Carlsberg Boosted by Growth in Asian Markets

19 Feb 2014 --- Carlsberg has reported organic net revenue growth of 1% to DKK 66.6bn (Q4: +2%), with continued solid price/mix of +2% (Q4: +4%). 11% organic operating profit growth (adjusted for BSP1-related costs and stocking movements in France). There was reported operating profit of DKK 9,844m (Q4: DKK 2,322m), with 5% adjusted net profit growth to DKK 5,795m (Q4: +8%). Free operating cash flow of DKK 3.0bn and free cash flow of DKK 200m was impacted by acquisitions in Asia.

For 2013, Carlsberg A/S proposes a 33% increase in dividend per share to DKK 8.00. For 2014, the Group expects to deliver high-single-digit organic operating profit growth (based on restated figures ) and mid-single-digit growth in reported adjusted net result.

The Group delivered strong performance and achieved market share growth in all three regions driven by focused commercial execution and a number of successful innovations. Asian markets continued to grow while our Western European markets declined by an estimated 2%. The Russian market declined by an estimated 8% due to outlet restrictions and slower economic growth. Group beer volumes declined organically by 2% (Q4: -3%).

The company’s international premium portfolio continued to grow, with particularly strong performances by Tuborg (+10%) and Somersby (+78%). Tuborg is the fastest growing international premium beer brand in China and the largest premium brand in India. The Carlsberg brand grew 7% in Q4 in premium markets (declined 2% for the full year, cycling last year’s EURO 2012 activations).

Commenting on the results, CEO Jørgen Buhl Rasmussen says: “The Carlsberg Group delivered solid earnings growth driven by strong and focused execution in spite of an overall challenging macro- environment and not least the negative market impact in Russia from the outlet restrictions. This shows our ability to constantly execute and innovate effectively while maintaining tight control of our costs.”

“In the coming years we will continue to invest in growth and efficiency opportunities. We have a busy agenda of driving our ambitious commercial priorities, which include continued investment in our brands and ensuring that our sales and marketing capabilities are best-in-class. Furthermore, we will focus on further strengthening our Russian business; develop our Asian business to capture the growth potential of the region; and change our Western Europe business model and organisation, including the continued roll-out of BSP1.”