Allied Domecq announces its preliminary results for the year ended 31 August 2003 with another strong year of growth -- continued


Bristol, UK, Oct. 21, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- 5. Pension and post retirement benefit schemes

The Group operates a number of pension and post retirement healthcare schemes throughout the world. The major schemes are of the defined benefit type and the assets of the schemes are largely held in separate trustee administered funds. The UK funds represent approximately 80% of the overall pension liabilities of the Group and are closed to new members. Full actuarial reviews of the UK funds were carried out during the year and agreement has been reached with the scheme trustees on funding for the next three years.

The Group has continued to account for pensions in accordance with SSAP24 for the year ended 31 August 2003. Additional information required under the transitional arrangements for the introduction of FRS 17 is set out below. The Group intends to fully adopt the FRS 17 accounting standard for the year ending 31 August 2004.

SSAP 24 disclosures

United Kingdom

The assets and liabilities of the defined benefit UK schemes are reviewed regularly by an actuary. A full assessment is undertaken every three years for funding purposes and the latest full actuarial valuation of the UK schemes was carried as at 6 April 2003 by an independent actuary. The valuation is based on a market value approach using the projected unit credit method. The most important assumptions are the discount rate, the rate of increase in remuneration and the pension increase rate.

The funding position as at 6 April 2003 is used as the basis of the SSAP 24 accounting purposes. The main assumptions were a discount rate of 7.5% (2002: 7.5%) per annum, remuneration increases of 4% (2002: 4.5%) per annum for the Main Fund and 5.5% (2002 4.5%) per annum for the Executives Fund and pension increases of 3.2% (2002: 3.5%) per annum. The market value of the Main Fund was GBP1,129m (2002: GBP1,397m) and the funding level was 107% (2002: 106%). The market value of the Executive Fund was GBP325m (2002: GBP379m) and the funding level was 81% (2002: 83%).

Overseas

The Group operates defined benefit pension and post retirement medical benefit plans in several countries overseas, with the most significant being in the US and Canada. The latest actuarial reviews of these plans were carried out as at 31 August 2002 by independent actuaries for the purpose of calculating pension costs for the year ended 31 August 2003.

The actuarial reviews of the US plans showed that the combined market value of pension plan assets was GBP151m at 31 August 2002 (2001: GBP186m). This represents approximately 105% (2001: 144%) of the value of benefits that had accrued to pensioners, deferred pensioners and members as at that date. The principal assumptions used to calculate the liabilities at 31 August 2002 were an assumed discount rate of 6.25% (2001: 7.25%) per annum and earnings increases of 5% (2001: 5%) per annum.

The actuarial reviews of the Canadian plans showed that the combined market value of pension plan assets was GBP113m at 31 August 2002 (2001: GBP132m). This represents approximately 95% (2001: 108%) of the value of benefits that had accrued to pensioners, deferred pensioners and members as at that date. The principal assumptions used to calculate the liabilities at 31 August 2002 were an assumed discount rate of 6.74% (2001: 6.94%) per annum and earnings increases of 4.38% (2001: 4.98%) per annum.

FRS 17 disclosures

The following information complies with the transitional requirements of FRS 17 and is for disclosure purposes only.




 Major assumptions
                         31 August      31 August    31 August 2001
                              2003           2002
                    United          United           United
                   Kingdom Overseas Kingdom Overseas Kingdom Overseas
                         %       %      %       %       %        %

  Rate of               4.0     4.4    4.1     4.8     4.3      5.2
  general
  increase in
  salaries

  Rate of               3.1     1.8    3.1     2.1     3.3      2.1
  increase
  to
  benefits

  Discount rate         5.6     6.0    6.0     6.5     6.1      7.3
  for scheme
  liabilities

  Inflation             2.5     3.0    2.3     2.1     2.5      2.7

 The expected long term rate of returns of the significant schemes
 is :-

  Equities              7.5     8.2    *7.5    8.7    8.0      10.0

  Bonds                 5.0     5.8   5.0      6.1    5.5       6.5

  Property              5.5     4.3   5.2      4.4    6.5       4.0
  and other

  *31 August 2002 assumption amended from 8.5% to 7.5%



 5. Pension and post retirement benefit schemes (continued)

 FRS 17 disclosures (continued)

 Net pension and post retirement medical
 benefits (PRMB) liability

             31 August 2003     31 August 2002     31 August 2001
                  United             United             United
                Kingdom Overseas   Kingdom Overseas   Kingdom Overseas
                 market   market    market   market    market  market
                  value    value     value    value     value  value
                   GBPm     GBPm      GBPm     GBPm      GBPm   GBPm

  Equities          814        156       896      206      1,182   273

  Bonds             594        161       458      115        469   126

  Property          143         14       197        6        195    18
  and other

  Total           1,551        331    1,551      327      1,846   417
  market
  value of
  assets

  Present         (2,004)    (464)  (1,941)    (417)    (1,877) (421)
  value of
  scheme
  liabilities

  Deficit in        (453)    (133)    (390)     (90)       (31)   (4)
  the schemes

  Related            136        45      117       27          9     1
  deferred
  tax asset

  Net pension       (317)     (88)    (273)     (63)       (22)   (3)
  and PRMB
  liability




 The amounts charged to profit and loss account
 under FRS 17 would have been:-

                      31 August       31 August        31 August
                        2003            2002             2001
                United             United             United
               Kingdom Overseas   Kingdom Overseas   Kingdom Overseas
                  GBPm     GBPm      GBPm     GBPm      GBPm   GBPm

  Regular               10      19         6        9         8      8
  service
  cost

  Past                   -       -         -        7          -     -
  service
  cost

  Interest             114      26       110       28        121    21
  cost

  Expected             (98)   (22)     (130)     (32)      (161)  (32)
  return on
  assets

  Profit and             26     23      (14)       12       (32)   (3)
  loss
  charge/(credit




  Analysis of amount that would have been included within the Group
  statement of recognised gains and losses under FRS 17 :-

                                       31 August       31 Ausust
                                            2003            2002
                                     United           United
                                   Kingdom Overseas   Kingdom Overseas
                                      GBPm  GBPm      GBPm     GBPm

  Actual return less                    (12)  (6)       (320)  (64)
  expected return on
  pension scheme assets


  Experience gains and                  20    (4)       (62)     -
  losses arising on the
  scheme liabilities

  Changes in assumptions                (71)  (22)      (19)   (19)
  underlying the present value of
  the scheme liabilities

  Actuarial loss recognised in          (63)  (32)      (401)  (83)

  Group statement of total
  recognised gains and losses

  Deferred                              19    11        120     25
  tax
  movement

  Actuarial loss recognised in Group    (44)  (21)      (281)  (58)
  statement of total recognised gains
  and losses - net of tax





