TIDMKYGA

RNS Number : 6798U

Kerry Group PLC

31 July 2020

LEI: 635400TLVVBNXLFHWC59

News release

31 July 2020

Kerry Group - Interim Management Report 2020

Unprecedented first half due to COVID-19 impact, with business recovering well across the second quarter

Kerry Group, the global taste & nutrition and consumer foods group, reports business performance for the half year ended 30 June 2020.

 
 OVERVIEW 
 
            *    Strong response to COVID-19 pandemic aligned to key 
                 priorities of our people, customers and communities, 
                 as restrictions on movement impacted performance, 
                 particularly in the foodservice channel 
 
 
            *    Group revenue of EUR3.4 billion, reflecting a 
                 business volume reduction of 6.0% 
 
 
            *    Group trading margin of 9.3% (H1 2019: 10.7%) 
 
 
            *    Adjusted EPS of 132.1 cent (H1 2019: 164.1 cent) 
 
 
            *    Basic EPS of 120.4 cent (H1 2019: 135.5 cent) 
 
 
            *    Free cash flow of EUR107m (H1 2019: EUR195m) 
 
 
            *    I nterim dividend per share of 25.9 cent (Interim 
                 2019: 23.5 cent) 
 

Edmond Scanlon - Chief Executive Officer

"The first half of 2020 has been an unprecedented period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I am immensely proud of the tremendous efforts of our people in supporting our customers and local communities throughout this period, aligned to our purpose to Inspire Food and Nourish Life.

We had a strong start to the year, prior to restrictions on movement impacting business performance as we moved through the first quarter. As anticipated, we have seen a significant impact on our Taste & Nutrition business - particularly our foodservice channel, where the impact was most pronounced in April, with the channel recovering well since then. Performance in our retail channel improved in the second quarter, primarily through increased consumer demand for authentic cooking, plant-based offerings and health and wellness products.

In spite of the challenges arising from COVID-19, we continued to make good progress on a number of fronts aligned to our key strategic priorities. Our global operations and supply chain continue to demonstrate resilience and engagement with our customers has been overwhelmingly positive, which gives us confidence in the trajectory of business recovery. We will emerge a stronger organisation, as this period of uncertainty continues to enhance Kerry's role as our customers' most valued partner."

 
 Contact Information 
 
 
       Media 
        Catherine Keogh             VP Corporate Affairs &           +353 66 7182304          corpaffairs@kerry.com 
                                    Communications 
        Investor Relations 
        Marguerite Larkin                                            +353 66 7182292          investorrelations@kerry. 
        William Lynch               Chief Financial                  +353 66 7182292          ie 
                                    Officer                                                   investorrelations@kerry. 
        Website                     Head of Investor                                          ie 
        www.kerrygroup.com          Relations 
 

INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT

For the half year ended 30 June 2020

The Marketplace

The first half of the year has seen major changes in the daily lives of consumers across the globe, with purchasing and consumption behaviours being significantly disrupted. Food and beverage purchases were impacted by restrictions on movement and closure of foodservice operators, with online and delivery experiencing a surge in demand. During the period, a number of key consumer trends accelerated, with increased demand for health and immunity enhancement, natural authentic cooking, sustainability and plant protein, while many consumers reverted to centre-of-store offerings.

These changes meant customers have had to rapidly adapt to this new dynamic operating environment, where interpreting demand has become much more challenging and the strength of supply chains has been tested. Customers' primary focus was on ensuring the continuity of supply but has since moved to evaluating their product portfolios and new product development strategies aligned to these rapidly changing consumer demands. This has resulted in significant business development opportunities, as customers seek partners with full support models to move at pace and navigate this changing market environment.

COVID-19

Our teams continue to ensure the safety of all employees and to support customers as they supply food and beverage products across the globe. Throughout this turbulent time, our actions have been focussed on three main priorities:

-- Our People: protecting the health and wellbeing of employees has been prioritised at all times. Measures taken have included remote working where possible, segregation and zoning, use of appropriate personal protective equipment and increased sanitisation and screening measures

-- Our Customers: ensuring continuity of supply to our customers around the globe despite challenges presented by the pandemic, sharing COVID-19 quality control and health & safety playbooks, while supporting customers with insights to adapt their offerings to address changing consumer demands

-- Our Communities: donating food, personal protective equipment and sanitiser to front-line staff, producing hand sanitiser in our facilities when global supply was impacted, and through the MyCommunity Initiative, pledging 26,000 volunteer days and a EUR1 million fund to support local community initiatives

The restrictions on mobility in the period significantly impacted demand in the foodservice channel, while the retail channel experienced increased demand in places. We have worked on a number of actions to reduce the short-term cost impact of lower volumes and higher oncosts, including the suspension of all non-essential and discretionary expenditure and targeted cost management initiatives in impacted business areas.

Group Performance

The Group reported revenue of EUR3.4 billion decreased by 4.3% versus the same period last year, reflecting a volume reduction of 6.0%, increased pricing of 0.4%, contribution from acquisitions of 1.2%, and a favourable translation currency impact of 0.1%.

The Group reported trading profit of EUR316 million (H1 2019: EUR383 million), with trading profit margin decreasing by 140bps to 9.3%, primarily due to the significant operating deleverage impact resulting from the sharp decline in foodservice orders once lockdown measures were introduced globally, with additional COVID-related costs being partially offset by cost mitigation actions.

Constant currency adjusted earnings per share decreased by 19.8% to 132.1 cent (H1 2019 currency adjusted: 164.7 cent). Basic earnings per share decreased by 11.1% to 120.4 cent (H1 2019: 135.5 cent).

In line with our dividend strategy, the interim dividend of 25.9 cent per share (H1 2019: 23.5 cent) reflects an increase from the prior year interim dividend. The Group achieved free cash flow of EUR107m in the period (H1 2019: EUR195m).

Business Reviews

Taste & Nutrition

 
                         H1 2020        Performance 
-------------------  -------------  -------------------------- 
    Revenue              EUR2,799m      -5.6% (1) 
    Trading margin       11.6%          -170bps 
-------------------  -------------  -------------------------- 
                                        (1) volume performance 
 

-- Overall volume reduction in H1 driven by Q2 decline of 11.8% reflecting the impact of COVID-19

   --        Q2 retail channel growing by 4.8%, with foodservice channel declining 49% 

-- Strong volume growth in the second quarter within the retail channel across Food (particularly Snacks and Dairy), Beverage and Pharma EUMs

-- Trading margin decrease principally driven by operating deleverage, with some additional COVID-related costs partially offset by cost mitigation actions

Taste & Nutrition began the year strongly before the global spread of COVID-19. While performance in Q2 was impacted most in April, business volumes have been recovering well since then. Kerry's nutrition and wellness technology portfolio had a very good performance within the retail channel through customised solutions incorporating Kerry's broad protein portfolio, fermented ingredients, probiotics and immunity enhancing technologies.

Business volumes in the foodservice channel declined 27% in the first half of the year, with many out-of-home food and beverage outlets closed for an extended period of time. The impact from these closures was a major contributor to overall performance in developing markets, where business volumes declined by 3.8%.

The Group completed the acquisition of Tecnispice, S.A. in the period - a leading savoury taste business based in Guatemala. The Group also announced the strategic development of its Georgia, US facility, creating a world-leading manufacturing facility to meet increasing demand for integrated solutions across a variety of protein applications.

Americas Region

   --        -3.9% business volumes as the foodservice channel was considerably impacted in Q2 
   --        North America recovering well, aligned to lifting of restrictions 
   --        Good performance in Beverage, Meals and Snacks within the retail channel 

Revenue in the region was EUR1,547m, reflecting a reported decrease of 0.6%, with lower business volumes partially offset by marginally positive pricing, positive foreign currency translation and contribution from acquisitions.

The foodservice channel in North America was impacted considerably in April, but performance has seen a significant improvement since then, benefitting from a more established infrastructure to cater for drive-through, curbside pickup and delivery options.

The North American retail channel achieved excellent growth in Beverage, particularly in nutritional and plant-based beverages with a number of innovations incorporating Kerry's immunity enhancing technologies, broad protein portfolio and natural extracts. Meals delivered very strong growth through authentic culinary solutions, with demand for natural stocks and broths increasing, as consumers turned to more home cooking once lockdown measures were introduced. Overall Meat category performance was impacted by customer product availability on retail shelves. Snacks performed very well with an increase in demand for healthy and clean label solutions, while Cereals and other centre-of-store categories experienced a rejuvenation in the period.

In LATAM, the foodservice channel in Brazil was significantly impacted, along with some impulse driven categories within the retail channel including ice-cream and confectionery, while Beverage experienced good growth. Performance in Mexico was better, due to good growth across a number of key end use markets.

The global Pharma EUM delivered very strong growth, led by excipients and immunity enhancing technologies.

Europe Region

   --        -8.8% business volumes as foodservice channel significantly impacted in Q2 
   --        Good performance in Beverage, Meat and Snacks within the retail channel 
   --        Russia and Eastern Europe delivered very good growth in the retail channel 

Revenue in the region was EUR657m, reflecting a reported decrease of 8.4%, with lower business volumes partially offset by contribution from acquisitions.

The foodservice channel in the region was significantly impacted in the first half of the year, as most operators were temporarily closed for an extended period of time, with the UK, Italy and Spain most affected. As restrictions began to lift in a phased manner towards the end of the period, the pace of recovery varied from country to country depending on local conditions.

The retail channel performed well, with Beverage achieving good growth through a number of launches in low/non-alcoholic and refreshing beverage categories incorporating Kerry's botanicals, natural extracts and sugar-reduction technologies. Meat performed well, driven by strong growth and business development in plant-based alternatives, while Snacks had good growth in savoury applications with a number of large customers. Dairy delivered a solid performance in the period, while international dairy markets were impacted by global supply/demand dynamics. Meals performance was softer due to reduced impulse purchases, however cleaner label and 'better for you' innovations performed well.

APMEA Region

-- -5.9% business volumes as restrictions on movements impacted performance beyond China from March

   --        Strong growth in Meat, Dairy and Snacks within the retail channel 
   --        Progressing strategic expansion and business development across the region 

Revenue in the region was EUR566m, reflecting a reported decrease of 6.9%, with lower business volumes, adverse impact from currency transaction and translation, partially offset by marginally positive pricing and the contribution from acquisitions.

Performance in the period was most impacted in China, Sub-Saharan Africa and India, while performance in South East Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand was more robust.

After the initial lockdown period, foodservice in China continued to recover across the second quarter. Foodservice performance outside of China varied by country depending on the level of restrictions in place, with India being most impacted.

Retail performance in the region was led by Meat, Dairy and Snacks through a number of launches with regional leaders, while Beverage and Meals were more challenged, as consumers opted for more traditional food and beverage offerings in many geographies across the region.

