KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended little changed on Friday, as investors remained cautious amid renewed pressure on global bond yields and geopolitical tensions, an analyst said. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 0.23 points to 1,736.48 compared with Thursday’s close of 1,736.71. The benchmark index opened 0.63 of a point lower at 1,736.08, and fluctuated between 1,733.13 and 1,738.30 throughout the day. On the broader market, losers outpaced gainers 637 to 578, while 571 counters were unchanged, 1,086 untraded and 47 suspended. Turnover decreased to 3.91 billion units valued at RM3.32 billion from 4.28 billion units valued at RM4.01 billion on Thursday.
Strong Financial Performance
- OCBC Bank reported a record net profit of S$7.59 billion (US$5.68 billion) in 2024, up from S$7.02 billion in 2023.
- Total income surged to S$14.47 billion, driven by:
- Net interest income of S$9.76 billion (up from S$9.65 billion).
- Non-interest income of S$4.72 billion, a significant rise from S$3.86 billion.
Capital Return & Dividends
- OCBC plans to return S$2.5 billion to shareholders over two years via:
- Special dividends worth 10% of net profit for 2024 & 2025.
- Share buybacks.
- Dividends for 2024:
- Final ordinary dividend of 41 Singapore cents per share, bringing total ordinary dividends to 85 cents per share.
- Special dividend of 16 cents per share, pending approval at the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Outlook & CEO’s Remarks
- CEO Helen Wong remains "cautiously optimistic" about regional growth in 2025.
- OCBC aims to capitalize on market opportunities while managing economic uncertainties.
Summary:
- OCBC posted a record S$7.59 billion net profit in 2024, fueled by strong banking, wealth management, and insurance income.
- S$2.5 billion capital return planned through special dividends & share buybacks.
- 2024 total dividend payout reaches 85 cents per share, plus a proposed 16-cent special dividend.
- OCBC maintains a positive but cautious outlook for 2025.
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