EXHIBIT 2(c).1.2
SUPPLEMENTARY PROSPECTUS DATED 1 DECEMBER 2006
National Grid plc
(incorporated with limited liability in England and Wales on 11 July 2000 under registered
number 4031152)
National Grid Electricity Transmission plc
(incorporated with limited liability in England and Wales on 1 April 1989 under registered
number 2366977)
Euro 12,000,000,000
Euro Medium Term Note Programme
This Supplement (the “Supplement”) to the Prospectus dated 11 August 2006 (the “Prospectus”), which comprises a base prospectus for each of National Grid plc (“National Grid”) and National Grid Electricity Transmission plc, constitutes a supplementary prospectus in respect of the base prospectus for National Grid (the “National Grid Base Prospectus”) for the purposes of Section 87G of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the “FSMA”). This Supplement is prepared in connection with the Euro Medium Term Note Programme (the “Programme”) established by National Grid. Terms defined in the Prospectus have the same meaning when used in this Supplement.
This Supplement is supplemental to, and should be read in conjunction with, the National Grid Base Prospectus and any other supplements to the National Grid Base Prospectus issued by National Grid.
National Grid accepts responsibility for the information contained in this Supplement. To the best of the knowledge of National Grid (having taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case) the information contained in this Supplement is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.
To the extent that there is any inconsistency between (a) any statement in this Supplement and (b) any other statement in, or incorporated by reference in, the Prospectus, the statements in this Supplement will prevail.
This Supplement has been produced to disclose information on the financial results of National Grid for the six months ended 30 September 2006.
Save as disclosed in this Supplement, no significant new factor, material mistake or inaccuracy relating to information included in the Prospectus has arisen or been noted, as the case may be, in relation to National Grid since the publication of the Prospectus.
The following has been extracted from the press release issued by National Grid plc on 16 November 2006
National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
Embargoed until 7:00am 16 November 2006
National Grid plc
Results for the six months ended 30 September 2006
HIGHLIGHTS
• | | Good first half performance |
| • | | Profit before tax and earnings both up 12% |
|
| • | | Interim dividend up 7% |
• | | Well positioned for growth |
| • | | Capital investment in existing businesses up 30% |
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| • | | Acquisition of Rhode Island gas distribution assets completed |
|
| • | | Significant progress towards completion of the agreed acquisition of KeySpan |
• | | Comprehensive strategic review completed |
| • | | Focus on electricity and gas markets in the UK and US |
|
| • | | Exit from Wireless infrastructure and Basslink |
|
| • | | Share buy-back utilising $1.9bn US stranded asset cash flow |
FINANCIAL RESULTS
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Six months ended 30 September | |
(£million except where indicated) | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | % change | |
|
Business performanceNote A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating profit – actual exchange rate | | | 1,125 | | | | 1,091 | | | | 3 | |
Operating profit – constant currency basisNote B | | | 1,125 | | | | 1,088 | | | | 3 | |
Pre-tax profit | | | 872 | | | | 776 | | | | 12 | |
Earnings | | | 591 | | | | 528 | | | | 12 | |
Earnings per share | | | 21.7p | | | | 17.9p | | | | 21 | |
|
Statutory results | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating profit from continuing operations | | | 1,157 | | | | 1,044 | | | | 11 | |
Pre-tax profit from continuing operations | | | 826 | | | | 736 | | | | 12 | |
Earnings from continuing operations | | | 594 | | | | 499 | | | | 19 | |
Earnings per share from continuing operations | | | 21.8p | | | | 16.9p | | | | 29 | |
|
Dividend per share | | | 10.9p | | | | 10.2p | | | | 7 | |
|
Sir John Parker, Chairman, said:
“Over the last five years National Grid has consistently delivered good results and today’s announcement is no exception – this performance is to the credit of our employees, our
| | |
Note A: Business performance results are the primary financial performance measure used by National Grid, being the results for continuing operations before exceptional items and remeasurements. Remeasurements are non-cash movements in the carrying value of financial instruments and of certain commodity contracts that arise from changes in mark-to-market values or in exchange rates and are reflected in the income statement to the extent that hedge accounting is not achieved or is not fully effective. Further details are provided in Note 3 on page 18. A reconciliation of Business performance to Statutory results is provided in the Condensed Group Income Statement on page 11. |
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Note B: ‘Constant currency basis’ refers to the reporting of the actual results against the prior period results which, in respect of any US$ currency denominated activity, have been translated using the average US$ exchange rate for the six months ended 30 September 2006, which was $1.86 to £1.00. The average rate for the six months ended 30 September 2005 was $1.85 to £1.00. |
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National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
management and the leadership of Roger Urwin. Roger has an outstanding track record, having led National Grid through transformational change, and leaves our business in very good shape.
“National Grid is now entering the next stage of its development. We continue to invest heavily in our businesses. We have made significant progress towards completion of the KeySpan acquisition. We have reviewed and refocused our strategy. These developments reinforce our confidence in delivering continued good results and sustained growth.”
OPERATING REVIEW
Over the last six months we have delivered a good performance driven by our UK transmission and US electricity and gas distribution businesses.
We have also made significant progress in positioning National Grid for continued growth. Organic investment has increased by 30% this period to £1.1bn.
In August, we announced the completion of our $575m acquisition of the Rhode Island assets of New England Gas. This has added 245,000 natural gas customers to our business.
We have made significant progress towards completion of the agreed acquisition of KeySpan. We have achieved several important milestones: clearances from the Federal Trade Commission in respect of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US, approval from the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (the FERC) and approvals from both National Grid and KeySpan shareholders. We have also made filings with the state public utility regulatory commissions in New York and New Hampshire. The process of reviewing these filings is underway and we are on track to complete the transaction in mid 2007.
In the UK we are currently in discussion with Ofgem on regulatory price controls for our gas and electricity businesses; in particular, in September we received Ofgem’s updated proposals for the Transmission Price Control Review for the five years to March 2012. Progress has been made in some key areas since Ofgem published its initial proposals in June, but, as we have previously stated, we need to make further progress if the outcome is to be acceptable. We continue to work closely with Ofgem ahead of the publication of its final proposals in early December 2006.
OUR STRATEGY
National Grid is now entering the next stage of its development. The completion of the KeySpan acquisition will take us a further step by virtually doubling the size of our US business. To take full advantage of both the changes in the scale and profile of National Grid’s operations and the opportunities ahead, we have conducted a thorough strategic review of our business and the external environment in which we operate. We will continue to drive shareholder value with a simple and highly focused strategy. We will
| • | | Focus on the electricity and gas sector |
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| • | | Focus on our priority markets in the UK and US |
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| • | | Continue to focus on ownership and operation of large scale asset-intensive businesses |
We will drive performance and value by fully integrating our operations, deploying best practice and common processes across the organisation and strengthening our financial discipline. We will continue to focus on the provision of a safe, reliable, efficient and responsible service to our customers.
LOOKING AHEAD
Given our focus on UK and US electricity and gas markets, today we are announcing our plans to demerge our Wireless infrastructure business and to sell Basslink, our electricity interconnector in Australia.
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National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
DIVIDEND AND SHARE BUY-BACK
The Board has approved an interim dividend of 10.9p per ordinary share ($1.0279 per American Depository share (ADS)), representing a 7% increase in sterling in the half-year dividend. The interim dividend is to be paid on 24 January 2007 to shareholders on the register as at 1 December 2006.
Under our US rate plans, cash flows from stranded assets are scheduled to end in 2011 and so do not form part of our dividend policy. We are today announcing a share buy-back programme that will return this cash – currently estimated to be around $1.9bn – to shareholders as it arises.
FINANCIAL RESULTS PRESENTATION
Unless otherwise stated, all financial commentaries are given on a business performance basis. Business performance represents the results for continuing operations before exceptional items and certain non-cash mark-to-market remeasurements of commodity contracts and financial instruments that are held for economic hedging purposes but did not achieve hedge accounting. Commentary provided in respect of results after exceptional items and certain non-cash mark-to-market remeasurements is described as ‘statutory’.
REVIEW OF RESULTS
Revenue from continuing activities for the period was £4.2bn, up £0.3bn.
Operating profit was higher than the prior period at £1,125m, up £37m on a constant currency basis. This was primarily driven by strong results in our UK transmission and US electricity and gas distribution segments, which were partially offset by lower operating profit in UK gas distribution and the expected decline in US stranded cost recoveries.
