Wrap Text
Trading update
SABMiller plc
JSEALPHA CODE: SAB
ISSUER CODE: SOSAB
ISIN CODE: GB0004835483
SABMiller plc Trading update
21 January 2016
SABMiller plc today issues its trading update for the group’s third quarter ended 31 December 2015.
Alan Clark, Chief Executive of SABMiller, said:
“This was a very strong quarter with volume growth of 4% and group NPR growth of 7%. The majority
of our subsidiary businesses achieved strong growth. Africa performed well across the board, with
group NPR in South Africa growing by 16% and our African subsidiaries by 18%. In Latin America
growth was led by Colombia and the Asia Pacific region benefited from volume and NPR growth in
Australia. Europe had a stronger quarter, with all of our subsidiaries in growth. Group NPR growth
was held back by headwinds in our associates’ and joint ventures’ major markets and continued
industry trends in the USA.
“Our reported results are materially impacted by the significant depreciation of our key operating
currencies against the US dollar but the underlying performance we are reporting today reflects the
strength of our business and the dedication of our people.”
Q3 Q3 YTD
Q3 & YTD change Group Beverage Group Group Beverage Group
Organic, constant NPR volume NPR/hl NPR volume NPR/hl
currency v. prior change change change change change change
% % % % % %
Latin America 8 5 3 8 6 2
Africa 12 8 4 10 6 4
1
Asia Pacific 5 - 5 4 (2) 7
Europe 6 4 2 1 (1) 3
North America (1) (2) 1 (1) (2) 1
Total 7 4 3 5 2 4
1
Further detail of a potential full year adjustment by our associate in China is provided on the final page of this release.
On a reported basis, group NPR declined by 8% for the quarter and by 9% for the year to date due to
the adverse translational impact on our results of continued depreciation of our key operating
currencies against the US dollar.
The calculation of organic growth rates excludes the impact of acquisitions and disposals. All growth
rates in this trading update are for the third quarter (or the year to date when indicated) over the prior
year comparative period and are quoted on an organic basis for volumes and an organic, constant
currency basis for group NPR and group NPR per hl (unless noted otherwise).
Key third quarter highlights
- Group NPR for the third quarter grew by 7%, based on volume growth of 4% and price and mix
realisation of 3%. Lager volume growth accelerated during our financial year to 3% in the quarter,
underpinned by growth of 7% in Latin America and 6% from our subsidiary businesses in Africa.
- Subsidiary total beverage and lager volumes grew by 8% and 6% respectively, building on the
momentum achieved in the second quarter and assisted by favourable weather conditions in
some markets. This contrasts with the relatively weaker performance in our associates and joint
ventures which resulted in group lager volume growth of 3% for the quarter.
2 2
- Premium lager brand volumes grew by 4% and volumes of our global lager brands increased by
8%.
- Soft drinks volumes grew by 8%, with double digit growth in Africa and a subdued performance in
Latin America.
- We have been negatively impacted by the depreciation of our key operating currencies against
the US dollar, which materially impacts our results.
2
Both on a subsidiary basis, excluding home markets for global brands
Latin America
Strong top line growth in Colombia and Central America
In Latin America, group NPR for the third quarter grew by 8%, with beverage volume growth of 5%
held back by soft drinks volume growth of 1%. Lager volume growth accelerated to 7% in the quarter.
Group NPR per hl benefited from selective price increases and favourable brand mix.
- In Colombia, group NPR grew by 10% reflecting beverage volume growth of 6%, premiumisation
and selective price increases in December 2015. Strong lager volume growth of 13% was driven
by our affordability strategy and the continued momentum of our above mainstream brands,
particularly Aguila Light and the alcohol-free Aguila Cero. Both our mainstream brand Poker and
our local premium brand Club Colombia saw healthy growth. Volumes of our non-alcoholic malt
beverage brand, Pony Malta, declined following an unfounded rumour that went viral on social
media in October.
- In Peru, group NPR grew by 6% with beverage volumes up 1%. Group NPR per hl growth was a
result of selective price increases in August 2015 together with positive mix from our above
mainstream brand Pilsen Callao and our local premium brand Cusqueña. Lager volumes grew 1%
against a backdrop of adverse weather conditions, a strong comparative and lower consumer
confidence.
- In Ecuador, group NPR grew by 1% with beverage volumes down 1% as a result of softer macro-
economic conditions. Group NPR growth was aided by positive brand mix, as consumers
continued to trade up to Pilsener Light, and positive category mix.
- In Central America, group NPR grew by 10% with beverage volume growth of 10%. Our
affordability initiatives in Honduras continue to exceed expectations. Lager volumes grew 8%,
driven by double digit growth in Honduras, and partly offset by a decline in Panama due to excise-
driven price increases earlier in the year.
Africa
Sustained strong momentum in our African subsidiaries
In a continuing volatile environment, group NPR in Africa grew by 12% reflecting beverage volume
growth of 8%, selective pricing, and positive category mix in most markets. Lager volumes for the
region grew by 4% while soft drinks volumes increased by 13%.
- Group NPR in South Africa rose by 16%, with beverage volume growth of 10% assisted by
particularly warm weather. Group NPR growth was supported by pricing on key packs in October
and premiumisation in lager. Lager volume growth of 2% reflects good trade execution over the
peak trading period with continuing growth of Castle Lager, particularly in bulk packs, partly offset
by Hansa Pilsener which declined. Our premium lager brand volumes increased by 12% as a
result of continued growth of Castle Lite and supported by a return to growth of Redd’s. Soft
drinks volumes grew very strongly at 21% assisted by the warmer weather and growth of the still
beverages portfolio.
- Our subsidiary businesses in the rest of Africa produced excellent growth with group NPR up 18%
and beverage volumes up 12% with lager volumes up 16%.
- Tanzania’s group NPR grew by 5% with beverage volume growth of 8% underpinned by a
substantial recovery in lager volumes which rose by 11%. Growth was led by greater
distribution and sales of our affordable brand Eagle, complemented by renewed growth of
Safari, together with a strong performance from traditional beer which was offset by a
subdued performance in our wines and spirits category.
- Despite cycling a strong comparative, group NPR in Mozambique increased by 23% reflecting
beverage volume growth of 11% together with selective pricing, positive segment and pack
mix with mainstream brands growing strongly in convenience packs driven by our 2M brand.
- In Zambia, group NPR grew by 32% due in part to beverage volume growth of 19%.
Favourable category mix resulted from lager volume growth of 39%, against a soft
comparative, while NPR also benefited from premiumisation in lager.
- In Nigeria, group NPR growth momentum continued, increasing by 28%, supported by volume
growth of 25% as a result of enhanced market execution and utilisation of the additional
brewing capacity commissioned in the year.
- The continuing turmoil in South Sudan and the acute shortage of access to foreign exchange
in the country significantly impacted our performance in the quarter. As a result, we are
evaluating our options, including scaling back our operations.
- Our associate, Castel’s group NPR declined with beverage volumes down 8% principally driven
by significant economic and trading challenges in Angola. Group NPR in our associate in
Zimbabwe marginally improved, cycling a weak comparative.
Asia Pacific
Improved momentum in Australia driving subsidiary NPR growth
In Asia Pacific, group NPR grew by 5% with group NPR per hl growth of 5% reflecting continued
premiumisation in Australia and China, together with an increase in one-way packaging volumes in
China. Beverage volumes were level with the prior year, as growth in Australia and India was offset by
a 1% decline in volumes in China.
