FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
FURNISHED PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
9 November 2004
BRITISH AIRWAYS Plc
(Registrant's Name)
Waterside HBA3,
PO Box 365
Harmondsworth UB7 0GB
United Kingdom
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F X Form 40-F
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule101(b)(1)
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7)
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted to furnish a report or other document that the registrant foreign private issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally organised (the registrant's "home country"), or under the rules of the home country exchange on which the registrant's securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is not a press release, is not required to be and has not been distributed to the registrant's security holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K submission or other Commission filing on EDGAR.
Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes No X
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):
CONTENTS
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorised.
BRITISH AIRWAYS Plc |
|
By: /s/_______________________________ |
Name: Alan Buchanan |
Title: Company Secretary |
Date: 9 November, 2004 |
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. |
Description |
1. |
Interim Results 2004-2005 - 5 November 2004 |
INTERIM RESULTS 2004-2005 (unaudited) |
|||||||
Three months ended |
Six months ended |
||||||
September 30 |
Better/ |
September 30 |
Better/ |
||||
2004 |
2003 |
(Worse) |
2004 |
2003 |
(Worse) |
||
Turnover |
£m |
2,026 |
1,983 |
2.2% |
3,951 |
3,815 |
3.6% |
Operating profit |
£m |
240 |
195 |
23.1% |
390 |
235 |
66.0% |
Operating margin |
% |
11.8 |
9.8 |
2.0pts |
9.9 |
6.2 |
3.7pts |
Profit before tax |
£m |
220 |
105 |
nm |
335 |
60 |
nm |
Retained profit for |
|||||||
the period |
£m |
123 |
98 |
25.5% |
193 |
35 |
nm |
Net assets at period end |
£m |
2,625 |
2,312 |
13.5% |
2,625 |
2,312 |
13.5% |
Earnings per share |
|||||||
Basic |
p |
11.5 |
9.2 |
25.0% |
18.0 |
3.3 |
nm |
Diluted |
p |
11.2 |
8.9 |
25.8% |
17.6 |
3.3 |
nm |
nm: Not meaningful |
GROUP PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT (unaudited) |
|||||||
Three months ended |
Six months ended |
||||||
September 30 |
Better/ |
September 30 |
Better/ |
||||
2004 £m |
2003 £m |
(Worse) |
2004 £m |
2003 £m |
(Worse) |
||
Traffic Revenue |
|||||||
Passenger |
1,705 |
1,720 |
(0.9)% |
3,330 |
3,296 |
1.0% |
|
Cargo |
118 |
111 |
6.3% |
236 |
224 |
5.4% |
|
1,823 |
1,831 |
(0.4)% |
3,566 |
3,520 |
1.3% |
||
Other revenue |
203 |
152 |
33.6% |
385 |
295 |
30.5% |
|
TOTAL TURNOVER |
2,026 |
1,983 |
2.2% |
3,951 |
3,815 |
3.6% |
|
Employee costs |
561 |
521 |
(7.7)% |
1,112 |
1,049 |
(6.0)% |
|
Depreciation and amortisation |
168 |
173 |
2.9% |
333 |
337 |
1.2% |
|
Aircraft operating lease |
|||||||
costs |
27 |
29 |
6.9% |
53 |
64 |
17.2% |
|
Fuel and oil costs |
271 |
241 |
(12.4)% |
529 |
470 |
(12.6)% |
|
Engineering and other |
|||||||
aircraft costs |
118 |
126 |
6.3% |
230 |
258 |
10.9% |
|
Landing fees and en route |
|||||||
charges |
145 |
147 |
1.4% |
286 |
288 |
0.7% |
|
Handling charges, catering and |
|||||||
other operating costs |
238 |
250 |
4.8% |
471 |
493 |
4.5% |
|
Selling costs |
126 |
153 |
17.6% |
259 |
308 |
15.9% |
|
Accommodation, ground equipment |
|||||||
