Pernod Ricard: Solid Performance in Line with Guidance

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PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News:

“Our global and balanced exposure to emerging and mature markets will allow us to seize all opportunities. We therefore remain confident in our ability to pursue our growth.”

Press release - Paris, 29 August 2013

In summary:

In 2012/13, Pernod Ricard delivered a solid performance within, as anticipated, a less favourable environment than in 2011/12:

Reflecting on these results, Pierre Pringuet, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pernod Ricard, commented: “Despite a less buoyant environment than that of last year, we achieved our guidance.”He continued, “Our global and balanced exposure to emerging and mature markets will allow us to seize all opportunities. We therefore remain confident in our ability to pursue our growth.”

At its meeting of 28 August 2013, chaired by Danièle Ricard, the Pernod Ricard Board of Directors approved the financial statements for the 2012/13 financial year ended 30 June 2013.

Full-year and quarterly sales

Full-year sales totalled € 8,575 million (excluding tax and duties), which included € 5,065 million from mature markets and € 3,510 million from emerging markets(2). This represents an increase of 4%:

Consolidated sales for the fourth quarter 2012/13 totalled € 1,925 million. This growth resulted from:

Analysis of sales by geographic region

Asia/Rest of the World (40% of sales)

Dynamism remained sustained (+7%(1)) despite a slowdown compared with the previous financial year.

Martell (+16%(1)) remained the main growth driver with substantial price/mix (+7%(1)). This performance was driven by China (market growth, market share gains, restocking to standard levels), Travel Retail, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Indian whiskies (+19%(1)) remained very buoyant with good price/mix (+6%(1)), thanks in particular to premiumisation (Royal Stag Barrel Select and Blender’s Pride Reserve Collection).

The decline(1) of Scotch whiskies was largely due to China, South Korea and Thailand. The excellent performance(1) in the Middle East should be noted (especially Chivas in Turkey).

The good development(1) of the new growth drivers (Absolut, Perrier-Jouët, Mumm, Jameson and Jacob’s Creek) continued.

The performance of the regions’ main markets can be summarised as follows:

Americas(27% of sales)

Growth (+7%(1)) was driven by Premium(3) brands and the US.

The Top 14 grew +8%(1), thanks to Jameson, The Glenlivet, Absolut and Malibu in the US, Absolut and Martell in Mexico, as well as Chivas and The Glenlivet in Travel Retail.

Priority Premium Wines (+5%(1)) continued to grow with favourable price/mix.

Key local brands grew 7%(1), with double-digit growth(1) for Passport. The healthy development of Wiser’s was notably bolstered by the innovations launched in the flavoured American whiskey segment.

The performance of the region’s main markets can be summarised as follows:

Europe excluding France(25% of sales)

Stability(1) in Europe excluding France with strong growth in the East and a decline in the West

Growth of the Top 14 (+2%(1)) was driven mainly by Jameson, Absolut, Chivas and Beefeater. These brands grew both in the East and in the West. Ballantine’s (Spain), Mumm, Perrier-Jouët, Malibu (UK) and Ricard declined.

Sales of Priority Premium Wines increased (+1%(1)) thanks to Campo Viejo and Brancott Estate.

Key local brands (+2%(1)) were driven by the continued revival of ArArAt (up more than 50%(1) in 2 years) and Olmeca (up more than 50%(1) in 3 years) and the good performances of Seagram’s Gin (Spain), Passport (Eastern Europe) and Wyborowa (Poland).

Growth remained strong in Eastern Europe (+11%(1)):

Western Europe declined 3%(1), within an economic environment that remains challenging:

France(8% of sales)

The performance (-7%(1)) reflected a still challenging environment, compounded by unfavourable technical effects.

Sales declined following the very steep rise in excise duty introduced on 1 January 2012 and against the backdrop of a recession…

… but several Premium(3) brands reported very good results:

Sales analysis by brand

Top 14

The Top 14 grew +5%(1):

Martell had a very good year (+15%(1), with price/mix of +10%(1)), partly boosted by restocking.

