The Edge Financial Daily - Tropicana 4Q net profit

Tropicana Corp Bhd's net profit fell 32.7% to RM 51.48 million in the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2018 (4QFY18) from RM76.44 million a year ago, on higher income tax expense.

Quarterly revenue, however, grew 9.2% to RM593.93 million from RM544 million a year ago, following the completion of its sale of development lands in Pekan Country Height, Selangor for RM143 million.

In a statement yesterday, Tropicana said it drew sales of RM154.9 million in 4QFY18 and is confident of demonstrating further resilience moving forward, backed by RM827.2 million in unbilled sales.

Still, the weak 4QFY18 caused the group's net profit to close FY18 lower at RM170.03 million, down 6% from FY17's RM180.89 million.

Annual revenue fell 9.9% to RM1.64 billion from RM1.81 billion, mainly due to lower sales and progress billings across projects in the Klang Valley, as well as those in the southern and northern regions.

While unlocking value of its land bank in strategic locations in the Klang Valley, Genting (Pahang) and the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia," it added.

Tropicana will still focus on introducing new phases across its signature developments at Tropicana Heights, Tropicana Aman, Tropicana Metropark and Tropicana Danga Cove. The group will also launch the first phase of serviced apartments in Genting, spanning 112 acres (45.33ha), towards 4Q of 2019.

"All of these new developments are expected to contribute positively to the group's earnings in future," said Tropicana. The group's land bank stands at 1,088.8 acres, with a total potential GDV of RM46.1 billion.