Diageo Regulatory News (DGE)

Interim results, six months ended 31 December 2017

25 January 2018

Strong performance reflects consistent and rigorous execution of our strategy

· Reported net sales (£6.5 billion) and operating profit (£2.2 billion) were up 1.7% and 6.1%, respectively, as organic growth was partially offset by adverse exchange

· All regions contributed to broad based organic net sales growth, up 4.2%, and organic volume grew 1.8%

· Organic operating profit grew 6.7%, ahead of top line growth, as higher marketing investment was more than offset by efficiencies from our productivity programme

· Cash flow continued to be strong and in line with last year, with net cash from operating activities at £1.2 billion and free cash flow at £1 billion

· Basic eps of 82.2 pence was up 36.3%. Pre-exceptional eps was 67.8 pence, up 9.4%, driven by higher organic operating profit and lower finance charges

· The interim dividend increased 5% to 24.9 pence per share

See explanatory notes for explanation of the use of non-GAAP measures.

Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive, commenting on the results said:

"These results demonstrate continued positive momentum from the consistent and rigorous execution of our strategy. We have delivered broad based improvement in both organic volume and net sales growth. We have increased investment behind our brands and expanded organic operating margin through our sustained focus on driving efficiency and effectiveness across the business.

By consistently delivering on our six strategic priorities, Diageo continues to get stronger: we have better consumer insight through superior analytics, improved execution on brand and commercial plans and have embedded everyday efficiency across the business through our productivity initiatives. This has enabled continued growth, improved agility, and consistent cash flow generation.

Our financial performance expectations for this year remain unchanged. We are confident in our ability to deliver consistent mid-single digit top line growth and 175bps of organic operating margin improvement in the three years ending 30 June 2019."

Key financial information

Six months ended 31 December 2017

Summary financial information

(i) For further details of exceptional items and discontinued operations items see additional financial information.

Outlook for exchange

Using exchange rates £1 = $1.39; £1 = €1.13, the exchange rate movement for the year ending 30 June 2018 is estimated to adversely impact net sales by approximately £460 million and operating profit by approximately £60 million.

Outlook for tax

The tax rate before exceptional items for the six months ended 31 December 2017 was 19.8% compared with 20.9% in the prior comparable period. Our current expectation is that the tax rate before exceptional items for the year ending 30 June 2018 will be approximately 20%, a 1ppt improvement versus our prior guidance. The decrease between our prior expectation and the estimated tax rate for the year ending 30 June 2018 is principally driven by the headline rate reduction in the United States introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on 22 December 2017. As for most multinationals the current tax environment is creating increased levels of uncertainty.

Share buyback programme

On 26 July 2017 the Board approved a share buyback programme to return up to £1.5 billion to shareholders during F18. In the six months ended 31 December 2017, a total amount of £0.76 billion has been incurred to repurchase 29.5 million shares.

Acquisitions and disposals

The impact of acquisitions and disposals on the reported figures was primarily attributable to the acquisition of the Casamigos brand which was completed on 15 August 2017 and to the prior year move to the franchise model for some popular segment brands in India.

For further details on the impact of acquisitions and disposals see explanatory notes.

Net sales (£ million)

Reported net sales were up 1.7% with organic growth partially offset by unfavourable exchange. Organic net sales grew 4.2% driven by volume up 1.8% and positive price/mix

 (i) Exchange rate movements reflect the translation of prior year reported results at current year exchange rates.

Reported net sales grew 1.7%, driven by organic growth which was partially offset by unfavourable exchange and impacts from acquisitions and disposals.

Organic volume growth of 1.8% and 2.4% positive price/mix drove 4.2% organic net sales growth. All regions reported organic net sales growth.

Operating profit (£ million)

Reported operating profit grew 6.1%

Organic operating profit grew 6.7%

Reported operating profit was up 6.1% with organic growth partially offset by adverse exchange. Organic operating profit grew ahead of net sales at 6.7%.

Operating margin (%)

Reported operating margin increased 138bps

Organic operating margin increased 81bps

Reported operating margin increased 138bps driven by organic operating margin improvement and positive impact on operating margin from exchange, due to the stronger negative impact of exchange on net sales relative to operating profit. Organic operating margin improved 81bps driven by our productivity programme partially offset by higher marketing spend.