The excellent performance of Jameson (+17%(1)) means it has become the second largest contributor to Group growth. The brand reported double-digit growth (1) across all its major markets (US, Russia, South Africa, etc.)

White spirits reported a good overall performance(1):

Slowdown in the growth(1) of Scotch whisky:

The decline(1) of Ricard was due to reduced consumption in France (increase in excise duty and poor weather) and exacerbated by unfavourable technical effects. Nevertheless, the brand gained market share(6).

Mumm was in decline(1) (essentially due to France), but Perrier-Jouët grew(1) (greater global exposure) particularly in the Americas (+11%(1)) and Asia-RoW (+17%(1)).

Priority Premium Wines

Priority Premium Wines grew +2%(1), due to the implementation of a combined strategy of high-value and geographic diversification.

This growth was driven by a price/mix effect of +3%(1) and particularly buoyant sales in Asia (+15%(1)). In Europe, these brands reported growth(1) in both the West and the East.

Priority Premium Wines also reported sustained growth (+6%(1)) in their contribution after advertising and promotion expenditure.

18 key local brands

The overall performance of the 18 key local brands remained good (+6%(1)):

Premium(3) brands now represent 75% of Group sales, a two-percentage point increase compared to the previous financial year.

Analysis of Profit from Recurring Operations

Gross margin (after logistics costs)reached € 5,351 million, an increase of +5%(1).

The gross margin / sales ratioimproved substantially to 62.4%, from 61.4%in the previous year (+98 bps, organic growth of +79 bps). These results were the combination of:

Advertising and promotion expenditure totalled € 1,644 million, an increase of +3%(1). A&P expenditure:

The advertising and promotion expenditure to sales ratio was stable (19.2%).

Structure costs increased +7%(1) to € 1,477 million. The structure costs to sales ratio was 17.2%.

Pernod Ricard continued to allocate resources to emerging markets(2), which accounted for almost 80% of the increase(1) in structure costs: strengthening of the distribution network (China, India, Russia, Africa, etc.) and creation of subsidiaries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The increase(1) in structure costs was below inflation in Western Europe and stable(1) in France.

The end of the implementation of the Agility project explains the slowdown in structure cost growth(1) in the second half of the year.

Profit from recurring operations was € 2,230 million, an increase of +6%(1), in line with guidance.

The operating margin recorded its largest expansion (+42 bps(1)) in three years, due to:

The Group structure effect on profit from recurring operations was slightly unfavourable (mainly due to the disposal of the Scandinavian activities) at € 20 million. The positive foreign exchange effect (+€ 19 million) was primarily due to the strengthening of the USD and CNY.

Emerging markets(2)continued to increase their relative significance in profit from recurring operations: 44% in 2012/13 compared to 39% in 2011/12. This increase had a positive impact on margins.

Analysis of net profit

Financial income / (expense) from recurring operations was an expense of € 527 million, compared to € 509 million the previous year:

Corporate income tax on recurring operations was a charge of € 430 million, i.e. an effective tax rate of 25.2%. The increase (23.5% last year) was primarily due to new tax reforms, particularly in France (impact: € 25 million).

Group share of net profit from recurring operations reached € 1,255 million. Its sustained increase of +5% was primarily driven by the operating performance.

Non-recurring items included:

The Group share of net profit thus totalled € 1,189 million, an increase of +4%.

Financial Debt, Free Cash Flow and Dividend

Net debt decreased significantly by € 635 million to reach € 8,727 million at the end of June 2013.

This reduction resulted from a higher cash flow generation before translation adjustment (€ 474 million: improvement of +€ 89 million over 2011/12) and a favourable translation impact of € 161 million.

Cash flow generation before translation adjustment consists of (i) a solid Free Cash Flow of  924 million, (ii) a net expense of € 15 million from disposals, acquisitions of shares and other items, and (ii) dividends of € 435 million.

