CIMB Group Holdings Berhad reported a profit before tax of RM8.12 billion for the nine months ending 30 September 2025, with an annualised return on average equity of 11.3%. Earnings per share stood at 55.3 sen during this period.
In the third quarter of 2025, the group saw profit before tax rise by 7.3% to RM2.84 billion and net profit increase by 10% to RM2.08 billion, bringing the nine-month net profit to RM5.94 billion. Operating income grew by 6.2% compared to the previous quarter, supported by a 20.3% increase in non-interest income, which reached RM2.13 billion. Net interest income remained steady at RM3.82 billion despite ongoing rate cuts in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.
The group’s capital position improved, with its Common Equity Tier 1 ratio rising about 10 basis points to 14.8% as of September 2025, meeting its full-year target range. CIMB announced plans to return up to RM2 billion in capital to shareholders by the end of 2027 through special dividends and share buybacks, subject to market conditions and regulatory approval. As part of this initiative, CIMB will distribute special dividends totaling up to RM760.2 million (7 sen per share) on December 24, 2025.
Total deposits and current account savings account balances increased by 9.1% year-on-year on a constant currency basis to RM518.1 billion as of September 2025, while CASA balances rose by 15.3%, raising the CASA ratio to 44.1%. Gross loans expanded by 3.3% year-on-year to RM448.2 billion and total assets grew by 5.1% year-on-year to RM778.5 billion.
Operating expenses for the first nine months increased modestly by 1.6% year-on-year, resulting in a cost-to-income ratio of 46.5%. Pre-provisioning operating profit was stable at RM9.13 billion.
Asset quality remained stable with total provisions declining to RM330 million in the third quarter due to continued corporate recoveries across key portfolios; loan loss charge normalized at 33 basis points and gross impaired loans ratio improved to 1.9%.
CIMB continued its Forward30 strategy focusing on capital management, cash strategies, cross-selling efforts, and capabilities enhancement including digital initiatives such as CIMB OCTO Biz for SMEs and managing BUDI95 through TNG Digital Sdn Bhd.
The group entered the Panda Bond market with a RMB3 billion three-year issuance—the largest single tranche from a Malaysian institution—strengthening its role in facilitating financial integration between China and ASEAN.
On sustainability measures, CIMB’s MSCI ESG Rating was upgraded from AA to AAA due to improved disclosure practices in consumer protection and workforce management; it also raised its S&P Corporate Sustainability Assessment score from 78 to 82 for the year.
Novan Amirudin, Group Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Group said: “This capital return forms part of our Forward30 strategy to always be disciplined with capital and reflects the Group’s confidence in the long-term performance trajectory. With this, we are able to return capital to shareholders in a measured and responsible manner; while ensuring we remain well-positioned for future growth.”
“We continue to serve all customer segments from the individuals to MSMEs, to large corporates and governments across ASEAN. Our resilient performance this quarter underscores the strength of our diversified franchise, the trust of our customers, and the impact of our digital and operational enhancements driven under our Forward30 strategy. The momentum will carry through to anchor our ability to navigate a challenging macroeconomic landscape.”
“As we head into the final quarter of 2025, we remain optimistic in closing the year on a strong footing and meeting all our targets. Our diversified portfolio and disciplined execution will continue to ensure we remain resilient despite the macroeconomic headwinds and challenges. While it may take some time for the dust to settle with the new world order, we expect NIMs to stabilise and we will continue investing for long-term growth,” Novan concluded.
