Kuala Lumpur, 26 November 2013– Hong Leong Financial Group Berhad (“HLFG”) announced its results for the first quarter ended 30 September 2013 (“1Q14”), as released to Bursa Malaysia today. HLFG Group achieved a profit before tax for the first quarter of RM812.6 million in respect of our financial year ending 30 June 2014 (“FY14”), an increase of 18.0% year‐on‐year (“y‐o‐y”). Profit After Tax and Minority Interest increased by 23.9% y‐o‐y to RM430.2 million in 1Q14. The growth in earnings was contributed by all of our three core businesses of Commercial Banking, Insurance and Investment Banking.

HLFG’s Commercial Banking division, Hong Leong Bank Berhad (“HLB”), achieved a growth in profit before tax of 9.7% y‐o‐y in 1Q14 to RM699.3 million. This was attributed to higher net interest income and a larger contribution from the Bank of Chengdu Co., Ltd’s earnings, of which HLB’s 20% share grew by 46.6% y‐o‐y or 28.5 million to RM89.5 million. Despite a challenging back drop, HLB achieved a gross loan growth of 7.1% y‐o‐y in 1Q14.

HLA Holdings Sdn Bhd, HLFG’s insurance division, recorded a profit before tax of RM81.2 million in 1Q14, an increase of 84.1% y‐o‐y or RM37.1 million. The higher earnings were largely due to lower actuarial reserves arising from higher interest rates whilst supported by continued good business performance from our 70%‐owned life insurance subsidiary Hong Leong Assurance Berhad (“HLA”). Gross premiums increased by 15.3% y‐o‐y to RM506.3 million and HLA’s management expense ratio had further improved to 5.7%. Our focus remains to grow and improve our premium base, profitability as well as distribution channels.

The Investment Banking division, held under Hong Leong Capital Berhad recorded a stellar growth in its profit before tax of 58.1% y‐o‐y to RM18.5 million. This was due to higher contributions from both investment banking and stockbroking businesses. HLFG is also pleased to announce that Hong Leong Investment Bank Berhad had received the award of ‘Best Investment Bank in Malaysia’ for 2013 by World Finance.

HLFG’s earnings per share (“EPS”) increased by 23.7% y‐o‐y to 41.3 sen in 1Q14, a record in terms of recurring EPS for a particular quarter. Net assets per share increased from RM9.66 as at 30 June 2013 to RM10.04 as at 30 September 2013.