Free cash flow was virtually unchanged compared to the previous financial year despite the substantial increase in long-term investments (strategic inventories and capital expenditure):

The net debt to EBITDA ratio continued to improve to 3.5(4) despite weakening currencies of certain emerging markets(2).

A dividend of € 1.64 (+4%) is proposed in respect of the 2012/13 financial year, in line with the customary policy of cash payout of approximately 1/3 of net profit from recurring operations.

Conclusion and outlook

Pernod Ricard delivered a solid performance in 2012/13 within a less favourable macro-economic environment.

For 2013/14, the macroeconomic outlook is likely to be as follows:

In this context, Pernod Ricard’s global and balanced exposure is an asset with which to seize growth opportunities.

Pernod Ricard therefore remains confident in its ability to pursue its growth.

1) Organic growth2) List of emerging markets available in appendix3) Retail price > USD 17 for spirits and > USD 5 for wine4) Margin and debt ratios are based, for the USD, on the average rate for the relevant periods5) Retail price > USD 2006) Nielsen data7) Source: IMF

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of € 8,575 million in 2012/13. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin & Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Graffigna wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of nearly 19,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 80 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption.

Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index.

Audit procedures on the consolidated financial statements have been carried out. The Statutory Auditors’ report will be issued following their review of the management report.

The Annual Financial Report related to this press release and the presentation to financial analysts are available at www.pernod-ricard.com.

EMERGING MARKETS

                 
Asia-Rest of World       Americas       Europe
Algeria       Madagascar       Argentina       Albania
Angola Malaysia Bolivia Armenia
Cambodia Morocco Brazil Azerbaijan
Cameroon Mozambique Caribbean Belarus
China Nigeria Chile Bosnia
Congo Persian Gulf Colombia Bulgaria
Egypt Philippines Costa Rica Croatia
Ethiopia Senegal Cuba Georgia
Gabon South Africa Dominican Republic Hungary
Ghana Sri Lanka Ecuador Kazakhstan
India Syria Guatemala Kosovo
Indonesia Tanzania Honduras Latvia
Iraq Thailand Mexico Lithuania
Ivory Coast Tunisia Panama Macedonia
Jordan Turkey Paraguay Moldova
Kenya Uganda Peru Montenegro
Laos Vietnam Puerto Rico Poland
Lebanon Uruguay Romania
Venezuela Russia
Ukraine
 

BRANDS ORGANIC GROWTH

                                 
 

Volumes FY 2012/13(million 9-litre cases)

Net Sales organicgrowth

Volumegrowth

Price/mix
Absolut * 11.6 5% 2% 3%
Chivas Regal 4.9 5% 0% 5%
Ballantine's 5.9 -6% -4% -2%
Ricard 4.6 -9% -11% 2%
Jameson * 4.3 17% 10% 6%
Havana Club * 3.9 3% 2% 0%
Malibu 3.7 -1% -1% 0%
Beefeater * 2.6 5% 3% 2%
Kahlua 1.6 -1% -4% 3%
Martell * 2.0 15% 5% 10%
The Glenlivet * 1.0 22% 18% 5%
Mumm 0.6 -4% -5% 1%
Perrier-Jouët * 0.2 7% 1% 6%
Royal Salute 0.2 -4% -6% 2%
Top 14 47.3 5% 0% 5%
         
Jacob's Creek 6.6 1% -3% 4%
Brancott Estate * 1.9 3% 3% 0%
Campo Viejo * 1.9 10% 10% 0%
Graffigna 0.3 -5% -15% 10%
Priority Premium Wines 10.7 2% -1% 3%
 
