Shares of Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG) are once again among the top performers on the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) today, rising another 9.3% to $7.38 following yesterday's 12.1% rally.
What's happened?
It's been a pretty shaky ride for Breville Group shareholders so far in 2016. The shares were changing hands for $7.47 at the end of 2015 but fell as much as 26.6% to just $5.48 just over a week ago. They have since managed to claw back most of their losses, largely thanks to the company's half-year earnings report which was released on Thursday.
The company, which develops and distributes small electrical appliances, reported a 12.7% lift in revenues to $331.2 million compared to the prior corresponding period (pcp). Earnings rose as well, albeit at a slower pace than sales, with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) up 7.4% to $50.7 million and net profit after tax (NPAT) up 4% to $30.8 million.
It wasn't exactly a bumper report, but may have been better than some investors had anticipated following a rather tough period. Indeed, North American earnings – which make up a significant chunk of the group's overall income – were lower in 2014 and 2015 than they were in 2013, but managed to rise 10.9% during the latest half on a constant currency basis (or 30.8% on a reported basis, thanks to the weaker Australian dollar).
Reported earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) from the segment also rose by 39.9% to $28.8 million, representing an EBIT margin of 19% compared to 17.8% in the prior corresponding period.
What happens now?
Unfortunately, the company's success in North America was partially offset by a weak performance in its Australian and New Zealand segment, although management is still confident it can continue to improve in the second-half with group EBIT expected to grow in the mid-single digits for the full-year.
In saying that, there are risks and potential headwinds that could hinder its progress. For example, given the high level of uncertainty around the global economy right now, sales could be impacted if consumer confidence takes a hit. That's something investors should keep in mind before they rush out to buy shares of Breville Group.
