Moa narrows first-half loss, eyes new tie-ups
Sales climbed to $3.7 million from $3.3 million.
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Hawke’s Bay
Moa Group narrowed its first-half loss after lifting sales while trimming costs, and said it expects to continue driving revenue growth while holding expenses at bay.
The loss narrowed to $1.2 million in the six months ended September, from $1.69 million a year earlier, the Marlborough-based brewer said.
Sales climbed to $3.7 million from $3.3 million, while expenses fell to $2.4 million from $2.7 million.
Moa has previously given guidance for full-year revenue of between $9-11 million, from $8.2 million in the 2016 year, but the forecast doesn't include New Zealand distribution for Wellington-based craft brewer Parrotdog, which began on October 1.
Moa shares rose 1.3% to 80c and have increased 64% in the past 12 months, while the S&P/NZX 50 Index gained about 13%. It listed in 2012 at $1.25.
The company raised $4 million in September via a placement and rights offer, although the rights issue component of $1.26 million is recorded as an event after balance date. It had cash on hand of $3.1 million at September 30, from about $1.8 million a year earlier.
Moa cited AC Nielsen Grocery data to show it ranks third in its share of the New Zealand craft beer market behind the craft-style beers of major brewers Lion and DB Breweries. In the first half, the volume of New Zealand sales rose 15% to 923,904 litres, while its gross margin widened.
Growth in New Zealand will accelerate through the second half helped by the launch of a new Reserve 6-pack range and as it rolls out its pale ale cans nationwide, the company said.
Moa brews its premium beers at its own facility in Blenheim and outsources the rest of its production. Following the tie-up with Parrotdog, the company "can now consider partnerships and acquisitions to cement its position in the New Zealand craft beer landscape in 2017," it said.
(BusinessDesk)
Jonathan Underhill
Thu, 24 Nov 2016
Thu, 24 Nov 2016
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Moa narrows first-half loss, eyes new tie-ups
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