Net finance costs decreased 20% from £317m to £255m, mainly as a result of favourable short-term cash investments and an increased pension credit. The effective interest rate for the period was 5.5%.
Profit before tax was up 12% to £872m from £776m.
The tax charge on profit for the period was £279m, £33m higher than the prior period due to increased profit before tax. The effective tax rate for the period was 32%.
Earnings increased 12% on the prior period to £591m from £528m. Earnings per share increased 21% from 17.9p last year to 21.7p, reflecting the period-on-period impact of share consolidation following the return of £2bn to shareholders in August 2005.
Exceptional items and remeasurements for continuing operations increased earnings by £3m after tax. These comprised restructuring costs of £16m (£11m after tax), commodity remeasurement gains of £36m (£22m after tax) and a net financial instrument remeasurement impact of £66m (£8m after tax). After these items and minority interests, statutory earnings for continuing operations attributable to shareholders were £594m. Statutory basic earnings per share from continuing operations increased 29% to 21.8p, up from 16.9p in the prior period.
National Grid’s operating cash flows from continuing operations were £70m higher than the prior period, at £1,382m.
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National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
Organic investment increased by 30% to £1.1bn, primarily due to increased capital expenditure on new UK gas transmission infrastructure.
Our net debt rose to £11.7bn at 30 September 2006 compared with £10.9bn at 31 March 2006, mainly due to the increased level of capital spend and the acquisition of the Rhode Island assets of New England Gas.
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National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS
TRANSMISSION
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Six months ended 30 September | |
Operating profit (£m) | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | % change | |
|
UK electricity transmission | | | 298 | | | | 275 | | | | 8 | |
UK gas transmission | | | 77 | | | | 86 | | | | (10 | ) |
Other * | | | 52 | | | | 36 | | | | 44 | |
UK electricity and gas transmission | | | 427 | | | | 397 | | | | 8 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
US electricity transmission | | | | | | | | | | | | |
– actual exchange rate | | | 67 | | | | 68 | | | | (1 | ) |
– constant currency basis | | | 67 | | | | 68 | | | | (1 | ) |
|
| | |
* | | Other includes LNG storage and the French interconnector in both periods. |
UK electricity and gas transmission operating profit was up 8% at £427m compared with £397m in the prior period. This was primarily driven by a 9% increase in UK electricity transmission allowed revenue following the one-year price control extension, which came into effect on 1 April. In addition, market demand for French interconnector capacity remained strong, delivering increased auction income. These benefits were partially offset by an under-recovery of gas transmission owner formula income and a rise in operating costs during the period, principally driven by higher workload, including operating expenditure associated with the increased capital investment programme.
US electricity transmission operating profit was in line with the prior period at £67m.
We are currently in discussion with Ofgem on a five-year UK transmission price control to March 2012 and in September we received Ofgem’s updated proposals. Since the initial proposals in June, progress has been made in some areas, but as we have previously stated, further progress is needed if the outcome is to be acceptable. The four key issues that were outstanding when we received the updated proposals were the allowed rate of return, capital expenditure, incentives and adjustments, and operating costs. We continue to work closely with Ofgem ahead of the release of its final proposals in early December 2006.
Investment in UK transmission increased by 63% to £534m. Capital expenditure in the period included:
| • | | £144m on Milford Haven and associated projects to deliver new gas transmission entry capacity in South Wales |
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| • | | £78m on projects in support of new UK gas transmission entry capacity at Easington |
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| • | | £115m on UK electricity asset replacement |
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| • | | £94m on UK electricity demand connections and other load related infrastructure |
Other smaller projects together accounted for a further £103m of investment.
In October, we announced the preferred partners for new five-year contracts that will be a significant part of the overall projected capital investment in our electricity transmission network. Contracts have been awarded to fourteen construction firms, split into six geographic alliances. We believe that this development will improve system access planning and support the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of our investment programme.
UK GAS DISTRIBUTION
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Six months ended 30 September | |
Operating profit (£m) | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | % change | |
|
UK gas distribution | | | 71 | | | | 94 | | | | (24 | ) |
|
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National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
Operating profit from UK gas distribution was down to £71m compared with £94m in the prior period. Formula income increased as a result of price rises in October 2005, but this was more than offset by volumes being 10% lower than in the same period last year, reflecting both the impact of warmer weather and higher gas prices in the market. In addition, non-controllable costs were higher than the prior period, principally due to an increase in business rates and higher pension and shrinkage gas costs.
During the period, our gas distribution alliances have continued to deliver our mains replacement programme, with over 900km of mains laid, some 130km more than the first half of last year, resulting in total replacement expenditure of £159m. We have continued to invest in network infrastructure projects, resulting in total capital expenditure (including replacement expenditure) of £218m.
We are currently in discussion with Ofgem on a one-year extension of the UK gas distribution price control to March 2008 and in September we received its initial proposals. We view these proposals as disappointing, particularly in relation to the scale of disallowance of efficiently incurred customer driven investment and the impact of a move to a post-tax allowed return which will reduce the cash return on our asset base significantly without providing any compensating factors elsewhere. We are working closely with Ofgem and hope to make further progress towards an acceptable outcome between now and when Ofgem makes its final proposals in December. Following this one-year review we will work with Ofgem on a five-year price control for UK gas distribution.
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National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
US DISTRIBUTION
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Six months ended 30 September | |
Operating profit (£m) | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | % change | |
|
– actual exchange rate | | | | | | | | | | | | |
US electricity and gas distribution | | | 251 | | | | 170 | | | | 48 | |
US stranded cost recoveries | | | 202 | | | | 251 | | | | (20 | ) |
US distribution | | | 453 | | | | 421 | | | | 8 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
– constant currency basis | | | | | | | | | | | | |
US electricity and gas distribution | | | 251 | | | | 169 | | | | 49 | |
US stranded cost recoveries | | | 202 | | | | 249 | | | | (19 | ) |
US distribution | | | 453 | | | | 418 | | | | 8 | |
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Operating profit from US gas and electricity distribution was £251m, up 49% at constant currency. This strong result was principally driven by the recovery of costs incurred in previous periods from our New York deferral account. We will recover $150m during the current financial year, of which £37m is included in these results. The timing on recovery of certain pass-through costs, primarily commodity costs, has also led to a period-on-period benefit of £56m, due to the combination of a £31m over-recovery this period and a £25m under-recovery in the same period last year. These benefits have more than offset the impact of other factors including increased reliability and maintenance spending and lower delivery volumes primarily due to cooler summer weather and higher commodity prices.
Capital expenditure in the period increased by £25m to £131m compared with the prior period. We are also expecting higher capital expenditure for the full year, compared with the prior year, mainly due to increased investment under our reliability enhancement programme.
US stranded cost recoveries delivered £202m of operating profit. This comprised the ongoing recovery of and return on the stranded asset base amounting to £143m and £59m primarily related to the recovery of contract settlements made under certain long-term purchased power arrangements. As expected, this operating profit is lower than the prior period, which included the settlement benefit received from USGen New England Inc. following its bankruptcy filing.
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National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
WIRELESS INFRASTRUCTURE
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Six months ended 30 September | |
Operating profit (£m) | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | % change | |
|
Wireless infrastructure | | | 42 | | | | 36 | | | | 17 | |
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Operating profit from Wireless infrastructure was up 17% at £42m compared with £36m in the prior period. This performance was principally driven by additional broadcast channel revenues following sales of capacity to ITV and Channel 4 in the second half of last year. There was also continued growth in our mobile tenancies.
Investment in this segment was unchanged against the prior period, at £15m.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Six months ended 30 September | |
Operating profit (£m) | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | % change | |
|
Metering | | | 54 | | | | 52 | | | | 4 | |
Isle of Grain LNG | | | 5 | | | | 1 | | | | * | |
Property | | | 32 | | | | 31 | | | | 3 | |
Other | | | (26 | ) | | | (9 | ) | | | (189 | ) |
Other activities | | | 65 | | | | 75 | | | | (13 | ) |
|
| | |
* | | Not meaningful — Isle of Grain LNG Phase 1 became operational on 15 July 2005. |
Operating profit from our other activities was down 13% at £65m compared with £75m in the prior period.
National Grid Metering performance was slightly better than the same period last year, with growth in our competitive metering business more than offsetting a decline in regulated metering revenue.
