Interim Results 2019

14/05/2019

Download the full Interim Results statement (PDF 891KB)

Stock Spirits Group PLC

Results for the six months ended 31 March 2019

Continuing financial and operational progress

Announcing today the acquisition of Bartida, a premium spirits business in the Czech Republic

14 May 2019: Stock Spirits Group PLC (“Stock Spirits”, the “Group”, or the “Company”), a leading owner and producer of premium branded spirits and liqueurs that are principally sold in Central and Eastern Europe and Italy, announces its results for the six months ended 31 March 2019 (including proforma unaudited comparatives, due to its change in year-end in 2018 to 30 September).

Financial Highlights

	Reported 6 mths to March 2019	Proforma 6 mths to March 2018	Growth % Dec 2017
Volume (millions 9 litre cases)	7.4	6.9	6.8%
Revenue* (€ millions)	156.9	145.0	8.2%
Revenue at constant currency1		143.0	9.7%
Adjusted EBITDA2 (€ millions)	33.5	32.2	4.2%
Adjusted EBITDA at constant currency		31.7	5.8%
Operating profit before exceptional items (€ millions)	29.0	26.4	9.7%
Profit/(loss) for the period (€ millions)	5.8	(1.4)	n/a
Earnings/(loss) per share - basic (€ cents per share)	2.94	(0.72)	n/a
Adjusted EPS - basic (€ cents per share)	10.15	9.12	11.3%

* All proforma figures have been restated for IFRS 15

• Net debt of €25.2 million at 31 March 2019 (30 September 2018: €31.6 million), resulting in leverage of 0.42x (30 September 2018: 0.53x)³
• Interim dividend of 2.63 € cents per share, an increase of 5.2% (2018 interim: 2.50 € cents per share)
• Exceptional item: further impairment of Italian business of €14.3 million

¹ Constant currency is calculated by converting the proforma prior period results at current period FX rates

² The Company and its subsidiaries, Stock Spirits Group (the “Group”) uses alternative performance measures as key financial indicators to assess underlying performance of the Group. Details of the basis of calculation for Adjusted EBITDA can be found in note 5 to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

³ Leverage at 30 September 2018 is net debt as at 30 September 2018 divided by the proforma Adjusted EBITDA for full year 2018. Leverage at 31 March 2019 is the net debt as at 31 March 2019 divided by the unaudited 12 months Adjusted EBITDA to 31 March 2019

Operational highlights          

• Continuing market share growth in Poland with revenue up +11.5% at constant currency. Stock Spirits continues to outperform its key competitors
• Ongoing success in the Czech Republic, achieving record market share with the success of Republica contributing strongly to the results. Revenue up +14.3% at constant currency
• Announcing today the acquisition of Bartida, a high-end On-Trade spirits business in the Czech Republic, for an initial consideration of €7.3 million (with an additional deferred consideration of up to €3.7 million over five years)
• Signed an agreement to acquire Distillerie Franciacorta, a leading grappa business in Italy, for €23.5 million, with a further €3.0 million payable for land; completion expected in June (as previously announced in January)

Commenting on the results, Mirek Stachowicz, Chief Executive Officer, said:

“We delivered a strong organic growth performance in our core markets of Poland and the Czech Republic in the period, achieving strong increases in market shares, volume, revenues and profit. Looking to the future, the recently announced acquisitions in Italy and the Czech Republic are a clear sign that we are committed to delivering growth both inorganically and organically. Overall, we believe that the strength of our brands and our strategy means that Stock Spirits is well positioned for further success.”

Analyst presentation

Management will be hosting a presentation for analysts at 9.00am today at Numis Securities, London Stock Exchange Building, 10 Paternoster Square, London, EC4M 7LT. If you would like to attend, please contact Powerscourt on the details below.

A webcast of the presentation will also be available via www.stockspirits.com and a recording made available shortly afterwards. 

