Standard Chartered PLC on Tuesday upgraded its annual financial guidance for income growth for 2024, and also announced its largest every buyback.

The London-based, Asia-focused bank reported operating income of $9.79 billion in the first half, a 7.3% increase from $9.13 billion. Net interest margin increased to 1.85% from 1.67%.

Pretax profit rose to $3.96 billion, up 20% from $3.31 billion a year prior.

StanChart recorded an underlying credit impairment charge of $240 million during the half, compared to $161 million a year before.

‘We produced a strong set of results for the first half of the year, demonstrating the value of our franchise as a cross-border corporate and investment bank and a leading wealth manager for affluent clients. We generated double-digit income growth, with positive momentum continuing into the second quarter, and with continued discipline in managing our expenses,’ said Chief Executive Officer Bill Winters.

Also on Tuesday, the firm announced its largest every share buyback of $1.5 billion.

Starting ‘imminently’, the buyback - alongside an interim dividend - brings shareholders returns since last year’s results to $2.7 billion. This marks progress on the way to Standard Charter’s target of at least $5 billion for 2024 to 2026.

This buyback follows a $1 billion share buyback that was completed in the first half.

The firm reaffirmed its previous guidance for 2024 as a whole, except for income guidance, which was upgraded.

Operating income is expected to increase above 7% in 2024, while net interest income is expected to be between $10 billion and $10.25 billion.

In February, Standard Chartered had guided for operating income to increase between 5% and 7% in the period from 2024 to 2026, and around the top of this range in 2024.

Shares in StanChart were up 6.0% to 770.40 pence each in London on Tuesday morning, having closed up 4.9% at HK$76.90 in Hong Kong.

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