KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 3): Trading in shares of GuocoLand (Malaysia) Bhd was suspended from 9am on Tuesday following a request by the company, as it prepares to make an announcement to the market, according to a filing with Bursa Malaysia.
The trading halt comes shortly after its parent company, GuocoLand Ltd, sought a suspension of trading on the Singapore Exchange on Monday evening, signalling a potentially material development at the group level.
GuocoLand (Malaysia) shares have surged nearly 60% since the beginning of the year, reflecting renewed investor interest in the property developer. The stock last changed hands at 93.5 sen — its highest level since 2018 — giving the group a market capitalisation of approximately RM655 million.
GuocoLand (Malaysia) operates as the Malaysian property arm of the Hong Leong Group through Hong Kong–listed Guoco Group. The company is involved in the development of residential townships, as well as commercial and integrated projects across Malaysia, with a footprint spanning key growth corridors in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
According to its latest annual report, GLL (Malaysia) Pte Ltd — a wholly owned subsidiary of GuocoLand Ltd — is the largest shareholder, holding a 65.03% equity interest in GuocoLand (Malaysia).
Based on market data, the company is currently trading at about 30.9 times its trailing price-to-earnings ratio and 0.5 times price-to-book value, positioning it at a discount to its net asset backing amid rising interest in strategically located commercial property in KL and Selangor.
As at end-December 2025, GuocoLand (Malaysia) held cash and cash equivalents of RM197.2 million, against total borrowings of RM584.8 million. Its net tangible assets stood at RM2.08 per share, providing balance sheet support for future development activity.
For the second quarter ended Dec 31, 2025 (2QFY2026), the group recorded a net profit of RM6.67 million, down 9.48% year-on-year, despite revenue climbing to RM150.82 million — the highest level in more than three years. The softer earnings were attributed to the absence of profit contribution from Emerald Hills’ North Tower following the delivery of vacant possession in late 2024, as well as a lower share of profits from the Emerald Rawang development.
Looking ahead, market observers will be closely watching the company’s upcoming announcement, particularly for any implications on future development strategy. Any shift towards income-generating assets or mixed-use projects could further enhance exposure to high-demand segments such as office space in Bukit Jalil, industrial land in Selangor, factories in Puchong, industrial property in the Subang area, and other commercial property in KL, where investor and occupier interest remains resilient.
Malaysia