For further information:

Stock Spirits Group:                             +44 (0) 1628 648 500

Paul Bal

Powerscourt:                                         +44 (0) 207 250 1446

Rob Greening                                          stockspirits@powerscourt-group.com
Lisa Kavanagh
Jana Tsiligiannis

A copy of this interim results announcement ("announcement") has been posted on www.stockspirits.com.

Investors can also address any query to investorqueries@stockspirits.com.

Disclaimer

This announcement may contain statements which are not based on current or historical fact and which are forward looking in nature. These forward looking statements may reflect knowledge and information available at the date of preparation of this announcement and the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward looking statements. Such forward looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties facing the Group including, without limitation, those risks described in this announcement, and other unknown future events and circumstances which can cause results and developments to differ materially from those anticipated. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast.

Basis of Preparation

The financial information contained in these interim results does not constitute statutory accounts of Stock Spirits Group PLC within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for Stock Spirits Group PLC for the 9 months ended 30 September 2018 were delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors have reported on the accounts, their report was:(i) unqualified; (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report; and (iii) did not constitute a statement under Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

About Stock Spirits Group

Stock Spirits is one of Central and Eastern Europe’s leading branded spirits and liqueurs businesses, and offers a portfolio of products that are rooted in local and regional heritage. With core operations in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina, Stock also exports to more than 50 other countries worldwide. Global sales volumes currently total over 100 million litres per year.

Stock Spirits has production facilities in Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany, and its core brands include products made to long-established recipes such as Stock 84 brandy, Fernet Stock bitters and Limoncè, as well as more recent creations like Stock Prestige, Żołᶏdkowa de Luxe vodkas and Božkov Republica rum.

Stock Spirits is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange. For the proforma year ended 30 September 2018 it delivered total revenue of €282.4 million and operating profit of €48.7 million.

For further information, please visit www.stockspirits.com

Interim Management Report

Overview

Due to the change in our accounting year to 30 September last year, we have presented the six months to 31 March 2019 with unaudited proforma results for the comparative six month period to 31 March 2018.

We are pleased to report that our interim results show continued progress across the Group.  Overall, the Group grew volumes by +6.8%, revenue by +9.7% and adjusted EBITDA by 5.8%, despite the fact that the Easter trading period did not fall within the six months to March 2018, (whereas it did in the same period last year). Both our Polish and Czech businesses, which together represent over 80% of the Group’s sales, delivered good growth in market share, sales and profits. Cash generation continues to be high, meaning that the Group’s financial position remains strong, even after allowing for an increased interim dividend and payment for the two acquisitions referred to above.  The momentum that we are seeing is largely organically-driven, supported by the continued positive economic back-drops in a number of our Central European markets. 

The vodka category in Poland continues to grow in both volume and value - especially the flavoured category and the more premium segments - as a result of increasing consumer affluence.

Our Polish business continued to grow share, and saw strong volume and revenue growth, both on a reported and on a constant currency basis.  We have now delivered 23 months of continuous year-on-year volume market share growth in the vodka category. Revenue was up +11.5% (at constant currency), but there was some margin dilution resulting from channel and brand mix dynamics, as well as increased marketing investment in support of innovative new products. Adjusted EBITDA was up +7.4% (at constant currency).

In the Czech Republic, three of the four main spirits categories - rum, vodka and whisky - are in volume and value growth, which has more than compensated for a contraction in herbal bitters. The market has benefitted from a robust economy and an increase in disposable income which has fuelled up-trading. 

Building on our leadership position, we continued to grow share in the Czech Republic to record levels. Revenue has also grown strongly, up +14.3% on a constant currency basis. This has also resulted in strong profit delivery and improved margins, with adjusted EBITDA up +28.4% (at constant currency).  

