KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 28): Berjaya Corp Bhd (BCorp) returned to the black in the second quarter ended Dec 31, 2021 (2QFY22) with a net profit of RM101.01 million, compared with a net loss of RM49.71 million posted in the previous year.

The better profitability was mainly supported by the gain on disposal of a 30% stake in its associated company, Razer Fintech Holdings Ltd, amounting to RM161 million, as well as a higher share of results of associates and joint ventures, said the diversified group in its filing.

BCorp continues to hold a 19% stake in Razer Fintech after the stake sale.

The group's earnings were also aided by better contributions from retail and hospitality segments amid easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

This marks BCorp's first quarterly net profit since 3QFY20, snapping its six-quarter streak of net losses.

Earnings per share for the quarter stood at 1.77 sen, compared with a loss per share of 0.85 sen previously.

Quarterly revenue grew 5.93% to RM2.06 billion, from RM1.94 billion a year ago, driven by the retail and hospitality segments.

"In the non-food retail segment, HR Owen plc which operates in the United Kingdom saw higher sales which were mainly generated from the used car sector, due to a continued supply shortage.

"In the food retail segment, revenue also increased due to the easing of restrictions on travel and the gradual opening of public spaces. Coupled with Christmas and year-end celebrations, this segment saw a boost, especially from Starbucks Coffee outlets that showed higher same-store-sales growth.

"The hospitality segment was similarly buoyed by the gradual easing of Covid-19 restrictions. It saw a small revival after several depressed quarters. The segment showed higher revenue through increased occupancy rates as well as higher average room rates. This applied to both the local and international properties in the group," the group's statement showed.

The higher revenue was partly offset by its services sector, which saw a drop due to STM Lottery Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Sports Toto Malaysia Sdn Bhd), given the softer recovery after it resumed business operations on Sept 14, 2021 following the nationwide lockdown implemented from June 1 to Sept 13, 2021.

For its cumulative six months ended Dec 31, 2021, the group managed to post a net profit of RM41.7 million, reversing from a net loss of RM108.66 million previously. This was despite revenue shrinking 11.4% to RM3.44 billion from RM3.88 billion a year ago.

Going forward, Abdul Jalil Abdul Rasheed, group chief executive officer of BCorp, said the Covid-19 situation, while creating a stop/start environment, now seems to have stabilised somewhat, although the Omicron variant and geopolitical events still pose a real concern.

As both Malaysia and other countries further ease restrictions, BCorp is cautiously optimistic about a gradual improvement of its business performance for the remaining quarters of the financial year.

"While there remain uncertainties, I am fairly confident that BCorp is now much better prepared to weather the future through the various initiatives that we have embarked on. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we are expecting continued positive results and growth for BCorp in the second half of FY22," said Abdul Jalil.

BCorp shares fell 0.5 sen or 2.08% to 23.5 sen, valuing the conglomerate at RM1.28 billion.