Wrap Text
Half-year report to 30 June 2015
British American Tobacco p.l.c.
Incorporated in England and Wales
(Registration number: 03407696)
Short name: BATS
Share code: BTI
ISIN number: GB0002875804
("British American Tobacco p.l.c." or "the Company")
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.
HALF-YEAR REPORT TO 30 JUNE 2015
GOOD PERFORMANCE IN A TOUGH ENVIRONMENT
KEY FINANCIALS 2015 2014 Change
Six Months Results - unaudited Current Constant Current Constant
rates rates rates rates
Revenue £6,398m £6,962m £6,798m -5.9% +2.4%
Adjusted profit from operations* £2,507m £2,699m £2,665m -6.0% +1.3%
Profit from operations £2,347m £2,533m £2,458m -4.6% +3.0%
Adjusted diluted earnings per share* 100.2p 105.8p 101.8p -1.6% +3.9%
Basic earnings per share 142.4p 93.3p +52.6%
Interim dividend per share 49.4p 47.5p +4.0%
*The non-GAAP measures, including adjusting items and constant currencies, are set out on page 22.
HALF-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS
- Group revenue was up by 2.4% at constant rates of exchange, driven by good pricing. Reported revenue
was 5.9% lower, as a result of adverse exchange rate movements.
- Adjusted Group profit from operations was ahead of prior year by 1.3% at £2,699 million at constant
rates of exchange, but would have been significantly higher after adjusting for the effect of transactional
foreign exchange. At current rates of exchange, adjusted profit from operations fell by 6.0%.
- Profit from operations, at current rates of exchange, was 4.6% lower at £2,347 million.
- Operating margin, at current rates of exchange, was maintained despite the significant transactional
foreign exchange impact.
- Adjusted diluted earnings per share, at constant rates of exchange, was up by 3.9%. At current rates, it
was 1.6% lower at 100.2p.
- Basic earnings per share was 52.6% higher at 142.4p (2014: 93.3p), benefiting from gains as a result of
the acquisition of Lorillard Inc. by the Group’s associate Reynolds American Inc.
- Group cigarette volume was 322 billion, a decline of 2.9% against an estimated industry decline of
approximately 3.5%.
- The Group’s cigarette market share in its Key Markets [1] continued to grow strongly [2], driven by the Global
Drive Brands which increased volume by 6.0%.
- The Group continued to invest in the future, concluding the previously announced investment of US$4.7
billion in cash in the enlarged Reynolds American Inc., announcing the proposed €550 million acquisition
of TDR, progressing the possible offer for the shares in Souza Cruz not currently owned by the Group and
strengthening the pipeline of Next Generation Products.
- The Board has declared an interim dividend of 49.4p, being one third of the 2014 dividend, a 4.0%
increase on last year. This will be paid on 30 September 2015.
[1] The Group’s Key Markets represent over 70% of the Group’s volume
[2] Key Market offtake share, as independently measured by AC Nielsen
Richard Burrows, Chairman, commenting on the 6 months ended 30 June 2015
“As we anticipated, the first half of the year has been impacted by adverse exchange rate movements and a
strong first half volume comparator. The underlying performance of the business remains strong and we are
confident that we are on course to deliver an improved second half, leading to another year of good
earnings growth at constant rates of exchange. Underscoring our commitment to growing shareholder
returns we intend to reflect this good underlying performance with an increase in the full year dividend.”
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW
Good underlying performance continues
The business performed well, despite a strong volume comparator and the intensified low price competition
in Australia. Adverse foreign exchange rate movements significantly impacted our results. Adjusted profit
from operations at constant rates of exchange grew by 1.3%. Excluding the impact of transactional foreign
exchange this growth would have been 5.4%.
Cigarette volume was down 2.9% although the consistent growth of GDB volume, higher by 6.0%,
demonstrates that our strategy continues to deliver. Underlying volume, excluding one-offs, was down by
approximately 2.5%. This is against an industry decline of around 3.5% following significant excise driven
price increases in Russia, Australia and South Korea.
Our market share, an important indicator of the underlying strength of our business, grew strongly with
corporate share up 40 basis points in the Key Markets and the Global Drive Brands continuing to perform
excellently with share up 80 basis points. Pricing in general continued to be strong, with price/mix ahead of
last year.
The ongoing focus on our cost base continues to deliver and has meant we were able to mitigate adverse
transactional exchange rate effects. As a result, operating margin on a current basis was flat at 39.2% at the
half year.
Continuing investment in sustainable growth
On 12 June 2015, the Group completed its investment of US$4.7 billion in cash to maintain its 42% equity
position in the enlarged Reynolds American Inc. as part of its acquisition of Lorillard Inc. This followed the
final approval by the relevant US authorities on 8 June 2015.
The Group has also signed an agreement to acquire TDR, the leading independent cigarette manufacturer in
Central Europe, for €550 million. This will provide us with the opportunity to significantly grow our business
in the region. Final approvals for this deal are expected by October 2015.
We continued to make good progress with the potential public tender offer for the shares in Souza Cruz that
the Group does not own. The relevant approvals are expected in Q3 2015, after which the Group will be in a
position to formally launch its public tender offer. It is expected that subject to certain conditions, the
financial settlement will occur in Q3 2015.
We remain committed to leading in Next Generation Products globally and continued to make good progress
on the development and roll out of our portfolio. Our e-cigarette brand, Vype, continues to perform well in
the UK market and has been strengthened by the recent launch of an enhanced range of flavours and
nicotine strengths for our ePen and eStick devices. In July, we launched an open system, the Vype eTank and
its accompanying range of liquids. We continue to make progress on Voke, our nicotine inhalation product
licensed as medicine, and expect to launch in the UK around the year end. Additionally, significant progress
has been made in developing a range of tobacco heating products, with plans for a test market of one of the
platforms in 2015.
On course for another good year
Despite the backdrop of challenging market conditions we continue to deliver for shareholders. An interim
dividend of 49.4p, an increase of 4.0%, will be paid on 30 September 2015, being one third of the prior year
dividend, and which is in line with the Group’s intention to increase the dividend year on year.
Given the strength of our broad portfolio and global reach, I remain confident that, as the impact of the
strong comparison base unwinds and the incremental benefits of recent M&A investments start being
realised, we are on course to deliver another year of good growth, on a constant currency basis.
Nicandro Durante
28 July 2015
Page 1
REGIONAL REVIEW
This review presents the underlying performance of the regions and markets, at constant rates of exchange.
However, as explained on page 22, the Group does not adjust for transactional gains or losses in profit from
operations which are generated by exchange rate movements. The performance also excludes the significant
adjusting items, explained on pages 24 and 25.
Adjusted profit from operations at constant and current rates of exchange and volume are as follows:
Adjusted profit from operations Cigarette volume
6 months to 6 months to Year to
30.6.15 30.6.14 30.6.15 30.6.14 31.12.14
Constant Current
rates rates
£m £m £m Bns Bns Bns
Asia-Pacific 781 776 801 103 104 197
Americas 690 622 632 60 63 131
Western Europe 566 519 537 52 52 112
EEMEA 662 590 695 107 112 227
Total 2,699 2,507 2,665 322 331 667
Total tobacco volume 334 344 694
The Group’s performance in the first half of 2015 was underpinned by a significant increase in market share,
continued growth of the Global Drive Brands and good pricing. However, results were impacted by adverse
exchange rate movements, on a transactional and translational level, a strong volume comparator and the
difficult pricing and excise environment in Australia.
Revenue in constant currency was 2.4% higher, driven by a price mix of 5.3%, as strong pricing in a number of
Key Markets was partly offset by the ongoing price competition in Australia, adverse geographic mix and the
growth of the lower priced segment in some markets. At current rates of exchange, revenue decreased by
5.9%, reflecting the adverse effect of currency movements.
Adjusted profit from operations (see page 23), at constant rates of exchange, was ahead of prior year by 1.3%
at £2,699 million, and would have been significantly higher when adjusted for the transactional effect of
foreign exchange on the cost of items such as leaf, filter tow and wrapping materials. Adjusted operating
profit, at current rates of exchange, was 6.0% lower reflecting the foreign exchange headwinds on reported
results.
Group cigarette volume from subsidiaries was 322 billion, a 2.9% decrease against the previous year. Industry
decline drove lower volume in Russia, Brazil, Ukraine and Vietnam, partially offset by a good volume
performance in South Asia, Turkey, Denmark, Kazakhstan, Mexico and Iran. The Group increased market
share by 40 basis points in its Key Markets driven by South Korea, Pakistan, Indonesia, Japan, Bangladesh,
Mexico, Kazakhstan and Turkey.
Page 2
Regional review cont…
The Global Drive Brands grew, with total volume up by 6.0%, leading to continued strong share growth.
Dunhill volume, higher by 2.4%, was driven mainly by Indonesia and Brazil, offsetting lower volume in South
Korea, Malaysia and the GCC. Kent volume was 0.9% lower than prior year as good growth in Iran and Turkey
was more than offset by market contraction in Russia, Ukraine and Romania. Lucky Strike volume was up by
2.9%, driven by growth in Belgium, Mexico and France offsetting lower volume in Russia and Italy. Pall Mall
grew by 2.8% due to strong performances in Pakistan, Poland, Mexico and Canada, more than offsetting
lower volume in Italy, Russia and Australia. Rothmans’ strong growth of 36.6% was driven by Russia,
Australia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Italy, and Ukraine.
Other international brands declined by 6.1%, as growth in State Express 555 and Shuang Xi were more than
offset by lower volume in Craven A, Peter Stuyvesant and Viceroy, driven by industry market decline in their
strongholds.
The performances of the Group’s Key Markets are discussed in the regions where they are reported. This
discussion excludes certain markets, identified as new investment or growth markets, which currently do not
materially contribute to the Group profit or volume.
ASIA-PACIFIC
Adjusted profit at constant rates of exchange decreased by £20 million or 2.6%, as strong profit growth in
a number of markets including Pakistan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Bangladesh was more than
offset by the challenging pricing environment in Australia. Adjusted profit, at current rates of exchange,
was down by £25 million at £776 million reflecting the currency headwinds on reported results. Volume
was down by 0.7% against 2014 at 103 billion, as increases in Bangladesh and Pakistan were more than
offset by lower volume in Vietnam, Indonesia, Australia and Malaysia.
Key Market Performance at constant rates of exchange
Australia Rothmans performed well, leading to an increase in overall market share. However,
excise led price increases drove market contraction. Profit fell significantly due to lower
volume, price competition and down-trading.
Malaysia Volume declined, driven by a reduction in the total market as a result of tax driven price
increases. Profit was lower in line with the volume decline and down-trading. Market
share grew, as Peter Stuyvesant continued to perform well.
Japan Growth in market share continued, driven by Kent and Kool. Volume was marginally
lower, declining at a slower rate than the market. Cost savings and mix improvement
offset the impact of higher cost of sales due to exchange rate movements, leading to
profit in line with last year.
New Zealand Profit grew as pricing offset a reduction in volume. Market share was flat.
Bangladesh Good profit growth was driven by an increase in volume and improved pricing which
offset the impact of down-trading. Market share continued to increase, consolidating
the Group’s leadership position.
Pakistan Volume grew due to a strong performance by Pall Mall. Profit increased significantly as a
result of pricing and cost savings. Market share continued to grow.
Vietnam Market share was higher driven by State Express 555. Volume was lower due to market
contraction, leading to a reduction in profit.
South Korea Market share was up, driven by Dunhill and Vogue. The market declined by
approximately 30% following the 80% increase in excise, leading to lower volume. Profit
was higher primarily due to cost savings, offsetting the impact of lower volume.
Philippines Profitability improved, driven by favourable mix and higher volume as market
penetration continued. Market share was stable.
