China Banking Corporation (Chinabank, PSE symbol: CHIB) earned
P5.9 billion in the first quarter of 2024, 18% higher compared to the same
period last year, on the robust growth of its core businesses. The resulting
return on equity and return on assets continued to be among the best in the
industry at 15.5% and 1.6%, respectively.
Net interest income grew by 18% to P15.0 billion, driven by higher
asset yields and loan volume. Net interest margin improved by 22 basis points
to 4.4%.
Provisions for loan losses were reduced to P302 million as
economic conditions continued to improve. The growth of operating expenses was
controlled at 6% to P7.2 billion, translating to a better cost-to-income ratio
of 48%.
“We are focused on sustaining our growth trajectory. Our good
first quarter results provide the momentum to achieving our ambitious goals and
targets,” Chinabank President & Chief Executive Officer Romeo D. Uyan Jr.
said.
The country’s fourth-largest private lender recently launched a brand refresh
campaign to make its brand and image more resonant and engaging to a
new generation of customers.
“From compelling product innovations to reimagined customer-facing
solutions, to the adoption of a new bank logo, exciting things are happening in
Chinabank,” Uyan added.
Chinabank’s total assets grew by 11% to P1.5 trillion. Its gross loans increased by 11% to P805 billion on strong loan demand from businesses and consumers. Nonetheless, credit quality was kept in check, with non-performing loans (NPL) ratio easing to 1.8% and NPL coverage improving to 143%. On the funding side, total deposits expanded by 13% to P1.2 trillion.
The bank’s capital rose by 11% to P154 billion, with a common
equity tier 1 (CET-1) ratio of 15.3% and total capital adequacy ratio
(CAR) of 16.2%—both well above the regulatory minimums. Book value per
share improved by 11% to P57.35.
“With our strong balance sheet and capital position, we can
sufficiently fund our growth plans in the years ahead,” Chief Finance Officer
Patrick D. Cheng said.
At its 2024 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting recently, Chinabank announced an
all-time high cash dividends of P5.9 billion, 16% higher vs. last year,
representing 27% of its 2023 net income of P22.0 billion. The bank’s
stockholders on record as of May 3, 2024 will receive P1.20 per share regular
cash dividend and an additional P1.00 per share special cash dividend on May
16, 2024.
Chinabank maintained its Baa2 deposit and issuer ratings—a notch above investment grade—with stable outlook, from Moodys’ Investors’ Service. The bank, distinguished by the People Management Association of the Philippines as the 2023 Employer of the Year, and by the Institute of Corporate Directors as a two-time Five-Golden Arrow Awardee, was also recently recognized by the CFA Society Philippines for its Chinabank Dollar Fixed Income Fund, named for the 8th time as the Best Managed Fund of the Year in its category.
About Chinabank: Chinabank opened for business on August 16, 1920 in Binondo, Manila, and is now one of the largest private universal banks in the Philippines. It provides a full range of banking products and services to corporate, commercial, and retail customers through 648 branches and 1,071 ATMs to date, including the 168 branches and 203 ATMs of its savings bank arm CBS. Chinabank also offers a wide range of allied financial services through its subsidiaries Chinabank Capital, Chinabank Securities, Chinabank Insurance Brokers, and affiliate MCBLife. Visit www.chinabank.ph
Contact: Investor
& Corporate Relations Group - 8885-5601; Investor-relations@chinabank.ph; Gerald O. Florentino, FVP & Head - goflorentino@chinabank.ph
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