Shaker Group Continues to Increase Efficiency Via Strategic Cost Optimization Initiatives

Shaker Group (the "Company" or the "Group"), the leading importer, manufacturer and distributor of Air Conditioners and Home Appliances in Saudi Arabia, has announced results achieved by the Company's ongoing efficiency program. As Group sales continue to face pressure - the result of a slowdown in the local construction sector - efficiency initiatives have become a core aspect of management's strategy.

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The Group's inventory dropped to SAR 598 million in Q2 2018, a decrease of 19.6% compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. This was driven by a conservative approach to re-ordering and the liquidation of selected items. In addition, trade receivables decreased to SAR 559 million, a 27.4% drop compared to Q2 2017, which was primarily due to a greater emphasis on collection before further sales.

The Company has also rationalized employee costs, reducing the total to SAR 31 million for Q2 2018, as compared to SAR 38 million in Q2 2017. The Company's debt position has improved on a year-on-year basis, with total loans for Q2 2018 reducing to SAR 717 million, from SAR 830 million in Q2 2017 - a decrease of 13.6%.

Eng. Azzam Saud Almudaiheem, Chief Executive Officer at Shaker Group, commented:

"Over the last year, we have focused on improving efficiency in all aspects of Shaker Group's operations. This quarter we have reported lower expenses, which have been driven mainly by reduced employee costs and lower rental payments. Such reductions are the result of headcount optimization measures and rationalization of our outlet footprint, in line with the Company's ongoing efficiency program. We are pleased to see that our strategy is already proving to be effective, and we are continuing to work on initiatives that will increase efficiency and drive sales. In a challenging market environment, we remain focused on improving our margins by operating more efficiently as a business." 

The Group has implemented various supply chain initiatives to transform fixed costs of rent and manpower into variable costs, reduce inventory levels by reducing safety stock, and improve freight consolidation opportunities. The Company is also implementing Sales & Operation Planning (S&OP), to drive collaboration, focus and alignment across divisions and departments. Typical S&OP results could include a 50-70% reduction in planning cycle time, a 15-30% improvement in forecast accuracy, a 10-20% reduction in excess inventory and a 25% reduction in stock non-availability situations. In line with this plan, the Group has successfully reduced its warehouses from 21 in 2016, to 13 in 2017, and 4 in 2018.

The Group, which is listed on Tadawul (symbol: SHAKER), is a leader in the Saudi market as both a distributor for international electrical brands, and a local manufacturer of LG Air Conditioners. The Group's portfolio brands include LG, as well as Indesit, Ariston, Maytag, Midea and Bissell in the home appliances segment. In 2015, the Group increased its stake in the UAE's Emirates Energy Management Services (EMS) from 20% to 74%, and in establishing the Energy Services Company (ESCO) took an important strategic step towards diversifying the Group's operations and revenue streams.

About: Shaker Group 
Shaker Group was founded in 1950 and was amongst the first in Saudi Arabia to introduce Air Conditioning & Home Appliances for Saudi consumers. Shaker Group is the exclusive importer and distributor of several leading international brands; including Maytag, Ariston, Indesit, Midea and Bissell in Saudi Arabia, and the sole distributer of LG Air Conditioners in Saudi Arabia. Shaker Group's subsidiary, the Energy Services Company (ESCO) provides Energy Solutions. Shaker Group has been a publicly listed company on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) since 2010. Throughout the years, Shaker Group has positioned its name within the top Saudi companies, providing a range of integrated solutions in terms of Air Conditioners and Home Appliances in the Saudi market and the region. For more information, visit: http://www.shaker.com.sa/

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