UEM Edgenta Berhad (UEM
Edgenta), a leading asset management and infrastructure solutions company in
the region, has had its Islamic Medium-Term Notes (IMTN) under its RM1.0
billion Sukuk Murabahah Programme, with the outstanding
Sukuk standing at RM250.0 million, upgraded to AAIS from AA-IS by MARC
Ratings Berhad (MARC Ratings) for the first time since the rating was
first assigned in 2017. This upgrade
highlights UEM Edgenta’s strong financial position, consistent business growth,
and exceptional operational capabilities across its core segments, including
Healthcare Support Services, Property and Facility Management, Infrastructure
Services and Asset Consultancy.
In its announcement,
MARC Ratings highlighted UEM Edgenta’s sustained ability to generate consistent
cash flows, underpinned by its diversified revenue base and long-term
contracts. For the first nine months of 2024 (9M2024), newly secured contracts
continued to grow, reaching RM2.3 billion (2023: RM2.0 billion), with
healthcare solutions contributing 80%. This includes RM900 million worth of
contracts for Healthcare Support Services in Singapore, spanning a period of
five (5) years.
In infrastructure
services, carried out by wholly-owned subsidiary Edgenta PROPEL Berhad, the
group benefits from a long-term master maintenance services contract with Projek
Lebuhraya Usahasama Berhad (PLUS) for highway maintenance. This contract
ensures a stable income stream through 2038. Additionally, the group’s
acquisition of a 60% equity stake in United Arab Emirates–based Kaizen Group, a
property management company, for RM74.9 million in February 2024, further
expands its property and facility solutions portfolio.
MARC Ratings highlighted
the Company’s improved credit metrics and effective cost management
initiatives, which have contributed to its enhanced risk profile and financial
resilience. The rating agency also acknowledged prudent financial management,
which has bolstered UEM Edgenta’s liquidity position and debt servicing
capacity. For 9M2024, revenue increased by 7.6% y-o-y to RM2.2 billion and
pre-tax profit rose by 5.1% to RM65.6 million. Operating margins have remained
at around 3%, and the group is undertaking initiatives to strengthen the
profitability margin by streamlining operations and leveraging technology to
enhance efficiency. The margin improvements are expected to allay concerns over
the impact from the minimum monthly wage revision to RM1,700 from RM1,500
effective February 2025.
Commenting on the rating
upgrade, Syahrunizam Samsudin, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UEM
Edgenta, said: “This recognition by MARC Ratings highlights the strength of our
strategic direction and unwavering commitment to delivering value to our
stakeholders. The AAIS
rating reflects UEM Edgenta’s robust financial standing and superior ability to
meet its financial obligations, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted leader
in the asset management and infrastructure solutions sector. It is a testament
to the confidence our clients and partners place in us. Moving forward, we will
continue to harness our expertise to drive sustainable growth and deliver
impactful, innovative solutions across the markets we serve.”
UEM Edgenta’s RM1.0
billion Sukuk Murabahah Programme has been a cornerstone in supporting its
strategic growth initiatives, including investments in technology-driven
innovations and sustainability-focused projects. This latest rating upgrade
enhances the programme’s appeal, positioning it as an attractive opportunity
for investors seeking stable, high-quality investments.
For further information on UEM Edgenta, log on to https://www.uemedgenta.com.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES