HSBC Bank Canada 2nd Quarter

RNS Number : 9601Z

HSBC Holdings PLC

28 July 2008

 



28 July 2008

HSBC BANK CANADA

SECOND QUARTER 2008 RESULTS* - HIGHLIGHTS

• Net income attributable to common shares was C$142 million for the quarter ended 30 June 2008, an increase of 5.2 per cent over the quarter ended 30 June 2007.

• Net income attributable to common shares was C$297 million for the half-year ended 30 June 2008, an increase of 8.4 per cent over the same period in 2007.

• Return on average common equity was 18.9 per cent for the quarter ended 30 June 2008 and 19.9 per cent for the half-year ended 30 June 2008 compared with 20.7 per cent and 21.4 per cent respectively for the same periods in 2007.

• The cost efficiency ratio was 52.7 per cent for the quarter ended 30 June 2008 and 50.7 per cent for the half-year ended 30 June 2008 compared with 51.2 per cent and 51.7 per cent respectively for the same periods in 2007.

• Total assets were C$67.4 billion at 30 June 2008 compared with C$61.2 billion at 30 June 2007.

• Total funds under management were C$27.1 billion at 30 June 2008 compared with C$25.8 billion at 30 June 2007.

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

HSBC Bank Canada

Financial Commentary

Overview

HSBC Bank Canada recorded net income attributable to common shares of C$142 million for the quarter ended 30 June 2008, an increase of C$7 million, or 5.2 per cent, from C$135 million for the second quarter of 2007. Net income attributable to common shares for the first half of 2008 was C$297 million compared with C$274 million for the same period in 2007, an increase of C$23 million or 8.4 per cent.

Commenting on the results, Lindsay Gordon, President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "HSBC Bank Canada's results for the second quarter were in line with expectations in a difficult environment for banks in Canada and worldwide. Falling market interest rates adversely impacted our net interest margin and although our ongoing credit position continues to be stable overall, further increases in specific credit provisions also impacted reported earnings.

"However, our underlying business in Canada remains strong and being part of the HSBC Group remains a significant advantage in times of uncertain market conditions. We will continue to pursue our strategy of growing our business by building on the international strengths of the HSBC Group with the aim of providing our customers with the financial products and services most suitable for their circumstances and we will strive to deliver a consistent level of excellent customer service throughout HSBC in Canada."

Net interest income

Net interest income of C$296 million for the quarter ended 30 June 2008 was C$11 million lower than C$307 million recorded in the same quarter of 2007. Average interest earning assets for the quarter were C$58.5 billion, 7.7 per cent higher than the same period in 2007. However, continuing competitive pressures and a challenging interest rate environment impacted the net interest margin, which decreased to 2.03 per cent for the quarter ended 30 June 2008 from 2.29 per cent for the same period in 2007. Since November 2007, a falling prime rate has resulted in reduced interest income on our floating rate loans without a corresponding reduction in interest expense as deposits re-priced less quickly. In addition, widening credit spreads experienced across the banking industry adversely impacted the cost of wholesale deposits. 

Net interest income in the second quarter of 2008 was largely unchanged compared with the first quarter of 2008. Although average interest earning assets increased by C$0.8 billion compared to the first quarter of 2008, this was offset by a decrease in net interest margin from 2.08 per cent to 2.03 per cent. 

On a year-to-date basis, net interest income was C$594 million which decreased marginally from C$601 million for the same period last year. Net interest income in 2008 benefited from continued growth in assets across all businesses, but a decrease in net interest margin to 2.06 per cent compared with 2.29 per cent in 2007 has more than offset the increase.

Non-interest revenue

Non-interest revenue was C$195 million for the second quarter of 2008 compared with C$177 million in the same quarter of 2007, an increase of C$18 million, or 10.2 per cent. Securitisation income was C$12 million higher due to increased activity as well as increased income resulting from larger spreads on loans securitised as a result of falling interest rates. Trading revenues increased C$3 million compared to the same period last year primarily due to volatile foreign exchange and credit markets experienced in the first half of 2008. Deposit and payment service charges and credit fees were each higher due to continued business growth. These increases were partially offset by lower capital market fees in 2008 and a C$7 million reduction in gains on available-for-sale securities due to a gain recorded in the same period last year from the sale of part of the bank's shares in the Montreal Exchange. 

Non-interest revenue decreased from the first quarter of 2008 by C$24 million, or 11.0 per cent. Trading income decreased by C$32 million from the prior quarter of which C$24 million was related to gains on certain debt obligations recorded at fair value as a result of widening credit spreads, while in the current quarter a small loss was recorded as credit spreads narrowed. In addition, trading revenues which had been very high in the first quarter due to volatile market activity were C$6 million lower in the second quarter. Securitisation income also decreased by C$6 million compared to the first quarter of 2008, mainly due to lower spreads on loans securitised. These decreases were partially offset by a C$5 million increase in capital market fees due to increased business activity experienced in the second quarter of 2008 and a C$2 million increase in investment administration fees as funds under management grew. During the second quarter of 2008, C$2 million in gains on disposals of certain available-for-sale securities was also recognised.  

