KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 26): Hume Cement Industries Bhd (KL:HUMEIND) reported a 26.2% year-on-year jump in its fourth-quarter net profit to RM53.61 million from RM42.49 million, driven by ongoing operational improvement initiatives that trimmed its input and production costs.

The improved earnings came despite revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 (4QFY2025) dipping slightly to RM263.36 million from RM265.91 million in 4QFY2024, as the group contended with lower cement selling prices, its bourse filing showed.

For the full FY2025, net profit rose 5.8% to RM223.17 million from RM210.94 million, despite a 7.5% decline in total revenue to RM1.114 billion from RM1.205 billion. The drop in revenue was primarily attributed to lower cement sales volume, while higher profit was due to cost efficiencies and a gain from the disposal of an asset held for sale.

No dividend was declared for the quarter under review. The group has so far announced a dividend payout of 10 sen per share for FY2025, up from eight sen a year earlier.

Looking ahead, Hume Cement, 72%-controlled by Hong Leong Group, said it expects Malaysia’s construction sector to maintain steady growth, adding that its management will continue to focus on operational excellence and efficiency improvements to enhance competitiveness.

The group expects its performance next year to remain in line with the market.

Hume Cement’s shares closed two sen or 0.6% lower at RM3.20 on Tuesday, valuing the group at RM2.32 billion. Year to date, the stock is largely unchanged.