VCI Global Announces First Half 2023 Financial Results


Delivered record high revenue of RM44.5 million ($9.5 million),
Representing 108% YoY growth

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VCI Global Limited (NASDAQ:VCIG) ("VCI Global" or "the Company"), a multi-disciplinary consulting group focusing on business and technology, today announced its unaudited financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2023 (the “Interim Results”) (the “Announcement”).

Dato' Victor Hoo, Group Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VCI Global, commented: “We are very pleased with our results and progress now that we are a publicly traded company. As we will illuminate on this call, VCI Global demonstrated strong growth in our business strategy consultancy and technology solutions segments and we are optimistic regarding the remainder of 2023 and beyond”.

FINANCIAL RESULTS

Revenue was RM44.5 million ($9.5 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, representing an increase of 108.0% YoY from RM21.4 million ($4.8 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The increase in revenues was primarily attributable to higher demand across all of our business segments.

  • Revenue generated from business strategy consultancy fee increased by 83.0% to RM20.8 million ($4.5 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to RM11.4 million ($2.6 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The increase was primarily a result of the IPO services provided to the 4 clients from Malaysia and Singapore who are currently undergoing the process of going public on Nasdaq, which enhanced our reputation in this attractive market.
  • Revenue generated from technology development, solutions and consultancy increased by 104.3% to RM19.7 million ($4.2 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to RM9.7 million ($2.2 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The increase was primarily a result from the development on financing management system and e-commerce platform which we provided to the Fintech industry.
  • Revenue generated from other services increased ten-fold to RM3.9 million ($0.8 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to RM357 thousand ($81 thousand) for the six months ended June 30, 2022. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company added a new service – financing service which contributed revenue of RM1.1 million ($240 thousand).

  Six months ended
June 30,
2023
  Six months ended
June 30,
2022
 Change 
  RM USD  RM % 
Business strategy consultancy fee 20,789,179 4,453,647  11,359,388 83.0 
Technology Development, Solutions and Consultancy 19,733,018 4,227,387  9,657,906 104.3 
Interest income 1,118,641 239,645  - 100.0 
Others 2,822,357 604,631  357,338 689.83 
Total revenue 44,463,195 9,525,310  21,374,632 108.0 
           

Other Income was RM1.1 million ($226 thousand) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to RM110 thousand ($25 thousand) for the six months ended June 30, 2022.

EBITDA of $4.49 million, or 47.2% of revenues, compared to $3.19 million, or 66% of revenues, for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The increase in EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was primarily attributable to the increase in our operating income.

Net Income for the six months ended June 30, 2023 is $4.3 million, representing 37.6% increased from $3.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022.

Cost of Services was RM6.0 million ($1.3 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, representing an increase of 172.9% YoY from RM2.2 million ($503 thousand) for the six months ended June 30, 2022.

  • Consultant fee costs increased by 829.3% to RM5.7 million ($1.2 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to RM611 thousand ($139 thousand) for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The increase in consultant fee cost was in line with the increase in business consultancy revenue as the Company engages with more professionals to serve its clients. The gross profit margin of consultant income in term of consultant fee was 72.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to 94.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
  • IT expenses were RM181 thousand ($39 thousand) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to RM1.5 million ($340 thousand) for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The gross profit margin for Technology Development, Solutions and Consultancy revenue and IT expenses costs were 99.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to 84.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
  • Training costs were RM192 thousand ($41 thousand) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to NIL for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
  • Other cost of services was NIL for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to RM110 thousand ($25 thousand) for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
  Six months ended June 30, 2023  Six months ended June 30, 2022  Change 
  RM USD RM  % 
Consultant fee 5,676,167 1,216,000 610,797  829.30  
IT expenses 180,669 38,705 1,495,966  (87.92) 
Training costs 192,398 41,217 -  N.A.  
Others - - 110,166  N.A.  
Total 6,049,234 1,295,922 2,216,929  172.87  
            

Depreciation was RM274 thousand ($59 thousand) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to RM11.2 thousand ($2.5 thousand) for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The increase was primarily due to additional assets acquired, such as new computer and accessories purchased for the Company’s employees who joined during the first half of the year 2023.

Directors’ fees increased to RM5.4 million ($1.2 million) for the six months ended June 2023, compared to RM141 thousand ($32 thousand) for the six months ended June 30, 2022, as the Company started to pay fixed director fees to its Board of Directors in VCI Global Limited after successfully listing on Nasdaq in April 2023.

Operating Income increased by RM6.6 million ($1.4 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to RM14 million ($3 million) for the six months ended June 20,2022 mainly due to other operating expense which comprise of increase of marketing expenses by RM759 thousand ($163 thousand) to reach out to more customers and create brand awareness, increase of office expenses by RM575 thousand ($123 thousand) as bigger offices require higher maintenance and cleaning, and increase of legal and professional fees included audit fees and legal compliance fees by RM1.4 million ($290 thousand) after initial public offering.

As a result of the above, profit for the period was RM20 million ($4.3 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to RM13.8 million ($3.1 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2022.