In this period we saw full first-half contributions from Phase I of the Isle of Grain, which commenced operations in July 2005, and our Basslink interconnector which commenced operations in April 2006. Both of these investments are underpinned by long-term take or pay contracts.
Sales of land and property surplus to our operational requirements were in line with the prior period.
These favourable items were more than offset by higher net insurance charges and loss of income from connections services.
Investment in our other activities was in line with the prior period at £130m. Increased capital expenditure in both regulated and non-regulated meters was £27m ahead of the prior period. This was mainly offset by significantly lower investment in Australia following the completion of our Basslink interconnector. Investment in our Isle of Grain LNG terminal was broadly similar period-on-period at £45m.
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National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
BOARD CHANGES
In January, we announced that Roger Urwin will retire as Chief Executive Officer at the end of 2006 and that Steve Holliday will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer upon Roger’s retirement on 31 December 2006.
In October we announced three further Board changes. Mark Fairbairn, currently Chief Operating Officer of UK Gas Distribution has been appointed to the Board from 1 January 2007 and will be responsible for Gas Distribution. Linda Adamany joined the Board as a non-executive director on 1 November 2006. Linda is a Group Vice President of BP Refining and Marketing and has over 25 years experience in the energy sector. Mike Jesanis, currently Group Director responsible for US Distribution, will be leaving the Board on 31 December 2006.
STATUTORY EARNINGS AND BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Six months ended 30 September | |
(£m) | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | % change | |
|
Business performance earnings | | | 591 | | | | 528 | | | | 12 | |
Exceptional items (after tax) | | | (11 | ) | | | (45 | ) | | | 76 | |
Remeasurements (after tax) | | | 14 | | | | 16 | | | | (13 | ) |
Statutory earnings from continuing operations | | | 594 | | | | 499 | | | | 19 | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Discontinued operations profit (after tax) | | | — | | | | 29 | | | | * | |
Discontinued operations profit on disposal | | | — | | | | 2,534 | | | | * | |
Statutory earnings | | | 594 | | | | 3,062 | | | | * | |
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Exceptional items in the period comprised restructuring costs of £16m (£11m after tax). In the prior period, exceptional items comprised restructuring costs of £25m (£18m after tax) and finance charges of £35m (£27m after tax).
Remeasurements in the period comprised commodity remeasurement gains of £36m (£22m after tax) reflecting changes in the carrying value of certain commodity contract obligations, primarily index-linked swap contracts in the US, and a net financial instrument remeasurement impact of £66m (£8m after tax) reflecting movements in the carrying value of financial instruments, primarily derivatives, that arise from changes in mark-to-market values or in exchange rates and are reflected in the income statement to the extent that hedge accounting is not achieved or is not fully effective. In the prior period, remeasurements comprised commodity remeasurement gains of £22m (£13m after tax) and financial instrument remeasurement losses of £42m (£29m after tax).
After including exceptional items and remeasurements, statutory earnings from continuing operations in the period were £594m, compared with £499m for the same period last year, giving a statutory earnings per share from continuing operations of 21.8p (2005: 16.9p).
Further details of exceptional items and remeasurements are given in Note 3 on page 18. A reconciliation of business performance to statutory results is provided in the Condensed Group Income Statement on page 11, and the impact of exceptional items and remeasurements on operating profit by business segment is provided in Note 2 on page 17.
Discontinued operations in the six months ended 30 September 2005 represented the results up to and profit on disposal of the four UK gas distribution networks sold on 1 June 2005. After including these, statutory earnings for the six months ended 30 September 2005 were £3,062m and earnings per share were 103.7p. Further details of discontinued operations are given in Note 6 on page 20.
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National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
CONDENSED GROUP INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Year ended | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | 31 March | |
| | | | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
| | Notes | | | £m | | | £m | | | £m | |
Group revenue | | | 2a | | | | 4,164 | | | | 3,891 | | | | 9,193 | |
Other operating income | | | | | | | 27 | | | | 23 | | | | 80 | |
Operating costs | | | | | | | (3,034 | ) | | | (2,870 | ) | | | (6,834 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating profit | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- Before exceptional items and remeasurements | | | 2b | | | | 1,125 | | | | 1,091 | | | | 2,527 | |
- Exceptional items and remeasurements | | | 3 | | | | 32 | | | | (47 | ) | | | (88 | ) |
Total operating profit | | | 2c | | | | 1,157 | | | | 1,044 | | | | 2,439 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest income and similar income | | | 4 | | | | 570 | | | | 490 | | | | 1,038 | |
Interest expense and other finance costs | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- Before exceptional items and remeasurements | | | | | | | (825 | ) | | | (807 | ) | | | (1,644 | ) |
- Exceptional items and remeasurements | | | 3 | | | | (78 | ) | | | 7 | | | | (57 | ) |
| | | 4 | | | | (903 | ) | | | (800 | ) | | | (1,701 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share of post-tax results of joint ventures | | | | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | | | | 3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit before taxation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- Before exceptional items and remeasurements | | | | | | | 872 | | | | 776 | | | | 1,924 | |
- Exceptional items and remeasurements | | | | | | | (46 | ) | | | (40 | ) | | | (145 | ) |
| | | | | | | 826 | | | | 736 | | | | 1,779 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Taxation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- Before exceptional items and remeasurements | | | 5 | | | | (279 | ) | | | (246 | ) | | | (597 | ) |
- Exceptional items and remeasurements | | | 3 | | | | 49 | | | | 11 | | | | 35 | |
| | | | | | | (230 | ) | | | (235 | ) | | | (562 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit from continuing operations after taxation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- Before exceptional items and remeasurements | | | | | | | 593 | | | | 530 | | | | 1,327 | |
- Exceptional items and remeasurements | | | | | | | 3 | | | | (29 | ) | | | (110 | ) |
Profit for the period from continuing operations | | | | | | | 596 | | | | 501 | | | | 1,217 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit for the period from discontinued operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- Before exceptional items | | | 6 | | | | — | | | | 44 | | | | 43 | |
- Exceptional items | | | 6 | | | | — | | | | 2,519 | | | | 2,590 | |
| | | | | | | — | | | | 2,563 | | | | 2,633 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit for the period | | | | | | | 596 | | | | 3,064 | | | | 3,850 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attributable to: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- Equity shareholders | | | | | | | 594 | | | | 3,062 | | | | 3,848 | |
- Minority interests | | | | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 596 | | | | 3,064 | | | | 3,850 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earnings per share | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- Basic | | | 7a | | | | 21.8p | | | | 103.7p | | | | 135.6p | |
- Diluted | | | 7b | | | | 21.7p | | | | 103.1p | | | | 135.0p | |
Earnings per share from continuing operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- Basic | | | 7a | | | | 21.8p | | | | 16.9p | | | | 42.8p | |
- Diluted | | | 7b | | | | 21.7p | | | | 16.8p | | | | 42.6p | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends per ordinary share: paid during the period | | | 8 | | | | 15.9p | | | | 15.2p | | | | 25.4p | |
Dividends per ordinary share: approved or proposed to be paid | | | | | | | 10.9p | | | | 10.2p | | | | 26.1p | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
CONDENSED GROUP BALANCE SHEET AT 30 SEPTEMBER
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | At 31 March 2006 | |
| | Note | | | £m | | | £m | | | £m | |
Non-current assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Goodwill | | | | | | | 2,170 | | | | 2,140 | | | | 2,142 | |
Other intangible assets | | | | | | | 319 | | | | 357 | | | | 321 | |
Property, plant and equipment | | | | | | | 19,308 | | | | 18,175 | | | | 18,935 | |
Investments in joint ventures | | | | | | | 9 | | | | 18 | | | | 12 | |
Deferred tax assets | | | | | | | 56 | | | | 280 | | | | 159 | |
Other receivables | | | | | | | 51 | | | | 32 | | | | 38 | |
Investments | | | | | | | 137 | | | | 147 | | | | 148 | |
Derivative financial assets | | | | | | | 333 | | | | 405 | | | | 351 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total non-current assets | | | | | | | 22,383 | | | | 21,554 | | | | 22,106 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other intangible assets | | | | | | | 24 | | | | — | | | | 41 | |
Inventories | | | | | | | 165 | | | | 164 | | | | 108 | |
Trade and other receivables | | | | | | | 1,186 | | | | 1,252 | | | | 1,519 | |
