Kerry Group likely to report solid first half performance

Kerry Group chief executive Stan McCarthy will present the firm's interim results for the first six months to the end of June this Thursday.

Last year, the global ingredients and flavours group clocked up a 12 per cent increase in trading profit to €241 million in the first six months of the year, as well as a 10 per cent increase in sales revenue to €2.9 billion.

In a year in which Kerry is investing significantly for future growth, underlying first half performance is once again expected to be robust. Robust volumes and margin growth in the first quarter will provide a solid backdrop to the interim results on Thursday.

Davy Stockbrokers is forecasting some modest price inflation during the period, with a first half margin of 8.8 per cent. The stockbroking firm’s H1 forecasts call for continuing volume growth of 2.6 per cent, comprising robust growth in ingredients and flavours (+3.5 per cent) and flattish volumes in foods (+0.3 per cent). The forecasts also call for revenues of €2.96 billion (+1.4 per cent) and Ebita of €260 million (+7.4 per cent).

Kerry will also provide an update on its FY outlook. It is currently guiding adjusted earnings per share growth of 7-11 per cent.

Davy said the interim results may also include commentary on the rationalisation of Kerry’s global manufacturing footprint, merger and acquisition activity if any and early progress of phase two of the KerryConnect programme. This year is the peak year of investment in the 2010-2016 programme.

With Kerry being a consistently solid performer, don’t expect any surprises in terms of results.