Danone Stock Price, News & Analysis

Danone has disclosed its total voting rights and shares in accordance with French regulations. As of July 31, 2021, the company had 687,640,000 shares in circulation. The total number of theoretical voting rights stands at 713,938,148, while the total number of exercisable voting rights is 677,500,248. This information is crucial for stakeholders to understand shareholding thresholds and voting power.

Danone has made its interim financial report for the six months ending June 30, 2021, publicly available. The company generated €23.6 billion in sales in 2020, focusing on health-oriented food and beverage categories. Danone, listed on Euronext Paris and the OTCQX market, aims for B Corp™ certification by 2025 and has set nine 2030 Goals to enhance sustainability. The company is recognized in various sustainability indexes and markets with over 100,000 employees and products sold in 120 markets.

On July 28, 2021, Danone's Board of Directors announced a comprehensive renewal program aimed at enhancing the company’s governance. This follows the earlier decision to separate the roles of Chairman and CEO, appointing Gilles Schnepp as Independent Chairman and Antoine de Saint-Affrique as CEO, effective September 15, 2021. The Board will undergo significant changes by 2023, with several Directors choosing not to renew their mandates. The upcoming Shareholders’ Meetings will propose new candidates to maintain a diverse and independent Board.

Danone reported a return to growth in Q2 2021 with net sales of €6,171 million, up +6.6% like-for-like. The first half of 2021 saw total sales of €11.8 billion, a +1.6% increase. Recurring operating margin declined to 13.1% due to inflation and category mix challenges. Reported EPS rose +5.1% to €1.63, while recurring EPS fell -9.3% to €1.53. Free cash flow reached €1.0 billion, and a share buyback program of up to €800 million is planned for H2. 2021 guidance remains optimistic for profitable growth despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties.

The press release from Danone provides essential information regarding the company's shareholding structure as of June 30, 2021. The total number of shares is reported at 687,640,000, with a total of 713,725,685 theoretical voting rights. The exercisable voting rights stand at 676,901,433. This announcement complies with Article L. 233-8 II of the French Commercial Code and the AMF regulations, ensuring transparency in shareholder voting rights. The company continues to adhere to legal requirements while informing stakeholders about its governance structure.

Danone has signed an agreement to sell its plant-based nutritional products brand, Vega, to WM Partners, a US-based private equity firm. This sale is part of Danone's strategy for capital allocation optimization and follows a portfolio review initiated in October 2020. The transaction's closing is contingent on customary conditions.

Danone, a French société anonyme, reported as of May 31, 2021, a total of 687,640,000 shares outstanding. The total theoretical number of voting rights stands at 713,733,900, while the total exercisable voting rights are 676,909,648. These numbers comply with Article L. 233-8 II of the French Commercial Code and AMF regulations.

Danone has successfully issued a €1 billion bond with a 4.5-year maturity and a 0% coupon, enhancing its financial flexibility and extending its debt maturity. This bond issue, which is set to settle on June 1, 2021, received widespread subscription from a diversified investor base, reflecting confidence in Danone's business model and credit profile. Danone maintains a BBB+ rating from Standard & Poor's and a Baa1 rating from Moody's. The company aims to promote health through food while committing to sustainability and holding significant market share with €23.6 billion in sales reported in 2020.

Danone has appointed Antoine de Saint-Affrique as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 15, 2021. This decision follows a thorough selection process by the Governance Committee. He will replace the interim leadership of Véronique Penchienati-Bosetta and Shane Grant. Saint-Affrique, previously CEO of Barry Callebaut and with significant experience at Unilever, is expected to drive Danone's future growth and align with its mission of health-focused food innovation. The Board expresses confidence in his ability to create sustainable value for shareholders.