Treasury Wines reported FY21 EBITS of $510 million, with 2H21 EBITS up 45%. While China earnings were down given tariffs, the company successfully reallocated wine to the rest of Asia and this will continue in FY22e. Grape costs have been a headwind for two years. However, price growth was ahead of COGS growth in 2H21 and lower grape costs will boost EBITS from late FY22e onwards. Penfolds contributed 68% to group EBITS in FY21 despite the loss of China.
We initiate coverage of Treasury Wine Estates. After a tough 18 months, we expect stabilisation in earnings the shift to a “divisional” model that separates Penfolds will put the spotlight on that segment. The loss of earnings from China is painful, but the reallocation to other markets is likely. The company has scaled back its Americas business to focus on premium wines. The simplification of Treasury and focus on its core brands should support both sales and margins.