SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For January 28, 2005
ALLIED DOMECQ PLC
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
ALLIED DOMECQ PLC
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bedminster Down
Bristol BS13 8AR
England
(Address of Registrant's principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file
annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F x Form 40-F
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the
information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the
information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes No x
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If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to
the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- _____
Exhibit Index
Exhibit No. Description
Exhibit No. 1 Trading Statement announcement dated 28 January 2005
28 January 2005
ALLIED DOMECQ PLC - TRADING IN LINE DESPITE TOUGH CONDITIONS
Allied Domecq PLC announces that its financial performance for the first four
months of its current financial year is in line with expectations with high
single digit earnings growth translated at constant foreign exchange rates.
This is in spite of tough trading conditions and aggressive competitive activity
in certain markets which have combined to constrain the volume performance of
the core spirits brands. The premium wine portfolio is on track to meet
established targets and to deliver increased revenue and profits. Dunkin'
Brands, Inc., our Quick Service Restaurants division, has continued to perform
strongly driven primarily by the growth of Dunkin' Donuts.
Geographically, the US market was the key driver of profit growth across
spirits, wine and QSR. The overall volume growth in Canada has been held back
in part by the Liquor Board strike in Quebec. Europe remains subdued. The
positive results in the US have offset more moderate performances in Europe,
Latin America and in Asia Pacific, where we have continued to increase our
marketing investment in China.
As widely anticipated, the total year on year impact of exchange rates on profit
before tax is approximately GBP35 million, assuming that currencies remain at
their current rates for the remainder of the financial year. Despite absorbing
this impact, which is higher than Allied Domecq's initial expectations as a
result of further weakening of the US dollar, the Group is still on track to
deliver earnings growth in line with expectations for the current financial
year.
Commenting, Philip Bowman, Chief Executive of Allied Domecq PLC says:
"Looking at the Group as a whole, in the first four months of the year we have
continued to generate value, profit growth and strong cash flow in spite of
tough business conditions. The robust performance of our US business is
offsetting a mixed performance in Europe while we continue to make progress in
Asia Pacific and Latin America."
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Stephen Whitehead, Director of Group Corporate Affairs
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7009 3927
Mob: +44(0) 7880 783 532
Cardew Group
Anthony Cardew/Rupert Pittman
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7930 0777
Investor enquiries:
Peter Durman, Director of Investor Relations
Tel: +44 (0) 7771 974817
Photography:
Original media photography available at www.newscast.co.uk
About Allied Domecq PLC - Brands People Want
Allied Domecq PLC is one of the world's largest premium spirits, wines and food
service operations. A global company with annual sales of more than GBP3,229
million/$5,844 million*, Allied Domecq serves consumers through its operations
in more than 50 countries, supported by 12,000 highly skilled employees. Core
spirits brands include Ballantine's, Beefeater, Canadian Club, Courvoisier,
Kahlua, Malibu, Maker's Mark, Sauza, Stolichnaya and Tia Maria. Allied Domecq's
wine portfolio features Campo Viejo, Champagne Mumm, Champagne Perrier Jouet,
Clos du Bois and Montana. Allied Domecq owns or distributes 14 of the top 100
international premium spirit brands and its brand portfolio commands world No. 1
or No. 2 positions in six leading categories. Dunkin' Brands, Inc., the
company's international quick service restaurants business, includes Dunkin'
Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's which operate in more than 50 countries, with
over 12,000 franchised outlets worldwide. Allied Domecq's performance is driven
by its globally recognised portfolio, its geographically diverse market and
customer presence, and the talents of its people.
Allied Domecq is traded on both the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ALLD) and the New
York Stock Exchange (NYSE:AED). Further information on the company can be found
at www.allieddomecq.com.
* FY 2004
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
28 January 2005
ALLIED DOMECQ PLC
By: /s/ Charles Brown
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Name: Charles Brown
Title: Director, Corporate Secretariat
Deputy Company Secretary