KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 29): CIMB Group Holdings Bhd's net profit for the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2018 rose 4.2% to RM1.18 billion from RM1.13 billion a year earlier, largely attributed to all segments except wholesale banking.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, CIMB said revenue for the quarter slipped to RM4.14 billion from RM4.42 billion previously, due to a decline in non-interest income and net interest income.

Earnings per share rose to 12.56 sen from 12.50 sen a year earlier.

For the nine months ended Sept 30 (9MFY18), CIMB's net profit rose to RM4.47 billion from RM3.41 billion in the previous year, while revenue was higher at RM13.31 billion compared to RM13.11 billion a year ago.

In a separate statement, CIMB group chief executive Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz said the good 9MFY18 performance was underpinned by lower provisions and costs, continued improvement from consumer and commercial banking, as well as a recovery in wholesale banking revenue in 3QFY18.

On its outlook, he said the banking group remains on track to meet its key T18 targets.

"However, we remain cautious amidst weaker regional economies and global trade tensions.

"Against this backdrop, we will continue to control asset quality and cost across all businesses and geographies, while we finalise our next mid-term plan to propel CIMB onto a stronger growth trajectory," he said.

At the midday break, CIMB rose 2.09% or 12 sen to RM5.87 with 2.04 million shares done.