- In Australia, group NPR growth of 4% was primarily a result of positive mix and price realisation,
together with volume growth of 1%. The business benefited from continuing improvements in
commercial execution and a warmer summer than the prior year. Volume growth trends continued
to improve, with momentum in both the premium and contemporary segments. Premium segment
growth was led by sustained high single digit growth of Peroni, with the Great Northern brands
driving growth in our contemporary portfolio and the Yak franchise supporting growth in our craft
brands. Our mainstream brands Victoria Bitter and Carlton Draught declined, partly due to the
continuing consumer switch to premium and contemporary segments, although this was partially
mitigated by strong Carlton Dry performance.
- In China, group NPR grew by 6% largely due to the continued roll-out of one way packaging.
Beverage volumes declined 1% primarily due to continuing tough industry and trading headwinds,
and despite adverse weather conditions in key regions in the prior period.
Europe
Strong group NPR growth in Europe
Group NPR grew by 6% in the quarter with beverage volume growth of 4% assisted by unseasonably
mild weather but held back by the performance of our associates. Our European subsidiaries
delivered group NPR growth and beverage volume growth of 8% in the quarter.
- In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, group NPR increased by 7% with beverage volume growth
of 4% assisted by positive brand mix. Our Czech business reported a strong Christmas trading
period due to continuing improvements in sales execution. Our premiumisation efforts delivered
Pilsner Urquell growth of 18%.
- In Poland, group NPR increased by 6%, with volumes up 8% reflecting an improved trend
following a challenging first half. Performance in the quarter was driven by restoring the price
competitiveness of our brand portfolio, particularly our lower mainstream brand Zubr, and
supported by a streamlined and more customer-focused sales model.
- In the United Kingdom, group NPR grew by 7%. Volumes were up 2% with favourable brand mix
due to the continued growth of Peroni Nastro Azzurro, which was up 7%, and the Czech brand
portfolio which offset the declines in Miller Genuine Draft and the Polish brand portfolio.
- In Romania, group NPR increased by 25%, with volumes up 20% as a result of double digit
growth across all price segments and improved NPR per hl benefiting from a promotional
campaign on our premium brand Ursus.
- The remainder of our European subsidiaries increased group NPR by 7%, with volume and group
NPR growth across all markets. In Italy, group NPR grew by 5% driven by Peroni and our
premium portfolio, while in the Netherlands group NPR increased by 3% owing to a strong
perfomance in the off premise channel.
- Both the soft drinks and beer businesses of our associate Anadolu Efes continue to be adversely
impacted by economic and political instability in their key markets.
North America
Softer volumes but premium lights continue to gain segment share
Group NPR in North America declined by 1% with beverage volumes down 2% driven by the
performance of MillerCoors. While domestic sales to wholesalers (STWs) were down 3% in the
quarter, MillerCoors group NPR per hl grew 1%, reflecting positive sales mix together with favourable
net pricing. US domestic sales to retailers (STRs) were down 2% in the quarter.
- Premium light STRs declined low single digits, although MillerCoors continued to gain market
share in the segment, with low single digit decreases in both Coors Light and Miller Lite. The
decline in Coors Light STRs slowed in the quarter due to progress in rolling out the brand’s new
visual identity across all packages. A marginal decline in Miller Lite reflects a strong comparative
period in the prior year driven by the successful launch of the heritage packaging campaign.
- STR volumes in the above premium segment decreased by low single digits. The Redd’s
franchise grew mid single digits, supported by additional media investment, while the Blue Moon
franchise achieved a low single digit increase. The Leinenkugel’s portfolio declined double digits
due to a temporary production issue with the winter variety pack that has since been resolved.
- The below premium portfolio experienced a mid single digit decline, with both Keystone and
Milwaukee’s Best down high single digits while Miller High Life declined mid single digits.
