RNS Number : 1061J
  Bristol Water PLC
  28 November 2008
   

    BRISTOL WATER plc              

    Announcement of interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2008

    Bristol Water plc is a subsidiary of Sociedad General de Aguas de Barcelona S.A. 



 For further information:                                                                
 Alan Parsons, Managing Director                                                         
 Stefano Pellegri, Finance Director                                                      
 Bristol Water plc                                                                       
 Tel: 0117 953 6407                                                                      
                                                                                         
 or contact:
 Bristol Water Corporate Affairs on 0117 953 6470 during office hours 
 or 07831 453924 or 07831 518964 at any time


    HIGHLIGHTS - REPORTED UNDER UK GAAP


 Six months ended 30 September                             2008           2007  
                                                    (unaudited)    (unaudited)  
                                                             �m             �m  
                                                                                
 Turnover                                                  48.9           46.0  
                                                                                
 Operating profit                                          15.0           14.2  
                                                                                
 Profit before taxation                                    10.0           10.6  
                                                                                
 Profit after taxation                                      8.2            9.9  
                                                                                
                                                                                
 Regulatory Capital Value (RCV) - forecast year          276            275     
 end                                                                            
                                                                                
 Net debt (excluding 8.75% irredeemable cumulative                              
 preference shares) as percentage of forecast RCV      72%            68%       
 at year end                                                                    
                                                                                

        
    *     Operating profit �15.0m - 6% increase
    *     Profit before taxation �10.0m - 6% decrease reflecting higher interest costs and loan indexation
    *     Capital investment of �15.7m in the period
    *     Net debt, excluding irredeemable cumulative preference shares, of �197.4m - approximately 72% of projected RCV at 31 March 2009


    Bristol Water plc supplies water to over 1.1 million people and businesses in an area of almost 2,400 square kilometres centred on
Bristol.  















    CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT                

    Introduction

    The recent publication of the Ofwat OPA (Overall Performance Assessment) for 2007/08 ranked Bristol Water plc in third position out of a
total of 22 companies. During the first six months of the 2008/09 financial year, we have continued to provide an excellent service to our
customers, maintaining our high standards.

    We are heavily involved in the planning process for the next periodic review which sets our tariffs for the five years beginning April
2010.

    We submitted a Draft Business Plan to Ofwat in August 2008 and will submit a Final Business Plan in April 2009.

    Operational performance

    We are only 18 months from the end of the current regulatory period 2005-10 and are continuing to make good progress towards delivery of
the outputs required by Ofwat's determination of price limits for the current period. Three major capital schemes have been completed:

    *     A �24m project to improve the security of supply for a population of almost 200,000 in the northern and eastern parts of Bristol
and surrounding areas. The new network has already been used twice since completion despite initial expectations that it would be rarely
used. Such resilience schemes are vitally important to providing the service customers expect in a time of crisis, however it arises.
    *      A �14m project to upgrade our Banwell treatment works to improve its effectiveness in dealing with a range of different raw water
qualities. The complexity of the new technology being used is challenging and finalisation of commissioning and optimisation continues
although treated water has been put into supply for some time.
    *     A �7m project to construct a new treatment works to treat water from the River Axe.

    In total, we invested �16m in capital projects during the period. We currently anticipate a total investment programme for the current
5-year regulatory period of about �180m (at current prices, before grants and contributions). This is broadly in line with Ofwat's
assumptions.

    We continue to meet our leakage target and our customer service performance remains at high levels with customer surveys consistently
showing high satisfaction levels.


    Financial performance

    Operating profit for the period increased by �0.8m to �15.0m. Despite this increase, profit before tax has decreased to �10.0m (�0.6m
reduction compared to same period last year). 