costs and currency differences |
132 |
148 |
10.8% |
288 |
313 |
8.0% |
|
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE |
1,786 |
1,788 |
0.1% |
3,561 |
3,580 |
0.5% |
|
OPERATING PROFIT |
240 |
195 |
23.1% |
390 |
235 |
66.0% |
|
Share of operating profits |
|||||||
in associates |
34 |
5 |
nm |
30 |
1 |
nm |
|
TOTAL OPERATING PROFIT |
274 |
200 |
37.0% |
420 |
236 |
78.0% |
|
INCLUDING ASSOCIATES |
|||||||
Other income and charges |
1 |
4 |
(75.0)% |
1 |
4 |
(75.0)% |
|
(Loss)/Profit on sale of fixed assets and |
|||||||
investments |
(8) |
15 |
nm |
(14) |
(57) |
75.4% |
|
Interest |
|||||||
Net payable |
(51) |
(56) |
8.9% |
(99) |
(111) |
10.8% |
|
Retranslation credits/(charges) |
|||||||
on currency borrowings |
4 |
(58) |
nm |
27 |
(12) |
nm |
|
PROFIT BEFORE TAX |
220 |
105 |
nm |
335 |
60 |
nm |
|
Tax |
(93) |
(4) |
nm |
(135) |
(18) |
nm |
|
PROFIT AFTER TAX |
127 |
101 |
25.7% |
200 |
42 |
nm |
|
Non equity minority interest* |
(4) |
(3) |
(33.3)% |
(7) |
(7) |
||
PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD |
123 |
98 |
25.5% |
193 |
35 |
nm |
|
RETAINED PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD |
123 |
98 |
25.5% |
193 |
35 |
nm |
|
nm: Not meaningful |
|||||||
* Cumulative Preferred Securities |
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS (unaudited) |
|||||||
Three months ended |
Six months ended |
||||||
September 30 |
Increase/ |
September 30 |
Increase/ |
||||
2004 |
2003 |
(Decrease) |
2004 |
2003 |
(Decrease) |
||
TOTAL AIRLINE OPERATIONS (Note 1) |
|||||||
TRAFFIC AND CAPACITY |
|||||||
RPK (m) |
28,749 |
27,540 |
4.4% |
55,832 |
52,642 |
6.1% |
|
ASK (m) |
36,639 |
35,981 |
1.8% |
72,789 |
70,943 |
2.6% |
|
Passenger load factor (%) |
78.5 |
76.5 |
2.0pts |
76.7 |
74.2 |
2.5pts |
|
CTK (m) |
1,202 |
1,034 |
16.2% |
2,419 |
2,091 |
15.7% |
|
RTK (m) |
4,080 |
3,796 |
7.5% |
7,989 |
7,352 |
8.7% |
|
ATK (m) |
5,709 |
5,539 |
3.1% |
11,361 |
10,856 |
4.7% |
|
Overall load factor (%) |
71.5 |
68.5 |
3.0pts |
70.3 |
67.7 |
2.6pts |
|
Passengers carried (000) |
9,822 |
9,739 |
0.9% |
19,110 |
19,508 |
(2.0)% |
|
Tonnes of cargo carried (000) |
213 |
183 |
16.4% |
429 |
373 |
15.0% |
|
FINANCIAL |
|||||||
Passenger revenue per RPK (p) |
5.93 |
6.25 |
(5.1)% |
5.96 |
6.26 |
(4.8)% |
|
Passenger revenue per ASK (p) |
4.65 |
4.78 |
(2.7)% |
4.57 |
4.65 |
(1.7)% |
|
Cargo revenue per CTK (p) |
9.82 |
10.74 |
(8.6)% |
9.76 |
10.71 |
(8.9)% |
|
Total traffic revenue per RTK (p) |
44.68 |
48.23 |
(7.4)% |
44.64 |
47.88 |
(6.8)% |
|
Total traffic revenue per ATK (p) |
31.93 |
33.06 |
(3.4)% |
31.39 |
32.42 |
(3.2)% |
|
Average fuel price before hedging |
|||||||
(US cents/US gallon) |
129.92 |
87.83 |
47.9% |
122.32 |
90.00 |
35.9% |
|
OPERATIONS |
|||||||
Average Manpower Equivalent (MPE) |
46,179 |
47,702 |
(3.2)% |
46,230 |
48,459 |
(4.6)% |
|
ATKs per MPE (000) |
123.6 |
116.1 |
6.5% |
245.7 |
224.0 |
9.7% |
|
Aircraft in service at period end |
287 |
312 |
(25) |
287 |
312 |
(25) |
|
TOTAL GROUP OPERATIONS |
|||||||
FINANCIAL |
|||||||
Net operating expenditure |
|||||||
per RTK (p) |
38.80 |
43.10 |
(10.0)% |
39.75 |
44.68 |
(11.0)% |
|
Net operating expenditure |
|||||||
per ATK (p) |
27.73 |
29.54 |
(6.1)% |
27.96 |
30.26 |
(7.6)% |
|
Note 1 Excludes non airline activity companies, principally, Airmiles Travel Promotions Ltd, BA Holidays Ltd, BA Travel Shops Ltd, Speedbird Insurance Company Ltd and The London Eye Company Ltd.
