Latest news with #PentamasterCorpBhd


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.