Maggie Beer (ASX:MBH) share price surges on 20% sales growth

The Maggie Beer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MBH) share price is surging today, despite a fall in the ASX 200. Here's the latest on the earnings report

| More on:

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

sdf

The Maggie Beer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MBH) share price is surging today, despite a sagging S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). At the time of writing, Maggie Beer shares are up 3.53% to 44 cents a share, contrasting nicely against the ASX 200's 0.9% drop.

The catalyst for today's moves is (of course) the company's earnings report for the first half of the 2021 financial year (1H21).

What did Maggie Beer report this morning?

Maggie Beer holdings has reported that net sales grew by 19.7% in 1H21 to $27.6 million, up from the prior corresponding period (1H20)'s $23.05 million.

That helped push gross profits up to $12.83 million, up 14.5% on 1H20's $11.2 million. It was a different story for net profits after tax (NPAT) though. Maggie Beer reported an NPAT loss of $367,000, still a 97% improvement from 1H20's loss of  $14.3 million (which included a $12.07 million impairment expense).

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) came in at $1.34 million, up from a loss of $449,000 in 1H20. Meanwhile, Maggie Beer's trading EBITDA metric (which includes leases) turned out at $2.23 million, up 1,378% from $151,000 in 1H20.

Sales were the highlight of Maggie Beer's results. The company reported that Maggie Beer-branded products' net sales increased by 28.6% over the prior period. E-commerce sales of those products grew by 167% to represent 8% of net sales. The Maggie Beer Cheese line was the standout performer of the brand stable, with sales rising 76% over 1H20's numbers. Cooking stocks were up 44%, while fruit paste and pate sales were up 19% and 7% respectively.

The company will be launching a new range of soup products in April this year through the Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) grocery stores. The company has also announced it is also planning on expanding its ice cream range in the first quarter of FY2022.

Sales for the company's Paris Creek Farms line were up 11.4%, while St David Dairy sales increased by 5.5%.

Meanwhile, the company's gross margin fell, dropping 2.7% to 46.3%, compared with 1H20"s 48.9%.

Looking forward to 2021 and beyond

Maggie Beer Holdings CEO, Chantale Millard, had this to say on the results, and the future of the company:

We are pleased to confirm to the market our strong result…  however we are cognisant that there is still uncertainty in the economic outlook as JobKeeper winds down in March 21. Despite this uncertainty we remain confident of continuing to deliver double-digit net sales growth… With strong new product development in the pipeline across the Group that we are accelerating for launch, and some exciting plans for our e-commerce and direct to consumer business, we have a busy and exciting second half in front of us.

Judging by the Maggie Beer share price today, investors are in agreement.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Woolworths Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

A young man wearing a black and white striped t-shirt looks surprised.
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 25% to 80%

Analysts think big returns could be on offer from these shares.

Read more »

The silhouettes of ten people holding hands with their arms raised against the sky, as the sun rises or sets in the background.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors were nervous this Friday, ending the week on a sour note.

Read more »

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Share Market News

Where to invest $5,000 into ASX 200 shares this month

The team at Bell Potter is bullish on these names. But why?

Read more »

Man pointing an upward line on a bar graph symbolising a rising share price.
52-Week Highs

8 ASX 200 shares hitting multi-year highs today

These shares have defied the trend, hitting new price milestones amid a day in the red for the ASX 200.

Read more »

Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Share Gainers

Why EOS, Evolution Mining, Renascor, and Woodside shares are jumping today

These shares are ending the week on a high. But why?

Read more »

Person with thumbs down and a red sad face poster covering the face.
Share Fallers

Why Accent, Cettire, Ioneer, and Pro Medicus shares are dropping today

These shares are ending the week in the red. What's going on?

Read more »

A group of three miners in hard hats and high visibility vests confer at a rocky mining site.
Broker Notes

Up 66% in a year, just how much more upside does Macquarie tip for Perseus Mining shares?

Just how much higher might Perseus Mining shares soar? Here’s what Macquarie had to say about the ASX 200 gold…

Read more »