Hang Seng Bank Limited 2008 I

RNS Number : 5243A
HSBC Holdings PLC
04 August 2008
 

  


The following is the text of an announcement made today by Hang Seng Bank, a 62.14 per cent owned subsidiary of the HSBC Group.



4 August 2008


HANG SENG BANK LIMITED

2008 INTERIM RESULTS - HIGHLIGHTS



  • Operating profit up 17.2 per cent to HK$9,112 million (HK$7,773 million for the first half of 2007).


  • Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions up 15.5 per cent to HK$9,300 million (HK$8,053 million for the first half of 2007).


  • Profit before tax up 3.1 per cent to HK$10,530 million (HK$10,218 million for the first half of 2007), excluding the gain on dilution of strategic investment in the first half of 2007, profit before tax up 20.3 per cent.


  • Attributable profit up 2.2 per cent to HK$9,064 million (HK$8,867 million for the first half of 2007), excluding the gain on dilution of strategic investment in the first half of 2007, attributable profit up 22.5 per cent.


  • Return on average shareholders' funds of 32.8 per cent (36.6 per cent for the first half of 2007), excluding the gain on dilution of strategic investment in the first half of 2007, return on average shareholders' funds up 2.3 percentage points.


  • Assets up 0.3 per cent to HK$747.9 billion (HK$746.0 billion at 31 December 2007).


  • Earnings per share up 2.2 per cent to HK$4.74 per share (HK$4.64 per share for the first half of 2007).


  • Second interim dividend of HK$1.10 per share; total dividends of HK$2.20 per share for the first half of 2008 (HK$2.20 per share for the first half of 2007). 


  • Capital adequacy ratio of 13.9 per cent (11.2 per cent at 31 December 2007); core capital ratio of 11.3 per cent (8.4 per cent at 31 December 2007).


  • Cost efficiency ratio of 26.3 per cent (26.6 per cent for the first half of 2007).



   

       The capital adequacy and core capital ratios at 30 June 2008 were calculated in accordance with Basel II – foundation internal ratings-based approach which became effective on 1 January 2008, while those at 31 December 2007 were calculated in accordance with Basel II – standardised approach.

 

 

      Within this document, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic
      of 
China has been referred to as 'Hong Kong'.





Hang Seng Bank Limited


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Comment by Raymond K F Ch'ien, Chairman 


Hang Seng's 2008 interim results reflect good performance in an increasingly challenging market environment


Net interest income increased by 23.2 percent, underpinned by good growth in Treasury balance sheet management income, expansion of higher-yield lending and improved loan spreads. 


Our wealth management business remained a key driver of growth. We launched innovative investment products and strengthened service delivery channels, which supported increases in the securities and investment fund account bases. Our life insurance business was Hong Kong's number one provider in terms of new annualised premiums during the first quarter of the year. 


We expanded and deepened commercial customer relationships to positive effect. Corporate wealth management's contribution to Commercial Banking's total operating income increased to 11.2 per cent. We enjoyed strong growth in average commercial customer deposits and advances in mainland China.


Mainland business increased its contribution to total profit before tax to 9.4 per cent, reflecting progress by Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited ('Hang Seng China') and a big rise in our share of profits from our strategic partner, Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. We took further steps to boost deposits growth, which significantly expanded our lending capacity.


At a bank-wide level, operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions rose by 15.5 per cent to HK$9,300 million. Operating profit increased by 17.2 per cent to HK$9,112 million. 


Profit attributable to shareholders was up 2.2 per cent at HK$9,064 million compared to the first-half result in 2007, which included a HK$1,465 million one-off dilution gain from our strategic holding in Industrial Bank. Excluding this gain, attributable profit increased by 22.5 per cent. Earnings per share were HK$4.74, compared with HK$4.64 for the same period last year.


Net operating income before loan impairment charges rose by 15.1 per cent to HK$12,620 million, reflecting continued growth across all our core business lines and outpacing the 13.9 per cent rise in operating expenses. This contributed to an improved cost efficiency ratio of 26.3 per cent - 0.3 percentage points better than a year earlier.


Profit before tax was up 3.1 per cent at HK$10,530 million. Excluding the gain on dilution in the first half of 2007, profit before tax rose by 20.3 per cent.


Return on average shareholders' funds was 32.8 per cent, compared with 36.6 per cent (30.5 per cent excluding the dilution gain) for the first half of 2007. Return on average total assets was 2.4 per cent, compared with 2.5 per cent (2.1 per cent excluding the dilution gain) for the same period last year.


On 30 June 2008, our capital adequacy ratio and core capital ratio were 13.9 per cent and 11.3 per cent respectively, as calculated in accordance with the 'foundation internal ratings-based approach' under Basel II.


The Directors have declared a second interim dividend of HK$1.10 per share, payable on 4 September 2008. This brings the total distribution for the first half of 2008 to HK$2.20 per share, the same as in the first half of 2007.  


Outlook


Looking ahead, economic growth in Hong Kong and on the Mainland will likely be affected by the US economic slowdown as well as growing inflationary pressures. 


The global credit crunch and surging oil prices will continue to exert pressure on major industrialised economies, which may impact activity in Hong Kong's external sector. However, domestic demand remains resilient on the back of the tight employment market and relatively low interest rate environment, pointing to moderate expansion.


Despite the Sichuan earthquake and mounting inflationary pressures, the Mainland is still on track to achieve solid growth this year - exports will face increasing challenges but private consumption is holding up well.


Investments in people, IT and our mainland network have strengthened our operational capabilities and provide a good foundation for the continued development of our business.


We will further leverage our competitive strengths - particularly our strong brand, market leadership position and comprehensive portfolio of products and services - to achieve sustainable growth.


  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Review by Raymond C F Or, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive


In a less favourable operating environment, Hang Seng made good progress in the first half of 2008, recording income growth across all core customer groups. 


We maintained leadership in wealth management by strengthening our retirement planning proposition and using our time-to-market competitive advantage. We rolled out new products to reflect changing investor sentiment, including Hong Kong's first Securities and Futures Commission-authorised mainland China bond fund, a Taiwan index fund and several capital-protected instruments.


We took successful steps to expand higher-yield credit cards and commercial lending.


Treasury achieved impressive growth, reflecting supportive interest rate conditions and further success with income diversification efforts.


Commercial Banking leveraged its strong customer relationship capabilities to record encouraging rises in average customer advances and corporate wealth management business. It also enhanced its 'one-stop' service for customers operating in Hong Kong and on the Mainland.


Corporate Banking developed initiatives to expand non-interest income and capitalised on opportunities for the upward repricing of loans.


Our mainland business recorded good increases in the customer bases and deposits, underpinned by Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited's expanding network of outlets in high-growth regions, the launch of new investment products and strengthened service capabilities. 



Customer Groups


With outstanding results achieved last year, Personal Financial Services maintained its good earnings in more challenging market conditions. Profit before tax was HK$5,284 million - a slight increase of 0.1 per cent year on year. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges dropped by 4.4 per cent to HK$5,141 million.


Excluding Private Banking, Personal Financial Services' profit before tax grew by 5 per cent. 


Wealth management business continued to grow, recording a 2.2 per cent rise in income compared with a year earlier to reach HK$3,518 million.


We expanded our range of investment products, enhanced online services, launched new marketing campaigns, and strengthened cross-referral mechanisms. This led to an encouraging increase in our number of investment services customers as well as rises in income from structured product sales, securities-related services and investment fund business.


Following strong growth last year, Private Banking was adversely affected by weak investment sentiment. Refinements to relationship management teams supported a 15.4 per cent increase in the customer base, but customer transactions fell in the more uncertain market conditions, resulting in a 44.5 per cent drop in wealth management income.


Our broad range of retirement planning solutions facilitated a 44.9 per cent rise in net earned life insurance premiums 


Our new enJoy credit card and well-developed card loyalty scheme underpinned encouraging increases in the cards in issue, spending and receivables. Personal loans grew by 39 per cent year on year. Despite strong competition, we maintained our market share for mortgage business, achieving double-digit lending growth.


Commercial Banking's operating profit excluding loan impairment charges grew by 13.3 per cent to HK$1,219 million. Including the share of profits from associates, profit before tax rose by 32.5 per cent to HK$1,703 million.


Our strong relationship management teams and expanding product range drove good growth in the corporate wealth management business, which increased its contribution to Commercial Banking's total operating income by 1.8 percentage points compared with a year earlier to reach 11.2 per cent. Net fee income and trading income rose by 14.9 per cent and 68.9 per cent respectively. The establishment of new teams to serve specific customer segments facilitated a 67.8 per cent increase in investment and treasury income.


