STANCHART(02888) announced its interim financial results with a profit attributable to shareholders of 3.065 billion US dollars, an increase of 41% year-on-year.

Standard Chartered (02888) released its performance for the first half of the year ending June 30, 2025. In the period, the group achieved operating income of $10.899 billion, an increase of 9% year-on-year; net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders was $3.065 billion, an increase of 41% year-on-year; and basic earnings per share were 139.2 cents. Despite the continuously changing macroeconomic environment and geopolitical situation, the group showed strong performance in the first half of 2025. Operating income grew by 10% to $10.9 billion. Excluding the impact of major projects, operating income increased by 13%. Due to continued investment in various business plans, basic expenses increased by 4%, resulting in a 6% increase in net income and cost growth. Credit impairment expenses amounted to $336 million, equivalent to an annualized loan loss rate of 19 basis points. Therefore, pre-tax basic profit reached $4.7 billion, an increase of 22%, and basic earnings per share increased by 41% to 139 cents, also benefiting from a decrease in the number of shares. The group maintained ample capital and high liquidity, with diversified and robust deposit base. The liquidity coverage ratio was 146%, reflecting conservative asset and liability management. The Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 14.3%, still above the target range, while the increase in profits in the first half of the year was partly offset by shareholder distributions and increased risk-weighted assets. Given the strong capital position, the board of directors announced an interim dividend of 12.3 cents per share, an increase of 3.3 cents or 37%, and announced the start of another $1.3 billion buyback plan in addition to the $1.5 billion buyback launched in February 2025. Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: "Our performance in the first half of the year was strong, reflecting our focus on cross-border and affluent banking business strategies, achieving continued success. Net inflows of new funds in the second quarter reached historic highs, with double-digit revenue growth in wealth management, global markets, and global banking business. Through our unique network spanning Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, we provide clients with various solutions to navigate the volatile external environment. While maintaining a strong performance, we rigorously control costs, credit risks, and capital. As a result, our earnings per share increased by 41% in the first half of the year, and we announced a further $1.3 billion share buyback."