CIMB GROUP 3Q NET PROFIT RISES TO RM2.08 BLN, DECLARES SPECIAL DIVIDEND OF SEVEN SEN

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- CIMB Group Holdings Bhd’s net profit for the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2025 (3Q 2025) increased to RM2.08 billion from RM2.03 billion in the same period last year.

Revenue also rose to RM5.95 billion from RM5.74 billion previously.

CIMB said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia today that its 3Q 2025 operating income grew 3.6 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y), buoyed by higher non-interest income (NOII) from robust trading and foreign exchange income, partially offset by lower net interest income (NII).

“Consumer banking profit before tax (PBT) declined by 25 per cent y-o-y to RM685 million from lower NII due to net interest margin (NIM) pressure and higher provisions, while commercial banking PBT was 16.6 per cent lower y-o-y from the weaker topline and increased provisions.

“Wholesale banking PBT rose 57.5 per cent y-o-y mainly due to expected credit loss writebacks in 3Q 2025,” it added.

For the nine months, CIMB’s net profit was slightly higher at RM5.94 billion from RM5.93 billion, while revenue rose to RM17.05 billion from RM16.97 billion previously.

On a constant currency basis, total deposits and current account saving account (CASA) balances grew by 9.1 per cent to RM518.1 billion and 15.3 per cent y-o-y respectively increasing the group’s CASA ratio to 44.1 per cent as at Sept 2025.

“This is attributable to the group’s Forward30 cash strategy which successfully cushioned NIM compression this year as a result of the persistent rate cuts,” it added.

It said gross loans expanded 3.3 per cent y-o-y to RM448.2 billion and assets grew 5.1 per cent y-o-y to RM778.5 billion.

Meanwhile, CIMB said its asset quality remained stable, supported by continued corporate recoveries in 3Q 2025 as total provisions declined to RM330 million, reflecting stable credit performance across key portfolios.

On prospects, the group said it remained positive on the macroeconomic and business outlook for the remainder of 2025 as the potential economic benefits from a tapering global interest rate environment are offset by continued geopolitical uncertainties, volatile markets and tariff-related developments.

“The Forward30 strategic plan will continue to guide the group’s focus on CASA and balance sheet growth, risk-adjusted return on capital driven capital reallocation strategies, disciplined cost management and ensuring sustained asset quality monitoring,” it said.

The group declared a single-tier special dividend of seven sen per share for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2025, to be paid on Dec 24, 2025, which will amount to RM754 million based on current shares, or up to RM760 million if all eligible employee stock options are exercised.

-- BERNAMA