 The history of experience gains and losses would have been:-

                                     31 August        31 August
                                        2003             2002
                                   United             United
                                  Kingdom Overseas   Kingdom Overseas

  Actual return less
  expected return on
  pension scheme assets

  Amount (GBPm)                        (12)  (6)       (320)  (64)

  Percentage of                        (1%)  (2%)      (21%)  (20%)
  the scheme
  assets (%)

  Experience gains and
  losses arising on the
  scheme liabilities

  Amount (GBPm)                          20    (4)       (62)     -

  Percentage of the present             (1%)    1%         3%     -
  value of the scheme
  liabilities (%)

  Actuarial loss recognised in
  Group statement of total
  recognised gains and losses

  Amount (GBPm)                          (63)  (32)      (401)  (83)

  Percentage of the present               3%    7%         21%   20%
  value of the scheme
  liabilities (%)

 5. Pension and post retirement benefit schemes (continued)

 FRS 17 disclosures (continued)

 The movement in deficit during the year under FRS 17 would have
 been:-

                            31 August 2003           31 August 2002
                                 United             United
                                Kingdom Overseas   Kingdom  Overseas
                                   GBPm   GBPm       GBPm      GBPm

  Deficit in scheme at            (273)   (63)        (22)      (3)
  beginning of year net
  of deferred tax

  Movement in
  year:

  Current                         (10)    (19)         (6)      (9)
  service
  cost

  Past                              -       -           -       (7)
  service
  cost

  Contributions                    26      16          16        4

  Other                           (16)     (4)         20        4
  finance
  income
  Currency                          -       3           -        6
  translation
  adjustment

  Deferred tax movement            19      11         120       25
  on actuarial loss
  Actuarial                       (63)    (32)       (401)     (83)
  loss

  Deficit in scheme at the        (317)   (88)       (273)     (63)
  end of the year net of
  deferred tax





  Group net assets and profit and loss account reserves under FRS
  17 would have been :-

                                                 31 August 31 August
                                                    2003     2002
                                                    GBPm     GBPm

  Group net
  assets

  Net assets per Group                                994      786
  balance sheet

  Less pension and post retirement benefits          (147)    (149)
  reported under SSAP 24 (net of deferred tax)

  Add pension and post retirement benefits           (405)    (336)
  reported under FRS 17 (net of deferred tax)

  Net assets under FRS 17                             442      301

 Group profit and loss account

  Profit and loss                                     1,299  1,087
  account per Group
  balance sheet

  Less pension and post retirement benefits          (147)    (149)
  reported under SSAP 24 (net of deferred tax)

  Add pension and post retirement benefits           (405)    (336)
  reported under FRS 17 (net of deferred tax)

  Profit and loss account under FRS 17                747      602






  6. Operating costs

                                                       Year     Year
                                                        to       to
                                                         31       31
                                                     August   August
                                                      2003     2002
                                  Note               GBPm       GBPm

  Change in stocks of                                 (72)     (94)
  finished goods and
  work in progress

  Raw                                                 838      840
  materials
  and
  consumables

  Customs and   -  ongoing                            671      638
  excise duties
  paid

                -Mexican                              (38)   (213)
                 excise
                 rebate

  Staff costs                        4                466      396

  Depreciation                      13                 75       75


  Goodwill                                             40       38
  amortisation

  Other operating                                     783      903
  charges including
  exceptional items

  Operating     - hire of                              11       11
  leases          equipment
                - property rents                       48       48

  Payments to   - fees                                  3        6
  auditor         for
                  audit
                                                      2,825  2,648

  The parent company audit fee was nil (2002: nil). Other payments
  to the auditor were GBP1m (2002: GBP4m) which primarily relate to
  taxation services.

 Mexican excise rebate

  The Mexican Supreme Court ruled in 2000 in favour of an action,
  brought by a number of spirits companies challenging the excise
  duty regime applicable to their Mexican operations during 1998
  and 1999. Its ruling determined that the tax was inequitable
  because it was applied only to large companies.

  The Mexican Supreme Court awarded compensation which, by
  agreement with the Mexican tax authorities, was principally
  recovered by offset against current and future duties and taxes.

  At 31 August 2003 the recovery was complete and GBP298m has been
  received over the past three financial years subject to
  applicable corporation tax at 35%.





 7. Goodwill amortisation and exceptional items

                                           Year to         Year to
                                           31 August       31 August
                                              2003            2002
                                               GBPm           GBPm


  Goodwill amortisation                        (40)            (38)

  Exceptional items
  Mexican excise rebate                         38             213
  Mexican social projects                        -             (11)
  Acquisition integration                       (3)            (36)
  costs
  Termination of land lease                      -             (23)
  Asset write-downs                              2             (14)
  Restructuring - QSR                           (9)              -

  Total exceptional items                       28             129
  within operating costs

  Goodwill amortisation and                    (12)             91
  exceptional items before
  taxation
  Taxation                                      (8)            (46)

  Goodwill amortisation and                    (20)             45
  exceptional items after
  taxation

  8. Finance charges

                                           Year to         Year to
                                           31 August       31 August
                                               2003           2002
                                               GBPm           GBPm

  Interest on bank loans                        31              63
  and overdrafts
  Interest on other loans                      107              75
  Less: deposit and other                      (12)             (8)
  interest receivable

  Total                                        126             130

   9. Taxation

                                                 Year to    Year to
                                                       31         31
                                                   August     August
                                                    2003       2002
                                                    GBPm        GBPm

  The charge for taxation on the
  profit for the period comprises:

  Current tax
  United Kingdom taxation

                      Corporation                    25         18
                      tax at 30%
                      (2002: 30%)

                      Adjustment in                  (1)        (3)
                      respect of
                      prior periods

                      Double                         (1)        (3)
                      taxation
                      relief

                                                     23         12

  Overseas taxation

                      Corporation                    60        188
                      tax

                      Adjustment in                   9        (26)
                      respect of
                      prior periods

                                                     69        162

  Taxation on attributable profit of                 10          7
  associated undertakings

  Total current tax                                 102        181

  Deferred tax

                      Origination                    65        (10)
                      and reversal
                      of timing
                      differences

                      Adjustment in                 (32)         5
                      respect of
                      prior periods

                      Recognition of                 (8)       (10)
                      deferred tax
                      assets arising
                      in prior
                      periods

  Total tax charge                                  127        166





  A reconciliation of the current tax charge at the UK corporation
  tax rate of 30% (2002: 30%) to the Group's current tax on profit
  on ordinary activities is shown below :
                                              Year to      Year to
                                            31 August    31 August
                                                 2003         2002
                                                 GBPm         GBPm

  Profit on ordinary activities                     483        571
  before taxation

  Notional charge at United Kingdom                 145        171
  corporation tax rate of 30%

  Differences in effective overseas                  16         18
  tax rates

  Adjustments to prior period tax                     8        (29)
  charges

  Taxable intra-group dividend                        5         14
  income

  Utilisation of tax losses not                       -        (14)
  recognised

  Non deductible expenditure                         13         22

  Non taxable income and gains                      (12)       (10)

  Losses and other timing                           (65)        10
  differences

  Other current year items                           (8)        (1)
                                       '

  Current tax charge                                102        181

  10. Earnings per share

  Basic earnings per share of 31.6p (2002: 36.8p) has been
  calculated on earnings of GBP340m (2002: GBP392m) divided by the
  average number of shares of 1,075m (2002: 1,066m).

