SINGAPORE, May 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Davis Commodities Limited (NASDAQ:DTCK) (the "Company" or "Davis Commodities"), an agricultural commodity trading company that specializes in trading sugar, rice, and oil and fat products, today announced its financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. Ms. Li Peng Leck, Executive Chairwoman and Executive Director of Davis Commodities, commented, "I'm glad to present our financial results for fiscal year 2023. During this period, our business has maintained profitability across all products, being sugar, rice, and oil and fat products. Particularly noteworthy is the exceptional growth in revenue from the sale of oil and fat products, which surged by 171.0% compared to the previous fiscal year. Despite some headwinds in the form of a slowdown in the demand for sugar in Indonesia and Vietnam, we have made progress in our business expansion, achieving revenue growth in Africa, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore. We believe the results demonstrate the strength of our business strategies in the context of uncertainties from geopolitical events, government policies, and economic conditions. We are confident about our business prospects, buoyed by our proven track record in successful strategic planning and our ability to adapt to evolving macroeconomic landscapes. Looking ahead, we plan to continue expanding our distribution channels and solidifying our market presence. We also expect to leverage the longstanding relationships with our business partners to capitalize on opportunities in emerging markets with high demand for our products. We believe all of such endeavors will enable us to deliver sustainable returns and generate enhanced value for our shareholders." Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Results Revenue Total revenues of the Company were US$190.7 million for fiscal year 2023, decreased by 7.7% from US$206.7 million for fiscal year 2022. This decrease was mainly attributable to a decrease in demand for sugar and rice from the Company's customers in Southeast Asia, notably, Indonesia and Vietnam.     For the Fiscal Years Ended December 31,     2023     2022   (US$ thousands)   Revenue    Cost of Revenue    Gross Margin    Revenue    Cost of Revenue    Gross Margin Sale of sugar   116,443   113,110   2.9 %   154,757   145,071   6.3 % Sale of rice   26,440   25,325   4.2 %   34,200   32,099   6.1 % Sale of oil and fat products   47,623   45,065   5.4 %   17,568   16,489   6.1 % Sale of others   218   195   10.6 %   192   181   5.7 % Total   190,724   183,695   3.7 %   206,717   193,840   6.2 %                               Revenue from sales of sugar was US$116.4 million for fiscal year 2023, which decreased by 24.7% from US$154.8 million for fiscal year 2022. This decline was attributable to a decrease in demand for sugar from our customers in Southeast Asia, notably, Indonesia and Vietnam. Additionally, the decrease was linked to the market disruption caused by India's decision to ban sugar exports. Revenue from sales of rice was US$26.4 million for fiscal year 2023, which decreased by 22.7% from US$34.2 million for fiscal year 2022. The decline was a direct consequence of reduced demand for rice, primarily stemming from the export ban imposed by the Indian government. This ban limits the availability of Indian rice in the international market, disrupting the established trade pattern. The Company is actively seeking alternative options for rice sourcing, to mitigate the adverse effects of the export ban on the Company's revenue stream. Revenue from sales of oil and fat products was US$47.6 million for fiscal year 2023, which increased by 171.0% from US$17.6 million for fiscal year 2022. The increase was attributable to the palm oil prices which have experienced a significant upward trend over the past three years, reaching an all-time high in 2022. In 2023, there was a price drop, leading to an increase in demand. Revenue from sales of others was US$0.2 million for fiscal year 2023 The sales of other products were random sales during the year, specifically, sales of tomato puree and creamer. A breakdown of revenue by geographic regions for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is summarized below:     For the fiscal years ended December 31,               (US$ thousands)    2023     %     2022     %     Amount     Change (%)       US$'000           US$'000           US$'000         Africa   $ 80,637       42.3       56,863       27.5       23,774       41.8   China     17,731       9.3       16,629       8.0       1,102       6.6   Indonesia     22,502       11.8       79,645       38.5       (57,143 )     (71.7 ) Vietnam     9,109       4.8       28,663       13.9       (19,554 )     (68.2 ) Philippines     19,372       10.2       3,237       1.6       16,135       499.0   Thailand     13,120       6.9       1,980       1.0       11,140       562.6   Singapore     18,889       9.9       8,808       4.3       10,081       114.5   Other countries     9,364       4.8       10,892       5.2       (1,528 )     (14.0 ) Total revenue   $ 190,724       100.0       206,717       100       (15,993 )     (7.7 )   Revenue from the Africa market experienced growth of 41.8%. Africa's contribution to total revenue increased to 42.3% for fiscal year 2023, from 27.5% for fiscal year 2022. The increase was driven by a rise in revenue generated from oil and fat products. The Company strategically engaged with specialized traders in oil and fat products, which contributed significantly to the growth in this market. Revenue from China market demonstrated moderate growth, representing a 6.6% growth. The increase was attributable to the Company's successful penetration into liquid sugar sales within China. Revenue from the Indonesian market experienced a decline of 71.7%, which can be attributed to challenges in securing tenders for sugar imports, affecting the Company's ability to generate revenue from this market. Revenue from the Vietnam market decreased by 68.2%, primarily because in Vietnam, the government took action to regulate the impact of the price of imported sugar to their domestic sugar industry by imposing duties and quota restrictions, which led to the decrease in demand. Revenue from the Philippines market increased significantly by 499.0%, primarily due to two key factors. Firstly, industrial users in the country expanded their capacity, leading to higher demand for our products. Secondly, the Philippine government issued sugar import permits in response to a poor local crop yield, which further boosted our revenue in the region. Revenue from the Thailand market showed notable growth, representing a 562.6% increase, which was attributed to the expansion of capacity in Thailand's Export Processing Zone (EPZ) factories, specifically to cater to the Chinese market. This growth was facilitated