The cup doth overfloweth: Profits at the world’s largest listed winemaker doubled last year
The corks will have been popping today at Treasury Wine Estates, the world's largest listed pure-play winemaker, after its net profit more than doubled over the last year.
The figures
The Australia-based Blossom Hill maker's net profits rocketed to AU$179.5m (£105.5m) for the year to 30 June, up from AU$77.6m the year before.
Net revenue was up 13 per cent on a constant currency basis to AU$2.23bn.
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Earnings per share also more than doubled to AU$0.25 cents per share in 2016, while the group declared a final dividend of AU$0.12 per share. This hiked its total dividend by a hefty 43 per cent to AU$0.20.
Shares in the Australia-listed winemaker were up more than 11 per cent at the time of writing, to AU$10.65.
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Why it's interesting
Treasury posted growth in all regions, though earnings before interest and tax shot up 64 per cent in the Americas and by 40 per cent in Asia.
In America this was driven by reshaping its portfolio, with an emphasis on premium drinks, while in Asia optimisation of its supply chains and logistics complemented increasing consumer demand for imported wine brands.
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Treasury's results were also lifted by the acquisition of Diageo Wines' major interests in January, in a $522m (£400m) deal.
The FTSE-listed drinks giant offloaded its UK-based Percy Fox business, including brands Blossom Hill and Piat d’Or, and US wines Chateau and Estate Wines to Treasury.
The group has said the Diageo acquisition is set to deliver increased earnings per share in 2017.
Treasury said it is entering the first half of 2017 "with an outstanding pipeline of innovation and consumer and brand-led marketing campaigns intended to enhance brand health, price realisation and drive margin accretion in all markets".
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What Treasury Wine Estates said
Chief executive Michael Clarke said:
Our financial year 2016 demonstrates that momentum across our business is accelerating. Treasury Wine Estates is now delivering consistent earnings growth and margin accretion on a more balanced, sustainable and quality earnings basis.
I am very pleased with our performance in fiscal 2016. We have a refreshed priority brand portfolio and momentum is continuing to build across our regions and importantly, our results are being delivered sustainably.