Interim Management Statement

RNS Number : 0828U
Cranswick PLC
27 July 2015
 

27 July 2015

 

Cranswick plc

("Cranswick" or "the Company" or "the Group")

 

 

First quarter trading statement

 

Cranswick, the UK food producer, today provides an update on trading for the 3 months to 30 June 2015.

 

Current trading

 

The current financial year has started in line with the Board's expectations.

 

Revenue in the three months to 30 June 2015 was 8% ahead of the same period last year, driven by strong volume growth across most product categories.

 

Underlying sales* were 4% higher than the same period last year, with corresponding volumes up 7% as the benefit of lower input prices continues to be passed on to the Group's customers.  Export sales to Far Eastern markets maintained their positive momentum, with volumes in the quarter 14% ahead of the same period last year.

 

Investment

 

The integration of Benson Park, acquired in October 2014, is now complete with the business making a positive contribution in line with the Board's expectations.  The major capital investment programme at the site remains on track and will be commissioned in quarter three of the current financial year.

 

During the period, the Group has continued to invest in its asset base to increase capacity and drive further operating efficiencies.

 

Financial position

 

Net debt stood at £12 million at 30 June 2015, £21 million lower than at the same point last year and compared to £17 million at 31 March 2015.  The Group is in a robust financial position, with committed, unsecured facilities of £120 million which provide comfortable headroom.

 

Outlook

 

With experienced management at all levels of the Group, a strong range of products, a well-invested asset base and a robust financial position, the Board remains confident in both the prospects for the current financial year and the continued long term success and development of the business.

 

Enquiries:

 

Cranswick plc

01482 372 000

Mark Bottomley, Finance Director

 

 

 

Powerscourt

020 7250 1446

Nick Dibden / Sophie Moate / Samantha Trillwood

cranswick@powerscourt-group.com

 

Notes:

1.     Cranswick's activities are focused within the UK and include the processing and supply of fresh pork, sausage, bacon, cooked meats, premium cooked poultry, charcuterie, pastry products and sandwiches.  Products are primarily supplied into the UK food retail, food service and food manufacturing sectors.  Results for the year to 31 March 2015 showed revenues of £1,003m and profit before tax of £52.8m.

2.     This announcement is based on information sourced from unaudited management accounts.

3.     This announcement contains certain forward looking statements with respect to the financial conditions, results of operations and businesses of Cranswick. These statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward looking statements. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast.

 

*      Underlying sales exclude the contribution from Benson Park in the current year and sales from the pig breeding, rearing and trading activities in both the current and prior financial years


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
END
 
 
TSTUSVVRVRABUAR

Companies

Cranswick (CWK)
UK 100

Latest directors dealings