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Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Closes Higher On BNM’s OPR Decision, Wall Street Gains

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed higher, buoyed by Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) decision to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75 per cent, alongside positive cues from Wall Street. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 19.30 points, or 1.19 per cent, to 1,635.86 from Wednesday’s close of 1,616.56. The benchmark index opened 6.72 points higher at 1,623.28, and fluctuated between an intraday high of 1,642.44 and a low of 1,622.62 during the trading session. However, market breadth was negative, with losers outnumbering gainers 723 to 497, while 466 counters were unchanged, 1,075 untraded and 10 suspended. Turnover rose to 3.74 billion units valued at RM3.61 billion compared with yesterday’s 2.81 billion units valued at RM2.57 billion.
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IHH 4QFY2024 Net Profit Edges Higher Amid Rising Costs, Declares 5.5 Sen Dividend

Revenue Surges 26% on Strong Healthcare Demand, Acquisitions

  • IHH Healthcare Bhd (KL:IHH) reported a slight increase in net profit to RM732 million for 4QFY2024, up from RM728 million a year earlier.
  • Quarterly revenue jumped 26.5% to RM6.69 billion, fueled by:
    • Higher inpatient volumes and revenue intensity from more complex cases.
    • The consolidation of Timberland Medical Centre and Island Hospital post-acquisition.

Dividend Payout Increased

  • Final dividend declared: 5.5 sen per share, payable on April 28.
  • Total FY2024 dividend: 10 sen per share, up from 9 sen per share in FY2023.
  • Dividend payout ratio: 40% of profit after tax and minority interests (Patmi), exceeding the 30% policy threshold.

Financial Performance Breakdown

  • Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) rose 33% YoY to RM1.4 billion.
  • Excluding MFRS 129 effects (hyperinflation adjustments in Türkiye), revenue and EBITDA would have grown 13% and 9% YoY, respectively.
  • Cost pressures impacted profitability, with:
    • Staff costs up 33% YoY to RM2.59 billion.
    • Finance costs surging 38% YoY to RM341 million.
    • Depreciation and impairment charges rising 37% YoY to RM372 million.

Full-Year Profit Declines Despite Revenue Growth

  • FY2024 net profit fell 10% to RM2.66 billion, impacted by:
    • Foreign exchange losses.
    • Higher staff and depreciation costs.
  • Annual revenue grew 16% to RM24.38 billion, driven by sustained healthcare demand across key markets.

Optimistic Outlook: Expansion Plans and Strategic Growth Priorities

  • IHH to add nearly 4,000 new beds over the next four years to meet rising demand.
  • Plans to enhance profitability while mitigating inflationary and interest rate risks.
  • Focus on high-value, cost-effective healthcare and improving clinical outcomes.
  • CEO Dr. Prem Kumar Nair: Confident in strengthening IHH’s position as a global healthcare leader while delivering healthy returns to shareholders.

Stock Performance

  • IHH shares closed at RM7.31 on Thursday, gaining one sen.
  • Market capitalisation: RM64.35 billion.
  • Stock has climbed roughly 17% since August 2024.
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