The Group continued to make good progress in expanding its capacity and deploying technology capabilities in China and the Middle East, while also moving into our new Technology & Innovation Centre in Shanghai.

Consumer Foods

 
                        H1 2020      Performance 
------------------  -----------  ---------------------------------------------------- 
    Revenue             EUR647m      -7.8% (-0.7%) (1) 
    Trading margin      7.0%         0bps 
------------------  -----------  ---------------------------------------------------- 
                                     (1) volume performance (excluding contract exit) 
 
   --        Overall volume performance impacted by ready meals contract exit in the prior year 
   --        Positive impact from COVID-19 in Q1 was more than offset in Q2 
   --        Pricing of 1.7% reflective of increases in input costs and market pricing 
   --        Trading margin maintained as efficiencies offset COVID-19 impacts and pricing 

The market was highly volatile across the period due to COVID-19, with major swings in category performance resulting from overnight changes in consumers' purchasing and consumption behaviours. Shopping habits became more functional with centre-of-store aisles benefitting most. Retailers scaled back many category product listings and their freshly prepared over-the-counter operations. The large traditional retailers benefitted versus the discounters, with increased average basket sizes and reduced promotional activity, while demand for online and delivery has increased dramatically.

Revenue in the division was EUR647m, reflecting a reported decrease of 6.2%, as lower business volumes primarily due to the impact of the previously reported ready meals contract exit and transaction currency were partially offset by increased net pricing.

The Richmond sausage range delivered a strong performance, while the recently launched meat-free ranges under both Richmond and Naked Glory brands performed very well in the period. The Denny brand in Ireland performed well, while meat sales were impacted by deli counter operations being reduced by retailers. Spreadable butter and the Dairygold range benefitted from an uplift in consumer demand during the period.

The chilled meals category was impacted by reduced consumer impulse purchases, while frozen meals had a good performance across the range.

The 'Food to go' range experienced variability in sales performance across the period. Fridge Raiders delivered good growth in the first quarter but was challenged across the second quarter. The Strings & Things range, led by Cheestrings delivered overall good growth, while the Oakhouse Foods range of home delivery meals delivered exceptionally strong growth across the second quarter.

Financial Review

As anticipated, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted business performance in the period, with restrictions on movement impacting performance particularly in the foodservice channel.

 
                                                     H1 2020   H1 2019 
 Analysis of Results                      % Change     EUR'm     EUR'm 
--------------------------------------   ---------  --------  -------- 
 
 Revenue                                   -4.3%     3,414.0   3,568.9 
                                                    --------  -------- 
 
 Trading profit                            -17.5%      315.9     382.9 
 Trading margin                                         9.3%     10.7% 
 Computer software amortisation                       (13.1)    (12.9) 
 Finance costs (net)                                  (37.3)    (38.9) 
                                                    --------  -------- 
 Adjusted earnings before taxation                     265.5     331.1 
 Income taxes (excluding non-trading 
  items)                                              (31.8)    (41.1) 
                                                    --------  -------- 
 Adjusted earnings after taxation                      233.7     290.0 
 Brand related intangible asset 
  amortisation                                        (20.6)    (16.4) 
 Non-trading items (net of related 
  tax)                                                     -    (34.2) 
                                                    --------  -------- 
 Profit after taxation                                 213.1     239.4 
                                                    --------  -------- 
 
                                                         EPS       EPS 
                                                        Cent      Cent 
 Basic EPS                                 -11.1%      120.4     135.5 
 Brand related intangible asset 
  amortisation                                          11.7       9.3 
 Non-trading items (net of related 
  tax)                                                     -      19.3 
                                                    --------  -------- 
 Adjusted* EPS                             -19.5%      132.1     164.1 
 Impact of retranslating prior period 
  adjusted EPS at current period 
  average exchange rates                                   -       0.6 
                                                    --------  -------- 
 Adjusted* EPS in constant currency        -19.8%      132.1     164.7 
                                                    --------  -------- 
 
 

* Before brand related intangible asset amortisation and non-trading items (net of related tax)

Analysis of Results

Revenue

On a reported basis, Group revenue decreased by 4.3% to EUR3.4 billion (H1 2019: EUR3.6 billion), including a volume decrease of 6.0%, positive pricing of 0.4%, a positive translation currency impact of 0.1% and contribution from business acquisitions of 1.2%.

H1 2019: Group reported revenue +10.7%, volume +3.3%, neutral pricing, translation currency +2.7%, acquisitions +4.7%.

In Taste & Nutrition, reported revenue decreased by 4.0% to EUR2.8 billion (H1 2019: EUR2.9 billion), including a volume decrease of 5.6% , positive pricing of 0.1% , a positive translation currency impact of 0.1% and contribution from business acquisitions of 1.4% .

H1 2019: Taste & Nutrition reported revenue +13.0%, volume +3.8%, neutral pricing, translation currency +3.3%, acquisitions +5.9%.

In Consumer Foods, reported revenue decreased by 6.2% to EUR647m (H1 2019: EUR689m), including a volume decrease of 7.8%, positive pricing of 1.7% and an adverse transaction currency impact of 0.1%. Excluding the impact of the ready meals contract exit, divisional volumes would have decreased by 0.7%.

H1 2019: Consumer Foods reported revenue +0.6%, volume +0.6%, pricing (0.3%), translation currency +0.3%.

Trading Profit & Margin

Group trading profit decreased by 17.5% to EUR315.9m (H1 2019: EUR382.9m).

Group trading profit margin decreased by 140 basis points to 9.3%, reflecting significant operating deleverage and COVID-related costs partially offset by cost mitigation actions, negative net pricing and a benefit from net operational efficiencies.

Trading profit margin in Taste & Nutrition decreased by 170 basis points to 11.6%, reflecting significant operating deleverage and COVID-related costs partially offset by cost mitigation actions, and a benefit from net operational efficiencies.

Trading profit margin in Consumer Foods was maintained at 7.0%, as efficiencies delivered from the 2019 Realignment Programme were offset by net operating deleverage/portfolio mix, net COVID-related costs partially offset by cost mitigation actions, and negative net pricing in a challenging market.

Finance Costs (net)

Finance costs (net) for the period decreased to EUR37.3m (H1 2019: EUR38.9m) as cash generation and lower interest rates were partially offset by acquisition activity.

Taxation

The tax charge for the period before non-trading items was EUR31.8m (H1 2019: EUR41.1m) which represents an effective tax rate of 13.0% (H1 2019: 13.0%).

Acquisitions

During the period, the Group completed the acquisition of Tecnispice, Sociedad Anónima at a cost of EUR52.2m .

Adjusted EPS

Adjusted EPS in constant currency decreased by 19.8% in the period due to the impact from COVID-19 on business performance (H1 2019: +8.4%). Adjusted EPS in reporting currency decreased by 19.5% to 132.1 cent (H1 2019: 164.1 cent).

Basic EPS

Basic EPS decreased by 11.1% to 120.4 cent in the period (H1 2019: 135.5 cent).

Free Cash Flow

The Group achieved free cash flow of EUR107.0m (H1 2019: EUR194.8m), reflecting the impact of COVID-19 on trading profit and increased investment in working capital as we supported our customers through this period.

 
                                                     H1 2020   H1 2019 
 Free Cash Flow                                        EUR'm     EUR'm 
-------------------------------------------------   --------  -------- 
 Trading profit                                        315.9     382.9 
 Depreciation (net)                                    101.2      94.0 
 Movement in average working capital                 (116.4)    (77.3) 
 Pension contributions paid less pension expense       (3.8)    (11.2) 
                                                    --------  -------- 
 Cash flow from operations                             296.9     388.4 
 Finance costs paid (net)                             (25.1)    (30.4) 
 Income taxes paid                                    (35.7)    (28.7) 
 Purchase of non-current assets                      (129.1)   (134.5) 
                                                    --------  -------- 
 Free cash flow                                        107.0     194.8 
                                                    --------  -------- 
 Cash conversion(1)                                      46%       67% 
 
 

(1) Cash conversion is free cash flow expressed as a percentage of adjusted earnings after tax

Balance Sheet

A summary balance sheet as at 30 June 2020 is provided below:

 
                                    H1 2020    H1 2019    FY 2019 
                                      EUR'm      EUR'm      EUR'm 
-------------------------------   ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Property, plant and equipment      2,017.2    1,928.8    2,062.9 
 Intangible assets                  4,564.1    4,380.0    4,589.7 
 Other non-current assets             202.2      171.1      179.5 
 Current assets                     2,991.7    2,453.5    2,672.2 
                                  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Total assets                       9,775.2    8,933.4    9,504.3 
                                  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Current liabilities                1,812.5    2,018.9    2,014.0 
 Non-current liabilities            3,454.2    2,728.0    2,928.1 
                                  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Total liabilities                  5,266.7    4,746.9    4,942.1 
                                  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Net assets                         4,508.5    4,186.5    4,562.2 
                                  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Shareholders' equity               4,508.5    4,186.5    4,562.2 
                                  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment decreased by EUR45.7m to EUR2,017.2m (Dec 2019: EUR2,062.9m, H1 2019: EUR1,928.8m) due to the depreciation charge and the impact of foreign exchange translation partially offset by additions made in the period.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets decreased by EUR25.6m to EUR4,564.1m (Dec 2019: EUR4,589.7m, H1 2019: EUR4,380.0m) due to the amortisation charge and the impact of foreign exchange translation partially offset by the acquisition made in the period.

Current Assets

Current assets increased by EUR319.5m to EUR2,991.7m (Dec 2019: EUR2,672.2m, H1 2019: EUR2,453.5m), mainly due to increases in cash, inventory and trade and other receivables.

Retirement Benefits

At the balance sheet date, the net deficit for all defined benefit schemes (after deferred tax) was EUR78.8m (Dec 2019: EUR8.6m, H1 2019: EUR64.4m). The increase in the net deficit from year end was driven primarily by a reduction in scheme assets valuation arising from market reaction to COVID-19 and adverse movements in discount rates.

Net Debt

At 30 June 2020, net debt was EUR1,996.4m. This increase of EUR133.6m relative to the December 2019 net debt of EUR1,862.8m reflected acquisition investment and dividends, partially offset by cash generated in the period. The Group completed a EUR200m tap issuance onto its 2025 notes, a drawdown of EUR250m under the revolving credit facility and exercised the first of the two 'plus one' extension options on the revolving credit facility to further enhance the maturity date of this facility to June 2025.

Return on Average Capital Employed (ROACE)

The Group achieved ROACE of 10.5% (H1 2019: 11.9%) reflecting reduced profits as a result of the impact on business performance from COVID-19.

