The FINANCIAL — Societe Generale’s Board of Directors, which met on November 2nd, 2017 under the chairmanship of Lorenzo Bini Smaghi, examined the results for Q3 and the first nine months of 2017.
Book Group net income amounted to EUR 932 million in Q3 2017 (EUR 1,099 million in Q3 2016) and EUR 2,737 million in the first nine months of 2017 (EUR 3,484 million in the first nine months of 2016).
When corrected for the impact of non-economic items, exceptional items and the linearisation over the year of the IFRIC 21 charge recorded in Q1 2017, underlying Group net income totalled EUR 1,079 million in Q3 2017 (EUR 1,168 million in Q3 2016). Underlying Group net income was significantly higher (up +16.9%) at EUR 3,616 million in the first nine months of 2017 (EUR 3,094 million in the first nine months of 2016). Underlying ROE stood at 9.0% in the first nine months of 2017 vs. 8.0% in the first nine months of 2016, according to Societe Generale.
In Q3 2017, French Retail Banking’s commercial momentum remained robust and results were resilient against a backdrop of low interest rates and the transformation of the business model. International Retail Banking & Financial Services continued to enjoy strong growth in all businesses and geographical regions. Global Banking & Investor Solutions’ revenues were lower than in Q3 16 in a market environment characterised by historically low volatility levels.
Book net banking income totalled EUR 5,958 million in Q3 2017 (EUR 6,010 million in Q3 2016) and EUR 17,631 million in the first nine months of 2017 (EUR 19,169 million in the first nine months of 2016). Underlying net banking income amounted to EUR 5,993 million in Q3 2017 (down -4.1% vs. Q3 2016) and EUR 18,834 million in the first nine months (up +0.4% vs. the first nine months of 2016).
Operating expenses were slightly lower in Q3 2017 (-0.4%) at EUR -4,001 million (EUR -4,016 million in Q3 2016). There was a further decline in costs in Global Banking & Investor Solutions, whereas the Group continued with its investments in the transformation of French Retail Banking and efforts to support the growth in International Retail Banking & Financial Services. Underlying operating expenses were stable at EUR -4,157 million in Q3 2017 (EUR -4,147 million in Q3 2016). Operating expenses were slightly higher (+1.2%) at EUR -12,657 million in the first nine months of the year (EUR -12,506 million in the first nine months of 2016).
The net cost of risk (excluding the variation in the provision for disputes) continued on the downward momentum observed in previous quarters, against a backdrop of an improvement in the Group’s risk profile. It amounted to EUR -212 million (excluding the variation in the provision for disputes) in Q3 2017, substantially lower than in Q3 2016 (EUR -417 million).
The provision for disputes was the subject of an additional allocation of EUR 300 million in the third quarter, and now stands at EUR 2.2 billion. Societe Generale is currently in discussions with the US authorities in order to resolve two litigations, LIA and IBOR, and has decided to increase the provision for disputes. The discussions could result in an agreement in the coming weeks or months.
Moreover, as there is no certainty that the Group will reach a resolution of these disputes before the date initially set for the Global Employee Share Ownership Plan, given this uncertainty and for legal reasons, it was decided, with the Board of Directors’ approval, not to proceed with this plan which was initially scheduled in late 2017.
The Common Equity Tier 1 (fully-loaded CET1) ratio was 11.7% at September 30th, 2017 (11.7% at June 30th, 2017). Earnings per share, excluding non-economic items, amounts to EUR 3.12 at end- September 2017 (EUR 4.19 at end-September 2016).
Commenting on the Group’s results for Q3 and the first nine months of 2017, Frédéric Oudéa – Chief Executive Officer – stated:
“Despite an unfavourable financial environment, Societe Generale generated resilient Q3 results, driven in particular by International Retail Banking & Financial Services. The Group continued to improve its risk profile and pursued its investments, in order to meet the needs of its customers and respond to changes in the methods of using banking services. With increased underlying profitability in the first nine months of the year, a solid capital base and the commitment of its teams, Societe Generale is ready to embark on a new phase of its development and will present its strategic plan on November 28th.”
