PETALING JAYA: MR DIY Group (M) Bhd
has registered better results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 (1Q26).
Profit came in higher at RM192mil for the quarter, versus the RM174mil posted in the same quarter a year ago.
Revenue was also 9.3% higher at RM1.37bil, compared to RM1.26bil posted for the same period last year.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the retailer said the increase in revenue was on the back of a 7.7% expansion in its store network – totalling 1,584 stores as of March 31, 2026.
“There were also positive like-for-like sales supported by strong seasonal demand during the Chinese New Year and Hari Raya festive periods.
“The broader footprint contributed to higher customer transactions, reflecting healthy footfall and continued customer engagement across the network,” the company said.
Net earnings margin improved to 14%, underpinned by ongoing cost discipline and operational efficiencies, while gross margin improved by 0.8 percentage points to 48.6%, encouraged by disciplined promotional execution and favourable inventory costs arising from a stronger ringgit.
However, operating expenses increased 11.2% to RM338.2mil due to higher staff costs and depreciation of fixed assets and right-of-use assets in line with network expansion, as well as the impact of the sales and services tax on rental expenses.
Chief executive officer Adrian Ong said he believed the company’s earnings showed a solid start to the year, with growth seen across all metrics.
“Our scale, operational discipline, and clear value proposition continue to drive performance, even in a more uncertain environment.
“We remain focused on delivering what matters most to Malaysians – consistent value, reliable quality, and accessibility,” he said.
According to Ong, as cost of living pressures continue on due to the geopolitical uncertainties, the role of MR DIY has become even more important to the masses.
“Despite cost pressures from fluctuating energy and commodity prices, we remain focused on delivering consistent value where it matters most.
“Earlier this month, we launched our nationwide ‘Harga Tetap Sama’ initiative, keeping prices unchanged across a wide range of everyday essentials and giving customers greater certainty as they manage their daily expenses,” he said.
Through this initiative, Ong said, the company will stand firm in offering consistency, accessibility and practical value in a changing environment.
Moving forward, MR DIY will continue focusing on its measured expansion strategy, mainly by targeting opening 155 new stores supported by disciplined site selection and sustainable store-level returns.
“With a strong foundation, expansion into underpenetrated markets such as Sabah and Sarawak, and our continued focus on value-led offerings, we are well-positioned to grow responsibly and sustainably,” Ong noted.
MR DIY declared an interim dividend of RM151.6mil for 1Q26, representing a 14.6% increase year-on-year, in line with the group’s disciplined capital allocation approach.