Financial Ratios

The Group's balance sheet is in a healthy position. With a Net debt to EBITDA* ratio of 2.0 times, the organisation has sufficient headroom to support future growth plans. Other than EUR178.5m of US$ Private Placements, the Group's debt is not subject to financial covenants. Treasury monitors compliance with financial covenants and at 30 June the covenants were as follows:

 
                                         H1 2020   H1 2019   FY 2019 
                            Covenant       Times     Times     Times 
                         -------------  --------  -------- 
 Net debt: EBITDA*        Maximum 3.5        2.0       1.9       1.8 
 EBITDA: Net interest*    Minimum 4.0       12.8      14.4      13.2 
-----------------------  -------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

*Calculated on a pro-forma basis

Related Party Transactions

There were no changes in related party transactions from the 2019 Annual Report that could have a material effect on the financial position or performance of the Group in the first half of the year.

Exchange Rates

Group results are impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates year-on-year versus the euro. The average rates below are the principal rates used for the translation of results. The closing rates below are used to translate assets and liabilities at period end.

 
                                          Average Rates                   Closing Rates 
                                 H1 2020         H1 2019         H1 2020         H1 2019 
========================  ==============  ==============  ==============  ============== 
 Australian Dollar                  1.68            1.60            1.63            1.63 
------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Brazilian Real                     5.15            4.38            5.92            4.37 
------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 British Pound Sterling             0.87            0.87            0.90            0.89 
------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Chinese Yuan Renminbi              7.74            7.66            7.93            7.83 
------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Malaysian Ringgit                  4.65            4.65            4.80            4.72 
------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Mexican Peso                      23.49           21.68           25.40           21.76 
------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 South African Rand                17.98           16.16           19.58           16.09 
------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 US Dollar                          1.10            1.13            1.12            1.14 
------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

Details of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group can be found in the 2019 Annual Report on pages 76 to 87. The Group actively manages all risks through its control and risk management process and these risks include but are not limited to; portfolio management, Brexit, geopolitical/developing markets, business acquisition and divestiture, talent management, quality, food safety & regulatory, health & safety, margin management, Kerryconnect, information security & cybercrime, intellectual property management, taxation and treasury.

Within our geopolitical/developing markets strategic risk, outlined on pages 78 and 79 of the 2019 Annual Report, global pandemic outbreaks are identified as an area of potential impact. The risks associated with a pandemic include the health and wellbeing of our employees, disruption to our customers and supply chain and, depending on scale, the potential impact on liquidity. A key focus of the Group over the first half of the year has been managing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which has had significant consequences across the globe. Given the Group's position as a leader in the food industry, it has played a role in providing a safe and continuous food supply for people around the world and this crisis has heightened the interdependencies between a number of the Group's principal risks.

The Group's global crisis management team has led the Group's response and focussed on:

Our People - protecting the health and wellbeing of employees has been prioritised at all times and the Group has taken all necessary steps and precautions as advised by global and local authorities. These measures have included remote working where possible, segregation and zoning, use of appropriate personal protective equipment and increased sanitisation and screening measures

Our Customers and Supply Chain - ensuring continuity of supply as well as supporting customers on numerous fronts as they navigate the short-term disruption caused by the crisis

Our Community - the Group has ensured that it has fulfilled its responsibilities in relation to supporting the communities in which it operates through its MyCommunity Initiative which has pledged 26,000 volunteer days and a EUR1 million fund to support local community initiatives

The Group also further strengthened its liquidity position through this period - by completing a EUR200m tap issuance onto our 2025 notes, a drawdown of EUR250m under the revolving credit facility and also exercising the first of the two 'plus one' extension options on our revolving credit facility to further enhance the maturity date of this facility to June 2025.

In addition to managing the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 crisis in the second half of the year and beyond, the Group will continue to monitor the impact of ongoing Brexit trade negotiations as outlined previously. The Group has considered a number of different scenarios and appropriate mitigation plans have been developed.

Dividend

In line with our dividend strategy, the Board has declared an interim dividend of 25.9 cent per share, compared to the prior year interim dividend of 23.5 cent, payable on 13 November 2020 to shareholders registered on the record date 16 October 2020.

Future Prospects

Due to the continued uncertainty in relation to the extent and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are not providing full year earnings guidance at this time.

Our Taste & Nutrition business is focussed on managing through the short-term challenges to emerge an even stronger customer partner. The foodservice channel continues to recover well, and we are focusing on particular growth areas in the channel, while continuing to partner with customers on new menu developments. The retail channel continues to deliver good growth due to Kerry's co-creation model and leading solutions offering. We have a good innovation pipeline with strong customer engagement to meet the demands of the post-COVID consumer. Based on the current prevailing environment, we see continued good recovery and momentum in Taste & Nutrition and are currently estimating modestly lower volumes in the third quarter versus the prior year.

Our Consumer Foods business continues to see short-term changes in consumer purchasing behaviour with some variability across categories. The business continues to selectively focus on growth opportunities.

We will continue to invest for growth and pursue M&A opportunities aligned to strategic growth priorities. Kerry's unique business model, broad taste and nutrition portfolio and industry-leading integrated solutions capabilities are more critical than ever, as we support our customers through this changing environment.

Responsibility Statement

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Half Yearly Financial Report in accordance with the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 of Ireland (S.I. No. 277 of 2007) ('the Regulations'), the Transparency Rules of the Central Bank of Ireland and with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union.

The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

-- the Group Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements for the half year ended 30 June 2020 have been prepared in accordance with the international accounting standard applicable to interim financial reporting adopted pursuant to the procedure provided for under Article 6 of the Regulation (EC) No. 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 July 2002;

-- the Interim Management Report includes a fair review of the important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year, and their impact on the Group Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements for the half year ended 30 June 2020, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months; and

-- the Interim Management Report includes a fair review of the related party transactions that have occurred during the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or the performance of the Group during that period, and any changes in the related parties' transactions described in the last Annual Report that could have a material effect on the financial position or performance of the Group in the first six months of the current financial year.

On behalf of the Board

 
 Edmond Scanlon                 Marguerite Larkin 
  Chief Executive Officer        Chief Financial Officer 
 

30 July 2020

Disclaimer: Forward Looking Statements

This Announcement contains forward looking statements which reflect management expectations based on currently available data. However actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward looking statements. These forward looking statements speak only as of the date they were made and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

RESULTS FOR THE HALF YEARED 30 JUNE 2020

 
 Kerry Group plc 
 
 Condensed Consolidated Income Statement 
 for the half year ended 30 June 2020 
 
                                                                  Half year        Half year             Year 
                                                                      ended            ended            ended 
                                                               30 June 2020     30 June 2019     31 Dec. 2019 
                                                                  Unaudited        Unaudited          Audited 
                                                     Notes            EUR'm            EUR'm            EUR'm 
 Continuing operations 
 Revenue                                              2             3,414.0          3,568.9          7,241.3 
                                                                  _________        _________        _________ 
 
 Trading profit                                       2               315.9            382.9            902.7 
 
 Intangible asset amortisation                                       (33.7)           (29.3)           (64.3) 
 Non-trading items                                                        -           (42.3)          (110.9) 
                                                                  _________        _________        _________ 
 
 Operating profit                                                     282.2            311.3            727.5 
 Finance income                                       3                 0.1              0.2              0.3 
 Finance costs                                        3              (37.4)           (39.1)           (81.9) 
                                                                  _________        _________        _________ 
 
 Profit before taxation                                               244.9            272.4            645.9 
 Income taxes                                                        (31.8)           (33.0)           (79.4) 
                                                                  _________        _________        _________ 
 Profit after taxation attributable to owners 
  of the parent                                                       213.1            239.4            566.5 
                                                                  _________        _________        _________ 
 
 Earnings per A ordinary 
  share                                                                Cent             Cent             Cent 
 - basic                                              4               120.4            135.5            320.4 
 - diluted                                            4               120.3            135.4            319.9 
                                                                  _________        _________        _________ 
 
 
 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 
 for the half year ended 30 June 2020 
                                                                           Half year       Half year            Year 
                                                                               ended           ended           ended 
                                                                        30 June 2020    30 June 2019    31 Dec. 2019 
                                                                           Unaudited       Unaudited         Audited 
                                                                               EUR'm           EUR'm           EUR'm 
 
 Profit after taxation attributable to owners of the parent                    213.1           239.4           566.5 
 
   Other comprehensive income: 
 Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or 
 loss: 
 Fair value movements on cash flow hedges                                       18.1             7.6             7.2 
 Cash flow hedges - reclassified to profit or loss from equity                 (5.2)             0.1             0.1 
 Net change in cost of hedging                                                   0.1             1.5             0.6 
 Deferred tax effect of fair value movements on cash flow hedges               (1.7)           (1.2)           (1.4) 
 Exchange difference on translation of foreign operations                    (116.4)            23.6            67.0 
 Fair value movement on revaluation of financial assets held at 
 fair value through other comprehensive 
 income                                                                        (1.3)               -           (1.0) 
 
 Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or 
 loss: 
 Re-measurement on retirement benefits obligation                             (87.9)          (34.7)            14.0 
 Deferred tax effect of re-measurement on retirement benefits 
  obligation                                                                    17.3             5.1           (2.0) 
                                                                           _________       _________       _________ 
 Net (expense)/income recognised directly in other comprehensive 
  income                                                                     (177.0)             2.0            84.5 
                                                                           _________       _________       _________ 
 Total comprehensive income                                                     36.1           241.4           651.0 
                                                                           _________       _________       _________ 
 
 
 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet 
 as at 30 June 2020 
                                                                            30 June 2020   30 June 2019   31 Dec. 2019 
                                                                               Unaudited      Unaudited        Audited 
                                                                    Notes          EUR'm          EUR'm          EUR'm 
 Non-current assets 
 Property, plant and equipment                                                   2,017.2        1,928.8        2,062.9 
 Intangible assets                                                               4,564.1        4,380.0        4,589.7 
 Financial asset investments                                                        39.8           39.5           41.7 
 Investment in associates and joint ventures                                        16.9           15.9           16.2 
 Other non-current financial instruments                                           105.9           79.3           82.7 
 Deferred tax assets                                                                39.6           36.4           38.9 
                                                                              __________    ___________    ___________ 
                                                                                 6,783.5        6,479.9        6,832.1 
                                                                              __________     __________    ___________ 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                                                     1,093.4        1,029.8          993.3 
 Trade and other receivables                                                     1,140.5        1,093.2        1,066.3 
 Cash at bank and in hand                                               7          736.1          267.4          554.9 
 Other current financial instruments                                                21.7           61.1           57.7 
 Assets classified as held for sale                                                    -            2.0              - 
                                                                              __________     __________    ___________ 
                                                                                 2,991.7        2,453.5        2,672.2 
                                                                              __________     __________    ___________ 
 Total assets                                                                    9,775.2        8,933.4        9,504.3 
                                                                              __________     __________    ___________ 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                                                        1,640.8        1,663.4        1,643.0 
 Borrowings and overdrafts                                              7            4.6          201.1          190.8 
 Other current financial instruments                                                 9.5            5.2           12.1 
 Tax liabilities                                                                   128.7          123.9          140.7 
 Provisions                                                                         26.5           24.9           25.2 
 Deferred income                                                                     2.4            0.4            2.2 
                                                                              __________     __________    ___________ 
                                                                                 1,812.5        2,018.9        2,014.0 
                                                                              __________     __________    ___________ 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Borrowings                                                             7        2,833.8        2,107.9        2,355.3 
 Other non-current financial instruments                                               -            0.2              - 
 Retirement benefits obligation                                         6           98.3           77.0           11.9 
 Other non-current liabilities                                                     147.0          167.3          167.9 
 Deferred tax liabilities                                                          322.8          324.8          338.9 
 Provisions                                                                         32.6           29.8           33.2 
 Deferred income                                                                    19.7           21.0           20.9 
                                                                              __________     __________    ___________ 
                                                                                 3,454.2        2,728.0        2,928.1 
                                                                              __________     __________    ___________ 
 Total liabilities                                                               5,266.7        4,746.9        4,942.1 
                                                                              __________     __________    ___________ 
 Net assets                                                                      4,508.5        4,186.5        4,562.2 
                                                                              __________     __________    ___________ 
 Issued capital and reserves attributable to owners of the parent 
 Share capital                                                          8           22.1           22.0           22.1 
 Share premium                                                                     398.7          398.7          398.7 
 Other reserves                                                                  (216.2)        (167.7)        (119.0) 
 Retained earnings                                                               4,303.9        3,933.5        4,260.4 
                                                                              __________     __________    ___________ 
 Shareholders' equity                                                            4,508.5        4,186.5        4,562.2 
                                                                              __________     __________    ___________ 
 
