19th Feb 2008 07:00
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC19 February 2008 19 February 2008 InterContinental Hotels Group PLC Full Year Results to 31 December 2007 Headlines • System size increase of 5%, 28,848 net rooms, taking total to 585,094 (3,949 hotels).• Global constant currency RevPAR growth of 7%.• Total gross revenue* from all hotels in IHG's system of $18bn, up 14% in constant currency.• Continuing revenue up 12% from £786m to £883m, up 20% at constant currency.• Continuing operating profit up 19% from £200m to £237m, up 30% at constant currency.• Operating profit including discontinued operations up 6% from £231m to £245m.• Adjusted continuing earnings per share up 23% from 38.0p to 46.9p. Total basic earnings per share of 72.2p.• Final dividend up 12% to 14.9p. Total dividend of 20.6p, up 12%. £3.5bn returned to shareholders since March 2004.• 2007 signings up 22% to 125,533 rooms (873 hotels). Fourth quarter signings of 41,908 rooms, taking pipeline to 225,872.• January 2008 global constant currency RevPAR growth of 5.4%.*See appendix 5 for definition. All figures and movements unless otherwisenoted are at actual exchange rates and before exceptional items. See appendix 3for analysis of financial headlines. Constant exchange rate comparatives shownin appendix 4. Commenting on the results and trading, Andrew Cosslett, Chief Executive ofInterContinental Hotels Group PLC said: "IHG delivered a strong performance in 2007 reporting continuing revenue growthof 20% in constant currency. The number of rooms in our system grew by a record5% and global RevPAR increased 7%, with all our brands out-performing in theirmajor markets across the world. We signed almost 900 hotels into our development pipeline during the year, more than three times the number signed in 2003, our first year as an independent company. "We are continuing to strengthen our brands, and to expand their geographicreach. The 2005 relaunch of the InterContinental brand is now delivering majorbenefits, with significant RevPAR outperformance and a further 33 new hotelssigned in the year. During the year we announced the relaunch of our biggestbrand, Holiday Inn, and the response from our owner community has been verypositive. Following continued success in the US, Hotel Indigo and StaybridgeSuites will be opening in the UK in 2008, and we have plans for their widergeographic roll-out. "We have the biggest development pipeline in the industry and this will deliveranother high level of hotel openings in 2008. With our broadly based portfolioof brands and our resilient fee based business model we are positioned well forfuture growth in what is now a less predictable economic environment." Rooms - record signings and openings • 125,533 rooms were signed in 2007, with excellent growth across all brands and all regions. In Greater China, where we are the largest non-domestic hotel operator, 70 hotels, 25,590 rooms, were signed in the year. In the Middle East 19 hotels, 5,307 rooms, were signed, doubling the pipeline in that region. 33 InterContinental hotels were signed, and in January 2008 IHG signed a 40 year agreement to manage an InterContinental branded hotel in the Times Square area of New York which is expected to open in mid 2010.• 52,846 rooms were added to the system including 3,542 rooms (15 hotels) through the IHG ANA joint venture. In line with our strategy of driving quality growth 23,998 rooms were exited, giving net room additions of 28,848 rooms. IHG has now added 47,419 rooms towards its three year target of adding 50,000 to 60,000 net rooms by the end of 2008.• The pipeline of hotels now stands at 1,674 (225,872 rooms). The global pipeline of Holiday Inn brand family hotels grew by 204 hotels (26,793 rooms) to 1,077 hotels (127,087 rooms), and represents a 30% share of future pipeline supply in the US midscale segment. The InterContinental pipeline stands at a record 62 hotels, representing 39% of its current rooms open. Strengthening Operating System Strong revenue delivery to hotel owners through reservation channels and loyalty programme, Priority Club Rewards:• $6.8bn of rooms revenue booked through IHG's reservation channels, up 19% and representing 45% of total rooms revenue.• $5.2bn of rooms revenue from Priority Club Rewards members, up 16% and representing 35% of total rooms revenue.• Internet revenues increased from 16% to 17% of total rooms revenue, 85% from IHG's own websites. Disposals and returns of funds In 2007 disposal proceeds of £106m were received. This included the sale ofIHG's 33.3% interest in Crowne Plaza London The City for £19m, the disposal ofCrowne Plaza Santiago for £11m and Holiday Inn Disney, Paris for £14m, and thesale of IHG's 74.11% interest in the InterContinental Montreal for £17m. In 2007 £709m was paid to shareholders by way of a special dividend withassociated share consolidation and 7.7m shares were repurchased at a cost of£81m. This leaves £100m of a previously announced £150m share buyback programmeto be completed and takes the total returned to shareholders since March 2004 to£3.5bn. There were 295m shares outstanding at the end of December, 291m afterthe deduction of shares in the ESOP and 299m on a fully diluted basis. IHG's net debt at the period end was £825m including the $200m (£100m) financelease on the InterContinental Boston. Americas: strong revenue and profit growth Revenue performance RevPAR increased 6.1% with rate generating all of the increase. InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express eachoutperformed their market segments, with RevPAR up 10.1%, 7.5%, 4.9% and 6.7%respectively. In line with the industry, RevPAR growth moderated in the fourthquarter as a result of slight occupancy declines. Continuing revenue grew 16%from $778m to $902m driven by 34% growth in revenues from owned and leasedhotels and 10% growth in managed and franchised revenues. Operating profit performance Operating profit from continuing operations increased 11% from $395m to $440m.Continuing owned and leased hotels profit increased from $22m to $40m, driven by14% RevPAR growth at the InterContinental New York and an $11m increasedcontribution from the InterContinental Boston which opened in November 2006. While managed hotels revenues grew strongly, up 9%, after the impact ofincreased revenue investment to support new signings and openings and $6m ofcharges not related to underlying trading, profit fell $9m to $41m. Franchisedhotels profit increased 11% to $425m reflecting RevPAR growth of 5.8% and netrooms growth of 4.0%. EMEA: strong RevPAR and profit growth Revenue performance RevPAR increased 8.6%, driven by increased occupancy and 6.3% rate growth. TheMiddle East continued to perform strongly, raising RevPAR by 19.6%. ContinentalEurope grew RevPAR by 7.6%, with strong increases in France of 10.3% but slowergrowth in Germany due to the year on year impact of the football 2006 World Cup.In the UK, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express outperformed their marketsegment with RevPAR growth of 6.3%. Operating profit performance Operating profit from continuing operations increased 81% from £37m to £67m.Continuing owned and leased hotel operations improved £21m to £17m. TheInterContinental London Park Lane contributed £14m of the improvement followingthe completion of its refurbishment at the end of June 2007. The performance ofthe InterContinental Paris Le Grand continued to strengthen with a 14% RevPARincrease and improved profit margins. Managed hotels profit increased 16% from£37m to £43m benefiting from retained management contracts on assets sold in2006. Franchised hotels profit increased 21% from £24m to £29m reflectingRevPAR growth of 7% and net rooms growth of 10%. Asia Pacific: strong revenue and profit growth with growing contribution from China and Japan Revenue performance RevPAR increased 8.9%, mainly driven by rate. All brands performed stronglywith InterContinental up 11.1%, Crowne Plaza up 6.5%, Holiday Inn up 8.7% andHoliday Inn Express up 11.0%. Greater China RevPAR increased 7.0%, driven byrate increases. Continuing revenues grew 27% from $204m to $260m, driven by 52%growth