KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 24): Datasonic Group Bhd, which is involved in the supply of smart cards, consumables, passports and personalisation services, reported a 26% increase in its second quarter net profit to RM20.06 million, from RM15.95 million a year ago, due to reduced costs from effective control measures implemented by its management.
 
Earnings per share for the quarter ended Sept 30, 2017 (2QFY18) rose to 1.49 sen, from 1.18 sen, the group said in a filing to Bursa Malaysia.
 
Quarterly revenue fell 4% to RM73.56 million, from RM76.44 million previously, as a result of lesser supply of smart cards and personalisation services.
 
The group declared a second interim dividend of 1 sen per share, with the date of entitlement and payment to be announced in due course.
 
Cumulative net profit for the first half of the financial year (1HFY18) dropped 4% to RM35.18 million, from RM36.74 million a year ago. Revenue was down 12%, as a result of a lesser supply of smart cards.
 
On prospects, Datasonic said its  management has continuously negotiated for better competitive pricing for purchases of the required materials and services from suppliers, coupled with the recent implementation of cost control initiatives in the administration of the group's operations.
 
The group’s order book as at Sept 30, 2017 was in the vicinity of RM800 million, which would have a positive impact on revenue generation in future, the filing said.
 
“The prospects for growth are expected to be satisfactory in the financial year ending March 31, 2018 (FY18), barring any unforeseen circumstances,” the group added.