Italy, which represents around 8% of the Group’s revenue and around 3% of its adjusted EBITDA, remains challenging, with revenue, profits and margins down. The total market declined slightly in volume, and value remained flat, with consumption impacted by high unemployment and low economic growth. The market remains highly fragmented, but we hold leading positions in several key categories - including vodka, flavoured vodka and limoncello - and the number two position in brandy.  This will shortly be joined by the number one Off-Trade position in branded grappa, through the soon to be completed acquisition of Distillerie Franciacorta, which will bring more scale to our Italian business as well as greater sales capability in Premium On-Trade.  As trading conditions currently remain tough, and in light of the disappointing performance, we have recognised a further impairment write-down against our existing business in Italy.

Our Other markets include Slovakia, Bosnia, Croatia and other export activities. Overall revenue in this area was slightly higher, but mix and margin in Slovakia reduced overall profits.

Elsewhere, in February 2019 our Quintessential Brands Irish Whiskey Ltd (QBIWL) joint venture commissioned its Dublin distillery and opened its Visitor Centre.  Liquid is now being produced and laid down. One of the venture’s brands, The Dubliner, is now in distribution in our key markets.

Beyond organic growth, we announced on 31 January 2019 that we have signed an agreement to acquire Distillerie Franciacorta SpA, one of the leading Italian producers of grappa, liqueurs and Franciacorta – a premium Italian sparkling wine that is produced solely in the prestigious Franciacorta region.  The transaction will establish Stock Spirits as the leading branded grappa player in the Italian Off-Trade. Completion of the acquisition is expected to occur in June.

We are today announcing an interim dividend of 2.63 € cents per share, representing an increase of 5.2% versus last year’s interim dividend of 2.50 € cents. This is consistent with our aim of providing progressive dividends, whilst maintaining our ability to build scale through potential future M&A. Our robust balance sheet and continued strong cash flow generation provide us with the capacity for further M&A should suitable opportunities arise. However, as we have said previously, if no meaningful M&A activity materialises then we will as a matter of course consider returning cash to investors via additional shareholder distributions.

Czech Republic acquisition (post period end)

We are also pleased to announce today that our business in the Czech Republic has signed contracts for the acquisition of Bartida sro and its sister company, Bartida Retail sro (together “Bartida”), a premium spirit drinks business focused on the premium On-Trade market in Czech Republic. This acquisition will strengthen our position as a leading player in this segment.

Completion of the transaction is expected to take place on 31 May 2019. Stock Spirits will acquire the entire issued share capital of the Bartida companies for an initial cash consideration of €7.3 million with a further payment of up to €3.7 million dependent upon the achievement of certain KPIs under an earn-out mechanism. As part of the transaction, the current owners will continue to work with Stock Spirits for five years to help ensure a smooth and successful transition and continue to drive future growth. 

Bartida’s portfolio, which comprises both own-brands and third-party distribution brands, covers the premium end of the rum, fruit spirits and liqueurs categories, where it fits neatly in above Stock Spirits’ existing portfolio, providing revenue synergies as well as complementary operational capabilities.  Bartida’s focus is on direct sales to premium On-Trade outlets, and it also has its own e-shop, Demonstration Bar and On-Trade Training Centre in the centre of Prague.  This combination of complementary product portfolio and route-to-market strengthens Stock Spirits’ existing business in the Czech Republic and is in line with Stock Spirits’ wider premiumisation strategy. Due to the unique concept and On-Trade capabilities of Bartida, we will keep the unit operationally independent, whilst also including our own premium brands within its portfolio. We will also evaluate the feasibility of rolling out the direct sales model for premium On-Trade outlets to other markets.

Bartida’s sales in the year ended 31 December 2018 (audited) were €8.8 million, operating profit was €1 million and the value of the gross assets of the business at completion is estimated to be c. €3.6 million. The fair value of the assets acquired and any subsequent goodwill created from the acquisition will be calculated at completion. The acquisition will be earnings enhancing in the first full financial year of ownership.

Market performance:

Poland

Stock Spirits is delivering growth ahead of the market in the two biggest spirits categories in Poland - i.e. vodka and whisky.

