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Interim Report - 7 of 21

14th Aug 2009 16:36

RNS Number : 3094X
HSBC Holdings PLC
14 August 2009
 



Geographical regions

Summary

In the analysis of profit and loss by geographical region that follows, operating income and operating expenses include intraߛHSBC items of US$1,347 million (first half of 2008: US$1,169 million; second half of 2008: US$1,323 million).

Profit/(loss) before tax 

Half-year to

30 June 2009

30 June 2008

31 December 2008

US$m

%

US$m

%

US$m

%

Europe 

2,976

59.3

5,177 

50.5 

5,692

605.5

Hong Kong 

2,501

49.8

3,073 

30.0 

2,388

254.1

Rest of Asia-Pacific17 

2,022

40.3

2,634

25.7

2,088

222.1

Middle East17 

643

12.8

990

9.7

756

80.4

North America 

(3,703)

(73.8)

(2,893)

(28.2)

(12,635)

(1,344.1)

Latin America 

580

11.6

1,266 

12.3 

771

82.0

5,019

100.0

10,247 

100.0 

(940)

(100.0)

Total assets23

At 30 June 2009

At 30 June 2008

At 31 December 2008

US$m

%

US$m

%

US$m

%

Europe 

1,324,68

54.7

1,384,022

54.3

1,392,049

55.1

Hong Kong 

413,107 

17.1

371,584

14.6

414,484

16.4

Rest of Asia-Pacific17 

217,794 

9.0

239,224

9.4

225,573

8.9

Middle East17 

48,601 

2.0

51,777

2.0

50,952

2.0

North America 

494,77

20.4

568,114

22.3

596,302

23.6

Latin America 

107,515 

4.4

122,009

4.8

102,946

4.1

Intra-HSBC items 

(184,639)

(7.6)

(190,052)

(7.5)

(254,841)

(10.1)

2,421,843 

100.0

2,546,678

100.0 

2,527,465

100.0

For footnotes, see page 94.

Europe

Profit/(loss) before tax by country within customer groups and global businesses

Personal Financial Services US$m

Commercial Banking US$m

Global Banking and Markets US$m

Private Banking US$m

Other US$m

Total US$m

Half-year to 30 June 2009

UK 

205 

688 

1,853 

124 

(1,214)

1,656 

France30 

26 

51 

661 

(219)

520 

Germany 

-

17 

129 

(4)

150 

Malta 

13 

29 

-

-

47 

Switzerland 

-

-

-

233 

-

233 

Turkey 

21 

54 

87 

-

163 

Other 

(53)

13 

156 

80 

11 

207 

212 

852 

2,891 

447 

(1,426)

2,976 

Half-year to 30 June 2008

UK 

1,164

1,656 

329 

162 

168 

3,479 

France30 

122

151 

492 

14 

(70)

709 

Germany 

-

21 

122 

20 

(8)

155 

Malta 

26

33 

12 

-

-

71 

Switzerland 

-

-

-

335 

-

335 

Turkey 

19 

51

56 

-

-

126 

Other 

(7)

28

179 

48 

54 

302 

1,324 

1,940

1,190 

579 

144 

5,177 

Personal Financial Services US$m

Commercial Banking US$m

Global Banking and Markets US$m

Private Banking US$m

Other US$m

Total US$m

Half-year to 31 December 2008

UK 

382

705

(798)

88

2,829

3,206

France30 

 

17

25

(219)

(4)

2,312

2,131

Germany 

-

10

62

12

(14)

70

Malta 

33

34

4

-

-

71

Switzerland 

-

-

-

218

-

218

Turkey 

(16)

40

74

-

-

98

Other 

(82)

(32)

(118)

105

25

(102)

334

782

(995)

419

5,152

5,692

For footnote, see page 94.

Loans and advances to customers (net) by country

At

30 June  2009 US$m

At

30 June  2008 US$m

At

31 December 2008 US$m

UK 

342,153 

380,051 

313,065

France30 

77,096 

78,376 

70,896

Germany 

5,201 

7,638 

5,756

Malta 

4,480 

4,684 

4,343

Switzerland 

9,566 

14,829 

12,708

Turkey 

5,586 

8,127 

6,125

Other 

13,008 

15,255 

13,298

457,090 

508,960 

426,191

Customer accounts by country

At

30 June  2009 US$m

At

30 June  2008 US$m

At

31 December 2008 US$m

UK 

371,675

413,593

351,253

France30 

85,899

60,281

74,826

Germany 

10,007

11,054

11,611

Malta 

5,646

6,292

5,604

Switzerland 

41,122

42,125

44,643

Turkey 

5,394

7,090

5,845

Other 

9,982

9,205

8,694

529,725

549,640

502,476

For footnote, see page 94.

Economic briefing

The UK economy contracted sharply during the first half of 2009, with much of this weakness concentrated in the early months of the year and the second quarter bringing some evidence of a stabilisation of economic conditions. Gross Domestic Product ('GDP') fell by 5.3 per cent below the comparable period in 2008, the sharpest contraction on record. Labour market conditions continued to deteriorate with the unemployment rate rising to a twelve-year high of 7.6 per cent in May 2009. Indicators of housing market activity improved only marginally from very subdued levels, although some monthly increases in house prices were recorded during the second quarter of 2009. After reducing interest rates to just 0.5 per cent in March 2009, the Bank of England launched the Asset Purchase Facility in an attempt to improve the circulation of credit across the economy and encourage confidence in future economic activity. Consumer Price Index ('CPI') inflation moderated throughout the first half of the year, falling from 3.0 per cent in January 2009 to 1.8 per cent in June, below the Bank of England's 2 per cent target.