by the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Thailand and China, enabling increased exports to China from the EPZ factories. Revenue from the Singapore market increased by 114.5%, which was mainly attributed to the expansion of capacity among local general trade and industrial users. This surge underscores the widespread acceptance of our sugar brand in the Singapore market, further contributing to our revenue growth. Revenue from other countries decreased by 14.0%. This decrease was a result of a mixed performance across various countries, where some experienced increases while others saw decreases. These fluctuations, although present, were not significant enough to offset the overall decline in revenue. Cost of Revenue Cost of revenue was US$183.7 million for fiscal year 2023, which decreased by 5.2% from US$193.8 million for fiscal year 2022. The decrease in cost of revenue was primarily due to the decrease in revenues as stated above, due to a reduction in demand for the Company's products (other than oil and fat products) from the Company's customers. Accordingly, the Company's cost of revenues has decreased correspondingly. Gross Profit and Gross Margin Gross profit was US$7.0 million for fiscal year 2023, which decreased by 45.4% from US$12.9 million for fiscal year 2022. As a result of the decrease in revenues, there was a corresponding decrease in the cost of revenues. Gross margin was 3.7% for fiscal year 2023, compared to 6.2% for fiscal year 2022. The decline in gross margin occurred due to procurement and pricing pressures in certain markets, together with rising supply chain costs. Operating Expenses Operating expenses of the Company were US$5.9 million for fiscal year 2023, which decreased by 22.5% from $7.6 million for fiscal year 2022. Selling and marketing expenses were US$2.4 million for fiscal year 2023, which decreased by 54.7% from US$5.3 million for fiscal year 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in sales-related expenses and commissions payable. General and administrative expenses were US$3.4 million for fiscal year 2023, which increased by 47.8% from US$2.3 million for fiscal year 2022. The increase was primarily due to an increase in employee benefits, office running cost, legal and professional fees, impairment losses, directors' and officers' liability insurance and overseas office expenses. Other Income and Interest Expense Other income was US$0.2 million for fiscal year 2023, which decreased by 30.5% from US$0.3 million for fiscal year 2022. This decrease was primarily due to reduced government grants and the absence of miscellaneous claims from customers and suppliers compared to the previous fiscal year 2022. Interest expense was US$110,000 for fiscal year 2023, which increased by 233.3% from US$33,000 for fiscal year 2022, as the Company had a higher amount of bank borrowings in fiscal year 2023, compared to fiscal year 2022. During fiscal year 2023, the Company obtained a loan for a new Company vehicle that was newly acquired The Company also repaid interest to a related party for a loan provided to one of the subsidiaries of the Company. Profit before Tax and Income Tax Expense Profit before tax was US$1.2 million for fiscal year 2023, which decreased by 77.7% from US$5.5 million for fiscal year 2022. Correspondingly, income tax was US$0.1 million for fiscal year 2023, which decreased from $0.9 million for fiscal year 2022. Net Income Net income was US$1.1 million for fiscal year 2023, which decreased by 76.5% from US$4.6 million for fiscal year 2022. Basic and diluted earnings per share were US$0.04 for fiscal year 2023, compared to US$0.20 for fiscal year 2022. Financial Condition As of December 31, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of US$1.3 million, compared to US$2.5 million as of December 31, 2022. Net cash generated by operating activities was US$1.8 million for fiscal year 2023, compared to net cash used in operating activities of US$1.9 million for fiscal year 2022. This increase was primarily due to a US$1.6 million reduction in inventory, along with decreases in tax payables and deferred offering costs. However, these decreases were offset by a substantial increase in trade and other receivables, amounting to US$10.8 million, as well as a corresponding increase in trade and other payables totaling US$8.3 million. Notably, allowance for expected credit losses were recognized during the fiscal year 2023. Net cash used in investing activities was US$208,000 for fiscal year 2023, compared to net cash provided by investing activities of US$42,000 for fiscal year 2022. This substantial increase in cash outflow was primarily due to capital expenditures totaling approximately US$296,000, offset by interest income of approximately US$88,000. Net cash used in financing activities was US$2.8 million for fiscal year 2023, compared US$2.6 million for fiscal year 2022. During fiscal year 2023, the Company received proceeds from an offering totaling approximately US$3.1 million, after netting off related expenses, and proceeds from finance leases totaling approximately US$0.14 million. However, these proceeds were partially offset by loan repayments and loan to a related party. About Davis Commodities Limited Based in Singapore, Davis Commodities Limited is an agricultural commodity trading company that specializes in trading sugar, rice, and oil and fat products in various markets, including Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The Company sources, markets, and distributes commodities under two main brands: Maxwill and Taffy in Singapore. The Company also provides customers of its commodity offerings with complementary and ancillary services, such as warehouse handling and storage and logistics services. The Company utilizes an established global network of third-party commodity suppliers and logistics service providers to distribute sugar, rice, and oil and fat products to customers in over 20 countries, as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. For more information, please visit the Company's website: ir.daviscl.com. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as "approximates," "believes," "hopes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "projects," "intends," "plans," "will," "would," "should," "could," "may," or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's registration statement and other filings with the U.S.Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information, please contact: Davis Commodities LimitedInvestor Relations DepartmentEmail: Ascent Investor Relations LLCTina XiaoPhone: +1-646-932-7242Email: DAVIS COMMODITIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(Amount in thousands, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)                       As of December 31,       2022     2023       US$'000     US$'000   Assets                 Current assets: