PUBLIC Bank Bhd reported a 5.6% increase in net profit to RM1.75 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 (1Q25), compared with RM1.65 billion in the same quarter last year, underpinned by strong growth in loans and customer deposits.
In a statement today, the bank said quarterly revenue rose 9.9% to RM7.31 billion from RM6.65 billion a year ago.
“Supported by a stable net interest margin as well as healthy loan and deposit growth, the group’s net interest and financing income improved by 3.5% to RM2.80 billion,” it said.
Non-interest income grew by 18.9% to RM772.1 million from a year earlier.
The group maintained solid asset quality, with a low gross impaired loans ratio of 0.5% as at end-March 2025. Loan loss coverage stood at 159.9%, providing a strong buffer against potential credit losses.
Public Bank MD and CEO Tan Sri Tay Ah Lek said the latest financial results reflected the group’s strong fundamentals, despite challenges in the operating environment.
“Prudent cost management yielded an efficient cost-to-income ratio of 35%, coupled with continued top-line growth, and return on equity stood at 12.4%,” he said.
As at end-March 2025, the group’s total loans stood at RM430.1 billion, reflecting an annualised growth rate of 5.6% in the first quarter.
Domestic loan portfolios rose by 6.3% on an annualised basis to RM403.9 billion.
The group’s capital position remained robust, with a common equity tier 1 ratio of 14.0%, tier 1 capital ratio of 14.1%, and total capital ratio of 16.8%.
Looking ahead, Tay said Public Bank is focused on building long-term resilience and sustainable growth amid an evolving global and domestic landscape.
“We will continue to build on our core competencies, seize emerging opportunities, and support our customers to adapt to the fast-changing landscape,” he said.
“By staying agile and forward-looking, we strive to continually deliver sustainable value to all of our stakeholders.” — TMR
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