Aryzta AG: Interim Results Half Year to 31 January 2009

Zurich / CH. (aag) Aryzta AG, the global leader in speciality bakery, announces financial results for the first six months of the fiscal year ended 31 July 2009 (six months ended 31 January 2009):

Key performance highlights in first six months

• Group performance highlights
  • Revenue growth of 15,8 percent to 1’571,2 million EUR.
  • Underlying revenues increase in all segments of Food Group.
  • Adjusted profit rises by 15,4 percent to 84,0 million EUR in first six months.
  • Adjusted EPS was 107,7 Cents for the period.
  • Return on investment increases to 11,7 percent.
• Food performance highlights
  • Adjusted profit rises by 14,6 percent to 73,0 million EUR in first six months.
  • Underlying revenues rise by 6,7 percent.
  • Operating profit rises by 16 percent to 99,2 million EUR.
  • Food Europe operating profits rise by 11,0 percent to 64,0 million EUR.
  • Food North America operating profits rise by 25,9 percent to 34,3 million EUR.
  • Return on investment maintained at 10,0 percent.
• Origin performance highlights
  • Adjusted EPS rises by 19,2 percent to 11,2 Cents in first six months.
  • Strong growth from first time H1 impact of acquisitions.
  • Return on investment increases to 20,5 percent.

Commenting on the results, Aryzta AG Chief Executive Officer Owen Killian said: «The business is very resilient and has displayed excellent defensive characteristics in the current challenging economic climate. The business model conveys substantial benefits to customers through reduced costs to serve and brings an unrivalled range of high quality, freshly baked goods to hard pressed consumers at affordable prices. Revenue growth is less predictable as the credit crunch extends to and impacts on all sectors of the economy. We remain focused on cash and continued earnings growth».

Info: Financial and Operations Review – Key performance highlights in first six months (Complete press release | PDF | 75 pages | 251 KB)