Group profit before tax for the three months to September 30 was £220 million; this compares with a profit of £105 million last year.
Operating profit - - at £240 million - - was £45 million higher than last year. The operating margin was 11.8%, 2.0 points higher than last year. The improvement in operating profit primarily reflects improvements in turnover, with costs in line with last year, despite fuel costs being up 12.4%.
Group profit before tax for the six months to September 30 was £335 million, £275 million better than last year; operating profit - - at £390 million - - was £155 million better than last year.
Operating margin for the half year - - traditionally the stronger of the two halves - - was 9.9%, 3.7 points higher than last year.
Cash inflow before financing was £868 million for the six months, with the closing cash balance of £1,910 million representing a £240 million increase versus March 31. Net debt fell by £872 million (including £427 million from the sale of our investment in Qantas) to £3,286 million, its lowest level since 1993.
The Board has decided that no interim dividend should be paid.
For the three month period, group turnover - - at £2,026 million - - was up 2.2% on a flying programme 3.1% larger in ATKs. This reflected the impact of fuel surcharges and an increase in cargo revenue of 6.3%, with passenger revenue declining by 0.9%. Passenger yields were down 5.1% per RPK (1.7% at constant exchange); seat factor was up 2.0 points at 78.5% on capacity 1.8% higher in ASKs.
For the six month period, turnover improved by 3.6% to £3,951 million on a flying programme 4.7% larger in ATKs. Passenger yields were down 4.8% per RPK with seat factor up 2.5 points at 76.7% on capacity 2.6% higher in ASKs.
Cargo volumes for the three month period (CTKs) were up 16.2% compared with last year, with yields (revenue/CTK) down 8.6%. For the six month period, cargo volumes were up 15.7%, with yields down 8.9%.
Overall load factor for the quarter was up 3.0 points at 71.5%, and for the half year up 2.6 points at 70.3%.
For the three month period, unit costs (pence/ATK) improved by 6.1% on the same period last year. This reflects a net cost reduction of 3.2% on capacity 3.1% higher in ATKs.
Total operating expenditure was in line with last year. Fuel costs increased by 12.4% due to the increase in fuel price net of hedging partially offset by exchange effects and employee costs increased by 7.7% as wage awards and increased pension contributions were only partially offset by manpower reductions. All other categories of operating costs improved, including a notable fall in selling costs, which were down 17.6% (due to lower commission costs and the continued increase in online bookings).
For the six month period, unit costs (pence/ATK) improved by 7.6% on the same period last year. This reflects a net cost reduction of 3.3% on capacity 4.7% higher in ATKs.
Net interest expense for the three month period reduced by £5 million from last year to £51 million reflecting the higher cash balances and reduced debt.
Retranslation of currency borrowings generated a credit of £4 million, primarily due to the retranslation of yen debt, compared to a charge the previous year of £58 million. The retranslation - - a non-cash item required by standard accounting practice - - results from the weakening of the yen against sterling.
Loss on disposals of fixed assets and investments was £8 million reflecting primarily the sale of our investment in Qantas at a book loss in the period of £11 million. This compares with a £15 million profit on disposal last year.
For the six month period net interest expense was £99 million, £12 million lower than last year. The retranslation of currency borrowings generated a credit of £27 million, compared with a charge of £12 million last year. Loss on disposals of fixed assets and investments was £14 million. This compares with a loss on disposal last year of £57 million, when the sale of dba generated a loss in the period of £83 million.
The profit attributable to shareholders for the three months was equivalent to 11.5 pence per share, compared with last year's profit per share of 9.2 pence.
