Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Ajinomoto 4Q net profit rises to RM5.39m; proposes 20 sen dividend

KUALA LUMPUR: Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Bhd net profit for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2011 rose to RM5.39 million from RM1.48 million a year earlier, due mainly to lower sales and marketing expenses.

Revenue for the quarter increased to RM76.97 million from RM71.88 million in 2010. Earnings per share was 8.88 sen while net assets per share was RM3.62.

The company said on Tuesday, May 31 that the better performance was due to better pricing achieved from retail products with improved consumer confidence in the domestic market.

Ajinomoto proposed dividend of 20 sen per share in respect of the FY ended Mrch 31, 2011 comprising a first and final gross dividend of nine sen; a nine sen tax-exempt dividend as well as special gross dividend of two sen per share.

For the financial year ended March 31, Ajinomoto's net profit rose to RM25.73 million from RM23.94 million, on the back of revenue RM316.17 million.

Reviewing its performance, Ajinomoto said the improvement in revenue was contributed by the higher domestic sales in terms of both volume and pricing arising from the upturn in the domestic economy and consumer sentiment as well as strong economic growth in the region.

On its prospects, the company said possible negative impact of Japan's earthquake may be felt in coming quarter on the back of disruptions on the global supply chain, all of which may also further dampen export demand.

In addition, margins will be put under further pressure by soaring input and energy costs coupled with keen competition in the local food seasoning industry which required more brand building expenses to shore up sales, it said.

'In light of the above, the company expects the next fiscal year to be challenging.

'To mitigate such adverse effects the company will continue to improve further its value chain efficiencies in order to meet its long term sustainable and profitable growth,' it said.

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