KUALA LUMPUR: Tasco Bhd
remains cautiously optimistic over its prospects for the remainder of 2026 as air freight is expected to benefit from the diversion of time-sensitive shipments amid ongoing geopolitical disruptions and changes in global trade routes.
The group said it also expects to benefit from the additional revenue contributions from its recently
completed warehouse projects, SALC and PKLC, as their operations gain further traction.
This comes as the group announced a lower net profit of RM8.21mil in the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2026, against RM9.62mil in the year-ago quarter. Quarterly revenue, however, rose to RM270.03mil from RM231.58mil in the previous corresponding quarter.
The group said the weaker bottomline was owing mainly to higher financing costs arising from the drawdown of borrowings to fund the recently completed key capital projects, namely the Shah Alam Logistics Centre (SALC) and the Port Klang Logistics Centre (PKLC).
It said both warehouses have commenced operations and started contributing to the group's revenue, with their contributions expected to become more evident in the second half of the financial year.
For the nine-month period, Tasco's net profit was RM16.74mil down from RM18.81mil in 9MFY25, while revenue rose to RM515.26mil from RM454.15mil previously.
For the final quarter of 2026, the group flagged downside risks, including a slowdown in global trade, prolonged geopolitical conflicts, escalating trade tensions, exchange rate volatility, rising operating and compliance costs, as well as additional labour cost pressures arising from the forthcoming minimum wage adjustment.
Conversely, the ongoing reconfiguration of global supply chains and trade route diversification may continue to create business opportunities for the group.
"The group will remain focused on strengthening operational efficiency, managing costs and capitalising on emerging opportunities amid the evolving business environment," it said in its results filing with Bursa Malaysia.
