KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 10): Mr DIY Group (M) Bhd (KL:MRDIY) posted an 11.9% rise in net profit for the third quarter, driven by stronger gross profit margins and higher revenue from new store openings. The margin expansion was attributed to lower average inventory costs from economies of scale and a firmer ringgit.

Net profit climbed to RM136.12 million from RM121.65 million a year earlier, as gross profit margin improved to 47.3% from 45.4%, the group said in a filing with the bourse. Quarterly revenue rose 5.6% to RM1.198 billion compared with RM1.135 billion previously, supported by 26 net new stores opened during the quarter. This brought the group’s total outlets to 1,528 as at Sept 30, 2025, up 10% year-on-year.

The group noted that revenue growth, however, was tempered by weaker like-for-like sales, amid a challenging market environment and policy adjustments following subsidy removals. Total transactions increased 8.4% year-on-year to 49.2 million, though average basket value slipped 2.8%.

In line with the stronger results, Mr DIY declared a higher third interim dividend of 1.3 sen per share, up from one sen a year ago, lifting year-to-date dividends to 4.2 sen, versus 3.2 sen previously. The dividend is payable on Dec 5.

For the nine months ended Sept 30, 2025 (9MFY2025), net profit rose 11.2% to RM468.85 million from RM421.74 million, while revenue grew 5.6% to RM3.669 billion from RM3.474 billion.

Chief executive officer Adrian Ong, in a separate statement said the group remains on track to deliver its tenth consecutive year of revenue and profit growth. “These results reflect the resilience of our business and the continued trust customers place in our brand — even amid a challenging market environment and ongoing policy adjustments following the removal of subsidies,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Mr DIY remains upbeat on the sector’s outlook, underpinned by rakyat-centred government spending, positive economic indicators, a strengthening ringgit, and rising foreign investment.

The group plans to continue expanding its retail footprint nationwide, targeting about 155 new stores in FY2026 across its core and sub-brands, reinforcing its market leadership as Malaysia’s value retailer of choice.

Ong also highlighted the company’s commitment to quality and safety beyond competitive pricing, citing its nationwide campaign “Kini, Produk Mr DIY Tahan Lebih Lama”. Many of its products, he added, are certified by national bodies such as SIRIM and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), underscoring the group’s dedication to safer, stronger, and higher-quality offerings.

The group also reaffirmed its support for Malaysian households through initiatives such as the RM2 campaign and participation in the government’s MyKasih programme, aimed at helping customers stretch their budgets.

At Monday’s closing, Mr DIY shares were down two sen or 1.2% at RM1.60, valuing the group at RM15.16 billion. Year-to-date, the stock has declined 13.5%.