Enhanced offerings for retailers, particularly our Octopus card merchant services, helped us grow our number of new commercial customers by 13.5 per cent in the first half of the year


Commercial Banking teams in Hong Kong stepped up efforts with their mainland and Macau counterparts to provide 'joined-up' services to middle-market enterprises. This contributed to good increases in average customer advances and deposits on the Mainland.


Corporate Banking achieved a 90.1 per cent increase in profit before tax to HK$365 million, underpinned by a 30.4 per cent rise in net interest income as well as lower loan impairment charges. In the tightening credit market, we took good advantage of opportunities to reprice credit facilities. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges was up 22.5 per cent at HK$365 million.


Treasury achieved an impressive 272.4 per cent increase in operating profit to HK$1,698 million. Profit before tax, including share of profits from associates, rose 247.3 per cent to HK$1,983 million. 


Treasury's net interest income grew strongly by HK$1,129 million, or 277.4 per cent, to reach HK$1,536 million. We took further steps to grow income from proprietary trading and customer-driven business by exploring new trading opportunities, strengthening product development capabilities and deepening relationships with customers.


Reduced investor appetite for equities facilitated the successful promotion of foreign exchange and interest rate-linked products and capital-protected investment instruments. Treasury's trading income grew by 80.4 per cent to reach HK$294 million.


Mainland Business


Hang Seng China opened seven sub-branches during the first half of 2008, taking its number of outlets to 30 across nine cities. To support this expansion and drive future growth, its number of full-time equivalent staff rose by 19.6 per cent to 1,312.


The launch of new wealth management products helped us to increase our Prestige Banking mainland customer base by 74 per cent compared with the end of 2007, while the establishment in May of our first commercial sub-branch in ChangAn county in Dongguan is helping us capture new Commercial Banking business. Overall, our number of customers on the Mainland grew by 36 per cent.


Along with increased marketing, improved cross-group referrals and closer collaboration between mainland and Hong Kong teams, this drove a 94.1 per cent increase in deposits compared with last year-end. Lending rose by 14.7 per cent. 


Year on year, deposits and advances were up 292.5 per cent and 55 per cent respectively. Total operating income increased by 66.9 per cent.


Profit before tax was up 23.3 per cent, affected in part by investments in expanding the network and headcount as well as a foreign exchange loss on the revaluation of US dollar capital held by Hang Seng China against the renminbi.


Including our share of profits from Industrial Bank, mainland business contributed 9.4 per cent of total profit before tax, compared with 5.9 per cent and 7 per cent in the first and second halves of 2007 respectively.


On 31 January 2008, we signed an agreement to subscribe for 20 per cent of the enlarged share capital of Yantai City Commercial Bank - one of the largest city commercial banks in Shandong Province - for a total consideration of RMB800 million. Upon completion of the acquisition, we will strengthen our foothold in the rapidly developing Bohai Economic Rim region.



Looking Ahead


Hang Seng's 2008 interim results reflect our competitive strength in changing market conditions. 


We will continue to invest and build on our strength in wealth management, using our comprehensive range of products and services, well-established brand and leading market position as a springboard to achieve continued growth.  


We will step up customer acquisitions in the affluent segment by opening more Prestige Banking centres and concentrating on tailor-made wealth management solutions. 


We will increase our market share among younger customers by offering convenient, fast and environmentally friendly banking services with a strong emphasis on electronic channels.


We will capitalise on our large base of commercial customers in Hong Kong and growing mainland capabilities to become the bank of choice for Greater China business flows. We will take more steps to 'join up' Hong Kong and mainland Commercial Banking teams to deliver seamless banking services wherever customers do business.


Supported by our strong relationship management structures, we will expand our corporate wealth management business. 


In Corporate Banking, we will focus on further income diversification and seek opportunities to improve yields on our loan portfolio.


We will build on the good progress made in developing a more balanced and diversified Treasury income base. We will streamline service delivery, strengthen cross-group cooperation to broaden and deepen product penetration, and further explore emerging opportunities on the Mainland. 


Through Hang Seng China, we will pursue new avenues of business to increase our customer base. We will grow our wealth management business and expand our deposit base by opening more outlets in cities with good growth potential, expanding renminbi product offerings and accelerating brand-building initiatives. 


By the end of this year, we will have new branches in Tianjin and Kunming and more sub-branches in key cities. 


We will capitalise on the synergies created by our strategic partnerships to good effect.


We will remain vigilant in identifying and managing credit risk.


We have established an excellent platform for future expansion. Supported by our strong brand, premium customer service and good market knowledge, we will continue to grow our core businesses, generate increasing value for shareholders and enhance our position as a leading financial institution in Greater China.

  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Results summary


Hang Seng Bank Limited ('the bank') and its subsidiaries and associates ('the group') reported an unaudited profit attributable to shareholders of HK$9,064 million for the first half of 2008, a rise of 2.2 per cent over the first half of 2007. Earnings per share were HK$4.74, up HK$0.10 from the first half of 2007. Excluding the dilution gain arising from the bank's strategic investment in Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. ('Industrial Bank') in the first half of 2007, profit attributable to shareholders increased by 22.5 per cent.  


- Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions rose by HK$1,247 million, or 15.5 per cent, to HK$9,300 million, a robust performance riding in part on the momentum and record-breaking results achieved last year. This growth reflects a significant rise in net interest income and sustained leadership in wealth management business in less favourable market conditions.


- Net interest income grew by HK$1,556 million, or 23.2 per cent, with an increase of 6.8 per cent in average interest-earning assets. Net interest income also benefited from improved loan spreads and better yields on Treasury balance sheet management portfolios, which outweighed the drop in contribution from net free funds due to the fall in market interest rates. Net interest margin for the first half of 2008 was 2.43 per cent - up 32 basis points compared with the same period last year. Net interest spread improved by 48 basis points to 2.20 per cent while contribution from net free funds declined by 16 basis points to 0.23 per cent.


Net fees and commissions rose by HK$165 million, or 5.8 per cent, to HK$3,027 million. The group's dedicated efforts to continue expanding fee-based income proved rewarding. Against a backdrop of slower stock market activity due to uncertainty over the global credit crunch and rising crude oil prices, encouraging growth was registered in income from stockbroking and related services (9.5 per cent), sales of retail investment funds (6.2 per cent) and sales of third-party structured investment products (19.3 per cent). Credit card business continued to gain market share in terms of cards in issue, spending and receivables to achieve remarkable income growth of 29.0 per cent. Income from remittances and trade services grew by 17.6 per cent and 5.3 per cent respectively. Private banking investment services fee income fell significantly by 46.8 per cent. The downturn in equities markets resulted in dampened customer appetite for investment and reduced transaction volume exacerbated by declining asset values. 


- Trading income improved by HK$175 million, or 30.0 per cent, to HK$759 million. Foreign exchange income rose by 35.8 per cent, attributable to increased customer activity and good trading opportunities captured by Treasury under the volatile market conditions. This increase was affected by the exchange loss on forward contracts used in 'funding swap' activities in the balance sheet management portfolios and on the revaluation of certain US dollar capital funds - maintained in the bank's mainland subsidiary bank and subject to regulatory controls - against the appreciating renminbi. Excluding these unfavourable factors, foreign exchange income registered remarkable growth of 57.5 per cent. Securities, derivatives and other trading income grew by 17.9 per cent as a result of the group expanding its treasury product portfolio and higher demand for equity-linked investment products.


  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Results summary (continued)


Income from insurance business, including net earned insurance premiums, net interest income, net fee income and net income from financial instruments designated at fair value, the change in present value of in-force business, and after deducting net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholders' liabilities, fell by 8.2 per cent to HK$1,009 million. Life insurance business continued to gain market share and was ranked first in Hong Kong in terms of new annualised regular life insurance premiums for the first quarter of 2008. Our expanding range of products - particularly for retirement planning - drove strong growth in new annualised premiums. This underpinned the 44.9 per cent rise in net earned life insurance premiums to HK$6,774 million. Net interest income and fee income from life insurance business grew by 40.1 per cent due to the increase in investment portfolio size. However, investment returns on life insurance funds were adversely affected by the poorly performing global capital markets. 


- Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions increased by HK$1,653 million, or 15.1 per cent, to HK$12,620 million, reflecting the group's core profitability across a wide range of products and customer segments. 


