Textile and garment producer Pan Brothers (PBRX) booked net profit of US$15.54 million in Jan-Sep 2019, jumped by 39% from the corresponding period last year, thanks to improved margins. Sales revenues actually increased by 10% only to US$491.9 million, but the company managed to cut its operating expenses.

We have long talked about ‘fishy relationship’ between doctors and pharmaceutical companies, which might have contributed to high medical costs in the country. This week, Tempo magazine published its so-called ‘investigation’ into such practice by Kalbe Farma (KLBF), the largest pharmaceutical company listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) with market capitalization of slightly above US$5 billion.

With the exception of Jembo Cable (JECC), four other cable manufacturers listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) reported stable growth in the first nine months of 2019. Jembo Cable suffered 9.7% decline, while Kabelindo Murni (KBLM) posted 15.4% growth in sales revenues. Sucaco, the largest player, enjoyed a strong sales revenue growth of 9.4% in Jan-Sep 2019.

PT Dexin Steel Indonesia, co-owned by Tsingshan Steel (the world’s largest stainless steel producer) and Delong Holdings, might have missed commercial production start of the 3.5 million tons per annum carbon steel factory in Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP)—-estimated investment of US$1 billion—-scheduled last quarter. IMIP in Morowali, Central Sulawesi, however, continues to attract more investments.

Dunlop Aircraft Tyres Ltd, global maker and retreader of tires for aircrafts, has decided to partner with PT Rubberman Indonesia in the development of first plant in Karawang, West Java, Indonesia. Dunlop starts its investment with retreading plant, which may cost around Rp1 trillion. Commercial operation is scheduled in 2021. The company will later on build tire production facilities.

PT Sarimelati Kencana Tbk (PZZA), owner of Pizza Hut outlets in the country, booked net profit of Rp149.24 billion in Jan-Sep 2019, an increase of 47% from the corresponding period last year, thanks to strong sales revenue growth and improved margins. The Company reported sales revenue growth of 14% to Rp2.94 trillion thans to expansion of outlets.

Four feed-poultry players listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) reported sales revenue growth of 11% to Rp79.7 trillion in Jan-Sep 2019, but their combined net profit dropped 28.2% to Rp3.87 trillion. Still, they committed more for future growth, which can be seen in significant growth in cash used for acquisition of fixed assets.

Cita Mineral Investindo (CITA), bauxite miner and co-owner of Indonesia’s first smelter grade alumina (SGA), is among winners of 2019. The Company booked net profit of Rp740.5 billion in the first nine months of 2019, an increase of 33% from the corresponding period last year, ensuring smooth expansion of the SGA.