Bangkok Bank reports 2016 net profit of Baht 31.8 billion

Thursday 19 January 2017 17:53
Bangkok Bank and its subsidiaries have reported a net profit for 2016 of Baht 31.8 billion, compared with Baht 34.2 billion in the previous year, against the backdrop of the Thai economy's slow recovery. Going forward, the Thai economy is expected to continue to grow, driven by government spending and investment. However, uncertainties from the global economy will persist, while domestic private consumption and investment are likely to remain lackluster. The Bank continues its prudent approach by consistently setting aside further provisioning expenses, maintaining non-performing loans at an appropriate level, sustaining a good level of capital reserves to accommodate future business expansion in order to ensure financial stability and sustainability.

At the end of December 2016, the Bank's loans amounted to Baht 1,941.1 billion, a rise of Baht 72.2 billion or 3.9 percent from the end of 2015, due to the increase in loans to large corporates and medium-sized businesses, consumer sector, and loans made through the Bank's international network. Despite the increase in loans, the Bank continued to maintain its loan-to-deposit ratio at 89.1 percent, a similar level to last year. In terms of non-performing loans(NPLs), NPLs at the end of 2016 were Baht 68.8 billion or 3.2 percent of total loans, reflecting the impact of the slow domestic economic recovery on the business sector, which needs time to adapt. Meanwhile, the Bank continues to closely monitor its loan quality and set aside appropriate provisioning expenses. Total allowances for doubtful accounts at the end of December 2016 were at a high level of Baht 119.5 billion or 6.2 percent of loans, with provisioning expenses of Baht 15.7 billion.

Net profit in 2016 was Baht 31.8 billion, a decrease of Baht 2.4 billion or 6.9 percent from 2015. Net interest income rose by Baht 6.5 billion or 11.3 percent from 2015 to Baht 64.0 billion, and the net interest margin increased to 2.34 percent as a result of managing the low-cost of deposits. Non-interest income was Baht 41.9 billion, a decrease of Baht 3.4 billion or 7.4 percent, due largely to a decline in gains on disposal of assets and gains on investments. Net fees and service income rose by Baht 421 million, due mainly to an increase in fee income from electronic services and remittances, the securities business, loan-related services and securities services. Operating expenses were Baht 50.5 billion, an increase of Baht 5.5 billion or 12.1 percent, with significant items including an increase in other expenses from provisions for contingencies and personnel expenses.

The Bank maintained its capital reserves at a good level to support future business expansion.After the inclusion of net profit from July to December 2016, the total capital adequacy ratio, Tier 1 capital ratio and Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of the Bank and its subsidiaries would be approximately 19.1 percent, 17.2 percent and 17.2 percent, respectively. Shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2016 amounted to Baht 379.0 billion or 12.9 percent of total assets. The book value per share was Baht 198.56, an increase of Baht 9.00 from the end of 2015.