2018

• At EUR 117.6 million, consolidated revenues at the previous-year level
• Year-on-year increase in consolidated operating result (EBIT) of around 20% to EUR 6.0 million
• Earnings forecast for the 2018 financial year confirmed

Haselünne, October 25, 2018 – Berentzen-Gruppe Aktiengesellschaft, which is listed on the regulated market (General Standard) of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN: DE0005201602) today presented its interim report for the third quarter of 2018. Over the first nine months of the current year, the corporate group saw significant growth in consolidated earnings before interest and taxes (consolidated EBIT) to EUR 6.0 million (Q3 2017: EUR 5.0 million). Consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (consolidated EBITDA) improved to EUR 11.6 million (Q3 2017: EUR 10.4 million). Consolidated revenues stood at EUR 117.6 million as was the case in the equivalent period of the previous year. Return on sales (EBIT margin) increased from 4.3 % to 5.1 %.

Following an already positive second quarter, we are today able to look back on a strong third quarter of 2018 in terms of revenues and earnings”, reports Oliver Schwegmann, one of the Berentzen Group’s Executive Board members. He continues: “This enabled us, over the rest of the year, to fully close the revenue gap that had appeared in the first quarter.”

In addition, he considered the clear earnings growth to be a particularly satisfying factor. “We are pleased to have been able to increase our EBIT by just under 20 percent although revenues remained constant”, continues Schwegmann. This was primarily attributable to the significantly higher level of gross profits. The EBIT-return on sales similarly grew from 4.3 % to 5.1 % over the first nine months.

Over the course of the year so far, the Non-alcoholic Beverages segment in particular saw a positive development with revenue growth of 8.4 %. This was most of all due to the ongoing success of the drinks distributed under the Mio Mio brand; starting from an already high starting level, another increase in sales of 37.5 % was achieved with revenues growing at an even faster rate. “In addition, the high mid-summer temperatures over a protracted period this year are reflected in improved sales figures for out mineral waters”, Schwegmann is happy to say.

In contrast, revenues in the Spirits segment contracted by 3.4 %. “Here once again, it was our Puschkin umbrella brand that gave us reason to be pleased, namely another increase in sales in comparison to the previous year,” adds Schwegmann.

The Fresh Juice Systems segment also saw a fall in revenue. This was mainly due to the ongoing weak sales of fruit presses on the important French market. Conversely, one positive factor particularly worth highlighting is the significant aggregate increase in sales on the other markets.

Outlook for future development

With a view to the traditionally strong end-of-year business, we anticipate a revenue growth overall for the fourth quarter”, says Schwegmann. “At the same time, we will counter the increasing price pressure that arises from an ever more aggressive competition in the Christmas business by intensifying our marketing and campaign activities.” In light of this, the earnings forecast for the 2018 financial year remains in place, according to which the corporate group expects consolidated revenues of between EUR 162.8 million and EUR 171.2 million, a consolidated operating result (consolidated EBIT) of between EUR 9.6 million and EUR 10.6 million and a consolidated operating profit before amortisation and depreciation (consolidated EBITDA) of between EUR 17.2 million and EUR 19.0 million.