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On March 26, 2025, the  FBM KLCI  closed at  1,518.05 , up  0.29% , with  Axiata  ($6888.MY) leading the charge as the top gainer, surging  5.06%  to  RM1.870 . The  top loser  for the day was  YTL  ($4677.MY), falling  1.91%  to  RM2.050 . Key Movers in FBM 70 In the  FBM 70 ,  Astro  ($6399.MY) saw an impressive rise of  11.76% , closing at  RM0.190 , while  Hibiscus  ($5199.MY) led the losses with a  3.72%  drop, ending at  RM1.810 . Malaysia REITs In the  REITs  sector,  IGB REIT  ($5299.MY) was the top performer, gaining  0.96%  to close at  RM0.525 , while  ALS REIT  ($5269.MY) dropped  1.35% , closing at  RM0.365 . Most Actively Traded Stocks The most actively traded stock was  CIMB  ($1023.MY), climbing  0.57%  to  RM7.040 , with a turnover of  RM160.42 million . For ...

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...

  Stock Performance CCK Consolidated Holdings Bhd (KL:CCK) fell over 10% to RM1.25 , its lowest level in  nine months . Market capitalization now stands at RM819 million . Earnings Miss Triggers Sell-Off Q4 and full-year results failed to meet market expectations , sparking a sharp decline in investor confidence. Weaker-than-expected financial performance  in its  poultry farming operations  likely contributed to the decline. Investor Sentiment & Market Reaction The sharp 15 sen drop  reflects growing concerns over  earnings pressure in the poultry industry . Investors are waiting for  further details on what caused the earnings miss  and whether CCK has  strategic plans for recovery . Summary: CCK shares plunged over 10% to RM1.25, hitting a nine-month low. Q4 and full-year earnings missed expectations, triggering a sell-off. Investors are cautious as they await further updates on the company’s outlook.

  Stock Performance Pekat Group Bhd (KL:PEKAT) surged 4% to RM1.22 , marking a  new all-time high  since its listing nearly  four years ago . The stock later settled at  RM1.21 , with over  1.5 million shares traded . At its latest price,  Pekat's market capitalization stands at RM779 million . Catalysts for the Rally Better-than-expected quarterly earnings , reflecting  strong demand in the solar energy sector . Secured a new contract , boosting investor confidence in the company’s growth prospects. Market Sentiment Investors are  bullish on renewable energy stocks , with  solar installation projects gaining traction . Pekat's continued expansion  in the solar industry supports  long-term growth potential . Summary: Pekat Group stock hit a new record high , climbing  4% to RM1.22 . Strong earnings and a new contract win fueled the rally. Investor confidence in renewable energy remains strong.

1. US-China Tensions Impact Southeast Asia Trade Malaysia’s Trade Minister Zafrul Aziz highlighted short-term opportunities as companies move supply chains to Southeast Asia. Long-term concerns: Slower global growth, higher consumer costs, and sustained geopolitical tensions affecting trade patterns. 2. Malaysia Needs High-Growth Sectors to Boost Economy Economist Dr. Nungsari Ahmad Radhi emphasized targeting high-growth, high-risk sectors to improve economic sustainability and reduce income inequality. Focus on structural reforms in labor, land, and capital to drive growth and social equity. Stocks to Watch 1. Bumi Armada (ARMADA.MY) & MISC Bhd (MISC.MY) Merger Talks: Both companies are evaluating a merger of their offshore energy businesses, potentially forming a RM20 billion energy services entity . MISC Q3 Results: Net profit down 21% to RM338.9 million. Revenue fell 12% to RM2.96 billion , impacted by lower charter rates and operational costs. Declared 8 sen per share di...

HeiTech Padu Bhd is acquiring a 30% stake in Souqa Fintech Sdn Bhd , a company linked to Mirzan Mahathir , for RM16.17 million . HeiTech Padu’s subsidiary, Synergy Grid Sdn Bhd , signed a share subscription agreement to purchase 10.78 million new shares in Souqa Fintech at RM1.50 per share. Souqa Fintech operates the Islamic payment gateway PayHalal , catering to the growing demand for Islamic financial solutions . This acquisition aligns with HeiTech Padu’s strategy to expand into the Islamic-based e-commerce ecosystem alongside its conventional fintech services. The deal will be funded with RM11 million in cash, while the remaining RM5.17 million will be covered via invoiced services provided by HeiTech Padu to Souqa Fintech. Souqa Fintech is primarily owned by Asad Capital Sdn Bhd (58.29%), with Crescent Capital Sdn Bhd , led by Mirzan Mahathir , holding a 16.7% stake . Mirzan is the eldest son of former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad . HeiTech Padu’s stock has surged ...

