John De Silva Managing Director of LASCO Distributors Limited has released the following unaudited Financial Statements for the three months ended June 30, 2023.
First Quarter Results
LASCO Distributors Limited delivered a solid start to the year, in line with its objective of delivering sustainable, profitable, capital-efficient growth.
The Strategic Framework continues to be executed consistently and on an accelerated basis, with a clear focus on Nutrition, Hygiene and Healthcare.
Highlights
- Net Profit increased by 37.8% to $447.6M,
- Return on Equity increased to 22.1 %,
- Earnings per share (Basic) increased by 37.2% to $0.13,
- Revenue increased by 16.9% to $7.3B,
- Gross Profit up by 24.9% to $1.34B, driven by Gross Margin improvement,
Total Company Revenue increased by 16.9% to $7.3B, an increase of $1.06B over the previous year, continuing the performance of the prior year, delivering growth in all key segments. The company continues to invest in consumer-focused marketing initiatives while increasing its distribution and product availability across all channels.
The Nutrition, Food and Beverage Categories continue to perform well, with the top line performance being driven by both volumes and pricing.
The Hygiene (Home Care are Personal Care) portfolio also delivered growth, with a particularly strong performance in the Home Care category.
The Healthcare category, managed via the Pharmaceutical Division also delivered a solid first quarter, achieving growth in the private and government channels. Aligned to the Company’s Digital Transformation Agenda, this Division went live with its cloud-based Warehouse Management System during the quarter, and some of the anticipated efficiency improvements are already being seen.
Gross Profit increased by 24.9% or $267M, to $1.34B, and margins increased from 17.1% to 18.3% as a result of cost improvements, efficiency gains and price increases.
Operating Expenses were $806M, an increase of 12.3%, driven mainly by an increase in Sales, Promotional and Marketing investments and increased insurance premiums. The Operating Expense ratio was 1 1 .0 0/0 of Revenue, a decrease from 11.5% the year before.
Profit Before Tax was $602.0M, an increase of 57.4%, or $219.6M. Net Profit was $447.6M, an increase of 37.8% over the prior year.
Balance Sheet
Total Assets at 30th June, 2023 stood at $13.53B, an increase of 0.7% compared to the same period last year. Inventories increased marginally by $10.8M or 0.3% to close at $3.76B. Receivables decreased by 3.17% to $3.6B, compared to the previous year.
Cash and Short-term investments together closed at $3.6B, in line with the same period last year.
Payables closed the year at $4.27 B, a reduction of 26.7% over last year. Shareholders’ Equity closed at $8.9B, an increase of $1.52M or 20.6% above the previous year. The company continues to be debt-free and delivered a Return on Equity of 22.1
Outlook
The Company intends to accelerate the execution of its strategic framework, with additional focus on supporting the recently launched brands, while improving capabilities through its Digital Transformation agenda. The Board of Directors would like to express gratitude to all stakeholders, our committed and capable team members, and loyal customers, for their support.
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