Security Bank Corporation’s (PSE: SECB) quarterly profits continued to improve, with Q3-2023 net profit increasing to PHP2.65 billion, up 4% quarter-on-quarter and up 15% year-on-year.
Q3-2023 net interest income likewise increased to PHP9 billion, up 8% over the quarter and 19% over the year. Net interest margin in Q3-2023 increased to 4.86%, up 28 basis points quarter-on-quarter and up 66 basis points year-on-year. Service charges, fees and commissions grew to PHP1.5 billion, up 1% quarter-on-quarter and 15% year-on-year. Pre-provision operating profit was at PHP4.1 billion. In Q3-2023, the Bank set aside PHP1 billion as provisions for credit losses.
First Nine Months Results: In the first nine months of 2023 (9M-2023), the Bank posted net profit of PHP7.6 billion, driven by growth in core businesses, increase in quarterly net interest margin, and normalized credit provisions.
9M-2023 net interest income increased 12% year-on-year to PHP24.7 billion. Total non-interest income was at PHP6.5 billion. Service charges, fees and commissions grew 10% to PHP4.3 billion.
9M-2023 operating expense was 14% higher, driven by investments in manpower and technology. Cost-to-income ratio was 60.7% compared to 56.3% a year ago.
Pre-provision operating profit was PHP12.3 billion. The Bank set aside PHP2.6 billion as provisions for credit losses in 9M-2023, an increase versus year-ago level of PHP1.6 billion. Gross non-performing loan ratio was 3.15% and NPL reserve cover was 92%.
Return on shareholders’ equity was 7.81%. Return on assets was 1.22%.
Balance sheet remains strong
Total deposits stood at PHP562 billion. Low-cost savings and demand deposits as percent of total deposit was at 59%, up from 58% a year ago. The Bank shed high-cost deposits, resulting in a 6% year-on-year decrease in time deposits.
Two new Security Bank branches were opened during the third quarter of 2023, bringing the Bank’s branch network to 319 branches as of September 30, 2023. The new branches are located in Aparri (Northern Cagayan) and Parañaque (Metro Manila).
Net loans increased to PHP502 billion, up 3.8% year-on-year and up 3.6% quarter-on-quarter. Retail and MSME loans combined increased 22% year-on-year while wholesale loans decreased 3%. The growth in retail and MSME loans was driven by home loans which grew 15% year-on-year, credit cards which rose 34%, auto loans which grew 23%, and MSME loans which increased 71%. On a sequential quarter-on-quarter basis, retail and MSME loans combined increased 7%. Retail and MSME loans as percent of total loans increased to 29%, up from 28% a quarter ago and 24% a year ago. Total investment securities grew 13% year-on-year to PHP216 billion.
The Bank maintains healthy liquidity, with Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) at 174% and Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) at 131% as of September 30, 2023.
Security Bank continues to be among the country’s best capitalized private domestic universal banks. Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio was 15.5% and Total Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) was 16.3%. Total assets increased to PHP815 billion, up 2% year-on-year. Shareholders’ capital likewise increased to PHP132.6 billion, up 7% over the year.
Security Bank recently received Best Corporate Bank in the Philippines 2023 award by Asiamoney, and the 4 Golden Arrow Recognition for corporate governance excellence by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD). Security Bank ranks in Forbes’ World’s Best Employers in 2023, whereby Security Bank is ranked #54 in the world, #2 among Philippine companies, and #1 among Philippine banks. Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to create Forbes’ seventh annual list of the World’s Best Employers.
On October 24, 2023, the Bank’s Board of Directors approved the second semestral regular cash dividend of PHP1.50 per common share with payment date on November 24, 2023. This will bring the total cash dividends for the year to PHP3.00 per common share. The Bank had earlier paid regular cash dividend for the first semester of PHP1.50 per common share on April 28, 2023.
“We are encouraged by continued positive, quarter-on-quarter momentum on net interest income, net margins, loan growth, and net income. Our core client teams have maintained a strong focus on serving evolving client needs amidst a volatile global backdrop during the third quarter,” says Security Bank President & CEO, Sanjiv Vohra.
Mr. Vohra adds, “Our employees are key to our success. We appreciate the external recognition of the bank’s advances in delivering a superior employee experience.”