Malaysian Stock Earnings Season: Who Will Take the Lead in the Banking Sector?
Hi Mooers! 👋
Malaysia’s earnings season is heating up — and all eyes are on bank stocks!
Malaysia’s earnings season is heating up — and all eyes are on bank stocks!
(Poll ends at 17:00 MYT on May 28)

After recent market corrections, investor expectations are mixed. Will solid earnings trigger a rebound — or will markets stay cautious?
● 100,000 Points Pool: Mooers who make the correct guess will share 100,000 points equally.
● 300 Points: For the top 3 comments sharing quality insights or outlooks on any of the four banks.
● 300 Points: For the top 3 comments sharing quality insights or outlooks on any of the four banks.
📝 Note
1. Rewards will be distributed within 15 working days after the earnings of the four banks are announced.
2. Top 3 comments are selected based on quality, originality, and engagement.
2. Top 3 comments are selected based on quality, originality, and engagement.
💬 Join the conversation in the Topic MY Earnings Season — share your trades, predictions, and P/L for a chance to win more rewards!
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Skyrye7 : As of mid-2025, CIMB Group Holdings Berhad is strategically positioned for sustainable growth across ASEAN, building upon its strong financial performance in 2024 and the launch of its Forward30 strategic plan.
Financial Performance and Stability
In 2024, CIMB achieved a net profit of RM7.73 billion, marking a 10.7% increase year-on-year. The bank's Return on Equity (ROE) improved to 11.2%, up from 10.7% in 2023. Operating income rose by 6.1% to RM22.30 billion, driven by healthy loan growth and an 8.1% increase in non-interest income. The cost-to-income ratio improved to 46.7%, reflecting disciplined cost management. CIMB's Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio stood at a robust 14.6%, underscoring its capital strength.
Forward30 Strategic Plan
Launched in March 2025, the Forward30 plan outlines CIMB's roadmap through 2030, focusing on:
- Capital Optimization: Reallocating resources to strengthen the overall portfolio.
- Deposit Franchise Enhancement: Aiming to reduce the cost of funds by 10 to 20 basis points by 2030.
- Cross-Selling Initiatives: Implementing a "one-bank" approach to offer integrated financial solutions.
- Capability Development: Embracing a 'Simpler, Better, Faster' approach to increase productivity and efficiency.
- By 2030, CIMB targets a top-three Net Promoter Score, a CASA ratio of 45%, and a non-interest income ratio between 33% and 34%.
- Digital Transformation and Innovation: CIMB is investing significantly in technology to enhance its digital banking capabilities:
- Mobile Banking: The revamped CIMB OCTO app offers improved user experience, multi-device login, and enhanced security features.
- SME Solutions: OCTOBiz provides SMEs with integrated tools for invoicing, payments, and financing.
- AI and Analytics: The bank is leveraging AI for fraud detection, risk monitoring, and customer insights, aiming to improve operational efficiency and customer experience.
Sustainability and ESG Commitment
CIMB has mobilized RM117.0 billion in Green, Social, and Sustainable Impact Products and Services, surpassing its RM100 billion target ahead of schedule. The bank is recognized in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025 and ranks first globally among 400 financial institutions in the World Benchmarking Alliance’s 2025 Financial System Benchmark. CIMB is also the first Malaysian bank to set and announce decarbonization targets across six sectors.
Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
CIMB anticipates continued resilience across its ASEAN markets, with a focus on profitability and sustainable growth. The bank aims to strengthen its deposit franchise, enhance digital offerings, and maintain robust asset quality. Strategic investments in technology and a commitment to ESG principles position CIMB to navigate external uncertainties and capitalize on growth opportunities in the region.
In summary, CIMB's strategic initiatives and strong financial foundation suggest a positive trajectory for the bank's business outlook, with a focus on digital innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric growth across ASEAN.