Basic earnings per share (pence)

Basic eps increased 36.3% from 60.3 pence to 82.2 pence due to exceptional tax credit

Eps before exceptional items increased 9.4% from 62.0 pence to 67.8 pence

(i) Excluding exchange

Basic eps was positively impacted by the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities in the United States resulting in an exceptional tax credit following the tax reduction in the United States under the Tax Cut and Jobs Act enacted on 22 December 2017.

Eps before exceptional items increased 5.8 pence, as organic operating profit growth and lower finance charges, more than offset the negative impact of exchange and higher tax expense.

Free cash flow (£ million)

Net cash from operating activities(i) was £1,248 million, a decrease of £19 million compared to the same period last year. Free cash flow was £1,029 million, a decrease of £55 million

(i) Net cash from operating activities excludes net capex, movements in loans and other investments ((£219) million in 2017 - (£183) million in 2016).

(ii) Exchange on operating profit before exceptional items.

(iii) Operating profit excludes exchange, depreciation and amortisation, post employment charges and non-cash items.

(iv) Working capital movement includes maturing inventory.

(v) Other items include post employment payments, dividends received from associates and joint ventures, and loans and other investments.

Free cash flow continued to be strong at £1 billion, although £55 million lower as growth in operating profit and improvements in operating working capital were offset by higher tax payments and increased investment in maturing inventory. Higher tax payments were driven by the one-off payment of £107 million made to HMRC for the preliminary UK tax assessment disclosed during the financial year ended 30 June 2017. The improvement in operating working capital was primarily driven by higher creditors.

Return on average invested capital (%)(i)

ROIC improved 77bps

(i) ROIC calculation excludes exceptional items.

ROIC before exceptional items increased 77bps as organic operating profit growth was partially offset by the impact from associates and higher tax charges.

Reported growth by region

Organic growth by region

(i) Before operating exceptional items.

Notes to the business and financial review

Unless otherwise stated: 

· commentary below refers to organic movements

· volume is in millions of equivalent units (EUm)

· net sales are sales after deducting excise duties

· percentage movements are organic movements

· share refers to value share

See explanatory notes for explanation of the calculation and use of non-GAAP measures.

BUSINESS REVIEW

Six months ended 31 December 2017

North America

North America delivered net sales growth of 2% with US Spirits growing 3%, continued growth in Diageo Beer Company USA (DBC USA) and Canada, and improvement in Travel Retail. In US Spirits, category share gains were achieved for all key brands except in vodka. North American whisk(e)y net sales grew 4%. Crown Royal grew 4% with Crown Royal Deluxe and Crown Royal Regal Apple growth accelerating, partially offset by Crown Royal Vanilla lapping its launch in the first half of last year. Bulleit continued its strong growth. Scotch grew 3% with Johnnie Walker growing 5%. Captain Morgan and Baileys continued their growth momentum. Vodka net sales declined 8% primarily driven by Cîroc and Ketel One vodka. Smirnoff net sales were down 2%, a slower decline than last year. Don Julio growth accelerated with net sales growing 39%. DBC USA net sales grew 2% with ready to drink growing 4% and beer declining 1%. Net sales in Canada were up 1%. Marketing in North America increased 8% and grew ahead of net sales as investment was up-weighted in the first half. Operating margin improved 6bps as positive mix and productivity initiatives delivered gross margin expansion with zero based budgeting and organisational effectiveness changes driving lower overhead cost, largely offset by increased marketing. 

Key financials £ million:

(i) Reclassification includes a reallocation of the results of the Travel Retail operations to the geographical regions.

(i) Spirits brands excluding ready to drink.

(ii) Organic equals reported volume movement except Johnnie Walker 6%.

· Net sales in US Spirits were up 3%. Net sales were marginally ahead of depletions. Crown Royal and Bulleit continued share gains in the North American whisk(e)y category. The Generosity platform is working for Crown Royal, driving gains in equity and category share. Crown Royal net sales grew 4% with acceleration in Crown Royal Deluxe and Crown Royal Regal Apple growth partially offset by Crown Royal Vanilla cycling its launch in the first half of last year. Johnnie Walker grew 5% as investment continued in the successful 'Keep Walking America' platform, scaled up 'liquid on lips' and highlighted Johnnie Walker Blue Label in the gifting occasion. Buchanan's grew 2% as it lapped a strong depletion performance in the first half of last year. Vodka decline was driven primarily by Cîroc and Ketel One vodka declining 12% and 13%, respectively. Execution of improved plans on Cîroc and Ketel One vodka started in the first half and are expected to take time to impact performance. Smirnoff net sales performance improved versus last year and brand equity scores improved as it continued to remind consumers that it is a quality vodka at a great price through a campaign involving celebrity influencers, new packaging with quality cues and local activation against multi-cultural millennial consumers. The 'Live like a Captain' campaign is resonating well with consumers and driving strong category share and equity gains for Captain Morgan. Baileys growth accelerated versus last year with the launch of a new campaign reminding consumers of its indulgent treat positioning over the holidays. Don Julio net sales grew 39% with growth and category share gains accelerating versus last year.

