29/05/2012 (Bernama) - Boustead Holdings Bhd's pre-tax profit rose 33 per cent to RM224 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 2012 from RM168 million recorded in the same quarter last year.

Improved turnover from most divisions also saw revenue increase to RM2.4 billion, during the period under review, from RM1.6 billion recorded in the corresponding quarter last year.

"Except for one division, all other divisions delivered on the bottom line.

"We have seen exponential improvements in profit contribution for the quarter under review and the most significant improvements, on a year-on-year basis, was driven by the pharmaceutical division," said Deputy Chairman/Group Managing Director Tan Sri Lodin Wok Kamaruddin.

On prospects, he said the company was optimistic that the coming quarters would bode well for Boustead given the positive outlook for crude palm oil prices.