Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd has registered a stronger second quarter ended March 31 (Q2 FY2021), with Group revenue growing 8.6 percent to RM1,091.8 million compared to the same period last year.
The Group’s Q2 FY2021 profit before tax rose 3.9% to RM139.3 million, and profit after tax increased to RM103.5 million from RM102.2 million last year. Higher sales, favourable product mix, prudent control on A&P spend, and the maiden contribution from the Sri Nona Companiesmitigated pressures from rising commodity prices and lower exports margin from higher freight costs.
Despite subdued Chinese New Year festivities due to Movement Control Order (MCO 2.0) restrictions in Malaysia, there was positive momentum in on-premise demand after the easing of restrictions in early March.
The recovery in the domestic market, double digit growth in exports fuelled by growth in Middle East and Africa markets, and contribution from Sri Nona Companies spurred the growth in Food & Beverages Malaysia (F&B Malaysia) Q2 FY2021 revenue by 13.0% to RM564.2 million. Operating profit rose 8.4 percent to RM26.4 million during the same period despite higher Covid-19 related expenses incurred in the quarter to conduct proactive safety measures.
Food & Beverages Thailand (F&B Thailand) registered 4.3% revenue growth (+3.8% in Thai Baht terms) in Q2 FY2021 at RM525.8 million amidst recovery in domestic economic activities especially in the hawkers, restaurant/café operators and Cash and Carry channels.
Exports from Thailand also grew from greater demand overseas, which helped mitigate the slower offtake in Indochina markets due to stronger Thai Baht (which led to higher price in trade) and escalating Covid-19 cases in the region. F&B Thailand’s operating profit for the Q2 FY2021 increased 6.2% to RM112.1 million (+5.7% in Thai Baht terms).
Supported by the progressive recovery of domestic sales, resilient Exports volume and contribution from Sri Nona Companies, Group revenue increased by 2.8% to RM2,175.0 million for the first half year ended 31 March 2021, while Group profit before tax increased to RM298.3 million.
Group profit after tax for the period grew by 4.2 percent due to investment tax incentives at the Thai subsidiary; offset by lower share of profit from an associate.
Higher beverage sales and double-digit growth in exports in the second quarter, as well as sustained demand for dairy products, and contribution from Sri Nona Companies led to 4.4 percent revenue growth for F&B Malaysia at RM1,132.4 million in the first half. However, operating profit declined slightly to RM71.3 million from RM73.0 million last year due to lower export margins from the increase in commodity costs and international freight charges.
Meanwhile, F&B Thailand delivered a better first half performance supported by out-of-home consumption recovery and growth in export markets, which offset the slower offtake in traditional and modern trade channels. Revenue increased by 1.0% (2.2% in Thai Baht terms) to RM1,040.2 million while operating profit grew 2.4% (3.6% in Thai baht terms) to RM221.6 million during the period under review.
Commenting on F&NHB’s first half financial results, F&NHB Chief Executive Officer, Lim Yew Hoe said that the Group’s performance demonstrated its resilience and agility to adapt and capture opportunities in a fluid and uncertain environment.
“Against a challenging backdrop, we built on our adaptive route-to-market execution and channel strategies to reach out to consumers and meet their expectations. We are also fortunate to have strong brands such as 100PLUS which are the must-haves during the festivities.”
“Meanwhile in Thailand, the team supported the trade with value offers and attractive promotions to help hawkers, café and restaurant operators to quickly restart their business activity as economic activities begin to pick up,” Lim added.
“We remain cautious of the local and global uncertainties as the COVID-19 pandemic situation is yet to stabilise. Commodity prices are on the uptrend and expected to rise further. Regardless of the situation, we will continue to develop our rich portfolio of brands and expand our geographical presence, while adapting and refining our strategies to constraints imposed by the pandemic,” Lim added.
Following the recent rise in Malaysia’s Covid-19 cases, Lim said, “Safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our people is pivotal while ensuring continued availability and accessibility of our products in the market. We continue to conduct proactive safety measures, including regular Covid-19 screening in our plants in Selangor to alleviate infection risk and ensure minimal impact to operations. Similarly, we are keeping a close watch on Thailand’s spike in new cases to ensure timely and appropriate mitigation measures.”
This year, F&NHB continued to respond to the needs of vulnerable communities throughout Malaysia and frontliners who have shown extraordinary commitment in battling COVID-19. During the Ramadan month, F&NHB, through its 100PLUS brand, will distribute over RM1 million worth of F&N products and daily essentials to 20,000 beneficiaries nationwide, including B40 families and 100 underprivileged homes through its ‘Keberkatan Plus Plus’ programme.
The programme also offers Malaysians a convenient channel that empowers them to join in the spirit of giving by purchasing ‘F&N Pek Penyayang’ packages from the F&N Life website, which will enable them to donate to a charitable group of their choice.
F&NHB Chairman Tengku Syed Badarudin Jamalullail said, “Even though Ramadan has been different since the past year, the spirit of giving has not changed. We remain committed to pursuing sustainable and inclusive growth with our people, business partners and the community. The ‘Keberkatan Plus Plus’ programme is part of F&NHB’s annual Corporate Responsibility efforts since 2004, which spreads the bliss of Ramadan to the less fortunate community during the holy month”.
“Our ability to weather the challenges and navigate safely through the uncertainty has proven that we have effectively implemented initiatives to build a stronger future for the Group. We are confident that our long-term strategies are well placed to manage the risk of the current landscape while keeping us on track to drive future growth,” he concluded.
In line with the Group’s performance, the Board declared an interim single-tier dividend of 27 sen per share (2020: 27.0 sen) for the financial year ending 30 September 2021. This dividend amounting to approximately RM 99 million will be paid on 16 June 2021.
