Diageo has released its Interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2015, which shows momentum continuing with a stronger top line growth and a higher free cash flow.
The firm saw 1.8% organic net sales growth, on 1.0% organic volume growth, and 2.4% organic operating profit growth.
Adverse exchange and the impact of the disposal of non core assets, reduced net sales by £400m and operating profit by £156m to £5,606m and £1,717m, respectively
Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive, said, “Diageo has become a stronger, more competitive business. We have delivered volume growth, a stronger top line, improved the performance of our key brands, driven cost productivity and continued to generate strong cash flow. While trading conditions remain challenging in some markets, Diageo’s brands, capabilities in marketing and innovation and our route to consumer have proved resilient. I am confident that Diageo can deliver improved, sustained performance.
'For the full year we expect volume growth to drive stronger top line performance, margin to slightly improve and strong cash conversion to continue. This will set us up to deliver better momentum in F17, with productivity gains supporting margin expansion and investment in growth. We remain confident of achieving our objective of mid-single digit top line growth and 100bps of organic operating margin improvement in the three years ending fiscal 19.”