.1
Business Combinations 9.2 - 0.3 - 9.5
Depreciation and amortisation 7.4 0.8 1.9 - 10.1
Impairment of property - - - - -
--------- -------- ------------- -------------- ------
Managed
Unaudited - 26 weeks Pubs and Tenanted The Fuller's
ended 26 September 2015 Hotels Inns Beer Company Unallocated(1) Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Revenue:
Segment revenue 121.9 16.1 63.0 - 201.0
Inter-segment sales - - (23.3) - (23.3)
--------- -------- ------------- -------------- ------
Revenue from third parties 121.9 16.1 39.7 - 177.7
--------- -------- ------------- -------------- ------
Segment result 17.0 6.7 3.6 (2.8) 24.5
--------- -------- ------------- -------------- ------
Operating exceptional
items (1.6)
--------
Operating profit 22.9
Profit on disposal of
properties 1.6
Net finance costs (3.3)
--------
Profit before tax 21.2
--------
Other segment information
Capital expenditure on
property plant and equipment 42.9 3.1 1.2 - 47.2
Business Combinations 6.2 - - - 6.2
Depreciation and amortisation 6.3 0.8 1.7 - 8.8
Impairment of property - - - - -
--------- -------- ------------- -------------- --------
(1) Unallocated expenses represent primarily the salary and
costs of central management.
Managed
Audited - 52 weeks ended Pubs and Tenanted The Fuller's
26 March 2016 Hotels Inns Beer Company Unallocated(1) Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Revenue:
Segment revenue 238.4 31.5 126.8 - 396.7
Inter-segment sales - - (46.2) - (46.2)
--------- -------- ------------- -------------- -------
Revenue from third parties 238.4 31.5 80.6 - 350.5
--------- -------- ------------- -------------- -------
Segment result 30.9 13.4 7.6 (5.0) 46.9
--------- -------- ------------- -------------- -------
Operating exceptional
items (3.9)
-------
Operating profit 43.0
Profit on disposal of
properties 2.9
Net finance costs (6.7)
-------
Profit before tax 39.2
-------
Other segment information
Capital expenditure on
property plant and equipment 60.9 2.2 2.9 - 66.0
Business Combinations 7.3 4.7 2.7 - 14.7
Depreciation and amortisation 13.0 1.6 3.5 - 18.1
Impairment of property 1.2 0.2 - - 1.4
Reversal of impairment
of property (0.5) (0.1) - - (0.6)
------------------------------ --------- -------- ------------- -------------- -------
(1) Unallocated expenses represent primarily the salary and
costs of central management.
3. EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
26 weeks ended 26 weeks ended 52 weeks ended
24 September 26 September 26 March
2016 2015 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Amounts included in operating profit:
Acquisition costs (0.6) (0.5) (1.1)
Reorganisation costs (0.6) - -
Deemed remuneration on future purchase
of shares in The Stable (0.3) (1.3) (2.2)
Impairment of properties - - (1.4)
Reversal of impairment on property - - 0.6
Onerous lease provision release - 0.2 0.2
Total exceptional items included
in
operating profit (1.5) (1.6) (3.9)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Profit on disposal of properties 0.5 1.6 2.9
Exceptional finance costs:
Finance charge on net pension liabilities
(note 10) (0.4) (0.4) (0.8)
Movement in fair value of financial
instruments - - 0.1
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total exceptional finance costs (0.4) (0.4) (0.7)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total exceptional items before tax (1.4) (0.4) (1.7)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Exceptional tax:
Change in corporation tax rate (note
5) 1.0 - 1.9
Profit on disposal of properties - (0.3) (0.5)
Other items 0.2 0.2 0.8
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total exceptional tax 1.2 (0.1) 2.2
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total exceptional items (0.2) (0.5) 0.5
-------------- -------------- --------------
Acquisition costs of GBP0.6 million during the 26 weeks ended 24
September 2016 (26 September 2015:
GBP0.5 million, 26 March 2016: GBP1.1 million) relate to
transaction costs on pub acquisitions. In the 52 weeks ended 31
March 2016 the costs related to pub acquisitions and business
acquisitions.
