businesses of Silver Spoon, Westmill Foods, Jordans Ryvita , AB World Foods Allied Bakeries, Kingsmill Allinsons (bread), Primark , Mazola (corn oil), Twinings (tea) and animal feeds.

Elephant Atta ethnic flour brand from Premier Foods

Pre Close Period Trading Update.

Associated British Foods plc issues the following update prior to entering the close period for its interim results to 3 March 2012, which are scheduled to be announced on 24 April 2012.

The interim results for the group will be in line with expectations with all segments delivering revenue growth. Adjusted operating profit for the group will be ahead of last year with an exceptionally strong performance from Sugar. Net financing costs in the first half will be higher than last year reflecting the higher level of net indebtedness during the period. Earnings per share for the first half are expected to be a little ahead of last year.

Associated British Foods plc announces its
interim results for the 24 weeks ended 3 March 2012

ABF delivers adjusted earnings growth of 5%


Highlights


· Group revenue up 11% to £5,766m

· Adjusted operating profit up 6% at £412m*

· Adjusted profit before tax up 3% to £363m **

· Adjusted earnings per share up 5% at 34.4p **

· Dividend per share up 8% to 8.5p

· Net debt £1,592m after net capital investment of £326m

· Operating profit up 6% to £378m, profit before tax up 3% at £329m and basic earnings per share up 4% to 31.7p

George Weston, Chief Executive of Associated British Foods, said:

"The group delivered good growth in revenue and profit. AB Sugar and Primark both performed strongly, demonstrating continuing momentum. We expect substantial growth in both adjusted operating profit and adjusted earnings per share for the group for the full year."


* before amortisation of non-operating intangibles and profits less losses on the disposal of non-current assets

** before amortisation of non-operating intangibles, profits less losses on the disposal of non-current assets, and profits less losses on the sale and closure of businesses.



All figures stated after amortisation of non-operating intangibles, profits less losses on the disposal of non-current assets, and profits less losses on the sale and closure of businesses are shown on the face of the condensed consolidated income statement.

Associated British Foods which on Friday announced the acquisition of the Elephant Atta ethnic flour brand from Premier Foods , updates the market on Thursday. Attention will probably be on the group's Primark clothing chain, as usual, but the Elephant Atta purchase is a useful reminder that there is more to the company than Primark. Panmure Gordon expects the tone of the trading update to be similar to the previous report with "strong earnings growth expected to be delivered for the year to September, driven by particularly impress growth in the Sugar division."

Interim Management Statement.

Highlights

· Group revenue year to date up 11%

· AB Sugar substantially ahead

· Primark sales growth of 16% year to date at constant exchange rates

· Group trading outlook for the full year in line with expectations

Associated British Foods reports on Monday, and although its Primark stores will garner their usual quota of interest, the Sugar division is likely to be the outstanding performer.

Trading Statement

Food and textile firm Associated British Foods has been a big success story, with its shares having piled up 25% over the past 12 months to 1,386p -- pretty good for an £11 billion FTSE 100 giant.

On Tuesday, the company will deliver full-year results, and they should be good. September's pre-close update said that second-half operating profit should be "substantially ahead of last year and in line with expectations", suggesting current forecasts for a 16% rise in earnings per share are on the mark.

It's a quality company, but like most it's highly valued, with the shares on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 16. That's higher than the FTSE average, and the dividend is only likely to be around 2%.

Final Results

Financial Highlights

· Group revenue up 11% to £12.3bn

· Adjusted operating profit up 17% to £1,077m*

· Adjusted profit before tax up 17% to £974m**

· Adjusted earnings per share up 18% to 87.2p**

· Dividends per share up 15% to 28.5p

· Net capital investment of £707m

· Net debt of £1,061m

· Operating profit up 4% to £873m, profit before tax level at £761m and basic earnings per share up 2% to 70.3p

It's not a particularly seasonal company, but Associated British Foods should be releasing a first-quarter update on Thursday. The company had a very strong 12 months to September 2012, with revenue rising by 11% to £12.3 billion. That led to a 17% boost to pre-tax profit and an 18% jump in adjusted earnings per share, and allowed the company to lift its dividend by 15%.

