KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 27): Nestlé (Malaysia) Bhd (KL:NESTLE) reported a 73% jump in net profit for the third quarter, thanks mainly to stronger sales and lower input costs.

The locally listed unit of the Swiss food-and-beverage conglomerate also declared a second interim dividend of 80 sen per share, compared with 60 sen a year earlier, according to its Bursa Malaysia filing on Tuesday. The dividend will be paid on Dec 9 to shareholders on the record as at Nov 11.

“The group reaffirms its positive outlook for the full year 2026 and remains focused on sustaining growth through disciplined execution, innovation and meeting evolving consumer needs,” Nestlé Malaysia said.

Net profit for the three months ended Sept 30, 2026 (3QFY2026) was RM197.51 million compared to RM114.04 million a year earlier. Revenue for the quarter grew 5.3% year-on-year to RM1.86 billion, supported by stronger domestic demand across key product categories.

Demand for its halal products manufactured in Malaysia remained steady across export markets, Nestlé Malaysia noted.

For the first nine months, net profit rose 44% to RM557.64 million from RM387.5 million in the same period last year, while revenue increased 6.7% year-on-year to RM5.55 billion.

“Ongoing investments in digitalisation, automation and productivity initiatives are expected to enhance operational efficiency and agility,” Nestlé Malaysia said, adding that it remains “well positioned to deliver sustainable long-term growth”.

Shares of Nestlé Malaysia paused for Tuesday's midday break, up 24 sen or 0.3% at RM90.50, valuing the company RM21 billion ahead of the results announcement.