    Net interest charges, excluding those related to retirement benefits and the preference share dividend, increased by �0.8m to �4.4m.
This mainly reflects the increase in net debt resulting from the financing of the capital expenditure programme and an increase in the
inflation element of the charge related to our indexed-linked debt. In addition, a net interest charge totalling �0.1m has arisen in
relation to retirement benefits compared with net interest income totalling �0.5m in the same period last year. 

    The tax charge of �1.8m represents an effective tax rate of 18% (2007: 7%). The charge in 2007/08 was net of a �1.7m gain due to a
reduction in deferred tax liabilities (after discounting) following the reduction in corporation tax rates from April 2008.

    Net debt, excluding the irredeemable preference shares, increased to �197.4m (31 March 2008: �196.6m) and represents approximately 72%
of forecast Regulatory Capital Value at 31 March 2009. As previously indicated we currently anticipate that this ratio will remain between
70% and 80% for the period to 31 March 2010.


    Prospects

    In the Directors' Report and Business Review within the company's Annual Report and Accounts 2008 we set out a summary of the key risks
and uncertainties facing the company. The main risk areas are operational problems, performance and regulatory requirements and
developments. Financial factors are also unpredictable due to the present financial market turmoil and high volatility related to all main
financial indicators. The company is well placed to face medium-term events but it is not immune to the severe financial market
uncertainties.

    The results for the second half of the year will include the following:
    *     An increase in energy costs.
    *     A significant increase in interest charges reflecting increased net debt and higher indexation charges related to our index-linked
debt.
    *     Increased net debt to finance the continuing planned levels of capital investment.

    The Board considers that the company has adequate financial resources to complete planned capital investment until at least the end of
the current periodic review period.

    Clearly the final determination from Ofwat in November 2009 in relation to future tariffs will play a significant role in the future of
the company. We are now working on our final submission due in April 2009 where we will put forward proposals regarding the next five years.
We currently envisage a capital programme at double current levels of spend to achieve a sustainable basis for providing the service that
customers seek. 

    Dividends

    The company policy is to pay an annual level of ordinary dividends comprising:
    *     A base level reflecting the cost of capital allowed by Ofwat in the 5-year determination of price limits, adjusted to reflect
actual gearing levels and where appropriate actual performance relative to Ofwat's assumptions.
    *     An amount equal to the post-tax interest receivable from Bristol Water Group Ltd (the ultimate UK parent company) in respect of
intercompany loans.

    During the period an interim ordinary dividend for 2008/09, in respect of the interest element of the intercompany loan, of �1.5m was
paid.

    A final dividend of �3.2m in respect of 2007/08 was approved at the last Annual General Meeting and has been accrued in these
statements. It was paid on 28 October 2008.

    A second interim ordinary dividend for 2008/09 in respect of the base level dividend of �2.7m was approved by the Board on 24 November
2008 and will be subsequently paid. In accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 21 "Events after the balance sheet date" this amount has
not been provided for in the attached interim financial statements.

    Board membership

    In May 2008 Dr Arnold Bates retired as an executive director from the Board after 18 years with the company and we wish him all the best
for his retirement. In July 2008 Manuel Cermeron left his executive director position in the company and is now a non-executive director. In
September 2008, Trevor Smallwood retired from the Board as Deputy Chairman and independent non-executive director after 9 years service. We
thank those who have recently left us for their excellent service to the company and wish them well for the future.

    We welcome Robert Davis who has been appointed as an independent non-executive director on 24 November 2008.


    Moger Woolley
    Chairman
    28 November 2008 
      

       
    PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
    For the six months ended 30 September 2008

                                                                        Six months to             Six months to      Year to
                                                                         30 September              30 September     31 March
                                                                                 2008                      2007         2008
                                                                          (unaudited)               (unaudited)





                                                       Note                        �m                        �m           �m

 Turnover                                                 2                      48.9                      46.0         91.0

 Operating costs                                          3                    (33.9)                    (31.8)       (64.7)

 Operating profit                                                                15.0                      14.2         26.3

