Key facts
- HSBC reported a first-half pretax profit of $19.5 billion, up 23% year-over-year.
- The bank's profit beat analyst forecasts of $18.9 billion.
- HSBC raised its full-year net interest income guidance to exceed $46 billion.
- A share buyback program of up to $1 billion was announced.
- Wealth management revenue grew 18% in the first half.
HSBC Holdings reported a better-than-expected first-half profit of $19.5 billion, a 23% increase from the previous year, surpassing analyst forecasts of $18.9 billion. The bank also raised its full-year net interest income target to exceed $46 billion. Driven by revenue growth in lending and wealth management fee earnings, the bank announced a resumption of its share buyback program with an up to $1 billion plan. Wealth management revenue saw an 18% increase in the first half. The bank's strategy, led by CEO Georges Elhedery, focuses on streamlining operations and exiting markets where it lacks scale. HSBC's Hong Kong-listed shares rose 0.8% to HK$169.5 following the earnings release.