The reorganisation costs of GBP0.6 million incurred in the
period, were principally incurred within The Fuller's
Beer Company and relate to staff.
Deemed remuneration on the future purchase of shares in The
Stable relates to the remuneration element of the increase in the
estimated value of the option remaining on The Stable group of
companies. The original option was over 49% of the shares, but
during the current period, the Group exercised the option to
purchase an additional 25% of the shares for GBP2.7 million, taking
its shareholding to 76%. The current estimate of the amount payable
for the remaining 24% is GBP3.4 million, of which GBP2.8 million is
accrued at the balance sheet date, with the balance to be accrued
over the remaining period to 28 March 2018.
There was no property impairment charge during the 26 weeks
ended 24 September 2016 (26 September 2015: nil, 26 March 2016:
GBP1.4 million). In the 52 weeks ended 26 March 2016, there was a
write down of licensed properties to their recoverable value. The
reversal of impairment credit of GBP0.6 million during the 52 weeks
ended 26 March 2016 related to the write back of previously
impaired licensed properties to their recoverable value.
The onerous lease provision release of GBP0.2 million in the
prior period relates to provisions made in respect of leasehold
properties which are trading at a loss and which the Directors do
not expect to become profitable in the future.
The profit on disposal of properties was GBP0.5 million during
the year ended 24 September 2016 and relates to the disposal of two
licensed properties. In the 52 weeks ended 26 March 2016, five
properties were disposed generating a profit of GBP2.9 million.
The cash impact of operating exceptional items before tax for
the 26 weeks ended 24 September 2016 was GBP1.0 million cash
outflow (26 September 2015: GBP0.5 million cash outflow, 26 March
2016: GBP1.1 million cash outflow).
4. FINANCE COSTS
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
26 weeks 26 weeks 52 weeks
ended ended ended
24 September 26 September 26 March
2016 2015 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Interest expense arising on:
Financial liabilities at amortised cost
- loans and debentures 3.1 2.7 5.7
Financial liabilities at amortised cost
- preference shares 0.1 0.1 0.1
------------ ------------ --------
Total interest expense for financial liabilities 3.2 2.8 5.8
Unwinding of discounts on provisions 0.2 0.1 0.2
------------ ------------ --------
Finance costs before exceptional items 3.4 2.9 6.0
Finance charge on net pension liabilities
(note 3) 0.4 0.4 0.8
Movement in fair value of financial instruments
(note 3) - - (0.1)
3.8 3.3 6.7
------------ ------------ --------
5. TAXATION
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
26 weeks ended 26 weeks ended 52 weeks ended
24 September 26 September 26 March
2016 2015 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Tax on profit on ordinary activities
Current income tax:
Corporation tax 5.2 5.1 9.3
Total current income tax 5.2 5.1 9.3
Deferred tax:
Origination and reversal of temporary
differences (0.5) (0.6) (1.2)
Change in corporation tax rate (1.0) - (1.9)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total deferred tax (1.5) (0.6) (3.1)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total tax charged in the Income
Statement 3.7 4.5 6.2
-------------- -------------- --------------
Tax relating to items charged/(credited)
to Statement of Comprehensive Income
Deferred tax:
Change in corporation tax rate 0.3 - 0.6
Tax charge/(credit) on valuation
gains/(losses) of financial assets
and liabilities (0.2) 0.1 -
Tax charge/(credit) on actuarial
(losses)/gains on pension scheme (3.3) - 0.1
----- ----- -----
Tax (credit)/charge included in
the Statement of Comprehensive Income (3.2) 0.1 0.7
----- ----- -----
Tax relating to items charged/(credited)
directly to equity
Deferred tax:
Reduction in deferred tax liability
due to indexation - (0.2) -
Share-based payments - - 0.1
Current tax:
Share-based payments - (0.1) (0.4)
----- ----- -----
Tax charge/(credit) in the Statement
of Changes in Equity - (0.3) (0.3)
----- ----- -----
The taxation charge is calculated by applying the Directors'
best estimate of the annual effective tax rate
to the profit for the period.
