KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed higher on Wednesday, with the key index rising 1.10 per cent, in line with firm gains across regional markets following a strong rally on Wall Street overnight, said an analyst. IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan said the improvement in sentiment was underpinned by easing geopolitical concerns and a decline in oil prices. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) increase 18.54 points or 1.10 per cent to 1,708.90 from Tuesday’s close of 1,690.36. The benchmark index opened 25.58 points higher at 1,715.94, marking its intraday high, and hit a low of 1,700.20 during the mid-morning session. The broader market was positive, with gainers leading decliners 780 to 444. A total of 475 counters were unchanged, 926 untraded and 11 suspended.
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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