 
 
 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in 
  Equity 
 for the half year ended 30 June 2020 
 
                                                        Share      Share       Other    Retained 
                                                      Capital    Premium    Reserves    Earnings      Total 
                                              Note      EUR'm      EUR'm       EUR'm       EUR'm      EUR'm 
 
 
 At 31 December 2018 - audited                           22.0      398.7     (207.3)     3,821.0    4,034.4 
 
 Adjustment on initial application of 
  IFRS 16 'Leases'                                          -          -           -       (9.4)      (9.4) 
                                                     ________   ________    ________    ________   ________ 
 Adjusted balances at 1 January 2019                     22.0      398.7     (207.3)     3,811.6    4,025.0 
 
   Profit after tax attributable to owners 
   of the parent                                            -          -           -       239.4      239.4 
 Other comprehensive income/(expense)                       -          -        32.8      (30.8)        2.0 
                                                     ________   ________    ________    ________     ________ 
 Total comprehensive income                                 -          -        32.8       208.6      241.4 
 Dividends paid                                  5          -          -           -      (86.7)     (86.7) 
 Share-based payment expense                                -          -         6.8           -        6.8 
                                                     ________   ________    ________    ________   ________ 
 At 30 June 2019 - unaudited                             22.0      398.7     (167.7)     3,933.5    4,186.5 
 
   Profit after tax attributable to owners 
   of the parent                                            -          -           -       327.1      327.1 
 Other comprehensive income                                 -          -        41.1        41.4       82.5 
                                                     ________   ________    ________    ________   ________ 
 Total comprehensive income                                 -          -        41.1       368.5      409.6 
 Shares issued during the period                          0.1          -           -           -        0.1 
 Dividends paid                                  5          -          -           -      (41.6)     (41.6) 
 Share-based payment expense                                -          -         7.6           -        7.6 
                                                     ________   ________    ________    ________   ________ 
 At 31 December 2019 - audited                           22.1      398.7     (119.0)     4,260.4    4,562.2 
 
   Profit after tax attributable to owners 
   of the parent                                            -          -           -       213.1      213.1 
 Other comprehensive expense                                -          -     (104.7)      (72.3)    (177.0) 
                                                      _______   ________    ________    ________   ________ 
 Total comprehensive (expense)/income                       -          -     (104.7)       140.8       36.1 
 Dividends paid                                  5          -          -           -      (97.3)     (97.3) 
 Share-based payment expense                                -          -         7.5           -        7.5 
                                                      _______    _______    ________    ________   ________ 
 At 30 June 2020 - unaudited                             22.1      398.7     (216.2)     4,303.9    4,508.5 
                                                      _______    _______    ________    ________   ________ 
 
 
 
 Other Reserves comprise the 
 following: 
                                                                                                        Cost 
                                     Capital           Other   Share-Based                                of 
                          FVOCI   Redemption   Undenominated       Payment   Translation   Hedging   Hedging 
                        Reserve      Reserve         Capital       Reserve       Reserve   Reserve   Reserve     Total 
                          EUR'm        EUR'm           EUR'm         EUR'm         EUR'm     EUR'm     EUR'm     EUR'm 
 
 At 1 January 2019          1.6          1.7             0.3          63.3       (256.7)    (15.5)     (2.0)   (207.3) 
 
 Other comprehensive 
  income                      -            -               -             -          23.6       7.7       1.5      32.8 
 Share-based payment 
  expense                     -            -               -           6.8             -         -         -       6.8 
                        _______      _______         _______       _______       _______   _______   _______    ______ 
 At 30 June 2019 - 
  unaudited                 1.6          1.7             0.3          70.1       (233.1)     (7.8)     (0.5)   (167.7) 
 
 Other comprehensive 
  (expense)/income        (1.0)            -               -             -          43.4     (0.4)     (0.9)      41.1 
 Share-based payment 
  expense                     -            -               -           7.6             -         -         -       7.6 
                        _______      _______         _______       _______       _______   _______   _______    ______ 
 At 31 December 2019 
  - 
  audited                   0.6          1.7             0.3          77.7       (189.7)     (8.2)     (1.4)   (119.0) 
 
 Other comprehensive 
  (expense)/income        (1.3)            -               -             -       (116.4)      12.9       0.1   (104.7) 
 Share-based payment 
  expense                     -            -               -           7.5             -         -         -       7.5 
                        _______      _______         _______       _______       _______   _______   _______    ______ 
 
 At 30 June 2020 - 
  unaudited               (0.7)          1.7             0.3          85.2       (306.1)       4.7     (1.3)   (216.2) 
 
                        _______      _______         _______       _______       _______   _______   _______    ______ 
 
 
 
 
   Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
 for the half year ended 30 June 2020 
                                                                                                         Year 
                                                                      Half year       Half year         ended 
                                                                          ended           ended       31 Dec. 
                                                                   30 June 2020    30 June 2019          2019 
                                                                      Unaudited       Unaudited       Audited 
                                                          Notes           EUR'm           EUR'm         EUR'm 
 Operating activities 
 Trading profit                                                           315.9           382.9         902.7 
 Adjustments for: 
 Depreciation (net)                                                       101.2            94.0         191.4 
 Change in working capital                                              (197.9)         (133.5)        (63.9) 
 Pension contributions paid less pension expense                          (3.8)          (11.2)        (26.7) 
 Payments on non-trading items                                           (25.3)          (29.3)        (89.1) 
 Exchange translation adjustment                                            2.2           (0.5)         (2.5) 
                                                                      _________      __________    __________ 
 Cash generated from operations                                           192.3           302.4         911.9 
 Income taxes paid                                                       (35.7)          (28.7)        (67.2) 
 Finance income received                                                    0.1             0.2           0.5 
 Finance costs paid                                                      (25.2)          (30.6)        (81.3) 
                                                                      _________      __________    __________ 
 Net cash from operating activities                                       131.5           243.3         763.9 
                                                                      _________      __________    __________ 
 Investing activities 
 Purchase of assets (net)                                               (111.4)         (123.8)       (315.6) 
 Proceeds from the sale of assets                                             -             6.4          32.8 
 Capital grants received                                                      -               -           3.0 
 Purchase of businesses (net of cash acquired)                9          (30.8)         (324.0)       (562.7) 
 Payments relating to previous acquisitions                               (3.8)           (5.3)         (5.3) 
 Income received from joint ventures                                        0.7             0.2             - 
                                                                      _________      __________    __________ 
 Net cash used in investing activities                                  (145.3)         (446.5)       (847.8) 
                                                                      _________      __________    __________ 
 Financing activities 
 Dividends paid                                               5          (97.3)          (86.7)       (128.3) 
 Payment of lease liabilities                                            (17.7)          (17.1)        (35.5) 
 Issue of share capital                                       8               -               -           0.1 
 Repayment of borrowings (net of swaps)                                 (141.2)           (3.9)       (564.4) 
 Increase in borrowings                                                   463.6           155.5         950.0 
                                                                      _________      __________    __________ 
 Net cash movement due to financing activities                            207.4            47.8         221.9 
                                                                      _________      __________    __________ 
 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                     193.6         (155.4)         138.0 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                         549.7           403.9         403.9 
 Exchange translation adjustment on cash and cash 
  equivalents                                                            (11.8)             2.3           7.8 
                                                                      _________      __________    __________ 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                   7           731.5           250.8         549.7 
                                                                      _________      __________    __________ 
 
 Reconciliation of Net Cash Flow to Movement in 
  Net Debt 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                     193.6         (155.4)         138.0 
 Cash flow from debt financing                                          (322.4)         (145.0)       (385.6) 
                                                                     __________      __________   ___________ 
 
 Changes in net debt resulting from cash flows                          (128.8)         (300.4)       (247.6) 
 Fair value movement on interest rate swaps (net 
  of adjustment to borrowings)                                              8.2             7.9          12.5 
 Exchange translation adjustment on net debt                             (13.0)           (2.2)         (4.2) 
                                                                      _________      __________    __________ 
 Movement in net debt in the period                                     (133.6)         (294.7)       (239.3) 
 Net debt at beginning of period                                      (1,862.8)       (1,623.5)     (1,623.5) 
                                                                      _________      __________    __________ 
 Net debt at end of period                                    7       (1,996.4)       (1,918.2)     (1,862.8) 
                                                                      _________      __________    __________ 
 
 
 
 Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial 
  Statements 
 for the half year ended 30 June 2020 
 
 

1. Accounting policies

These Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements for the half year ended 30 June 2020 have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' and using accounting policies consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union. The accounting policies applied by the Group in these Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements are the same as those detailed in the 2019 Annual Report.

 
 
 
 
 The following Standards and Interpretations are effective for the Group from 1 January 2020            Effective Date 
  but do not have a material effect on the results or financial position of the Group: 
 
 -   IFRS 3 (Amendments)                    Business Combinations                                       1 January 2020 
 
 -   IFRS 9, IAS 39 & IFRS 7 (Amendments)   Interest Rate Benchmark Reform                              1 January 2020 
 
 -   IAS 1 (Amendments)                     Presentation of Financial Statements                        1 January 2020 
 
 -   IAS 8 (Amendments)                     Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and    1 January 2020 
                                            Errors 
 
 -   The Conceptual Framework               Revised Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting        1 January 2020 
 
 The following Standard is not yet effective for the Group and is not expected to have a material       Effective Date 
  effect on the results or financial position of the Group: 
 
 -   IFRS 17                                Insurance Contracts                                         1 January 2021 
 

Going concern

The current unprecedented economic environment has created uncertainty in relation to the timing of a return to efficient production in certain categories of the Group's business, future consumer behaviour and the associated recovery of sales volumes and trading margins. The timing and shape of recovery is uncertain, and accordingly, the Group has considered a number of scenarios, taking account of current levels of trading and the consequential impact on cash flows, including working capital.

