Latest news with #RM78
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Recovery in sales volume to propel Nestle
PETALING JAYA: Nestle (M) Bhd is poised for a stronger second half of 2025 (2H25), underpinned by easing raw material prices, stable margins and a steady recovery in sales volume, following a challenging year marked by cost pressures and boycott-related disruptions. According to Maybank Investment Bank (IB) Research, Nestle's sales volume has shown progressive recovery in 1H25 and this remains its key focus in 2H25. The research house raised its 2025 to 2027 earnings forecasts by up to 22%, citing 'a clearer route to recovery in relation to its brand image and cost pressures from raw materials.' Maybank IB Research said that Nestle's second-quarter revenue rose 10% year-on-year (y-o-y), driven by price hikes and systematic sales volume recovery. It added that 'the group is on a stronger footing to enhance market competitiveness and rebuild market share across its product categories'. Meanwhile, CGS International Research remained cautious, citing stretched valuations. 'We believe valuations are rich at 35.8 times 2025 price-earnings ratio with a 2.4% 2025 dividend yield,' the research house said, maintaining a 'reduce' call with a target price of RM78. It acknowledged a volume recovery in 2Q25 following the easing of boycotts and noted that 'export revenue growth was helped by growing demand for halal products in both existing and new markets'. It added that management saw stability in margins supported by 'ongoing hedging efforts, and recent easing in cocoa and coffee prices'. Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research pointed to a mixed outlook, with operational efforts offsetting persistent external challenges. 'The group continues to navigate rising commodity costs through a steadfast focus on operational efficiency, cost savings initiatives, and greater digitalisation,' it said. Despite selective price increases, HLIB Research cautioned that 'the ongoing boycott against Western-affiliated brands continued to dampen demand' and is unlikely to fully revert soon. Nonetheless, the the research house highlighted that product innovation remained a bright spot, with launches such as Nescafe Coffee Concentrate and Kit Kat 3-in-1 reinforcing the group's pivot toward health-focused and convenience-led offerings. HLIB Research reiterated its 'hold' rating with an unchanged target price of RM80. CIMB Research also held a steady view, with no changes to its forecasts or 'hold' rating. It noted that 'Nestle does not intend to implement major selling price adjustments, opting instead to focus on maintaining affordability in view of the current subdued consumer spending environment.' The research house underscored Nestle's long-term growth strategy centred on innovation, including the 'world's first drinkable KitKat' as aligned with global priorities. 'Gross profit margins are expected to remain stable in 2H25,' it added, citing digitalisation and efficiency initiatives as cushions against cost pressures. TA Research struck an optimistic tone, raising its earnings forecasts by up to 7.6% and its target price to RM102.80. It attributed the gains to higher sales assumptions and robust brand investments. 'Operating expenses rose 4% y-o-y mainly attributed to higher marketing investments,' the research house noted, pointing to promotional campaigns tied to new launches and Milo's 75th anniversary. It said the efforts are supportive of top line growth, with the potential to strengthen brand equity, enhance customer loyalty, and reinforce Nestle's market leadership.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
BAT Malaysia sees 2Q profit recovery on the back of combustibles segment
Illustration shows BAT (British American Tobacco) KUALA LUMPUR: British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Bhd's focus on its combustibles segment, particularly its flagship Dunhill brand, is yielding results as its second quarter results showed improvement over the previous corresponding quarter. According to the group, the strategic decision to transition out e-cigarette brand Vuse enabled more effective cost management and portfolio focus, which saw a 38.5% increase in profit from operations to RM78 million compared to RM56mil in the same period last year. In the quarter under review, BAT posted a net profit of RM50.95mil, up from RM36.28mil in the year-ago quarter. Earnings per share climbed to 17.8 sen from 12.7 sen previously. Its revenue dipped slightly to RM624.75mil in 2QFY25 from RM640.46mil in the comparative quarter. For the six-month period, BAT reported net profit of RM74.22mil against RM66.27mil in 1HFY24, while revenue dropped to RM946.74mil from RM1.05bil in the comparative period. The board of directors declared a second interim dividend of 12 sen per share, going ex on Aug 13, 2025, and payable on Sept 4, 2025, to shareholders. "Our second quarter results demonstrate the resilience of our combustibles portfolio, even in a highly competitive market environment, signalling that we are heading in the right strategic direction. 'Dunhill continues to stand out as the leading brand in Malaysia, gaining further momentum this quarter," said BAT Malaysia managing director Nedal Salem in a statement. He reported that the tobacco black market also saw a decline of 0.4 percentage point at 54.4% in 2QFY25, compared to the previous quarter.
