B2. Comment on material change in profit before tax
The Group made a profit before tax for the quarter 30 September 2023 of RM41.6 million as compared with the
profit before tax of RM37.5 million in the preceding year corresponding quarter ended 30 September 2022. This is
mainly due to higher selling price in cocoa products and industrial chocolate. However, the increase offset against
the higher finance cost due to higher interest rate during current quarter ended 30 September 2023.

B1. Review of performance
The Group’s revenue of RM1,285.9 million for the current quarter ended 30 September 2023 is higher than the
revenue in the previous corresponding quarter ended 30 September 2022 of RM1,100.5 million. The increase of
16.85% in turnover is mainly due to higher selling price for cocoa butter, cocoa solids and industrial chocolate.

https://www.enanyang.my/%E8%A6%81%E9%97%BB/%E5%86%85%E9%98%81%E5%85%81%E5%BB%BA%E8%A5%BF%E6%80%A1%E4%BF%9D%E5%A4%A7%E9%81%93

Wondering this West Ipoh Span Expressway (WISE) brings more good or bad to WCE..?
Hopefully some veterans can give some insight to this..

https://paultan.org/2023/12/14/west-ipoh-span-expressway-wise-approved-60-km-gopeng-to-kuala-kangsar-bypasses-menora-tunnel/

Definitely right @investor_lauzy, indeed the winners in the stock market are the ones who have persistent mindset and patience😃😃

you see Somebody is intentionally create FAKE RM 0.85 resistance..sigh..

Because uptrend pattern already change since it includes into klse 70 mid stock index
Now the uptrend is up 5 steps and then down 3 steps, gradually upwards and so on and so forth..
my guess is institutional funds are gradually accumulating this stock. if too many big brother are in, then the best possible way to accumulate this stock is gradually upwards..

@8u, you spot on, sb is jaga the price
standby some fresh fund to accumulate this trustworthy co, rare chance in your lifetime..

Attack is the best defense..
Reference price RM1.84 on 8 Dec 23

Post removed.Why?

https://www.klsescreener.com/v2/news/view/1245273

Omg, bad news..
Vape not profitable..

"Third Bridge分析师表示，由于竞争激烈，企业难以从电子烟中获利。他补充称，英美烟草进入加热烟草产品市场的时间较晚，这使其处于不利地位，旨在从菲利普莫里斯的IQOS产品手中赢得市场份额的激进定价策略也尚未取得成果."

after roller coaster for so many times, already squeeze out short-term trader almost completely.
leaving behind are almost the mid to long-term holders
your patience will be well rewarded..

Apex Healthcare (Neutral, TP: RM2.41): Unit to acquire industrial complex in Melaka for RM66.5m. Apex Healthcare via its wholly-owned subsidiary Xepa-Soul Pattinson (M) SB has proposed to acquire an industrial property in Cheng Industrial Estate in Melaka from Panasonic Appliances Refrigeration Devices Malaysia SB for RM66.5m. (StarBiz)

Comment: We view this strategic land acquisition positively as it aligns with XEPA’s plan to expand warehousing and liquid production capacity, positioning the company strategically for future growth. The acquisition will be funded through a combination of internally generated funds and possibly external borrowings. We gather that the property is located within the existing Cheng Industrial Estate in Melaka, in close proximity to XEPA, offering operational advantages by minimizing support service duplication. We maintain our earnings forecast and Neutral call on ApexH, as the acquisition is expected to only be finalised by the end of July 2024 with no near-term earnings contribution.

When a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) becomes unconditional, it means that all the conditions and contingencies outlined in the agreement have been met or waived, and the contract is now legally binding on both parties involved. This typically occurs when all necessary approvals, inspections, financing arrangements, or any other specified conditions have been satisfied or waived, allowing the transaction to proceed to completion. Once the SPA is unconditional, both the buyer and seller are obligated to fulfill their respective obligations as outlined in the agreement.

AJINOMOTO (MALAYSIA) BERHAD ("AMB" OR "COMPANY") PROPOSED DISPOSAL OF 6 CONTIGUOUS PARCELS OF LANDS WITH REDEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL WHERE ERECTED UPON ARE VARIOUS BUILDINGS HELD UNDER LOT NOS. 6269, 49366, PT 22910, 47088, PT 4508 AND 22968 IN MUKIM OF KUALA LUMPUR, DISTRICT OF KUALA LUMPUR, FEDERAL TERRITORY OF KUALA LUMPUR FOR A CASH CONSIDERATION OF RM408,000,000 ("PROPOSED DISPOSAL")

On behalf of the Board of Directors of AMB, Inter-Pacific Securities Sdn Bhd wishes to announce that all the conditions precedent as set out in the SPA have been fulfilled. Accordingly, the SPA has become unconditional in accordance with its terms and conditions on 6 December 2023.