The Group Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements have been prepared on the going concern basis of accounting. The Directors have considered the Group's business activities and how it generates value, together with the main trends and factors likely to affect future development, business performance and position of the Group including the impact of the current pandemic. Due to the uncertainty of the ongoing duration and impact of the pandemic on mobility restrictions in different countries around the world, additional stressed scenarios, reflecting different levels and timing of recovery, have been considered. In these scenarios, the Group has sufficient resources and liquidity headroom. There are no material uncertainties that cast a significant doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern over a period of at least 12 months.

The Directors report that they have satisfied themselves that the Group is a going concern, having adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. In forming this view, the Directors have reviewed the Group's budget for a period not less than 12 months, the medium term plans as set out in the rolling five year plan, and have taken into account the cash flow implications of the plans, including proposed capital expenditure, and compared these with the Group's committed borrowing facilities and projected gearing ratios.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

The preparation of the Group Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements requires management to make certain estimations, assumptions and judgements that affect the reported profits, assets and liabilities. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Changes in accounting estimates may be necessary if there are changes in the circumstances on which the estimate was based or as a result of new information or more experience. Such changes are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised.

In preparing the Group Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements, the significant judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those applied to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 with the addition of COVID-19 related uncertainty as set out below.

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a worldwide crisis and at the date of this report it continues to evolve. We have considered the impact of this on our business and reassessed our principal risks and uncertainties.

The key impacts of COVID-19 up to 30 June 2020 include:

 
 -   All plants remained open except for a limited number of those that were mandated to close 
      temporarily in specific jurisdictions. While there were changes to shift patterns and ways 
      of working to ensure the safety of employees through additional segregation and cleaning routines, 
      there were no indicators of impairment to property, plant and equipment. There were also no 
      rationalisations as a result of COVID-19. 
 -   The Group considered the impact of the global pandemic on its impairment risk on the carrying 
      value of the goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets and given there was significant 
      headroom, no impairment was identified. 
 -   While supporting our customers during this crisis through the carrying of additional inventory 
      and receivable balances, the Group has assessed the additional risks and to date, does not 
      believe there is additional risks around the recovery of these assets. 
 -   The impact of the mobility restrictions globally has impacted the Group's revenue and profitability, 
      most significantly in the foodservice part of the Group's business; however, this channel 
      is showing signs of recovery as mobility restrictions are lifted. The foodservice business 
      represented approximately 30% of the Taste & Nutrition business segment in 2019. 
 

2. Analysis of results

The Group has determined it has two reportable segments: Taste & Nutrition and Consumer Foods. The Taste & Nutrition segment is the global leader in the development of taste and nutrition solutions for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries across Ireland, Europe, Americas and APMEA. Our broad technology foundation, customer-centric business model, and industry-leading integrated solutions capability make Kerry the co-creation partner of choice. The Consumer Foods segment is a leader in its categories in the chilled cabinet primarily in Ireland and in the UK.

 
                       Half year ended 30 June 2020 - Unaudited        Half year ended 30 June 2019 - Unaudited           Year ended 31 December 2019 - Audited 
                                                Group                                           Group                                           Group 
                                         Eliminations                                    Eliminations                                    Eliminations 
                    Taste &   Consumer            and               Taste &   Consumer            and               Taste &   Consumer            and 
                  Nutrition      Foods    Unallocated     Total   Nutrition      Foods    Unallocated     Total   Nutrition      Foods    Unallocated     Total 
                      EUR'm      EUR'm          EUR'm     EUR'm       EUR'm      EUR'm          EUR'm     EUR'm       EUR'm      EUR'm          EUR'm     EUR'm 
 
 External 
  revenue           2,770.1      643.9              -   3,414.0     2,882.2      686.7              -   3,568.9     5,939.1    1,302.2              -   7,241.3 
 Inter-segment 
  revenue              28.5        2.7         (31.2)         -        32.6        2.7         (35.3)         -        78.5        4.4         (82.9)         - 
                    _______    _______        _______   _______     _______    _______        _______   _______     _______    _______        _______   _______ 
 Revenue            2,798.6      646.6         (31.2)   3,414.0     2,914.8      689.4         (35.3)   3,568.9     6,017.6    1,306.6         (82.9)   7,241.3 
 
                    _______    _______        _______   _______     _______    _______        _______   _______     _______    _______        _______   _______ 
 Trading profit       324.8       45.1         (54.0)     315.9       388.1       48.0         (53.2)     382.9       918.5       98.9        (114.7)     902.7 
                    _______    _______        _______               _______    _______        _______               _______    _______        _______ 
 
 Intangible asset 
  amortisation                                           (33.7)                                          (29.3)                                          (64.3) 
 Non-trading items                                            -                                          (42.3)                                         (110.9) 
                                                        _______                                         _______                                         _______ 
 Operating 
  profit                                                  282.2                                           311.3                                           727.5 
 
 Finance income                                             0.1                                             0.2                                             0.3 
 Finance costs                                           (37.4)                                          (39.1)                                          (81.9) 
                                                        _______                                         _______                                         _______ 
 Profit before taxation                                   244.9                                           272.4                                           645.9 
 Income taxes                                            (31.8)                                          (33.0)                                          (79.4) 
                                                        _______                                         _______                                         _______ 
 Profit after taxation attributable to owners of the 
  parent                                                  213.1                                           239.4                                           566.5 
                                                        _______                                         _______                                         _______ 
 
 
 

Revenue analysis

Disaggregation of revenue from external customers is analysed by End Use Market (EUM), which is the primary market in which Kerry's products are consumed. An EUM is defined as the market in which the end consumer or customer of Kerry's product operates. The economic factors within the EUMs of Food, Beverage and Pharma and within the primary geographic markets which affect the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are similar.

Analysis by EUM

 
                        Half year ended 30 June            Half year ended 30 June              Year ended 31 December 
                               2020 - Unaudited                   2019 - Unaudited                      2019 - Audited 
 
                   Taste &   Consumer                   Taste   Consumer                    Taste   Consumer 
                 Nutrition      Foods     Total   & Nutrition      Foods     Total    & Nutrition      Foods     Total 
                     EUR'm      EUR'm     EUR'm         EUR'm      EUR'm     EUR'm          EUR'm      EUR'm     EUR'm 
 
 Food              1,944.0      643.9   2,587.9       2,021.9      686.7   2,708.6        4,161.5    1,302.2   5,463.7 
 Beverage            680.1          -     680.1         734.0          -     734.0        1,507.6          -   1,507.6 
 Pharma              146.0          -     146.0         126.3          -     126.3          270.0          -     270.0 
                   _______    _______   _______       _______    _______   _______        _______    _______   _______ 
 External 
  revenue          2,770.1      643.9   3,414.0       2,882.2      686.7   3,568.9        5,939.1    1,302.2   7,241.3 
                   _______    _______   _______       _______    _______   _______        _______    _______   _______ 
 

Analysis by primary geographic market

Disaggregation of revenue from external customers is analysed by geographical split:

 
                         Half year ended 30 June           Half year ended 30 June              Year ended 31 December 
                                2020 - Unaudited                  2019 - Unaudited                      2019 - Audited 
 
                    Taste &   Consumer                Taste &   Consumer                    Taste   Consumer 
                  Nutrition      Foods     Total    Nutrition      Foods     Total    & Nutrition      Foods     Total 
                      EUR'm      EUR'm     EUR'm        EUR'm      EUR'm     EUR'm          EUR'm      EUR'm     EUR'm 
 
 Republic of 
  Ireland              79.5      142.5     222.0         88.0      144.8     232.8          184.9      252.5     437.4 
 Rest of 
  Europe              577.7      501.4   1,079.1        629.7      541.9   1,171.6        1,271.5    1,049.7   2,321.2 
 Americas           1,546.5          -   1,546.5      1,556.3          -   1,556.3        3,197.8          -   3,197.8 
 APMEA*               566.4          -     566.4        608.2          -     608.2        1,284.9          -   1,284.9 
                    _______    _______   _______      _______    _______   _______        _______    _______   _______ 
 External 
  revenue           2,770.1      643.9   3,414.0      2,882.2      686.7   3,568.9        5,939.1    1,302.2   7,241.3 
                    _______    _______   _______      _______    _______   _______        _______    _______   _______ 
 

* Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those detailed in the Statement of accounting policies in the 2019 Annual Report. Under IFRS 15 'Revenue from Contracts with Customers' revenue is primarily recognised at a point in time. Revenue recorded over time during the period was not material to the Group.

3. Finance income and costs

 
 
 
                                                  Half year       Half year            Year 
                                                      ended           ended           ended 
                                               30 June 2020    30 June 2019    31 Dec. 2019 
                                                  Unaudited       Unaudited         Audited 
                                                      EUR'm           EUR'm           EUR'm 
 
 Finance income: 
 Interest income on deposits                            0.1             0.2             0.3 
                                                 __________      __________     ___________ 
 
 Finance costs: 
 Interest payable                                    (36.9)          (39.7)          (84.0) 
 Interest rate derivative                             (0.5)             1.0             2.9 
                                                 __________      __________     ___________ 
                                                     (37.4)          (38.7)          (81.1) 
 
 Net interest cost on retirement benefits 
  obligation                                              -           (0.4)           (0.8) 
                                                 __________      __________     ___________ 
 Finance costs                                       (37.4)          (39.1)          (81.9) 
                                                 __________      __________     ___________ 
 
 

4. Earnings per A ordinary share

 
                                                        Half year         Half year              Year 
                                                            ended             ended             ended 
                                                     30 June 2020      30 June 2019      31 Dec. 2019 
                                                        Unaudited         Unaudited           Audited 
 
                                                              EPS               EPS               EPS 
                                                             cent    EUR'm     cent    EUR'm     cent    EUR'm 
 Basic earnings per share 
 Profit after taxation attributable to owners of 
  the parent                                                120.4    213.1    135.5    239.4    320.4    566.5 
                                                           ______   ______   ______   ______   ______   ______ 
 Diluted earnings per share 
 Profit after taxation attributable to owners of 
  the parent                                                120.3    213.1    135.4    239.4    319.9    566.5 
                                                           ______   ______   ______   ______   ______   ______ 
 
 
 
 
                                              30 June 2020     30 June 2019   31 Dec. 2019 
                                                 Unaudited        Unaudited        Audited 
 Number of Shares                                      m's              m's            m's 
 
 Basic weighted average number of shares             176.9            176.7          176.8 
 Impact of share options outstanding                   0.2              0.1            0.3 
                                                   _______          _______        _______ 
 Diluted weighted average number of shares           177.1            176.8          177.1 
                                                   _______          _______        _______ 
 
 
 

5. Dividends

 
                                                                       Half year       Half year            Year 
                                                                           ended           ended           ended 
                                                                    30 June 2020    30 June 2019    31 Dec. 2019 
                                                                       Unaudited       Unaudited         Audited 
                                                                           EUR'm           EUR'm           EUR'm 
 Amounts recognised as distributions to equity shareholders in 
 the period 
 Final 2019 dividend of 55.10 cent per A ordinary share paid 15 
  May 2020 
  (Final 2018 dividend of 49.20 cent per A ordinary share paid 
  10 May 2019)                                                              97.3            86.7            86.7 
 
 Interim 2019 dividend of 23.50 cent per A ordinary share paid 
  15 November 2019                                                             -               -            41.6 
                                                                        ________        ________       _________ 
                                                                            97.3            86.7           128.3 
                                                                        ________        ________       _________ 
 
 
 

Since the end of the period, the Board has proposed an interim dividend of 25.90 cent per A ordinary share which amounts to EUR45.8m. The payment date for the interim dividend will be 13 November 2020 to shareholders registered on the record date as at 16 October 2020. These Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements do not reflect this dividend.

