Cathay Financial's 2024 EPS Hits NT$7.29, CEO Lee Chang-keng Promises Enhanced Dividend Policy
24 March 2025 · Uncategorized ·
Cathay Financial announced record earnings for 2024 during a recent conference call, reporting a net profit of NT$111.2 billion and Earnings Per Share (EPS) of NT$7.29 – both the second-highest in company history. General Manager Lee Chang-keng stated that the company will continue to align with IFRS 17 and ICS international accounting standards for life insurance operations while maintaining a stable asset-liability ratio, and anticipates securing a dividend policy exceeding last year’s during an April board meeting.
Lee noted that Cathay Financial's net profit and EPS reached historical second-highest levels, demonstrating robust core business momentum across its subsidiaries with exceptional profitability performance. In 2024, banks, property & casualty insurance (P&C), investment trusts, and securities all achieved record profits; life insurance saw the highest earnings in company history excluding only one previous year.
Cathay Financial has traditionally maintained a dividend payout ratio exceeding 60%, distributing NT$2 per share last year. With this year’s profit reaching its second-highest level ever, Lee indicated ample capacity for increased dividends, which would positively impact shareholder returns and reflects his optimism regarding the company's future policy.
Cathay Bank achieved record net profits for four consecutive years in 2024, growing by an impressive 32% annually. Loan growth fueled an 18% increase in interest income while asset quality remained stable; wealth management fees increased by 41%, and credit card revenues rose by 33%. Overall, the bank experienced a significant 34% rise in net fee income.
Cathay Life Insurance continued to focus on value-oriented strategies and Customer Segmentation Management (CSM) throughout 2024, achieving robust sales performance for health & accident insurance products as well as foreign currency long-term payment options. First Year Premium Equivalent (FYPE) increased by 22%, while Value of New Business (VNB) grew by 30%. The Risk-Based Capital (RBC) ratio stood at a strong 359%, indicating solid capital adequacy.
Cathay P&C Insurance achieved a premium income growth rate of 13% in 2024, maintaining its market share at 13.6%. Adhering to the principle of 'quality and quantity' alongside value-oriented management philosophy, it continuously controlled business risks for stable underwriting profits; operations were strengthened through internet platforms in China while Vietnam focused on accelerating digital transformation.
Cathay Investment Trusts achieved record earnings in 2024 with asset management reaching NT$2.24 trillion, garnering investor recognition. Cathay Securities established a fully digitized operating model to enhance customer experience and expand its client base via deepened digital engagement strategies, maintaining the highest market share for Taiwan stock brokerage services.
Looking ahead this year, Lee stated that Cathay Bank will focus on expanding wealth management services and credit card business targeting high-net-worth clients. Meanwhile, Cathay Life Insurance plans to continue prioritizing protection products aligned with its two main strategic axes: 'prioritization of insurance' and a customer-centric approach towards the elderly.
Lee emphasized that Cathay Investment Trusts would integrate global asset management platforms within the group while expanding sales channels further; leveraging digital advantages at Cathay Securities will replicate successful experiences such as smart rebalancing and dividend reinvestment to create new growth drivers. For P&C insurance operations, it aims to deepen customer-centric services through enhanced digitization applications.
(Please note: The source image is from TechNews)
Lee noted that Cathay Financial's net profit and EPS reached historical second-highest levels, demonstrating robust core business momentum across its subsidiaries with exceptional profitability performance. In 2024, banks, property & casualty insurance (P&C), investment trusts, and securities all achieved record profits; life insurance saw the highest earnings in company history excluding only one previous year.
Cathay Financial has traditionally maintained a dividend payout ratio exceeding 60%, distributing NT$2 per share last year. With this year’s profit reaching its second-highest level ever, Lee indicated ample capacity for increased dividends, which would positively impact shareholder returns and reflects his optimism regarding the company's future policy.
Cathay Bank achieved record net profits for four consecutive years in 2024, growing by an impressive 32% annually. Loan growth fueled an 18% increase in interest income while asset quality remained stable; wealth management fees increased by 41%, and credit card revenues rose by 33%. Overall, the bank experienced a significant 34% rise in net fee income.
Cathay Life Insurance continued to focus on value-oriented strategies and Customer Segmentation Management (CSM) throughout 2024, achieving robust sales performance for health & accident insurance products as well as foreign currency long-term payment options. First Year Premium Equivalent (FYPE) increased by 22%, while Value of New Business (VNB) grew by 30%. The Risk-Based Capital (RBC) ratio stood at a strong 359%, indicating solid capital adequacy.
Cathay P&C Insurance achieved a premium income growth rate of 13% in 2024, maintaining its market share at 13.6%. Adhering to the principle of 'quality and quantity' alongside value-oriented management philosophy, it continuously controlled business risks for stable underwriting profits; operations were strengthened through internet platforms in China while Vietnam focused on accelerating digital transformation.
Cathay Investment Trusts achieved record earnings in 2024 with asset management reaching NT$2.24 trillion, garnering investor recognition. Cathay Securities established a fully digitized operating model to enhance customer experience and expand its client base via deepened digital engagement strategies, maintaining the highest market share for Taiwan stock brokerage services.
Looking ahead this year, Lee stated that Cathay Bank will focus on expanding wealth management services and credit card business targeting high-net-worth clients. Meanwhile, Cathay Life Insurance plans to continue prioritizing protection products aligned with its two main strategic axes: 'prioritization of insurance' and a customer-centric approach towards the elderly.
Lee emphasized that Cathay Investment Trusts would integrate global asset management platforms within the group while expanding sales channels further; leveraging digital advantages at Cathay Securities will replicate successful experiences such as smart rebalancing and dividend reinvestment to create new growth drivers. For P&C insurance operations, it aims to deepen customer-centric services through enhanced digitization applications.
(Please note: The source image is from TechNews)