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* Premier Foods raises FY expectations
* Shares up 6.7%
* Q3 sales rise 7% from pre-pandemic levels in 2019
(Adds shares, background)
By Muhammed Husain
Jan 20 (Reuters) - Premier Foods, the maker of Mr
Kipling and Cadbury cakes, said on Thursday its annual profits
would surpass market expectations after a stellar holiday season
that saw households splurge on its cakes, sauces and other sweet
treats in family gatherings.
Shares of the London-listed company rose 6.7% in early trade
after it forecast trading profit of at least 145 million pounds
($197.58 million) for the fiscal year ending April, ahead of
analysts' average estimate of 140.7 million pounds.
The group's optimism was reflected in robust sales across
its top brands, with its trademark Mr Kipling delivering its
best-ever Christmas sales.
Premier Foods had spent most of its earnings from the first
half of the year to furnish its stock to avoid supply snags, as
Britain's food distribution channels were hit by labour
shortages from prolonged lockdowns, rising prices and Brexit.
The group's third-quarter sales fell 1.8% from a year
earlier as restrictions were eased compared with 2020 when
lockdowns had most people eat at home.
However, they were still 7% above pre-pandemic levels in
2019.
"The principal takeaway for us is that PFD have maintained
good underlying sales momentum, in a year of tough comps and
have protected margins, in a year of high cost inflation,"
analysts at Jefferies said.
Sales of Mr Kipling and Cadbury cakes in Britain spurred the
growth of Premier Foods' popular sweet treats category, while
its grocery brands including Bisto gravy, Sharwood's sauces and
Nissin noodles also saw strong demand.
The company, which traces its roots to the early 1800s, is
also ramping up its expansion into international markets, as it
expects the first shipments of Mr Kipling cakes to enter U.S.
stores during the fourth quarter.
($1 = 0.7339 pounds)
(Reporting by Muhammed Husain in Bengaluru; editing by Milla
Nissi and Angus MacSwan)
