Kerry Regulatory News (KYGA)

News release

Tuesday 23 February 2016

Preliminary Statement of Results

for the year ended 31 December 2015

Kerry, the global taste & nutrition and consumer foods group, reports preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2015.

Commenting on the results Kerry Group Chief Executive Stan McCarthy said; "In a record year of business development in 2015, the Group achieved a strong financial performance, delivering continued business margin expansion and 8.2% growth in adjusted earnings per share. Our industry-leading technologies are well positioned to meet today's consumer and customer requirements. We expect to achieve 6% to 10% growth in adjusted earnings per share in 2016 taking into account a 3% currency headwind at today's exchange rates".

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT OF RESULTS

for the year ended 31 December 2015

Kerry Group achieved a strong financial performance coupled with solid business development in all our core business areas and markets in 2015. In a challenging year marked by regional variation in economic growth, geopolitical instability, and significant commodity and currency volatility, global and regional food and beverage providers also continued to address the changing marketplace arising from consumer shopping patterns and channel dynamics. The 'new connected consumer' increasingly demands on-trend food & beverage experience at retail and foodservice level - accelerating the requirement for innovation and speed to market. In addition health, wellness, nutrition and convenience are key differentiators across all end-use-markets - providing strong opportunities for growth through Kerry's unique Taste & Nutrition technology portfolio.

While economic conditions continued to improve in most regional developed markets - consumer demand remained weak. Developing markets overall exhibited slower economic growth, with many regional markets impacted by intensified geopolitical activity and significant currency movement. However Kerry continued to achieve good volume growth through its Taste & Nutrition technologies and systems in all regions. In a record year of acquisition investment, the Group also continued to consolidate Kerry's leading global infrastructure and expand its technology and market footprint for future growth.

Kerry Foods performed well, benefiting from the improved economic conditions in the UK and Irish markets and growing consumer demand for snacking and convenience offerings. The restructured Kerry Foods' portfolio is well positioned to meet consumer requirements across all channels including the fast growing food-to-go sector and e-commerce channels.

Results

Group businesses continued to outperform market growth rates in 2015. Sales revenue on a reported basis increased by 6.1% to €6.1 billion. Business volumes progressively improved during the year delivering 3.8% year-on-year growth. This performance reflected continued strong market development in American markets, an improved performance in the EMEA region and good growth in Asia despite lower economic growth in some regional developing markets. Pricing declined by 2.2% against a background of approximately 4.5% lower raw material costs. Currency movements contributed a positive 6.9% translation impact to revenue.

Taste & Nutrition achieved 4% growth in business volumes and pricing was 2.3% lower. Kerry Foods' business volumes grew by 3% and pricing reduced by 1.9%.

Group trading performance was again assisted by 1 Kerry efficiency programmes, improved product mix and the repositioned Kerry Foods business portfolio. Group trading profit increased by 10% to €700m. The Group trading profit margin increased by 40 basis points to 11.5%, reflecting a 40 basis points improvement in Taste & Nutrition to 14.1% and a 20 basis points improvement in Kerry Foods' margin to 8.5%.

Basic earnings per share increased by 9.4% to 298.7 cent. Adjusted earnings per share increased by 8.2% to 301.9 cent (2014: 278.9 cent). The Board recommends a final dividend of 35 cent per share, an increase of 11.1% on the 2014 final dividend. Together with the interim dividend of 15 cent per share, this brings the total dividend for the year to 50 cent, an increase of 11.1% on 2014.

Expenditure on research and development in 2015 increased to €234m (2014: €197m). Net capital expenditure amounted to €229m (2014: €257m). The Group achieved a free cash flow of €453m (2014: €303m).

Business Reviews

Taste & Nutrition 

Kerry provides the largest, most innovative portfolio of Taste & Nutrition Technologies and Systems, and Functional Ingredients & Actives for the global food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.

