KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 11): Empire Premium Food Bhd (KL:EMPIRE), the operator of the Empire Sushi chain, posted a net profit of RM13.69 million on revenue of RM85.23 million for the second financial quarter ended Sept 30, 2026 (2QFY2027).

No comparative year-on-year figures were provided as the company was only listed on April 17, Empire Premium noted in an exchange filing on Wednesday.

On a quarter-on-quarter basis, the latest net profit was 26.2% higher than the RM10.85 million reported for 1QFY2027, which the company attributed to better profit margins amid better control of raw material purchases and direct staff costs.

Revenue was marginally higher than the RM84.68 million in the immediate preceding quarter.

For the first half of FY2027, the company posted a net profit of RM24.54 million on revenue of RM169.91 million.

Empire Premium declared a first interim dividend of 0.67 sen per share, amounting to RM7.37 million, with payment scheduled for Dec 8.

Empire Premium operates 156 outlets, comprising 138 grab-and-go sushi stores and 18 quick dine-in stores. The company is targeting to raise its network to 165 outlets by March 31 next year.

In a press statement, the company said it remains focused on strengthening its presence in Sabah and Sarawak while evaluating locations with strong customer traffic and tourism potential.

“Looking ahead, we believe there are opportunities to further strengthen our market position through selective outlet expansion, particularly in underserved markets,” said chief executive officer Nicole Lim.

Empire Premium's cash and cash equivalents stood at RM235.79 million as at end-September, while there were no borrowings.

The company's share price closed up one sen or 1.27% at 80 sen on Wednesday, giving it a market capitalisation of RM880 million. Compared to its initial public offering price of 70 sen, the stock has risen 14%.