KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 1): Pentamaster Corp Bhd’s third quarter net profit more than doubled to RM17.11 million, from RM7.77 million a year ago, on strong demand for test solutions in sensors customised for the smart mobile device sector.

Earnings per share for the quarter ended Sept 30, 2018 rose to 5.4 sen, from 2.45 sen previously (3QFY17).

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Pentamaster said changes in sales mix helped boost the group’s quarterly revenue by 30% to RM108.3 million in 3QFY18, from RM83.3 million previously.

For the cumulative nine-month period (9MFY18), Pentamaster’s net profit increased 49.64% to RM38.28 million or 12.09 sen per share, from RM25.58 million or 8.08 sen per share in previous corresponding period.

Nine-month revenue grew 66.9% to RM309.98 million, from RM185.69 million previously.

Going forward, Pentamaster said it remains confident of demand for the group’s automated test equipment, as well as its automated manufacturing solutions.

This is in view of the increasing volume and complexity of smart sensors and the prevalence of 3D sensing technology, it said.

Other reasons include the group’s continuous diversification and expansion into new segments such as the automotive and medical industries, and its increased floor space with completion of its new production plant.

Pentamaster’s share price rose 11 sen or 3.5% to close at RM3.25 today, giving it a market capitalisation of RM1.03 billion.