Intel heads into its April 23 earnings with rising investor expectations , but the key question remains whether AI-driven CPU demand can offset ongoing margin weakness . Revenue Stable, But Margins Under Pressure Intel is expected to deliver Q1 revenue around US$12.4 billion , slightly above the midpoint of its guidance range. However, the real concern lies in profitability: Gross margin guided at 34.5% , down from 39.2% a year ago EPS near breakeven (~US$0.00) vs US$0.13 last year This highlights continued pressure from costs, utilisation, and product mix , despite improving demand signals. AI CPUs: A Key Growth Driver Intel’s near-term bullish case centers on AI-related CPU demand , particularly its Xeon processors. A key development is its partnership with Alphabet , which reinforces: Intel’s role in AI data centre infrastructure Growing demand for AI inference and general-purpose computing Investors will watch c...
Strong Financial Performance
- OCBC Bank reported a record net profit of S$7.59 billion (US$5.68 billion) in 2024, up from S$7.02 billion in 2023.
- Total income surged to S$14.47 billion, driven by:
- Net interest income of S$9.76 billion (up from S$9.65 billion).
- Non-interest income of S$4.72 billion, a significant rise from S$3.86 billion.
Capital Return & Dividends
- OCBC plans to return S$2.5 billion to shareholders over two years via:
- Special dividends worth 10% of net profit for 2024 & 2025.
- Share buybacks.
- Dividends for 2024:
- Final ordinary dividend of 41 Singapore cents per share, bringing total ordinary dividends to 85 cents per share.
- Special dividend of 16 cents per share, pending approval at the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Outlook & CEO’s Remarks
- CEO Helen Wong remains "cautiously optimistic" about regional growth in 2025.
- OCBC aims to capitalize on market opportunities while managing economic uncertainties.
Summary:
- OCBC posted a record S$7.59 billion net profit in 2024, fueled by strong banking, wealth management, and insurance income.
- S$2.5 billion capital return planned through special dividends & share buybacks.
- 2024 total dividend payout reaches 85 cents per share, plus a proposed 16-cent special dividend.
- OCBC maintains a positive but cautious outlook for 2025.
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