PETALING JAYA: Pantech Group Holdings Bhd
expects robust oil prices to bring about a positive impact to its related capital activities such as increased spending in facilities maintenance and upgrading activity in the oil and gas (O&G) industry.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday, the pipe and valve maker said this would in turn improve the demand for its products in both the domestic and international markets.
Pantech’s net profit for the second quarter ended Aug 31, 2022 doubled to RM31mil on year, lifted by the manufacturing division’s strong exports of steel products.
Revenue improved to RM269.99mil from RM136.49mil previously, while earnings per share stood at 3.78 sen compared with 2.02 sen previously.
For the first half of its current financial year, Pantech’s net profit expanded to RM57.4mil from RM30.5mil.
Revenue surged to RM540.66mil from RM284.99mil previously.
The company said the higher revenue and pre-tax were mainly due to the better performance in both the trading and manufacturing divisions.
On the economic front, Pantech noted that ongoing geopolitical conflicts, rising interest rates and inflation would pose risks to the current economic recovery progress, as well as the demand for oil and gas.
“The group will prudently continue to focus on its existing revenue generating businesses and seek opportunities to grow its businesses by enhancing its competitiveness as the major pipes, valves and fittings solutions provider to the O&G, related upstream and downstream industries.
“Barring further unforeseen circumstances, the group is optimistic about its overall performance for the current financial year in view of the improving economic activity and rising oil and gas prices,” it said.
In a recent report, TA Research said the group’s manufacturing segment is largely insulated from the current inflationary environment.
“This is due to full cost pass-through of material costs to customers. However, the group may incur inventory lag losses on excess raw materials. This is because Pantech procures 20% additional volumes on required materials such as nickel as a buffer.”
Given the resilient oil prices, TA Research expects the capital expenditure momentum to sustain for oil producers.
Pantech has declared a second interim single-tier dividend of 1.5 sen per share to be paid on Jan 13, 2023.