On a year-to-date basis, non-interest revenue was C$414 million, C$52 million, or 14.4 per cent, higher compared with C$362 million for the same period last year. Trading revenues increased C$40 million as a result of volatile foreign exchange and credit markets experienced in the first half of 2008. It included a positive impact of C$18 million arising from changes in the amount of certain debt obligations recorded at fair value. Securitisation income was C$29 million higher due to increased activity as well as higher gains on securitisations of loans arising from the effect of falling interest rates. Deposit and payment service charges, credit fees and investment administration fees were also higher due to continued business growth. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in capital market fees of C$12 million due to lower capital market activity in the first half of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. In addition, gains on available-for-sale securities were C$24 million lower than in the same period last year due to gains recorded in the first half of 2007 from the sale of the bank's shares in the Montreal Exchange. Gains on other securities were C$7 million lower due to lower income from the bank's investment in private equity funds compared to 2007.

Non-interest expenses

Non-interest expenses were C$259 million for the second quarter of 2008 compared with C$248 million for the same quarter of 2007, an increase of C$11 million, or 4.4 per cent. The cost efficiency ratio was 52.7 per cent for the second quarter of 2008 compared to 51.2 per cent for the same period in 2007. Salary expenses grew reflecting increased staff levels as we expanded the branch network, the direct bank and the payments and cash management businesses. This was partially offset by lower variable compensation as a result of reductions in capital market revenue and lower pension and post retirement benefit costs. Premises and equipment expenses increased as a result of additional investments in IT and higher occupancy costs. 

Non-interest expenses increased by C$7 million compared to the first quarter of 2008. Salaries and benefits were marginally higher with increased variable compensation arising from increased capital market fees which were offset by lower pension and benefit expenses. Premises and equipment expenses increased by C$3 million arising from increased IT costs and higher occupancy expenses as the bank continued to open new branches.

On a year-to-date basis, non-interest expenses were C$511 million compared with C$498 million for the same period last year, an increase of C$13 million, or 2.6 per cent. Salaries and benefits expenses were C$3 million higher due to an increased employee base, and increased benefit costs as a result of opening new branches. These were offset by lower variable compensation arising from lower capital market fees and lower pension costs. Premises costs increased by C$10 million due to increased costs from new branches as well as increases in IT costs. Other non-interest expenses were higher due to continued investments in the business, as well as higher customer transaction costs. The cost efficiency ratio of 50.7 per cent compared favourably with 51.7 per cent for the same period in 2007.

Credit quality and provision for credit losses

The provision for credit losses was C$25 million for the second quarter of 2008, compared with C$12 million in the second quarter of 2007, and C$25 million for the first quarter of 2008. On a year-to-date basis, the provision for credit losses was C$50 million, compared with C$22 million for the same period of 2007.

The credit environment deteriorated somewhat in the latter part of 2007 and quarterly provisions for the first half of 2008 were at a similar level to that experienced in the second half of 2007. An increase in retail provisions primarily related to auto loans and a specific provision relating to the commercial construction sector in the first half of 2008 resulted in an increase of C$28 million compared with the same period in 2007.

The same factors impacted movements in impaired credit exposures. Gross impaired credit facilities were C$290 million, C$24 million lower compared with 31 March 2008 and C$95 million higher compared with C$195 million at 30 June 2007. Total impaired credit facilities, net of specific allowances for credit losses, were C$194 million at 30 June 2008 compared with C$188 million at 31 December 2007 and C$141 million at 30 June 2007. Overall credit quality remains sound, reflecting prudent lending standards.

The general allowance for credit losses remained unchanged at C$269 million compared with 31 December 2007 and at 30 June 2007. The total allowance for credit losses, as a percentage of loans and acceptances outstanding, was 0.78 per cent at 30 June 2008 compared with 0.79 per cent at 31 December 2007 and 0.74 per cent at 30 June 2007.

Income taxes

The effective tax rate in the second quarter of 2008 was 26.3 per cent compared with 35.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2007 and 32.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2008. The lower tax rate in the quarter ended 30 June 2008 compared to the first quarter of 2008 was largely due to resolution of certain tax deductions from prior years. 

