Mega FinancialHoldings Co. Ltd. posted a 38.9% year-over-year decline in netprofit for the first half.

The group reported Aug. 23 a fall in first-half net income toNT$9.44 billion, or 69 New Taiwan cents, from NT$15.52 billion, or 1.25 cents,in the prior-year period.

Net interest income rose to NT$18.73 billion from NT$18.40billion, while noninterest income fell to NT$6.95 billion from NT$11 billion.

The group's banking unit, Mega International Commercial Bank Co. Ltd., posted a44.4% year-over-year decline in first-half net income to NT$7.68 billion fromNT$13.80 billion. Basic EPS for period fell to 90 cents from NT$1.78.

As of Aug. 23, US$1was equivalent to NT$31.78.