The eurozone economies performed poorly during the first half of 2009. As in the UK, first

Profit before tax

Half-year to

Europe

30 June 2009 US$m

30 June 2008 US$m

31 December 2008 US$m

Net interest income 

5,978

4,475

5,221

Net fee income 

2,843

4,223

3,269

Net trading income 

3,429

3,649

1,708

Changes in fair value of long-term debt issued and related derivatives 

(788)

207

2,732

Net income/(expense) from other financial instruments designated  at fair value 

212 

(866)

(960)

Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value 

(576)

(659)

1,772

Gains less losses from financial investments 

(60)

608

(190)

Dividend income 

13

20

110

Net earned insurance premiums 

2,134

2,286

3,013

Gains on disposal of French regional banks 

-

-

2,445

Other operating income 

976

1,427

669

Total operating income 

14,737

16,029

18,017

Net insurance claims incurred and movement in liabilities  to policyholders 

(2,383)

(1,388)

(1,979)

Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other  credit risk provisions 

12,354

14,641

16,038

Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions 

(2,813)

(1,272)

(2,482)

Net operating income

9,541

13,369

13,556

Total operating expenses 

(6,587)

(8,193)

(7,879)

Operating profit 

2,954

5,176

5,677

Share of profit in associates and joint ventures 

22

1

15

Profit before tax 

2,976

5,177

5,692

%

%

%

Share of HSBC's profit before tax 

59.3

50.5

605.5

Cost efficiency ratio 

53.3

56.0

49.1

Period-end staff numbers (full-time equivalent) 

79,132

84,457

82,093

Balance sheet data23

 

US$m

US$m

US$m

Loans and advances to customers (net) 

457,090

508,960

426,191

Loans and advances to banks (net) 

72,491

94,795

61,949

Trading assets, financial instruments designated at fair value and  financial investments28 

449,928

481,015

433,885

Total assets 

1,324,687

1,384,022

1,392,049

Deposits by banks 

87,159

112,081

80,847

Customer accounts 

529,725

549,640

502,476

For footnotes, see page 94.

The commentary on Europe is on an underlying basis unless stated otherwise.

quarter GDP fell by 4.9 per cent on the first quarter of 2008 with the broad range of economic data pointing to some stabilisation of conditions during the second quarter. Investment expenditure proved exceptionally weak, while consumer spending continued to contract as the unemployment rate increased to 9.5 per cent in May 2009 from 8.2 per cent in December 2008. The annual rate of consumer price inflation fell substantially during the period, moving from 1.6 per cent in December 2008 to minus 0.1 per cent in June 2009, the first negative reading since the eurozone's inception, although much of this decline reflected the earlier rise and then fall of energy prices. The European Central Bank cut interest rates by 150 basis points during the first half of the year, leaving the refi rate at a record low level of 1 per cent in June 2009.

In Turkey, first quarter GDP fell by 13.8 per cent on the comparable period in 2008, and substantial declines in industrial activity continued to be recorded during the second quarter of the year. Inflationary pressures eased within this weak economic environment as the annual rate of change in consumer prices fell from 10.1 per cent in December 2008 to 5.7 per cent in June 2009. The unemployment rate averaged 15.6 per cent during the first four months of 2009 compared with 11.1 per cent during the equivalent period in 2008. Negotiations over an IMF assistance programme are ongoing.

Review of business performance

Reconciliation of reported and underlying profit before tax

Half-year to 30 June 2009 ('1H09') compared with half-year to 30 June 2008 ('1H08')

Europe 

1H08 as reported US$m

1H08 acquisitionsand

disposals

US$m

Currency

translation2

US$m

1H08at 1H09exchange

rates3

US$m

1H09 acquisitionsand

  disposals1

US$m

Under- lying changeUS$m

1H09 as reported US$m

Re- ported

change4

%

Under- lying

change4

Net interest income

4,475

(65)

(866)

3,544

-

2,434

5,978

34

69

Net fee income 

4,223

(58)

(806)

3,359

-

(516)

2,843

(33)

(15)

Changes in fair value5

207

-

39

246

-

(1,034)

(788)

(481)

(420)

Other income6 

5,736

(514)

(1,127)

4,095

280

(54)

4,321

(25)

(1)

Net operating income7 

14,641

(637)

(2,760)

11,244

280

830

12,354

(16)

7

Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions

(1,272)

6

276

(990)

-

(1,823)

(2,813)

(121)

(184)

Net operating income 

13,369

(631)

(2,484)

10,254

280

(993)

9,541

(29)

(10)

Operating expenses 

(8,193)

68

1,486

(6,639)

-

52

(6,587)

20

1

Operating profit

5,176

(563)

(998)

3,615

280

(941)

2,954

(43)

(26)

Income from associates 

1

-

-

1

-

21

22

2,100

2,100

Profit before tax 

5,177

(563)

(998)

3,616

280

(920)

2,976

(43)

(25)

For footnotes, see page 94.

HSBC's European operations reported a pre-tax profit of US$3.0 billion, compared with US$5.2 billion in 2008, a decrease of 43 per cent. Within these figures was a negative fair value movement of US$836 million on the Group's own debt held at fair value as financial markets stabilised and credit spreads tightened in the first half of 2009. This movement compared with a gain in the first half of 2008 of US$434 million. As in previous years, HSBC does not regard this movement as part of operating performance. Results also benefited from a gain on the sale of the residual stake in the UK card-acquiring business to Global Payments Inc. of US$280 million in the first half of 2009 following the US$425 million gain realised in the comparable period in 2008 on the sale of the original holding. Adjusting for these gains on sale, the disposal of the French regional banks in July 2008 and the reversal of movements in the fair value of own debt, underlying pre-tax profits grew by US$311 million or 10 per cent. This was driven by a strong performance within Global Banking and Markets, with record revenues in Balance Sheet Management and Rates coupled with a significant fall in credit-related write-downs, partly offset by higher loan impairment charges reflecting the deterioration in the economic environment and increased impairments to assets in the available-for-sale portfolio.

Net interest income increased by 69 per cent, driven by significant growth in Balance Sheet Management revenues, which benefited from favourable positioning in expectation of interest rate cuts by central banks. The fall in interest rates also reduced the cost of funding trading activities, further boosting net interest income.