Indonesia The growth of Dunhill drove an improvement in mix which, with cost savings, more than
offset higher clove prices. Market share grew, driven by Dunhill. Volume was down as
an excise increase disproportionately impacted the value for money category.
Page 3
Regional review cont…
AMERICAS
Adjusted profit, at constant rates of exchange, increased by £58 million or 9.2% driven by good
performances in Canada, Chile, Venezuela, Argentina and Mexico, more than offsetting lower profit in
Brazil. Adjusted profit, at current rates of exchange, fell by 1.6% to £622 million reflecting the devaluation
of the Brazilian Real and Venezuelan Bolivar. Volume was 60 billion, a decline of 4.4% mainly as a result of
market contractions in Brazil, Canada and Argentina, partially offset by higher volume in Mexico.
Key Market Performance at constant rates of exchange
Brazil Dunhill and Minister both grew volume and market share, largely offsetting market
share reductions in the rest of the portfolio. Good price/mix was offset by lower
volume, as a result of market contraction, leading to a decline in profit.
Canada Profit was higher driven by pricing, offsetting lower volume due to the federal and
provincial excise changes implemented in 2014. Pall Mall delivered a very good
performance, increasing volume and market share.
Chile Profit was up strongly driven by pricing, offsetting the increase in excise and lower
volume.
Mexico Higher volume and a significant increase in market share were driven by the excellent
performance of Pall Mall and Lucky Strike, leading to an increase in profit.
Venezuela Volume was flat, whilst profit was up as continued high price increases offset local
hyper-inflation and currency devaluation.
Argentina Despite lower volume, profit was higher, driven by pricing and timing of marketing
expenditure. The growth of Lucky Strike offset declines in the rest of the portfolio,
leading to stable market share.
Colombia Market share continued to grow, driven by Kool. Good pricing and mix were offset by
lower volume and adverse transactional impacts from foreign exchange rates, leading
to lower profit.
WESTERN EUROPE
Adjusted profit at constant rates of exchange increased by £29 million or 5.3%, as good performances in
Denmark, Romania, Germany and Poland were partially offset by Italy, Netherlands and Switzerland.
Adjusted profit, at current rates of exchange, fell by 3.4% to £519 million. Cigarette volume was 1.7 %
lower at 52 billion as increases in Denmark, France and the UK were more than offset by lower volume in
Italy, Poland, Germany and Romania. Fine Cut volume fell by 6.3% to 10 billion sticks equivalent mainly
due to reductions in Germany.
Key Market Performance at constant rates of exchange
Germany Profit increased, driven by pricing and reductions in cost which more than offset
lower volume. Market share was lower as a good performance by Pall Mall was
more than offset by the decline in the rest of the portfolio. Fine Cut volume was
down, due to timing of price changes and associated trade stock movements in the
market.
Switzerland Market share and volume fell. Price discounting and down-trading led to lower
profit.
Romania Profit grew strongly driven by higher pricing and cost reductions. Volume declined
driven by a lower total market. Market share increased, driven by Pall Mall and
Dunhill.
Denmark Volume and profit were significantly higher due to the trade de-stocking in the
equivalent period in 2014.
Italy Cigarette volume fell, partly driven by a lower total market. A return to pricing was
more than offset by increased investment in the portfolio leading to a decline in
profit. A strong performance by Rothmans was more than offset by the decline of
the rest of the portfolio, leading to a reduction in total market share.
Page 4
Regional review cont…
Key Market Performance at constant rates of exchange
France An increase in market share and higher volume were offset by an increase in trade
margin, leading to lower profit.
Netherlands Market share was higher driven by Pall Mall and Lucky Strike. Profit was lower
driven by a reduction in volume, partly due to market contraction.
Belgium Good pricing and lower cost were more than offset by a fall in volume and a decline
in market share, leading to a reduction in profit.
United Kingdom An excellent performance by Rothmans led to an increase in market share and
volume. Profit was lower due to increased marketing investment.
Spain Profit was higher as pricing more than offset lower volume. Market share was down
as growth of Lucky Strike and Pall Mall was more than offset by the rest of the
portfolio .
Poland Profitability improved as pricing more than offset lower volume, which was mainly
driven by market contraction. Pall Mall maintained its growth momentum, leading
to an increase in total market share.
EASTERN EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA
Adjusted profit at constant rates of exchange decreased by £33 million or 4.6%, as performance in Russia,
Ukraine and Nigeria was impacted by the devaluation of their currencies leading to higher input raw
material costs. Adjusted profit, at current rates of exchange, decreased by 15.1% to £590 million, further
demonstrating the devaluation effect in the key currencies on reported results. Volume was 4.5% lower
at 107 billion, as growth in Turkey, Iran and Kazakhstan was more than offset by lower volume due to
market contractions in Russia and Ukraine.
Key Market Performance at constant rates of exchange
South Africa Volume and profit were lower, mainly due to down-trading following growth of the
low priced segment. Benson & Hedges and Pall Mall both grew share but this was
not enough to offset declines elsewhere leading to a fall in total market share.
Russia Market share grew as Rothmans continued its excellent performance, more than
offsetting a decline in Kent due to market down-trading. Volume was lower, due to
market contraction. Good pricing was more than offset by lower volume and
transactional foreign exchange impact due to the devaluation of the Rouble, leading
to lower profit.
GCC Good pricing offset lower volume, leading to stable profits. Market share was lower
due to Dunhill, Benson & Hedges and Rothmans, partly offset by growth in JPGL.
Nigeria Good performance of Benson & Hedges led to an increase in total market share.
Political instability in the North caused volume to decline. Profit was lower due to
the lower volume, and the impact of the devaluation of the Naira increasing the
cost of raw materials.
Iran Volume was up as Kent continued to grow. An increase in excise led to lower profit.
Turkey Volume increased and market share was up, driven by Rothmans. Competitive
pricing, especially in the low-price segment, led to lower profit.
Kazakhstan Rothmans drove an increase in volume, despite a lower total market, leading to a
higher market share. Profit was stable as down-trading offset the effect of higher
volume.
Ukraine Geopolitical instability continued to impact performance. Profit was down as the
significant devaluation in the Hryvnia led to higher costs due to transactional foreign
exchange and impacted overall affordability leading to down-trading. A good
performance from Rothmans led to an increase in total market share. Volume was
down due to market contraction.
Egypt Profitability declined driven by a reduction in volume as a result of down-trading
following the change in excise regime implemented in 2014.
Page 5
Regional review cont…
The following includes, as reconciled between reported information and non-GAAP management information on
page 23:
- a summary of the analysis of revenue and adjusted profit from operations for subsidiaries and joint
operations,
- an analysis of the share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures, and
- adjusted diluted earnings per share.
All percentage changes are based on absolute volumes/values
REGIONAL INFORMATION
Western
For the 6 months ended 30 June Asia-Pacific Americas Europe EEMEA Total
SUBSIDIARIES
Volume (cigarette billions)
2015 103 60 52 107 322
2014 104 63 52 112 331
Change -0.7% -4.4% -1.7% -4.5% -2.9%
Revenue (£m)
2015 (at constant) 1,879 1,570 1,597 1,916 6,962
2015 (at current) 1,893 1,384 1,463 1,658 6,398
2014 1,932 1,415 1,583 1,868 6,798
Change (at constant) -2.8% +11.0% +0.9% +2.6% +2.4%
Change (at current) -2.0% -2.2% -7.6% -11.3% -5.9%
Adjusted profit from operations (£m)
2015 (at constant) 781 690 566 662 2,699
2015 (at current) 776 622 519 590 2,507
2014 801 632 537 695 2,665
Change (at constant) -2.6% +9.2% +5.3% -4.6% +1.3%
Change (at current) -3.2% -1.6% -3.4% -15.1% -6.0%
Operating margin based on adjusted profit (%)
2015 (at constant) 41.6% 44.0% 35.4% 34.6% 38.8%
2015 (at current) 41.0% 44.9% 35.5% 35.6% 39.2%
2014 41.5% 44.7% 33.9% 37.2% 39.2%
Page 6
Regional review cont…
REGIONAL INFORMATION
Western
For the 6 months ended 30 June Asia-Pacific Americas Europe EEMEA Total
ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES
Share of post-tax results of associates and
joint ventures (£m)
2015 (at current) 176 622 - 1 799
2014 158 203 - 3 364
Change +11.4% +206.4% - -66.7% +119.5%
Share of adjusted post-tax results of
associates and joint ventures (£m)
2015 (at constant) 143 243 - 1 387
2015 (at current) 151 267 - 1 419
2014 142 204 - 3 349
Change (at constant) +0.7% +19.1% - -66.7% +10.9%
Change (at current) +6.3% +30.9% - -66.7% +20.1%
GROUP
For the 6 months ended 30 June Total
Underlying tax rate of subsidiaries (%)
2015 30.6%
2014 30.7%
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (pence)
2015 (at constant) 105.8
2015 (at current) 100.2
2014 101.8
Change (at constant) +3.9%
Change (at current) -1.6%
Page 7
FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OTHER
NET FINANCE INCOME/(COSTS)
Net finance income for the six months to 30 June 2015 was £351 million, compared to a cost of £208
million in the same period last year. The movement is principally due to a deemed gain related to the
investment in Reynolds American Inc. (RAI), as described below. Net adjusted finance costs increased as
lower interest payable due to lower borrowing costs and higher fair value gains were more than offset by
the impact of exchange rate movements.
Net finance income/(costs) comprise:
6 months to Year to
30.6.15 30.6.14 31.12.14
£m £m £m
Finance costs (282) (248) (484)
Finance income 633 40 67
351 (208) (417)
Comprising:
Interest payable (288) (295) (588)
Interest and dividend income 37 38 67
Net impact of fair value and exchange 602 49 104
- fair value changes - derivatives 118 42 154
- option costs related to the funding of the proposed
acquisition of non-controlling interests in Souza Cruz (27) - -
- deemed gain related to the investment in RAI 601 - -
- exchange differences (90) 7 (50)
351 (208) (417)
Adjusting items:
Option costs and fees, see below 30 - -
Deemed gain on investment in RAI, see below (601) - -
Net adjusted financing cost (220) (208) (417)
The Group incurred costs of £30 million in relation to financing activities, which comprise option costs and
fees on the proposed acquisition of the non-controlling interest in the Group’s Brazilian subsidiary, Souza
Cruz SA and the Group’s activities to maintain the current ownership in RAI following its acquisition of
Lorillard Inc.
The Group’s investment of US$4.7 billion in cash in RAI has realised a deemed gain of US$931 million
(£601 million), taken through net financing costs. This has arisen as the contract to acquire shares is
deemed to be a financial instrument and has been fair valued through profit and loss, in compliance with
IAS 39. The deemed gain reflects the difference between the fixed price paid by the Group to RAI and the
market value of RAI shares immediately prior to the completion of the transaction.
Both of the above have been included in the adjusted earnings per share calculation on page 32.
RESULTS OF ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES
The Group’s share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures increased by £435 million to
£799 million, principally due to the impact of a gain recorded by RAI, the Group’s share of which is £406
million, in relation to the sale of assets to a subsidiary of Imperial Tobacco PLC, as part of the acquisition
of Lorillard Inc. The Group’s share of the adjusted post-tax results of associates and joint ventures
increased by 20.1% to £419 million, with a rise of 10.9% to £387 million at constant rates of exchange.
The adjusted contribution from RAI increased by 31.0% to £266 million. At constant rates of exchange the
increase was 19.0%. The Group’s adjusted contribution from its main associate in India, ITC, was £148
million, up 8.5%. At constant rates of exchange, the contribution would have been 2.4% higher than last
year. See page 26 for the adjusting items.