AirAsia X Bhd (KL) has issued a comprehensive circular outlining its RM6.8 billion acquisition of Capital A Bhd's (KL) entire equity stake in AirAsia Aviation Group Ltd (AAAGL) and AirAsia Bhd (AAB) , for shareholders' review ahead of the extraordinary general meeting set for October 16. The proposed acquisition is part of a strategic move to create a focused aviation powerhouse , integrating seven airlines across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia . The goal is to position the new aviation group to cover short-, medium-, and long-haul air travel services , tapping into the growing demand for international travel. According to AAX’s statement, the acquisition will significantly enhance the airline group’s competitive edge and make it more resilient and adaptable in a rapidly recovering global aviation market . AAX CEO Benyamin Ismail emphasized that the synergies with Capital A’s ecosystem —including digital services, ground handling, and in-flight...

  Prolintas Infra Business Trust, which manages four highway assets in the Klang Valley, reported a net profit of RM4.03 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024 (2QFY2024), a significant decrease from the RM14.64 million profit recorded a year earlier. Key Highlights: Earnings Decline: The drop in net profit was primarily due to finance costs amounting to RM34.6 million related to a facility with Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd, and an income tax expense of RM7.9 million. Revenue Growth: Despite the decline in profit, revenue more than doubled to RM79.33 million, up from RM34.34 million in 2QFY2023. This increase was mainly driven by higher traffic volumes, which boosted toll collections. Total toll collections for the quarter amounted to RM77.2 million. Toll Collection Breakdown: Lingkaran-Lebuhraya Kajang (SILK): Contributed 45% of total toll collections (RM34.7 million). Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE): Contributed 30% (RM22.8 million). Lebuhraya Kemuning–Shah Ala...

  Lagenda Properties Bhd (KL ): 2Q Net Profit: Rose by 45.8% to RM48.4 million, driven by higher contributions from property development and construction divisions. Revenue: Increased by 25.2% to RM245.8 million. Dividend: Declared a three sen interim dividend, payable on October 25. Perdana Petroleum Bhd (KL ): 2Q Net Profit: Soared fourfold to RM34.7 million, marking its highest quarterly profit in 16 years due to higher vessel utilization rates and favorable forex movements. Revenue: Grew by 52.6% to RM124.59 million. Dividend: No dividend declared. EcoFirst Consolidated Bhd (KL ): Land Acquisition: Acquiring a 4.51-acre piece of freehold land in Kajang for RM35 million to develop a mixed-use project with a GDV of RM380.9 million. Funding: The purchase will be funded through internal funds and bank borrowings, with the project expected to start in early 2025. Kotra Industries Bhd (KL ): 4Q Net Profit: Declined by 4.5% to RM12.49 million due to higher tax expenses. Reven...

Malaysian glove manufacturers saw a significant surge in their share prices on Monday following the declaration of monkeypox (mpox) as an international health emergency for the second time on August 14. Key Highlights: Top Glove Leads the Charge: Shares in Top Glove Corp Bhd, the world’s largest glove producer, jumped 6 sen or 6.32% to RM1.01. It was the most actively traded stock on the local bourse, with a trading volume of 94.38 million shares, nearly doubling its 20-day average of 46.4 million. Market Sentiment Boost: UOB Kay Hian highlighted that the news could drive increased trading activity in the Malaysian glove sector, as the potential for a surge in demand for medical products looms if the mpox outbreak intensifies. Attractive Valuations: Despite the mpox news, UOB Kay Hian noted that glove stock valuations remain at "relatively attractive levels" with "palatable upside" based on fundamentals alone. The firm maintained its 'tactically overweight...

  MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd (KL) witnessed a surge in investor interest on Monday, with trading volume hitting its highest level in nearly seven months. The renewed attention comes amid news that Threadstone Capital Sdn Bhd is eyeing a significant investment in one of MSM's key subsidiaries. Key Highlights: Stock Rally: MSM shares soared by as much as 21% to RM2.01, their highest since July 31, before closing the day up 0.6% at RM1.66, resulting in a market capitalization of RM1.17 billion. Volume Spike: Trading volume reached 20.62 million shares, more than 11 times the average over the past two months and the highest since January 26, 2024. Investment Race: Threadstone Capital, a major shareholder of Theta Edge Bhd (KL), is reportedly planning to inject RM500 million into MSM Johor in exchange for a 49% stake. Wilmar’s Interest: Singapore-based Wilmar International Ltd is also reportedly interested in acquiring a direct stake in MSM’s Johor-based sugar refinery, which is the ...

