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Investing.com -- EFG International AG on Wednesday reported a record first-half profit of CHF 221.2 million, up 36% YoY, driving shares 5.9% higher as the Swiss private bank exceeded its new asset growth targets and improved profitability metrics.
The bank’s net new assets totaled CHF 5.4 billion in the first half of 2025, representing an annualized growth rate of 6.5%, above EFG’s target range of 4-6%.
However, assets under management fell 2% to CHF 162.3 billion from CHF 165.5 billion at the end of 2024, as strong inflows and positive market performance were offset by CHF 11.7 billion in negative foreign exchange impacts, primarily from the weakening US dollar.
EFG’s first-half results included a CHF 45.4 million net contribution from an insurance recovery. Excluding this one-time item, net profit still grew 8% YoY to CHF 175.8 million. The bank’s cost/income ratio improved to 66.7% from 72.6% in the same period last year.
"We delivered a strong performance in the first half of 2025, with another record net profit and a net new asset growth rate above our target range," said Giorgio Pradelli, CEO of EFG International.
"This strong result reflects the consistent and successful delivery of our strategy which builds on organic growth complemented by strategic acquisitions."
The bank continued its de-risking efforts by significantly reducing its life insurance exposure through the divestment of its synthetic portfolio and the sale of approximately 22% of its directly held life insurance policies.
EFG maintained strong capital positions with a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 17.1% and announced plans to repurchase up to 9 million shares by July 2026 to fund variable deferred share-based employee compensation.
The bank also reported progress on two acquisitions: Geneva-based Cité Gestion with CHF 7.5 billion in assets under management and New Zealand’s Investment Services Group with CHF 3.4 billion in assets, which will bring pro-forma assets under management to approximately CHF 173 billion.
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