Malaysia: Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia will continue its effort to maintain and expand the Carlsberg brand leadership for the beer segment in spite of a net profit fall in Q2

Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd’s net profit fell 29% to RM16.6 million for its second quarter ended June 30, 2007 (2Q07) from RM23.4 million in 2Q06 on the back of lower domestic sales revenue and unfavourable costs arising from its re-structuring programme which began in the first quarter.

Carlsberg said pre-tax profit fell to RM21.8 million in 2Q07 from RM30.5 million in the previous corresponding period.

Revenue for 2Q was lower at RM196.1 million versus RM230.8 million a year ago. It said earnings per share stood at 5.44 sen from 7.65 sen a year ago while dividend per share fell to 5 sen from 8 sen.

On its prospects, the company expects the Malaysian duty-paid beer and stout market to stabilise this year, provided there are no further increases in duties and there is more effective enforcement to curb smuggled beer products in the country.

"The group will nevertheless continue its efforts to make its business more cost effective, and to maintain and expand the Carlsberg brand leadership for the beer segment as well as to increase its share in the stout segment," it said.

22 August, 2007