Denmark: Carlsberg reports significant progress and strong results in 2007

For Carlsberg, 2007 was a year of significant progress and strong results, both in terms of operations and strategy, according to its press release, February 19.

• Organic volume growth of 11% and rising market shares in most important markets across all geographical segments.

• Net revenue climbed 9% to DKK 44.8bn (DKK 41.1bn in 2006). Calculated in local currencies net revenue climbed 10%.

• Operating profit was DKK 5,262m (DKK 4,046m in 2006). Beverage activities generated DKK 5,001m, representing marked progress of 25% on last year. BBH, Eastern Europe and Western Europe all made positive contributions to the development.

• Net profit rose to DKK 2,297m (DKK 1,884m in 2006), with earnings per share rising 22% as a result.

• As last year, it is recommended to the Annual General Meeting that a dividend be paid of DKK 6.00 per share.

• Based on the current business, Carlsberg anticipates operating profit of approx. DKK 5.9bn for 2008, with approx. DKK 5.6bn of this coming from beverage activities.

Net profit is expected to increase by approx. 20%.

"The results for 2007 are very satisfactory and confirm that Carlsberg is in good shape. The marked increases in raw material prices will make 2008 a challenging year, so it will be more important than ever to focus on value growth in sales and efficiency in the organisation. The results for 2007 demonstrate once again that we are well equipped both to face challenges and for the next major transformation of Carlsberg," says CEO Jørgen Buhl Rasmussen.

20 February, 2008