Carlsberg 9MFY18 net profit grows 22.5 per cent, revenue up 11.1 per cent
KUCHING: Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd ( Carlsberg) has continued its double-digit top- and bottom-line growth in the third quarter of financial year 2018 (3QFY18) while net profit surged 22.5 per cent to RM209.7 million on a revenue growth of 11.1 per cent to RM1.46 billion for the first nine months of FY18 (9MFY18).
For the quarter ended September 30, 2018 (3QFY18), the group’s net profit jumped 51.7 per cent to RM65 million, while revenue grew 18.9 per cent to RM492.8 million.
The strong 3QFY18 performance was driven by higher sales in Malaysia and improved performance in the group’s Singapore operations. The group’s share of profits from its associate company, Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC in Sri Lanka, increased to RM3.8 million compared to RM0.6 million in 3QFY17.
Malaysia revenue for 9MFY18 increased by 19.1 per cent to RM1.04 billion, while profit from operations improved by RM36.1 million or 22.1 per cent to RM199.1 million versus 9MFY17. Revenue for 3QFY18 grew 23.6 per cent to RM350.5 million and profit from operations increased by 15.5 per cent to RM59.6 million. The strong growth momentum is attributed to robust consumer demand for the group’s innovations like Carlsberg Smooth Draught and its premium brands.
Singapore revenue declined 4.7 per cent to RM421.6 million and profit from operations declined by 8.8 per cent to RM63.9 million for 9MFY18 versus the same period last year. However, 3QFY18 revenue increased by 8.6 per cent to RM142.2 million and profit from operations increased by 438 per cent to RM23.5 million compared
Our flagship brand Carlsberg continued its robust growth together with our premium brands Kronenbourg Blanc 1664, Somersby Cider, Asahi Super Dry and Connor’s Stout for 9MFY18 in Malaysia and Singapore. Lars Lehmann, managing director
to 3QFY17, which was impacted by trade offer adjustments of RM18.2 million last year. Organic profits from operations in Singapore grew by four per cent in 3QFY18.
Earnings per share for 9MFY18 was 68.59 sen as compared to 55.98 sen for the same period last year. EPS for 3QFY18 was 21.25 sen versus 14.01 sen for the prior corresponding quarter.
In line with its dividend policy, the group proposed a 3Q single tier interim dividend of 16 sen per ordinary share. Together with the 1Q single tier interim dividend declared in respect of 1QFY18 of 20 sen per ordinary share and the 2Q single tier interim dividend in respect of 2QFY18 of 15.7 sen per ordinary share, the total 9MFY18 interim dividends stand at 51.7 sen per ordinary share, which represents a pay-out ratio of 75.4 per cent of the group’s net profit for 9MFY18.
“Our flagship brand Carlsberg continued its robust growth together with our premium brands Kronenbourg Blanc 1664, Somersby Cider, Asahi Super Dry and Connor’s Stout for 9MFY18 in Malaysia and Singapore.
“Our continued high level of consumer activities, innovations and support from our customers delivered the strong results,” managing director Lars Lehmann said.
“We applaud the Government’s call not to raise excise duties on beer in the Budget 2019 as Malaysia and Singapore already have the second-highest excise duties on beer in the world. Only Norway is higher.
“We express our full support for the Royal Malaysian Customs and other law enforcement agencies for their actions to curb contraband alcohol. The recent tragedy that claimed 40 lives due to alcohol poisoning from illegal alcohol should never happen again.” Carlsberg Malaysia is committed to continue its strong growth trend by staying focused on the execution of its SAIL’22 strategy.