The changing marketplace continues to drive a strong pipeline of innovation and demand for Kerry's Taste & Nutrition Technologies and Systems. Solid market development was achieved in all regions as the Group's global and regional customers addressed consumer demand for 'better-for-you', natural, authentic taste, 'free-from', 'clean-label', convenience products. Developed market conditions remain challenging as food and beverage providers compete to meet changing consumer lifestyles, shopping behaviours, and retail / foodservice channel requirements. Regional developing markets continue to be impacted by slower economic growth, significant currency movements and geopolitical issues. Against this background, Kerry's Taste & Nutritional technology portfolio and Global Technology & Innovation Centre network was to the fore in product development and innovation through the Group's commercial alliances.

Reported revenue increased by 8.7% to €4.7 billion, reflecting 4% business volume growth and 2.3% lower net pricing. Trading profit grew by 11.9% to €663m reflecting a 40 basis points increase in divisional trading margin to 14.1%. In 2015, Taste & Nutrition accounted for 76% of Group revenue and 84% of Group trading profit.

Americas Region

Combining Kerry's taste capability with the Group's unique Nutrition & General Wellness enabling technology portfolio delivered good growth throughout American food and beverage markets in 2015. Whilst sectoral industry issues impacted overall development in some traditional retail food categories, demand for innovation accelerated in particular in wellness, nutrition and snacking categories, and to meet 'eating-out-of-home' market requirements. Development in Latin American markets was impacted by significant currency devaluation particularly in Brazil which impacted 'out-of-home' food consumption, but Kerry maintained satisfactory business development in Mexico, Central America and the Andean region. The Group's recent acquisitions assisted growth in Brazil despite the prevailing macro-economic conditions.

Sales revenue in the Americas region increased by 21.4% on a reported basis to €2,308m, reflecting 4.1% volume growth and 1.9% lower pricing.

Americas region market development was boosted in 2015 through completion of a number of strategic acquisitions. Kerry achieved solid growth in the North American meat sector and across American foodservice channels through successful deployment of Kerry taste technologies and 'clean-label' systems. The breakfast meats sector provided good growth opportunities at retail and foodservice level, and meat snacking continued to grow across all channels. Kerry coatings, seasonings, fermented ingredient systems and smoke/grill technologies achieved strong growth based on such trends. KFI Savory, the U.S. based savoury flavour business of Kraft Food Ingredients acquired in June 2015, performed in line with expectations. Wynnstarr Flavors assisted performance in the North American culinary sector and recent acquisitions assisted growth in the Brazilian foodservice sector despite the challenging macro-economic conditions. Central American markets presented good growth opportunities. Baltimore Spice, a Costa Rican based spices, seasonings and condiments producer with production facilities located in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Panama acquired in July, significantly strengthened Kerry's market positioning in the culinary and snack sectors in Central America and the Caribbean.  

The acquisition of Red Arrow Products was completed in December significantly strengthening Kerry's taste technology and savoury flavour industry leadership. Operating from manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, supported by Application & Development Centres in Germany and Sweden, Red Arrow is a leading supplier of natural smoke flavours and authentic savoury grill flavours serving meat, culinary and food industry markets worldwide.

The snack bar and bagged snacks categories continued to provide good opportunities for Kerry innovation including application of organic certified seasonings. Savoury snack applications achieved strong growth in Mexico and Central America. Development in the bakery sector was driven by increased consumer demand for 'free-from', 'clean-label', convenience and tasteful products, enabling Kerry to record solid growth through its Taste & Nutrition technologies and gluten-free, organic and non-GMO lines.

Trends in international dairy markets limited development through dairy and culinary systems. However Kerry saw breakthrough innovation in the ice-cream sector through its proprietary 'Rapid Fire' development process, and through smoothie and yoghurt applications. Kerry continued to invest in the expansion and broadening of its beverage solutions technologies and to consolidate the Group's industry-leading positioning as provider of the broadest portfolio of beverage solutions. Taste and lower calorie trends provided strong innovation opportunities in soft drinks, coffee and nutritional beverages. The fast growing 'single serve' market led to increased applications in the hot beverage, soup, broth and sauce markets. Kerry's Big Train, DaVinci Gourmet and Oregon Chai brands benefited from growing consumption of 'out-of-home' beverages through c-stores and specialist outlets. Extension of the Big Train range to Kerry's branded offering in Latin American markets achieved good results. Insight Beverages, a leading U.S. based supplier of custom beverage solutions to foodservice and convenience store channels in North American markets, acquired in May, performed in line with expectations. In September the Group also acquired Island Oasis a category leading provider of all-natural premium cocktail mixes and customised beverage solutions serving 'on-premise', restaurant, leisure and hospitality segments of the U.S. market. Distributed and marketed though national and regional chains, QSR's and independents; the Island Oasis portfolio includes innovative frozen and shelf-stable fruit purées, coffee blends, performance nutrition beverage systems and customised 'on-premise' beverage equipment. Headquartered in Walpole (MA), the business operates from manufacturing facilities in Byesville (OH) and Buffalo (NY).

