BreadTalk Group's net profit for the fiscal first quarter ended March 31, 2013, rose 14.9 per cent to $1.62 million from $1.41 million a year earlier.

Broad‐based growth across all business segments helped the local bakery, restaurant and food court operator post record revenue of $120.28 million, a 13.4 per cent increase from $106.10 million a year
ago.

Earnings pershare for the quarter rose to 0.58 cent from 0.50 cent.

The bakery division recorded a 10.7 per cent increase in revenue and 4.7 per cent increase in net profit. Growth across all markets and improved Patmi (profit after taxes and minority interests) in Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand helped offset lower earnings in other markets.

Patmi at the restaurant division dipped 8.8 per cent despite a 10.1 per cent increase in revenue, driven by Din Tai Fung Singapore and Thailand.

The food atrium division turned profitable on the back of revenue growth in all markets except Taiwan.

The group said the food court business enjoyed stronger profit contributions from Mainland China, Hong Kong and the turnaround in Singapore following the normalisation of business after the completion of renovation and upgrading works at two major malls by landlords.

BreadTalk said it was repositioning Ramen Play with the progressive rollout of Generation 2 outlets and looking to restructure and revamp Carl's Junior.

As at March 31, 2013, BreadTalk's network expanded to 627 bakery outlets (up 3 per cent from a year ago), 50 food atriums (compared with 47 a year ago), and 35 restaurants (up 16.7 per cent year on
year).

Source: AmFraser