ICBC and CCB lead China’s 6 biggest banks in US$61 billion dividend payout
Record payouts come as regulators push listed companies to enhance dividend frequency and predictability
China’s six largest state-owned banks are set to distribute more than 420 billion yuan (US$61 billion) in dividends for 2025, extending record-high payouts and strengthening their appeal as a source of stable income as investors rotate into defensive assets amid low interest rates.
Combined payouts from Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), China Construction Bank (CCB), Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China, Bank of Communications and Postal Savings Bank of China were expected to reach about 427.4 billion yuan, up 1.6 per cent from a year earlier, according to the South China Morning Post’s calculations based on their latest profit distribution plans.
ICBC and CCB led the group, with each declaring annual dividends exceeding 100 billion yuan. ICBC plans to distribute about 110.6 billion yuan, equivalent to a payout ratio of 30 per cent, marking its fifth consecutive year above the 100 billion yuan threshold. CCB will pay out about 101.7 billion yuan, also a 30 per cent payout, extending its streak to three years.
Liu Jun, vice-chairman and president of ICBC, said the bank would adjust its dividend policy and capital planning dynamically.