Listed manufacturers see brighter business prospects amid rising costs

Vietnam's manufacturing sector saw an improvement in the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) in August, rising to 53.3 points, an increase from 52.9 points in July, and remaining above the 50-point threshold for the 14th consecutive month. The sector's growth has been marked by a surge in new orders, with several listed firms reporting positive business prospects and increased production.

Phu Tai Corporation, an export-oriented wood processing firm, reported a 18.6% increase in consolidated net revenue and a 16.3% rise in profit after tax compared to the previous year. The company has now inaugurated a third wood pellet manufacturing plant in Khanh Hoa province, bringing its total production capacity to 300,000 tonnes per year. Phu Tai is also planning to establish a US-based company to handle trading, distribution, and import-export activities.

Duc Thanh Wood Processing JSC has continued to focus on improving operations and labor productivity, resulting in an 11% increase in profit after tax despite a lack of clear recovery in the EU market. The company has invested in its seventh plant, employing modern machinery and technology to enhance production processes, management, and capacity.

Vietcombank Securities indicated that many companies in the garments and textiles sector have positive business prospects, with Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) expected to maintain good revenue growth. However, gross profit margins remain under pressure due to rising costs across the industry. Similarly, TNG Investment and Trading JSC is expected to benefit from a favorable order book, with its full-year business performance anticipated to remain favorable.

In the seafood processing and export sector, basa fish production increased by 4.8% on-year, reaching 1,250,700 tonnes, while whiteleg shrimp production rose by 8.7% to 806,000 tonnes. Black tiger shrimp production also saw a 4.2% increase. The business outlook for basa fish exporters to the US remains positive due to rising demand for basa fish and tilapia in the market, driven by tightening supplies of wild-caught whitefish.

Despite high fuel and raw material prices, and elevated interest rates, manufacturing businesses still have access to funding to support production and business activities. However, small and medium-sized enterprises continue to face numerous challenges, according to Nguyen The Minh, director of Investment Banking Division at ABS Securities. To improve profit margins, businesses must continue optimizing cost controls and enhancing productivity.