KUALA LUMPUR: Samchem Holdings Bhd
's net profit surged to RM17.06mil in the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2026 (3Q26), from RM4.53mil a year earlier, driven by higher gross profit margins.
Revenue rose 7.5% to RM299.29mil from RM278.38mil, mainly due to higher average selling prices.
The chemical distributor’s earnings per share increased to 3.14 sen from 0.83 sen previously.
For the nine months ended Sept 30, 2026, Samchem's net profit rose to RM59.94mil from RM13.56mil in the corresponding period last year.
Revenue for the period increased 2.8% to RM870.09mil from RM846.17mil, while pre-tax profit climbed to RM89.28mil from RM20.81mil, mainly due to higher gross profit margins.
Looking ahead, Samchem said it remained cautiously optimistic despite uncertainties surrounding US trade policies, geopolitical tensions and volatility in energy prices.
The group said disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz had pushed up crude oil prices and tightened chemical supplies, resulting in higher selling prices across the chemical sector.
“This in turn has led to an overall increase in chemical selling prices for the chemical sector as a whole, compared with the weaker pricing conditions experienced previously.
“In this environment, our margins are better supported from a firmer pricing environment given our supply chain resilience, diversification and regionalisation within South East Asia,” it noted.
However, Samchem cautioned that volatility in crude oil and petrochemical feedstock prices could prompt customers to adopt a more cautious approach to purchasing and inventory management.
The group said its planned investment in a new terminal project was expected to generate a more stable and recurring income stream while strengthening its warehousing, logistics, storage and distribution capabilities.
