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New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
ASM Automation valued at 21 sen, 24pct above IPO ahead of July 2 debut
KUALA LUMPUR: ACE Market-bound ASM Automation Group Bhd (ASM) boasts a fair value estimate of 21 sen, representing a 23.5 per cent upside from its initial public offering (IPO) price of 17 sen, according to Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd. The firm said the valuation is based on a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 15 times, applied to the automation machinery solutions provider's projected mid-point earnings per share of 1.38 sen for the financial year 2026. "We believe the discount is justified given ASM's smaller market capitalisation, coupled with its single-digit top line growth," the brokerage said in a research report released Tuesday. ASM is scheduled to debut on Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market on July 2. The IPO, which opened for application on May 29 until June 19, is expected to raise RM21.8 million. The bulk of the proceeds will fund business expansion, with 52.2 per cent earmarked for land and factory construction, 10.5 per cent for demonstration machinery and 9.2 per cent for design and development. The remainder will be used for working capital and listing expenses. According to Malacca Securities, ASM holds just a one per cent share of the automation machinery solutions market, but its ability to offer end-to-end automation for food and beverage (F&B) manufacturers is seen as a key strength. "This is reflected in its notable average customer base of 220 as per Financial Years Under Review, including prominent clients like Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn Bhd and Malayan Flour Mills. "ASM's D&D capabilities have also long been hidden gems that F&B manufacturers have yet to recognise," the firm said. Unlike many of ASM's competitors that only supply machinery, the firm said ASM is able to customise its solutions to meet a wide range of manufacturing needs and industry applications. ASM's market versatility is also evident in its involvement beyond F&B, including sectors such as poultry and currency note sorting, which enhances its growth potential. "Given this flexibility, clients are able to utilise more of their manufacturing space, leading to better factory space utilisation and enabling better economies of scale — a win-win situation. "Aligned with government initiatives to shift Malaysia towards a digital economy, ASM intends to enhance its internet of things solutions and robotics technology through its in-house engineering and development with approximately RM2.0 million," the firm added. For the financial year 2024, ASM posted a net profit of RM7.1 million and revenue of RM39.13 million, with a healthy balance sheet. Despite a modest 1.5 per cent earnings compound annual growth rate over three years, ASM is viewed as having stable prospects, underpinned by customised solutions, a stronger capital base and alignment with Malaysia's automation agenda. However, key risks include project delays, supply chain disruptions, talent retention issues, and geopolitical or regulatory uncertainties.
The Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Paragon Globe Q4 profit soars to RM71.1m on strong land sales, property uptake
JOHOR BAHRU: Paragon Globe Bhd, a main market-listed property developer on Bursa Malaysia, achieved a substantial increase in revenue to RM151.5 million for the fourth quarter (Q4) ended March 31, 2025 (FY25), compared to RM7.9 million in the same quarter last year. Robust property development activities, significant land disposals, and effective operational management primarily drove the group's impressive performance. Profit before tax surged to RM71.1 million from RM2.0 million, with net profit attributable to the owners of the parent rising to RM53.4 million, a significant increase from RM1.3 million in Q4 FY24. The group's annual financial performance similarly showed exceptional growth. Revenue for FY25 rose significantly to RM306.3 million, an increase of more than 500% compared to RM51.0 million recorded in FY24. Profit before tax for the year increased significantly to RM140.2 million from RM0.8 million in the previous year. Net profit attributable to the owners of the parent reached RM105.6 million, making a remarkable turnaround from the net loss of RM1.2 million in FY24. Commenting on the results, Paragon Globe executive chairman Datuk Sri Edwin Tan Pei Seng said this year's outstanding financial performance underscores the strength of the company's strategic initiatives, prudent land bank optimisation, and diligent execution by the management team. 'The significant increase in our revenue and profitability highlights our successful execution of high-value land sales in Desa Cemerlang and strong market reception for our property developments in Pekan Nenas, Johor,' he said in a statement. The property development segment remained the group's primary revenue contributor, delivering RM151.5 million in Q4 FY25 and RM306.2 million for the full financial year. This impressive growth was primarily driven by strategic land sales and encouraging take-up of detached factories and shop offices. Paragon Globe also made significant progress on its sustainability agenda, signing a memorandum of collaboration with GreenRE Sdn Bhd in April 2025. This strategic collaboration will enable the group to adopt GreenRE's recognised certification standards, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and responsible development in alignment with national ESG goals. 'We remain optimistic about the prospects ahead, particularly given Johor's accelerating development initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. 'These initiatives are anticipated to stimulate economic activity and the property market, presenting substantial opportunities for our upcoming residential and industrial projects,' Tan said. Paragon Globe is firmly focused on sustaining its growth momentum by leveraging strategic opportunities, upholding disciplined financial management, prioritising sustainability, and delivering high-impact developments. With a solid project pipeline and continued market interest, the group is well-positioned to generate strong financial performance and long-term value for its shareholders and stakeholders.