For the six month period, the profit attributable to shareholders was £193 million, equivalent to 18.0 pence per share, compared with earnings of 3.3 pence per share last year.
Borrowings, net of cash and short term loans and deposits, were £3,286 million at September 30 - - the lowest since 1993 and down £872 million since the start of the year. This reflects cash inflow more than offsetting movements in gross debt, together with exchange gains of £11 million. The net debt/total capital ratio reduced by 8.2 points from March 31 to 45.9%. The net debt/total
capital ratio including operating leases was down 7.0 points from March 31 to 51.4%.
During the six months we generated a positive cash flow from operations of £598 million. After disposal proceeds, capital expenditure and interest payments on our existing debt, cash inflow was £868 million. This represents a £501 million increase on last year, primarily due to the improvement in operating cash flow (£78 million), and the proceeds from the sale of the investment in Qantas (£427 million).
Progress on delivering the £450 million savings announced in the 2003/5 Business Plan (including the £300 million of external spend savings) remains on track for completion by March 2005. The £300 million employee cost savings announced in the 2004/6 Business Plan have been delayed by the extended pay talks. The successful conclusion of talks with most employee groups has resulted in agreements lasting until October 2006. The focus for the remaining two years of the agreement will be to implement working practice changes to deliver £300 million of employee cost savings.
During the quarter the group fleet in service reduced by 3 to 287 aircraft. This reduction comprised 1 Boeing 737-400 aircraft stood down pending return to lessor, and 2 Boeing 737-400 aircraft sub-leased to Air One (an Italian carrier operating Italian domestic routes).
Associates
On September 9, 2004 the group completed the sale of its 18.25% holding in Qantas through a book build sale of the shares, thereby reducing debt and continuing to strengthen our balance sheet. The sale realised gross proceeds of £427 million before tax. The loss on disposal of £11 million includes a write off of goodwill of £59 million previously set off against reserves.
Prior to the sale of our investment, Qantas announced full year profits before tax of A$965 million. Their second half profit was A$435 million, our share of which was £28 million included in the quarter. This is the last period in which our full share of their results will be reflected. Our profits for the second half of last year included £42 million relating to Qantas.
An agreement has been signed with Qantas to continue with the Joint Service Agreement (JSA), thereby maintaining our profit share arrangements on selected routes.
The British Airways benefit sharing with Iberia on the London routes to Madrid and Barcelona is making good progress and planned for implementation in the near future.
An agreement was reached with the Trades Unions on the company's pay offer. The agreement was for a rise in pensionable pay over three years in line with rates of inflation. This comprises an increase backdated to October 1, 2003 followed by rises equal to inflation rates on October 1, 2004 and on October 1, 2005. In addition there are non-pensionable lump sum payments totalling at least £1,000 per employee over the two years to September 2006.
The Trades Unions also agreed a new absence policy. The policy aims to significantly reduce absence from the current average of 17 days, and is expected to save the company approximately £30 million per annum.
Market conditions have remained broadly unchanged since our last report. All market segments remain price sensitive and yield declines are expected to continue. The total revenue outlook for the year to March 2005 is unchanged with a 2-3 per cent improvement driven by volume increases.
Fuel costs net of hedging are now expected to be some £245 million more than last year (up £20 million from our last estimate). Passenger and cargo fuel surcharges forecast at £160 million for this year partially offset this increase.
Consequently, our focus will remain on reducing both controllable costs and debt.
Note:
Copies of the summary Interim Statement will be issued to all shareholders through the medium of the British Airways Investor newspaper. Copies of the full Interim report are available from the company's registered office and on the Internet at www.bashares.com.
Certain information included in these statements is forward-looking and involves risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward looking statements.
Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, projections relating to results of operations and financial conditions and the company's plans and objectives for future operations, including, without limitation, discussions of the company's Business Plan programs, expected future revenues, financing plans and expected expenditures and divestments. All forward-looking statements in this report are based upon information known to the company on the date of this report. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
It is not reasonably possible to itemize all of the many factors and specific events that could cause the company's forward looking statements to be incorrect or that could otherwise have a material adverse effect on the future operations or results of an airline operating in the global economy. Information on some factors which could result in material difference to the results is available in the company's SEC filings, including, without limitation the company's Report on Form 20-F for the year ended March 2004.
