<div id="readability-page-1"><div><p>Citi issued a research report stating that BANK OF CHINA (03988.HK)<span> </span><span> -0.080 (-1.544%)  </span> <span> Short selling $523.78M; Ratio 39.575%  </span>  recorded a 7.2% YoY increase in pre-provision operating profit in 1Q26, while net profit after tax rose 4.2% YoY to RMB56.6 billion, accounting for 23% of the markets full-year forecast. The performance was partly attributable to rising credit costs, which were partially offset by a decline in the effective tax rate. BANK OF CHINAs earnings growth slightly exceeded expectations, ranking second among large banks.</p><p>Citi believes BANK OF CHINA remains its top pick among Chinese-funded banks, as it benefits from continued buying of Chinese bank stocks by domestic insurers, a recovery in return on equity of its overseas operations, and attractive valuation. Citi maintains a Buy rating on BANK OF CHINA with a TP of HKD5.92. (sl/w)(HK stocks quote is delayed for at least 15 mins.Short Selling Data as at 2026-04-29 16:25.)</p></div><p>This article was automatically translated by AI, the Chinese version should be considered the authoritative version. AASTOCKS.com Limited does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and accepts no liability for any damages or losses arising from the use of this translation.</p></div>

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<p>Citi's research report indicates that BANK OF CHINAexperienced a 7.2% YoY increase in pre-provision operating profit and a 4.2% YoY rise in net profit after tax to RMB56.6 billion in 1Q26. This performance slightly exceeded expectations, ranking second among large banks. Citi maintains a Buy rating on BANK OF CHINA, citing benefits from domestic insurer investments, improved overseas returns, and attractive valuations, with a target price of HKD5.92.</p>

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Citi: BANK OF CHINA  1Q26 Profit Growth Slightly Beats; Reiterates as Sector Top Pick