Page 8
TAXATION
6 months to Year to
30.6.15 30.6.14 31.12.14
£m £m £m
UK
- current year tax - - -
Overseas
- current year tax expense 660 719 1,439
- adjustment in respect of prior periods (2) 14 11
Current tax 658 733 1,450
Deferred tax 55 (5) 5
713 728 1,455
Adjusting items (see below) (13) 27 69
Net adjusted tax charge 700 755 1,524
The tax rate in the income statement of 20.4% for the six months to 30 June 2015 (30 June 2014: 27.9%,
31 December 2014: 30.0%) is affected by the inclusion of the share of associates’ and join ventures’ post-
tax profit in the Group’s pre-tax results and by adjusting items. The underlying tax rate for subsidiaries
reflected in the adjusted earnings per share on page 32 was 30.6% in 2015 and 30.7% for the six months to
30 June 2014. For the year to 31 December 2014 it was 30.6%. The charge relates to taxes payable
overseas.
IFRS requires entities to provide deferred taxation on the undistributed earnings of associates and joint
ventures. The Group’s share of the gain on the divestiture of intangibles and other assets by RAI to ITG
Brands LLC, a subsidiary of Imperial Tobacco Group PLC, is £406 million. Given that the profit on this item
is recognised as an adjusting item by the Group, the additional deferred tax charge of £31 million on the
potential distribution of these undistributed earnings has also been treated as adjusting.
The adjusting tax item also includes £18 million for the six months to 30 June 2015 (30 June 2014: £27
million 31 December 2014: £69 million) in respect of the tax on adjusting items, as described on pages 24
and 25.
Refer to page 37 for the Franked Investment Income Group Litigation Order update.
FREE CASH FLOW AND NET DEBT
In the alternative cash flow presented on page 28, the operating cash flow increased by £194 million or
11.5% to £1,876 million, reflecting lower outflow from working capital and net capital expenditure.
Lower net interest paid and taxation offset the fall in appropriations from associates following the
completion of the RAI share buy-back (Nil in 2015 and £93 million in 2014). These, combined with the
lower restructuring costs, led to the Group’s free cash flow increasing by £199 million or 35.1% to £766
million.
The conversion of adjusted operating profit to operating cash flow remained strong at 74.8% (2014:
63.1%). The ratio of free cash flow per share to adjusted diluted earnings per share grew to 41.1% (2014:
29.7%).
Closing net debt was £13,876 million at 30 June 2015 (30 June 2014: £10,961 million and 31 December
2014: £10,165 million), with the increase largely due to the investment in RAI, as described on page 11.
The Group’s alternative cash flow statement is shown on page 28 and explained on page 22 under non-
GAAP measures.
Page 9
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The principal risks and uncertainties which may affect the business activities of the Group were identified
under the heading ‘Key Group risk factors’, set out on pages 30 to 36 of the Annual Report for the year
ended 31 December 2014, a copy of which is available on the Group’s website www.bat.com. The Key
Group risks and applicable sub-categories are summarised under the headings of:
- Marketplace: Competition from illicit tobacco trade; Failure to lead developing next-generation
products; Market size reduction and consumer down-trading; Inability to obtain price increases
and impact of increases on consumer affordability;
- Excise and tax: Significant excise increases or structure changes; Disputed taxes, interest and
penalties;
- Finance: Foreign exchange rate exposures;
- Operations: Geopolitical tensions; Injury, illness or death in the workplace;
- Regulation: Tobacco regulation inhibits growth strategy;
- Programmes and project: Deployment of the Group’s revised operating model and single IT
operating system (‘TaO’); and
- Litigation: Product liability, regulatory or other significant cases may be lost or compromised.
In the view of the Board, the key risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year
continue to be those set out in the above section of the 2014 Annual Report. These should be read in the
context of the cautionary statement regarding forward looking statements on page 39 of this Half-Year
Report.
GOING CONCERN
A full description of the Group’s business activities, its financial position, cash flows, liquidity position,
facilities and borrowings position together with the factors likely to affect its future development,
performance and position, as well as the risks associated with the business, are set out in the Strategic
Report and in the notes to the accounts, all of which are included in the 2014 Annual Report that is
available on the Group’s website, www.bat.com. This Half-Year Report provides updated information
regarding the business activities for the six months to 30 June 2015 and of the financial position, cash
flow and liquidity position at 30 June 2015.
The Group has, at the date of this report, sufficient financing available for its estimated existing
requirements for at least the next twelve months. This, together with the proven ability to generate cash
from trading activities, the performance of the Group’s Global Drive Brands, its leading market positions
in a number of countries and its broad geographical spread, as well as numerous contracts with
established customers and suppliers across different geographical areas and industries, provides the
Directors with the confidence that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully in the
context of the current financial conditions and the general outlook in the global economy.
After reviewing the Group’s annual budgets, plans and financing arrangements, the Directors consider
that the Group has adequate resources to continue operating for the foreseeable future and that it is
therefore appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing this Half-Year Report.
Page 10
INVESTMENT IN REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC. (RAI)
On 12 June 2015, RAI completed its acquisition of Lorillard Inc. and related divestiture transactions to ITG
Brands LLC, a subsidiary of Imperial Tobacco Group PLC, after receiving the required regulatory approval.
At the same time, the intention of which was announced on 15 July 2014, the Group invested US$4.7
billion (£3.0 billion) of cash in RAI to maintain its 42% equity position in the enlarged business.
The Group has recognised a deemed gain of US$931 million (£601 million), as part of the cost of
investment. This has arisen as the contract to acquire shares is deemed to be a financial instrument and
was fair valued through the profit and loss, in compliance with IAS 39. This has been treated as an
adjusting item, in line with the Group’s policy as described on page 22. Goodwill of US$529 million (£336
million) has also been recognised, being the difference in the Group’s share of the net assets acquired by
RAI, and the deemed fair value of the consideration paid.
RAI recognised a gain on divestiture of assets of US$3,499 million. The Group’s share of this net gain
amounted to £406 million (net of tax). This has been treated as an adjusting item, in line with the Group’s
policy as described on page 22.
The above items are provisional, being subject to conclusion of the purchase price allocation process that
will be undertaken by RAI during 2015.
POTENTIAL TENDER OFFER FOR SOUZA CRUZ
On 3 March 2015, the Group announced a proposed public tender offer to acquire up to all of the 24.7%
of Souza Cruz shares not currently owned by the Group (the “Free Float”) and to delist the company. The
offer price of R$26.75 per share to be paid in cash represented a premium of 30.0% to Souza Cruz’s
volume weighted average closing price per share in the three months prior to 20 February 2015 and
would be reduced by any dividend and interest on capital paid by Souza Cruz after 3 March 2015. The
current proposed offer price is R$26.12 per share, with the reduction of R$0.63 per share due solely to
dividends and interest paid as above.
Following their appointment by a special Free Float Souza Cruz shareholders meeting, on 10 April 2015
Credit Suisse (Brasil) S.A. published its independent valuation of Souza Cruz shares and concluded a price
range of R$ 24.30 to R$ 26.72 per share, which does not take account of the effect of dividends and
interest on capital paid as explained above.
Approval of the Edital and related offer documents by the Brazilian regulator the CVM is expected to
occur in August. Once this approval is received the Group would be in a position to formally launch its
public tender offer to acquire the Free Float. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent,
financial settlement relating to the offer would occur in Q3 2015.
TDR - CROATIA
On 30 May 2015, the Group signed an agreement to acquire TDR d.o.o. and other tobacco and retail
assets (“TDR”) from Adris Grupa d.d. (“Adris”) for a total enterprise value of €550 million.
TDR is the leading independent cigarette manufacturer in Central Europe with a market leading position
in Croatia and a position of scale in Bosnia and Serbia which will provide the Group with the opportunity
to significantly grow its business in the region. By combining its existing business in the region together
with TDR, the Group expects to benefit from highly skilled people, well established brands, enhanced
regional leaf processing capabilities, a local high quality factory and print facility and strong relationships
with distributors and retailers in these markets.
The proposed acquisition is subject to a number of anti-trust approvals. The transaction is expected to
complete by October 2015.
Page 11
IMPERIAL TOBACCO CANADA – QUEBEC CLASS ACTIONS
On 1 June 2015, a judgement was issued in relation to two class action cases which found against the
three Canadian tobacco companies. Damages were awarded by the Court with the Group’s subsidiary,
Imperial Tobacco Canada’s share being approximately CAD$10.4 billion. The court also granted an order
for provisional execution in the sum of CAD$1.1 billion, with Imperial Tobacco Canada’s share of that
order being CAD$743 million. Imperial Tobacco Canada, and the other domestic manufacturers, filed an
appeal against the preliminary execution order and will also appeal the substantive judgment.
On 23 July 2015, the Quebec Court of Appeal delivered a unanimous verdict cancelling the provisional
execution order. Imperial Tobacco Canada will now focus on its appeal against the original Superior Court
of Quebec Class Action judgement. As such the Group continues to disclose a contingent liability in
regards to this matter.
British American Tobacco p.l.c. was not a party to the proceeding and is not a party to the original
judgement.
DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Directors confirm, that to the best of their knowledge, that this condensed financial information has
been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 ‘Interim Financial Reporting’ as adopted by the European Union,
and that this Half-Year Report includes a fair review of the information required by the Disclosure and
Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority, paragraphs DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8.
The Directors of British American Tobacco p.l.c. are as listed on pages 48 and 49 in the British American
Tobacco Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2014.
Details of all the current Directors of British American Tobacco p.l.c. are maintained on www.bat.com.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors:
Richard Burrows Ben Stevens
Chairman Finance Director
28 July 2015
ENQUIRIES:
INVESTOR RELATIONS: PRESS OFFICE:
Mike Nightingale 020 7845 1180 Will Hill 020 7845 1222
Rachael Brierley 020 7845 1519 Anna Vickerstaff 020 7845 2469
Webcast and Conference Call
A live webcast of the results is available via www.bat.com/ir.
If you wish to listen to the presentation via a conference call facility please use the dial in details below:
Dial in number +44 (0) 20 3139 4830
Please quote Passcode: 94785664#
Conference Call Playback Facility
A replay of the conference call will also be available from 1:00 p.m. for 48 hours.
Dial in number: +44 (0) 20 3426 2807
Please quote passcode: 660260#
Page 12
INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.
We have been engaged by British American Tobacco p.l.c. to review the condensed set of financial
statements in the half-year report for the six months ended 30 June 2015 which comprises the Group
Income Statement, the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Group Statement of
Changes in Equity, the Group Balance Sheet, the Group Cash Flow Statement and the related
explanatory notes. We have read the other information contained in the half-year financial report
and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the
information in the condensed set of financial statements.
This report is made solely to the company in accordance with the terms of our engagement to assist
the company in meeting the requirements of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (“the DTR”) of
the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (“the UK FCA”). Our review has been undertaken so that we
might state to the company those matters we are required to state to it in this 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 for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have
reached.
Directors’ responsibilities
The half-year report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors
are responsible for preparing the half-year financial report in accordance with the DTR of the UK FCA.
The annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by
the EU. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has
been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU.
Our responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial
statements in the half-year report based on our review.
Scope of review
We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK
and Ireland) 2410 Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of
the Entity issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the UK. 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-year report for the six months ended 30 June 2015 is not
prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the EU and the DTR of the
UK FCA.
