PETALING JAYA: Bermaz Auto Bhd
(BAuto) expects to maintain positive performance for the financial year ending April 30, 2026 (FY26), following encouraging sales of its new and facelift models.
“In view of the recent sales of the new and new facelift models, which have shown positive results on the group’s financial performance, the board anticipates the performance of the group to remain positive for FY26,” BAuto said in the notes accompanying its financial results.
The group said inflationary pressures, ongoing uncertainties in geopolitical conflicts such as in the Middle East and Ukraine and weaker global growth will continue to have an impact on the Malaysian economy.
“Vehicle sales in the country will continue to be impacted by the influx of Chinese brand vehicles. The launching of new and/or new facelift models of the group’s existing vehicle brands are dependent on the market sentiment and economic conditions then,” it added.
For the third quarter ended Jan 31, BAuto’s net profit rose 35.1% to RM32.6mil, or earnings per share of 2.86 sen, bringing its nine-month profit to RM58.1mil, or 5.05 sen a share.
Quarterly revenue increased 13.5% to RM683.2mil, lifting cumulative revenue to RM1.73bil.
The board declared a third interim single-tier dividend of 1.75 sen per share, payable on May 7, 2026, with the entitlement date fixed on April 21, 2026.
BAuto noted that total industry volume (TIV) for calendar year 2026 is forecast to fall to 790,000 units, weighed by moderating economic growth, cost pressures and policy changes affecting vehicle affordability.
It added that the expiry of tax incentives for imported electric vehicles (EVs) and potential revisions to excise duty and vehicle pricing calculations could make new cars less affordable for consumers.
In addition, rising living costs are expected to constrain disposable incomes, potentially weakening consumers’ ability to commit to new vehicle purchases.
TIV in January 2026 stood at 64,298 units, down 29.1% or 26,418 units from 90,716 units in December 2025, mainly due to advance purchases in the previous month, which recorded the highest monthly TIV on record, according to the Malaysian Automotive Association.
Meanwhile, analysts believe that there is an expectation that BAuto’s recovery will come in the third quarter of financial year 2026 after a trough in the past year.
RHB Investment Bank Bhd said this will be supported by healthier Mazda 3 sales as well as a stronger ringgit – likely driving its margin expansion.
“For the Mazda 3, management remains optimistic on sales visibility, having received 1,500 to 2,000 bookings per month since its launch – making up the majority of total bookings. Delivery currently stands at 300 to 500 units a month, implying a healthy order backlog,” the report said.
For FY27, the research house expects a turnaround year, as BAuto’s sales volumes should be supported by the upcoming (facelift) CX-5 launch.
“Management has guided Mazda sales to be at about 13,000 units in FY27, of which 20% to 40% could be the Mazda 3.
“We pencil in a slightly more conservative forecast of 12,000 units,” it said.
Furthermore, RHB Investment Bank said because 30% to 40% of the automotive group’s sales are derived from completely-built-up models, it should benefit from a stronger ringgit, which has appreciated by 10% year-on-year.
