Greggs plc — On a roll – unscheduled vegan-driven upgrade

Greggs (LSE: GRG)

Last close As at 25/12/2024

GBP27.66

4.00 (0.14%)

Market capitalisation

GBP2,829m

More on this equity

Research: Consumer

Greggs plc — On a roll – unscheduled vegan-driven upgrade

After only seven weeks, Greggs’ vegan sausage roll has already led us to an upgrade, our third in two months. With its smart approach to social media, the company is succeeding in disrupting out-of-date perceptions, which appears to be bringing new customers into the stores. While multiples are optically high, we believe there may be further upgrade potential.

Analyst avatar placeholder

Written by

Consumer

Greggs

On a roll - unscheduled vegan-driven upgrade

Trading update

Retail

19 February 2019

Price

1,602p

Market cap

£1,621m

Net cash (£m) at 30 June 2018

43.5

Shares in issue

101.2m

Free float

100%

Code

GRG

Primary exchange

LSE

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

17.3

33.8

24.3

Rel (local)

12.6

34.6

28.0

52-week high/low

1,606p

942p

Business description

With over 1,950 retail outlets, eight manufacturing and distribution centres and 22,000 employees, Greggs is the UK’s leading ‘food-on-the-go’ retailer. It uses vertical integration to offer differentiated products at competitive prices.

Next events

Preliminary results

7 March 2019

Analysts

Paul Hickman

+44 (0)20 3681 2501

Kate Heseltine

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Greggs is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

After only seven weeks, Greggs’ vegan sausage roll has already led us to an upgrade, our third in two months. With its smart approach to social media, the company is succeeding in disrupting out-of-date perceptions, which appears to be bringing new customers into the stores. While multiples are optically high, we believe there may be further upgrade potential.

Year end

Revenue (£m)

PBT*
(£m)

EPS*
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/16

894.2

80.3

62.0

31.0

25.8

1.9

12/17

960.0

81.8

64.5

32.3

24.8

2.0

12/18e

1,029.3

89.2

70.2

34.7

22.8

2.2

12/19e

1,120.8

102.8

80.8

40.5

19.8

2.5

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles and exceptional items but after share-based payments.

Vegan sausage roll powers outperformance

Trading in the first seven weeks was exceptionally strong, with like-for-like sales growth of 9.6% (FY18: 2.9%) and total sales up 14.1% (FY18: 6.2%). Demand was led by Greggs’ newly launched vegan sausage roll, but extended to the regular sausage roll, along with other savoury products. We infer that the launch publicity succeeded in its aims of bringing new customers into the stores. Greggs is working to verify this and will give more detail at full-year results in two weeks’ time. Early supply problems given the scale of demand for the vegan sausage roll have now been resolved, with more than 80% of stores now being supplied.

Smart social media disrupting entrenched image

The social media launch publicity included a YouTube video simulating an Apple launch as well as a trial ‘tasting’ by Piers Morgan, which attracted wide attention. Smart social media publicity like this has a serious underlying purpose of disrupting entrenched assumptions about Greggs’ brand, and bringing new customers into its stores, which have been transformed into food-on-the-go outlets over the past six years, with a food offer including healthy ranges as well as traditional products.

Forecasts: 8% upgrade

The exceptional growth to date also benefited from last year’s extreme weather, and has pulled back slightly in February. However, it should still leave the first half materially ahead of expectations, while FY18 l-f-l comps strengthen through the year: Q1: 1.2%; Q2: 1.8%; Q3: 3.2%; Q4: 5.2%. On our assumption of 6% H1 l-f-l growth, we upgrade our FY19 PBT and EPS forecast by 8%. We still assume H2 like-for-like growth of only 1%, leaving potential for further upside if this proves to be over-conservative.

Valuation: Discounts modest assumptions

Greggs’ shares trade close to our DCF valuation of 1,692p, which assumes revenue growth beyond FY20 of 6% fading to 2% and a perpetuity EBITDA margin of 15.7% (2020e:14.9%). As with forecasts, there is upgrade potential. Our peer comparison would suggest 1,523p. However, this includes some indebted companies, which is not the case for Greggs, where we now forecast FY18 net cash of £49m.

Exhibit 1: Financial summary

£m

2016

2017

2018e

2019e

2020e

Dec

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

PROFIT & LOSS

Revenue

 

 

894.2

960.0

1,029.3

1,120.8

1,192.9

Cost of Sales

(324.3)

(348.1)

(375.2)

(406.2)

(429.9)

Gross Profit

569.9

611.9

654.1

714.6

762.9

EBITDA

 

 

125.9

135.7

144.6

165.1

178.2

Operating Profit (before amort. and except.)