Mark Baillache
For and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL
28 July 2015
Page 13
GROUP INCOME STATEMENT - unaudited
6 months to Year to
30.6.15 30.6.14 31.12.14
£m £m £m
Gross turnover (including duty, excise and other taxes of £13,506
million (30.6.14: £13,590 million; 31.12.14: £28,535 million)) 19,904 20,388 42,506
Revenue 6,398 6,798 13,971
Raw materials and consumables used (1,489) (1,498) (3,088)
Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress 31 35 58
Employee benefit costs (973) (1,062) (2,194)
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs (197) (234) (523)
Other operating income 75 93 178
Other operating expenses (1,498) (1,674) (3,856)
Profit from operations 2,347 2,458 4,546
Analysed as:
– adjusted profit from operations 2,507 2,665 5,403
– restructuring and integration costs (133) (179) (452)
– amortisation of trademarks and similar intangibles (26) (28) (58)
– Fox River - - 27
– Flintkote (1) - (374)
2,347 2,458 4,546
Net finance income/(costs) 351 (208) (417)
Finance income 633 40 67
Finance costs (282) (248) (484)
Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures 799 364 719
Analysed as:
– adjusted share of post-tax results of associates and joint
ventures 419 349 712
– issue of shares and change in shareholding 25 16 14
– gain on disposal of assets 406 - -
– other (see page 26) (51) (1) (7)
799 364 719
Profit before taxation 3,497 2,614 4,848
Taxation on ordinary activities (713) (728) (1,455)
Profit for the period 2,784 1,886 3,393
Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 2,645 1,747 3,115
Non-controlling interests 139 139 278
2,784 1,886 3,393
Earnings per share
Basic 142.4p 93.3p 167.1p
Diluted 142.1p 93.1p 166.6p
Adjusted diluted 100.2p 101.8p 208.1p
All of the activities during both years are in respect of continuing operations.
The accompanying notes on pages 8, 9 and 21 to 39 form an integral part of this condensed consolidated
financial information.
Page 14
GROUP STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - unaudited
6 months to Year to
30.6.15 30.6.14 31.12.14
£m £m £m
Profit for the period (page 14) 2,784 1,886 3,393
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: (458) (174) (327)
Differences on exchange
– subsidiaries (530) (194) (539)
– associates (56) (54) 113
Cash flow hedges
– net fair value (losses)/gains (77) (20) 57
– reclassified and reported in profit for the period 15 (7) (67)
– reclassified and reported in net assets 16 7 8
Available-for-sale investments of associates
– net fair value (losses)/gains (7) 7 15
Net investment hedge
– net fair value gains 97 39 2
– differences on exchange on borrowings 72 30 60
Tax on items that may be reclassified 12 18 24
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: 139 (110) (458)
Retirement benefit schemes
– net actuarial gains/(losses) in respect of subsidiaries 139 (141) (428)
– surplus recognition and minimum funding obligations in respect
of subsidiaries (6) 1 7
– actuarial gains/(losses) in respect of associates net of tax 28 (4) (124)
Tax on items that will not be reclassified (22) 34 87
Total other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax (319) (284) (785)
Total comprehensive income for the period, net of tax 2,465 1,602 2,608
Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 2,358 1,464 2,349
Non-controlling interests 107 138 259
2,465 1,602 2,608
The accompanying notes on pages 8, 9 and 21 to 39 form an integral part of this condensed consolidated
financial information.
Page 15
GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - unaudited
At 30 June 2015
Attributable to owners of the parent
Share
premium,
capital Total
redemption attributable Non-
Share and merger Other Retained to owners controlling
capital reserves reserves earnings of parent interests Total equity
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Balance at 1 January 2015 507 3,923 (498) 1,578 5,510 304 5,814
Total comprehensive income for the period
(page 15) - - (426) 2,784 2,358 107 2,465
Profit for the period (page 14) - - - 2,645 2,645 139 2,784
Other comprehensive income for the period
(page 15) - - (426) 139 (287) (32) (319)
Employee share options
– value of employee services - - - 22 22 - 22
– proceeds from shares issued - 3 - - 3 - 3
Dividends and other appropriations
– ordinary shares - - - (1,862) (1,862) - (1,862)
– to non-controlling interests - - - - - (147) (147)
Purchase of own shares
– held in employee share ownership
trusts - - - (46) (46) - (46)
Non-controlling interests – acquisitions - - - (13) (13) (3) (16)
Other movements - - - 15 15 - 15
Balance at 30 June 2015 507 3,926 (924) 2,478 5,987 261 6,248
At 30 June 2014
Attributable to owners of the parent
Share
premium,
capital Total
redemption attributable Non-
Share and merger Other Retained to owners controlling
capital reserves reserves earnings of parent interests Total equity
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Balance at 1 January 2014 507 3,919 (190) 2,398 6,634 301 6,935
Total comprehensive income for the period
(page 15) - - (170) 1,634 1,464 138 1,602
Profit for the period (page 14) - - - 1,747 1,747 139 1,886
Other comprehensive income for the period
(page 15) - - (170) (113) (283) (1) (284)
Employee share options
– value of employee services - - - 29 29 - 29
– proceeds from shares issued - 3 - 1 4 - 4
Dividends and other appropriations
– ordinary shares - - - (1,831) (1,831) - (1,831)
– to non-controlling interests - - - - - (146) (146)
Purchase of own shares
– held in employee share ownership
trusts - - - (50) (50) - (50)
– share buy-back programme - - - (799) (799) - (799)
Non-controlling interests – capital injection - - - - - 3 3
Other movements - - - 4 4 - 4
Balance at 30 June 2014 507 3,922 (360) 1,386 5,455 296 5,751
Page 16
GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - unaudited cont…
At 31 December 2014
Attributable to owners of the parent
Share
premium,
capital Total
redemption attributable Non-
Share and merger Other Retained to owners controlling
capital reserves reserves earnings of parent interests Total equity
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Balance at 1 January 2014 507 3,919 (190) 2,398 6,634 301 6,935
Total comprehensive income for the period
(page 15) - - (308) 2,657 2,349 259 2,608
Profit for the period (page 14) - - - 3,115 3,115 278 3,393
Other comprehensive income for the period
(page 15) - - (308) (458) (766) (19) (785)
Employee share options
– value of employee services - - - 66 66 - 66
– proceeds from shares issued - 4 - 1 5 - 5
Dividends and other appropriations
– ordinary shares - - - (2,712) (2,712) - (2,712)
– to non-controlling interests - - - - - (260) (260)
Purchase of own shares
– held in employee share ownership
trusts - - - (49) (49) - (49)
– share buy-back programme - - - (800) (800) - (800)
Non-controlling interests – acquisitions - - - (4) (4) - (4)
Non-controlling interests – capital injection - - - - - 4 4
Other movements - - - 21 21 - 21
Balance at 31 December 2014 507 3,923 (498) 1,578 5,510 304 5,814
The accompanying notes on pages 8, 9 and 21 to 39 form an integral part of this condensed consolidated financial information.
Page 17
GROUP BALANCE SHEET - unaudited
30.6.15 30.6.14 31.12.14
£m £m £m
Assets
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 10,128 10,932 10,804
Property, plant and equipment 2,831 3,042 3,004
Investments in associates and joint ventures 6,596 2,334 2,400
Retirement benefit assets 218 88 40
Deferred tax assets 274 272 311
Trade and other receivables 181 187 153
Available-for-sale investments 33 35 36
Derivative financial instruments 243 159 287
Total non-current assets 20,504 17,049 17,035
Current assets
Inventories 3,766 4,030 4,133
Income tax receivable 77 84 57
Trade and other receivables 2,516 2,601 2,768
Available-for-sale investments 50 42 50
Derivative financial instruments 307 260 274
Cash and cash equivalents 1,417 1,580 1,818
8,133 8,597 9,100
Assets classified as held-for-sale 38 32 32
Total current assets 8,171 8,629 9,132
Total assets 28,675 25,678 26,167
The accompanying notes on pages 8, 9 and 21 to 39 form an integral part of this condensed consolidated
financial information.
Page 18
GROUP BALANCE SHEET - unaudited cont…
30.6.15 30.6.14 31.12.14
£m £m £m
Equity
Capital and reserves
Share capital 507 507 507
Share premium, capital redemption and merger reserves 3,926 3,922 3,923
Other reserves (924) (360) (498)
Retained earnings 2,478 1,386 1,578
Owners of the parent 5,987 5,455 5,510
after deducting
– cost of treasury shares (5,060) (5,100) (5,073)
Non-controlling interests 261 296 304
Total equity 6,248 5,751 5,814
Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings 14,131 9,029 9,779
Retirement benefit liabilities 701 616 781
Deferred tax liabilities 513 479 495
Other provisions for liabilities and charges 280 380 278
Trade and other payables 89 130 128
Derivative financial instruments 128 114 123
Total non-current liabilities 15,842 10,748 11,584
Current liabilities
Borrowings 1,341 3,685 2,479
Income tax payable 435 486 430
Other provisions for liabilities and charges 203 342 210
Trade and other payables 4,433 4,617 5,524
Derivative financial instruments 173 49 126
Total current liabilities 6,585 9,179 8,769
Total equity and liabilities 28,675 25,678 26,167
The accompanying notes on pages 8, 9 and 21 to 39 form an integral part of this condensed consolidated
financial information.
Page 19
GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT - unaudited
6 months to Year to
30.6.15 30.6.14 31.12.14
£m £m £m
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations (page 30) 1,841 1,702 4,634
Dividends received from associates 201 179 515
Tax paid (687) (711) (1,433)
Net cash generated from operating activities 1,355 1,170 3,716
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received 32 33 61
Dividends received from investments - 2 2
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (154) (171) (529)
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment 10 10 62
Purchases of intangibles (52) (106) (163)
Purchases of investments (57) (26) (31)
Proceeds on disposals of investments - 34 34
Proceeds from associate's share buy-back - 93 94
Investment in associates (3,015) - -
Net cash used in investing activities (3,236) (131) (470)
Cash flows from financing activities
Interest paid (265) (333) (571)
Interest element of finance lease rental payments (1) - -
Capital element of finance lease rental payments 13 (1) (2)
Proceeds from issue of shares to owners of the parent 3 3 4
Proceeds from the exercise of options over own shares
held in employee share ownership trusts - 1 1
Proceeds from increases in and new borrowings 5,736 1,503 1,967
Movements relating to derivative financial instruments 106 110 244
Purchases of own shares - (614) (800)
Purchases of own shares held in employee share ownership trusts (46) (50) (49)
Reductions in and repayments of borrowings (1,884) (160) (1,300)
Dividends paid to owners of the parent (1,862) (1,831) (2,712)
Purchases of non-controlling interests (16) - (4)
Non-controlling interests – capital injection - 4 4
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (140) (143) (249)
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities 1,644 (1,511) (3,467)
Net cash flows used in operating, investing and financing
activities (237) (472) (221)
Differences on exchange (100) 4 (63)
Decrease in net cash and cash equivalents in the period (337) (468) (284)
Net cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 1,492 1,776 1,776
Net cash and cash equivalents at period end 1,155 1,308 1,492
The accompanying notes on pages 8, 9 and 21 to 39 form an integral part of this condensed consolidated
financial information.
The net cash outflows relating to adjusting items (see pages 24 and 25) included in the above are £159
million (30 June 2014: £175 million, 31 December 2014: £750 million).
Page 20
ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND BASIS OF PREPARATION
The condensed consolidated financial information comprises the unaudited interim financial information
for the six months to 30 June 2015 and 30 June 2014, together with the audited results for the year
ended 31 December 2014. This condensed consolidated financial information has been prepared in
accordance with IAS 34 ‘Interim Financial Reporting’ as adopted by the European Union and the
Disclosure and Transparency Rules issued by the Financial Conduct Authority. The condensed
consolidated financial information is unaudited but has been reviewed by the auditors and their review
report is set out on page 13.
The condensed consolidated financial information does not constitute statutory accounts within the
meaning of the UK Companies Act 2006 and should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2014, which were prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union (EU). The annual
consolidated financial statements for 2014 represent the statutory accounts for that year and have been
filed with the Registrar of Companies. The auditors’ report on those statements was unqualified and did
not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph and did not contain any statement under Section 498 (2) or
(3) of the Companies Act 2006.
This condensed consolidated financial information has been prepared under the historical cost
convention, except in respect of certain financial instruments, and on a basis consistent with the IFRS
accounting policies as set out in the Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2014.