- Operating expenses rose by HK$406 million, or 13.9 per cent, compared with the first half of 2007, driven principally by further investments in mainland network expansion and business development in Hong Kong and on the Mainland. These investments supported growth, with net operating income before loan impairment charges outpacing the increase in costs. This helped the bank to improve its cost efficiency ratio, which fell by 0.3 percentage points to 26.3 per cent. The bank's mainland operations accounted for HK$159 million, or 39.3 per cent, of the increase in operating expenses, reflecting the expansion of the mainland network of our wholly owned banking subsidiary, Hang Seng Bank (China) Ltd ('Hang Seng China'), from 23 to 30 outlets as well as its rise in net headcount from 1,097 to 1,312 during the first half of 2008. Excluding mainland operations, operating expenses increased by 9.1 per cent, due mainly to increased headcount and annual salary increments, as well as rises in rents, IT costs, depreciation and marketing expenses.


- Operating profit grew by HK$1,339 million, or 17.2 per cent, to HK$9,112 million, after accounting for the HK$92 million reduction in loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions.


- Profit before tax was up 3.1 per cent at HK$10,530 million after taking the following items into account:


  • a 10.2 per cent fall in gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets;

  • the non-recurrence of the HK$1,465 million gain on dilution of investment in an associate related to the listing of Industrial Bank in the first half of last year;

  • a 13.9 per cent decrease in net surplus on property revaluation; and

  • a 114.3 per cent rise in share of profits from associates, mainly contributed by Industrial Bank.


 

  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Results summary (continued)


Balance sheet and key ratios


Total assets increased by HK$1.9 billion, or 0.3 per cent, to HK$747.9 billion. Customer advances rose by 9.3 per cent with encouraging growth in commercial lending, trade finance, mainland lending and personal loans. In a competitive operating environment, the bank took good advantage of opportunities to grow its residential mortgage lending in the active property market in the first half of the year. Interbank placing rose 20.8 per cent while investment in money market instruments fell by 24.4 per cent, reflecting a strategy of identifying quality investment opportunities to optimise returns while prudently managing risk. Customer deposits fell marginally by HK$10.5 billion, or 1.8 per cent, to HK$580.1 billion in the low interest rate environment. At 30 June 2008, the advances-to-deposits ratio was 58.1 per cent, compared with 52.2 per cent and 55.7 per cent at the end of December 2007 and June 2007 respectively.


As at 30 June 2008, shareholders' funds (excluding proposed dividends) were HK$53,505 million, an increase of HK$2,785 million, or 5.5 per cent. Retained profits rose by HK$4,485 million, reflecting the increase in attributable profit (excluding first and second interim dividends) for the first half of 2008. The adverse effects of the global credit market upheaval led to a decline in the available-for-sale investments reserve. 


The return on average total assets was 2.4 per cent, compared with 2.5 per cent for the first half of 2007. The return on average shareholders' funds was 32.8 per cent (36.6 per cent, or 30.5 per cent excluding the gain on dilution, in the first half of 2007).


On 30 June 2008, the capital adequacy ratio was 13.9 per cent, up from 11.2 per cent at the end of 2007. The core capital ratio was 11.3 per cent, up from 8.4 per cent. The ratios were calculated in accordance with the Banking (Capital) Rules issued by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ('HKMA') for the implementation of Basel II. In December 2007, the bank obtained the HKMA's approval to adopt the more sophisticated 'foundation internal ratings-based approach' under the Basel II framework to calculate its capital ratios, effective from 1 January 2008. The capital adequacy ratio and core capital ratio at 31 December 2007 were, however, calculated using the 'standardised (credit risk) approach' under the Basel II framework. As there are significant differences between the two approaches, the capital ratios of the two reporting periods are not directly comparable. 


The bank maintained a strong liquidity position. The average liquidity ratio for the first half of 2008 was 47.3 per cent (calculated in accordance with the Fourth Schedule of the Hong Kong Banking Ordinance), compared with 52.9 per cent for the first half of 2007.


The cost efficiency ratio for the first half of 2008 was 26.3 per cent, compared with 26.6 per cent for both the first and second halves of 2007. 


Dividends


The Directors have declared a second interim dividend of HK$1.10 per share, which will be payable on 4 September 2008 to shareholders on the register of shareholders as of 20 August 2008. Together with the first interim dividend, the total distribution for the first half of 2008 will amount to HK$2.20 per share, the same as in the first half of 2007.

  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Customer group performance



Personal 









Inter-





Financial

Commercial

Corporate





segment




Figures in HK$m

Services


Banking


Banking


Treasury


Other

elimination


Total

















Half-year ended















30 June 2008






























Net interest income

4,295


1,211


442


1,536


768


__


8,252


Net fee income/(expense)

2,380


547


61


(17

)

56


__


3,027


Trading income/(loss)

485


125


8


294


(153

)

__


759


Net (loss)/income from 















  financial instruments 















  designated at fair value 

(1,029

)

(1

)

__


6


__


__


(1,024

)

Dividend income

17


5


__


__


32


__


54


Net earned insurance premiums

6,832


96


2


__


__


__


6,930


Other operating income/(loss)

435


24


__


(1

)

67


__


525


Inter-segment income

__


__


__


__


233


(233

)

__


Total operating income

13,415


2,007


513


1,818


1,003


(233

)

18,523


Net insurance claims















  incurred and movement















  in policyholders' liabilities

(5,843

)

(59

)

(1

)

__


__


__


(5,903

)

Net operating income before















  loan impairment charges















  and other credit risk















  provisions

7,572


1,948


512


1,818


1,003


(233

)

12,620


Loan impairment charges















  and other credit risk provisions

(86

)

(71

)

(31

)

__


__


__


(188

)

Net operating income

7,486


1,877


481


1,818


1,003


(233

)

12,432


Total operating expenses 

(2,237

)

(699

)

(143

)

(115

)

(126

)

__


(3,320

)

Inter-segment expenses

(194

)

(30

)

(4

)

(5

)

__


233


__


Operating profit

5,055


1,148


334


1,698


877


__


9,112


Gains less losses from financial 















  investments and fixed assets

175


96


31


__


(56

)

__


246


Net surplus on property















  revaluation

__


__


__


__


229


__


229


Share of profits from associates

54


459


__


285


145


__


943


Profit before tax

5,284


1,703


365


1,983


1,195


__


10,530


Share of profit before tax

50.2

%

16.2

%

3.5

%

18.8

%

11.3

%

__


100.0

%
















Operating profit excluding















  inter-segment transactions

5,249


1,178


338


1,703


644


__


9,112

















Operating profit excluding loan















  impairment charges















  and other credit risk provisions

5,141


1,219


365


1,698


877


__


9,300

















Depreciation/amortisation 















  included in total operating 















  expenses

(64

)

(11

)

(3

)

(2

)

(148

)

__


(228

)































At 30 June 2008






























Total assets

210,593


93,416


85,595


320,004


38,308


__


747,916


Total liabilities

473,224


96,559


46,288


37,937


38,300


__


692,308


Investments in associates

379


2,412


__


1,923


2,435


__


7,149


Capital expenditure 















  incurred during the period

203


25


6


2


131


__


367







Hang Seng Bank Limited

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Customer group performance (continued)



Personal 









Inter-





Financial

Commercial

Corporate





segment




Figures in HK$m

Services


Banking


Banking


Treasury


Other

elimination


Total

















Half-year ended















30 June 2007






























Net interest income

4,142


1,119


339


407


689


__


6,696


Net fee income/(expense)

2,307


476


54


(11

)

36


__


2,862


Trading income/(loss)

358


74


4


163


(15

)

__


584


Net income/(loss) from 















  financial instruments 















  designated at fair value 

689


__


__


(3

)

__


__


686


Dividend income

6


__


__


__


20


__


26


Net earned insurance premiums

4,741


79


1


__


__


__


4,821


Other operating income

300


25


__


__


72


__


397


Inter-segment income

__


__


__


__


187


(187

)

__


Total operating income

12,543


1,773


398


556


989


(187

)

16,072


Net insurance claims















  incurred and movement















  in policyholders' liabilities

(5,061

)

(44

)

__


__


__


__


(5,105

)

Net operating income before















  loan impairment charges















  and other credit risk















  provisions

7,482


1,729


398


556


989


(187

)

10,967


Loan impairment charges















  and other credit risk provisions

(122

)

(45

)

(113

)

__


__


__


(280

)

Net operating income

7,360


1,684


285


556


989


(187

)

10,687


Total operating expenses 

(1,939

)

(636

)

(97

)

(96

)

(146

)

__


(2,914

)

Inter-segment expenses

(163

)

(17

)

(3

)

(4

)