The share price responded well, too, storming up nearly 40% during the year, to peak at 1,597p before falling back in recent weeks to 1,507p. We have a couple of years of modest earnings growth forecast for this year and next, with a dividend yield of around 2% expected.

Interim management Statement

Highlights

· Group revenue up 10%
· Outstanding sales performance from Primark
· Trading for the remaining businesses in line with expectations

Trading performance

Group revenue for the first 16 weeks was 10% ahead of last year. Revenue growth by business segment was:

Associated British Foods boosted as profits soar almost half at Primark

By Neil Craven, Financial Mail On Sunday

PUBLISHED: 22:38, 20 April 2013 | UPDATED: 22:38, 20 April 2013


Primark is on course to become the main driver behind its parent group’s profits after a surge in international sales growth.


On Thursday, Associated British Foods will reveal a 44 per cent leap in profits to £222million at the discount clothing retailer for the first half of its financial year, say analysts. That means it contributes almost half of ABF’s profits and exceeds the contribution of the group’s sugar and grocery divisions, which own the Silver Spoon and Twinings tea brands.


Total profits before central costs are deducted are expected to rise 14 per cent to £468million. Primark accounts for about a third of ABF’s £12.3billion sales, with agriculture, sugar, grocery and ingredients accounting for the rest.



Main driver: Primark accounts for about a third of ABF's £12.3billion sales


Primark has embarked on an international expansion plan and has stores in Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Holland, Belgium and Austria. It is picking up trade as cash-strapped consumers look for discounts.


The growth comes against the background of a deteriorating market for many other chains'


The Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee launched an inquiry last month into the state of the retail sector and the effects of the Mary Portas review commissioned two years ago.


The British Independent Retailers Association confirmed it had submitted its views to the committee by last Monday’s deadline. It is understood to have called for a review of the method of calculating business rate rises, which has led to above-inflation increases, and more help for independent shop owners to gain a foothold on the internet.

Tuesday's agenda: AB Foods to benefit from another stunning Primark performance

April 22 2013, 6:30pm
Panmure Gordon predicts a 44% jump in profits at PrimarkPanmure Gordon predicts a 44% jump in profits at Primark


Primark, Primark, Primark. That's all you ever seem to read about when results from Associated British Foods (LON:ABF) are announced.

So it should be no surprise that Panmure Gordon is predicting "a stunning performance by Primark" when the group announces half-year figures on Tuesday.

The broker predicts a 15.9% rise in earnings per share (EPS) to 39.9p, and 16.3% profit before tax growth to £422mln.

"The key driver of growth in H1 is expected to be a 44% jump in profits at Primark and a 31% rise in Grocery (the latter primarily reflecting lower restructuring charges this year). Net debt is expected to fall sharply, from £1592m in March 2012A to c.£1250m in March 2013E," Panmure Gordon said.

Half Yearly Report

RNS


RNS Number : 8983C

Associated British Foods PLC

23 April 2013






For release 23 April 2013



Associated British Foods plc announces its

interim results for the 24 weeks ended 2 March 2013


ABF delivers an excellent set of interim results





Highlights




·

Group revenue up 10% to £6,333m


·

Adjusted operating profit up 20% at £496m *


·

Adjusted profit before tax up 25% to £452m *


·

Adjusted earnings per share up 22% at 41.9p *


·

Dividend per share up 10% to 9.35p


·

Net debt £1,337m after net capital investment of £334m


·

Operating profit up 21% to £459m, profit before tax up 26% at £415m and basic earnings per share up 23% to 38.9p




George Weston, Chief Executive of Associated British Foods, said:



"This is an excellent set of results with adjusted operating profit up 20%, a stronger cash flow and a year-on-year reduction in net debt. We are committed to the long-term development of our businesses through investment. These results have been achieved through a focus on generating good returns from the investments we have made over recent years."






*

before amortisation of non-operating intangibles and profits less losses on the disposal of non-current assets.









All figures stated after amortisation of non-operating intangibles, profits less losses on the disposal of non-current assets, profits less losses on the sale and closure of businesses and exceptional items are shown on the face of the condensed consolidated income statement.

