SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
10 November, 2005
BT Group plc
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
BT Centre
81 Newgate Street
London
EC1A 7AJ
England
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F..X... Form 40-F.....
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the
information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the
information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes ..... No ..X..
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the
registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- ________
Enclosures: 1. Interim results - highlights announcement made on
10 November, 2005
BT Group Half Year Results and Interim Report
Chairman's Statement
The half year results show that we have delivered another good set of financial
results and made further progress in transforming the business.
I am pleased to report that we will be paying an interim dividend of 4.3 pence,
up 10 per cent on last year, showing our commitment to improving shareholder
returns and confidence about the future.
Sir Christopher Bland, 9 November 2005
________________________________________________________________________________
Review
The results show that the transformation of BT is right on track with the
delivery of another successful half year. Group revenue increased 5 per cent
with continued strong growth in new wave revenue, up 43 per cent, driven by our
networked IT services and broadband businesses. Total networked IT services
contract wins amounted to GBP8.2 billion over the last 12 months. We now have
more than 6.2 million wholesale broadband connections, an increase of 89 per
cent compared to last year. This strong new wave growth was offset by a 6 per
cent decline in revenue from our traditional businesses.
Group profit before taxation, specific items and leaver costs increased by 3 per
cent, with the reduction in net finance costs and improvements in operational
efficiency offset by the costs of supporting the growth in new wave activities.
Reported profit before taxation, including specific items and leaver costs was 1
per cent higher than last year. Specific items for the half year were GBP82
million (see Note 2) and principally comprise a provision of GBP70 million
relating to the costs of creating Openreach, a new line of business. This is
part of the final settlement reached with Ofcom following the conclusion of the
Telecommunications Strategic Review. Their acceptance of legally binding
undertakings offered by BT provides a foundation for certainty and clarity which
will deliver further benefits to retail and wholesale customers and
shareholders.
Earnings per share before specific items and leaver costs were 9.8 pence, an
increase of 5 per cent. Reported earnings per share, including specific items
and leaver costs were 2 per cent higher at 8.8 pence.
Net debt has fallen to GBP8.1 billion, 3 per cent below last year. Free cash
flow generated in the first half amounted to GBP377 million.
An interim dividend of 4.3 pence per share will be paid on 13 February 2006 to
shareholders on the register on 30 December 2005.
The strategy is working well and we continue to deliver our key strategic goals.
Our traditional business continues to operate in what remains a challenging
environment. Our new wave businesses show strong growth both in the UK and
internationally. We expect to continue to see the benefits from our investment
in new wave activities and cost transformation plans.
Summarised statements
___________________________________________
Group income statement for the six months ended 30 September
(unaudited)
2005 2004
GBPm GBPm
Revenue 9,605 9,169
----- -----
Operating profit 1,222 1,301
Net finance costs (242) (309)
Share of profits (losses) of associates and joint ventures 8 (10)
----- -----
Profit before taxation 988 982
Taxation (243) (251)
----- -----
Profit for the period 745 731
===== =====
Earnings per share
- basic 8.8p 8.6p
- diluted 8.7p 8.5p
Earnings per share before specific items (Note 2)
- basic 9.5p 8.4p
- diluted 9.3p 8.4p
Interim dividend per share 4.3p 3.9p
________________________________________________________________________
Group statement of recognised income and expense for the six months ended 30
September
(unaudited)
2005 2004
GBPm GBPm
Profit for the period 745 731
----- -----
Actuarial gains (losses) on defined benefit pension schemes 1,090 (198)
Revaluation losses (6) -
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations (4) 16
Tax on items taken directly to equity (325) 59
----- -----
Net gains (losses) recognised directly in equity 755 (123)
----- -----
Total recognised income for the period 1,500 608
===== =====
__________________________________________________________________________
Group cash flow statement for the six months ended 30 September
(unaudited)
2005 2004
GBPm GBPm
Net cash inflow from operating activities 2,104 2,581
Net cash used in investing activities (767) (1,063)
Net cash used in financing activities (1,138) (1,333)
Effects of exchange rate changes 23 2
----- -----
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 222 187
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,310 1,005
----- -----
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 1,532 1,192
===== =====
Free cash flow 377 751
===== =====
__________________________________________________________________________
Group balance sheet
(unaudited) 30 September 31 March
2005 2004 2005
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Non current assets 17,977 17,998 18,212
Current assets 9,130 9,544 9,321
------ ------ ------
Total assets 27,107 27,542 27,533
Current liabilities 11,596 8,098 12,113
------ ------ ------
Total assets less current liabilities 15,511 19,444 15,420
====== ====== ======
Non current liabilities 14,883 20,377 15,325
Equity shareholders' funds (deficit) 579 (981) 45
Minority interests 49 48 50
------ ------ ------
Total equity 628 (933) 95
------ ------ ------
15,511 19,444 15,420
------ ------ ------
___________________________________________________________________________
Notes
1 With effect from 1 April 2005, the group moved to reporting its financial
results in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS) adopted for use in the European Union. On 28 July 2005, the group
issued its first quarter results (available at
www.btplc.com/Sharesandperformance) which also contained information on the
impact of IFRS on comparative periods in advance of the publication of the
group's first annual results under IFRS. Details of the group's principal
accounting policies under IFRS were also included. The financial
information set out in this interim statement has been prepared in
accordance with those accounting policies and the directors intend to apply
those policies in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 March 2006. Additional disclosure on the impact of
IFRS at 30 September 2004 is also included in the full interim results
statement. As permitted, the group has chosen not to adopt IAS 34 "Interim
Financial Statements" and therefore the interim financial results are not
in full compliance with IFRS.