Net banking income
The Group’s book net banking income totalled EUR 5,958 million in Q3 17 (EUR 6,010 million in Q3 16) and EUR 17,631 million in 9M 17 (EUR 19,169 million in 9M 16).
Underlying net banking income amounted to EUR 5,993 million in Q3 17 (EUR 6,251 million in Q3 16) and EUR 18,834 million in 9M 17 (EUR 18,751 million in 9M 16).
There was a slight decline in net banking income for the businesses (EUR 5,882 million in Q3 17 vs. EUR 6,249 million in Q3 16).
-French Retail Banking’s net banking income was lower in Q3 17 (-5.0% and -6.6% excluding PEL/CEL provision vs. Q3 16). Net interest income fell -13.9% in Q3 17 vs. Q3 16 due to the recording of an exceptional expense of EUR -88 million related to the adjustment of hedging costs and the ongoing low interest rate environment. Commissions maintained the momentum observed in previous quarters, increasing +4% in Q3 17 vs. Q3 16.
-International Retail Banking & Financial Services’ net banking income rose +3.8% (+5.2%) in Q3 17, driven by the strong commercial momentum of activities in all businesses and geographical regions. International Retail Banking’s net banking income increased +2.7% (+6.7%) vs. Q3 16. Net banking income rose +14.5% (+8.2%*) for the Insurance business and +1.4% (-1.1%) for Financial Services to Corporates.
Global Banking & Investor Solutions’ revenues were down -14.7% in Q3 17 vs. Q3 16. Global Markets and Investor Services experienced a decline of -20.7%, adversely affected by the “wait-and-see” attitude of investors in connection with historically low volatility levels. Financing & Advisory revenues were stable vs. Q3 16 (-0.7%). In Asset and Wealth Management, net banking income was down -11.7%.
The accounting impact of the revaluation of the Group’s own financial liabilities was EUR 53 million in Q3 17 (EUR -237 million in Q3 16). The DVA impact was nil in Q3 17 (EUR -4 million in Q3 16). These two factors constitute the restated non-economic items in the analyses of the Group’s results.
Operating expenses
The Group’s operating expenses amounted to EUR -4,001 million in Q3 17, down -0.4% (+1.5%) vs. Q3 16.
Underlying operating expenses totalled EUR -12,657 million in 9M 17 vs. EUR -12,506 million in 9M 16, representing a limited increase of +1.2%.
The increase reflects the investments in the transformation of French Retail Banking, efforts to support the growth of International Retail Banking & Financial Services, and the beneficial effects of the cost savings plans implemented in Global Banking & Investor Solutions.
Gross operating income
The Group’s book gross operating income totalled EUR 1,957 million in Q3 17 (EUR 1,994 million in Q3 16) and EUR 4,817 million in 9M 17 (EUR 6,750 million in 9M 16).
Underlying gross operating income amounted to EUR 1,836 million in Q3 17 (EUR 2,104 million in Q3 16) and EUR 6,178 million in 9M 17 (EUR 6,245 million in 9M 16).
Cost of risk
The Group’s net cost of risk, excluding the variation in the provision for disputes, continued to decline to EUR -212 million in Q3 17 vs. EUR -417 million in Q3 16. The provision for disputes was the subject of an additional allocation of EUR 300 million in Q3 17.
The commercial cost of risk (expressed as a fraction of outstanding loans) continued to decline, to a very low level of 17 basis points in Q3 17 (vs. 34 basis points in Q3 16):
-In French Retail Banking, the commercial cost of risk was low at 21 basis points in Q3 17 (36 basis points in Q3 16) due primarily to the improvement in the economic environment and the quality of loan origination.
-International Retail Banking & Financial Services’ cost of risk was lower, at 33 basis points vs. 67 basis points in Q3 16, due primarily to a net write-back in Romania.
-Global Banking & Investor Solutions’ cost of risk amounted to -2 basis points in Q3 17 (9 basis points in Q3 16).
The Group’s commercial cost of risk is expected to be around 25 basis points for full-year 2017.
The gross doubtful outstandings ratio was lower, at 4.5% at end-September 2017 (vs. 5.1% at end- September 2016). The Group’s gross coverage ratio for doubtful outstandings stood at 62% (vs. 65% at end-September 2016).
