Carlsberg Reports Strong Western Europe Performance
The increase was due to a strong performance at BBH, a good performance in Asia and 4% revenue growth in Western Europe. Operating profit was DKK 4,046m, against DKK 3,518m in 2005.
20/02/07 Carlsberg has reported strong growth in earnings driven by Western Europe and BBH. Net revenue climbed 8% to DKK 41.1bn (DKK 38.0bn in 2005). The increase was due to a strong performance at BBH, a good performance in Asia and 4% revenue growth in Western Europe. Operating profit was DKK 4,046m, against DKK 3,518m in 2005. Beverage activities generated operating profit of DKK 3,997m (3,306m in 2005, excluding the contribution from the then associate Hite Brewery Co. Ltd.), corresponding to an increase for continuing operations of 21% relative to 2005. Other activities, including the sale of real estate, contributed operating profit of DKK 49m, against DKK 96m in 2005. Net profit was DKK 1,884m, against DKK 1,110m in 2005.
It will be proposed to the Annual General Meeting that a dividend be paid of DKK 6.00 per share, corresponding to an increase of 20% (DKK 5.00 per share in 2005). For 2007 Carlsberg said it anticipates growth of around 5% in net revenue. Operating profit is expected to increase to approx. DKK 4.5bn of which approx. DKK 4.3bn comes from the brewing activities. Net profit is expected to show a small improvement on the reported figure for 2006.
"The progress made in 2006 is very pleasing – partly because it is based on broad progress in our key companies," comments CEO Nils S. Andersen. "This shows that the many changes made in Carlsberg in recent years are bearing fruit and that we have created a professional organisation and with it a solid foundation for continued strengthening of the business in the years ahead."