Balance sheet

Total assets at 30 June 2008 were C$67.4 billion, an increase of C$4.5 billion from 31 December 2007, and C$6.2 billion from 30 June 2007. Commercial loans and bankers' acceptances increased by C$621 million from the end of 2007, as commercial activity continued to grow. Although residential mortgage originations increased, this was offset by C$1.9 billion in securitisations in 2008 resulting in a net decrease of about C$470 million. Consumer loans grew by C$1.6 billion, of which C$900 million related to part of the industry restructuring of certain non-bank ABCP conduits where the bank re-purchased personal loans previously securitised. The securities portfolio and securities purchased under reverse repurchase arrangements increased by C$2.2 billion from 31 December 2007, improving the bank's liquidity position.

Total deposits increased by C$2.4 billion to C$51.3 billion at 30 June 2008 from C$48.9 billion at 31 December 2007 and were C$5.1 billion higher compared with C$46.2 billion at 30 June 2007. Personal deposits grew by C$1.2 billion over 31 December 2007 mainly driven by growth in High Rate and Direct Savings Accounts. In the same period commercial deposits also increased reflecting strong growth among our commercial clients, while wholesale deposits were relatively unchanged. 

Total assets under administration

Funds under management were C$27.1 billion at 30 June 2008 compared with C$26.3 billion at 31 March 2008 and C$25.8 billion at 30 June 2007. Funds under management in the second quarter of 2008 benefited from strong investment sales, and increases in equity markets. Including custody and administration balances, total assets under administration were C$37.8 billion compared with C$37.3 billion at 31 March 2008 and C$34.8 billion at 30 June 2007. 

Capital management and regulatory capital ratios 

On 1 January 2008 the bank adopted a revised Basel Capital Framework commonly known as "Basel II" to comply with new regulations issued by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada. The bank's tier 1 and overall capital ratios calculated in accordance with the new framework were 9.3 per cent and 11.5 per cent respectively, compared with 9.1 per cent for tier 1 and 11.3 per cent overall at 31 March 2008. 

Capital adequacy ratios calculated in accordance with the previous "Basel I" framework were 8.8 per cent for tier 1 and 11.5 per cent overall at 30 June 2007. Further details of the bank's capital management process, including details of the calculation of capital adequacy under the new "Basel II" framework will be included in the bank's second quarter 2008 report to shareholders. 

Dividends

During the second quarter of 2008, the bank declared and paid C$65 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 dividends will be payable on 30 September 2008, for shareholders of record on 15 September 2008. 

Accounting policies adopted in 2008

Effective 1 January 2008, the bank adopted new Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Handbook Standards requiring additional disclosures particularly relating to the management of risk associated with Capital and Financial Instruments. There was no impact on the results for the first half of 2008 arising from the adoption of these new presentation and disclosure standards, which will be reflected in HSBC Bank Canada's second quarter 2008 report to shareholders. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation. 

About HSBC Bank Canada

HSBC Bank Canada, a subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc, has more than 180 offices. With around 10,000 offices in 83 countries and territories and assets of US$2,354 billion at 31 December 2007, 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	[phone]
Sharon Wilks	[phone]

Copies of HSBC Bank Canada's second quarter 2008 report will be sent to shareholders in August 2008.

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 has 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 Canadian non-bank sponsored Asset Backed Commercial Paper. 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.

HSBC Bank Canada	Summary

Figures in C$ millions	Quarter ended								Half-year ended
(except per share amounts)	30 June		31 March			30 June			30 June			30 June
	2008		2008			2007			2008			2007
Earnings
Net income attributable to common shares	142		155			135			297			274
Basic earnings per share (C$)	0.28		0.31			0.28			0.59			0.56
Performance ratios (%)*
Return on average common equity	18.9		21.2			20.7			19.9			21.4
Return on average assets	0.83		0.92			0.86			0.88			0.89
Net interest margin*	2.03		2.08			2.29			2.06			2.29
Cost efficiency ratio**	52.7		48.7			51.2			50.7			51.7
Non-interest revenue: total revenue ratio	39.7		42.4			36.6			41.1			37.6
Credit information
Gross impaired credit exposures	290			314			195
Allowance for credit losses
- Balance at end of period	365			370			323
- As a percentage of gross impaired credit    exposures	126	%		118	%		166	%
- As a percentage of gross loans and    acceptances	0.78	%		0.81	%		0.74	%
Average balances*
Assets	68,471			67,897			63,286			68,184		61,979
Loans	39,942			38,850			37,067			39,396		36,534
Deposits	51,830			50,972			46,691			51,401		46,275
Common equity	3,038			2,964			2,618			3,001		2,588
Capital ratios (%)***
Tier 1	9.3			9.1			8.8
Total capital	11.5			11.3			11.5
Total assets under administration
Funds under management	27,118			26,283			25,795
Custody accounts	10,699			11,006			9,012
Total assets under administration	37,817			37,289			34,807

*      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.

***  The capital ratios for the quarters ended 30 June 2008 and 31 March 2008 have been calculated in accordance with the new Basel II capital adequacy framework, while those for the previous period were calculated in accordance with the previous Basel I framework.

