KUALA LUMPUR (May 31): AMMB Holdings Bhd's (AmBank) net profit fell 25% to RM253.41 million in the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2018 (4QFY18) from RM335.81 million a year earlier, as the financial services provider's operating expenses rose.

AmBank said today in a statement to Bursa Malaysia that revenue increased to RM2.21 billion from RM2.15 billion. AmBank's income statement showed that operating expenses rose to RM728.37 million from RM582.55 million.

For the full year, AmBank reported a drop in net profit at RM1.13 billion from RM1.32 billion a year earlier. AmBank said revenue rose to RM8.58 billion from RM8.29 billion.

"Total operating expenses recorded an increase of 12% compared to a year ago," AmBank said.

"For FY2018, AmBank Group will maintain its laser-sharp focus on its Top 4 Strategy. We will be accelerating penetration into our targeted segments and expanding in area where we are already strong. We will focus on growth of quality assets, our deposit mix, maximising fees, and optimising and improving our risk-adjusted returns," AmBank said.