KUALA LUMPUR: Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd
ended the first quarter of 2026 with a stronger performance, underpinned by higher cargo handling activities, which contributed to improved overall cargo throughput and earnings during the quarter.
The port operator registered a net profit of RM30.51mil, as compared to RM28.38mil in the previous corresponding quarter, which translated to earnings per share of 6.63 sen against 6.17 sen previously.
In line with the performance, the board of directors declared a first interim dividend of three sen per share, with entitlement date on June 15, 2026, and payable on July 8, 2026.
Quarterly revenue rose to RM218.47mil from RM201.71mil in the comparative quarter, mainly attributed to stronger port services activities at Samalaju
Industrial Port Sdn Bhd, where cargo handling revenue increased to RM44.54mil from RM36.12mil in the corresponding quarter last year.
Meanwhile, Bintulu Port Sdn Bhd also registered improved cargo handling activities, increasing revenue to RM161.84mil from RM156.19mil in 1QFY25.
Biport Bulkers Sdn Bhd recorded a 28.6% increase in revenue to RM12.09mil compared with RM9.4mil in the corresponding quarter last year.
The group's total expenses for the quarter increased RM11.51mil on a year-on-year basis to RM180.81mil, mainly due to increased direct operating costs from higher operational activities. There were also higher fuel-related costs arising from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
"Looking ahead, Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad expects LNG cargo handling, and vessel calls to remain the group’s key revenue drivers in 2026, supported by continued dry bulk cargo activities at both Bintulu Port and Samalaju Industrial Port as well as bulking activities at Biport Bulkers Sdn Bhd," it said in a statement.
