DEMTOCO records $2.27B after-tax profits for 2023

Apr 27, 2024 News

Kaieteur News – Despite a significant increase in the smuggling of cigarettes, the Demerara Tobacco Company Limited (DEMTOCO) has announced that it has received an after-tax profit of $2.27 billion.

Demtoco’s Managing Director, Vijay Singh

This was revealed at the company’s 90th Annual General Meeting held at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown.

DEMTOCO, a leader in the tobacco industry, shared its 2023 results and strategic achievements under the leadership of Managing Director, Vijay Singh.

A press release stated that the company reported a 9.7 percent increase in profit after tax, climbing from $2.07 billion in 2022 to $2.27 billion in 2023. “This growth has been supported by a 4.4 percent increase in revenue driven by enhanced operating efficiencies,” the report related.

The tobacco company said that the results were achieved amidst a challenging global environment characterised by logistical disruptions, inflationary pressures, and international political tensions, which DEMTOCO successfully navigated in order to deliver significant value to its shareholders.

In his address, the Managing Director highlighted the company’s strategic focus on strengthening its portfolio of international brands.

“Our premium brand Dunhill has once again shown outstanding performance, with a growth of 9.5 percent for the third consecutive year. This is a testament to our commitment to innovation and providing a premium experience to our consumers,” said Singh.

Additionally, the migration of the Bristol brand to the globally recognised Lucky Strike has positioned DEMTOCO to leverage brand strength and drive future growth.

During the AGM, he reportedly addressed the challenges posed by the illicit trade of tobacco products, which has significantly impacted the industry. The market share of illicit cigarettes in Guyana has risen alarmingly to an estimated 29 percent, representing a 100 percent increase in just one year.

“If this trend continues, we could see an estimated loss of G$1 billion in government revenue by the end of 2024,” Singh said, whilst emphasising the urgent need for intervention.

“DEMTOCO has been proactive in advocating for stronger enforcement to combat the issue of illicit trade, which undermines legitimate businesses and poses risks to the economy. The company appreciates the efforts of the law enforcement agencies such as the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards in seizing illegal products and calls for increased collaboration to tackle this pressing issue,” DEMTOCO added.

Despite these challenges, DEMTOCO’s resilience and strategic initiatives have ensured sustained growth and shareholder value.

Meanwhile, Singh thanked all stakeholders, including the dedicated DEMTOCO team and the leadership provided by the Board of Directors, which have been instrumental in achieving the company’s goals.

“As we continue to navigate through these challenging times, our focus remains on innovation, strategic growth, and combating illicit trade to ensure the prosperity of DEMTOCO and contribute positively to Guyana’s economy,” concluded Singh.

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