KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 — CIMB Group Holdings Berhad (“CIMB Group” or “the Group”) on 30 August 2023 has announced that the Group recorded a net profit of RM3.42 billion for the first half ended 30 June 2023, an increase of 26.2%, compared to RM2.71 billion in the first half ended 30 June 2022.
Profit before tax grew strongly, reaching RM4.72 billion, up 13.6% year-on-year from RM4.15 billion in the preceding year. The positive performance was driven by strong operating income growth, stringent cost controls and lower provisions as the Group benefits from its diversified Asean portfolio, with strong business growth recorded in Indonesia and Singapore.
This translates to earnings per share (EPS) of 32 sen and annualised in the first half of 2023 return on average equity (ROE) of 10.6%, which significantly improved compared to 9.1% in the first half of 2022. Accordingly, the Group has increased its dividend payout ratio to 55% for in the first half of 2023 from 50% in 1H22, which results in a proposed all-cash first interim dividend of 17.50 sen per share this year, amounting to RM1.87 billion. This was based on the reported in the first half of 2023 net profit, in line with the Group’s dividend policy.
in the first half of 2023 operating income was up by 7.4% year-on-year to RM10.33 billion. Out of this, non-interest income recorded a strong growth with a 32.0% increase year-on-year to RM3.16 billion, contributed by stronger markets-related and other income. However, net interest income contracted marginally year-on-year to RM7.17 billion, due to net interest margin compression caused by heightened cost of deposits but was partially offset by positive loan growth momentum.
Total gross loans and deposit growth continued on an upward trajectory, recording 8.3% and 9.5% year-on-year increase respectively, across key markets and business segments. Meanwhile, total CASA contracted marginally year-on-year but improved 5.7% QoQ driven by regional initiatives that are starting to bear fruit. This led to a sustained CASA ratio of 38.5% as at end Jun-23.
Th Group’s cost-to-income ratio improved 50bps year-on-year to a record low of 46.0%, with operating expenses remaining under control, rising 6.2% year-on-year mainly due to an uptick from underlying operational cost. Accordingly, the Group’s pre-provisioning operating profit strengthened to RM5.58 billion, up 8.4%. Total provisions remained contained with a 2.9% decline year-on-year to RM880 million.
Compared with 2Q22, the Group’s operating income for 2Q23 improved by 9.2%, underpinned by strong loan growth. This, together with lower provisions, resulted in a profit before tax and net profit growth of 17.9% and 38.4%, reaching RM2.48 billion and RM1.77 billion, respectively.
The Group’s capital position remains strong and above target with its common equity tier 1 ratio at 14.2% as at Jun-23.
CIMB Group, chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Rahman Ahmad said: “The Group’s positive performance in in the first half of 2023 was achieved on the back of strong NOII and loan growth as well as contained cost and provisions. With the Group’s strong capital, funding and liquidity positions, we are pleased to increase the interim dividend to 17.50 sen per share, representing a payout ratio of 55%, an increase from 50% in the first half of 2=22.”
“It is encouraging to see our diversified Asean portfolio showing positive results, with growth driven from the reshaped Indonesia and Singapore operations cushioning the Group from downside risks in weaker markets. We are particularly pleased with CIMB Niaga’s transformation, which achieved a record high ROE of 15.4% for in the first half of 2023. This achievement validates the Group’s Forward23+ strategic plan to reshape our portfolio as we leverage the strengths of our core segments and markets. Our priority continues to be on executing this strategic plan, especially in strengthening our Casafranchise and deposits to help moderate the competitive deposit environment.”
Gross Loans and Deposits
CIMB Group’s total gross loans and total deposits increased by 8.3% year-on-year to RM427.0 billion and 9.5% year-on-year to RM486.5 billion, respectively. The Group registered a loan-to-deposit ratio of 87.8% as at Jun-23. Total Cssa dipped marginally year-on-year with Casa ratio recording 38.5% as at Juns 2023.
Asset Quality
Total provisions decreased by 2.9% year-on-year to RM880million. The decline was due absence of other provisions offset by recoveries, which led to an annualised in the first half of 2023 loan loss charge of 38 basis points.
The Group’s allowance coverage stood at 91.6%, with the gross impaired loans ratio recording 3.3%.