* All-time record volume
 

SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

                         
(€ millions)       30/06/2012       30/06/2013       Variation
                 
Net sales       8,215       8,575       4%
Gross Margin after logistics costs       5,047       5,351       6%
A&P expenditure       (1,571)       (1,644)       5%
Contribution after A&P expenditure       3,476       3,707       7%
Structure costs       (1,362)       (1,477)       8%
Profit from recurring operations       2,114       2,230       6%
Financial income/(expense) from recurring operations (509) (527) 3%
Corporate income tax on items from recurring operations (377) (430) 14%
Net profit from discontinued operations, minority interests and share of net income from associates       (27)       (19)       -31%
Group share of net profit from recurring operations       1,201       1,255       5%
 
Other operating income & expenses (145) (124) -15%
Non-recurring financial items (39) (12) -68%
Corporate income tax on items from non recurring operations 130 71 -45%
                         
Group share of net profit       1,146       1,189       4%
Minority interests       27       19       -30%
Net profit       1,174       1,208       3%
 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE EFFECT

                                 

Forex impact FY 2012/13(€ millions)

      Average rates evolution

On NetSales

On ProfitfromRecurringOperations

        2011/12       2012/13       %
US dollar USD 1.34       1.29       -3.3% 63 39
Chinese renminbi CNY 8.50 8.08 -5.0% 50 35
Korean won KRW 1.51 1.43 -5.0% 14 8
Japanese yen JPY 105.19 113.62 8.0% (11) (5)
Pound sterling GBP 0.85 0.83 -2.3% 9 (10)
Indian rupee INR 67.10 70.97 5.8% (31) (13)
Swedish krone SEK 9.00 8.53 -5.2% 4 (13)
Currency translation variance/FX hedging (21)
Other currencies                           12 (2)
Total                           110 19
 

GROUP STRUCTURE EFFECT

                 

Group structure YTD June 2012/13(€ millions)

On Net Sales

On Profit fromRecurringOperations

Scandinavian activities (26) (10)
Canadian activities (10) (3)
Australian activities (11) (3)
Other (24) (4)
Total Group Structure (70) (20)
 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

                 

Assets(€ millions)

      30/06/2012       30/06/2013
(Net book value)            
Non-current assets
Intangible assets and goodwill 17,360 16,753
Tangible assets and other assets 2,477 2,507
Deferred tax assets       1,965       1,721
Total non-current assets       21,802       20,981
 
Current assets
Inventories 4,295 4,484
of which aged work-in-progress 3,431 3,617
of which non-aged work-in-progress 64 69
Receivables (*) 1,197 1,159
Trade receivables 1,102 1,090
Other trade receivables 96 69
Other current assets 179 209
Other current assets 172 203
Tangible/intangible current assets 7 6
Tax receivable 29 27
Cash and cash equivalents       821       620
Total current assets       6,522       6,499
 
Assets held for sale 52 8
                 
Total assets       28,375       27,488
         
(*) after disposals of receivables of: 500       505
 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

                 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity(€ millions)

      30/06/2012       30/06/2013

 

               
                 
Shareholders’ equity       10,803       11,183
Minority interests 169 168
of which profit attributable to minority interests       27       19
Shareholders’ equity – attributable to equity holders of the parent       10,972       11,351
 
Non-current provisions and deferred tax liabilities 4,134 3,855
Bonds 8,044 6,949
Non-current financial liabilities and derivative instruments       1,511       915
Total non-current liabilities       13,689       11,719
 
Current provisions 178 163
Operating payables 1,526 1,546
Other operating payables 896 924
which other operating payables 635 635
Tangible/intangible current payables 261 288
Tax payable 129 127
Bonds 153 1,001
Current financial liabilities and derivatives       824       656
Total current liabilities       3,707       4,418
 
Liabilities held for sale       7       0
Total current liabilities       28,375       27,488
 