__


187


__


Operating profit

5,258


1,031


185


456


843


__


7,773


Gain on dilution of investment in















  associate

__


__


__


__


1,465


__


1,465


Gains less losses from financial 















  investments and fixed assets

__


__


7


__


267


__


274


Net surplus on property















  revaluation

__


__


__


__


266


__


266


Share of profits from associates

20


254


__


115


51


__


440


Profit before tax

5,278


1,285


192


571


2,892


__


10,218


Share of profit before tax

51.7

%

12.6

%

1.8

%

5.6

%

28.3

%

__


100.0

%
















Operating profit excluding















  inter-segment transactions

5,421


1,048


188


460


656


__


7,773

















Operating profit excluding loan















  impairment charges and other















  credit risk provisions

5,380


1,076


298


456


843


__


8,053

















Depreciation/amortisation 















  included in total operating















  expenses

(56

)

(8

)

(2

)

(1

)

(113

)

__


(180

)

















At 30 June 2007






























Total assets

191,312


74,766


82,688


353,011


39,545


__


741,322


Total liabilities

432,416


93,988


51,983


70,109


39,878


__


688,374


Investments in associates

155


1,951


__


880


2,293


__


5,279


Capital expenditure 















  incurred during the period

135


43


8


3


29


__


218






Hang Seng Bank Limited

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Customer group performance (continued)



Personal 









Inter-





Financial

Commercial

Corporate





segment




Figures in HK$m

Services


Banking


Banking


Treasury


Other

elimination


Total

















Half-year ended















31 December 2007






























Net interest income

4,559


1,245


380


905


934


__


8,023


Net fee income/(expense)

3,419


529


55


(14

)

35


__


4,024


Trading income/(loss)

728


99


5


305


(42

)

__


1,095


Net income from 















  financial instruments 















  designated at fair value 

1,212


2


__


7


__


__


1,221


Dividend income

8


1


__


__


17


__


26


Net earned insurance premiums

4,778


102


1


__


__


__


4,881


Other operating income/(loss)

243


22


__


(3

)

88


__


350


Inter-segment income

__


__


__


__


186


(186

)

__


Total operating income

14,947


2,000


441


1,200


1,218


(186

)

19,620


Net insurance claims















  incurred and movement

 















  in policyholders' liabilities

 

(5,523

 

)

 

(48

 

)

 

(1

 

)

 

__

 


__

 


__

 


(5,572

 

)

 

Net operating income before















  loan impairment charges















  and other credit risk















  provisions

9,424


1,952


440


1,200


1,218


(186

)

14,048


Loan impairment charges















  and other credit risk provisions

(155

)

(120

)

(21

)

__


__


__


(296

)

Net operating income

9,269


1,832


419


1,200


1,218


(186

)

13,752


Total operating expenses 

(2,503

)

(801

)

(137

)

(118

)

(177

)

__


(3,736

)

Inter-segment expenses

(162

)

(17

)

(3

)

(4

)

__


186


__


Operating profit

6,604


1,014


279


1,078


1,041


__


10,016


Gains less losses from financial 















  investments and fixed assets

4


1


4


__


433


__


442


Net surplus on property















  revaluation

__


__


__


__


113


__


113


Share of profits from associates

32


401


__


180


69


__


682


Profit before tax

6,640


1,416


283


1,258


1,656


__


11,253


Share of profit before tax

59.0

%

12.6

%

2.5

%

11.2

%

14.7

%

__


100.0

%
















Operating profit excluding















  inter-segment transactions

6,766


1,031


282


1,082


855


__


10,016

















Operating profit excluding loan















  impairment charges















  and other credit risk provisions

6,759


1,134


300


1,078


1,041


__


10,312

















Depreciation/amortisation 















  included in total operating 















  expenses

(62

)

(13

)

(3

)

(2

)

(121

)

__


(201

)































At 31 December 2007






























Total assets

190,696


80,479


79,419


358,306


37,099


__


745,999


Total liabilities

459,756


100,857


53,373


42,486


33,071


__


689,543


Investments in associates

201


2,520


__


1,138


2,318


__


6,177


Capital expenditure 















  incurred during the period

91


33


13


__


186


__


323









Hang Seng Bank Limited

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Customer group performance (continued)


Personal Financial Services ('PFS') maintained its year-on-year earnings with a slight increase of 0.1 per cent in profit before tax to HK$5,284 million for the first half of 2008. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges was down 4.4 per cent at HK$5,141 million.


Excluding Private Banking, Personal Financial Services' profit before tax grew by 5 per cent. 


Net interest income recorded moderate growth of 3.7 per cent, supported by stable customer deposit balances.


Non-interest income declined slightly by 1.9 per cent. Wealth management income was negatively affected by the economic slowdown and subsequent market volatility, but insurance was able to maintain its sales momentum. In the first half of 2008, new annualised life insurance premiums exceeded HK$2 billion, underpinning the 44.9 per cent rise in net earned insurance premiums. In the first quarter of the year, the group's life insurance business ranked number one in Hong Kong in terms of new business, with a market share of 16.2 per cent. 


Total operating income from unsecured lending recorded significant year-on-year growth of 32.5 per cent as the bank's credit card business continued to gain market share in terms of cards in force, spending and receivables. The launch of a new credit card employing innovative contactless payment technology and a series of promotion campaigns helped drive the number of cards in issue to 1.64 million, representing year-on-year growth of 13.9 per cent. Card receivables grew strongly by 19.3 per cent year on year to reach HK$11.7 billion, attributable mainly to successful card utilisation campaigns and robust consumer spending. Personal lending also registered impressive growth with a 39.0 per cent year-on-year increase in loan balances to HK$3.2 billion.


Residential mortgage business benefited from market anticipation of asset price inflation, achieving double-digit growth in first half of the year. Despite the recent market slowdown, the bank maintained its market share in terms of total mortgage loans outstanding at around 16.0 per cent and secured the number two position in new mortgage loan drawdowns for the first half of 2008.


Commercial Banking ('CMB') achieved an increase of 13.3 per cent in operating profit excluding loan impairment charges, underpinned by satisfactory growth in net fee income and net trading income. Taking into account the contribution from Industrial Bank, profit before tax rose by 32.5 per cent to HK$1,703 million, representing 16.2 per cent of the group's total profit before tax.


Average customer advances rose by 21.9 per cent as a result of balanced growth in lending to the manufacturing, wholesale and retail and property sectors, and increases in trade finance and factoring. This good growth was partly offset by the narrowing of deposit margins, resulting in a moderate rise of 8.2 per cent in net interest income.  


   

Hang Seng Bank Limited

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Customer group performance (continued)


Driven by concerted efforts to grow corporate wealth management business, net fee income and net trading income reported good growth of 14.9 per cent and 68.9 per cent respectively. Corporate wealth management income contributed 11.2 per cent of CMB's total operating income in the first half of 2008, up 1.8 percentage points compared with the first half of 2007. With the establishment of designated corporate teams to serve the diverse investment needs of different customer segments, investment and treasury income registered robust growth of 67.8 per cent compared with the first half of 2007.


CMB's efforts to offer enhanced services to customers in the retail sector continued to generate positive returns. Net fee income from card merchant-acquiring business achieved strong growth of 10.9 per cent. Octopus card merchant services helped to strengthen the bank's franchise in the small and medium-sized enterprise ('SME') sector, as evidenced by the fact that 70 per cent of Octopus merchants acquired in the first half of 2008 were new customers for the bank. Overall, the number of new commercial customers acquired in the first half of 2008 grew by 13.5 per cent. 


CMB continued to strengthen its relationships with middle-market enterprises ('MME'). The collaborative efforts of the Hong Kong, Mainland and Macau teams have put CMB in a better position to provide one-stop banking solutions for MME customers with operations in the Pearl River Delta, Yangtze River Delta and Bohai Economic Rim regions. Average customer deposits and average customer advances on the Mainland registered strong growth of 324.0 per cent and 119.5 per cent respectively. The establishment of Hang Seng China's first commercial banking sub-branch at ChangAn, Dongguan, in June 2008, will help further to extend CMB's catchment area in the region.


At 30 June 2008, over 57,000 customers had registered for Business e-Banking services, aincrease of 30.8 per cent compared to the same period in 2007. The number of online business banking transactions grew by 31.7 per cent.


Corporate Banking ('CIB') achieved an increase of 22.5 per cent in operating profit excluding loan impairment charges, driven largely by satisfactory growth of 30.4 per cent in net interest income. CIB continued to focus on liability-driven business and higher-yield loan transactions. Average customer deposits rose by 16.2 per cent. Average customer advances were up 10.3 per cent, due mainly to increased lending to real estate companies, hotels and investment holding companies. Profit before tax rose strongly by HK$173 million, or 90.1 per cent, to HK$365 million.


