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LASCO Distributors Reporting A 37.8% Jump in Net Profit To JA$447.6M For June 2023 Quarter

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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.

For More Information CLICK HERE

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Higher Operating Costs And Margin Pressures Impacted Main Event’s Overall Q1 Profitability.

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Entering 2025 with a strategic focus on expanding revenue streams, strengthening client relationships, and maintaining financial discipline, the Company achieved revenue growth.
However, higher operating costs and margin pressures impacted overall profitability.

The Company reported revenues of $585.03M, representing a 3% or $17.28M increase over the $567.75M recorded in Q1 2024. This growth was primarily driven by a significant increase in revenue contribution from a previously underperforming segment, reflecting the success of targeted expansion efforts. While revenue remains below prior peak levels, the Company continues to recalibrate and drive demand through expanded service offerings and strengthened client engagements.

Gross profit for the quarter stood at $301.67M, reflecting a 4% decline from $315.82M in Q1 2024. This decline resulted from higher direct costs associated with event execution, infrastructure upgrades, additional non-recurring costs incurred during the period, and increased labour costs related to service delivery. Consequently, the gross margin contracted to 51.56% from 55.63% in the prior year. The Company remains focused on managing costs effectively to support long-term profitability.

Operating expenses increased to $218.72M, up 7.5% from $206.35M in Q1 2024. This rise was attributed to planned administrative enhancements, a significant one-off expenditure for the Company’s 20th Anniversary celebration, higher personnel costs, increased security and fuel expenses, and a 51% increase in amortisation expenses to $11.36M due to renegotiated lease agreements and the addition of a new lease.

Operating profit stood at $87.48M, a 24% decline from $115.28M in Q1 2024. Increased finance costs, stemming from renegotiated lease agreements and new lease additions, also impacted results.
Net profit for the quarter amounted to $73.67M, a 27% decrease from $100.25M in Q1 2024, influenced by lower gross margins, increased operational costs, and higher impairment charges. As a result, earnings per share (EPS) fell from $0.33 in Q1 2024 to $0.25 in Q1 2025.

Total assets grew by 6.4%, reaching $1,306.01M, up from $1,227.37M in Q1 2024. This increase was primarily driven by a 53% rise in receivables, reflecting expanded customer engagements, with several balances stemming from events executed near the period’s end. Short-term deposits increased to $250.24M from $236.50M, while cash and bank balances declined by 30% to $131.74M from $188.91M due to timing differences in collections and reinvestments.

Shareholders’ equity strengthened to $956.17M, reflecting a 5% increase over $912.66M in Q1 2024. This growth was primarily supported by retained earnings, demonstrating the Company’s ability to generate and reinvest profits efficiently.

Payables increased by 47%, rising to $229.58M from $156.38M in Q1 2024, mainly due to the timing of event executions towards the end of the quarter, resulting in higher accrued expenses related to supplier payments.

While the macroeconomic environment remains uncertain, the Company remains optimistic about the upcoming quarters. The focus will be on enhancing operational efficiencies to manage cost structures effectively and strengthening revenue streams through deeper market penetration and strategic partnerships. Additionally, the Company intends to use owned-events as a driver of revenue growth.
Our continued success is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and resilience of our exceptional team. Their ability to adapt and innovate in a dynamic industry ensures that we consistently exceed expectations and deliver outstanding experiences. Their dedication was especially evident during the holiday period, where they worked tirelessly to execute high-quality events, ensuring continued excellence in service delivery. We also recognise and appreciate the unwavering guidance of our Board; whose strategic leadership continues to drive our company’s growth and long-term vision.

Solomon Sharpe Chief Executive Officer

For More Information on Main Event Entertainment Group Limited (MEEG) Unaudited Results, Q1 – Three Months Ended January 31, 2025 (Revised) Click Here

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