 Net interest payable and similar charges                 4                     (4.4)                     (3.6)        (8.4)
 Dividends on 8.75% irredeemable cumulative
 preference
                                 shares                                         (0.5)                     (0.5)        (1.1)
 Interest in respect of retirement benefit scheme                               (0.1)                       0.5          1.1
 surplus
                                                                                (5.0)                     (3.6)        (8.4)


 Profit on ordinary activities before taxation                                   10.0                      10.6         17.9

 Taxation on profit on ordinary activities                5                    (1.8)                      (0.7)        (3.4)

 Profit on ordinary activities after taxation                                     8.2                       9.9         14.5




 Earnings per ordinary share                              6                    136.3p                    164.5p       243.2p


 Dividend per ordinary share                             12

     - declared or proposed in respect of the period                           77.62p                    75.28p      152.28p
     
     - paid during the period                                                  24.27p                    23.60p      198.78p


    All activities above relate to the continuing operations of the company.



    The accompanying notes to the accounts form an integral part of this statement.





    STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES
    For the six months ended 30 September 2008

                                                                         Six months to             Six months to      Year to
                                                                          30 September              30 September     31 March
                                                                                  2008                      2007         2008
                                                                           (unaudited)               (unaudited)






                                                        Note                        �m                        �m           �m

 Profit attributable to Bristol Water plc ordinary                                 8.2                       9.9         14.5
 shareholders

 Actuarial (losses) / gains recognised in respect of
 retirement 
                                 benefit obligations   10,11                     (0.4)                       2.3          1.1
 Attributable deferred taxation                        10,11                       0.1                     (0.7)        (0.3)

 Total recognised gains for the period                                             7.9                      11.5         15.3



    The accompanying notes to the accounts form an integral part of this statement.
       
    BALANCE SHEET
    30 September 2008

                                                                                              At                  At          At
                                                                                     30 September        30 September   31 March
                                                                                             2008                2007       2008
                                                                                      (unaudited)         (unaudited)


                                                                         Note                  �m                  �m         �m
                                                                                                                       
 Fixed assets                                                               7               247.4               232.8      244.1
                                                                                                                       
 Investment - Loans to ultimate UK holding company                                           68.5                68.5       68.5
                                                                                                                       
 Current assets                                                                                                        
 Stocks                                                                                       1.0                 0.9        0.9
 Debtors                                                                                     25.5                24.5       20.9
 Other investments                                                          8                24.4                17.5       21.3
 Cash at bank                                                               8                 1.1                 3.8        0.2
                                                                                             52.0                46.7       43.3
                                                                                                                       
 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year                                                                        
 Short term borrowings and derivatives                                      8              (17.2)              (11.7)     (16.9)
 Ordinary dividends approved but not paid at period                        12              (3.2)                (6.0)          -
 end                                                                                                                   
 Other creditors                                                                           (26.5)              (25.4)     (26.2)
                                                                                           (46.9)              (43.1)     (43.1)
                                                                                                                       
 Net current assets                                                                           5.1                 3.6        0.2
                                                                                                                       
 Total assets less current liabilities                                                      321.0               304.9      312.8
                                                                                                                       
 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one                                                                    
 year                                                                                                                  
 Borrowings                                                                 8             (205.7)             (195.2)    (201.2)
 Other creditors                                                                            (0.2)               (0.3)      (0.4)
                                                                                          (205.9)             (195.5)    (201.6)
                                                                                                                       
 8.75% irredeemable cumulative preference shares                            8              (12.5)              (12.5)     (12.5)
                                                                                                                       
 Deferred income                                                                           (10.2)               (9.7)     (10.0)
                                                                                                                       
 Provision for deferred tax liabilities                                     9              (20.7)              (18.8)     (20.3)
                                                                                                                       
 Retirement benefit surplus, net of attributable                                                                       
 deferred                                                                                                              
                                 taxation                                  10           10.0                     10.8       10.1
                                                                                                                       
 Net assets                                                                                  81.7                79.2       78.5
                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                       
 Capital and reserves                                                                                                  
 Called up share capital                                                                      6.0                 6.0        6.0
 Share premium                                                                                4.4                 4.4        4.4
 Other reserves                                                                               5.8                 5.8        5.8
 Profit and loss account                                                                     65.5                63.0       62.3
                                                                                                                       
 Shareholders' funds                                                       11                81.7                79.2       78.5
                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                       

    The accompanying notes to the accounts form an integral part of this statement.
       
