Bakkavor Group plc (the 'Company') and its subsidiaries ('Bakkavor' or 'the Group'), the leading international provider of fresh prepared food ('FPF'), today announces its full year audited results for the 52-week period ended 25 December 2021.

Financial outperformance1 and strengthened balance sheet

Like-for-like revenue2 ahead of pre-pandemic levels, up 1.2% on 2019, and up 6.2% on 2020 to GBP1,885.6m

Group reported revenue up 4.4% to GBP1,871.6m

Adjusted operating profit2 of GBP102.0m, ahead of market expectations1 and up 22.0%

Basic earnings per share of 9.8 pence, up 3.9 pence

Free cash flow2 of GBP91.2m, up GBP51.1m

Leverage2 of 1.9x within medium-term target range, delivered 6 months ahead of previous guidance

Total dividend per share for 2021 up 10% on 2019, with final dividend of 3.96 pence per Ordinary share proposed

Good strategic progress underpins future growth and improving returns

Our scale, experience, category leadership and breadth of portfolio in the UK has underpinned our significant progress, and puts us in a strong position to continue to succeed

US like-for-like revenue up 31.8% and recent investments unlock capacity for further growth

Steady top-line recovery in China, and our strategic focus on entering new channels is being realised with new customers

Group adjusted operating margin2 up 70 bps despite inflationary headwinds and labour challenges, as a result of our strict focus on cost control and operational efficiency

Group net carbon emissions reduced by 4.1%, with 'roadmap' to deliver our 2040 net zero commitment in progress

Remain well-positioned to successfully mitigate inflationary headwinds

Sales volumes in early 2022 have been encouraging, giving confidence in the continuation of the Group's revenue momentum through the year

The Group is committed to mitigating the impact of significant inflationary headwinds through continued price recovery with customers, strict cost control and productivity improvements

The Group is confident in delivering 2022 in line with market expectations1 as our established teams, commercial philosophy and dynamic ways of working equip us well for successfully navigating the tough environment

Strong cash generation and strengthened balance sheet provides flexibility for targeted investment to deliver further efficiencies and take advantage of medium-term growth opportunities

FINANCIAL SUMMARY: See details at:

https://www.bakkavor.com/en/news/news/news-details/2022/Bakkavor-Group-plc-Full-Year-Results-2021/default.aspx

Based on company compiled consensus ('Consensus') which includes the following institutions: Peel Hunt, Citi, Investec, Numis, Goodbody, Berenberg and HSBC. Operating profit Consensus for 2021 of GBP97.4m. Operating profit Consensus for 2022 of GBP98.1m. Last updated on 7 March 2022.

Alternative Performance Measures are referred to as 'like-for-like', 'adjusted', 'underlying' and are applied consistently throughout this document. These are defined in full and reconciled to the reported statutory measures in Note 13.

During the period, the final dividend relating to the period ended 28 December 2019 was paid, please refer to Note 10 for further details.

AGUST GUDMUNDSSON, CEO, COMMENTED:

'In 2021 we achieved meaningful financial and strategic progress against unprecedented industry challenges. We have continued to leverage our scale, category leadership, and strict focus on efficiency and cost control to emerge in a position of strength. Our outperformance, and the support we have given to our customers, suppliers and communities, would not have been possible without the exceptional efforts of all of our colleagues, for which I am incredibly proud.

'While we expect the significant inflationary pressures to persist, we have demonstrated our ability over the past 36 years to navigate such headwinds. I believe we are well-positioned to mitigate these challenges, giving us confidence in delivering on our expectations for the full year.'

PRESENTATION

A copy of the 2021 full year results are available on www.bakkavor.com

We will be presenting to analysts in-person and via a webcast at 09.00 am, 8 March 2022, through the Investor section of the Group's website at: https://q4-emea.wavecast.io/bakkavor/2021-full-year-results. The presentation can also be accessed via a replay service shortly after the presentation has concluded.

ENQUIRIES

Institutional investors and analysts:

Ben Waldron, Chief Financial Officer

Emily Daw, Head of Investor Relations

+44 (0) 20 7908 6114

Financial media:

Rachel Farrington, MHP Communications

+44 (0) 20 3128 8613

Oliver Hughes, MHP Communications

+44 (0) 20 3128 8622

Katie Hunt, MHP Communications

+44 (0) 20 3743 8794

(C) 2022 Electronic News Publishing, source ENP Newswire