Chr Hansen’s Q3 in line with expectations, 4% organic growth

• Q3 2020/21 organic sales growth was 4%, equally split between volume/mix and price. A reduced contribution from EUR-based pricing impacted the Q3 organic growth compared to the first half and a higher comparable, as Q3 last year was positively impacted by COVID-19 related customer inventory build-up. YTD organic growth at 8% and on track to deliver 6-8% organic growth for the year.

• Integration of commercial activities in UAS/HSO has been completed, and integration of manufacturing is progressing with good sales momentum in Q3.

• Q3 EBIT margin b.s.i. of 29.3%, bringing the YTD margin to 27.3% and well on track to deliver on the outlook for the year.

• Profit for Q3 of EUR 682 million was positively impacted by the recognized gain from the divestment of Natural Colors of EUR 636 million.

Mauricio Graber, chief executive officer of Chr Hansen, says, “Organic growth in Q3 was lower than in the first half of the year, as expected. This was primarily due to a reduced positive effect from EUR-based pricing and a higher comparable customer-built safety inventories due to the Covid-19 lockdowns last year. Nevertheless, we did see an acceptable volume growth in FC&E driven by solid momentum in cheese in North America and a reduced negative impact from the Chinese dairy market. While not satisfactory, the flat organic growth for Health & Nutrition was partly driven by the higher comparable from Q3 last year for Human Health, while Animal and Plant Health delivered solid growth. The acquired probiotics businesses within Human Health delivered a strong sales performance in Q3.”

“As the world gradually re-opens, we’re focused on getting our sales force and innovation teams even closer to our markets and customers to fuel the innovation agenda of the markets we serve, in terms of both new applications and efficiencies. This is supported by the launch and implementation of new products addressing key challenges and opportunities such as bioprotection and fermented plant bases.”

“While keeping a firm focus on delivering on our outlook for the year, I’m pleased with the progress we’re making in transforming Chr. Hansen into a fully-focused bioscience company based on our unique microbial and fermentation technology platforms. The completion of the NCD divestment was a key milestone, another being the integration of UAS and HSO. Despite the initial challenges, we’re also progressing with the new long-term lighthouse within the emerging HMO market.”

“We remain on track to deliver on our ambition for the year, and the outlook, therefore, remains unchanged. The overall outlook for Human Health remains positive but a changed mix between organic and acquisition-driven sales which will keep Group organic growth below our original expectations in Q4.”