in managed revenues and the doubling of franchised revenues. Operating profit performance Operating profit from continuing operations grew 21% from $52m to $63m. Ownedand leased hotels operating profit increased 16% to $36m. Managed hotels profitgrew 18% to $46m. The contribution from the increasing number of hotels underIHG management was partly offset by the previously disclosed integration andongoing costs associated with the ANA joint venture in Japan and continuedinfrastructure investment in China. Franchised hotels profit increased 20% to$6m driven by RevPAR growth of 15% and net room count growth of 13%, offset bythe impact of higher costs associated with the ANA joint venture in Japan. Overheads, Tax and Exceptional items Total regional overheads increased £4m to £68m. Central overheads were flat at £81m. The effective tax rate for 2007 is 22%; the underlying rate before the impact ofprior year items is 36%. As previously disclosed the effective tax rate will bevolatile in the immediate future and trend upwards over time. The effective taxrate in 2008 is expected to be in the mid to high 20's. In 2007 IHG announced its intention to make a non-recurring revenue investmentof up to £30m to accelerate implementation of the global relaunch of the HolidayInn brands, which will be treated as an exceptional item in 2008. IHG expects togenerate a strong return on this investment through RevPAR increases oncompletion of the relaunch. Appendix 1: Asset disposal programme detail Number of owned Proceeds Net book value hotelsDisposed since April 2003 181 £3.0bn £2.9bnRemaining hotels 18 £0.9bn For a full list please visit www.ihg.com/Investors Appendix 2: Rooms Americas EMEA Asia Pacific TotalOpenings 31,744 7,956 13,146 52,846Removals (17,794) (4,996) (1,208) (23,998)Net openings 13,950 2,960 11,938 28,848Signings 75,279 19,153 31,101 125,533 Appendix 3: Financial headlinesTwelve months to 31 Dec £m Total Americas EMEA Asia Pacific Central 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006Franchised operating profit 244 235 212 208 29 24 3 3Managed operating profit 87 85 21 27 43 37 23 21Continuing owned and leased 55 25 20 12 17 (4) 18 17operating profitRegional overheads (68) (64) (33) (32) (22) (20) (13) (12)Continuing operating profit pre 318 281 220 215 67 37 31 29central overheadsCentral overheads (81) (81) - - - - - - (81) (81)Continuing operating profit 237 200 220 215 67 37 31 29Discontinued owned and leased 8 31 8 6 0 25 0 0operating profitTotal operating profit 245 231 228 221 67 62 31 29 Appendix 4: Constant currency continuing operating profits before exceptionalitems. Americas EMEA Asia Pacific Total*** Actual Constant Actual Constant Actual Constant Actual Constant currency* currency** currency* currency** currency* Currency** currency* currency**Growth 2% 11% 81% 86% 7% 21% 19% 30% Exchange rates USD:GBP EUR:GBP2007 2.01 1.462006 1.84 1.47 * Sterling actual currency** Translated at constant 2006 exchange rates*** After Central Overheads Appendix 5: Definition of total gross revenue Total gross revenue is defined as total room revenue from franchised hotels andtotal hotel revenue from managed, owned and leased hotels. It is not revenueattributable to IHG, as it is derived mainly from hotels owned by third parties.The metric is highlighted as an indicator of the scale and reach of IHG'sbrands. Appendix 6: Investor information for 2007 final dividend Ex-dividend Date: 26 March 2008Record Date: 28 March 2008Payment Date: 6 June 2008Dividend payment: Ordinary shares 14.9p per share: ADRs 29.2c per ADR For further information, please contact:Investor Relations (Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson; Heather Wood): +44 (0) 1753 410 176Media Affairs (Leslie McGibbon; Claire Williams): +44 (0) 1753 410 425 +44 (0) 7808 094 471 High resolution images to accompany this announcement are available for themedia to download free of charge from www.vismedia.co.uk . This includes profileshots of the key executives. Presentation for Analysts and Shareholders A presentation with Andrew Cosslett (Chief Executive) and Richard Solomons(Finance Director) will commence at 9.30am (London time) on 19 February at theCrowne Plaza, The City, 19 New Bridge Street, London, EC24V 6DB. There will bean opportunity to ask questions. The presentation will conclude atapproximately 10.30am (London time). There will be a live audio webcast of the results presentation on the webaddress www.ihg.com/prelims08 . The archived webcast of the presentation isexpected to be on this website later on the day of the results and will remainon it for the foreseeable future. There will also be a live dial-in facility International dial-in 020 7863 6164 US Q&A conference call There will also be a conference call, primarily for US investors and analysts,at 9.00am (Eastern Standard Time) on 19 February with Andrew Cosslett (ChiefExecutive) and Richard Solomons (Finance Director). There will be anopportunity to ask questions. International dial-in +44 (0)1452 556 518US Toll Free 1866 966 4782Conference ID: 32546784 A recording of the conference call will also be available for 7 days. To accessthis please dial the relevant number below and use the access number 32546784# International dial-in +44 (0)1452 550 000US Toll Free 1866 247 4222 Website The full release and supplementary data will be available on our website from7.00 am (London time) on Tuesday 19 February. The web address is www.ihg.com/prelims08 Notes to Editors: InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) of the United Kingdom (LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG(ADRs)) is one of the world's largest hotel groups by number of rooms. IHGowns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 3,900hotels and more than 585,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territoriesaround the world. IHG owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotelbrands including InterContinental(R) Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza(R) Hotels &Resorts, Holiday Inn(R) Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express(R), StaybridgeSuites(R), Candlewood Suites(R) and Hotel Indigo(R), and also manages theworld's largest hotel loyalty programme, Priority Club(R) Rewards with over 37million members worldwide. The company pioneered the travel industry's first collaborative response toenvironmental issues as founder of the International Hotels and EnvironmentInitiative (IHEI). The IHEI formed the foundations of the Tourism Partnershiplaunched by the International Business Leaders Forum in 2004, of which IHG isstill a member today. The environment and local communities remain at the heartof IHG's global corporate responsibility focus. IHG offers information and online reservations for all its hotel brands atwww.ihg.com and information for the Priority Club Rewards programme atwww.priorityclub.com. For the latest news from IHG, visit our online PressOffice at www.ihg.com/media Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements as defined underUS law (Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Theseforward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relateto historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements often use words suchas 'anticipate', 'target', 'expect', 'estimate', 'intend', 'plan', 'goal', 'believe' or other words of similar meaning. By their nature, forward-lookingstatements are inherently predictive, speculative and involve risk anduncertainty. