Latest news with #265
The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
KLK quarterly earnings rise 32% to RM154mil
The group expects plantation earnings to remain resilient. PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd (KLK) posted a 31.8% year-on-year (y-o-y) rise in net profit to RM154.27mil for the second quarter ended March 31, 2025 (2Q25), driven by higher crude palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel (PK) selling prices, which bolstered plantation earnings despite a weak showing in its manufacturing segment. Revenue for the quarter grew 16.2% y-o-y to RM6.34bil, as CPO prices averaged RM4,116 per tonne, up 13.7% from RM3,620 a year ago, while PK surged 70.2% to RM3,265 per tonne. For the first half of its financial year 2025 (1H25), KLK's net profit rose 8.9% y-o-y to RM374.73mil on the back of a 10.7% increase in revenue to RM12.28bil. The group declared a 20 sen interim dividend to be paid on July 29, with the entitlement date set for July 10. The plantation segment remained the primary profit driver, with 2Q25 profit improving to RM454.3mil from RM357.7mil a year earlier, helped by favourable selling prices. Furthermore, this was despite lower CPO and PK sales volumes and a fair value loss of RM53.4mil on unharvested fresh fruit bunches. However, the manufacturing division turned in a pre-tax loss of RM38.3mil versus a RM56.7mil profit in 2Q24, weighed by continued losses in its refinery and kernel crushing operations. KLK's performance was also impacted by a RM63mil share of loss from 27%-owned Synthomer plc and foreign exchange losses totalling RM217mil in 1H25, both of which are non-cash in nature. The group expects plantation earnings to remain resilient, supported by the upcoming high crop season and cost management amid expectations that CPO prices will trade between RM3,800 and RM4,200 per tonne. 'Given the challenging macroeconomic outlook and increased volatility in commodity markets following recent tariff developments, the group adopts a prudent stance in navigating the remainder of financial year 2025,' it noted. Meanwhile, KLK's major shareholder Batu Kawan Bhd saw its net profit rise 3.7% y-o-y to RM87.89mil in 2Q25, while revenue climbed 15% to RM6.51bil. For the first half, net profit rose 9.7% to RM215.48mil, while revenue increased 9.9% to RM12.63bil. Additionally, Batu Kawan's plantation segment delivered a 41% jump in profit to RM1.05bil in 1H25, underpinned by stronger CPO and PK prices, which helped offset lower fresh fruit bunch yields and extraction rates caused by adverse weather conditions.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
KLK records higher earnings in 2Q25
PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd (KLK) posted a 31.8% year-on-year (y-o-y) rise in net profit to RM154.27mil for the second quarter ended March 31, 2025 (2Q25), driven by higher crude palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel (PK) selling prices, which bolstered plantation earnings despite a weak showing in its manufacturing segment. Revenue for the quarter grew 16.2% y-o-y to RM6.34bil, as CPO prices averaged RM4,116 per tonne, up 13.7% from RM3,620 a year ago, while PK surged 70.2% to RM3,265 per tonne. For the first half of its financial year 2025 (1H25), KLK's net profit rose 8.9% y-o-y to RM374.73mil on the back of a 10.7% increase in revenue to RM12.28bil. The group declared a 20 sen interim dividend to be paid on July 29, with the entitlement date set for July 10. The plantation segment remained the primary profit driver, with 2Q25 profit improving to RM454.3mil from RM357.7mil a year earlier, helped by favourable selling prices. This was despite lower CPO and PK sales volumes and a fair value loss of RM53.4mil on unharvested fresh fruit bunches. However, the manufacturing division turned in a pre-tax loss of RM38.3mil versus a RM56.7mil profit in 2Q24, weighed by continued losses in its refinery and kernel crushing operations. KLK's performance was also impacted by a RM63mil share of loss from 27%-owned Synthomer plc and foreign exchange losses totalling RM217mil in 1H25, both of which are non-cash in nature. The group expects plantation earnings to remain resilient, supported by the upcoming high crop season and cost management amid expectations that CPO prices will trade between RM3,800 and RM4,200 per tonne. 'Given the challenging macroeconomic outlook and increased volatility in commodity markets following recent tariff developments, the group adopts a prudent stance in navigating the remainder of FY25,' it noted. Meanwhile, KLK's major shareholder Batu Kawan Bhd , saw its net profit rise 3.7% y-o-y to RM87.89mil in 2Q25, while revenue climbed 15% to RM6.51bil. For the first half, net profit rose 9.7% to RM215.48mil, while revenue increased 9.9% to RM12.63bil. Batu Kawan's plantation segment delivered a 41% jump in profit to RM1.05bil in 1H25, underpinned by stronger CPO and PK prices, which helped offset lower fresh fruit bunch yields and extraction rates caused by adverse weather conditions.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
