Glanbia enjoyed a sixth consecutive year of double digit growth in 2015 and is facing into the year ahead in an upbeat mood, according to Group Managing Director, Siobhan Talbot.
With a 10.6% increase in adjusted earnings per share (79.14 cent – up 29.4 %), the plc’s end of year results, said Ms Talbot, “demonstrate the resilience and diversification of the Glanbia model during a difficult year for dairy markets”.
She added: “Glanbia Performance Nutrition was the main driver of earnings growth supported by Dairy Ireland which saw a recovery in performance in 2015. The outlook for 2016 is positive and we guiding 8% to 10% growth in adjusted earnings per share, constant currency.”
Mark Garvey (Group Finance Director, Glanbia) and Siobhan Talbot (Group Managing Director, Glanbia).
“This primarily included the commissioning of a new high-end whey production facility by Global Ingredients in Idaho and the construction of additional packing capability in the Glanbia Performance Nutrition plant in Chicago.”
During 2015, Glanbia disposed of its investment in Nigerian-based company Nutricima to PZ Cussons plc for €28.5m, stating that “the impact of this disposal on 2015 Group earnings was immaterial”.
Prior to Christmas, Glanbia completed its acquisition of protein bar company thinkThin, a US “lifestyle nutrition brand” for a total acquisition cost of €202.4m.
As of January 2nd, 2016, Glanbia had a net debt position of €584.2m (2014: €510.4m), with the debt increase primarily down to the thinkThin acquisition.
Said Siobhan Talbot: “The results demonstrate the resilience and diversification of the Glanbia model during a difficult year for dairy markets. Glanbia Performance Nutrition was the main driver of earnings growth supported by Dairy Ireland which saw a recovery in performance in 2015…
“Our strategy is to respond to the global megatrends of nutrition as consumers focus on active on active, healthy lifestyles, seek protein and exert a powerful focus on where their food comes from (and) our unique portfolio of performance nutritional ingredients are right at the heart of emerging growth opportunities.”
Kilmacthomas Macra News
While Saturday, February 13th wasn’t to be Kilmacthomas Macra’s night, it’s worth noting that the effort put in by the club for this year’s senior debating competition was there for all to see. We would like to take this opportunity to commiserate with Kieran Foley, Kiva Stanley, David Battye and James Dowdall but thank them on behalf of the club for representing club and county at national level. There’s always next year guys – thanks so much. The impromptu debating competition has been pencilled in for Friday, March 4th in the Tudor Bar, Dungarvan while on March 10, WIT Macra will present its first ever Social Ball in Dooley’s Hotel, The Quay Waterford on Thursday March 10th. This consists of a three-course meal starting at 7pm. Tickets €25, afters tickets €10, (afters commences at 9.30pm) – tickets are now sale so check out ‘WIT Macra Ball’ on Facebook for more information. Loads of fun to be had on the night, with live DJ and late band. It’s sure to be a great night, with best dressed male and female prizes up for grabs.
Members of Macra clubs throughout the country decide on the programme of activities for the club, thereby putting the power in member’s hands. Included are social outings and personal development through participation in competitions, travel, sport and agriculture, depending upon your preferences. So if you’re aged 17 to 35 and would like to get involved in something different check us out on the Kilmacthomas Facebook page or contact Mark on 087-9566678.
The URBAN Countryside
The Common Seal
On a recent trip to Dungarvan we were standing on Barnawee Bridge as the tidal current was racing out.
This created muddy lines for birds where they could search for food. Suddenly we spotted a small nose peeking out of the water. It was soon followed by the rest of the creatures head and it turned out to be a common seal.
Common seals are also known as harbour seals as they are commonly seen swimming near these man made features. It is smaller than our other species of seal the Grey or Atlantic. Males are known as bulls and can grow up to two meters and weigh a hefty 150kg.
Females are called cows and when fully grown reach 1.8 meters and 130kg. They have a streamlined body covered in fur and colour varies from a Silver to grey. Underneath the fur they have a thick layer of blubber and this keeps them well insulated in the cold sea.
They have rounded faces and a short snout and is less angular than on the face of the Grey seal. Four flippers help them to achieve speeds of up to 26 knots. Their vision is just as good on the land as in water and this is an added bonus when they are trying to catch prey in murky water and keep a watch out for predators while resting on line. Seals eyes have several adaptions that reduce the glare of the sun and also keep sand out. Anyone who has had sand kicked into their eyes will know how painful this is and this is one trait wish we could inherit for seals.
Common seals favour sheltered Costal areas and spend half their time in the sea and on the land. They like resting on sandbanks and a not a very social species. They spent most of their time alone or in small groups during the breeding season. This occurs from July through till August. During this period the bulls become very aggressive and battle for dominance under water. Fighting occurs and many bear the wounds from bites to the necks. Older bulls had multiple scars and these warriors have the privledge of breeding.
Even on land they use head butting, growling and biting to maintain their own personal space. Males have a harem of females and mating occurs under water.
They chose remote locations like offshore islands, caves or beaches and these rookeries can be used for generations. Unfortunately out lust for exploring is leading to disturbance during this sensitive time of raising their pubs. Seals are also playing creatures and will play with floats attached to fishing nets and become entangled and drown.
Pregnancy lasts 11 months and the pub weighs a hefty 6 kgs when born. It is fed on milk by its mother and this is so high in fat that the pub doubles in size in less than a month. They take five years to reach sexual maturity and suffer a very high mortality rate. Males can live for up to 26 years but females have the edge and can survive up to the age of 32. They fed on a rich variety of marine creatures from fish, squid to crabs.
Comments/Questions to albert.nolan@rocketmail.com or 089-4230502
Crops must factor in flood damage scheme
IFA Flood Project Chairman Tom Turley said that the Emergency Flood Damage Relief Measure must be extended to include those farmers who have suffered crop losses as a result of the recent flooding.
He said, the exclusion to date of crops is unacceptable as the financial losses arising from crop damage are very significant in many cases. Included in the crop losses are vegetables, maize crops, fodder beet.
Tom Turley has called for the early payment of all 377 farmers who have applied for the fodder scheme and for the 130 applicants who have applied to the Emergency Flood Damage Measure.
“The eligibility checks of these applicants must be concluded without further delay as farmers have to buy alternative feed for their animals,” he said.
