F&NHB Posts Higher Revenue in Second Quarter FY2018 Driven by Stronger Food & Beverages Malaysia

The Group revenue for the first half ended March 31, 2018 is maintained at RM2,083.5 million while Group profit before tax reduced by 17.2 per cent to RM216.0 million compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, Group profit after tax decreased 14.9 per cent to RM199.4 million for the first half ended March 31, 2018 compared to the corresponding period in 2017.

Despite higher revenue in the second quarter, F&B Malaysia first half performance was impacted by market contraction in the beverages categories in Malaysia and floods in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah in the first quarter. Revenue for F&B Malaysia was marginally lower by 0.7 per cent to RM1,182.2 million for the first half ended March 31, 2018 compared to RM1,191.0 million last year.

F&B Malaysia operating profit declined by 24.9 per cent to RM81.1 million from RM108.0 million in the first half period last year. This was largely due to higher input costs compared to the corresponding period last year, the strengthening of Malaysian Ringgit against US Dollar which affected exports revenue, and higher advertising and promotions expenditure and sales incentives. The increase in costs were partly offset by operational cost savings and lower overheads.

Meanwhile, F&B Thailand revenue grew by 1.0 per cent to RM900.7 million for the first half ended 31 March 2018 from RM892.2 million last year. Double-digit growth in exports to Indochina as well as continued innovations in new products and packaging formats, helped to mitigate the impact of challenging domestic market conditions in a soft economy.

Operating profit for F&B Thailand eased 4.1 per cent to RM138.9 million from RM144.8 million in the same period last year. This was due to higher input costs and a one-off provision for inventories damaged in a fire at a co-manufacturer’s plant.

“Our first half performance reflects the current challenging environments in both Malaysia and Thailand for the beverages and dairy business with prolonged weak consumer sentiments, rising raw and packaging material prices and intense competition,” Lim said.

Moving forward, the Group will continue to leverage on innovations to deliver new and unique product offerings. In particular, it would be focusing on meeting consumers’ evolving needs toward healthier options through the introduction of more products with lower sugar content; and consumers’ demand for affordability through the right pack sizes and prices.

The Group’s newest introduction – 100PLUS Reduced Sugar (with only 4 per cent sugar, the lowest in the industry and WITHOUT any alternative or artificial sweetener), will boost 100PLUS’ total healthier choice portfolio and expand the brand’s reach beyond traditional user occasions. At just 4 per cent sugar but with the full hydration benefits of an isotonic drink, it is an everyday beverage suitable for all occasions.

The whole range of 100PLUS now carries the Healthier Choice logo including its fruity variants that consist of 100PLUS ORANGE, 100PLUS BERRY, 100PLUS LEMON LIME and the new 100PLUS BLACKCURRANT. The Group has successfully revamped the formula for the 100PLUS fruity variants to meet the criteria for the Healthier Choice logo by the Ministry of Health Malaysia while ensuring that they taste even more delicious despite the lower sugar content.

“We will continue to deliver our “Pure Enjoyment, Pure Goodness” promise to our consumers by offering healthier options without compromising on taste.” Lim added.

Commenting on outlook for the rest of the year, F&NHB Chairman, Tengku Syed Badarudin Jamalullail said the business environments in both Malaysia and Thailand will continue to be challenging with prolonged weak consumer sentiments and intensifying competitive price pressure. Meanwhile, raw and packaging material prices in subsequent quarters are expected to remain volatile following the uptrends in packaging and milk-based commodity prices; compounded by the continuing uptrend of oil prices. The Group has hedged its core commodity requirements for the financial year along with the corresponding foreign currency exposure wherever possible.

“Despite the challenges, the Board and management will continue to remain vigilant and take decisive actions in managing the changes in external environment to ensure sustainable growth for our business,” he added.

In line with the Group’s performance, the Board declared an interim single tier dividend of 27 sen per share (2017: 27 sen) for the year ending 30 September 2018. The dividend amounting to about RM99.0 million will be paid on 7 June 2018.