SABMiller Q1 Performance Hit by Low Beer Consumption

26 July 2013 --- SABMiller plc has issued its Interim Management Statement for the group’s first quarter ended 30 June 2013. The calculation of the organic growth rates excludes the impact of acquisitions and disposals on revenues and volumes.

Alan Clark, Chief Executive of SABMiller, commented: “Our first quarter revenue growth was held back by unseasonably cold and wet conditions in many of our northern hemisphere markets, which negatively impacted beer consumption. This was offset by continued growth in our Latin America and Africa divisions.”

Group revenue and group revenue per hl both grew by 2% on an organic, constant currency basis. Total beverage volumes on an organic basis were level with the prior year. Lager volumes on an organic basis declined 1%, with growth in Latin America and Africa offset by Europe and North America. Soft drinks volumes on an organic basis grew by 8% reflecting growth in Latin America, Europe and Africa. The group’s underlying financial performance is in line with expectations.

Revenue growth continued in Latin America during the first quarter, with organic, constant currency group revenue increasing 6%. Lager volumes were up 2% on an organic basis, despite slower economic growth and price increases towards the end of the prior year in Colombia and Peru, and soft drinks grew by 5% on the same basis. Colombia’s lager volumes grew 5% in the quarter, assisted by growth in Águila Light and the continued roll-out of bulk packs, as well as expanded distribution. Peru’s lager volumes declined 3%, impacted by a further consumer price increase as a result of the 8% increase in excise tax during the quarter. In Ecuador lager volumes were up 3%, underpinned by strong growth of Pilsener Light and increased reach of our direct service model. In Central America lager volumes grew by 2%, with a strong performance in the premium segment in Panama, and soft drinks volumes increased 6% on an organic basis driven by El Salvador, and despite aggressive price competition in the region.

In Europe, group revenue on an organic, constant currency basis declined 1% as the 3% decline in total volumes on an organic basis was partially offset by an improvement in group revenue per hl. Lager volumes were down 7% on an organic basis marked by continuing weakness in consumer confidence and unusually cold and wet weather. This had a considerable effect on industry performance, especially in our larger markets, and impacted our seasonal offerings. In Poland, volumes were 14% lower as the industry cycled the prior year uplift associated with the Euro 2012 football tournament. Our business was also impacted by a combination of industry price discounting and the stock build in the trade in the previous quarter ahead of price increases in March 2013 and our global template deployment. In the Czech Republic, domestic volumes were down 11%, as the business cycled a positive off-premise performance in the prior year assisted by promotional activities and the launch of radlers. The on-premise channel in particular was adversely impacted by severe flooding which resulted in outlet closures, affected distribution and stifled the performance of innovations across the market. Volumes in Romania were up 13% with growth across the portfolio driven by our economy brand Ciucas along with Timisoreana and Ursus, with the latter assisted by the launch of Ursus Cooler. Domestic volumes declined by 4% in Italy as the industry continued to suffer from weak consumer spending. In the UK, domestic volumes were 8% down as management reduced discount levels on Miller Genuine Draft. On an organic basis Anadolu Efes volumes grew, with a decline in lager volumes more than offset by growth in soft drinks volumes. On a reported basis Anadolu Efes volumes benefited from the full consolidation of the Coca-Cola Icecek results.

In a challenging environment with significantly cooler weather in most of the country, MillerCoors gained share in the premium light and above premium segments. MillerCoors’ revenue decreased 3% with US domestic sales to retailers (STRs) down 4.4% and domestic sales to wholesalers (STWs) down 5.3% in the quarter. Premium light STRs declined high single digits in the quarter with Coors Light declining mid single digits and Miller Lite declining high single digits. MillerCoors’ above premium portfolio grew double digits driven by new product offerings, including Redd’s Apple Ale and Third Shift Amber Lager, as well the continued strength of Tenth and Blake led by the double digit growth of Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy. The economy portfolio was down mid single digits.

Group revenue in Africa grew by 10% on an organic, constant currency basis driven by increased volumes. Lager volumes grew by 8% on an organic basis despite cycling strong growth in the first quarter of the prior year. Tanzania returned to growth with lager volumes 8% ahead of the prior year and Castle Lite continued to drive growth in the premium segment. Zambia enjoyed lager volume growth of 14% assisted by the commissioning of the new Ndola brewery in November 2012. Nigeria continued to grow strongly, supported by the new capacity from the Onitsha greenfield brewery. In Mozambique lager volume growth of 1% was subdued after strong trade buy in during the final quarter of the prior year and some political disturbance in the latter part of the quarter. Softer economic conditions during the quarter impacted volumes in Uganda, Zimbabwe and South Sudan, which all experienced a contraction in lager volumes. Our associate Castel delivered lager volume growth of 9% underpinned by a strong performance in Angola. Soft drinks volumes continued to grow strongly, up 10%, with notable performances from Ghana and Zambia, and from our associates Castel and Delta in Zimbabwe. Other alcoholic beverage volumes ended the quarter 4% lower on an organic basis primarily as a result of tougher trading conditions in Botswana.

Asia Pacific group revenue on an organic, constant currency basis declined by 2%, adversely impacted by the loss of discontinued brands in Australia. Lager volumes in the region grew by 1% on an organic basis. In China, lager volume growth was 2% with demand impacted by poor weather across the country in April and May. In India, volumes declined 1%, as a number of states introduced regulatory changes which unfavourably impacted sales, while much of India was impacted by the early onset of the monsoon season. In Australia, continuing volumes were level compared with the prior year, despite a relatively weak consumer environment, and the adverse impact of the timing of Easter. Australia’s largest brand, Victoria Bitter, delivered its third consecutive quarter of growth, up 8% compared with the prior year. Performance was also supported by robust premium portfolio growth, including both Crown Lager and Peroni Nastro Azzurro, the fastest growing international brand. This growth, however, was partially offset by a decline in Carlton Draught. Total domestic volumes, including discontinued brands, were down 7%.

In South Africa, group revenue on a constant currency basis grew by 5%, driven by beer pricing and higher premium lager sales. Lager volumes were level with the prior year against a backdrop of softer consumer spending and the absence of an Easter peak period. In the face of strong competition, our portfolio performed well, with Castle Lite continuing to grow particularly strongly and Castle Lager also posting a good performance. We continued to improve our customer servicing and targeted brand investment. Soft drinks volumes rose 2%, driven by the continued success of the two litre PET pack and strong growth in still drinks, supported by increased market penetration.