SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
19 July, 2007
BT Group plc
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
BT Centre
81 Newgate Street
London
EC1A 7AJ
England
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F..X... Form 40-F.....
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the
information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the
information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes ..... No ..X..
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the
registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- ________
Enclosures: 1. AGM Statement announcement made on 19 July, 2007
July 19, 2007
BT - FUTURE GROWTH BASED ON
SECURE FOUNDATIONS
BT's future as a company is based on the solid foundations of financial
stability, regulatory certainty and global capability. That was the key message
delivered today by BT chairman Sir Christopher Bland when addressing the
company's shareholders at the Annual General Meeting at the Sage in Gateshead.
The speech was Sir Christopher's final address to BT's shareholders before
retiring in September, to be succeeded as chairman by Sir Michael Rake,
currently chairman of KPMG International.
Describing last year's performance as "very strong", Sir Christopher noted some
financial highlights: "Our revenues grew by 4% to over GBP20.2 billion. Our
profit grew by 15% to GBP2,495 million. And earnings per share were up 16% to
22.7p. I am delighted to confirm that we have increased the full year dividend
by 27 per cent to 15.1 pence." Sir Christopher also confirmed that BT has
achieved the ratio of dividends to earnings of two-thirds "one year earlier than
planned. In future we expect to increase the dividend, taking into account our
earnings growth, cash generation and ongoing investment needs."
Referring to BT's strategy, Sir Christopher emphasised that BT would maintain "a
continual focus on customers. We succeed by understanding what they want today ,
and by anticipating what they will want tomorrow".
Looking back on his six year tenure at the company, Sir Christopher noted that
when he joined: " We were suffering from the ailments common to many European
telecoms companies. We needed to raise cash, sell non-core businesses and
reshape the business." These strategic priorities "were addressed within 12
months, making BT the first telco in Europe to tackle these issues head-on."
Summing up, Sir Christopher noted: "We have established secure foundations on
which future growth can now be built. We see a marketplace which is highly
competitive but full of exciting opportunities. We have come a long way, but
there is much more to be achieved. There is a momentum in BT which continues to
build, and management is clearly focused on the opportunities which lie ahead.
Sir Christopher concluded his speech by thanking BT's shareholders and employees
for their loyalty and support.
For further information
Inquiries about this news release should be made to the BT Group Newsroom on its
24-hour number: 020 7356 5369. From outside the UK dial + 44 20 7356 5369. All
news releases can be accessed at our web site: http://www.btplc.com/News
About BT
BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions and
services operating in 170 countries. Its principal activities include networked
IT services; local, national and international telecommunications services;
higher-value broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/
mobile products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business:
BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.
In the year ended 31 March 2007, BT Group plc's revenue was GBP20,223 million
with profit before taxation of GBP2,484 million.
British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group and
encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is
listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.
For more information, visit www.bt.com/aboutbt
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
BT Group PLC
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Patricia Day
--------------------
Patricia Day, Assistant Secretary.
Date: 19 July, 2007