MCB Bank Limited reported a stable financial performance for the half year ended June 30, 2026, posting consolidated profit attributable to equity shareholders of Rs27.98 billion while announcing a second interim cash dividend of Rs9.00 per share (90%). The latest payout is in addition to the first interim cash dividend of Rs9.00 per share (90%) already paid, taking the cumulative interim dividend for the first half of 2026 to Rs18.00 per share (180%).

On a consolidated basis, the bank reported profit attributable to equity shareholders of Rs27.98 billion, compared with Rs29.23 billion in the corresponding period of last year.

Accordingly, basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) stood at Rs23.61, compared with Rs24.67 in 1H2025.

During the six-month period, mark-up/return earned increased to Rs163.02 billion from Rs160.22 billion a year earlier. However, higher funding costs pushed mark-up/return expensed to Rs80.66 billion, resulting in net mark-up income of Rs82.36 billion, compared with Rs78.96 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.

The bank also delivered solid growth in non-funded income. Fee and commission income increased to Rs14.85 billion from Rs12.31 billion, while foreign exchange income rose to Rs4.65 billion. Dividend income declined to Rs1.75 billion, whereas gains on securities improved significantly to Rs2.19 billion.

As a result, total non-mark-up income reached Rs21.98 billion, lifting total income to Rs104.34 billion, compared with Rs98.89 billion in the same period last year.

On the expenditure side, operating expenses increased to Rs44.84 billion from Rs40.29 billion, while total non-mark-up expenses rose to Rs46.18 billion. Despite higher costs, the bank maintained strong operating performance, with profit before taxation reaching Rs58.83 billion, compared with Rs62.55 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.

The bank booked a tax expense of Rs30.74 billion, resulting in profit after taxation of Rs28.10 billion. After accounting for non-controlling interests, profit attributable to equity shareholders stood at Rs27.98 billion for the half year ended June 30, 2026.

The Board of Directors also approved a second interim cash dividend of Rs9.00 per share (90%), payable in addition to the first interim dividend of Rs9.00 per share (90%) already distributed, reflecting the bank's continued commitment to delivering value to shareholders while maintaining a strong capital position.