Duopharma group managing director Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar.
PETALING JAYA: Duopharma Biotech Bhd
foresees challenges from a strong US dollar, high electricity tariffs and interest rates impacting manufacturing margins and overall profitability, says group managing director Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar.
“However, the group remains focused on enhancing operational efficiencies internally to cushion the surge in operational and finance costs caused by these challenges,” Leonard said in a statement.
Duopharma’s net profit fell 32.5% to RM15.3mil, or an earnings per share of 1.59 sen in the first quarter ended March 31 compared with RM22.6mil, or 2.38 sen posted in the same quarter last year.
Revenue dipped to RM192.9mil versus RM200.5mil.
“The marginally lower year-on-year revenue and pre-tax profit were attributed to lower demand in the prescription pharmaceutical markets, both in the private ethical and public health segments,” Duopharma said.