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results anddevelopments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by, suchforward-looking statements. Factors that could affect the business and thefinancial results are described in 'Risk Factors' in the InterContinental HotelsGroup PLC Annual report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities andExchange Commission. This business review (BR) provides a commentary on the performance ofInterContinental Hotels Group PLC (the Group or IHG) for the financial yearended 31 December 2007. Group Performance 12 months ended 31 December 2007 2006 %Group Results £m £m change Revenue: Americas 450 422 6.6 EMEA 245 198 23.7 Asia Pacific 130 111 17.1 Central 58 55 5.5 ____ ____ _____Continuing operations 883 786 12.3Discontinued operations 40 174 (77.0) ____ ____ _____ 923 960 (3.9) ____ ____ _____Operating profit: Americas 220 215 2.3 EMEA 67 37 81.1 Asia Pacific 31 29 6.9 Central (81) (81) - ____ ____ _____Continuing operations 237 200 18.5Discontinued operations 8 31 (74.2) ____ ____ _____Operating profit before exceptional items 245 231 6.1 Exceptional operating items 30 27 11.1 ___ ____ ____Operating profit 275 258 6.6Net financial expenses (45) (11) (309.1) ___ ____ ____Profit before tax* 230 247 (6.9) ___ ____ ____Analysed as:Continuing operations 222 216 2.8Discontinued operations 8 31 (74.2) ____ ____ ____Earnings per ordinary share: Basic 72.2p 104.1p (30.6) Adjusted 48.4p 42.9p 12.8 Adjusted - continuing operations 46.9p 38.0p 23.4 * Profit before tax includes the results of discontinued operations. Group Results Revenue from continuing operations increased by 12.3% to £883m and continuingoperating profit increased by 18.5% to £237m during the 12 months ended 31December 2007. The growth was driven by strong underlying RevPAR gains acrossall regions, hotel expansion in key markets and profit uplift from owned andleased assets. Furthermore, strong revenue conversion led to a 1.4 percentagepoint increase in continuing operating profit margins to 26.8%. Including discontinued operations, total revenue decreased by 3.9% to £923mwhilst operating profit before exceptional items increased by 6.1% to £245m,reflecting the year-on-year impact of asset disposals. Discontinued operationsrepresent the results from operations that have been sold, or are held for sale,and where there is a coordinated plan to dispose of the operations under IHG'sasset disposal programme. In this Business Review, discontinued operationsinclude owned and leased hotels in the US, the UK and Continental Europe thathave been sold or placed on the market from 1 January 2006. As the weighted average US dollar exchange rate to sterling has weakened during2007 (2007 $2.01:£1, 2006 $1.84:£1), growth rates for results expressed in USdollars are higher than those in sterling. Continuing operating profit beforeexceptional items was $474m, ahead of 2006 by 29.2%. Including discontinuedoperations, operating profit before exceptional items was $491m, 15.8% higherthan 2006. Translated at constant currency, applying 2006 exchange rates,continuing revenue increased by 19.6% and continuing operating profit increasedby 30.0%. 12 months ended 31 December 2007 2006 %Total Gross Revenues $bn $bn change InterContinental 3.7 3.0 23.3Crowne Plaza 2.8 2.3 21.7Holiday Inn 6.7 6.3 6.3Holiday Inn Express 3.5 3.0 16.7Other brands 1.1 0.6 83.3 ____ ____ ____Total 17.8 15.2 17.1 ____ ____ ____ Total Gross Revenues One measure of overall IHG hotel system performance is the growth in total grossrevenue, defined as total room revenue from franchised hotels and total hotelrevenue from managed, owned and leased hotels. Total gross revenue is notrevenue attributable to IHG, as it is derived mainly from hotels owned by thirdparties. Total gross revenue increased by 17.1% from $15.2bn in 2006 to $17.8bn in 2007,with strong growth levels achieved across IHG's key brands reflecting hotelperformance and room growth. Translated at constant currency, total grossrevenue increased by 14.5%. Hotels RoomsGlobal hotel and room count Change Changeat 31 December 2007 over 2006 2007 over 2006Analysed by brand: InterContinental 149 1 50,762 1,163 Crowne Plaza 299 24 83,170 7,538 Holiday Inn 1,381 (14) 256,699 (3,771) Holiday Inn Express 1,808 122 156,531 12,949 Staybridge Suites 122 25 13,466 2,513 Candlewood Suites 158 28 16,825 2,676 Hotel Indigo 11 5 1,501 608 Other 21 17 6,140 5,172 ____ ____ ______ _____Total 3,949 208 585,094 28,848 ____ ____ ______ _____Analysed by ownership type: Owned and leased 18 (7) 6,396 (2,064) Managed 539 27 134,883 9,669 Franchised 3,392 188 443,815 21,243 ____ ____ ______ _____Total 3,949 208 585,094 28,848 ____ ____ ______ _____ Global Hotel and Room Count During 2007, the IHG global system (the number of hotels and rooms which areowned, leased, managed or franchised by the Group) increased by 208 hotels(28,848 rooms or 5.2%) to 3,949 hotels (585,094 rooms). The record growth levelwas driven, in particular, by continued expansion in the US, the UK, China andJapan, resulting in openings of 366 hotels (52,846 rooms). Holiday Inn Express represented 58.7% of the net hotel growth, demonstratingstrong market demand in the midscale, limited service sector. The extended stayportfolio, comprising Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites hotels, expandedby 53 hotels (5,189 rooms), indicating owner confidence in this sector. The netdecline in the Holiday Inn hotel and room count (14 hotels and 3,771 rooms)primarily reflects IHG's continued strategy to reinvigorate the Holiday Innbrand through the removal of lower quality, non-brand conforming hotels in theUS. This strategy is further supported by the worldwide brand relaunch of theHoliday Inn brand family, announced in October 2007, which entails theconsistent delivery of best in class service and physical quality in all HolidayInn and Holiday Inn Express hotels. Hotels RoomsGlobal pipeline Change Changeat 31 December 2007 over 2006 2007 over 2006Analysed by brand: InterContinental 62 26 20,013 6,802 Crowne Plaza 118 58 36,362 19,249 Holiday Inn 365 66 56,945 12,171 Holiday Inn Express 712 138 70,142 14,622 Staybridge Suites 157 37 17,150 4,545 Candlewood Suites 207 79 18,605 6,882 Hotel Indigo 52 28 6,565 3,520 Other 1 1 90 90 ____ ____ ______ _____Total 1,674 433 225,872 67,881 ____ ____ ______ _____Analysed by ownership type: Managed 247 108 71,814 30,166 Franchised 1,427 325 154,058 37,715 ____ ____ ______ _____Total 1,674 433 225,872 67,881 ____ ____ ______ _____ Hotels RoomsGlobal pipeline signings Change Changeat 31 December 2007 over 2006 2007 over 2006 Total 873 156 125,533 22,759 Global Pipeline At the end of 2007, the IHG pipeline (contracts signed for hotels and rooms yetto enter the IHG global system) totalled 1,674 hotels (225,872 rooms). In theyear, record room signings across all regions of 125,533 rooms led to pipelinegrowth of 67,881 rooms (or 43.0%). This level of growth demonstrates strongdemand for IHG brands across all regions and represents a key driver of futureprofitability. THE AMERICAS 12 months ended 31 December 2007 2006 %Americas Results $m $m change Revenue: Owned and leased 257 192 33.9 Managed 156 143 9.1 Franchised 489 443 10.4 ____ ____ _____Continuing operations 902 778 15.9Discontinued operations* 62 74 (16.2) ____ ____ _____Total $m 964 852 13.1 ____ ____ _____Sterling equivalent £m 481 463 3.9 ____ ____ _____Operating profit before exceptional items: Owned and leased 40 22 81.8 Managed 41 50 (18.0) Franchised 425 382 11.3 ____ ____ _____ 506 454 11.5Regional overheads (66) (59) (11.9) ____ ____ _____Continuing operations 440 395 11.4Discontinued operations* 16 12 33.3 ____ ____ _____Total $m 456 407 12.0 ____ ____ _____Sterling equivalent £m 228 221 3.2 _____ ____ _____ * Discontinued operations are all owned and leased. 