Mortgage balances increased, reflecting HSBC's continued efforts to support lending to core customers. During the first half of 2009, new mortgage sales in the UK amounted to 45 per cent of the £15 billion (US$25 billion) in new mortgage facilities made available to customers at the beginning of the year. Regionally, lending balances declined in line with reduced customer demand for credit and HSBC's diminished appetite for unsecured lending throughout the region. Lower funding costs, particularly in the personal sector, boosted income in cards, mortgages and personal loans. Given the volatility in the markets, and lack of liquidity, the pricing of commercial lending increased.

HSBC also benefited from an increase in customer accounts due to the strong flow of deposits gained during the market turmoil in the second half of 2008. However, both the Personal Financial Services and Commercial Banking businesses were adversely affected by interest rate cuts, which reduced liability spreads across the region. In Personal Financial Services, spreads were further constrained by competitive pressure to retain liability balances in the UK, and by further interest rate cap reductions on credit cards in Turkey. 

Net fee income fell by 15 per cent. Card fees declined following the part disposal of the card-acquiring business to a joint venture in June 2008, and lower card utilisation which reduced transaction volumes. The relatively inactive markets resulted in lower mergers and acquisition fees, and the decline in global equity markets drove decreases in equity brokerage commissions in Private Banking and performance and management fees as the value of funds under management declined. As markets increasingly recognised the value of credit commitment and availability, HSBC generated higher underwriting fees as a result of increased debt originations in France and the UK.

Trading income increased by 19 per cent to US$3.4 billion, with a record performance in Rates and strong revenue generation in foreign exchange trading. Rates benefited from favourable positioning for falling interest rates and increased demand, while growth in foreign exchange earnings reflected market volatility. Trading income also benefited from credit spread contraction, which led to significantly lower credit write-downs on legacy positions and asset-backed securities portfolios than in the first half of 2008.

This increase in trading performance was partly offset by a loss on structured liabilities as credit spreads narrowed, compared with a gain last year, and a reduction in net interest income on trading activities due to the decline in interest rates (the compensating benefit is reported within 'Net interest income').

A net expense of US$576 million was incurred on financial instruments designated at fair value, primarily due to the fair value movements arising from the effect of narrowing credit spreads on certain fixed-rate long-term debt issued by HSBC, which partially reversed previous gains. This heading also encompasses movements in the fair value of assets held to meet liabilities under insurance and investment contracts in which, as equity markets recovered from declines sustained in the second half of 2008, gains were recordedTo the extent that investment gains are attributable to policyholders, the increase in the fair value of assets held to meet liabilities under unit-linked policies and insurance and investment contracts with discretionary participating features is offset by a corresponding increase in claims incurred and movement in liabilities to policyholders.

Gains less losses from financial investments were US$498 million lower than those arising in the first half of 2008 due to the non-recurrence of certain disposals in 2008, including the sale of MasterCard shares, realisations from private equity investments and the disposal of its remaining stake in the Hermitage Fund by Private Banking

Excluding the reversal of movements in the fair value on own debt credit spreads, underlying pre-tax profit in Europe grew by US$311 million or 10 per cent, with a strong performance in Global Banking and Markets.

Net earned insurance premiums increased by 13 per cent. Premium income rose, mainly because of the non-recurrence of a significant re-insurance transaction in France in the first half of 2008 which passed insurance premiums to a third-party reinsurer. Excluding this transaction, premiums fell in the region. A reduction in premiums was driven by the withdrawal of the Guaranteed Income Bond from sale in the UK as the product was no longer commercially viable in the current economic environment. Sales in France were relatively unchanged despite a significant reduction in the distribution network following the disposal of the regional banks in July 2008.

Other operating income decreased by 9 per cent, with the non-recurrence of a favourable embedded value adjustment following HSBC's introduction of enhanced benefits to existing pension products in the first half of 2008 and reduced gains on the sale and leaseback of branches, partly offset by gains on the sale of properties in Private Banking.

Net insurance claims incurred and movement in liabilities to policyholders increased by US$1.2 billion as the allocation of investment returns to policyholders increased and net insurance premiums rose, in part due to the non-recurrence of the significant reinsurance transaction undertaken in France in 2008. In addition, an increase of US$105 million in claims reserving was required to reflect a higher incidence and severity of motor insurance claims with a standalone UK motor underwriter.

Loan impairment charges and other creditrisk provisions grew by US$1.8 billion to US$2.8 billion as the signs of stress observed at the end of 2008 continued into 2009 and economic conditions deteriorated across the region. Within Personal Financial Services and Commercial Banking, which in aggregate experienced a 63 per cent rise in loan impairments to US$1.6 billion, 85 per cent of the charge arose in the UK. Credit impairment charges in the personal sector in France remained low, reflecting the upmarket segmentation of the personal customer base.

Within the UK, the core residential mortgage portfolio continued to experience low impairment, in large part reflecting HSBC's continued focus on in-house origination and control. Stresses were more evident in the cards and other unsecured portfolios, and the secured portfolio of the consumer finance business, as unemployment rose and the ability to refinance existing debt reduced. In UK Commercial Banking, loan impairment charges rose from a low base of US$173 million to US$504 million, reflecting the general economic downturn with problems most evident in the property and retail distribution sectors. In Global Banking and Markets, impairment charges largely reflected HSBC's exposure to the financial and property sectors, as well as additional credit risk provisions from marking to market asset-backed debt securities held within the Group's available-for-sale portfolios on which cash flow impairment emerged in the period. Impairment booked on these exposures reflects mark-to-market losses which HSBC judges to be significantly in excess of the likely ultimate cash losses. 

Outside the UK, higher loan impairment charges reflected deteriorating credit card and personal loan delinquency rates in TurkeyGreece and Central and Eastern Europe. Action taken to mitigate these trends included the strengthening of collection practices and systems, tightening unsecured lending origination criteria and the cessation of new monoline consumer finance lending. The decision was taken during the period to wind down the monoline consumer finance businesses in Hungary and Poland in line with Group strategic objectives.

Operating expenses were broadly in line with the first half of 2008. Staff costs were 5 per cent lower, notwithstanding a rise in Global Banking and Markets from performance-related pay, partly from an accounting gain of US$499 million following a change in the basis of delivering death-in-service, ill health and early retirement benefits for some UK employees.