The preparation of this condensed consolidated financial information requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities
and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of this condensed consolidated financial
information. Such estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and various other
factors that are believed to be reasonable in the circumstances and constitute management’s best
judgement at the date of the condensed consolidated financial information. The key estimates and
assumptions were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial information for the year
ended 31 December 2014, apart from updating the assumptions used to determine the carrying value of
liabilities for retirement benefit schemes. In the future, actual experience may deviate from these
estimates and assumptions, which could affect these condensed consolidated financial information as the
original estimates and assumptions are modified, as appropriate, in the period in which the circumstances
change.
Page 21
NON-GAAP MEASURES
In the reporting of financial information, the Group uses certain measures that are not required under
IFRS, the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) under which the Group reports. The Group
believes that these additional measures, which are used internally, are useful to users of the financial
information in helping them understand the underlying business performance.
The principal non-GAAP measures which the Group uses are adjusted profit from operations and
adjusted diluted earnings per share, which are reconciled to profit from operations and diluted earnings
per share. Adjusting items are significant items in the profit from operations, net finance costs, taxation
and the Group’s share of the post-tax results of associates and joint ventures which individually or, if of a
similar type, in aggregate, are relevant to an understanding of the Group’s underlying financial
performance. While the disclosure of adjusting items is not required by IFRS, these items are separately
disclosed either as memorandum information on the face of the income statement and in the segmental
analysis, or in the notes to the financial information as appropriate. The adjusting items are used to
calculate the non-GAAP measures of adjusted profit from operations, adjusted share of post-tax results
of associates and joint ventures and adjusted diluted earnings per share.
All adjustments to profit from operations, net finance costs, associates and joint ventures, tax and diluted
earnings per share are explained in this announcement. See pages 24 to 27 and page 32.
The Management Board, as the chief operating decision maker, reviews current and prior year segmental
adjusted profit from operations of subsidiaries and joint operations, and adjusted post tax results of
associates and joint ventures, at constant rates of exchange. This allows comparison of the current year
results of the Group’s overseas entities, including intercompany royalties payable in foreign currency to
UK entities, had they been translated at the previous year’s rates of exchange. Other than in exceptional
circumstances, which will be fully disclosed, the Group does not adjust for the normal transactional gains
and losses in operations that are generated by exchange movements. As an additional measure to
indicate the impact of the exchange rate movements on the Group results, the principal measure of
adjusted diluted earnings per share is also shown at constant rates of exchange. See page 23.
The Group prepares an alternative cash flow, which includes a measure of ‘free cash flow’, to illustrate
the cash flows before transactions relating to borrowings. A net debt summary is also provided. See
pages 29 and 30. The Group publishes gross turnover as an additional disclosure to indicate the impact of
duty, excise and other taxes.
Due to the secondary listing of the ordinary shares of British American Tobacco p.l.c. on the main board of
the JSE Limited (JSE) in South Africa, the Group is required to present headline earnings per share and
diluted headline earnings per share, as alternative measures of earnings per share, calculated in
accordance with Circular 2/2013 ‘Headline Earnings’ issued by the South African Institute of Chartered
Accountants. These are shown on page 33.
Page 22
ANALYSIS OF REVENUE, PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
REVENUE
30 June 2015 30 June 2014
Reported Impact of Revenue Reported
1
revenue exchange @ CC revenue
£m £m £m £m
Asia-Pacific 1,893 (14) 1,879 1,932
Americas 1,384 186 1,570 1,415
Western Europe 1,463 134 1,597 1,583
EEMEA 1,658 258 1,916 1,868
Total 6,398 564 6,962 6,798
PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
30 June 2015 30 June 2014
Impact
Reported Adjusting Adjusted of Adjusted Reported Adjusting Adjusted
1
items exchange at CC items
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Asia-Pacific 726 50 776 5 781 739 62 801
Americas 588 34 622 68 690 596 36 632
Western Europe 473 46 519 47 566 463 74 537
EEMEA 561 29 590 72 662 660 35 695
Total Region 2,348 159 2,507 192 2,699 2,458 207 2,665
Non-tobacco
litigation:
Flintkote (1) 1 - - - - - -
Profit from
2,347 160 2,507 192 2,699 2,458 207 2,665
operations
Net finance
income/(costs)
351 (571) (220) (18) (238) (208) - (208)
Associates and joint
799 (380) 419 (32) 387 364 (15) 349
ventures
Profit before tax 3,497 (791) 2,706 142 2,848 2,614 192 2,806
Taxation (713) 13 (700) (31) (731) (728) (27) (755)
Non-controlling
(139) (2) (141) (6) (147) (139) (2) (141)
interest
Profit attributable to
2,645 (780) 1,865 105 1,970 1,747 163 1,910
shareholders
Diluted number of
1,862 1,862 1,862 1,876 1,876
shares (m)
Diluted earnings per
142.1p 100.2p 105.8p 93.1 101.8
share (pence)
Notes:
(1) CC: constant currencies
Page 23
ADJUSTING ITEMS INCLUDED IN PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS
Adjusting items are significant items in the profit from operations which individually or, if of a similar type,
in aggregate, are relevant to an understanding of the Group’s underlying financial performance. See
page 22. These items are separately disclosed as memorandum information on the face of the income
statement and in the segmental analyses.
(a) Restructuring and integration costs
Restructuring costs reflect the costs incurred as a result of initiatives to improve the effectiveness and the
efficiency of the Group as a globally integrated enterprise, including the relevant operating costs of
implementing the new operating model. These costs represent additional expenses incurred that are not
related to the normal business and day-to-day activities. The new operating model includes revised
organisation structures, standardised processes and shared back office services underpinned by a global
single instance of SAP. The new organisation structures and processes are currently being implemented
and the deployment of the new SAP system started in the third quarter of 2012 and will take at least four
years to fully roll out. These initiatives also include a review of the Group’s manufacturing operations,
supply chain, overheads and indirect costs, organisational structure and systems and software used. The
costs of these initiatives together with the costs of integrating acquired businesses into existing
operations, including acquisition costs, are included in profit from operations under the following
headings:
6 months to Year to
30.6.15 30.6.14 31.12.14
£m £m £m
Employee benefit costs 67 89 223
Depreciation and impairment costs - 27 69
Other operating expenses 66 63 180
Other operating income - - (20)
Total 133 179 452
Restructuring and integration costs in the six months to 30 June 2015 principally relate to the
restructuring initiatives directly related to implementation of a new operating model and the cost of
packages in respect of permanent headcount reductions and permanent employee benefit reductions in
the Group. The costs also cover the factory closure and downsizing activities in Australia, and
restructurings in Indonesia, South Korea, Canada and Malaysia.
Restructuring and integration costs in the six months to 30 June 2014 principally related to the
restructuring initiatives directly related to implementation of a new operating model and the cost of
separation packages in respect of permanent headcount reductions and permanent employee benefit
reductions in the Group. The costs also covered the continuation of factory closures and downsizing
activities in Australia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and restructurings in Argentina, Canada,
Switzerland and Germany.
For the year ended 31 December 2014, restructuring and integration costs principally included the
activities referred to in respect of the six months to 30 June 2014. In addition, the costs also covered
restructurings in Colombia and Indonesia.
Other operating income in 2014 included gains from the sale of land and buildings in Turkey, Uganda and
the Democratic Republic of Congo.
(b) Amortisation of trademarks and similar intangibles
The acquisitions of Protabaco, Bentoel, Tekel, ST and CN Creative Limited, as well as the creation of CTBAT
International Ltd, resulted in the capitalisation of trademarks and similar intangibles which are amortised
over their expected useful lives, which do not exceed 20 years. The amortisation charge of £26 million is
included in depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs in the profit from operations for the six
months to 30 June 2015 (30 June 2014: £28 million). For the year to 31 December 2014, the amortisation
charge was £58 million.
Page 24
Adjusting items included in profit from operations cont…
(c) Fox River
In 2011, a Group subsidiary provided £274 million in respect of claims in relation to environmental
cleanup costs of the Fox River. On 30 September 2014, a Group subsidiary, NCR, Appvion and Windward
Prospects entered into a Funding Agreement with regard to the costs for the clean-up of Fox River. Based
on this Funding Agreement, in the six months to 30 June 2015, £4 million has been paid (30 June 2014: nil,
31 December 2014: £56 million) with legal costs incurred of £3 million (30 June 2014: nil, 31 December
2014: £7 million). In 2014, the Fox River provision was reviewed and £27 million was released.
(d) Flintkote
In December 2014, a Group subsidiary entered into a settlement agreement in connection with various
legal cases related to a former non-tobacco business in Canada. Under the terms of the settlement, the
subsidiary will obtain protection from current and potential future Flintkote related asbestos liability
claims in the United States. The settlement is contingent upon further documentation and approval of
certain courts in the United States. This agreement led to a charge in 2014 of £374 million. In the six
months to 30 June 2015, £1 million has been paid in relation to legal costs and, consistent with prior
treatment, this has been taken as an adjusting item.
ADJUSTING ITEMS INCLUDED IN NET FINANCING COSTS
Adjusting items are significant items in net financing costs which individually or, if of a similar type, in
aggregate, are relevant to an understanding of the Group’s underlying financial performance. See
page 22.
The Group incurred costs of £30 million in relation to financing activities, which comprise option costs and
fees on the proposed acquisition of the non-controlling interest in the Group’s Brazilian subsidiary, Souza
Cruz SA and the Group’s activities to maintain the current ownership in RAI following its acquisition of
Lorillard Inc.
The Group’s investment of US$4.7 billion in cash in RAI has realised a deemed gain of US$931 million
(£601 million). This has arisen as the contract to acquire shares is deemed to be a financial instrument and
has been fair valued through profit and loss, in compliance with IAS 39. The deemed gain reflects the
difference between the fixed price paid by the Group to RAI and the market value of RAI shares on the
day of the transaction.
Page 25
ADJUSTING ITEMS INCLUDED IN SHARE OF POST-TAX RESULTS OF ASSOCIATES AND JOINT
VENTURES
The share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures is after the following adjusting items which
are excluded from the calculation of adjusted earnings per share as set out on page 32.
In the six months to 30 June 2015:
The Group’s interest in ITC decreased from 30.26% to 30.11% as a result of ITC issuing ordinary shares
under the company’s Employee Share Option Scheme. The issue of these shares and change in the
Group’s share of ITC resulted in a gain of £25 million, which is treated as a deemed partial disposal and
included in the income statement.
RAI recognised a gain on the related divestiture of assets, following the Lorillard acquisition, of
US$3,499 million. The Group’s share of this net gain amounted to £406 million (net of tax), which is
subject to the accounting for the Lorillard acquisition.
RAI has also recognised amounts that have been combined in the table of adjusting items in the Group
income statement and are shown as “other”. This includes restructuring charges of US$104 million, the
Group’s share of which is £18 million (net of tax), costs in respect of a number of Engle progeny lawsuits
and other tobacco litigation charges that amounted to US$130 million, the Group’s share of which is
£22 million (net of tax). Also included are transaction costs of US$54 million and financing costs of
US$60 million connected with the acquisition of Lorillard, Inc. the Group's share of which is £12 million
(net of tax) and £11 million (net of tax), respectively, and income of US$70 million related to the Non-
Participating Manufacturer (NPM) Adjustment claims of the two states no longer challenging the findings
of non-diligence entered against them by an Arbitration Panel, the Group’s share of this income
amounted to £12 million (net of tax).
In 2013, RAI, various other tobacco manufacturers, 19 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico
reached a final agreement related to RAI’s 2003 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) activities. Under
this agreement RAI will receive credits, estimated to be more than US$1 billion, in respect of its Non-
Participating Manufacturer (NPM) Adjustment claims. In June 2014, a further two states entered into a
settlement agreement in relation to disputed NPM Adjustment Claims for the years 2003 to 2012. Under
the settlement RAI expects to receive more than US$170 million in MSA credit to be applied over 5 years.