Apex Securities has upgraded its rating for Solarvest Holdings Bhd (KL) to 'buy', setting a target price of RM1.94, driven by the anticipation of new job flows from corporate green power agreements (CGPAs) and attractive valuations following a recent share price retracement. Key Highlights: Potential New Contracts: Solarvest is tendering for over half of the 800MW of CGPA projects, which could potentially add nearly RM1 billion to its order book. The company’s current tender book stands at 6.1GW, with 66% in Malaysia and 34% in regional markets. Ongoing and Future Projects: Solarvest is involved in upcoming projects, including the 2.0GW Large Scale Solar 5 (LSS5) and an additional 450.0MW under Net Energy Metering, ensuring a busy pipeline until 2028. As of March 31, 2024, the company’s outstanding order book was RM242 million. Recent Achievements: Solarvest recently secured five CGPAs with two global semiconductor leaders and a leading data center service provider, collecti...

  Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (F&N) reported a 22.4% increase in net profit for the third quarter ended June 30, 2024 (3QFY2024), attributed to the absence of one-off non-operating items that affected the previous year's results. The company's net profit rose to RM121.63 million from RM99.37 million a year ago. Key Financial Highlights: Net Profit: Increased by 22.4% to RM121.63 million in 3QFY2024, up from RM99.37 million in 3QFY2023. The rise in net profit was primarily due to the absence of non-operating items such as fair value loss on investment properties, impairment loss on property, plant, and equipment, and inventories written down. Operating Profit: The adjusted group operating profit for 3QFY2024 was flat compared to 3QFY2023 when excluding the non-operating items. Earnings Per Share: Increased to 33.2 sen from 27.10 sen. Revenue: Declined by 2.08% to RM1.3 billion, down from RM1.33 billion in 3QFY2023. The decrease in revenue was attributed to geopolitical u...

  Hartalega Holdings Bhd is anticipated to report a significant increase in earnings for the first quarter of FY2025, driven by higher utilisation rates and increased sales orders, according to Phillip Capital. Key Points: Earnings Forecast: Hartalega's net profit for the first quarter ended June 30 (1QFY2025) is expected to be between RM45 million to RM55 million, up from RM14 million in 4QFY2024 and RM4 million in 1QFY2024. Factors Driving Growth: Higher Utilisation Rate: Hartalega's plant utilisation rate is currently at 75%-80%, with monthly sales orders averaging two billion pieces, up from 1.8 billion pieces in 4QFY2024. Increased Sales Orders: Continuous customer inventory replenishment is contributing to busier plants. Easing Raw Material Prices: This is expected to result in stronger margins. Higher Average Selling Price (ASP): ASP per 1,000 pieces has increased by 5% to US$20 (RM91.14)-US$22 from up to US$21 in 4QFY2024. Market Performance: Shares of Hartalega h...

  Shares of Engtex Group Bhd (KL) soared to RM1.31, the highest since May 2017, driven by positive earnings outlooks and high trading volumes. Strong Earnings and Analyst Upgrades Engtex’s Q2 FY2024 results are expected to show substantial year-on-year growth, with even stronger performance anticipated in the second half of 2024. CGS International upgraded the stock to “add” with a target price of RM1.70, while Kenanga Investment Bank rated it “outperform” with a TP of RM1.41. Key Growth Drivers The surge is attributed to anticipated demand from nationwide pipe replacement, infrastructure projects, and data centre developments. Recent water tariff hikes and Malaysia's plans to reduce non-revenue water are expected to boost demand for Engtex’s products. Revenue and Profit Projections CGS forecasts a fourfold increase in Engtex’s net profit to RM44.18 million for FY2024, up from RM10.13 million in FY2023, driven by higher sales in wire mesh and mild steel pipes.

  theedgemalaysia.com has identified six stocks with notable momentum on Bursa Malaysia as of the noon market break on Wednesday. Positive Momentum Stocks Optimax Holdings Bhd (KL ) Price Movement: Up four sen or 5.88% at 72 sen Description: Optimax Holdings Bhd specializes in eye specialist services. Betamek Bhd (KL ) Price Movement: Up 3.5 sen or 8.33% at 45 sen Description: Betamek Bhd is involved in the manufacturing and supply of electronic products for the automotive industry. Velocity Capital Partner Bhd (KL ) Price Movement: Down half a sen or 6.67% at seven sen Description: Velocity Capital Partner Bhd operates in the financial and investment sector. Negative Momentum Stocks Oceancash Pacific Bhd (KL ) Price Movement: Up 1.5 sen or 3.53% at 44 sen Description: Oceancash Pacific Bhd produces and distributes felt and nonwoven fabrics primarily for the automotive industry. Kim Loong Resources Bhd (KL ) Price Movement: Up nine sen or 3.90% at RM2.40 Description: Kim ...

