KUALA LUMPUR: Automotive-based investment company MBM Resources Bhd is optimistic that its performance in the current financial year ending Dec 31 (FY08) will be as good as that in FY07.
Managing director Looi Kok Loon said the outlook was based on the company’s promising results for its first quarter ended March 31.
“We are very encouraged by our first-quarter performance. Based on that, we expect to match last year’s results, which were our best since we were listed,†Looi said after the company AGM yesterday.
MBM recorded RM51.5mil in pre-tax profit on revenue of RM267.75mil for its first quarter compared with RM22.98mil and RM253.42mil respectively in the previous corresponding period.
Executive director Aqil Azizuddin said prospects looked good for the automotive sector for the rest of the year.
“From the figures that we have so far, we see positive growth,†he said.
MBM has stakes in Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua), Daihatsu (M) Sdn Bhd, Hino Motors (M) Sdn Bhd and Federal Auto Holdings Bhd, the distributor for the Volvo brand.
Federal Auto last year secured dealerships for Mitsubishi and Volkswagen cars, Looi said.
“With the three brands (Volvo, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen) we see great growth potential for Federal Auto,†he said. MBM has an 86% stake in Federal Auto.
Looi also predicted Perodua would perform well, driven by strong sales of its Myvi and Viva models. MBM has a 20% stake in the national carmaker.
MBM was not too concerned about the strong comeback of rival national carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd, Aqil said, adding: “There is always going to be this tussle between Proton and Perodua. One moment they are on top, the next moment it will be Perodua.â€
On spiking oil prices, Looi said the situation could actually benefit MBM, especially with the Perodua cars.
“The last time there was a (oil) price hike, we were able to highlight the advantage of our Perodua cars, which are best known for their fuel efficiency,†he said.
“We are also dealers and distributors and oil prices would not have a direct impact on our profit margins.â€
Looi also said MBM was expecting a good year for its manufacturing business.
“We have been investing since 2003 in various manufacturing subsidiaries, which supply parts to the major car companies like Proton and Perodua.
“With good total industry volume growth in the first quarter, we are expecting an exciting year for the manufacturing sector,†he said.