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.
