AEON CREDIT RECORDED 14.6% REVENUE GROWTH TO RM575.04 MILLION IN Q4FYE25

The Group declares a final single-tier dividend of 14.50 sen per shares in respect of FYE25

KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (Bernama) -- AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (“AEON Credit” or the “Group”) today reported a 14.6% growth in revenue to RM575.04 million in the fourth quarter ended 28 February 2025 (“Q4FYE25”) compared to RM501.57 million of the preceding year corresponding to quarter ended 29 February 2024 (“Q4FYE24”).

The Group’s transaction and financing volume surged by 16.7%, reaching RM2.16 billion in Q4FYE25, compared to RM1.85 billion in Q4FYE24. Correspondingly, the Group’s gross financing receivables rose by RM1.89 billion, reaching RM14.12 billion in Q4FYE25, marking a 15.4% growth from RM12.23 billion in Q4FYE24. This expansion was driven by the Group’s strategic focus on penetrating the M40 segment, strengthening its asset quality through refined product offerings of Vehicle Financing, collaborative campaigns with AEON Group and ongoing efforts to promote digital onboarding.

Both Profit Before Tax (“PBT”) and Profit After Tax (“PAT”) grew to RM179.70 million and RM131.00 million respectively. The strong performance was underpinned by robust revenue growth driven by Personal Financing and Vehicle Financing with solid receivable growth across key products. However, this was partially offset by higher impairment losses on financing receivables that reflected an increase of RM71.30 million mainly contributed by higher receivables, along with increased other operating expenses in line with higher sales and revenue generated costs.

The Board has recommended a final single-tier dividend of 14.50 sen per share, scheduled for payment on 24 July 2025, subject to shareholder approval at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, with the date to be announced later. The total dividend payable for FYE25 amounting to RM146.80 million with a payout ratio of 39.6%.

For the financial year ended 28 February 2025 (“FYE25”), the Group reported a 15.1% growth in revenue to RM2.20 billion compared to RM1.91 billion recorded in the preceding year (“FYE24”). The growth was driven by 15.3% increase in transaction and financing volume, which reached RM8.41 billion year-on-year (“YoY”).

PBT and PAT stood at RM513.51 million and RM370.61 million respectively, after accounting for a RM68.33 million share of losses from AEON Bank, an associate company. This translated to earnings per share (“EPS”) of 72.58 sen and a return on average equity (“ROE”) of 13.6%.

The Group’s Non-Performing Loans (“NPL”) ratio recorded a marginal increase to 2.64% in FYE25, compared to 2.57% in FYE24. AEON Credit remains committed to prudent credit risk management, with a strong emphasis on maintaining asset quality. This includes strengthening credit assessment policies through the introduction of a new credit limit multiplier policy, implementing enhanced training programs to improve credit judgment skills, and proactively monitoring and managing underperforming portfolios to ensure sustainable growth.

Prospect:
Malaysia’s GDP grew by 5.0% in Q4 2024, driven by stronger private spending and a recovery in exports. However, this was slightly lower than the 5.4% growth recorded in Q3. Looking ahead, Bank Negara Malaysia projects economic growth of between 4.5% and 5.5% in 2025, supported by sustained domestic expenditure and improving external demand.

In response to prevailing geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and ongoing volatility in global financial markets, the Group maintains a cautious yet strategic approach to business. It remains committed to prudent growth, prioritizing high-quality assets while actively managing credit risks within its financing portfolios.

As the Group enters the new financial year, it remains focused on long-term sustainability, staying true to its purpose of "Bringing Finance Closer to Everyone." To realize this vision, the AEON Living Zone initiative has been set in motion. A dedicated project team has been formed, targeting a market rollout in the first half of FYE2026. This initiative will introduce a tiered membership program with enhanced privileges, designed to expand customer reach while strengthening loyalty. Further collaborations will continuously enhance the AEON Living Zone ecosystem by expanding the features of AEON Wallet, providing customers with a more seamless and integrated financial experience.

AEON Bank has introduced a range of new products set for release in the coming financial year, including the recent introduction of Shariah-Compliant Personal Financing of up to RM10,000. Complementing this initiative, AEON Bank has also launched "Neko Missions," an innovative gamification-based stamp program designed to deepen customer engagement.

With these strategic initiatives, the Group remains committed to delivering value-driven financial solutions while adapting to an evolving economic landscape.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, the Group expects to be able to maintain its business momentum by implementing the appropriate measures for the financial year ended 28 February 2026.

