Latest news with #PentamasterCorpBhd
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Pentamaster 2Q showing declines
Pentamaster's second-quarter net profit fell 41.6% to RM11.6mil. PETALING JAYA: Pentamaster Corp Bhd remains cautious on its outlook going forward, amid the challenging global environment that has been marked by prolonged macroeconomic uncertainties and trade tensions. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the automation manufacturing and technology solutions provider noted that in the first half of the year, operating conditions remained difficult as the group faced margin pressure stemming from elevated input costs and intensified pricing competition. 'These challenges were compounded by extended customer decision-making cycles given the trade tension uncertainties, global supply chain disruptions and the spill-over effects of geopolitical tensions, all of which contributed to delayed project rollouts and impacted operational efficiency.' For its second quarter ended June 30, 2025, Pentamaster's net profit fell 41.6% to RM11.6mil, or 1.63 sen per share, bringing its first-half earnings to RM24.7mil, or 3.47 sen per share. Revenue declined 15.4% to RM144.9mil in the quarter. Pentamaster said revenue was mainly contributed by the automated test equipment segment and factory automation solutions, constituting approximately 57.1% and 42.2%, respectively, of the group's total revenue during the quarter. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, net profit dipped to RM24.68mil from RM39.28mil a year earlier, while revenue slipped to RM276.48mil from RM342.16mil previously. Going forward, the group anticipates a comparatively more favourable performance in the second half of the year supported by improvements in order book visibility. This is particularly from the automated test equipment segment, where customers have gradually resumed capital investments in the next-generation test handling and burn-in systems, said the company. In parallel, Pentamaster said its factory automation solutions (FAS) team remains proactive in expanding its customer base and broadening its industry footprint beyond its traditional strongholds. 'The FAS team continues to intensify efforts to penetrate emerging sectors such as renewable energy, data centres and healthcare automation where rising demand for intelligent, high-precision and flexible automation solutions is being driven by the increased emphasis on precision and output consistency, as well as the growing need for traceability and compliance in regulated industries. 'Additionally, as the trade tariffs imposed by the United States become clearer, manufacturing base positioning with automation is expected to provide positive momentum to the FAS segment.' Following the successful privatisation of Hong Kong-listed Pentamaster International Ltd with Puga Holdings Ltd, a holding company backed by a renowned semiconductor private equity firm, prominent Taiwanese semiconductor companies and global sovereign wealth funds, the group said it has begun to unlock strategic advantages from this partnership. Puga's extensive network and investment portfolios within the global technology ecosystem, particularly in Taiwan and the United States, has provided the group with greater access to new customers, collaborative research and development opportunities and strategic market entry opportunities. Additionally, Pentamaster said it is actively building its capabilities in advanced packaging technologies, supported by the accelerating growth in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and other data-intensive, high-speed applications. 'These developments collectively provide a favourable backdrop for the group's long-term growth trajectory, positioning it well to capitalise on next-generation technology trends in the mid to long term.'
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Pentamaster 2Q net profit drops 41.6% to RM11.6mil
KUALA LUMPUR: Pentamaster Corp Bhd , which reported a 41.6% drop in net profit for the second quarter ended June 30 (2Q25), remains cautious amid a challenging global environment marked by ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties and trade tensions. The automation manufacturing and technology solutions provider said operating conditions in the first half of the year remained difficult, with the group facing margin pressure due to elevated input costs and intensified pricing competition. 'These challenges were compounded by extended customer decision-making cycles given the trade tension uncertainties, global supply chain disruptions and the spill-over effects of geopolitical tensions, all of which contributed to delayed project rollouts and impacted operational efficiency. 'However, the group anticipates a comparatively more favourable performance in the second half of the year supported by improvements in order book visibility, particularly from the automated test equipment (ATE) segment where customers have gradually resumed capital investments in the next-generation test handling and burn-in systems, particularly within the logic and power semiconductor sub-segments,' Pentamaster said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia. In 2Q25, Pentamaster's net profit fell 41.6% to RM11.6mil, or 1.63 sen per share, bringing its first-half earnings to RM24.7mil, or 3.47 sen per share. Revenue declined 15.4% to RM144.9mil in the quarter, lifting cumulative revenue for the first six months to RM276.5mil. Pentamaster said that as the trade tariffs imposed by the US become clearer, strategic positioning of its manufacturing base with automation is expected to drive positive momentum in its factory automation solutions (FAS) segment. Additionally, the group said it has begun unlocking strategic benefits following the successful privatisation of PIL with Puga Holdings, backed by major semiconductor investors. Puga's strong network, especially in Taiwan and the US, has opened up access to new customers, R&D collaborations, and market opportunities. Pentamaster is actively building its advanced packaging capabilities, supported by the growing demand for artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and other high-speed applications.
