27-05-2025
Velesto's 1Q net profit jumps to RM52.61mil on higher charter rates
KUALA LUMPUR: Off the back of an improved bottomline in the first quarter of 2025 (1QFY25), Velesto Energy Bhd says increasing offshore activities in Southeast Asia signal strong market momentum, as reflected in recent contract wins in Vietnam and Indonesia.
"We are strategically focused on maximising rig utilisation, maintaining cost efficiency to sustain healthy margins, and driving shareholder returns.
"Our priority remains clear—delivering long- term, sustainable value to all stakeholders," said Velesto president Megat Zariman Abdul Rahim in a statement.
In 1QFY25, Velesto recorded a higher net profit of RM52.61mil compared to RM46.81mil in the year-ago quarter. Earnings per share rose to 0.64 sen from 0.57 sen previously.
According to the group, the improved profitability was owing to an increase in average daily charter rate to US$127,000 a day, which helped offset the lower rig utilisation rate.
The rig utilisation rate had slipped to 67% from 94% in 1QFY24, primarily due to idle periods for NAGA 3 and NAGA 5.
The group's revenue during the quarter under review, however, fell to RM224.65mil from RM338.58mil.
Moving forward, Velesto said the Special Periodical Surveys (SPS) for NAGA 8 and NAGA 3 are on track for completion in the second quarter of 2025.
Following the completion of SPS, NAGA 8 is scheduled to commence operations in Indonesia in the third quarter of 2025.
As at April 2025, Velesto's order book has doubled to RM1.4bil, providing earnings visibility until 2028.
