Listed companies' net profits for the first nine months of this year grew just 1 per cent to Bt371 billion compared to Bt366.38 billion in the same period last year, with the industrial sector recording the highest profit.

According to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), 499 listed firms from both the SET and Market for Alternative Investment (MAI), representing 96 per cent of the 521 companies listed in both markets, have submitted their earning results for the first nine months this year.

While total sales for these firms rose by 21 per cent over the period to Bt4 trillion, this was offset by higher operating costs due to increased oil prices and rising interest rates.

The industrial sector posted the highest net profits at Bt151.5 billion, the finance sector was second with Bt76.3 billion and property and construction third with Bt44.3 billion.

In terms of individual companies, the five listed firms with the highest net profits were PTT Plc with Bt79.7 billion, Siam Cement with Bt24.8 billion, PTT Production and Exploration with Bt21.9 billion, Thai Oil with Bt14.8 billion and Bangkok Bank with Bt13.8 billion.

In terms of earnings growth, industrials, natural resources and consumer products were the top three sectors with total earnings of Bt30.1 billion at 42 per cent growth, Bt151.5 billion at 11 per cent growth, and Bt4.4 billion with 9 per cent growth, respectively.

All 38 companies listed on the MAI have submitted their financial statements, 34 of which reported increased profits.

Sales for those companies totalled Bt21.4 billion, with an average growth of 14 per cent, while total net profits were Bt1.34 billion, with an average growth of 18 per cent.

Siriporn Chanjindamanee

The Nation