GROUP BALANCE SHEET (unaudited) |
|||||||
September 30 |
March 31 |
||||||
2004 £m |
2003 £m |
2004 £m |
|||||
Restated |
Restated |
||||||
FIXED ASSETS |
|||||||
Intangible assets |
163 |
159 |
168 |
||||
Tangible assets |
8,357 |
9,156 |
8,637 |
||||
Investments |
143 |
500 |
531 |
||||
8,663 |
9,815 |
9,336 |
|||||
CURRENT ASSETS |
|||||||
Stocks |
77 |
75 |
76 |
||||
Debtors |
1,115 |
1,126 |
1,019 |
||||
Cash, short-term loans and deposits |
1,910 |
1,786 |
1,670 |
||||
3,102 |
2,987 |
2,765 |
|||||
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE |
|||||||
WITHIN ONE YEAR |
(2,853) |
(2,954) |
(2,996) |
||||
NET CURRENT ASSETS/(LIABILITIES) |
249 |
33 |
(231) |
||||
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
8,912 |
9,848 |
9,105 |
||||
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE |
|||||||
THAN ONE YEAR |
|||||||
Borrowings and other creditors |
(4,850) |
(6,254) |
(5,374) |
||||
Convertible Capital Bonds 2005 |
(112) |
(112) |
(112) |
||||
(4,962) |
(6,366) |
(5,486) |
|||||
PROVISION FOR DEFERRED TAX |
(1,244) |
(1,077) |
(1,137) |
||||
PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGES |
(81) |
(93) |
(85) |
||||
2,625 |
2,312 |
2,397 |
|||||
CAPITAL AND RESERVES |
|||||||
Called up share capital |
271 |
271 |
271 |
||||
Reserves |
2,137 |
1,822 |
1,916 |
||||
2,408 |
2,093 |
2,187 |
|||||
MINORITY INTEREST |
|||||||
Equity minority interest |
11 |
10 |
10 |
||||
Non equity minority interest |
206 |
209 |
200 |
||||
217 |
219 |
210 |
|||||
2,625 |
2,312 |
2,397 |
|||||
STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES (unaudited) |
|||||||
Six months ended |
Year Ended |
||||||
September 30 |
March 31 |
||||||
2004 £m |
2003 £m |
2004 £m |
|||||
Profit for the period |
193 |
35 |
130 |
||||
Other recognised gains and losses |
|||||||
relating to the period: |
|||||||
Exchange and other movements |
(31) |
19 |
16 |
||||
Total recognised gains and losses |
162 |
54 |
146 |
||||
These summary financial statements were approved by the Directors on November 5, 2004.
GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT (unaudited) |
|||||||
Six months ended |
Year Ended |
||||||
September 30 |
March 31 |
||||||
2004 £m |
2003 £m |
2004 £m |
|||||
CASH INFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
598 |
520 |
1,093 |
||||
DIVIDENDS RECEIVED FROM ASSOCIATES |
20 |
12 |
25 |
||||
RETURNS ON INVESTMENTS AND SERVICING OF FINANCE |
(122) |
(121) |
(209) |
||||
TAX |
1 |
(2) |
(4) |
||||
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND FINANCIAL INVESTMENT |
(48) |
4 |
42 |
||||
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS |
419 |
(46) |
(73) |
||||
Cash inflow before management of liquid |
868 |
367 |
874 |
||||
resources and financing |
|||||||
MANAGEMENT OF LIQUID RESOURCES |
(203) |
(153) |
(198) |
||||
FINANCING |
(614) |
(237) |
(834) |
||||
Increase/(decrease) in cash in the period |
51 |
(23) |
(158) |
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS |
|||||||
For the period ended September 30, 2004 |
|||||||
1 ACCOUNTING CONVENTION
The accounts have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the Report and Accounts for the year ended March 31, 2004 in accordance with all applicable United Kingdom accounting standards and the Companies Act 1985.
Effective from April 1, 2004 the group applied the provisions of UITF Abstract 38 - 'Accounting for ESOP Trusts' and, as a result, the group's investment in own shares held for the purpose of employee share ownership plans has been reclassified from fixed asset investments and is now recorded as a reduction in shareholders' equity. Comparative periods have been restated to reflect the adoption of UITF 38.
