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Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bank Of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company | LSE:BOCH | London | Ordinary Share | IE00BD5B1Y92 | ORD EUR0.10 (CDI) |
Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
-4.00 | -1.22% | 325.00 | 321.00 | 325.00 | 328.00 | 323.00 | 325.00 | 23,717 | 08:58:15 |
Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
TIDMBOCH
RNS Number : 0461G
Bank of Cyprus Holdings PLC
27 February 2018
Announcement
Preliminary Group Financial Results for the year ended 31 December 2017
Nicosia, 27 February 2018
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014.
Key Highlights for the year ended 31 December 2017 Continued progress on Balance Sheet repair * Eleven consecutive quarters of organic NPE reduction * NPEs down by EUR2.2 bn (20%) yoy to EUR8.8 bn (down by 41% since December 2014) * NPE ratio at 47%; NPE coverage at 48%, rising to 51% after IFRS 9 First Time Adoption (FTA) * Continue to explore other structured solutions to accelerate de-risking Adequate capital position * CET1 at 12.7% and 12.2% FL * Total Capital ratio at 14.2% * Allowing for transitional arrangements, estimated capital impact of c. 9 bps from IFRS 9 FTA in 2018 Improved funding and liquidity position * Deposits up EUR1.3 bn (+8%) yoy * Deposits up EUR535 mn in 4Q2017 facilitating full compliance with liquidity requirements on 1 January 2018 * Loan to deposit ratio at 82% Operating performance * NIM of 3.02% for FY2017; Total income of EUR907 mn for FY2017 * Operating profit of EUR485 mn for FY2017 * Total provisions and impairments of EUR942 mn for FY2017, resulting in EUR552 mn loss after tax * Cost to income ratio of 47% for FY2017 2018 Target * EPS guidance of c.EUR0.40 maintained * CET1 >13.0% and Total capital ratio >15.0% * EUR2 bn organic NPE reduction ------------------------------------------------------------------
Group Chief Executive Statement
"Our results this quarter and for the full year reflect continued delivery against our core objective of balance sheet repair. In 2018 we expect a normalised cost of risk that should result in a return to profitability and allow an organic rebuild of capital.
We have maintained good momentum in organic NPE reduction. This was the eleventh consecutive quarter of material NPE reduction. We reduced the stock of NPEs by EUR2.2 bn since the beginning of the year and by 41% since December 2014. During 2017 we increased coverage levels against non-performing exposures to 48%, above the EU average and in line with our medium-term target.
EUR1.6 bn of our residual NPE balances represent restructured exposures that are in fact performing and present zero arrears. The remaining 'core' NPE balance of EUR7.2 bn carries a 54% provision coverage and represents 38% of our loan balances.
We remain confident of continuing the positive progress in reducing our NPE stock during the coming quarters. At the same time, we continue to actively explore certain structured solutions to further accelerate reduction and return the Bank to a more normal position.
Deposits increased by EUR535 mn in the quarter and by EUR1.3 bn in the year. The increase in our deposit base has ensured that we are now in full compliance with our regulatory liquidity requirements. However, the increase in our liquidity, coupled with the continued balance sheet de-risking, adds negative short-term pressure to the Bank's net interest margin. We expect the profit-pressure created by this dynamic to be more than offset in 2018 by reduced provisioning, the positive contribution of new lending and the repricing of deposit rates.
Our capital levels remain adequate and as at 31 December 2017 both the Bank's CET1 ratio (transitional) and the Total Capital Ratio were in excess of regulatory requirements. Allowing for transitional arrangements, the estimated IFRS 9 capital impact for 2018 is c.9 bps, remaining within regulatory limits.
Whilst we are pleased with the progress so far in the turnaround at the Bank, we are in no doubt about the amount of work we still have to do, both in respect of our legacy lending positions and also in expanding our performing business. We are proud that we have maintained and grown our leading lending position in the fast growing Cyprus economy that expanded by 3.9% during 2017. New lending in the year to 31 December 2017 was EUR2.2 bn, exceeding new lending in 2016 by 53%, and we expect to further expand levels of new lending during the year ahead.
Momentum in the business is good. We enter 2018 with a clear understanding of how we will continue to execute to ensure on-going progress against our strategic objectives and delivery against our medium-term targets. Our expectations for 2018 are unchanged and, at this stage, we maintain our guidance of a return to profitability and earnings per share of 40 cents.
John Patrick Hourican
A. Preliminary Financial Results - Statutory Basis
Unaudited Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2017
2017 2016 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- EUR000 EUR000 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Turnover 1,165,177 1,234,098 ------------------------------------------- ========== ========== Interest income 811,031 890,298 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Interest expense (228,291) (204,116) ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Net interest income 582,740 686,182 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Fee and commission income 190,577 176,865 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Fee and commission expense (10,179) (10,207) ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Net foreign exchange gains 45,409 43,471 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Net gains on financial instrument transactions 2,964 63,373 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Insurance income net of claims and commissions 50,401 44,432 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Net (losses)/ gains from revaluation and disposal of investment properties (4,061) 4,974 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Net gains on disposal of stock of property 30,447 1,361 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Other income 19,052 14,905 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- 907,350 1,025,356 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Staff costs (228,212) (287,172) ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Special levy on deposits on credit institutions in Cyprus (22,846) (19,968) ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Other operating expenses (297,979) (222,987) ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- 358,313 495,229 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Gain on derecognition of loans and advances to customers and changes in expected cash flows 173,443 63,315 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Provisions for impairment of loans and advances to customers and other customer credit losses (952,926) (433,609) ------------------------------------------- ========== ========== Impairment of other financial instruments (6,459) (11,293) ------------------------------------------- ========== ========== Impairment of non-financial instruments (58,972) (36,220) ------------------------------------------- ========== ========== (Loss)/ profit before share of profit from associates and joint ventures (486,601) 77,422 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Share of profit from associates and joint ventures 8,957 8,194 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- (Loss)/ profit before tax (477,644) 85,616 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Income tax (76,681) (18,385) ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- (Loss)/ profit for the year (554,325) 67,231 ------------------------------------------- ========== ========== Attributable to: ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Owners of the Company/ Bank (551,852) 63,656 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- Non-controlling interests (2,473) 3,575 ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- (Loss)/ profit for the year (554,325) 67,231 ------------------------------------------- ========== ========== Basic and diluted (losses)/earnings per share attributable to the owners of the Company/ Bank (cent) (123.7) 14.3
------------------------------------------- ========== ==========
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2017
2017 2016 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Assets EUR000 EUR000 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Cash and balances with central banks 3,393,934 1,506,396 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Loans and advances to banks 1,192,633 1,087,837 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Derivative financial assets 18,027 20,835 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Investments 739,293 373,879 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Investments pledged as collateral 290,129 299,765 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Loans and advances to customers 14,602,454 15,649,401 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Life insurance business assets attributable to policyholders 518,678 499,533 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Prepayments, accrued income and other assets 228,507 269,911 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Stock of property 1,641,422 1,427,272 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Investment properties 19,646 38,059 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Property and equipment 279,814 280,893 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Intangible assets 165,952 146,963 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Investments in associates and joint ventures 118,113 109,339 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Deferred tax assets 383,498 450,441 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Non-current assets held for sale 6,500 11,411 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Total assets 23,598,600 22,171,935 --------------------------------------------- =========== =========== Liabilities --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Deposits by banks 495,308 434,786 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Funding from central banks 930,000 850,014 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Repurchase agreements 257,322 257,367 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Derivative financial liabilities 50,892 48,625 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Customer deposits 17,849,919 16,509,741 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Insurance liabilities 605,448 583,997 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Accruals, deferred income and other liabilities 444,602 335,925 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Subordinated loan stock 302,288 - --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Deferred