HSBC Bank Canada 1Q09

RNS Number : 8361R

HSBC Holdings PLC

07 May 2009

 



 7 May 2009

HSBC BANK CANADA

FIRST QUARTER 2009 RESULTS^

• Net income attributable to common shares was C$85 million for the quarter ended 31 March 2009, a decrease of 52.8 per cent over the same period in 2008.^^

• The cost efficiency ratio was 49.1 per cent for the quarter ended 31 March 2009 compared with 46.7 per cent for the same period in 2008.

• Return on average common equity was 10.0 per cent for the quarter ended 31 March 2009 compared with 21.7 per cent for the same period in 2008.

• Total assets were C$70.1 billion at 31 March 2009 compared with C$71.7 billion at 31 March 2008.

• Total funds under management were C$21.5 billion at 31 March 2009 compared with C$26.3 billion at 31 March 2008.

• Tier 1 capital ratio of 10.2 per cent and a total capital ratio of 12.6 per cent at 31 March 2009 compared to 9.1 per cent and 11.3 per cent respectively at 31 March 2008.^^^

^    Results are prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

^^    Restated to reflect accounting for the acquisition of HSBC Financial Corporation Limited ("HSBC Financial") on 30 November 2008. Interim period results prior to 31 December 2008 have been restated to combine the previously reported results of the bank with those of HSBC Financial to reflect the continuity of interests method of accounting, as detailed in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in the 2008 Annual Report. References in this news release to "banking operations" relate to those excluding HSBC Financial and "consumer finance" refers to the businesses of HSBC Financial.         

^^^     Calculated using guidelines issued by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions in accordance with Basel II capital adequacy framework. 31 March 2008 ratios have not been restated to include HSBC Financial. 

Financial Commentary

Overview

HSBC Bank Canada recorded net income attributable to common shares for the three months ended 31 March 2009 of C$85 million, a decrease of 52.8 per cent compared to C$180 million reported in the same period in 2008, and a decrease of C$30 million, or 26.1 per cent, from C$115 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. This includes the results of the Consumer Finance business which made a net loss attributable to common shares of C$16 million in the first quarter of 2009 compared to net income attributable to common shares of C$25 million recorded in the same period of 2008 and C$9 million in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Commenting on the results, Lindsay Gordon, President and Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bank Canada, said: 

"Canada, along with most developed economies, is in recession and this inevitably affected our results in the first quarter. Credit provisions increased and net interest margins declined due to falling interest rates and a very competitive market for deposits. While the economic outlook for the rest of 2009 remains challenging, we remain committed to supporting our core customer relationships and focusing on costs in a less certain environment for revenues. We have a strong and liquid balance sheet further enhanced by a successful preferred share offering completed after the quarter end, and remain committed to maintaining our traditional financial strength."

Net interest income

Net interest income for the three months ended 31 March 2009 was C$350 million compared with C$425 million for the same period last year, a decrease of C$75 million, or 17.6 per cent. Although average interest earning assets decreased only marginally to C$62.4 billion from C$62.9 billion, there was a considerable decrease in net interest margin to 2.27 per cent compared with 2.72 per cent in 2008. 

Net interest income from banking operations, which consists of Personal Financial Services, Commercial Banking and Global Banking and Markets, decreased by C$49 million and net interest margin decreased to 1.73 per cent in the quarter from 2.08 per cent in the same period last year. Multiple reductions in prime interest rates during 2008 and 2009 resulted in reduced interest income on our floating rate loans, which was not offset by an equal reduction in interest expense as our deposit rates repriced downwards more slowly. Also impacting net interest margin was the reduction in the value of interest free funds and low interest deposits in a falling interest rate environment as well as the lower rates earned on government and other securities. Wider credit spreads experienced across the banking industry also adversely impacted the relative cost of wholesale funding compared with the same period in the prior year. The reduction in average interest earning assets reflected the sale of the automobile loan portfolio in July 2008. Net interest income for the Consumer Finance business decreased by C$26 million compared to the same quarter in 2008 mainly as a result of a reduction in average receivables including consumer finance automobile and other loans.