The share price @ RM 1.86 still hold it very well despite index down -3.50
Preferably volume transact today can be a little bit bigger..

Commenting on its outlook, Guan Chong has said it will maintain its focus on its core business of cocoa ingredient processing, as well as the expansion of the higher-margin industrial chocolate market and optimisation of production according to market conditions.

Its newly commissioned UK facility has boosted the group’s annual industrial chocolate capacity by 16% or 16,000 tonnes to 116,000 tonnes.

In total, Guan Chong has a total annual grinding capacity of 377,000 tonnes, with major production facilities located in Pasir Gudang, Johor (150,000 tonnes), Batam, Indonesia (120,000 tonnes) as well as San Pedro, Ivory Coast (60,000 tonnes). Its cocoa ingredients are exported to more than 70 countries, including chocolate manufacturers and other leading cocoa ingredient traders.

Bloomberg estimates show that Guan Chong may still post a better net profit of RM156.7 million in FY2023, followed by RM202.3 million in FY2024 and RM265 million in FY2025.

Rakuten Trade expects Guan Chong’s core net earnings to stay flat at RM127.9 million for FY2023, before improving to RM183.1 million in FY2024.

It, however, is cautious about the group’s financial leverage as its net gearing has reached almost 0.9 times with an interest coverage ratio of 2.1 times.

“According to the management, more than two-thirds of the borrowings are in US dollars or other foreign currencies, which act as a natural hedge against US dollar receivables and inventory,” the research house says in an Oct 6 note.

Though Guan Chong does not have a fixed dividend policy, Rakuten Trade expects it to pay dividends of 2.7 sen and 3.9 sen for FY2023 and FY2024 based on a 25% payout ratio. This will translate into dividend yields of 1.2% and 1.8% respectively.

As at end-June 2023, Guan Chong was in a net debt position of RM1.58 billion, with RM1.64 billion in gross borrowings.

The company’s shares are tightly held by the founding Tay family via Guan Chong Resources Sdn Bhd, with a 49.78% stake. Another substantial shareholder is the Employees Provident Fund, which holds 5.54% equity interest.

The analyst also notes that Guan Chong’s forward-selling mechanism remains robust.

“Basically, they deliver based on their scheduled dates; the only moving part in the short term is the mark-to-market losses coming from the derivatives because of the high cocoa bean prices.

“Although Guan Chong can sell higher in order to pass on the costs, there’s a limit to the prices chocolate manufacturers can pay. It may dampen consumer demand if chocolate prices are too high, thus affecting grinding margins,” he says.

He observes that because of the price issue, global chocolate manufacturers are adopting a wait-and-see attitude, hoping for relief.

The analyst also notes that Guan Chong’s forward-selling mechanism remains robust.

“Basically, they deliver based on their scheduled dates; the only moving part in the short term is the mark-to-market losses coming from the derivatives because of the high cocoa bean prices.

“Although Guan Chong can sell higher in order to pass on the costs, there’s a limit to the prices chocolate manufacturers can pay. It may dampen consumer demand if chocolate prices are too high, thus affecting grinding margins,” he says.

He observes that because of the price issue, global chocolate manufacturers are adopting a wait-and-see attitude, hoping for relief.

Nonetheless, investors adopting a short-term view may continue to shy away from Guan Chong’s shares.

“Right now, we haven’t even factored higher cocoa bean prices into our forecasts … If you have a short-term investment horizon, it looks like there is more uncertainty. But once cocoa bean prices take a turn, coupled with stable market demand, then it will be a very good future for them. Contribution from the Ivory Coast facility should also kick in, and all these are catalysts for the stock,” the analyst explains.

SINCE peaking at RM3.70 in August 2020, shares in cocoa grinder Guan Chong Bhd have been heading south, in tandem with the surge in cocoa bean prices to the highest levels seen in more than 40 years, driven mainly by the tight supply of cocoa beans and the El Niño weather.

Last week, as cocoa futures breached US$4,000 a tonne again, having soared 60% year to date, Guan Chong’s share price reacted by tumbling to a more than three-year low of RM1.99.

Given that cocoa bean prices are unlikely to ease significantly in the near term, analysts say the world’s fourth-largest cocoa grinder may not be able to see a quick improvement in its financial performance.

“High cocoa bean prices will affect demand for grinding capacity in the future, not in the short term. That is one part of the uncertainty faced,” an analyst who declined to be named tells The Edge.

“If this is followed by a drop in market demand, then Guan Chong’s [shares] will be under pressure as well,” he adds.