6. Retirement benefits obligation

The net deficit recognised in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet for the Group's defined benefit post-retirement schemes was as follows:

 
                                                            Half year       Half year            Year 
                                                                ended           ended           ended 
                                                         30 June 2020    30 June 2019    31 Dec. 2019 
                                                            Unaudited       Unaudited         Audited 
                                                                EUR'm           EUR'm           EUR'm 
 
 Net recognised deficit in plans before deferred tax           (98.3)          (77.0)          (11.9) 
 Net related deferred tax asset                                  19.5            12.6             3.3 
                                                             ________        ________       _________ 
 
 Net recognised deficit in plans after deferred tax            (78.8)          (64.4)           (8.6) 
                                                             ________        ________       _________ 
 
 

At 30 June 2020, the net deficit before deferred tax for defined benefit post-retirement schemes was EUR98.3m (30 June 2019: EUR77.0m; 31 December 2019: EUR11.9m). This was calculated by rolling forward the defined benefit post-retirement schemes' liabilities at 31 December 2019 to reflect material movements in underlying assumptions over the period while the defined benefit post-retirement schemes' assets at 30 June 2020 are measured at market value. The increase in the net deficit before deferred tax of EUR86.4m was driven by both a reduction in scheme assets arising from market reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic and adverse movements in discount rates.

7. Financial instruments

i) The following table outlines the financial assets and liabilities in relation to net debt held by the Group at the balance sheet date:

 
 
 
                                                 Liabilities 
                         Financial Assets/     at Fair Value            Derivatives              Assets/ 
                          (Liabilities) at           through          Designated as     (Liabilities) at 
                            Amortised Cost    Profit or Loss    Hedging Instruments                FVOCI         Total 
                                     EUR'm             EUR'm                  EUR'm                EUR'm         EUR'm 
 
 Assets: 
 Interest rate swaps                     -                 -                  105.9                    -         105.9 
 Cash at bank and in 
  hand                               736.1                 -                      -                    -         736.1 
                                __________        __________             __________           __________    __________ 
                                     736.1                 -                  105.9                    -         842.0 
                                __________        __________             __________           __________    __________ 
 
 Liabilities: 
 Bank overdrafts                     (4.6)                 -                      -                    -         (4.6) 
 Bank loans                        (250.0)                 -                      -                    -       (250.0) 
 Senior notes                    (2,544.6)            (39.2)                      -                    -     (2,583.8) 
                                __________        __________             __________           __________    __________ 
 Borrowings and 
  overdrafts                     (2,799.2)            (39.2)                      -                    -     (2,838.4) 
                                __________        __________             __________           __________    __________ 
 At 30 June 2020 - 
  unaudited                      (2,063.1)            (39.2)                  105.9                    -     (1,996.4) 
                                __________        __________             __________           __________    __________ 
 
 
   Assets: 
 Interest rate swaps                     -                 -                  123.4                    -         123.4 
 Cash at bank and in 
  hand                               267.4                 -                      -                    -         267.4 
                               ___________       ___________            ___________          ___________    __________ 
                                     267.4                 -                  123.4                    -         390.8 
                               ___________       ___________            ___________          ___________    __________ 
 
 Liabilities: 
 Bank overdrafts                    (16.6)                 -                      -                    -        (16.6) 
 Banks loans                       (499.9)                 -                      -                    -       (499.9) 
 Senior notes                    (1,763.0)            (29.5)                      -                    -     (1,792.5) 
                               ___________       ___________            ___________          ___________   ___________ 
 Borrowings and 
  overdrafts                     (2,279.5)            (29.5)                      -                    -     (2,309.0) 
                               ___________       ___________            ___________          ___________   ___________ 
 At 30 June 2019 - 
  unaudited                      (2,012.1)            (29.5)                  123.4                    -     (1,918.2) 
                               ___________       ___________            ___________          ___________   ___________ 
 
 Assets: 
 Interest rate swaps                     -                 -                  128.4                    -         128.4 
 Cash at bank and in 
  hand                               554.9                 -                      -                    -         554.9 
                               ___________       ___________            ___________          ___________   ___________ 
                                     554.9                 -                  128.4                    -         683.3 
                               ___________       ___________            ___________          ___________   ___________ 
 
 Liabilities: 
 Bank overdrafts                     (5.2)                 -                      -                    -         (5.2) 
 Bank loans                          (1.2)                 -                      -                    -         (1.2) 
 Senior notes                    (2,514.8)            (24.9)                      -                    -     (2,539.7) 
                               ___________       ___________            ___________          ___________    __________ 
 Borrowings and 
  overdrafts                     (2,521.2)            (24.9)                      -                    -     (2,546.1) 
                               ___________       ___________            ___________          ___________    __________ 
 At 31 December 2019 - 
  audited                        (1,966.3)            (24.9)                  128.4                    -     (1,862.8) 
                               ___________       ___________            ___________          ___________    __________ 
 
 
 

All Group borrowings are guaranteed by Kerry Group plc. No assets of the Group have been pledged to secure the borrowings.

Part of the Group's debt portfolio includes US$750m of senior notes issued in 2013 and US$408m of senior notes issued in 2010. At the time of issuance, US$250m of the 2013 senior notes and US$500m of the 2010 US$600m senior notes were swapped, using cross currency swaps, to euro. US$192m of the 2010 senior notes were repaid in January 2017 and the related swaps matured at that date. In addition, the Group holds EUR750m of senior notes issued in 2015, of which EUR175m were swapped, using cross currency swaps, to US dollar. No interest rate derivatives were entered into for the September 2019 EUR750m senior notes issuance or on the EUR200m tap issuance of the 2015 senior notes issued during the period, which will mature in 2025.

The adjustment to senior notes classified under liabilities at fair value through profit or loss of EUR39.2m (30 June 2019: EUR29.5m; 31 December 2019: EUR24.9m) represents the part adjustment to the carrying value of debt from applying fair value hedge accounting for interest rate risk. This amount is primarily offset by the fair value adjustment on the corresponding hedge items being the underlying cross currency interest rate swaps.

ii) The Group's exposure to interest rates on financial assets and liabilities are detailed in the table below including the impact of cross currency swaps (CCS) on the currency profile of net debt:

 
                 Total Pre CCS      Impact of CCS    Total after CCS 
               Half year ended    Half year ended    Half year ended     Half year ended       Year ended 
                  30 June 2020       30 June 2020       30 June 2020        30 June 2019     31 Dec. 2019 
                     Unaudited          Unaudited          Unaudited           Unaudited          Audited 
                         EUR'm              EUR'm              EUR'm               EUR'm            EUR'm 
 Euro                (1,427.1)            (226.6)          (1,653.7)           (1,509.0)        (1,594.1) 
 Sterling                 74.0                  -               74.0                47.0             77.9 
 US Dollar             (717.4)              226.6            (490.8)             (498.3)          (475.8) 
 Other                    74.1                  -               74.1                42.1            129.2 
                     _________          _________          _________           _________        _________ 
                     (1,996.4)                  -          (1,996.4)           (1,918.2)        (1,862.8) 
                     _________          _________          _________           _________        _________ 
 

iii) The following table details the maturity profile of the Group's net debt:

 
 
                                    On demand &        Up to 
                                   up to 1 year      2 years     2 - 5 years     > 5 years        Total 
                                          EUR'm        EUR'm           EUR'm         EUR'm        EUR'm 
 
 Cash at bank and in hand                 736.1            -               -             -        736.1 
 Interest rate swaps                          -         33.2            63.2           9.5        105.9 
 Bank overdrafts                          (4.6)            -               -             -        (4.6) 
 Bank loans                                   -            -         (250.0)             -      (250.0) 
 Senior notes                                 -      (117.9)         (758.5)     (1,707.4)    (2,583.8) 
                                      _________    _________       _________     _________    _________ 
 At 30 June 2020 - unaudited              731.5       (84.7)         (945.3)     (1,697.9)    (1,996.4) 
                                      _________    _________       _________     _________    _________ 
 
 Cash at bank and in hand                 267.4            -               -             -        267.4 
 Interest rate swaps                       44.2            -            44.9          34.3        123.4 
 Bank overdrafts                         (16.6)            -               -             -       (16.6) 
 Bank loans                                   -        (1.4)         (498.5)             -      (499.9) 
 Senior notes                           (184.5)            -         (775.1)       (832.9)    (1,792.5) 
                                     __________   __________      __________    __________   __________ 
 At 30 June 2019 - unaudited              110.5        (1.4)       (1,228.7)       (798.6)    (1,918.2) 
                                     __________   __________      __________    __________   __________ 
 
 Cash at bank and in hand                 554.9            -               -             -        554.9 
 Interest rate swaps                       45.7            -            52.0          30.7        128.4 
 Bank overdrafts                          (5.2)            -               -             -        (5.2) 
 Bank loans                                   -        (1.2)               -             -        (1.2) 
 Senior notes                           (185.6)            -         (784.6)     (1,569.5)    (2,539.7) 
                                     __________   __________      __________    __________   __________ 
 At 31 December 2019 - audited            409.8        (1.2)         (732.6)     (1,538.8)    (1,862.8) 
                                     __________   __________      __________    __________   __________ 
 
 

Following the renewal of the revolving credit facility in June 2019 and the issuance of EUR750m senior notes in September 2019, the Group entered 2020 with significant available liquidity. Since the beginning of 2020, this position was further strengthened by (a) completing a EUR200m tap issuance onto our 2025 notes and (b) the exercise of the first of the two 'plus one' extension options on our revolving credit facility to further enhance the maturity date of this facility to June 2025.

