

Core Viewpoints - After excluding the significant impact of the impairment from the Bank of Communications, HSBC's Q2 revenue and profit significantly exceeded expectations, indicating a robust underlying trend [1][2][17] - The impairment is a one-time disturbance and will not affect dividend amounts or capital [1][4][17] Financial Performance - HSBC's Q2 2025 revenue, after excluding significant items, was $17.657 billion, a year-on-year increase of 5.7%, surpassing market expectations [1][3] - The net profit after tax for Q2 2025 was $7.707 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 9.8%, also exceeding market consensus [1][3][4] - The non-performing loan ratio decreased by 5 basis points to 2.41% in Q2 2025 [1] Income Breakdown - Net interest income was $10.714 billion, a year-on-year decline of 2%, but the decline is narrowing and exceeded market expectations [3][9] - Non-interest income continued to grow strongly, with a year-on-year increase of 20%, surpassing market expectations by 12 percentage points [3][8] - Wealth management and transaction banking non-interest income grew by 23% and 6% respectively [3][8] Cost Management - Credit costs slightly increased but remain manageable, with a guidance adjustment to 40 basis points due to pressures in Hong Kong's commercial real estate [4][13] - Operating costs were controlled effectively, with a year-on-year increase of 1.9% after excluding significant items, which is lower than revenue growth [4][15] Future Outlook - HSBC maintains its guidance for 2025 net interest income at $42 billion, with expectations for stable loan growth and limited impact from Hibor fluctuations [5][9] - The bank's return on tangible equity (ROTE) is expected to remain around 15%, supported by strong non-interest income and effective cost management [6][17] - The bank plans to continue its strategy of divesting non-core businesses to enhance focus on global transaction banking and wealth management [15][17] Dividend and Share Buyback - HSBC declared a dividend of $0.10 per share for Q2 2025, with a total cash return of $0.22 per share [1][6] - The bank announced a $3 billion share buyback, maintaining its commitment to shareholder returns [6][16] Strategic Positioning - HSBC is positioned as a key beneficiary of the restructuring of international supply chains and the global allocation of wealth by affluent Asian residents [1][18] - The bank's strong ROTE and high dividend yield present significant investment value [1][18]