12 months ended 31 DecemberAmericas Comparable RevPAR movement on previous year 2007 Owned and leased: InterContinental 10.6%Managed: InterContinental 10.8% Crowne Plaza 7.2% Holiday Inn 7.7% Staybridge Suites 2.0% Candlewood Suites 3.4%Franchised: Crowne Plaza 7.6% Holiday Inn 4.7% Holiday Inn Express 6.7% Americas Results Revenue and operating profit from continuing operations increased by 15.9% to$902m and 11.4% to $440m respectively. Discontinued operations include theresults of hotels sold during 2006 and 2007, together with two hotels currentlyon the market for disposal. Including discontinued operations, revenueincreased by 13.1% whilst operating profit increased by 12.0%. The region achieved healthy RevPAR growth across all ownership types and RevPARpremiums to the US market segments for hotels operating under InterContinental,Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express brands. During the fourthquarter, consistent with the US market, the region was impacted by a marginalsoftening in RevPAR growth due to a slight decline in occupancy levels. Continuing owned and leased revenue increased by 33.9% to $257m and operatingprofit increased by 81.8% to $40m. Positive underlying trading was driven byRevPAR growth of 9.7%, led by the InterContinental brand with growth of 10.6%.The results were favourably impacted by trading performance at theInterContinental Boston which became fully operational during the first half ofthe year (year-on-year profit increase of $11m) and trading at theInterContinental New York where robust market conditions lifted averageoccupancy levels to over 90%. Managed revenues increased by 9.1% to $156m during the year, driven by strongRevPAR growth, particularly in Latin America where rate-led RevPAR growthexceeded 20%. Robust brand performance resulted in RevPAR growth premiums,compared to respective US market segments, for InterContinental, Crowne Plazaand Holiday Inn. Growth in the extended stay segment was impacted by anincrease in market supply. Managed revenues included $86m (2006 $80m) fromproperties that are structured, for legal reasons, as operating leases but withthe same characteristics as management contracts. Managed operating profit decreased by 18.0% to $41m, including $6m (2006 $9m)from managed properties held as operating leases. The decline in profitprincipally reflects increased revenue investment to support growth in contractsignings, the impact of fewer hotels under management contracts following therestructuring of the FelCor agreement in 2006, foreign exchange losses in LatinAmerica and lower ancillary revenues together with higher costs at one of thehotels held as an operating lease. These items reduced operating profit marginsin the managed estate by 8.7 percentage points to 26.3% and reduced continuingoperating profit margins in the region by 2.0 percentage points to 48.8%. Franchised revenue and operating profit increased by 10.4% to $489m and 11.3% to$425m respectively, compared to 2006. The increase was driven by RevPAR growthof 5.8%, net room count growth of 4.0% and fees associated with growth insignings. Regional overheads were affected positively in 2006 by lower claims in theGroup-funded employee healthcare programme. Excluding this, regional overheadswere in line with the prior period. Hotels RoomsAmericas hotel and room count Change Changeat 31 December 2007 over 2006 2007 over 2006Analysed by brand: InterContinental 50 1 16,624 99 Crowne Plaza 172 17 47,893 5,289 Holiday Inn 952 (35) 177,999 (8,068) Holiday Inn Express 1,615 109 134,551 10,833 Staybridge Suites 122 25 13,466 2,513 Candlewood Suites 158 28 16,825 2,676 Hotel Indigo 11 5 1,501 608 ____ ____ ______ _____Total 3,080 150 408,859 13,950 ____ ____ ______ _____Analysed by ownership type: Owned and leased 11 (2) 4,029 (650) Managed 193 4 39,696 439 Franchised 2,876 148 365,134 14,161 ____ ____ ______ _____Total 3,080 150 408,859 13,950 ____ ____ ______ _____ Americas Hotel and Room Count The Americas hotel and room count grew by 150 hotels (13,950 rooms) to 3,080hotels (408,859 rooms). The growth includes openings of 274 hotels (31,744rooms) led by continued demand for Holiday Inn Express of 156 hotels (13,908rooms). Franchised hotels contributed over 98% of net growth, reflectingsustained demand for the franchised model. Net growth also included removals of124 hotels (17,794 rooms), of which Holiday Inn hotels represented 54.0% (69.2%of rooms). Hotels RoomsAmericas pipeline Change Changeat 31 December 2007 over 2006 2007 over 2006Analysed by brand: InterContinental 8 2 3,722 787 Crowne Plaza 37 13 9,036 3,197 Holiday Inn 265 53 33,029 6,463 Holiday Inn Express 614 111 54,279 10,729 Staybridge Suites 147 32 15,921 3,894 Candlewood Suites 207 79 18,605 6,882 Hotel Indigo 52 28 6,565 3,520 ____ ____ ______ _____Total 1,330 318 141,157 35,472 ____ ____ ______ _____Analysed by ownership type: Managed 21 7 4,961 1,251 Franchised 1,309 311 136,196 34,221 ____ ____ ______ _____Total 1,330 318 141,157 35,472 ____ ____ ______ _____ Americas Pipeline The Americas pipeline continued to achieve high growth levels and totalled 1,330hotels (141,157 rooms) at 31 December 2007. During the year, 75,279 roomsignings were completed, compared with 61,673 room signings in 2006. Thesesigning levels outpaced the prior year as demand for Holiday Inn and Holiday InnExpress continued to accelerate. Furthermore, the extended stay brands,Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites, contributed 24.3% of the region's roomsignings. EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA (EMEA) 12 months ended 31 December 2007 2006 %EMEA Results £m £m change Revenue: Owned and leased 121 92 31.5 Managed 84 71 18.3 Franchised 40 35 14.3 ____ ____ _____Continuing operations 245 198 23.7Discontinued operations* 9 133 (93.2) ____ ____ _____Total £m 254 331 (23.3) ____ ____ ____Dollar equivalent $m 509 608 (16.3) ____ ____ _____Operating profit before exceptional items: Owned and leased 17 (4) 525.0 Managed 43 37 16.2 Franchised 29 24 20.8 ____ ____ _____ 89 57 56.1Regional overheads (22) (20) (10.0) ____ ____ _____Continuing operations 67 37 81.1Discontinued operations* - 25 - ____ ____ _____Total £m 67 62 8.1 ____ ____ _____Dollar equivalent $m 135 114 18.4 ____ ____ _____ * Discontinued operations are all owned and leased. 12 months ended 31 DecemberEMEA comparable RevPAR movement on previous year 2007 Owned and leased: InterContinental 14.0%All ownership types: UK 6.2% Continental Europe 7.6% Middle East 19.6% EMEA Results Revenue and operating profit from continuing operations increased by 23.7% to£245m and 81.1% to £67m respectively. Including discontinued operations,revenue decreased by 23.3% whilst operating profit increased by 8.1%, reflectingthe impact of hotels sold and converted to management and franchise contractsover the past two years. During the year, the region achieved RevPAR growth of 8.6% driven by substantialgains across all brands and ownership types. From a regional perspective,RevPAR levels benefited from the positive market conditions in the Middle East,France and the UK. The region's continuing operating profit margins increasedby 8.6 percentage points to 27.3% as a result of improved revenue conversion inthe owned and leased portfolio and increased scalability in the franchisedoperations. In the owned and leased estate, continuing revenue increased by 31.5% to £121mas a result of trading at the InterContinental London Park Lane which becamefully operational during the first half of 2007, together with strong rate-ledRevPAR growth at the InterContinental Paris Le Grand. Effective revenueconversion led to an increase in continuing operating profit of £21m to £17m,including operating profit growth of £14m at the InterContinental London ParkLane. EMEA managed revenues increased by 18.3% to £84m and operating profit increasedby 16.2% to £43m. The growth was driven by management contracts negotiated in2006 as part of the hotel disposal programme in Europe and strong underlyingtrading in markets such as the Middle East, the UK, Spain and Russia. Franchised revenue and operating profit increased by 14.3% to £40m and 20.8% to£29m respectively. The growth was principally driven by RevPAR gains and roomcount expansion in the UK and Continental Europe. Hotels RoomsEMEA hotel and room count Change Changeat 31 December 2007 over 2006 2007 over 2006Analysed by brand: InterContinental 62 (4) 20,012 (1,411) Crowne Plaza 72 4 17,326 886 Holiday Inn 335 18 52,842 2,214 Holiday Inn Express 182 10 19,380 1,271 ____ ____ ______ _____Total 651 28 109,560 2,960 ____ ____ ______ _____Analysed by ownership type: Owned and leased 5 (5) 1,674 (1,414) Managed 171 (3) 39,073 (1,602) Franchised 475 36 68,813 5,976 ____ ____ ______ _____Total 651 28 109,560 2,960 ____ ____ ______ _____ EMEA Hotel and Room Count During 2007, EMEA hotel and room count increased by 28 hotels (2,960 rooms) to651 hotels (109,560 rooms). The net growth included the opening of 55 hotels(7,956 rooms) and the removal of 27 hotels (4,996 rooms). System growth was ledby openings in the UK of 22 hotels (2,522 rooms). Holiday Inn was the largestcontributor