At 30 June 2020, the Group had cash on hand of EUR736.1m, including EUR250m of a drawdown under the revolving credit facility. At the period end, the Group had undrawn committed bank facilities of EUR850m.

iv) Fair value of financial instruments

a) Fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value

Financial instruments recognised at fair value are analysed between those based on:

   -      quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1); 

- those involving inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices) (Level 2); and

- those involving inputs for the assets or liabilities that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs) (Level 3).

 
 
 The following table sets out the fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value: 
                                                                     Fair   30 June 2020   30 June 2019   31 Dec. 2019 
                                                                    Value      Unaudited      Unaudited        Audited 
                                                                Hierarchy          EUR'm          EUR'm          EUR'm 
 Financial assets 
 Interest rate swaps:           Non-current                       Level 2          105.9           79.2           82.7 
  Current                                                         Level 2              -           44.2           45.7 
 Forward foreign exchange 
 contracts:                     Non-current                       Level 2              -            0.1              - 
  Current                                                         Level 2           21.7           16.9           12.0 
                                Fair value through profit or 
 Financial asset investments:    loss                             Level 1           36.8           34.2           37.4 
                                Fair value through other 
                                comprehensive 
  income                                                          Level 3            3.0            5.3            4.3 
 
   Financial liabilities 
 Forward foreign exchange 
 contracts:                     Non-current                       Level 2              -          (0.2)              - 
  Current                                                         Level 2          (9.5)          (5.2)         (12.1) 
                                                                               _________     __________     __________ 
 
 

There have been no transfers between levels during the current or prior financial period.

b) Fair value of financial instruments carried at amortised cost

Except as defined in the following table, it is considered that the carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities recognised at amortised cost in the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements approximate their fair values.

 
                                   Carrying           Fair       Carrying           Fair       Carrying           Fair 
                                     Amount          Value         Amount          Value         Amount          Value 
                        Fair   30 June 2020   30 June 2020   30 June 2019   30 June 2019   31 Dec. 2019   31 Dec. 2019 
                       Value      Unaudited      Unaudited      Unaudited      Unaudited        Audited        Audited 
                   Hierarchy          EUR'm          EUR'm          EUR'm          EUR'm          EUR'm          EUR'm 
 Financial 
 liabilities 
 Senior notes - 
  Public             Level 2      (2,366.1)      (2,464.4)      (1,404.0)      (1,465.6)      (2,151.4)      (2,217.1) 
 Senior notes - 
  Private            Level 2        (178.5)        (195.1)        (359.0)        (376.9)        (363.4)        (372.9) 
                                  _________      _________     __________     __________     __________     __________ 
                                  (2,544.6)      (2,659.5)      (1,763.0)      (1,842.5)      (2,514.8)      (2,590.0) 
                                  _________      _________     __________     __________     __________     __________ 
 

c) Valuation principles

The fair value of financial assets and liabilities are determined as follows:

- assets and liabilities with standard terms and conditions which are traded on active liquid markets are determined with reference to quoted market prices. This includes equity investments;

- other financial assets and liabilities (excluding derivatives) are determined in accordance with generally accepted pricing models based on discounted cash flow analysis using prices from observable current market transactions and dealer quotes for similar instruments. This includes interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts which are determined by discounting the estimated future cash flows;

- the fair values of financial instruments that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs) requires entity specific valuation techniques; and

- derivative financial instruments are calculated using quoted prices. Where such prices are not available, a discounted cash flow analysis is performed using the applicable yield curve for the duration of the instruments. Forward foreign exchange contracts are measured using quoted forward exchange rates and yield curves derived from quoted interest rates adjusted for counterparty credit risk, which is calculated based on credit default swaps of the respective counterparties. Interest rate swaps are measured at the present value of future cash flows estimated and discounted based on the applicable yield curves derived from quoted interest rates adjusted for counterparty credit risk, which is calculated based on credit default swaps of the respective counterparties.

Net debt reconciliation

 
                   Cash at    Interest    Overdrafts   Borrowings   Borrowings 
                  bank and        Rate    due within     due with    due after         Net           Lease 
                   in hand       Swaps       1 year*      1 year*      1 year*        debt    liabilities*       Total 
                     EUR'm       EUR'm         EUR'm        EUR'm        EUR'm       EUR'm           EUR'm       EUR'm 
 
 At 31 
  December 
  2018 - 
  audited            413.8        96.2         (9.9)        (3.9)    (2,119.7)   (1,623.5)               -   (1,623.5) 
 
 Cash flows        (148.8)           -         (6.6)          3.9      (148.9)     (300.4)          (17.1)     (317.5) 
 Foreign 
  exchange 
  adjustments          2.4           -         (0.1)            -        (4.5)       (2.2)               -       (2.2) 
 Other 
  non-cash 
  movements              -        27.2             -      (184.5)        165.2         7.9          (93.1)      (85.2) 
                 _________   _________     _________    _________    _________   _________       _________   _________ 
 At 30 June 
  2019 
  - unaudited        267.4       123.4        (16.6)      (184.5)    (2,107.9)   (1,918.2)         (110.2)   (2,028.4) 
                 _________   _________     _________    _________    _________   _________       _________   _________ 
 
 Cash flows          281.9           -          11.5            -      (240.6)        52.8          (18.4)        34.4 
 Foreign 
  exchange 
  adjustments          5.6           -         (0.1)            -        (7.5)       (2.0)               -       (2.0) 
 Other 
  non-cash 
  movements              -         5.0             -        (1.1)          0.7         4.6            19.2        23.8 
                 _________   _________     _________    _________    _________   _________       _________   _________ 
 At 31 
  December 
  2019 - 
  audited            554.9       128.4         (5.2)      (185.6)    (2,355.3)   (1,862.8)         (109.4)   (1,972.2) 
                 _________   _________     _________    _________    _________   _________       _________   _________ 
 Cash flows          193.1      (45.4)           0.5        185.3      (462.3)     (128.8)            17.7     (111.1) 
 Foreign 
  exchange 
  adjustments       (11.9)           -           0.1            -        (1.2)      (13.0)             2.8      (10.2) 
 Other 
  non-cash 
  movements              -        22.9             -          0.3       (15.0)         8.2             0.3         8.5 
                 _________   _________     _________    _________    _________   _________       _________   _________ 
 At 30 June 
  2020 
  - unaudited        736.1       105.9         (4.6)            -    (2,833.8)   (1,996.4)          (88.6)   (2,085.0) 
                 _________   _________     _________    _________    _________   _________       _________   _________ 
 * Liabilities from 
  financing 
  activities. 
 

8. Share capital

 
                                                   Half year      Half year           Year 
                                                        ended          ended          ended 
                                                 30 June 2020   30 June 2019   31 Dec. 2019 
                                                    Unaudited      Unaudited        Audited 
                                                        EUR'm          EUR'm          EUR'm 
    Authorised 
    280,000,000 A ordinary shares of 12.50 
     cent each                                           35.0           35.0           35.0 
                                                    _________      _________      _________ 
    Allotted, called-up and fully paid (A 
    ordinary 
    shares of 12.50 cent each) 
    At beginning of the financial period                 22.1           22.0           22.0 
    Shares issued during the financial period               -              -            0.1 
                                                    _________      _________      _________ 
 
    At end of the financial period                       22.1           22.0           22.1 
                                                    _________      _________      _________ 
 

Kerry Group plc has one class of ordinary share which carries no right to fixed income.

Shares issued during the period

During the period a total of 166,495 A ordinary shares each with a nominal value of 12.50 cent, were issued at nominal value per share under the Long Term Incentive Plan and Short Term Incentive Plan.

The total number of shares in issue at 30 June 2020 was 176,681,437 (30 June 2019: 176,477,146; 31 December 2019: 176,514,942).

9. Business combinations

During the period, the Group completed one acquisition which is 100% owned by the Group.

 
 Acquisition                         Acquired   Principal activity 
 
 Tecnispice, Sociedad Anónima   April      Tecnispice, located in Guatemala, is a leading savoury taste 
                                                 business servicing the meat and snacks markets incorporating 
                                                 spices, herbs and seasonings. 
 
 

The total consideration for this acquisition was EUR52.2m, of which EUR18.0m was prepaid in December 2019 and EUR3.3m is a deferred element. The resulting cash outflow in the period, net of cash acquired of EUR0.1m for this acquisition, was EUR30.8m. Transaction expenses related to this acquisition were charged against trading profit in the Group Condensed Consolidated Income Statement during the period and represented less than one percent of the total consideration.

The provisional fair value of net assets acquired before combination were EUR10.6m and the Group recognised goodwill on this acquisition of EUR41.6m. Given that the valuation of the fair value of assets and liabilities recently acquired is still in progress, these values are determined provisionally. The goodwill is attributable to the expected profitability, revenue growth, future market development and assembled workforce of the acquired business and the synergies expected to arise within the Group after the acquisition. None of the goodwill recognised is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

The acquisition method of accounting has been used to consolidate the business acquired in the Group Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements. Due to the fact that this acquisition was recently completed, the revenue and results included in the Group's reported figures are not material. For the acquisitions completed in 2019, to date, there have been no material revisions of the provisional fair value adjustments since the initial values were established.

The Group performs quantitative and qualitative assessments of each acquisition in order to determine whether it is material for the purposes of separate disclosure under IFRS 3 'Business Combinations'. As a result, the acquisition completed during the period was not considered material to warrant detailed separate disclosure in line with IFRS 3 requirements.

10. Events after the Balance Sheet date

Since the period end, the Group has proposed an interim dividend of 25.90 cent per A ordinary share (see note 5).

There have been no other significant events, outside of the ordinary course of business, affecting the Group since 30 June 2020.

11. General information

These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements for the half year ended 30 June 2020 are not full financial statements and were not reviewed by the auditors. These Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 30 July 2020. The figures disclosed relating to 31 December 2019 have been derived from the consolidated financial statements which were audited, received an unqualified audit report and have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. This report should be read in conjunction with the 2019 Annual Report which was prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') and the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee ('IFRIC') and those parts of the Companies Act, 2014 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The Group financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with IFRS adopted by the European Union ('EU') which comprise standards and interpretations approved by the International Accounting Standards Board ('IASB'). The Group financial statements comply with Article 4 of the EU IAS Regulation. IFRS adopted by the EU differs in certain respects from IFRS issued by the IASB. References to IFRS refer to IFRS adopted by the EU.

These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements have been prepared on the going concern basis of accounting as set out in note 1. The Directors report that they have satisfied themselves that the Group is a going concern, having adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. In forming this view, the Directors have reviewed the Group's budget for a period not less than 12 months, the medium term plans as set out in the rolling five year plan, and have taken into account the cash flow implications of the plans, including proposed capital expenditure, and compared these with the Group's committed borrowing facilities and projected gearing ratios.