Operating income
Book Group operating income totalled EUR 1,445 million in Q3 17 (EUR 1,577 million in Q3 16) and EUR 3,937 million in 9M 17 (EUR 5,145 million in 9M 16).
Underlying operating income amounted to EUR 1,624 million in Q3 17 (EUR 1,687 million in Q3 16) and EUR 5,498 million in 9M 17 (EUR 4,840 million in 9M 16), up +13.6% vs. 9M 16.
Net profits or losses from other assets
Net profits or losses from other assets amounted to EUR 72 million in Q3 17 (EUR 62 million in Q3 16) and consist principally of the capital gain on the sale of SG Fortune shares amounting to EUR 74 million.
Earnings per share amounts to EUR 2.98 in 9M 17 (EUR 3.94 in 9M 16). When adjusted for non- economic items, EPS is EUR 3.12 in 9M 17 (EUR 4.19 in 9M 16).
2. THE GROUP’S FINANCIAL STRUCTURE
Group shareholders’ equity totalled EUR 60.3 billion at September 30th, 2017 (EUR 62.0 billion at December 31st, 2016). Net asset value per share was EUR 63.59, including EUR 1.35 of unrealised capital gains. Tangible net asset value per share was EUR 57.31.
The consolidated balance sheet totalled EUR 1,339 billion at September 30th, 2017 (EUR 1,382 billion at December 31st, 2016). The net amount of customer loan outstandings, including lease financing, was EUR 393 billion at September 30th, 2017 (EUR 403 billion at December 31st, 2016) – excluding assets and securities sold under repurchase agreements. At the same time, customer deposits amounted to EUR 383 billion, vs. EUR 397 billion at December 31st, 2016 (excluding assets and securities sold under repurchase agreements).
At September 30th, 2017, the parent company had issued EUR 21.7 billion of medium/long-term debt (representing the achievement of 90% of the 2017 financing programme of EUR 24.1 billion), having an average maturity of 4.35 years and an average spread of 19.2 basis points (vs. the 6-month mid- swap, excluding subordinated debt). The subsidiaries had issued EUR 3.7 billion. At September 30th, 2017, the Group had issued a total of EUR 25.4 billion of medium/long-term debt. The LCR (Liquidity Coverage Ratio) was well above regulatory requirements at 116% at end-September 2017, vs. 142% at end-December 2016.
The Group’s risk-weighted assets (RWA) amounted to EUR 352.9 billion at September 30th, 2017 (vs. EUR 355.5 billion at end-December 2016) according to CRR/CRD4 rules. Risk-weighted assets in respect of credit risk represent 82.0% of the total, at EUR 289.5 billion, down -1.6% vs. December 31st, 2016.
At September 30th, 2017, the Group’s fully-loaded Common Equity Tier 1 ratio stood at 11.7%(1) (11.5% at end-December 2016), up +19 basis points vs. end-December 2016. The Tier 1 ratio stood at 14.3% at end-September 2017 (14.5% at end-December 2016) and the total capital ratio amounted to 17.6%.
With a level of 21.6% of RWA and 6.4% of leveraged exposure at end-September 2017, the Group’s TLAC ratio is already above the FSB’s requirements for 2019.
The leverage ratio stood at 4.3% at September 30th, 2017 (4.2% at end-December 2016, 4.2% at end-June 2017).
The Group is rated by the rating agencies DBRS (long-term rating: “A (high)” with a stable outlook; short-term rating: “R-1(middle)” and long-term Critical Obligations Rating of “AA” and short-term Critical Obligations Rating of “R-1(high)”), FitchRatings (long-term senior unsecured preferred rating raised on September 28th 2017 to “A+” with a stable outlook; short-term rating: “F1” and long-term Derivative Counterparty Rating at “A(dcr)”), Moody’s (long-term deposit and senior unsecured ratings: “A2” with a stable outlook; short-term rating: “P-1” and long-term Counterparty Risk Assessment of “A1” and short-term Counterparty Risk Assessment of “P-1”), Standard & Poor’s (long-term rating: “A” with a stable outlook; short-term rating: “A-1”) and R&I (long-term rating: “A” with a stable outlook).
