KUALA LUMPUR (May 21): CIMB Group Holdings Bhd was the top loser in early trade today albeit on slim trading volume after its net profit plunged 45.6% to RM580.12 million or 6.89 sen per share in the first quarter ended March 31, 2105 (1QFY15) from RM1.07 billion or 13.15 sen per share a year ago, mainly due to higher corporate loan provisions from Indonesia.

At 9.10am, CIMB fell nine sen to RM5.92 with 47,600 shares done.  

CIMB’s Revenue for 1QFY15, however, rose 4% to RM3.68 billion from RM3.54 billion in 1QFY14.

 Going forward, CIMB group chief executive Tengku Datuk Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said 2015 looks challenging and the group is remaining cautious given the regional economic environment and the moderation in consumer spending in Malaysia.

 “We will continue to focus on cost management and operational streamlining, at the same time continue to ensure core operations remain robust,” he said.