Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC unveiled its results for the first nine months of 2018/19 last week. Revenue for the nine months amounted to Rs. 44.5 billion, a notable increase of 13% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year
Excluding the impact of exchange loss of Rs. 355 million which arose from the dollar denominator supplier credits, Group net profit for the nine months was Rs. 608 million and profit before tax was Rs. 950 m. Group Earnings Before Interest, Tax , Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) for the nine months was Rs. 2,889 million against Rs. 2,567 m in the previous year which was above prior year by 12.5%.
The third quarter Group Revenue increased by 10% while Group operating profit increased by 21% excluding the impact of exchange loss, Group net profit for the quarter was Rs. 152 million.
Business conditions remain challenging due to sluggish market demand and low consumer spending on durable goods that was further burdened by the import restrictions and currency devaluation impact on selling prices. However, the Company anticipates improvement in market conditions resulting from improved harvest and growth in agriculture related industries in coming months.
Group Chief Executive Officer, Mahesh Wijewardene said, “While the business environment for consumer durables continues to be challenging, Singer Sri Lanka is confident of maintaining market leadership and increasing our market share.” Group Chairman, Mohan Pandithage said, “Hayleys Group, as the major shareholder, looks forward to contributing to Singer’s continued growth and leadership in the consumer durables industry. Combined synergies of Hayleys Group and Singer Group will undoubtedly contribute to significant growth due to our ambitious key business initiatives.”
Singer (Sri Lanka) Group is the largest retailer, financier and manufacturer of consumer durables in Sri Lanka. The company has 437 retail stores as well as a fast growing e-commerce platform. The company also serves over 2800 dealers/sub retailers. It is also renowned for its after-sales service network with 14 Regional Service Centres and over 300 service agents. Apart from its house brands, the company is exclusive distributor for many well-known international consumer durable brands.
Singer commenced business in Sri Lanka in 1877.