Revenue has grown on a reported basis by +9.1% to €83.8 million, and on a constant currency basis revenue is up €8.6 million versus €75.2 million last half year (proforma), growth of +11.5%. Reported adjusted EBITDA in H1 was €19.7 million versus €18.7 million last half year (proforma). On a constant currency basis adjusted EBITDA has increased by €1.4 million, with a margin of 23.5% slightly below that of the last proforma half year of 24.4%, reflecting the channel and brand mix impact to gross margin and the higher marketing investment in the current period.

In the wider market, vodka, the largest spirits category in Poland, continues to perform positively, delivering volume growth (+0.5%) and value growth (+1.8%).

This is due in part to greater growth from the total flavoured segment’s value (+4.4%), which commands higher average selling prices per litre than total clear vodka. The flavoured segment has growing appeal with young adults and female drinkers and its accessible taste profile is ideally suited to the increasing popularity of usage occasions where males and females drink together.

Total vodka value growth is also underpinned by double digit value growth of total premium clear vodka (+15.2%) as increasing affluence and economic stability in Poland encourage consumers to trade up to higher quality at higher average price points. This contrasts with the continued acute competitive pricing pressure at lower price segments.

Stock Spirits is the fastest growing major player by volume (+9.7%) and value (+9.2%) in the Polish vodka market. This has increased Stock Spirits’ value share from 26.6% to 28.4% (on a moving annual total (MAT) basis). Stock Spirits’ volume and value growth rates are ahead of the category in both the clear and flavoured segments and across all vodka price segments, including total premium, mainstream and economy. Our category leading growth has been achieved through up-weighted focus on our flavoured range (primarily Lubelska and Saska) coupled with the success of our premiumisation initiatives in clear vodka, where Stock Prestige and Amundsen Expedition continue to grow share.

Whisky, the second largest and fastest growing spirits category in Poland, achieved volume growth (+10.1%) and value growth (+10.6%). At this stage of the whisky category’s evolution, the majority of growth is being delivered via the discounter channel, where the major multinational whisky players are driving trial and consumption using the rapid penetration growth offered by the channel. Stock Spirits’ success in vodka is mirrored in the whisky category, where Stock Spirits grew Jim Beam, its key distribution brand’s volume (+15.5%) and value (+16.6%), well ahead of the total category, and increased Jim Beam’s value share from 8.8% last year to 9.2% this year.

On 16 April 2019, the Polish government published its ‘Long Term Financial Plan’ for 2019-2022 with a proposed 3% increase in excise duty on spirits, beer and wine from January 2020.   We will implement the necessary actions to manage the change.

Czech Republic

Having addressed the trade-related headwinds encountered last year in the Czech Republic, Stock Spirits is delivering growth ahead of the spirits market and a good financial performance.

Revenue has grown on a reported basis by +13.2% to €44.9 million, and on a constant currency basis revenue is up €5.7 million versus €39.2 million last proforma half year, or growth of +14.3%. Reported EBITDA in H1 was €15.4 million versus €12.1 million last half year (proforma). On a constant currency basis EBITDA has increased by €3.4 million, a margin of 34.3%, an improvement of 380 bps, as marketing spend in the current period returned to normalised levels.

In the wider market, total spirits remain in positive volume (+1.0%) and value (+4.0%) growth, and are continuing to benefit from the robust economy and increasing disposable income in the Czech Republic. As in Poland, growing consumer affluence is fuelling expanded spirits consumption and consumers are trading up to higher quality, and higher price point, products.

Three of the four biggest spirits categories - i.e. rum, vodka and whisky - are in volume and value growth (on a MAT basis), which more than compensated for a contraction in total demand for herbal bitters.

Notwithstanding its leadership position, Stock Spirits has grown its total volume market share (+0.9%) whilst out-performing the market in value market share growth (+7.3%), increasing its market leading value share of total spirits from 33.6% to a 5-year record of 34.7%.

