During the 2025 annual shareholders' meeting for CM BANK (HKG: 3968), the bank's Board Secretary addressed key investor concerns regarding share buybacks and dividend distributions. He acknowledged that while the company is actively studying these matters, practical implementation faces certain challenges.

Focus on Shareholder Returns

The Board Secretary emphasized that dividend payments are a high priority for CM BANK. The bank has enshrined a commitment to a dividend payout ratio of no less than 30% in its corporate charter, a solemn promise to all shareholders. In recent years, the bank has consistently raised this ratio, which now stands at 35%. The bank places significant importance on rewarding its investors, having returned 4.5 times the capital raised from the market.

Balancing Act for Future Increases

When questioned about the potential for further increases in the dividend payout ratio, the Board Secretary clarified that dividends are not determined by a single factor. While the bank's subjective desire is to provide greater returns to investors, its objective management must carefully balance a range of critical metrics, including capital adequacy ratios.

"Regardless, we hope that through our continued efforts, we will be able to consistently deliver better returns to our shareholders in the future," the Board Secretary stated.