PETALING JAYA: Bursa Malaysia Bhd
has raised its 2026 headline key performance indicator (KPI) for initial public offering (IPO) market capitalisation to RM34bil from RM28bil, after delivering a strong first-half financial performance underpinned by robust market activity and fundraising momentum.
In a statement, the exchange operator said the higher target reflects the strong performance of the IPO market and a healthy listing pipeline.
For the second quarter ended June 30, 2026 (2Q26), Bursa Malaysia saw its net profit rise 25.9% to RM71.78mil from RM57.06mil in 2Q25, while revenue increased 22.3% to RM210.97mil from RM172.58mi.
This brought first-half (1H26) net profit to RM144.61mil, up 15.2% from RM125.48mil in the corresponding period last year, while revenue rose 19.1% to RM425.04mil from RM356.96mil.
Operating revenue for 1H26 increased 19.6% year-on-year to RM411.7mil, driven primarily by higher securities trading activity, while operating expenses rose 21% to RM229mil, mainly due to higher staff costs and regulatory fees.
Bursa Malaysia said fundraising activity remained robust, with 36 IPOs across the Main, ACE and LEAP Markets raising RM5.4bil and adding RM26.1bil in market capitalisation.
“Reflecting the strong performance of the IPO market and a robust listing pipeline, Bursa Malaysia has revised upwards one of its 2026 headline KPIs, increasing its IPO market capitalisation target from RM28bil to RM34bil,” it noted.
In the securities market, average daily trading value (ADV) increased 35% year-on-year to RM3.3bil.
Meanwhile, the derivatives market continued to record healthy growth, with average daily contracts (ADC) traded rising 9.9% year-on-year to 106,518 contracts, driven mainly by higher trading activity in crude palm oil futures (FCPO), which accounted for 84% of total ADC.
Chief executive officer Datuk Fad'l Mohamed said while geopolitical developments and external market uncertainties continue to warrant close monitoring, Malaysia's economic fundamentals remain supportive.
He said the country's favourable growth outlook for 2026, underpinned by sustained domestic demand and continued expansion of the technology sector, provides a conducive environment for capital formation and investment activity.
"We are confident in the outlook for IPO activity in 2H26, supported by a healthy pipeline and continued interest from companies seeking to raise growth capital through the public market," he said.
“Against this backdrop, Bursa Malaysia remains focused on strengthening market quality, broadening investor access and enhancing market connectivity to support long-term growth.”
Bursa Malaysia has declared an interim dividend of 16.5 sen per share for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2026, amounting to approximately RM133.5mil, representing a 92% payout ratio.
The entitlement date is Aug 19, with payment to be made on Aug 27.
