KUALA LUMPUR: Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd posted net profit of RM77.74 million in the first quarter ended Dec 31, 2009 underpinned by its soft drinks division and  dairies division.

It said on Tuesday, Feb 9 that operating profit surpassed RM100 million for the first time. Operating profit rose 37% to RM106 million from RM73.84 million while revenue rose 6% to RM992 million from RM940.39 million. Earnings per share were 21.8 sen versus 14.3 sen.

Chief executive officer Tan Ang Meng said: "The admirable results were driven by both the soft drinks and dairies divisions which performed well ahead of our internal targets. Despite the absence of a festive season during 1Q, the soft drinks division registered record volume while revenue improved 12%, with 100PLUS and Coca-Cola chalking up double-digit growth of 17% and 11% respectively.”

“The dairies division also put up a strong performance with revenue increased by eight per cent. Both Malaysia and Thailand domestic sales registered encouraging volume growth. Improved trade channel management in Malaysia and significant progress in exports to the Indochina market also contributed to the better performance.”

He said the glass division revenue contracted 11% due to lower sales volume in Thailand and China. However Malaysia and Vietnam operations continued to register positive growth.

On the outlook for the coming financial year, Tan said, "Economic recovery in the core markets of Malaysia and Thailand is expected to translate into stronger consumer demand for F&N products. However prices of key raw materials such as milk powder, sugar and aluminium have increased sharply and could negatively impact profit margins.”