Shah Alam, February 26, 2016 – Carlsberg Malaysia Group posted a profit after tax of RM 75.7 million in quarter four, an increase of 17.8% against the same quarter last year.

Operating profit for the quarter recorded a double digit growth of 21.9% to RM91.7 million from RM 75.3 million in the corresponding period last year on a flat revenue base. The improved performance was achieved through effective revenue optimisation, better product and price mix as well as prudent cost management across the Group.

For the financial year ended 31 December 2015, the Group’s revenue increased by 1.5% to RM 1.66 billion and profit after tax improved by 1.5% to RM220.2 million. Adjusted for the one-off impairment loss on the divestment of Luen Heng F&B Sdn Bhd (LHFB), the Group’s full year net profit increased by 7.3%.

The Group announced a final and special single tier dividend of 67.0 sen per ordinary share of 50 sen. Together with an interim dividend of 5 sen which was paid on 9 October 2015, the total declared and proposed dividends for the year ended 31 December 2015 amounted to 72.0 sen per ordinary share of 50 sen.

Carlsberg Malaysia Managing Director, Henrik Juel Andersen commented: “This satisfactory result was achieved despite challenges in the Malaysian macroeconomic landscape. The successful implementation of effective commercial strategies and cost controls initiatives mitigated the unfavourable impact of subdued consumer sentiment and depreciation of the Ringgit. The Group is pleased to continue to deliver sustainable shareholders value with a proposed net dividend payment of 100% of profit after tax for 2015.”

“I’m pleased that the efforts we have put into creating a leaner and more efficient operation in both Malaysia and Singapore as well as the increased investments behind our brands continue to pay off. The resounding success of the global advertising campaign – “Carlsberg, Probably the Best Beer in the World” which was launched in the second half of 2015 in both markets has contributed positively to demand for Carlsberg and also helped spur sales during the Chinese New Year. We are also confident that our premium brands mainly Somersby ciders, Kronenbourg 1664, Connor’s Stout Porter, Corona and Asahi Super Dry will continue to win consumers’ loyalty and market share” he added.

The Carlsberg Malaysia Group has embarked on a new global programme named Funding the Journey that aims to drive value creation for the business through value management, supply chain and operating expenses efficiency. Collectively, these initiatives will spur the growth of the brands and expansion of the business in line with the Carlsberg Group’s revised Strategy which will be launched globally on March 16, 2016.