Paris, June 1 - A surge in overseas sales helped French champagne house Laurent Perrier report a 34.4 percent rise in its annual net profit on Friday that sent its shares to a record high.
Net profit rose to 30.2 million euros ($40.57 million), helped by a 13.7 percent rise in sales. According to Reuters Estimates, the average forecast by analysts was for a net profit of around 27 million euros.
Laurent Perrier has benefited from higher sales in Britain and the United States, while a distribution deal with Japanese drinks group Suntory Ltd has also boosted its business.
Laurent Perrier shares were up 1.6 percent at 100 euros in early morning trade, having earlier touched a record of 101 euros.
The company, however, warned of a sharp slowdown in volume growth in the current year.
"Despite the strength of the euro, the company estimates that the champagne market should remain well placed. However, the growth in the company's volumes should slow down sharply in comparison to 2006-2007, with the exception of the Laurent-Perrier brand," the company said in a statement.
Apart from its main Laurent-Perrier brand, the company's other brands include Delamotte and Champagne de Castellane.
Laurent Perrier shares have risen nearly 40 percent since the start of 2007, building on a 50 percent rise last year.