Eco-Shop's 4Q profit slips 10% on higher costs, but FY2025 earnings rise 17%
Net profit — excluding one-off listing expenses — fell to RM57 million from RM63.4 million a year earlier, the group said in a filing.
This came as selling, distribution and administrative expenses surged 65.1% to RM155.4 million, driven by network growth, the full-quarter impact of the Feb 1 minimum wage revision, and listing-related fees of RM7.6 million.
Quarterly revenue, however, rose 7.5% year-on-year to RM689 million, supported by the net addition of 22 new stores and a pricing revision introduced in mid-April, which raised product prices to RM2.60 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM2.80 in East Malaysia.
The pricing adjustment helped lift Eco-Shop's gross profit margin to 31.9%, up from 27.2% in 4QFY2024, aided further by a favourable product mix and currency gains in procurement.
The company declared a 1 sen interim single-tier dividend, amounting to RM57.5 million, payable on Aug 26.
For the full financial year ended May 31, 2025 (FY25), Eco-Shop reported a 17% increase in adjusted net profit to RM213.7 million, while revenue rose 16% to RM2.8 billion.
The group opened 74 new outlets during the year, bringing its total store count to 371.
The company noted a marginal 0.4% decline in same-store sales growth (SSSG) for FY2025, attributed to initial consumer pushback following the April price increase.
Nonetheless, its CEO Jessica Ng said the group remains upbeat about its long-term prospects.
'Our confidence is underpinned by the continued expansion of our store network and rising consumer demand for value-driven retail.
'Despite the setback in SSSG, we anticipate margins and performance to remain healthy or continue improving,' she said. — TMR
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RHB Research pointed out that Eco-Shop is focused on opening at least 70 new outlets per year. PETALING JAYA: Eco-Shop Marketing Bhd 's slower same store sales growth is outweighed by its strong gross profit margin expansion, analysts say. In Eco-Shop's recently announced results for its financial year ended May 31, 2025 (FY25), gross profit margin grew by 1.8 percentage points to 28.2%. Same store sales growth, however, declined marginally by 0.4%. RHB Research said Eco-Shop's FY25 results have surpassed expectations on strong profit margin expansion. 'We foresee the affordable goods sector continuing to grow rapidly by capitalising on the trend of consumers trading down, thanks to the wide value-for-money product range. 'With this, Eco-Shop offers earnings visibility, and, at the same time, robust earnings growth fostered by outlet expansion plans to extend its dominant market share. 'Such a scarce investment case should justify a premium valuation,' the research house said. RHB Research has reiterated its 'buy' rating on the Eco-Shop stock with a target price of RM1.51 per share. The target price implies a price-earnings multiple of 31 times on its FY26 earnings, higher than the sector average. In FY25, Eco-Shop's revenue jumped by 16% to RM2.8bil, underpinned by 74 net new store additions. A price increase in April expanded FY25's gross profit margin, more than offsetting the rise in operating expenditure stemming from higher minimum wages. Correspondingly, FY25's core net profit surged 17% to RM214mil. Quarter-on-quarter, revenue for the fourth quarter of FY25 (4Q25) dipped 6% to RM689mil after volume declined in reaction to the price increase. Consequently, 4Q25 core net profit fell 9% to RM57mil as gross profit margin expansion after one-and-a-half-months of higher prices was insufficient to offset the topline weakness and higher operating expenditure. In addition, RM5mil in expenses were incurred in 4Q25 to replace price tags, banners and billboards. Looking ahead, RHB Research pointed out that Eco-Shop is focused on opening at least 70 new outlets per year in order to penetrate underserved markets and consolidate its market leadership in the burgeoning sector. Meanwhile, it recently launched targeted marketing campaigns to drive footfall and sales by leveraging on its elevated gross profit margin.
New Straits Times
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