East West Bancorp Stock (EWBC) Hit’s New High On Downward Day For Markets

East West Bancorp stock (NASDAQ: EWBC) was a notable gainer on an otherwise difficult day for the bulls, adding 5.81% and hitting a new high of $98.95 on the back of strong earnings. Cumulatively, EWBC's price has now gained 82.40% over the past 12 months, making the stock a big outperformer on the NASDAQ. We take a look at the numbers that have helped proper the company to new highs.

In its third-quarter earnings call, East West Bancorp, Inc. presented a steady performance amidst a dynamic interest rate environment. CEO Dominic Ng expressed satisfaction with the company's resilience and continued growth during the period.

The firm reported a net income of $299 million, translating to $2.14 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2024. This milestone is indicative of the bank's enduring profitability in a competitive sector.

The bank witnessed modest growth in its loan and deposit averages—a 1% quarter-over-quarter increase for loans and a 3% climb for deposits, bringing the total to a record $61.7 billion. This expansion in the bank’s financial activities demonstrates a strong client base and a growing trust in East West Bancorp's services.

Net interest income experienced a meaningful surge of 4%, amounting to an additional $20 million from the prior quarter. This increase can be attributed to a boost in loan income along with a reduction in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits. Such a climb underlines the bank's adept management of its interest-earning assets and liabilities.

A notable highlight was the fee income, which reached a record $81 million, showing a 6% quarter-over-quarter increase. This impressive performance was primarily driven by robust growth in the bank's lending, wealth management, and deposit fees.

Despite the positive trends, East West Bancorp forecasts a full-year loan growth of just 2% to 4%, with an anticipated 2% to 4% decline in net interest income. This conservative outlook underscores the bank’s caution amid an ever-evolving economic climate.

Shareholders have a reason to celebrate as the bank confirmed dividends scheduled to be paid on November 15, 2024. With a market capitalisation of $12.53 billion and a P/E ratio of 11.51, East West Bancorp stands as a substantial player in the banking industry.

Continuing a tradition of rewarding investors, the bank has increased its dividend for six consecutive years, coupled with a dividend yield of 2.43% and a dividend growth rate of 14.58% over the past year. This is a testament to East West Bancorp's commitment to shareholder value.

The bank's operating income margin stood strong at 65.05%, emphasizing its skill in generating profits from its core operations, a key indicator of operational efficiency and profitability.

East West Bancorp's third-quarter report showcases a company leveraging its strengths in a complex economic landscape, reaffirming its financial stability and dedication to delivering shareholder value. With solid fundamentals and a clear strategy, East West Bancorp appears well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.