26th November 2012
Interim Results
Highlights:
· Reported revenues up 6 per cent to £418.6m (2011: £393.9m)
· Underlying revenues increased by 5 per cent *
· Profit before tax rose by 21 per cent to £22.5m (2011: £18.5m)
· Earnings per share up 23 per cent to 35.8p (2011: 29.2p)
· Adjusted earnings per share 19 per cent higher at 35.8p (2011: 30.1p)
· Dividend increased to 9.4p per share (2011: 9.0p)
· Net debt £32.2m (30 Sept 2011: £48.2m)
· Kingston Foods Limited acquired on 29 June 2012
31st January 2013
Third Quarter Interim Management Statement
The Company benefited from a strong sales performance in the three months to 31 December 2012.
Underlying turnover in the three months to 31 December 2012 was 7 per cent ahead of the same period last year, underpinned by strong volume growth.
Total sales for the quarter were 8 per cent higherafter taking into account the contribution from Kingston Foods which was acquired on 29 June 2012. Sales growth of bacon, sausages and cooked meat products was particularly strong and there were positive contributions from most other categories. Export sales remained buoyant and sales of pastry products continued to show pleasing progress.