Basic and Diluted earnings per share was RM0.55 ($0.12) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to RM0.40 ($0.09) for the six months ended June 30, 2022.

CASH POSITION AND CAPITAL ALLOCATION

Net cash used in operating activities was RM17.2 million ($3.7 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to RM642 thousand ($146 thousand) for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The increase in net cash used in operating activities is primarily due to an increase in the use of cash of RM40 million related to trade and other receivables. These increases in cash used in operating activities were offset in part by an increase of RM780 thousand in the gain of disposal of investment.

Net cash generated by investing activities was RM13 million ($2.8 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to RM178 thousand ($40 thousand) used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2022. Cash generated by investing activities was mainly due to the proceeds from disposal of investment in Treasure Global Inc.

Net cash generated from financing activities was RM15.6 million ($3.3 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to RM589 thousand ($134 thousand) used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2022. Cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was primarily related to RM17.5 million ($3.7 million) in proceeds from issuance of share capital.

Cash and cash equivalents was RM15 million ($3.3 million) as of June 30, 2023, compared to RM4 million as of June 30, 2022.

H1 2023 Results Conference Call and Replay Information

VCI Global will discuss its first half results for the period ended June 30, 2023 in its conference call on October 4, 2023, at 8:30 am ET and 8:30 pm Malaysia Time. A simultaneous live webcast of the call will be available on the company's Investor Relations website at https://ir.v-capital.co/press_release/.

What: Date of VCI Global 1H 2023 Financial Results and Q&A Webcast
When: Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Time: 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time / 8:30 p.m. Malaysia Time
Webcast: Conference call registration link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI32821ec0a11c4c70ad83caf1a61b071d

Approximately 24 hours after the Q&A session, an archived version of the webcast will be available on the Company's website for approximately two weeks thereafter.

Investor Presentation and Supplemental Financial Information

VCI Global has made available on its website a presentation designed to accompany the discussion of VCIG’s results and future outlook, along with certain supplemental financial information and other data. Interested parties may access this information through the VCI Global Investor Relations website at (insert link)

About VCI Global Limited

VCI Global is a multi-disciplinary consulting group with key advisory practices in the areas of business and technology. The Company provides business and boardroom strategy services, investor relation services, and technology consultancy services. Its clients range from small-medium enterprises and government-linked agencies to publicly traded companies across a broad array of industries. VCI Global operates solely in Malaysia, with clients predominantly from Malaysia, but also serves some clients from China, Singapore, and the US.

For more information on the Company, please log on to https://v-capital.co/.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such statements include statements regarding the Company's ability to grow its business and other statements that are not historical facts, including statements which may be accompanied by the words "intends," "may," "will," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "predicts," "estimates," "aims," "believes," "hopes," "potential" or similar words. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including without limitation, the Company's ability to achieve profitable operations, customer acceptance of new products, the effects of the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and future measures taken by authorities in the countries wherein the Company has supply chain partners, the demand for the Company's products and the Company's customers' economic condition, the impact of competitive products and pricing, successfully managing and, general economic conditions and other risk factors detailed in the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release, except in accordance with applicable law.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Issued by ICR Imej Jiwa Communications Sdn Bhd on behalf of VCI Global Limited

For media queries, please contact:

Imej Jiwa Communications Sdn Bhd

Chris Chuah

Email: chris@imejjiwa.com

Investor Relations

Michael Bowen
Email: Vciglobal.IR@icrinc.com


Financial Tables

Interim condensed consolidated statements of financial position

 As of
June 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
  As of
December 31,
2022
(Audited)
 
 RM  USD  RM 
ASSETS        
         
Non-current assets        
Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income 7,002,234   1,500,082   12,819,747 
Financial assets measured at fair value through profit and loss 76,044   16,291   72,295 
Property and equipment 2,081,771   445,976   1,551,579 
Right-of-use of assets 555,445   118,992   714,143 
Deferred initial public offering expense -   -   6,564,162 
Deferred tax assets 339,650   72,763   339,650 
Total non-current assets 10,055,144   2,154,104   22,061,576 
            
Current assets           
Trade and other receivables 55,983,342   11,993,261   15,759,533 
Amount due from related parties -   -   7,000 
Cash and bank balances 15,328,861   3,283,888   3,995,995 
Total current assets 71,312,203   15,277,149   19,762,528 
            
Total assets 81,367,347   17,431,253   41,824,104 
            
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY           
            
Current liabilities           
Trade and other payables 6,395,343   1,370,068   10,408,318 
Bank and other borrowings 682,410   146,192   783,542 
Lease liabilities 162,837   34,884   322,208 
Income tax payable 1,833,795   392,852   1,716,794 
Total current liabilities 9,074,385   1,943,996   13,230,862 
            
Non-current liabilities           
Bank and other borrowings 309,331   66,268   309,331 
Lease liabilities 422,751   90,566   422,751 
Amount due to related parties 2,017,705   432,251   3,586,646 
Total non-current liabilities 2,749,787   589,085   4,318,728 
            