  Diluted earnings per share of 31.6p (2002: 36.7p) has been
  calculated on earnings of GBP340m (2002: GBP392m) and after
  including the effect of all dilutive potential ordinary shares, the
  average number of shares is 1,076m (2002: 1,069m).






  10. Earnings per share

  To show earnings per share on a consistent basis, normalised
  earnings per share of 33.5p (2002: 32.6p) has been calculated on
  normalised earnings of GBP360m (2002: GBP347m) divided by the
  average number shares of 1,075m (2002: 1,066m). Normalised earnings
  has been calculated as follows:


                                                  Year to  Year to
                                                      31        31
                                                    August    August
                                                     2003      2002
                                                     GBPm      GBPm

  Earnings as                                        340       392
  reported

  Adjustment for                                     (18)      (81)
  exceptional items net of
  tax

  Adjustment for goodwill                             38        36
  amortisation net of tax

  Normalised                                         360       347
  earnings

  Average                                         millions  millions
  number of
  shares

  Weighted average Ordinary Shares                 1,107     1,087
  in issue during the year

  Weighted average Ordinary Shares owned by the      (32)      (21)
  Allied Domecq employee trusts*

  Weighted average Ordinary Shares used in         1,075     1,066
  earnings per share calculation

 * Includes American Depositary Shares representing underlying
   Ordinary Shares.

  11. Ordinary dividends

                                Year     Year to      Year  Year to
                                 to                    to
                                  31    31 August       31        31
                              August        2002    August    August
                               2003                  2003      2002
                               GBPm         GBPm        p         p

  Interim                        57           53     5.30      4.90

  Final                          93           88     8.70      8.10

                                150          141    14.00     13.00

  The 2003 interim dividend was paid on 25 July 2003 and the final
  dividend will be paid on 4 February 2004.

  12. Intangible assets

                                                      31        31
                                                   August    August
                                           Other     2003      2002
                    Goodwill  Brands  Intangibles   Total     Total

                        GBPm   GBPm         GBPm    GBPm       GBPm

  Cost

  At the               785     555           35    1,375       635
  beginning
  of the year

  Currency               -       -            -        -         -
  translation
  adjustment

  Additions              -       -            -        -       740

  At the end           785     555           35    1,375     1,375
  of the year

  Amortisation

  At the               (53)      -           (6)     (59)      (17)
  beginning
  of the year

  Currency               -       -            -        -         -
  translation
  adjustment

  Charged in           (40)      -           (3)     (43)      (42)
  the year

  At the end           (93)      -           (9)    (102)      (59)
  of the year

  Net balance at       692     555           26    1,273     1,316
  the end of the
  year

  Goodwill is being amortised over 20 years. Brands relates to the
  acquisition of Malibu in 2002; an impairment review was carried
  out at the balance sheet date and the Directors are satisfied
  that the brand has not suffered any loss in value. Other
  intangibles are being amortised over ten years.

  13. Tangible assets
                                       Land and   Plant and
                                       Buildings  equipment   Total

  Cost                                     GBPm        GBPm    GBPm

  At the                                   698         677     1,375
  beginning of
  the year

  Currency                                  42          24      66
  translation
  adjustment

                                           740         701     1,441

  Capital                                   49          92     141
  expenditure

  Disposals and                            (16)        (72)    (88)
  transfers

  At the end of                            773         721     1,494
  the year

  Depreciation

  At the                                  (145)       (353)   (498)
  beginning of
  the year

  Currency                                 (10)        (16)    (26)
  translation
  adjustment

                                          (155)       (369)   (524)

  Disposals and                              4          67      71
  transfers

  Charge for the                           (18)        (57)    (75)
  year

  At the end of                           (169)       (359)   (528)
  the year

  Net book value at                        604         362     966
  31 August 2003

  Net book value at                        553         324     877
  31 August 2002

                                31 August 2003     31 August 2002

                                At      Net book       At     Net book
                               cost      value       cost     value
                               GBPm      GBPm         GBPm    GBPm

  Freehold land                 689        548         630     511
  and buildings

  Long lease land                17         15          14      13
  and buildings

  Short lease                    67         41          54      29
  land and
  buildings

  Total land and                773        604         698     553
  buildings

  14.  Investments and loans

                                                    Franchise
                                 Investments        and trade
                               Listed    Unlisted   loans      Total
                                 GBPm        GBPm        GBPm   GBPm

  Group

  At the                         102          16           8     126
  beginning
  of the year

  Currency                         -           -           -     -
  translation
  adjustment

  Additions                       43           -           1    44

  Disposals                       (6)         (3)         (1)   (10)
  and
  transfers

  At the end                     139          13           8     160
  of the year


Included within listed investments is GBP129m (2002: GBP93m) in respect of a holding of 32,549,067 (2002: 24,514,993) Ordinary Shares of 25p each of the Company, purchased by the parent company (see below) and held by the trustees of the Group's employee trusts. The market value of these shares was GBP124m (2002: GBP100m) at 31 August 2003.

The listed investments also include GBP8m (2002: GBP6m) in respect of a holding of 14.5% (2002: 11.2%) in Peter Lehman Wines Limited, incorporated in Australia. The market value of these shares was GBP8m (2002: GBP6m) at 31 August 2003.




  The unlisted investments include a holding of
  1% in Suntory Limited, incorporated in Japan.

                                        Investment
                                        in subsidiary     Listed
                                        undertaking  investments Total
                                              GBPm       GBPm     GBPm

  Parent company

  At the                                   4,086          93    4,179
  beginning
  of the year

  Additions                                    -          41    41

  Disposals                                    -          (5)   (5)


  At the end                               4,086         129   4,215
  of the year

  15.  Investments in associates

                            Unlisted      Listed
                             companies   companies
                            share of    share of
                      Cost  reserves    reserves       Loans    Total
                      GBPm      GBPm        GBPm        GBPm     GBPm

  At the                43        12          14           2    71
  beginning
  of the year

  Currency               -         -           -           -     -
  translation
  adjustment

  Share of               -        14           -           -    14
  retained
  profit for
  the year

  At the end            43        26          14           2    85
  of the year

  The share of profits before taxation was GBP24m (2002: GBP15m) and
  dividends received were GBP13m (2002: GBP11m).

