Swedbank Year-end report for 2007
Profit for 2007 increased by 10 percent compared with 2006
• Profit for the period increased by 10 percent to SEK 11,996m (10,880)
• Earnings per share increased by 10 percent to SEK 23.28 (21.11)
• The proposed dividend is raised by 9 percent to SEK 9.00 (8.25)
• The return on equity was 18.9 percent (19.3)
• The cost/income ratio improved to 0.51 (0.52)
• Net interest income increased by 20 percent to SEK 19,157m (15,977)
• Operating profit increased by 9 percent to SEK 15,586m (14,263)
• Loan losses amounted to SEK 619m (-205), corresponding to a loan loss ratio of 0.07 percent (-0.02)
• The tier 1 capital ratio was 8.5 percent according to the new rules and 6.2 percent according to the transitional rules (6.5 percent on December 31, 2006 according to the old rules).
Profit for fourth quarter increased by 8 percent compared with third quarter 2007
• Profit for the period increased by 8 percent to SEK 3,108m (2,866)
• Earnings per share increased by 8 percent to SEK 6.03 (5.57)
• The return on equity improved to 18.8 percent (18.1)
• The cost/income ratio was unchanged at 0.51 (0.51)
• Net interest income increased by 9 percent to SEK 5,259m (4,806)
• Operating profit increased by 12 percent to SEK 4,110m (3,669)
• Loan losses amounted to SEK 238m (230), corresponding to a loan loss ratio of 0.09 percent (0.09).
The CEO comments on the results
Swedbank had a good finish to a successful year. In terms of profit, 2007 was the bank’s best year ever, despite the turbulence in the financial markets in the autumn.
Over the year the bank continued to develop alongside its customers, resulting in strong growth in deposits, lending and payment services in all major markets. Net interest income and net commission income have both increased significantly, giving us a stable foundation for continued profitability in 2008. Swedbank’s financial risks are and will remain low.
In Sweden, we have improved our position in several areas such as mortgages, the corporate market and private banking. Operations are distinguished by a stable, high level of earnings and low risk.
In the Baltics, we reported record profit, in spite controlled lending growth in line with the respective governments’ efforts to achieve a more balanced macroeconomy in the region. We expect the process of readjustment to continue and are confident in the continuing development of the Baltic economies and in the convergence of long-term living standards with those of the Nordic region.
Operations in Ukraine have developed very well, confirming the tremendous future opportunities in this banking market.
See full report attached.