Food producer Premier Group expects improved operational earnings in its upcoming financial results thanks to cost-saving initiatives and operational efficiencies in the year to end-March.
The group said in a trading statement on Monday that it expected to report headline earnings per share of 893c-967c, a year-on-year increase of 20%-30%.
After the announcement, Premier’s share price rose to close 7.61% higher at R126.10.
The improvement was supported by “mid-single-digit revenue growth” during the period under review, driven by a “continued focus on margin management” and the delivery of operational efficiencies in Premier’s manufacturing division as well as its logistics and distribution channels.
This was despite a high interest rate environment, constrained consumer spending and volatile commodity prices, said Premier.
The latest retail survey by the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) shows retail confidence edging down slightly in the first quarter of 2025, from 54% to 50%.
Business Day reported that after three consecutive quarters as the most confident sector in the RMB/BER business confidence index, optimism among wholesalers retreated in the first quarter.
Weakening sentiment was reported across consumer and nonconsumer goods wholesalers, with concerns over US trade policy weighing on expectations and reported conditions.
Premier will release its final results on or about June 10.
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