1Q-3Q 2008 Net Profit Growth Estimated 75%-80%

According to preliminary data released by its finance department, the company’s net profit in the first three quarters of 2008 is estimated to have increased by between 75% and 80%, equal to between RMB 3.28 bln and RMB 3.37 bln, compared with its net profit of RMB 1.87 bln during the same period in 2007. Its EPS is also estimated to have increased by between 56% to 61% from a year earlier, when the EPS of the first three quarters of 2007 was RMB 0.90.

The increase is mainly attributable to the healthy growth in both deposits and loans, improvement in interest margins, income from intermediate businesses, efficient cost controls and decreases in effective tax rates.

As of 30 Sept 2008, the company has a total of 2.39 bln shares outstanding, while its total shares outstanding as of 30 Sept 2007 was 2.09 bln. Investors are advised to pay attention to the effect that the equity increase exerts on the company's EPS.

Board of Directors
13 Oct 2008


Source: Securities Times

Date: 13 Oct 2008

CN01/NW/DM/BT/KM