Greggs — Very tasty

Greggs (LSE: GRG)

Last close As at 23/04/2024

GBP27.86

24.00 (0.87%)

Market capitalisation

GBP2,825m

More on this equity

Research: Consumer

Greggs — Very tasty

Greggs’ FY19 PBT was 1% ahead of our expectations and current trading suggests it will continue to take market share in the growing food-on-the-go market. Greggs has many opportunities to accelerate growth in the medium term: more and larger stores; the shift from a single channel to multichannel; further product innovation; and more investment in its supply chain, funded by strong cash generation. There is near-term risk, as with the sector in general, if the coronavirus results in people staying away from public places. Our PBT forecast for FY20 increases by 2% and our DCF-based valuation increases by c 4% to 2,188p.

Russell Pointon

Written by

Russell Pointon

Director, Consumer

Consumer

Greggs

Very tasty

FY19 results

Retail

4 March 2020

Price

2,166p

Market cap

£2,191m

Net cash (£m) at 31 December 2019

91.3

Shares in issue

101.2m

Free float

99.6%

Code

GREG

Primary exchange

LSE

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

(4.6)

8.0

19.7

Rel (local)

3.7

14.4

24.9

52-week high/low

2,476p

1,730p

Business description

With 2,050 shops, eight manufacturing and distribution centres and 23,000 employees, Greggs is the leading ‘food-on-the-go’ retailer. It uses vertical integration to offer differentiated products at competitive prices.

Next events

Q120 trading update

12 May 2020

H120 results

28 July 2020

Analysts

Russell Pointon

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Sara Welford

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Greggs is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Greggs’ FY19 PBT was 1% ahead of our expectations and current trading suggests it will continue to take market share in the growing food-on-the-go market. Greggs has many opportunities to accelerate growth in the medium term: more and larger stores; the shift from a single channel to multichannel; further product innovation; and more investment in its supply chain, funded by strong cash generation. There is near-term risk, as with the sector in general, if the coronavirus results in people staying away from public places. Our PBT forecast for FY20 increases by 2% and our DCF-based valuation increases by c 4% to 2,188p.

Year end

Revenue (£m)

PBT*
(£m)

EPS*
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/18

1,029.3

89.8

70.3

35.7

30.8

1.6

12/19

1,167.9

114.2

89.7

44.9

24.1

2.1

12/20e

1,274.6

122.0

96.6

49.0

22.4

2.3

12/21e

1,354.1

129.4

102.5

52.0

21.1

2.4

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.

FY19: Margin increase with inflation and investment

For FY19, Greggs reported l-f-l sales growth of 9.2% and the gross margin increased by 100bp to 64.7% (despite increased COGS inflation) as it benefited from strong volume growth and the ongoing transformation investment in infrastructure. The operating margin increased by 160bp, while funding additional performance-based bonuses for staff and investment in initiatives that should drive future growth. DPS for the year increased by 25.8%, and management is considering another special dividend at the time of the H120 results, following a special dividend of 35p with the H119 results. Cash generation was strong, with a year-end net cash position of £91.3m versus £88.2m at the end of FY18.

FY20: PBT forecast increased by 2%

With l-f-l growth of 7.5%, despite February being affected by poor weather, the trading statement for the first nine weeks of FY20 is strong against the comparative seven weeks of FY19 of 9.6% l-f-l growth. It provides confidence that the strategy is capable of delivering further growth as comparatives get tougher through FY20. We increase our assumption for l-f-l growth in FY20 from 2% to 5%. We assume the gross margin falls by 160bp to reflect greater food input inflation and staff cost inflation, which cannot be offset by the traditional levers of efficiencies and pricing. For FY21, we assume 2% l-f-l growth and no gross margin improvement. Our PBT forecast for FY20 increases by 2%, growth of 6% y-o-y, and our forecasts for FY21 generate 6% PBT growth. We assume a higher effective tax rate of 20.5% in both years.

Valuation: Upgraded by 4%

On our new forecasts, the 2020e P/E is 22.4x. Following the upgrade to forecasts and rolling forward our assumptions, our DCF-based valuation increases by c 4% to 2,188p from 2,096p

Exhibit 1: Financial summary

£m

2017

2018

2019

2020e

2021e

Year end 31 December

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

PROFIT & LOSS

Revenue

 

 

960.0

1,029.3

1,167.9

1,274.6

1,354.1

Cost of Sales

(348.1)

(373.4)

(412.2)

(470.1)

(499.4)

Gross Profit

611.9

655.9

755.7

804.6

854.7

EBITDA

 

 

135.7

145.7

232.7

244.7

258.7

Operating Profit (before amort. and except.)

