KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended marginally lower on Monday amid selling activity as the market lacked fresh catalysts to spur investors’ buying interest, an analyst said. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 1.60 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 1,670.02, from Friday’s close of 1,671.62. The benchmark index, which opened 0.93 of-a-point higher at 1,672.55, moved between 1,668.61 and 1,674.11 throughout the trading session. Market breadth was negative as losers surpassed gainers 748 to 388, while 517 counters were unchanged, 1,271 untraded and 91 suspended. Turnover slipped to 3.11 billion units worth RM2.40 billion from 4.07 billion units valued at RM2.69 billion on Friday.
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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