Givaudan's Fine Fragrances & Fragrance Ingredients sales decline

04 Aug '09

6 min read

In the first half year 2009, the business of Givaudan has proven resilient in a difficult economic environment.

Sales for the first six months of the year totalled CHF 1,996 million, a decrease of 0.9% in local currencies and 4.7% in Swiss francs. Excluding the impact of the divested business in the Flavours division, sales to June 2009 decreased by 0.6% in local currencies versus the same period in 2008. During the second quarter sales posted a slight growth of 0.9% in local currencies compared to a decline of 2.1% in the first quarter of this year.

The operating income margin on a comparable basis increased by 1.1 percentage points, mainly as a result of the lower amortisation of intangible assets, whilst the EBITDA margin on a comparable basis declined by 1.3 percentage points, driven by continued pressure on the gross margin.

Net income was CHF 95 million. Earnings per share were 12.62. Adjusted for the various elements of the Quest acquisition, earnings per share were CHF 24.15.

In a continuing weak economy, it remains difficult to reliably forecast the market growth. However, with the exception of Fine Fragrances and, to a lesser extent, other discretionary product segments, the majority of Consumer Products and Flavours are expected to remain resilient. For the full year 2009, Givaudan is confident to outgrow the underlying market, based on briefs pipeline and new wins.

Sales
The Fragrance Division recorded sales of CHF 899 million, a decrease of 2.3% in local currencies and 6.6% in Swiss francs. During the second quarter sales recovered and posted a slight growth of 0.9% in local currencies compared to the decline of 5.4% in the first quarter of this year. Sales of Consumer Products showed a sales increase in local currencies during the first half of 2009, despite destocking throughout the supply chain.

Fine Fragrances and Fragrance Ingredients sales declined, as these two units were particularly affected by the reduction of inventories. Fine Fragrance sales were additionally impacted by a contraction in the market at retail level, however sales in the second quarter improved compared to the first three months. The Flavour Division recorded sales of CHF 1,097 million, an increase of 0.2% in local currencies and a decrease of 3.2% in Swiss francs. Excluding the impact of the divested St Louis business, sales in the first half year 2009 increased by 0.8% in local currencies versus the same period in 2008.

Sales in Asia Pacific increased at a single-digit rate supported by the double-digit growth of the developing markets. Growth in the mature markets showed encouraging signs of recovery towards the end of the reporting period.

Sales across Europe for both mature and developing markets declined at a mid single-digit rate. In North America they declined at a low single-digit rate. All segments in both regions have been impacted by lower consumption and destocking.

More Givaudan News... More Fashion News - Switzerland...