China Merchants Bank boosts shareholder returns, focuses on efficiency

China Merchants Bank (SSE:600036) has announced a series of strategic initiatives aimed at boosting shareholder value and ensuring sustainable, high-quality development. The board of directors approved the "Quality Improvement, Efficiency Enhancement, and Return on Investment" action plan, which focuses on value creation through strategic alignment, technological innovation, and risk management. A key element is maintaining a robust retail banking focus while fostering collaboration across retail, corporate, investment banking, and wealth management segments. The bank aims to improve asset quality by optimizing non-performing asset securitization processes and disposal methods, and has also approved its 2025 operating performance targets and strategic plans for 2025-2027. Furthermore, the board approved a related-party transaction with CMB's joint venture, China Merchants Bank Consumer Finance, increasing an existing credit facility of CNY 270 billion for a 2-year term. The bank has emphasized its commitment to transparent investor relations, robust corporate governance, and integrating ESG principles into its operations. The bank has pledged to maintain a consistent dividend policy that reflects its sustainable growth.