Lotte Chemical Titan posts RM245.5 million loss as costs rise
Quarterly revenue increased 17%, while depreciation and interest charges tied to its Indonesian project added to earnings pressure.
Cost pressures deepened Lotte Chemical Titan Holding Bhd’s loss in 3QFY2026 to RM245.5 million, versus RM168.84 million a year earlier. In its bourse filing, the petrochemical group cited more expensive feedstock, increased depreciation and interest charges, and weaker margins.
Revenue reached RM2.85 billion for the quarter ending Sept 30, 2026, a 17% increase from RM2.45 billion. The group attributed the rise mainly to improved average selling prices, with reduced sales volumes and US dollar weakness against the ringgit limiting the gains.
The group attributed the additional depreciation and interest costs to the Lotte Chemical Indonesia New Ethylene (LINE) project. Commercial operations there started on Oct 15, 2025. Inventory write-down reversals and its share of earnings from associate Lotte Chemical USA Corp provided some relief.
For 9MFY2026, the loss reached RM542.39 million, against RM467.60 million a year earlier. Revenue climbed to RM8.49 billion from RM5.37 billion, an increase of 58%, with LINE sales contributions and improved average selling prices supporting the result.
Chairman and chief executive officer Jang Seon Pyo said uncertainty surrounding geopolitics and the wider economy was affecting energy markets and global supply chains. He said subdued downstream demand remained a drag on margins, while exchange-rate movements could also affect financial performance.
The stock finished at 32 sen, gaining half a sen or 1.59%. Its closing market capitalisation was RM740 million.