of room openings, adding over 50% of the region's total. Hotels RoomsEMEA pipeline Change Changeat 31 December 2007 over 2006 2007 over 2006Analysed by brand: InterContinental 24 14 5,960 3,411 Crowne Plaza 25 10 6,298 2,631 Holiday Inn 51 (3) 9,546 1,728 Holiday Inn Express 76 17 9,766 2,321 Staybridge Suites 10 5 1,229 651 Other 1 1 90 90 ____ ____ ______ _____Total 187 44 32,889 10,832 ____ ____ ______ _____Analysed by ownership type: Managed 70 31 15,203 7,514 Franchised 117 13 17,686 3,318 ____ ____ ______ _____Total 187 44 32,889 10,832 ____ ____ ______ _____ EMEA Pipeline The pipeline in EMEA increased by 44 hotels (10,832 rooms) to 187 hotels (32,889rooms). The growth includes a record level of 19,153 room signings, driven byexceptional demand in the Middle East, particularly the United Arab Emirates andSaudi Arabia. Across the region sustained demand for the Holiday Inn brand ledto 6,004 room signings during the year whilst the region also experienced asignificant increase in room signings for the InterContinental and Crowne Plazabrands. The EMEA pipeline includes 10 Staybridge Suites hotels (1,229 rooms), ofwhich the first hotels are expected to open in the UK and the Middle East during2008. ASIA PACIFIC 12 months ended 31 December 2007 2006 %Asia Pacific Results $m $m change Revenue: Owned and leased 145 131 10.7 Managed 99 65 52.3 Franchised 16 8 100.0 ____ ____ _____Total $m 260 204 27.5 ____ ____ _____Sterling equivalent £m 130 111 17.1 ____ ____ _____Operating profit before exceptional items: Owned and leased 36 31 16.1 Managed 46 39 17.9 Franchised 6 5 20.0 ____ ____ _____ 88 75 17.3Regional overheads (25) (23) (8.7) ____ ____ _____Total $m 63 52 21.2 ____ ____ _____Sterling equivalent £m 31 29 6.9 ____ ____ _____ 12 months endedAsia Pacific comparable RevPAR movement on previous year 31 December 2007Owned and leased: InterContinental 7.3%All ownership types: Greater China 7.0% Asia Pacific Results Asia Pacific revenue increased by 27.5% to $260m whilst operating profitincreased by 21.2% to $63m. The region achieved strong RevPAR growth across all brands and ownership typesand continued its strategic expansion in China and Japan. Strong growth intotal profit was achieved; however, revenue conversion was impacted by continuedinvestment to support expansion, resulting in a 1.3 percentage point reductionin operating profit margins to 24.2%. In the owned and leased estate, revenue increased by 10.7% to $145m due to thecombined impact of strong room and food and beverage trading at theInterContinental Hong Kong, despite the impact of renovation works throughout asignificant part of the year. The hotel's revenue growth combined with profitmargin gains drove the estate's operating profit growth of 16.1% to $36m. Managed revenues increased by 52.3% to $99m as a result of the full yearcontribution from the hotels which joined the system in 2006 as part of the IHGANA joint venture in Japan, continued organic expansion in China and solidRevPAR growth across Southern Asia and Australia. Operating profit increased by17.9% to $46m as revenue gains were offset by integration and ongoing costsassociated with the ANA joint venture and continued infrastructure investment inChina. Franchised revenues doubled from $8m to $16m, primarily driven by hotels in theIHG ANA joint venture. Similar to the managed operations, growth inprofitability was impacted by ANA integration and ongoing costs. Regional overheads increased by $2m to $25m primarily as a result of investmentin technology and corporate infrastructure in China and Japan and included thefavourable impact of a legal settlement. Hotels RoomsAsia Pacific hotel and room count Change Changeat 31 December 2007 over 2006 2007 over 2006Analysed by brand: InterContinental 37 4 14,126 2,475 Crowne Plaza 55 3 17,951 1,363 Holiday Inn 94 3 25,858 2,083 Holiday Inn Express 11 3 2,600 845 Other 21 17 6,140 5,172 ____ ____ ______ _____Total 218 30 66,675 11,938 ____ ____ ______ _____Analysed by ownership type: Owned and leased 2 - 693 - Managed 175 26 56,114 10,832 Franchised 41 4 9,868 1,106 ____ ____ ______ _____Total 218 30 66,675 11,938 ____ ____ ______ _____ Asia Hotel and Room Count Asia Pacific hotel and room count increased by 30 hotels (11,938 rooms) to 218hotels (66,675 rooms). The net growth included 16 hotels (7,827 rooms) inGreater China reflecting continued expansion in one of IHG's strategic markets,together with 15 hotels (3,542 rooms) in Japan that joined the system as part ofthe IHG ANA joint venture. Hotels RoomsAsia Pacific pipeline Change Changeat 31 December 2007 over 2006 2007 over 2006Analysed by brand: InterContinental 30 10 10,331 2,604 Crowne Plaza 56 35 21,028 13,421 Holiday Inn 49 16 14,370 3,980 Holiday Inn Express 22 10 6,097 1,572 ____ ____ ______ _____Total 157 71 51,826 21,577 ____ ____ ______ _____Analysed by ownership type: Managed 156 70 51,650 21,401 Franchised 1 1 176 176 ____ ____ ______ _____Total 157 71 51,826 21,577 ____ ____ ______ _____ Asia Pacific Pipeline The pipeline in Asia Pacific increased by 71 hotels (21,577 rooms) to 157 hotels(51,826 rooms). Demand in the Greater China market continued throughout theyear and represented 82.3% of the region's room signings. From a brandperspective, Crowne Plaza attracted significant interest, contributing over halfof the total room signings. Central 12 months ended 31 December 2007 2006 %Central Results £m £m change Revenue 58 55 5.5Gross central costs (139) (136) (2.2) ____ ____ _____Net central costs £m (81) (81) - ____ ____ _____Dollar equivalent $m (163) (149) (9.4) _____ ____ _____ Central Results During 2007, net central costs were flat on 2006 but increased in line withinflation when translated at constant currency exchange rates. OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION Exceptional operating items Exceptional operating items of £30m include an £18m gain on the sale offinancial assets and an £11m gain on the sale of associate investments. Exceptional operating items are treated as exceptional items by reason of theirsize or nature and are excluded from the calculation of adjusted earnings pershare in order to provide a more meaningful comparison of performance. Net financial expenses Net financial expenses increased from £11m in 2006 to £45m in 2007, as a resultof higher debt levels following payment of the £709m special dividend in June2007. Financing costs included £10m (2006 £10m) of interest costs associated withPriority Club Rewards where interest is charged on the accumulated balance ofcash received in advance of the redemption points awarded. Financing costs in2007 also included £9m (2006 £4m) in respect of the InterContinental Bostonfinance lease. Taxation The effective rate of tax on profit before tax, excluding the impact ofexceptional items, was 22% (2006 24%). By also excluding the impact of prioryear items, which are included wholly within continuing operations, theequivalent tax rate would be 36% (2006 36%). This rate is higher than the UKstatutory rate of 30% due mainly to certain overseas profits (particularly inthe US) being subject to statutory rates higher than the UK statutory rate anddisallowable expenses. Taxation within exceptional items totalled a credit of £30m (2006 £94m credit)in respect of continuing operations. This represented, primarily, the release ofexceptional provisions relating to tax matters which were settled during theyear, or in respect of which the statutory limitation period had expired. In2006, taxation exceptional items, in addition to such provision releases,included £12m for the recognition of a deferred tax asset in respect of taxlosses. Net tax paid in 2007 totalled £69m (2006 £49m) including £32m (2006 £6m) inrespect of disposals. Earnings per share Basic earnings per share in 2007 were 72.2p, compared with 104.1p in 2006.Adjusted earnings per share were 48.4p, against 42.9p in 2006. Adjustedcontinuing earnings per share were 46.9p, 23.4% up on last year. Dividends The Board has proposed a final dividend per share of 14.9p; with the interimdividend per share of 5.7p, the normal dividend per share for 2007 will total20.6p. Share price and market capitalisation