  The principal associate is a 25% equity interest in Britannia
  Soft Drinks Limited, a company engaged in the manufacture and
  sale of soft drinks.

  Other associates include Baskin-Robbins Japan (44% equity
  interest), Baskin-Robbins Korea (33% equity interest) and the
  Group's interest in the Miller RTD commercial partnership.
  The above figures comprise the amounts attributable to the Group
  based on the latest accounts it has been practicable to obtain,
  some of which are unaudited management accounts.

  16. Stocks
                                                      31         31
                                                  August     August
                                                    2003       2002
                                                    GBPm       GBPm

  Raw materials                                      45         52
  and consumables

  Maturing                                        1,047        953
  inventory

  Finished                                          293        281
  products

  Bottles, cases                                     22         16
  and pallets

                                                  1,407      1,302

  17. Debtors


                                 Group            Parent company
                               31 August            31 August
                               2003     2002       2003       2002
                               GBPm     GBPm       GBPm       GBPm

  Amounts falling
  due within one
  year

  Trade debtors                 501      537          -          -

  Deferred tax                   17       36          -          -
  assets (note
  19)

  Amounts due                     -        -          -          4
  from subsidiary
  undertakings

  Other debtors                 108      111         12         10

  Prepayments and                53       52          -          -
  accrued income

                                679      736         12         14

  Amounts due
  after more than
  one year

  Pension                       309      302          -          -
  prepayments

  Other debtors                   2       15          -          -

  Prepayments and                15       15          -          -
  accrued income

                                326      332          -          -


  18. Creditors

                                       Group       Parent Company
                                      31 August          31 August
                                       2003      2002    2003    2002
                                       GBPm      GBPm    GBPm    GBPm

  Amounts
  due within
  one year

  Trade                                 216       175       -    -
  creditors

  Bills                                  17        15       -    -
  payable

  Amounts                                 -         -      81
  owed to
  subsidiary
  undertakings

  Other                                 312       286       6
  creditors

  Social                                 10         9       -    -
  security

  Taxation                              228       226       -    -

  Accruals                              285       223       -    -
  and
  deferred
  income

  Proposed                               93        88      93     88
  dividend
  (note 11)

                                      1,161     1,022     180     88


  Amounts
  due after
  more than
  one year

  Other                                  34        45       -    -
  creditors

  Accruals                               12        45       -    -
  and
  deferred
  income

                                         46        90       -    -




  19. Provisions for liabilities and charges

                          Post
                    retirement Reorganisation
                       medical            and  Surplus  Deferred
                      benefits restructuring properties taxation Total
                        GBPm          GBPm       GBPm   GBPm    GBPm

  At the                   81            49        10     144    284
  beginning
  of the
  year

  Currency                  2            (1)        -       2    3
  translation
  adjustment

  Timing differences        -             -         -       2    2
  within statement
  of recognised
  gains and losses

  Utilised                 (5)          (29)       (1)      -    (35
  during the                                                      )
  year

  Charged                  12            12         -       5     29
  during the
  year

  At the end               90            31         9     153    283
  of the
  year


The future cost of the post retirement medical benefits is assessed in accordance with independent actuarial advice. GBP29m of reorganisation and restructuring provisions brought forward from previous years were utilised during the year. New provisions totalling GBP9m were created during the year. Of the provisions outstanding at the year end, GBP3m relate to the final stages of the acquisition integration programme, GBP16m for the termination of a land lease in California and GBP4m for the trust fund established for social and community projects in Mexico. The remainder relates to the QSR restructuring programme.

It is expected that the majority of reorganisation and restructuring costs will be incurred in the 2004 financial year, whilst the trust funds will be disbursed as the projects develop. The provision for surplus properties will be utilised over the terms of the leases to which the provisions relate.




  19. Provisions for liabilities and charges (continued)

  Deferred taxation

                                             31 August    31 August
                                                  2003         2002
                                                  GBPm         GBPm

  Accelerated capital                              16           28
  allowances

  Goodwill and other                               82           70
  intangible assets

  Pensions and post other                          72           72
  retirement benefits

  Tax losses and                                  (37)         (47)
  credits

  Other timing                                      3          (15)
  differences

  Net deferred                                    136          108
  taxation liability

  Comprising :

  Deferred tax asset                              (17)         (36)
  (note 17)

  Deferred tax                                    153          144
  liability

                                                  136          108


  At the beginning of                             108          111
  the year

  Currency                                          1           (3)
  translation
  adjustment

  Timing differences within                         2           12
  statement of recognised gains
  and losses

  Acquisition of                                    -            3
  businesses

  Charged during the                               25          (15)
  year

  At the end of the                               136          108
  year


Deferred tax assets of GBP42m at 31 August 2003 (2002: GBP49m) have not been recognised due to the degree of uncertainty over the utilisation of the underlying tax losses and deductions in certain tax jurisdictions.

Deferred tax has not been provided for liabilities which might arise on unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries and associates, as such earnings are reinvested by the Group and no tax is expected to be payable on them in the foreseeable future.

20. Net debt



                                             31 August    31 August
                               Redemption         2003         2002
                                     date         GBPm         GBPm

  Unsecured loans
  GBP250m Bond (6.625%)*            2014          247          246
  EUR600m Bond (5.875%)*            2009          410          376
  GBP450m Bond (6.625%)*            2011          447          447
  EUR800m Bond (5.5%)*              2006          550          504
  NZD125m Capital Notes (9.3%)      2006           45           38
  DEM500m notes (4.75%)*            2005          176          161
  NZD 400m Revolving Credit      Expired            -          115
  Facility
  NZD100m Revolving Credit          2006           23            -
  Facility*
  MXN 600m Revolving Credit         2008           34            -
  Facility
  Other loans                    Various            -           16
  Foreign currency swaps         Various         (115)         (59)
  Secured loans
  NZD 225m Revolving Credit      Expired            -           60
  Facility**

  Total                                         1,817        1,904
  Less amounts repayable                           (2)        (128)
  within one year

  Loan capital                                  1,815        1,776
  Short-term borrowings                           772          971
  Cash at bank and in hand                       (175)        (169)

  Net debt                                      2,412        2,578

  * Borrowings and interest guaranteed by Allied Domecq PLC or Allied
    Domecq (Holdings) PLC

  ** Borrowings subject to a charge over Montana assets.

     The Euro and GBP Bonds have been partially swapped into floating
     rate US dollars. The parent company has short-term borrowings
     of nil (2002: nil)



                                             31 August    31 August
                                                  2003         2002
                                                  GBPm         GBPm

  Repayment schedule
  More than five years                          1,104        1,069
  Between two and five                            711          647
  years
  Between one and two years                         -           60

  Loan capital                                  1,815        1,776
  Short-term borrowings                           772          971

  Total borrowings                              2,587        2,747

The funding policy of the Group is to maintain a broad portfolio of debt, diversified by source and maturity and to maintain committed facilities sufficient to cover with a minimum of GBP300m above peak borrowing requirements. At 31 August 2003 the Group had available undrawn committed bank facilities of GBP1,346m (2002: GBP1,606m) of which GBP167m (2002: GBP580m) mature in less than one year and GBP1,179m (2002: GBP1,026m) between two and five years.

