PETALING JAYA: DRB-Hicom Bhd
saw its net profit for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 (1Q26), more than double to RM45mil from RM17.72mil in the previous corresponding quarter, while revenue rose 15.7% to RM4.76bil from RM4.11bil a year earlier.
In a statement, the group said revenue growth was underpinned by stronger contributions from the mobility, banking and postal segments.
“Key drivers included higher sales volumes at Proton, the consolidation of CTRM AeroSystems Sdn Bhd following its recent acquisition, increased financing income at Bank Muamalat and improved aviation, courier and logistics activities within the Pos Malaysia group.”
The company added that its profit before tax more than doubled to RM192.40mil, compared with RM92.62mil in 1Q25.
“The improvement was mainly attributable to stronger profitability from Proton and Bank Muamalat, as well as a narrower loss at the Pos Malaysia group, reflecting stronger sales, improved cost efficiency and continued cost discipline.
“This was partially offset by lower contributions from the services and properties segments.”
By segment, DRB-Hicom said the mobility division increased by 19.6% to RM3.62bil during the quarter under review, primarily driven by higher Proton sales volumes and stronger contributions from the aerospace business following the acquisition of CTRM AeroSystems in December 2025.
“This was partially offset by lower revenue from the manufacturing and engineering and automotive distribution businesses.”
For the banking segment, revenue rose by 9.4% to RM583.36mil in 1Q26, mainly driven by higher financing income, supported by financing volume growth and an expanding customer base.
Meanwhile, the postal segment’s revenue improved by 7.9% to RM493.25mil, supported by higher courier volumes, stronger logistics contributions, and increased aviation activities, including in-flight catering and ground handling.
“The services division’s revenue, meanwhile, stood at RM50.73mil, reflecting lower inspection volumes in the vehicle inspection business following the festive public holidays during the quarter,” it said.
“As for the properties division, revenue stood at RM13.89mil, reflecting lower contributions from property development and construction projects,” said DRB-Hicom.
In terms of prospects, the company noted that Malaysia’s economic growth is expected to remain resilient in 2026, underpinned by sustained domestic demand.
“Nevertheless, the global outlook may be weighed down by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.”
It added that national carmaker Proton demonstrated strong momentum in 1Q26, recording a first-quarter performance with 49,140 units sold – representing a 40.1% year-on-year increase.
“It remains well-positioned to sustain its growth trajectory, supported by its expanding electric vehicle (EV) presence.
“Its electrification strategy continues to gain traction, with the e.MAS 5 emerging as Malaysia’s best-selling EV, achieving sales of 6,701 units year-to-date in 2026.”
DRB-Hicom said the higher adoption of new energy vehicles is further supported by rising fuel costs and subsidy rationalisation, which are shaping consumer preferences towards more efficient mobility solutions.
In the banking segment, the group continues to strengthen its position in Islamic finance and advance its digital expansion through Bank Muamalat’s launch of ATLAS, a syariah-compliant digital banking platform.
“Meanwhile, in the aerospace subsegment, the group is expanding its composites manufacturing and aerostructures assembly capabilities following the recent acquisition of CTRM AeroSystems, further broadening the group’s presence across the aerospace value chain.”
In the postal segment, DRB-Hicom said Pos Malaysia remains focused on reducing losses through its transformation plan, supported by network rationalisation, digital channel expansion and prudent management of its cost base and revenue mix.
“Concurrently, the group continues to progress its digitalisation agenda across its businesses, leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency and overall performance.
“The group anticipates a moderate outlook for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2026.”
