Regulatory News:
Trading update on the 2008/09 financial year (ended 30 June 2009)
Since Pernod Ricard (Paris:RI) now reports its annual sales at the same
time as its overall results for the period (on 3 September this year), a
trading update will from now on be provided in the days following the
year-end.
Press Release - Paris, 17 July 2009
The Group’s performance over the whole 2008/09 financial year,
characterised by a difficult economic environment, proved highly
satisfactory.
Annual sales should grow by about 9%, with organic growth close to flat,
a negative foreign exchange effect of around 2% and a strong positive
Group structure effect due to the integration of Vin & Sprit.
Following a strong increase over the first half-year, Pernod Ricard’s
sales growth slowed down over the second half: this was due to the
overall decline in consumption, as well as to destocking by wholesalers
and distributors, which primarily occurred over the third quarter.
The fourth quarter sales trend improved, in line with our expectations,
with negative organic growth* of about 3%. The major emerging markets
(China, India) continued to grow strongly. The performance of other
markets remained contrasting, with countries such as France, Australia,
Sweden and Canada reporting growth and others such as Ireland, Italy,
South Korea, and Japan continuing to experience difficult situations.
The announced results guidance for the 2008/09 financial year is
confirmed:
-
organic growth* in profit from recurring operations at the lower end
of our guidance range of 3% to 5%, resulting from steady sales,
combined with strictly controlled advertising and promotional
expenditure and structure costs,
-
growth in net profit from recurring operations - Group share slightly
in excess of 10%, due to the significant contribution of Absolut and
to an average cost of debt maintained below 5%.
Final and detailed 2008/09 financial year sales and results on Thursday,
3 September 2009
* on a like-for-like basis
About Pernod Ricard
Created by the merger of Pernod and Ricard (1975), the Group has
undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and
acquisitions. The purchase of part of Seagram (2001), the
acquisitions of Allied Domecq (2005) and recently of Vin & Sprit (2008)
have made Pernod Ricard the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with
consolidated sales of € 6,589 million in 2007/08.
Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in
the sector: ABSOLUT Premium Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas
Regal and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson’s Irish Whiskey,
Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu
liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek and
Montana wines.
The Group favours a decentralised organisation, with 7 Brand Owners
and 70 Distribution Companies established in each key market, and
employs a workforce of more than 19,300 people.
Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development
policy and encourages responsible consumption.
Pernod Ricard is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI;
ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index.
Pernod Ricard
Francisco de la VEGA / Communication VP
Tel:
+33 (0)1 41 00 40 96
or
Florence TARON / Press Relations
Manager
Tel: +33 (0)1 41 00 40 88
or
Denis FIEVET /
Financial Communication - Investor Relations VP
Tel: +33 (0)1 41 00
41 71