21. Financial instruments

The Group's treasury policies are set out in the Operating and Financial Review. Set out below is a year end comparison of the current and book values of the Group's financial instruments by category, excluding short term debtors and creditors. Where available, market rates have been used to determine current values. Where market rates are not available, current values have been calculated by discounting cash flows at prevailing interest and exchange rates.



                                       31 August      31 August
                                          2003           2002
                                     Book  Current    Book  Current
                                    value    vale    value    value
                                    GBPm     GBPm     GBPm     GBPm

  Cash at                             175     175     169      169
  bank and
  in hand
  Short-term                         (772)   (772)   (971)    (971)
  borrowings
  Loan                             (1,815) (1,932) (1,776)  (1,829)
  capital

  Net                              (2,412) (2,529) (2,578)  (2,631)
  Interest rate risk
  management

Exposure to interest rate fluctuations on borrowings and deposits is managed by using cross currency swaps, interest rate swaps and purchased interest rate options. The Group has a fixed/floating debt target of 70% +/- 10%. At the year end, taking account of swaps, 70% (2002: 61%) of net debt was at fixed rates of interest. At the year end, the weighted average maturity of net debt was approximately 4 years (2002: 4.9 years).



                                       31 August      31 August
                                          2003           2002
                                     Book  Current    Book  Current
                                    value    vale    value    value
                                     GBPm    GBPm    GBPm     GBPm

  Interest rate                        1     (34)      -       (43)
  swaps

  Cross currency                       7      44       8        16
  swaps
                                       8      10       8       (27)


There is a deferred loss in respect of interest rate swaps, being the net of the current value less book value, of which GBP9m (2002: GBP11m) relates to the financial year ending 31 August 2004 and GBP26m (2002: GBP32m) thereafter.

There is a deferred gain in respect of cross currency swaps, being the net of the current value less book value, of which GBP6m (2002: GBP1m) relates to the financial year ending 31 August 2004 and GBP31m (2002: GBP7m) thereafter.

After taking account of cross currency and interest rate swaps, the currency and interest rate exposure of net debt as at 31 August 2003 was:



                                 31 August 2003

                                           Fixed rate debt

                                                       Weighted
                                                        average
                                          Weighted     time for
                        Floating   Fixed   average  which rate
                 Net    rate net    rate  interest    is fixed
                debt        debt    debt      rate
                GBPm        GBPm    GBPm         %       Years

  Sterling       65           5      60       11.2           8
  US dollar*  1,471         523     948        5.7           5
  Euro          701         166     535        5.1           4
  NZ dollar     108          35      73        8.1           3
  Japanese      110          36      74        0.7           6
  Yen
  Other         (43)        (43)      -          -           -

  Net debt    2,412         722     1,690      5.6           6



                                            31 August 2002

                                                           Weighted
                                                            average
                                            Weighted       time for
                        Floating    Fixed     average    which rate
                 Net    rate net     rate    interest      is fixed
                debt        debt     debt        rate
                GBPm        GBPm     GBPm           %         Years

  Sterling        350         166      184         6.6          11
  US dollar*    1,262         303      959         5.7           6
  Euro            719         332      387         5.1           4
  NZ dollar       252         214       38         9.1           3
  Japanese         68          32       36         0.9           3
  Yen
  Other           (73)        (73)       -           -           -

  Net debt      2,578         974    1,604         5.6           6


  * US dollar debt includes a non-material amount of Canadian
  dollar debt.

  Some of the interest rate swaps included in the above table are
  cancellable at the option of the banks at various dates between
  2004 and 2006.

  The floating rate debt includes bank debt bearing interest at
  rates based on the relevant inter bank rate and on commercial
  paper rates in the UK, US, Canada and France. These rates are
  fixed in advance for periods up to six months. The weighted
  average interest rate on floating net debt as at 31 August 2003
  was approximately 2.8% (2002: 3.6%).

21. Financial instruments (continued)

Foreign exchange

The Group estimates its net transaction cash flows in its main currencies of business which are then hedged forward for up to 18 months using a combination of forward exchange contracts and purchased foreign exchange options. At the year end 84% (2002: 86%) of such currency exposures had been hedged for the following 12 months.

The estimated current value of the foreign exchange cover forward contracts and options entered into to hedge future transaction flows is set out below based on quoted market prices where available and option pricing models.



                           31 August 2003         31 August 2002

                     Nominal                 Nominal
                    value of  Book  Current  value of   Book  Current
                 derivatives  value   value derivatives value   value
                        GBPm   GBPm    GBPm       GBPm   GBPm    GBPm

  Foreign  - assets      155    -       4         128     -     12
  exchange
  forward
  rate
  contracts
           - liabilities  72    -      (4)         97     -     (3)
  Options  - assets       19    -       -           -     -      -
           - liabilities  19    -       -           6     -      -
                         265    -       -         231     -      9

A net gain of GBP13m was recognised on all foreign exchange forward contracts and options maturing in the year to 31 August 2003 (2002: GBP9m).

At 31 August 2003 and 31 August 2002, there were no material monetary assets or liabilities in currencies other than the functional currencies of Group companies, having taken into account the effect of derivative financial instruments that have been used to hedge foreign currency exposure.



  22. Share capital


                                                Allotted, called up
                                  Authorised       and fully paid

                            31 August  31 August  31 August  31 August
                                 2003       2002       2003       2002
                                 GBPm       GBPm       GBPm       GBPm

  Equity
  Ordinary                        400        400        277        277
  shares of 25p

                                  Authorised              Issued
                               million   million     million   million

  Number of                      1,600     1,600      1,107     1,068
  shares


Share option schemes

During the year options have been granted under the existing employee share options schemes over both Ordinary Shares and American Depositary Shares (ADSs) totalling 11,754,945 * shares. Options were exercised over 1,598,429 shares and options over 1,738,186* shares lapsed during the year.

