Business & Financial News

Pernod Ricard noted Thursday its goal of operating income growth for the 2011-2012 fiscal year after the publication of interim results better than expected thanks to its performance in countries é mergents and strategy for its upmarket spirits.

During the six months to end December, the world's second largest wine and spirits behind the British Diageo posted an operating profit (ROC) of 1.379 million euros, up 17% organic growth, above the consensus of 1,326.8 million euros set by the editor of Reuters.

Its net income group share grew by 16% to 843 million, for a turnover of 4.614 million (4,623.7 million forecast by analysts) an increase of 8%. Organic growth was 11% (10.7% expected).

Confidence in the continuation of these trends, the wine and spirits group now expects organic growth in annual operating income of nearly 8%, against 6% so far, and a Net debt / EBITDA close to 3.9 at June 30, 2012, against four previously.

Pernod Ricard shows a net debt / EBITDA of 3.9 to 4.4 against 31 December 2011 to 30 June 2011.

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