Pharma ingredients continued to achieve good growth throughout excipient and cell nutrition applications across Kerry's global markets. Kerry saw increased success in 2015 through the Group's custom-developed complex media systems in cell nutrition. In September the Group acquired Biothera Inc.'s Wellmune® business which produces and markets the unique Wellmune® branded natural food, beverage and supplement ingredient clinically proven to strengthen the immune system - improving health and wellness. Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic, GMO-free, gluten-free and 'Informed Sport' certified, Wellmune® is formulated in a growing number of food, beverage and supplement products in more than fifty countries throughout the world.

EMEA Region

European economies continued to recover in 2015 but the overall deflationary environment continued to heighten competitiveness in food and beverage markets. Geopolitical instability continued to constrain development in regional developing markets. Kerry's performance throughout the region improved in 2015 with good growth reported in the second half of the year. Nutrition and general wellness trends continued to drive development and innovation in EMEA food and beverage markets with an increased focus on sodium, calorie and fat reduction coupled with continued growth in demand for convenient food and beverage solutions. Establishment of the Group's Global Technology & Innovation Centre in Ireland mid-year, supported by Kerry Development & Application Centres in Moscow, Dubai and Durban has led to a significant increase in customer engagement and innovation. Business volumes in 2015 increased by 0.9% and with lower raw material pricing, in particular dairy, overall net pricing reduced by 2.9%. This resulted in reported revenue of €1,546m similar to the prior year level.

Kerry dairy taste technologies and systems continued to progress development in the bakery, processed cheese and spread sectors. While dairy and culinary technologies were impacted by sectoral competiveness issues, Kerry recorded good growth and market development in the foodservice channel. Snacking trends provided good growth opportunities in the appetizers market. Demand for clean-label remains the primary driver of innovation in a comparatively flat bakery market providing increased opportunity for Kerry fermentation technology. Competitiveness in the European meat industry accelerated the requirement for more differentiated offerings including improved taste, functionality and nutritional solutions.

Kerry continued to extend its beverage and sweet taste technologies in the EMEA region into wider market sectors including the coffee segment, dairy beverages, nutritional drinks and 'beyond carbonates'. Good growth was achieved through Kerry's natural extracts range and through water and coffee enhancers. Functional beverages exhibited good growth and the energy drinks, RTD teas and coffee segments provided solid opportunities for innovation. Beverage systems maintained strong growth, in particular in the foodservice channel through Kerry's branded 'Big Train' and 'DaVinci Gourmet' products.

The MENAT sub-region delivered encouraging growth through beverage applications and snacks. Turkey based PST Pastacilik Gida, a branded provider of sweet ingredient solutions to the fine bakery, confectionery, ice cream and foodservice sectors in Turkey and the Middle East, was acquired in July. Market conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa remained highly competitive. In South Africa, an increased focus on sodium reduction has generated innovation opportunities in the bakery, snacks and meat sectors. The brewing industry in Africa saw good growth where Kerry achieved solid growth through its beverage taste technologies. Industry development in Russia continues to be impacted by the political and economic situation. While new product development remains on hold, Kerry continued to assist its Russian customers in recipe optimisation and production processes.

The European primary dairy sector has operated under extremely challenging conditions in 2015 as a substantial increase in output in exporting countries and a slowdown in import demand led to a significant fall in prices along the EU dairy supply chain.