Non-staff costs were 4 per cent higher as bank failures in the UK led to a US$52 million increase in the Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy. Higher rental charges following the sale and leaseback of properties in 2008 and increased network costs in support of business expansion in TurkeyRussia and Central and Eastern Europe were partly offset by lower advertising and marketing expenditure in response to difficult trading conditions and reduced customer demand.

Reconciliation of reported and underlying profit before tax

Half-year to 30 June 2009 ('1H09') compared with half-year to 31 December 2008 ('2H08')

Europe 

2H08 as reported US$m

2H08 acquisitions and

disposals1

US$m

Currency

translation2

US$m

2H08 at 1H09 exchange

rates8

US$m

1H09 acquisitions and

  disposals1

US$m

Under- lying change US$m

1H09 as reported US$m

Re- ported

change4

%

Under - lying

change4

Net interest income 

5,221

-

(580)

4,641

-

1,337

5,978

14

29

Net fee income 

3,269

-

(365)

2,904

-

(61)

2,843

(13)

(2)

Changes in fair value5

2,732

-

(100)

2,632

-

(3,420)

(788)

(129)

(130)

Other income6 

4,816

(2,540)

(404)

1,872

280

2,169

4,321

(10)

116

Net operating income7  

 

16,038

 

(2,540)

(1,449)

12,049

280

25

12,354

(23)

-

Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions

(2,482)

-

328

(2,154)

-

(659)

(2,813)

(13)

(31)

Net operating income 

13,556

(2,540)

(1,121)

9,895

280

(634)

9,541

(30)

(6)

Operating expenses

(7,879)

-

812

(7,067)

-

480

(6,587)

16

7

Operating profit 

5,677

(2,540)

(309)

2,828

280

(154)

2,954

(48)

(5)

Income from associates 

15

-

(2)

13

-

9

22

47

69

Profit before tax

5,692

(2,540)

(311)

2,841

280

(145)

2,976

(48)

(5)

For footnotes, see page 94.

Analysis by customer group and global business

Profit/(loss) before tax

Half-year to 30 June 2009

Europe

Personal Financial Services US$m

Commercial

Banking US$m

Global  Banking and Markets US$m

Private Banking US$m

Other

US$m

Inter- segment

elimination29

US$m

Total US$m

Net interest income/ (expense)

2,507 

1,295 

2,376 

506 

(265)

(441)

5,978 

Net fee income

875 

789 

706 

438 

35 

-

2,843 

Trading income excluding net interest income

78 

1,678 

72 

167 

-

1,999 

Net interest income on trading activities

(1) 

7 

966 

9 

8 

441 

1,430 

Net trading income24  

77 

11 

2,644 

81 

175 

441 

3,429 

Changes in fair value of long-term debt issued  and related derivatives 

-

-

-

-

(788)

-

(788)

Net income/(expense) from other financial instruments designated  at fair value

170 

358 

-

(321)

-

212 

Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value 

170 

358 

-

(1,109)

-

(576)

Gains less losses from financial investments 

(47)

(2)

(18)

-

(60)

Dividend income 

-

11 

-

-

13 

Net earned insurance premiums 

2,002 

135 

-

-

(3)

-

2,134 

Other operating income 

89 

323 

303 

26 

162 

73 

976 

Total operating income/ (expense) 

5,725 

2,561 

6,351 

1,050 

(1,023)

73 

14,737 

Net insurance claims25  

(2,249)

(134)

-

-

-

-

(2,383)

Net operating income/ (expense)7 

3,476 

2,427 

6,351 

1,050 

(1,023)

73 

12,354 

Loan impairment charges  and other credit risk provisions 

(982)

(606)

(1,212)

(10)

(3)

-

(2,813)

Net operating income/ (expense) 

2,494 

1,821 

5,139 

1,040 

(1,026)

73 

9,541 

Total operating expenses

(2,283)

(987)

(2,251)

(593)

(400)

(73)

(6,587)

Operating profit/(loss) 

211 

834 

2,888 

447 

(1,426)

-

2,954 

Share of profit in associates and joint ventures 

18 

-

-

-

22 

Profit/(loss) before tax

212 

852 

2,891 

447 

(1,426)

-

2,976 

%

%

%

%

%

%

Share of HSBC's profit before tax 

4.2 

17.0 

57.6 

8.9 

(28.4)

59.3 

Cost efficiency ratio 

65.7 

40.7 

35.4 

56.5 

(39.1)

53.3 

Balance sheet data23

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Loans and advances to  customers (net)

143,886 

89,788 

198,290 

23,774 

1,35

457,090

Total assets 

205,023 

112,749 

1,060,344 

74,469 

86,649 

(214,547)

1,324,687

Customer accounts 

166,295 

95,132 

208,792 

59,503 

3 

529,725 

For footnotes, see page 94.

Half-year to 30 June 2008

Europe

Personal Financial Services US$m

Commercial

Banking US$m

Global  Banking and Markets US$m

Private Banking US$m

Other

US$m

Inter- segment

elimination29

US$m

Total US$m

Net interest income/ (expense) 

3,373 

1,739 

1,351 

515 

(156)

(2,347)

4,475 

Net fee income

1,479 

1,134 

999 

559 

52 

-

4,223 

Trading income excluding net interest income 

34 

18 

1,362 

106 

33 

-

1,553 

Net interest income/ (expense) on trading activities 

(1)

20 

(285)

2,347 

2,096 

Net trading income24 

33 

38 

1,077 

113 

41 

2,347 

3,649 

Changes in fair value of long-term debt issued  and related derivatives 

-

-

-

-

207

-

207

Net income/(expense) from other financial instruments designated  at fair value 

(761)

(75)

(218)

-

188

-

(866)

Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value

(761)

(75)

(218)

-

395 

-

(659)

Gains less losses from financial investments 

182 

140 

190 

78 

18 

-

608 

Dividend income 

11 

-

20 

Net earned insurance premiums 

2,084 

213 

-

-

(11)

-

2,286 

Other operating income

252 

581 

362 

251 

(23)

