YTL posts 19% rise in quarterly profit after tax to RM788 million

KUALA LUMPUR, 7 AUGUST 2026 —

YTL Corporation Bhd posted a 19% increase in profit after tax to RM788 million in the second quarter ended Dec 31, 2025, compared with RM664.3 million in the previous three months.

Executive Chairman Tan Sri Francis Yeoh Sock Ping said the group’s “solid results” reflected contributions from all business segments except construction and utilities. “Revenue approximated that of the previous quarter,” he said.

YTL Power International Bhd, the group’s energy arm, posted a 4% drop in revenue to RM5.3 billion but profit after tax fell 5% to RM462.3 million. Tan Sri Yeoh said lower vesting margins in Singapore and a stronger ringgit reduced translated earnings.

“As earnings are contributed in foreign currency, profits translated into ringgit are lower following the strengthening of the ringgit,” he said.

Malayan Cement Bhd, another unit, reported a 4% rise in revenue to RM1.3 billion and a 16% jump in profit after tax to RM233.3 million. The board declared a 6 sen interim dividend.

Tan Sri Yeoh said higher profit was driven by lower energy costs and operational efficiencies, including AI optimisation.

YTL Hospitality REIT’s revenue rose 10% to RM154.5 million, with net property income up 11% to RM85.9 million. Income available for distribution stood at RM28.9 million.

Tan Sri Yeoh said seasonal demand lifted room rates and occupancy. The REIT declared a 3.0811 sen interim distribution per unit.

Group EBITDA for the six months to Dec 31, 2025 fell 4% to RM4.5 billion from RM4.7 billion a year earlier, reflecting weaker contributions from power and construction.

Analysts said the mixed quarter underscored the impact of foreign-exchange movements on translated earnings. “The stronger ringgit is a clear headwind for Malaysian groups with overseas income,” said an economist at MIDF Amanah Investment Bank.

The construction and utilities segments lagged, offsetting gains in property and hospitality. Tan Sri Yeoh said the group would focus on cost discipline and selective overseas expansion to cushion currency effects.

YTL’s shares were down 0.5% at RM6.10 in mid-morning trade, trimming year-to-date gains to 3.2%. The broader FBM KLCI added 0.2%.

The group’s diversified revenue streams helped offset weaker segments, but investors remain cautious on foreign-exchange volatility. “The ringgit’s strength is a double-edged sword—it benefits import costs but reduces translated earnings,” said a fund manager at a local asset manager.

Related: YTL · Kuala Lumpur