HSBC CANADA 1Q 2007 RESULTS

HSBC Holdings PLC 24 April 2007 HSBC BANK CANADA FIRST QUARTER 2007 RESULTS^ - HIGHLIGHTS - Net income attributable to common shares was C$139 million for the quarter ended 31 March 2007, an increase of 19.8 per cent over the same period in 2006. - Return on average common equity was 22.0 per cent for the quarter ended 31 March 2007 compared with 20.7 per cent for the same period in 2006. - The cost efficiency ratio was 52.2 per cent for the quarter ended 31 March 2007 compared with 53.1 per cent for the same period in 2006. - Total assets were C$60.9 billion at 31 March 2007 compared with C$52.3 billion at 31 March 2006. - Total funds under management were C$25.1 billion at 31 March 2007 compared with C$21.8 billion at 31 March 2006. ^ Results are prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Financial Commentary Overview HSBC Bank Canada recorded net income attributable to common shares of C$139 million for the quarter ended 31 March 2007, an increase of C$23 million, or 19.8 per cent, from C$116 million for the first quarter of 2006. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2006, net income attributable to common shares was C$11 million, or 8.6 per cent, higher in the first quarter of 2007. Results for the quarter ended 31 March 2007 benefited from a C$14 million gain, after related income taxes, on the sale of some of the bank's shares in the Montreal Exchange. Commenting on the results, Lindsay Gordon, President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "HSBC Bank Canada is off to a satisfactory start in fiscal 2007 and underlying business performance reflected good year-on-year revenue and net income growth. The Commercial Banking business achieved strong asset growth while maintaining a high level of credit quality. The Corporate, Investment Banking and Markets business also recorded good growth, benefiting from higher advisory and underwriting fees, participating in a number of significant transactions. The Personal Financial Services business achieved good growth in High Rate and Direct Savings Accounts through a continued focus on direct banking capabilities. "The bank's focus for the rest of this year is to continue to achieve sustainable revenue growth by deepening existing customer relationships and acquiring new customers. The bank will continue to build on direct banking capabilities and the branch network, and focus on further improving efficiency and customer service through business transformation initiatives. The bank will also continue marketing initiatives to build on progress made in increasing the awareness of the HSBC brand within Canada." Net interest income Net interest income was C$294 million for the quarter ended 31 March 2007 compared with C$266 million in the same quarter of 2006, an increase of C$28 million, or 10.5 per cent. The increase was driven by growth in assets in all businesses. Average interest earning assets for the quarter were C$6.4 billion, or 13.9 per cent, higher than the same period in 2006. Continuing competitive pressures and a challenging interest rate environment impacted the net interest margin, which decreased to 2.29 per cent for the quarter ended 31 March 2007 from 2.36 per cent for the same period in 2006. Net interest income in the first quarter of 2007 was C$3 million higher compared with C$291 million in the fourth quarter of 2006 despite there being two fewer days in the first quarter. Average interest earning assets increased by C$2.0 billion while the net interest margin was in line with the fourth quarter of 2006. Non-interest revenue Non-interest revenue was C$185 million for the first quarter of 2007 compared with C$156 million in the same quarter of 2006, an increase of C$29 million, or 18.6 per cent. Investment securities gains were C$20 million higher due to gains on the sale of some of the bank's shares in the Montreal Exchange and sale of investments within Private Equity Funds. Investment administration fees were higher as funds managed in the wealth management businesses continued to grow. These increases were partially offset by lower trading income. The increase in non-interest revenue from the fourth quarter of 2006 was C$17 million, or 10.1 per cent, primarily as a result of higher investment securities gains and higher investment administration fees. Capital market fees were also higher due to higher underwriting fees earned by the Global Investment Banking business. Securitization income was lower, impacted by the timing of certain securitizations, and trading revenues were also lower. Non-interest expenses Non-interest expenses were C$250 million for the first quarter of 2007 compared with C$224 million in the same quarter of 2006, an increase of C$26 million, or 11.6 per cent. Salaries and employee benefits expenses were higher by C$20 million in 2007 due largely to increased variable compensation costs driven by higher revenues, and a higher employee base. The cost efficiency ratio of 52.2 per cent for the first quarter of 2007 improved from 53.1 per cent for the same period in 2006, favourably impacted by the gain on the sale of shares in the Montreal Exchange. Non-interest expenses were C$14 million higher than the fourth quarter of 2006. Salaries and benefits were C$19 million higher primarily due to higher pension and other benefits costs, which are usually higher in the first quarter of each year. Credit quality and provision for credit losses The provision for credit losses was C$10 million for the first quarter of 2007, compared with C$6 million in the first quarter of 2006, and C$17 million for the fourth quarter of 2006. Overall credit quality remains good, reflecting strong economic conditions in Canada. Gross impaired loans were C$145 million, C$19 million, or 11.6 per cent, lower compared with C$164 million at 31 December 2006, and C$8 million, or 5.2 per cent, lower compared with C$153 million at 31 March 2006. Total impaired loans, net of specific allowances for credit losses, were C$87 million at 31 March 2007 compared with C$106 million at 31 December 2006 and C$97 million at 31 March 2006. The general allowance for credit losses remained unchanged at C$269 million compared with 31 December 2006 and 31 March 2006. The total allowance for credit losses, as a percentage of loans outstanding, decreased to 0.88 per cent at 31 March 2007 compared with 0.92 per cent at 31 December 2006 and 0.99 per cent at 31 March 2006 as the bank's loan portfolios grew. 