In relation to seasonality, trading profit is lower in the first half of the year due to the nature of the food business and stronger trading in December. While revenue is relatively evenly spread, margin has traditionally been higher in the second half of the year due to product mix and the timing of promotional activity. There is also a material change to the levels of working capital between December and June mainly due to the seasonal nature of the dairy and crop-based businesses. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group's performance was negatively impacted in the first half of the year. The level of impact in H2 2020 will depend on the duration of the current COVID-19 mobility restrictions globally and the pace of recovery, as these restriction measures are eased.

As permitted by the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 this Interim Report is available on www.kerrygroup.com. However, if a physical copy is required, please contact the Corporate Affairs department.

FINANCIAL DEFINITIONS

1. Revenue

Volume performance

This represents the sales performance year-on-year, excluding pass-through pricing on raw material costs, currency impacts, acquisitions (net of disposals) and rationalisation volumes.

Volume performance is an important metric as it is seen as the key driver of top-line business improvement. This is used as the key revenue metric, as Kerry operates a pass-through pricing model with its customers to cater for raw material price fluctuations. Pricing therefore impacts like-for-like revenue performance positively or negatively depending on whether raw material prices move up or down. A full reconciliation to reported revenue performance is detailed in the revenue reconciliation below.

Revenue Reconciliation

 
                                                                                                            Reported 
                             Volume                 Transaction     Acquisitions/        Translation         revenue 
 H1 2020                performance     Price          currency         Disposals           currency     performance 
------------------   --------------  --------  ----------------  ----------------  -----------------  -------------- 
 Taste & Nutrition           (5.6%)      0.1%                 -              1.4%               0.1%          (4.0%) 
 Consumer Foods              (7.8%)      1.7%            (0.1%)                 -                  -          (6.2%) 
                     --------------  --------  ----------------  ----------------  -----------------  -------------- 
 Group                       (6.0%)      0.4%                 -              1.2%               0.1%          (4.3%) 
 
 H1 2019 
------------------   --------------  --------  ----------------  ----------------  -----------------  -------------- 
 Taste & Nutrition             3.8%         -                 -              5.9%               3.3%           13.0% 
 Consumer Foods                0.6%    (0.3%)                 -                 -               0.3%            0.6% 
                     --------------  --------  ----------------  ----------------  -----------------  -------------- 
 Group                         3.3%         -                 -              4.7%               2.7%           10.7% 
-------------------  --------------  --------  ----------------  ----------------  -----------------  -------------- 
 

2. EBITDA

EBITDA represents profit before finance income and costs, income taxes, depreciation (net of capital grant amortisation), intangible asset amortisation and non-trading items.

 
 
 
                                                                 H1 2020         H1 2019 
                                                                   EUR'm           EUR'm 
------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
 Profit after taxation attributable to owners of the parent        213.1           239.4 
 Finance income                                                    (0.1)           (0.2) 
 Finance costs                                                      37.4            39.1 
 Income taxes                                                       31.8            33.0 
 Non-trading items                                                     -            42.3 
 Intangible asset amortisation                                      33.7            29.3 
 Depreciation (net of capital grant amortisation)                  101.2            94.0 
 EBITDA                                                            417.1           476.9 
------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
 

3. Trading Profit

Trading profit refers to the operating profit generated by the businesses before intangible asset amortisation and gains or losses generated from non-trading items. Trading profit represents operating profit before specific items that are not reflective of underlying trading performance and therefore hinder comparison of the trading performance of the Group's businesses, either year-on-year or with other businesses.

 
                                  H1 2020   H1 2019 
                                    EUR'm     EUR'm 
-------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Operating profit                   282.2     311.3 
 Intangible asset amortisation       33.7      29.3 
 Non-trading items                      -      42.3 
-------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Trading profit                     315.9     382.9 
-------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 
 

4. Trading Margin

Trading margin represents trading profit, expressed as a percentage of revenue.

 
                   H1 2020   H1 2019 
                     EUR'm     EUR'm 
----------------  --------  -------- 
 Trading profit      315.9     382.9 
 Revenue           3,414.0   3,568.9 
 Trading margin       9.3%     10.7% 
----------------  --------  -------- 
 
 

5. Operating Profit

Operating profit is profit before income taxes, finance income and finance costs.

 
                           H1 2020   H1 2019 
                             EUR'm     EUR'm 
------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Profit before taxation      244.9     272.4 
 Finance income              (0.1)     (0.2) 
 Finance costs                37.4      39.1 
 Operating profit            282.2     311.3 
------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 

6. Adjusted Earnings Per Share and Performance in Adjusted Earnings Per Share on a Constant Currency Basis

The performance in adjusted earnings per share on a constant currency basis is provided as it is considered more reflective of the Group's underlying trading performance. Adjusted earnings is profit after taxation attributable to owners of the parent before brand related intangible asset amortisation and non-trading items (net of related tax). These items are excluded in order to assist in the understanding of underlying earnings. A full reconciliation of adjusted earnings per share to basic earnings per share is provided below. Constant currency eliminates the translational effect that arises from changes in foreign currency year-on-year. The performance in adjusted earnings per share on a constant currency basis is calculated by comparing current year adjusted earnings per share to the prior year adjusted earnings per share retranslated at current year average exchange rates.

 
                                                                                               H1 2020   H1 2019 
                                                                                                   EPS       EPS 
                                                                                                  cent      cent 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Basic earnings per share                                                                        120.4     135.5 
 Brand related intangible asset amortisation                                                      11.7       9.3 
 Non-trading items (net of related tax)                                                              -      19.3 
 Adjusted earnings per share                                                                     132.1     164.1 
 Impact of retranslating prior period adjusted earnings per share at current period average 
  exchange rates                                                                                     -       0.6 
 Adjusted earnings per share on a constant currency basis                                        132.1     164.7 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Performance in adjusted earnings per share on a constant currency basis                       (19.8%)      8.4% 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

7. Free Cash Flow

Free cash flow is trading profit plus depreciation, movement in average working capital, capital expenditure, payment of lease liabilities, pension costs less pension expense, finance costs paid (net) and income taxes paid.

Free cash flow is seen as an important indicator of the strength and quality of the business and of the availability to the Group of funds for reinvestment or for return to shareholders. Movement in average working capital is used when calculating free cash flow as management believes this provides a more accurate measure of the increase or decrease in working capital needed to support the business over the course of the period rather than at two distinct points in time and more accurately reflects fluctuations caused by seasonality and other timing factors. Average working capital is the sum of each month's working capital over 12 months. Below is a reconciliation of free cash flow to the nearest IFRS measure, which is 'Net cash from operating activities'.

 
                                                                                              H1 2020   H1 2019 
                                                                                                EUR'm     EUR'm 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Net cash from operating activities                                                             131.5     243.3 
 Difference between movement in monthly average working capital and movement in the period 
  end working capital                                                                            81.5      56.2 
 Expenditure on acquisition integration and restructuring costs                                  25.3      29.3 
 Purchase of assets                                                                           (111.4)   (123.8) 
 Payment of lease liabilities                                                                  (17.7)    (17.1) 
 Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment                                            -       6.4 
 Capital grants received                                                                            -         - 
 Exchange translation adjustment                                                                (2.2)       0.5 
 Free cash flow                                                                                 107.0     194.8 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

8. Cash Conversion

Cash conversion is defined as free cash flow, expressed as a percentage of adjusted earnings after tax.

 
                                                               H1 2020   H1 2019 
                                                                 EUR'm     EUR'm 
------------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Free cash flow                                                  107.0     194.8 
 
 Profit after taxation attributable to owners of the parent      213.1     239.4 
 Brand related intangible asset amortisation                      20.6      16.4 
 Non-trading items (net of related tax)                              -      34.2 
 Adjusted earnings after tax                                     233.7     290.0 
------------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Cash Conversion                                                   46%       67% 
------------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 

9. Financial Ratios

The Net debt: EBITDA and EBITDA: Net interest ratios disclosed are calculated in accordance with lenders' facility agreements using an adjusted EBITDA, adjusted finance costs (net of finance income) and an adjusted net debt value to adjust for the impact of non-trading items, acquisitions (net of disposals), deferred payments in relation to acquisitions and lease liabilities. As outlined on page 185 of the 2019 Annual Report, these ratios are calculated in accordance with lenders' facility agreements and these agreements specifically require these adjustments in the calculation.

 
                                        H1 2020   H1 2019 
                           Covenant       Times     Times 
----------------------  -------------  --------  -------- 
 Net debt: EBITDA        Maximum 3.5        2.0       1.9 
 EBITDA: Net interest    Minimum 4.0       12.8      14.4 
----------------------  -------------  --------  -------- 
 

10. Net Debt

Net debt comprises of borrowings and overdrafts, interest rate derivative financial instruments and cash at bank and in hand. See full reconciliation of net debt in note 7 of these Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements.

11. Average Capital Employed

Average capital employed is calculated by taking an average of the shareholders' equity and net debt over the last three reported balance sheets plus an additional EUR527.8m relating to goodwill written off to reserves pre conversion to IFRS.

 
                                                H1 2020      2019   H1 2019      2018   H1 2018 
                                                  EUR'm     EUR'm     EUR'm     EUR'm     EUR'm 
---------------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Shareholders' equity                           4,508.5   4,562.2   4,186.5   4,034.4   3,773.6 
 Goodwill amortised (pre conversion to IFRS)      527.8     527.8     527.8     527.8     527.8 
 Adjusted equity                                5,036.3   5,090.0   4,714.3   4,562.2   4,301.4 
 Net debt                                       1,996.4   1,862.8   1,918.2   1,623.5   1,403.3 
 Total                                          7,032.7   6,952.8   6,632.5   6,185.7   5,704.7 
 Average capital employed                       6,872.7   6,590.3   6,174.3 
---------------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

12. Return on Average Capital Employed (ROACE)

This measure is defined as profit after taxation attributable to owners of the parent before non-trading items (net of related tax), brand related intangible asset amortisation and finance income and costs expressed as a percentage of average capital employed.

 
                                                                 12 months to   12 months to 
                                                                      H1 2020        H1 2019   FY 2019 
                                                                        EUR'm          EUR'm     EUR'm 
------------------------------------------------------------    -------------  -------------  -------- 
 Profit after taxation attributable to owners of the parent             540.2          553.2     566.5 
 Non-trading items (net of related tax)                                  57.5           73.9      91.7 
 Brand related intangible asset amortisation                             42.0           32.5      37.8 
 Net finance costs                                                       80.0           72.1      81.6 
 Adjusted profit                                                        719.7          731.7     777.6 
 Average capital employed                                             6,872.7        6,174.3   6,590.3 
 Return on average capital employed                                     10.5%          11.9%     11.8% 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------- 
 

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

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