An analyst has forecast “more normalised” growth in SABMiller's developing markets, the brewer's main source of profit.
//i2.aroq.com/1/sabmiller.jpgGrowth in emeriging markets, which account for 75% of SABMiller's EBIT, is still set to be “above average”, Nomura's Ian Shackleton said today (22 November). However, he warned: “We believe this (growth) looks set to be materially slower than historically.”
In SABMiller's first-half results, released yesterday, increased volumes in Africa helped grow EBITA by 15% while profit growth in China pushed Asia-Pacific's EBITA up by 7%. In a conference call after the results, CEO Alan Clark said “we have not seen the impact of any slowdown in our developing markets”. He added: “In Africa and China rates of growth are still relatively strong and absolutely fine to support growth.”
Meanwhile, Shackleton also said Latin America is on course for a better second half as pressures in Colombia lessen.
He said: “We would expect Peru to remain subdued for the full-year given the excise tax increase implemented in May. However, we believe that underlying trends in key market Colombia should see some improvement in the second half after a mixed first half given social unrest and blockage of roads in the second quarter.”
Sectors: Beer & cider, Company results, Soft drinks
Companies: SABMiller
