KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 (Bernama) — CIMB Group Holdings Berhad (“CIMB” or “the Group”) recorded a resilient financial performance with profit before tax (“PBT”) of RM5.27 billion and net profit of RM3.86 billion for the first half ended 30 June 2025, despite macroeconomic headwinds, increased market volatility and FX translation effects. Although 1H25 net profit declined by 0.9% YoY, on a constant currency basis, 1H25 net profit would have increased by 3.3%. Despite the challenging environment, the Group delivered an annualised return on average equity (“ROE”) of 11.1% and an earnings per share (“EPS”) of 36.0 sen. Accordingly, the Group proposed an all-cash first interim dividend of 19.75 sen per share based on a consistent payout ratio of 55.5%, which translates to a total dividend payout of RM2.1 billion.
Operating income increased 1.9% QoQ for the Group, driven by both net interest income (“NII”) and non-interest income (“NOII”), resulting in Pre-Provision Operating Profit (“PPOP”) rising 4.5% QoQ. NII remained stable at RM3.83 billion, up 0.4% QoQ despite continued rate cuts in Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore, while NOII grew 5.3% QoQ, on the back of strong trading income, which rose 10.4% QoQ. A deposit-led strategy combined with prudent asset-liability management also helped to keep NIM steady at 2.15% in 2Q25.