Dividend Declaration

RNS


RNS Number : 9736C

Associated British Foods PLC

23 April 2013






23 April 2013



Associated British Foods plc



Interim dividend for the year ending 14 September 2013





Further to the announcement released earlier today by Associated British Foods plc (the 'Company') of its interim results for the 24 weeks ended 2 March 2013, the Company confirms that a net interim dividend of 9.35 pence per share will be paid on 5 July 2013 to shareholders on the Company's register of members at the close of business on 7 June 2013.

The Company operates a dividend reinvestment plan ('DRIP'). The final date for receipt or withdrawal of elections under the DRIP will be 14 June 2013

LONDON (SHARECAST) - Associated British Foods: Panmure Gordon ups target price from 1750p to 1800p keeping a hold recommendation

In on 7th July 2012 @ 1290 (400 shares) just sold for 1941

Interim Management Statement

Highlights

· Group revenue year to date up 9%
· AB Sugar sales and profit remain on track for the full year
· Primark year to date sales 22% ahead
· No change in expectation of good progress in full year adjusted earnings per share

Ex-div wed 4th Dec (22.65p)

OVER 23 AGAIN

24,25,26,27,28 good run.

Associated British Foods was leading the gains on London's benchmark index after positive comments from analysts. 29

NICE

Nice chart Baylis.

25 Feb 14 Jefferies International Hold 2,965.50 2,450.00 2,600.00 Retains

Associated British Foods plc issues the following update prior to entering the close period for its interim results to 1 March 2014 which are scheduled to be announced on 23 April 2014.
Adjusted operating profit for the first half is expected to be in line with last year. A much lower profit from Sugar will be offset by another excellent performance from Primark and encouraging results from Grocery and Ingredients. Net financing costs in the first half will benefit from the repayment, last July, of British Sugar's 10¾% debenture, a strong cash flow, and lower net debt throughout the period. Together with a further reduction in the underlying tax rate at the half year, adjusted earnings for the first half will be firmly ahead of last year.
Sterling is continuing to strengthen against our major trading currencies and this will have a more significant negative effect on the translation of overseas results into sterling in the second half. Nevertheless, with a better than expected trading performance from the non-sugar businesses and lower financing costs, we continue to expect adjusted earnings per share for the financial year to be similar to 2013.

Well done BAYLIS. :-))

Interim management statement

Headlines

· Primark third quarter sales 22% ahead at constant currency

· Continued profit progress at Ingredients

· EU sugar prices have continued to fall

· Full year adjusted earnings per share now expected to be ahead of last year

Pre Close Period Trading Update

ABF annual results for 52 weeks ended 13 Sept 2014

Financial Highlights

Actual Constant currency1

· Group revenue £12.9bn -3% +1%

· Adjusted operating profit £1,163m* -1% +2%

· Adjusted profit before tax up 2% to £1,105m**

· Adjusted earnings per share up 6% to 104.1p**

· Dividends per share up 6% to 34.0p

· Net capital investment of £691m

· Net debt reduced to £446m

· Operating profit down 1% to £1,080m, profit before tax up 18% to £1,020m and basic earnings per share up 30% to 96.5p

Nomura repeats neutral call on Associated British Foods, target raised to 2,850p from 2,760p.

Exane BNP Paribas remains outperform on Associated British Foods, target cut to 3,200p from 3,500p.

First-half earnings from Associated British Foods were better than expected thanks to a long-awaited improvement in its sugar business, while its Primark clothing business endured a tough Christmas. Like-for-like sales at Primark were less than 1% below the previous year, while total sales rose 5% thanks to increased store selling space.

StockMarketWire.com
Associated British Foods' group revenue for the 40 weeks ended 18 June was 3% ahead of the corresponding period last year at constant currency and 1% ahead at actual exchange rates.

The group says this reflects stronger growth in the third quarter of 4% at constant currency and 7% at actual exchange rates. The underlying operating performance of the group during the third quarter was ahead of its expectation, with an improvement in its sugar business, and on 28 June it completed the buyout of the minority interests in Illovo.