The Finance Act 2016 received Royal Assent during the 26 weeks
to 24 September 2016. The impact is the
reduction of the UK corporation tax rate from 18% to 17% from 1
April 2020.
During the 52 weeks ended 26 March 2016, the Finance Act 2015
received Royal Assent. The main impact
was the reduction of the UK corporation tax rate from 20% to 19%
from 1 April 2017 and the reduction from 19% to 18% from 1 April
2020. The impact in the 52 weeks to 26 March 2016 was an
exceptional credit to the Income Statement of GBP1.9 million, and a
charge to the Statement of Comprehensive Income of GBP0.6
million.
6. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
26 weeks ended 26 weeks ended 52 weeks ended
24 September 26 September 26 March
2016 2015 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Profit attributable to equity shareholders 17.7 16.5 32.8
Exceptional items net of tax 0.2 0.5 (0.5)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Adjusted earnings attributable to
equity shareholders 17.9 17.0 32.3
-------------- -------------- --------------
Number Number Number
Weighted average share capital 55,171,000 55,296,000 55,356,000
Dilutive outstanding options and
share awards 799,000 722,000 764,000
-------------- -------------- --------------
Diluted weighted average share capital 55,970,000 56,018,000 56,120,000
-------------- -------------- --------------
40p 'A' and 'C' ordinary share Pence Pence Pence
Basic earnings per share 32.08 29.84 59.25
Diluted earnings per share 31.62 29.45 58.45
Adjusted earnings per share 32.44 30.74 58.35
Diluted adjusted earnings per share 31.98 30.35 57.56
4p 'B' ordinary share
Basic earnings per share 3.21 2.98 5.93
Diluted earnings per share 3.16 2.95 5.85
Adjusted earnings per share 3.24 3.07 5.84
Diluted adjusted earnings per share 3.20 3.03 5.76
For the purposes of calculating the number of shares to be used
above, 'B' ordinary shares have been treated as one tenth of an 'A'
or 'C' ordinary share. The earnings per share calculation is based
on earnings from continuing operations and on the weighted average
ordinary share capital which excludes shares held by trusts
relating to employee share options and shares held in treasury of
1,779,926 (26 September 2015: 1,687,868 and 26 March 2016:
1,628,444).
Diluted earnings per share are calculated using the same
earnings figure as for basic earnings per share, divided by the
weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the
period plus the weighted average number of ordinary shares that
would be issued on the conversion of all the dilutive potential
ordinary shares into ordinary shares.
Adjusted earnings per share are calculated on profit before tax
excluding exceptional items and on the same weighted average
ordinary share capital as for the basic and diluted earnings per
share. An adjusted earnings per share measure has been included as
the Directors consider that this measure better reflects the
underlying earnings of the Group.
7. DIVIDS
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
26 weeks ended 26 weeks ended 52 weeks ended
24 September 26 September 26 March
2016 2015 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Declared and paid during the period
Final dividend paid in the period 6.1 5.6 5.6
Interim dividend paid in the period - - 3.9
-------------- -------------- --------------
Equity dividends paid 6.1 5.6 9.5
-------------- -------------- --------------
Dividends on cumulative preference
shares (note 4) 0.1 0.1 0.1
-------------- -------------- --------------
Dividends per 40p 'A' and 'C' ordinary Pence Pence Pence
share declared in respect of the
period
Interim 7.25 6.90 6.90
Final - - 11.00
----- ----- -----
7.25 6.90 17.90
----- ----- -----
The pence figures are for the 40p 'A' and 'C' ordinary shares.
