The group’s chief executive officer, Jeffri Salim Davidson, said revenue for the financial year stood at RM36.2 billion, while profit before interest and tax was 28.8% higher year-on-year at RM1.38 billion.

The group declared a second interim dividend of 7 sen per share and a special dividend of 1 sen per share in respect of the financial year ended June 30. The payment dates for the dividends is Oct 31.

Jfferi said the group’s positive results in key markets for the industrial division helped compensate for the softness in the motor division’s profits in Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia.

“Our industrial operations in Australia and China were the clear winners in FY19, as we benefited from an upcycle in the mining and construction sectors, while growth in the motors division decelerated in an environment of intense competition.

“Early signs show that the industrial division will continue to take the lead in FY20.

“However, the pipeline of new models coming in from our stable of automotive brands is expected to generate some excitement in the market,” he said at a press conference to announce the financial year results at Menara Sime Darby here today.

He said the proposed acquisition of Gough Group Ltd in New Zealand is expected to be completed by Sept 30 and further strengthen the division’s growth in the coming years.

Asked if Sime Darby might be interested in buying international private healthcare company Columbia Asia, Jeffri said: “Yes, we made the offer. We want to grow in the healthcare industry and saw Columbia Asia as a nice fit for us.

“No time-frame has been set to conclude anything.”

Currently, Sime Darby Health Care has a 50:50 joint venture with Ramsay Health Care.