KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 16): KPJ Healthcare Bhd's net profit rose 31.6% to RM42.34 million in the second quarter ended June 30, 2018 (2QFY18) from RM32.17 million a year ago, on higher contribution from its Malaysia segment.

This resulted in a higher earnings per share of 0.96 sen for 2QFY18 compared with 0.71 sen for 2QFY17. Quarterly revenue also grew 2.9% to RM801.33 million from RM778.6 million in 2QFY17.

The group also declared an interim dividend of 0.5 sen per share for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2018 (FY18), payable on Oct 5.

For the cumulative six months (1HFY18), KPJ's net profit increased 20.4% to RM84.82 million from RM70.44 million a year ago, while revenue was also up 4.3% to RM1.62 billion from RM1.56 billion in 1HFY17.

On current year prospects, KPJ said for FY18, the group will continue to improve its performance and enhancing its business strategies to ensure long-term growth and profitability.

"The group recognises that rising in cost will continue to be the challenges in 2018. Hence, in ensuring consistent improvement of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization and profit before zakat and tax margin, the group will focus on discipline cost management through innovation approaches in operational excellence from financial and other related aspects," it added.

As for other segments, KPJ said it will continue to remain focused and putting in robust strategy in delivering an improved results.

KPJ shares closed unchanged at RM1.14 today, with 4.36 million shares done, bringing a market capitalisation of RM4.8 billion.