KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 23): Zhulian Corp Bhd’s fourth quarter net profit grew 37.91% to RM15.83 million, from RM11.48 million a year earlier, on lower income tax expense.

Earnings per share for the quarter ended Nov 30, 2018  (4QFY18) rose to 3.44 sen from 2.5 sen previously, the group said in a filing to the stock exchange.

Quarterly revenue, however, fell 23.69% to RM45.03 million, from RM59.01 million a year ago.

The group declared a fourth interim dividend of two sen per share and a special dividend of two sen per share, both payable on March 6.

For the full financial year, Zhulian’s net profit fell marginally by 0.85% to RM52.36 million or 11.38 sen per share, from RM52.81 million or 11.48 sen per share. Revenue was down 10.83% to RM183.41 million, from RM205.69 million.

Going forward, Zhulian said the group anticipates a more challenging business environment this year, influenced by various factors such as the weak consumer sentiment in the regional markets and currency fluctuations.

Despite anticipating the market to remain competitive, the group said it will continue to uphold its healthy business practices to strive for business sustainability and to safeguard its profitability.

It has also been researching, planning and getting equipped for new market penetrations within the Asean region.

“The group will continue with its efforts to further improve the operational efficiency and productivity for its products to achieve satisfactory financial performance in year 2019,” Zhulian said.

Shares of Zhulian closed one sen or 0.76% lower at RM1.30 today, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM598 million. Over the past year, the counter has fallen by 34.21% from RM1.98.