{
  "id": 18433880,
  "title": "F&N Q4 net profit rises 18.2pct on lower tax expenses",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/f-n-q4-net-profit-rises-18-2pct-on-lower-tax-expenses",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-11-06T03:22:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2026/11/1571968/fn-q4-net-profit-rises-182pct-lower-tax-expenses"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (F&N) reported an 18.2% increase in net profit for the fourth quarter ended September 30, 2026, reaching RM135.05 million, up from RM114.29 million a year ago. This improvement was primarily due to reduced tax expenses. However, revenue fell by 3.1% to RM1.19 billion, from RM1.23 billion, driven by shifts in product mix and promotional activities. Operating profit remained stable at RM173.7 million, compared to RM173.8 million the previous year, according to a filing with Bursa Malaysia. The company cited higher operating costs at F&N AgriValley, weaker food and beverage operations in Indochina, and unfavorable foreign exchange movements as factors affecting performance. For the full year, net profit declined 14% to RM437.09 million, while revenue dropped 5.3% to RM4.92 billion, attributed to increased costs from new investments, ongoing sales disruptions in Cambodia, and currency fluctuations. The Malaysian operations saw a 3.3% revenue increase to RM3.06 billion, driven by stronger domestic sales of beverages, water, and dairy products, along with broader distribution and enhanced execution across various trade channels. Export volumes grew due to increased market penetration in Africa, ASEAN, and other regions, despite the weaker US dollar affecting export revenue. Indochina operations' revenue fell 16.6% to RM1.86 billion, influenced by persistent border disruptions in Cambodia, sluggish economic conditions, and reduced tourism in Thailand. F&N CEO Tarang Gupta emphasized that Malaysia and Thailand remain key business pillars, backed by strong brands, consumer loyalty, and disciplined execution. The company aims to stabilize and grow its newer businesses, F&N AgriValley and manufacturing operations in Cambodia, where milk yields reached 30 litres per cow per day, surpassing the Malaysian industry average. F&N is also expanding its market presence and distribution network under its Reach Competitively strategy, launching new product flavors and expanded plant-based beverage offerings. Looking ahead, F&N plans to enhance commercial execution and operational efficiency to support growth, with immediate focus on productivity and efficiency at F&N AgriValley and expanded production in Cambodia through its new manufacturing facility. The group proposed a final dividend of 30 sen per share, down from 35 sen the previous year, totaling 60 sen per share for FY2026.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd's (F&N) net profit rose 18.2 per cent to RM135.05 million in the fourth quarter ended Sept 30, 2026, from RM114.29 million a year earlier, mainly due to lower tax expenses.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}