tax liabilities 46,113 45,375 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Total liabilities 20,981,892 19,065,830 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Equity --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Share capital 44,620 892,294 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Share premium 2,794,358 552,618 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Capital reduction reserve - 1,952,486 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Revaluation and other reserves 273,708 218,678 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Accumulated losses (527,128) (544,930) --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Equity attributable to the owners of the Company/ Bank 2,585,558 3,071,146 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Non-controlling interests 31,150 34,959 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Total equity 2,616,708 3,106,105 --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Total liabilities and equity 23,598,600 22,171,935 --------------------------------------------- =========== =========== B. Preliminary Financial Results - Underlying Basis Unaudited Consolidated Income Statement ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (4q (FY) vs 3q) yoy EUR mn FY2017 FY2016 4Q2017 3Q2017 2Q2017 1Q2017 +% +% -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- Net interest income 583 686 129 138 160 156 -7% -15% Net fee and commission income 180 167 47 45 45 43 5% 8% Net foreign exchange gains and net gains on other financial instruments 48 48 16 9 12 11 68% 0% Insurance income net of claims and commissions 50 44 11 14 15 10 -23% 13% Net gains from revaluation and disposal of investment properties and on disposal of stock of properties 27 6 5 12 1 9 -59% 317% Other income 19 12 6 5 4 4 43% 64% -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- Total income 907 963 214 223 237 233 -4% -6% -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- Staff costs (228) (224) (60) (57) (57) (54) 5% 1% Other operating expenses (171) (153) (43) (43) (44) (41) 0% 12% Special levy and contribution to Single Resolution Fund (23) (20) (6) 1 (6) (12) - 14% Total expenses (422) (397) (109) (99) (107) (107) 9% 6% -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- Operating profit 485 566 105 124 130 126 -15% -14% -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- Provision charge (779) (370) (50) (73) (592) (64) -31% 111% Impairments of other financial and non-financial assets (65) (47) (27) (2) (4) (32) - 38% Provisions for litigation and regulatory matters (98) (18) (25) (38) (18) (17) -37% 447% -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- Total provisions and impairments (942) (435) (102) (113) (614) (113) -10% 116% -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- Share of profit from associates and joint ventures 9 8 4 1 2 2 189% 9% -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- (Loss)/ profit before tax and restructuring costs (448) 139 7 12 (482) 15 -40% -423% -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- Tax (77) (16) (1) (4) (66) (6) -70% 352% Loss/ (profit) attributable to non-controlling interests 2 (4) 3 0 (1) (0) - -169% -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- (Loss)/ profit after tax and before restructuring
costs (523) 119 9 8 (549) 9 17% -541% -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- Advisory, VEP and other restructuring costs (29) (114) (8) (7) (7) (7) 24% -74% Net gain on disposal of non-core assets - 59 - - - - - -100% -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- (Loss)/ profit after tax (552) 64 1 1 (556) 2 -26% -967% -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- (4q (FY) vs 3q) yoy Key Performance Ratios FY2017 FY2016 4Q2017 3Q2017 2Q2017 1Q2017 + + -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- Net Interest Margin -29 -45 (annualised) 3.02% 3.47% 2.57% 2.86% 3.38% 3.33% bps bps -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- +6 Cost to income ratio 47% 41% 51% 44% 45% 46% +7 p.p. p.p. -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- Cost to income ratio excluding special levy and contribution to +5 Single Resolution Fund 44% 39% 48% 45% 43% 41% +3 p.p. p.p. -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- Operating profit return -0.4 -0.4 on average assets (annualised) 2.1% 2.5% 1.8% 2.2% 2.3% 2.3% p.p. p.p. -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- Basic (losses)/earnings per share attributable to the owners of the Company/Bank (cent) (123.72) 14.27 0.20 0.27 (124.63) 0.48 (0.07) (137.99) -------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- * p.p. = percentage points, bps = basis points, 100 basis points (bps) = 1 percentage point Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet --------------------------------------------------------------------- EUR mn 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 +% ------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------- Cash and balances with central banks 3,394 1,506 125% Loans and advances to banks 1,193 1,088 10% Debt securities, treasury bills and equity investments 1,029 674 53% Net loans and advances to customers 14,602 15,649 -7% Stock of property 1,641 1,427 15% Other assets 1,740 1,828 -5% Total assets 23,599 22,172 6% ------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------- Deposits by banks 495 435 14% Funding from central banks 930 850 9% Repurchase agreements 257 257 0% Customer deposits 17,850 16,510 8% Subordinated loan stock 302 - - Other liabilities 1,148 1,014 13% ------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------- Total liabilities 20,982 19,066 10% ------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------- Shareholders' equity 2,586 3,071 -16% ------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------- Non-controlling interests 31 35 -11% ------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------- Total equity 2,617 3,106 -16% ------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------- Total liabilities and equity 23,599 22,172 6% ------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------- Key Balance Sheet figures and 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 + ratios ------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------- Gross loans (EUR mn) 18,755 20,130 -7% Accumulated provisions (EUR mn) 4,204 4,519 -7% Customer deposits (EUR mn) 17,850 16,510 8% -13 Loan to deposit ratio (net) 82% 95% p.p. 90+ DPD ratio 37% 41% -4 p.p. 90+ DPD provisioning coverage ratio 61% 54% +7 p.p. NPE ratio 47% 55% -8 p.p. NPE provisioning coverage ratio 48% 41% +7 p.p. Quarterly average interest earning assets (EUR mn) 19,826 19,060 4 % -2.8 Leverage ratio 10.4% 13.2% p.p. ------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------- Capital ratios and risk weighted 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 + assets ------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------- Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio -1.8 (CET1) (transitional) 12.7% 14.5% p.p. -1.7 CET1 (fully loaded) 12.2% 13.9% p.p. Total capital ratio 14.2% 14.6% -4 bps Risk weighted assets (EUR mn) 17,260 18,865 -9% ------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------- * p.p. = percentage points, bps = basis points, 100 basis points (bps) = 1 percentage point
B.1. Unaudited reconciliation of Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2017 between statutory and underlying bases
EUR mn Underlying Reclassification Statutory Basis Basis =========================== =========== ================= ========== Net interest income 583 - 583 =========================== =========== ================= ========== Net fee and commission income 180 - 180 =========================== =========== ================= ========== Net foreign exchange gains and net gains on other financial instruments 48 - 48 =========================== =========== ================= ========== Insurance income net of claims and commissions 50 - 50 =========================== =========== ================= ========== Net gains from revaluation and disposal of investment properties and on disposal of stock of properties 27 - 27 =========================== =========== ================= ========== Other income 19 - 19 =========================== ----------- ----------------- ---------- Total income 907 - 907 =========================== =========== ================= ========== Total expenses (422) (127) (549) =========================== ----------- ----------------- ---------- Operating profit 485 (127) 358 =========================== =========== ================= ========== Provisions (779) - (779) =========================== =========== ================= ========== Impairments of other financial and non-financial instruments (65) - (65) =========================== =========== ================= ========== Provisions for litigation and regulatory matters (98) 98 - =========================== =========== ================= ========== Share of profit from associates and joint ventures 9 - 9 =========================== ----------- ----------------- ---------- Loss before tax and restructuring costs (448) (29) (477) =========================== =========== ================= ========== Tax (77) - (77) =========================== =========== ================= ========== Loss attributable to non-controlling interests 2 - 2 =========================== ----------- ----------------- ---------- Loss after tax and before restructuring costs (523) (29) (552)
=========================== =========== ================= ========== Advisory and other restructuring costs (29) 29 - =========================== ----------- ----------------- ---------- Loss after tax (552) - (552) =========================== =========== ================= ==========
The reclassification difference between the underlying and statutory bases relates to EUR127 mn expenses (EUR98 mn relate to Provisions for litigation and regulatory matters and EUR29 mn to Advisory and other restructuring costs), which for the purpose of management reporting are monitored and reported below the operating profit.
B.2. Balance Sheet Analysis
B.2.1 Capital Base
Shareholders' equity totalled EUR2,586 mn at 31 December 2017, compared to EUR2,562 mn at 30 September 2017 and to EUR3,071 mn at 31 December 2016. The Common Equity Tier 1 capital (CET1) ratio (transitional basis) improved to 12.7% at 31 December 2017, compared to 12.4% at 30 September 2017 and 14.5% at 31 December 2016. During FY2017 the CET1 ratio was negatively affected by the additional provision charge in 2Q2017 and the deferred tax asset phasing-in, despite the reduction in risk- weighted assets (RWA). Adjusting for Deferred Tax Assets, the CET1 ratio on a fully-loaded basis totalled 12.2% at 31 December 2017, compared to 11.9% at 30 September 2017 and 13.9% at 31 December 2016. As at 31 December 2017, the Total Capital ratio stood at 14.2%, compared to 13.8% at 30 September 2017, positively affected mainly by the issuance of GBP 30 mn Tier 2 Loan by the UK subsidiary.
