KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 28): CIMB Group Holdings Bhd's (KL:CIMB) net profit came in slightly higher in the second quarter ended June 30, 2026 (2QFY2026), supported by broad-based performance across all businesses.
Earnings at Malaysia's second-largest lender by assets rose 1.2% to RM1.94 billion from RM1.89 billion a year ago. Earnings per share stood at 17.94 sen compared with 17.57 sen.
Quarterly revenue slipped to RM5.56 billion from RM5.6 billion a year earlier, according to a bourse filing.
The group declared an all-cash first interim dividend of 19.65 sen per share, based on a consistent payout ratio of 55%, translating into a total dividend payout of RM2.1 billion.
For the first six months of FY2026, net profit slipped to RM3.85 billion compared with RM3.86 billion a year earlier. Revenue during the period also slid to RM10.97 billion compared with RM11.10 billion previously.
In a statement, CIMB said second-quarter profit growth from the preceding quarter was supported by both net interest income and non-interest income, driven by asset and loan growth, higher franchise fees and sustained client sales momentum.
The group expects net interest margin pressure to progressively ease, supported by loan repricing in Indonesia and continued growth in lower-cost deposits across its key markets.
Operating expenses also declined as CIMB continued to simplify processes and maintain cost discipline, while investing in technology, data and artificial intelligence capabilities.
Group chief executive officer Novan Amirudin said CIMB's Forward30 strategy was on track, with the group focused on sustaining asset and loan growth in the second half of the year.
“Our Forward30 execution momentum remains firmly on track. As we enter the second half of the year, our focus remains on sustaining strong asset and loan growth, underpinned by a healthy loan pipeline,” he said.
CIMB also plans to pursue growth opportunities across Asean, particularly in AI and data centres, wealth and cross-border trade.
As at noon break on Friday, CIMB shares were down nine sen or 1.12% at RM7.98, valuing the group at RM86.3 billion.