stoto

has reported a revenue of RM1.48 billion for the current quarter, showing an increase of 8.3% compared to the revenue of RM1.37 billion in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The Group’s pre-tax profit has improved by 71.8%, from RM48.12 million in the corresponding quarter last year to RM82.64 million in the current quarter under review.

PRESS RELEASE

SPORTS TOTO BERHAD REPORTS RM1.48 BILLION REVENUE AND RM82.64 MILLION PRE-TAX PROFIT FOR Q2 FY2025

Date: 21 February 2025

Venue: Kuala Lumpur

For the 2nd Quarter ended 31 December 2024

Sports Toto Berhad (“SPToto” or “The Group”) has reported a revenue of RM1.48 billion for the current quarter, showing an increase of 8.3% compared to the revenue of RM1.37 billion in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The Group’s pre-tax profit has improved by 71.8%, from RM48.12 million in the corresponding quarter last year to RM82.64 million in the current quarter under review.

In the current quarter ended 31 December 2024, STM Lottery Sdn Bhd (“STM Lottery”) achieved a revenue growth of 6.1% compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year, primarily driven by improvement in average sales per draw and higher accumulated jackpot prizes in Lotto games, despite having only 41 draws in the current quarter under review compared to 42 draws in the previous year corresponding quarter. The pre-tax profit increased by 31.5% primarily attributed to a combination of higher sales and lower prize payout in the current quarter under review.

H.R. Owen Plc (“H.R. Owen”)’s revenue increased by 9.4% for the current quarter as compared to the corresponding quarter of last year. The sales growth was primarily driven by a positive demand within the used car sector contributed by better sales volume and increased average selling price. The new marque, Lotus, which is now represented by H.R. Owen, has also generated new sales. It reported a reduced pre-tax loss of RM7.8 million as compared to a loss of RM15.8 million in the same quarter of last year. The drop in losses reflects revenue growth amidst the challenging economic environment in the United Kingdom.

For the 6-month period ended 31 December 2024

For the current 6-month period ended 31 December 2024, the Group’s revenue growth was lowered by 1.3% mainly attributed to lower sales recorded by STM Lottery and H.R. Owen. Despite the drop in revenue, the Group reported a 9.5% increase in pre-tax profit for the current period under review, mainly driven by improved results from STM Lottery.

During the current period under review, STM Lottery reported a slight decline in revenue of 1.9% mainly due to lower number of draws conducted (81 draws versus 84 draws in the previous year’s corresponding period). Despite the drop in revenue, pre-tax profit increased by 10.5% mainly attributed to lower prize payout. H.R. Owen reported an increase in revenue of 2.4% as compared to the previous year’s corresponding period, with positive demand within the used car sector alongside a mix of sales volume and increased average selling price. In addition, the Lotus brand with its commencement of deliveries during the current reporting period has also contributed to the increase in revenue. However, due to the unfavourable foreign exchange, it reported a marginal drop in revenue of 0.5% when converted into Ringgit Malaysia, being the reporting currency of the Group.

H.R. Owen reported a higher pre-tax loss of RM19.3 million as compared to a pre-tax loss of RM15.5 million in the previous year’s corresponding period, attributed to higher operating expenses incurred associated with the additional new marque, as well as weaker new car sales due to under performance of certain existing brands represented.

Dividend Declaration

The Board has declared a second interim dividend of 2.0 sen per share, amounting to approximately RM26.7 million, for the financial year ending 30 June 2025. The dividend is payable on 18 April 2025 and the entitlement date is set on 28 March 2025. The total dividend distribution for the financial period ended 31 December 2024 is approximately RM53.7 million.

Future Prospects

The Directors of SPToto remains cautiously optimistic that the Group’s business will remain steadfast. In regard of closure of legal Number Forecast Operation (“NFO”) outlets in the two Northern states (Kedah and Perlis), the Directors are hopeful that the legal due process will prevail, thus allowing STM Lottery to re-establish its presence in these states. Nevertheless, the NFO business is expected to continue delivering growth, in line with the ongoing popularity of its Lotto and Digit games to achieve commendable results.

Despite the prevailing uncertainties and global economy headwinds including trade policies impact, inflationary trends and regional growth disparities, the Directors are of the view that the Group’s business will grow steadily and maintain a positive outlook for the remaining quarters of the financial year ending 30 June 2025.