Learn Africa Plc, formerly, Longman Nigeria Plc has declared a net profit of N10.1million for the third quarter, Q3 period ended September 30th, 2014, representing an increase of 107 per cent over the N132.3million loss recorded in the corresponding period of 2013.

Besides, the gross profit margin rose from 50.85 per cent in Q3 of 2013 to 62 per cent in Q3 of 2014 representing more than 10 per cent growth. The marginal increase in operational expenses, according to the management was attributable to the extensive and intensive promotional activities that were carried out by its sales team across Nigeria with a view to expanding its market share.

“We are excited that our market development strategy is beginning to yield desired results and this is evident in the growth of our turnover from N1,044,160 in the third quarter of 2013 to N1,418,778 in 2014 . It is important to note that the increase in turnover was achieved mainly through open market sales to schools, booksellers and other outlets.

“Our broad range of excellent titles is attracting significant patronage from discerning customers in all segments of our market due to the adequate contents, impressive compliance with current requirements of the curricula, high quality production, reader friendly layout and widespread availability.

These have lead to an increase in the level of prescriptions of our titles by several state governments and the administrators of key private primary and secondary schools across Nigeria” Georgeana Segbeji, Confidential Secretary to the Managing Director, Learn Africa has said.

Continuing, Segbeji said “We hasten to add that our improved performance is indicative of our strong commitment to the interests of our customers and shareholders despite the challenging business environment that is characterized by declining disposable income of an average family, high level of book piracy, poor reading culture, epileptic power supply, bad road network, high cost of funds and declining sales in the North-East as a result of insurgency.

Nevertheless, we would intensify our efforts at increasing sales and minimizing overheads so as to generate better returns on investment.

“ We feel confident that the end year result for 2014 will represent a very remarkable improvement on last year’s report. Our optimism is premised on the excellent quality of our products, our customer-oriented activities, the wide sales and distribution network, competitive prices and greater operational efficiencies. All these have helped to consolidate our position as the leading learning resource company in Nigeria.”