· DBC USA net sales increased 2% with ready to drink growing 4% and beer declining 1%. Ready to drink growth was driven by continued growth of Smirnoff Ice Spiked and Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer which were launched last year. Beer declined 1% with Guinness net sales flat and declines on Smithwick's ale and Harp lager.

· Net sales in Canada grew 1% driven by growth on Johnnie Walker, Baileys, Guinness and ready to drink. Johnnie Walker benefitted from a focus on Johnnie Walker Black Label highlighting its credentials to consumers through mentoring events, media and in-store activation. Guinness benefitted from the growth in the on-trade and launch of Hop House 13 Lager.

· Marketing grew 8% with upweight in marketing investment funded largely from productivity initiatives.

Europe and Turkey

The region delivered 4% net sales growth. In Europe, net sales were up 4% largely driven by Great Britain and Continental Europe, with continued share gains in spirits, up 20bps. Growth was broad based across all key categories, but primarily driven by gin, where Tanqueray gained share in a growing category and Gordon's benefitted from the launch of its Pink variant. Guinness was up 4%. Net sales of Captain Morgan grew double digit and the brand continued to gain share in the category. Scotch net sales were up 2% led by growth in Russia and Europe Partner Markets partially offset by weakness in JεB in Iberia. Reserve brands continued to deliver a good performance with net sales up 8% largely driven by Cîroc, Zacapa and Bulleit. In Turkey, net sales were up 10% largely driven by price increases across categories. Operating margin improved 239bps as an up-weight in marketing investment was offset by the on-going productivity initiatives and lapping other one-off operating costs.

Key financials £ million:

(i) Reclassification includes a reallocation of the results of the Travel Retail operations to the geographical regions.

(i) Following a change in management responsibilities the Europe market, from 1 July 2017, includes Russia and the Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco markets.

(ii) Spirits brands excluding ready to drink.

(iii) Organic equals reported volume movement

· In Europe, net sales were up 4%:

· In Great Britain, net sales grew 7%, primarily driven by growth in gin and beer. Tanqueray delivered strong double digit net sales growth and gained 70bps of share and Gordon's benefitted from the launch of its Pink variant. Guinness net sales increased 8% and gained 20bps of share, driven by a strong performance in Guinness Draught and Hop House 13 Lager. Scotch net sales were up double digit mainly driven by scotch malts and Johnnie Walker supported by the seasonal "Christmas lights" campaign. Reserve brands continued to deliver double digit growth, with strong performance across brands, led by increased distribution in Cîroc and the launch of Cîroc French Vanilla. The business also partially benefitted from lapping prior year working capital efficiencies, including inventory reductions.

· Net sales in Ireland were flat. Guinness grew 1% driven by the continued success of Hop House 13 Lager and the launch of the 'Behind every town' campaign across the country, offset by other beer brands where net sales declined 3%. In spirits, net sales were up 13% largely driven by strong performance in Gordon's and Tanqueray in gin.

· In Continental Europe, net sales were up 3%:

· Iberia net sales declined 7% due to a weak performance of JεB driven by category decline and increased competitive pressure.

· In Central Europe, net sales grew 1%. Double digit growth in Tanqueray and improved performance of Johnnie Walker in Poland was partially offset by a soft performance in Baileys which lapped a strong performance the prior year with up-weighted promotional activities.

· In Northern Europe net sales were up 2% as net sales growth in Nordics was partially offset by a 2% net sales decline in Benelux as the spirits category slowly began to recover following the duty increase in November 2016.

· In Mediterranean Hub, net sales were up 10% largely driven by Italy with broad growth across the spirits categories.

· Europe Partner Markets grew net sales 12% driven by an expanded distribution footprint and performance improvement in Johnnie Walker.

