Why did the Maggie Beer share price just crumble 17%?

The gourmet food producer is increasing prices and downgrading guidance after it was hit with unforeseen costs.

| More on:
A man puts his head in his hand as he sits on rig with picnic basket and wine.

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

Key points

  • The Maggie Beer share price is suffering on Thursday after the company dropped its financial year 2022 earnings guidance by around 30% 
  • The drop in expected earnings came after the company was hit with millions of dollars of unforeseen expenses over the four months to April
  • It has upped the retail prices of its products in response to the additional costs and remains on track to announce its maiden dividend alongside its full-year results

The Maggie Beer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MBH) share price is sinking after the company released a trading update for financial year 2022.

While sales continued to increase at the company's core businesses, it's faced notable unforeseen costs. In reaction, the company dropped its earnings guidance and upped prices charged for its products.

At the time of writing, the Maggie Beer share price is 40 cents, 13.04% lower than its previous close.

However, that's an improvement on its earlier performance. The stock was swapping hands for just 38 cents at its intraday low, representing a 17% tumble.  

Maggie Beer share price plummets as costs surge

Some of the key points from the Maggie Beer trading update include:

  • The company's core business Hampers and Gifts Australia saw pro-forma sales increase 25.6% over the financial year to April compared to the same period of last financial year
  • Fellow core business, Maggie Beer Products, saw a 19.3% increase in sales over the period
  • Maggie Beer's e-commerce sales rose 165.6% while its net sales increased 13.1%.
  • The company dropped its earnings guidance by $4.2 million
  • It's on track to announce its maiden dividend at the end of the financial year

What's happened over the financial year so far?

The Maggie Beer share price is plunging on bad news regarding the company's full-year earnings.

The company has realised $4.2 million of unforeseen and higher than expected costs. Many of these were born from floods in Australia, the war in Ukraine, lockdowns in China, and global fuel and freight costs.

Maggie Beer's dairy segment accounted for around $2.8 million of the expenses. It was hampered by ongoing COVID-19 impacts, a shortage of milk, and high commodity prices.

Paris Creek Farms' branded milk's launch into 400 stores – scheduled for March – was delayed by COVID-19 disruptions and flood events. The milk reached 200 stores in May with the remainder expected to be on shelves by September. That will dint the company's earnings for this financial year.

Additionally, its Saint David Dairy has struggled through skills and labour shortages, resulting in the loss of some customers.

The company noted it has now labelled its dairy businesses "non-core". It expects to outline the segment's future in its full-year results.

Maggie Beer started working to increase the price of its products to offset the additional costs in March.

However, such increases are slow to hit the major supermarkets. The price rise should be reflected on grocery store shelves later this month.

What did management say?

Maggie Beer CEO and managing director Chantale Millard commented on the news driving the company's share price lower today, saying:

As with all businesses, the second half of [financial year 2022] has seen many new challenges arise, with further flow-on effects of COVID-19, increases in costs due to the devastating floods in Central Australia and Northern NSW and QLD, and the war in Ukraine.

The group and in particular [Maggie Beer Products] and [Hampers and Gifts Australia] have continued to perform well, with its diversified revenue stream, whilst absorbing the higher costs and delivering industry leading gross margins.

With price increases being implemented across the group we expect to see our earnings growth return to expected levels in [financial year 2023].

What's next?

The Maggie Beer share price is likely also being dinted by a guidance downgrade.

It's on track to reach its previously given net sales guidance of between $95 million and $100 million.

However, its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) for the full year is now expected to fall between $9.25 million and $10.5 million. Previously, its financial year 2022 EBITDA guidance was $13.5 million to $15.5 million.

The company has also brought forward its working capital requirements on the expectation of increased demand and supply chain issues next financial year.

Finally, Maggie Beer expects to declare a maiden dividend or capital return of no less than 1 cent per share alongside its final results.

Maggie Beer share price snapshot

Today's fall included, the Maggie Beer share price has tumbled 27% in 2022.

Though, it's 25% higher than it was this time last year.

Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

Scott just revealed what he believes could be the 'five best ASX stocks' for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

A warehouse worker is standing next to a shelf and using a digital tablet.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Wesfarmers share price dips amid strategy day for investors

What's ahead for this diversified conglomerate?

Read more »

A man looks a little perplexed as he holds his hand to his head as if thinking about something as he stands in the aisle of a supermarket.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Should I buy Woolworths shares today?

Woolworths shares have gained far less than Coles shares over the past year. Is that about to change?

Read more »

A woman sits at her home computer with baby on her lap, and the winning ticket in her hand.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Which 'enduring high-quality business' has become a forgotten ASX 200 stock?

Fundie says this ASX 200 consumer discretionary stock has been flying under investors' radar.

Read more »

A young man sitting at an outside table uses a card to pay for his online shopping.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why is the Kogan share price crashing 12%?

Profits are down at this ecommerce company during the second half.

Read more »

A woman looks at a tablet device while in the aisles of a hardware style store amid stacked boxes on shelves representing Bunnings and the Wesfarmers share price
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Could Wesfarmers shares hit $100 in 2025?

Wesfarmers shares have risen 113% over the last five years.

Read more »

Interest rates written on top of pictures of houses on a computer.
Share Market News

3 ASX 200 consumer discretionary stocks to benefit from a rate cut

With an RBA rate cut expected this afternoon, it could be positive news for these three stocks. 

Read more »

Picture of a Domino's pizza.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Domino's share price slides on major leadership shakeup

Domino’s announced a big leadership change this morning.

Read more »

Couple look at a bottle of wine while trying to decide what to buy.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Treasury Wine shares: Buy, hold, or sell? Here's Macquarie's take

What is Macquarie forecasting for Treasury Wine shares amid the CEO’s unexpected exit?

Read more »