In the third quarter, sterling was weaker against most of the group's major trading currencies compared with a year ago, resulting in a translation benefit. Following the result of the EU referendum, sterling has weakened further and at these rates the group expects a bigger translation benefit in the final quarter with no material transactional effect. As a result, the outlook for this financial year has improved and it no longer expects a decline in adjusted earnings per share for the group for the full year.

Sales at Primark in the year to date were 7% ahead of last year at constant currency driven by increased retail selling space. Sales at actual rates in the quarter benefited from sterling weakness and so, cumulatively, are now also 7% ahead.

Like-for-like sales in the last 16 weeks were adversely affected by unpredictable weather patterns, with an especially cold April followed by a return to more seasonal weather in May. The operating profit margin in the third quarter was 11.9% which was in line with that of the first half.

Looking ahead, it says the UK referendum decision to leave the EU has created uncertainty in the business environment and financial markets.

An update says: "ABF is an international business with diverse interests across 48 countries and a business model that, wherever possible, aligns production with the end markets for its products. Primark operates discrete supply chains for its stores in each of the UK, US and Eurozone. We undertake relatively little cross border trading between the UK and the rest of the EU."

Any views here?

09 Jul 18 HSBC Buy 2,457.50 3600.00 - Reiterates
06 Jul 18 Deutsche Bank Buy 2,457.50 3300.00 3100.00 Reiterates
06 Jul 18 Liberum Capital Buy 2,457.50 3500.00 - Reiterates
05 Jul 18 Liberum Capital Buy 2,457.50 3500.00 - Reiterates
26 Jun 18 Jefferies International Buy 2,457.50 3600.00 3200.00 Reiterates

StockMarketWire.com
Associated British Foods said Monday its full-year outlook remained unchanged as profits at retailer Primark are expected to more than offset the effect of low EU sugar prices owing to a supply glut.

Sales at Primark for the year to 15 September 2018, were expected to rise 5.5% when currency fluctuations were stripped out, driven by increased selling space, which would offset a 2% decline in like-for-like sales, the company said.

At actual exchange rates sales were expected to be 6% ahead of last year.

Primark performed well in the UK, where full year sales were expected to be 6% ahead of last year, as the retailer significantly increased market share.

Like-for-like growth for the full year was expected to be 1.5%, driven by a strong first half and a second half performance in line with an exceptionally strong second half last year.

Like-for-like sales for the Primark group were held back by a like-for-like sales decline in northern Europe, as adverse weather led to difficult retail conditions.

Primark opened a new store in Brooklyn in July, taking its total stores in the US to nine.

Margin in the second half would be well ahead of the first half and last year driven by the weaker US dollar exchange rate on purchases and by better buying, the company added.

Primark's contribution offset the weakness in the sugar division.

Sugar's revenue and adjusted operating profit would be lower than last year as significantly lower EU prices amid a supply glut held back performance in the UK and Spanish businesses, the company said.

Grocery revenues, meanwhile, are expected to be ahead of last year and adjusted operating profit to be well ahead, driven by growth in Twinings Ovaltine, improved margin at George Weston Foods and the first year of contribution from Acetum.

Chart starting to look promising.

Annual Results

Final dividend for the year ended 15 September 2018

Liberum Capital Buy 2433.07 3500.00 Reiterates

Kepler Cheuvreux Buy 2532.00 2600.00 2800.00 Reiterates

JP Morgan Cazenove Overweight 2532.00 2740.00 Reiterates

Barclays Capital Overweight 2532.00 3280.00 Reiterates

200 ma breached and that gap beckons.

UBS Buy 2566.00 3150.00 Reiterates

subsidiary british suga farm medical cannabis , would that help profits for

ABF. BB. informed one needs to answer.

Financial Calendar

11/01/2019 - Final dividend 2018 payment date

17/01/2019 - Trading Update

25/02/2019 - Pre close Trading Update

Trading Update

Associated British Foods plc today issues a trading update for the 16 weeks to 5 January 2019 summarising the significant trading developments since the last market update.

Trading outlook

Our outlook for the group is unchanged, with adjusted operating profit and adjusted earnings per share for the year expected to be in line with last year.

Group revenue

Group revenue from continuing operations for the 16 weeks ended 5 January 2019 was 2% ahead of the same period last year at constant currency. Sterling has strengthened marginally against most of our major trading currencies, other than the US dollar, and as a result sales from continuing operations at actual exchange rates were 1% ahead.

