Malaysia: Heineken Malaysia Bhd posts 1% increase in Q3 net profit

Heineken Malaysia Bhd has posted a 1% year-on-year increase in net profit to RM113 million for the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2025 (3Q25), driven by higher revenue and disciplined cost management, The Malaysian Reserve reported on November 6.

The brewer’s revenue rose 6% to RM656 million from RM619 million a year earlier, supported by effective revenue management and enhanced distribution efforts.

Profit before tax grew 16% to RM149 million from RM129 million, reflecting improved operational efficiency.

For the nine-month period, group revenue slipped 1% to RM1.96 billion while PBT rose 2% to RM419 million.

Net profit eased 2% to RM318 million from RM326 million previously.

Its MD Martijn van Keulen said the results demonstrate Heineken Malaysia’s resilience amid a volatile operating environment and the recent excise duty increase.

“While the trading environment remains challenging, particularly with the excise duty increase effective Nov 1, 2025, we are proactively implementing strategic measures to safeguard profitability and our value growth ambition as we enter the final quarter,” he said

Martijn also reiterated concerns about the government’s excise duty hike announced in Budget 2026, noting that Malaysia already has one of the highest beer excise rates in the world.

He warned that the increase could widen the price gap with illicit beer, which accounts for an estimated 25% of local consumption and results in about RM1.2 billion in lost tax revenue annually.

No dividend was declared for the quarter.

Looking ahead, Heineken Malaysia said it will continue to strengthen its core business, enhance operational efficiency, and execute strategic commercial initiatives under its EverGreen strategy.