Details of the unexercised options granted under the Company's employee share option schemes at 31 August 2003 were as follows:



  Options over Ordinary Shares

                                                  Option   Ordinary
                                Date of grant       price    shares
                                                     (p)

  SAYE Scheme                  3 December 1999     262.0   655,020
  1999

  International SAYE           2 June 2000         265.0   385,716
  Scheme 1999                  30 November 2001    282.0   570,132

  Approved Executive           5 May 2000          331.0   36,252
  Share Option Scheme 1999     8 May 2001          408.0   1,124,856
                               2 November 2001     351.5   320,942
                               3 May 2002          438.0   34,245
                               1 November 2002     382.0   470,956
                               1 May 2003          351.0   25,641

  Executive Share              1 November 1999     342.0   4,617,281
  Option Scheme 1999           16 November 1999    331.5   947,017
                               5 May 2000          331.0   46,248
                               8 May 2001          408.0   3,519,398
                               2 November 2001     351.5   5,085,762
                               1 November 2002     382.0   7,676,505
                               3 May 2002          438.0   221,853
                               1 May 2003          351.0   64,359

  Long Term                    8 May 2001            0.1   1,263,666
  Incentive Scheme 1999        2 November 2001       0.1   1,563,889
                               3 May 2002            0.1   77,054
                               1 November 2002       0.1   1,015,906

                                                           29,722,698

  * These totals include ADSs each of which represents four
    underlying Ordinary Shares

  Options over ADSs
                                                  Option   Ordinary
                                Date of grant       price    shares
                                                       $

  US Schedule to the           1 November 2002     24.45   469,470
  Executive Share Option       8 January 2003      25.85   3,868
  Scheme 1999                  1 May 2003          22.93   3,750

  Executive Share              1 November 2002     24.45   38,011
  Option Scheme 1999           8 January 2003      25.85   33,366
                               1 May 2003          22.93   1,750

  Long Term                    8 January 2003      0.006   21,276
  Incentive Scheme
  1999
                                                           571,491


22. Share capital (continued)

The Company currently satisfies the exercise of options using existing shares that are purchased in the market by the Company's employee trusts. The profit and loss expense under the option plans is determined based upon the excess of the shares purchased by the trust over the exercise price of the underlying options and is amortised over the vesting period of the underlying options. As at 31 August 2003 the Company's employee trusts held 32,549,067 shares (including ADSs) in the Company all of which were the subject of awards made under the Company's employee share schemes. The trustees are obliged to waive the dividends on these shares. The options exercised during the year were all satisfied by the transfer of shares to participants by the employee trusts.



  23. Capital and reserves

                                   Share               Profit
                          Share  premium  Merger     and loss
                        capital  account reserve      account   Total
                           GBPm     GBPm    GBPm         GBPm    GBPm

  Group
  At the                   277     165     (823)      1,087    706
  beginning
  of the
  year

  Profit earned              -       -        -         340    340
  for shareholders
  for the year

  Currency                   -       -        -           3      3
  translation
  differences
  on foreign
  currency
  net investments

  Taxation                   -       -        -          19     19
  on translation
  differences

  Ordinary                   -       -        -        (150)   (150)
  dividends


  At the end of            277     165     (823)      1,299    918
  the year


  Goodwill (at historic exchange rates) of GBP2,284m has been written
  off to reserves.


                            Share                     Profit
                   Share  premium  Merger  Capital  and loss
                 capital  account reserve  reserve   account    Total
                    GBPm     GBPm    GBPm     GBPm      GBPm     GBPm


  Parent company
  At the           277     165     2,420    651         592    4,105
  beginning of
  the year

  Profit earned      -       -       -        -          92     92
  for shareholders
  for the year

  Ordinary           -       -       -        -        (150)   (150)
  dividends


  At the end of    277     165     2,420    651         534    4,047
  the year


  24. Minority interests
                                          Equity   Non-equity  Total
                                            GBPm         GBPm   GBPm


  At the                                     76           4     80
  beginning of
  the year

  Currency                                    2           -      2
  translation
  adjustment

  Share of                                   15           1     16
  profits of
  subsidiary
  undertakings

  Dividends                                 (21)         (1)   (22)
  declared


  At the end of                              72           4     76
  the year


  The principal minority shareholdings relate to Jinro Ballantines and
  Corby Distillers.


  25. Detailed analysis of gross cash flows

                                                Year to     Year to
                                              31 August   31 August
                                                   2003        2002
                                                   GBPm        GBPm

  Returns on investments and
  servicing of finance

  Interest                                          22           8
  received

  Interest paid                                   (149)       (137)

  Dividends paid to                                (21)         (4)
  minority shareholders

                                                  (148)       (133)

  Taxation paid
  UK taxation                                        -          (1)
  Overseas taxation                                (65)       (177)

                                                   (65)       (178)

  Capital expenditure and
  financial investment
  Purchase of tangible                            (144)       (133)
  fixed assets
  Sale of tangible                                  21          17
  fixed assets
  Purchase of intangible                             -        (556)
  fixed assets
  Purchase of trade                                 (3)        (13)
  investments
  Disposal of trade                                 11           7
  investments
  Purchase of Ordinary Share                       (41)        (34)
  capital for employee trusts

                                                  (156)       (712)

  Acquisitions and
  disposals
  Purchase of subsidiary                             -        (550)
  undertakings
  Borrowings acquired with                           -         (36)
  subsidiary undertakings

                                                     -        (586)

  Financing
  Issue of Ordinary                                  -         149
  Share capital
  Redemption of debt                              (175)          -
  Bonds issued during                                -         622
  the year
  Increase in other                                 11          27
  borrowings

                                                  (164)        798



                                                          Year   Year
                                                            to     to
                                                            31     31
                                                        August August
                                                          2003   2002

  26. Reconciliation of net cash inflow from              GBPm   GBPm
  operating activities to free cash flow

  Net cash inflow from                                   748     760
  operating activities
  Capital expenditure net of                             (123)  (116)
  sale of tangible assets
  Dividends received from                                 13    11
  associated undertakings

  Operating cash net of                                  638     655
  fixed assets
  Taxation paid                                          (65)   (178)
  Net interest                                           (127)  (129)
  paid
  Dividends       - ordinary                             (144)  (133)
  paid              shareholders
                  - minorities                            (21)   (4)
  Free cash                                              281     211
  flow



                               Cash                 Other     Loan
                                 at                 loans  capital
                               bank   Overdrafts      due      due
                                and   due within   within    after
                                 in     one year      one      one
                               hand                  year     year
  27. Net debt                 GBPm         GBPm     GBPm     GBPm

  At the beginning of          169         (843)   (128)    (1,776)
  the year

  Increase/(decrease) in        57           77       -          -
  cash

  (Decrease)/increase in       (50)           -       -          -
  liquid resources

  Decrease/ (increase) in        -            -     147         17
  loan capital and other
  loans

  Exchange adjustments          (1)          (4)    (21)       (56)

  At the end of the year       175         (770)     (2)    (1,815)




                                                  Year to 31 August
                                                   2003       2002
                                                    Net        Net
                                                   debt       debt
  27. Net debt                                     GBPm       GBPm