1,427 

Total operating income 

6,643 

3,772 

3,772 

1,273 

592 

(23)

16,029 

Net insurance claims24

(1,290)

(98)

-

-

-

-

(1,388)

Net operating income7 

5,353 

3,674 

3,772 

1,273 

592 

(23)

14,641 

Loan impairment (charges)/  recoveries and other credit risk provisions

(963)

(285)

(29)

-

-

(1,272)

Net operating income

4,390 

3,389 

3,743 

1,278 

592 

(23)

13,369 

Total operating expenses

(3,065)

(1,449)

(2,554)

(699)

(449)

23 

(8,193)

Operating profit

1,325 

1,940 

1,189 

579 

143 

-

5,176 

Share of profit/(loss) in associates and joint ventures 

(1)

-

-

-

Profit before tax 

1,324 

1,940 

1,190 

579 

144 

-

5,177 

%

%

%

%

%

%

Share of HSBC's profit before tax 

12.9 

18.9 

11.6 

5.7 

1.4 

50.5 

Cost efficiency ratio

57.3 

39.4 

67.7 

54.9 

75.8 

56.0 

Balance sheet data23

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Loans and advances to  customers (net)  

153,460 

111,791 

210,727 

31,933 

1,049 

508,960 

Total assets  

219,433

138,494

1,100,421

94,321

65,122

(233,769)

1,384,022 

Customer accounts

183,608 

105,135 

196,432 

64,242 

223 

549,640 

For footnotes, see page 94.

Analysis by customer group and global business (continued)

Profit/(loss) before tax

Half-year to 31 December 2008

Europe

Personal Financial Services US$m

Commercial

Banking US$m

Global Banking and Markets US$m

Private Banking US$m

Other

US$m

Inter- segment

elimination29

US$m

Total US$m

Net interest income/ (expense)

3,091

1,696

2,137

531

(303)

(1,931)

5,221

Net fee income 

1,133

891

764

461

20

-

3,269

Trading income/(expense) excluding net interest income 

13

53

151

92

(171)

-

138

Net interest income/ (expense) on trading activities  

1

(8)

(370)

7

9

1,931

1,570

Net trading income/ (expense)24 

14

45

(219)

99

(162)

1,931

1,708

Changes in fair value of long-term debt issued  and related derivatives 

-

-

-

-

2,732

-

2,732

Net income/(expense) from other financial instruments designated  at fair value

(873)

(139)

(393)

-

445

-

(960)

Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value

(873)

(139)

(393)

-

3,177

-

1,772

Gains less losses from financial investments 

99

(8)

(220)

(16)

(45)

-

(190)

Dividend income 

34

72

14

1

(11)

-

110

Net earned insurance premiums 

2,843

178

-

-

(8)

-

3,013

Gains on disposal of  French regional banks 

-

-

-

-

2,445

2,445

Other operating income/ (expense) 

(22)

39

36

12

581

23

669

Total operating income 

6,319

2,774

2,119

1,088

5,694

23

18,017

Net insurance claims25 

(1,934)

(45)

-

-

-

-

(1,979)

Net operating income7 

4,385

2,729

2,119

1,088

5,694

23

16,038

Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions 

(1,008)

(582)

(846)

(43)

(3)

-

(2,482)

Net operating income 

3,377

2,147

1,273

1,045

5,691

23

13,556

Total operating expenses 

(3,042)

(1,381)

(2,269)

(626)

(538)

(23)

(7,879)

Operating profit/(loss) 

335

766

(996)

419

5,153

-

5,677

Share of profit/(loss) in associates and joint ventures 

(1)

16

1

-

(1)

-

15

Profit/(loss) before tax 

334

782

(995)

419

5,152

-

5,692

%

%

%

%

%

%

Share of HSBC's loss  before tax 

35.5

83.2

(105.9)

44.6

548.1

605.5

Cost efficiency ratio 

69.4

50.6

107.1

57.5

9.4

49.1

Balance sheet data23

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Loans and advances to  customers (net) 

126,909

87,245

185,818

25,722

497

426,191

Total assets 

171,962

107,495

1,180,759

84,485

64,423

(217,075)

1,392,049

Customer accounts 

145,411

91,188

199,687

66,007

183

502,476

For footnotes, see page 94.

Hong Kong

Profit/(loss) before tax by customer group and global business

Half-year to

30 June 2009

US$m

30 June 2008

US$m

31 December 2008 US$m

Personal Financial Services 

1,337 

2,036 

1,392

Commercial Banking 

424 

869 

446

Global Banking and Markets 

907 

770 

666

Private Banking 

106 

123 

114

Other 

(273)

(725)

(230)

Profit before tax 

2,501 

3,073 

2,388

Profit before tax

Half-year to

30 June 2009 US$m

30 June 2008 US$m

31 December 2008 US$m

Net interest income 

2,232

2,835

2,863

Net fee income 

1,200

1,469

1,111

Net trading income 

704

314

879

Changes in fair value of long-term debt and related derivatives 

(3)

1

2

Net income/(expense) from other financial instruments designated at fair value 

348 

(362)

(832)

Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value 

345 

(361)

(830)

Gains less losses from financial investments 

2

(98)

(211)

Dividend income 

14

20

21

Net earned insurance premiums

1,838

1,650

1,597

Other operating income 

505

448

369

Total operating income 

6,840

6,277

5,799

Net insurance claims incurred and movement in liabilities  to policyholders 

(2,126)

(1,169)

(753)

Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other  credit risk provisions 

4,714

5,108

5,046

Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions 

(273)

(81)

(684)

Net operating income 

4,441

5,027

4,362

Total operating expenses 

(1,935)

(1,975)

(1,968)

Operating profit 

2,506

3,052

2,394

Share of profit/(loss) in associates and joint ventures 

(5)

21

(6)

Profit before tax 

2,501

3,073

2,388

%

%

%

Share of HSBC's profit before tax 

49.8

30.0

254.1

Cost efficiency ratio 

41.0

38.7

39.0

Period-end staff numbers (full-time equivalent) 

28,259

29,467

29,330

Balance sheet data23

US$m

US$m

US$m

Loans and advances to customers (net) 

97,486

99,741

100,220

Loans and advances to banks (net) 

41,197

73,461

29,646

Trading assets, financial instruments designated at fair value, and  financial investments 

135,916

78,735

122,602

Total assets 

413,107

371,584

414,484

Deposits by banks 

10,299

5,063

11,769

Customer accounts 

267,532

231,709

250,517

For footnote, see page 94.