Financial investments | | | | | | | 806 | | | | 2,158 | | | | 384 | |
Derivative financial assets | | | | | | | 301 | | | | 359 | | | | 314 | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | | | | | 2,320 | | | | 547 | | | | 1,452 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total current assets | | | | | | | 4,802 | | | | 4,480 | | | | 3,818 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets | | | | | | | 27,185 | | | | 26,034 | | | | 25,924 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bank overdrafts | | | | | | | (11 | ) | | | (23 | ) | | | (3 | ) |
Borrowings | | | | | | | (1,479 | ) | | | (3,858 | ) | | | (2,839 | ) |
Derivative financial liabilities | | | | | | | (328 | ) | | | (167 | ) | | | (92 | ) |
Trade and other payables | | | | | | | (1,709 | ) | | | (1,660 | ) | | | (2,095 | ) |
Current tax liabilities | | | | | | | (303 | ) | | | (97 | ) | | | (419 | ) |
Provisions | | | | | | | (202 | ) | | | (201 | ) | | | (235 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities | | | | | | | (4,032 | ) | | | (6,006 | ) | | | (5,683 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Borrowings | | | | | | | (13,415 | ) | | | (10,358 | ) | | | (10,287 | ) |
Derivative financial liabilities | | | | | | | (177 | ) | | | (118 | ) | | | (130 | ) |
Other non-current liabilities | | | | | | | (1,630 | ) | | | (1,833 | ) | | | (1,719 | ) |
Deferred tax liabilities | | | | | | | (2,042 | ) | | | (2,170 | ) | | | (2,161 | ) |
Pensions and other post-retirement benefit obligations | | | | | | | (2,076 | ) | | | (2,283 | ) | | | (1,915 | ) |
Provisions | | | | | | | (511 | ) | | | (551 | ) | | | (536 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total non-current liabilities | | | | | | | (19,851 | ) | | | (17,313 | ) | | | (16,748 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities | | | | | | | (23,883 | ) | | | (23,319 | ) | | | (22,431 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets employed | | | | | | | 3,302 | | | | 2,715 | | | | 3,493 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital and reserves | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Called up share capital | | | | | | | 310 | | | | 309 | | | | 310 | |
Share premium account | | | | | | | 1,324 | | | | 1,293 | | | | 1,316 | |
Retained earnings | | | | | | | 6,753 | | | | 6,085 | | | | 6,817 | |
Other reserves | | | | | | | (5,097 | ) | | | (4,984 | ) | | | (4,961 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | | | | | 3,290 | | | | 2,703 | | | | 3,482 | |
Minority interests | | | | | | | 12 | | | | 12 | | | | 11 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total equity | | | 10 | | | | 3,302 | | | | 2,715 | | | | 3,493 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net debt (net of related derivative financial instruments) included above | | | 12 | | | | 11,650 | | | | 11,055 | | | | 10,850 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
12
National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
CONDENSED GROUP STATEMENT OF RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Year ended | |
| | | | | | | | | | 31 March | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
| | £m | | | £m | | | £m | |
Exchange adjustments | | | (130 | ) | | | 100 | | | | 141 | |
Actuarial (losses)/gains | | | (350 | ) | | | (146 | ) | | | 181 | |
Net gains/(losses) taken to equity in respect of cash flow hedges | | | 3 | | | | 44 | | | | (12 | ) |
Transferred to profit or loss on cash flow hedges | | | (10 | ) | | | (10 | ) | | | (20 | ) |
Net (losses)/gains taken to equity on available-for-sale investments | | | (3 | ) | | | 5 | | | | 4 | |
Transferred to profit or loss on sale of available-for-sale investments | | | (1 | ) | | | — | | | | (1 | ) |
Tax on items taken directly to or transferred from equity | | | 118 | | | | 29 | | | | (43 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net (expense)/income recognised directly in equity | | | (373 | ) | | | 22 | | | | 250 | |
Profit for the period | | | 596 | | | | 3,064 | | | | 3,850 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total recognised income and expense for the period | | | 223 | | | | 3,086 | | | | 4,100 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attributable to: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- Equity shareholders | | | 222 | | | | 3,084 | | | | 4,097 | |
- Minority interests | | | 1 | | | | 2 | | | | 3 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | 223 | | | | 3,086 | | | | 4,100 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Effect of change in accounting policy – IAS 39 (i) | | | — | | | | (43 | ) | | | (43 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | |
i) | | The Group adopted IAS 32 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation’ and IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ prospectively with effect from 1 April 2005. |
13
National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
CONDENSED GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Year ended | |
| | | | | | | | | | 31 March | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
| | £m | | | £m | | | £m | |
Cash flows from operating activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating profit | | | 1,157 | | | | 1,044 | | | | 2,439 | |
Adjustments for: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exceptional items and remeasurements | | | (32 | ) | | | 47 | | | | 88 | |
Depreciation and amortisation | | | 460 | | | | 439 | | | | 952 | |
Share based payment charge | | | 7 | | | | 6 | | | | 15 | |
Changes in working capital | | | (56 | ) | | | (105 | ) | | | (212 | ) |
Changes in provisions | | | (20 | ) | | | (22 | ) | | | 9 | |
Changes in post-retirement benefit obligations | | | (98 | ) | | | (34 | ) | | | (42 | ) |
Cash flows relating to exceptional items | | | (36 | ) | | | (63 | ) | | | (118 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows generated from continuing operations | | | 1,382 | | | | 1,312 | | | | 3,131 | |
Cash flows relating to discontinued operations | | | — | | | | (1 | ) | | | (20 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash generated from operations | | | 1,382 | | | | 1,311 | | | | 3,111 | |
Tax paid – continuing operations | | | (198 | ) | | | (83 | ) | | | (103 | ) |
Tax paid – discontinued operations | | | — | | | | (41 | ) | | | (37 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash inflow from operating activities | | | 1,184 | | | | 1,187 | | | | 2,971 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired | | | (269 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Sale of investments in joint ventures | | | — | | | | — | | | | 8 | |
Purchases of intangible assets | | | (5 | ) | | | (6 | ) | | | (16 | ) |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment | | | (1,179 | ) | | | (804 | ) | | | (1,750 | ) |
Disposals of property, plant and equipment | | | 6 | | | | 5 | | | | 18 | |
Net movements in financial investments | | | (432 | ) | | | (1,758 | ) | | | 25 | |
Dividends received from joint ventures | | | — | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows used in continuing operations investing activities | | | (1,879 | ) | | | (2,561 | ) | | | (1,713 | ) |
Cash flows relating to discontinued operations – disposal proceeds | | | 42 | | | | 5,754 | | | | 5,750 | |
Cash flows relating to discontinued operations – other investing activities | | | — | | | | (115 | ) | | | (115 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash (used in)/from investing activities | | | (1,837 | ) | | | 3,078 | | | | 3,922 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from issue of share capital | | | 8 | | | | 17 | | | | 54 | |
Increase/(decrease) in borrowings and related derivatives | | | 2,264 | | | | (1,197 | ) | | | (2,304 | ) |
Net interest paid | | | (291 | ) | | | (368 | ) | | | (704 | ) |
Exceptional finance costs on the repayment of debt | | | — | | | | (35 | ) | | | (49 | ) |
Dividends paid to shareholders | | | (433 | ) | | | (469 | ) | | | (745 | ) |
Cash paid to shareholders under B share scheme | | | (26 | ) | | | (1,957 | ) | | | (1,957 | ) |
Purchase of treasury shares | | | — | | | | — | | | | (7 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash from/(used in) financing activities | | | 1,522 | | | | (4,009 | ) | | | (5,712 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | �� |
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | 869 | | | | 256 | | | | 1,181 | |
Exchange movements | | | (9 | ) | | | 14 | | | | 14 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at start of period (i) | | | 1,449 | | | | 254 | | | | 254 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period(i) | | | 2,309 | | | | 524 | | | | 1,449 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | |
i) | | Net of bank overdrafts. |
14
National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
NOTES TO THE INTERIM ANNOUNCEMENT
1. Basis of preparation
The financial information contained in this announcement does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2006 were prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as endorsed by the European Union and have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors’ report on those statutory accounts was unqualified and did not contain a statement under Section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985.
The financial information in respect of the six months ended 30 September 2006 included in this interim announcement has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34 ‘Interim Financial Reporting’ and is unaudited but has been reviewed by the auditors and their report is attached to this document. It has been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies applicable for the year ending 31 March 2007 as set out in the Group’s most recent Annual Report and Accounts as amended to reflect new accounting standards and interpretations applicable to this period.
