KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 (Bernama) — CIMB Group Holdings Berhad (“CIMB Group” or the “Group”) today reported a Profit Before Tax (“PBT”) of RM4.90 billion for the first 9 months of 2019 (“9M19”), translating to a net Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) of 38.4 sen. This was underpinned by the Group’s strong operating income, steady loan growth and reduced provisions.
The Group recorded a strong operating income (+7.2% YoY) at RM13.27 billion, underpinned by growth in net interest income (“NII”) and non-interest income (“NOII”). NII grew 5.0% YoY to RM9.31 billion from the 5.6% loan growth, while the 12.8% improvement in NOII to RM3.96 billion came largely on the back of improved capital market activity. Net Interest Margin (“NIM”) slightly declined to 2.47% in 9M19 (cf. 2.52% in 9M18), mainly from the spread compression in Malaysia and Thailand.