This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on January 25, 2018

KUALA LUMPUR: KLCCP Stapled Group’s net profit remained relatively flat at RM345.52 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2017 (4QFY17), compared with RM347.13 million in 4QFY16, despite a stronger performance of its hotel segment.

Earnings per share fell to 19.14 sen from 19.23 sen, while revenue came in at RM352.07 million, up 2.1% from RM344.69 million previously.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the group said its hotel segment saw higher revenue and earnings after Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Kuala Lumpur completed the first phase of guest-room renovation.

KLCCP Stapled Group, which is made up of KLCC Property Holdings Bhd and KLCC Real Estate Investment Trust, said it maintained its momentum in 2017 and distributed 97% of its overall distributable income with a distribution per stapled security of 36.15 sen, representing an increase of 1.4% compared with 2016.

“This translates into a full-year dividend payment of RM652.6 million and an annual total return of 8.3% to the holders of Stapled Securities,” it added.

For the full FY17, KLCCP Stapled Group reported a net profit of RM877.9 million, down 0.91% compared with RM885.97 million in FY16, despite revenue improving 1.7% to RM1.37 billion from RM1.34 billion.

The group said as at December 2017, its investment portfolio of assets had grown to RM15.8 billion in market value, recognising a fair value gain of RM182.5 million.

Moving forward, KLCCP Stapled Group said it will continue to focus on building long-term value across its portfolio.

The office segment, which accounts for 43% of its revenue, is expected to remain stable with its solid 100% occupancy and long-term leases.

For its hotel segment, it said Mandarin Oriental Hotel is expected to remain stable and will continue the ongoing refurbishment of guest rooms throughout 2018 and be ready to showcase the fully renovated property by 2019.

KLCCP Stapled Group’s share price closed unchanged yesterday at RM7.80, with a market capitalisation of RM14.08 billion.