SHAH ALAM, 14 April 2022 – Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad (the Group) has published its first Integrated Annual Report for the financial year ended 31 December 2021. In addition to business reviews, the report also provides shareholders detailed insights of the brewer’s allocation of capitals in delivering value creation and disclosure on the material matters around its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities.

At its 52^nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) – themed ‘Navigate The Storm’ held virtually for the 3^rd consecutive year, the Group saw approximately 1,100 shareholders and proxies attended the meeting and all nine resolutions were passed.

 The Group’s Chairman Datuk Toh Ah Wah said: “The Group reported a revenue of RM1.8 billion last year despite the extremely difficult situation with 2.5 months of brewery closure and recorded a commendable 23.9% increase in net profit at RM201.0 million. Taking into account of the final single-tier dividend of 46.0 sen per ordinary share approved in this AGM, the total declared dividend for FY2021 is 56.0 sen, which is equivalent to RM171.2 million, an increase of 40% from FY2020 dividends paid. This equivalents to 85.2% of dividend payout ratio versus 75.4% in FY2020.”

 “I would also like to take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt appreciation and sincere thanks to all of you, our shareholders as well as to our employees and stakeholders including government agencies, distributors, suppliers, customers, and consumers, who have played a part in our growth and success. Thank you for your unwavering support and confidence in us,” Toh added.

 In his keynote address, Toh had also thanked outgoing directors – Graham James Fewkes, Roland Arthur Lawrence and Michelle Tanya Achuthan for their service during their tenure at the Group and warmly welcomed the newly appointed directors Leonard Cornelis Jorden Evers, Gavin Stuart Brockett and Datuk Christine Lee Oi Kuan.

 On prospects, Managing Director Stefano Clini commented: “2022 will be another challenging year. Yet, the emergence of another new variant of COVID-19 may become a speedbump to sustaining the strong economic recovery. The escalating commodity prices, further exacerbated by the Ukraine-Russia crisis, will create additional costs pressure and uncertainties.”

 “On the other hand, as Malaysia begins its transition to the endemic phase of COVID-19 with the reopening of international borders for travel and tourism, this sends very encouraging signals for the outlook of business recovery in the country,” Clini added. However, the continued closure of entertainment outlets will limit the recovery in on-trade channel.

 In view of the current developments, Clini expressed his confidence that the brewer’s sustained efforts in executing its 2022 priorities within the SAIL’22 strategy will enable it to navigate the uncharted waters in the third year of COVID-19. The Group is committed to delivering growth this year through innovation and premiumisation and to deliver sustainable long-term value creation.

 “This year, we will continue investing in our flagship brand Carlsberg whilst intensifying the premiumisation in 1664 Blanc, Somersby Cider, Connors’ Stout Porter and Asahi Super Dry. Importantly, this year will mark our entry in the alcohol-free brew segment in Malaysia,” said Clini.

 Additionally, the Group also shared the expected benefits from the RM110 million capital expenditure (CapEX) for its Shah Alam brewery upgrade, which will modernise its production facilities that delivers higher efficiency.

 The Group maintains its inclusion as sole brewer among 80 constituents in the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index since the last review in December 2021 and remains a counter of note within the prestigious MSCI global indices, following its upgrade to ‘AA’ from ‘A’ in the August 2021 review.