The standards and interpretations which have been adopted by the Group for the year ending 31 March 2007 are as follows:
| • | | International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) 4 – Determining whether an arrangement contains a lease |
|
| • | | IFRIC 5 – Rights to Interests arising from Decommissioning, Restoration and Environmental Rehabilitation Funds |
|
| • | | Amendment to IAS 39 – Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement: The Fair Value Option |
|
| • | | Amendment to IAS 39 – Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, and IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts: Financial Guarantee Contracts |
|
| • | | Amendment to IAS 21 – The Effect of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates |
|
| • | | IFRIC 6 – Liabilities Arising from Participating in a Specific Market – Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment |
|
| • | | IFRIC 7 – Applying the Restatement Approach under IAS 29 ‘Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies’ |
The adoption of new accounting standards and interpretations did not have a material impact on the financial results or position of the Group in the six months ended 30 September 2006 or in the year ended 31 March 2006.
The following interpretations have not been adopted for the year ended 31 March 2007:
| • | | IFRIC 8 – Scope of IFRS 2 |
|
| • | | IFRIC 9 – Reassessment of Embedded Derivatives |
|
| • | | IFRIC 10 – Interim Financial Reporting and Impairment |
|
| • | | IFRIC 11 – Group and Treasury Share Transactions |
This announcement was approved by the Board of Directors on 16 November 2006.
15
National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
2. Segmental analysis
Segmental information is presented in accordance with the management responsibilities and economic characteristics, including consideration of risks and returns, of the Group’s business activities. The following table describes the main activities for each business segment:
| | |
UK electricity and gas transmission | | High-voltage electricity transmission networks, the gas National Transmission System in the UK, UK liquefied natural gas storage activities and the Scottish and French electricity interconnectors |
US electricity transmission | | High-voltage electricity transmission networks and management of electricity transmission operations for other utilities in the US |
UK gas distribution | | Four of the eight regional networks of Britain’s gas distribution system |
US electricity and gas distribution | | Electricity and gas distribution in New York and New England |
US stranded cost recoveries | | The recovery of stranded costs from US customers as permitted by regulatory agreements |
Wireless infrastructure | | Broadcast and mobile telephony infrastructure in the UK and US |
Other activities primarily relate to UK based gas metering activities, UK property services and the Group’s energy technology and systems solutions business.
Discontinued operations comprised the operations of the four gas distribution networks that the Group sold on 1 June 2005.
Certain of our businesses are affected by seasonality. Revenues from our gas distribution networks in the UK and the US and our gas transmission network in the UK are weighted towards the end of the financial year, as gas demand is typically higher during the winter months. Otherwise, seasonality does not have a significant impact on revenues. With the exception of commodity costs passed through to customers, our operating costs are generally not seasonal.
The Group assesses the performance of its businesses principally on the basis of operating profit before exceptional items and remeasurements. The Group’s primary reporting format is by business and the secondary reporting format is by geographical area.
a) Group revenue
Six months ended 30 September
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Year ended | |
| | | | | | | | | | 31 March | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
| | £m | | | £m | | | £m | |
Continuing operations – business segments | | | | | | | | | | | | |
UK electricity and gas transmission | | | 1,323 | | | | 1,154 | | | | 2,710 | |
US electricity transmission | | | 151 | | | | 152 | | | | 310 | |
UK gas distribution | | | 447 | | | | 439 | | | | 1,222 | |
US electricity and gas distribution | | | 1,770 | | | | 1,539 | | | | 3,711 | |
US stranded cost recoveries | | | 205 | | | | 244 | | | | 511 | |
Wireless infrastructure | | | 171 | | | | 155 | | | | 325 | |
Other activities | | | 303 | | | | 359 | | | | 701 | |
Sales between businesses | | | (206 | ) | | | (151 | ) | | | (297 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Group revenue | | | 4,164 | | | | 3,891 | | | | 9,193 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations – geographical segments | | | | | | | | | | | | |
UK | | | 2,116 | | | | 1,960 | | | | 4,671 | |
US | | | 2,037 | | | | 1,931 | | | | 4,522 | |
Rest of the World | | | 11 | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Group revenue | | | 4,164 | | | | 3,891 | | | | 9,193 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
16
National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
2. Segmental analysis(continued)
b) Operating profit – before exceptional items and remeasurements
Six months ended 30 September
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Year ended | |
| | | | | | | | | | 31 March | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
| | £m | | | £m | | | £m | |
Continuing operations – business segments | | | | | | | | | | | | |
UK electricity and gas transmission | | | 427 | | | | 397 | | | | 844 | |
US electricity transmission | | | 67 | | | | 68 | | | | 127 | |
UK gas distribution | | | 71 | | | | 94 | | | | 483 | |
US electricity and gas distribution | | | 251 | | | | 170 | | | | 364 | |
US stranded cost recoveries | | | 202 | | | | 251 | | | | 489 | |
Wireless infrastructure | | | 42 | | | | 36 | | | | 75 | |
Other activities | | | 65 | | | | 75 | | | | 145 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating profit before exceptional items and remeasurements | | | 1,125 | | | | 1,091 | | | | 2,527 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations – geographical segments | | | | | | | | | | | | |
UK | | | 599 | | | | 600 | | | | 1,549 | |
US | | | 521 | | | | 491 | | | | 983 | |
Rest of the World | | | 5 | | | | — | | | | (5 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating profit before exceptional items and remeasurements | | | 1,125 | | | | 1,091 | | | | 2,527 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
c) Operating profit – after exceptional items and remeasurements
Six months ended 30 September
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Year ended | |
| | | | | | | | | | 31 March | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
| | £m | | | £m | | | £m | |
Continuing operations – business segments | | | | | | | | | | | | |
UK electricity and gas transmission | | | 420 | | | | 396 | | | | 843 | |
US electricity transmission | | | 67 | | | | 68 | | | | 127 | |
UK gas distribution | | | 66 | | | | 69 | | | | 432 | |
US electricity and gas distribution | | | 248 | | | | 170 | | | | 364 | |
US stranded cost recoveries | | | 250 | | | | 229 | | | | 440 | |
Wireless infrastructure | | | 42 | | | | 35 | | | | 70 | |
Other activities | | | 64 | | | | 77 | | | | 163 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating profit after exceptional items and remeasurements | | | 1,157 | | | | 1,044 | | | | 2,439 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations – geographical segments | | | | | | | | | | | | |
UK | | | 586 | | | | 575 | | | | 1,489 | |
US | | | 566 | | | | 469 | | | | 934 | |
Rest of the World | | | 5 | | | | — | | | | 16 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating profit after exceptional items and remeasurements | | | 1,157 | | | | 1,044 | | | | 2,439 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
17
National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
3. Exceptional items and remeasurements
The Group separately discloses items of income and expenditure relating to transactions that are material, either by their nature or size, that are relevant to an understanding of the Group’s financial performance. These include non-recurring exceptional income or charges that do not relate to the underlying financial performance of the Group. Remeasurements are non-cash movements in the carrying value of financial instruments and of certain commodity contracts that arise from changes in mark-to-market values or in exchange rates, that are reflected in the income statement to the extent hedge accounting is not achieved or is not effective.
