KUALA LUMPUR (April 23): BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (M) [] Bhd net profit for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012 rose 8.93% to RM194.51 million from RM178.56 million a year earlier, due to absence of the one-off impact on merchandising assets from change in accounting policy in Q4’ 2011 (RM15 million), as well as lower marketing expenses due to timing of brand activities.
It said on Monday that revenue for the quarter rose 5.1% to RM1.04 billion from RM992.15 million in 2011.
The company declared a first interim dividend of 65 sen per share, tax exempt under the single-tier system amounting to RM185.59 million in respect of the financial year ending Dec 31, 2012.
Earnings per share rose to 68.1 sen from 62.5 sen a year earlier.
On its prospects, BAT said it continued to show growth momentum behind its portfolio of brands, increasing market share by 1.4 percentage point year to date as compared to 2011 full year.
“Dunhill in particular continues with its commendable performance as displayed last year, and with the recent new product launch in April 2012, the Group is confident that it will take Dunhill into greater heights.
“Nevertheless, the threat of illicit trade is still prevalent with illicit incidence of 36.1% recorded for full year 2011 Illegal Cigarettes Study commissioned by CMTM,” it said.
BAT said that supported by a strong portfolio of products it was relatively optimistic on its outlook for 2012.
It said on Monday that revenue for the quarter rose 5.1% to RM1.04 billion from RM992.15 million in 2011.
The company declared a first interim dividend of 65 sen per share, tax exempt under the single-tier system amounting to RM185.59 million in respect of the financial year ending Dec 31, 2012.
Earnings per share rose to 68.1 sen from 62.5 sen a year earlier.
On its prospects, BAT said it continued to show growth momentum behind its portfolio of brands, increasing market share by 1.4 percentage point year to date as compared to 2011 full year.
“Dunhill in particular continues with its commendable performance as displayed last year, and with the recent new product launch in April 2012, the Group is confident that it will take Dunhill into greater heights.
“Nevertheless, the threat of illicit trade is still prevalent with illicit incidence of 36.1% recorded for full year 2011 Illegal Cigarettes Study commissioned by CMTM,” it said.
BAT said that supported by a strong portfolio of products it was relatively optimistic on its outlook for 2012.
