UKR.GB Ukrproduct Group Ltd

TIDMUKR

RNS Number : 1185Y

Ukrproduct Group Ltd

07 May 2019

Ukrproduct Group Ltd

("Ukrproduct", the "Company" or, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group")

07.05.2019

Year End Trading Update

Ukrproduct, one of the leading Ukrainian producers and distributors of branded dairy foods and beverages (kvass), is pleased to announce the following trading update for the year ended 31 December 2018 ("FY 2018").

Highlights

   --    Expects revenue to show an increase of more than 20% from 2017 

-- Branded products gross profit and Kvass gross profit expected to show an increase of more than 20% and 35% respectively

   --    Expected net profit of approximately GBP0.12 million 

Trading

During FY 2018 the Ukrainian economy showed moderate growth, accompanied by wage inflation, which has helped consumer confidence. The Company continued focusing on cash generation while aiming to address opportunities in export markets, beverages and B2B, as well as expanding its dairy business.

The Group expects to report improved revenue of approximately GBP37 million (approximately 1.3 billion UAH). Gross profit in UAH terms increased 4.1% to approximately 115 million UAH, however, in GBP terms, the negative impact of exchange rate differences resulted in a decrease of 2.9% to approximately GBP3.2 million. Overall, for FY 2018, the Company expects to report net profit of approximately GBP0.12 million (approximately 4.4 million UAH) compared to a loss of approximately GBP1.1 million (approximately 40.6 million UAH) in 2017.

Overall, the Group expects to report that its sales volumes have grown by 4%, including sales of branded products in its key packaged butter and processed cheese segments. However, both export sales volumes and revenue decreased due to the worldwide contraction of skimmed milk powder prices. Although the Company continued to capitalise on its spare dairy processing capacity by acquiring new B2B partners, Ukrproduct's B2B gross profit slightly decreased in 2018. Whilst gross profit of branded products showed substantial growth, it was unfortunately offset by losses caused by the decline in both skimmed milk powder and butter prices.

Sales of beverages significantly increased as a result of the Group's targeted marketing initiatives and the introduction of new drinks.

Financial Position

Ukrproduct expects to report net liabilities of approximately GBP13.7 million (approximately 487 million UAH), with cash balances of approximately GBP0.18 million (approximately 6.44 million UAH). During FY 2018, the Group met its outstanding obligations, including the EBRD loan repayments, which were paid on schedule in the amount of EUR0.52 million.

Outlook

Ukrproduct's strategy going forward is to generate cash by improving the profitability of its key dairy product and beverage segments and to further enhance its working capital position.

The Group expects to boost its sales volume and revenue in 2019 by launching new products in its key business areas, introducing new marketing activities and capitalising further on export opportunities.

For further information contact:

Ukrproduct Group Ltd

   Jack Rowell, Non-Executive Chairman                                      Tel: +380 44 232 9602 
   Alexander Slipchuk, Chief Executive Officer                             www.ukrproduct.com 

Strand Hanson Limited

   Nominated Adviser and Broker                                                  Tel: +44 20 7409 3494 

Rory Murphy, James Dance, Jack Botros

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as set out in the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No.596/2014 ("MAR")

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

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