Our Božkov brand strategy, which offers a wider mix of variants with increased choice and price range across the segments, is delivering positive results. Stock grew value share of rum from 61.4% last year to 65.1%. Our core Božkov tuzemsky range continues to deliver volume and value growth in the current period, but our most notable success in the rum category is the outstanding continued performance of our Republica premium product, launched in March last year, which has achieved brand leadership in the premium rum segment and driven total category value growth.

In the whisky category, Stock Spirits’ expanded distribution portfolio, which has been strengthened by the addition of Beam Suntory’s brands last year, grew value share from 7.2% to 11.1%.

The growth achieved in rum and whisky more than compensated for the contraction of our total vodka share in Czech, where the expansion of private label offerings has taken share from the longer established vodka brands. It has also offset the contraction of the herbal bitters category and share decline from Fernet Stock.

To address these issues, we have revisited our vodka promotional activity, whilst in bitters the Fernet Stock range was relaunched in March 2019 with new improved premium packaging and flavour innovation, supported by a comprehensive consumer communications campaign. Early indications from both initiatives are positive, with an improving performance in the period for Stock Spirits’ key brands in both categories.

Our other premium NPD, Black Fox, is steadily growing share of premium herbal bitters. Black Fox is a long term trial building investment as it is a completely new brand, and it is helping to broaden the appeal of our herbal bitters portfolio to young adult drinkers.

On 5 April 2019, the Ministry of Finance in Czech proposed a c.13% increase in duty on spirits with effect from January 2020. If confirmed, we will implement the necessary actions to manage the change.

Italy

Italy accounts for 7.8% of the Group’s sales and 3.4% of its adjusted EBITDA. Revenue was down by -3.8% to €12.2 million and adjusted EBITDA in H1 was €1.1 million versus €2.9 million last half year (proforma), with a decrease in margin, partly due to higher marketing investment.

The market is highly fragmented, across several mature spirits categories including bitters, vodka, brandy, whiskey and liqueurs. Whilst Stock Spirits has a relatively small overall share of total spirits, with 5.9% volume share in our main focus area of the modern Off-Trade channel, we hold leading positions in several key categories - including number one brands in the clear vodka, vodka-based liqueurs and limoncello categories, and the number two brand in brandy. This will shortly be joined by the number one Off-Trade brand in grappa, through the soon to be completed acquisition of Distillerie Franciacorta.

Trading conditions remain tough, with a high level of unemployment and low growth impacting consumer consumption. As a result of these trends, the total Off-Trade market declined slightly in volume (-0.9%) and value remained flat (+0.3%) in the period.

Against this backdrop, Stock Spirits’ total volume share in our focus modern trade channel was slightly down to 5.9%, with value share slightly down to 5.5%. Stock Spirits maintained overall share in clear vodka and gained share in brandy but, as a result of the softening market and strong growth of private label, there were losses in flavoured vodka-based liqueurs and limoncello. This performance in flavoured vodka-based liqueurs has caused us to revisit the potential and other opportunities across the wider portfolio.

In light of the challenges still being experienced, we have recorded a further impairment of €14.3 million against the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets in Italy.

We are delighted to be acquiring Distillerie Franciacorta, which is a business with a fantastic heritage and outstanding brands.  Stock Spirits is acquiring the entirety of Distillerie Franciacorta’s spirits and liqueurs business, together with land for the construction of a new production facility. We are also acquiring the prestigious Franciacorta wine brands, although all aspects of the wine manufacturing will be retained by the vendor.  As part of this transaction, we will also take a long-term lease of the historic Borgo San Vitale site, the distillery and visitor-centre that is an integral part of Distillerie Franciacorta’s heritage. 

Grappa is Italy’s fourth largest spirits category, and the total premium-price segments in which the Franciacorta brands are positioned grew by 4.8% in value from 2016 to 2017 (IWSR 2018).  We see clear synergies with our existing operations, both in the On-Trade, where Stock Spirits can leverage Distillerie Franciacorta’s strong presence, and in the Off-Trade, where the acquired brands will benefit from Stock Spirits’ current coverage. Further details of the transaction can be found in the announcement that was made on 31 January 2019.