2 The results as shown in the summarised income statement are reported
inclusive of specific items. Specific items comprise material one off or
unusual items, which are separately identified and disclosed. This is
consistent with the way that financial performance is measured by
management and provides a meaningful analysis of the trading results of the
group. Specific items recognised for the six months ended 30 September 2005
were GBP82 million (2004: net profit of GBP8 million) comprising a
provision of GBP70 million for the costs required to create a new line of
business, Openreach, and property rationalisation costs of GBP12 million.
This advertisement is a summary of the interim results of BT Group plc
("the group") for the six months ended 30 September 2005. The full interim
results statement, including the group's results for the three months ended
30 September 2005, is available on the internet at
www.btplc.com/Sharesandperformance. If you have any queries as a
shareholder please call Freefone 0808 100 4141.
BT Group plc
81 Newgate Street, London EC1A 7AJ
________________________________________________________________________
Independent Review Report to BT Group plc
Introduction
We have been instructed by the group to review the financial information for the
six months ended 30 September 2005, which comprises the summarised group income
statement, group statement of recognised income and expense, group cash flow
statement and group balance sheet at 30 September 2005. We have read the other
information contained in the interim report and considered whether it contains
any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial
information.
Directors' responsibilities
The interim report, including the financial information contained therein, is
the responsibility of, and has been approved by the directors. The directors are
responsible for preparing the interim report in accordance with the Listing
Rules of the Financial Services Authority.
As disclosed in Note 1, the next annual financial statements of the group will
be prepared in accordance with accounting standards adopted for use in the
European Union. This interim report has been prepared in accordance with the
basis set out in Note 1. As permitted the group has chosen not to adopt IAS 34
"Interim Financial Statements" and therefore the interim financial information
is not in full compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS).
As explained in Note 1, the accounting policies are consistent with those that
the directors intend to use in the next annual financial statements. There is,
however, a possibility that the directors may determine that some changes are
necessary when preparing the full annual financial statements for the first time
in accordance with accounting standards adopted for use in the European Union.
The IFRS and the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee
(IFRIC) interpretations that will be applicable and adopted for use in the
European Union at 31 March 2006 are not known with certainty at the time of
preparing this interim financial information.
Review work performed
We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4
issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review
consists principally of making enquiries of group management and applying
analytical procedures to the financial information and underlying financial data
and, based thereon, assessing whether the accounting policies and presentation
have been consistently applied. A review excludes audit procedures such as tests
of controls and verification of assets, liabilities and transactions. It is
substantially less in scope than an audit and therefore provides a lower level
of assurance. Accordingly we do not express an audit opinion on the financial
information. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and
only for the group for the purpose of the Listing Rules of the Financial
Services Authority and for no other purpose. We do not, in producing this
report, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other
person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where
expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.
Review conclusion
On the basis of our review we are not aware of any material modifications that
should be made to the financial information as presented for the six months
ended 30 September 2005.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants
1 Embankment Place
London WC2N 6RH
9 November 2005
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
BT Group PLC
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Patricia Day
--------------------
Patricia Day, Assistant Secretary.
Date 10 November, 2005