KUALA LUMPUR (July 23): Westports Holdings Bhd (KL:WPRTS) posted a 56% jump in its second-quarter net profit from a year ago thanks largely to higher port tariffs but cut its container volume guidance.

Net profit for the three months ended June 30, 2026 (2QFY2026) was RM360.9 million versus RM231.63 million over the same quarter in 2025, as administrative expenses also fell sharply. Revenue rose 25% year-on-year to RM866.89 million, a bourse filing showed.

An interim dividend of 14.98 sen per share was declared, out of which 2.99 sen is subject to an optional dividend reinvestment plan. Details of the reinvestment plan will be announced later.

Westports now expects the overall container throughput to be “roughly the same as the previous year” compared to its previous guidance for “single-digit” growth provided in May.

The company, which uses diesel purchased in US dollars at market prices for its terminal trucks and container yard cranes, also said the inflationary pressure accumulated over the last few months should ease going forward as the Middle East crisis de-escalates.

The Mean of Platts Singapore, the global benchmark for petroleum products, is off peak but remains more than 50% higher than before the war broke out.

For the first six months, Westports’ net profit increased 51% to RM687.4 million from RM454.09 million. Cumulative revenue was RM1.76 billion, a 34% rise when compared to the same first half of 2025, also aided by stronger value-added services.

Container volume has fallen 1% in the first half to 5.51 million twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, amid a decline in transhipment. The cost of fuel, which accounts for about 21% of its total direct expenses, surged 40% in January-June from a year earlier.