The Group's Europe based nutritional technologies continued to advance applications across all life-stage end-use-markets in particular in the Asian infant nutrition sector. Ongoing investment at Kerry's facilities in Ireland has significantly expanded production and packaging capability to meet customer nutritional product applications. Demand for hydrolysed proteins for clinical and infant nutrition continues to grow. Enzymes delivered good growth in the bakery, beverage and nutritional sectors. The recently established Global Technology & Innovation Centre in Ireland also includes Kerry's Global Centre of Excellence for Nutrition. The Centre, which also hosts Kerry's Nutrition Discovery Centre, is the focal point for the Group's commercial, technical, nutritional science and strategic marketing teams and the Global Centre for Kerry customer engagement on nutrition and general wellness. In 2015 the Kerry Health and Nutrition Institute supported by a Scientific Advisory Council was also launched to bring industry-leading insight to the science and policy of health, taste, nutrition and general wellness.

Asia-Pacific Region

Kerry continued to successfully establish and consolidate a world-class operational and market development footprint throughout the Asia-Pacific region in 2015 - notwithstanding the slowdown in economic growth and currency movements in regional developing markets. Business performance remained robust throughout the region with an accelerated growth level in Q4. Localisation of taste is critical to success in individual markets which increased the demand for innovation and speed of launch. Demand for balanced life-stage nutrition, healthy snacking, convenient tasteful beverage applications and customised foodservice solutions continues to reflect strong growth. Regional business volumes grew by 10.1%. Revenues reported at €784m reflected the business volume growth, 2.1% lower pricing, currency movements and the impact of the sale of the Pinnacle Lifestyle bakery business in Australia completed in May.

Dairy Taste technologies continued to achieve strong growth in particular through cheese and butter systems in Indonesia, Vietnam, China and the Philippines. Snacking trends provided strong innovation opportunities for Kerry culinary applications in South East Asia. Completion of the new sauce systems production plant at Kerry's Plentong facility in Malaysia facilitated continued growth through premium sauce systems in Malaysia and China. Interest in Kerry's 'clean-label' technologies is growing in the region and achieved encouraging development progress in the meat and bakery sectors in Australia and New Zealand.

Demand for protein enriched foods and enhanced nutritional values across all the life-stages continues to grow in Asia. Nutritional beverage applications led to increased demand for Kerry hydrolysed proteins particularly in clinical and infant nutrition. Functional hydrolysates also grew sales in the confectionery markets in India and Indonesia. Demand for premium quality infant nutrition products in China continues to provide excellent opportunities for growth through Kerry nutritional technologies and systems. Phase 1 of a major investment programme at the Group's Nantong, China production facility was completed in 2015. The Group's recently acquired 'Wellmune' immune-health ingredient continues to grow applications in Asia - in particular in China where results from a recently completed clinical study added to the growing body of clinical evidence of Wellmune's ability to strengthen the immune system of children.

Beverage taste technologies and systems recorded strong growth - in particular in the foodservice sector throughout Asia-Pacific markets. Kerry's branded beverage offerings including DaVinci, Café D'Amore and Big Train are successfully extending market reach into wider geographic markets and channels - including c-stores. Solid market development continues to be achieved in India through beverage flavours, emulsifiers, texturants and meat systems.

Consumer Foods

Kerry Foods is an industry-leading manufacturer and marketer of added-value branded and customer branded chilled food products to the Irish, UK and selected international markets.

Consumer confidence has continued to grow in the Irish and UK consumer foods markets in line with the improved economic conditions in both economies. Overall trading conditions remain highly competitive due to retail competitiveness arising from market polarisation and fragmentation, the growth of e-tail and deflationary trends. The deflationary environment has led to some category volume recovery. Discounters have continued to invest for growth which has led to broader retailer focus on EDLP. Changing lifestyles have also contributed to continued growth in snacking - with increased demand for healthier options. Online grocery shopping maintained a strong growth momentum where Kerry out performed category e-tail growth rates.

The repositioned Kerry Foods' portfolio performed well against this background delivering 3% volume growth in 2015. Net pricing was 1.9% lower. Following the sale of the division's pastry manufacturing assets in August 2014 and the management buy-out of the Direct-To-Store business in the UK completed at the end of February 2015, sales revenue in the repositioned Kerry Foods' portfolio was reported at €1,476m. Trading in the division's continuing businesses improved during the year, with reported trading profit similar to the prior year level at €126m despite the business disposals.

