Total operating income doubles to Rs 100 Bn
Impairment for first nine months exceeds Rs 60 Bn
Local currency deposits grow by Rs 146 Bn
Tier I capital ratio and total capital ratio at 11.31% and 14.36%, respectively
Liquidity coverage ratio at 218.5%
Hatton National Bank PLC posted a profit before tax of Rs 12.4 Bn and profit after tax of Rs 10.5 Bn
during the nine-months which ended September 2022 while the Group recorded a profit after tax of
Rs 11.6 Bn.
Aruni Goonetilleke, Chairperson of HNB PLC commented that, “Our performance under extremely
turbulent conditions clearly demonstrates the confidence placed in us by our customers, the
robustness of our business model and the focus and expertise of our team in navigating through
intensified uncertainties. I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to our customers, the entire HNB
team, shareholders and all other stakeholders for their continuous support and reiterate our
unwavering commitment on delivering long term value.”
The interest income of the Bank grew by 86% to Rs 134.9 Bn, primarily due to an increase of over
12 percentage points in average AWPLR during the period, in line with tight monetary policy
measures adopted by the Central Bank. Accordingly, the net interest income of the Bank increased
by 100% YoY to Rs 71.1 Bn in the first nine months up to September 2022.
The net fee income recorded a growth of 65% YoY to Rs 11.0 Bn largely due to higher trade and
card income, compared to a subdued 2021. In addition, the Rupee devaluation by over 80% during
the period resulted in an exceptional exchange income of Rs 16.8 Bn.
The 110% increase in total operating income to Rs 99.7 Bn was negated by the 438% increase in
total impairment charge to Rs 60.3 Bn for the nine months. This included an impairment charge of
Rs 41 Bn on account of the investments in foreign currency denominated government securities held
by the Bank. The net stage III ratio of the Bank increased to 3.34% from 2.55% as at end of
December 2021 as a result of the stressed market conditions, and the Bank recognized an
impairment of Rs 19.3 Bn on account of loans and advances compared to Rs 9.9 Bn in the previous
year.
Press Release
HNB managed to curtail the increase in operational expenses at 27% YoY in the backdrop of a 70%
YoY inflation and an 80% depreciation in the Rupee. The cost to income ratio improved to 22.9% for
the nine-month period which is an improvement of 15 percentage points compared to the
corresponding period of the previous year, supported by the significant growth in net income.
The Bank’s asset base expanded by 20.2% to Rs 1.6 Tn during the nine months up to September
2022 while gross loans and advances rose by 13.1% to Rs 1.1 Tn. Total deposits recorded a growth
of 25.1% to Rs 1.3 Tn during the nine-month period. HNB’s local currency deposits grew by 17.3%
to Rs 993 Bn while the overall balance sheet growth was partly impacted by the significant
devaluation of the currency.
Bank’s Tier I capital ratio and total capital ratio stood at 11.31% and 14.36%, against the regulatory
requirement of 9.50% and 13.50%, respectively. CBSL has allowed flexibility for Banks to drawdown
the capital conservation buffer up to 250 bps, from the minimum stipulated requirements,
considering the prevailing macro-economic challenges, the Bank has been able to maintain a strong
liquidity position during the period with Statutory Liquid Asset Ratio (LAR) of 30.7% and all currency
Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) of 218.5% being well above regulatory minimum requirements of
20% and 90%, respectively.
Commenting on the performance, Jonathan Alles, Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of
HNB PLC stated that “the severe economic crisis the country is faced with today, has resulted in a
myriad of challenges for the entire banking sector. Foreign exchange liquidity constraints impacting
our ability to support customers is a major challenge. The banking sector has continued to support
customers in need by extending capital and interest moratoria since 2019. Whilst we have witnessed
a notable number of customers reviving their livelihoods, there are still a large number of customers
in distress, resulting in increased pressure on asset quality. Stressed income levels, high interest
rates, inflation and taxes continue to aggravate the situation as it hinders the repayment capacity of
the customers. This has resulted in the need to make higher provisions on account of loan
impairment. The impairments on investments in foreign currency denominated government
securities is an additional burden on capital at a time not conducive for raising fresh capital.”
“While macro-economic uncertainties continue, we note the progress made by Sri Lanka with
regard to its discussions with both public and private creditors. As the backbone of the economy,
banking sector stability would be crucial to ensure the revival of Sri Lanka. As such, we strongly
believe that the interest of the banking sector would be safeguarded to ensure that the country
reaches its development goals under the IMF programme.”
Press Release
He added that “despite the ongoing challenges, HNB has stood out in terms of its capital, liquidity,
asset quality and efficiency levels. While we remain strong and stable, we will also ensure that our
systems, processes and people are future- ready to deliver an enjoyable experience to our
customers”.
HNB Group recorded a PBT of Rs 14.0 Bn and the Bank accounted for 90% of the Group PAT of Rs
11.6 Bn for the nine months. Group PAT saw a drop of 13.2% compared to the previous year, due
to the significant increase in impairment charges on account of investments in foreign currency
denominated government securities as well as loans and advances. Group Assets increased by 19.5%
to Rs 1.7 Tn as at end of September 2022.
HNB is rated AA- (lka) by Fitch Ratings and has been ranked among the Top 1,000 Banks in the
World over six consecutive years by the acclaimed UK based “The Banker Magazine” while being
adjudged the ‘Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka’ by the Asian Banker Magazine for the 12th time.
Photo Captions
HNB Chairperson, Aruni Goonetilleke
HNB Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Alles