Lucas Cheah : $MAYBANK (1155.MY)$
Company’s Position in the Banking Industry
How the Company Makes Money
What to Watch in Company’s Upcoming Earnings
Risks and Challenges
Outlook for 2025
Summary
Maybank is Malaysia’s largest financial services group and one of the leading banking groups in Southeast Asia. It is also among the top five banks in the ASEAN region by total assets. With operations in over 18 countries and more than 40,000 employees, Maybank offers a wide range of financial services, including consumer banking, corporate banking, Islamic finance, asset management, and insurance.
In Malaysia, Maybank is a household name and enjoys strong customer trust, a wide branch network, and leading positions in key financial services such as mortgages, credit cards, and Islamic banking.
Maybank generates income from several key sources:
1. Net Interest Income (NII)
o This is the interest earned from loans and financing activities (e.g., mortgages, business loans) minus the interest paid to depositors. It’s the core earnings driver for any traditional bank.
2. Non-Interest Income (Fee-Based Income)
o Includes income from fees (like fund transfers, ATM usage), trading & investment gains, wealth management, and insurance commissions.
3. Islamic Banking
o Maybank Islamic is a major contributor, offering Shariah-compliant financial services, which are in high demand in Malaysia and the region.
4. Insurance & Takaful
o Through its Etiqa brand, Maybank earns insurance premiums and provides both conventional and Islamic insurance.
5. Overseas Operations
o Key markets include Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines, contributing to earnings diversification.
1. Net Interest Margin (NIM)
o NIM measures how efficiently Maybank is earning from its loans vs. what it pays depositors. Watch for any expansion (good sign) or compression (bad sign), especially amid changes in the central bank's policy rates.
2. Loan Growth
o Look for whether loan demand is growing, especially in sectors like housing, SMEs, and corporate loans.
3. Asset Quality & Impairment Charges
o Check the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio. If this is rising, it means more borrowers are defaulting, which could hurt profits. Also watch for provisions (money set aside for bad loans).
4. Fee-Based Income Recovery
o Any rebound in wealth management, card usage, and insurance services can boost non-interest income.
5. Dividend Outlook
o Maybank is popular among income investors for its consistent dividend. Any update on dividend payout policy or guidance is critical.
• Economic Slowdown
A weak economy may hurt loan growth and increase loan defaults, impacting earnings.
• Interest Rate Volatility
Unexpected cuts in interest rates by Bank Negara Malaysia or regional central banks could compress NIMs and reduce profitability.
• Credit Risk in Overseas Markets
Maybank’s significant exposure in countries like Indonesia and Singapore means it is also exposed to external risks like currency fluctuations or regulatory changes.
• Technology & Fintech Disruption
The rise of digital banks and fintech players could pressure Maybank’s retail segment if it does not innovate fast enough.
Maybank’s earnings outlook for 2025 remains cautiously optimistic. With expectations of moderate economic recovery in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, loan growth may pick up gradually. Furthermore:
• The return of consumer and business confidence could drive demand for financing and increase transaction volumes.
• Maybank’s continued push for digital transformation through its MAE app and online banking enhancements can improve cost efficiency and customer stickiness.
• Islamic finance and insurance segments are expected to be resilient, offering long-term earnings stability.
• Analysts also expect Maybank to sustain its dividend payout, supported by its strong capital base.
For investors, Maybank is considered a blue-chip, income-generating stock thanks to its strong fundamentals, dividend consistency, and dominant position in Malaysia’s banking sector. Its diversified income base (both interest and fee-based) and regional presence make it more resilient compared to smaller banks.
While it is not a high-growth tech stock, Maybank is a stable, defensive stock that fits well into a long-term portfolio, especially during uncertain times or for those seeking dividend income.
MY SD : maybank will not go wrong
105359106Tata : slow and steady bank
Jaylingon : maybank 100%
CJeng : Malayan Banking (Malayan Banking Berhad)
2025 Targets and Resilience
In the recent annual Shareholder meeting comments, Malayan Banking reiterated its financial goals for 2025: Return on Equity (ROE) to reach at least 11.3%, Cost Income Ratio (CIR) not exceeding 49%, loan growth rate to be maintained at 5-6%, and net credit costs not to exceed 30 basis points. Management emphasized the bank's ability to cope with global uncertainties, especially the adverse effects of trade policies, while maintaining a strong dividend payment commitment in accordance with the capital requirements of Basel III.
