Solid Start For Public Bank With Revenue Of RM7.3 Billion And Profit Of RM1.7 Billion

Public Bank Group announced its financial performance for the first quarter ended 31 March 2025, with pre-tax profit reaching RM2.31 billion, an 8.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The Group's net profit also saw growth, rising by 5.6% to RM1.75 billion.
The Group's net interest and financing income increased by 3.5% to RM2.80 billion, supported by a stable net interest margin and growth in loans and deposits. Non-interest income showed a stronger increase, rising by 18.9% to RM772.1 million.
Key financial indicators reported by Public Bank include: Total loans and deposits expanded at annualised growth rates of 5.6% and 3.5%, respectively.
Net return on equity was 12.4%.
Cost-to-income ratio stood at 35.0%.
Gross impaired loans ratio was 0.5%.
Loan-to-fund and equity ratio was 83.9%.
Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 14.0%, and the total capital ratio was 16.8%.
On prospects, the banking group acknowledged concerns about potential disruptions to international trade due to reciprocal tariffs announced by the United States. While a 90-day pause has been implemented, uncertainties remain about the long-term impact on global growth.
The bank noted that Malaysia, being an open economy and a key trade partner to the US, is susceptible to these trade tensions. However, it also pointed to supportive domestic measures such as wage hikes, ongoing infrastructure projects, a stable employment market, and a diversified economic structure, which are expected to mitigate some of the downside risks.
Tan Sri Tay, in the statement, emphasised the Public Bank Group's commitment to maintaining long-term resilience and sustainable growth. The Group plans to focus on its core competencies, capitalize on emerging opportunities and support customers in adapting to the evolving economic landscape Related

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Sun

2 days ago

• The Sun

Easou Technology Holdings Limited Enters into Agreement to Raise Over HKD 180 Million Through Share Placement

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 June 2025 - Easou Technology Holdings Limited （'Easou' or the 'Company,' together with its subsidiaries, collectively referred to as the 'Group'; HKEX stock code: 2550）a leading AI-powered search and recommendation technology company, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a placing agreement with Growth Value LTD to raise approximately HKD 183.5 million through the placement of 57,330,000 new shares (the 'Placing Shares') at a placing price of HKD 3.2 per share (the 'Placing'). The Company presently intends to use the net proceeds from the Placing to fund: the research and development of its AI recommendation engine and artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC), enabling new application scenarios across various entertainment verticals. Proceeds will support the expansion of its online gaming and short drama content in overseas markets, as well as the ongoing upgrades and development of its intelligent advertising platforms. This transaction will strengthen Easou's capital base and enhance its financial position and net assets base for long-term development and growth. The funds raised will enhance the Group's research and development capabilities, reinforce its technological edge, support its positioning as a third-party online reading platform, and accelerate the expansion of its digital marketing services and international business. In a demonstration of confidence in the Company's future, Mr. Wang Xi, Executive Director, Chairman, and CEO of Easou, has voluntarily committed not to sell any of his shares for 75 days from the date of the agreement. Mr. Wang Xi commented: 'This fundraising marks a pivotal step in the Group's strategy to build its AI+ content ecosystem. By prioritizing investment in the research and development of AI recommendation engines and AIGC technologies, we are empowering the growth of our digital marketing services while accelerating the rollout of high-potential content formats such as short dramas and online games. At the same time, our overseas expansion strategy is aimed at capturing the vast opportunities presented by the global AI market. This transaction will significantly enhance Easou's capital base and investor foundation, further strengthening our leadership in the rapidly evolving AI era.'

The Star

3 days ago

• The Star

South Korea President Lee wraps up G7 summit with 'new leap forward in diplomacy'

