OUE's Q3 net profit plunges 97%, sees lower FY08 earnings
By ANGELA TAN
Overseas Union Enterprise Limited (OUE) on Wednesday reported net profit plunged 97.3 per cent to S$9.97 million, compared to S$368.74 million a year ago which got a boost from fair value gains on its investment properties.
In Q3 2007, the group recorded fair value gains on investment properties of $198.3 million mainly attributable to Mandarin Gallery and Overseas Union House.
The decline in net profits also attributed to the decline in earnings per ordinary share from $1.88 in Q3 2007 to $0.05 in Q3 2008.
Revenue for the quarter was down 15 per cent at S$36.25 million.
As OUE has yet to launch its residential projects, it had not recorded any revenue in Q3 2008 from the sale of development properties.
OUE said given the current uncertain economic backdrop and financial turmoil, it foresees deterioration in property values.
This could potentially result in a reversal of some of the fair value gains the group has previously recognised.
Under these circumstances, OUE would not be able to match similar profitability experienced in 2007 in this financial year.
Source: Business Times