    CASH FLOW STATEMENT
    For the six months ended 30 September 2008

                                                                     Six months to             Six months to      Year to
                                                                      30 September              30 September     31 March
                                                                              2008                      2007         2008
                                                                       (unaudited)               (unaudited)




                                                    Note                        �m                        �m           �m

 Net cash inflow from operating activities            13                      21.2                      20.6         49.4


 Returns on investments and servicing of finance
 Interest received                                                             2.6                       2.8          5.6
 Interest paid on term loans and debentures                                 (4.9)                      (4.5)        (9.0)
 Interest paid on finance leases                                             (0.9)                     (0.5)        (1.0)
 Dividends paid on 8.75% irredeemable cumulative 
                              preference shares                              (0.5)                     (0.5)        (1.1)
 Net costs of issue of new loans                                                 -                         -        (0.2)
                                                                             (3.7)                     (2.7)        (5.7)
 Taxation
 Corporation tax paid                                                            -                     (0.4)        (2.1)

 Capital expenditure and investing activities
 Purchase of tangible fixed assets                                          (17.2)                    (26.6)       (50.5)
 Contributions received                                                        2.1                       2.6          4.0
                                                                            (15.1)                    (24.0)       (46.5)

 Equity dividends paid                                                       (1.5)                     (1.4)       (11.9)

 Cash inflow / (outflow) before management
                              of liquid resources                              0.9                     (7.9)       (16.8)
                              and financing

 Management of liquid resources
 Being (increase) / decrease in short term                                   (3.1)                      10.5          6.7
 deposits

 Financing
 New term loans                                                                5.0                         -         20.0
 Capital element of lease repayments                                         (1.9)                     (1.6)        (2.5)
 Loan repayments                                                                 -                         -       (10.0)
                                                                               3.1                     (1.6)          7.5

 Increase / (decrease) in cash                        13                      0.9                        1.0        (2.6)

 Cash, beginning of period                                                     0.2                       2.8          2.8

 Cash, end of period                                                           1.1                       3.8          0.2


    The accompanying notes to the accounts form an integral part of this statement.
       
    NOTES TO THE INTERIM RESULTS
    For the six months ended 30 September 2008



 Note 1:  Accounting policies                                                   
          The financial information contained in this interim announcement      
          does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section  
          240 of the Companies Act 1985. The interim results, which have not    
          been audited but have been reviewed by the company's auditors, have   
          been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies adopted by      
          Bristol Water plc for the year ended 31 March 2008 as set out in the  
          Annual Report and Accounts. A copy of the statutory accounts for      
          that year has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The       
          auditors' report on those accounts was not qualified and did not      
          contain statements under S.237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985.   
                                                                                
          As outlined in the company's Annual Report and Accounts for the year  
          ended 31 March 2008, the company is not required to, and does not     
          intend to, adopt IFRS until UK GAAP and IFRS are fully harmonised.    


 Note 2:  Turnover 
          Turnover is wholly derived from water supply and related activities in
          the United Kingdom. The maximum level of prices the company may levy
          for the majority of water charges is controlled by the Water Services
          Regulation Authority (Ofwat) through the RPI +/- K price formula.

