Strauss Group Reports Solid Nine Month Results
By Strauss Group Ltd, PRNETuesday, November 24, 2009
Continued Improvement in Gross and Operating Profits With Organic Sales Growth* and Significant Improvement in Cash Flow
TEL AVIV, Israel, November 25 -
Nine Month Financial Highlights:
- Organic growth, net of exchange rate impacts, totaled 4.2%.
Reported sales totaled NIS 4.7 billion;
- Pro-forma operating profit increased 2.0%, yoy reaching NIS
429 million;
- Profit for the period up 1.1%, totaling NIS 265 million;
- Pro-forma net profit for shareholders amounted to NIS 198 million
compared to NIS 229 million last year, 13.5% decrease resulting from
one-time capital gain included in 2008;
- Strong cash generation: cash flow improved as a result of improved
working capital, mainly decrease in inventory level. Operating cash
flow totaled NIS 459 million compared to NIS 49 million last year;
Third quarter Financial Highlights:
- Organic growth, net of exchange rate impacts, totaled 3.2%.
Reported sales totaled NIS 1.6 billion;
- Pro-forma operating profit increased 2.0%, totaling NIS 159 million;
- Pro-forma net profit for shareholders totaled NIS 64 million, 34.7%
decrease resulting mainly from a growing minority share in
profit following TPG's investment in Strauss Coffee.
- Operating cash flow totaled NIS 179 million compared to NIS
48 million last year.
*net of exchange rate impacts
The Strauss Group (STRS.TA) today reported its results for the third
quarter and first nine months of 2009.
(Logo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080826/317650 )
Ofra Strauss, Chairperson of Strauss Group, said today,
"Strauss Group is taking the actions required to adjust the company to its
new environment given the impact of the global crisis, while working
adamantly according to the strategy that has characterized us in recent
years, making further investment in brands and innovation, developing
infrastructures, enhancing strategic partnerships and retaining its
capabilities and people."
Gadi Lesin, President & CEO of Strauss Group, said today,
"During the first nine months, Strauss succeeded in meeting its pre-defined
goals, improving both its gross and operating profits with organic sales
growth. In addition the company generated significant cash flow indicating
the financial strength of the Group."
"We are operating according to the work plans and objectives
defined at the beginning of the recession, with continued investment in our
future growth engines. In Israel the company managed to improve its profit
and profitability rates despite the slowed growth. In October we completed
the Tana Industries (Tami 4) acquisition, which compliments Strauss's entry
into the water category. This acquisition is expected to boost our
competitive position in Israel, and serve as another growth driver for our
international activities. Work on the new Sabra salads plant in the US is
progressing well and it will be ready in time to supply the growing demand
for Sabra's products. At the same time, our coffee company achieves further
growth in this challenging year as well."
Main pro-forma data for the first nine months (in NIS million):
Nine Months Third Quarter
2009 2008 % Chg 2009 2008 % Chg
Sales 4,658 4,682 -0.5% 1,622 1,646 -1.4%
Gross Profit 1,726 1,721 0.3% 607 604 0.6%
Operating Profit(1) 429 421 2.0% 159 156 2.0%
Profit for the Period 265 262 1.1% 91 112 -18.2%
Net Profit(2)(3) 198 229 -13.5% 64 99 -34.7%
(1) Before other income (expenses)
(2) Attributed to the shareholders of the Company
(3) Net profit in 2008 include financial income of NIS 42 million
The Israel Sector - Strauss Israel
In the first nine months sales by all of Strauss Israel's
activity, including the coffee business in Israel, totaled NIS 2,450 million,
a decrease of 1.2%. Sales by the Israeli sector (excluding coffee) totaled
NIS 1,990 million, a decrease of 1.8%.
In the third quarter sales by all of Strauss Israel's
activity, including the coffee business in Israel, totaled NIS 830 million, a
decrease of 2.8%. Sales by the Israeli sector (excluding coffee) totaled NIS
682 million, a decrease of 3.4%. Sales in the third quarter were influenced
mainly by the continued weakening of the food market in Israel.
In the first nine months of 2009 the effects of the recession
in Israel on the growth rate of the food and beverages industry were felt.
According to StoreNext figures, the Israeli food market decreased in the
first nine months of the year by 1.4% on average in financial terms, and in
the third quarter, the food market decreased by 1.9%.
Strauss Israel continues to invest considerable resources
towards understanding consumer behavior and providing the right response, ,
to the changes in purchasing power that occur during a recessionary period,
as well as continuing to focus on the fundamental elements - product quality,
service level and pricing management.
Operating profit pro-forma in Israel increased by 9.9% in the
first nine months of 2009 and amounted to NIS 235 million. The growth in the
operating profit in Israel is due to the improvement in the gross profit and
to the continued improvement in the cost structure.