· Russia net sales grew 13% with 8.3pps of positive price/mix driven by price increases in the previous year. Growth was largely driven by scotch led by Johnnie Walker and also strong growth in Captain Morgan.

· In France, net sales were flat. Continued strong performance in Captain Morgan and Zacapa was offset by weakness in JεB and Smirnoff including ready to drink.

· In Turkey, net sales grew 10% primarily driven by excise led price increases and good raki and vodka category performance.

· Marketing investment increased 6% focused on key growth opportunities for the region in Guinness, Johnnie Walker, reserve and gin. Productivity benefits continued to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the investment.

Africa net sales increased 2%. Performance was mixed as double digit growth in Nigeria was partially offset by weakness in Africa Regional Markets and South Africa. In East Africa, our biggest market in the region, net sales were flat as performance was impacted by the uncertainty following the presidential election in Kenya. Across Africa, beer net sales were up 5%, as weakness in Kenya was offset by strong growth of Dubic in Nigeria and the successful launch of Serengeti Lite in Tanzania. Guinness and Malta Guinness also delivered good growth with net sales up 3% and 9% respectively. Mainstream spirits continued to deliver strong double digit growth driven by solid performance in East Africa and Nigeria. Scotch net sales declined 7% largely driven by challenges within the third party distributor network in Cameroon. Operating margin declined by 79bps driven by adverse price-mix, partially offset by productivity savings in supply, lower indirect spend as well as organisational effectiveness benefits.

(i) Spirits brands excluding ready to drink.

(ii) Organic equals reported volume movement.

· In East Africa, net sales were flat, as performance was impacted by the uncertainty following the presidential election in August 2017 in Kenya. Beer net sales were flat as a decline in Senator Keg in Kenya was offset by the successful launch of Serengeti Lite in Tanzania. Despite the uncertain environment in its home market, Tusker grew 1% in East Africa supported by the 'Here's To Us' campaign and Guinness net sales increased 3%, as it leveraged activations around the English Premier League football matches. Mainstream spirits continued to deliver strong performance driven by improved distribution and increased marketing investment.

· In Africa Regional Markets, net sales declined 4% with growth in beer offset by double digit decline in spirits largely driven by challenges within the third party distributor network in Cameroon. Beer net sales were up 1% driven by double digit growth in Malta Guinness supported by increased sampling activations, offset by double digit decline in Harp. In Ghana net sales increased 9% with net sales growth in Malta Guinness and Guinness offsetting decline in ready to drink where Orijin faced increased competitive pressure.

· Net sales in South Africa declined 2% largely driven by double digit decline in Smirnoff 1818 which was impacted by price increases and category decline in an increased competitive environment.

· In Nigeria, net sales increased 20%. Beer net sales were up 23% as value beer continued to be the largest growth contributor driven by Dubic. Guinness net sales were up 14% as it benefitted from lapping a soft performance the prior year and the activation of the 'Be A Front Row Fan' which leveraged on the English Premier League matches. Malta Guinness net sales were up 6% supported by the launch of the 'Fuel Your Greatness' campaign. In spirits, net sales were up 22% through strong double digit growth in mainstream spirits driven by innovation launches and new formats.

· Marketing investment increased 2% as the region benefitted from productivity initiatives. In Nigeria, marketing was focused on key campaigns including Malta Guinness 'Fuel Your Greatness' and Satz Smart Choice. In East Africa, the focus of marketing investment was on the Guinness campaign 'Meet The Legend' and the launch of Serengeti Lite. South Africa increased investment behind the scotch portfolio.

In Latin America and Caribbean net sales grew 7% with strong performance in PUB, Mexico, and PEBAC partially offset by a decline in Colombia, and weakness in the export channels. All key spirits categories were in growth. In scotch, net sales were up 2% with strong performance by Johnnie Walker and Black & White, which is recruiting new consumers across Brazil, Mexico and Colombia, partially offset by weak Old Parr performance in Colombia. Don Julio delivered strong double digit growth, and Smirnoff net sales were also up double digit with the brand back in growth in Brazil, its largest market in the region. In gin, Tanqueray drove category growth in Brazil and Mexico, and in rum net sales were up double digit with all key brands in growth. Operating margin for the region increased 97bps as up-weighted investment in marketing was more than offset by productivity led overhead savings through organisational effectiveness programmes.

