BOUSTEAD HOLDINGS RECORDS 1Q NET LOSS OF RM62.80 MLN

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Boustead Holdings Bhd (BHB) registered a net loss of  RM62.80 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023 (1Q FY2023), from a net profit of  RM290.30 million in the same period last year.

Revenue decreased marginally to RM3.24 billion from RM3.44 billion previously, as only the trading, finance and investment division registered a higher revenue.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, BHB said the group recorded a loss before taxation and zakat (LBT) of RM15.9 million as compared to profit before taxation and zakat (PBT) of RM683.1 million posted in 1Q FY2022.

It said the shortfall was mainly due to a one-off gain achieved in 1Q FY2022 for the disposal of plantation assets and weaker operational results due to the decrease in palm product prices and unfavourable impact on the valuation of fresh fruit bunches.

“The plantation division registered a lower PBT of RM13.5 million from RM509.5 million previously, mainly due to a one-off gain on disposal of plantation assets of RM364.1 million recognised in 1Q FY2022,” it said.

BHB said its pharmaceutical division posted a reduced PBT of RM9.3 million from RM36.9 million previously, as revenue was affected by lower customer demand in both concession and Indonesian segments.

On prospects, the group said it is optimistic that the gradual return of foreign workers, together with the progress of its Plantation Performance Improvement Programs, the relaxation of regulations for foreign workers and its Reinventing Boustead strategy that emphasises mechanisation and digitalisation, will improve yields, and can partially offset the impact of lower crude palm oil prices and rising costs.

BHB said the pharmaceutical division is poised to penetrate the Indonesian market further and reinforce its position as a leading healthcare provider in the region.

“In order to exit from the PN 17 status, the division, together with its principal adviser, is working on the regularisation plan to improve the shareholders’ equity of Pharmaniaga Bhd.

“It is targeted that the PN17 issue will be settled by the 1Q 2024,” it said.

In a separate statement filed with the exchange, BHB said the Ministry of Finance (Incorporated) has the intention to acquire 20.8 per cent of Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd’s (BHIC) entire equity interest in Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd, held via its wholly owned subsidiary, Perstim Industries Sdn Bhd.

“The terms of the proposed acquisition are subject to negotiations between the parties,” it added.

-- BERNAMA