by NUR HANANI AZMAN / pic by MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

BURSA Malaysia Bhd’s net profit increased by 3.2% year-on-year to RM88.97 million for its second quarter ended June 30, 2021 (2Q21), compared to RM86.23 million in the same period last year, mainly driven by the securities market segment.

2Q21 revenue grew 9.1% to RM196.1 million from RM179.78 million registered last year.

Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar said the exchange achieved the highest ever first half-yearly financial performance since its listing in 2005.

“Our annualised return on equity and earnings per share of 48% and 26 sen respectively have enabled the board to declare an interim dividend of 24 sen per share for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2021, which is payable on Aug 27, 2021.

“This represents a dividend payout ratio of 92.3%. In line with the record financial performance, Bursa Malaysia is allocating RM3 million to procure some of the much-needed equipment to help hospitals treat patients suffering from the Covid-19,” he said in a statement today.

The sum is an addition to the RM3.1 million contributed and pledged through Yayasan Bursa Malaysia towards community-focused projects in areas impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, as announced on June 15, 2021.