The Group's minimum phased-in CET1 capital ratio requirement stands at 9.50%, comprising of 4.50% Pillar I requirement, a 3.75% Pillar II requirement and the capital conservation buffer (CCB) of 1.25% applicable for 2017. Following the Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP) performed by the ECB in 2017, and based on the confirmation received in December 2017, the Pillar II requirement applicable from 1 January 2018 is reduced to 3.00% from 3.75%. As a result, the Group's minimum phased-in CET1 capital ratio is reduced to 9.375% from 9.50%, comprising of a 4.50% Pillar I requirement, a 3.00% Pillar II requirement and the CCB of 1.875% applicable as from 1 January 2018. The ECB has also provided revised lower non-public guidance for an additional Pillar II CET1 buffer. The Group CET1 ratio remains comfortably above this combined Pillar II requirement and guidance.
The overall Total Capital Requirement currently stands at 13.00%, comprising of a Pillar I requirement of 8.00% (of which up to 1.50% can be in the form of Additional Tier 1 capital and up to 2.00% in the form of Tier 2 capital), a Pillar II requirement of 3.75% (in the form of CET1), and the CCB of 1.25% applicable for 2017. Following the final 2017 SREP decision, the overall Total Capital Requirement is reduced to 12.875% from 13.00%, comprising of 8.00% Pillar I requirement, a 3.00% Pillar II requirement and the CCB of 1.875% applicable as from 1 January 2018.
The Group continues to explore opportunities, subject to market conditions, to raise up to 1.5% of Additional Tier 1 (AT1) in the near term to further strengthen the Group's capital base. In preparation for a potential issuance of AT1 capital instruments and following the approval of the Cypriot courts on 29 December 2017, the Bank proceeded with the full reduction of its capital reduction reserve of EUR1.3 bn, in order to eliminate the Bank's accumulated losses of EUR0.6 bn, thus creating retained earnings of EUR0.7 bn. The reduction of capital did not have any impact on regulatory capital or the total equity position of the Bank or the Group.
The retained earnings will provide the basis for the calculation of distributable items under the Capital Requirements Regulation (EU) No. 575/2013 ('CRR'). The CRR provides that coupons on AT1 capital instruments may only be paid out of distributable items. Distributable items for the purposes of the CRR are determined, in part, by reference to retained earnings. At 31 December 2017, the Bank had EUR0.7 bn in distributable items. The Bank is currently under a dividend distribution prohibition which will continue in 2018 following the final 2017 SREP decision received in December 2017. However, based on the decision, such prohibition will not apply to the payment of coupons on any AT1 capital instruments issued by the Bank. Both the retained earnings and distributable items of the Bank will partly decrease as a result of the IFRS 9 implementation on 1 January 2018.
IFRS 9
The Group IFRS 9 implementation has been largely completed by 1 January 2018. The new accounting standard requires the impact on the implementation date, 1 January 2018, to be recognised through equity rather than the income statement. As a result, the impact on transition, 1 January 2018, will affect the equity of the Group and not the income statement.
The Group's IFRS 9 preliminary impact on transition, which is subject to change due to final parameter calibrations, is assessed to a decrease of shareholders' equity of c.EUR300 mn and is primarily driven by credit impairment provisions. This estimated reduction in shareholders' equity equates to a decrease in the tangible net asset value at 31 December 2017 of EUR0.67 per share.
The Group will implement the transitional arrangements for regulatory capital purposes which result in only 5% of the estimated IFRS 9 impact affecting the capital ratios during 2018. Allowing for IFRS 9 transitional arrangements the impact is a decrease of c.9 bps on Group capital ratios.
On a transitional basis and on a fully phased-in basis after the period of transition is complete, the impact of IFRS 9 is expected to be manageable and within the Group's capital plans.
Default Definition
According to the EBA guidelines that govern the CRR default definition, issued in January 2017, the default definition will gradually evolve to almost align with the NPE definition by 1 January 2021. The Group, in line with regulatory discussions, intends to early adopt changes that will align the EBA CRR default definition with the NPE definition as from 1 January 2018. This will results in an increase in RWAs, equivalent to a decrease of c.40 bps on CET1 ratio and a decrease of c.50 bps on total capital ratio based on 31 December 2017 figures.
B.2.2 Funding and Liquidity
Funding
Funding from Central Banks
At 31 December 2017, the Bank's funding from central banks totalled EUR930 mn, which relates wholly to ECB funding, compared to ECB funding at 30 September 2017 of EUR830 mn and funding from central banks at 31 December 2016 of EUR850 mn, which comprised Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA) of EUR200 mn and ECB funding of EUR650 mn. The ECB funding of EUR930 mn at the year-end comprises EUR830 mn of funding through Targeted Longer-Term Refinancing Operations (TLTRO II) and EUR100 mn of funding through Main Refinancing Operations (MRO).
The Bank fully repaid ELA in January 2017.
Deposits
Group customer deposits totalled EUR17,850 mn at 31 December 2017, compared to EUR17,315 mn at 30 September 2017 and EUR16,510 mn at 31 December 2016. Group customer deposits increased by EUR535 mn or 3% during the quarter, with customer deposits in Cyprus increasing by EUR393 mn or 3%. Cyprus deposits stood at EUR15,983 mn at 31 December 2017, accounting for 90% of Group customer deposits. The Bank's deposit market share in Cyprus reached 32.8% at 31 December 2017. Customer deposits accounted for 76% of total assets at 31 December 2017. The Loan to Deposit ratio (L/D) stood at 82% at 31 December 2017, down from 85% at 30 September 2017, compared to a high of 151% at 31 March 2014. The 3 p.p. qoq reduction in L/D ratio mainly relates to the increase in deposits during the quarter.
Subordinated Loan Stock
In December 2017, the Bank's subsidiary in the UK issued a GBP30 mn unsecured and subordinated Tier 2 Loan.
In January 2017 the Bank accessed the debt capital markets and issued EUR250 mn unsecured and subordinated Tier 2 Capital Notes.
Liquidity
At 31 December 2017 the Group Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) stood at 190% (compared to 141% at 30 September 2017, and 49% at 31 December 2016) and was in compliance with the minimum regulatory requirement of 80% (which increased to 100% on 1 January 2018).
The Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR ratio) was not introduced on 1 January 2018, as opposed to what was expected. The minimum requirement of NSFR will be 100%. At 31 December 2017 the Group's NSFR, on the basis of Basel standards, stood at 111% (compared to 107% at 30 September 2017 and 95% at 31 December 2016).
At 31 December 2017 the Bank was not in compliance with all the local regulatory liquidity requirements set by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) with respect to its operations in Cyprus. On 1 January 2018, the local regulatory liquidity requirements were abolished, in accordance with the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR). In December 2017, the CBC introduced a macroprudential measure in the form of a liquidity add-on that was imposed on top of the LCR. The objective of the measure is to ensure that there will be a gradual release of the excess liquidity arising from the lower liquidity requirements under the LCR compared to the ones under the local regulatory liquidity requirements previously in place. The add-on applies stricter outflow and inflow rates on some of the parameters used in the calculation of the LCR than the ones defined in the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/61 as well as additional liquidity requirements in the form of outflow rates on other items that are not subject to any outflow rates as per the Regulation. The measure will be implemented in two stages. The first stage requires stricter outflow and inflow rates which are applicable from 1 January 2018 until 30 June 2018. The second stage requires more relaxed outflow and inflow rates compared to the initial ones, and are applicable from 1 July 2018 until 31
December 2018. More specifically, there will be a reduction of 50% of the LCR add-on rates on 1 July 2018. The additional liquidity requirement is expected to be implemented up to 31 December 2018. The CBC may propose to modify or extend the period of application of this macroprudential measure depending on the results of the follow-up of the banks' actions on how the excess liquidity is utilised. The Bank is currently in compliance with LCR including the LCR add-on.
B.2.3 Loans
Group gross loans totalled EUR18,755 mn at 31 December 2017, compared to EUR19,253 mn at 30 September 2017 and EUR20,130 mn at 31 December 2016. Gross loans in Cyprus totalled EUR16,814 mn at 31 December 2017 and accounted for 90% of Group gross loans. The Bank is the single largest credit provider in Cyprus with a market share of 39.2% at 31 December 2017. Gross loans in the UK amounted to EUR1,621 mn at 31 December 2017 and accounted for 9% of Group total gross loans. New loan originations for the Group reached EUR2,231 mn for the FY2017 (of which EUR1,653 mn were granted in Cyprus and EUR578 mn by the UK subsidiary), exceeding new lending in FY2016 by 53%.
