ARYZTA AG announces its first quarter trading update for the 13 weeks ended 31 October 2009

November 30, 2009 | by Aryzta

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November 30, 2009, Commenting on the results, ARYZTA AG Chief Executive Officer Owen Killian said:“In the first quarter of FY 2010, the business performed in line with expectations and the guidance provided at the time of the FY 2009 results in September.“ARYZTA will remain focussed on cash generation and improved operating efficiency. As a result the business is in an excellent position to benefit from improved trading conditions and acquisitions when they arise. In the meantime the guidance given regarding underlying EPS at the time of the FY 2009 full year results still appears reasonable.”


Food revenue declined by 8.4% in Q1 FY 2010. This pattern of decline was consistent with trends experienced throughout FY 2009. In the comparative period (Q1 FY 2009), revenue grew by 8.7% and progressively declined in each subsequent quarter.Food Europe revenue declined by 11.4% in the period. This revenue decline was principally driven by extremely tough trading conditions in the UK and Ireland. In these markets, revenue decline was in the order of 25% in the period. Substantially reduced consumer spending and customer accounts being terminated due to credit concerns have contributed to this significant revenue decline in the UK and Ireland. Elsewhere in Food Europe (in Switzerland, Germany, France and Poland); the business has displayed excellent defensive characteristics. While consumers’ spending remains weak in continental Europe, adversely impacting revenue, the business has leveraged its unique logistics and product capability to continue to expand its channel penetration.Food North America revenue declined by 2.1% in the period. In the comparative period (Q1 FY 2009) revenue grew by 19.5%, representing a high comparator. Notwithstanding this the US consumer continues to conserve their dollar and customers as a result are postponing decisions required to stimulate revenue growth. The continued focus on operating efficiencies and merger benefits supported positive EBITA margin development.Financial PositionARYZTA has a strong balance sheet with excellent free cash flow to fund organic growth and acquisition opportunities when they arise. At the period ended 31 July 2009, ARYZTA* had net debt of €506m. This represented a conservative Net Debt: EBITDA ratio of 1.77 times (based on bank covenant definition). During Q1 a CHF 200m fixed rate Swiss bond was launched for ARYZTA AG (Listing SIX. ISIN CH00106840579). The bond matures 18 March 2015. The Group is also in the process of closing a USD 200m US private placement. ARYZTA’s financing facilities* are as follows (excluding the USD 200m private placement): – EUR 795m revolving credit facility, which matures on 20 June 2013– USD 450m private placement, which matures between 13 June 2014 and 13 June 2019– CHF 200m Swiss bond, which matures on 18 March 2015.*Origin Enterprises plc is seperately financed

First Quarter Trading Updatefor the period ended 31 October 2009

OriginOrigin Enterprises plc (‘Origin’) is releasing a Q1 Trading Update at 07.00 GMT this morning. This can be found on their website (www.originenterprises.com).Reflecting the increased seasonality of the business from recent acquisitions, circa 80% of annual operating profits will be earned in the second half of the financial year. In regard to H1, the majority of profits are earned in Q1.The revenue decline in Q1 principally reflects the impact of lower commodity prices and delayed decisions from primary producers. Masstock, Origin’s integrated agronomy services business in the UK and Poland, continues to perform well.The recent lift in commodity prices, while welcome, has yet to impact farm incomes. Nonetheless, Origin remains on track to deliver consensus market expectations for the full year.

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Source: Aryzta, Press release