Net interest income for the first quarter of 2009 was C$25 million, or 6.7 per cent lower compared with the fourth quarter of 2008 of which C$18 million arose from banking operations and C$7 million from Consumer Finance business. Although average interest earning assets increased to C$62.4 billion from C$61.1 billion in the previous quarter, this was offset by a 17 basis points reduction in net interest margin to 2.27 per cent. This was primarily as a result of factors noted above, particularly further reductions in the prime rate recorded in the first quarter of 2009 and lower yields on securities.

Non-interest revenue

For the three months ended 31 March 2009, non-interest revenue was C$243 million, C$4 million, or 1.7 per cent, higher compared with C$239 million for the same period last year. 

Revenues from customer banking activities, including deposit and payment service charges, trade finance and credit fees, were comparable to the prior year reflecting the underlying strength and robustness of our core banking business. Securitisation income increased, partially due to increased activity and falling interest rates also generated a benefit. Volatility in market interest rates and credit spreads continued to affect the valuation of trading assets and liabilities, which have significantly impacted reported results. Trading revenue was higher mainly as a result of the impact of mark to market gains from interest rate derivatives used as economic hedges. These gains were offset by the impact of narrowing credit spreads on the value of certain debt obligations recorded at fair value. This generated a charge to income in the first quarter of 2009 of C$9 million compared to a credit of C$18 million in the first quarter of 2008. Capital market fees were higher due to increased underwriting activity in 2009, particularly from Canadian Bank preferred share and public sector debt issues. Investment administration fees were lower reflecting the reduced market values of customer portfolios. As a result of further economic weakness in the first quarter of 2009, the bank recorded, as a reduction of other income, a provision of C$20 million in respect of a loss contingency arising from a transaction occurring in a previous year.

Non-interest revenue in the first quarter of 2009 was C$20 million or 9.0 per cent higher compared with C$223 million in the last quarter of 2008. A C$1 million provision for other than temporary impairment of available-for-sale securities has been recorded during the quarter compared to an impairment of C$49 million on Canadian non-bank sponsored Asset Backed Commercial Paper ("non-bank ABCP") and provisions for other than temporary impairment of available-for-sale securities of C$8 million that were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008. Securitisation income in the first quarter of 2009 was C$13 million higher  than the fourth quarter of 2008 due to increased activity as well as the continuing benefit from falling interest rates. Trading revenue was C$28 million lower than the fourth quarter of 2008. Higher mark to market gains in the first quarter of 2009 from interest rate derivatives used for economic hedges and balance sheet management were offset by very strong foreign exchange revenue arising from volatile foreign exchange markets and the favourable impact of foreign currency funding in a lower interest rate environment in the fourth quarter of 2008. Trading revenue was also adversely impacted in the first quarter of 2009 by C$9 million arising from the impact of narrowing credit spreads on the value of certain debt obligations recorded at fair value compared to a credit of C$73 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008. Other non-interest revenue in the first quarter of 2009 was negatively impacted by the effect of the loss contingency referred to above.

There was no material income statement impact arising from the restructuring of the bank's non- bank ABCP as a result of the implementation of the Montreal Accord in the first quarter of 2009. For further details on the restructuring plan, refer to the first quarter 2009 report to shareholders.

Non-interest expenses

For the three months ended 31 March 2009, non-interest expenses were C$291 million compared with C$310 million for the same period last year, a decrease of C$19 million, or 6.1 per cent. Salaries and benefits were lower, reflecting a lower number of staff, particularly in the Consumer Finance business as a result of changes in its branch network. Premises costs increased modestly, in part as a result of increased amortisation costs. Other non-interest expenses were lower due to reductions in a number of expense categories, particularly IT expenses and marketing. The cost efficiency ratio for the first quarter of 2009 increased to 49.1 per cent from 46.7 per cent in the same period in 2008, as a result of the decrease in total revenue.

Non-interest expenses for the first quarter were C$291 million compared to C$295 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. Salaries and benefits were higher due to reduced variable compensation recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 as well as lower pension and benefits expenses arising from the release of the pension plan valuation allowance. Premises and equipment expenses were in line with the fourth quarter of 2008. Other expenses were C$27 million lower as a result of lower marketing expenditures and an increased focus on containment initiatives on other discretionary expenditures. The cost efficiency ratio improved slightly from 49.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2008 to 49.1 per cent in the current period.

