LASM reports 77% increase in first quarter net profit

Date: August 2,2018 

Lasco Manufacturing Limited (LASM) for the three months ended June 30, 2018 recorded an increase of $222.67 million or 15% in total revenue to total $1.73 billion, relative to the $1.51 billion recorded for the comparable period in 2017.

Cost of sales amounted to $1.12 billion (2017: $1.03 billion) for the quarter, an increase of 9% year on year. As a result, gross profit of $607.43 million was recorded for the period, 27% more than the $478.22 million booked for the quarter June 30, 2017.

LASM posted other income of $2.97 million, 78% less than the $13.76 million reported for the prior year.

Operating expenses remained relatively flat to close the period at $307.57 million versus $308.37 million booked for the corresponding period last year.

Consequently, LASM recorded operating profits of $302.83 million, 65% higher than the $183.61 million booked in 2017.

Finance costs for the year increased 4% to $31.22 million compared to $30.08 million in the prior year’s comparable period.

As such, profit before taxation amounted to $271.61 million, an increase of 77% from the $153.53 million recorded for the previous year. Taxes recorded for the period amounted to $33.95 million compared to $19.25 million incurred for the corresponding period in 2017. As such Net Profit for the first quarter totaled $237.66 million compared to $134.28 million in 2017, an increase of 77%.

Consequently, earnings per share for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 amounted to$0.06 relative to $0.03 in 2017. The twelve months trailing EPS amounts to $0.16. The number of shares used in the calculations amounted to 4,091,163,151 units. The stock price closed trading on July 31, 2018 at $4.05.

LASM stated, “The positive out-turn for the quarter reflects growth in volumes, improved operational efficiencies and streamlining and cost controls.”

Balance sheet at a Glance:

Total assets increased 12% year on year, totaling $8.33 billion as at June 30, 2018 (2017: $7.45 billion). The increase in total assets over the period was mainly due to a $225.72 million or 54% increase in ‘Capital Work in Progress’ to total of $731.22 million (2017: $475.50 million) and a 30% increase in ‘Trade and other receivables’ to total $2.19 billion (2017: $1.69 billion).

Total shareholder equity amounted to $5.16 billion as at June 30, 2018 (2017: $4.57 billion). Consequently, book value per share amounted to $1.26 relative to $1.12 in 2017.

Disclaimer:

Analyst Certification -The views expressed in this research report accurately reflect the personal views of Mayberry Investments Limited Research Department about those issuer (s) or securities as at the date of this report. Each research analyst (s) also certify that no part of their compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendation (s) or view (s) expressed by that research analyst in this research report.

Company Disclosure -The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, however its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. You are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. Mayberry may effect transactions or have positions in securities mentioned herein. In addition, employees of Mayberry may have positions and effect transactions in the securities mentioned herein.

2018-08-02T14:25:33-05:00