The commentary on Hong Kong is on an underlying basis unless stated otherwise.

Economic briefing

Hong Kong's economy suffered a sharp contraction during the early months of 2009 as first quarter GDP fell by 7.8 per cent from the comparable period in 2008. Economic weakness proved widespread with significant declines in manufacturing activity, investment expenditure and external demand being registered. Labour market conditions continued to deteriorate, the unemployment rate rising from 4.1 per cent in December 2008 to 5.4 per cent in June 2009. Consumer price inflation continued to decline as the annual rate of change fell from 2.1 per cent in December 2008 to a reading of minus 0.9 per cent in June 2009, although this movement largely reflected trends in food and energy prices. Hong Kong maintained its base interest rate at 0.5 per cent during the first half of 2009. Asset prices proved volatile, with the Hang Seng Index first falling sharply before recovering strongly to register a 28 per cent gain during the period.

Review of business performance

Reconciliation of reported and underlying profit before tax

Half-year to 30 June 2009 ('1H09') compared with half-year to 30 June 2008 ('1H08')

Hong Kong

1H08 as reported US$m

1H08 acquisitionsand

disposals1

US$m

Currency

translation2

US$m

1H08at 1H09exchange

rates3

US$m

1H09 acquisitionsand

  disposals1

US$m

Under- lying change US$m

1H09 as reported US$m

Re- ported

change4 %

Under- lying

change4

Net interest income 

2,835

-

13

2,848

-

(616)

2,232

(21)

(22)

Net fee income 

1,469

-

7

1,476

-

(276)

1,200

(18)

(19)

Changes in fair value5 

 

1

-

-

1

-

(4)

(3)

(400)

(400)

Other income6 

803

-

5

808

-

477

1,285

60

59

Net operating income7 

 

5,108

-

25

5,133

-

(419)

4,714

(8)

(8)

Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions 

(81)

-

-

(81)

-

(192)

(273)

(237)

(237)

Net operating income 

5,027

 

 

-

25

5,052

-

(611)

4,441

(12)

(12)

Operating expenses

(1,975)

-

(10)

(1,985)

-

50

(1,935)

2

3

Operating profit 

3,052

-

15

3,067

-

(561)

2,506

(18)

(18)

Income from associates

21

 

 

-

-

21

-

(26)

(5)

(124)

(124)

Profit before tax 

3,073

-

15

3,088

-

(587)

2,501

(19)

(19)

For footnotes, see page 94.

HSBC reported pre-tax profits in Hong Kong of US$2.5 billion, a 19 per cent decline compared with US$3.1 billion in the first half of 2008. HSBC remained one of the market leaders in deposits, mortgages and credit cards. The decrease in profits was largely due to lower revenue as a result of deposit spread compression and weakened investor sentiment, which led to declines in net interest income and net fee income, respectively. The loss of revenue was compounded by a rise, albeit from a low base, in loan impairment charges driven largely by the effects of falling trade activity on the Commercial Banking portfolio and rising delinquency in the personal lending portfolio. Operating costs were reduced to mitigate falling revenue. Global Banking and Markets delivered a strong performance in Rates and financing-related fees. In addition, deposit inflows were significant in the period, adding to the commercial surplus of deposits and contributing to the higher revenues generated from treasury activities within Balance Sheet Management.

Net interest income declined by 22 per cent, driven by significant deposit spread compression evident in Personal Financial Services and Commercial Banking. This was expected in the low interest rate environment and, during this period, HSBC continued to increase deposit balances and reprice customer loans to enhance lending margins and position itself for when the current economic downturn reverses. 

Notwithstanding the decline in both GDP and trade activity, personal lending volumes rose, driven by targeted growth in mortgage lending. HSBC led the mortgage market with a combined 32 per cent market share on new loan drawdowns. Commercial lending declinedreflecting the reduction in trade activity, notwithstanding actions taken by HSBC to support local businesses in the difficult economic environment and provide access to funds. This included the SME Fund launched in 2008 to ensure small and medium-sized enterprises continued to have access to credit through the financial and economic crisis, which was trebled to HK$12 billion (and increased a further HK$4 billion in July). These facilities were 86 per cent utilised at 30 June 2009. HSBC's commitment to its SME customer base also included a two-month interest refund scheme introduced in June 2009 for customers who had suffered significant sales contraction, recognising that volumes of trade finance had declined significantly from the first half of 2008 due to reduced international and intra-regional trade. 

Asset spreads improved due to active repricing on renewals to reflect current market pricing levels, while funding costs reduced due to the low interest rate environment. 

Underlying pre-tax profits in Hong Kong fell by 19 per cent as deposit spreads narrowed and investment activity weakened.

Growth in savings and deposit balances continued, with increases across all customer groups, and by the end of May 2009 HSBC had further improved its market share compared with December 2008. Strong growth in the Commercial Banking segment was driven by a 12 per cent rise in customer numbers through a series of deposit acquisition campaigns launched in the first half of 2009. Liability spreads, however, remained under severe pressure in the first half of 2009 in the low interest rate environment.

In Global Banking and Markets, Balance Sheet Management and Credit and Lending reported increases in net interest income.

Net fee income was 19 per cent lower, as equity market-related revenues declined as customers reduced their risk tolerance, preferring deposit products to equities or structured products. This weaker market sentiment led to a decrease in income from retail brokerage, unit trusts, wealth management and other investment products. However, towards the end of the period there was an improvement in investor sentiment and, accordingly, equity-related products as the local equity market rebounded.

The contraction of trade flows in the region adversely affected commercial customers, and the effect on fees was iline with the decline in import and export volumes. 