Other than the expected reduction in Sugar revenue, sales growth was delivered by all our businesses.

Retail

Sales at Primark were 4% ahead of last year, at both constant currency and actual exchange rates, and with a higher operating profit margin, profit was well ahead. Sales growth was driven by increased retail selling space partially offset by a modest decline in like-for-like sales.

The UK performed well and our share of the total clothing market increased significantly. Sales were 1% ahead of last year for the period, in a market which declined year-on-year. Like-for-like sales in September and October were ahead but reduced footfall affected sales in November. Sales over the Christmas trading period exceeded our expectations.

Sales in the Eurozone were 5% ahead of last year at constant currency. Sales growth was especially strong again in France, Belgium and Italy, performance strengthened in our second largest market, Spain, but soft trading continued in a difficult German market.

We are pleased with the strong US performance in the period. Sales were well ahead and benefitted from very strong trading at the Brooklyn store, which opened in July last year.

As expected, operating profit margin in the period increased, with purchases having been contracted at a weaker US dollar exchange rate than last year, and through better buying and tight stock management. Operating profit for the full year is in line with our expectations.

Retail selling space increased by 0.3 million sq ft since the financial year end and, at 5 January 2019, 364 stores were trading from 15.1 million sq ft which compared to 14.2 million sq ft a year ago. Four new stores were opened in the period: Seville and Almeria in Spain, Toulouse in France and a city centre store in Berlin, Germany. In addition, in the UK, we relocated to larger premises in Harrow and the Merry Hill store was extended.

We now expect to open 0.9 million sq ft in this financial year. The opening of the American Dream shopping mall in New Jersey has been delayed and consequently our new store there will now open next financial year while our smaller store in Oviedo, Spain will close this spring. Our 160,000 sq ft store in Birmingham is expected to open in April and our first store in Slovenia later this financial year.

Sugar

AB Sugar revenue from continuing operations was 12% behind last year at constant currency and 14% behind at actual exchange rates.

As expected, the lower revenue in our UK and Spanish businesses in the period was the result of the lower EU sugar prices for contracts negotiated at the end of last financial year. Looking ahead, the development of our sales book for this year has indicated early signs of recovery in EU sugar prices.

The UK campaign is progressing well and production will now be 1.15 million tonnes as a result of higher sugar content in the beet. Beet yields this year are lower than the record level last year and so production is lower than the 1.37 million tonnes achieved last year.

The northern Spanish campaign at Azucarera has commenced. Total beet sugar production is expected to be some 300,000 tonnes, and a further 170,000 tonnes will be produced from the refining of cane raws at Guadalete. In December we announced a reduction in the beet price that will be paid to growers from the next campaign, bringing this price into better alignment with the market and with prevailing EU sugar prices.

Sugar production at Illovo for the full financial year is expected to be ahead of last year at some 1.75 million tonnes, with campaigns extended to counter wet conditions which impacted production in the early part of the season.

In China, very low levels of sugar content and purity in beet have adversely affected operational performance at our factories at Zhangbei and Qianqi. Combined with lower domestic sugar prices, the business will make a loss this financial year compared to the strong operating result last year.

Grocery

Sales for Grocery were 3% ahead at constant currency, 2% ahead of last year at actual exchange rates and operating profit margins on an underlying basis improved.

Progress continued at Twinings Ovaltine, with good growth in Twinings which benefitted from recent new product launches. The consolidation of tea production from Jinqiao, China to our existing factory in Poland is nearing completion and adjusted operating profit in the first half will include a one-time cost in respect of this.

ACH in the US and George Weston Foods in Australia continued recent progress by further improving margins. At Allied Bakeries, discussions with our customers to reduce the losses continue.

Agriculture and Ingredients

AB Agri revenue was 5% ahead of last year at constant currency and actual exchange rates.

Sales in Ingredients were 6% ahead of last year at constant currency and 1% ahead at actual exchange rates.

Barclays Capital Overweight 2334.00 3280.00 Reiterates

Societe Generale Hold 2351.00 2378.00 2332.00 Reiterates