Macroeconomic and Strategic Outlook
Despite concerns that the "Trump 2.0" trade policy may suppress GDP growth in major markets, the anticipated MMF easing policy is expected to support loan activities throughout the region. Malayan Banking continues to implement a balanced strategy between light capital, fee-based businesses (wealth management, Islamic banking), and core Assets and Liabilities business, while advancing the "M25+" digital transformation plan to enhance customer engagement and cost efficiency.
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Public Bank Berhad
Financial performance for the first quarter of 2025.
Public Bank announced that its net interest income for the first quarter of 2025 was 28.2911 billion Ringgit, an increase of 4.7% year-on-year, and its net income was 7.147 billion Ringgit, representing a 7.5% growth compared to the first quarter of 2024.
Advantages and Outlook
The bank's iconic asset quality indicators remain industry-leading, with a low credit charge rate and provisions taking a conservative strategy. The expansion of wealth management services and initiatives in digital channels are boosting fee income. Analysts expect that amidst a gradual decrease in interest rates and a slowdown in credit growth (but still positive), Public Bank will maintain its high dividend payout rate as the net interest margin stabilizes.
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Industrial Bank Limited
Earnings Surge in the Fourth Quarter of 2024
As of the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2024, Industrial Bank achieved a net income of 0.8345 billion Ringgit, a 42.5% increase compared to 0.5859 billion Ringgit during the same period last year, thanks to growth in net interest income and strong trading gains.
Market Insights and Strategy
The Industrial Bank's "Quarterly Market Insights" report for the first quarter of 2025 remains optimistic about the fixed income market, with a Bullish outlook for high-quality credit issuers against the backdrop of a slowdown in interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The bank is directing funds towards digital banking platforms, financing for SMEs, and growth in regional Islamic banking, while closely monitoring inflation and labor market signals to dynamically adjust its asset allocation portfolio.
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CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
Performance and dividends for the first/fourth quarter of 2024
CIMB International expects a net income growth of 10.7% for the full year of 2024, reaching 7.73 billion Ringgit, with a return on equity (ROE) of 11.2%. The group proposes a second interim dividend of 2.1 billion Ringgit, bringing the total dividend for the year to over 5 billion Ringgit.
Global and regional outlook
CIMB International's Chief Investment Officer, in the 2025 market outlook report titled "Trump 2.0 - Flexible Adjustment", suggested increasing Shareholding in the resilient US stock market while maintaining a neutral stance on ASEAN (tactically increasing Shareholding in Malaysia), reflecting ongoing uncertainties in US-China policies and expectations of long-term rising interest rates. Furthermore, recent investor events hosted by CIMB International highlighted Malaysia's dynamic position as an investment hub, enhancing investor confidence in the bank's distribution and light capital franchise expansion in the ASEAN region.
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Overall outlook.
All four Banks demonstrated strong quarterly performance and clearly established a strategy to balance traditional loan Business with light capital and high-fee Business. Key themes to watch in 2025 include:
1. Monetary Policy: The speed and extent of interest rate cuts will directly affect the Net interest margin across the entire Industry.
2. Digital Transformation: Accelerating investment in digital platforms (especially for retail and small to medium-sized enterprise clients) remains crucial for cost efficiency and fee income growth.
3. Regulatory Environment: The ongoing finalization of Basel III capital requirements will affect dividend policies and capital management strategies.
4. Geopolitical Risks: Changes in trade policies and global growth uncertainties (such as U.S. tariffs and China's recovery) will require flexible asset allocation and stress testing frameworks.
Overall, the four major Banks in Malaysia are leveraging credit quality, sufficient funding, and digital transformation to address future opportunities and challenges.
103164357 : maybank for sure
103432843 : Strong and confident system backed by various sectors of investment
103251937 : Maybank
104428569 : Maybank is always the best
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