In Italy, there are also recent announced proposals to increase VAT from 22% to 25% and/or an increase in excise tax from 1 January 2020. If confirmed, we will implement the necessary actions to manage the change.

Other markets

Other markets includes Slovakia, Bosnia, Croatia and other export activities. Revenue was up +0.8% to €16.1 million and adjusted EBITDA in H1 was €3.1 million versus €3.7 million last half year (proforma).

Slovakia

In Slovakia, total spirits market volume was flat whilst value grew (+1.1%). Stock Spirits continues to premiumise its range to grow value in the highly competitive Slovakian market and has maintained value share of total spirits (12.0%) this year versus last year (12.1%).

Brand building investment on Amundsen clear vodka drove value growth (+14.7%), well ahead of total vodka category growth (+1.6%). In the fruit spirits category, Golden Ladova (Ice), our premium variant, grew value (+10.3%), helping to offset overall fruit spirits category decline (-4.1%).

As in the Czech Republic, Stock Spirits maintained leadership in herbal bitters, despite aggressive price promotional activity by major competitors. The relaunch of the Fernet Stock range from April 2019, launched in Slovakia in tandem with the Czech Republic, is planned to support a return to share growth.

NPD also drove premiumisation. Božkov Republica was rolled out, and we entered the Borovička (Juniper) category using the premium Golden Ladova (Ice) brand, which helped drive a (+14.3%) value growth for Stock in that category.

Stock Spirits’ fastest value growth in Slovakia was in whisky. Having begun distribution of Beam Suntory’s range in May 2017, Jim Beam’s value share increased to 7.7% from 5.9%, with value growth +38.6%.

These initiatives contributed to stable overall volume and value share for Stock in Slovakia, maintaining our position as the second biggest spirits company in the Off-Trade.

International

In Croatia we have had pleasing results from Stock 84 brandy, resulting from a relaunch of the brand last year, which reinforces our market leading position in imported brandy. All distribution brands have been performing well, including the Beam brands, Beluga and The Dubliner Irish whiskey.

A new distributor in Germany was appointed in January 2018 and has already delivered tangible results by gaining listings in the retail segment for our Polish brands. A new distributor for the UK market was also appointed in January 2019 and as a result we anticipate more traction for our brands in the UK in future.

Sources for all market data as referenced above: All data quoted is MAT to end March 2019, from Nielsen for Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia and from IRI and IWSR for Italy.

Financial performance

Due to the year-end change in 2018, the results for the comparative six month period to 31 March 2018 are presented on a proforma basis. The basis of preparation is outlined in note 2 of the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Volumes for the period were up 6.8% as a result of the strong performance from Poland and Czech, supported by the market share increases as outlined above.

Reported revenue was up +8.2% to €156.9 million (H1 2018: €145.0 million) as a result of strong increases in volume (+6.8%) and mix (+4.7%), from the continuing success of our premiumisation strategy. This has been partly offset by foreign exchange differences (-1.5%) due to the weakening of the Polish Zloty and Czech Koruna versus the Euro, and by pricing (-1.8%) primarily due to channel mix in Poland (increased volumes through discounters) as well as pricing pressure on the Božkov core brand in Czech.

Cost of goods sold has increased in absolute terms by +12% and the cost per litre has increased +6.8% (at constant currency) to €1.25 per litre (H1 2018: €1.17 per litre). Besides inflationary increases at our production facilities in Poland, Czech and Germany, there was higher volume of premium (and therefore higher cost) products sold, both of owned brands and those of third party distribution brands which are primarily whisky products. The relative increase of third party brands sold in the period versus own brands, especially in the Discounter channel in Poland, was a key factor in the gross margin reduction to 47.0% (H1 2018: 48.8%).

Selling expenses have increased by 2.9% to €28.9 million due to increased promotional expenditure. Overheads reduced by -1.4% to €15.1 million reflecting our continuing focus on the underlying cost base.

