BofA Securities released a research report stating that BANK OF CHINA's first-half net profit declined 0.9% year-over-year, falling short of expectations. Pre-provision profit increased 0.1% compared to the same period last year, which was below expectations, while return on equity decreased by 0.8 percentage points year-over-year to 8.6%. Due to capital injection effects, the Common Equity Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio rose 75 basis points quarter-over-quarter to 12.57%. The interim dividend per share decreased 9.4% year-over-year to RMB 0.109.
The firm noted that in the second quarter, the bank's net interest margin declined 5 basis points quarter-over-quarter to 1.24%, with net interest income falling 0.6% sequentially. Loans grew 2% quarter-over-quarter and 9.1% year-over-year. BofA has lowered its earnings forecasts for 2025 to 2027 by 1% to 2%, reducing the target price from HK$4.72 to HK$4.42 while maintaining a "neutral" rating.