Nan Fang Du Shi Bao·2025-07-30 09:00Core Viewpoint - Hang Seng Bank reported a 3% increase in total revenue for the first half of 2025, amounting to HKD 20.975 billion, driven by a diversified revenue strategy, particularly strong growth in wealth management and investment services, which led to a 34% year-on-year increase in service fees and other income. However, the bank's net profit attributable to shareholders decreased by 30% to HKD 6.880 billion, with earnings per share down 34% to HKD 3.34 [1][3]. Financial Performance - The bank's total revenue for the first half of 2025 was HKD 20.975 billion, reflecting a 3% increase [1]. - Net profit attributable to shareholders fell by 30% to HKD 6.880 billion [1]. - Earnings per share decreased by 34% to HKD 3.34 [1]. Dividend and Share Buyback - The board announced a second interim dividend of HKD 1.30 per share, totaling HKD 2.60 per share for the first half, an 8% increase from the previous year [3]. - The bank plans to conduct a share buyback of up to HKD 3 billion, expected to be completed within six months [3]. Capital Ratios - The bank's common equity tier 1 capital ratio stands at 21.3%, with a tier 1 capital ratio of 23.3% and a total capital ratio of 24.9% [3]. Credit Provisioning and Loan Quality - Due to ongoing market uncertainties, the bank has prudently increased provisions, anticipating credit losses of HKD 4.861 billion, with total impaired loans at HKD 55 billion as of June 30, 2025 [3]. - The non-performing loan ratio is reported at 6.69%, which has increased compared to the end of the previous year, but the rate of increase has slowed down [6]. Management Commentary - The CEO emphasized that the increase in provisions is a precautionary measure against potential pressures from market uncertainties, particularly in the commercial real estate sector, which has been facing weak demand and oversupply [5]. - The management aims to balance supporting clients and providing sustainable returns to shareholders, indicating that further increases in provisions may occur if economic conditions do not improve [5].