In December 2017 an exceptional expense of €14.9 million was reported due to the impairment of the carrying value of goodwill in Italy. The Italian market experienced a poor Christmas retail period at the end of 2018 and this has contributed to our results in Italy continuing to decline year-on-year.  This has led us to recognise a further reduction in the carrying value of goodwill and intellectual property. Therefore, a further €14.3 million non-cash impairment has been recorded as an exceptional expense in the current period. We intend to address the decline of our current Italian business through increased scale (via M&A) as well as by focusing further investment on a wider range of our core brands and premium growth opportunities.

The investment in the Irish whiskey venture, Quintessential Brands Irish Whiskey Limited, continues to plan with the Dublin distillery and brand home now open as of February 2019. The venture is now generating its own liquid to lay down and mature for the brands.  The Dubliner whiskey is now in distribution across our key markets.

Operating profit for the period was €14.7 million, an increase of +27.6% versus H1 2018 (€11.5 million). Adjusted EBITDA also increased by +4.2% to €33.5 million (H1 2018: €32.2 million) with a softening of margin to 21.4% (H1 2018: 22.2%) due to the impact on gross margin as outlined above.

Although net debt is lower by €6.4 million to €25.2 million at the period end (versus the opening position at 1 October 2018), cash drawings against our facility have been used to finance working capital flows, tax payments and dividends. The cash balances retained currently on the balance sheet will therefore reduce as we pay out dividends in the future. Consequently, net finance costs have increased marginally by €0.3 million to €2.1 million in the period.

As set out in the principal risks and uncertainties and in note 9 of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements, the Group is exposed to a number of tax risks in the countries in which it operates. As disclosed in our Annual Report and Accounts in September 2018, the 2013 tax return in relation to our Polish subsidiary remains open. In December 2018 we received an assessment in relation to aspects of its pre-IPO intellectual property restructuring and certain other historic intra-group transfer pricing matters. With regards to historical intercompany transaction risks, tax of €0.7 million and penalty interest of €0.3 million has been paid, both of which had been provided for at the 2018 year-end. During March 2019 the Polish tax authorities recalculated and reduced the penalty interest to €0.1m. In relation to the amortisation of the intellectual property assets, the assessment of tax and penalty interest of €4.5 million was received and paid. We lodged an immediate appeal against this latter element of the assessment. On advice from our tax advisors and legal counsel, it is considered that our appeal will ultimately be successful, and therefore this payment has been treated as a recoverable asset on our balance sheet.  During March 2019 the Polish tax authorities recalculated and reduced the penalty interest, and therefore the €4.5 million subject to appeal has been reduced to €3.9 million.

An exceptional expense was booked in December 2017 in relation to deferred tax in Poland of €4.7 million which has been included in the comparative period tax charge.

Adjusted basic earnings per share were reported as 10.15 € cents for the period, growth of +11.3% versus an adjusted value in H1 2018 of 9.12 € cents per share.

Free cash flow was strong and its conversion rate (being free cash flow as a percentage of adjusted EBITDA as per note 6 in the interim accounts) was 93.2% (H1 2018: 79.0%). The improvement derives from the reduction of inventory which was built up in Q1 (of the 2018 calendar year) due to the potential rum ether issue in Czech. That issue was resolved last year and the higher inventory levels have been unwound.

Net free cash flow (free cash flow less M&A, financing and tax) reduced to €17.6 million in the period (H1 2018: €20.0 million). This was due to the €4.7 million tax payments made for the Polish tax assessment as outlined above, as well as a €3.0 million refundable deposit paid on the signing of the agreement to acquire Distillerie Franciacorta in Italy as announced in January 2019 (refundable if certain conditions precedent are not completed by the vendors prior to expected completion in June 2019).

Leverage has reduced to 0.42x (September 2018: 0.53x), which allows for liquidity and flexibility for the future growth of the business.

The expected completion of our Italian acquisition, Distillerie Francicorta, and the signing of the agreement to purchase Bartida in Czech, as noted above, have been disclosed as post balance sheet events in our interim accounts.

