Cibi e Bevande
Raisio plc's Half-Year Financial Report January-June 2019
Raisio plc's Half-Year Financial Report, 7 August 2019, at 8:30 a.m. Finnish time
Raisio's net sales increased and EBIT improved in April-June
FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN BRIEF
April-June 2019
January-June 2019
KEY FIGURES OF THE GROUP
PRESIDENT AND CEO PEKKA KUUSNIEMI:
In Raisio's new strategy, the defined theme for 2019 is to ensure the growth and profitability of our core business. Already during the Q1, we were able to stop the net sales decline and in the review period, we saw a clear upturn in growth in terms of both net sales and profitability. Net sales increased by almost five per cent and profitability improved by over 10 per cent from the comparison period. Already after two quarters, the benefits of our customer-oriented new organisation structure are visible; we see significant new potential especially in our BtoB operations.
The determined implementation of the strategy is also shown in our investment decision announced in the review period. Construction work on our new production plant specialising in the development and production of plant-based value-added products started after the review period, at the beginning of July. With the completion of one of the largest investment projects in the Finnish food industry of recent years, Raisio's ability to launch innovative, plant-based products is taken to the next level. Recruitment of key personnel for both product development and production is already underway. The investment, funded through our strong cash position and cash flow, will support Raisio's organic growth.
Both our business units, Healthy Food and Healthy Ingredients, improved their performance from the comparison period. Our product price increases due to the sharp rise in grain prices were completed in the Q2. We were also able to raise the selling prices of Benecol products, as the cost of raw material, sterol, and manufacturing overheads had been rising for some time. Raisioaqua had a strong start to the new fish feed season and, in line with our strategy, we got market openings in Sweden and Poland.
As for margins, we have not reached the comparison period level yet, but our strategic focus on fewer and stronger brands, combined with streamlining of the organisational structure carried out in the previous fiscal year, supported cost management over the comparison period. Our Q2 investments were three times higher than in the comparison period and focused on the development of our international oat business. Nonetheless, cash flow was positive in the review period. More attention has been paid to the management of our strong cash position and as a result, our financial income developed quite positively during the spring.
Megatrends support the company's major product categories. With farmed fish, it is possible to produce healthy food for consumers effectively and in an increasingly eco-friendly way. The positive health effects of oats are gaining increasing attention also outside the Nordic countries. Benecol's heart health benefits are undeniable, and we are now investigating, together with the University of Maastricht, the possible alleviating effects of plant stanol on the symptoms in the asthmatics.
GUIDANCE 2019
The Group's outlook remains unchanged.
In 2019, Raisio expects its net sales for continuing operations to grow (2018: EUR 228.2 million) and comparable EBIT to be over 10 per cent of net sales.
Raisio will continue its investments in the brands, R&D and the company's own production in its most important product categories.
In Raisio, 7 August 2019
Raisio Plc
Board of Directors
Further information:
Pekka Kuusniemi, President and CEO, tel. +358 50 537 3883
Toni Rannikko, CFO, tel. +358 40 078 8812
CEO's video in English will be available on Raisio's web site at www.raisio.com.
The information in this Half-Year Financial Report is unaudited.
Raisio's Interim Report for January-September will be published on 6 November 2019.
Raisio plc
Raisio is an international company specialised in healthy, responsibly produced food. Our well-known brands include, for example, Benecol, Elovena, Nalle and Sunnuntai. In Raisio's products, the focus is on well-being, health, good taste and sustainable development. Profitable growth is ensured through our strong expertise and passion for creating new. Raisio's shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. In 2018, the Group's net sales for continuing operations totalled EUR 228 million and comparable EBIT was EUR 26 million. Our food is good for Health, Heart and Earth. For more information on Raisio go to www.raisio.com.
Distribution
Nasdaq
Key media
www.raisio.com
Attachment
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