COM7, KBANK

KBANK has partnered with SET-listed COM7, a distributor of peripheral computer devices, to set up mini-branches in Banana IT shops to take advantage of a 50% lower operating cost compared to a normal branch. KBANK plans to open 20 new mini-branches over the next three years and it is in talks with another retail operator and expects to finalize this deal this year. KBANK plans to close more existing branches as digital banking begins to grow. Its total network, including full and mini-branches, is expected to fall below 1,000 by the end of this year from the current 1,034 full-service branches. (Krungthep Turakij, 8/5/2018)

DDD

DDD expects strong operations in 1Q18. It will announce results on May 15. The company expects operations to continue strong in 2Q18 backed by the launch of 1-2 new products. (Khao Hoon, 8/5/2018)

GLAND

GLAND expects the strong operations in 1Q18 from rising rental rate. The company targets higher revenue in 2018 and expects the Super Tower project to complete as scheduled in 2022. The company is in the process of selling 49 rai of land. (Thun Hoon, 8/5/2018)

GPSC

GPSC reported 1Q18 net profit of Bt922mn, up 23% YoY. Key driver was a 7% YoY revenue increase to Bt5.6bn fueled by IRCP-CP. The company targets to expand client bases in PTT Group and EEC industrial areas. (Khao Hoon, 8/5/2018)

HUMAN

HUMAN believes the strong operations will continue in 2Q18. It is talking with 20 new clients and expects to finalize at least five of these in May. For acquisitions, the company has signed one MoU and is drafting the MoU for another one. It plans to launch a new software product in 3Q18. (Thun Hoon, 8/5/2018)

IHL

IHL expects the strong operations in 2Q18, backed by rising orders. It targets revenue growth of 30% in 2018 boosted by the growing Thai auto industry. (Khao Hoon, 8/5/2018)

IRPC

IRPC expects utilization rate at 90-95% this year. It expects the oil price to stay high and sees  growing demand for its specialty products as China works to control environmental pollution. The company plans to invest two projects. (Thun Hoon, 8/5/2018)

PTTGC

PTTGC reported 1Q18 net profit at Bt12.4bn, down 6% YoY, with oil refinery and aromatics segments weakened by lower product margin. The company expects oil price at US$65-70/bbl in 2018. (Khao Hoon, 8/5/2018)

QTC

QTC expects to finalize a hydropower project in Laos in July and targets a holding of not less than 20%. The company is studying investing in 2-3 hydropower projects and targets revenue from power projects to reach 70% of total revenue. (Krungthep Turakij, 8/5/2018)

SAMART

SAMART may be awarded a Metropolitan Electricity Authority project with a value of Bt2.6bn according to a source. The company has Bt2.0bn backlog currently. (Thun Hoon, 8/5/2018)

TU

TU is continuing its focus on expansion with an agreement to acquire 45% of TUMD Luxembourg S.a.r.l (TUMD) for US$16mn (Bt507mn). TUMD owns three companies in Russia and is the largest canned tuna producer in Russia. (Post Today, 8/5/2018)