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 2007 was 32.9 per cent compared with 35.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2006 and 33.2 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2006. The lower tax rate in the quarter ended 31 March 2007 was a result of lower taxes applicable on the sale of certain investments. Balance sheet Total assets at 31 March 2007 were C$60.9 billion, an increase of C$4.1 billion from 31 December 2006, and C$8.6 billion from 31 March 2006. Commercial loans and bankers' acceptances increased by C$1.4 billion since the end of 2006, as commercial activity was strong, spurred by the strength of the Canadian economy. Residential mortgages increased by C$0.2 billion, although the rate of growth slowed in the first quarter, and consumer loans increased by C$0.1 billion. The securities portfolio increased by C$3.0 billion in the quarter, primarily in Government of Canada securities. Total deposits increased by C$1.8 billion to C$46.0 billion at 31 March 2007 from C$44.2 billion at 31 December 2006 and were C$5.6 billion higher compared with C$40.4 billion at 31 March 2006. Commercial deposits grew by C$1.6 billion, of which C$0.4 billion was from Commercial Banking relationships. Personal deposits grew by C$0.2 billion driven by growth in High Rate and Direct Savings Accounts. Total assets under administration Funds under management were C$25.1 billion at 31 March 2007 compared with C$23.3 billion at 31 December 2006 and C$21.8 billion at 31 March 2006. Funds under management in the first quarter of 2007 benefited from strong investment sales and buoyant equity markets, particularly in Canada. Including custody and administration balances, total assets under administration were C$34.0 billion compared with C$31.9 billion at 31 December 2006 and C$30.4 billion at 31 March 2006. Capital management The tier 1 capital ratio was 8.9 per cent and the total capital ratio was 11.0 per cent at 31 March 2007. These compare with 9.0 per cent and 11.1 per cent, respectively, at 31 December 2006 and 9.0 per cent and 11.3 per cent, respectively, at 31 March 2006. Subsequent to the quarter end, on 9 April 2007, the bank issued C$400 million of subordinated debentures maturing in 2022. Interest at an annual rate of 4.8 per cent is payable half-yearly until 10 April 2017. Thereafter, interest is payable at an annual rate equal to the 90-day Bankers' Acceptance Rate plus 1.0 per cent, payable quarterly until maturity. Proceeds from the offering will be used for general corporate purposes and to further strengthen the bank's tier 2 capital base. On 16 April 2007, HSBC Bank Canada gave notice that on 14 June 2007, subject to regulatory approval, the bank will redeem its C$100 million 5.6 per cent Debenture due 14 June 2012 at a redemption price of 100 per cent of the principal amount plus unpaid accrued interest due at the redemption date. Dividends During the first quarter of 2007, 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 June 2007, for shareholders of record on 15 June 2007. Accounting policies adopted in 2007 Effective 1 January 2007, the bank adopted new Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Handbook Standards relating to the recognition, measurement and disclosure of financial instruments including hedges and comprehensive income. Although these standards were adopted prospectively without restatement of prior year comparatives, the impact on initial adoption as well as the effects of certain transitional adjustments have been recorded as adjustments to opening retained earnings or opening accumulated other comprehensive income. Although there was no material impact on the results for the first quarter arising from the adoption of these new standards, more detailed information on the impact of adopting these standards will be included in HSBC Bank Canada's first quarter 2007 report to shareholders. About HSBC Bank Canada HSBC Bank Canada, a subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc, has more than 170 offices. With around 10,000 offices in 82 countries and territories and assets of US$1,861 billion at 31 December 2006, the HSBC Group is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations. Visit the bank's website at hsbc.ca for more information about HSBC Bank Canada and its products and services. Media enquiries to: Ernest Yee 604-641-2973 Sharon Wilks 416-868-3878 Copies of HSBC Bank Canada's first quarter 2007 report will be sent to shareholders in May 2007. Caution regarding forward-looking financial statements This document may contain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the business and anticipated financial performance of HSBC Bank Canada. