Ports, Logistics, REIT Among Sectors To Post Stronger 4Q 2025 Results -- Maybank IB

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 9 (Bernama) -- Ports and logistics and real estate investment trust (REIT) sectors are among the sectors to post stronger fourth quarter (4Q) 2025 results given Malaysia’s sustained economic fundamentals and improved investors’ confidence, said Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB).

It said that, as expected in most sectors, seasonally stronger results from the automotive and aviation consumer sectors are also anticipated in the upcoming releases. 

“Domestic and external trade data indicate sustained domestic demand growth momentum, namely resilient consumer spending and ongoing investment upcycle, but weaker net external demand. 

“The strong fundamentals together with the global artificial intelligence boom are placing the ringgit in pole position to outperform its regional currencies peers in 2026,” said the investment bank in a note today.

The 4Q 2025 data and full-year performance of the Malaysian economy are expected to be released this Friday. 

Maybank IB said electronics exports are set to remain robust this year, improving Malaysia’s trade balance, while data centre construction continues to attract sizeable foreign direct investment inflows.

These trends are unfolding alongside a broader domestic investment upcycle that appears set to remain firm this year, it said.

“We expect interest in Malaysian equities to stay strong for 2026, driven by improved market liquidity, sustained government policy optimism, and a resurgence of emerging market foreign inflows,” said the bank.

It said that among the sectors, aviation would see strong tailwinds from the stronger ringgit and lower jet fuel prices, while construction and machinery and equipment players would also deliver a stronger quarter with new job wins.

The investment bank also expects a better results season for healthcare (hospitals) and property sectors, with the former seeing payor pressures subside, thereby normalising volumes, while the latter should see stronger progress in billings.

“The technology (tech) sector, both hardware and software, could see mixed results with foreign exchange (forex) volatility a key swing factor, but in general, we expect most of the tech companies to post results within expectations. 

“Plantations, too, could see a mixed bag of 4Q 2025 earnings, while headline earnings could trend lower quarter-on-quarter due to softer crude palm oil prices, companies with a bigger presence in East Malaysia could perform better,” it said.

Apart from that, the utilities sector could also see mixed results on a company-specific basis, but others should post stable earnings. 

Similarly, renewable energy players could post mixed results, as engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) players are likely to be driven by accelerated project recognition, while companies relying on solar rooftop jobs could be weaker.

As for banks, it is set to deliver earnings within expectations with no major surprises. 

“Expectations are, however, high on banks’ capital management plans, especially on higher dividends,” said Maybank IB.

-- BERNAMA