Pioneer Foods: posts rise in full-year profit

Paarl / ZA. (pf) South African Pioneer Foods, producer of brands like «Sasko», «Liqui Fruit» and «Bokomo», reported diluted annual headline earnings per share of 349,8 cents from 285,3 cents a year ago – up 22 percent. Andre Hanekom MD: «We achieved this set of results in a deflationary environment where in the second half of the year, selling prices in key categories either stabilised or contracted». Highlights:

• Revenue 16,3 billion ZAR – up nine percent;
• Operating profit 1,2 billion ZAR – up 34 percent;
• Headline earnings per ordinary share 355 cents – up 22 percent;
• Final dividend per ordinary share 89 cents – up 35 percent.

Info: «Audited Provisional Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2009» (complete press release).