Business

Published: Friday February 24, 2012 MYT 5:33:00 PM

Century Logistics in expansion mode


KUALA LUMPUR:Century Logistics' core business, contract logistics is expected to continue to perform well with a healthy expansion of its clientele base, although its core earnings for the financial year ended December 31, 2011 (FY2011) came in below consensus forecasts.

According to OSK Research, Century Logistics has allocated a capital expenditure of some RM50mil to RM60mil to develop a distribution centre, including a fourth warehouse in Pelepas Free Zone in the next 2 years.

“We do not rule out the possibility of merger and acquisition activities going forward as the management are consistently looking for good acquisition targets that are priced and located outside of the country.”

The research house believes that merger and acquisitions would allow Century Logistics to gain a stronger regional foothold in view of the fragmented industry structure.

Meanwhile, MIDF Research pointed out that Century Logistics will continue to focus on securing new contract logistics as one of its key driver for growth.

“In procurement logistics, Century will look to expand in developing countries such as Sri Lanka, Argentina and Brazil. Another potential client they are targeting is Dialog Axiata based in Sri Lanka,” the research house said.

On the financial performance for FY2011, OSK Research said that Century Logistics' revenue and earnings of RM281mil and RM30mil were below its and consensus estimates by 5% and 8% respectively.

“The group's revenue and earnings dipped 4% and 29% to RM61mil and RM7mil respectively. The poor results recorded over the quarter were due to disruptions to one of its key business segments Oil and Gas logistics services that cover the transfer and storage of oil products for international oil traders,” it said.

MIDF said: “Century's FY11 earnings missed ours and consensus' expectation, amounting to 92.7% and 90.5% of respective full year estimate.

The drop in net profit was due to lower revenue generation in 4Q11 and reclassification of fair value in financial assets totaling RM1.25mil.”

  • E-mail this story
  • Print this story
  • Bookmark and Share