SET-listed companies recorded an all-time high in quarterly net profits of 286 billion baht for the first quarter, driven by the robust performance of power plants and the banking sector.
The combined net profits rose 15.6% quarter-on-quarter and 0.3% year-on-year.
There were 449 companies reporting a net profit in the first three months, representing 82.5% of total listed companies disclosing their financial statements.
The combined gross profit margin stood at 23.7%, down slightly from 24.3% logged in the same period last year, weighed down by higher oil prices and the baht's appreciation.
Total sales of listed companies were recorded at 2.83 trillion baht, up 5.6% year-on-year.
Most listed companies registered an increase in sales, particularly those operating in sectors tied to oil prices and petrochemical products.
The financial statuses of listed companies remained strong at the end of the quarter, with the debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio continuing to fall to 1.15 times from 1.17 registered at year-end 2017. That D/E ratio excluded listed companies in the financial industry.
The performance of companies operating in sectors such as retail, tourism, commerce, logistics, hospitality, banking and finance helped drive robust net profits, said SET president Kesara Manchusree.
"In the first quarter of 2018, Thai listed firms on the SET reported higher sales in accordance with the gradual pick-up of the economy and a 20% year-on-year increase in crude oil prices," said Mrs Kesara.
The property sector, excluding Pace Development Corporation Plc, recorded the highest revenue growth of 16.1% year-on-year, while the medical industry showed the highest net profit growth at 38.9%.
Volatility in oil prices and foreign exchange fluctuation have a negative effect on companies related to the energy, petrochemical, utilities and construction materials sectors in terms of profitability, she said.
Companies listed on the Market for Alternative Investment reported improved performance during the period, logging a net profit of 1.81 billion baht, up 69.6% quarter-on-quarter and 15.5% year-on-year.
There were 544 listed companies, or 93.8% of the total 580 companies that submitted first-quarter aggregate earnings, ending March 31.
Regarding Live, a fundraising platform for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises on the SET, Mrs Kesara said there are investors and companies seeking to raise capital who are interested in joining the platform.
SET vice-president Pongpiti Ektheinchai said there are 10 companies listed on Live, including two new companies, Wishbeer and Plitz. The former operates a food and drink business, while the latter engages in online accounting and accounting consultancy.
Two companies listed on Live are expected to raise funds from venture capital in June, worth less than 20 million baht each, said Mr Pongpiti.