New Straits Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Pentamaster misses expectations, outlook downgraded
KUALA LUMPUR: Pentamaster Corp Bhd's first quarter net profit of RM9.9 million, which dropped 37 per cent due to weaker revenue from the medical segment, has missed expectations. CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd said the results made up only 12 per cent of its full-year estimates and 15 per cent of Bloomberg consensus. The firm expects medical segment revenue to decline by 20 per cent in financial year 2025 (FY25) as more US-based MedTech companies may increasingly seek to re-shore their manufacturing operations. "This trend could be particularly pronounced for companies with existing facilities in the US, potentially limiting strong order wins for Pentamaster compared to our earlier expectations," it said in a note. The firm lowered its earnings forecasts for Pentamaster by 14 per cent-17 per cent for FY25-FY27 to reflect more conservative revenue growth assumptions for its equipment segment amid rising uncertainties in the automotive sector. The firm said that these uncertainties, driven by reciprocal US tariffs, could dampen demand for the group's known good die and burn-in testers. However, Pentamaster's diversification into new growth areas, such as renewable energy and high-performance computing, may alleviate the emerging challenges pertaining to the US tariff situation, added CGS International. "We expect these new segments to contribute five per cent of FY25F revenue, driven by the group's ongoing efforts to expand its sales pipeline," it said. The firm downgraded its call for Pentamaster to 'Hold' from 'Add' with a lower target price of RM2.70 following the earnings revision.
The Star
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Pentamaster names Hon Tuck Weng as new CEO
KUALA LUMPUR: Pentamaster Corp Bhd has appointed Hon Tuck Weng as its chief executive officer, effective May 9, 2025. Hon, 54, has more than 25 years of experience in automation solutions industry. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Pentamaster said Hon began his career with the group in March 1995 as a software programmer and has served as operations director since May 2007. He is responsible for overseeing the group's daily operations in management information systems, quality assurance and control, manufacturing facilities, as well as internal systems and control functions. He sits on the ESG committee as well as risk management committee of the group. Hon holds a qualification in Engineering Business Management from the University of Warwick, UK. In the first quarter ended March 31, the group's net profit fell 32.6% to RM13.1mil, or earnings per share of 1.84 sen compared with RM19.4mil, or 2.72 sen in the year-ago quarter. Its revenue fell 22.9% to RM131.6mil against RM170.8mil last year.
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Pentamaster 1Q net profit drop 32.6% to RM13mil
KUALA LUMPUR: Pentamaster Corp Bhd saw a slower-than-anticipated order book replenishment, potentially weighing on near-term order conversion momentum, amid shifting global supply chain strategies by both technology clients and the group. The automation manufacturing and technology solutions provider noted that some of its customers have adopted a cautious, wait-and-see approach to investment and procurement decisions, amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and heightened geopolitical tensions. 'This sentiment has led to some degree of deferment in order placements or replenishments, particularly in sectors that are sensitive to capital expenditure cycles. This challenging global trade environment was further exacerbated by the recent tariff measures announced by the US, which have intensified global trade tensions,' Pentamaster said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia. In the first quarter ended March 31, the group's net profit fell 32.6% to RM13.1mil, or earnings per share of 1.84 sen compared with RM19.4mil, or 2.72 sen in the year-ago quarter. Its revenue fell 22.9% to RM131.6mil against RM170.8mil last year. Pentamaster said the growing demand for high-performance semiconductors, AI-enabling hardware and software as well as electrification in automotive applications, continues to drive adoption of the group's automated test equipment (ATE) and factory automation solutions (FAS) offerings. The group has also adopted flexible supply chain strategies to navigate the ongoing global trade split. This approach has opened up new opportunities, especially with multinational manufacturers looking to relocate, expand, or diversify. 'This shift is expected to drive continued demand for the group's automation solutions across key industries,' Pentamaster said.
