KUALA LUMPUR: Heineken Malaysia Bhd
(Heineken Malaysia) expects operating conditions to remain challenging amid cautious consumer sentiment and an uncertain external environment.
The brewer said it will continue to focus on disciplined execution, cost management and responding swiftly to changing consumer demand.
“Guided by EverGreen 2030, we continue to closely monitor inventory levels across our customer and distributor network while strengthening execution in the areas within our control.
“We remain focused on driving productivity, maintaining disciplined cost management and operational execution, while balancing investments that support future growth and strategic priorities. By staying agile and focused on execution, we are positioning the business to capture opportunities as market conditions evolve,” managing director Martijn van Keulen said in a statement.
In the second quarter ended June 30, 2026, Heineken Malaysia's net profit fell to RM50.5mil, or earnings per share (EPS) of 16.73 sen. Despite the weaker quarterly performance, first-half net profit stood at RM155mil, or 51.30 sen.
Quarterly revenue declined to RM434.7mil, while first-half revenue amounted to RM1.1bil.
Heineken Malaysia said the performance reflected subdued consumer demand and ongoing inventory normalisation across the customer and distributor network, which began in the first quarter of 2026.
“As the group progresses through this short-term adjustment period, these actions are helping align inventory levels with underlying demand and position the business for long-term growth.”
The board declared a single-tier interim dividend of 40 sen per share for the six months ended June 30, 2026. The dividend will be paid on Oct 14, 2026, with an entitlement date of Sept 24, 2026.
“Amid softer consumer demand and inventory normalisation in the first half of 2026, we remained focused on strengthening the foundations of the business for long-term growth. We continue to advance key EverGreen 2030 priorities, including strengthening execution, advancing digital transformation and preparing for export opportunities.
“These initiatives ensure that Heineken Malaysia remains agile and future-ready to capture growth opportunities. The Board’s decision to declare an interim dividend reflects our confidence in the long-term growth strategy of the business,” van Keulen said.
Heineken Malaysia said its export operations remain on track to commence in the third quarter of 2026, in line with its EverGreen 2030 strategy to optimise supply chain capacity, enhance economies of scale and improve operational efficiency.
The group is also planning to modernise its production lines to strengthen manufacturing capabilities and improve operational and cost efficiency to support future growth.