CIB remained active in financing mainland projects of Hong Kong-based corporations during 2008 and continued to expand its mainland customer base. Average customer deposits and average customer advances on the Mainland recorded encouraging growth of 354.7 per cent and 32.1 per cent respectively.


Treasury ('TRY') reported a strong 272.4 per cent growth in operating profit. Profit before tax, taking into account the increase in share of profits from associates, rose by 247.3 per cent to HK$1,983 million, contributing 18.8 per cent to the group's total profit before tax.


 



Hang Seng Bank Limited

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Customer group performance (continued)


Benefiting from the rate cut cycle in the United States that began in September 2007, the interest margin of balance sheet management portfolios improved significantly. Coupled with good portfolio positioning and a prudent strategy of investing in high quality instruments, net interest income from balance sheet management portfolios registered remarkable growth of HK$1,129 million, or 277.4 per cent. Including the net increase of HK$82 million in funding swap costs (described below) - which were recognised as foreign exchange losses - net interest income rose by HK$1,047 million, or 475.9 per cent.


Trading income reversed its declining trend of 2007 to record growth of HK$131 million, or 80.4 per cent, attributable mainly to foreign exchange and derivative trading activities. This good trading income result was partly offset by the mirror effect of 'funding swap' activities in the balance sheet management portfolios, which reported a loss of HK$269 million in the first six months of 2008. Excluding the impact of such activities, trading income increased by HK$213 million.



 Treasury from time to time employs foreign exchange swaps for its funding activities, which in essence involve swapping a currency ('original currency') into another currency ('swap currency') at the spot exchange rate for short-term placement and simultaneously entering into a forward exchange contract to convert the funds back to the original currency on maturity of the placement. In accordance with HKAS39, the exchange difference of the spot and forward contracts is required to be recognised as a foreign exchange gain/loss, while the corresponding interest differential between the original and swap funding is reflected in net interest income.

  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Mainland business


Headquartered in Shanghai, the bank's mainland subsidiary, Hang Seng China, marked its first anniversary in May 2008. At 30 June 2008, Hang Seng China's network had grown from 23 to 30 outlets since the end of 2007, comprising nine branches and 21 sub-branches operating across nine cities: BeijingShanghaiGuangzhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, FuzhouNanjingHangzhou and Ningbo. The bank has a branch in Shenzhen for foreign currency wholesale business and a representative office in Xiamen. To support expansion and strengthen sales and marketing capabilities, Hang Seng China's number of full-time equivalent staff increased by 215 to 1,312 in the first half of 2008


Supported by the robust mainland economy, Hang Seng China capitalised on new opportunities to grow its business by offering a comprehensive range of premium banking services, including renminbi services. Mainland lending grew by 14.7 per cent compared with the end of last year. The launch of full renminbi deposit services for local residents and new investment-linked deposit products contributed to the strong 94.1 per cent increase in customer deposits during the first half of 2008. Year on year, deposits and advances were up 292.5 per cent and 55.0 per cent respectively. Total operating income rose by 66.9 per cent, representing good growth in both interest income and non-interest income. 


The combined effects of the cost of network expansion, investment in human resources, a foreign exchange loss on the revaluation of US dollar capital funds held by Hang Seng China against the renminbi, and a decline in loan impairment charges, resulted in a 23.3 per cent increase in profit before tax.


Mainland PFS successfully grew its share of the mass affluent and affluent segments, expanding its customer base by 38 per cent since the end of last year and enjoying particular success with Prestige Banking, which recorded a 74 per cent increase in customers. Leveraging the bank's well-established corporate customer base in Hong Kong, Hang Seng China's CMB and CIB teams collaborated closely with their Hong Kong counterparts to offer 'joined-up' services to customers with operations in Hong Kong and on the Mainland, helping to expand the commercial customer base and renminbi business. TRY continued to manage the funding positions of the branches and launched new structured investment products to meet a wide range of customer needs.  


Including the bank's share of profit from Industrial Bank, mainland business contributed 9.4 per cent of total profit before tax, compared with 5.9 per cent and 7.0 per cent for the first and second halves of 2007 respectively.

  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

Contents

__________________________________________________________________________________________


The financial information in this news release is based on the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Hang Seng Bank Limited ('the bank') and its subsidiaries and associates ('the group') for the six months ended 30 June 2008.


         1    Highlights of Results

         2    Chairman's Comment

         4    Chief Executive's Review

         8    Results Summary

        11    Customer Group Performance

        17    Mainland Business

        18    Contents

        20    Consolidated Income Statement 

        21    Consolidated Balance Sheet

        22    Consolidated Statement of Recognised Income and Expense

        23    Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

        24    Financial Review

        24    Net interest income

        26    Net fee income

        27    Trading income 
        28    Other operating income

        28    Analysis of income from wealth management business

        31    Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions

        32    Operating expenses

        33    Gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets

        33    Gain on dilution of investment in associate

        34    Tax expense
        35    Earnings per share
        35    Dividends per share
        35    Segmental analysis

        38    Cash and balances with banks and other financial institutions
        38    Placings with and advances to banks and other financial institutions
        38    Trading assets
        39    Financial assets designated at fair value
        39    Advances to customers
        40    Loan impairment allowances against advances to customers

        41    Impaired advances and allowances
        42    Overdue advances

        43    Rescheduled advances

        43    Segmental analysis of advances to customers by geographical area

        44    Gross advances to customers by industry sector

        46    Financial investments
        46    Investments in associates
        47    Other assets
        47    Current, savings and other deposit accounts
        48    Certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue
        48    Trading liabilities
        49    Other liabilities

        49    Subordinated liabilities
        50    Shareholders' funds
        51    Capital resources management
        52    Liquidity ratio
        53    Reconciliation of cash flow statement

        54    Contingent liabilities, commitments and derivatives
        58    Statutory accounts and accounting policies
        58    Comparative figures

        58    Acquisition

        59    Property revaluation

        59    Foreign currency positions

        60    Ultimate holding company
        60    Register of shareholders
        60    Proposed timetable for the remaining 2008 quarterly dividends
        61    Code on corporate governance practices
        61    Board of directors
        61    News release

  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

   Consolidated Income Statement (unaudited)

_________________________________________________________________________________________



Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended




30 June



30 June



31 December

 


Figures in HK$m


2008



2007



2007

 

 












Interest income


13,665



16,318



  18,088

 

 


Interest expense


(5,413

)


(9,622

)


  (10,065

)

Net interest income


8,252



6,696



  8,023

 

 


Fee income


3,368



3,163



  4,519 


Fee expense


(341

)


(301

)


  (495

 

 

)

Net fee income


3,027



2,862



  4,024

 

 


Trading income 


759



584



  1,095

 

 


Net (loss)/income from 










  financial instruments designated at fair value  


(1,024

)

  

686



  1,221

 

 


Dividend income


54



 26



  26

 

 


Net earned insurance premiums


6,930



4,821



  4,881

 

 


Other operating income 


525



397



  350

 

 


Total operating income 


18,523



16,072



  19,620

 

 


Net insurance claims incurred and










  movement in policyholders' liabilities


(5,903

)


(5,105

)


  (5,572

 

 

)

Net operating income before loan










  impairment charges and








   


  other credit risk provisions


12,620



10,967



  14,048

 

 


Loan impairment charges and










  other credit risk provisions


(188

)


(280

)


  (296

 

 

)

Net operating income 


12,432



10,687



13,752

 

 


Employee compensation and benefits


(1,736

)


(1,598

)


  (1,987

 

 

)

General and administrative expenses 


(1,356

)


(1,136

)


  (1,548

 

 

)

Depreciation of premises, plant 








   


  and equipment 


(201

)


(169

)


  (179

 

 

)

Amortisation of intangible assets


(27

)


(11

)


  (22

 

 

)

Total operating expenses


(3,320

)


(2,914

)


  (3,736

 

 

)

Operating profit 


9,112



7,773



  10,016 

 


Gain on dilution of investment in an associate


   __



1,465

 

 

 



 __

 

 


Gains less losses from financial investments










  and fixed assets


  246

 

 



274



  442

 

 


Net surplus on property revaluation


229



266



  113

 

 


Share of profits from associates  


943



440



  682

 

 


Profit before tax

 


10,530



10,218



  11,253

 

 


Tax expense

 


(1,466

)


(1,150

)


  (1,715

)

Profit for the period

 


9,064



9,068



  9,538 












Profit attributable to shareholders

 


9,064



8,867



  9,375 


Profit attributable to minority interests

 


   __



201



  163 




9,064



9,068



  9,538 












Dividends

 


4,206



4,206



  7,839 


Earnings per share (in HK$)

 

 


4.74



4.64



4.90

 

 



The HSBC Group reports interest income and interest expense arising from financial assets and financial liabilities held for trading as 'Net trading income' and arising from financial instruments designated at fair value through profit and loss as 'Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value' (other than for debt securities in issue and subordinated liabilities, together with derivatives managed in conjunction with them).