The IHG share price closed at 884.0p on 31 December 2007, down from 1262.0p on31 December 2006. The market capitalisation of the Group at the year end was£2.6bn. Cash flow The net movement in cash and cash equivalents in the 12 months to 31 December2007 was an outflow of £131m. This included net cash inflows from operatingactivities of £232m, net cash outflows from investing activities of £19m and netcash outflows from financing activities of £344m. Key components of investing and financing activities included: • proceeds from the disposal of hotels and equity investments totalled £106m; • capital expenditure totalled £93m and included the completion of the major refurbishment at the InterContinental London Park Lane and the renovation works at the InterContinental Hong Kong; • cash outflows associated with shareholder returns during the year included a special dividend of £709m and share buybacks of £81m; and • increased borrowings of £553m. IHG's cash flow strategy has focused on reducing capital intensity and returningsurplus funds to shareholders. Capital investment in new projects will be madewhere this creates value by accelerating the development of IHG's brands. Suchinvestment will be funded largely from the proceeds of hotel and minorityshareholding disposals, with the objective of subsequently recycling thatcapital into other projects. Capital structure and liquidity management Net debt at 31 December 2007 was £825m and included £100m in respect of thefinance lease commitment for the InterContinental Boston. 2007 2006Net debt at 31 December £m £m Borrowings (including derivatives): Sterling 275 102 US Dollar 439 282 Euro 121 101 Other 48 48Cash (including derivatives) (58) (403) ____ ____ 825 130Excluding fair value of derivatives (net) - 4 ____ ____Net debt 825 134 ____ ____ Average debt levels 536 92 ____ ____ 2007 2006Facilities at 31 December £m £m Committed 1,154 1,157Uncommitted 25 39 ____ ____Total 1,179 1,196 ____ ____ 2007 2006Interest risk profile of net debt for major currencies % %(including derivatives) at 31 December At fixed rates 45 57At variable rates 55 43 Treasury policy is to manage financial risks that arise in relation tounderlying business needs. The activities of the treasury function are carriedout in accordance with Board approved policies and are subject to regular audit.The treasury function does not operate as a profit centre. Medium and long-term borrowing requirements at 31 December 2007 were met througha £1.1bn Syndicated Bank Facility which matures in November 2009. Short-termborrowing requirements were principally met from drawings under committed anduncommitted bilateral loan facilities. At the year end, the Group had £377m ofcommitted facilities available for drawing. The Syndicated Bank Facility contains two financial covenants, interest coverand net debt/Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation(EBITDA). The Group is in compliance with both covenants, neither of which isexpected to represent a material restriction on funding or investment policy inthe foreseeable future. Asset disposal programme Number of hotels Proceeds Net book value Disposed since April 2003 181 £3.0bn £2.9bnRemaining owned and leased hotels 18 £0.9bn During 2007, IHG achieved further progress with its asset disposal programme,including: • the sale of the Crowne Plaza Santiago for $21m before transaction costs, approximately $9m above net book value. Under the agreement, IHG retained a 10 year franchise contract; • the sale of its 74.11% share of the InterContinental Montreal for £17m before transaction costs, approximately £5m above book value. Under the agreement, IHG retained a 30 year management contract on the hotel; and • the sale of the Holiday Inn Disney, Paris for £14m before transaction costs, approximately £2m above net book value. Under the agreement, IHG retained a five year franchise contract. These transactions support IHG's continued strategy of growing its managed andfranchised business whilst reducing asset ownership. Since April 2003, 181hotels with a net book value of £2.9bn have been sold, generating aggregateproceeds of £3.0bn, of which 162 of these hotels remained in the IHG systemthrough the successful negotiation of either management or franchise agreements. During 2007, IHG also divested a number of equity interests of which proceedstotalled £57m, and included a 33.3% interest in the Crowne Plaza London The Cityfor £19m and a 15% interest in the InterContinental Chicago for £11m. Return of funds programme Timing Total Returned to Still to be return date returned £501m special dividend Paid in December 2004 £501m £501m NilFirst £250m share buyback Completed in 2004 £250m £250m Nil£996m capital return Paid in July 2005 £996m £996m NilSecond £250m share buyback Completed in 2006 £250m £250m Nil£497m special dividend Paid in June 2006 £497m £497m NilThird £250m share buyback Completed in 2007 £250m £250m Nil£709m special dividend Paid in June 2007 £709m £709m Nil£150m share buyback Under way £150m £50m £100m ______ _____ ____Total £3,603m £3,503m £100m ______ _____ ____ In the year, IHG paid a £709m special dividend, completed a third £250m sharebuyback and commenced a £150m share buyback. At the year end £100m of thisbuyback was outstanding. Since March 2004, IHG has returned £3.5bn toshareholders. INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLCGROUP INCOME STATEMENTFor the year ended 31 December 2007 Year ended 31 December 2007 Year ended 31 December 2006 Before Exceptional Before Exceptional exceptional items exceptional items items (note 5) Total items (note 5) Total £m £m £m £m £m £mContinuing operations Revenue (note 3) 883 - 883 786 - 786Cost of sales (411) - (411) (355) - (355)Administrative expenses (188) (7) (195) (180) - (180)Other operating income andexpenses 8 38 46 4 27 31 _____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ 292 31 323 255 27 282Depreciation and amortisation (55) (1) (56) (55) - (55) _____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____Operating profit (note 4) 237 30 267 200 27 227 Financial income 9 - 9 26 - 26Financial expenses (54) - (54) (37) - (37) _____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ Profit before tax 192 30 222 189 27 216 Tax (note 6) (42) 30 (12) (41) 94 53 _____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____Profit for the year fromcontinuing operations 150 60 210 148 121 269 Profit for the year fromdiscontinued operations(note 7) 5 16 21 19 117 136 _____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____Profit for the yearattributable to the equityholders of the parent 155 76 231 167 238 405 ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====Earnings per ordinary share(note 8):Continuing operations: Basic 65.6p 69.1p Diluted 63.8p 67.4p Adjusted 46.9p 38.0p Adjusted diluted 45.6p 37.1pTotal operations: Basic 72.2p 104.1p Diluted 70.2p 101.5p Adjusted 48.4p 42.9p Adjusted diluted 47.1p 41.8pDividends per ordinary share(note 9): Final paid 13.3p 10.7p Special interim paid 200.0p 118.0p Interim paid 5.7p 5.1p Final proposed 14.9p 13.3p INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLCGROUP STATEMENT OF RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSEFor the year ended 31 December 2007 2007 2006 £m £m Income and expense recognised directly in equityGains on valuation of available-for-sale assets 4 16(Losses)/gains on cash flow hedges (1) 1Exchange differences on retranslation of foreign operations 10 (30)Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit pension plans 12 (2) ____ ____ 25 (15) ____ ____Transfers to the income statementOn cash flow hedges: interest payable (1) (1)On disposal of foreign operations: gain on disposal of assets - 4On disposal of available-for-sale assets: other operating incomeand expenses (10) (14) ____ ____ (11) (11) ____ ____TaxTax on items above taken directly to or transferred from equity (3) 4Tax related to share schemes recognised directly in equity (2) 26 ____ ____ (5) 30 ____ ____Net income recognised directly in equity 9 4 Profit for the year 231 405 ____ ____Total recognised income and expense for the year attributable tothe equity holders