Swiss chocolate group Lindt & Sprüngli booked an increase in profit for fiscal 2012, boosted by higher sales and margin gains.
In a regulatory filing released this morning (15 February), the company said operating profit increased by 10.3%, rising to CHF362.5m (US$384.1m). Lindt was able to expand its EBIT margin by 40 basis points over the 12 months to 13.6%. Net profit was also up 10.3% at CHF271.9m.
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During 2012, Lindt achieved sales growth of 7.3% to CHF2.67bn. Organic sales rose 6.8%. The company emphasised it increased sales in chocolate markets that were predominantly flat to down, pointing to market share gains in “practically all” the countries and categories it operates. Product launches in its seasonal and year-round businesses underpinned higher revenues, Lindt suggested.
Looking to 2013, Lindt said it anticipates its premium chocolate business to remain relatively unscathed by the down global economy. Moreover, the group was optimistic that a lower Swiss franc would likely boost exports from Switzerland. The company indicated that it expects to increase sales by 6-8% on an organic basis.
