KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia rebounded to close higher on Wednesday on selective buying of defensive stocks after a volatile trading session. IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan said consumer products and services stocks lifted the key index higher, overcoming lingering geopolitical concerns. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 3.08 points to 1,715.56 from yesterday’s close of 1,712.48. The benchmark index, which opened 1.91 points higher at 1,714.39, moved between 1,710.79 and 1,720.59 during the day’s trading. In the broader market, gainers outstripped decliners 550 to 476, while 612 counters were unchanged, 1,129 untraded, and 48 suspended. Turnover rose to 2.96 billion units valued at RM2.48 billion from 2.94 billion units valued at RM2.56 billion on Tuesday.
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 1...