Six months ended 30 September
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Year ended | |
| | | | | | | | | | 31 March | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
| | £m | | | £m | | | £m | |
Continuing operations | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exceptional items – restructuring costs (i) | | | 16 | | | | 25 | | | | 60 | |
Exceptional items – profit on sale and reversal of impairment (ii) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (21 | ) |
Remeasurements – commodity contracts (iii) | | | (48 | ) | | | 22 | | | | 49 | |
Total exceptional items and remeasurements included within operating profit | | | (32 | ) | | | 47 | | | | 88 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exceptional finance costs (iv) | | | — | | | | 35 | | | | 49 | |
Remeasurements – commodity contracts (iii) | | | 12 | | | | — | | | | 14 | |
Remeasurements – net losses/(gains) on derivative financial instruments (v) | | | 66 | | | | (42 | ) | | | (6 | ) |
Total exceptional items and remeasurements included within net finance costs | | | 78 | | | | (7 | ) | | | 57 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total exceptional items and remeasurements before taxation | | | 46 | | | | 40 | | | | 145 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tax on restructuring costs (i) | | | (5 | ) | | | (7 | ) | | | (12 | ) |
Tax on commodity contract remeasurements (iii) | | | 14 | | | | (9 | ) | | | (25 | ) |
Tax on exceptional finance costs (iv) | | | — | | | | (8 | ) | | | (15 | ) |
Tax on derivative financial instrument remeasurements (v) | | | (58 | ) | | | 13 | | | | 17 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tax on exceptional items and remeasurements | | | (49 | ) | | | (11 | ) | | | (35 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total exceptional items after taxation | | | 11 | | | | 45 | | | | 61 | |
Total commodity contract remeasurements after taxation | | | (22 | ) | | | 13 | | | | 38 | |
Total derivative financial instrument remeasurements after taxation | | | 8 | | | | (29 | ) | | | 11 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total exceptional items and remeasurements after taxation | | | (3 | ) | | | 29 | | | | 110 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | |
i) | | Restructuring costs relate to planned cost reduction programmes in the UK and US businesses. For the six months ended 30 September 2006, restructuring costs included pension costs of £5m arising as a result of redundancies (six months ended 30 September 2005: £19m; year ended 31 March 2006: £25m). |
|
ii) | | Reversal of prior period impairment of £13m related to National Grid’s investment in Copperbelt Energy Corporation and gain on disposal of an investment in Energis Polska of £8m. |
|
iii) | | Commodity contract remeasurements represent mark-to-market movements on certain commodity contract obligations, primarily indexed-linked swap contracts, in the US. Under the Group’s existing rate plans in the US, commodity costs are fully recovered from customers, although the pattern of recovery may differ from the pattern of costs incurred. These movements are comprised of those impacting operating profit which is based on the change in the commodity contract liability and those impacting finance costs as a result of discounting. |
|
iv) | | Exceptional finance costs in 2005 represent costs incurred on the early redemption of debt following the disposal of the four gas distribution networks, together with issue costs associated with the B share scheme. |
|
v) | | Remeasurement (gains)/losses on derivative financial instruments comprise non-cash gains and losses arising on derivative financial instruments reported in the income statement, net of related exchange gains or losses on related financial instruments. These exclude gains and losses for which hedge accounting has been effective, which are recognised directly in equity or offset by adjustments to the carrying value of debt. |
18
National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
4. Finance income and costs
Six months ended 30 September
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Year ended | |
| | | | | | | | | | 31 March | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
| | £m | | | £m | | | £m | |
Expected return on pension scheme assets | | | 466 | | | | 458 | | | | 903 | |
Interest and similar income on financial assets | | | 104 | | | | 32 | | | | 135 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest income and similar income | | | 570 | | | | 490 | | | | 1,038 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest on pension scheme liabilities | | | (436 | ) | | | (451 | ) | | | (891 | ) |
Interest payable on borrowings (net of related derivatives) | | | (408 | ) | | | (383 | ) | | | (795 | ) |
Unwinding of discount on provisions | | | (11 | ) | | | (6 | ) | | | (18 | ) |
Less: interest capitalised | | | 30 | | | | 33 | | | | 60 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | (825 | ) | | | (807 | ) | | | (1,644 | ) |
Finance charges on the early redemption of debt and B share scheme | | | — | | | | (35 | ) | | | (49 | ) |
Net (losses)/gains on derivative financial instruments and commodity contracts | | | (78 | ) | | | 42 | | | | (8 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense and other finance costs | | | (903 | ) | | | (800 | ) | | | (1,701 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net finance costs | | | (333 | ) | | | (310 | ) | | | (663 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Comprising: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net finance costs excluding exceptional finance costs and remeasurements | | | (255 | ) | | | (317 | ) | | | (606 | ) |
Exceptional finance costs and remeasurements (note 3) | | | (78 | ) | | | 7 | | | | (57 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | (333 | ) | | | (310 | ) | | | (663 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
5. Taxation
Six months ended 30 September
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Year ended | |
| | | | | | | | | | 31 March | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
| | £m | | | £m | | | £m | |
Taxation – excluding exceptional items and remeasurements | | | 279 | | | | 246 | | | | 597 | |
Taxation – exceptional items and remeasurements (note 3) | | | (49 | ) | | | (11 | ) | | | (35 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Taxation | | | 230 | | | | 235 | | | | 562 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
The tax charge, excluding tax on exceptional items and remeasurements, for the six months ended 30 September 2006, is based on the estimated effective tax rate for the year ending 31 March 2007 of 32.0% (30 September 2005: 31.7%).
19
National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
6. Discontinued operations
On 1 June 2005, the Group disposed of its holding in four of the eight regional gas distribution networks. The results of these operations were previously included within the UK gas distribution segment.
Results of discontinued operations
Six months ended 30 September
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Year ended | |
| | | | | | | | | | 31 March | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
| | £m | | | £m | | | £m | |
Revenue | | | — | | | | 168 | | | | 168 | |
Operating costs | | | — | | | | (120 | ) | | | (122 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating profit before exceptional item | | | — | | | | 63 | | | | 61 | |
Exceptional item (i) | | | — | | | | (15 | ) | | | (15 | ) |
Total operating profit from discontinued operations | | | — | | | | 48 | | | | 46 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Taxation | | | — | | | | (19 | ) | | | (18 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit from discontinued operations | | | — | | | | 29 | | | | 28 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations before taxation | | | — | | | | 2,557 | | | | 2,636 | |
Taxation | | | — | | | | (23 | ) | | | (31 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations | | | — | | | | 2,534 | | | | 2,605 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total profit for the period | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- Before exceptional items | | | — | | | | 44 | | | | 43 | |
- Exceptional items including gain on disposal | | | — | | | | 2,519 | | | | 2,590 | |
Total profit for the period from discontinued operations | | | — | | | | 2,563 | | | | 2,633 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | |
i) | | The operating exceptional item in the comparative period related to a fine incurred in respect of a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act. |
20
National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
7. Earnings per share
a) Basic earnings per share
Six months ended 30 September
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Year ended | | | Year ended | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 31 March | | | 31 March | |
| | 2006 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | | | 2006 | |
| | £m | | | pence | | | £m | | | pence | | | £m | | | pence | |
Adjusted earnings per share – continuing operations | | | 591 | | | | 21.7p | | | | 528 | | | | 17.9p | | | | 1,325 | | | | 46.7p | |
Exceptional operating items | | | (16 | ) | | | (0.6)p | | | | (25 | ) | | | (0.9)p | | | | (39 | ) | | | (1.4)p | |
Exceptional finance costs | | | — | | | | — | | | | (35 | ) | | | (1.2)p | | | | (49 | ) | | | (1.7)p | |
Remeasurements | | | (30 | ) | | | (1.1)p | | | | 20 | | | | 0.7p | | | | (57 | ) | | | (2.0)p | |
Tax on exceptional items | | | 5 | | | | 0.2p | | | | 15 | | | | 0.5p | | | | 27 | | | | 0.9p | |
Tax on remeasurements | | | 44 | | | | 1.6p | | | | (4 | ) | | | (0.1)p | | | | 8 | | | | 0.3p | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earnings per share – continuing operations | | | 594 | | | | 21.8p | | | | 499 | | | | 16.9p | | | | 1,215 | | | | 42.8p | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted earnings per share – discontinued operations | | | — | | | | — | | | | 44 | | | | 1.5p | | | | 43 | | | | 1.5p | |
Gain on disposal of gas distribution networks (net of tax) | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,534 | | | | 85.8p | | | | 2,605 | | | | 91.8p | |
Other exceptional items (net of tax) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (15 | ) | | | (0.5)p | | | | (15 | ) | | | (0.5)p | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earnings per share – discontinued operations | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,563 | | | | 86.8p | | | | 2,633 | | | | 92.8p | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earnings per share | | | 594 | | | | 21.8p | | | | 3,062 | | | | 103.7p | | | | 3,848 | | | | 135.6p | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | millions | | | | | | millions | | | | | | millions |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average number of shares – basic (i) | | | | | | | 2,721 | | | | | | | | 2,953 | | | | | | | | 2,837 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
i) | | The Group completed a 43 for 49 share consolidation on 1 August 2005. |
21
National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
7. Earnings per share(continued)
b) Diluted earnings per share
Six months ended 30 September
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Year ended | | | Year ended | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 31 March | | | 31 March | |
| | 2006 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | | | 2006 | |
| | £m | | | pence | | | £m | | | pence | | | £m | | | pence | |
Adjusted diluted earnings per share – continuing operations | | | 591 | | | | 21.6p | | | | 528 | | | | 17.8p | | | | 1,325 | | | | 46.5p | |
Exceptional operating items | | | (16 | ) | | | (0.6)p | | | | (25 | ) | | | (0.9)p | | | | (39 | ) | | | (1.4)p | |
Exceptional finance costs | | | — | | | | — | | | | (35 | ) | | | (1.2)p | | | | (49 | ) | | | (1.7)p | |
Remeasurements | | | (30 | ) | | | (1.1)p | | | | 20 | | | | 0.7p | | | | (57 | ) | | | (2.0)p | |
Tax on exceptional items | | | 5 | | | | 0.2p | | | | 15 | | | | 0.5p | | | | 27 | | | | 0.9p | |
Tax on remeasurements | | | 44 | | | | 1.6p | | | | (4 | ) | | | (0.1)p | | | | 8 | | | | 0.3p | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Diluted earnings per share – continuing operations | | | 594 | | | | 21.7p | | | | 499 | | | | 16.8p | | | | 1,215 | | | | 42.6p | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted diluted earnings per share – discontinued operations | | | — | | | | — | | | | 44 | | | | 1.5p | | | | 43 | | | | 1.5p | |
Gain on disposal of gas distribution networks (net of tax) | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,534 | | | | 85.3p | | | | 2,605 | | | | 91.4p | |
Other exceptional items (net of tax) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (15 | ) | | | (0.5)p | | | | (15 | ) | | | (0.5)p | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Diluted earnings per share – discontinued operations | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,563 | | | | 86.3p | | | | 2,633 | | | | 92.4p | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Diluted earnings per share | | | 594 | | | | 21.7p | | | | 3,062 | | | | 103.1p | | | | 3,848 | | | | 135.0p | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | millions | | | | | | millions | | | | | | millions |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average number of shares – diluted | | | | | | | 2,735 | | | | | | | | 2,970 | | | | | | | | 2,851 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The difference between the basic and diluted weighted average number of shares is the effect of dilutive potential shares relating to employee share options.
