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The economic activity in the UK shown recovery as reported Manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index), and Composite PMI numbers were above expectation. The Manufacturing PMI and Composite PMI numbers for June jumped to 50.1 and 47.6, respectively. Meanwhile, the FTSE-100 was trading at 6,309.52 up 1.04 per cent (as on 23rd June 2020, before the market close at 9:53 AM GMT+1). Also, the European index STOXX 600 was trading at 367.64, up 1.36 per cent (as on 23rd June 2020, before the market close at 9:53 AM GMT+1).
The other critical factors to watch out were:
- The Eurozone Manufacturing PMI was 46.9, whereas the Composite PMI was 47.6 for June. The Manufacturing PMI and Composite PMI was 39.4 and 31.9, respectively in May.
- In the recent release by the British finance ministry, the Bank of England has spent close to GBP 23 billion under the Job retention scheme to support 9.2 million jobs.
Given the above-market developments, we will discuss two consumer staples stocks - Cranswick PLC (LON:CWK) & Hilton Food Group PLC (LON:HFG). As on 23rd June 2020, (before the market close at 9:53 AM GMT+1), both CWK and HFG stocks were up by 3.97 per cent and 1.72 per cent, respectively. It is mindful to note that both companies have maintained their final dividend amid this period of uncertainty. Let us walk through their financial and operational performance to understand the stock better.
Cranswick PLC (LON:CWK) – Declared dividend for shareholders and bonus for site-based co-workers
Cranswick PLC is a UK based manufacturer and supplier of food products to grocery retailers. It operates 16 manufacturing facilities, two animal feed mills and five farming businesses which produces products such as Fresh Pork, Convenience, Gourmet Products and Poultry. The Company is listed on FTSE-250.
FY2020 annual result ending 30th March 2020, as released on 23rd June 2020
The Company reported revenue of GBP 1,667.2 million, which was up by 16 per cent year on year. The like for like revenue was GBP 1,623.8 million after removing the impact of GBP 42 million for Katsouris Brothers which was acquired in H1 FY20 and GBP 1 million for Packington Pork and White Rose Farms in H2 FY20. The adjusted operating revenue was GBP 105.1 million, and adjusted operating margin was 6.3 per cent.
The Board proposed a final dividend of 43.7 pence for FY20, subject to shareholders approval it will be paid on 4th September 2020. In April, it declared a bonus of GBP 500 to each of its site-based co-workers who will be paid at the end of June.
At the end of March, the net debt was GBP 146.9 million, including GBP 65.9 million of IFRS 16 lease liabilities. The Company has an unsecured credit facility of GBP 160 million till November 2023. Given the balance sheet headroom and stable cash flows, the Company did not seek any Government-backed assistance. Further, the Cranswick invested a total of GBP 101 million in FY20.
(Source: Company Website)
Recent Acquisitions and Investments
- On 10th February 2020, the Cranswick acquired the remaining stake of the White Rose Farms JV. The Company is into pig farming and rearing operations.
- On 16th December 2019, acquired Packington Pork which specializes in outdoor breeding of pigs.
Category and Channel Sales in FY20
In FY20, the fresh pork sales were driven by robust export and wholesale demand; and the convenience was bolstered by the acquisition of Katsouris with growing demand in the continental meat business. New customer wins, and gourmet pastry drove gourmet category growth.
(Source: Company Website)
Share Price Performance
1-Year Chart as at June-23-2020, before the market close (Source: Refinitiv, Thomson Reuters)
Cranswick PLC shares were trading at GBX 3,684.90 up by 1.51 per cent (as on 23rd June 2020, before the market close at 12.41 PM GMT+1). The stock had its 52-weeks High and Low of GBX 4,020.00 per share and GBX 2,454.00 per share, respectively. The Company had a market capitalization of close to GBP 1.90 billion.
Business Outlook
The Company believes the domestic food sector to be resilient. It considers the investment in robotics, automation and refrigeration system upgrade will translate to better performance. The Company has suggested that it will be able to continue operations, meet its liabilities and intends to do a capital expenditure of GBP 60 million in FY21. The in-depth knowledge of the market will enable the Company to control supply as per the demand needs.
Hilton Food Group PLC (LON:HFG) – Maintains final dividend pay for FY19
Hilton Food Group PLC established in 1994 is the leading specialist international Food Packaging Company. It supplies packaged food to major international food retailers such as Tesco UK, Albert Heijn, Woolworths, Ahold. Hilton Food also operates joint ventures with Woolworths in Australia and Sonae in Portugal.
FY2019 annual result ending 29th December 2019 as released on 7th April 2020
The Company reported revenue (excluding IFRS 16) of GBP 1,814 million for FY19 and grew by 11.0 per cent on constant currency year on year. The sales were primarily driven by growth in sales volume. The sales volume was 371,715 tonnes and were up by 7.8 per cent. The Western Europe segment generated revenue of GBP 1,634 million, whereas Central Europe and Australasia reported revenue of GBP 91.2 million and GBP 89.8 million, respectively. The Company made an operating profit of GBP 55.8 million and a net profit of GBP 35.2 million.
As on 29th December 2020, the Company had a cash balance of GBP 110.5 million and undrawn committed loan facility of GBP 116.0 million. The net debt, including the impact of IFRS 16 was GBP 271.5 million, which includes lease liabilities of GBP 183.0 million. The Board has proposed a final dividend of 15.4 pence per share for FY19 payable on 26th June 2020 to shareholders. On 1st April 2020, the Group appointed Rebecca Shelley as an Independent Non-Executive Director
(Source: Company Website)
KPIs in FY19 versus FY18
The revenue grew by 10 per cent year on year mainly driven by growth in sales volume. The adjusted operating margin was 3 per cent the same as last year. The adjusted profit per kilogram processed and sold in pence was 14.7 pence per kg. The gearing ratio was 108.4 per cent. The sales volume grew by 7.8 per cent underpinned by investments in new vegetarian, slow cooking food ventures and a new facility set up in Australia. Employee and labour agency costs were 51.8 pence per kg due to a wide range of product offerings.
Trading Update as released on 21st May 2020
The Company witnessed increased demand during the lock-down. The business was upbeat in Westen Europe due to higher red meat purchases during lock-down and 100 per cent supply of red meat to Tesco in the UK. The Company also experienced growth in Eastern Europe driven by the demand for red meat and fresh food supply. The Hilton Seafood sale increased in the UK as consumers shifted from counter food to packed food. The commissioning of meat and the fish plant in New Zealand has been delayed due to lock-down measures.
Share Price Performance
1-Year Chart as at June-23-2020, before the market close (Source: Refinitiv, Thomson Reuters)
The shares of Hilton Food Group PLC were trading at GBX 1,232.00 and was up by 1.32 per cent (as on 23rd June 2020, before the market close at 1.00 PM GMT+1). The stock had its 52-weeks High and Low of GBX 1,352.00 per share and GBX 711.00 per share, respectively. The Company had a market capitalization of close to GBP 993.79 million.
Business Outlook
Short to medium-term growth of the business will be supported by new facilities opening in New Zealand and Belgium in 2020. The Company is expanding its business to Belgium, and it is opening a new facility in September 2020. It has partnered with Ahold Delhaize to supply packed red meat to their stores from 1st September 2020. It is expanding its footprints in seafood and vegetarian products. The Company believes it is well equipped to face the COVID-19 impact due to its local operating model; however, the uncertainty over Brexit negotiation will be challenging.