The Board of Directors has agreed an interim dividend payment of 2.63 € cents per share, an increase of 5.2% on the prior year interim dividend. The dividend will be paid on 21 June 2019, with a record date of 31 May 2019 (shareholders on the register at the close of business on 30 May 2019). The Euro: Sterling exchange rate will be fixed on the record date.

Outlook

We are pleased with the ongoing performance of our business, particularly in Poland and the Czech Republic and are continuing to deliver against our four pillar strategy. Following the recent agreements to acquire businesses in Italy and the Czech Republic, we continue to assess a range of acquisition opportunities that would deliver enhanced growth and shareholder value for the future. However, as we have said previously, if no significant M&A occurs then we will consider additional shareholder distributions.

Overall, we continue to believe that the strength of our brands and the viability of our strategy means that Stock Spirits is well positioned for further success in FY19 and beyond.

Going concern

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and its subsidiaries have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at least the next twelve months. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the consolidated financial information of the Group.

Principal Risks and uncertainties

The Board considers the principal risks and uncertainties for the Group are:

• Economic & Political risk, including Brexit – The Group’s results are affected by overall economic conditions in its key geographic markets and the level of consumer confidence and spending in those markets. The Group’s operations are primarily in Central and Eastern Europe markets where there is a risk of economic and regulatory uncertainty which can directly or indirectly impact the consumption of alcohol. Political, economic and legal systems and conditions in emerging economies are generally less predictable.  Brexit is not considered to be a principal risk or uncertainty for the Group, for the reasons set out on page 25 of the Stock Spirits Group Annual Report 2018.
• Taxes - Increases in taxes, particularly increases to excise duty rates and VAT, could adversely affect the demand for the Group’s products. An example are the excise tax increases as proposed in Poland, Czech and Italy as outlined above. The Group may also be exposed to tax liabilities resulting from tax audits. The Group continues to manage audits and other challenges brought by tax authorities. Changes in tax laws and related interpretations and increased enforcement actions and penalties may alter the environment in which the Group does business. In addition, certain tax positions taken by the Group are based on industry practice and external tax advice and/or are based on assumptions and involve a significant degree of judgement.
• Strategic transactions – Key objectives of the Group are: (i) the development of new products and variants; (ii) expansion in the Central and Eastern European region and certain other European countries, through the acquisition of additional businesses; and (iii) distribution agreements with world-class brand partners. Unsuccessful launches or failure by the Group to fulfil its expansion plans or integrate completed acquisitions, or to maintain and develop its third party brand relationships, could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s growth potential and performance.
• Marketplace & Competition – The Group operates in a highly competitive environment and faces competitive pressures from both local and international spirits producers, which may result in pressure on prices and loss of market share.

Further detail on the principal risks and uncertainties affecting the business activities of the Group are set out on pages 20 to 25 in the Stock Spirits Group Annual Report 2018, a copy of which is available on the Company’s website at www.stockspirits.com. In the view of the Board there is no material change in these risks in respect of the remaining six months of the year.

Responsibility statement of the Directors in respect of the half-yearly financial report

We confirm to the best of our knowledge:

The condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU

The interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by:

a) DTR 4.2 7R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and

b) DTR 4.2 8R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the entity during that period; and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could do so.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors as at 14 May 2019 is as follows: David Maloney (Chairman), Mirek Stachowicz (Chief Executive Officer), Paul Bal (Chief Financial Officer), John Nicolson (Senior Independent Non-Executive Director), Mike Butterworth (Independent Non-Executive Director), Tomasz Blawat (Independent Non-Executive Director), Diego Bevilacqua (Independent Non-Executive Director), and Kate Allum (Independent Non-Executive Director).

For and on behalf of the Board of Directors:

Mirek Stachowicz, Chief Executive Officer
David Maloney, Chairman

14 May 2019

Download the full Interim Results statement (PDF 891KB)

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