0:00
/
0:00

Commonwealth Bank Posts Record $10.25bn Profit, Ends Coal Lending

Video courtesy by CBA MEDIA TEAM

Commonwealth Bank recorded Australia's largest banking profit while announcing it will cease lending to coal companies without net zero emissions plans, marking a significant shift in climate policy for the nation's biggest lender.

Financial Performance:

  • Cash profit of $10.25 billion, up 4% from previous year

  • Final dividend $2.60 per share, total annual dividend $4.85

  • Net interest margin widened to 2.08%, supporting record results

  • Share price fell from $178 to $169 following results announcement

Climate Policy Shift:

  • Thermal coal miners must demonstrate net zero emissions plans by 2050

  • $660 million in current lending facilities to thermal coal sector

  • Total exposure to thermal coal industry reaches $1.2 billion

  • Policy extends existing requirements for oil and gas companies

Customer Metrics:

  • Home loan arrears stabilized at 0.7% for customers 90+ days behind

  • 85% of mortgage holders ahead on scheduled repayments

  • Household deposits increased $34 billion over the year

  • Personal loans rose $400 million, business lending up $16 billion

Executive Commentary:

Chief Executive Matt Comyn stated: "Many households have seen a rise in disposable incomes due to the recent relief from reduced interest rates, lower inflation and tax cuts."

Chief Financial Officer Alan Docherty noted that nearly 90% of conditional rate account holders receive full interest rates amid increased competition.

Market Analysis:

  • Loan impairment expense decreased to $726 million from $802 million

  • Common Equity Tier 1 ratio maintained at 12.3%, above regulatory requirements

  • Analysts continue questioning stock valuation, with UBS citing $120 underlying value

Climate Impact Assessment:

Morgan Pickett from Market Forces described the policy as "another nail in the coffin for coal," noting it effectively ends new finance for coal projects incompatible with climate targets.

The bank completed $300 million of its announced $1 billion share buyback program, with the period extended 12 months for execution flexibility.


Got a News Tip?

Contact our editor via Proton Mail encrypted, X Direct Message, LinkedIn, or email. You can securely message him on Signal by using his username, Miko Santos.


Get more from Miko Santos in the Substack app
Available for iOS and Android
PAID SUBSRIBER

As well as knowing you’re keeping MENCARI alive, you’ll also get:

  • Get breaking news AS IT HAPPENS - Gain instant access to our real-time coverage and analysis when major stories break, keeping you ahead of the curve

  • Unlock our COMPLETE content library - Enjoy unlimited access to every newsletter, podcast episode, and exclusive archive—all seamlessly available in your favorite podcast apps.

  • Join the conversation that matters - Be part of our vibrant community with full commenting privileges on all content, directly supporting Mencari's

BECOMING A PAID SUBSCRIBER

Not ready to be paid subscribe, but appreciate the newsletter ? Grab us a beer or snag the exclusive ad spot at the top of next week's newsletter.

Leave a comment

It only takes a minute to help us investigate fearlessly and expose lies and wrongdoing to hold power accountable. Thanks!

SUPPORT FREE AND INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM

Catch up on some of Mencari’s recent stories:

Discussion about this video