E.SUN FHC's Q1 Profit Exceeds NT$10 Billion, Setting New Record Amidst Expanding Deposit-Loan Spreads

E.SUN Financial Holding Company (E.SUN FHC) Chairman Huang Nanzhou stated today that the company's first-quarter profit for this year exceeded NT$10 billion for the first time, primarily due to expanded deposit-loan interest spreads and strong performance in the stock market during the first two months. Its securities, investment trust, and venture capital subsidiaries showed significant growth, while the banking subsidiary remained stable, indicating a healthy structural performance. Huang revealed that E.SUN FHC's Q1 profit increased by 14% year-on-year, breaking the NT$10 billion mark and setting a new single-quarter record. Last year, E.SUN FHC's full-year after-tax net profit reached a record NT$34.29 billion. When asked if this year's profit could exceed NT$40 billion, Huang acknowledged the pressure but stated it is achievable if quarterly profits consistently exceed NT$10 billion, requiring significant effort. He highlighted that the most crucial task this year is the smooth integration of San Shang Life into E.SUN FHC. Following capital increases and product line adjustments, the goal is for the life insurance subsidiary to contribute approximately 1/4 of the total profit, non-bank subsidiaries about 1/3, and the banking subsidiary 2/3, which would create a more resilient structure against market fluctuations. Regarding the recent failure of US-Iran ceasefire talks, Huang commented that while starting a war is easy, ending it is not. He noted the US's military strength versus Iran's strategic control of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need for US wisdom to prevent prolonged conflict, which would have greater impact. Huang observed that both sides currently lack consensus and further observation is needed, at least until the end of April. He added that financial markets often rebound when a war concludes, urging careful observation during volatile periods. In other news, E.SUN Bank, E.SUN Volunteers, and the Cultural and Educational Foundation launched the 'E.SUN Golden Seed Project' in 2007, dedicated to creating comfortable reading environments in elementary schools with limited resources. The project has established 200 libraries across Taiwan. Huang emotionally announced that the Golden Seed Project will expand internationally, with plans to build and open libraries in Cambodia and Vietnam in Q4 this year, offering local children opportunities to change their future through reading. He emphasized that collective effort amplifies the power of reading, transforming libraries from isolated 'points' into interconnected 'lines' and 'areas.' The 200 libraries mark a new milestone, and the project will continue to innovate systems, deepen teacher and volunteer training, and expand partnerships with educational organizations and government agencies. Vice Premier Zheng Lijun, who attended the event, praised the 18-year journey of the E.SUN Golden Seed Project, highlighting its role in nurturing children's minds and visions, and serving as a significant milestone for educational equity and a testament to Taiwan's love and vitality.