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Pasir Gudang expressway widening phased opening details this week
JOHOR BAHRU: Discussions with contractors and agencies will conclude this week to finalise the phased opening of the widened Pasir Gudang Highway. The three-lane road expansion aims to improve traffic flow along the busy industrial route. Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh stated that sections of the five-kilometre project will open progressively based on readiness and safety assessments. 'This allows the public to benefit from completed sections sooner,' he said during a site visit. Key focus areas include CH1170 near Petron and CH4200 close to the Wau replica roundabout, where potholes and poor lighting have been persistent issues. Over 467 road patching works have been completed since January, and 197 streetlights will be installed by July 11. Additional spotlights and warning blinkers will enhance visibility at blind spots. Motorists experiencing vehicle damage due to potholes can file claims with the contractor or concessionaire. 'Road safety is a contractual obligation, and claims require a police report with photo evidence,' Mohamad Fazli clarified. The Pasir Gudang Highway is a critical route serving over 5,000 factories and linking Johor Port and Tanjung Langsat Port. The RM301.5 million Phase 3 upgrade, expanding the highway from four to six lanes, is set for completion by June 2028. Meanwhile, the RM78 million Phase 2B upgrade from Bandar Seri Alam to Pasir Gudang will finish by February 2026. - Bernama
Daily Express
03-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Louis XIII and the 30-minute RM97k party
Published on: Thursday, July 03, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 03, 2025 Text Size: A photo of the receipt share recently on social media. KUALA LUMPUR: A photo of a nightclub receipt totalling RM97,760.60 for just 30 minutes of partying has sparked a flurry of reactions online. The bill, dated June 27 at 11.28pm and paid just after midnight, showed three bottles of Louis XIII cognac racking up RM78,888 alone. Adding to the tab were service tips for staff and PRMs (public relations members), each tagged at RM300, alongside a 10 per cent service charge and 8 per cent SST. By the end of the night, the subtotal of RM82,948 swelled to nearly RM98,000 thanks to tax charges alone costing more than a new kapchai. Netizens were divided - some defended the spender's right to splurge, others were floored by the apparent mark-up on the cognac. One pointed out that the SST rate shown did not match the new rate effective from July 1, casting doubt on the bill's timing and accuracy. Still, many agreed on one thing: whether real or not, this receipt is a sobering reminder of KL nightlife's premium pricing. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Rakyat Post
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Rakyat Post
Jump Into July: What's Happening From Day To Night This Weekend
Subscribe to our FREE Congratulations on making past the mid-year! The month of July is packed with various activities and happenings in the city ranging from interesting art installations to vibrant social events. Here are some picks for the week. Frameless | Until 2027 | Balai Seni Negara | 9am-5pm | Free entry Frameless is an immersive art gallery right inside the National Art Gallery. The interactive space provides interesting photo opportunities and families, especially children, get to see their artworks come to life as well! Space & Time Cube+ | Ongoing | Lot 10 | 10am-10pm | RM78/adult, RM58/kid Space & Time Cube is another trippy 3D installation in the city similar to Tickets are only available at the counter/door and there are no online bookings so far. Ticket prices are set at RM78 for adults with MyKad and RM88 for non-MyKad holders. Children tickets are priced at RM58 for MyKid holders and RM68 for non-MyKid holders. Spring Galore Market | 4-6 July | The Campus