 Note 3:  Operating costs

                                                                        Six months to             Six months to      Year to
                                                                         30 September              30 September     31 March
                                                                                 2008                      2007         2008
                                                                          (unaudited)               (unaudited)


                                                                                   �m                        �m           �m
          Operating costs comprise -

          Payroll cost, net of recharges to fixed assets and including
                               retirement benefit costs                           6.7                       6.1         12.2
          Other operating costs                                                  16.7                      15.8         32.8
          Depreciation, net of amortisation of deferred income                   10.5                       9.9         19.7

                                                                                 33.9                      31.8         64.7



 Note 4:  Net interest payable and similar charges 
                                           Six months to             Six months to      Year to
                                            30 September              30 September     31 March
                                                    2008                      2007         2008
                                             (unaudited)               (unaudited)





                                                      �m                        �m           �m
          Other net interest
          payable relates to -

          Bank borrowings                            1.4                       0.8          2.0
          Term loans and                             3.6                       3.6          7.1
          debentures -
          interest charges
            - indexation of                          1.7                       1.5          3.7
          principal
          Finance leases                             0.4                       0.5          1.0
                                                     7.1                       6.4         13.8
          Less: 
          Interest receivable                      (2.0)                     (2.0)        (4.0)
          from loan to Bristol
          Water Group Ltd
          Other external                           (0.7)                     (0.8)        (1.4)
          investments and
          deposits
                                                   (2.7)                     (2.8)        (5.4)

          Total other net                            4.4                       3.6        8.4
          interest



    


 Note 5:  Taxation on profit on ordinary activities
                                                                                   Six months to                               Six months to
                                    Year to
                                                                                    30 September                                30 September
                                   31 March
                                                                                            2008                                        2007
                                       2008
                                                                                     (unaudited)                                
(unaudited)




                                                                                              �m                                          �m
                                         �m
          The charge for taxation comprises -

          Current tax:
           
          Corporation tax at 28% (30 September 2007
          &
                                31 March 2008: at                                            1.4                                         1.6
                                        2.4
                                30%)
          Adjustments to prior periods                                                         -                                           -
                                     (0.2) 
          Total current tax                                                                  1.4                                         1.6
                                        2.2

          Deferred tax:
          Current period movement                                                            1.6                                         1.5
                                        3.1
          Effect of corporation tax rate change                                                -                                      (2.6) 
                                      (2.6)
          Effect of changes related to abolition of
          Industrial
                                Buildings Allowances                                           -                                      (0.9) 
                                      (0.9)
          Other adjustments to prior periods                                                   -                                           -
                                        0.2
          Effect of discounting                                                           (1.2)                                          1.1
                                        1.4
          Total deferred tax                                                                 0.4                                       (0.9)
                                        1.2

          Total taxation on profit on ordinary activities                                    1.8                                         0.7
                                        3.4


          The overall tax charge represents 18% (six months to 30 September 2007: 7%; year ended 31 March 2008: 19%) of the profit before
taxation. The prior period charge is net of a
          �1.7m discounted gain (�3.5m gain before discounting) due to a reduction in corporation tax rates from April 2008 and the removal
of industrial buildings allowance clawback
          provisions.



 Note 6:  Earnings per ordinary share

                                           Six months to             Six months to      Year to
                                            30 September              30 September     31 March
                                                    2008                      2007         2008
                                             (unaudited)               (unaudited)




                                                       m                         m            m
          Earnings per share
          have been calculated
          as follows -

          Earnings                                  �8.2                      �9.9        �14.5

          Weighted average                           6.0                       6.0          6.0
          number of ordinary
          shares in issue



 Note 7:  Fixed assets
                                           Six months to             Six months to      Year to
                                            30 September              30 September     31 March
                                                    2008                      2007         2008
                                             (unaudited)               (unaudited)




                                                      �m                        �m           �m
          The movement in fixed assets comprises -
          Net book value,                          244.1                     218.7        218.7
          beginning of period
          Additions                                 15.7                      26.3         49.6
          Grants and                               (1.7)                     (2.1)        (4.0)
          contributions
          Depreciation charge                     (10.7)                    (10.1)       (20.2)
          for period

