SCBPL reports 37% drop in annual profit for CY25, declares final dividend

Standard Chartered

Karachi, February 26, 2026: Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Limited (SCBPL) on Thursday reported a sharp 37% decline in net profit for the calendar year ended December 31, 2025, mainly due to a significant fall in interest income, lower gains on securities, and rising operating costs.

According to the financial results submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the bank posted a profit after tax of Rs28.78 billion for CY25, compared with Rs46.07 billion in the previous year. Consequently, earnings per share (EPS) declined to Rs7.43 from Rs11.90 a year earlier.

The board of directors, in its meeting held on February 25, 2026, recommended a final cash dividend of Rs3 per share (30%), in addition to the 35% interim dividend already paid during 2025.

Key Financial Highlights of SCBPL (CY25 vs CY24)

Financial IndicatorCY25 (Rs bn)CY24 (Rs bn)Change
Profit After Tax28.7846.07▼ 37%
Earnings Per ShareRs7.43Rs11.90▼ 38%
Net Interest Income61.4693.51▼ 34%
Non-Interest Income19.0924.66▼ 23%
Gain on Securities0.974.60▼ 79%
Total Income80.55118.17▼ 32%
Operating Expenses22.6620.35▲ 11%
Profit Before Tax58.49100.62▼ 42%
Income Tax Expense29.7154.55▼ 46%

Income Pressures and Cost Growth

The bank’s net interest income declined to Rs61.46 billion, down from Rs93.51 billion in the previous year, reflecting pressure on margins and lower yields. Non-interest income also fell to Rs19.09 billion from Rs24.66 billion, while gains on securities plunged sharply to Rs974 million, compared with Rs4.60 billion in CY24.

As a result, total income dropped to Rs80.55 billion, down from Rs118.17 billion. Meanwhile, operating expenses rose by 11% to Rs22.66 billion, further squeezing profitability.

Outlook

Despite the challenging financial performance in CY25, SCBPL reaffirmed its commitment to shareholder returns by maintaining a healthy dividend payout. Analysts believe the bank’s future earnings trajectory will depend on interest rate movements, asset quality, and effective cost management amid a volatile economic environment.

The sharp profit decline highlights the broader pressures facing Pakistan’s banking sector, including margin compression, elevated taxation, and subdued capital market activity.