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
AmBank posts 7.1pct higher net profit to RM2.0bil for FY25, paying 30.2 sen dividend
KUALA LUMPUR: AMMB Holdings Bhd (AmBank Group) closed its financial year ended March 31 2025 (FY25) with a 7.1 per cent net profit growth year-on-year to RM2.0 billion from RM1.87 billion previously. This was on the back of a higher net income of RM4.93 billion from RM4.65 billion in FY24, said AmBank Group in a statement today. The group posted a net profit of RM513.93 million in the final quarter, up from RM476.54 million a year ago. Its revenue during the fourth quarter (Q4) rose to RM1.28 billion from RM1.17 billion in Q4FY24, while earnings per share climbed to 15.55 sen from 14.41 sen previously. AmBank Group chief executive officer Jamie Ling said: "We are pleased to report a strong close to the first year of our WT29 strategy. "With our capital position solid, we increased our total cash dividend to RM1.0 billion. This reflects our confidence as we continue to build our businesses from a position of strength," he added. The group proposed a final dividend of 19.9 sen per share for the fourth quarter (Q4) of FY25. Together with the interim dividend of 10.3 sen per share declared in Q2, total dividends for FY25 amounted to 30.2 sen per share, up 34 per cent YoY with a dividend payout ratio of 50 per cent AmBank's net interest income grew 8.0 per cent YoY to RM3.57 billion, with a 15-basis point expansion in net interest margin to 1.94 per cent. Its non-interest income grew 1.3 per cent YoY to RM1.36 billion with continuing operations income up 5.3 per cent YoY. AmBank said a broad-based growth in fee income was achieved across business banking, retail wealth management, funds, stockbroking, private banking and equity capital markets and from insurance. This was partially offset by lower trading gains from group treasury and markets. The group's total gross loans, advances and financing grew 3.5 per cent YoY to RM138.9 billion (FY24: RM134.1 billion) mainly driven by business banking (up RM5.4 billion or 12.4 per cent YoY) and wholesale banking (up RM1.3 billion or 6.8 per cent YoY). This was partially offset by lower loans growth in retail banking (down RM1.4 billion or 2.1 per cent YoY). Its total customer deposits fell 0.6 per cent YoY to RM141.5 billion, while total expenses increased 7.1 per cent YoY to RM2.2 billion, with cost-to-income ratio of 44.6 per cent. The group's net impairment charges dropped to RM143.9 million (FY24: RM769.7 million), on the back of improved expected credit loss calculations for loans classified as Stage 3 (or ECL S3) flow rates and writeback of forward-looking provision. In the corresponding period in FY24, forward looking charges as well as a one-off credit impairment overlay and intangible assets impairment charges were recorded. That year, the group recorded a one-off charge of RM520.2 million (RM402.5 million, net of corporate tax) comprising additional credit impairment overlay of RM328.2 million, impairment of intangible assets of RM111.9 million and RM80.0 million for restructuring expenses. On its prospects, Ling said the geopolitical tensions have heightened following the US reciprocal tariffs. This has caused significant volatilities in the financial markets globally. While trade negotiations are ongoing between the US and other nations, it remains uncertain how quickly these negotiations can be concluded, he added. "Coupled with new conflicts emerging in South Asia, these combined uncertainties will inevitably impact business and consumer confidence, translating into potentially slower economic growth. "Against this economic backdrop, the group will continue to proactively manage our risk profiles and capitalise on the opportunities we see," Ling said.
