Premier Foods sales increase due to “innovation and investment”
- Branded sales in H1 increased +0.1% and Q2 up +1.6%; first quarterly increase for two years
- Trading profit2 increased +8.4%
- Adjusted profit before tax up +21.6% and adjusted earnings per share increased +21.9%
- Operating profit £23.3m, up £36.1m on FY15 H1
- Profit after tax £21.7m, compared to prior period loss after tax (£49.1m)
- Net debt of £585.3m in line with expectations; will reduce significantly in H2
- Combined pension deficit reduced to £32.8m from £211.8m
- Announces introduction of new brand; Paul Hollywood premium baking mixes
Gavin Darby, CEO: “We are pleased to see Group branded sales growth in both the first half and second quarter of this financial year, as well as Trading profit progression. This reflects the clear benefits from our continued commitment to brand investment and innovation. It is also encouraging to see strong sales growth in our International business following the investment we’ve made in additional resources.”
“In the third quarter of the year, we expect to deliver positive Group branded sales growth, with Sweet Treats performing more strongly than Grocery. The industry backdrop remains a challenging one, but with strategies which are delivering tangible results and significantly higher marketing spend planned for the second half, our profit expectations for the year remain unchanged.”
“In our Sweet Treats business, we are on track to deliver double digit margins in FY15/16 a year earlier than previously expected. Looking further forward, we remain committed to investing for sales and profit growth, and expect to deliver branded sales growth for the Group of 1-2% in FY16/17 and the medium term.”