          Net book value, end                      247.4                     232.8        244.1
          of period


    

 

 Note 8:  Net borrowings
                                                                    At                 At         At
                                                          30 September       30 September   31 March
                                                                  2008               2007       2008
                                                           (unaudited)        (unaudited)




                                                                    �m                 �m         �m
          Net borrowings comprise -
          Debt due after one year, excluding
          8.75%
                           irredeemable                          205.7              195.2      201.2
                           cumulative
                           preference shares
          Current portion of debt                                  2.2               11.7        1.9
          Current portion of bank loans                           15.0                  -       15.0
                                                                 222.9              206.9      218.1

          Cash at bank and other investments                   (25.5)              (21.3)     (21.5)
          Net borrowings excluding 8.75% irredeemable
                           cumulative preference shares         197.4               185.6     196.6 
          8.75% irredeemable cumulative preference shares         12.5               12.5       12.5
          Net borrowings                                         209.9              198.1      209.1





 Note 9:  Provision for deferred tax liabilities
                                                                                    At          At        At
                                                                                    30          30  31 March
                                                                             September   September      2008
                                                                                  2008        2007
                                                                                     (           (
                                                                             unaudited  unaudited)
                                                                                     )



                                                                                    �m          �m        �m
                                                                                                    
          Deferred tax liability                                                  39.8        37.6      38.8
          Effect of discounting                                                 (15.2)      (15.1)    (14.6)
          Net provision, including deferred tax on retirement                                       
                                benefit surplus                                   24.6        22.5      24.2
                                                                                                    
          Less, attributable to retirement benefit surplus                       (3.9)      (3.7)      (3.9)
          Net provision, excluding deferred tax on retirement                                       
                                benefit surplus                                   20.7        18.8      20.3



    
 
 Note 10:  Retirement benefits                                                
                                                                              
           Pension arrangements for the majority of the company's employees   
           are provided through the company's membership of the Water         
           Companies' Pension Scheme (WCPS), which provides defined benefits  
           based on final pensionable pay. Bristol Water plc's membership of  
           WCPS is through a separate section of the scheme. The assets of    
           the section are held separately from those of the company and are  
           invested by discretionary fund managers appointed by the trustees  
           of the scheme. The section has been closed to new entrants and     
           all new eligible employees are offered membership of a             
           stakeholder pension scheme.                                        
                                                                              
                                                                              
           In addition to providing benefits to employees and ex-employees    
           of Bristol Water plc, the section provides benefits to employees   
           and ex-employees of Bristol Water Holdings Limited and former      
           Bristol Water plc employees who transferred to Bristol Wessex      
           Billing Services Ltd. The majority of the section assets and       
           liabilities relate to Bristol Water plc employees and              
           ex-employees.                                                      
                                                                              
           The company made a contribution of �7.0m to WCPS in July 2005 and  
           also agreed to make additional contributions of �1.0m in each of   
           the four years beginning 1 April 2006 and a further �0.9m in       
           2010/11. The amounts are in addition to the normal pension         
           contributions required by the WCPS trustees.                       
                                                                              
           In accordance with FRS 17 actuarial gains and losses are           
           recognised immediately in the Statement of Total Recognised Gains  
           and Losses.                                                        


   In summary assets and liabilities under FRS 17 were:
                                                      30         30   31 March
                                               September  September       2008
                                                    2008       2007
                                                       (          (
                                               unaudited  unaudited
                                                       )          )
                                                                            �m
 
                                                      �m         �m
 
 
                                                                     
   Market value of section assets                  133.1      135.4      138.5
   Present value of liabilities                  (118.5)    (112.3)    (121.9)
   Surplus in the section                           14.6       23.1       16.6
   Restriction of surplus due to asset limit       (0.7)      (8.6)      (2.6)
   under FRS 17                                                      
                                                    13.9       14.5       14.0
   Deferred taxation                               (3.9)      (3.7)      (3.9)
   Net retirement benefit surplus                   10.0       10.8       10.1


