Nichols plc PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Nichols plc, the soft drinks group, announces its Preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2011.
Nichols plc is a highly focused soft drinks business. Its brand portfolio includes Vimto, which is sold in over 65 countries and Levi Roots, Weight Watchers, Sunkist & Panda which are sold in the UK. The Group has a leading market position in both the “Still” and “Carbonate” drinks categories and also in the soft drinks on dispense market, where its brands include Cabana & Ben Shaws.
Highlights:
- Group sales up 18% to £98.9m (2010: £83.9m)
- Profit before tax up 20% to £18.1m (2010: £15.1m pre-exceptional)
- EPS up 20% to 36.28p (2010: 30.22p pre-exceptional)
- Proposed final dividend of 10.30p making the total dividend for the year 15.30p up 13% (2010:13.55p)
- Net cash £20.1m (2010: £15.0m)
- UK soft drinks sales grew at more than twice the market growth rate
- International sales grew by 31% against the prior year
Commenting John Nichols, Non-Executive Chairman, said:
“2011 was another record year with an outstanding performance in the face of the most challenging UK retail environment seen in a decade. Our strong portfolio of brands and our growing international presence have helped drive significant growth in sales, profitability and cash generation.
While 2012 will remain challenging we are confident of delivering profitable growth in the current year and beyond.”