The operating profit margin in Israel improved in the first
nine months and amounted to 11.8% compared to 10.6% in the corresponding
period last year.
The operating profit in Israel increased in the third quarter
by 6.0% and amounted to NIS 86 million. The growth in the operating profit is
due to the improvement in the cost structure. The operating profit margin in
Israel improved in the quarter, amounting to 12.7% compared to 11.5% in the
corresponding period last year.
The improvement in the operating profit in the first nine
months and in the quarter was achieved mainly by streamlining production
expenses and material cost.
The Coffee Sector
Sales - Organic sales growth, net of currency effect, amounted to 7.9%.
Reported sales totaled NIS 2,440 million months, increased by
1.2% and net of currency effect increased by 10.9%.
Coffee sales in the first nine months were adversely impacted
by the changes in the exchange rates of the different operating currencies
combined with the difficulty in raising prices in the prevailing
macroeconomic conditions in some of the countries where the Company operates.
The sales growth in local currency was especially strong in Brazil, where the
Company continues to grow at an accelerated pace increasing its market share
and expanding in additional geographical regions across the country. The
Company also continues to grow in the former USSR countries.
Organic sales growth in the third quarter, net of currency
effect amounted to 7.0%. Reported sales totaled NIS 858 million, a decrease
of 0.4%. After neutralizing the impact of currency exchange rates, growth
amounted to 7.0%.
The growth in local currency in the third quarter is evident
mainly in the Company's businesses in Brazil and in the former USSR
countries. Coffee sales in the quarter were positively influenced by the
growth in volumes in part of the clusters, and were negatively influenced by
the changes in the exchange rates of the various currencies.
Operating profit of the coffee business in the first nine
months of 2009 totaled NIS 192 million (7.9% of sales) compared to NIS 216
million (9.0% of sales) last year, a decrease of 11.4%. The decrease in the
operating profit is mainly the result of the decrease in the gross profit and
the impact of currency exchange rates.
The operating profit of the coffee business in the third
quarter totaled NIS 69 million (8.0% of sales) compared to NIS 79 million
(9.2%) in the corresponding period last year.
The Sabra Refrigerated Dips Business in the USA
Commencing in the second quarter of 2008 the Company has
proportionately consolidated the Sabra business (50%) according to the rate
of its holding following the closing of the transaction with PepsiCo.
In the first nine months Sabra's pro-forma sales (assuming the
full consolidation of Sabra's business) growth net of exchange rate effect
totaled 32.2%. Reported sales totaled NIS 310 million compared to NIS 209
million last year, an increase of 48.2%.
In the third quarter Sabra's sales growth net of exchange rate
effect growth in the quarter totaled 25.2%.f Reported sales totaled NIS 108
million compared to NIS 79 million last year, an increase of 36.0%.
Sabra's pro-forma operating profit in the first nine months
increased 91.9%, totaling NIS 52 million (16.8% of sales) compared to NIS 27
million last year (13.0%).
In the third quarter operating profit totaled NIS 20 million
(18.7% of sales) compared to NIS 12 million last year (15.3%), an increase of
66.4%.
Sabra has continued to grow its market share and to maintain a
leading position in the refrigerated flavored spreads category. Sabra's
average market share in the first nine months of 2009 was 38.6% compared to
an average market share of 31.8% in the corresponding period last year
(according to IRI figures published on October 4, 2009).
The Max Brenner Business
Sales in the first nine months, net of currency effect,
increased by 0.9%.
Reported sales totaled NIS 74 million compared to NIS 70 million last
year, an increase of 5.3%.
In the third quarter Max Brenner's sales, net of currency effect,
increased by 11.7%.
Reported sales totaled NIS 28 million compared to NIS 24 million last
year, an increase of 15.1%.
Financial Results:
Sales
Organic sales growth, net of currency effect amounted to 4.2%.
Reported sales totaled NIS 4,658 million compared to NIS 4,682 in the
corresponding period last year, a decrease of 0.5%. After neutralizing the
currency impact, growth amounted to 3.6%.
In the third quarter the Group's organic sales growth, net of
currency effect amounted to 3.2%.
Reported sales totaled NIS 1,622 million compared to NIS 1,646
million in the corresponding period last year, a decrease of 1.4%. After
neutralizing the currency impact the Group's sales increased by 1.9%.
Gross Profit
The accounting gross profit in the first nine months totaled
NIS 1,732 million (37.2%) compared to NIS 1,708 million last year (36.5%), an
increase of 1.4%. The pro-forma gross profit in the first nine months
increased by 0.3% to 37.0% compared to 36.8% for the corresponding period in
2008 .
The gross profit was positively impacted by the improvement in
activities in Israel and by the streamlining measures undertaken by Sabra,
and was adversely affected by the impact of currency exchange rates. The
Group has contended with the changes in raw material prices and exchange
rates by implementing streamlining measures in all areas of its activity and
by raising the prices of its products in the coffee business outside of
Israel.