(i) Reclassification includes a reallocation of the results of the Travel Retail operations to the geographical regions.

(i) Spirits brands excluding ready to drink.

(ii) Organic equals reported volume movement except for Johnnie Walker flat and Old Parr (12)% due to the reallocation of the Travel Retail

operations.

· In PUB (Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil), net sales increased 14%. In Brazil, growth was broad-based across all spirits categories. Scotch net sales were up 11% driven by continued activation on Black & White. In gin, Tanqueray tripled in value through increased activation and distribution and Smirnoff net sales increased 8% supported by new formats to drive accessibility. Net sales in Paraguay and Uruguay continued to grow due to improved performance in the export channels.

· In Mexico, net sales increased 12% driven by growth across all spirits categories. Reserve grew net sales 38% driven by Don Julio which gained 2.7pps of share. Scotch growth was fuelled by Black & White which continued its double digit growth. Johnnie Walker, the biggest brand in the market, gained share while Buchanan's performance was impacted by price increases. Vodka net sales returned to growth with improved performance on Smirnoff 21 and the launch of Smirnoff X1.

· In CCA (Caribbean and Central America), net sales declined 6%. Hurricanes Irma and Maria impacted performance in the domestic markets, where net sales increased 1%. Export channels net sales declined 19% as market conditions remained challenging.

· Andean (Colombia and Venezuela) net sales declined 1%. Colombia net sales were down 9% as recent tax regulations resulted in higher retail selling prices for premium imported whisky, and impacted the performance of Old Parr. Negative price/mix was driven by expansion in the standard and primary segment where Johnnie Walker Red Label and Black & White are recruiting consumers from local spirits and capturing the down trading due to the impact of tax changes. Overall Diageo Colombia gained share in scotch and consolidated its leadership position in the category. In Venezuela volume grew 26% largely driven by locally produced brands. Net sales grew significantly faster as price increases offset high inflation.

· PEBAC (Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile) delivered net sales growth of 17%, mainly driven by Ecuador, where economic conditions have improved, and Argentina. In Argentina, net sales growth was led by Smirnoff, driven by increased distribution, and Johnnie Walker which gained 4.3pps of share. Net sales also grew in Chile and Bolivia, partially offset by declines in Peru.

· Marketing investment increased by 11%, driven by up-weighted investment on scotch across the portfolio with support focused behind Johnnie Walker and Black & White.

In Asia Pacific net sales grew 7% with strong growth in Greater China and solid performance in India, South East Asia, and Travel Retail Asia and Middle East. This was partly offset by the continued contraction of the scotch category in Korea and a decline in net sales in Australia. Growth was broad based across most spirits categories. Chinese white spirits continued to grow strong double digit driven by improved execution and expanded distribution. Net sales in India grew 2% largely impacted by the Supreme Court ruling banning sales in certain outlets near state highways. In scotch, net sales were up 5% as strong performance in Johnnie Walker more than offset the net sales decline in Windsor in Korea. Net sales of reserve brands were up 29% largely driven by Chinese white spirits and strong growth in Johnnie Walker reserve variants. Gross margin for the region increased 39bps largely driven by India. Operating margin increased 204bps driven by mix and productivity led overhead savings through both indirect spend and organisational effectiveness programmes.

(i) Reclassification includes a reallocation of the results of the Travel Retail operations to the geographical regions.

(i) Difference between organic and reported volume for Asia Pacific is driven by the move to the franchise model for some popular segment brands in India.

(ii) Following a review of group's reporting of volume an adjustment was made to include Malaysia and Singapore contract brew volume in the reported beer figures which increased the reported volume in Asia Pacific by 0.2 million equivalent cases for the six months ended 31 December 2016.

(iii) Spirits brands excluding ready to drink.

(iv) Organic equals reported volume movement except for Guinness 54% and McDowell's (15)% which were impacted by a volume adjustment to include Malaysia and Singapore contract brew volume in the reported figures, and a change from an owned to a franchise model in India.

(v) Organic growth figures represent total Chinese white spirits of which Shui Jing Fang is the predominant brand.