  At the beginning of the year                   (2,578)    (1,854)
  Increase/(decrease) in cash                       134       (194)
  (Decrease)/increase in liquid                     (50)        21
  resources
  Decrease/ (increase) in loan                      164       (649)
  capital and other loans
  Exchange adjustments                              (82)        98

  At the end of the year                         (2,412)    (2,578)



  Liquid resources comprise short term deposits which have maturity
  dates of less than three months
                                                         31     31
                                                     August   August
                                                       2003     2002
  28. Capital commitments                              GBPm     GBPm

  Contracted for but not                                 1        1
  provided in the accounts

                                         Land              Land
                                          and               and
                                    buildings  Other  buildings  Other
                                           31     31         31     31
                                       August August     August August
                                         2003   2003       2002   2002
  29. Operating lease                    GBPm   GBPm       GBPm   GBPm
      commitments

  The minimum operating lease payments to
  be made in the year ending
  31 August 2004 for
  leases expiring:

  Within one                                  4     1      3     1
  year

  Within two to five                         14     8     15     7
  years

  After five                                 26     -     26     1
  years

                                             44     9     44     9




                                                 Parent company

                                          31 August       31 August
                                               2003            2002
  30. Contingent                               GBPm            GBPm
  liabilities

  Guarantees in respect of                   2,555           2,654
  liabilities of
  subsidiary undertakings

In the normal course of business, the Group has a number of legal claims or potential claims against it, none of which are expected to give rise to significant loss. We are not currently involved in any legal or arbitration proceedings, including any proceedings which are threatened or pending of which we are aware, which may have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.



  31. Related party transactions

  Transactions with associated undertakings

  All transactions with these undertakings arise in the normal
  course of the business.
                                            Year to         Year to
                                     31 August 2003        31 August
                                                                2002
                                               GBPm            GBPm

  Sales to associated                           43              50
  undertakings
  Purchases of goods and                       (11)            (13)
  other services
  Marketing expenditure                        (14)             (8)
  charged
  Dividends received                            13              11


                                             As at           As at
                                     31 August 2003  31 August 2002
                                               GBPm            GBPm

  Loans to associated                            2               2
  undertakings

  Net amounts due from                           6              11
  associated undertakings

  Transactions with directors

  Remuneration and shareholdings of Directors are disclosed in the
  Directors' Remuneration Report.

32. Statutory accounts

The financial statements of Allied Domecq PLC for the year ended 31 August 2003 and this preliminary announcement were approved by the Board of Directors on 20 October 2003. This announcement does not constitute the Group's statutory accounts but is derived from those accounts.

The financial information for the year ended 31 August 2002 is derived from the Group's statutory accounts for 2002 which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors have reported on the 2002 statutory accounts and on the 2003 statutory accounts; both of these audit reports were unqualified and did not contain a statement under section 237 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. The 2003 statutory accounts will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Annual General Meeting.

33. Annual Report and Annual General Meeting

The Annual Report will be sent to shareholders by the end of November 2003. The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on 30 January 2004 at the Hotel Inter-Continental London, One Hamilton Place, Hyde Park Corner, London W1J 7QY.

34. Dividends

An interim ordinary dividend of 5.3p per share was paid on 25 July 2003 and the Directors are recommending a final ordinary dividend of 8.7p per share, making a total for the year of 14.0p. The ex dividend date for the final dividend is 7 January 2004 and the record date is 9 January 2004. The final dividend will be paid on 4 February 2004.

US GAAP reconciliation

Allied Domecq listed on the New York Stock Exchange on 31 July 2002. Pages 49 to 51 provide an explanation and reconciliation from UK to US GAAP.

Differences between UK and US General Accepted Accounting Principles

The Group's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with UK GAAP, which differ from those generally accepted in the United States ("US GAAP"). The significant differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP which affect the Group's net income and shareholders' equity are summarised below.

a) Brands, goodwill and other intangible assets

Under UK GAAP, goodwill arising on acquisitions of a business since 1 September 1998 is capitalised and amortised by equal instalments over its anticipated useful life, but not exceeding 20 years. Goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to 1 September 1998 was charged directly to reserves. On disposal of a business, any attributable goodwill previously eliminated against reserves is included in the calculation of any gain or loss. Other purchased intangible assets are capitalised and amortised over their useful economic lives on a straight line basis. Where intangible assets, such as brands, are regarded as having indefinite useful economic lives, they are not amortised but are subject to annual impairment reviews.

Under US GAAP, prior to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS") No. 141 - Business Combinations and SFAS No. 142 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill and other intangible assets arising on acquisition were capitalised and amortised over their useful economic lives, but not exceeding 40 years. The Group adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 141 as at 1 July 2001, and SFAS No. 142 as at 1 September 2001. Goodwill and intangible assets determined to have an indefinite useful life acquired in a purchase business combination are no longer amortised and are subjected to annual impairment testing. Accordingly, net income no longer includes amortisation of brands, and goodwill amortisation recognised under UK GAAP is reversed.

The amount of goodwill under UK GAAP differs to that under US GAAP due to the fair values allocated to intangible assets, significantly brands, stock, and the exclusion from the purchase price consideration of certain costs.

b) Associated undertakings The principal difference between UK GAAP and US GAAP relates to the accounting treatment of goodwill which is discussed in note a).

c) Stocks Under UK GAAP, stock acquired through a business combination is valued at the lower of replacement cost and net realisable value. Under US GAAP, stock acquired through a business combination reflects the selling price less costs to complete, costs of disposal and a reasonable element of profit for the selling effort by the acquiring Company.

d) Investments

Under UK GAAP, other investments include amounts in respect of Ordinary Shares (including ADSs) held by the employee share trusts. Under US GAAP, these amounts would be treated as Treasury Stock and deducted from shareholders' funds.

e) Restructuring costs

Under UK GAAP, provisions are made for restructuring costs once a detailed formal plan is in place and valid expectations have been raised in those affected that the restructuring will be carried out. Provision is made for voluntary redundancy payments to the extent that it is expected that volunteers will come forward. US GAAP requires a number of specific criteria to be met before restructuring costs can be recognised as an expense. Also, to the extent restructuring costs are related to the activities of an acquired company, US GAAP allows them to be recognised as a liability upon acquisition provided certain specific criteria are met whereas UK GAAP does not. Accordingly, timing differences arise between UK GAAP and US GAAP recognition of restructuring costs.

f) Pension and other post retirement benefits

Under the Group's accounting policy for post-employment benefits, in accordance with SSAP 24, pension costs are charged to the profit and loss account on a systematic basis over the service life of employees based on consultation with actuaries and using the projected unit credit method and a set of long-term actuarial assumptions.

