IJM Falls 6.73 Pct After Posting Lower First Quarter Profit, Among Top Decliners

KUALA LUMPUR, IJM Corporation Bhd was among the top decliners in morning trade, falling 6.7 per cent after posting a lower net profit of RM86.88 million in the first quarter. At 10.41 am, IJM's shares slid 21 sen to RM2.91, with 13.09 million shares changing hands, valuing the group at RM10.58 billion. IJM's net profit fell to RM86.88 million in the first quarter ended June 30, 2024 (1Q FY2025) against RM100.64 million a year ago. Still, revenue increased by 14.6 per cent to RM1.40 billion during the quarter from RM1.23 billion previously. RHB Investment Bank Bhd has revised downward IJM's full year earnings for fiscal 2025 to 2027 by three, four and four per cent, respectively, as it imputes more conservative estimates for IJM's property segment. "We also roll forward our valuation base year to FY26 from FY25. As a net result, we arrive at a new SOP-derived target price (TP) of RM4.39 from RM4.34," it said in a note today. RHB Investment Bank said it maintained its 'buy' rating on IJM despite the const ruction company's 1Q FY2025 core profit of RM98 million missing expectations. Public Investment Bank Bhd said IJM is well-positioned for an improved performance in FY25 driven by its current orderbook and the anticipation of further job wins underpinned by infrastructure spending and opportunities in data centre and industrial property sectors. IJM's cumulative year-to-date new wins amounted to RM1.9 billion, representing 37.1 per cent of its FY25 orderbook replenishment target of RM5.0 billion. "We remain upbeat on IJM, as we believe that its earnings growth will be supported by a positive outlook across all business divisions, especially the construction segment. We maintain our earnings forecast and our outperform call on IJM with an unchanged TP of RM4.20," it added. Source: BERNAMA News Agency