The table below presents the interest income and interest expense of Hang Seng, as included within the HSBC Group accounts:

 



Half-year ended



Half-year ended



Half-year ended


Figures in HK$m


30 June 2008



30 June 2007



31 December 2007












Interest income


13,376

 



15,941

 



17,760

 


Interest expense


(4,679

 

)

 


(8,354

 

)

 


(8,989)

 

Net interest income


8,697

 



7,587

 



8,771

 


Net interest income and expense reported as 'Net trading income'


(551

)


(938

)


(815

)

Net interest income and expense reported as 'Net income from










  financial instruments designated at fair value'


106

 



47

 



67

 













 



Hang Seng Bank Limited

Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited)

__________________________________________________________________________________________


 




At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2008



2007



2007

 












Assets










Cash and balances with banks and










  other financial institutions


19,755

 



12,921

 



16,864

 


Placings with and advances to banks and










  other financial institutions


136,534

 



94,485

 



113,029

 


Trading assets


13,689

 



9,848

 



10,390

 


Financial assets designated at fair value 


12,607

 



9,827

 



13,892

 


Derivative financial instruments


6,043

 



2,348

 



4,702

 


Advances to customers


337,157

 



310,972

 



308,356

 


Financial investments


184,654

 



251,191

 



244,294

 


Investments in associates


7,149

 



5,279

 



6,177

 


Investment properties


2,776

 



2,457

 



2,581

 


Premises, plant and equipment 


7,487

 



6,342

 



6,794

 


Interest in leasehold land held for own use










  under operating lease


558

 



572

 



565

 


Intangible assets


3,297

 



2,347

 



2,889

 


Other assets 


16,210

 



32,733

 



15,466

 




747,916

 



741,322

 



745,999

 












Liabilities










Current, savings and other deposit accounts


535,148



512,450



546,653


Deposits from banks


19,247

 



57,834

 



19,736

 


Trading liabilities 


53,767

 



44,294

 



48,151

 


Financial liabilities designated at fair value


1,431

 



1,473

 



1,498

 


Derivative financial instruments


8,882

 



2,118

 



4,683

 


Certificates of deposit and other 










  debt securities in issue 


4,026

 



7,282

 



5,685

 


Other liabilities 


17,629

 



22,123

 



17,850

 


Liabilities to customers under










  insurance contracts 


38,737

 



27,942

 



33,089

 


Deferred tax and current tax liabilities 


4,086

 



3,485

 



2,844

 


Subordinated liabilities 


9,355

 



9,373

 



9,354

 




692,308

 



688,374

 



689,543

 












Capital resources










Minority interests


__



1,917



__


Share capital


9,559



9,559



9,559


Retained profits


37,358



32,706



32,873


Other reserves


6,588



6,663



8,288


Proposed dividends


2,103



2,103



5,736


Shareholders' funds


55,608



51,031



56,456




55,608



52,948



56,456




747,916



741,322



745,999













  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

  Consolidated Statement of Recognised Income and Expense (unaudited)

__________________________________________________________________________________________



Half-year ended



Half-year ended



Half-year ended



30 June



30 June



31 December


Figures in HK$m

2008



2007



2007











Unrealised surplus on revaluation of 









  premises, net of tax

467



218



  225

 


Tax on realisation of revaluation surplus 









  on disposal of premises

3



10



  35

 


Available-for-sale investments reserve,









  net of tax:







   


- fair value changes taken to equity









  -- on debt securities

(1,353

)


(524

)


95

 


  -- on equity shares

(1,080

)


795



1,228

 


- fair value changes transferred to 









  income statement:









  -- on impairment

67



__



__


  -- on hedged items

(20

)


73



  (254

 

)

  -- on disposal

(368

)


(247

)


  (197

 

)

Cash flow hedges reserve, net of tax:









- fair value changes taken to equity

39



(127

)


  273

 


- fair value changes transferred to 









  income statement

(194

)


141



  77

 


Actuarial (losses)/gains on 







   


  defined benefit plans, net of tax

(423

)


369



  (1,612)

 


Exchange differences on translation of









  financial statements of overseas







   


  branches, subsidiaries and associates

682



180



  347

 


Effect of decrease in tax rate in









  deferred tax balance at 1 January

30



__



__


Net (expense)/income recognised 









  directly in equity

(2,150

)


888



  217 

 


Profit for the period

9,064



9,068



  9,538

 


Total recognised income and expense









  for the period

6,914



9,956



  9,755

 




















Attributable to shareholders

6,914



9,755



  9,592

 


Attributable to minority interests

__



201



  163

 



6,914



9,956



  9,755

 












  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

   Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (unaudited)

__________________________________________________________________________________________



Half-year ended


Half-year ended 





30 June



30 June



Figures in HK$m


2008



2007











Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities


(44,918

)


12,376











Cash flows from investing activities
















Dividends received from associates


258



195



Purchase of available-for-sale investments


(27,368

)


(47,529

)


Purchase of held-to-maturity debt securities


(134

)


(420

)


Proceeds from sale or redemption of








  available-for-sale investments


84,669



33,895



Proceeds from redemption of held-to-maturity








  debt securities


71



33



Purchase of fixed assets and intangible assets


(367

)


(218

)


Proceeds from sale of fixed assets and asset held for sale


233



212



Interest received from available-for-sale investments


5,218



4,691



Dividends received from available-for-sale investments


54



10



Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities


62,634



(9,131

)








Cash flows from financing activities














Dividends paid 


(7,839

)


(5,736

)

Interest paid for subordinated liabilities


(205

)


(212

)

Proceeds from subordinated liabilities  


__



2,342


Net cash outflow from financing activities


(8,044

)


(3,606

)








Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents


9,672



(361

)








Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January


113,474



90,275


Effect of foreign exchange rate changes


988



1,197


Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June


124,134



91,111










  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

Financial Review

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Net interest income


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June



30 June



31 December


Figures in HK$m

2008



2007



2007











Net interest income/(expense) arising from:








- financial assets and liabilities that are 









  not at fair value through profit and loss

8,717



7,609



8,795


- trading assets and liabilities  

(551

)


(938

)


(815

)

- financial instruments designated









  at fair value

86



25



43



8,252



6,696



8,023











Average interest-earning assets

682,728



639,539



683,042











Net interest spread

2.20

%


1.72

%


1.95

%

Net interest margin 

2.43

%


2.11

%


2.33

%


Net interest income rose by HK$1,556 million, or 23.2 per cent, to HK$8,252 million. Average interest-earning assets increased by HK$43.2 billion, or 6.8 per cent, to HK$682.7 billion. 


Average customer advances rose 12.7 per cent, with notable increases in mainland loans within regulatory limits, higher yielding card advances and personal loans and trade finance. An active property market boosted average mortgage lending, with strong volume growth more than offsetting the effect of tighter spreads on mortgages in the intensely competitive and low interest rate environment. Overall, the total loan portfolio contributed HK$529 million to the growth in net interest income.


Deposit products contributed HK$34 million to the increase in net interest income, supported by the 7.8 per cent growth in average customer deposits, mainly low-cost savings balances. Under the low interest rate environment, spreads on time deposits were affected by a lower value of funds as there was little room for reduction on interest rates paid to customers, but this was compensated for the increase in low-cost savings balances. 


Treasury balance sheet management income recorded encouraging growth, contributing HK$1,269 million to net interest income. The accrual portfolio benefited from falling US dollar interest rates in the second half of 2007 which led to lower funding costs as well as Treasury's strong positioning for capturing yield enhancement opportunities. The life insurance fund investments portfolio grew by 55.8 per cent, adding HK$173 million. 


Despite an increase in the level of net free funds (including non-interest bearing account balances and net shareholders' funds), their contribution to net interest income fell by HK$449 million due to the decline in market interest rates. 


  



Hang Seng Bank Limited

Financial Review

(continued)

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Net interest income (continued)


Net interest margin rose by 32 basis points to 2.43 per cent. Net interest spread improved by 48 basis points to 2.20 per cent, benefiting from better yields on Treasury balance sheet management portfolios and improved spreads on lending business. The contribution from net free funds, however, dropped by 16 basis points to 0.23 per cent as a result of the fall in average interest rates. Including the net increase of HK$82 million in funding swap costs - which were recognised as foreign exchange losses under trading income - net interest income increased by HK$1,474 million, or 22.6 per cent, and net interest margin improved by 30 basis points to 2.35 per cent.  


