Chairman - Mr. Low Han Cheong
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE  
FY2007 marked a significant milestone for our Group as we achieved record profit and rewarded our shareholders with generous dividends.

The Group achieved a profit after tax of S$9.8 million for the year ended 30 June 2007, the highest profit recorded since its IPO in 1996. We recorded 14.7% growth in revenue as our business continued to meet strong demand from countries in Asia. Group revenue improved from S$112.9 million in FY2006 to S$129.5 million in FY2007.

Earnings per share for FY2007 was 3.32 cents compared with 2.55 cents for FY2006.

DIVIDENDS
For the first time since our IPO listing, we paid an interim dividend of 0.6 cents per share less tax of 18% on 28 March 2007.

As an affirmation of the Group’s confidence in the strong underlying growth of our business and commitment to enhancing shareholder value, the Board announced on 26 June 2007 that it was passing on its Section 44A tax credits to shareholders by way of an interim bonus dividend of 8.54 cents per share less tax 18% (net 7.00 cents) cum a 1-for-2 rights issue. Subsequently, the rights issue was fully subscribed and had strengthened the capital base of the company from S$59.8 million to S$80.2 million.

The Board is also proposing a final dividend of 0.40 cents per share less tax 18% for all shares issued after the rights issue exercise. This is subject to shareholders’ approval at the forthcoming AGM.

Pending the approval of the proposed final dividend, the total gross dividend for the year is 9.54 cents per share less tax.

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
For the year under review, the Group recorded higher revenue of S$26.0 million and S$38.7 million for Singapore and Malaysia markets respectively. Revenue in other Asian countries also improved by 17.7% to S$37.8 million.

The Group saw strong demand for our replacement parts from mining and forestry industries in Australia, Indonesia, Russia and Vietnam. We also benefited from construction booms in the Middle East and Singapore, and a surge in mega infrastructural developments in China and India.

Our subsidiary in China, Kian Ann Engineering Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd (“KAS”) continued to record improved sales and consequently reported net profit growth in FY2007.

During the year in review, the Group expanded into parts business for commercial and industry vehicles by setting up a subsidiary, Kian Chue Hwa (Industries) Pte Ltd (“KCHI”). KCHI is a parts stockist for commercial and industry vehicles and an authorised parts stockist for Mercedes Benz in Singapore. Since its inception, KCHI has been able to tap into the Group’s existing network of global customers, and had contributed positively to the Group’s FY2007 results.

PROSPECTS FOR YEAR 2008

The Group’s sterling performance in FY2007 reflects the dedicated commitment of the entire Kian Ann team in bringing the Group to greater heights.

We will continue to focus on raising internal efficiencies, leveraging our sourcing abilities and expanding our suite of product offerings. We will also intensify our efforts to expand our current market share in more than 50 countries that we are distributing to, and tap on other emerging markets in Asia. Given the healthy economic outlook in most of the Asia Pacific countries, we expect demand for our products to remain strong. The Group will also continue to seek synergistic investment opportunities to complement its existing core business.

Going forward, the Group believes KAS is well-poised to benefit positively from the robust economic outlook in China, and will continue to improve its growth momentum.

We also expect our newly formed subsidiary KCHI to continue to contribute to the Group’s growth in FY2008 by seizing new business opportunities, broadening its product offerings, customer segments and global reach.

The Group is in a favourable position to capitalise on its leading edge in the heavy machinery parts distribution business. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect our business prospects in FY2008 to be positive.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Last but not least, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my fellow Directors for their invaluable contributions to the success of the Group and for ensuring a high standard of Corporate Governance.

On behalf of the Board, I take this opportunity to thank our shareholders for their support. Our appreciation also extends to our staff, customers, suppliers and business partners for their contributions to our growth, and we look forward to fostering even stronger relationships.

Low Han Cheong
Chairman

Updated on : 29th January 2008
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