Commonwealth Bank’s quarterly profit dips to $2.7b
· Michael West
Commonwealth Bank turned a $2.7 billion cash profit in the March quarter, up four per cent from a year ago but down one per cent from its first-half quarterly average.
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Operating income was flat in the three months to March 31 and underlying net interest margin was broadly stable.
CBA spent $3.36 billion on operating expenses, up one per cent from it did on average in the first half, reflecting higher cloud computing volumes and software licensing and investment in AI capabilities.
Chief Matt Comyn says the Commonwealth Bank remains focused on executing its strategy. (Sarah Wilson/AAP PHOTOS)It incurred $316 million in loan impairment expenses, with higher provisions to reflect heightened geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty, but it actual losses remained low and its underlying portfolio credit quality was sound.
“Our balance sheet settings remain resilient with strong levels of capital, liquidity, deposit funding in the context of economic and geopolitical uncertainty,” chief executive Matt Comyn said.
During the quarter the percentage of consumers more than 90 days behind on their personal loans grew to 1.71 per cent, up from 1.51 per cent in the December quarter and their highest level in since before the pandemic.
CBA said this reflected both seasonal factors and deliberate decisions by CBA involving credit, pricing and acquisition mix.
The percentage of consumers behind on their home loans and credit cards remained low and broadly stable, at 0.69 per cent and 0.68 per cent, respectively.
Australia’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience, but supply chain disruptions, higher prices and interest rates are expected to weigh on household spending and business activity, Mr Comyn said.
“We will continue to adjust our settings as appropriate and remain focused on executing our strategy,” he said.
CBA gained market share in business lending and household deposits during the quarter, while its growth in home lending kept pace with the market.