8. Dividends
The following table shows the dividends paid to equity shareholders:
Six months ended 30 September
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Year ended | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 31 March | | | Year ended | |
| | 2006 | | | | | | | 2005 | | | | | | | 2006 | | | 31 March | |
| | pence | | | 2006 | | | pence | | | 2005 | | | pence | | | 2006 | |
| | per share | | | £m | | | per share | | | £m | | | per share | | | £m | |
Ordinary dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2006 | | | 15.9p | | | | 433 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Interim dividend for the year ended 31 March 2006 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 10.2p | | | | 276 | |
Final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2005 | | | — | | | | — | | | | 15.2p | | | | 469 | | | | 15.2p | | | | 469 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 15.9p | | | | 433 | | | | 15.2p | | | | 469 | | | | 25.4p | | | | 745 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Board has approved an interim dividend of 10.9p per share (total dividend distribution of £297m) to be paid in respect of the period ended 30 September 2006.
22
National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
9. Acquisitions
On 24 August 2006, the Group acquired New England Gas Company’s Rhode Island assets (‘New England Gas’) for total consideration of £269m, including acquisition costs of £3m. The goodwill arising on the acquisition was £146m. Goodwill principally relates to synergies, cost improvements, market position, the assembled workforce and the potential for future growth. Because the acquisition occurred late in the financial period, fair values and goodwill arising on the acquisition are provisional and may be subject to revision.
The acquired business is reported within the US electricity and gas distribution segment.
| | | | | | | | |
| | Book value at | | | | |
| | acquisition | | | Provisional | |
| | under IFRS | | | fair value | |
| | £m | | | £m | |
Intangibles | | | 15 | | | | 16 | |
Property, plant and equipment | | | 134 | | | | 135 | |
Inventories | | | 19 | | | | 19 | |
Trade and other receivables | | | 37 | | | | 37 | |
Trade and other payables | | | (19 | ) | | | (19 | ) |
Deferred tax | | | 9 | | | | 10 | |
Provisions | | | (9 | ) | | | (9 | ) |
Pensions and other post-retirement benefits | | | (18 | ) | | | (18 | ) |
Borrowings | | | (42 | ) | | | (48 | ) |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets acquired | | | 126 | | | | 123 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Goodwill | | | | | | | 146 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consideration | | | | | | | 269 | |
| | | | | | | |
In the Group’s consolidated income statement for the six months to 30 September 2006, £2m of operating loss before exceptional items and remeasurements, and £3m of operating loss after exceptional items and remeasurements has been included, representing the post-acquisition results of New England Gas. If New England Gas had been acquired on 1 April 2006, the results for the Group would not have been materially different.
10. Reconciliation of movements in total equity
Six months ended 30 September
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Year ended | |
| | | | | | | | | | 31 March | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
| | £m | | | £m | | | £m | |
Opening total equity | | | 3,493 | | | | 2,078 | | | | 2,078 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Changes in total equity for the period | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income recognised directly in equity | | | (373 | ) | | | 22 | | | | 250 | |
Profit for the period | | | 596 | | | | 3,064 | | | | 3,850 | |
Equity dividends | | | (433 | ) | | | (469 | ) | | | (745 | ) |
Return of capital to shareholders through B share scheme | | | — | | | | (2,009 | ) | | | (2,009 | ) |
Issue of ordinary share capital | | | 8 | | | | 4 | | | | 28 | |
Other movements in minority interests | | | (1 | ) | | | — | | | | (2 | ) |
Movement in shares held in employee share trusts | | | — | | | | 13 | | | | 19 | |
Employee share option scheme issues | | | 7 | | | | 7 | | | | 17 | |
Tax on employee share option scheme issues | | | 5 | | | | 5 | | | | 7 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Closing total equity | | | 3,302 | | | | 2,715 | | | | 3,493 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
23
National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
11. Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt
Six months ended 30 September
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Year ended | |
| | | | | | | | | | 31 March | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
| | £m | | | £m | | | £m | |
Movement in cash and cash equivalents | | | 869 | | | | 256 | | | | 1,181 | |
Increase/(decrease) in financial investments | | | 432 | | | | 1,758 | | | | (25 | ) |
(Increase)/decrease in borrowings and related derivatives (i) | | | (2,264 | ) | | | 1,197 | | | | 2,304 | |
Cash paid to shareholders under B share scheme | | | 26 | | | | 1,957 | | | | 1,957 | |
Net interest paid | | | 291 | | | | 368 | | | | 704 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Change in net debt resulting from cash flows | | | (646 | ) | | | 5,536 | | | | 6,121 | |
Changes in fair value of financial assets and liabilities and exchange movements | | | 194 | | | | (254 | ) | | | (299 | ) |
Issue of B shares | | | — | | | | (2,009 | ) | | | (2,009 | ) |
Net interest charge | | | (304 | ) | | | (351 | ) | | | (660 | ) |
Other non-cash movements | | | (44 | ) | | | 9 | | | | (17 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Movement in net debt (net of related derivative financial instruments) in the period | | | (800 | ) | | | 2,931 | | | | 3,136 | |
Net debt at start of period | | | (10,850 | ) | | | (13,986 | ) | | | (13,986 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net debt (net of related derivative financial instruments) at end of period | | | (11,650 | ) | | | (11,055 | ) | | | (10,850 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | |
i) | | Increase in borrowings and related derivatives for the six months ended 30 September 2006 comprises proceeds from loans received of £3.5 billion less payments to repay loans of £1.2 billion. |
12. Net debt
At 30 September
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 31 March | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
| | £m | | | £m | | | £m | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | 2,320 | | | | 547 | | | | 1,452 | |
Bank overdrafts | | | (11 | ) | | | (23 | ) | | | (3 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash and cash equivalents | | | 2,309 | | | | 524 | | | | 1,449 | |
Financial investments | | | 806 | | | | 2,158 | | | | 384 | |
Borrowings | | | (14,894 | ) | | | (14,216 | ) | | | (13,126 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | (11,779 | ) | | | (11,534 | ) | | | (11,293 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net debt related derivative financial assets | | | 634 | | | | 764 | | | | 665 | |
Net debt related derivative financial liabilities | | | (505 | ) | | | (285 | ) | | | (222 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net debt (net of related derivative financial instruments) | | | (11,650 | ) | | | (11,055 | ) | | | (10,850 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
24
National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
13. Commitments and contingencies
At 30 September
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 31 March | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
| | £m | | | £m | | | £m | |
Future capital expenditure contracted for but not provided | | | 1,343 | | | | 1,075 | | | | 1,343 | |
Group commitments under non-cancellable operating leases | | | 800 | | | | 889 | | | | 831 | |
Obligations to purchase energy under long-term contracts | | | 4,768 | | | | 5,677 | | | | 5,453 | |
Guarantees (i) | | | 188 | | | | 181 | | | | 149 | |
Other commitments and contingencies | | | 205 | | | | 202 | | | | 185 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | |
i) | | Details of the guarantees entered into by the Group at 30 September 2006 are as follows: |
|
a) | | performance guarantees of £21m relating to certain property obligations of Group undertakings. The bulk of these expire by December 2025; |
|
b) | | a guarantee of £50m of the obligations of a Group undertaking to make payments in respect of liabilities under a meter operating contract that runs until May 2008; |
|