Credit quality and provision for credit losses

For the three months ended 31 March 2009, the provision for credit losses was C$161 million compared with C$75 million for the same period in 2008 and C$136 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008. Included in these amounts were provisions of C$77 million for the three months ended 31 March 2009 related to the Consumer Finance business compared with C$50 million and C$57 million for the same period in 2008 and for the fourth quarter of 2008 respectively. These increases have been driven by continuing economic weakness and deterioration in credit conditions for certain borrowers as well as deterioration in the Consumer Finance business sector.

Gross impaired credit exposures were C$1,157 million compared with C$932 million at 31 December 2008, and C$467 million at 31 March 2008. Total impaired exposures, net of specific allowances for credit losses, were C$923 million at 31 March 2009 compared with C$770 million at 31 December 2008 and C$366 million at 31 March 2008. 

The general allowance for credit losses of C$475 million at 31 March 2009 is C$22 million higher than C$453 million at 31 December 2008 and C$37 million higher than C$438 million at 31 March 2008 mainly due to higher provisions in the Consumer Finance business due to worsening economic conditions. The total allowance for credit losses, as a percentage of loans and acceptances outstanding, was 1.46 per cent at 31 March 2009 compared with 1.24 per cent at 31 December 2008 and 1.06 per cent at 31 March 2008. The bank considers the total allowance for credit losses to be appropriate given the credit quality of its portfolios and the current credit environment.

Income taxes

The effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2009 was 28.9 per cent, which compared to 32.6 per cent in the same quarter of 2008 and 23.8 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2008, which benefited from the non-taxable release of a pension plan allowance.  

Balance sheet

Total assets at 31 March 2009 were C$70.1 billion, a decrease of C$1.9 billion from 31 December 2008, and C$1.6 billion from 31 March 2008. Global and credit market conditions have caused a tightening of available credit, as well as an extremely competitive environment for both personal and commercial deposits. Commercial loans decreased by C$0.6 billion from the end of 2008. Residential mortgage originations decreased by C$0.2 billion and, when combined with a C$0.2 billion increase in securitisations in the first quarter of 2009, resulted in an overall decrease of C$0.4 billion. Consumer loans and personal lines of credit in the Personal Financial Services business were up slightly to C$5.4 billion while receivables of the Consumer Finance business decreased by C$0.2 billion. Liquidity remained strong at 31 March 2009, with more than C$17.0 billion of securities and reverse repurchase agreements compared to C$17.5 billion at 31 December 2008 and C$14.8 billion at 31 March 2008.

Total deposits decreased by C$2.2 billion to C$49.8 billion at 31 March 2009 from C$52.0 billion at 31 December 2008 and were C$0.2 billion lower compared with C$50.0 billion at 31 March 2008. Personal deposits grew by C$1.0 billion over 31 December 2008 mainly driven by growth in the number of High Rate and Direct Savings accounts, while higher cost wholesale deposits decreased by C$2.5 billion as a result of lower client borrowings and securitisations of C$1.3 billion.

Total assets under administration

Funds under management were C$21.5 billion at 31 March 2009 largely unchanged from C$21.3 billion at 31 December 2008. However, declines in equity markets during 2008 caused a decrease from C$26.3 billion at 31 March 2008. Including custody and administration balances, total assets under administration were C$30.8 billion compared with C$30.5 billion at 31 December 2008 and C$37.3 billion at 31 March 2008.

Capital management and regulatory capital ratios 

Capital adequacy ratios calculated in accordance with the Basel II framework were 10.2 per cent for tier 1 and 12.6 per cent overall at 31 March 2009 up marginally from 31 December 2008, and compared to 9.1 per cent and 11.3 per cent respectively at 31 March 2008, which were not restated to reflect the acquisition of HSBC Financial.  

Subsequent to the quarter end, on 8 April 2009, the bank's issue of 10,000,000 Class 1 Preferred Shares Series E of C$25 each for cash was completed at a coupon of 6.60 per cent and raised approximately C$246 million, net of issue of costs. Pro-forma tier 1 and overall capital adequacy ratios at 31 March 2009 would be 10.8 per cent and 13.2 per cent, respectively.

Dividends

During the first quarter of 2009, the bank declared and paid C$70 million in dividends on HSBC Bank Canada common shares.

Regular quarterly dividends of 31.875 cents per share have been declared on HSBC Bank Canada Class 1 Preferred Shares - Series C and 31.25 cents per share on Class 1 Preferred Shares - Series D. The first dividend of C$0.3762 per share has been declared on Class 1 Preferred Shares - Series E. Dividends will be payable on 30 June 2009, for shareholders of record on 15 June 2009.

