Associate Professor Dr. Chalio Witoorakorn, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Polymer Group Public Company Limited (EPG), a leading global manufacturer and distributor of polymer and plastic products, announced that for the fiscal year 65/66 (April 1, 2022 - March 31, 2023), the company achieved total sales revenue of 12,084 million baht, an increase from the previous year's sales revenue of 11,740 million baht, representing a growth of 344 million baht or 3%. The gross profit margin stood at 33%, with a net profit of 1,082 million baht, a decrease from the previous year's net profit of 1,602 million baht, down by 520 million baht or 32.5%. This was attributed to the operations of three main business segments:

The thermal insulation/cooling business under the Aeroflex brand generated sales of 3,563 million baht, an increase of 14% from the previous year, driven by continuous growth in sales in the United States due to the demand for high-quality rubber insulation products. The company was also able to adjust prices in response to changing market conditions and expanded its market into the Ultra Low Temperature Insulation and Air Ducting system sectors, which received positive feedback from customers. Sales in Asia, such as Japan, improved, while domestic sales increased in line with private sector investments. However, the company faced impacts from rapid fluctuations in foreign exchange rates during the latter half of the fiscal year.

The automotive parts and accessories business under the Aeroklas and TJM brands reported sales of 5,936 million baht, a 2% increase from the previous year. As the global semiconductor shortage began to ease, the automotive industry was able to resume production. Aeroklas focused on producing lightweight automotive parts and accessories, which are in demand in the automotive sector due to their energy-saving benefits. Additionally, new vehicle models were gradually released to the market, resulting in increased orders for Aeroklas. However, the company faced challenges from rapid fluctuations in foreign exchange rates during the latter half of the fiscal year and a slowdown in the European economy.

In Australia, sales of automotive accessories increased compared to the same period last year, as the company recognized revenue from the acquisition of 4 Way Suspension Products Pty. Ltd. However, the Australian business faced challenges from severe flooding, inflation, and delays in vehicle deliveries to the Australian market.

The plastic packaging business under the EPP brand reported sales of 2,585 million baht, a decrease of 7% from the previous year, due to a slowdown in orders for plastic food containers. However, sales of drinking cup packaging began to improve. The company is focusing on promotional activities, particularly for drinking cup packaging, and is in the process of adjusting its strategy and production processes to better meet customer demands in the future.

The company experienced a 1% increase in cost of goods sold compared to the same period last year, which is lower than the increase in sales. The company sourced raw materials from multiple countries to maintain reasonable average costs. Selling and administrative expenses increased by 23% from the previous year, due to rising transportation and warehousing costs for the thermal insulation/cooling business in the United States, adjustments in employee wages according to labor market conditions in the U.S. and Australia, hiring additional staff to expand TJM stores in Australia, and advertising expenses for products, promotional activities, and IT system development costs in Australia, including recognizing expenses from 4 Way Suspension Products Pty. Ltd.

Additionally, the company received a share of profits from investments in joint ventures and partnerships amounting to 243 million baht, reflecting improvements in the automotive industry.

Associate Professor Dr. Chalio further stated that the company's board of directors has resolved to propose to the annual general meeting of shareholders for the fiscal year 66 to approve the payment of an annual dividend to shareholders at a rate of 0.14 baht per share (14 satang), totaling 392 million baht. The annual general meeting of shareholders for 2023 is scheduled for July 20, 2023. If the meeting approves the dividend payment, the record date for shareholders entitled to receive the dividend will be August 2, 2023, and the dividend will be paid to shareholders by August 18, 2023.

On December 8, 2022, the company paid an interim dividend to shareholders at a rate of 0.11 baht (11 satang). Including this dividend of 0.14 baht per share (14 satang), the total dividend payment will amount to 0.25 baht per share (25 satang), representing 61% of the net profit (Payout ratio).