KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 - Esso Malaysia Berhad today announced the Company's third quarter results for the year ended September 30, 2010 as follows:

The Company recorded an after tax profit of RM15 million in the third quarter, an improvement compared to RM18 million loss recorded in the same quarter of 2009, reflecting stronger margin and higher forex gain, which were partially offset by lower volume.  This brings the year-to-date profit to RM147 million compared to profit of RM162 million in same period of 2009.

During the quarter, the Port Dickson Refinery safely executed a planned shutdown for major plant maintenance.

Revenues for the third quarter declined to RM1.8 billion from RM2.4 billion recorded in the same quarter last year mainly driven by lower volume due to the refinery planned shutdown. Revenues for the nine months at RM6.1 billion were 5% higher than for the same period of 2009 mainly due to higher average product prices.

Global economic trends will continue to influence the crude price environment and industry outlook. Recognising that potential for earnings volatility remains, the Company will continue to focus on flawless operations, product and service quality and cost control.