 Note 11:  Shareholders' funds 
                                                                                        Six      Six   Year to
                                                                                     months   months  31 March
                                                                                         to       to      2008
                                                                                         30       30
                                                                                    Septemb  Septemb
                                                                                         er       er
                                                                                       2008     2007
                                                                                          (        (
                                                                                    unaudit  unaudit
                                                                                        ed)      ed)




                                                                                         �m       �m        �m
           Movement in shareholders' funds -                                                          
                                                                                                      
           At beginning of period                                                      78.5     75.1      75.1
                                                                                                      
           Profit for the period                                                        8.2      9.9      14.5
                                                                                                      
           Actuarial (loss) / gains recognised in respect of                                          
                                 retirement benefit surplus                           (0.4)      2.3       1.1
           Attributable deferred taxation                                               0.1    (0.7)     (0.3)
                                                                                                      
           Ordinary dividends (note 12)                                               (4.7)    (7.4)    (11.9)
                                                                                                      
           End of period                                                               81.7     79.2      78.5


    
 

 Note 12:  Ordinary dividends
                                                               Six months to       Six    Year
                                                                30 September    months      to
                                                                        2008        to      31
                                                                 (unaudited)        30   March
                                                                              Septembe    2008
                                                                                     r
                                                                                  2007
                                                                                     (
                                                                              unaudite
                                                                                    d)


                                                                          �m        �m      �m
                                                                                        
           * Dividends in respect of 2007/08:                                           
                                                                                        
           First interim dividend of 23.60 pence per                                    
           share,                                                                       
           approved by the Board on 28 September 2007                      -       1.4     1.4
                                                                                        
           Second interim dividend of 51.68 pence per                                   
           share,                                                                       
           approved by the Board on 29 November 2007                       -         -     3.1
                                                                                        
           Third interim dividend of 23.47 pence per                                    
           share,                                                                       
           approved by the Board on 27 March 2008                          -         -     1.4
                                                                                        
           Final dividend of 53.35 pence per share,                                     
           approved by the Board on 4 August 2008                        3.2         -       -
                                                                                        
           * Dividends in respect of 2008/09:                                           
                                                                                        
           First interim dividend of 24.27 pence per                                    
           share,                                                                       
           approved by the Board on 26 September 2008                    1.5         -       -
                                                                                        
           Final dividend of 100.03 pence per share,                                    
           approved                                                                     
           by the Board on 6 August 2007                                   -       6.0     6.0
                                                                                        
                                                                                        
                                                                       4.7         7.4    11.9

   A second interim ordinary dividend for 2008/09 of 45.02 pence per share
   totalling �2.7m was approved by the Board on 24 November 2008 and will be
   subsequently paid. In accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 21
   "Events after the balance sheet date" this amount has not been provided for
   in these interim financial statements.


 Note 13:  Supplementary cash flow information
                                                                              Six  Six months      Year to
                                                                        months to          to     31 March
                                                                               30          30         2008
                                                                        September   September
                                                                             2008        2007
                                                                                (           (
                                                                        unaudited  unaudited)
                                                                                )



                                                                               �m          �m           �m
           a)  Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow               
               from operating                                                      
                                                          activities -             
               Operating profit                                              15.0        14.2         26.3
               Depreciation net of amortisation of deferred                        
                                     income                                  10.5         9.9         19.7
               Difference between pension charges and normal                       
                                     contributions                            0.2         0.2          0.6
               Cash flow from operations                                     25.7        24.3         46.6
               Working capital movements:                                          
               Stocks                                                      (0.1)       (0.1)        (0.1) 
               Debtors                                                      (4.4)      (3.7)        (0.2) 
               Creditors and provisions                                       0.5         0.6          4.1
               Additional contributions to pension scheme                  (0.5)        (0.5)       (1.0) 
               Net cash inflow from operating activities                     21.2        20.6         49.4
                                                                                   

