Fourth quarter 2019 financial information – Sales performance 28/02/2020

Amounts are expressed in millions of euros and rounded off to the nearest million. Ratios and variances are calculated based on underlying amounts, not rounded off amounts.

In 2019, the Bel Group reported consolidated sales of €3,403 million, up 2.8% on a published basis and up 1.0% organically. Excluding the negative impact of sharply contracting markets in the Levant region, particularly in the second half of the year, organic growth would have been 2.0%. The growth in full year consolidated sales also includes a positive 1.8%, or €59 million, foreign exchange effect, mainly as a result of the U.S. dollar’s appreciation against the euro.

Organic sales growth for the year was driven by branded products, up 1.7%, in particular Mini Babybel®, Boursin® and GoGo squeeZ®. Bel consolidated its competitive positions across all its products lines. Sales of industrial and unbranded products decreased 6.6%, penalized by low prices for surplus cream.

In the fourth quarter of 2019, consolidated sales advanced 3.5% to €878 million, including a 1.5% positive forex effect and 2.0% organic growth, with rebounding European markets largely offsetting the accelerated contraction in Levant region markets. Bel thus performed well, with buoyant organic sales growth of 1.8% in the second half of the year.

Global (mature) markets reported sales growth of 1.7% in 2019. Excluding the positive forex effect, organic growth remained steady, with more buoyant growth of 1.5% reported in Q4.

In Europe, sales edged down 0.2% in 2019. Positive momentum in northern and southern European countries offset the tough sales environment in France.

Sales in the Middle East and Greater Africa region increased a slight 0.7%. The steep contraction in Levant region markets accelerated throughout the year, while sales performances were mixed in several North African and Middle Eastern countries.

In North America, sales growth was strong, fuelled by momentum in the Canadian market.

In 2019, sales in New Territories were up a hefty 8.9% thanks to MOM’s strong momentum, particularly in North America, while the Group continued to achieve future development milestones in other new territories.

The transformation plan initiated in 2018 continued to unfold in 2019. The announced savings plan is on target, enabling Bel to reinvest in its growth. Based on cost cutting and productivity efforts in industrial operations, Bel reiterates its expectations for significantly improved operating margin and strong cash generation thanks to tight cash management.

With its long-term commitment to champion healthier food embodied by its new “For All. For Good” signature, Bel is fully in sync with a sustainable and profitable growth model.

Bel expects to report its financial results on March 12, 2019.

The Group uses non-IFRS financial performance indicators internally and for its external communication. These non-IFRS indicators are defined below:

Organic growth corresponds to reported sales growth, excluding impacts from foreign exchange fluctuations and changes in the scope of consolidation, i.e. on a constant structure and exchange rate basis. The organic growth rate is calculated by applying the exchange rate for the prior year period to the current year period.

Operating margin corresponds to operating income.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such trend and/or target information should in no way be regarded as earnings forecast data or performance indicators of any kind. This information is by nature subject to risks and uncertainties that may be beyond the Company’s control. A detailed description of these risks and uncertainties is provided in the Company’s Registration Document, available at (www.groupe-bel.com). More comprehensive information about the Bel Group can be found in the “Regulatory Information” section of the www.groupe-bel.comwebsite.