The accounting gross profit in the third quarter increased by
4.0% and rose to 37.6% this year as against 35.7% last year. The pro-forma
gross profit increased by 0.6% to 37.4% this year, up from 36.7% in 2008.
Exchange rates adversely impacted the gross profit in the
coffee business in the third quarter, while the improvement in Sabra and the
Company's activities in the Israel sector had positively effected the gross
profit.
Operating Profit before Other Income (Expenses)
The accounting operating profit (before other expenses)
totaled NIS 425 million (9.1% of sales) in the first nine months of the year
compared to NIS 381 million (8.1%) in the corresponding period last year, an
increase of 11.7%.
The pro-forma operating profit totaled NIS 429 million (9.2%
of sales) in the first nine months compared to NIS 421 million (9.0%) last
year, an increase of 2.0%.
The increase in the Group's pro-forma operating profit is due
mainly to the increase in the operating profit of the Israel sector, which
improved by 9.9%, and to the improvement in Sabra's operating profit. The
Group's operating profit rate in the first nine months rose to 9.1% in 2009
from 8.1% last year.
The accounting operating profit (before other expenses)
increased 27.1%, totaling NIS 159 million (9.8% of sales) in the third
quarter compared to NIS 125 million (7.6%) in the corresponding period last
year. The improvement is the result of the improvement in the gross profit
and of the decrease in G&A expenses.
The pro-forma operating profit totaled NIS 159 million (9.8%
of sales) in the third quarter compared to NIS 156 million (9.5% of sales)
last year, an increase of 2.0%.
The increase in the Group's pro-forma operating profit is due
mainly to the increase in the operating profit of the Israel sector and
Sabra, which is the result of continued streamlining and the decrease in
selling and G&A expenses. The improvement in the operating profit is mainly
the result of the improvement in the gross profit and the streamlining moves.
Income for the Period
The accounting income for the period in the first nine months
amounted to NIS 237 million compared to NIS 421 million last year.
The pro-forma income for the period in the first nine months
amounted to NIS 265 million compared to NIS 262 million last year, an
increase of 1.1%.
Income for the period in the third quarter totaled NIS 90
million compared to NIS 262 million last year.
The pro-forma income for the period in the third quarter
amounted to NIS 91 million compared to NIS 112 million last year, a decrease
of 18.2%.
Income for the Period for the Shareholders of the Company
The accounting income for the period for the shareholders of
the Company in the first nine months totaled NIS 174 million compared to NIS
338 million last year, a decrease of 55.3%. The decrease is due mainly to the
capital gain in respect of the issue to TPG Capital, which was included in
the corresponding period last year, and to the growth in the profit
attributed to the minority interest (which in this period also includes TPG
Capital's share of the profits of Strauss Coffee).
The pro-forma income for the shareholders of the Company in
the first nine months totaled NIS 198 million compared to NIS 229 million
last year, a decrease of 13.5%. The decrease is due to the growth in the
profit attributed to the minority interest.
The accounting income for the period for the shareholders of
the Company in the third quarter totaled NIS 62 million compared to NIS 249
million last year, a decrease of 75.0%. The decrease is due both to the fact
that in the corresponding quarter last year other income was included in
respect of the issue to TPG Capital, and to the increase in the minority
share of the income following the TPG transaction (the acquisition of 25.1%
of Strauss Coffee by TPG Capital).
The pro-forma income for the shareholders of the Company in
the third quarter totaled NIS 64 million compared to NIS 99 million last
year, a decrease of 34.7%, which is mainly the result of the growth in the
minority share of the income compared to last year.