Total liabilities 11,824,172   2,533,081   17,549,590 
            
Capital and reserves           
Share capital 37,069,050   7,941,269   13,127,427 
Capital reserve 6,532,560   1,399,465   6,532,560 
Currency translation reserve 1,272,834   272,678   - 
Retained earnings 27,459,238   5,882,566   6,255,851 
Attributable to equity owners of the Company 72,333,682   15,495,978   25,915,838 
Non-controlling interests (2,790,507)  (597,806)  (1,641,324)
Total equity 69,543,175   14,898,172   24,274,514 
            
Total equity and liabilities 81,367,347   17,431,253   41,824,104 
            

Interim condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (unaudited)

 Six months ended
June 30,
2023
  Six months
ended
June 30,
2022
 
 RM  USD  RM 
Revenue 44,463,195  9,525,310  15,931,394 
Revenue – related party -  -  5,443,238 
Total revenue 44,463,195  9,525,310  21,374,632 
Other income 1,054,906  225,992  109,802 
Fair value adjustment on financial assets measured at fair value through profit and loss -  -  1,679,842 
Cost of services (6,049,234) (1,295,922) (2,216,929)
Depreciation (274,425) (58,790) (11,203)
Directors’ fees (5,435,664) (1,164,477) (141,000)
Employee benefits expenses (7,770,225) (1,664,608) (4,807,371)
Impairment allowance on trade receivables -  -  (183,546)
Rental expenses (149,951) (32,124) (156,673)
Legal and professional fees (1,473,823) (315,736) (117,377)
Finance cost (15,875) (3,401) (8,685)
Other operating expenses (3,668,557) (785,912) (1,474,666)
Profit before income tax 20,680,347  4,430,332  14,046,826 
Income tax expense (626,143) (134,138) (283,648)
Profit for the period 20,054,204  4,296,194  13,763,178 
Other comprehensive income (loss):         
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations 1,272,834  272,678  - 
Fair value adjustment on financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income -  -  (4,199,770)
Total comprehensive income for the period 21,327,038  4,568,872  9,563,408 
          
Profit attributable to:         
Equity owners of the Company 21,203,387  4,542,382  13,568,156 
Non-controlling interests (1,149,183) (246,188) 195,022 
Total 20,054,204  4,296,194  13,763,178 
          
Total comprehensive income attributable to:         
Equity owners of the Company 22,476,221  4,815,060  9,368,386 
Non-controlling interests (1,149,183) (246,188) 195,022 
  21,327,038  4,568,872  9,563,408 
          

Interim condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (unaudited)

 Six months ended
June 30,
2023
  Six months
ended
June 30,
2022
 
 RM  USD  RM 
Operating activities         
Profit before income tax 20,680,347  4,430,332  14,046,826 
Adjustments for:         
Impairment allowance on trade receivable -  -  183,546 
Unrealized foreign exchange loss 805,197  172,498  - 
Depreciation of property and equipment 115,727  24,792  11,203 
Depreciation of right-of-use of assets 158,698  33,998  - 
Fair value adjustment on financial assets measured at fair value through profit and loss -  -  (1,679,842)
Gain on disposal of investment (780,319) (167,167) - 
Gain on disposal of property and equipment -  -  (1,891)
Interest expense 15,875  3,401  8,685 
Interest income (942) (202) (22)
Operating cash flow before movement in working capital 20,994,583  4,497,652  12,568,505 
Trade and other receivables (40,216,809) (8,615,611) (8,629,924)
Trade and other payables 2,551,187  546,538  (4,804,822)
Cash used in operations (16,671,039) (3,571,421) (866,241)
Interest received -  -  22 
Income tax paid (509,142) (109,073) 224,626 
Net cash used in operating activities (17,180,181) (3,680,494) (641,593)
          
Investing activities         
Purchase of property and equipment (645,919) (138,375) (33,896)
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment -  -  11,706 
Interest paid -  -  - 
Interest received 942  202  - 
Acquisition of financial assets measured at fair value through profit and loss -  -  (156,120)
Proceeds from disposal of financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income 13,600,066  2,913,530  - 
Net cash generated from / (used in) investing activities 12,955,089  2,775,357  (178,310)
          
Financing activities         
Proceeds from issuance of shares -  -  2,615,477 
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of issuance costs 17,457,899  3,739,990  - 
Interest paid (15,875) (3,401) - 
Repayments of other borrowings (101,132) (21,665) (54,781)
Repayment of advances to related parties (1,568,941) (336,113) (3,149,847)
Repayment of operating leases (159,371) (34,142) - 
Net cash generated from / (used in) financing activities 15,612,580  3,344,669  (589,151)
          
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 11,387,488  2,439,532  (1,409,054)
Effect of currency translation on cash and cash equivalents (54,622) (11,702) - 
Cash and bank balances at beginning of the period 3,995,995  856,058  3,122,947 
Cash and bank balances at end of the period 15,328,861  3,283,888  1,713,893