· In India net sales increased 2% as growth from lapping the demonetisation and pricing benefits were offset by the impact of the Supreme Court ruling prohibiting the sale of alcohol in certain outlets near state highways and route to market changes in certain states. Prestige and above net sales grew 6% driven by McDowell's No. 1, which was supported by the launch of its 'Never Drink and Drive' campaign, and Signature. Scotch net sales were up 4% driven by Johnnie Walker and by Black Dog, which gained share in the category. Rum net sales were up 2% and benefited from the national roll out of Captain Morgan. Net sales in the popular brands segment declined 3% and now account for approximately 36% of the business.

· In Greater China net sales increased 32% despite the impact of the later Chinese New Year in 2018. Chinese white spirits net sales grew 80% driven by improved execution and expanded distribution beyond our core provinces. Scotch net sales declined as strong double digit growth in Mainland China, driven by Johnnie Walker and The Singleton, was more than offset by declines in Taiwan. In Taiwan scotch net sales were impacted by category decline and commercial challenges in the market.

· Net sales in Australia were down 8% driven by working capital efficiencies, including inventory reductions, delivered with key customers. Underlying performance in Bundaberg improved as it benefited from a packaging relaunch and the new 'Unmistakeably Ours' campaign launched in March 2017. The ready to drink category remains challenged, but recent innovation launches Bundaberg Lazy Bear and Smirnoff Pure continue to see solid growth.

· In South East Asia, net sales increased 10% largely driven by strong double digit growth in Key Accounts and the Philippines where Johnnie Walker was supported by continued focus on route to consumer and occasion-driven activation. Scotch net sales grew 19% with growth in all markets except Vietnam. In Thailand net sales increased 6% following the end of the mourning period for the death of the king.

· In North Asia, net sales declined 5% as growth in Japan was offset by continued weakness in Korea. In Korea net sales declined 9% as Windsor continued to be impacted by the scotch category decline as consumers move away from traditional on-trade occasions and look for alternatives with lower alcohol content. This was partially offset by strong double digit net sales growth in the W range by Windsor, which plays in the lower ABV segment and by Guinness. Japan net sales increased 2% with good performance in scotch offsetting decline in ready to drink.

· Travel Retail Asia and Middle East net sales grew 27% as the Middle East lapped weak performance in the previous year as well as significant improvement in commercial activation and expanded distribution.

· Marketing investment increased 9% driven by up-weighted investment in China and India.

CATEGORY AND BRAND REVIEW

Six months ended 31 December 2017

(i) Spirits brands excluding ready to drink.

(ii) Vodka, rum, gin including IMFL brands.

(iii) Organic equals reported volume movement except for spirits (3)%, rum (10)%, IMFL whisky (9)%, vodka (1)%, tequila 53%, gin 13% which were impacted by acquisitions and disposals and the move from an owned to a franchise model in India, and beer 2% which was impacted by an adjustment to include Malaysia and Singapore contract brew volume in the reported beer figures.

· Scotch represents 27% of Diageo's net sales and was up 3% with broad based growth across all regions except Africa which was impacted by challenges within the third party distributor network in Cameroon. Johnnie Walker delivered a strong performance with net sales up 7% and primary scotch brands net sales increased 8% largely driven by Black & White in Latin America and Caribbean and Asia Pacific. Elsewhere Windsor net sales declined double digit as it continued to suffer from the category decline in Korea and Old Parr performance was impacted by tax regulation changes in Colombia. Net sales in scotch malts were up 3% with growth in North America, China Mainland, South East Asia and Travel Retail Asia and Middle East partially offset by weakness of The Singleton in Taiwan.

· Vodka represents 11% of Diageo's net sales and declined 3% as good performance in Europe and Turkey, Latin America and Caribbean and Asia Pacific was offset by decline in North America and Africa. The net sales decline was driven predominantly by Cîroc and Ketel One vodka in North America. Smirnoff declined 1% driven by South Africa where Smirnoff 1818 was impacted by increased competitive pressure and Smirnoff net sales declined 14%. Smirnoff was also down 2% in US Spirits, partially offset by a good performance in most of our markets in Asia Pacific and Latin America and Caribbean.

· North American whisk(e)y represents 9% of Diageo's net sales and grew 4%. Net sales in Crown Royal, our Canadian whisky, grew 3% and continued to gain share in US Spirits, its biggest market. Growth in American whiskeys was largely driven by Bulleit.

· Rum represents 7% of Diageo's net sales and grew 5% with broad based growth across all regions. This was largely driven by Captain Morgan, up 6%, and Zacapa, up 21%, as both brands delivered good performance and share gains in our biggest markets: US Spirits and Europe.