Six months ended |
Year Ended |
||||||
September 30 |
March 31 |
||||||
2004 £m |
2003 £m |
2004 £m |
|||||
2 RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT TO CASH INFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
|||||||
Group operating profit |
390 |
235 |
405 |
||||
Depreciation and amortisation |
333 |
337 |
679 |
||||
Other items not involving the movement of cash |
11 |
||||||
Increase in stocks and debtors |
(109) |
(129) |
(23) |
||||
(Decrease) / increase in creditors |
(13) |
92 |
43 |
||||
Decrease in provisions for liabilities and charges |
(3) |
(15) |
(22) |
||||
Cash inflow from operating activities |
598 |
520 |
1,093 |
||||
3 RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO |
|||||||
MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT |
|||||||
Increase / (decrease) in cash during the period |
51 |
(23) |
(158) |
||||
Net cash outflow from decrease in debt and |
|||||||
lease financing |
614 |
237 |
834 |
||||
Cash outflow from liquid resources |
203 |
153 |
198 |
||||
Change in net debt resulting from cash flows |
868 |
367 |
874 |
||||
New finance leases taken out and hire |
|||||||
purchase arrangements made |
(7) |
(87) |
(97) |
||||
Non cash refinancing |
32 |
||||||
Exchange movements |
11 |
62 |
182 |
||||
Movement in net debt during the period |
872 |
342 |
991 |
||||
Net debt at April 1 |
(4,158) |
(5,149) |
(5,149) |
||||
Net debt at period end |
(3,286) |
(4,807) |
(4,158) |
||||
Three months ended |
Six months ended |
||||||
September 30 |
September 30 |
||||||
2004 £m |
2003 £m |
2004 £m |
2003 £m |
||||
4 OTHER INCOME AND CHARGES |
|||||||
Other |
1 |
4 |
1 |
4 |
|||
1 |
4 |
1 |
4 |
||||
Other income and charges represented by: |
|||||||
Group |
1 |
4 |
1 |
4 |
|||
1 |
4 |
1 |
4 |
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (Continued) |
|||||||
For the period ended September 30, 2004 |
|||||||
Three months ended |
Six months ended |
||||||
September 30 |
September 30 |
||||||
2004 £m |
2003 £m |
2004 £m |
2003 £m |
||||
5 (LOSS)/PROFIT ON SALE OF FIXED ASSETS AND INVESTMENTS |
|||||||
Net loss on disposal of dba |
(4) |
(83) |
|||||
Net loss on sale of investment in Qantas (note 1) |
(11) |
(11) |
|||||
Net profit on disposal of other fixed |
|||||||
assets and investments |
3 |
19 |
(3) |
26 |
|||
(8) |
15 |
(14) |
(57) |
||||
Represented by: |
|||||||
Group |
(13) |
14 |
(19) |
(58) |
|||
Associates |
5 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
|||
(8) |
15 |
(14) |
(57) |
||||
Note 1:
On September 9, 2004, the group completed the sale of its 18.25% holding in Qantas Airways Limited through a book build sale of the shares. The sale realised gross proceeds of £427 million (A$1.1 billion) before tax. The loss on disposal of £11 million includes the write-back of goodwill of £59 million previously set off against reserves.
6 INTEREST |
|||||||
Net payable: |
|||||||
Interest payable less amount capitalised |
72 |
70 |
138 |
139 |
|||
Interest receivable |
(21) |
(14) |
(39) |
(28) |
|||
51 |
56 |
99 |
111 |
||||
Retranslation (credits)/charges on currency |
|||||||
borrowings |
(4) |
58 |
(27) |
12 |
|||
47 |
114 |
72 |
123 |
||||
Net interest payable represented by: |
|||||||
Group |
42 |
111 |
67 |
120 |
|||
Associates |
5 |
3 |
5 |
3 |
|||
47 |
114 |
72 |
123 |
||||
7 TAX
The tax charge for the quarter is £93 million, which represents current tax on the sale of the Qantas shareholding of £14 million, £12 million overseas on the group's share of income from associates, £1 million other overseas tax and £66 million by way of deferred taxes in the UK. The deferred tax provision on the balance sheet at September 30, 2004, is £1,244 million (September 30, 2003: £1,077 million, March 31, 2004: £1,137 million).