of the parent 240 409 ==== ==== INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLCGROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENTFor the year ended 31 December 2007 2007 2006 £m £m Profit for the year 231 405Adjustments for: Net financial expense 45 11 Income tax charge/(credit) 15 (41) Exceptional operating items before depreciation (31) (27) Gain on disposal of assets, net of tax (16) (117) Depreciation and amortisation 58 64 Equity-settled share-based cost, net of payments 24 14 Other non-cash items (2) - ____ ____Operating cash flow before movements in working capital 324 309Increase in trade and other receivables (15) (31)Increase in trade and other payables 26 10Retirement benefit contributions, net of charge (33) - ____ ____Cash flow from operations 302 288Interest paid (42) (33)Interest received 9 24Tax paid on operating activities (37) (43) ____ ____Net cash from operating activities 232 236 ____ ____Cash flow from investing activitiesPurchases of property, plant and equipment (57) (87)Purchases of intangible assets (20) (23)Purchases of associates and other financial assets (16) (8)Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired - (6)Disposal of assets, net of costs and cash disposed of 49 620Proceeds from associates and other financial assets 57 124Tax paid on disposals (32) (6) ____ ____Net cash from investing activities (19) 614 ____ ____Cash flow from financing activitiesProceeds from the issue of share capital 16 20Purchase of own shares (81) (260)Purchase of own shares by employee share trusts (69) (47)Proceeds on release of own shares by employee share trusts 10 19Dividends paid to shareholders (773) (561)Dividends paid to minority interests - (1)Increase/(decrease) in borrowings 553 (172) ____ ____Net cash from financing activities (344) (1,002) ____ ____Net movement in cash and cash equivalents in the year (131) (152)Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year 179 324Exchange rate effects 4 7 ____ ____Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year 52 179 ==== ==== INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLCGROUP BALANCE SHEETAs at 31 December 2007 2007 2006 £m £mASSETSProperty, plant and equipment 962 997Goodwill 110 109Intangible assets 167 154Investment in associates 33 32Retirement benefit assets 32 -Other financial assets 93 96 ____ ____Total non-current assets 1,397 1,388 ____ ____Inventories 3 3Trade and other receivables 235 237Current tax receivable 54 23Cash and cash equivalents 52 179Other financial assets 9 13 ____ ____Total current assets 353 455 Non-current assets classified as held for sale 57 50 ____ ____Total assets 1,807 1,893 ==== ====LIABILITIESLoans and other borrowings (8) (10)Trade and other payables (390) (402)Current tax payable (212) (231) ____ ____Total current liabilities (610) (643) ____ ____Loans and other borrowings (869) (303)Retirement benefit obligations (55) (71)Trade and other payables (139) (109)Deferred tax payable (82) (79) ____ ____Total non-current liabilities (1,145) (562) Liabilities classified as held for sale (3) (2) ____ ____Total liabilities (1,758) (1,207) ==== ====Net assets (note 12) 49 686 ==== ====EQUITYEquity share capital 81 66Capital redemption reserve 5 4Shares held by employee share trusts (41) (17)Other reserves (1,528) (1,528)Unrealised gains and losses reserve 19 27Currency translation reserve 6 (3)Retained earnings 1,504 2,129 ____ ____IHG shareholders' equity (note 13) 46 678Minority equity interest 3 8 ____ ____Total equity 49 686 ==== ==== INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLCNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Basis of preparation The audited consolidated financial statements of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) for the year ended 31 December 2007 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 1985. The Group has early adopted International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee 14 'IAS 19 - The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction' (IFRIC 14). Under IFRIC 14, the Group has recognised retirement benefit assets of £32m on the balance sheet at 31 December 2007. The Group has also adopted International Financial Reporting Standard 7 'Financial instruments: Disclosures' (IFRS 7) for the first time during the year. As IFRS 7 is a disclosure standard only, there is no impact from the adoption of this standard on the reported numbers in these preliminary financial statements. Amounts that have previously been disclosed as special items have now been called exceptional items in accordance with market practice. There has been no change to the Group's accounting policy for identifying these items. In all other respects, these preliminary financial statements have been prepared on a consistent basis using the accounting policies set out in the IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2006. 2. Exchange rates The results of foreign operations have been translated into sterling at the weighted average rates of exchange for the period. In the case of the US dollar, the translation rate is £1 = $2.01 (2006 £1=$1.84). In the case of the Euro, the translation rate is £1=€1.46 (2006 £1=€1.47). Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities have been translated into sterling at the rates of exchange on the balance sheet date. In the case of the US dollar, the translation rate is £1=$2.01 (2006 £1=$1.96). In the case of the Euro, the translation rate is £1=€1.36 (2006 £1=€1.49). 3. Revenue 2007 2006 £m £m Continuing operations: Americas 450 422 EMEA 245 198 Asia Pacific 130 111 Central 58 55 ____ ____ 883 786 Discontinued operations (note 7) 40 174 ____ ____ 923 960 ==== ==== 4. Operating profit 2007 2006 £m £m Continuing operations: Americas 220 215 EMEA 67 37 Asia Pacific 31 29 Central (81) (81) ____ ____ 237 200 Exceptional operating items (note 5) 30 27 ____ ____ 267 227 Discontinued operations (note 7) 8 31 ____ ____ 275 258 ==== ==== 5. Exceptional items 2007 2006 £m £m Exceptional operating items* Gain on sale of associate investments** 11 - Gain on sale of investment in FelCor Lodging Trust, Inc.** - 25 Gain on sale of other financial assets** 18 - Reversal of previously recorded impairment** 3 2 Office reorganisations (a) (2) - ____ ____ 30 27 ==== ==== Tax* Tax charge on exceptional operating items - (6) Exceptional tax credit (b) 30 100 ____ ____ 30 94 ==== ==== Gain on disposal of assets Gain on disposal of assets 20 123 Tax charge (4) (6) ____ ____ 16 117 ==== ==== * Relates to continuing operations. ** Included within other operating income and expenses. The above items are treated as exceptional by reason of their size or nature. a. Profit on sale and leaseback of new head office less costs incurred to date on the office move and closure of the Group's Aylesbury facility. Costs will continue to be incurred during the first half of 2008. Costs of £7m are included in administrative expenses and £1m in depreciation and amortisation. Income of £6m is included in other operating income and expenses. b. The exceptional tax credit relates to the release of provisions which are exceptional by reason of their size or nature relating to tax matters which have been settled or in respect of which the relevant statutory limitation period has expired, together with, in 2006, a credit in respect of previously unrecognised losses. 6. Tax The effective tax rate on the combined profit from continuing and discontinued operations, excluding the impact of exceptional items (note 5) is 22% (2006 24%). By also excluding the effect of prior year items, the equivalent effective tax rate is 36% (2006 36%). Prior year items have been treated as relating wholly to continuing operations. 