Accounting policies adopted in 2009

Certain new accounting standards have become effective for 2009. This has resulted in a reclassification for the current and previous periods of the net carrying value of certain computer software costs from computer equipment included in land, buildings and equipment to intangible assets included in other assets although this has not resulted in any changes to the bank's total assets. In addition, corresponding amortisation has been reclassified for the current and previous periods from premises and equipment expenses to other non-interest expense although there is no change in reported net income. Reference should be made to note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in the first quarter 2009 report to shareholders.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation. In addition, comparatives for certain interim periods in 2008 have been restated to reflect the acquisition of HSBC Financial Corporation Limited accounted for using the continuity of interests method. Reference should be made to the Bank's 2008 Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report and Accounts for more detailed information on the acquisition.

About HSBC Bank Canada

HSBC Bank Canada, a subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc, has more than 290 offices. With around 9,500 offices in 86 countries and territories and assets of US$2,527 billion at 31 December 2008, the HSBC Group is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations. Visit the bank's website at hsbc.ca for more information about HSBC Bank Canada and its products and services.

Media enquiries to:

Ernest Yee 604-641-2973

Sharon Wilks 416-868-3878

Copies of HSBC Bank Canada's first quarter 2009 report will be sent to shareholders in May 2009.

Caution regarding forward-looking financial statements

This document may contain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the business and anticipated financial performance of HSBC Bank Canada. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause such differences include legislative or regulatory developments, technological change, global capital market activity, changes in government monetary and economic policies, changes in prevailing interest rates, inflation level and general economic conditions in geographic areas where HSBC Bank Canada operates.  Canada is an extremely competitive banking environment and pressures on interest rates and the bank's net interest margin may arise from actions taken by individual banks acting alone. Varying economic conditions may also affect equity and foreign exchange markets, which could also have an impact on the bank's revenues. In addition, there may be a number of factors relating to the valuation of non-bank ABCP.  The factors disclosed above may not be complete and there could be other uncertainties and potential risk factors not considered here which may impact the bank's results and financial condition.

Summary

	Quarter ended
Figures in C$ millions (except per share amounts)	31 March 2009			31 December 2008			31 March 2008		(1)
Earnings
Net income attributable to common shares	$	85		$	115		$	180
Basic earnings per share (C$)	0.17			0.22			0.34
Performance ratios (%)
Return on average common equity	10.0			12.8			21.7
Return on average assets	0.48			0.61			0.99
Net interest margin^	2.27			2.44			2.72
Cost efficiency ratio^^	49.1			49.3			46.7
Non-interest revenue: total revenue ratio	41.0			37.3			36.0
Credit information
Gross impaired credit exposures	$	1,157		$	932		$	467
Allowance for credit losses
- Balance at end of period	709			615			539
- As a percentage of gross impaired credit exposures	61		%	66		%	115		%
- As a percentage of gross loans and acceptances	1.46		%	1.24		%	1.06		%
Average balances
Assets	$	72,346		$	75,161		$	73,073
Loans	42,790			44,643			43,796
Deposits	51,805			53,522			50,973
Common equity	3,461			3,565			3,353
Capital ratios (%)^^^
Tier 1	10.2			10.1			9.1
Total capital	12.6			12.5			11.3
Total assets under administration
Funds under management	$	21,503		$	21,287		$	26,283
Custody accounts	9,260			9,221			11,006
Total assets under administration	$	30,763		$	30,508		$	37,289

^  Net interest margin is net interest income divided by average interest earning assets for the period.
^^ The cost efficiency ratio is defined as non-interest expenses divided by total revenue.
^^^Calculated using guidelines issued by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institution Canada in accordance with Basel II capital adequacy framework. 31 March 2008 ratios have not been restated to include HSBC Financial.
(1) Restated to reflect the acquisition of HSBC Financial.

