Looks good to me...23 Nov 2009 10:13
Chairman's statement
I am pleased to announce the interim results of Asia Resources Plc ("Asia
Resources"), for the six months ended 30 June 2009.
The unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2009 show a
profit before taxation of MYR 2,693,000 and a profit after taxation of MYR
1,546,000 (2008 : MYR 2,028,000). The basic and diluted earnings per share were
1.03sen (2008 : 1.35sen). The balance sheet shows net assets of MYR 58,245,000
(2008 : MYR 55,267,000).
The Group's subsidiary, LS Gold Bullion Sdn. Bhd. ("LSJ" formerly known as Lin
Shoon Jewellers Sdn Bhd) has seen sales growth of 20%, partly as a result of the
rise in gold prices but predominately from higher physical gold volumes. Gross
profit has been maintained in the face of depressed processing margin, which we
believe have bottomed out. The board has identified opportunities for enhancing
margin with the creation of a bespoke, branded product.
Group cash generated from operations has increased from MYR 1,047,000 in 2008 to
MYR 4,501,000 in 2009 and cash from operating activities is now positive at MYR
2,073,000 (2008 negative MYR 2,010,000). In the six months ended 30.06.2009 LSJ
has invested just under MYR 6 million in new plant and machinery for the
manufacture of higher margin gold products to support the Group strategy of
margin enhancement.
The Company is currently investigating projects that will assist in sourcing
more raw...