    
 

                                                                            Six months to        Six    Year to
                                                                             30 September  months to   31 March
                                                                                     2008         30       2008
                                                                              (unaudited)  September
                                                                                                2007
                                                                                                   (
                                                                                           unaudited
                                                                                                   )

 
 
 
                                                                                       �m         �m         �m
                                                                                                      
   b)  Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net borrowings -                                
                                                                                                      
       Increase / (decrease) in cash in the period                                    0.9        1.0      (2.6)
       Cash used to repay borrowings                                                  1.9        1.6       12.5
       Cash from new borrowings                                                     (5.0)          -     (20.0)
       Net costs of issue of loans                                                      -          -        0.2
       Increase / (decrease) in other investments                                     3.1     (10.5)      (6.7)
       Increase / (decrease) in net borrowings                                        0.9      (7.9)     (16.6)
       Movement in net debt not affecting cash flow                                 (1.7)      (1.4)      (3.7)
       Net borrowings, beginning of period, including                                                 
                             8.75% irredeemable cumulative preference                                 
                             shares                                               (209.1)    (188.8)    (188.8)
                                                                                                      
       Net borrowings, end of period, including 8.75%                                                 
                             irredeemable cumulative preference shares            (209.9)    (198.1)    (209.1)
                                                                                                      
                                                                                                      
        
 Note 14:  Suez / La Caixa acquisition of Sociedad General de Aguas de
           Barcelona S.A. (Agbar)
           Agbar, incorporated in Spain, is the parent company of Bristol
           Water Group Limited; Bristol Water Group Limited is the parent
           company of Bristol Water plc incorporated in the United kingdom.


           In April 2007 Suez, La Caixa and their joint venture Hisusa
           undertook to make a bid for the entire share capital of Agbar.  


           The outcome of the mandatory bid has resulted in approximately
           90.012% of the share capital of Agbar being currently controlled by
           the French group Suez and the Spanish savings bank La Caixa.


           The outcome of this acquisition may change the identity of Bristol
           Water plc's ultimate holding company, which is currently considered
           to be Agbar for the purposes of Condition P of Bristol Water's
           Instrument of Appointment. Ofwat is being kept informed of material
           developments.


 Note 15:  Circulation                                                        
           This interim announcement is being sent to all shareholders and    
           debenture holders. Copies are available to the public from the     
           company's registered office at PO Box 218, Bridgwater Road,        
           Bristol, BS99 7AU and on the Bristol Water web site:               
           http://www.bristolwater.co.uk.                                     

        

    DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE PREPARATION OF INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


    We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

    *     These interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK GAAP;
    *     The Chairman's statement includes a fair review of the information required to indicate important events during the first six
months of the financial year and their impact on the interim financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year.



    By order of the Board
    S C Robson
    Secretary
    28 November 2008

      INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO BRISTOL WATER PLC

    We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six
months ended 30 September 2008 which comprises the profit and loss account, the statement of total recognised gains and losses, the balance
sheet, the cash flow statement and related notes 1 to 15. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report
and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of
financial statements.

    This report is made solely to the company in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 issued by the Auditing
Practices Board. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to them in an
independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to
anyone other than the company, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

    Directors' responsibilities

    The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for
preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial
Services Authority.

    As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the company are prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report have been prepared in
accordance with the accounting policies the company intends to use in preparing its next annual financial statements.

    Our responsibility

    Our responsibility is to express to the company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial
report based on our review.

    Scope of Review 

    We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim
Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United
Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and
accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in
accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would
become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

    Conclusion

    Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the
half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2008 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the
Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority.



    Deloitte & Touche LLP
    Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditor
    28 November 2008
    Bristol, United Kingdom
      





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