AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
FRA
GER
ESP
ITA
NLD
PRT
SWE
GRC
IND
POL
BRA
ZAF
RUS
CHN
UAE
Freedom Foods Group Limited (ASX:FNP) announced its non-involvement in the bidding process for the Lion Dairy and Drinks Portfolio (LDD).
Earlier in a recent market commentary, it was speculated that there was Companyâs potential involvement in an acquisition of the Lion Dairy and Drinks Portfolio (LDD), subject to a sale process by Kirin Holdings Company Limited.
In the previous update, the company announced its half-yearly results for the financial year 2019. It reported an increase in its Sales by 31% to $209 Mn. It's Gross Margin increased to 24.7% from 23.3% on PCP basis. Its Operating EBITDA increased by 31.2% to $21 Mn; however, its EBITDA margin remained steady at 10% as the Group progresses through a significant upgrade of equipment and processes.
The decent result outcome was due to increased earnings from Plant Beverage, Dairy Beverage, and Nutritionals, offset by reductions in Specialty Seafood and Cereals & Snacks.
The company reported an increase in its net operating profit before tax by 17.1% to $8.9 Mn. This reflected increased operating EBDITA offset by higher depreciation costs as compared to the previous period. Its Statutory net profit after tax increased by 26.4% to $3.7 Mn, which included unrealised foreign exchange losses and one-off non-operating costs of $1.2 million relating to the write-down of inventory and discontinued product formats due to changes in the Shepparton and Leeton operational footprints and the decision to exit a number of major contract manufacturing arrangements for key brand and private label customers in cereals and milling related activities.
The board of directors declared a partially franked (50%) interim dividend of 2.25 cps with payment date on May 1, 2019, and record date on April 3, 2019. Its DRP election date has been set on April 4, 2019.
At the end of December 31, 2018, the Group supplied milk of more than 250 million liters per annum with more than 45 direct suppliers on board. The group expects that the direct supply strategy seeks to align a multi-year volume, quality and pricing relationship that supports the growing demands of the Group and provides the farmer partners with certainty and a stable revenue basis to invest in their farms.
The Group is expecting to increase its market position in the key markets such as Australia / New Zealand, China, SE Asia, and North America. It expects the net sales revenue in FY 2019 to be in the lower end of the range of $500 million - $530 million, a substantial increase in FY 2018.
On stock information, Freedom Foods Groupâs shares are trading at $4.5, up 5.14% (AEST: 2:49 PM on March 25, 2019) with the market capitalization of ~$1.05 Bn. Its current PE multiple is at 70.98x, and its last EPS was noted at 0.06 AUD. Its annual dividend yield has been noted at 1.17%.
Today, it made a dayâs high at $4.57 and dayâs low at $4.21. Its 52 weeks high was at $7 and 52 weeks low at $4.15 with an average volume of 254,018. Its absolute returns for 5 yrs, 1 yr, and 6 months are 52.07%, -17.69%, and -32.06% respectively.
Disclaimer
This website is a service of Kalkine Media Pty. Ltd. A.C.N. 629 651 672. The website has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as a complete source of information on any particular company. Kalkine Media does not in any way endorse or recommend individuals, products or services that may be discussed on this site. Our publications are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold. We are neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice.
