FGV reported net a profit of RM1.3 million for the quarter that ended in March, versus RM1.7 million in the same period the year before.

Revenue dropped to RM3.6 billion, versus RM4.3 billion last year.

The company said it expected its 2018 results to be “satisfactory” despite “challenges” in the market.

FGV’s plantation business recorded lower profits in the quarter despite higher sales volumes, hit by weaker average crude palm oil prices compared with the corresponding period a year ago, the company said in a statement released on the local stock exchange in the midday break.

FGV’s shares were trading 3.1% higher before the break, outperforming the benchmark index which was down 0.6%.

Benchmark palm oil prices were last down 1.6 percent at RM2,415 a tonne.

Crude palm oil prices averaged RM2,487 in the first quarter of 2018, down from RM2,900 last year.