The 4p 'B' ordinary shares carry dividend rights of one tenth of
those applicable to the 40p 'A' ordinary shares. Own shares held in
the employee share trusts do not qualify for dividends as the
trustees have waived their rights. Dividends are also not paid on
own shares held as treasury shares.
The Directors have declared an interim dividend of 7.25p (2015:
6.90p) for the 40p 'A' and 'C' ordinary shares, and 0.725p (2015:
0.690p) for the 4p 'B' ordinary shares, with a total estimated cost
to the Company of GBP4.0 million (2015: GBP3.8 million).
8. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
26 weeks 26 weeks 52 weeks
ended ended ended
24 September 26 September 26 March
2016 2015 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Net book value at start of period 533.8 471.9 471.9
Additions 17.4 47.2 69.2
Acquisitions 6.5 6.2 13.6
Disposals (0.6) (1.3) (2.3)
Transfer to assets held for sale (1.5) - (0.5)
Impairment loss net of reversals - - (0.8)
Depreciation provided during the
period (9.7) (8.8) (17.3)
------------ ------------ --------
Net book value at end of period 545.9 515.2 533.8
------------ ------------ --------
During the 26 weeks ended 24 September 2016, the Group
recognised a charge of GBPnil (26 September 2015: GBPnil, 26 March
2016: GBP0.8 million) in respect of the write down in value of
licenced properties purchased in recent years where their asset
values exceeded either fair value less costs to sell or their value
in use.
9. ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT
At At
Unaudited - 26 weeks 26 March 24 September
ended 24 September 2016 2016 Cash flows Non cash(1) 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and short term deposits 6.2 2.3 - 8.5
--------- ---------- ----------- -------------
6.2 2.3 - 8.5
--------- ---------- ----------- -------------
Debt:
Bank loans(2) (177.0) (6.5) (0.1) (183.6)
Other loans (0.2) - - (0.2)
Debenture stock (25.9) - - (25.9)
Preference shares (1.6) - - (1.6)
--------- ---------- ----------- -------------
Total borrowings (204.7) (6.5) (0.1) (211.3)
Net debt (198.5) (4.2) (0.1) (202.8)
--------- ---------- ----------- -------------
(1) Non-cash movements relate to the amortisation of arrangement
fees, arrangement fees accrued and corporate acquisitions.
(2) Bank Loans net of arrangement fees.
At At
Unaudited - 26 weeks 28 March 26 September
ended 26 September 2015 2015 Cash flows Non cash(1) 2015
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and short term deposits 5.1 2.0 - 7.1
--------- ---------- ----------- -------------
5.1 2.0 - 7.1
--------- ---------- ----------- -------------
Debt:
Bank loans(2) (140.0) (30.5) (0.1) (170.6)
Other loans (0.2) - - (0.2)
Debenture stock (25.9) - - (25.9)
Preference shares (1.6) - - (1.6)
--------- ---------- ----------- -------------
Total borrowings (167.7) (30.5) (0.1) (198.3)
--------- ---------- ----------- -------------
Net debt (162.6) (28.5) (0.1) (191.2)
--------- ---------- ----------- -------------
At At
Audited - 52 weeks 28 March 26 March
ended 26 March 2016 2015 Cash flows Non cash(1) 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and short term deposits 5.1 1.1 - 6.2
--------- ---------- ----------- ---------
5.1 1.1 - 6.2
--------- ---------- ----------- ---------
Debt:
Bank loans(2) (140.0) (36.2) (0.8) (177.0)
Other loans (0.2) 0.2 (0.2) (0.2)
Debenture stock (25.9) - - (25.9)
Preference shares (1.6) - - (1.6)
--------- ---------- ----------- ---------
Total borrowings (167.7) (36.0) (1.0) (204.7)
--------- ---------- ----------- ---------
Net debt (162.6) (34.9) (1.0) (198.5)
--------- ---------- ----------- ---------
(1) Non-cash movements relate to the amortisation of arrangement
fees, arrangement fees accrued and corporate acquisitions.
