SUNRICE has posted consolidated revenue for the Group of $582.9 million for the six months ended 31 October 2018 (HY19) – a 7 per cent increase compared to the previous corresponding period ending 31 October 2017 (HY18) – while recording Net Profit after Tax (NPAT) of $13.9 million for the same period – a 42pc fall from the HY18 figure.

“As advised at the AGM in September 2018, FY19 is anticipated to be a challenging year for the SunRice Group. Prevailing global rice market trading conditions and exchange rate movements, which are both beyond SunRice’s control, impacted on the Group’s HY19 revenue and profitability,” SunRice chief executive officer, Rob Gordon, said.

“SunRice’s 7pc revenue increase compared to HY18 was due to a combination of factors. International rice prices firmed during the period by around 30pc and exchange rate movements enhanced the value of Australian rice exports.

“Despite stronger revenue, SunRice profitability was undermined by several factors. The firmer rice prices that benefited revenue also increased the cost of some of SunRice’s key internationally sourced export varieties.

“In addition, profitability was negatively impacted by the falling value and lack of liquidity of the PNG Kina, as well as other generally unfavourable foreign exchange movements compared to HY18.

“Pleasingly however, the Rice Food, CopRice and Riviana businesses all experienced profitability growth during the Half. CopRice performed particularly well, having benefited from the increasing demand for stockfeed with revenue increasing by 49pc.

“Despite poor milling yields during the Period, the paddy price range to be paid by the Rice Pool for base grade medium grain (Reiziq) remains $360-$400/tonne.”

Mr Gordon said SunRice completed two acquisitions during HY19:

• the Roza’s Gourmet business to diversify Riviana’s presence into specialist chilled sauces and dips;
• a rice mill in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap that will provide SunRice with a fully vertically integrated supply chain in Vietnam and a more stable supply of rice.

Mr Gordon said SunRice would be listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) in early 2019, providing the opportunity to raise equity capital in the future to allow the business to pursue its 2022 Growth Strategy.

“Our guidance for Net Profit after Tax for FY19 remains at between $30-35 million,” he said.

Segment Performance

Rice Pool

Rice Pool revenue increased by 15pc compared to HY18. This positive result was driven by the geographical sales mix of Australian rice exports into markets such as Japan and the Middle East, which were sourced from the International Rice segment in HY18, and the expansion of the Koshihikari rice varietal and Long Grain sales into food service channels.

Operationally, there were challenges during the period associated with lower whole grain yield impacting milling efficiencies.

International Rice

International Rice’s revenue and net profit before tax (NPBT) declined compared to HY18. Profitability was undermined by several factors including:

• the return to Australian supplied rice for markets such as Japan and the Middle East;
• the absence of Korean tender market volume compared to HY18;
• the stronger than anticipated cost of some of SunRice’s key internationally sourced export varieties;
• adverse exchange rate impacts, especially on costs;
• costs associated with the establishment of a vertically integrated supply chain in Vietnam; and increased provisions for doubtful debts in some markets.

The outlook for international rice prices is anticipated to support improved profitability for the International Rice segment in the second half of FY19.

Trukai delivered solid top-line performance during the Half, but the devaluing PNG Kina is increasing input costs and a continuing lack of liquidity in this currency impacted profitability, increased the value of the intercompany balance payable to SunRice and increased financing costs.

During the Half, Trukai also benefited from a $1.3 million share of net profit in associate, which was primarily driven by the revaluation of investment property.

Rice Food

While sales volumes and revenues marginally declined during HY19, NPBT increased by 144pc compared to HY18. Improved profitability during the Half was driven by positive performance by the rice flour and ‘mini-bites’ categories, as well as reduced advertising and trade spend.

Riviana

Riviana NPBT increased by 5pc compared to HY18. This performance was driven primarily by margin and market share growth across most product categories in the retail sector, including Riviana’s private label business, which continued to capture market share from other brands.

Although competition in the food service sector remains high, Riviana is making gains through new product launches and increasing direct sales through manufacturers. However, negative foreign currency exchange impacts on imported products and increased overhead allocations from the

Corporate segment offset this positive performance, which is expected to further benefit from the recent acquisition of the Roza’s Gourmet business in the second half of the year.

CopRice

CopRice continues to experience the positive turnaround that commenced in FY18, with NPBT increasing 145pc compared to HY18. The launch of new products focused on sheep nutrition, as well as seasonally dry conditions, have driven an expansion of stockfeed sales volumes, which has offset the rising cost of raw materials.

Corporate

During HY19, Corporate benefited from the following factors:

• increased brand charges (underpinned by the Group’s revenue expansion);
• a ‘one-off’ $1.75 million gain on the revaluation of property.

These were offset by an increase in costs associated with the pending ASX listing and other strategic projects.

FY19 Outlook

Sunrice anticipates that NPAT for FY19 will be between $30-35 million.

Achieving guidance over the remainder of FY19 will be dependent on:

• macroeconomic conditions in key markets;
• trends in global rice markets;
• exchange rate movements and issues, including the continuation of recently observed improvement of PNG Kina liquidity.

The outlook for international rice prices is anticipated to support improved profitability for the International Rice segment in the second half of FY19.

C18 Full Year Paddy Price

The estimated paddy price range for base grade medium grain (Reiziq) is $360-$400/tonne. While SunRice is confident of achieving the lower-end of this range, market factors and trends will need to continue in SunRice’s favour in order for the upper-end to be realised.

Source: SunRice