How to get beach-ready with season's best swimwear
If you've lived in the UAE for as long as I have (since 2005, thanks for asking), you'll be all too familiar with the blink-and-you-miss-it sweet spot of beachability. That small window, twice a year, when the days aren't too hot for lounging on the sand from dawn till dusk, and the sea temperature reads a balmy high-20s. That time is now, which means we can pause all other shopping priorities and turn our attention to swimwear. Swimwear, like lingerie and gym wear, is one category that it doesn't pay to cheap out on, unless you are Gisele Bündchen. For the rest of us, good swimwear can hoick bits up, smooth bits down, and distract from the bits where we'd rather not have bits at all. Yes, under-arm bulge, I am looking at you. My non-negotiables when shopping for swimwear are straps robust enough for decent bust support (or underwired cups if you prefer a tan line-friendly bandeau top), generous bottom coverage, and a luxurious fabric to smooth, sculpt, and support. I've yet to find swimwear that meets this Holy Trinity on high street, but given that baring all on the beach requires wearing next to nothing in full daylight, I am happy to spend on swimwear that I can put on and forget about. The OG of luxury swimwear and a perennial can't-go-wrong option is Melissa Odabash. The UK-based brand has just opened its first UAE store in Dubai Mall, and Melissa's designs – much like the American designer herself – are eternally chic and classic. I've got my eye on the sporty zip-front 'Bellino' one piece (approx. Dh1,265) in zesty clementine this season. In the same category, but even more luxurious, I'd put the Chanel-owned Eres, which has stores in Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates. The French brand's fabrics are unparalleled, and when I put out a call on Instagram for swimwear recommendations, the most elegant women I know all replied with Eres. Happily, swimwear is a category where we no longer need to look overseas to style up beach club days. A slew of Dubai-born brands have made it their mission to respond to the regional client and climate with astute local insight. Launched in 2021, therinós, which means 'summery' in Greek, is the brainchild of Dubai resident Mandy Oikonomopoulou Bosini. Its couture sensibility offers a high-fashion style statement, akin to ready-to-wear, without compromising on fit or form. The 'Grace' style, as a one-piece or high-waisted bikini, has ingenious hidden bust support to make you the most elegant on the beach, while the brand's clever use of ruching flatters women of all ages. Whether you are heading to Abu Dhabi's Anantara Santorini, or Sirene by Gaia in Dubai's J1, therinós embodies Greek chic in the Gulf. Also locally born, and aimed firmly at the body confident, is Salty Swim, founded by UAE media exec Habiba Basiony. Think Brazilian flamboyance in a riot of carnival colours and perfect for the UAE's beach club party scene. Another local favourite is Caha Capo, founded by the effervescent entrepreneur Donna Benton. This season, the brand has a beautiful turquoise in the exact colour of the Abu Dhabi ocean; I'm buying it in the 'Brigitte' one piece (Dh650). The most recommended swim brand on my Insta poll was UK-based Hunza G, the one-size-fits-most label known for its crinkle fabric. Feeling conservative? Opt for its Coverage styles for more bust support, a higher back scoop and a lower-cut leg. Or, to dial things up a notch, the '80s-inspired 'Tiffany' (Dh1,100) has cutout bow detailing down the sides. On that note, judicious cut outs can be surprisingly flattering. Cleverly-positioned cutaways on either side of the rib cage give the optical illusion of a narrower torso and get my wholehearted seal of approval. I recently discovered Istanbul-based OYE Swimwear, available at Ounass, and it's now my go-to for boujie boat days. The chic monochrome one-pieces are the beachwear equivalent of a black-tie gown, albeit with a price tag to match. It might be 38-degrees out there, but in swimwear of this calibre, you'll look hot for all the right reasons.
