Mr. Chanitr revealed that the mai’s business direction in 2006 will still be in line with the plan set by Mr. Vichate Tantiwanich, Chairman of the mai Advisory Committee. As part of the original plan, the new President will visit high-ranking executives of listed companies to discuss their business plans so that the mai can provide better support, promote maximum operational efficiency, and disseminate more information to investors to encourage more investment in mai-listed securities.
35 mai-listed companies have submitted their 2005 financial statements as of December 31, 2005, which revealed a total net profit of THB 1.214 billion (31.13 M. USD). 16 of them, or 46% of all listed firms, showed a collective y-o-y growth in net profits, while 54% or 19 companies posted lower net profits compared to the previous year. In total, the market saw total sales of THB23.495 billion (602.44 M. USD), compared with THB19.207 billion from last year, or a 22% year-on-year (y-o-y) rise.
One listed company with an outstanding performance in 2005 is Goldfine Manufacturers (GFM), which reported a net profit of THB203 million (5.2 M. USD). and total sales of THB1.092 billion (28 M. USD) , which represents an increase of THB157.68 million or 16.86% y-o-y. GFM increased its gross profit by THB78.66 million, mainly due to its continuous improvements of product features and a more efficient cost management that led to lower production costs.
Another outstanding company is Interlink Communication (ILINK), which reported a net profit of THB60.82 million (1.56 M. USD). at the end of last year, compared with THB40.04 million (1.03 M. USD). at the end of 2004, or a 51.92% year-on-year rise. This is due to ILINK’s successful business expansion in and outside of Bangkok and its recognition of revenues from the Suvarnabhumi airport construction project. In addition, ILINK has been showing constant revenue growth, with its net profit in 2004 at THB9 million.
Mr. Chanitr added “even though listed companies reported increased sales, the performances of firms in the manufacturing sector showed decreased profits because of higher sales costs from rising crude oil prices. These oil price increases led to price fluctuations in raw materials, such as copper, lead, plastic and plastic pellets.
However, from the dividend yield point of view, although firms collectively showed decreased profits, their dividend payouts remain satisfactory, especially the amounts recently paid. Even without considering mid-year dividends, mai’s dividend yield stands at 5%. mai’s total market value is now at THB15.45 billion. (396.15 M.USD).
Investors interested in mai investments can find more information from stock analyses posted on its website at www.mai.or.th, or Settrade.Com’s website at www.settrade.com, or contact SET Call center at tel: 0 2229 2222
