In the first quarter, Fevertree's seen bar and restaurant sales gain momentum in the UK following a tough start to the year where Omicron impacted trading. In the US and Rest of World, sales are ahead of pre-pandemic levels.
Sales in UK shops have continued to return to normal levels, as consumers shift spending to bars and restaurants, following lockdowns. In the US, demand remains 'very strong' with sales 2.5 times higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Efforts to scale up production in the US continue as the group looks to reduce reliance on shipping, where higher costs and delays are hindering trading. On the West Coast, bottling lines are operational with the East Coast expected to ramp up production in the first half.
The group called out continued inflationary cost pressures and expected performance this year in line with previous guidance. Revenue is expected between £355m-£365m with cash profit (EBITDA) of £63m-£66m.
The shares were unmoved following the announcement.
View the latest Fevertree share price and how to deal
Our View
Management described trading so far this year as 'solid' and it's certainly nice to see the group on track to meet guidance. But management expectations were lowered in March, which was met with a nasty market reaction. The main issue is that little to none of the roughly 16% forecast rise in revenue is expected to drop into cash profits (EBITDA), despite the fact some of Fevertree's operations should be getting more efficient.
As US freight costs start to calm down and more profitable bar and restaurant sales recover, we'd expect to see margins progress in the right direction. Unfortunately, the war in Ukraine means commodity costs have risen, which looks to be more than offsetting any efficiency benefits from other areas of the business. True, there's not much Fevertree can do about events outside its control, but we'd like to have seen more of those rising costs offset through savings elsewhere.
Fevertree's operating model has also come under pressure. The group outsources most of its operations (think bottlers and distributors), which means a large portion of profits drop straight through to cash. However, a significant increase in inventory over the last couple of years to combat supply chain pressures means that link has weakened a touch.
Looking at the broader picture, there are some positives to consider.
The UK is back to modest growth, while new flavoured soda launches and marketing tie-ups with spirit manufacturers are helping sales in the US and Europe. It's worth noting that the group is benefiting from very weak comparators - in 2020 many customers were shut and several of those that were open were running down existing inventory rather than buying more stock. But still, underlying growth looks healthy in both Fevertree's core and growth markets.
However, despite the recovery, explosive UK growth is over - there's a limit to how much premium tonic you can sell and it looks like Fevertree is approaching it. In order to keep making progress international expansion is key, particularly in the US.
There's some positive progress being made on supply chains across the pond, with the group's new bottling partnership set to increase production in the first half. Sourcing supplies from within the States should reduce costly shipping fees and help provide a boost to margins moving forward - we're waiting for those benefits to feed through to margins.
Overall, Fevertree has a strong brand and broader consumer trends are supportive of the company's products. But in the short term, the group needs to get a tighter grip on costs so margins can start to move in the right direction again. Despite coming down this year, the stock still trades on a very high valuation. We struggle to get too excited at this valuation while margins and profits struggle to keep pace with sales.
Fevertree key facts
All ratios are sourced from Refinitiv. Please remember yields are variable and not a reliable indicator of future income. Keep in mind key figures shouldn't be looked at on their own - it's important to understand the big picture.
Full Year Results (constant currency, 16 March 2022)
Fevertree reported full-year revenue of £311.1m, up 26% ignoring the effect of exchange rates, reflecting growth across all markets. Supermarket sales remain above pre-pandemic levels, with sales in bars and restaurants recovering in the second half.
Strong revenue growth helped underling cash profits (EBITDA) grow 10.3% to £63.0m despite a fall in margins from 22.6% to 20.2%. The group expects to deliver revenue growth of 14-17% in the new financial year. However, due to "significant uncertainty in relation to input costs" cash profit growth is expected to be limited, with guidance downgraded from £69m-£72m to £63m-£66m.
The board proposed a final dividend of 15.99p, up 2%, in addition to a special dividend of 42.90p.
Revenue in the UK grew 15% to £118.3m. That reflects the recovery of the on-trade (bars and restaurants), where sales grew 59%. Sustained popularity of enjoying long drinks from home meant the off-trade (shops) remained resilient, with sales on par with 2020 despite bars and restaurants reopening.
In the US, revenue grew 41% to £77.9m as premium spirits and mixers increased in popularity. The group launched its second production site toward the end of the year, with production set to gradually increase into the first half of 2022.That should improve supply chain efficiencies and reduce costs. Off-trade momentum continued, with standout performance from Ginger Beer and Tonic Water.
Total European revenue increased by 40% to £88.2m. The summer tourist season helped on-trade sales rebound quickly when bars and restaurants reopened. Increased interest in the mixer category, and strong performance from new launches like Rhubarb & Raspberry Tonic, meant supermarket sales continued to perform ahead of expectations.
Rest of World saw sales grow 6% on a reported basis to £26.7m. Australia and Canada are both seeing growth in the premium mixer markets and the group's continuing its push in Asia, entering 3 new markets last year.
Free cash flow came in at £43.2m (2020: £35.5m), largely due to higher profits which helped net cash increase to £166.2m (2020: £143.1m).
This article is original Hargreaves Lansdown content, published by Hargreaves Lansdown. It was correct as at the date of publication, and our views may have changed since then. Unless otherwise stated estimates, including prospective yields, are a consensus of analyst forecasts provided by Refinitiv. These estimates are not a reliable indicator of future performance. Yields are variable and not guaranteed. Investments rise and fall in value so investors could make a loss.
This article is not advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any investment. No view is given on the present or future value or price of any investment, and investors should form their own view on any proposed investment. This article has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is considered a marketing communication. Non-independent research is not subject to FCA rules prohibiting dealing ahead of research, however HL has put controls in place (including dealing restrictions, physical and information barriers) to manage potential conflicts of interest presented by such dealing. Please see our full non-independent research disclosure for more information.