Ampang | 10am-10pm | Free public event The Spring Galore Market at the Campus features a range of local vendors selling fashionable finds, delicious food and drinks, beautiful flowers, vintage goodies, and more. Visitors are encouraged to come dressed in their best fairy-inspired outfits to add to the fun. Remember to bring your own shopping bag! Handmade Flowers for Beginners | Ongoing | GMBB | RM50/pax If you're looking for a quick workshop to join, Petals by You's handmade flower workshop only takes 30 minutes! The session will be led by May Ling who will guide beginners through the relaxing process of flower jamming. For more information, contact May Ling via WhatsApp at +6011 3394 5480 or email mayling@ Throw & Paint Clay Workshop | Ongoing | Maimojie Studio, Kota Damansara | RM230/pax, RM440/pair Maimojie Studio has fun clay workshops perfect for all levels to try. The Throw & Paint sessions allows participants to DIY and paint their own plate and a bowl. Mai, who runs the studio, will guide participants through the basics of pottery making. For more information and booking, contact Mai via Instagram DM READ MORE: Colour Analysis & Custom Lipstick Workshop | 5 July | Tropicana Avenue | 11am-2pm | RM300/pax The famed South Korean colour analysis workshop is available locally now! ColorLab's personal colour analysis session by certified consultants will help you find the best colours to highlight your best features. The session is followed up with a custom lipstick workshop so you can create the perfect shade that suits you. Since slots are limited, remember to RSVP quickly by sending ColorLab a DM on Instagram. Offline Kuala Lumpur | 5 July | Location disclosed upon confirmation | 2-7pm | RM120/pax The popular networking event, Offline Singapore, makes its way to Kuala Lumpur on 5 July. For those who have not heard of Offline events, it's a social networking event for those who are keen to expand their social circle. There have been fun and engaging outings initiated by the Offline community such as karaoke sessions, dinners, trying new sports activities, overseas trips, and more. The goal is to meet new people and make new friends. If this is something that interests you, remember to register your spot by filling the form Fresh Off The Patio | 5-6 July | Lex's Patio Pantry | 12pm-8pm | Free public event Lex's Patio Pantry stocks fresh organic vegetables, handmade noodles from Ipoh, free-range kampung chicken and eggs, and more. With Fresh Off The Patio, they're running a fundraiser to help our local wildlife. If you're interested to check out the offerings and to help, all profits from Lex's homemade lemonades and 20% of the profits from Kopenhagen Coffee will be channeled to Animal Neighbours Project. Animal Neighbours Project also has a small booth where you can find out more about their initiative. Bonet Kita | 5-6 July | Tapak Penjaja PUJ3, Puncak Jalil | 7pm-12am | Free public event Cafe Cherry: Cherry Bomb Turns 2 | 6 July | BED Market Lane @ TRX | 2pm-6pm | Ticketed event Cherry Bomb, the all-girl electronic group, is celebrating their second birthday with a big bash at BED Market Lane at The Exchange TRX. Expect girl-powered beats, signature Cherry Bomb sass, and lots of espresso martinis while the girls man the deck. Get your tickets Table Lamp Concert: Mando Pop | 6 July | Jaotim | 9pm onwards | RM80/pax This Sunday, it's your chance to belt out Mando Pop tunes together with singers Gary Chee and Yixin at Jaotim. The night covers the pop, R&B, and soul genres. To get tickets, head over to Jaotim's official website KL Stand Up | 9 July | KL Comedy Corner | 9pm | RM30/solo, RM50/couple Celebrate reaching the mid-year with a good laugh along with rising stars and seasoned pros in the comedy scene on 9 July. It's a chance to catch raw, unfiltered comedy for one-night only with a group of friends or with a date. To get tickets before it runs out, head over to Peatix Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
