Security Bank Corporation (PSE: SECB) posted Php 3 billion in net income in the first quarter of 2016 which translates to a 22% return on shareholders’ equity (ROE). This result is before the Php 36.9 billion capital investment by The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. (BTMU) in Security Bank last April 1, 2016.
Loans increased 20% year-on-year to Php 239 billion. Deposits grew 14% to Php 282 billion, with low-cost deposits increasing 18%. Corporate/commercial loans advanced 18%. Key consumer loan portfolios composed of home and auto loans and credit card receivables rose 62%. Consumer loans as percent of total loans moved up to 11% in Q1-2016 from 7% a year ago. Asset quality remained healthy, with net non-performing loan (NPL) ratio at 0.29%. NPL reserve cover was at 171%. Total assets was at Php 516 billion, a 26% year-on-year increase. The return on assets (ROA) was 2.3%.
Net interest income increased 21% year-on-year to Php 3.5 billion. The overall net interest margin was 3.1%, lower than the 3.3% average in 2015. Notably, net interest margin on loans improved to 3.8% in Q1-2016 from 3.7% average in 2015.
Non-interest income amounted to Php 2.4 billion. The Bank earned Php 1.4 billion in extraordinary trading gain from investment securities as it participated in the government’s cash tender offer program. This gain is lower, though, than the Php 2.1 billion gain on sale of securities posted in Q1-2015. The thrust to grow the retail banking business resulted in fee-based income (inclusive of asset management) increasing 10% to Php 531 million, driven by bancassurance, credit card and service charges on deposits, as well as asset management and advisory. Foreign exchange gain rose 89% to Php 301 million.
Core revenues — consisting of net interest income, fee-based income, and trading gains attributable to customer flows — increased 16% year-on-year to Php 4.2 billion. However, due to lower extraordinary trading gain during the quarter, the Php 3 billion net income in Q1-2016 was lower than the Php 3.36 billion posted in Q1-2015.
Operating expense, excluding provisions for probable credit losses and impairments, decreased by -1% year-on-year. The cost-to-income ratio was 42%. Provision for probable credit losses was Php 212 million during the quarter.
Security Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Alfonso L. Salcedo, Jr. said: “Our first quarter result was a good start to a milestone year for Security Bank. We are poised to grow faster shoulder to shoulder with our new strategic partner The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd., Japan’s largest bank. We are excited to work with BTMU as we share the same values of integrity, professionalism and teamwork. Security Bank will be able to level up its BetterBanking promise as it is now a stronger local bank with access to BTMU’s global network.”
Shareholders’ capital increased 12% year-on-year to Php 56 billion from retained earnings. Security Bank’s book value per share was at Php 92.86 as of March 31, 2016. Common Equity Tier 1 (CET 1) Ratio was 12.1% and total Capital Adequacy Ratio was 15%, well above the BSP’s minimum requirements of 8.5% and 10%, respectively.
Security Bank Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Mr. Joselito E. Mape said, “On a pro-forma basis, our shareholders’ capital post-BTMU equity investment was at Php 92.9 billion as of April 1, 2016. Our pro-forma book value per share was Php 123.29, which is 40% higher than the Php 88.17 as of year-end 2015. Likewise, our pro-forma CET 1 ratio was 20.7% and total Capital Adequacy Ratio was 23.5%.”