From a mid-term view, he opines that Guan Chong is undervalued given its established operations and sales channels. “But when cocoa bean prices stabilise, we should see a more normalised operating environment.”

https://www.klsescreener.com/v2/news/view/1243917

https://www.klsescreener.com/v2/news/view/1243421

UALA LUMPUR: Guan Chong Bhd (GCB) has commenced operations of its industrial chocolate factory in the United Kingdom (UK), second in Europe, and is targeting the £2.2bil chocolate market in the country.

“To capitalise on the UK’s growing chocolate demand, GCB has invested about £34mil to set up the 16,000-tonne annual capacity industrial chocolate facility,” the world’s fourth largest cocoa grinder and industrial chocolate player said in a statement.

GCB said the facility is installed with state-of-the-art production machinery and is specially designed with production lines to produce dark and milk chocolates with high safety and quality standards.

Managing director and CEO Brandon Tay Hoe Lian said the UK is one of the largest chocolate-consuming countries in Europe, with an average consumption of 8.1 kg per capita.

“By positioning ourselves in the UK, we hope to be a formidable chocolate manufacturer thereby capitalising on the strong demand for chocolate.”

“With the current installation of machinery, the facility still has additional space for us to possibly increase the capacity. For now, we will focus on fine-tuning the facility and evaluate our prospects for future growth,” Tay said.

The facility will produce various types of industrial chocolates such as chips, chunks, buttons, curls, shavings and more.

Future expansion plans for the UK industrial chocolate facility will also include value-added

capabilities in cocoa liquor melting, cocoa butter melting, and cocoa cake grinding.

GCB said the new facility in Suffolk, UK strategically occupies over 17 acres of land and boasts 300,000 sq ft of built-up area, conveniently situated near the port of Felixstowe.

The location enables it to serve chocolate makers and other clients across Europe, providing just-in-time local deliveries of liquid and solid products, as well as professional services such as technical support.

Guan Chong launches UK industrial chocolate plant with 16,000 tonne capacity
TheStar Mon, Dec 04, 2023 01:20pm -

https://www.klsescreener.com/v2/news/view/1243125

Need to closely monitor whether EPF and Mr TayHoeLian continuosly buy in or not..

Nibble some @ RM 1.85, seem like current supporting is at RM 1.8x..
At the same time standby some cash to add in if drop further

You will witness break 52 weeks record high RM 0.82 very soon
stay tuned..

@Hashim, good video good music
Section 7 last hurdle to cross over.

Keep it upp

Bad stock who buy who die

From now onwards, you can enjoy the fun of being carried in the sedan chair. As at 1 Dec 23, share price RM 0.80

Cheer!

（吉隆坡1日讯）Apex Healthcare Bhd建议以6650万令吉的价格，收购位于马六甲的工业用地。

该集团今日向大马交易所报备，独资子公司Xepa-Soul Pattinson（马）私人有限公司已与Panasonic Appliances Refrigeration Devices Malaysia私人有限公司（PAPRDMY）签署买卖协议。

“上述土地位置优越，与Xepa目前的生产基地坐落在同一工业区，距离仅400米。这提供了精益管理的优势，可最大限度减少重复的支援服务。”

“此外，在这幅地的工业建筑经评估适合改造，以满足Xepa的制造要求，有效地降低新建成本。”

Apex Healthcare表示：“这是及时的，因为Xepa目前正在评估扩大仓储和液体生产能力的计划。”

该集团指出，将通过内部资金和/或贷款来进行收购。

如无意外，收购计划将于2024年7月31日或之后完成。

截稿时，该股报2.41令吉，无起落，市值为17亿5000万令吉。



（编译：陈慧珊）



English version：Apex Healthcare to acquire industrial land in Melaka for RM66.5 mil

The latest review also sees the inclusion of nine new companies in the FBM Mid 70 Index, namely Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd, Dialog, DXN Holdings Bhd, Malayan Cement Bhd, OSK Holdings Bhd, Sunway Bhd, UMW Holdings Bhd, WCE Holdings Bhd and Westports.

They are replacing Berjaya Food Bhd, Duopharma Biotech Bhd, Hengyuan Refining Company Bhd, Hextar Technologies Solutions Bhd, Hong Leong Capital Bhd, PMB Technology Bhd, SAM Engineering & Equipment (M) Bhd, SKP Resources Bhd and YTL Corp.

Lady & Gentlemen,
Good news

https://www.klsescreener.com/v2/news/view/1241781

Few years later I look back, most probably I have to thank my past action to collect in this counter..

