SD Guthrie group managing director Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha
KUALA LUMPUR: The crude palm oil (CPO) price is expected to remain volatile in the second half of the year amid the ongoing volatility of the global economic and operating environment, said SD Guthrie Bhd
in its outlook for the remainder of the year
The group, formerly known as Sime Darby Plantations, said the industry is entering its peak output cycle, supported by improved weather conditions, softer biodiesel demand amidst the low crude oil price environment, and the ongoing global macroeconomic uncertainty.
"Whilst the price discount of palm oil relative to other vegetable oils is likely to
support stronger demand from key markets, persistent macroeconomic headwinds, coupled
with uncertainties in the global trade environment following the US’ revised tariff measures, are adding further volatility to the overall operating environment," it said in a statement.
The group anticipates its fresh fruit bunch (FFB) production to improve in the second half of the year, supported by better operating conditions as well as productivity enhancement efforts across our operations in Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
In the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, SD Guthrie posted a net profit of RM505mil, up from RM415mil in the year-ago quarter, which translates to a higher earnings per share of 7.3 sen against six sen previously.
The group reported revenue of RM5.17bil compared to RM4.97bil in 2QFY24.
Over the six-month period, net profit came to RM1.07bil against RM626mil in 1HFY24, while revenue rose to RM9.99bil from RM9.31bil in the year-ago period.
“The group’s performance in this period bears testament to our robust strategy and disciplined execution, as we continue to prioritise operational excellence. Even as our core business segments regain momentum, the new and expanded strategic focus to pursue broader growth initiatives is starting to take shape," said group managing director Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha.
The group declared an interim dividend of 7.75 sen per share, with ex-date on Oct 16, 2025, and payable on Oct 31, 2025.
SD Guthrie noted an impressive performance its upstream segment in 1H25, as it benefited from higher year-on-year average realised CPO and palm kernel (PK) prices - up 3% and 50% y-o-y to RM4,146 and RM3,247 per tonne respectively.
The group's fresh fruit bunch (FFB) production was higher across segments for a 4% increase overall.
However, SD Guthrie's downstream segment registered a 44% y-o-y slump in pre-tax profit in 2QFY25 to RM126mil amid a challenging business landscape.
The group said operations across Asia Pacific and Europe were impacted by lower demand and tighter margins. However, encouraging performance was achieved in Oceania which recorded commendable operating profits with higher sales volumes and margins.