At 31 December 2017, Group net loans and advances to customers totalled EUR14,602 mn (30 September 2017:
EUR14,833 mn; 31 December 2016: EUR15,649 mn). At 31 December 2017, there were no net loans and advances to customers which were classified as held for sale in line with IFRS 5, compared to net loans and advances to customers with carrying value of EUR374 mn which were classified as held for sale in line with IFRS 5 at 30 September 2017.
B.2.4 Loan portfolio quality
Tackling the Group's loan portfolio quality remains the top priority for management. The Group continues to make steady progress across all asset quality metrics and the loan restructuring activity continues. The Group has been successful in engineering restructuring solutions across the spectrum of its loan portfolio.
Non-performing exposures (NPEs) as defined by the European Banking Authority (EBA) were reduced by EUR2.2 bn or 20% during FY2017 to EUR8,804 mn at 31 December 2017, accounting for 47% of gross loans, compared to 48% at 30 September 2017 and 55% at 31 December 2016.
The provisioning coverage ratio of NPEs stood at 48% at 31 December 2017, compared to 49% at 30 September 2017 and 41% at 31 December 2016. When taking into account tangible collateral at fair value, NPEs are fully covered. The 31 December 2017 NPE provisioning coverage ratio increases from 48% to 51% upon IFRS 9 first time adoption.
31.12.2017 30.09.2017 % of gross % of gross EUR mn loans EUR mn loans ============================== ====== ========== ====== ========== Non-performing exposures (NPEs) as per EBA definition 8,804 46.9% 9,164 47.6% Of which: - NPEs with forbearance measures, no arrears 1,619 8.6% 1,406 7.3% ============================== ====== ========== ====== ==========
The Group has recorded significant organic NPE reductions for eleven consecutive quarters and expects the organic reduction of NPEs to continue during the coming quarters. In parallel the Group continues to be actively exploring alternative avenues to accelerate this reduction. As part of this ongoing assessment to optimise the accelerated reduction of NPEs, the gross value of c.EUR450 mn of the loan portfolio classified as held for sale as at 30 September 2017, is no longer classified as such as per IFRS 5. These loans are now being considered by the Group in other structured solutions to accelerate de-risking, potentially in the near term, in one or more transactions.
Loans in arrears for more than 90 days (90+ DPD) were reduced by EUR1.4 bn or 17% in FY2017. The decrease was the result of restructuring activity, debt for asset swaps and write offs. 90+ DPD stood at EUR6,905 mn at 31 December 2017, accounting for 37% of gross loans (90+ DPD ratio), at the same levels as at 30 September 2017 and compared to 41% at 31 December 2016. The provisioning coverage ratio of 90+ DPD stood at 61% at 31 December 2017, compared to 62% at 30 September 2017 and 54% at 31 December 2016. When taking into account tangible collateral at fair value, 90+ DPD loans are fully covered.
31.12.2017 30.09.2017 EUR mn % of gross EUR mn % of gross Loans loans =============================== ====== ========== ====== ========== 90+ DPD 6,905 36.8% 7,182 37.3% Comprising: - Loans with arrears for over 90 days but not impaired 1,385 7.4% 1,397 7.3% - Impaired loans 5,520 29.4% 5,785 30.0% Of which: - impaired with no arrears 402 2.1% 342 1.8% - impaired with arrears less than 90 days 162 0.9% 43 0.2% =============================== ====== ========== ====== ==========
B.2.5. Real Estate Management Unit
The Real Estate Management Unit (REMU) on-boarded EUR164 mn of assets, via the execution of debt for asset swaps, in 4Q2017 (up by 30% qoq) and EUR520 mn of assets in FY2017. The focus for REMU is increasingly shifting from on-boarding of assets resulting from debt for asset swaps towards the disposal of these assets. The Group completed disposals of EUR54 mn in 4Q2017, compared to EUR64 mn in 3Q2017 and disposals of EUR258 mn in FY2017. In addition, in 2Q2017 the Group disposed of a property with carrying value EUR10 mn, previously classified as investment property. In January 2018, the Group completed additional disposals of EUR8 mn. During the year 2017 and January 2018, the Group executed sale-purchase agreements (SPAs) with contract value of EUR335 mn and in addition signed SPAs for disposals of assets with contract value of EUR58 mn.
As at 31 December 2017, assets held by REMU had a carrying value of EUR1.6 bn.
Assets held by REMU FY2017 4Q2017 FY2016 (Group) (EUR mn) ---------------------- ------- ------- ------- Opening balance 1,427 1,548 542 ======== ======= ======= On-boarded assets 520 164 1,086 ======== ======= ======= Sales (258) (54) (166) ======== ======= ======= Closing balance 1,641 1,641 1,427 ======== ======= ======= Analysis by type and Cyprus Greece Romania Total country 31 December 2017 (EUR mn) ------------------------------- ------- ------- -------- ------ Residential properties 146 29 0 175 Offices and other commercial properties 288 39 9 336 Manufacturing and industrial properties 113 34 0 147 Hotels 78 0 - 78 Land (fields and plots) 837 6 5 848 Properties under construction 57 - - 57 ------------------------------- ------- ------- -------- ------ Total 1,519 108 14 1,641 ------------------------------- ------- ------- -------- ------ Cyprus Greece Romania Total 31 December 2016 (EUR mn) ------------------------------- ------- ------- -------- ------ Residential properties 90 37 9 136 Offices and other commercial properties 256 56 12 324 Manufacturing and industrial properties 82 53 1 136 Hotels 74 1 - 75 Land (fields and plots) 739 6 10 755 Properties under construction 1 - - 1 ------------------------------- ------- ------- -------- ------ Total 1,242 153 32 1,427 ------------------------------- ------- ------- -------- ------
B.2.6 Non-core overseas exposures
The remaining non-core overseas net exposures (including both on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet exposures) at 31 December 2017 are as follows:
EUR mn 31 December 2017 31 December 2016 --------- ----------------- ----------------- Greece 185 283 Romania 79 149 Serbia 9 42 Russia 31 44 --------- ----------------- -----------------
The Group continues its efforts for further deleveraging and disposal of non-essential assets and operations in Greece, Romania and Russia.
In accordance with the Group's strategy to exit from overseas non-core operations, the operations of the branch in Romania are expected to be terminated, subject to the completion of deregistration formalities with respective authorities. The remaining assets and liabilities of the branch in Romania with third parties have been transferred to other entities of the Group.
In addition to the above, at 31 December 2017 there were overseas exposures of EUR168 mn in Greece (compared to exposures of EUR169 mn in Greece as at 30 September 2017), not identified as non-core exposures, since they are considered by management as exposures arising in the normal course of business.
B.3. Income Statement Analysis
B.3.1 Total income
(FY) EUR mn FY2017 FY2016 4Q2017 3Q2017 2Q2017 1Q2017 (4q vs 3q) +% yoy +% ---------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------- ------- Net interest income 583 686 129 138 160 156 -7% -15% ---------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------- ------- Net fee and commission income 180 167 47 45 45 43 5% 8% Net foreign exchange gains and net gains on other financial instruments 48 48 16 9 12 11 68% 0% Insurance income net of claims and commissions 50 44 11 14 15 10 -23% 13% Net gains from revaluation and disposal of investment properties and on disposal of stock of properties 27 6 5 12 1 9 -59% 317% Other income 19 12 6 5 4 4 43% 64% ---------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------- ------- Non-interest income 324 277 85 85 77 77 1% 17% ---------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------- ------- Total income 907 963 214 223 237 233 -4% -6% ---------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------- ------- Net Interest Margin (annualised) 3.02% 3.47% 2.57% 2.86% 3.38% 3.33% -29 bps -45bps ---------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------- ------- Average interest earning assets (EUR mn) 19,301 19,752 19,826 19,157 18,996 19,027 3% -2% ---------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------- -------
* p.p. = percentage points, bps = basis points, 100 basis points (bps) = 1 percentage point
Net interest income (NII) and net interest margin (NIM) for FY2017 amounted to EUR583 mn and 3.02% respectively, down by 15% compared to EUR686 mn a year earlier. The NII and NIM for 4Q2017 amounted to EUR129 mn and 2.57% respectively, compared to EUR138 mn and 2.86% in 3Q2017. The decline reflects the cost of liquidity compliance, lower volume on loans and pressure on lending rates, primarily from the legacy portfolio.