(2) Bank Loans net of arrangement fees.
10. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
At At At
24 September 26 September 26 March
2016 2015 2016
The amount included in the Balance
Sheet
arising from the Group's obligations
in GBPm GBPm GBPm
respect of its defined benefit
retirement plan
Fair value of scheme assets 108.7 94.5 96.0
Present value of scheme liabilities (150.1) (118.7) (119.5)
Deficit in the scheme (41.4) (24.2) (23.5)
------------- ------------- ---------
Key financial assumptions used
in the valuation
of the Scheme
Rate of increase in salaries n/a n/a n/a
Rate of increase in pensions in
payment 2.90% 3.15% 3.05%
Discount rate 2.30% 3.75% 3.55%
Inflation assumption - RPI 2.90% 3.15% 3.05%
Inflation assumption - CPI 1.90% 2.15% 2.05%
Mortality assumptions
The mortality assumptions used in the valuation of the Scheme as
at 24 September 2016 are as set out in the financial statements for
the 52 weeks ended 26 March 2016.
At At At
24 September 26 September 26 March
2016 2015 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Assets in the Scheme
Corporate bonds 22.8 19.1 19.3
Equities 53.6 45.5 47.3
Property 1.0 0.9 1.0
Absolute return fund 26.7 26.9 25.8
Cash 0.9 0.9 1.4
Annuities 3.7 1.2 1.2
------------- ------------- ---------
Total market value of assets 108.7 94.5 96.0
------------- ------------- ---------
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
At At At
24 September 26 September 26 March
2016 2015 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Movement in deficit during period
Deficit in scheme at beginning of the
period (23.5) (24.4) (24.4)
Movement in period:
Current service cost (0.2) - (0.2)
Net interest cost (0.4) (0.4) (0.8)
Net actuarial gains/(losses) (17.9) (0.1) 0.7
Contributions 0.6 0.7 1.2
------------- ------------- ---------
Deficit in Scheme at end of the period (41.4) (24.2) (23.5)
------------- ------------- ---------
11. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
On 27 May 2016, the Group purchased an additional 25% of the
shares in The Stable Pizza & Cider Limited for GBP2.7 million,
bringing the Group's interest in The Stable Pizza & Cider
Limited to 76%. The Group, also paid GBP0.3 million to the company
that formerly held the import and distribution rights to Sierra
Nevada products, which had previously been recognised as contingent
consideration. One new pub was acquired in the period for GBP6.5
million.
12. PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
In the course of normal business, the Group continually assesses
and takes action to mitigate the various risks encountered that
could impact the achievement of its objectives. Systems and
processes are in place to enable the Board to monitor and control
the Group's management of risk, which are detailed in the Corporate
Governance Report of the Annual Report and Financial Statements
2016. The principal risks and uncertainties and their associated
mitigating and monitoring controls which may affect the Group's
performance in the next six months are consistent with those
detailed on pages 22 and 23 of the Annual Report and Financial
Statements 2016, and are available on the Fuller's website,
www.fullers.co.uk.
Following the publishing of the results for the 52 weeks ended
26 March 2016, the UK voted to leave the EU in the referendum on 23
June 2016. The Group is facing increasing headwinds in the light of
the political and economic uncertainty following this outcome as
highlighted in the Chief Executive's Review. The exact nature,
process and timing of the UK's exit from the EU are unknown and
could impact freedom of movement of EU nationals; cause
fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; lead to changes to input
prices and interest rates; and precipitate a slowdown in the UK
economy; all of which may impact the Group. The Group continues to
plan for the potential outcomes of the UK's exit from the EU, in
order to limit any negative impacts on the Group's operations and
financial performance.
Health, safety and well-being of employees and customers remains
top of the Group's strategic priorities.
Managing a large portfolio of houses and sites increases the
complexities of ensuring the highest health and safety standards
are adhered to. The Group's headquarters and sole brewing facility
are located at the Griffin Brewery, therefore safety at this site
is key and any disaster would seriously impact profitability.
