Fosters profits from low-carb beer

Foster's Group Ltd, Australia's biggest alcoholic drinks company, said today second-half net profit rose 22 percent, boosted by strong beer and international wine sales.

Foster's, also the world's second-largest wine company, forecast strong earnings growth this year as it focuses on premium beer and wine sales, and said it planned to buy back shares.

"Foster's expects global volumes in fiscal 2008 to be similar to fiscal 2007 as portfolio focus shifts to growth in higher margin products, with planned reductions in cask wine volumes," the company said.

Net profit before one-offs for the six months to June 30 was $A353 million, compared to $A289.8 million a year ago, based on Reuters calculations.

Consensus analyst estimates pointed to second-half earnings of $A334.2 million, based on a Reuters survey of nine analysts.

Analysts had expected a cautious outlook due to rising costs and volatility in the Australian dollar. The company makes around a quarter of its earnings from the United States.

Foster's global wine business is ranked behind only US-based Constellation Brands Inc, and includes the Rosemount, Penfolds and Lindemans brands.

Foster's said the result was also driven by growth of international wine sales.

In Australian, beer sales were driven by a jump in sales of its new low-carbohydrate Pure Blonde label.

Boutique and mid-strength beers have been winning market share in Australia's $A5.5 billion beer industry, though the company's 113-year old VB (Victoria Bitter) brand is still the country's top-selling beer, with an 18 percent market share.

Foster's said net profit for the year to June 30 was $A716 million, compared to $A613 million a year earlier, compared to consensus estimates of $A696 million.

Foster's said it planned to buy back $A250 million of capital off market and $A100 million on market.

The group also announced the retirement of its Chief Financial Officer Pete Scott.

Foster's has struggled with a strategy to integrate its wine, beer and spirits sales teams from a previous system of specialised sales people, and earlier this year reintroduced wine specialists to boost sales to restaurants and fine wine stores.