UBS issued a research report stating that CM BANK (03968) reported a 1.5% year-on-year increase in first-quarter net profit, slightly below the bank's expectations. Revenue and pre-provision operating profit (PPOP) were largely in line with expectations. The bank currently assigns a "Neutral" rating with a target price of HK$56.

During the period, revenue grew 4% year-on-year, primarily driven by a 5% rise in net interest income and a 4.9% increase in net fee income. Other non-interest income fell 2.9% year-on-year, reflecting higher mark-to-market (MTM) gains supported by lower bond yields, which were partially offset by a decline in investment income, consistent with the overall industry trend. Regarding net interest margin, it narrowed by 3 basis points quarter-on-quarter and by 8 basis points year-on-year to 1.83% in the first quarter. The quarterly contraction was mainly due to accelerated compression in loan yields from repricing.