UK Brands had a mixed performance due to category specific competitiveness issues. Mattessons meat snacks continued to drive growth in the meat snacking sector delivering double digit brand growth with increased sales through the convenience channel and successful extension of the brand to the adults' snack segment. In the sausage sector, Richmond branded offerings were impacted by the changing promotional environment. Richmond and Wall's continued to bring innovative offerings to the category through convenient solutions meeting today's consumer lifestyles including 'Richmond Perfect Bake' and 'Wall's Ready Baked'.

Cheestrings performed well in the UK as the children's cheese snack sector returned to growth. 'LowLow Snack Bites' continued to grow the adult cheese snack sector. 'Pure', Kerry Foods' 'free from' brand consolidated its leadership position in the growing UK dairy-free spreads sector. Rollover Ltd., acquired in January 2015, extended Kerry Foods' 'hot-to-go' UK offering and channel distribution.

UK Customer Brands achieved strong growth in each of its key sectors in the meal solutions category - chilled ready meals, 'Ready-to-Cook' and frozen ready meals. The frozen meals category returned to growth where the Bisto and Sharwoods brands achieved excellent growth. The private label spreads sector lost some market share to block butter and spreadable butter but Kerry Foods' spreads volumes outperformed the market significantly. A major investment programme at Kerry Foods' Ossett production facility was significantly advanced in 2015.

Brands Ireland performed well in the Irish grocery market which returned to growth in 2015. The 'Denny Gold Medal' sausage range achieved good brand growth year-on-year. Kerry Foods 'Fire and Smoke' range of branded sliced cooked meats recorded an excellent performance - achieving a number of notable innovation awards including an international taste award at Germany's ANUGA Food Fair.

'Dairygold' maintained its brand leadership position in the Irish spreads market and LowLow consolidated its position as brand leader in the low fat cheese and spreads sectors. 'Charleville' achieved good brand growth in the cheese category and successfully launched the 'Charleville Snackfuls' range of cheese snacking products. 2015 saw 'Yollies', an innovative children's yoghurt snack range, gain increased market momentum in the Irish and UK markets.

International markets provided further growth opportunities for the Cheestrings range. Available now in eight European markets, Cheestrings saw a strong performance in France and Germany in 2015.

Financial review

Analysis of Results

On a reported basis Group revenue increased by 6.1% to €6.1 billion (2014: €5.8 billion). Volumes grew by 3.8%, product pricing decreased by 2.2% and there was a positive transaction related currency impact of 0.1%. There was a negative impact of business disposals net of acquisitions of 2.5% and a positive reporting currency impact of 6.9%.

In Taste & Nutrition, reported revenue increased by 8.7% to €4.7 billion (2014: €4.3 billion). Volumes grew by 4% and product pricing decreased by 2.3%. There was a positive impact of business acquisitions net of disposals of 0.1% and a positive reporting currency impact of 6.9%.

In Consumer Foods, reported revenue decreased by 2.2% to €1.48 billion (2014: €1.51 billion). Volumes increased by 3%, product pricing decreased by 1.9% and there was a positive transaction related currency impact of 0.4%. There was a negative impact of business disposals net of acquisitions of 10.3% and a positive reporting currency impact of 6.6%.

Trading Profit & Margin

On a reported basis, Group trading profit increased by 10% to €700m (2014: €636m). Group trading profit margin increased 40 basis points (bps) to 11.5%. The improvement in Kerry trading profit margin was attributed to operating leverage and improved product mix, coupled with the benefits accruing through the 1 Kerry Business Transformation Programme and the positive impact from exiting non-core business activities.

Trading profit margin in Taste & Nutrition increased by 40 bps to 14.1%, due to the benefits of improved product mix, operating leverage and business efficiency programmes. Trading profit margin in Consumer Foods increased by 20 bps to 8.5% due to business efficiency gains combined with the positive impact from exiting non-core business activities.