Compared with the second half of 2007, net interest income improved by HK$229 million, or 2.9 per cent, with average interest-earning assets maintained at the same level. Net interest margin improved by 10 basis points. 


The HSBC Group reports interest income and interest expense arising from financial assets and financial liabilities held for trading as 'Net trading income'. That arising from financial instruments designated at fair value through profit and loss is reported as 'Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value' (other than for debt securities in issue and subordinated liabilities, together with derivatives managed in conjunction with them).


The table below presents the net interest income of Hang Seng, as included within the HSBC Group accounts:

 



Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2008



2007



2007












Net interest income


8,697



7,587



8,771


Average interest-earning assets


664,892



620,830



666,107












Net interest spread


2.33

%


1.87

 

%


2.08

%

Net interest margin 


2.63

%


2.46

 

%


2.61

%


  




Hang Seng Bank Limited

Financial Review

(continued)

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Net fee income


Half-year ended



Half-year ended



Half-year ended



30 June



30 June



31 December


Figures in HK$m


2008




2007




2007














- Stockbroking and related services


808




738




  1,247 


- Retail investment funds 


773




728




  948 


- Structured investment products


297




249




  412 


- Insurance 


54




56




  59 


- Account services


141




144




  140 


- Private banking


177




333




  667 


- Remittances


107




91




  102 


- Cards


623




483




  565 


- Credit facilities


60




56




  54 


- Trade services


199




189




  217 


- Other


129




96




  108 


Fee income


3,368




3,163




  4,519 


Fee expense


(341

 

)



(301

 

)



(495

 

)



3,027




2,862




4,024















Net fee income rose by HK$165 million, or 5.8 per cent, compared with the first half of 2007, to HK$3,027 million. 


With the slowdown of equities markets dampening investment market sentiment in Hong Kong, stockbroking and related services recorded good growth of 9.5 per cent. Income from retail investment funds increased by 6.2 per cent. Income from sales of structured investment products grew by 19.3 per cent, mainly reflecting sales of equity-linked instruments. Private banking investment services fee income was adversely affected, declining by 46.8 per cent, due largely to a lower transaction volume in the less favourable investment environment. 


Card services income grew significantly by 29.0 per cent, supported by the 13.9 per cent increase in the number of cards in circulation and the 19.3 per cent rise in cardholder spending year on year. The launch of the enJoy affinity credit card was extremely well received by the market, increasing the number of cards in issue by about 9.0 per cent. Remittance and trade services fees rose by 17.6 per cent and 5.3 per cent respectively. 


Compared with the second half of 2007, net fee income declined by HK$997 million, or 24.8 per cent, mainly reflecting dampened sentiment in the investment and stock markets in first half of 2008, compared with the buoyancy of the preceding six months.


  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

Financial Review

(continued)

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Trading income



Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2008



2007



2007












Trading income:










- foreign exchange


535



394



467


- securities, derivatives and 










  other trading activities


224

 



190

 



628

 




759



584



1,095



Trading income rose by HK$175 million, or 30.0 per cent, to HK$759 million, compared with the first half of 2007. The HK$141 million increase in foreign exchange income takes into account two specific items not related to normal foreign exchange trading. First, an exchange loss of HK$269 million was incurred in the first half of 2008 (HK$187 million in first half of 2007) on forward contracts used in 'funding swap' activities in the balance sheet management portfolios. Second, capital funds of Hang Seng China injected in US dollars and pending regulatory approval for conversion into renminbi were recorded at the historical rate. The subsequent revaluation loss on the US dollar funds against the renminbi - amounting to HK$185 million in the first half of 2008 (HK$47 million in first half of 2007) - was recognised as a foreign exchange loss. Excluding these two unfavourable items, normal foreign exchange trading returned excellent results, growing by HK$361 million, or 57.5 per cent, to HK$989 million, reflecting the bank's ability successfully to capture opportunities to expand proprietary trading and customer-driven business. 


Income from securities, derivatives and other trading grew by HK$34 million, or 17.9 per cent, attributable to the improvement in trading results and the profit earned on equity-linked structured products. 


Treasury from time to time employs foreign exchange swaps for its funding activities, which in essence involve swapping a currency ('original currency') into another currency ('swap currency') at the spot exchange rate for short-term placement and simultaneously entering into a forward exchange contract to convert the funds back to the original currency on maturity of the placement. In accordance with HKAS39, the exchange difference of the spot and forward contracts is required to be recognised as foreign exchange gain/loss, while the corresponding interest differential between the original and swap funding is reflected in net interest income.

 


  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

Financial Review

(continued)

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Other operating income



Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2008



2007



2007












Rental income from 










  investment properties


66

 



72

 



67

 


Movement in present value 










  of in-force long-term  










  insurance business


363



207



  190 


Other


96



118



  93 




525



397



  350 




Analysis of income from wealth management business


Half-year ended

Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June



30 June



31 December


Figures in HK$m


2008




2007




2007














Investment income:












- retail investment funds


773




728




948


- structured investment products


689




511




981


- private banking


187




337




672


securities broking and related services


808

 




738

 




1,247


- margin trading and others 


52

 




30

 




48




2,509

 




2,344

 




3,896


Insurance income:












- life insurance


862




943




1,112

 


- general insurance and others


147




156




192




1,009

 




1,099

 




1,304


Total 


3,518

 




3,443

 




5,200



    Income from structured investment products includes income reported under net fee income on the sales of third-party structured investment products. It also includes profit generated from the selling of structured investment products in issue, reported under trading income.


Income from private banking includes income reported under net fee income on investment services and profit generated from selling of structured investment products in issue, reported under trading income.

 

Wealth management business continued to make a major contribution to the Bank's income. Leveraging its comprehensive portfolio of products and services, strong brand and leading market position, the bank continued to grow wealth management income in the first half, recording a rise of 2.2 per cent to HK$3,518 million in turbulent market conditions. 


  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

Financial Review

(continued)

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Analysis of income from wealth management business (continued)


Investment services income increased by 7.0 per cent, reflecting stable growth in securities broking and related services, retail investment funds and investment products, although this was partly offset by the decline in private banking income. Insurance income fell by 8.2 per cent, affected primarily by the investment loss on life insurance funds created by the slump in equities markets.  


Against a backdrop of depressed investment activity, the bank issued and launched a wide variety of investment funds to meet the changing risk appetites of investors. These included funds from both Hang Seng Investment Management and third-party providers. The timely rollout of Hong Kong's first Securities and Futures Commission-authorised mainland China bond fund to capture emerging market opportunities reflects the bank's efforts to enhance its product range to meet customer needs. Funds under management (excluding private banking) declined by 12.4 per cent to HK$71.8 billion compared with 2007 year-end, affected mainly by fund revaluation losses resulting from the volatile financial market conditions. Compared with the first half of 2007, investment fund income (including sales commissions and management fees) recorded steady growth of 6.2 per cent to HK$773 million.


Throughout the first half, equities markets remained difficult and market value declined. The bank continued to make progress in distributing competitive structured products packaged by both Hang Seng and third-party providers to broaden the range of investment options available to customers and offer yield enhancement. This proved a successful strategy, with structured investment product income registering a 34.8 per cent rise, related mainly to sales of equity-linked instruments.


With its enhanced business platform and effective e-service trading channels, the bank continued to capture more business opportunities and grew its number of securities accounts by 14.1 per cent year on year. Stockbroking and related service income increased by 9.5 per cent to HK$808 million.


Private banking business entered a period of consolidation, with the turbulent stock market leading to fewer customers' transactions and a 44.5 per cent decline in wealth management income in the first half of the year. Moving forward, the bank will work to expand its business by strengthening its relationship management team, enhancing investment services support and implementing a variety of wealth management initiatives that will ensure it can better exploit medium and long-term business opportunities. Private banking's customer base grew slightly by 15.4 per cent. Assets under management declined by 10.5 per cent due mainly to the volatile financial market conditions.


Life insurance fell by HK$81 million, or 8.6 per cent, to HK$862 million (analysed in the table below). Despite poor investment sentiment in the market, the bank was able to sustain robust growth in bancassurance. Its life insurance business ranked number one in Hong Kong in terms of new annualised premiums in the first quarter of 2008 and net earned insurance premium income grew by 44.9 per cent in the first half. A number of marketing campaigns were launched to support sales of insurance products and boost the savings insurance and health protection products which contributed to insurance's phenomenal success in the first half of 2008. Investment returns were adversely affected by the slowdown in the financial markets, recording a loss of HK$1,030 million compared with a profit of HK$689 million for the same period last year. The increase in movement in policyholders' liabilities was largely in line with the increase in premium income.


