PETALING JAYA: Aeon Credit Service (M) Bhd
’s near-term business outlook remains cautiously positive, supported by resilient consumer spending and steady demand for consumer financing services in Malaysia.
An analyst said the company is expected to benefit from continued demand for personal financing, motorcycle financing, and credit card products, alongside ongoing efforts to enhance its digital financial services and customer experience.
“Growth in syariah-compliant financing products and support from the wider AEON retail ecosystem are also expected to contribute positively to business performance.
“Nevertheless, the company continues to face several challenges, including potential increases in credit impairment costs amid higher living expenses and softer consumer sentiment.”
Additionally, higher funding costs, regulatory developments, and intensifying competition from banks, financial technology companies, and buy-now-pay-later providers may place pressure on margins and profitability, said another analyst.
“Overall, AEON Credit remains positioned for steady growth, although the operating environment is expected to remain competitive and moderately challenging in the near term.”
AEON Credit’s net profit for the fourth quarter ended Feb 28, 2026, increased to RM144.3mil from RM130.97mil in the previous corresponding period, while revenue rose to RM631.46mil from RM575.04mil.
For the full year ended Feb 28, 2026 (FY26), the company’s net profit grew to RM385.88mil from RM370.61mil in FY25, while revenue increased 12.3% to RM2.47bil from RM2.2bil previously.
Meanwhile, AEON Credit chairman Ng Eng Kiat said the group remains optimistic, while measured amid external uncertainties, including the ongoing Middle East conflict – which he said may contribute to volatility in global energy prices, supply chains and inflationary pressures.
“Malaysia’s economic resilience, the growing influence of digital financial services, and the increasing focus on financial inclusion present compelling opportunities for AEON Credit.
“The group’s new five-year mid-term plan sets a clear strategic direction – to transform AEON Credit into a financial platform connecting individuals and retailers across Malaysia, building an ecosystem by leveraging our customer touchpoints, data capabilities, and trusted brand,” he said in the group’s annual report.
Meanwhile, managing director and chief executive officer Daisuke Maeda said the group will continue to balance disciplined growth with long-term investments in ecosystem collaboration, digital capabilities and customer engagement, while maintaining a prudent focus on asset quality and operational efficiency.
“Overall, the group remains focused on disciplined execution of its strategy, balancing growth with risk management, investing in core capabilities and leveraging its ecosystem strengths to deliver sustainable long-term value.”
He added that AEON Bank will also continue pursuing a disciplined growth trajectory, supported by ecosystem collaboration and a disciplined path towards sustainable profitability.
“We target financing growth of approximately 8%, with continued emphasis on middle-income customer segments.
“Cost discipline will remain a priority, with the cost-to-income ratio (excluding impairment losses) maintained below 30%, alongside ongoing investments in artificial intelligence, automation and data analytics to enhance operational efficiency, customer engagement and ecosystem personalisation capabilities.”
He also said the group will continue optimising its operational and organisational structure to support greater scalability and long-term efficiency.”
