Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
DGAP-Adhoc: Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG: Sales Report 2013
Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG / Key word(s): Final Results
14.01.2014 07:00
Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 KR
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MEDIA RELEASE
- 2013: Group growth again exceeds substantially the development of the
chocolate markets
- Organic growth of 8.6% exceeds the long-term strategic growth target
- Market share gains in all key markets and product categories
- Group sales in Swiss francs: 2.883 billion (+8.0% against previous
year)
- Expected increase of the EBIT margin towards the top of the strategic
target
Kilchberg, January 14, 2014 - Lindt & Sprüngli is continuing its long-term
drive for growth and strongly outperformed the trend of the overall
chocolate markets yet again. This brought corresponding gains of market
shares in all important countries and product categories as well as in the
seasonal business. The above-average organic growth is achieved largely by
higher volumes.
Constantly rising prices for relevant raw materials, continuing tough price
competition, and sustained economic weakness in the South European
countries, were the biggest challenges in the past financial year. Thanks
to the extensive use of a multitude of marketing activities, many
innovative new launches, an uncompromising commitment to premium quality
and effective cost management, the Group was able to achieve strong gains
in an economic environment which remained relatively sluggish; new market
shares were won everywhere. Growth is based primarily on higher volumes,
innovations and an optimized product mix. Group sales were also boosted by
the all-round success of the new lifestyle product range HELLO.
The organic growth of the Group in local currencies amounted to 8.6%,
exceeding the long-term strategic growth target of 6-8 %. Group sales in
Swiss francs rose by 8.0% to CHF 2.883 billion. The somewhat weaker
parities of a number of currencies (USD, CAD, AUD, GBP) were not entirely
offset by the somewhat higher exchange rate of the euro, thus affecting
consolidated sales expressed in Swiss francs by approximately CHF 20
million.
Once more, the Swiss subsidiary stepped up its already record market shares
in the tablet and pralinés segment, thanks to good sales growth in the
domestic market. Double-digit growth rates were achieved in the export
business. On the largely saturated main European markets such as Germany
and France, Lindt & Sprüngli again reported sales growth well above the
market average, further consolidating LINDT's leading position. Growth in
England reached double-digit rates. In Italy, LINDT sales were slightly
higher and market shares could be gained despite the declining overall
chocolate market. Business in North America (USA and Canada), the world's
biggest chocolate market which makes the largest contribution to Group
sales, remained on a successful track with the LINDT and GHIRARDELLI
brands, and reported double-digit growth once again. The recently
incorporated subsidiaries in the developing markets Japan, China and South
Africa also showed a positive performance.
As part of its proceeding geographical expansion into new markets, the
'LINDT Global Retail' Division is playing an increasingly important role.
With a share of around 9% on Group sales, it has become a major success
factor. The global network of own LINDT Chocolate Cafés, Flagship Stores
and Outlets is also making a significant contribution to sustainable
strengthening and further consolidation of the LINDT brand image and
recognition.
Outlook: operating profit (EBIT)
The Group expects to improve the EBIT margin at the upper end of the
previously announced increase of 20 to 40 basis points range.
More details at the balance sheet press conference: Tuesday, March 11,
2014, 10:00 a.m. in Kilchberg
Media contact: Mediarelations-in@lindt.com / Tel.: +41 (0)44 716 24 56 or
57 or 86
Conference for Investors: Tuesday, March 11, 2014, 2.00 p.m. in Kilchberg
Contact for Investor requests: Investorrelations-in@lindt.com
Tel: +41 (0)44 716 25 37
14.01.2014 News transmitted by EQS Schweiz AG.
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Language: English
Company: Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
Seestrasse 204
8802 Kilchberg
Switzerland
Phone: + 41 44 716 25 37
Fax: + 41 44 716 26 60
E-mail: zdrozd@lindt.com
Internet: www.lindt.com
ISIN: CH0010570759, CH0010570767
Valor: 1057075, 1057076
Listed: SIX
End of Announcement EQS Group News-Service
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