06-08-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia's latest corporate earnings season kicks off
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's quarterly corporate earnings season is underway, with listed companies on Bursa Malaysia beginning to release their second quarter (Q2) results throughout August.
Investors and traders are keenly watching the financial disclosures to recalibrate their strategies amid a mix of macroeconomic resilience and evolving sector-specific dynamics.
Rakuten Trade said early indicators point to continued strength in banking, technology, consumer and utilities.
Select counters are expected to deliver resilient earnings, supported by stable demand, cost optimisation and regional tailwinds.
Banks are likely to benefit from sustained interest income strength.
Meanwhile, technology stocks especially those linked to global semiconductor and AI value chains are showing early signs of recovery.
"Our initial review of Q2 results and guidance from key players shows encouraging signs in financial services and selected export-oriented technology stocks," said Kenny Yee, head of research at Rakuten Trade.
"With the ringgit remaining relatively stable and consumer sentiment improving, we also anticipate a moderate rebound in consumer-facing stocks.
"Traders should closely track updates from banking heavyweights, large-cap tech, and staple consumer names to position for medium-term growth," Yee added.
Among early reporters this quarter, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd posted a 15.16 per cent year-on-year decline in Q2FY25 net profit to RM140.3 million.
This was attributed to higher tax expenses, startup losses from its dairy operations, and softer revenue.
Westports Holdings Bhd's Q2FY25 net profit grew 15 per cent YoY to RM231 million thanks to higher throughput.
Axis-REIT's net income rose 20.5 per cent YoY to RM46.9 million, driven by higher property income.
Meanwhile, Hartalega Holdings Bhd's Q1 2026 net profit dipped 60 per cent YoY to RM12.6 million due to weaker average selling prices, stronger ringgit and lower capacity utilisation.
With investor sentiment expected to fluctuate throughout August, Rakuten Trade encourages market participants to leverage its digital-first trading platform to capture opportunities across both local and foreign markets.
"We expect this earnings season to stir market activity, creating timely opportunities for traders.
"As Malaysia's first fully digital equity broker, Rakuten Trade offers the most competitive brokerage fees in the market, with fees starting as low as RM1 per trade," said Kazumasa Mise, chief executive officer of Rakuten Trade.