Table 1
Following are the condensed financial accounting statements of
income for the nine months and quarters ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (in
NIS millions):
Nine Months Third Quarter
2009 2008 % Chg 2009 2008 % Chg
Sales 4,658 4,682 -0.5 1,622 1,646 -1.4
Cost of sales not including
impact of hedging
transactions 2,932 2,963 -1.0 1,015 1,042 -2.5
Revaluation of the balance
of commodity hedging
transactions as at end
of period (6) 11 (4) 17
Cost of sales 2,926 2,974 -1.6 1,011 1,059 -4.4
Gross Income 1,732 1,708 1.4 611 587 4.0
Selling and marketing
expenses 1,049 1,053 -0.4 372 369 0.5
General and administrative
expenses 258 274 -6.1 80 93 -13.2
Operating income before
other income (expenses) 425 381 11.7 159 125 27.1
Other income (expenses), net (27) 190 - 171
Operating income after other
income (expenses) 398 571 -30.4 159 296 -46.2
Financing income (expenses),
net (70) (60) 16.9 (44) (6) 634.6
Income before taxes on income 328 511 -35.9 115 290 -60.1
Taxes on income (91) (90) 0.6 (25) (28) -9.8
Effective tax rate 27.7% 17.6% 21.8% 9.7%
Income for the period 237 421 -43.7 90 262 -65.5
Income attributed to
shareholders of the Company 174 388 -55.3 62 249 -75.0
Income attributed to
minority interest 63 33 94.7 28 13 112.2
Table 2
Following are the condensed results of business operations
(based on the Company's Pro-forma statements) for the nine months and
quarters ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (in NIS millions):
Nine Months Third Quarter
2009 2008 % Chg 2009 2008 % Chg
Sales 4,658 4,682 -0.5 1,622 1,646 -1.4
Cost of sales 2,932 2,961 -1.0 1,015 1,042 -2.5
Gross Income 1,726 1,721 0.3 607 604 0.6
Selling and marketing
expenses 1,049 1,046 2.9 372 362 2.8
General and administrative
expenses 248 254 -2.9 76 86 -11.4
Operating income -
management accounting 429 421 2.0 159 156 2.0
Financing income (expenses),
net (70) (60) 16.9 (44) (6) 634.6
Income before taxes on
income 359 361 -0.3 115 150 -23.5
Taxes on income (94) (99) -5.0 (24) (38) -36.3
Income for the period -
management accounting 265 262 1.1 91 112 -18.2
Income attributed to
shareholders of the Company 198 229 -13.5 64 99 -34.7
Income attributed to
minority interest 67 33 106.8 27 13 104.3
Table 3
Following are the condensed results of business operations
(based on the Company's management accounting statements) of the business
sectors for the nine months and quarters ended September 30, 2009 and 2008
(in NIS millions):
Nine Months Third Quarter
2009 2008 % Chg 2009 2008 % Chg
Israel sector
Net sales 1,990 2,026 -1.8 682 706 -3.4
Gross income 829 811 2.3 287 278 3.2
Operating income 235 214 9.9 86 81 6.0
Coffee sector
Net sales 2,440 2,410 1.2 858 862 -0.4
Gross income 768 792 -3.0 275 288 -4.4
Operating income 192 216 -11.4 69 79 -13.8
Other*
Net sales 228 246 -7.2 82 78 5.0
Gross income 129 118 8.5 45 38 17.1
Operating income 2 (9) 4 (4)
Total
Net sales 4,658 4,682 -0.5 1,622 1,646 -1.4
Gross income 1,726 1,721 0.3 607 604 0.6
Operating income 429 421 2.0 159 156 2.0
* Sabra's sales are 100% consolidated in the first quarter of 2008 and
proportionately consolidated (50%) commencing in the second quarter
of 2008 and thereafter.
Table 4
Consolidated Balance Sheet (in NIS million):
September 30, 2009 September 30, 2008
Millions NIS % Millions NIS %
Cash and Marketable Securities 1,207 20.1% 1,013 17.4%
Accounts Receivables 1,036 17.2% 1,069 18.3%
Other Accounts Receivables 287 4.8% 322 5.5%
Inventory 655 10.9% 717 12.3%
Investments & Long Term Loans 151 2.5% 110 1.9%
Fixed Assets 1,294 21.5% 1,208 20.7%
Intangible Assests 1,303 21.7% 1,312 22.5%
Other Assets 82 1.3% 85 1.5%
Total Assets 6,015 100.0% 5,836 100.0%
Current Bank Liabilities 271 4.5% 352 6.0%
Accounts Payables 629 10.5% 703 12.1%
Other Creditors 544 9.0% 796 13.6%
Long Term Liabilities 1,731 28.8% 1,290 22.1%
Minority Interest 913 15.2% 864 14.8%
Group Equity 1,927 32.0% 1,831 31.4%
Total Liabilities & Equity 6,015 100.0% 5,836 100.0%
For additional information:
Investors Contact Media Contact
Yaffa Cohen-Ifrah Osnat Golan
Director of Investor Relations Corporate Communications Director
Strauss Group Ltd. Strauss Group Ltd.
Tel: +972-3-6752545 Tel: +97-3-6752281
Mob: +972-54-5772195 Mob: +972-52-8288111
Email: Email:
yaffa.cohen-ifrah@strauss-group.com osnat.golan@strauss-group.com
www.strauss-group.com www.strauss-group.com
For additional information: Investors Contact, Yaffa Cohen-Ifrah, Director of Investor Relations, Strauss Group Ltd., Tel: +972-3-6752545, Mob: +972-54-5772195, Email: yaffa.cohen-ifrah at strauss-group.com; Media Contact, Osnat Golan, Corporate Communications Director, Strauss Group Ltd., Tel: +97-3-6752281, Mob: +972-52-8288111, Email: osnat.golan at strauss-group.com
Tags: Israel, Strauss Group Ltd, Tel aviv