Average interest earning assets for FY2017 amounted to EUR19,301 mn, down by 2% yoy, largely due to debt for asset swaps and the elevated provision charges in 2Q2017. Average interest earning assets for 4Q2017 amounted to EUR19,826 mn, up by 3%, compared to EUR19,157 mn the previous quarter, due to increased liquid assets.
Non-interest income for FY2017 amounted to EUR324 mn, mainly comprising of net fee and commission income of EUR180 mn, net insurance income of EUR50 mn and net foreign exchange income and net gains on financial instruments of EUR48 mn. Non-interest income for FY2017 increased by 17% yoy, largely driven by the increase in gains from REMU sales and the new and increased commission charges introduced in 4Q2016. Non-interest income for 4Q2017 was EUR85 mn, up by 1% qoq, comprising primarily net fee and commission income of EUR47 mn and net insurance income of EUR11 mn. The remaining component of non-interest income for 4Q2017 was a profit of EUR27 mn (compared to EUR26 mn for the previous quarter), which includes a net gain of EUR6 mn on the disposal of assets by REMU (compared to EUR12 mn for the previous quarter).
Total income for FY2017 amounted to EUR907 mn, compared to EUR963 mn for FY2016 (6% decrease yoy), with the reduction reflecting the yoy reduction in NII. Total income for 4Q2017 amounted to EUR214 mn, compared to EUR223 mn for 3Q2017.
B.3.2 Total expenses
(FY) EUR mn FY2017 FY2016 4Q2017 3Q2017 2Q2017 1Q2017 (4q vs 3q) + Yoy + ------------------------------ -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------ ------- Staff costs (228) (224) (60) (57) (57) (54) 5% 1% Other operating expenses (171) (153) (43) (43) (44) (41) 0% 12% ------------------------------ -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------ ------- Total operating expenses (399) (377) (103) (100) (101) (95) 3% 6% ------------------------------ -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------ ------- Special levy and contribution to Single Resolution Fund (SRF) (23) (20) (6) 1 (6) (12) - 14% Total expenses (422) (397) (109) (99) (107) (107) 9% 6% ------------------------------ -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------ ------- Cost to income ratio 47% 41% 51% 44% 45% 46% +7 p.p. +6 p.p. ------------------------------ -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------ ------- Cost to income ratio excluding special levy and contribution to Single Resolution Fund 44% 39% 48% 45% 43% 41% +3 p.p. +5 p.p. ------------------------------ -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------ -------
Total expenses for FY2017 were EUR399 mn, 54% of which related to staff costs (EUR228 mn), 41% to other operating expenses (EUR171 mn) and 5% to special levy and contribution to SRF. Total expenses for 4Q2017 were EUR109 mn, up by 9% qoq, mainly due to the positive impact from the reversal of the SRF contribution during 3Q2017. Staff costs and other operating expenses amounted to EUR60 mn and EUR43 mn respectively, compared to EUR57 mn and EUR43 mn respectively during the previous quarter. The 5% qoq increase in staff costs is mainly due to the effect of the current collective agreement with the staff union and year-end actuarial valuations.
During the quarter, the special levy and SRF contribution amounted to EUR6 mn, comprising the special levy. The 2017 annual SRF contribution of c.EUR6 mn was reversed during 3Q2017, following the amendment of the Law on the Imposition of a Special Tax Credit Law to allow the offsetting of the SRF contribution with the special levy charge.
The cost to income ratio for FY2017 was 47%, compared to 41% for FY2016, principally reflecting lower interest income. The cost to income ratio for 4Q2017 was 51%, compared to 44% in 3Q2017.
B.3.3 (Loss)/profit before tax and restructuring costs
(FY) EUR mn FY2017 FY2016 4Q2017 3Q2017 2Q2017 1Q2017 (4q vs 3q) +% yoy +% ----------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------- ------- Operating profit 485 566 105 124 130 126 -15% -14% ----------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------- ------- Provision charge (779) (370) (50) (73) (592) (64) -31% 111% Impairments of other financial and non-financial assets (65) (47) (27) (2) (4) (32) - 38% Provisions for litigation and regulatory matters (98) (18) (25) (38) (18) (17) -37% 447% ----------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------- ------- Total provisions and impairments (942) (435) (102) (113) (614) (113) -10% 116% ----------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------- ------- Share of profit from associates and joint ventures 9 8 4 1 2 2 189% 9% ----------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------- ------- (Loss)/profit before tax and restructuring costs (448) 139 7 12 (482) 15 -40% -423% ----------------------------- -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------------- -------
Operating profit for FY2017 was EUR485 mn, compared to EUR566 mn for FY2016 (down by 14% yoy). The decrease mainly reflects the lower net interest income. Operating profit for 4Q2017 was EUR105 mn, compared to EUR124 mn the previous quarter.
Provisions for FY2017 totalled EUR779 mn, up by 111% yoy, following the additional provisions of c.EUR500 mn in 2Q2017. The elevated provisioning levels in 2Q2017 reflect changes in the Bank's provisioning assumptions as a result of the Group's reconsideration of its strategy to more actively explore other innovative strategic solutions to further accelerate balance sheet de-risking. Provisions for 4Q2017 amounted to EUR50 mn, down by 31% qoq.
The provisioning charge for FY2017 accounted for 4.0% of gross loans, compared to an annualised provisioning charge of 4.1% for 9M2017. An amount of c.EUR500 mn reflecting the one-off effect of the change in the provisioning assumptions is included in the cost of risk, but not annualised.
At 31 December 2017, accumulated provisions, including fair value adjustment on initial recognition and provisions for off-balance sheet exposures, totalled EUR4,204 mn (compared to EUR4,470 mn at 30 September 2017 and EUR4,519 mn at 31 December 2016) and accounted for 22.4% of gross loans (compared to 23.2% at 30 September 2017 and to 22.4% at 31 December 2016). The decrease of accumulated provisions in 4Q2017 of EUR266 mn is mainly affected by write offs during the quarter.
Impairments of other financial and non-financial assets for FY2017 totalled EUR65 mn, compared to EUR47 mn for FY2016 (up by 38% yoy), primarily affected by impairment charges relating to legacy exposures and legacy stock of properties in Cyprus and Greece. The 4Q2017 charge of EUR27 mn (compared to a charge of EUR2 mn in 3Q2017) includes an impairment loss on legacy properties in Cyprus and Greece. During 3Q2017, the charge was partly offset by a reversal of EUR15 mn of impairment charges relating to legacy exposures following recent developments.
Provisions for litigation and regulatory matters for FY2017 amounted to EUR98 mn, primarily relating to redress provisions for the UK operations and a fine imposed by the Cyprus Commission for the Protection of Competition. Provisions for litigation and regulatory matters for 4Q2017 amounted to EUR25 mn. The charge for 3Q2017 amounted to EUR38 mn and was primarily driven by redress provisions for the UK operations, following further analysis of the customer remediation implications from a pilot exercise which completed in 3Q2017.
B.3.4 (Loss)/profit after tax
(FY) (4q vs yoy EUR mn FY2017 FY2016 4Q2017 3Q2017 2Q2017 1Q2017 3q) +% +% ------------------------------ -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- (Loss)/profit before tax and restructuring costs (448) 139 7 12 (482) 15 -40% -423% ------------------------------ -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- Tax (77) (16) (1) (4) (66) (6) -70% 352% Loss/(profit) attributable to non-controlling interests 2 (4) 3 0 (1) (0) - -169% ------------------------------ -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- (Loss)/profit after tax and before restructuring costs (523) 119 9 8 (549) 9 17% -541% ------------------------------ -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- Advisory, VEP and other restructuring costs (29) (114) (8) (7) (7) (7) 24% -74% Net gain on disposal of non-core assets - 59 - - - - - -100% ------------------------------ -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- (Loss)/profit after tax (552) 64 1 1 (556) 2 -26% -967% ------------------------------ -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -----
The tax charge for FY2017 totalled EUR77 mn compared to EUR16 mn in FY2016. The tax charge for 4Q2017 totalled EUR1 mn compared to EUR4 mn in 3Q2017 and EUR66 mn in 2Q2017. The elevated tax charge in 2Q2017 reflects the reduction of Deferred Tax Assets (DTA) of EUR62 mn, following the increase in provisions for impairment of loans and advances to customers and evaluation of the recoverability assessment of the DTA balance.
