5 days ago
Carlsberg reports 3.2% rise in 2Q net profit
KUALA LUMPUR: Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd remains cautious as it navigates an uncertain macroeconomic landscape due to external headwinds and subdued consumer sentiment.
The brewer said recent policy measures — including a cut to Malaysia's overnight policy rate (OPR), fuel subsidy rationalisation, electricity tariff restructuring and targeted cash assistance — could help boost consumer sentiment.
'Against this backdrop, the group will continue to focus on cost optimisation to support investments in brand premiumisation, product innovation and digital transformation.
'These efforts reflect the group's commitment to delivering long-term sustainable value for shareholders and stakeholders,' Carlsberg said in a statement.
Carlsberg reported a 3.2% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase in net profit to RM81.9mil for the second quarter ended June 30 (2Q25), up from RM79.4mil a year earlier. Earnings per share rose to 26.80 sen, compared to 25.97 sen in 2Q24.
This came despite a 3.4% y-o-y decline in revenue to RM490.2mil for 2Q25 from RM507.5mil previously.
Carlsberg said this is due to the effects of lower tax expenses for the quarter.
The board of directors has announced the second interim dividend of 20 sen per share for 2Q25, bringing the cumulative interim dividend to 43 sen per share for FY25.
In the first six months ended June 30 (1H25), Carlsberg saw its net profit up by 5.4% y-o-y to RM176.5mil versus RM167.3mil in 1H24, due to the absence of additional deferred tax liabilities from foreign withholding tax in the group's Sri Lankan-based associate company Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC recognised in 1H24.
The group's revenue, on the other hand, fell by 6.5% y-o-y to RM1.15bil versus RM1.23bil in the same period last year due to the shorter Chinese New Year (CNY) timing, as part of the festive sales had been captured in December 2024.
'We are satisfied with our performance for the first half of the year despite the lower sales due to the shorter CNY timing.
'Our continued focus on our disciplined discount management and also operational efficiency demonstrates the resilience of our business strategy amid the challenging and subdued local market, giving us the confidence to keep investing in our brands,' managing director Stefano Clini said.