Q3 and year to date change versus prior year: table by region and key country
Q3 Q3 YTD
Group NPR Beverage Group Group NPR Beverage Group
Organic, constant currency change volume NPR/hl change volume NPR/hl
v prior % change change % change change
% % % %
Latin America 8 5 3 8 6 2
Colombia 10 6 3 10 8 2
Peru 6 1 4 7 3 4
Other 8 6 2 6 5 1
Africa 12 8 4 10 6 4
South Africa 16 10 5 11 6 5
Rest of Africa (subsidiaries) 18 12 5 15 12 3
Other* (8) (7) (1) 3 (2) 5
Asia Pacific 5 - 5 4 (2) 7
Australia 4 1 3 2 (1) 4
China* 6 (1) 7 6 (2) 8
Other 6 2 3 6 - 6
Europe 6 4 2 1 (1) 3
Czech and Slovakia 7 4 2 4 - 3
Poland 6 8 (1) (9) (7) (3)
Other* 6 3 3 4 - 4
North America (1) (2) 1 (1) (2) 1
Total 7 4 3 5 2 4
* The performance of our associates’ are based on estimated financial results which are then trued-up in subsequent
months. For those associates with a December year end, the figures included above are still subject to audit and in some
instances will be reported publicly in due course.
On a full year basis, the group expects to recognise its share of a reclassification (within the income
statement) undertaken by its associate in China of certain selling expenses to NPR in the current
year. The amount for the twelve months ended 31 December 2015 is still subject to audit and the
quarterly phasing is not available. If a phased estimate were applied to the current period, year to
date group NPR growth over the prior year would be 2% for China and 3% for Asia Pacific (rather
than the 6% and 4%, respectively, shown in the table above). For the group, the impact would be de
minimis with no change to the year to date group NPR growth of 5% shown above.
ENDS
Enquiries
SABMiller plc
t: +44 20 7659 0100
Christina Mills Richard Farnsworth Gary Leibowitz
Director, Group Communications Group Media Relations Director,
and Reputation Investor Engagement
SABMiller plc SABMiller plc SABMiller plc
T +44 20 7659 0105 T +44 7734 776 317 T +44 20 7659 0119
Notes to editors
SABMiller is in the beer and soft drinks business, bringing refreshment and sociability to millions of people all
over the world who enjoy our drinks. The company does business in a way that improves livelihoods and helps
build communities.
SABMiller is passionate about brewing and has a long tradition of craftsmanship, making superb beer from high
quality natural ingredients. Our local beer experts brew more than 200 beers from which a range of special
regional and global brands have been carefully selected and nurtured.
SABMiller is a FTSE-20 company, with shares trading on the London Stock Exchange, and a secondary listing on
the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The group employs around 69,000 people in more than 80 countries, from
Australia to Zambia, Colombia to the Czech Republic, and South Africa to the USA. Every minute of every day,
more than 140,000 bottles of SABMiller beer are sold around the world.
In the year ended 31 March 2015, SABMiller sold 324 million hectolitres of lager, soft drinks and other alcoholic
beverages, generating group net producer revenue of US$26,288 million and EBITA of US$6,367 million.
This announcement is available on the company website: www.sabmiller.com
Further information is also available on:
www.sabmiller.com
www.facebook.com/sabmiller
www.twitter.com/sabmiller
www.youtube.com/sabmiller
This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or issue or the solicitation of an offer to buy or acquire
securities of SABMiller plc (the “Company”) or any of its affiliates in any jurisdiction or an inducement to enter into
investment activity.
This document includes “forward-looking statements”. These statements may contain the words “anticipate”,
“believe”, “intend”, “estimate”, “expect” and words of similar meaning. All statements other than statements of
historical facts included in this announcement, including, without limitation, those regarding the Company’s
financial position, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations (including
development plans and objectives relating to the Company’s products and services) are forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be
materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-
looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the
Company’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the
future. These forward-looking statements speak only as at the date of this announcement. The Company
expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking
statements contained in this announcement to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with regard
thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Any
information contained in this announcement on the price at which the Company’s securities have been bought or
sold in the past, or on the yield on such securities, should not be relied upon as a guide to future performance.
Sponsor: J.P. Morgan Equities South Africa (Pty) Ltd
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