Givaudan First-Half Net Income Increases 12.6%

Givaudan Group sales for the first six months of the year totaled CHF 2,191 million, up 4.5% on a like-for-like basis, but down 1.5% in Swiss francs.

Fragrance division sales were CHF 1,034 million, an increase of 4.8% on a like-for-like basis and a decline of 1.2% in Swiss francs. Flavor division sales were CHF 1,157 million, an increase of 4.3% on a like-for-like basis and a decline of 1.8% in Swiss francs.

Key financials in the report include: 

  • Sales of CHF 2.2 billion, up 4.5% on a like-for-like basis
  • Full project pipeline and strong win rate across all regions and segments
  • Developing markets account for 45% of sales and grew 9.2% on a like-for-like basis
  • EBITDA increased by 10.5% to CHF 562 million EBITDA margin improved to 25.6% from 22.9% in 2013
  • Net income of CHF 305 million, up 12.6% year on year
  • Free cash flow of 8.1% of sales, compared to 9.3% in 2013

View the press release below or click here to view the entire release. 

Gross Margin

The gross margin increased to 46.6% from 44.3%, driven by the positive leverage effect from the strong volume gains, lower operational costs following the closure of the flavors facility in Bromborough, UK and supply chain efficiencies. The transfer of products to the new flavors manufacturing facility in Makó, Hungary from Kemptthal, Switzerland, continues in line with project timelines.

Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA)

In the first six months of 2014, the EBITDA increased by 10.5% to CHF 562 million from CHF 509 million. An improved gross profit was the main driver behind the increased EBITDA. In the first six months of 2014 the Group recognized a one-off gain of CHF 38 million in the flavor division on the disposal of land at its Dübendorf location in Switzerland. When measured in local currency terms, the EBITDA increased by 17.5%. The EBITDA margin increased to 25.6% in 2014 from 22.9% in 2013.

Operating Income

The operating income increased by 11.8% to CHF 422 million, from CHF 377 million for the same period in 2013. When measured in local currency terms, the operating income increased by 20.7%. The operating margin increased to 19.2% in 2014 from 16.9% in 2013.

Financial Performance

Financing costs were CHF 32 million in the first half of 2014, versus CHF 39 million for the same period in 2013. The decrease was as a result of the lower net debt in the Group.Other financial expense, net of income, was CHF 14 million in 2014 versus CHF 10 million in 2013. The main increase in financial expense was driven by continued currency volatility in emerging markets. The Group’s income taxes as a percentage of income before taxes were 19% in 2014, compared to 18% in June 2013.

Net Income

The net income for the first six months of 2014 was CHF 305 million compared to CHF 271 million in 2013, an increase of 12.6%. This results in a net profit margin of 13.9%, versus 12.2% in 2013. Basic earnings per share were CHF 33.13 versus CHF 29.61 for the same period in 2013.

Cash Flow

Givaudan delivered an operating cash flow of CHF 218 million for the first six months of 2014, compared to CHF 299 million in 2013, as a higher EBITDA was more than offset by temporary working capital requirements. Working capital as a percentage of sales decreased in 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013. Total investments in property, plant and equipment were CHF 46 million, compared to CHF 35 million incurred in 2013. Intangible asset additions were CHF 21 million in 2014, compared to CHF 23 million in 2013, as the company continued to invest in its IT platform and implement SAP in new facilities. In addition, the Group received cash of CHF 56 million as a result of the sale of land at its Dübendorf location in Switzerland.

Total net investments in tangible and intangible assets were 0.5% of sales, compared to 2.6% in 2013. Operating cash flow after net investments was CHF 207 million, versus the CHF 242 million recorded in 2013. Free cash flow, defined as operating cash flow after investments and interest paid, was CHF 178 million in the first half of 2014, versus CHF 207 million for the comparable period in 2013. As a percentage of sales, free cash flow in the first six months of 2014 was 8.1%, compared to 9.3% in 2013.

Financial Position

Givaudan’s financial position remained strong at the end of June 2014. Net debt at June 2014 was CHF 1,129 million, up from CHF 816 million at December 2013. The leverage ratio was 24%, compared to 18% at the end of 2013. The main reason for the increase in the leverage ratio was the payment of the CHF 433 million dividend in the first quarter of 2014.

Mid-term Guidance
Mid-term, the overall objective is to grow organically between 4.5% and 5.5% per annum, assuming a market growth of 2-3%, and to continue on the path of market share gains. By delivering on the Company's five-pillar growth strategy – developing markets, Health and Wellness, market share gains with targeted customers and segments, research and sustainable sourcing – Givaudan expects to outgrow the underlying market and to continue to achieve its industry-leading EBITDA margin while targeting an annual free cash flow of between 14% and 16% of sales in 2015. Givaudan confirms its intention to return above 60% of the Company’s free cash flow to shareholders while maintaining a medium term leverage ratio target below 25%.