By Xavier Kong
CARLSBERG Brewery Malaysia Bhd registered a higher net profit of RM69 mil for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2019 compared with RM67.5 mil a year ago on the back of an increased revenue of RM573.9 mil versus RM525.6 mil.
For the full year, it recorded a net profit of RM291 mil, up 5% from RM277.1 mil in the previous year while revenue jumped to RM2.3 bil from RM2 bil.The company proposed a total dividend of 45.4 sen in 4QFY19, bringing the total dividend to RM1 per share for FY19.
However, Stefano Clini, managing director of Carlsberg, said at a media briefing “this will not be a new tradition, just a gift to the shareholders for these two years.”
Core beer saw 7% growth yoy in FY19, with the group’s Smooth Draught continuing to drive category growth, while the premium category saw a growth of 13%, backed by consumer preference and continued investments in promotions and sampling.
There was also a 58% growth in the craft segment, as the group has expanded its retail presence on e-commerce platforms in Malaysia, as well as premium supermarkets in Singapore.
Clini is cautious on the outlook for 2020 due to the lower gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast of 4.5% in Malaysia and 0.9% in Singapore.
Carlsberg has also seen sales impacted at entertainment outlets from the Covid-19 outbreak, with the outlets getting between 10% and 20% lower traffic, according to Clini.
“However, the full impact cannot be foreseen yet. But I am not worried, unless the coronavirus extends until June, then I will be worried,” he said.
Moving forward, Carlsberg will continue with its SAIL 2022 strategy, which will focus on strengthening its core business, positioning for growth, and delivering value for shareholders.
At the end of the trading day, Carlsberg shares closed at a two-year high of RM38.94, up 90 sen, with 758,200 shares changing hands. – Feb 21, 2020