CHANGE IN NET DEBT

                 
(€ millions)       30/06/2012       30/06/2013
                 
Self-financing capacity       2,064       2,323
Decrease (increase) in working capital requirements (55) (255)
Financial result and tax cash (803) (903)
Net acquisitions of non financial assets       (251)       (241)
Free Cash Flow       955       924
Disposals/acquisitions assets and others (176) (10)
Change in Group structure - (8)
Dividends and others       (395)       (432)
Decrease (increase) in net debt (before currency translation adjustments)       385       474
Foreign currency translation adjustment       (710)       161
Decrease (increase) in net debt (after currency translation adjustments)       (325)       635
Initial debt (9,038) (9,363)
Final debt       (9,363)       (8,727)
 

ANALYSIS OF WORKING CAPITAL REQUIREMENT

                                         
(€ millions)       June 2011       June 2012       June 2013 FY 2011/12

WC change*

      FY 2012/13

WC change*

                       
Aged work in progress 3,090 3,431 3,617 157 263
Advances to suppliers for wine and ageing spirits 10 7 6 (0) (0)
Payables on wine and ageing spirits       128       90       91 0       12
Net aged work in progress       2,971       3,348       3,532 157       250
 
Trade receivables before factoring/securitization 1,793 1,602 1,595 82 70
Advances from customers 6 4 12 (2) 8
Other receivables (51) 260 266 (1) 17
Other inventories 724 801 799 45 33
Non-aged work in progress 61 64 69 2 8
Trade payables and other       1,741       2,061       2,079 182       94
Gross Operating working capital       781       662       638 (51)       26
 
Factoring/Securitization impact       425       500       505 51       22
Net Operating Working Capital       356       162       133 (102)       4
                                   
Net Working Capital       3,327       3,510       3,665 55       255
         
* Without FX effects and reclassifications Of which recurring variation 94       294
Of which non recurring variation (39)       (39)

SALES ANALYSIS BY REGION

                                                 
Net Sales

(€ millions)

FY 2011/12 FY 2012/13 Change Organic Growth Group Structure Forex impact
France 746       9.1% 695       8.1% (51)       -7% (51)       -7% (0)       0% 0       0%
Europe excl. France 2,137 26.0% 2,132 24.9% (5) 0% 8 0% (26) -1% 12 1%
Americas 2,167 26.4% 2,316 27.0% 149 7% 142 7% (30) -1% 37 2%
Asia / Rest of the World 3,165       38.5% 3,431       40.0% 267       8% 220       7% (14)       0% 60       2%
World 8,215       100.0% 8,575       100.0% 359       4% 319       4% (70)       -1% 110       1%
             
Net Sales

(€ millions)

Q4 2011/12 Q4 2012/13 Change Organic Growth Group Structure Forex impact
France 152 8.0% 177 9.2% 25 17% 25 17% (0) 0% 0 0%
Europe excl. France 481 25.3% 470 24.4% (11) -2% 9 2% (13) -3% (7) -1%
Americas 578 30.4% 609 31.6% 31 5% 51 9% (0) 0% (20) -3%
Asia / Rest of the World 690       36.3% 670       34.8% (21)       -3% 14       2% (5)       -1% (30)       -4%
World 1,901       100.0% 1,925       100.0% 24       1% 99       5% (18)       -1% (57)       -3%
             
Net Sales

(€ millions)

HY2 2011/12 HY2 2012/13 Change Organic Growth Group Structure Forex impact
France 229 6.4% 321 8.8% 92 40% 92 40% (0) 0% 0 0%
Europe excl. France 905 25.1% 887 24.2% (19) -2% 15 2% (22) -2% (11) -1%
Americas 1,001 27.8% 1,034 28.2% 33 3% 70 7% 1 0% (38) -4%
Asia / Rest of the World 1,466       40.7% 1,426       38.9% (40)       -3% 27       2% (9)       -1% (57)       -4%
World 3,602       100.0% 3,668       100.0% 66       2% 203       6% (30)       -1% (106)       -3%

