Telephone: 01925 222222
Website:www.nicholsplc.co.uk
Nathan Field Mark Brady / Nick Tulloch
Telephone:020 7796 4133 Telephone: 0845 213 4748
Email: nichols@hspr.com Website:
www.corporatefinance.brewin.co.uk
Nichols plc ("the Group"), today issues the following pre-close trading update.
Trading
The Group has maintained the excellent momentum reported at
the half year, with sales for the year to the 31 December
2011 increasing by 18% compared to 2010. This performance is
ahead of our internal expectations, has been achieved against
strong prior year comparatives (16% uplift on 2009) and
despite the continued downturn affecting the UK economy.
Once again our brands have outperformed the soft drinks
market in the UK and our strong and well established
international business continues to deliver significant year
on year growth.
In our UK business, gross margins remain under pressure due
to a combination of raw material cost inflation and the
exceptionally high level of promotional activity in 2011. It
is therefore pleasing to report that our Operating Profit
margin will be maintained as a result of ongoing productivity
improvements and tight control of costs.
The Group's balance sheet remains strong, with underlying
cash generation also ahead of
internal expectations.
In summary, we expect Group profit to be significantly ahead
of last year and ahead of current market expectations for the
year ended 31 December 2011.
In January 2012, we are launching a new and innovative range
of Weight Watchers
branded, low calorie soft drinks into the UK and the Republic
of Ireland.
1
Our category expertise, combined with the well established,
global, Weight Watchers brand provides further growth
opportunities for the Group in 2012 and beyond, as well as
meeting the increasingly important health and wellbeing needs
of consumers.
Nichols plc is a highly focused soft drinks business. Its
brand portfolio includes Vimto, which is sold in over 65
countries and Levi Roots (soft drinks), Sunkist & Panda which
are sold in the UK. The Group has a leading market position
in both the "Stills" and "Carbonates" drinks categories and
also in the soft drinks on dispense market, where its brands
include Cabana, Ben Shaws & Dayla.
2
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Documents associés | |
Pre-Close Trading Statement |