2025-10-31 01:53Summary of China Banks 3Q25 Wrap Industry Overview - The report focuses on the banking sector in China, particularly the performance of state-owned enterprises (SOE) and shareholding banks in the third quarter of 2025 (3Q25) [1][6]. Key Points Core Operating Trends - Despite a decline in investment income, many banks reported improving net interest income (NII) growth and healthy fee income growth in 3Q25 [1][3]. - SOE banks experienced higher profit growth in 3Q25 compared to the first half of 2025, supported by stable credit quality [1][2]. - Ningbo and Agricultural Bank of China (ABC) outperformed peers with above-average trends in NII growth [1][2]. Net Interest Income (NII) and Net Interest Margin (NIM) - Most shareholding banks reported a rebound in NIM in 3Q25, aided by lower funding costs and prudent loan growth [2][11]. - Minsheng and SPDB achieved both quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) and year-on-year (YoY) NIM improvements, focusing on risk management rather than volume growth [2][12]. - Ningbo maintained the highest NII growth within the coverage, benefiting from market share gains and lower NIM pressure [2][11]. - SOE banks faced persistent NIM pressure due to increased growth in lower-yielding bond investments [2][12]. Fee Income Growth - Average fee income growth increased significantly from 1.4% YoY in 2Q25 to 11.1% in 3Q25, driven by capital market activities and strong insurance sales [3][16]. - Bank of Ningbo led with a remarkable 94% YoY growth in fee income, while ABC reported a 23.6% YoY increase [3][16]. - The overall fee income growth for SOE banks averaged 9.8% YoY, with several banks reporting double-digit growth [16][27]. Credit Quality and Non-Performing Loans (NPL) - Credit quality remained stable in 3Q25, with an average NPL ratio flat at 1.15% for covered banks [4][10]. - SOE banks reduced credit costs modestly to support profit growth, maintaining a high NPL coverage ratio of 263% on average [4][10]. Profit Growth - Covered banks reported modest profit growth of 1.9% YoY in 3Q25, with some banks exceeding consensus estimates [10][22]. - SPDB, Huaxia, and Citic led the profit rebounds among joint-stock banks (JSBs) with growth rates of 10.3%, 7.6%, and 3.5% YoY, respectively [22][23]. Investment Income and Revenue Trends - Revenue and pre-provision operating profit (PPOP) growth were affected by lower investment income due to higher bond yields [3][20]. - ABC and BoCom bucked the trend by reporting higher investment income, revenue, and PPOP, indicating strong investment capabilities [3][20]. Dividend Payouts - Several banks, including Minsheng, Citic, and regional banks like Ningbo, announced interim dividend payouts, reflecting confidence in their financial health [9]. Cost-Income Ratio - The average cost-income ratio increased modestly by 0.2 percentage points across banks, with some banks reporting improvements while others saw increases [21]. Future Outlook - Banks expect NIM pressure to moderate further, with ICBC guiding for a full-year NIM of 1.26%, down from 1.28% in 9M25 [13][15]. - Overall, banks are optimistic about continued profit growth and fee income performance in the upcoming quarters [17][18]. Conclusion - The banking sector in China showed signs of recovery in 3Q25, with improving core operating metrics, stable credit quality, and a rebound in fee income. However, challenges remain with NIM pressure and fluctuating investment income impacting overall revenue growth.