Raisio plc, Interim Report January-March 2016: Raisio’s EBIT EUR 9.7 million

Raisio plc      Interim Report 10 May at 8:30 Finnish time

RAISIO’S EBIT EUR 9.7 MILLION

January-March 2016

• The Group’s EBIT was EUR 9.7 million (Q1/2015: EUR 9.6 million) accounting for 8.5% (7.9%) of net sales.
• The Brands Division’s EBIT was EUR 11.4 million (EUR 11.3 million) accounting for 12.6% (12.1%) of net sales.
• Raisioagro’s EBIT was EUR 0.0 million (EUR 0.1 million).
• The Group’s net sales totalled EUR 114.0 million (EUR 122.5 million).

Raisio Group’s key figures

  The interim report has not been audited.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

“Raisio continued to deliver strong results in the first quarter of 2016. The Group’s EBIT of EUR 9.7 million was a good performance in the challenging and rapidly changing international markets. The Group’s EBIT margin rose to 8.5 per cent.

Benecol’s good development continued in our home markets for consumer products. In the UK, the largest market for Benecol products, the sale of spreads increased significantly. Benecol product sales developed well also in Ireland and Poland.

Confectionery business continued to show strong performance. Particularly good sales growth was seen in our own confectionery brands in the UK and Czech Republic.

Raisio’s long-term work to expand the range of healthy snacks in line with consumer needs resulted in sales growth. Elovena snack biscuits, snack bars and instant porridges sold particularly well. Sales also grew in gluten-free products sold under the Provena brand.

In April after the review period, Raisio licensed its Honey Monster brand to the British cereal producer Brecks. Raisio is focusing on healthy, ecological snacks in line with its strategy. Brecks will start the production, marketing and sales of Honey Monster cereals from the beginning of July 2016.

Benemilk Ltd’s sales to China increased but the company’s EBIT and cash flow were negative. The Benemilk Ltd’s fundraising is expected to be completed in such a way that we could decide on the possible implementation of financing arrangements during the summer 2016.”

2016 OUTLOOK REMAINS UNCHANGED

Despite the weakened visibility and difficult market conditions, Raisio expects its EBIT to improve in 2016.

RAISIO PLC

Heidi Hirvonen
Communications and IR Manager
tel. +358 50 567 3060

Further information:
Matti Rihko, CEO, tel. +358 400 830 727
Antti Elevuori, CFO, tel. +358 40 560 4148
Heidi Hirvonen, Communications and IR Manager, tel. +358 50 567 3060

Raisio’s financial reviews in 2016
- Interim Report January-June on 10 August 2016
- Interim Report January-September on 9 November 2016

Chief Executive’s video in English will be available on Raisio’s web site at www.raisio.com

Raisio plc

Raisio plc is an international specialist in plant-based nutrition. Raisio’s operations are divided into two divisions: Brands and Raisioagro. The Group’s key market areas are Finland, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Russia and Poland. Markets for cholesterol lowering Benecol products are global. Raisio plc’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. In 2015, the Group's net sales totalled EUR 521 million and EBIT was EUR 51.7 million excluding one-off items. The Group employs some 1,800 people. Raisio’s best-known brands are Benecol, Benemilk, Elovena Honey Monster, Fox’s and Poppets. Benemilk feeds for milk production and Benecol for cholesterol lowering are Raisio’s top innovations. For more information on Raisio go to www.raisio.com/en

Distribution
Nasdaq
Key media
www.raisio.com