Kuala lumpur: Malayan Banking Bhd's (Maybank) shares edged higher in early trade today, reflecting sustained investor confidence in Malaysia's largest bank despite softer earnings for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 (1Q 2026). At 10.14 am, Maybank shares rose six sen to RM10.56, with 4.57 million shares traded.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, in a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Maybank posted a net profit of RM2.48 billion for 1Q 2026, compared with RM2.58 billion in the corresponding quarter a year earlier, while revenue fell to RM14.91 billion from RM16.87 billion previously. The bank attributed its performance to improved net interest margins, disciplined cost and asset-quality management, as well as higher core fee income.

Meanwhile, RHB Investment Bank Bhd said Maybank is maintaining its guidance for now, although downside risks remain, depending on macroeconomic developments. "While it saw competition for deposits pick up lately, Maybank hopes to maintain net interest margin at the current level on the back of ongoing liability management initiatives. It is also planning to address asset yield pressure by focusing on higher-yield segments such as auto and small and medium enterprises loans," it said in a note today.

The investment bank maintained its 'buy' call on Maybank, with a target price of RM12.20 per share.