Posted by Jimmy Song > 2014-03-03 08:51 | Report Abuse

DATASONIC DELIVERS STAGGERING EARNINGS GROWTH NET PROFIT OF RM81.9 MILLION FOR FY2013 KUALA LUMPUR, 28 FEBRUARY 2014 – Datasonic Group Berhad (“DSONIC” or the “Group”) financial result surpassed the Group’s result in FY2012. The Group achieved a record net profit after tax of RM81.90 million on a turnover of RM260.74 million. This compares favourably with the previous financial year where the Group achieved net profit after tax of RM28.12 million on a turnover of RM178.73 million. Correspondingly, the basic earnings per share improved to 12.13 sen in FY2013 as compared to 4.91 sen in the previous year, representing an increase of 7.22 sen or 147%. The Group's performance for FY2013 reflects the proven ability of its management to leverage resources and harness operational efficiencies to achieve an impressive organic growth. This growth was complemented by carefully planned and well executed corporate proposals which were aligned to the Group’s strategy to maintain its reputation for consistently adding value, and achieving operational excellence, thus meeting the expectations of its long-term investors. Prospects The global demand for polycarbonate-based smart cards and solutions and laser engraving technology is growing at an unprecedented rate. As such, the prospects for growth are positive and the Group is expected to continue to perform better in the next financial year ending 31 December 2014, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Setting its goals on expansion, Datasonic plans to expand its capacity and technical competency in multi-application secure ID with the establishment of a new manufacturing plant and personalisation center. With its eyes on the emerging markets in Asia, particularly Myanmar and Vietnam, Datasonic seeks top-calibre industry partners as it aims to market its integrated solutions overseas in the following years. Dividends In respect of FY2013, the directors had on 30 August 2013 declared the first interim single-tier tax exempt dividend of 7.5 sen per share, amounting to RM10.125 million based on the issued and paid up share capital as at 30 August 2013. The directors had on 28 February 2014 declared the second interim single-tier tax exempt dividend of 2.0 sen per share, amounting to RM 13.50 million based on the issued and paid up share capital as at 28 February 2014. The total dividend paid out in FY2013 is RM23.625 million, representing a dividend pay-out of 28.8% of total Profit After Tax of RM81.90 million. Change of Financial Year End The Group has also announced that its Board has approved the proposed change of financial year end from 31 December to 31 March, by which its next set of audited financial statement shall be for a period of fifteen (15 months), made up from 1 January 2014 to 31 March 2015. The Group has authorised its Company Secretary to release the relevant announcement to Bursa Securities. Bonus Issue The Group has also announced its proposal to undertake a bonus issue of 675,000,000 new ordinary shares of RM0.10 each on the basis of one (1) Bonus Share for every one (1) existing Datasonic Shares held at a date to be determined and announced later (“Entitlement Date”) upon receipt of all relevant approvals for the Proposed Bonus Issue. An application will be made to Bursa Securities within one (1) month for the listing of and quotation for the Bonus Shares on the Main Market of Bursa Securities. To recap, in July 2013, Datasonic carried out a bonus issue of 45 million new ordinary shares of RM0.50 each credited as fully paid-up on the basis of 1 bonus share for every 2 existing ordinary shares. Subsequently, the Group had on 30 August 2013 announced its first interim single-tier tax exempt dividend of 7.5 sen per ordinary share for the financial year ending 31 December 2013 and implemented a share split exercise which involved the subdivision of every one (1) existing ordinary share of RM0.50 each into five (5) ordinary shares of RM0.10 each which was completed on 27 December 2013. Commented by General Tan Sri (Dr) Mohamed Hashim Bin Mohd Ali (RTD), Chairman of Datasonic Group Berhad. For more information about the Group please go to http://datasonic.com.my/