Capital and Liquidity Management
The Group remains well-capitalised with its CET1 ratio maintaining steady at 14.2% and total capital ratio stood at 17.8% as at Jun-23. The liquidity coverage ratio remains comfortably above the regulatory requirement of 100% for all banking entities within the Group.
Segment Performance
Group Consumer Banking operating income contracted marginally year-on-year in the first half of 2023 while profit before tax dipped 5.4% year-on-year driven by lower NOII and higher operating expenses. NII slightly improved year-on-year and rose 7.1% QoQ supported by loan growth and improved NIM, while NOII contracted 4.3% due to lower investment and credit card fees from higher loyalty programme cost. Notwithstanding this, consumer loans grew 6.7% year-on-year driven by all core markets and deposits also grew 16.3% year-on-year on the back of higher fixed deposit growth.
Group Commercial Banking in the first half of 2023 operating income grew by 8.5% year-on-year whilst profit before tax improved by 23.4% mainly driven by an overall improvement across the business. Both NII and NOII increased by 6.8% and 15.8% year-on-year, respectively from foreign exchange and other income. Commercial loans grew by 8.0% year-on-year, underpinned by growth in all core markets excluding Thailand, while deposits growth remained strong at 12.9% year-on-year.
Group Wholesale Banking in the first half of 2023 operating income increased by 7.2% year-on-year while profit before tax contracted 5.2% due to higher provisions. NII declined 26.1% year-on-year while NOII improved significantly by 80.0% year-on-year due to the market related shift in Treasury & Markets’ income composition. Wholesale loans recorded a 11.2% year-on-year increase, while deposits grew 1.5% year-on-year.
CIMB Digital Assets & Group saw funding in the first half of 2023 operating income increased by 50.1%, whilst profit before tax grew a commendable 130.3% year-on-year from higher investment income and improved CDA performance. NII rose 49.1% year-on-year contributed by Philippines and Vietnam, whilst NOII recorded 56.0% increase year-on-year from higher FX and investment gains. The Group’s digital businesses maintained positive with CIMB Philippines recording 7.1 million customers as at June-23, up 24.6% year-on-year with a deposit book of RM1.65 billion, up 16.2% year-on-year. Meanwhile, TNG Digital continued its upward momentum with 20.6 million registered users and 1.03 million merchants as at June-23.
CIMB Islamic operating income grew by 4.1% year-on-year in the first half of this year while profit before tax declined 13.0% year-on-year from elevated expenses and provisions. Net financing income contracted 3.9% due to net financing margin compression from higher cost of deposits while NOFI recorded higher by 62.6% year-on-year driven by higher trading and FX income. Islamic financing rose 16.0% year-on-year, whilst deposits grew 17.8% year-on-year.
Moving Forward
Dato’ Abdul Rahman said, “As we step into the second half of 2023, we take a cautious position for the remainder of the year as global economic headwinds continue to persist. However, we anticipate the Asean markets, where the Group operates, to remain resilient, supported by the regional countries’ economic policies and strong demand for tourism and services.
“Accordingly, we are optimistic to continue the momentum of positive financial performance where we are currently on track to meet our FY23 targets across all profitability metrics.
“The Group will continue to be guided by our Forward23+ strategic plan to strengthen our position to be the leading focused Asean bank, building on targeted segment growth, contained cost and asset quality management.”
“At e same time, we remain committed to our purpose which is advancing our customers and society. We will continue to recalibrate our strategies with a commitment to increase shareholder value and ensure our customers continue to have access to financing solutions to support their financial resiliency. We will always be on the lookout to capture growth opportunities, leveraging our diversified Asean portfolio that will enhance our propositions across our core markets. This includes investments that will accelerate and deliver our Forward23+ strategic plan and beyond.”
“As a purpose-driven organisation, sustainability will continue to be at the forefront of our agenda. We have been actively driving our ESG agenda to ensure the ecosystem grows in tandem, supported by our suite of responsible financing solutions including the recently launched sustainability-linked financing for SMEs. In 2022, we also expanded our sustainable finance target to RM60 billion, after achieving the earlier commitment of RM30 billion two years ahead of plan. In achieving our aspiration to be a sustainability leader in the region, we will also be hosting our annual flagship The Cooler Earth Sustainability Summit, themed ‘Sustainability in Action: Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow’ this September, to encourage conversations on the opportunities arising from the transition towards a greener economy and more equitable society.”
— Bernama