Loss after tax and before restructuring costs for FY2017 totalled EUR523 mn, compared to a profit after tax and before restructuring costs of EUR119 mn for FY2016. Profit after tax and before restructuring costs for 4Q2017 was EUR9 mn, compared to EUR8 mn for 3Q2017 and compared to a loss after tax and before restructuring costs of EUR549 mn for 2Q2017.
Advisory, VEP and other restructuring costs for FY2017 totalled EUR29 mn, compared to EUR114 mn for FY2016 (down by 74% yoy). The elevated levels in the previous year relate mainly to the Voluntary Exit Plan (VEP). Advisory and other restructuring costs for 4Q2017 were EUR8 mn, compared to EUR7mn for 3Q2017.
Net gain on disposal of non-core assets for FY2016 of EUR59 mn related mainly to the gain on disposal of the investment in Visa Europe.
Loss after tax attributable to the owners of the Company for FY2017 was EUR552 mn, compared to a profit after tax of EUR64 mn for FY2016. Profit after tax attributable to the owners of the Company for 4Q2017 was EUR1 mn, at the same level as the previous quarter, compared to a loss after tax of EUR556 mn for 2Q2017.
C. Operating Environment
Economic recovery in Cyprus accelerated in 2017 and the medium term outlook is favourably driven by an improving labour market, broadening investments and increasing resilience. Cyprus continues to face challenges primarily in relation to public and private indebtedness and non-performing exposures, but while more remains to be done, considerable progress has been achieved.
Real GDP in Cyprus increased by 3.9% in 2017 according to the Cyprus Statistical Service, compared with a 3% increase the previous year. In the labour market, according to Eurostat, the unemployment rate dropped to 10.5% in the third quarter of the year, when seasonally adjusted, whilst average consumer inflation in the year was marginally positive at 0.5% after four years of deflation (Cyprus Statistical Service). In the public sector the budget surplus increased significantly and the trend in the public debt to GDP ratio appears to be reversing downward. Also, in the banking sector funding conditions continued to improve against a backdrop of favourable developments regarding non-performing exposures.
The growth momentum is expected to be maintained in the medium term. Real GDP is expected to grow by 3.6% in 2018 and by 2.9% in 2019, slowing towards 2.5% by 2022 according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) (Cyprus country report, December 2017). Growth will be supported by private consumption and investment expenditures and by an improving and robust labour market. On the supply side, growth will be driven by favourable developments in the tourism sector and robust performance in business services. Tourism remains robust and continues to benefit from geopolitical uncertainties in competing destinations. Tourist arrivals in 2017 reached 3.7 mn persons, an all-time high, and revenues reached an estimated EUR2.7 bn or c.14% of GDP.
The budget surplus increased to 1.1% of GDP in 2017 according to estimates by the IMF, from 0.5% the previous year. The budget is expected to generate sizeable surpluses in the medium term (IMF). The debt to GDP ratio is estimated at 100% in 2017, and it is expected to decline to 76% by 2022 (IMF). At the same time debt remains affordable with interest charges at 2.6% of GDP in 2016-2017, compared with 3.3% of GDP in 2013 (IMF). The government used favourable conditions in debt markets to issue a new EUR850 mn 7-year bond in June 2017 yielding 2.8% to pre-finance borrowing needs through to the end of 2018, and to smooth its repayment schedule beyond 2018.
In the banking sector there have been significant improvements in funding conditions and asset quality. Total deposits increased marginally by 0.8% in the year, with resident deposits increasing by 3.3%. Loan deleveraging continued in the year with total loans outstanding dropping by 7.1% and loans to residents dropping by 4.8% (CBC).
Cyprus' consistent fiscal outperformance and favourable outlook indicate a more rapid reversal in the public debt ratio and the ratio of non-performing loans, than previously expected. The outlook over the medium term is generally positive according to the IMF and the European Commission, while the economy continues to face challenges. Upside factors relate to a longer period of low oil prices, further improvement of economic fundamentals in the euro area and stronger investment spending as property prices are stabilising and as projects in tourism, energy and public works are being implemented. Downside risks to this outlook are associated with the still high levels of non-performing loans, and public debt ratio, and with a possible deterioration of the external environment.
In this context of a strengthening economy and narrowing imbalances, the Cyprus sovereign has benefited from a series of upgrades. Most recently in October 2017, Fitch Ratings upgraded its Long-Term Issuer Default ratings to 'BB' from
'BB-' with positive outlook. In September 2017, S&P Global Ratings affirmed its long term sovereign rating on Cyprus at 'BB+', only one notch below investment grade, and upgraded its outlook to 'positive' from 'stable'. In July 2017, Moody's Investors Service upgraded the long-term issuer rating of the Cyprus sovereign to Ba3 from B1 to reflect Cyprus' economic recovery and maintained its outlook to positive. The key drivers for rating upgrades have been stronger economic performance than expected, progress in the banking sector and consistent fiscal outperformance.
D. Business Overview
As the Cypriot operations account for 90% of gross loans and 90% of customer deposits, the Group's financial performance is highly correlated to the economic and operating conditions in Cyprus and will consequently benefit from the country's recovery. Most recently in October 2017, Standard and Poor's assigned the Bank 'B/B' long- and short-term issuer credit ratings with positive outlook. The Bank currently has a long-term deposit rating from Moody's Investors Service Cyprus Limited of Caa1 with a positive outlook and a long-term issuer default rating from Fitch Ratings Limited of B- with stable outlook. The key drivers for the ratings were the improvement in the Bank's financial fundamentals mainly in asset quality, and its funding position.
Tackling the Bank's loan portfolio quality is of utmost importance for the Group. During the year an internal reorganisation of the Restructuring and Recoveries Division (RRD) was executed with the aim of boosting resources on both the Retail and SME portfolios of RRD in order to further improve pace and sustainability in these portfolios. Additionally, the Group has created an incremental servicing engine powered by Pepper Cyprus Limited, to support the Bank in resolving non-performing loans from its SME and retail portfolios.
The strategic focus of the Group is to reshape its business model to grow in the core Cypriot market through prudent new lending and carefully developing the UK franchise. The Bank's capital position remains adequate and the Group expects to continue to be able to support the recovery of the Cyprus economy through the provision of new lending. Growth in new lending in Cyprus is focused on selected industries that are more in line with the Bank's target risk profile, such as tourism, trade, professional services, information/communication technologies, energy, education and green projects. The Bank is currently looking to carefully expand its UK operations, remaining consistent with the Group's overall credit appetite and regulatory environment. With selective presences in London and Birmingham and a predominantly retail funded franchise, the UK strategy is to support its core proposition in the property market, specifically targeting the professional buy-to-let market and further expanding its mortgage business and its savings, current accounts and trade-related products for SMEs, professionals and Cypriot residents.
Aiming at supporting investments by SMEs and mid-caps to boost the Cypriot economy and create new jobs for young people, the Bank continues to provide joint financed schemes. The Bank continues its partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Investment Fund (EIF), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Cyprus Government.
Management is also placing emphasis on diversifying income streams by boosting fee income from international transaction services, wealth management and insurance. The Group's insurance companies, EuroLife Ltd and General Insurance of Cyprus Ltd operating in the sectors of life and general insurance respectively, are leading players in the insurance business in Cyprus, with such businesses providing a recurring income, further diversifying the Group's income streams. The insurance income net of insurance claims for FY2017 amounted to EUR50 mn, up by 13% yoy, compared to EUR44 mn for FY2016, contributing to 16% of non-interest income.
In order to further improve its funding structure, the Bank is stepping up its efforts to manage the deposit mix to ensure continued compliance with liquidity requirements, taking advantage of the increased customer confidence towards the Bank, as well as improving macroeconomic conditions.
E. Strategy and Outlook
The Group remains on track for implementing its strategic objectives aiming to become a stronger, safer and a more focused institution capable of supporting the recovery of the Cypriot economy and delivering appropriate shareholder returns in the medium term.
