Shah Alam, September 3, 2025 — Unitrade Industries Bhd, one of Malaysia’s largest homegrown wholesalers and distributors of building materials, is charting a confident course into the new financial year, with its first-quarter turnaround setting the tone for a stronger FY2026.
The group posted a profit after tax and non-controlling interests (PATNCI) of RM6.4 million in 1QFY26, rebounding sharply from a loss of RM6.0 million in 4QFY25. Management attributes the performance to a realignment of its wholesale product portfolio, growing traction in renewable energy, and an expanding presence in the metal recycling business.
Speaking at the company’s 4th Annual General Meeting for the financial year ended March 31, 2025, Group Managing Director Nomis Sim Siang Leng said the transformation was laying the foundation for sustainable growth.
“FY2025 was a challenging year marked by market uncertainties and impairments, but we remained steadfast in resetting for resilience,” said Sim. “By streamlining our wholesale mix, reinforcing our recycling operations, and expanding solar distribution, we have strengthened our long-term profitability profile.”
Balanced Revenue Mix, Green Businesses Drive Growth
Nearly half of Unitrade’s revenue now stems from green businesses, particularly metal recycling and renewable energy. This shift marks a significant departure from the group’s traditional reliance on high-volume, low-margin wholesale building materials.
“Unitrade is evolving from a conventional distributor into one with synergistic upstream verticals,” Sim added.
The renewable energy division has grown around its comprehensive solar distribution suite, which includes solar panels, inverters, mounting brackets, cables, EV chargers, batteries, and optimisers. The segment is supported by national policies such as the Large-Scale Solar (LSS) programme and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), both of which are accelerating Malaysia’s shift towards cleaner energy.
Construction Sector Outlook Favourable
The broader construction sector provides another tailwind. In the first half of 2025, Malaysia recorded RM86.8 billion in construction work value, up 14.7% year-on-year, with further expansion expected under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030), which allocates RM430 billion in development expenditure.
Meanwhile, the recovery in steel prices, supported by China’s anti-involution policy, is expected to benefit Unitrade’s steel-based building materials distribution.
Nationwide Expansion in Metal Recycling
Unitrade also expanded its metal recycling operations into East Malaysia in April 2025, cementing a nationwide presence. The move is expected to enhance its earnings base, support Malaysia’s circular economy, and drive stronger contributions from this high-potential division.
Commitment to Shareholders
The group maintains a dividend policy of up to 30% of PATNCI, underscoring its commitment to rewarding shareholders while ensuring balance between financial resilience and long-term growth.
With renewed momentum across its core and green businesses, Unitrade aims to sustain its turnaround throughout FY26, positioning itself as a leading integrated player in Malaysia’s construction supply chain and renewable energy ecosystem.
