Courts Asia shows negative number after Malaysian woes

Singaporean electronics and furniture retailer Courts Asia has posted a net loss of SG$3.1 million (US$2.25 million) in its second quarter.

The result is a reversal of a net profit of $1.5 million (US$1.09 million) during the same period last year.

Courts Asia said in a statement that Malaysia revenue came under pressure after the introduction of the Consumer Protection (Credit Sale) Regulations 2017 which saw consumer interest rates capped at 15 per cent per annum from January. However, ongoing transformation work with a persistent focus on cost and productivity efficiencies in Malaysia reaped results, with Malaysia’s PBT crossing into positive terrain after two consecutive quarters of loss.”

Group CEO Terence Donald O’Connor said: “We are encouraged by the early signs of stabilisation in the Malaysia business. We have closed 10 underperforming stores since the start of our financial year in April and continue to review our store network performance. Impairment loss on trade receivables charged to the profit and loss statement has also been on a declining trend from the fourth quarter ended March.”

The Singapore firm recorded $3.4 million profit before tax after starting out on its store transformation process, up from $3 million last year. It renovated its Ang Mo Kio outlet last month.