The key pillars of the Group's strategy are to:
-- Materially reduce the level of delinquent loans -- Further improve the funding structure -- Maintain an appropriate capital position by internally generating capital -- Focus on the core Cyprus market and the UK operations -- Achieve a lean operating model -- Deliver value to shareholders and other stakeholders KEY PILLARS PLAN OF ACTION ----------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Materially reduce the level of delinquent loans * Sustain momentum in restructuring * Focus on terminated portfolios (in Recovery Unit) - "accelerated consensual foreclosures" * Real estate management via REMU * Explore alternative accelerating NPE reduction measures such as NPE sales, securitisations etc. ----------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Further improve the funding structure * Focus on shape and cost of deposit franchise * Increase loan pool for the Additional Credit Claim framework of ECB * Further diversify funding sources ----------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Maintain an appropriate capital position * Internally generating capital * Potential AT1 issuance ----------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Focus on core markets * Targeted lending in Cyprus into promising sectors to fund recovery * New loan origination, while maintaining lending yields * Revenue diversification via fee income from international business, wealth, and insurance * Careful expansion of UK franchise by leveraging the UK subsidiary ----------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Achieve a lean operating model * Implementation of digital transformation program underway, aimed at enhancing productivity distribution channels and reducing operating costs over time ----------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Deliver returns * Deliver appropriate medium term risk-adjusted returns ----------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
The table below shows the Group's performance against the 2018 Target and the Medium Term Guidance.
Group Key Performance Actual Actual 2018 Medium-Term Indicators(7) Dec-2016 Dec Target Guidance 2017 ========================================= ========== ========= ============= ============ <40% EUR2 bn organic Asset Quality NPE ratio 55% 47% reduction <25% =============== ======================== ========== ========= ============= ============ NPE coverage ratio 41% 48% >50% >50% ======================================== ========== ========= ============= ============ Cost of Risk (Provisioning charge)(1) 1.7% 4.0%(1) <1.0% <1.0% ======================================== ========== ========= ============= ============ Capital CET1 Ratio 14.5% 12.7% >13%(2,3) >13%(2,3) =============== ======================== ========== ========= ============= ============ Total Capital Ratio 14.6% 14.2% >15%(2,3) >15%(2,3) ======================================== ========== ========= ============= ============ Profitability Total income EUR EUR >EUR800 Total 963 907 mn income mn mn to grow
in excess of cost(4) =============== ======================== ========== ========= ============= ============ Cost to Income ratio 41% 47% <50%(4) ======================================== ========== ========= ============= ============ Net fee and commission income / total income 17%(5) 20% >20% >20% ======================================== ========== ========= ============= ============ Balance Total assets EUR22.2 EUR23.6 EUR23 >EUR25 Sheet bn bn bn bn =============== ======================== ========== ========= ============= ============ Earnings per share EPS (cent) 14.27 (123.72) 40(6) =============== ======================== ========== ========= ============= ============
(1) An amount of c.EUR500 mn reflecting the one-off effect of the change in the provisioning assumptions is included in the cost of risk, but is not annualised.
(2) Allowing for IFRS 9 transitional arrangements for regulatory capital purposes (2018 - 5%, 2019 - 15%, 2020 - 30%, 2021 - 50% and 2022 - 75%).
(3) Including the impact of the adoption of the changes aligning the EBA CRR default definition with the NPE definition.
(4) Excluding the special levy and SRF contribution.
(5) The net fee and commission income over total income for FY2016 excludes non-recurring fees of EUR7 mn.
(6) The 2018 target for the earnings per share (EPS) does not include the impact of trades or any unplanned or unforeseen events.
(7) The NIM and the Net Loans to Deposits (L/D) targets have been removed. A new target on Total Income has been included in the key metrics
considering the focus of the Group on the total revenue generation and the shift of income to other lines of the Income Statement. The L/D ratio has been removed as it is not considered representative following the efforts of the Group to comply with the LCR ratio including the LCR add-on.
F. Definitions & Explanations
Accelerated Following the Regulation (EU) 2016/445 phase-in of the ECB of 14 March 2016 on the exercise period of options and discretions available in Union law (ECB/2016/4), the DTA phase-in period was reduced from 10 to 5 years, with effect as from the reporting of 31 December 2016. The applicable rate of the DTA phase-in is 60% for 2017, 80% for 2018 and 100% for 2019 (fully phased-in). Accumulated Comprise (i) provisions for impairment provisions of customer loans and advances, (ii) the fair value adjustment on initial recognition of loans acquired from Laiki Bank, and (iii) provisions for off-balance sheet exposures disclosed on the balance sheet within other liabilities. Advisory, Comprise mainly: 1) fees of external advisors VEP and other in relation to: (i) disposal of operations restructuring and non-core assets, (ii) customer loan costs restructuring activities which are not part of the effective interest rate and (iii) the listing on the London Stock Exchange and 2) voluntary exit plan cost. AT1 AT1 (Additional Tier 1) is defined in accordance with Articles 51 and 52 of the Capital Requirements Regulation (EU) No 575/2013. CET1 capital CET1 capital ratio (transitional basis) ratio (transitional is defined in accordance with the Basel basis) II requirements. CET1 fully CET1 fully loaded is defined in accordance loaded with the Capital Requirements Regulation (EU) No 575/2013. Contribution Relates to the contribution made to the to SRF Single Resolution Fund. Cost to Income Cost-to-income ratio comprises total expenses ratio (as defined) divided by total income (as defined). Data from The latest data was published on 14 February the Statistical 2018. Service of the Republic of Cyprus Deferred The DTA adjustments relate to Deferred Tax Asset Tax Assets totalling EUR384 mn and recognised adjustments on tax losses totalling EUR3.1 bn and can be set off against future profits of the Bank until 2028 at a tax rate of 12.5%. There are tax losses of c.EUR8.5 bn for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised. The recognition of deferred tax assets is supported by the Bank's business forecasts and takes into account the recoverability of the deferred tax assets within their expiry period. Earnings The 2018 target for the earnings per share per Share (EPS) does not include the impact of any (EPS) unplanned or unforeseen risk reduction trades, or macro events. ECB European Central Bank ELA Emergency Liquidity Assistance Gross loans Gross loans are reported before the fair value adjustment on initial recognition relating to loans acquired from Laiki Bank (calculated as the difference between the outstanding contractual amount and the fair value of loans acquired) amounting to EUR668 mn at 31 December 2017 (compared to EUR721 mn at 30 September 2017). Group The Group consists of Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company, "BOC Holdings", its subsidiary Bank of Cyprus Public Company Limited, the "Bank" and the Bank's subsidiaries. Leverage The leverage ratio is the ratio of tangible ratio total equity to total assets for the relevant period. Loans in Loans in arrears for more than 90 days arrears for (90+ DPD) are defined as loans past-due more than for more than 90 days and loans that are 90 days (90+ impaired (impaired loans are those (i) DPD) for which a provision for impairment has been recognised on an individual basis or (ii) for which incurred losses existed at their initial recognition or (iii) customers in Debt Recovery). Loans in 90+ DPD ratio means loans in arrears for arrears for more than 90 days (90+ DPD) (as defined) more than divided by gross loans (as defined). 90 days (90+ DPD) ratio (Loss)/profit (Loss)/profit after tax excludes advisory, after tax VEP and other restructuring costs, as and before well as net gains on disposal of non-core restructuring assets. costs Market Shares Both deposit and loan market shares are based on data from the Central Bank of Cyprus. Net fee and Net fee and commission income over total commission income is the net fee and commission income income over divided by the total income (as defined). total income The ratio of 17% for 2016 excludes non-recurring fees of EUR7 mn. Net Interest Net interest margin is calculated as the Margin net interest income (annualised) divided by the average interest earning assets. Interest earning assets include: cash and balances with central banks, plus loans and advances to banks, plus net customer loans and advances, plus investments (excluding equities and mutual funds) and derivatives. Net loans Loans and advances net of accumulated and advances provisions. Net loan Net loan to deposits ratio is calculated to deposit as the net loans and advances to customers ratio divided by customer deposits, including loans and deposits held for sale. Net Stable The NSFR is calculated as the amount of Funding Ratio "available stable funding" (ASF) relative (NSFR) to the amount of "required stable funding" (RSF), on the basis of Basel III standards. Its calculation is a SREP requirement. European Banking Authority (EBA) is working on finalising the NSFR and enforcing it as a regulatory ratio. Non-performing In 2014 the EBA published its reporting exposures standards on forbearance and non-performing (NPEs) exposures (NPEs). According to the EBA standards, a loan is considered an NPE if: (i) the debtor is assessed as unlikely to pay its credit obligations in full