 

 

82.2

89.8

120.7

129.9

137.9

Intangible Amortisation

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Exceptionals

(9.9)

(7.2)

(5.9)

(2.2)

0.0

Other

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Operating Profit

72.3

82.6

114.8

127.7

137.9

Net Interest

(0.4)

(0.0)

(6.5)

(7.9)

(8.5)

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

81.8

89.8

114.2

122.0

129.4

Profit Before Tax (FRS 3)

 

 

71.9

82.6

108.3

119.8

129.4

Tax

(16.9)

(18.2)

(22.4)

(23.2)

(24.6)

Profit After Tax (norm)

64.9

71.6

91.8

98.8

104.8

Profit After Tax (FRS 3)

56.9

65.7

87.0

95.2

102.8

Average Number of Shares Outstanding (m)

100.6

100.7

100.8

100.8

100.8

EPS - normalised fully diluted (p)

 

 

63.5

70.3

89.7

96.6

102.5

EPS - (IFRS) (p)

 

 

56.5

65.3

86.3

94.5

102.0

Dividend per share (p)

32.3

35.7

44.9

49.0

52.0

Gross Margin (%)

63.7

63.7

64.7

63.1

63.1

EBITDA Margin (%)

14.1

14.2

19.9

19.2

19.1

Operating Margin (before GW and except.) (%)

8.6

8.7

10.3

10.2

10.2

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

334.7

347.5

646.5

673.5

694.4

Intangible Assets

14.7

16.9

16.8

17.7

18.4

Tangible Assets

319.2

330.5

626.4

652.5

672.7

Investments

0.8

0.2

3.3

3.3

3.3

Current Assets

 

 

106.6

140.6

142.3

136.0

163.5

Stocks

18.7

20.8

23.9

26.9

29.4

Debtors

33.4

31.6

27.1

43.7

48.2

Cash

54.5

88.2

91.3

65.5

85.9

Other

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Current Liabilities

 

 

(127.9)

(145.1)

(208.7)

(205.4)

(204.6)

Creditors

(127.9)

(145.1)

(208.7)

(205.4)

(204.6)

Short term borrowings

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(14.0)

(13.8)

(233.3)

(230.9)

(230.5)

Long term borrowings

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Other long term liabilities

(14.0)

(13.8)

(233.3)

(230.9)

(230.5)

Net Assets

 

 

299.4

329.2

346.8

373.2

422.8

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

134.5

152.2

246.0

162.8

192.8

Net Interest

0.2

0.2

0.3

0.0

0.0

Tax

(17.6)

(16.1)

(20.3)

(35.2)

(26.6)

Capex

(72.6)

(66.6)

(89.1)

(105.0)

(95.0)

Acquisitions/disposals

2.2

1.7

1.4

0.0

0.0

Financing

(6.0)

(4.7)

(6.9)

0.0

0.0

Dividends

(32.2)

(33.1)

(72.1)

(48.3)

(50.8)

Net Cash Flow

8.5

33.7

59.3

(25.8)

20.4

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

(46.0)

(54.5)

(88.2)

(91.3)

(65.5)

HP finance leases initiated

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Other

0.0

0.0

(56.2)

0.0

0.0

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

(54.5)

(88.2)

(91.3)

(65.5)

(85.9)

Source: Company accounts, Edison Investment Research


General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Greggs and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Greggs. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2020 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2020. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Greggs and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Greggs. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2020 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2020. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

More on Greggs

View All

Consumer

Greggs — Showing us how it’s done

Consumer

Greggs — A strong finish to FY23

Latest from the Consumer sector

View All Consumer content

UmweltBank — Earnings momentum remains constrained

UmweltBank’s (UBK’s) FY19 earnings (based on preliminary results) were broadly flat compared to the prior year and in line with our expectations, as higher earnings before admin expenses and taxes were largely offset by the increase in G&A costs (cost-income ratio of 39.2% vs 32.7% in FY18). High costs related to investments in IT infrastructure and the introduction of new products coupled with persistent market headwinds (low interest rates and weak wind capacity additions in Germany) suggest UBK’s earnings recovery is likely to occur after FY20 (company FY20 PBT guidance is €36m). As a result, we have lowered our earnings forecasts and valuation by c 5–15%.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

Get access to the very latest content matched to your personal investment style.

Sign up for free