KUALA LUMPUR: Public Bank Bhd
's net profit rose marginally to RM1.751bil in the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, from RM1.745bil a year earlier on the back of higher interest and non-interest income.
Quarterly revenue rose to RM7.32bil from RM7.31bil in the previous comparative period. Earnings per share rose to 9.07 sen from 9.04 sen.
According to the group, profit was supported by continued expansion in its loan and deposit portfolios, which grew 5.7% and 5.3% respectively.
There was also 3.7% expansion in non-interest and non-financing income, driven by higher income from unit trust, general insurance business and bancassurance.
"The Public Bank Group’s latest financial performance remained supported by its strong fundamentals. Asset quality stayed resilient and the balance sheet remained solid, underpinned by strong capital and liquidity positions.
"The group continued to sustain its leading position in the domestic banking industry, with a commendable net return on equity of 12.0%, most efficient cost-income ratio of 35.5% and best asset quality with gross impaired loans ratio of 0.51%," said Tan Sri Tay Ah Lek, managing director and CEO of Public Bank, in a statement.
On balance sheet, the bank's total loans amounted to RM452.1bil as at the end of March 2026, representing 5.7% annualised loan growth for the first quarter.
Total customer deposits, meanwhile, registered an annualised growth rate of 5.3% to RM453.1bil.
The group's unit trust business, Public Mutual, reported a 1Q pre-tax profit of RM216.5mil, 4.1% higher than in the previous corresponding quarter.
Public Bank affirmed Public Mutual's market-leading position with its retail market share of 43.2% in the domestic retail private unit trust industry (excluding money market funds) and RM103.8bil in net asset value of funds under management across 185 unit trust funds as at end-March 2026.
Meanwhile, Tay said growth in the Malaysian economy is expected to moderate given the external headwinds.
Nonetheless, resilient domestic demand, ongoing investment expansion, stable external demand and tourism activity will continue to support the domestic economy, he said.
In light of the ongoing Middle East conflict, he said the bank is cognisant of the difficulties individuals and businesses may face in repaying their loans and financing.
"Public Bank is strongly committed to offering assistance to customers who have been affected by the conflict. The bank has been closely monitoring the latest development and is ready to fully support customer needs.”