CALGARY, (Canada)/SEOUL: President Lee Jae Myung wrapped up Wednesday (June 18) his three-day visit to Canada, where he attended the Group of Seven summit as a guest — a milestone his administration has touted as the restoration of South Korea's summit diplomacy. Before heading back to Seoul, Lee hailed the G7 summit and a flurry of bilateral talks as 'signaling a new leap forward in South Korea's diplomacy,' in a post on his Facebook account. The trip, which marked Lee's debut on the global stage just two weeks after taking office, served as an opportunity for the new president to reassure South Korea's international partners of its economic and security stability, according to his office. The G7 Summit offered Lee an early platform to engage with the G7 leaders and other invited heads of state, allowing him to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties while outlining his vision for 'pragmatic diplomacy,' his office said. According to officials, many of the leaders he met commended South Korea's recent restoration of democratic stability following its domestic political crisis. "South Korea's summit diplomacy has been fully restored," Wi Sung-lac, director of the presidential National Security Office, told reporters Tuesday. "Amid the seismic shift in the world's economic security landscape, South Korea actively engaged in discussions over global current affairs while manifesting (South Korea's) visions and roles," he added. According to the presidential office, Lee delivered remarks twice during the expanded G7 summit session on Tuesday afternoon. Behind closed doors, Lee's remarks heralded South Korea's vision of seeking international cooperation to make artificial intelligence technology available to all humankind, in line with his campaign pledges. Lee proposed the idea of turning South Korea into the "leading AI hub" through the so-called "nationwide AI transformation" bolstered by aggressive tax relief, a deregulatory push and a private-sector fund composed of contributions from ordinary citizens. Lee also noted in his remarks that increased electricity consumption due to the rise of AI highlights the importance of robust energy security and stability in supply chains of energy-related critical minerals. To achieve this, Lee expressed his determination to seek stronger ties with producers of critical minerals through bilateral and multilateral partnerships. Related moves are already underway, including South Korea's participation in the Minerals Security Partnership and the launch of a critical minerals dialogue between South Korea and Africa. Lee also proposed the launch of energy infrastructure with enhanced efficiency, including projects such as the so-called "energy highway," or ultrahigh-voltage direct current transmission cables built underwater. He also proposed the introduction of microgrids, energy storage systems, and an AI-powered electricity supply system to boost efficiency. Moreover, as a G7 guest, Lee signed two documents at the summit, which are the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter and the G7 Critical Mineral Action Plan. "These achievements clearly proved South Korea's status as a 'G7 Plus' country," Wi said, suggesting that Lee's attendance boded well for the Lee administration's efforts to position South Korea for inclusion in a potential expanded G7 forum. A widely anticipated meeting between Lee and US President Donald Trump did not ultimately occur during his three-day visit, as the US leader abruptly cut short his trip late Monday amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran. Lee's office said it will continue to seek a one-on-one meeting with Trump at an early date, aiming to inject momentum into ongoing working-level trade talks between Seoul and Washington. The talks are under growing time pressure, with a 90-day pause on proposed 25 percent "reciprocal" tariffs set to expire on July 9. One possible venue for a bilateral meeting is the upcoming NATO summit in the Netherlands, scheduled for June 24–25 should both leaders attend. - The Korea Herald/ANN

The Star

3 days ago

• The Star

Trading ideas: Public Bank, DNeX, Food Life, Master TEC, MN, Guocoland, Capital A, Kobay, LGMS, Pharmaniaga, Scientex

KUALA LUMPUR: Here is a recap of the announcements that made headlines in Corporate Malaysia. Public Bank ordered to pay RM90mn in damages to the National Feedlot Corporation for confidentiality breach. Dagang Nexchange Bhd has secured a RM103.8mn contract from the government to continue providing support for the Integrated Government Financial and Management Systems over a period of 60 months. Food Life Sdn Bhd a wholly-owned subsidiary of Farm Price Holdings Berhad, has entered into agreements to acquire assets and a business from Hong Yun Vegetables and Fruits Sdn Bhd, as well as assets from D & D Sinma 8888 Univeg Trading for a total of RM4.5mn in cash. Master TEC Group Bhd has entered into a MoU with Yangtze (Jiangsu) Marine Technology Company Limited to explore collaboration on high-specification and next-generation cable solutions for Malaysia's growing power infrastructure market. MN Holdings Bhd has secured a RM39.6mn contract for the expansion of the electrical supply system for a cable landing station located at a data centre in southern Peninsular Malaysia. Guocoland (Malaysia) Bhd said the group faces a net financial impact of RM5.5mn following an arbitration ruling against its wholly owned subsidiary over a disputed project termination. The CEO of Capital A Group, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, said on Wednesday the owner of AirAsia is in talks to buy 50 to 70 Airbus A321XLR jets in coming months, but that the first priority is to complete the group's restructuring. Kobay Technology Bhd plans to reallocate RM20.7mn — part of the funds originally set aside for its aluminium business expansion — to develop manufacturing services for the electronic and electrical sector. LGMS Bhd is seeking a transfer of its shares to the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia from the ACE Market. Pharmaniaga Bhd said it will continue to stay in the black for the FY2025 after making a turnaround last year, according to its managing director Zulkifli Jafar. The group is targeting to deliver FY2025 revenue of RM4bn a profit after tax of RM60mn. Scientex Bhd saw its net profit slip over 5% to RM123.9mn in 3QFY25 as the improved operating profit at its property segment was more than offset by a weaker packaging division.