In addition, in 2015, another two states are no longer challenging the findings of non-diligence entered
against them by an Arbitration Panel. A certain portion of the NPM Adjustment claim for 2003 for these
two states is now certain and has been estimated, with RAI recognising this in the six months to 30 June
2015. Credits in respect of future years’ payments and the NPM Adjustment claims would be accounted
for in the applicable year and will not be treated as adjustable items. Only credits in respect of prior year
payments are included as adjustable items.
In the six months to 30 June 2014:
The Group’s interest in ITC decreased from 30.47% to 30.34% as a result of ITC issuing ordinary shares
under the company’s Employee Share Option Scheme. The issue of these shares and change in the
Group’s share of ITC resulted in a gain of £16 million, which is treated as a deemed partial disposal and
included in the income statement.
RAI recognised amounts which have been combined in the table of adjusting items in the Group income
statement and are shown as “other”. This includes costs of US$45 million in respect of a number of Engle
progeny lawsuits, the Group’s share of which is £11 million (net of tax) and income of US$21 million
related to the 2013 MSA liability. The Group’s share of this income amounted to £5 million (net of tax).
RAI recognised a net gain from discontinued activities of US$25 million, reduced by restructuring activities
of US$5 million, resulting in a net gain of US$20 million. The Group’s share of this net gain amounted to
£5 million (net of tax).
Page 26
Adjusting items included in share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures cont…
For the year ended 31 December 2014:
The Group’s interest in ITC decreased from 30.47% to 30.26% as a result of ITC issuing ordinary shares
under the company’s Employee Share Option Scheme. The issue of shares and change in the Group’s
share of ITC resulted in a gain of £14 million, which was treated as a deemed partial disposal and included
in the income statement.
RAI also recognised amounts that have been combined in the table of adjusting items in the Group
income statement and are shown as “other”. These are costs in respect of a number of Engle progeny
lawsuits and other tobacco litigation charges that amount to US$102 million, the Group’s share of which is
£16 million (net of tax). RAI recognised income of US$34 million related to the 2013 MSA liability as an
adjusting item. The Group’s share of this income amounted to £5 million (net of tax). RAI recognised a net
gain from discontinued activities of US$25 million, reduced by restructuring activities of US$16 million,
resulting in a net gain of US$9 million. The Group’s share of this net gain amounted to £4 million (net of
tax).
ADJUSTING ITEMS INCLUDED IN TAXATION
IFRS requires entities to provide deferred taxation on the undistributed earnings of associates and joint-
ventures. The Group’s share of the gain on the divestiture of intangibles and other assets by RAI to ITG
Brands LLC, a subsidiary of Imperial Tobacco Group PLC, is £406 million. Given that the profit on this item
is recognised as an adjusting item by the Group, the additional deferred tax charge of £31 million on the
potential distribution of these undistributed earnings has also been treated as adjusting.
The adjusting tax item also includes £18 million for the six months to 30 June 2015 (30 June 2014: £27
million 31 December 2014: £69 million) in respect of the tax on adjusting items, as described on pages 24
and 25.
Page 27
CASH FLOW AND NET DEBT MOVEMENTS
(a) Alternative cash flow
The IFRS cash flow statement on page 20 includes all transactions affecting cash and cash equivalents,
including financing. The alternative cash flow statement below is presented to illustrate the cash flows
before transactions relating to borrowings.
6 months to Year to
30.6.15 30.6.14 31.12.14
£m £m £m
Adjusted profit from operations (page 14) 2,507 2,665 5,403
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment 171 179 396
Other non-cash items in operating profit 3 17 45
Profit from operations before depreciation and impairment 2,681 2,861 5,844
Increase in working capital (609) (916) (309)
Net capital expenditure (196) (263) (627)
Gross capital expenditure (206) (273) (689)
Sale of fixed assets 10 10 62
Operating cash flow 1,876 1,682 4,908
Pension funds’ shortfall funding (70) (70) (140)
Net interest paid (252) (288) (426)
Tax paid (687) (711) (1,433)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (140) (143) (249)
Cash generated from operations 727 470 2,660
Restructuring costs (154) (175) (325)
Non-tobacco litigation: Flintkote and Fox River (8) - (437)
Dividends and other appropriations from associates 201 272 609
Free cash flow 766 567 2,507
Dividends paid to shareholders (1,862) (1,831) (2,712)
Share buy-back (including transaction costs) - (614) (800)
Net investment activities (3,031) (5) (6)
Net flow from share schemes and other (110) 69 108
Net cash flow (4,237) (1,814) (903)
External movements on net debt
Exchange rate effects* 417 316 270
Change in accrued interest and other 109 52 (17)
Change in net debt (3,711) (1,446) (650)
Opening net debt (10,165) (9,515) (9,515)
Closing net debt (13,876) (10,961) (10,165)
* Including movements in respect of debt related derivatives.
Page 28
Cash flow and net debt movements cont…
In the alternative cash flow presented on page 28, the operating cash flow increased by £194 million or
11.5% to £1,876 million, reflecting lower outflow from working capital and net capital expenditure.
Lower net interest paid and taxation partially offset the fall in appropriations from associates following
the completion of the RAI share buy-back (Nil in 2015 and £93 million in 2014). These, combined with the
decrease in restructuring costs led to the Group’s free cash flow increasing by £199 million or 35.1% to
£766 million.
The conversion of adjusted operating profit to operating cash flow remained strong at 74.8% (2014:
63.1%). The ratio of free cash flow per share to adjusted diluted earnings per share grew to 41.1% (2014:
29.7%).
Below free cash flow, the principal cash outflows for the six months to 30 June 2015 comprise the
payment of the prior year final dividend which was £31 million higher at £1,862 million.
During 2015, the cash outflow from net investing activities was £3,031 million, principally being the
investment in RAI. In the six months to 30 June 2014, the cash outflow was £5 million.
The other net flows principally relate to the impact of the level of shares purchased by the employee
share ownership trusts and cash flows in respect of certain derivative financial instruments.
These flows resulted in a net cash outflow of £4,237 million (2014: £1,814 million). After taking account
of other changes, especially exchange rate movements, total net debt was £13,876 million at 30 June
2015 (30 June 2014: £10,961 million and 31 December 2014: £10,165 million).
(b) Net debt
The Group defines net debt as borrowings including related derivatives, less cash and cash equivalents
and current available-for-sale investments. The maturity profile of net debt is as follows:
6 months to Year to
30.6.15 30.6.14 31.12.14
£m £m £m
Net debt due within one year:
Borrowings 1,341 3,685 2,479
Related derivatives (32) (87) (79)
Cash and cash equivalents (1,417) (1,580) (1,818)
Current available-for-sale investments (50) (42) (50)
(158) 1,976 532
Net debt due beyond one year:
Borrowings 14,131 9,029 9,779
Related derivatives (97) (44) (146)
14,034 8,985 9,633
Total net debt 13,876 10,961 10,165
The Group remains confident about its ability to access the debt capital markets successfully and reviews
its options on a continuing basis.
Page 29
Cash flow and net debt movements cont…
(c) IFRS cash generated from operations
The cash generated from operating activities in the IFRS cash flows on page 20 includes the following
items:
6 months to Year to
30.6.15 30.6.14 31.12.14
£mn £m £m
Profit from operations 2,347 2,458 4,546
Adjustments for:
Depreciation, Amortisation impairment and costs 197 234 523
Decrease/(Increase) in inventories 24 (110) (405)
Decrease/(Increase) in trade and other receivables 59 149 (36)
(Decrease)/Increase in trade and other payables (713) (932) 203
(Decrease) in net retirement benefit liabilities (96) (100) (170)
Increase/(Decrease) in provisions for liabilities and
charges 21 (15) (76)
Other non-cash items 2 18 49
Cash generated from operations 1,841 1,702 4,634
(d) IFRS net cash and cash equivalents
The net cash and cash equivalents in the IFRS Group cash flow statement on page 20 comprise:
6 months to Year to
30.6.15 30.6.14 31.12.14
£m £m £m
Cash and cash equivalents per balance sheet 1,417 1,580 1,818
Accrued interest (1) (2) (1)
Overdrafts (261) (270) (325)
Net cash and cash equivalents 1,155 1,308 1,492
(e) Liquidity
The Treasury function is responsible for raising finance for the Group, managing the Group’s cash
resources and the financial risks arising from underlying operations. All these activities are carried out
under defined policies, procedures and limits.
The Group targets an average centrally managed debt maturity of at least five years with no more than
20% of centrally managed debt maturing in a single rolling year. As at 30 June 2015, the average centrally
managed debt maturity was 7.8 years (30 June 2014: 7.0 years; 31 December 2014: 6.8 years) and the
highest proportion of centrally managed debt maturing in a single rolling 12-month period was 13.8% (30
June 2014: 16.8%; 31 December 2014: 18.7%).
It is Group policy that short-term sources of funds (including issuance under both the US$3 billion US and
£1 billion euro commercial paper programmes) are backed by undrawn committed lines of credit and
cash. At 30 June 2015, £238 million of commercial paper was outstanding (30 June 2014: £795 million; 31
December 2014: £160 million).
In February 2015, the Group signed a one-year bridge facility of £2.5 billion with an extension option of up
to one year for its possible public tender offer to acquire up to all of the 24.7% of Souza Cruz shares which
are not currently owned by BAT.
Page 30
Cash flow and net debt movements cont…
In March 2015, the Group issued €3 billion of bonds in four tranches as follows: €800 million maturing in
2019, €800 million maturing in 2023, €800 million maturing in 2027 and €600 million maturing in 2045. A
€1.25 billion bond was repaid.
In May 2015, a one year extension option was exercised for the £3 billion central banking facility,
extending the final maturity to May 2020. The facility was undrawn as at 30 June 2015. The US$2 billion
US commercial paper programme was increased in size to US$3 billion.
In June 2015, the Group issued US$4.5 billion of bonds in five tranches as follows: US$750 million
maturing in 2018, US$1,250 million maturing in 2020, US$500 million maturing in 2022, US$1,500 million
maturing in 2025 and US$500 million of floating rate notes maturing in 2018. A US$500mn bond was
repaid. The US$4.7 billion stand-by facility in respect of the RAI transaction was cancelled following the
issue of the bonds.
In March 2014, the Group issued €1 billion of bonds in two tranches as follows: €600 million maturing in
2029 and €400 million of floating rate notes maturing in 2018.
In May 2014, the Group negotiated a new central banking facility of £3 billion with a final maturity of May
2019 (with two additional one year extensions at the option of the banks). This facility is provided by 22
banks. The new facility is on significantly improved terms compared to the previous central banking
facility of £2 billion, with a maturity of December 2015, which was cancelled at the same time.
In June 2014, the Group purchased and cancelled an existing US$40 million bond with a maturity of 2029;
this purchase was financed from Group cash balances.
In August 2014, the Group repaid a maturing MYR250 million note, financed from Group cash balances.
In September 2014, the Group issued SFr1 billion of bonds in three tranches as follows: SFr350 million
maturing in 2016, SFr400 million maturing in 2021 and SFr250 million maturing in 2026. A one-year bridge
facility of US$4.7 billion with an extension option of up to one year for the Group’s investment in RAI was
signed. A €600 million bond was repaid, financed from Group cash balances.
The Group has drawn US$225 million in 2015 and 2014 against a Chilean peso facility, maturing in 2016.