ABOUT AEON CREDIT SERVICE (M) BERHAD
AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (“AEON Credit”) was incorporated on 6 December 1996 and converted into a public limited company on 9 February 2007 and subsequently listed on the Main Market at Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on 12 December 2007. Today, the business of the Group has involved in issuance of Credit Cards, Prepaid Cards, AEON Wallet App, Easy Payment Schemes, Hire Purchase Financing for Motor Vehicles, Personal Financing Schemes, Insurance Broker, Digital Islamic Banking, and other related services. The Group currently has 5 Regional Offices, 60 branches and service centres located in the major shopping centres and towns, a network of more than 7,700 participating merchant outlets nationwide.

Issued by AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad

SOURCE: Aeon Credit Service (M) Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Ms. Tanny Tan
Tel: +603 2772 9113
Email: corp_communication@aeoncredit.com.my

--BERNAMA

QINGMING FESTIVAL MEMORIAL CEREMONY FOR YELLOW EMPEROR HELD AT SHAANXI MAUSOLEUM

The Yisi Year (2025) Qingming Festival Memorial Ceremony for the Yellow Emperor was held in Shaanxi.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (Bernama) -- The Yisi Year (2025) Qingming Festival Memorial Ceremony for the Yellow Emperor took place at the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor in Huangling County, Shaanxi Province, on April 4.

This site is the final resting place of the Yellow Emperor, revered as the common ancestor of the Chinese nation, according to a statement.

The ceremony began with attendees standing in solemn respect as drumbeats and bell rings filled the air. The 34 drumbeats symbolised the united spirit of the Chinese people, both domestically and overseas, in honouring their shared ancestor, while the nine bell rings represented the highest respect and admiration for the Yellow Emperor.

Following the ritual music, floral tributes were presented to the statue of the Yellow Emperor by the National People's Congress Standing Committee Vice Chairman, Zhang Qingwei, and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Vice Chairman, He Baoxiang.

Additionally, CPC Shaanxi Provincial Party Committee Secretary, Zhao Yide, also laid a flower basket on behalf of the provincial representatives, while the memorial address was delivered by Shaanxi Province Governor, Zhao Gang.

The ceremony continued with a traditional music and dance performance, followed by a dramatic display of a 56-metre-long Chinese dragon that soared into the sky, symbolising the deep respect of the Chinese people for their cultural ancestor and their collective hopes for national rejuvenation.

The ceremony concluded with attendees visiting Xuanyuan Hall to pay homage before participating in a tree-planting ceremony at the Huangdi Mausoleum.

The event was organised by several government offices, including the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and the Shaanxi Provincial People's Government.

-- BERNAMA

1000 MIGLIA 2025: OVER 400 CREWS SET FOR HISTORIC RACE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (Bernama) -- The list of participating cars for the 1000 Miglia 2025 has been finalised by the Selection Committee, which is responsible for curating what Enzo Ferrari once described as the "most unique travelling museum in the world".

A total of over 400 crews from 29 countries will take part in the 43rd re-enactment of the Red Arrow, according to a statement.

Italy leads in representation, followed by the Netherlands, Great Britain, and the United States. Among the competing vehicles, 127 are pre-war models, while 78 raced in the historic speed competition between 1927 and 1957.

The event featured prestigious marques, including 17 Ferraris, 10 Bugattis, and eight Bentleys, as well as 18 pre-war Alfa Romeos. A standout entry is the one-of-a-kind Biondetti Ferrari-Jaguar Special, alongside an Aston Martin DB 3 and two Porsche 550 Spyder RS models, which are sure to turn heads.

The race, scheduled from June 17 to 21, will cover approximately 1,900 kilometres over five days of competition and will follow a "figure-of-eight" route inspired by the first 12 editions of the original 1000 Miglia speed race, passing through cities like San Lazzaro di Savena, Rome, Cervia-Milano Marittima, and Parma.

Defending champions Andrea Vesco and Fabio Salvinelli, aiming for a fifth consecutive victory in their 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS Zagato, will face stiff competition from seasoned crews such as Fontanella-Covelli, Aliverti-Polini, and Turelli.

Famous personalities Joe Bastianich and Carlo Cracco will also take part, with Bastianich driving a 1954 Porsche 356 1000 Speedster and Cracco navigating in a 1927 Bugatti T40.

As per regulations, all participating vehicles must be certified by the Registro 1000 Miglia to ensure authenticity and uphold the standards required for the "Most Beautiful Race in the World".

-- BERNAMA