Latest news with #RM4.9bil
The Star
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Ekuinas committed direct investments up to RM5bil for FY24
KUALA LUMPUR: Ekuiti Nasional Bhd's (Ekuinas) cumulative committed direct investments rose to RM4.9bil last year (FY24) from RM4.5bil a year ago, with total economic capital deployed at RM5.6bil. In a statement yesterday, the government-linked private equity company said funds under management increased by 19% to RM5bil. Its operating expenditure-to-funds under management ratio remained steady at 1.1%. The private-equity company said the gross internal rate of return (GIRR) for the Ekuinas Direct Tranche IV Fund was 38.9%, while Tranche II Fund was 12%. 'Ekuinas Direct Tranche III Fund showed modest improvement with a GIRR of 1.6%. Meanwhile, our outsourced programme reported GIRRs of 3.8% for Tranche I and minus 6.9% for Tranche II,' Ekuinas said. The earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) of portfolio companies under Ekuinas Direct Funds grew by 3.3%, rebounding from a 7% contraction in 2023. Unitar Education group recorded Ebitda of 77.2% while Medispec (M) Sdn Bhd and Exabytes Capital Group achieved 48.7% and 30.9% Ebitda growth, respectively. — Bernama
The Star
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia to safeguard commodities in US tariff talks
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is making thorough preparations for official tariff negotiations with the United States, with the Plantation and Commodities Ministry emphasising the need to protect the interests of the country's commodities sector, particularly palm oil. Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani stated that although the United States is not the largest buyer of Malaysian palm oil products, exports to the country remain significant and strategically valuable. 'We have provided all relevant facts and information to the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry to be used in the upcoming negotiations. 'For example, with regard to palm oil, even though the United States is not a major buyer, we still export nearly RM4.9bil annually to that market,' he told reporters at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board's Silver Jubilee Gala Night. Johari said Malaysia's largest export markets for palm oil currently are Europe, India, and China, which collectively contribute over 40% of total exports. 'But we cannot disregard the United States, because in addition to palm oil, we also export rubber gloves – more than RM8bil annually, wood products – nearly RM6.5bil, and cocoa – at around RM1.6bil. 'Total commodity exports to the United States alone amount to about RM20bil to RM21bil,' he noted, adding that the national commodities sector records total annual exports of around RM186bil worldwide. Johari stressed the need to continue engagement and diplomacy efforts with major buyers worldwide, given the large demand and market capacity beyond the United States. — Bernama
