CARLSBERG BREWERY MALAYSIA BERHAD GROUP (CARLSBERG MALAYSIA GROUP)
CARLSBERG MALAYSIA RECORDED 16.2% PROFIT GROWTH FOR FY14

SHAH ALAM, February 27, 2015 – Carlsberg Malaysia today announced that profit after tax for financial year ended 31 December 2014 increased by 16.2% to RM216.9 million from RM186.6 million recorded in 2013. This was achieved on the back of a revenue of RM1.64 billion which was 5.1% higher than the previous year’s revenue of RM1.56 billion.

The Group’s operating profit also recorded a double digit increase of 13.9% to RM267.5 million. Operating profit for the Malaysian operations grew by 10.4% to RM203.4 million and by 26.6% to RM64.1 million for Singapore, primarily due to sales improvements and effective cost management programmes.

For the fourth quarter under review, Group’s revenue improved by 9.3% to RM423.8 million from RM387.7 million in the corresponding quarter in 2013. Profit after tax declined marginally by 1.1% to RM64.3 million from RM64.9 million for the quarter under review.

Earnings per share (EPS) for the year ended 2014 grew to 69.20 sen from 60.16 sen.

The Group announced a final and special single tier dividend of 66.0 sen per ordinary share of 50 sen. Total declared and proposed dividends for the year ended 31 December 2014 amounted to 71.0 sen per share of 50 sen.

Carlsberg Malaysia Managing Director, Henrik Juel Andersen commented: “Despite the challenging consumer environment faced by the Malaysian beer industry as well as the significant increases in government taxes in both Malaysia and Singapore during 2014, we were able to deliver a set of commendable result for our shareholders. This was attributed to an improvement in product and price mix, effective consumer campaigns as well as improving efficiency across all aspects of our operations in both Malaysia and Singapore. Gaining sole distribution rights to Asahi in Singapore also played a minor role.

Andersen added, “We are likely to see a softening in consumer demand for discretionary items due to the forthcoming GST implementation. As such, we expect market conditions in Malaysia to remain challenging for most part of the current financial year. However, we have put in place sound plans to mitigate the negative external environment and will strive to continue to deliver satisfactory results for our shareholders. ”

“Innovative and rewarding marketing campaigns will continue to drive our consumer engagements and this includes maintaining our stronghold in football due to Carlsberg’s official partnership with the Barclays Premier League. We also expect to see sale of our premium brands; Somersby Apple and Pear Ciders, Asahi Super Dry and Kronenbourg 1664 continue to gain traction in the Malaysian and Singaporean markets.”

About Carlsberg Malaysia

Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad Group (Carlsberg Malaysia) was incorporated in December 1969. Today, it manufactures beer, stout and other malt related beverages. Sales and distribution of beer, stout, cider, wines, spirits and other beverages are carried out by its subsidiaries Carlsberg Marketing Sdn Bhd, Luen Heng F&B Sdn Bhd in Malaysia, Carlsberg Singapore Pte Ltd and associate company Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC in Sri Lanka.

Carlsberg remains the flagship brand and is committed to growing its place in the hearts and minds of Malaysian beer drinkers by staying in tune with the needs and demands of our strong consumer base. The Carlsberg Malaysia Group also has a wide portfolio of leading international brands that include Kronenbourg 1664 and Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc, Asahi Super Dry, Somersby Cider, Danish Royal Stout, Connor’s Stout, SKOL, Jolly Shandy, Budweiser, Corona, Stella Artois, Becks, Fosters, Hoegaarden, Erdinger, Franziskaner, Tetley’s Ale and Grimbergen.