Consolidated Statement of Income (Unaudited)

	Quarter ended
Figures in C$ millions	31 March			31 December			31 March			(1)
(except per share amounts)	2009			2008			2008
Interest income:
Loans	$	551		$	670		$		819
Securities	68			68			76
Deposits with regulated financial institutions	4			21			36
	623			759			931
Interest expense:
Deposits	225			332			441
Interest bearing liabilities of subsidiaries, other than deposits	38			42			55
Debentures	10			10			10
	273			384			506
Net interest income	350			375			425
Non-interest revenue
Deposit and payment service charges	27			30			27
Credit fees	34			30			32
Capital market fees	26			22			22
Investment administration fees	26			28			33
Foreign exchange	10			13			11
Trade finance	7			7			5
Trading revenue	76			104			54
Losses on available-for-sale securities	(1		)	(55		)	-
Gains on other securities	1			-			1
Securitisation income	35			22			27
Other	2			22			27
	243			223			239
Total revenue	593			598			664
Non-interest expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits	160			137			171
Premises and equipment	41			41			38
Other	90			117			101
	291			295			310
Net operating income before provision for credit losses	302			303			354
Provision for credit losses	161			136			75
Income before taxes and
non-controlling interest in income of trust	141			167			279
Provision for income taxes	39			38			89
Non-controlling interest in income of trust	6			7			6
Net income	$	96		$	122		$		184
Preferred share dividends	11			7			4
Net income attributable to common shares	$	85		$	115		$		180
Average number of common shares outstanding (000's)	498,668			517,122			526,349
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.17		$	0.22		$	0.34

(1) Restated to reflect the acquisition of HSBC Financial Corporation Limited.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited)

	At 31 March			At 31 December			At 31 March		(1)
Figures in C$ millions	2009			2008			2008
Assets
Cash resources:
Cash and non-interest bearing deposits with the Bank of Canada
and other banks	$	446		$	434		$	535
Deposits with regulated financial institutions	1,403			1,421			3,173
	1,849			1,855			3,708
Securities:
Available-for-sale	11,078			9,683			6,411
Held-for-trading	1,816			1,079			1,630
Other	57			56			42
	12,951			10,818			8,083
Securities purchased under reverse repurchase agreements	4,070			6,682			6,700
Loans:
Business and government	22,454			23,067			21,940
Residential mortgages	11,526			11,869			12,292
Consumer finance loans	3,832			4,029			4,872
Other consumer loans	5,424			5,296			5,361
Allowance for credit losses	(709		)	(615		)	(539		)
	42,527			43,646			43,926
Other:
Customers' liability under acceptances	5,394			5,209			6,265
Derivatives	1,901			2,448			905
Land, buildings and equipment	123			126			141
Other assets	1,314			1,265			1,935
	8,732			9,048			9,246
	$	70,129		$	72,049		$	71,663
Liabilities and Shareholders' equity
Deposits:
Regulated financial institutions	$	999		$	1,264		$	1,646
Individuals	22,147			21,064			19,455
Businesses and governments	26,659			29,634			28,891
	49,805			51,962			49,992
Other:
Acceptances	5,394			5,209			6,265
Interest bearing liabilities of subsidiaries, other than deposits	4,284			4,164			5,193
Derivatives	1,487			2,023			692
Securities sold under repurchase agreements	493			715			712
Securities sold short	591			631			906
Other liabilities	2,661			1,974			2,917
Non-controlling interest in trust and subsidiary	430			430			430
	15,340			15,146			17,115
Subordinated debentures	795			788			805
Shareholders' equity:
Capital stock
Preferred shares	696			696			350
Common shares	1,225			1,225			1,293
Contributed surplus	1			-			234
Retained earnings	1,965			1,950			1,851
Accumulated other comprehensive income	302			282			23
	4,189			4,153			3,751
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	70,129		$	72,049		$	71,663

(1) Restated to reflect the acquisition of HSBC Financial Corporation Limited.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

	Quarter ended
Figures in C$ millions	31 March		31 December		31 March	(1)
	2009		2008		2008
Cash flows provided by (used in):
- operating activities	133		62		269
- financing activities	(2,340	)	342		1,447
- investing activities	2,220		(503	)	(1,735	)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	13		(99	)	(19	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	420		519		528
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	433		420		509
Represented by:
- Cash resources per balance sheet	446		434		535
- less non-operating deposits^	(13	)	(14	)	(26	)
- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	433		420		509
^Non-operating deposits are comprised primarily of cash restricted for recourse on securitisation transactions.

(1) Restated to reflect the acquisition of HSBC Financial Corporation Limited.

 

END

 

 

QRFUUUCAAUPBUQM