c) | | a performance guarantee relating to the construction of the Victoria to Tasmania Interconnector of 24m Australian dollars (AU$24m) (£10m). This expires at the end of November 2006; |
|
d) | | a guarantee of the payment obligations of a Group undertaking in respect of a Power Connection Agreement amounting to an annual maximum of AU$7m, reducing over the term of the contract. This runs until June 2051, but the maximum potential payout is estimated at £5m; |
|
e) | | a guarantee of the payment obligations of a Group undertaking in respect of a Nitrogen Supply Agreement amounting to a maximum potential payout of £13m subject to a cap of £1m per annum. This runs until November 2019; |
|
f) | | a guarantee of the payment obligations of a Group undertaking in respect of a Power Connection Agreement amounting to a maximum potential payout of £14m subject to a cap of £7m per annum. This runs until December 2024; |
|
g) | | guarantees in respect of a former associate amounting to £14m, the bulk of which relates to its obligation to supply telecommunications services. This is open-ended; |
|
h) | | a guarantee in support of the transfer of the French Interconnector to NG Interconnectors as part of the Licence to Assign Lease. This is unlimited and open-ended but the maximum liability is estimated at £40m; |
|
i) | | guarantees in support of Group undertakings to enable them to trade on the Amsterdam Power Exchange. These amount to £6m and mainly expire by September 2007; and |
|
j) | | other guarantees amounting to £15m arising in the normal course of business and entered into on normal commercial terms. These guarantees run for varying lengths of time. |
14. Events after the balance sheet date
On 2 October 2006, the Group completed the purchase of ClearShot Communications LLC for US$133m. The key operations of ClearShot Communications are the construction and ownership of wireless telecommunications towers across several southern US states.
On 16 November 2006, the Group announced its plans to demerge the Wireless infrastructure business, and to sell Basslink, the electricity interconnector in Australia.
15. Exchange rates
The Group’s results are affected by the exchange rates used to translate the results of its US operations and US dollar transactions. The US dollar to sterling exchange rates used were:
30 September
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 31 March | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
Closing rate applied at period end | | | 1.88 | | | | 1.76 | | | | 1.74 | |
Average rate applied for the period | | | 1.86 | | | | 1.85 | | | | 1.79 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
25
National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
16. Differences between IFRS and US generally accepted accounting principles (‘US GAAP’)
Summarised financial statements on a US GAAP basis and an explanation of the differences between IFRS and US GAAP as applied in preparing the Group accounts are set out in the Annual Report and Accounts. Details of the principal differences between IFRS and US GAAP are shown below.
a) Reconciliation of net income to US GAAP
The following is a summary of the material adjustments to net income that would have been required if US GAAP had been applied instead of IFRS:
Six months ended 30 September
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Year ended | |
| | | | | | | | | | 31 March | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
| | £m | | | £m | | | £m | |
Profit for the period attributable to equity shareholders under IFRS | | | 594 | | | | 3,062 | | | | 3,848 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjustments to conform with US GAAP | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (‘PP&E’) | | | (57 | ) | | | (65 | ) | | | (127 | ) |
US regulatory accounting | | | (266 | ) | | | (145 | ) | | | (269 | ) |
Pensions and other post-retirement benefits | | | (39 | ) | | | — | | | | (56 | ) |
Financial instruments | | | 124 | | | | 2 | | | | (130 | ) |
Severance costs | | | 3 | | | | (44 | ) | | | (63 | ) |
Revenue recognition | | | 14 | | | | (1 | ) | | | (48 | ) |
Amortisation of intangibles | | | — | | | | (1 | ) | | | (2 | ) |
Interest on discounted provisions | | | (8 | ) | | | 11 | | | | (14 | ) |
Deferred taxation | | | 138 | | | | 94 | | | | 208 | |
Other | | | (1 | ) | | | (8 | ) | | | (3 | ) |
Discontinued operations – gain on disposal of business | | | — | | | | (2,196 | ) | | | (2,196 | ) |
Discontinued operations – pensions and other post-retirement benefits | | | — | | | | (127 | ) | | | (127 | ) |
Discontinued operations – deferred taxation | | | — | | | | 286 | | | | 286 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | (92 | ) | | | (2,194 | ) | | | (2,541 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income under US GAAP | | | 502 | | | | 868 | | | | 1,307 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic earnings per share – US GAAP | | | 18.5p | | | | 32.1p | | | | 48.2p | |
Diluted earnings per share – US GAAP | | | 18.4p | | | | 32.0p | | | | 48.0p | |
| | | | | | | | | |
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National Grid
2006/07 Half Year Results
16. Differences between IFRS and US generally accepted accounting principles (‘US GAAP’)(continued)
b) Reconciliation of shareholders’ equity from IFRS to US GAAP
The following is a summary of the material adjustments to shareholders’ equity that would have been required if US GAAP had been applied instead of IFRS:
At 30 September
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 31 March | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
| | £m | | | £m | | | £m | |
Total shareholders’ equity under IFRS | | | 3,290 | | | | 2,703 | | | | 3,482 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjustments to conform with US GAAP | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PP&E fair value adjustments | | | 2,105 | | | | 2,224 | | | | 2,162 | |
Goodwill | | | 2,652 | | | | 2,686 | | | | 2,689 | |
US regulatory accounting | | | 2,291 | | | | 2,809 | | | | 2,702 | |
Pensions and other post-retirement benefits | | | 1,103 | | | | 990 | | | | 886 | |
Financial instruments | | | 94 | | | | 205 | | | | 119 | |
Severance liabilities | | | 5 | | | | 21 | | | | 2 | |
Revenue recognition | | | (28 | ) | | | 5 | | | | (42 | ) |
Intangible assets | | | 28 | | | | 29 | | | | 28 | |
Provisions | | | (158 | ) | | | (127 | ) | | | (154 | ) |
Non-reversal of impairments | | | (37 | ) | | | (28 | ) | | | (39 | ) |
Deferred taxation | | | (1,955 | ) | | | (2,203 | ) | | | (2,090 | ) |
Other | | | (12 | ) | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 6,088 | | | | 6,613 | | | | 6,265 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shareholders’ equity under US GAAP | | | 9,378 | | | | 9,316 | | | | 9,747 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
c) New US accounting standards
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Financial Interpretation No. 48 ‘Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109’(FIN 48), which specifies how tax benefits for uncertain tax positions are to be recognised, measured and derecognised in financial statements. FIN 48 requires certain disclosures of uncertain tax matters, specifies how reserves for uncertain tax provisions should be classified in the balance sheet and provides transition and interim-period guidance. FIN 48 is effective for years beginning after 15 December 2006. We are currently assessing the impact that the adoption of FIN 48 will have on the Group financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158 ‘Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB statements No. 87, 106 and 132(R)’(SFAS No. 158). This standard requires recognition of a net liability or asset and an offsetting adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income to report the funded status of defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans. SFAS No. 158 requires prospective application, recognition and disclosure requirements effective for the year ending 31 March 2007. We intend to adopt SFAS No. 158 on 31 March 2007, which should have the effect of substantially reducing (but not completely eliminating) the difference in shareholders’ equity between IFRS and US GAAP. The difference in net income between IFRS and US GAAP is likely to remain substantially unchanged.
The Group has adopted SFAS No. 123(R) ‘Share-Based Payment‘. The adoption of this standard has had no material impact on the results from operations or the Group’s financial position.
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