Fuller's has a wide portfolio of brands and has established a
reputation for offering premium products. The way in which we
respond to changes in consumer demand is crucial, failure to
anticipate these changes and innovate will result in declining
market share for the Group. There is a risk that contamination of
our products at source or outlet could damage reputation of the
brand and impact customers' perceptions of Fuller's as a premium
position company. This positioning is key to the success of the
business and any change to this would significantly impact the
Group's performance.
The success and future of the Group is determined by its key
management and staff who adhere to a strong set of values. Should
key management leave the Group, or employees fail to uphold
Fuller's key principles, this could jeopardise delivery of the
Group's strategy.
Fuller's operates in a highly regulated sector and changes in
government policy could result in a decline in trade.
The Group is increasingly reliant on its information systems,
with any prolonged failure resulting in disruption to operations.
Data and systems security is also vital, as any loss of data could
result in reputational damage to the Group.
13. SHAREHOLDERS' INFORMATION
Shareholders holding 40p 'C' ordinary shares are reminded that
they have 30 days from 18 November 2016 should they wish to convert
those 'C' shares to 'A' shares. The next available opportunity
after that will be June 2017. For further details please contact
the Company's registrars, Computershare on 0370 899 4096.
14. HALF YEAR REPORT
Copies of the half year report are being sent to shareholders
and will be available from the Company's registered office: Griffin
Brewery, Chiswick, London, W4 2QB and the Company's website
www.fullers.co.uk.
15. STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES
The Directors confirm, to the best of their knowledge, that this
condensed set of financial statements gives a true and fair view of
the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of
the issuer or the undertakings included in the consolidation as a
whole and has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34,
Interim Financial Reporting, as adopted by the European Union.
The interim management report herein includes a fair review of the
information required by DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8, namely:
-- an indication of important events that have occurred during
the first six months and their impact on the financial statements
and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the
remaining six months of the financial year; and
-- disclosure of material related party transactions in the
first six months and any material changes to related party
transactions.
By order of the Board
Michael Turner James Douglas
Chairman Finance Director
17 November 2016
INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FULLER, SMITH &
TURNER P.L.C.
Introduction
We have reviewed the condensed set of financial statements in
the half yearly financial report of
Fuller, Smith & Turner P.L.C. for the twenty six weeks ended
24 September 2016 which comprises the Condensed Group Income
Statement, Condensed Group Statement of Comprehensive Income,
Condensed Group Balance Sheet, Condensed Group Statement of
Changes in Equity, Condensed Group
Cash Flow Statement and the related explanatory notes. We have
read the other information contained in the half yearly financial
report which comprises the Chairman's Statement and Chief
Executive's Review, and considered whether it contains any apparent
misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in
the condensed set of financial statements.
This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body,
in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of
Interim Financial Information performed by the Independent Auditor
of the Entity'. Our review work has been undertaken so that we
might state to the Company's members those matters we are required
to state to them in an independent review report and for no other
purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept
or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the
Company's members as a body, for our review work, for this report,
or for the conclusion we have formed.
Directors' responsibilities
The half yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and
has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible
for preparing the half yearly financial report in accordance with
the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's
Financial Conduct Authority. As disclosed in note 1, the Annual
Financial Statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the
European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included
in this half yearly financial report has been prepared in
accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim
Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union. Our
responsibility Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the
condensed set of financial statements in the half yearly financial
report based on our review.
Scope of review
We conducted our review in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK and
Ireland) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information
Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity'. A review of
interim financial information consists of making enquiries,
primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting
matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A
review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in
accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and
Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance
that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be
identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit
opinion.
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that
causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements
in the half yearly financial report for the twenty six weeks ended
24 September 2016 is not prepared, in all material respects, in
accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim
Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and the
Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the
United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
Grant Thornton UK LLP
Auditor
London
17 November 2016
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END
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