PROFIT FROM RECURRING OPERATIONS BY REGION

World                                                                        
             
(€ millions) FY 2011/12 FY 2012/13 Variation Organic Growth Group Structure Forex impact
Net sales (Excl. T&D) 8,215 100.0% 8,575 100.0% 359 4% 319 4% (70) -1% 110 1%
Gross margin after logistics costs 5,047 61.4% 5,351 62.4% 305 6% 263 5% (20) 0% 61 1%
Advertising & promotion (1,571) 19.1% (1,644) 19.2% (73) 5% (47) 3% 1 0% (28) 2%
Contribution after A&P 3,476       42.3% 3,707       43.2% 231       7% 216       6% (18)       -1% 33       1%
Profit from recurring operations 2,114       25.7% 2,230       26.0% 117       6% 118       6% (20)       -1% 19       1%
 
Asia/Rest of World
             
(€ millions) FY 2011/12 FY 2012/13 Variation Organic Growth Group Structure Forex impact
Net sales (Excl. T&D) 3,165 100.0% 3,431 100.0% 267 8% 220 7% (14) 0% 60 2%
Gross margin after logistics costs 1,898 60.0% 2,120 61.8% 222 12% 184 10% (4) 0% 42 2%
Advertising & promotion (625) 19.8% (663) 19.3% (37) 6% (20) 3% 1 0% (17) 3%
Contribution after A&P 1,272       40.2% 1,457       42.5% 185       15% 164       13% (4)       0% 25       2%
Profit from recurring operations 880       27.8% 1,016       29.6% 136       15% 119       14% (4)       0% 20       2%
 

PROFIT FROM RECURRING OPERATIONS BY REGION

Americas
             
(€ millions) FY 2011/12 FY 2012/13 Variation Organic Growth Group Structure Forex impact
Net sales (Excl. T&D) 2,167 100.0% 2,316 100.0% 149 7% 142 7% (30) -1% 37 2%
Gross margin after logistics costs 1,362 62.9% 1,490 64.3% 128 9% 109 8% (5) 0% 24 2%
Advertising & promotion (405) 18.7% (454) 19.6% (49) 12% (41) 10% (0) 0% (8) 2%
Contribution after A&P 958       44.2% 1,036       44.7% 79       8% 68       7% (5)       -1% 16       2%
Profit from recurring operations 582       26.9% 607       26.2% 25       4% 24       4% (7)       -1% 8       1%
 
Europe excluding France
             
(€ millions) FY 2011/12 FY 2012/13 Variation Organic Growth Group Structure Forex impact
Net sales (Excl. T&D) 2,137 100.0% 2,132 100.0% (5) 0% 8 0% (26) -1% 12 1%
Gross margin after logistics costs 1,245 58.3% 1,251 58.7% 6 0% 16 1% (11) -1% 0 0%
Advertising & promotion (347) 16.3% (354) 16.6% (6) 2% (5) 1% 1 0% (2) 1%
Contribution after A&P 898       42.0% 897       42.1% (1)       0% 12       1% (10)       -1% (2)       0%
Profit from recurring operations 470       22.0% 459       21.5% (12)       -2% 3       1% (10)       -2% (4)       -1%
 

PROFIT FROM RECURRING OPERATIONS BY REGION

France
             
(€ millions) FY 2011/12 FY 2012/13 Variation Organic Growth Group Structure Forex impact
Net sales (Excl. T&D) 746 100.0% 695 100.0% (51) -7% (51) -7% (0) 0% 0 0%
Gross margin after logistics costs 541 72.5% 490 70.5% (51) -10% (47) -9% (0) 0% (5) -1%
Advertising & promotion (193) 25.9% (174) 25.0% 19 -10% 20 -10% 0 0% (0) 0%
Contribution after A&P 348       46.6% 316       45.5% (32)       -9% (27)       -8% (0)       0% (5)       -1%
Profit from recurring operations 181       24.3% 149       21.4% (33)       -18% (28)       -15% (0)       0% (5)       -3%