Computer Software Amortisation

Computer software amortisation increased to €18.7m (2014: €13.6m) reflecting the ongoing progression of the Kerryconnect project. The capitalised element of the cost of this project is being amortised over a 7 year period.

Finance Costs (net)

Finance costs (net) for the year increased by €16.4m to €69.3m (2014: €52.9m) primarily due to acquisition financing, foreign exchange movements and higher finance costs relating to post retirement benefit obligations, offset by cash generated in the period. The Group's average interest rate for the year was 3.6% (2014: 3.6%).

Taxation

The tax charge for the year, before non-trading items, was €81.1m (2014: €79.6m) representing an effective tax rate of 13.7% (2014: 14.3%). The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily driven from the geographical split of profits, R&D investment mainly in Ireland and changes in country tax rates.

Acquisitions and Disposals

During the year, the Group completed 10 acquisitions at a net cost of €888m. The Group also disposed of the Pinnacle lifestyle bakery business in Australia and the Consumer Foods Direct-To-Store business in the UK. The total consideration was €154m before disposal related costs.

Non-Trading Items

Non-trading items totalling to an income of €13.1m net of tax (2014: €4.0m) were recorded in 2015. The Group realised a profit of €26.7m on the disposal of the Pinnacle Lifestyle Bakery and Direct-to-Store businesses and a loss of €4.2m on the disposal of miscellaneous property, plant and equipment. In addition the Group incurred €7.8m of acquisition transaction and integration costs relating to the acquisitions completed during the year and a €5.3m loss relating to the impairment of assets held for sale. A tax credit of €3.7m was recognised on these non-trading items.

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 revenues. The closing rates below are used to translate assets and liabilities at year end.

Balance Sheet

A summary balance sheet as at 31 December is presented below:

Intangible Assets & Acquisitions

Intangible assets increased by €820m to €3,449m (2014: €2,629m). Intangible assets of €787m were recorded in the year relating to acquisitions completed by the Group, with an additional increase of €66m due to year-end exchange rates used to translate intangible assets other than those denominated in euro.

Retirement Benefits

At the balance sheet date, the net deficit for defined benefit schemes (after deferred tax) was €253m (2014: €393m). The decrease is due to an increase in the discount rates in the UK, Eurozone and the US, together with cash contributions during the year. The net deficit expressed as a percentage of market capitalisation at 31 December was 1.9% (2014: 3.9%). The charge to the income statement during the year, for both defined benefit and defined contribution schemes was €54.3m (2014: €50.4m).

Financing

In April, following a limited syndication process, the Group agreed a new €1.1bn revolving credit facility replacing the existing arrangements. The syndication was more than two times oversubscribed.

In September, the Group announced its debut Eurobond issuing €750m 10 year notes at an annual coupon of 2.375%. The bonds, which were over 3.5 times oversubscribed, are listed on the Irish Stock Exchange and provide Kerry with an additional source of debt finance. These new facilities significantly increase the amount of committed debt available. They extend the maturity profile of Group debt and were used to retire existing debt, fund acquisitions and for general corporate purposes.

Free cash flow is seen as an important indicator of the strength and quality of the business and of the availability of funds to the Group for reinvestment or for return to the shareholder. In 2015 the Group achieved a free cash flow of €452.6m (2014: €302.9m) analysed below with a free cash flow to adjusted earnings after tax* conversion rate of 85.2% (2014: 61.8%).

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

Net Debt

Net debt at the end of the year was €1,650.1m (2014: €1,195.3m).

Key Financial Covenants

The majority of Group borrowings are subject to financial covenants calculated in accordance with lenders' facility agreements. The Group's balance sheet is in a healthy position. With a net debt to EBITDA* ratio of 1.9 times, the organisation has sufficient headroom to support its future growth plans. Group Treasury monitors compliance with all financial covenants and at 31 December the key covenants were as follows:

*Calculated in accordance with lenders facility agreements which take account of adjustments as outlined in Financial Definitions.

