Boustead Holdings Bhd recorded a strong pre-tax profit of RM619 million on the back of a RM10.2 billion in revenue for the financial year ended December 31, 2012.

The revenue was a substantial rise by 19 per cent compared with the previous year's revenue of RM8.6 billion, the company said in a filing to Bursa Malaysia today.

Pre-tax profit for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2012 was also higher at RM173 million compared with RM141 million in the preceding quarter of the year reviewed.

"It has indeed been a challenging year for us and despite this fact we are glad to have registered a sizable profit of RM619 million," said its deputy chairman/Group managing director Tan Sri Lodin Wok Kamaruddin.

He said while the outlook for this year was positive, there were some uncertainties that could impact earnings growth.

"However, what is crucial is that given our diverse stable of investment we should be able to surpass our target."

The group declared a further dividend for shareholders, bringing total dividend for the year to 32.5 sen representing 6.25 per cent yield based on year end market price.

"To date, dividends totalling 25 sen have been paid to shareholders. The remaining 7.5 sen will be paid on March 29," the statement said.-- Bernama