Page 31
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Adjusted diluted earnings per share decreased by 1.6% to 100.2p (2014: 101.8p), principally as a result of
the lower profit from operations due to adverse exchange rate movements offset by the higher share of
post-tax results of associates and joint ventures. At constant rates, adjusted diluted earnings per share
increased by 3.9% to 105.8p (2014: 101.8p). Basic earnings per share was 52.6% higher at 142.4p (2014:
93.3p) benefitting from gains as a result of the acquisition of Lorillard Inc. by the Group’s associate RAI, as
described on page 11.
6 months to Year to
30.6.15 30.6.1 31.12.14
4
pence pence pence
Earnings per share
- basic 142.4 93.3 167.1
- diluted 142.1 93.1 166.6
Adjusted earnings per share
- basic 100.4 102.0 208.7
- diluted 100.2 101.8 208.1
Headline earnings per share
- basic 119.4 93.1 169.7
- diluted 119.1 92.9 169.1
Basic earnings per share are based on the profit for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders and the
weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period (excluding treasury shares). For
the calculation of the diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of shares reflects the
potential dilutive effect of employee share schemes.
The presentation of headline earnings per share, as an alternative measure of earnings per share, is
mandated under the JSE Listing Requirements. It is calculated in accordance with Circular 2/2013
‘Headline Earnings’, as issued by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share and adjusted diluted earnings per share at constant rates of
exchange are calculated by taking the following adjustments into account (see pages 24 to 27):
6 months to Year to
30.6.15 30.6.14 31.12.14
pence pence pence
Unadjusted diluted earnings per share 142.1 93.1 166.6
Effect of restructuring and integration costs 6.2 8.3 20.6
Effect of amortisation of trademarks and similar intangibles 1.2 1.2 2.7
Effect of Fox River - - (1.4)
Effect of Flintkote 0.1 - 20.0
Effect of associates’ adjusting items (20.4) (0.8) (0.4)
Effect of adjusting items in finance costs (30.7) - -
Effect of adjusting items in respect of deferred taxation 1.7 - -
Adjusted diluted earnings per share 100.2 101.8 208.1
Effect of exchange rate movements 5.6
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (at constant rates) 105.8
Page 32
Earnings Per Share cont…
Diluted headline earnings per share are calculated by taking the following adjustments into account:
6 months to Year to
30.6.15 30.6.14 31.12.14
pence pence pence
Unadjusted diluted earnings per share 142.1 93.1 166.6
Effect of impairment of intangibles and property, plant and
equipment and held-for-sale assets 0.5 1.1 4.7
Effect of gains on disposal of property, plant and equipment and
held-for-sale assets (0.3) (0.5) (1.4)
Effect of share of associates’ gain on disposal of held-for-sale
assets (21.8) - -
Effect of issue of shares and change in shareholding in associate (1.4) (0.8) (0.8)
Diluted headline earnings per share 119.1 92.9 169.1
An alternative measure of headline earnings per share is
presented to take account of the effects of Fox River and
Flintkote (see page 25) and the deemed gain on the contract to
acquire shares in RAI (see page 8); this measure is in addition to
and not mandated by the JSE Listing requirements
Headline earnings per share as amended 86.8 92.9 187.7
The earnings per share are based on:
30.6.15 30.6.14 31.12.14
Earnings Shares Earnings Shares Earnings Shares
£m m £m m £m m
Earnings per share
- basic 2,645 1,858 1,747 1,872 3,115 1,864
- diluted 2,645 1,862 1,747 1,876 3,115 1,870
Adjusted earnings per share
- basic 1,865 1,858 1,910 1,872 3,891 1,864
- diluted 1,865 1,862 1,910 1,876 3,891 1,870
- diluted, at constant rates 1,970 1,862
Headline earnings per share
- basic 2,218 1,858 1,742 1,872 3,163 1,864
- diluted 2,218 1,862 1,742 1,876 3,163 1,870
Page 33
DIVIDENDS
Declaration
The Board has declared an interim dividend of 49.4 pence per ordinary share of 25p for the six months
ended 30 June 2015. The interim dividend will be payable on 30 September 2015 to shareholders
registered on either the UK main register or the South Africa branch register on 21 August 2015 (the
record date).
Key Dates and South Africa Branch Register
In compliance with the requirements of the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and of Strate, the electronic
settlement and custody system used by the JSE Limited (JSE), the following salient dates for the payment
of the interim dividend are applicable:
Event Date 2015
Last Day to Trade (LDT) cum dividend (JSE) Friday 14 August
Shares commence trading ex dividend (JSE) Monday 17 August
Shares commence trading ex dividend (LSE) Thursday 20 August
Record date (JSE and LSE) Friday 21 August
Payment date Wednesday 30 September
No removal requests permitted between the UK main Wednesday 29 July to Friday 21
register and the South Africa branch register August (inclusive)
No transfers permitted between the UK main register and Monday 17 August to Friday 21
the South Africa branch register August (inclusive)
No shares may be dematerialised or rematerialised Monday 17 August to Friday 21
August (inclusive)
As the Group reports in sterling, dividends are declared and payable in sterling except for shareholders on
the branch register in South Africa whose dividends are payable in rand. A rate of exchange of £:R =
19.65310 as at 27 July 2015 (the closing rate on that date as quoted by Bloomberg), results in an
equivalent interim dividend of 970.86314 SA cents per ordinary share.
South Africa Branch Register: Dividends Tax Information
South Africa Dividends Tax of 145.62947 SA cents per ordinary share will be withheld from the gross
interim dividend paid to shareholders on the South Africa branch register at the rate of 15% unless a
shareholder qualifies for an exemption. After Dividends Tax has been withheld, the net dividend will be
825.23367 SA cents per ordinary share. The interim dividend is regarded as a ‘foreign dividend’ for the
purposes of South Africa Dividends Tax.
At the close of business on 27 July 2015 (the latest practicable date prior to the date of the declaration of
the interim dividend), British American Tobacco p.l.c. (the “Company”) had a total of 1,864,193,243
ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury shares). The Company held 162,645,590 ordinary shares in
treasury giving a total issued share capital of 2,026,838,833 ordinary shares.
British American Tobacco p.l.c. is registered with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) with tax
reference number 9378193172.
For the avoidance of doubt, Dividends Tax and the information provided above is of only direct
application to shareholders on the South Africa branch register. Shareholders on the South Africa branch
register should direct any questions regarding the application of Dividends Tax to Computershare Investor
Services Proprietary Limited, contact details for which are given in the ‘Corporate Information’ section
below.
Page 34
OTHER CHANGES IN THE GROUP
In addition to the cash investment of US$4.7 billion (£3.0 billion) in RAI, the proposed public tender offer
to acquire up to all of the 24.7% of Souza Cruz shares not currently owned by the Group and the proposed
acquisition of TDR, see page 11, the Group has the following proposed change:
Hungary – National Tobacco Distributor
On 15 December 2014, the Hungarian Government voted in new legislation whereby the distribution of
tobacco products to retail would move to a single authorised concession holder. This new National
Tobacco Distributor would have the right to exclusively supply the Hungarian tobacco retail universe of
approximately 6,000 outlets, whilst generating a legislated margin at legislated trading terms.
On 11 June 2015, it was announced that a joint venture between Taban Trafik, the distribution company
of local manufacturer Continental and the Group would be granted a concession for the exclusive
distribution of tobacco products, for a period of 20 years. This will be effective from 1 November 2015.
SHARE BUY-BACK PROGRAMME
The Group suspended, with effect from 30 July 2014, its approved on-market share buy-back programme
with a value of up to £1.5 billion. This was as a result of the Group’s announcement on 15 July 2014 that it
planned to invest cash of US$4.7 billion (£3.0 billion) as part of RAI’s proposed acquisition of Lorillard Inc.
During the six months to 30 June 2014, 19 million shares were bought at a cost of £632 million, excluding
transaction costs of £4 million. In the year to 31 December 2014, 23 million shares were bought at a cost
of £795 million, excluding £5 million transaction costs.
RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
Apart from the investment in RAI, see page 11, in the six months to 30 June 2015, there were no material
changes in related parties or related party transactions. The Group’s related party transactions and
relationships for 2014 were disclosed on page 189 of the Annual Report for the year ended 31 December
2014.
FOREIGN CURRENCIES
The principal exchange rates used were as follows:
Average Closing
30.6.15 30.6.14 31.12.14 30.6.15 30.6.14 31.12.14
Australian dollar 1.949 1.825 1.827 2.046 1.812 1.905
Brazilian real 4.527 3.833 3.874 4.885 3.769 4.145
Canadian dollar 1.881 1.830 1.819 1.963 1.821 1.806
Euro 1.366 1.218 1.241 1.412 1.249 1.289
Indian rupee 95.782 101.454 100.529 100.150 102.839 98.424
Japanese yen 183.311 171.005 174.223 192.443 173.216 186.946
Russian rouble 88.018 58.433 63.412 87.623 58.224 93.555
South African rand 18.162 17.855 17.861 19.089 18.191 18.039
US dollar 1.524 1.669 1.648 1.573 1.710 1.559
Page 35
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS
The Group has contingent liabilities in respect of litigation, taxes and guarantees in various countries, as
described in Note 30 to the 2014 Annual Report and Accounts, page 190 to 205. The Group is subject to
contingencies pursuant to requirements that it complies with relevant laws, regulations and standards.
Failure to comply could result in restrictions in operations, damages, fines, increased tax, increased cost
of compliance, interest charges, reputational damage or other sanctions. These matters are inherently
difficult to quantify.
In cases where the Group has an obligation as a result of a past event existing at the balance sheet date, it
is probable that an outflow of economic resources will be required to settle the obligation and the
amount of the obligation can be reliably estimated, a provision will be recognised based on best estimates
and management judgment. There are, however, contingent liabilities in respect of litigation, taxes in
some countries and guarantees for which no provisions have been made.
While the amounts that may be payable or receivable could be material to the results or cash flows of the
Group in the period in which they are recognised, the Board does not expect these amounts to have a
material effect on the Group’s financial condition.
Taxes
The Group has exposures in respect of the payment or recovery of a number of taxes. The Group is and
has been subject to a number of tax audits covering, among others, excise tax, value-added taxes, sales
taxes, corporate taxes, withholding taxes and payroll taxes.
The estimated costs of known tax obligations have been provided in these accounts in accordance with
Group’s accounting policies. In some countries, tax law requires that full or part payment of disputed tax
assessments be made pending resolution of the dispute. To the extent that such payments exceed the
estimated obligation, they would not be recognised as an expense.
There are disputes that may proceed to litigation in a number of countries including Brazil and South
Africa, whilst a dispute in Bangladesh proceeded to litigation in 2014 but with no significant development
in the six months to 30 June 2015.
Group litigation
Group companies, as well as other leading cigarette manufacturers, are defendants in a number of
product liability cases. In a number of the cases, the amounts of compensatory and punitive damages
sought are significant.
While it is impossible to be certain of the outcome of any particular case or of the amount of any possible
adverse verdict, the Group believes that the defences of the Group’s companies to all these various claims
are meritorious on both the law and the facts, and a vigorous defence is being made everywhere. If an
adverse judgment is entered against any of the Group’s companies in any case, an appeal will be made.
Such appeals could require the appellants to post appeal bonds or substitute security in amounts that
could in some cases equal or exceed the amount of the judgement. In any event, with regard to US
litigation, except for recent litigation brought against the company by the shareholders of RAI and
Lorillard, Inc., the Group has the benefit of an indemnity from R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, a wholly-
owned subsidiary of RAI. At least in the aggregate, and despite the quality of defences available to the
Group, it is not impossible that the Group’s results of operations or cash flows in a particular period could
be materially affected by this and by the final outcome of any particular litigation.
In respect of the two class actions pending against Imperial Tobacco Canada in Quebec, judgment against
Imperial Tobacco Canada and two other domestic manufacturers was released on 1 June 2015, in which
the Court awarded punitive damages in the amount of CAD$131 million and – in the case of one of the
actions – compensatory damages in the amount of CAD$15.5 billion to the amended classes of claimants.