Hang Seng Bank Limited

Financial Review

(continued)

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Analysis of income from wealth management business (continued)


General insurance income fell by 5.8 per cent to HK$147 million.


Half-year ended

Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June



30 June



31 December


Figures in HK$m


2008




2007




2007














Life insurance:












- net interest income and fee income


601




429




514


- investment returns on life insurance 












  funds


(1,030)

 

 



689




1,214


- net earned insurance premiums


6,774




4,676




4,718


- claims, benefits and surrenders paid


(825

)



(618

)



(667

)

- movement in policyholders' liabilities 


(5,030

)



(4,445

)



(4,870

)

- reinsurers' share of claims incurred and












  movement in policyholders' liabilities


9

 




5

 




13

 


- movement in present value of in-force 












  long-term insurance business 


363

 




207

 




190




862

 




943

 




1,112


General insurance and others


147

 




156

 




192


Total 


1,009

 




1,099

 




1,304



 Including premium and investment reserves



  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

Financial Review

(continued)

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions



Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2008



2007



2007












Loan impairment charges:










- individually assessed


(56

 

)


(137

 

)


(113

)

- collectively assessed


(132

 

)


(143

 

)


(183

)



(188

 

)


(280

 

)


(296

)

Of which:










- new and additional 


(278

 

)


(349

 

)


(353

)

- releases


60



40



24


- recoveries


30



29



33




(188

 

)


(280

 

)


(296

)











Loan impairment charges and other 










  credit risk provisions


(188

)


(280

)


(296

)


Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions were lower - falling by HK$92 million, or 32.9 per cent, to HK$188 million. There was a reduction in individually assessed provisions due to lower provisions made for commercial banking loans and a net release in respect of the mortgage portfolio. 


Under collectively assessed charges, a HK$150 million charge was made on the card and personal loan portfolio, representing a rise of 48.5 per cent over the first half of 2007, related partly to the 5.3 per cent growth of this portfolio. The delinquency rate and level of loan losses continued to be satisfactory. A release of HK$18 million was made on advances not identified individually as impaired, compared with a charge of HK$42 million made in the first half of 2007. This reflects the update of historical loss rates and loan balances for the first half of 2008.


  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

Financial Review

(continued)

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Operating expenses



Half-year ended

Half-year ended

Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2008



2007



2007












Employee compensation and benefits:










- salaries and other costs


1,351



1,171



1,272


- performance-related pay


301



405



690


- retirement benefit costs


84



22



25




1,736



1,598



1,987


General and administrative expenses:










- rental expenses


203

 



170

 



209


- other premises and equipment 


422

 



363

 



457


- marketing and advertising expenses


242

 



225

 



376


- other operating expenses


489

 



378

 



506




1,356

 



1,136

 



1,548


Depreciation of business premises










  and equipment


201

 



169

 



179


Amortisation of intangible assets


27

 



11

 



22




3,320

 



2,914

 



3,736












Cost efficiency ratio


26.3

%


26.6

%


26.6

%






















Half-year ended

Half-year ended

Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2008



2007



2007












Employee compensation and benefits:










- salaries and other costs


1,351



1,171



1,272


- performance-related pay


301



405



690


- retirement benefit costs


84



22



25




1,736



1,598



1,987


General and administrative expenses:










- rental expenses


203

 



170

 



209


- other premises and equipment 


422

 



363

 



457


- marketing and advertising expenses


242

 



225

 



376


- other operating expenses


489

 



378

 



506




1,356

 



1,136

 



1,548


Depreciation of business premises










  and equipment


201

 



169

 



179


Amortisation of intangible assets


27

 



11

 



22




3,320

 



2,914

 



3,736












Cost efficiency ratio


26.3

%


26.6

%


26.6

%






















At 30 June


At 30 June

At 31 December


Staff numbers by region


2008



2007



2007


Hong Kong


8,240



7,724



8,033


Mainland 


1,312



843



1,097


Others


58



58



60


Total 


9,610



8,625



9,190


 Full-time equivalent


Operating expenses rose by HK$406 million, or 13.9 per cent, compared with the first half of 2007. Employee compensation and benefits increased by HK$138 million, or 8.6 per cent. Of this amount, salaries and other costs increased by 15.4 per cent, reflecting the increase in headcount and annual salary increment. Performance-related pay expenses were lower while retirement benefit costs increased due to the change in actuarial assumption made on the expected rate of salary increase at the end of last year. General and administrative expenses increased by 19.4 per cent due to rising rental expenses, IT costs and marketing expenses. Rental expenses rose due to increased rents for branches in Hong Kong as well as new branches on the Mainland and the bank's large office premises in Kowloon Bay. Depreciation charges rose by 18.9 per cent, due mainly to the acquisition of equipment, fixtures and fittings for the Kowloon Bay office and the bank's Head Office in Central. Business expansion by Hang Seng China - which grew its network from 23 to 30 outlets and its full-time equivalent staff from 1,097 to 1,312 during the first half of 2008 - also contributed to the increase in operating expenses.


  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

Financial Review

(continued)

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Operating expenses (continued)


The group's number of full-time equivalent staff rose by 420 compared with 2007 year-end. In Hong Kong, the expansion of CMB's relationship management and wealth management teams as well as IT systems development needs saw headcount grow by 207, accounting for 49.3 per cent of the total rise in staff number since the beginning of the year. New hires to support Hang Seng China's mainland expansion accounted for the remaining increase.


The cost efficiency ratio for the first half of 2008 was 26.3 per cent, compared with 26.6 per cent for the first and second halves of 2007.



Gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets  



Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2008



2007



2007












Net gains from disposal of  










  available-for-sale equity securities


369



248



201












Impairment of available-for-sale

equity securities 


(118

 

)


__

 



__


Gains less losses on disposal of










  investment properties


__

 



20

 



188












Gains less losses on disposal of










  fixed assets


(5

 

)


6

 



53




246

 



274

 



442












Gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets amounted to HK$246 million, a decrease of HK$28 million compared with the first half of 2007. Net gains from the disposal of available-for-sale equity securities increased by HK$121 million, or 48.8 per cent, comprised mainly of profit realised from the partial disposal of shares held in MasterCard Inc and the redemption of shares in Visa Inc following its IPO early this year. In accordance with the accounting standard, the significant and in some cases, prolonged decline in global equity markets led to an impairment charge of HK$118 million being made for certain available-for-sale equity securities acquired in recent years.



Gain on dilution of investment in associate


In the first half of 2007, the group recorded a dilution gain of HK$1,465 million resulting from its investment in Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. No such gain was made in the first half of 2008.

  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

Financial Review

(continued)

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Tax expense


Taxation in the consolidated income statement represents:



Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2008



2007



2007

 












Current tax - provision for 










  Hong Kong profits tax










Tax for the period


1,447

 



1,218

 



1,694


Adjustment in respect of 










  prior periods


(13

 

  )


(141

)


__












Current tax - taxation outside










  Hong Kong










Tax for the period


5

 



28

 



1












Deferred tax










Origination and reversal of 










  temporary differences


75

 



45

 



20


Effect of decrease in tax rate










  on deferred tax balances 










  at 1 January


(48)

 

 


__

 



__


Total tax expenses


1,466

 



1,150

 



1,715













The current tax provision is based on the estimated assessable profit for the first half of 2008, and is determined for the bank and its subsidiaries operating in Hong Kong by using the Hong Kong profits tax rate of 16.5 per cent (17.5 per cent in 2007). For subsidiaries and branches operating in other jurisdictions, the appropriate tax rates prevailing in the relevant countries are used. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised.




  

Hang Seng Bank Limited

Financial Review

(continued)

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Earnings per share


The calculation of earnings per share for the first half of 2008 is based on earnings of HK$9,064 million (HK$8,867 million and HK$9,375 million for the first and second halves of 2007 respectively) and on the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue of 1,911,842,736 shares (unchanged from the first and second halves of 2007).



Dividends per share



Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended




30 June



30 June


31 December




2008



2007



2007



HK$

HK$m


HK$

HK$m


HK$

HK$m



per share



per share



per share













First interim

1.10

 

2,103

 


1.10

2,103


__

__


Second interim

1.10

 

2,103

 


1.10

2,103


__

__


Third interim 

__

 

__

 


__

__


1.10

2,103


Fourth interim

 

__

 

__

 


__

__


3.00

5,736


 

 

2.20

 

 

         

            4,206

 

 

        

         2.20

 

 

4,206

 

 

 

4.10

 

7,839



 


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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