8 EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 are calculated on a weighted average of 1,070,471,000 ordinary shares (September 30, 2003: 1,069,895,000) and for the six months ended September 30, 2004, on a weighted average of 1,070,323,000 ordinary shares (September 30, 2003: 1,069,891,000) as adjusted for shares held for the purposes of employee share ownership plans including the Long Term Incentive Plan. Diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 are calculated on a weighted average of 1,118,470,000 ordinary shares (September 30, 2003: 1,117,939,000) and for the six months ended September 30, 2004 on a weighted average of 1,118,338,000 ordinary shares (September 30, 2003: 1,069,891,000).
The number of shares in issue at September 30, 2004 was 1,082,903,000 (September 30, 2003: 1,082,795,000; March 31, 2004: 1,082,845,000) ordinary shares of 25 pence each.
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (Continued) |
|||||||
For the period ended September 30, 2004 |
|||||||
September 30 |
March 31 |
||||||
2004 £m |
2003 £m |
2004 £m |
|||||
Restated |
Restated |
||||||
9 INTANGIBLE ASSETS |
|||||||
Goodwill |
91 |
96 |
93 |
||||
Landing rights |
72 |
63 |
75 |
||||
163 |
159 |
168 |
|||||
10 TANGIBLE ASSETS |
|||||||
Fleet |
6,886 |
7,549 |
7,104 |
||||
Property |
1,000 |
1,191 |
1,042 |
||||
Equipment |
471 |
416 |
491 |
||||
8,357 |
9,156 |
8,637 |
|||||
11 INVESTMENTS |
|||||||
Associated undertakings |
114 |
469 |
501 |
||||
Trade investments |
29 |
31 |
30 |
||||
143 |
500 |
531 |
|||||
12 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
|||||||
Loans |
125 |
63 |
102 |
||||
Finance Leases |
118 |
126 |
119 |
||||
Hire Purchase Arrangements |
297 |
369 |
461 |
||||
540 |
558 |
682 |
|||||
Corporate tax |
24 |
18 |
6 |
||||
Other creditors and accruals |
2,289 |
2,378 |
2,308 |
||||
2,853 |
2,954 |
2,996 |
|||||
13 BORROWINGS AND OTHER CREDITORS FALLING DUE AFTER |
|||||||
MORE THAN ONE YEAR |
|||||||
Loans |
1,037 |
1,295 |
1,123 |
||||
Finance Leases |
1,892 |
2,338 |
1,978 |
||||
Hire Purchase Arrangements |
1,615 |
2,290 |
1,933 |
||||
4,544 |
5,923 |
5,034 |
|||||
Other creditors and accruals |
306 |
331 |
340 |
||||
4,850 |
6,254 |
5,374 |
|||||
14 RESERVES |
|||||||
Balance at April 1 |
1,916 |
1,756 |
1,756 |
||||
Retained profit for the period |
193 |
35 |
130 |
||||
Exchange and other adjustments |
(31) |
19 |
16 |
||||
Goodwill written back on disposals |
59 |
12 |
14 |
||||
2,137 |
1,822 |
1,916 |
|||||
15 The figures for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 are unaudited and do not constitute full accounts within the meaning of Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The figures for the year ended March 31, 2004 have been extracted from the full accounts for that year, which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and on which the auditors have issued an unqualified audit report.
INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO BRITISH AIRWAYS Plc
Introduction
We have been instructed by the Company to review the financial information for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2004, which comprises the Group Profit and Loss Account, Group Balance Sheet, Group Cash Flow Statement, Group Statement of Recognised Gains and Losses and Notes to the Accounts and we have read the other information contained in the interim report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial information.
This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4 'Review of Interim Financial Information' issued by the Auditing Practices Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.
Directors' responsibilities
The interim report, including the financial information contained therein, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by the directors. The Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority require that the accounting policies and presentation applied to the interim figures should be consistent with those applied in preparing the preceding annual accounts except where any changes, and the reasons for them, are disclosed.