Net trading income more than doubled compared with the first half of 2008, in part from the non-recurrence of write-downs on legacy exposures within Global Banking and Markets. Additionally, income from Credit trading increased due to higher volumes of bond trading in institutional markets and increased margins on market-making activities. 

Income of US$345 million was generated from financial instruments designated at fair value, compared with a net loss of US$361 million in the first half of 2008. This mostly related to the insurance business as asset values increased due to a modest recovery in equity market levels during the period. To the extent that these gains were attributed to policyholders, there was an equivalent increase in net insurance claims incurred and movement in liabilities to policyholders

Net earned insurance premiums grew by 11 per cent to US$1.8 billion as sales, particularly those associated with traditional life products, increased. HSBC continued to maintain its leadership position with a combined 35 per cent share of the market for new individual life business in the first quarter. 

Gains less losses from financial investments were US$2 million compared with a loss of US$98 million in the first half of 2008, mainly due to the non-recurrence of impairments against long-term equity investments in that period following declines in market valuations as regional equity markets fell. It is worth noting that the value of investments against which impairments of US$296 million were taken in the first half of 2008 as a result of significant market price declines, recovered by US$214 million in the first half of 2009, most notably in Vietnam. Under IFRSs, while impairments on non-trading equities are taken through the income statement, reversals are credited to reserves. In the first half of 2009, Global Banking and Markets recorded a net loss of US$76 million, mostly in respect of the write-down of certain unlisted investments. This was more than offset by gains of US$104 million on the sale of Visa shares, compared with gains of US$203 million from Visa and MasterCard shares in the first half of 2008.

Loan impairment charges increased from the first half of 2008's low level of US$81 million to US$273 million as the economic slowdown and trade downturn adversely affected credit conditions.

In Commercial Banking, loan impairment charges increased from a low base, reflecting a broad weakening in credit quality, particularly amongst exporters who were exposed to the slowdown in global trade. By the end of May, the values of Hong Kong's exports and imports had each declined by a fifth compared with the first five months of 2008. 

The rising unemployment rate and an increase in bankruptcy petitions contributed to increased loan impairment charges against unsecured lending within Personal Financial Services. Credit policies were tightened to reduce risk where necessary. Property prices increased in the first half of 2009 and mortgage lending remained well secured with loan-to-value ratios on origination subject to tight regulatory restrictions.

Operating expenses were reduced by 3 per cent to US$1.9 billion in response to the adverse effect of market conditions on revenues. Management restricted non-staff costs, driving a per cent decline. In particular, marketing costs were reduced as new campaigns were targeted carefully. IT costs rose due to higher utilisation of data services as processes were automated to improve productivity. A number of activities are performed at a central data centre in Hong Kong on behalf of other Group entities. Related recoveries are recorded in Other operating income. Staff costs were in line due to tight control of staff numbers.

Reconciliation of reported and underlying profit before tax

Half-year to 30 June 2009 ('1H09') compared with half-year to 31 December 2008 ('2H08')

Hong Kong

2H08 as reported US$m

2H08 acquisitionsand

disposals1

US$m

Currency

translation2

US$m

2H08at 1H09 exchange

rates8

US$m

1H09 acquisitionsand

  disposals1

US$m

Under- lying change US$m

1H09 as reported US$m

Re- ported

change4

%

Under- lying

change4

Net interest income 

2,863

-

8

2,871

-

(639)

2,232

(22)

(22)

Net fee income 

1,111

 

-

3

1,114

-

86

1,200

8

8

Changes in fair value5 

2

 

-

-

2

-

(5)

(3)

(250)

(250)

Other income6 

1,070

-

3

1,073

-

212

1,285

20

20

Net operating income7  

5,046

 

 

-

14

5,060

-

(346)

4,714

(7)

(7)

Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions 

(684)

-

-

(684)

-

411

(273)

60

60

Net operating income 

4,362

 

 

-

14

4,376

-

65

4,441

2

1

Operating expenses 

(1,968)

-

(5)

(1,973)

-

38

(1,935)

2

2

Operating profit 

2,394

-

9

2,403

-

103

2,506

5

4

Income from associates 

(6)

 

-

-

(6)

-

1

(5)

17

17

Profit before tax

2,388

 

 

-

9

2,397

-

104

2,501

5

4

For footnotes, see page 94.

Analysis by customer group and global business

Profit/(loss) before tax 

Half-year to 30 June 2009

Hong Kong

Personal Financial Services US$m

Commercial Banking US$m

Global Banking and Markets US$m

Private Banking US$m

Other US$m

Inter- segment

elimination29

US$m

Total US$m

Net interest income/(expense) ..

1,294 

480 

713 

122 

(313)

(64)

2,232 

Net fee income 

643 

244 

230 

57 

26 

-

1,200 

Trading income/(expense) excluding net interest income 

69 

41 

555 

42 

(70)

-

637 

Net interest income/(expense)on trading activities 

-

(7)

-

64 

67 

Net trading income/(expense)24 

71 

41 

548 

42 

(62)

64 

704 

Changes in fair value of long-term debt issued and related derivatives 

-

-

-

-

(3)

-

(3)

Net income/(expense) from  other financial instruments designated at fair value 

319 

(22)

28 

-

23 

-

348 

Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value 

319 

(22)

28 

-

20 

-

345 

Gains less losses from  financial investments 

81 

17 

(76)

-

(20)

-

Dividend income 

-

-

-

14 

Net earned insurance  premiums 

1,622 

211 

-

-

-

1,838 

Other operating income 

146 

39 

18 

440 

(143)

505 

Total operating income 

4,180 

1,010 

1,467 

226 

100 

(143)

6,840 

Net insurance claims25 

(1,953)

(168)

(5)

-

-

-

(2,126)

Net operating income7 

2,227 

842 

1,462 

226 

100 

(143)

4,714 

Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions 

(122)

(137)

(14)

-

-

-

(273)

Net operating income 

2,105 

705 

1,448 

226 

100 

(143)

4,441 

Total operating expenses 

(770)

(281)

(541)

(120)

(366)

143 

(1,935)

Operating profit/(loss) 

1,335 

424 

907 

106 

(266)

-

2,506 

Share of profit/(loss) in associates and joint ventures 

-

-

-

(7)

-

(5)

Profit/(loss) before tax 

1,337 

424 

907 

106 

(273)

-

2,501 

%

%

%

%

%

%

Share of HSBC's profit  before tax 

26.6 

8.4 

18.1 

2.1 

(5.4)

49.8 

Cost efficiency ratio 

34.6 

33.4 

37.0 

53.1 

366.0 

41.0 

Balance sheet data23

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Loans and advances to  customers (net) 

42,665 

26,682 

23,182 

3,054 

1,903 

97,486

Total assets 

79,113 

33,209 

221,196 

23,000 

67,820 

(11,231)

413,107 

Customer accounts 

157,437 

54,730 

34,875 

19,919 

571 

267,532 

For footnotes, see page 94.

