, Singapore

Strong volumes boost Olam earnings for 3Q11

The food products supplier’s net profit jumped 43% YoY to S$127mln on the back of improved NC per ton for all but two of its segments.


Excluding exceptional gains, Olam’s core earnings rose 48% YoY to S$124mln. NC per ton, meanwhile, rose to S$136, from 3QFY10’s S$113mln.


The food staples and packaged foods segments took a hit in the quarter and suffered a 15% YoY
drop to S$68. In a statement, DMG Research said the fall was due to the dairy operation in New Zealand underperforming. However, the strong volume growth led to NC surging 49% YoY to S$305m.
Industrial raw materials did exceptionally well, with NC 2.5x that of 3QFY10. Contribution
came from both volume increase and NC per ton rise. The cotton business saw strong
performance during this period.
Net debt to equity was 2.63x, versus Dec 10’s 2.48x. The
adjusted net debt to equity ratio was a much lower 0.84x. As 3Q is typically the peak for
procurement, and commodity prices were high, 3QFY11 working capital usage was high.
Management expects the gearing to fall as procurement is reduced in 4QFY11.
 

Join Singapore Business Review community
A NOTE FROM SINGAPORE BUSINESS REVIEW

If you've been wondering whether SBR could work for your company — yes, probably.

A lot of the companies we partner with started as readers. They'd been following our coverage for a while, saw their own customers and competitors in it, and eventually asked the obvious question: could we do something with you? The answer is usually yes. The shape of it depends on what you're trying to do.


The options are broader than most people assume — thought leadership articles, sponsored content, industry summits across Southeast Asia, regional awards programmes, podcasts, and media placements in print and digital. Some partners use one channel; most use a mix. We figure out the right combination by starting with your brief, not with our rate card.


So if the question has been on your mind, here's the easy way to ask it.

We'll tell you honestly whether we can help, and how. It's a better use of everyone's time.