DBS 1H15 increase helped by strong Wealth Management business
(28 July 2015 – Singapore) Strong business growth in the second quarter, similar to the record first-quarter has propelled DBS Group’s first-half 2015 net profit to a new high of S$2.39 billion (A$2.39 billion).
Excluding a one-time gain, net profit rose 12 percent to S$2.25 billion and first-half total income exceeded S$5 billion for the first time
Improved net interest margin, broad-based fee income growth and stronger treasury contributions resulted in a 14 percent increase in total income to S$5.43 billion.
Total income grew 16 percent to S$2.69 billion as net interest income and fee income reached new quarterly highs.
Asset quality remained strong, the non-performing loan rate stayed at 0.9 percent and allowance coverage was at 160 percent.
Return on equity for the first half was 11.9 percent compared to 11.7 percent a year ago.
For the first six months, net interest income increased 13 percent to S$3.43 billion
Net interest margin improved six basis points to 1.72 percent, loans grew by a reported 9 percnet to S$280 billion.
In constant-currency terms, loan growth was 5 percent as an increase in Singapore housing and regional corporate loans was partially offset by a decline in trade loans.
Non-interest income rose 16 percent to S$1.99 billion.
Net fee income increased 13 percent to S$1.14 billion.
Wealth management fees grew 34 percent to S$342 million from increased unit trust and insurance sales, while card fees increased 21 percent to S$207 million with higher customer transactions.
Brokerage commissions rose 19 percent to S$101 million with higher regional equity market activity.
Trading income increased 17 percent to S$629 million as the Group was well-positioned in foreign exchange and interest rates during a period marked by central bank action.
Gains on investment securities rose 46 percent to S$146 million from higher profits booked on government securities.
All business units’ income achieved new highs.
Consumer Banking/Wealth Management income increased 28 percent to S$1.76 billion, with the Wealth Management customer segment rising 41 percent to S$743 million as assets under management increased 22 percent to S$143 billion.
Institutional Banking income grew 7 percent to S$2.67 billion with contributions from lending and cash management activities leading the increase.
Treasury income rose 28 percent to S$663 million.
Expenses were 15 percent higher at S$2.40 billion and the cost-income ratio was unchanged at 44 percent.
Profit before allowances increased 13 percent to S$3.03 billion.
A one-time gain of S$136 million was recorded in the first quarter for the disposal of a property investment in Hong Kong.
DBS chief executive Piyush Gupta said; “Despite slowing growth across the region, DBS achieved record earnings in the first half of the year driven by strong broad-based income growth.
“Notably, net interest margin is at its highest in 13 quarters.
“In a reflection of our confidence in the sustainability of our earnings, we are pleased to raise first-half dividends to reward shareholders.”
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