without the realisation of the collateral, regardless of the existence of any past due amount or of the number of days past due, or (ii) the exposures are impaired i.e. in cases where there is a specific provision, or (iii) there are material exposures which are more than 90 days past due, or (iv) there are performing forborne exposures under probation for which additional forbearance measures are extended, or (v) there are performing forborne exposures under probation that present more than 30 days past due within the probation period. The NPEs are reported before the deduction of accumulated provisions (as defined). NPE ratio NPEs ratio is calculated as the NPEs as per EBA (as defined) divided by gross loans (as defined). Operating Comprises profit before total provisions profit and impairments (as defined), share of profit from associates and joint ventures, tax, profit attributable to non-controlling interests, advisory, VEP and other restructuring costs, and net gains on disposal of non-core assets (where applicable). Operating Operating profit return on average assets profit return is calculated as the operating profit on average divided by the average of total assets assets for the relevant period. Phased-in In accordance with the legislation in Capital Conservation Cyprus which has been set for all credit Buffer (CCB) institutions, the applicable rate of the CCB is 1.25% for 2017, 1.875% for 2018 and 2.5% for 2019 (fully phased-in). Provision The provision charge comprises provisions charge for impairments of customer loans, net of gain/(loss) on derecognition of loans and advances to customers and changes in expected cash flows. Provisioning Provisioning charge (cost of risk) (year charge (cost to date) is calculated as the provisions of risk) for impairment of customer loans and provisions for off-balance sheet exposures, net of gain on derecognition of loans and advances to customers and changes in expected cash flows divided by average gross loans (the average balance calculated as the average of the opening balance and the closing balance). An amount of c.EUR500 mn reflecting the one-off effect of the change in the provisioning assumptions is included in the cost of risk, but is not annualised. Provisioning Provisioning coverage ratio for 90+ DPD coverage is calculated as the accumulated provisions ratio for (as defined) over 90+ DPD (as defined). 90+ DPD Provisioning Provisioning coverage ratio for NPEs is coverage calculated as accumulated provisions (as ratio for defined) over NPEs (as defined). NPEs Quarterly Average of interest earning assets as average interest at the beginning and end of the relevant earning assets quarter. Interest earning assets include: cash and balances with central banks, plus loans and advances to banks, plus net customer loans and advances, plus investments (excluding equities and mutual funds) and derivatives. Qoq Quarter on quarter change Special levy Relates to the special levy on deposits of credit institutions in Cyprus. The remaining Comprises net foreign exchange gains, component net gains on other financial instrument of non-interest transactions, net gains/(losses) from income revaluation and disposal of investment properties and on disposal of stock of properties, and other income. Total Capital Total capital ratio is defined in accordance ratio with the Capital Requirements Regulation (EU) No 575/2013. Total expenses Total expenses comprise staff costs, other operating expenses and the special levy and contribution to the Single Resolution Fund. It does not include restructuring costs (advisory, VEP and other restructuring costs). Restructuring costs amount to EUR29.3 mn, EUR20.7 mn, EUR13.8 mn, EUR7.3 mn and EUR114.3 mn for the year ended 31 December 2017, the nine months ended 30 September 2017, the six months ended 30 June 2017, the three months ended 31 March 2017 and for the year ended 31 December 2016, respectively. Total income Total income comprises net interest income and non-interest income. It does not include net gains on disposal of non-core assets. Net gains on disposal of non-core assets was EUR0 mn and EUR59 mn for the year ended 31 December 2017 and for the year ended 31 December 2016, respectively. Total provisions Total provisions and impairments comprise and impairments provision charge (as defined), plus provisions for litigation and regulatory matters plus impairments of other financial and non-financial assets. Underlying Statutory basis adjusted for certain items basis as detailed in the Basis of Presentation. Write offs Loans together with the associated provisions are written off when there is no realistic prospect of future recovery. Partial write-offs, including non-contractual write-offs, may occur when it is considered that there is no realistic prospect for the recovery of the contractual cash flows. In addition, write-offs may reflect restructuring activity with customers and are part of the terms of the agreement and subject to satisfactory performance. Yoy Year on year change
Basis of Presentation
This announcement covers the results of Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company, "BOC Holdings" or "the Company", its subsidiary Bank of Cyprus Public Company Limited, the "Bank" and together with the Bank's subsidiaries, the "Group", for the year ended 31 December 2017.
At 31 December 2016, the Bank was listed on the CSE and the Athens Exchange. On 18 January 2017, BOC Holdings, incorporated in Ireland, was introduced in the Group structure as the new holding company of the Bank. On 19 January 2017, the total issued share capital of BOC Holdings was admitted to listing and trading on the LSE and the CSE. As a result of this corporate change, the comparative information for 2016 and as at 31 December 2016 are presented for the Bank together with its subsidiaries.
Financial information presented in this announcement is being published for the purposes of providing preliminary Group financial results for the year ended 31 December 2017. The financial information in this preliminary announcement is not audited and does not constitute statutory financial statements of BOC Holdings within the meaning of section 340 of the Companies Act 2014. The Group statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 are expected to be delivered to the Registrar of Companies of Ireland within 28 days of 30 September 2018 (as at the date of this report, such statutory financial statements have not been reported on by independent auditors of BOC Holdings). The Board of Directors approved this financial information on 26 February 2018. BOC Holdings' most recent statutory financial statements for the purposes of Chapter 4 of Part 6 of the Companies Act 2014 of Ireland for the period 11 July 2016 to 31 December 2016, upon which the auditors have given an unqualified audit report (with emphasis of matter on material uncertainty related to going concern), were published on 27 April 2017 and have been annexed to the annual return and delivered to the Registrar of Companies of Ireland.
Statutory basis: Statutory information is set out on pages 4-5. However, a number of factors have had a significant effect on the comparability of the Group's financial position and results. Accordingly, the results are also presented on an underlying basis.
Underlying basis: The statutory results are adjusted for certain items (as described on page 8) to allow a comparison of the Group's underlying performance, as set out on pages 6-7.
The financial information included in this announcement is not audited by the Group's external auditors.
This announcement and the presentation for the Preliminary Group Financial Results for the year ended 31 December 2017 have been posted on the Group's website www.bankofcyprus.com (Investor Relations/Financial Results).
Definitions: The Group uses a number of definitions in the discussion of its business performance and financial position which are set out in section F.
The Preliminary Group Financial Results for the year ended 31 December 2017 are presented in Euro (EUR) and all amounts are rounded as indicated. A comma is used to separate thousands and a dot is used to separate decimals.
Forward Looking Statements
This document contains certain forward-looking statements which can usually be identified by terms used such as "expect", "should be", "will be" and similar expressions or variations thereof. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the Group's intentions, beliefs or current expectations and projections about the Group's future results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, performance, prospects, anticipated growth, provisions, impairments, strategies and opportunities. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events, and depend upon circumstances, that will or may occur in the future. Factors that could cause actual business, strategy and/or results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements made by the Group include, but are not limited to: general economic and political conditions in Cyprus and other EU Member States, interest rate and foreign exchange fluctuations, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments and information technology, litigation and other operational risks. Should any one or more of these or other factors materialise, or should any underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, the actual results or events could differ materially from those currently being anticipated as reflected in such forward looking statements. The forward-looking statements made in this document are only applicable as from the date of publication of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward looking statement contained in this document to reflect any change in the Group's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.
Contacts
For further information please contact:
Investor Relations
+ 357 22 122239
investors@bankofcyprus.com
The Bank of Cyprus Group is the leading banking and financial services group in Cyprus, providing a wide range of financial products and services which include retail and commercial banking, finance, factoring, investment banking, brokerage, fund management, private banking, life and general insurance. The Bank of Cyprus Group operates through a total of 123 branches, of which 121 operate in Cyprus, 1 in Romania and 1 in the United Kingdom. Bank of Cyprus also has representative offices in Russia, Ukraine and China. The Bank of Cyprus Group employs 4,355 staff worldwide. At 31 December 2017, the Group's Total Assets amounted to EUR23.6 bn and Total Equity was EUR2.6 bn. The Bank of Cyprus Group comprises Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company, its subsidiary Bank of Cyprus Public Company Limited and its subsidiaries.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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