HSBC Bank Canada	Consolidated Statement of Income (Unaudited)

	Quarter ended									Half-year ended
Figures in C$ millions	30 June			31 March			30 June			30 June				30 June
(except per share amounts)	2008			2008			2007			2008				2007
Interest and dividend income
Loans	602			642			616			1,244				1,213
Securities	65			73			71			138				129
Deposits with regulated financial institutions	21			36			62			57				121
		688			751			749			1,439				1,463
Interest expense
Deposits	382			443			431			825				844
Debentures	10			10			11			20				18
		392			453			442			845				862
Net interest income		296			298			307				594			601
Non-interest revenue
Deposit and payment service charges	28			27			25			55				48
Credit fees	30			31			28			61				55
Capital market fees	27			22			29			49				61
Investment administration fees	35			33			33			68				63
Foreign exchange	11			10			9			21				18
Trade finance	6			5			6			11				12
Trading revenue	19			51			16			70				30
Gains on available-for-sale securities	2			-			9			2				26
Gains on other securities	1			1			1			2				9
Securitisation income	21			27			9			48				19
Other	15			12			12			27				21
		195			219			177				414			362
Total revenue		491			517			484			1,008				963
Non-interest expenses
Salaries and employee benefits	143			142			139			285				282
Premises and equipment	38			35			32			73				63
Other	78			75			77			153				153
		259			252			248				511			498
Net operating income before provision for credit losses		232			265			236				497			465
Provision for credit losses		25			25			12				50			22
Income before taxes and non-controlling
interest in income of trust	207			240			224			447				443
Provision for income taxes	53			75			77			128				147
Non-controlling interest in income of trust	7			6			7			13				13
Net income		147			159			140				306			283
Preferred share dividends		5			4			5				9			9
Net income attributable to common shares		142			155			135				297			274
Average common shares outstanding (000)	498,668			498,668			488,668			498,668				488,668
Basic earnings per share (C$)	0.28			0.31			0.28			0.59				0.56

HSBC Bank Canada	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited)

Figures in C$ millions	At 30 June 2008			At 31 December 2007				At 30 June  2007
Assets
Cash and non-interest bearing deposits with banks	527			510				448
Interest bearing deposits with regulated financial institutions	2,296			3,063				4,403
		2,823			3,573					4,851
Available-for-sale securities	6,817			5,639				6,024
Trading securities	1,408			1,227				1,891
Other securities	48			60				53
		8,273			6,926					7,968
Securities purchased under
reverse repurchase agreements		6,970			6,122					2,794
Loans
- Businesses and government	21,930			21,322				19,197
- Residential mortgage	12,454			12,920				14,367
- Consumer	6,470			4,826				4,236
- Allowance for credit losses	(365		)	(353			)	(323			)
		40,489			38,715					37,477
Customers' liability under acceptances	5,740			5,727				5,644
Derivatives	579			623				535
Land, buildings and equipment	155			149				130
Other assets	2,357			1,096				1,766
		8,831			7,595					8,075
Total assets		67,386			62,931					61,165
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Deposits
- Regulated financial institutions	1,439			1,535				2,087
- Individuals	19,464			18,291				17,010
- Businesses and governments	30,347			29,051				27,068
		51,250			48,877					46,165
Acceptances	5,740			5,727				5,644
Assets sold under repurchase agreements	372			320				95
Derivatives	591			649				675
Securities sold short	818			623				1,506
Other liabilities	3,967			2,256				2,811
Non-controlling interest in trust and subsidiary	430			430				430
		11,918			10,005					11,161
Subordinated debentures		802			801				836
Shareholders' equity
- Preferred shares	350			350				350
- Common shares	1,225			1,225				1,125
- Contributed surplus	208			206				204
- Retained earnings		1,629				1,462			1,336
- Accumulated other comprehensive income		4				5			(12		)
		3,416				3,248			3,003
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		67,386				62,931			61,165

HSBC Bank Canada	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

	Quarter ended									Half-year ended
Figures in C$ millions	30 June			31 March			30 June			30 June			30 June
	2008			2008			2007			2008			2007
Cash flows provided by/(used in):
- operating activities	562			264			389			826			855
- financing activities	850			1,437			62			2,287			2,086
- investing activities		(1,406	)		(1,691	)		(462	)		(3,097	)		(2,869	)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	6			10			(11		)	16			(72		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	494			484			430			484			347
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		500			494			419			500			419
Represented by:
- Cash resources per balance sheet	527			520			448
- less non-operating deposits*		(27	)		(26	)		(29	)
- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		500			494			419
* Non-operating deposits are comprised primarily of cash restricted for recourse on securitisation transactions.

 

END

 

 

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