A BULL run in the regional stock markets last year helped push Dharmala Holdings' attributable profits up 51.3 per cent to $143.44 million for the year ended December 31.
The group's first year-end results as a listed company were boosted by an exceptional item of $79.59 million following the disposal of shares in related companies as well as land and properties.
Profit before exceptionals and taxation wally unchanged at $1.53 billion while earnings per share increased 42.3 per cent to 37 cents.
A final dividend of 2.2 cents a share was recommended by the directors.
Dharmala managing director Bernard Pouliot said that the improved results were due principally to a higher than expected contribution from the financial services division.
''Exceptionally high turnover in the stock markets of Hong Kong and the Philippines, where Dharmala has financial services operations, boosted the group's income by some 50 per cent above expectations,'' he said.