KUALA LUMPUR (May 28): QL Resources Bhd (KL:QL) said its net profit for the fourth quarter rose 21% to RM113.3 million from RM93.4 million a year earlier, driven by improved margins for its marine product manufacturing segment.

Earnings per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 (4QFY2026) increased to 3.11 sen from 2.56 sen, the group's Bursa Malaysia filing on Thursday showed.

Revenue increased 4% year-on-year to RM1.81 billion from RM1.74 billion, supported by stronger contributions across all segments.This was particularly so with the marine product manufacturing segment,  which benefitted from improved performance in fishing and aquaculture activities, as well as stable contributions from surimi-based products.

However, this was partially offset by lower sales volumes of fishmeal and surimi, despite higher average selling prices.

The integrated livestock farming (ILF) segment, the group’s largest contributor, saw its profit before tax fall 31%, mainly due to weaker layer farming performance in Peninsular Malaysia following lower egg prices and the removal of egg subsidies. This came despite a 3% revenue increase, driven by higher feed raw material trading volumes, albeit at lower unit prices.

For the full year, QL Resources' net profit slipped 1% to RM450.4 million from RM455.1 million in FY2025, while revenue was broadly flat at RM7.05 billion.

The group proposed a final dividend of 2.5 sen per share, amounting to RM91.3 million, bringing the total FY2026 dividend to five sen per share.

Looking ahead, QL Resources said its staple food businesses are expected to remain sensitive to weaker consumer sentiment and further subsidy rationalisation, with the ILF segment likely to face continued margin pressure following the full removal of egg subsidies and ongoing production normalisation.

The marine product manufacturing segment's outlook remains cautiously positive, supported by cost efficiency and steady export demand, which are expected to sustain margins.

QL Resources said its convenience store chain will continue a measured expansion strategy, focusing on operational efficiency with an emphasis on value-oriented and convenience products.

Overall, the group said it remains optimistic on its outlook and will continue to prioritise operational efficiency, cost optimisation, disciplined capital allocation, and selective investments in technology and growth segments to sustain medium- and long-term value creation.

Shares of QL Resources closed down four sen or 1.2% at RM3.40 on Thursday, valuing the group at RM12.4 billion.