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause such differences include legislative or regulatory developments, technological change, global capital market activity, changes in government monetary and economic policies, changes in prevailing interest rates, inflation level and general economic conditions in geographic areas where HSBC Bank Canada operates. Canada is an extremely competitive banking environment and pressures on interest rates and the bank's net interest margin may arise from actions taken by individual banks acting alone. Varying economic conditions may also affect equity and foreign exchange markets, which could also have an impact on the bank's revenues. The factors disclosed above may not be complete and there could be other uncertainties and potential risk factors not considered here which may impact the bank's results and financial condition. Summary Quarter ended Figures in C$ millions (except per share amounts) 31Mar07 31Dec06 31Mar06 Earnings Net income attributable to common shares 139 128 116 Basic earnings per share (C$) 0.28 0.26 0.24 Performance ratios (%) Return on average common equity 22.0 20.6 20.7 Return on average assets 0.93 0.87 0.92 Net interest margin^ 2.29 2.30 2.36 Cost efficiency ratio^^ 52.2 51.4 53.1 Non-interest revenue:total revenue ratio 38.6 36.6 37.0 Credit information Gross impaired loans 145 164 153 Allowance for credit losses - Balance at end of period 327 327 325 - As a percentage of gross impaired loans 226% 199% 212% - As a percentage of loans outstanding 0.88% 0.92% 0.99% Average balances Assets 60,656 58,883 50,986 Loans 35,994 34,943 32,252 Deposits 45,855 44,491 40,022 Common equity 2,558 2,464 2,276 Capital ratios (%) Tier 1 8.9 9.0 9.0 Total capital 11.0 11.1 11.3 Total assets under administration Funds under management 25,083 23,340 21,796 Custodial accounts 8,868 8,574 8,564 Total assets under administration 33,951 31,914 30,360 ^ Net interest margin is net interest income divided by average interest earning assets for the period. ^^ The cost efficiency ratio is defined as non-interest expenses divided by total revenue. Consolidated Statement of Income (Unaudited) Quarter ended Figures in C$ millions (except per share amounts) 31Mar07 31Dec06 31Mar06 Interest and dividend income Loans 597 593 462 Securities 58 49 43 Deposits with regulated financial institutions 59 62 58 714 704 563 Interest expense Deposits 413 406 291 Debentures 7 7 6 420 413 297 Net interest income 294 291 266 Non-interest revenue Deposit and payment service charges 23 23 21 Credit fees 27 26 25 Capital market fees 32 30 32 Investment administration fees 30 28 24 Foreign exchange 9 9 7 Trade finance 6 6 6 Trading revenue 14 17 17 Investment securities gains 25 7 5 Securitization income 10 13 8 Other 9 9 11 185 168 156 Total revenue 479 459 422 Non-interest expenses Salaries and employee benefits 143 124 123 Premises and equipment 31 34 29 Other 76 78 72 250 236 224 Net operating income before provision for credit losses 229 223 198 Provision for credit losses 10 17 6 Income before taxes and non-controlling interest in income of trust 219 206 192 Provision for income taxes 70 66 65 Non-controlling interest in income of trust 6 7 7 Net income 143 133 120 Preferred share dividends 4 5 4 Net income attributable to common shares 139 128 116 Average common shares outstanding (000) 488,668 488,668 488,668 Basic earnings per share (C$) 0.28 0.26 0.24 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) Figures in C$ millions At 31Mar07 At 31Dec06 At 31Mar06 Assets Cash and deposits with Bank of Canada 457 368 374 Deposits with regulated financial institutions 4,380 4,346 4,808 4,837 4,714 5,182 Available for sale securities 5,572 - - Investment securities - 3,604 4,254 Trading securities 2,211 1,162 1,762 Other securities 25 - - 7,808 4,766 6,016 Assets purchased under reverse repurchase agreements 3,592 4,760 2,536 Loans - Businesses and government 19,059 17,819 16,149 - Residential mortgage 14,170 14,016 13,185 - Consumer 3,870 3,728 3,427 - Allowance for credit losses (327) (327) (325) 36,772 35,236 32,436 Customers' liability under acceptances 5,314 5,130 4,483 Land, buildings and equipment 122 121 100 Other assets 2,466 2,043 1,574 7,902 7,294 6,157 Total assets 60,911 56,770 52,327 Liabilities and shareholders' equity Deposits - Regulated financial institutions 2,162 1,469 1,994 - Individuals 17,248 17,039 15,809 - Businesses and governments 26,551 25,665 22,625 45,961 44,173 40,428 Acceptances 5,314 5,130 4,483 Assets sold under repurchase agreements 467 162 165 Other liabilities 5,220 3,444 3,605 Non-controlling interest in trust and subsidiary 430 430 430 11,431 9,166 8,683 Subordinated debentures 560 563 563 Shareholders' equity - Preferred shares 350 350 350 - Common shares 1,125 1,125 1,125 - Contributed surplus 203 202 188 - Retained earnings 1,266 1,191 990 - Accumulated other comprehensive income 15 - - 2,959 2,868 2,653 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 60,911 56,770 52,327 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Quarter ended Figures in C$ millions 31Mar07 31Dec06 31Mar06 Cash flows provided by/(used in): - operating activities 466 361 253 - financing activities 2,024 1,165 1,699 - investing activities (2,188) (2,430) (2,503) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 302 (904) (551) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 4,038 4,942 5,200 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 4,340 4,038 4,649 Represented by: - Cash resources per balance sheet 4,837 4,714 5,182 - less non-operating deposits^ (497) (676) (533) - Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 4,340 4,038 4,649 ^ Non-operating deposits are comprised primarily of cash that reprices after 90 days and cash restricted for recourse on securitization transactions. 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