KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 22): TMC Life Sciences Bhd has posted a 66.7% jump in net profit for the third quarter ended Feb 28, 2015 at RM2.9 million, from RM1.7 million a year before on higher revenue and interest income.

Revenue for the quarter was 21.6% higher at RM26.4 million, compared with RM21.7 million previously.

“Higher revenue was contributed by higher patient load catered for by expanded bed capacity and additional consultants recruited,” said the group in a Bursa Malaysia filing.

For the nine months ended Feb 28, net profit rose 57.3% to RM5.9 million, from RM3.8 million a year ago, while revenue was RM74.7 million, 19% higher from RM62.7 million previously.

TMC (fundamental: 2.5; valuation: 0.5) said the higher revenue had been contributed by additional bed capacity and more variety of services offered coupled with continuing marketing activities.  

“Rising costs remain a concern and the introduction of Goods and Services Tax will have to be managed carefully by private hospital operators. Malaysian economy appears to be slowing down. Many of our supplies and drugs are imported products and these costs will be adversely affected by the weakening ringgit.

“Nonetheless, the directors are optimistic that the company will continue to grow in the current financial year and the company continues to expand the breadth of services through attracting medical, nursing and allied health talents,” said the group of its prospects.

TMC shares closed 0.5 lower at 68 sen, for a market capitalisation of RM815.67 million.

(Note: The Edge Research's fundamental score reflects a company’s profitability and balance sheet strength, calculated based on historical numbers. The valuation score determines if a stock is attractively valued or not, also based on historical numbers. A score of 3 suggests strong fundamentals and attractive valuations.)