  Shares of Dagang NeXchange Bhd (DNeX) soared on Monday, spiking as much as 6.02% to 44 sen after securing a significant small field asset cluster production sharing contract (SFA cluster PSC) from Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas). Key Takeaways: Stock Performance: DNeX's shares rose 2.5 sen or 6.02% to 44 sen in the morning session. By 10:15 am, the stock was trading at 43.5 sen, up 4.82%, with a market capitalization of RM1.49 billion. Trading volume reached 15.45 million shares. Analyst Recommendations: DNeX holds one “buy” and one “hold” call, with a 12-month target price (TP) of 50 sen (Bloomberg). Contract Details: DNeX’s subsidiary Ping Petroleum Sdn Bhd secured the SFA cluster PSC from Petronas, covering the Bubu, Bunga Tasbih, and Enau fields. The contract tenure is for 14 years starting from July 1. Petronas Award Overview: Part of Petronas' PSCs for three clusters of discovered resource opportunities under the Malaysia Bid Round Plus Round I. Covers 12 oil and gas ...

  Datasonic Group Bhd (KL) has been awarded a RM30 million contract to supply smart cards to Perum Percetakan Negara Republik Indonesia (PNRI), a unit of the Indonesian Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises. Key Points: Contract Details: The contract was signed by Datasonic’s subsidiary, PT Datasonic Teknologi Indonesia (DTI), and will span a period of one to three years. Strategic Collaboration: Azwan Omar, president director of DTI, emphasized that this partnership positions Datasonic as a strategic partner to PNRI, benefiting both parties in Indonesia’s growing smart card industry. Economic Impact: Sharing expertise in security printing and smart cards is vital for economic recovery and growth post-Covid-19. Corporate Background: Datasonic's largest shareholder is Urusharta Jamaah Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned entity of Malaysia's Minister of Finance Inc. Market Performance: As of Friday, Datasonic shares were trading at 49 sen, down 0.5 sen or 1.01%, with a market capitalizati...

  Shares of Gadang Holdings Bhd (KL) saw a significant decline after TA Securities, the only research house covering the stock, downgraded the construction company to ‘sell’ following weaker-than-expected FY2024 results. Key Points: Stock Performance: Price Drop: Gadang's shares fell nearly 10% to 42.5 sen, marking the lowest since July 2. The stock closed at 43 sen, resulting in a market capitalization of RM313 million on Bursa Malaysia. Trading Volume: Trading volume was 18.97 million shares, more than triple the 20-day moving average. Downgrade and Target Price: Downgrade: TA Securities downgraded Gadang to ‘sell’. Target Price: The target price was cut to 37 sen from 55 sen. Financial Results: Core Net Profit: Excluding extraordinary gains of RM3.2 million, Gadang’s core net profit was RM1.5 million for FY2024, up 165.6% year-on-year but only 15.2% of the full-year estimate. Negative Variance: The shortfall was primarily due to higher-than-anticipated project operating co...

UEM Sunrise Bhd's (KL) attempt to divest its 80.4% stake in South Africa’s Roc-Union Proprietary Ltd has fallen through for the second time. The buyer, Azishe Properties Proprietary Ltd, failed to meet its payment obligations within the stipulated time frame, according to a filing with Bursa Malaysia. Key Points: Failed Divestment: This marks the second unsuccessful attempt by UEM Sunrise to sell its stake in Roc-Union. The initial sale agreement, worth 18.4 million rand (RM29.5 million), was made in August 2023. Background: UEM Sunrise South Africa, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UEM Sunrise Overseas Corp Sdn Bhd (UEMSOC), had given shareholder advances to Roc-Union. UEM Sunrise’s indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, UEM Sunrise South Africa, holds the 80.4% stake in Roc-Union. Sale Agreement Terms: Azishe was required to pay 10% of the purchase consideration, 11.8 million rand (RM2.9 million), as a non-refundable deposit within five business days from the sale agreement date (Aug 28, ...