Review work performed
We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4 issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review consists principally of making enquiries of Group management and applying analytical procedures to the financial information and underlying financial data and based thereon, assessing whether the accounting policies and presentation have been consistently applied unless otherwise disclosed. A review excludes audit procedures such as tests of controls and verification of assets, liabilities and transactions. It is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with United Kingdom Auditing Standards and therefore provides a lower level of assurance than an audit. Accordingly we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information.
Review conclusion
On the basis of our review we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial information as presented for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2004.
Ernst & Young LLP
London
November 5, 2004
UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (US GAAP) INFORMATION
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles accepted in the United Kingdom which differ in certain respects from those generally accepted in the United States. The significant differences are the same as those set out in the company's report on Form 20-F for the year ended March 31, 2004, filed with the SEC. The comparatives have been restated to recognise the excess of the pension accumulated benefit obligation over the fair value of the related plan assets, the implementation of FASB Interpretation No. 46 - Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46) and UITF Abstract 38. FIN 46 was implemented after the comparative quarter end and resulted in The London Eye Company Limited, in which the group is a primary beneficiary, being consolidated as a variable interest entity. In addition, certain leases which had been treated as operating leases under US GAAP were reclassified as capital leases.
Under UK GAAP the group adopted UITF Abstract 38 - 'Accounting for ESOP Trusts' effective from April 1, 2004 which resulted in the group's investment in own shares being reclassified from fixed asset investments to a deduction from shareholders' equity. Under US GAAP such shares were previously accounted for as a deduction from shareholders' equity.
The adjusted net income and shareholders' equity applying US GAAP are set out below:
Three months ended |
Six months ended |
||||||
September 30 |
September 30 |
||||||
2004 £m |
2003 £m |
2004 £m |
2003 £m |
||||
Restated |
Restated |
||||||
Profit for the period as reported in the |
|||||||
group profit and loss account |
123 |
98 |
193 |
35 |
|||
US GAAP adjustments |
62 |
45 |
32 |
120 |
|||
Net income as so adjusted to |
|||||||
accord with US GAAP |
185 |
143 |
225 |
155 |
|||
Net income per Ordinary Share as so |
|||||||
adjusted |
|||||||
Basic |
17.3p |
13.4p |
21.0p |
14.5p |
|||
Diluted |
16.7p |
13.0p |
20.5p |
14.2p |
|||
Net income per American Depositary Share |
|||||||
as so adjusted |
|||||||
Basic |
173p |
134p |
210p |
145p |
|||
Diluted |
167p |
130p |
205p |
142p |
|||
September 30 |
March 31 |
||||||
2004 £m |
2003 £m |
2004 £m |
|||||
Restated |
Restated |
||||||
Shareholders' equity as reported in |
|||||||
the group balance sheet |
2,408 |
2,093 |
2,187 |
||||
US GAAP adjustments |
(381) |
(294) |
(413) |
||||
Shareholders' equity as so adjusted to accord with |
|||||||
US GAAP |
2,027 |
1,799 |
1,774 |
||||
AIRCRAFT FLEET |
|||||||
Number in service with group companies at September 30, 2004 |
|||||||
On balance sheet |
Operating leases off balance sheet |
Changes Since |
|||||
Total |
Future |
||||||
Aircraft |
Sep 2004 |
Jun 2004 |
deliveries |
Options |
|||
AIRLINE OPERATIONS (Note 1) |
|||||||
Boeing 747-400 |
57 |
57 |
|||||
Boeing 777 |
40 |
3 |
43 |
||||
Boeing 767-300 |
21 |
21 |
|||||
Boeing 757-200 |
13 |
13 |
|||||
Airbus A319 (Note 2) |
21 |
12 |
33 |
3 |
51 |
||
Airbus A320 |
9 |
18 |
27 |
3 |
|||
Airbus A321 |
7 |
||||||
Boeing 737-300 |
5 |
5 |
|||||
Boeing 737-400 (Note 3) |
18 |
1 |
19 |
(3) |
|||
Boeing 737-500 |
10 |
10 |
|||||
Turbo Props(Note 4) |
10 |
10 |
|||||
Embraer RJ145 |
16 |
12 |
28 |
17 |
|||
Avro RJ100 |
16 |
16 |
|||||
British Aerospace 146 |
5 |
5 |
|||||
GROUP TOTAL |
200 |
87 |
287 |
(3) |
13 |
68 |
|
Notes: