KUALA LUMPUR (March 12): Bermaz Auto Bhd (KL:BAUTO) on Thursday posted a 35.2% increase in its third-quarter net profit to RM32.63 million from RM24.14 million a year earlier, as revenue grew on higher sales volume.

The automotive group's revenue for the third quarter ended Jan 31, 2026 (3QFY2026) climbed 13.5% to RM683.23 million from RM602.08 million, its bourse filing showed.

The group attributed the increased revenue to higher sales volume from XPeng and Mazda’s domestic operations, in particular the Mazda3, which has "continued to receive good response from consumers" since its launch in October 2025.

Bermaz Auto declared a dividend of 1.75 sen per share for the quarter, payable by May 7. This brings the total dividend so far for FY2026 to 3.75 sen per share.

For the first nine months of FY2026, Bermaz Auto's net profit fell 56.9% year-on-year to RM58.11 million due to a lower revenue and a share of losses from associated companies compared to profits previously.

Revenue declined 17.5% to RM1.73 billion due to lower sales volume from Mazda and Kia’s domestic production, partly offset by higher sales volume from XPeng’s domestic operations.

Looking ahead, Bermaz Auto remains positive for its FY2026 performance in line with improved sales of vehicle models. However, the group also warned of inflationary pressures, ongoing uncertainties in geopolitical conflicts and weaker global growth which will have an impact on the country's economy.

The influx of China-branded vehicles will have an impact as well, it added.

Bermaz Auto closed 2.99% higher at 86 sen on Thursday, valuing the group at RM1 billion.