Share Price and Market Capitalisation

The Company's shares traded in the range €56.50 to €77.70 during the year. The share price at 31 December was €76.31 (2014: €57.07) giving a market capitalisation of €13.4 billion (2014: €10.0 billion). Total Shareholder Return for 2015 was 35% (2014: 14%).

dIVIDEND

The Board recommends a final dividend of 35 cent per share (an increase of 11.1% on the 2014 final dividend) payable on 13 May 2016 to shareholders registered on the record date 15 April 2016. When combined with the interim dividend of 15 cent per share, this brings the total dividend for the year to 50 cent per share, an increase of 11.1% on 2014.

annual report and annual general meeting

The Group's Annual Report will be published at the end of March and the Annual General Meeting will be held in Tralee on 27 April 2016.

future prospects

Combining Kerry's industry-leading taste capability and our unique nutrition & general wellness enabling technology platforms will continue to drive innovation and growth throughout the Group's food, beverage and foodservice international markets. Following record acquisition investment in 2015, the Group will invest in extending and broadening the newly acquired technologies into wider taste & nutrition markets throughout all geographic regions and markets.

In consumer foods' markets, the restructured Kerry Foods portfolio is well positioned to capitalise on today's snacking, convenience and food-to-go trends. Kerry Foods is now focused on expanding its footprint into new growth categories and channels, and into selected international markets.

The Group's holistic partnership approach, facilitated by the Kerry business model and 1 Kerry strategies, is central to supporting the continued growth of Kerry's global and regional customers in developed and developing markets. Capital resources will continue to be invested in organic development of the Group's technology growth platforms and manufacturing footprint in developing markets - supporting customer initiatives in advancing continued food safety improvements. The Group expects to achieve 6% to 10% growth in adjusted earnings per share to a range of 320 to 332 cent per share in 2016 (2015: 301.9 cent per share) taking into account a 3% currency headwind at current exchange rates.

results for THE YEAR ENDED 31 December 2015

Kerry Group plc

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the financial year ended 31 December 2015

1. Accounting policies

The financial information included within this statement has been extracted from the audited financial statements of Kerry Group plc for the financial year ended 31 December 2015, the auditor's report was unqualified. The financial information set out in this document does not constitute full statutory financial statements for the financial years ended 31 December 2015 or 2014 but is derived from same. The consolidated financial statements of Kerry Group plc have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS'), International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee ('IFRIC') interpretations and those parts of the Companies Act 2014 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The Group's financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with IFRSs 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 hereafter refer to IFRS adopted by the EU.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities (including derivative financial instruments), retirement benefits obligation and financial asset investments which are held at fair value. Assets classified as held for sale are stated at the lower of carrying value and fair value less costs to sell. The investment in associate is accounted for using the equity method.

The Group's accounting policies will be included in the 2015 Annual Report & Accounts, which will be published at the end of March and are consistent with those described in the 2014 Annual Report & Accounts.

New standards and interpretations

Certain new and revised accounting standards and new International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee ('IFRIC') interpretations have been issued and the Group's assessment of the impact of these new standards and interpretations is set out below.

2. Analysis of results

The Group has two operating segments: Taste & Nutrition and Consumer Foods. The Taste & Nutrition operating segment manufactures and distributes application specific ingredients and flavours spanning a number of technology platforms, while the Consumer Foods segment manufactures and supplies added value brands and customer branded foods primarily to the Irish and UK markets.

Information about geographical areas

Kerry Group plc is domiciled in the Republic of Ireland and the revenues from external customers in the Republic of Ireland were €455.0m (2014: €505.4m). The non-current assets located in the Republic of Ireland are €931.9m (2014: €905.5m).

Revenues from external customers include €1,710.5m (2014: €1,686.2m) in the UK and €1,789.2m (2014: €1,491.4m) in the US. The non-current assets in the UK are €786.7m (2014: €715.1m) and in the US are €1,327.4m (2014: €991.8m). The Taste & Nutrition and Consumer Foods business reviews, provides a description of the types of products from which these segments derive their revenues. During the financial year, the Group renamed its Ingredients & Flavours operating segment to Taste & Nutrition. This did not result in a change in the composition of the Group's reportable segments.

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Group's accounting policies as outlined in the Statement of Accounting Policies.