Analysis by customer group and global business (continued)

Profit/(loss) before tax 

Half-year to 30 June 2008

Hong Kong

Personal Financial Services US$m

Commercial Banking US$m

Global Banking and Markets US$m

Private Banking US$m

Other US$m

Inter- segment

elimination29

US$m

Total US$m

Net interest income/(expense) ..

1,693

770

801 

96 

(514)

(11)

2,835 

Net fee income 

856

278

238 

95 

-

1,469 

Trading income/(expense) excluding net interest income 

90

37

40 

57 

(121)

-

103 

Net interest income on trading activities 

6

1

177 

-

16 

11 

211 

Net trading income/ (expense)24 

96

38

217 

57

(105)

11 

314 

Changes in fair value of long-term debt issued and related derivatives 

-

-

-

-

1

-

1

Net income/(expense) from  other financial instruments designated at fair value 

(455)

15

-

70

-

(362)

Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value 

(455)

15

-

71 

-

(361)

Gains less losses from  financial investments 

159

34

12 

-

(303)

-

(98)

Dividend income 

2

1

-

14 

-

20 

Net earned insurance  premiums 

1,559

84

-

-

1,650 

Other operating income 

110

17

47 

448 

(176)

448 

Total operating income/ (expense) 

4,020

1,237

1,332 

250

(386)

(176)

6,277 

Net insurance claims25 

(1,104)

(61)

(4)

-

-

-

(1,169)

Net operating income/  (expense)7 

2,916

1,176

1,328 

250 

(386)

(176)

5,108 

Loan impairment (charges)/ recoveries and other credit risk provisions 

(34)

(28)

(20)

-

-

(81)

Net operating income/ (expense) 

2,882

1,148

1,308 

250 

(385)

(176)

5,027 

Total operating expenses 

(848)

(279)

(538)

(127)

(359)

176 

(1,975)

Operating profit/(loss) 

2,034

869

770 

123 

(744)

-

3,052 

Share of profit in associates  and joint ventures 

2

-

-

-

19 

 -

21 

Profit/(loss) before tax 

2,036 

869

770 

123 

(725)

-

3,073 

%

%

%

%

%

%

Share of HSBC's profit  before tax 

19.9

8.5

7.5 

1.2 

(7.1)

30.0 

Cost efficiency ratio 

29.1

23.7

40.5 

50.8 

(93.0)

38.7 

Balance sheet data23

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Loans and advances to  customers (net) 

40,608 

32,112 

20,257 

4,912 

1,852 

99,741 

Total assets 

69,810

38,553

201,094

31,635

59,923

(29,431)

371,584

Customer accounts 

133,454 

49,700 

31,577 

16,602 

376 

231,709 

For footnotes, see page 94.

Half-year to 31 December 2008

Hong Kong

Personal Financial Services US$m

Commercial Banking US$m

Global Banking and Markets US$m

Private Banking US$m

Other US$m

Inter- segment

elimination29

 

US$m

Total US$m

Net interest income/(expense) ..

1,688

728

723

118

(155)

(239)

2,863

Net fee income 

585

270

176

68

12

-

1,111

Trading income excluding  net interest income 

53

42

443

63

151

-

752

Net interest income/(expense)  on trading activities 

5

-

67

-

(184)

239

127

Net trading income/ (expense)24 

58

42

510

63

(33)

239

879

Changes in fair value of long-term debt issued and related derivatives 

-

-

-

-

2

-

2

Net income/(expense) from  other financial instruments designated at fair value 

(836)

(25)

31

-

(2)

-

(832)

Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value 

(836)

(25)

31

-

-

-

(830)

Gains less losses from  financial investments 

(3)

(2)

(121)

-

(85)

-

(211)

Dividend income 

1

1

14

-

5

-

21

Net earned insurance  premiums 

1,488

97

11

-

1

-

1,597

Other operating income 

22

21

54

6

458

(192)

369

Total operating income 

3,003

1,132

1,398

255

203

(192)

5,799

Net insurance claims25 

(669)

(75)

(7)

-

(2)

-

(753)

Net operating income7 

2,334

1,057

1,391

255

201

(192)

5,046

Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions 

(100)

(307)

(264)

(13)

-

-

(684)

Net operating income 

2,234

750

1,127

242

201

(192)

4,362

Total operating expenses 

(843)

(305)

(462)

(128)

(422)

192

(1,968)

Operating profit/(loss) 

1,391

445

665

114

(221)

-

2,394

Share of profit/(loss) in associates and joint ventures 

1

1

1

-

(9)

-

(6)

Profit/(loss) before tax 

1,392

446

666

114

(230)

-

2,388

%

%

%

%

%

%

Share of HSBC's loss  before tax 

148.1

47.4

70.9

12.1

(24.4)

254.1

Cost efficiency ratio 

36.1

28.9

33.2

50.2

210.0

39.0

Balance sheet data23

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Loans and advances to  customers (net) 

41,447

30,331

23,042

3,605

1,795

100,220

Total assets 

75,419

36,428

233,187

28,800

66,192

(25,542)

414,484

Customer accounts 

145,002

54,869

30,866

19,416

364

250,517

For footnotes, see page 94

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