Provisional execution was also ordered against all three companies for CAD$1.13 billion, of which Imperial
Tobacco Canada was ordered to pay CAD$743 million, within 60 days of the judgment.
Page 36
Contingent liabilities and financial commitments cont…
Imperial Tobacco Canada appealed both the judgment and the provisional execution order in the Quebec
Court of Appeal. On 23 July 2015, the Quebec Court of Appeal unanimously upheld the request of Imperial
Tobacco Canada to cancel the provisional execution order. Imperial Tobacco Canada is proceeding with its
appeal of the overall judgment.
Summary
Having regard to all these matters, with the exception of Fox River and Flintkote, the Group (i) does not
consider it appropriate to make any provision or charge in respect of any pending litigation, (ii) does not
believe that the ultimate outcome of this litigation will significantly impair the Group’s financial condition.
Full details of the litigation against Group companies and tax disputes as at 31 December 2015 will be
included in the Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2015.
Aside from the Quebec judgment, which has been appealed, there were no material developments in the
six months to 30 June 2015 that would impact on the financial position of the Group.
FRANKED INVESTMENT INCOME GROUP LITIGATION ORDER
The Group is the principal test claimant in an action in the United Kingdom against HM Revenue and
Customs in the Franked Investment Income Group Litigation Order (FII GLO). There are 25 corporate
groups in the FII GLO. The case concerns the treatment for UK corporate tax purposes of profits earned
overseas and distributed to the UK. The claim was filed in 2003 and the case was heard in the European
Court of Justice (ECJ) in 2005 and a decision of the ECJ received in December 2006. In July 2008, the case
reverted to a trial in the UK High Court for the UK Court to determine how the principles of the ECJ
decision should be applied in a UK context.
The High Court judgment in November 2008 concluded, among other things, that the corporation tax
provisions relating to dividend income from EU subsidiaries breached EU law. It also concluded that
certain dividends received before 5 April 1999 from the EU and, in some limited circumstances after 1993
from outside the EU, should have been creditable against advance corporation tax (ACT) liabilities with
the consequence that ACT need not have been paid. Claims for the repayment of UK tax incurred where
the dividends were from the EU were allowed back to 1973.
The case was heard by the Court of Appeal in October 2009 and the judgment handed down on 23
February 2010. The Court of Appeal determined that various questions, including which companies in the
corporate tree can be included in a claim, should be referred back to the ECJ for further clarification. In
addition, the Court determined that the claim should be restricted to six years and not cover claims dating
back to 1973.
The issue of time limits was heard by the Supreme Court in February 2012 and in May 2012 the Supreme
Court decided in the Group’s favour, that claims submitted before 8 September 2003 can go back to 1973.
A hearing took place in February 2012 at the ECJ on the questions referred from the Court of Appeal.
The ECJ judgment of 13 November 2012 confirms that the UK treatment of EU dividends was
discriminatory and produces the same outcome for third-country dividends from 1994 in certain
circumstances. The judgment also confirms that the claim can cover dividends from all indirect as well as
direct EU subsidiaries and also ACT paid by a superior holding company.
The detailed technical issues of the quantification mechanics of the claim were heard by the High Court
during May and June 2014 and the judgment handed down on 18 December 2014. The High Court
determined that in respect of issues concerning the calculation of unlawfully charged corporation tax and
advance corporation tax, the law of restitution including the defence on change of position and questions
concerning the calculation of overpaid interest, the approach of the Group was broadly preferred. The
conclusion reached by the High Court would, if upheld, produce an estimated receivable of £1.2bn for the
Group. Appeals on a majority of the issues have been made to the Court of Appeal, which is likely to hear
the case in 2016.
Page 37
Franked investment income group litigation order cont…
In July 2015, HMRC decided to pay to the Group around £600 million to offset part of HMRC’s interest risk
on the debt until the appeals conclude, the payment being approximately half the value of the Group’s
claim determined by the High Court. The payment to be made by HMRC is without any admission of
liability pending the conclusion of the FII GLO litigation. The payment is subject to refund were HMRC to
succeed in overturning the judgment on appeal.
The Group has not recognised any impact to the financial statements in the current period or the prior
year, due to the uncertainty of the eventual outcome. The potential receipt of around £600 million is
deemed to be a non-adjusting post balance sheet event.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND VALUATION PROCESSES
The Group held certain financial instruments at fair value at 30 June 2015. The definitions and valuation
techniques employed for these as at 30 June 2015 are consistent with those used at 31 December 2014
and disclosed in Note 24 on pages 177 to 182 of the 2014 Annual Report:
- Level 1 financial instruments are traded in an active market and fair value is based on quoted prices
at the period end.
- Level 2 financial instruments are not traded in an active market, but the fair values are based on
quoted market prices, broker/dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels
of price transparency. The Group’s level 2 financial instruments include certain money market
securities and most OTC derivatives.
- The fair values of level 3 financial instruments have been determined using a valuation technique
where at least one input (which could have a significant effect on the instrument's valuation) is not
based on observable market data. The Group’s level 3 financial instruments primarily consist of an
equity investment in an unquoted entity which is valued using the discounted cash flows of
estimated future dividends.
While the carrying values of assets and liabilities at fair value have changed since 31 December 2014, the
Group does not consider the movements in value to be significant, and the categorisation of these assets
and liabilities in accordance with the disclosure requirements of IFRS 7 has not materially changed. The
values of level 1 assets and level 3 assets are not material to the Group and were £50 million and
£33 million respectively at 30 June 2015 (30 June 2014: £18 million and £35 million respectively and
31 December 2014: £50 million and £36 million respectively).
Level 2 assets and liabilities are shown below.
30.6.2015 30.6.2014 31.12.2014
Level 2 Level 2 Level 2
£m £m £m
Assets at fair value
Available-for-sale investments - 24 -
Derivatives relating to
– interest rate swaps 244 220 300
– cross-currency swaps 38 18 36
– forward foreign currency contracts 261 181 225
– options 7 - -
Assets at fair value 550 443 561
Liabilities at fair value
Derivatives relating to
– interest rate swaps 88 88 102
– cross-currency swaps 53 25 23
– forward foreign currency contracts 160 50 124
Liabilities at fair value 301 163 249
Page 38
Fair value measurement and valuation processes cont…
The fair value of borrowings is estimated to be £16,016 million (30 June 2014: £13,012 million and
31 December 2014: £13,606 million) and has been determined using quoted market prices or discounted
cash flow analysis. The value of other assets/liabilities held at amortised cost are not materially different
from their fair values.
NOTES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
British American Tobacco is the world's second largest quoted tobacco group by global market share, with
brands sold in more than 200 markets. We have five Global Drive Brands – Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike, Pall
Mall and Rothmans – and over 200 brands in our portfolio. We hold robust market positions in each of
our regions and have leadership positions in more than 60 markets.
Disclaimers
This announcement does not constitute an invitation to underwrite, subscribe for, or otherwise acquire or
dispose of any British American Tobacco p.l.c. shares or other securities.
This announcement contains certain forward looking statements which are subject to risk factors
associated with, among other things, the economic and business circumstances occurring from time to
time in the countries and markets in which the Group operates. It is believed that the expectations
reflected in this announcement are reasonable but they may be affected by a wide range of variables
which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated.
Past performance is no guide to future performance and persons needing advice should consult an
independent financial adviser.
PUBLICATION OF HALF-YEAR REPORT
This Half-Year Report is released to the London Stock Exchange and the JSE Limited. It may be viewed and
downloaded from our website www.bat.com.
Copies of the announcement may also be obtained during normal business hours from: (1) the Company’s
registered office; (2) the Company’s representative office in South Africa; and (3) British American
Tobacco Publications, as below.
ANNUAL REPORT: Statutory Accounts
The information for the year ended 31 December 2014 does not constitute statutory accounts as defined
in s434 of the Companies Act 2006. A copy of the statutory accounts for that year 2014 has been
delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors’ report on the 2014 accounts was unqualified, did
not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain statements under s498(2) or
(3) of the Companies Act 2006.
Nicola Snook
Secretary
28 July 2015
Page 39
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
FINANCIAL CALENDAR
Wednesday 30 September 2015 Payment date of 2015 interim dividend
Wednesday 28 October 2015 Interim Management Statement
Thursday 25 February 2016 Preliminary Statement 2015
CALENDAR FOR THE INTERIM DIVIDEND 2015
2015
Wednesday 29 July Declaration of interim dividend: amount of dividend per ordinary
share in both sterling and rand; applicable exchange rate and
conversion date – Monday 27 July 2015; plus additional
applicable information as required in respect of South Africa
Dividends Tax*.
Wednesday 29 July to Friday 21 August From the commencement of trading on Wednesday 29 July 2015
to Friday 21 August 2015 (inclusive), no removal requests in
either direction between the UK main register and the South
Africa branch register will be permitted.
Friday 14 August Last Day to Trade or LDT (JSE)
Monday 17 August to Friday 21 August From the commencement of trading on Monday 17 August 2015
to Friday 21 August 2015 (inclusive), no transfers between the UK
main register and the South Africa branch register will be
permitted; no shares may be dematerialised or rematerialised.
Monday 17 August Ex-dividend date (JSE)
Thursday 20 August Ex-dividend date (LSE)
Friday 21 August Record date (LSE and JSE)
Wednesday 9 September Last date for receipt of Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP)
elections (UK main register only)
Wednesday 30 September Payment date (sterling and rand)
* Details of the applicable exchange rate and the South Africa Dividends Tax information can be found
under the heading ‘Dividends’ on page 34.
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)
For holders of ADRs, the record date is Friday 21 August 2015 with a payment date of Monday 5 October
2015.
Page 40
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Premium listing
London Stock Exchange (Share Code: BATS; ISIN: GB0002875804)
Computershare Investor Services PLC
The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol BS99 6ZZ, UK
tel: 0800 408 0094; +44 370 889 3159
Share dealing tel: 0370 703 0084 (UK only)
Your account: www.computershare.com/uk/investor/bri
Share dealing: www.computershare.com/dealing/uk
Web-based enquiries: www.investorcentre.co.uk/contactus
Secondary listing
JSE (Share Code: BTI)
Shares are traded in electronic form only and transactions settled electronically through Strate.
Computershare Investor Services Proprietary Limited
PO Box 61051, Marshalltown 2107, South Africa
tel: 0861 100 925; +27 11 870 8222
email enquiries: web.queries@computershare.co.za
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)
NYSE MKT (Symbol: BTI; CUSIP Number: 110448107)
Sponsored ADR programme; each ADR represents two ordinary shares of British American
Tobacco p.l.c.
Citibank Shareholder Services
PO Box 43077
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3077, USA
tel: 1-888-985-2055 (toll-free) or +1 781 575 4555
email enquiries: citibank@shareholders-online.com
website: www.citi.com/dr
Publications
British American Tobacco Publications
Unit 80, London Industrial Park, Roding Road, London E6 6LS, UK
tel: +44 20 7511 7797; facsimile: +44 20 7540 4326
e-mail enquiries: bat@team365.co.uk or
The Company’s Representative office in South Africa using the contact details shown below.
British American Tobacco p.l.c.
Registered office
Globe House
4 Temple Place
London
WC2R 2PG
tel: +44 20 7845 1000
British American Tobacco p.l.c. is a public limited company which is listed on the London Stock Exchange
and the JSE Limited in South Africa. British American Tobacco p.l.c. is incorporated in England and Wales
(No. 3407696) and domiciled in the UK.
British American Tobacco p.l.c.
Representative office in South Africa
34 Alexander Street
Stellenbosch
7600
South Africa
(PO Box 631, Cape Town 8000, South Africa)
tel: +27 21 888 3194
29 July 2015
Sponsor: UBS South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Page 41
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