Bank ABC registers net profit of $151m

This compares with net profit of $150m reported for the same period last year.

A statement said the bank benefited from robust performance in core businesses notwithstanding conditions that continue to be challenging in many markets.

Net profit for the third quarter was $49m, similar to the level reported for the same period last year.

Total operating income was $653m, marginally lower than the $658m reported in the first nine months last year.

Whilst growth in revenues in Brazil benefited from foreign exchange strengthening, the wholesale and retail businesses are showing traction from strategic initiatives resulting in sustained performance even after absorbing significant forex depreciation, the statement added.

Operating expenses at $339m were $14m higher than last year, including continuing investment into the group’s strategy, digital platform and infrastructure as well as some currency translation impact.

Net impairment provisions for the nine-month period at $67m compared with the previous year’s $60m reflect the increased level of charge from Banco ABC Brasil (BAB) net of recoveries.

BAB’s impairment charge continues to be impacted by the effects of recent recession in Brazil but is lower than Brazilian peer banks, and BAB’s overall profitability has remained strong. Impairment levels in Mena and in the international wholesale bank remained at relatively low levels and comparable to previous year.

The ratio of non-performing loans to gross loans of 3.9pc improved marginally from 2016 year-end levels of 4.1pc and normalised to 2.9pc, when legacy loans are adjusted for.

The tax charge was $53m, compared with the charge of $87m for the same period last year, the variance largely arising from the tax treatment of currency hedges in BAB.

Bank ABC Group’s total assets stood at $29.5 billion at the end of September as against $30.1bn as of 2016 year-end.

The bank continues to prioritise asset quality and return, whilst maintaining liquidity and capital strength.

Deposits at the end of the period were $21.5bn higher than $20.2bn at 2016 year-end.

The liquidity position continues to be at comfortable levels with liquid assets to deposits ratio at 61pc, lower than 68pc as of year-end 2016 reflecting the increase in deposits.

Shareholders’ equity at end-September stood at $3,927m after the distribution of 3pc dividend earlier in the year.

Consolidated total capital adequacy ratio remained strong at 19.3pc, comprising predominantly Tier 1 at 18.2pc.

Bank ABC’s group chairman Saddek El Kaber said, “The results continue to show resilience as our diversified group businesses deal with external economic challenges. There are positive signals that Brazil is finally emerging from recession which, combined with underlying growth in many of our other core businesses, bodes well for future profitability. Our key balance sheet and risk metrics continue to be prioritised and benchmark well against regional and international standards.”

Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/282392/Bank-ABC-registers-net-profit-of-$151m