2007 2007 2007 2006 2006 2006 Year ended 31 December Profit Tax Tax Profit Tax Tax £m £m rate £m £m rate Before exceptional items Continuing operations 192 (42) 189 (41) Discontinued operations 8 (3) 31 (12) ____ ____ ____ ____ 200 (45) 22% 220 (53) 24% Exceptional items Continuing operations 30 30 27 94 Discontinued operations 20 (4) 123 (6) ____ ____ ____ ____ 250 (19) 370 35 ==== ==== ==== ==== Analysed as: UK tax (3) 14 Foreign tax (16) 21 ____ _____ (19) 35 ==== ==== 7. Discontinued operations Discontinued operations are those relating to hotels sold or those classified as held for sale as part of the asset disposal programme that commenced in 2003. These disposals underpin IHG's strategy of growing its managed and franchised business whilst reducing asset ownership. The results of discontinued operations which have been included in the consolidated income statement are as follows: 2007 2006 £m £m Revenue 40 174 Cost of sales (30) (134) ____ ____ 10 40 Depreciation and amortisation (2) (9) ____ ____ Operating profit 8 31 Tax (3) (12) ____ ____ Profit after tax 5 19 Gain on disposal of assets, net of tax (note 5) 16 117 ____ ____ Profit for the year from discontinued operations 21 136 ==== ==== 2007 2006 pence per share pence per share Earnings per share from discontinued operations Basic 6.6 35.0 Diluted 6.4 34.1 ==== ==== 2007 2006 £m £m Cash flows attributable to discontinued operations Operating profit before interest, depreciation and amortisation 10 40 Investing activities (1) (9) Financing activities - (25) ____ ____ 9 6 ==== ==== The effect of discontinued operations on segmental results is shown in the Business Review. 8. Earnings per ordinary share Basic earnings per ordinary share is calculated by dividing the profit for the year available for IHG equity holders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares, excluding investment in own shares, in issue during the year. Diluted earnings per ordinary share is calculated by adjusting basic earnings per ordinary share to reflect the notional exercise of the weighted average number of dilutive ordinary share options outstanding during the year. On 1 June 2007, shareholders approved a share capital consolidation on the basis of 47 new ordinary shares for every 56 existing ordinary shares, together with a special dividend of 200 pence per existing ordinary share. The overall effect of the transaction was that of a share repurchase at fair value, therefore no adjustment has been made to comparative data. Adjusted earnings per ordinary share is disclosed in order to show performance undistorted by exceptional items, to give a more meaningful comparison of the Group's performance. 2007 2007 2006 2006 Continuing Continuing operations Total operations Total Basic earnings per share Profit available for equity holders (£m) 210 231 269 405 Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions) 320 320 389 389 Basic earnings per share (pence) 65.6 72.2 69.1 104.1 ==== ==== ==== ==== Diluted earnings per share Profit available for equity holders (£m) 210 231 269 405 Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions) 329 329 399 399 Diluted earnings per share (pence) 63.8 70.2 67.4 101.5 ==== ==== ==== ==== Adjusted earnings per share Profit available for equity holders (£m) 210 231 269 405 Less adjusting items (note 5): Exceptional operating items (£m) (30) (30) (27) (27) Tax on exceptional operating items - - 6 6 (£m) Exceptional tax credit (£m) (30) (30) (100) (100) Gain on disposal of assets, net of tax - (16) - (117) (£m) ____ ____ ____ ____ Adjusted earnings (£m) 150 155 148 167 Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions) 320 320 389 389 Adjusted earnings per share (pence) 46.9 48.4 38.0 42.9 ==== ==== ==== ==== Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares (million) 329 329 399 399 Adjusted diluted earnings per share (pence) 45.6 47.1 37.1 41.8 ==== ==== ==== ==== The diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares is calculated as: 2007 2006 millions millions Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares 320 389 Dilutive potential ordinary shares - employee share options 9 10 ____ ____ 329 399 ==== ==== 9. Dividends per ordinary share 2007 pence 2006 pence 2007 2006 per share per share £m £m Paid during the year: Final (declared in previous year) 13.3 10.7 47 46 Interim 5.7 5.1 17 18 Special interim 200.0 118.0 709 497 ____ ____ ___ ____ 219.0 133.8 773 561 ==== ==== === === Proposed for approval at the Annual General Meeting (not recognised as a liability at 31 December): Final 14.9 13.3 44 47 ==== ==== ==== ==== The proposed final dividend is payable on the shares in issue at 28 March 2008. 10. Net debt 2007 2006 £m £m Cash and cash equivalents 52 179 Loans and other borrowings - current (8) (10) Loans and other borrowings - non-current (869) (303) ____ ____ Net debt (825) (134) ==== ==== Finance lease liability included above (100) (97) ==== ==== 11. Movement in net debt 2007 2006 £m £m Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (131) (152) Add back cash flows in respect of other components of net debt: (Increase)/decrease in borrowings (553) 172 ____ ____ (Increase)/decrease in net debt arising from cash flows (684) 20 Non-cash movements: Finance lease liability (9) (103) Exchange and other adjustments 2 37 ____ ____ Increase in net debt (691) (46) Net debt at beginning of the year (134) (88) ____ ____ Net debt at end of the year (825) (134) ==== ==== 12. Net assets 2007 2006 £m £m Americas 388 390 EMEA 376 359 Asia Pacific 267 285 Central 83 73 ____ ____ 1,114 1,107 Net debt (825) (134) Unallocated assets and liabilities (240) (287) ____ ____ 49 686 ==== ==== 13. Statement of changes in IHG shareholders' equity 2007 2006 £m £m At beginning of the year 678 1,084 Total recognised income and expense for the year 240 409 Equity dividends paid (note 9) (773) (561) Issue of ordinary shares 16 20 Purchase of own shares (81) (260) Movement in shares in employee share trusts (64) (32) Equity settled share-based cost 30 18 ____ ____ At end of the year 46 678 ==== ==== 14. Capital commitments and contingencies At 31 December 2007, the amount contracted for but not provided for in the financial statements for expenditure on property, plant and equipment was £10m (2006 £24m). At 31 December 2007, the Group had contingent liabilities of £5m (2006 £11m), mainly comprising guarantees given in the ordinary course of business. In limited cases, the Group may provide performance guarantees to third-party owners to secure management contracts. The maximum exposure under such guarantees is £121m (2006 £142m). It is the view of the Directors that, other than to the extent that liabilities have been provided for in these financial statements, such guarantees are not expected to result in financial loss to the Group. The Group has given warranties in respect of the disposal of certain of its former subsidiaries and hotels. It is the view of the Directors that, other than to the extent that liabilities have been provided for in these financial statements, such warranties are not expected to result in financial loss to the Group. 15. Other commitments In March and June 2007, the Company made the first two payments of £10m under the agreement to make special pension contributions of £40m to the UK pension plan. A further payment of £10m was made on 31 January 2008 and the final £10m is scheduled for payment in 2009. On 24 October 2007, the Group announced a worldwide relaunch of its Holiday Inn brand family. In support of this relaunch, IHG will make a non recurring revenue investment of up to £30m which it is anticipated will be charged to the income statement as an exceptional item during 2008. 16. Group financial statements The preliminary statement of results was approved by the Board on 18 February 2008. The preliminary statement does not represent the full Group financial statements of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC and its subsidiaries which will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies in due course. The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2006 has been extracted from the IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements for that year as filed with the Registrar of Companies. Auditors' review The auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, have given an unqualified report under Section 235 of the Companies Act 1985, as amended, in respect of the full Group financial statements for both years referred to above. 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InterContinental Hotels