80.3

82.2

89.3

102.6

111.8

Intangible Amortisation

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Exceptionals

(5.2)

(9.9)

(6.0)

(4.0)

(3.0)

Other

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Operating Profit

75.2

72.3

83.3

98.6

108.8

Net Interest

(0.0)

(0.4)

(0.1)

0.2

0.2

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

80.3

81.8

89.2

102.8

112.0

Profit Before Tax (FRS 3)

 

 

75.1

71.9

83.2

98.8

109.0

Tax

(18.1)

(16.9)

(18.4)

(21.6)

(22.7)

Profit After Tax (norm)

62.3

64.9

70.7

81.2

89.3

Profit After Tax (FRS 3)

58.0

56.9

65.8

78.0

87.0

Average Number of Shares Outstanding (m)

100.4

100.6

100.7

100.4

100.4

EPS - normalised (p)

 

 

62.0

64.5

70.2

80.8

88.9

EPS - (IFRS) (p)

 

 

57.7

56.5

65.3

77.7

86.6

Dividend per share (p)

31.0

32.3

34.7

40.5

44.5

Gross Margin (%)

63.7

63.7

63.5

63.8

64.0

EBITDA Margin (%)

14.1

14.1

14.0

14.7

14.9

Operating Margin (before GW and except.) (%)

9.0

8.6

8.7

9.2

9.4

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

323.4

334.7

376.0

408.5

427.1

Intangible Assets

14.3

14.7

18.3

20.7

20.7

Tangible Assets

307.4

319.2

354.2

384.3

402.8

Investments

1.8

0.8

3.6

3.6

3.6

Current Assets

 

 

92.6

106.6

104.9

124.9

155.7

Stocks

15.9

18.7

19.9

21.5

24.0

Debtors

30.7

33.4

36.2

38.9

41.4

Cash

46.0

54.5

48.8

64.5

90.4

Other

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Current Liabilities

 

 

(121.4)

(127.9)

(137.2)

(146.0)

(142.7)

Creditors

(121.4)

(127.9)

(137.2)

(146.0)

(142.7)

Short term borrowings

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(29.9)

(14.0)

(8.1)

(7.0)

(6.6)

Long term borrowings

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Other long term liabilities

(29.9)

(14.0)

(8.1)

(7.0)

(6.6)

Net Assets

 

 

264.7

299.4

335.6

380.5

433.6

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

133.8

134.5

142.7

167.8

170.0

Net Interest

0.1

0.2

(0.1)

0.2

0.2

Tax

(16.2)

(17.6)

(19.9)

(20.8)

(22.1)

Capex

(80.1)

(72.6)

(90.0)

(95.0)

(85.0)

Acquisitions/disposals

4.7

2.2

(4.1)

(1.0)

0.0

Financing

(8.3)

(6.0)

(1.2)

0.0

(0.0)

Dividends

(30.9)

(32.2)

(33.1)

(35.6)

(37.3)

Net Cash Flow

3.0

8.5

(5.7)

15.7

25.9

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

(42.9)

(46.0)

(54.5)

(48.8)

(64.5)

HP finance leases initiated

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Other

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

(46.0)

(54.5)

(48.8)

(64.5)

(90.4)

Source: Greggs accounts, Edison Investment Research

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Greggs and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Greggs. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the Edison analyst at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2019 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2019. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Myonlineadvisers Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 427484). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

Neither this document and associated email (together, the "Communication") constitutes or form part of any offer for sale or subscription of, or solicitation of any offer to buy or subscribe for, any securities, nor shall it or any part of it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract or commitment whatsoever. Any decision to purchase shares in the Company in the proposed placing should be made solely on the basis of the information to be contained in the admission document to be published in connection therewith.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document (nor will such persons be able to purchase shares in the placing).

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

The Investment Research is a publication distributed in the United States by Edison Investment Research, Inc. Edison Investment Research, Inc. is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a) (11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Greggs and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Greggs. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the Edison analyst at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2019 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2019. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Myonlineadvisers Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 427484). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

Neither this document and associated email (together, the "Communication") constitutes or form part of any offer for sale or subscription of, or solicitation of any offer to buy or subscribe for, any securities, nor shall it or any part of it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract or commitment whatsoever. Any decision to purchase shares in the Company in the proposed placing should be made solely on the basis of the information to be contained in the admission document to be published in connection therewith.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document (nor will such persons be able to purchase shares in the placing).

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

The Investment Research is a publication distributed in the United States by Edison Investment Research, Inc. Edison Investment Research, Inc. is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a) (11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

More on Greggs

View All

Consumer

Greggs — Good Q324 on strong comparative

Consumer

Greggs — Confident about FY24 outlook

Consumer

Greggs — Encouraging start to FY24

Consumer

Greggs — Showing us how it’s done

Latest from the Consumer sector

View All Consumer content

Consumer

OPAP — Winning strategy

Borussia-Dortmund_resized

Consumer

Borussia Dortmund — Taking on the world

JPJ Group plc — Farewell to Mandalay

JPJ has announced a definitive agreement to sell its Mandalay subsidiary to 888 Holdings for £18m cash. During FY18, Mandalay reported revenues of c £11m and PBT of c £3.7m, which represents a deal value of c 5.0x EV/EBITDA. This subsidiary has significantly underperformed the rest of JPJ’s business and was particularly affected by the additional bonus tax in 2017. We therefore believe this asset sale is a net positive and should enable the company to better focus on its market-leading brands. The stock continues to trade at the low end of the peer group, at only 8.7x EV/EBITDA, 7.2x P/E and 11.9% free cash flow yield for FY19e.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

Get access to the very latest content matched to your personal investment style.

Sign up for free