KUALA LUMPUR: Press Metal
Aluminium Holdings Bhd expects to deliver satisfactory performance in the current financial year ending Dec 31, 2026 (FY26), supported by strengthening aluminium prices and moderating alumina input costs despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
In the first quarter ended March 31, the largest Aluminium smelter in Southeast Asia posted a 35.2% jump in net profit to RM624.5mil from RM461.8mil a year earlier.
Quarterly revenue rose 5.16% to RM4.1bil from RM3.9bil previously, driven mainly by higher metal prices and increased sales volume during the quarter.
Its earnings per share increased to 7.58 sen from 5.60 sen a year ago.
Press Metal declared a higher first interim dividend of 2.50 sen per share for 1Q26, up from 2.00 sen a year earlier, with the payout representing a 33% payout ratio and payable on June 30, 2026.
“The significant supply shock caused by the Middle Eastern conflict is having far-reaching consequences on market equilibrium, driving aluminium prices and premiums higher while reshaping regional metal trade flows,” group chief executive officer Tan Sri Paul Koon said in a statement.
He said supply chain disruptions and freight cost volatility have resurfaced, creating upward pressure on logistics costs in the coming months.
“Meanwhile, macroeconomic uncertainty arising from geopolitical risks, supply disruptions and inflationary pressures continues to weigh on global end-use consumption and overall demand sentiments.
“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the global market while remaining focused on operational resilience, disciplined execution and capturing growth opportunities as they arise,” he added.