Under US GAAP, pension costs and liabilities are calculated in accordance with SFAS No. 87-Employers' Accounting for Pensions. This standard requires the use of the projected unit credit method and prescribes, in particular, the use of a market-related discount rate. This is not the same as the long-term approach used under SSAP 24.

g) Share compensation

Under UK GAAP, the cost of share option plans are amortised based on the cost of the shares (including ADSs) acquired by the employee trust to fulfil the plan, less the amount contributed by the employee. Under US GAAP, compensation for fixed plan awards is determined at the date of grant, based on the cost of the fair value of the shares subject to the award, less the option exercise or purchase price, if any, except for allowable discounts with respect to certain qualified plans where the discount is no greater than 15% of the fair value of the shares. Compensation costs for variable plan awards is estimated at the end of each period from the date of grant to the date final compensation costs are determinable based on the difference between the fair value of the shares subject to the award and the option exercise or purchase price. Such cost is allocated to compensation expense over the vesting period and, if performance criteria are applicable to the award, based on actual performance attained.

US GAAP reconciliation (continued)

h) Proposed dividends

Under UK GAAP, the proposed dividends on Ordinary Shares, as recommended by the Directors, are deducted from shareholders' equity and shown as a liability in the balance sheet at the end of the period to which they relate, including proposed dividends which have been recommended but not yet approved by shareholders. Under US GAAP, such dividends are only deducted from shareholders' equity at the date of declaration of the dividend.

i) Derivative instruments

The Group's foreign currency, interest rate and commodity contracts hedge forecast exposures that do not meet the US GAAP hedge accounting criteria. Under US GAAP, these contracts are marked to market at the balance sheet date and gains and losses arising are included in net income. Under UK GAAP, these gains and losses can be deferred until the hedged transactions actually occur. The Group may enter into foreign currency contracts to hedge the purchase price consideration on certain acquisitions. Under UK GAAP, the gains and losses arising on these foreign currency contracts are recognised in the purchase price consideration. Under US GAAP, the gains and losses arising on these foreign currency contracts are recognised within net income.

j) Deferred taxation

The Group adopted FRS 19-Deferred Tax in the year ended 31 August 2002. FRS 19 brings accounting for deferred tax under UK GAAP conceptually closer to US GAAP, although some differences remain. Following the Group's restatement under FRS 19, and other than the tax effect of other UK to US GAAP differences, there is only one material difference between UK GAAP and US GAAP. This difference relates to the recognition criteria for recording deferred tax assets under US GAAP and UK GAAP. Under US GAAP, the calculation of current and deferred tax assets is based on the probable tax treatment of the tax position taken. Once it is determined that there is a probable deferred tax asset, it is then reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent it is deemed more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realised.

Under UK GAAP, both the existence of the asset and the probability of its recoverability are considered in combination, and a deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that its existence and recoverability are probable (a threshold which is higher than "more likely than not").

k) Exceptional items

Under UK GAAP, exceptional items are those that, by virtue of their size or nature, the Board of Directors believes should be separately disclosed. Such items are included within the profit and loss account heading and disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Under US GAAP, there is no such concept as exceptional items. Exceptional items would not be considered extraordinary or non-operating items under US GAAP.

l) Mexican excise rebate

Under UK GAAP, we are recognising the amount due when offset against future excise duty and other taxes payable. Under US GAAP, the Mexican excise rebate was recognised upon the issuance of a favourable court judgment and additional interest and inflation adjustments are recognised as they accrue.

m) Liabilities

The Group is contractually obligated to make a payment to a business venture partner upon termination of the venture which, unless renewed, is scheduled to terminate in 2029. Under UK GAAP, the Group records the obligation at the present value of the payment obligation, discounted at a risk-adjusted rate to reflect the time value of money, and recognises interest expense each period such that the recorded obligation will equal the payment obligation at the currently best estimated scheduled maturity. Under US GAAP, the obligation is recorded at the amount payable at maturity (i.e. undiscounted).

n) Franchise income

The Group has entered into agreements to sell the right to develop multiple stores within a specified territory, which entitles the Group to non-refundable franchise fees. Under UK GAAP, these franchise fees are recognised upon signing of the agreement. Under US GAAP, the revenue recognition is based on store openings or until the rights to develop the territory have been forfeited.



  US GAAP reconciliation (continued)
                                                   Year         Year
                                                     to           to
                                                     31           31
                                                 August       August
                                                   2003         2002
                                         Note     GBPm          GBPm

  Profit earned for ordinary                      340          392
  shareholders in accordance with UK
  GAAP
  Adjustments to conform with US
  GAAP:
  Brands                                   a)       -            -
  Goodwill                                 a)      42           38
  Other intangible                         a)      (3)          (4)
  assets
  Stocks                                   c)     (22)         (66)
  Restructuring                            e)      (7)           4
  costs
  Pension costs and other post             f)      20           28
  retirement benefits
  Share                                    g)       5            -
  compensation
  Derivative                               i)     (61)          90
  instruments
  Mexican excise                           l)     (40)         (54)
  rebate
  Franchise                                n)     (10)          (9)
  income
  Other                                            (3)          (1)
  Deferred taxation                        j)     (11)         (40)
  - other
  Deferred taxation - on above US GAAP     j)      30           28
  adjustments
  Minority share of above                           -            -
  adjustments

  Net income in accordance with US                280          406
  GAAP

  Other comprehensive income :
  Minimum pension liability                       (61)        (203)
  Currency translation differences                 78         (130)

  Comprehensive income in accordance              297           73
  with US GAAP


  Net earnings per ordinary share
  Basic                                         26.0p        38.1p
  Diluted                                       26.0p        38.0p

  Shareholders'
  equity

                                                   Year         Year
                                                     to           to
                                                     31           31
                                                 August       August
                                                   2003         2002
                                         Note      GBPm         GBPm

  Shareholders' funds as reported in              918          706
  the Group balance sheet
  Adjustments to conform with US
  GAAP:
  Brands                                   a)   1,408        1,410
  Goodwill                                 a)     227          185
  Other intangible    - costs              a)     166          168
  assets
  Other intangible    - accumulated        a)    (145)        (144)
  assets              amortisation
  Associated                               b)      57           57
  undertakings
  Stock                                    c)      23           45
  Investments                              d)    (129)         (93)
  Restructuring                            e)       1            8
  costs
  Pension and other post retirement        f)    (620)        (555)
  benefits
  Share                                    g)       6            1
  compensation
  Proposed                                 h)      93           88
  dividends
  Derivative                               i)     (18)         (26)
  instruments
  Mexican excise                           l)       -           40
  rebate
  Liabilities                              m)     (42)         (38)
  Franchise                                n)     (19)          (9)
  income
  Other                                             8            6
  Deferred taxation                        j)       -           11
  - other
  Deferred taxation - on above US GAAP     j)    (277)        (319)
  adjustments
  Minority share of above                           -            -
  adjustments

  Shareholders' equity in accordance            1,657        1,541
  with US GAAP


              This information is provided by RNS
      The company news service from the London Stock Exchange



            

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