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HSBC Holdings PLC on Tuesday said pretax profit fell in the first quarter of 2026, despite reporting strong net fee and net interest income growth, but said it was on track to achieve its annual targets. HSBC, an Asia-focused, London-based universal bank, said pretax profit fell 1.1% to $9.38 billion in the first quarter ended March 31 from $9.48 billion a year earlier. ‘The decrease reflected higher expected credit losses and other credit impairment charges,’ HSBC said. Change in expected credit losses and other credit impairment charges surged 49% to $1.30 billion from $876 million. Diluted earnings per share rose 2.6% to $0.40 from $0.39. The bank maintained its dividend for the first quarter at $0.10 per share. ‘A decision to recommence buy-backs will be subject to our normal buy-back considerations and process on a quarterly basis,’ HSBC said. Net interest income rose 7.7% to $8.95 billion from $8.30 billion, while net fee income jumped 12% to $3.72 billion from $3.32 billion. Net operating income increased 3.3% to $17.32 billion from $16.77 billion. Chief Executive Officer Georges Elhedery said: ‘Each of our four businesses contributed to firm-wide revenue growth and each delivered an annualised [return on tangible equity] in excess of 17%, excluding notable items. ‘In periods of greater uncertainty, customers turn to us more as their trusted partner to navigate complexity with the financial strength, stability and expertise they know they can rely on. We remain confident in achieving the targets we set out in February 2026.’ Total operating expenses excluding amortisation and impairment of intangible assets rose 6.8% to $8.00 billion from $7.49 billion. At 1.60% the net interest margin improved slightly from 1.59% last year. HSBC’s common equity tier one ratio reduced to 14.0% from 14.7%, although the bank said it intends to continue to keep it within the medium term target range of 14.0% to 14.5%. Total shareholders’ equity rose to $196.82 billion from $190.81 billion. ‘The macroeconomic outlook is facing heightened uncertainty, creating volatility in both economic forecasts and financial markets resulting in both tailwinds and headwinds. The group is well positioned to manage the impacts of these challenges through our high-quality revenue streams, conservative approach to credit risk and strong deposit franchise,’ HSBC said. To reflect an improved interest rate outlook, HSBC now expects banking net interest income to reach around $46 billion in full-year 2026, up from prior guidance of at least $45 billion. The bank also said it is on track to deliver $1.5 billion of annualised cost savings by the end of June, six months earlier than planned. HSBC shares closed 0.4% higher at 1,353.80 pence each in London on Friday, but were down 1.4% at HK$141.40 at around midday in Hong Kong on Tuesday. Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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