Standard Chartered reported a higher second-quarter profit and upgraded its fiscal 2026 income guidance, while also announcing a $1 billion share buyback. Profit before tax grew 2 percent to $2.33 billion, and earnings per share rose 7 percent to 75.3 cents. Operating income increased 3 percent to $5.70 billion, driven by a 6 percent rise in adjusted net interest income to $2.87 billion. The board declared an interim dividend of 20.4 cents per share, up 66 percent from last year, and the new buyback programme will commence imminently. For fiscal 2026, the company now expects operating income growth around the middle of the 5 to 7 percent range at constant currency, excluding material notable items. Shares in Hong Kong gained around 5.7 percent to trade at HK$235.400.
Standard Chartered PLCQ2 profit beat, raised FY26 guidance, and announced $1B buyback and higher dividend.