KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 20): Healthcare products manufacturer Apex Healthcare Bhd’s (KL:AHEALTH) net profit for the second quarter fell 20.4%, dragged down by losses from an associate.

Its net profit for the three months ended June 30, 2025 (2QFY2025) dropped to RM18.82 million from RM23.64 million a year earlier, its bourse filing on Wednesday showed.

Its bottomline for the quarter was weighed down by its share of losses from 40%-owned associate Straits Apex Group Sdn Bhd (SAG) — which makes orthopaedic devices — amounting to a RM2.6 million in 2QFY2025, in contrast to a share of earnings of RM1 million in 2QFY2024.

Profitability was further impacted by marginal increases in selling and marketing expenses, administrative expenses and finance costs.

This despite steady revenue of RM240.75 million in 2QFY2025, up 0.8% compared with RM238.74 million previously, as sales of pharmaceuticals, consumer healthcare products and medical devices to both private and public sector customers remained steady.

The group declared an interim dividend of three sen per share for the quarter, as well as a special dividend of three sen per share following dividends from SAG, both payable on Sept 19. 

Looking ahead, Apex Healthcare said the group expects demand for pharmaceuticals, consumer healthcare products and medical devices to remain resilient in the second half of 2025, despite mounting global economic uncertainties and new trade barriers.

“The group remains confident that its increased investments in its pipeline of new products, digital capabilities, diversified distribution models and dedicated workforce will support continued growth and help navigate any unforeseen external challenges,” it added.

Shares in Apex Healthcare ended unchanged at RM2.53 on Wednesday, valuing the group at RM1.82 billion.