YTL Corp

YTL Corp Records Half-Year Revenue of RM10.2 Billion (US$3.3 Billion); Net Profit Grows 34% to RM654 Million (US$212 Million)
15% Interim Dividend Declared 

Kuala Lumpur, Thursday 21 February 2013 YTL Corporation Berhad announced today a 3.3% growth in revenue to RM10,194.8 million (US$3,299.3 mn) for the 6 months ended 31 December 2012, compared to RM9,868.2 million (US$3,193.6 mn) for the preceding corresponding 6 months ended 31 December 2011. Profit before taxation increased 5.8% to RM1,206.5 million (US$390.5 mn) for the first half of the financial year ending 30 June 2013, compared to RM1,140.2 million (US$369.0 mn) last year, whilst net profit attributable to shareholders increased 33.8% to RM654.4 million (US$211.8 mn) this year over RM489.2 million (US$158.3 mn) last year. YTL Corp declared a second interim dividend of 15% or 1.5 sen per share, the book closure and payment dates for which are 14 March 2013 and 29 March 2013, respectively. YTL Group Managing Director Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr) Francis Yeoh Sock Ping, CBE, FICE, said, “The Group has achieved another strong quarter, with revenue topping RM10 billion for the half-year. Anchored by our water and sewerage operations in the UK and power generation and merchant multi-utilities activities in Singapore, the Group’s utilities division continued to drive growth. The division has also made strides in growing the subscriber base in the mobile broadband division which owns and operates the YES 4G network. “Profit in the cement division increased due to better selling prices for cement and improved concrete sales. Meanwhile, the completion of several projects in Singapore saw lower revenue recognition in our property development division but this was offset by higher profits contributed by our investment in Starhill Global REIT, which owns prime retail and office properties in Singapore’s Orchard Road, Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle and Tokyo’s upscale retail districts, as well as a retail mall in Chengdu, China, and the David Jones Building and recently-acquired Plaza Arcade in Perth. “Bolstered by new assets, including Gaya Island Resort in Borneo and The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, a legendary property that has been newly restored and commenced operations during the quarter, the hotel division also performed well. Meanwhile, Starhill REIT, our hospitality REIT vehicle, completed its acquisition of the Sydney Harbour, Brisbane and Melbourne Marriott hotels in November 2012, further enhancing the REIT’s international portfolio. “YTL Corp’s second interim dividend, together with the 10% dividend last quarter, brings the total cash dividend to 25% or 2.5 sen per share for the current year to date. This is one of the highest cash dividends declared for some time and is intended to reward YTL Corp’s long-term shareholders by enhancing their return on investment.”

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