· IMFL whisky represents 5% of Diageo's net sales and grew 1%. Growth from successful relaunches of McDowell's No.1 and Signature were partially offset by declines of Bagpiper and Old Tavern in the declining popular segment.

· Liqueurs represents 6% of Diageo's net sales and grew 5% driven by double digit growth of Baileys in US Spirits as the brand benefited from a new media campaign and 'liquid on lips' sampling activations.

· Gin represents 4% of Diageo's net sales and grew 16% with broad based growth across all regions. Tanqueray and Gordon's in Europe were the largest contributors to growth as both brands grew double digit.

· Tequila represents 3% of Diageo's net sales and grew 43%. The performance was driven by strong double digit growth of Don Julio in US Spirits and Mexico.

· Beer represents 15% of Diageo's net sales and grew 4%. Growth was largely driven by Guinness and Dubic, a value brand in Nigeria. Guinness net sales were up 4% with good performance in Europe, as the brand continued to benefit from the successful launch of the 'The Brewers Project' including Guinness Hop House 13 Lager, Nigeria and Korea. In East Africa performance of Senator was impacted by uncertainty following the presidential election in August 2017.

· Ready to drink represents 5% of Diageo's net sales and declined 2%. Continued good performance in North America and Europe was largely offset by declines of Bundaberg and Smirnoff in Australia and Orijin in Nigeria and Ghana.

(i) Spirits brands excluding ready to drink.

(ii) Organic equals reported volume movement except for McDowell's (15)%, which was impacted by the move from an owned to a franchise model in India, and Guinness 4% which was impacted by an adjustment to include Malaysia and Singapore contract brew volume in the reported beer figures

(iii) Organic growth figures represent total Chinese white spirits of which Shui Jing Fang is the predominant brand.

· Global giants represents 43% of Diageo's net sales and grew 5%. Growth was broad-based across all brands with the exception of Smirnoff whose net sales declined 1%.

· Local stars represents 20% of Diageo's net sales and grew 5%, largely driven by strong growth of Chinese white spirits, Crown Royal in US Spirits and Black & White in Latin America and Caribbean. This was partially offset by declines of Windsor in Korea and Old Parr in Colombia.

· Reserve brands represents 18% of Diageo's net sales and grew 11% largely driven by strong double digit growth in Chinese white spirits and Don Julio. Net sales of Johnnie Walker reserve variants were up 7%, driving the growth in scotch reserve brands. Double digit growth in Tanqueray No. Ten, Bulleit and Zacapa broadly offset declines in Ketel One vodka and Cîroc.

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Six months ended 31 December 2017

(i) For the definition of organic movement see explanatory notes.

(a) Exchange

The impact of movements in exchange rates on reported figures is principally in respect of strengthening of sterling against the US dollar, the Turkish lira, the Nigerian naira and the Kenyan schilling, partially offset by weakening of sterling against the euro.

The effect of movements in exchange rates and other movements on profit before exceptional items and taxation for the six months ended 31 December 2017 is set out in the table below.

(b) Acquisitions and disposals

The acquisitions and disposals movement was primarily attributable to the comparable period movement where a number of brands in Indian states changed from being owned brands to being franchised and the acquisition of Casamigos Tequila, LLC (Casamigos), a super premium tequila based in the United States purchased on 15 August 2017.

(c) Exceptional items

There were no operating or non-operating exceptional items in the six months ended 31 December 2017.

Non-operating items of £20 million in the six months ended 31 December 2016 comprised a net gain of £20 million before tax in respect of the sale of Diageo's wine interests in the United States.

See explanatory notes for the definition of exceptional items.

Discontinued operations in the six months ended 31 December 2016 comprised £55 million (net of deferred tax of £9 million) of additional amounts payable to the UK Thalidomide Trust.

(d) Taxation

The reported tax rate for the six months ended 31 December 2017 was 3.5% compared with 21.0% for the six months ended 31 December 2016.

The significant decrease in the reported rate is driven by the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities resulting in an exceptional tax credit of £360 million ($475 million), as a consequence of the reduction in the US Federal tax rate (from 35% to 21%) enacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in the United States on 22 December 2017.

The tax rate before exceptional items for the six months ended 31 December 2017 was 19.8% compared with 20.9% in six months ended 31 December 2016.

