Fubon Financial: Future Dividends to Focus on Cash; Evaluating New US Branch

Fubon Financial President Han Wei-ting stated today that the company will focus on cash dividends in the coming years, though this does not rule out the possibility of stock dividends. Taipei Fubon Bank is participating in the 'Financing Guarantee Mechanism for Supporting Corporate Investment in the US' and, depending on client response, may increase its participation or consider opening a branch in the US. Fubon Financial held its first-quarter online investor conference this afternoon. The board of directors approved a cash dividend of NT$4.25 per common share for 2025, with a payout ratio of 50.8%. Han explained that the payout ratio is currently maintained between 40% and 50%, and cash dividends will remain the primary focus. Taipei Fubon Bank's net profit after tax for the first quarter was NT$12.16 billion, a record high and a 20.2% year-on-year increase. Net revenue grew by 23.4%, driven by the expansion of deposit and loan scales and improved net interest margins. Taipei Fubon Bank President Kuo Pei-ting stated that with no US rate cuts yet, the bank is adjusting its asset-liability structure and maintains a positive outlook on NIM. Regarding overseas strategy, the bank follows its clients, and after opening a Tokyo branch, it is considering markets like Australia and India. Fubon Financial Chief Economist Luo Wei noted that Taiwan's CPI remains below the 2% warning line, and there is no immediate need for the central bank to raise interest rates.