Don't worry
if you like it and worried of fomc, then now can buy RM1.88.....
but if today still like yesterday last min eat up..then most probably sb is facing share margin call up...
for me, to maintain sufficient cash bullet is primarily impt..and will not collect any if no confident to do so..
bad luck to involve in this counter..😂

I also want to top up.
but I believe now is NOT the right time to collect because of the heavy selloff (RM1.88)..let the dust settle down for a while.
Good thing about this co is having a growth prospect
Bad thing is too much loan, financial risk is somewhat risky..:-



Loan as at 30/9/2023 is RM 2,072,354,000




Loan as at 31/12/2022 was RM 1,160,754,000

Interest for the current QR (7/23-9/23) is RM 35,331,000
Interest for the preceding QR (4/23-6/23) was RM 14,001,000

Loan & interest almost up by double
Need to monitor its loan repayment ability closely..lesson learnt from Bumi Armada..

i second,
now risk is much lower
added some RM 0.755

Based on an indicative IPO price of 60 sen per share (final IPO price to be determined at a later stage), MKHOP aims to raise RM132 million from the public issue, while the offer for sale will raise RM18.4 million, bringing the total fundraising exercise to RM150.4 million.

The estates’ strategic positioning within a 100-kilometre radius of Nusantara, the new capital city of Indonesia, places MKHOP in an advantageous position to leverage on the future capital city’s growth. The group is poised to benefit from the economic transformation of East Kalimantan, driven by the development of Nusantara," Chen said in a statement.

The current share price level provides a good entry level, given Guan Chong’s global consumer footprint, and position for potential peaking of cocoa bean prices, as well as to reap the benefits from Guan Chong’s various overseas expansions,” the research house added.

RHB said Guan Chong’s 9MFY2023 revenue of RM3.5 billion (up 7.9% y-o-y) led to the underperformance in core earnings of RM85.8 million at only 50% and 55% of the house’s and the consensus full-year estimates.

However, Guan Ghong’s Germany-based unit Schokinag reported stellar numbers, with a 7.8 times growth in the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) level to RM70.2 million, thanks to higher average selling prices and lower utility cost.

Meanwhile, Guan Chong’s core earnings of RM33.9 million for the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2023 (3QFY2023), up 10.1% y-o-y on margin recovery for its industrial chocolate operations, was partially offset by higher interest costs (up 152% y-o-y

https://www.klsescreener.com/v2/news/view/1239853

B1. Review of performance
The Group’s revenue of RM1,285.9 million for the current quarter ended 30 September 2023 is higher than the
revenue in the previous corresponding quarter ended 30 September 2022 of RM1,100.5 million. The increase of
16.85% in turnover is mainly due to higher selling price for cocoa butter, cocoa solids and industrial chocolate.
B2. Comment on material change in profit before tax
The Group made a profit before tax for the quarter 30 September 2023 of RM41.6 million as compared with the
profit before tax of RM37.5 million in the preceding year corresponding quarter ended 30 September 2022. This is
mainly due to higher selling price in cocoa products and industrial chocolate. However, the increase offset against
the higher finance cost due to higher interest rate during current quarter ended 30 September 2023.
B3. Commentary of prospects
The cocoa industry has endured challenges in the global macro environment this year, influenced by factors such
as rising interest rates and global inflation. Besides, the El Niño weather phenomenon, black pod diseases and
swollen shoot virus have contributed to reduced supply, thereby resulting in the rally of cocoa prices.
Despite the challenging backdrop, and even as cocoa prices in the London market reached a record 46-year high,
the demand for chocolate products remains resilient. The Group continues to vigilantly monitor global
developments and adapt its growth strategy accordingly for the long-term sustainability of the business. The Group
foresees that these adverse market conditions are affecting its performance in the short term; nevertheless, it
maintains optimism about the long-term outlook.
Looking ahead, the Group will maintain its focus on its core business of cocoa ingredient processing while also
expanding into the higher-margin industrial chocolate market and optimizing production based on market
conditions.
B4. Profit forecast or profit g

Approaching Nov 30

MSCI GLOBAL SMALL CAP INDEXES
The following are changes in constituents for the MSCI Global Small Cap Indexes
which will take place as of the close of November 30, 2023.

MSCI Malaysia Index
Addition: 3 (Boustead Plantations, Malayan Cement, UEM Sunrise)
Deletion: 2 (Dagang Nexchange, Hextar Tech Soln)

https://youtu.be/zjiLY-UXJ9w?si=4ZKil05DzJkPLWxy

Highway nearly complete

GREAT NEWS above

Probably it is the last chance to buy in at RM 1.2x
Wish me good luck..

Meanwhile, the automotive segment contribution is also expected to deliver improvement from supply of wire harnesses and fuel tanks for the Peugeot 5008, 3008 and 2008 models to Stellantis with deliveries expected from September 2023 onwards.

https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2023/08/23/supercomnet-expected-to-deliver-stronger-performance-despite-declining-demands/