As at 30 June 2017 the expectation of the tax rate before exceptional items for the year ending 30 June 2018 was 21%. The current expectation is that the tax rate before exceptional items for the year ending 30 June 2018 will be approximately 20%.

The change in our expectation of the estimated tax rate for the year ending 30 June 2018 is principally driven by the application of the TCJA. In common with a number of other multinationals the current tax environment is creating increased levels of uncertainty.

(e) Dividend

The group aims to increase the dividend at each half-year and the decision as to the rate of the dividend increase is made with reference to dividend cover as well as the current performance trends including top and bottom line together with cash generation. Diageo targets dividend cover (the ratio of basic earnings per share before exceptional items to dividend per share) within the range of 1.8-2.2 times. For the year ended 30 June 2017 dividend cover was 1.7 times. It is expected that dividend increases will be maintained at roughly a mid-single digit rate until cover is back in range.

An interim dividend of 24.9 pence per share will be paid to holders of ordinary shares and ADRs on the register as of 23 February 2018. The ex-dividend date is 22 February 2018. This represents an increase of 5% on last year's interim dividend. The interim dividend will be paid to ordinary shareholders on 6 April 2018. Payment to US ADR holders will be made on 11 April 2018. A dividend reinvestment plan is available to holders of ordinary shares in respect of the interim dividend and the plan notice date is 14 March 2018.

(f) Share buyback

On 8 September 2017 the group commenced a share buyback programme to spend up to £1.5 billion to repurchase shares in the year ending 30 June 2018. At 31 December 2017 the group had purchased 28,739,449 ordinary shares for a cost of £742 million (including £4 million of transaction costs) and has funded the purchases through a combination of cash and short term commercial paper. A financial liability of £182 million has been established at 31 December 2017 representing 6,804,364 shares that are expected to be purchased by 24 January 2018. Of these shares 715,009 were purchased before 31 December 2017 for a cost of £19 million, but had not been paid by the period end.

Movement in net borrowings

(a) See free cash flow for the analysis of free cash flow.

(b) In the six months ended 31 December 2017 acquisitions and sale of businesses included $705 million (£548 million) in respect of the acquisition of Casamigos. The deferred consideration of $300 million (£233 million) is expected to be paid in tranches over the next ten years when Casamigos achieves certain performance targets.

In the six months ended 31 December 2016 acquisitions and sale of businesses included part of the settlement of the guarantee in respect of the US wines disposal partially offset by the working capital settlement received from Treasury Wine Estates.

(c) Net purchase of own shares comprised purchase of treasury shares for the future settlement of obligations under the employee share option schemes of £67 million (2016 - £86 million) less receipts from employees on the exercise of share options of £39 million (2016 - £37 million).

(d) In the six months ended 31 December 2017, the group issued bonds of €1,275 million (£1,136 million) and repaid bonds of $1,250 million (£948 million). In the comparable period the group repaid bonds of $600 million (£461 million).

(e) In the six months ended 31 December 2017 the net movement in other borrowings principally arose from the issue of commercial paper and cash movements on foreign exchange swaps and forwards. In the comparable period movements were driven by the settlements of the cross currency interest rate swaps and the cash movements of foreign exchange swaps and forwards.

(f) Decrease in net borrowings of £47 million is primarily driven by the favourable exchange differences on US dollar denominated borrowings partially offset by an adverse movement on euro denominated borrowings and an unfavourable change on foreign exchange swaps and forwards.

Movement in equity

(a) Movement in the six months ended 31 December 2017 primarily arose from exchange losses in respect of the Indian rupee, US dollar and the Turkish lira.

(b) In the six months ended 31 December 2017 a rights issue was completed by Guinness Nigeria (GN) where Diageo's controlling equity share in GN increased from 54.32% to 58.02%. The transaction resulted in a credit of £31 million to non-controlling interests and a charge of £5 million to reserves.

Post employment plans

The deficit in respect of post employment plans before taxation increased by £27 million from £491 million at 30 June 2017 to £518 million at 31 December 2017. The increase primarily arose due to a decrease in returns from AA-rated corporate bonds used to calculate the discount rates on the liabilities of the post employment plans (UK from 2.6% to 2.5%, Ireland from 2.1% to 1.7%) largely offset by an increase in the market value of the assets held by the post employment schemes and the contributions paid into the post employment plans. Total cash contributions by the group to all post employment plans in the year ending 30 June 2018 are estimated to be approximately £200 million.