[SINGAPORE] DBS’ net profit for its first quarter fell due to higher tax expenses from the implementation of the 15 per cent global minimum tax, it said on Thursday (May 8).
Net profit for the three months ended Mar 31, 2025, stood at S$2.9 billion, 2 per cent lower than the S$2.95 billion from the year-ago period.
The earnings beat the S$2.87 billion consensus forecast in a Bloomberg survey of eight analysts.
Profit before tax was up 1 per cent on the year to a record S$3.44 billion, as total income reached a new high from robust business growth.
The lender declared a total dividend of S$0.75 per share for Q1, comprising an ordinary dividend of S$0.60 and a capital return dividend of S$0.15, up from S$0.54 per share in the year-ago period.
For the commercial book, total income was up 4 per cent on the year at S$5.54 billion.
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Net interest income for the segment rose 2 per cent to S$3.72 billion, as a nine-basis-point decline in net interest margin (NIM) to 2.68 per cent was more than offset by balance sheet growth.
Commercial book net fee and commission income was up 22 per cent at S$1.28 billion, as wealth management fees grew from strong market sentiment and higher assets under management, while loan-related fees rose with increased activity.
Treasury customer sales and other income for the segment fell 12 per cent to S$548 million, due to non-recurring items, while treasury customer sales grew 11 per cent to a record.
Meanwhile, its markets trading income rose 48 per cent to S$363 million, partly reflecting lower funding costs.
Overall, group NIM fell to 2.12 per cent for the quarter, from 2.14 per cent in the previous corresponding period.
The bank’s non-performing loans ratio was flat at 1.1 per cent.
The bank said it made additional general allowances of S$205 million to strengthen reserves in the light of recent developments that have added to macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Tan Su Shan, chief executive of DBS, said: “Recent escalations in trade tensions have heightened macroeconomic risks and market volatility. As uncertainty persists, we will stay nimble to capture opportunities while prudently managing risks.”
Shares of DBS closed 0.5 per cent or S$0.23 lower at S$42.76 on Wednesday.
