Kenanga Group Posts RM208.6 Million Revenue and RM6.9 Million Profit Before Tax in 1Q26

Kuala Lumpur, 29 May 2026: Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (“Kenanga Group” or “the Group”), Malaysia’s leading independent investment bank, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2026 (“1Q26”).

The Group reported revenue of RM208.6 million in 1Q26, compared to RM209.6 million in the corresponding period last year (“1Q25”), mainly due to lower interest, trading and investment income recorded in the current quarter. This was partially offset by higher fee income and lower interest expenses. Profit before tax stood at RM6.9 million, compared to RM15.4 million in 1Q25, reflecting higher personnel and information technology expenses. Net profit for the quarter was RM3.9 million.

The Group’s Stockbroking division recorded higher revenue, increasing from RM73.4 million to RM78.7million, and achieved a positive turnaround with a PBT of RM2.0 million, compared to a loss before tax (“LBT”) of RM4.6 million in the previous corresponding period. This was driven by improved brokerage fee income, as well as higher trading and investment income on the back of increased trading volume.

For the period under review, the Group’s Asset and Wealth Management division reported a higher revenue of RM68.9 million compared to RM62.6 million in 1Q25, representing a yearon-year increase of 10%. The growth was primarily driven by higher gross management fee income, in line with an increase in Assets under Administration to RM25.8 billion, supported by stable net inflows. PBT moderated to RM2.1 million from RM5.8 million in 1Q25, reflecting continued strategic investments and business development initiatives to support long-term growth, which will continue to weigh on margins in the near term.

The Group’s Listed Derivatives Business registered RM6.3 million in revenue, against RM7.9 million in 1Q25, while PBT stood at RM1.5 million versus RM2.6 million in the corresponding period last year. This was mainly due to lower commission and net interest income, driven by reduced trading activity and lower average client segregated assets.

The Investment Banking division recorded revenue of RM55.4 million compared to RM66.4 million in 1Q25, while reporting an LBT of RM0.9 million against a PBT of RM4.2 million in the same period last year, mainly due to lower trading and investment income.

“While external headwinds may continue to weigh on market sentiment and capital market activity in the near term, we remain focused on strengthening our core businesses through ongoing digital innovation, enhancing client engagement and maintaining disciplined risk management. Kenanga Group is well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape and deliver sustainable value for our stakeholders,” said Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director of Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad.

Kenanga Group recently held its 52nd Annual General Meeting on 26 May 2026, where all resolutions tabled were duly approved. For further insights into the Group’s performance and strategic direction, the latest Integrated Annual, Sustainability and Corporate Governance Reports are available for download here.

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