The healthy commercial momentum enjoyed by French Retail Banking continued in Q3 17, in line with H1 2017. It was accompanied by solid profitability against a backdrop of low interest rates and the transformation of the business model.
Activity and net banking income
French Retail Banking’s three brands (Societe Generale, Crédit du Nord and Boursorama) continued their commercial expansion, particularly for growth drivers.
In the individual customer segment, Boursorama maintained a robust customer acquisition momentum in 9M 17 (28% increase vs. 9M 16) and strengthened its position as the leading online bank in France, with nearly 1.2 million customers at end-September 2017. Overall, French Retail Banking had 11.6 million individual customers at end-September 2017.
In the business segment, French Retail Banking entered into relationships with more than 3,500 new companies in the first nine months of the year (+4% vs. 9M 16) thanks to various initiatives, in particular SG Entrepreneurs, which aims to offer a comprehensive range of products and services to entrepreneurs.
Finally, in the professional customer segment, the number of new customers remains dynamic (2% increase in 9M 17). As part of the rollout of the new “Pro Corners” (“Espaces Pro”) model nationwide, Societe Generale opened two new “XL Pro Corners” in Nice and Lyon in September in order to offer its professional customers greater proximity and more expertise.
French Retail Banking’s housing loan production came to EUR 5.5 billion, up +3.3% vs. Q3 16. Home loan outstandings increased +2.4% in Q3 17. Corporate investment loan production enjoyed robust growth (+9.2% vs. Q3 16 at EUR 2.5 billion), while average investment outstandings rose +1.7%. Overall, average outstanding loans grew +1.4% vs. Q3 16 to EUR 186.4 billion.
Average outstanding balance sheet deposits came to EUR 197.4 billion at end-September 2017. They were up +5.7%, driven by the strong growth in sight deposits (+16.2%), particularly in the business segment. As a result, the average loan/deposit ratio amounted to 94% at end-September 2017 (vs. 100% on average in 2016).
French Retail Banking’s growth drivers were also healthy, with an increase in assets under management for Private Banking in France (+6.2% vs. Q3 16) and life insurance outstandings up +1.6% at EUR 92 billion.
Net banking income (after neutralising the impact of PEL/CEL provisions) amounted to EUR 1,923 million, down -6.6%. In an environment of low interest rates, increased prepayments and a significant loan renegotiation volume in 2017, Q3 17 saw the Group carry out an operation to adjust the hedging costs of its home loans for the years concerned by the prepayments and renegotiations, the amount of assets hedged having become lower than the sum of the hedging swaps. This operation, which will generate positive impacts over several years, as from 2018, resulted in a EUR -88 million loss in net banking income in Q3 17.
Excluding this operation, net banking income was down -2.3% vs. Q3 16. This was due primarily to the contraction in interest income (-6.6% excluding the adjustment of hedging costs), which was adversely affected by mortgage renegotiations and prepayments.
The good momentum on commissions continued this quarter, with growth of +4.0% in Q3 17 (and +4.6% in 9M 17), reflecting the transition to a fee-generating model. Still buoyant brokerage and life insurance activities, particularly for unit-linked contracts, resulted in a sharp rise in financial commissions (+22.7% in Q3 17 and +19.4% in 9M 17). The increase also reflects the higher contribution from Antarius, after Societe Generale acquired total control of the insurance company. Service commissions remained robust (-0.8% in Q3 17 and +0.7% in 9M 17) particularly for business customers.
In 9M 17, net banking income (after neutralising the impact of PEL/CEL provisions) came to EUR 6,030 million, down -3.6% (including the adjustment of hedging costs) in accordance with expectations of a decline of between -3.0% and -3.5% in 2017.
Operating expenses
French Retail Banking’s operating expenses came to EUR -1,376 million, up +2.2% vs. Q3 16, reflecting investments in the digital transformation process and fast-growing activities, whereas other operating expenditure remained under control. Operating expenses rose +2.8% in 9M 17, in line with the Group’s expectations of an increase of between +3% and +3.5% in 2017. As part of its transformation plan, the Group notably closed 18 branches in France in Q3 17 (and 83 in the first nine months of 2017).
Operating income
The net cost of risk was down -38% vs. Q3 16, with the cost of risk continuing on the downward trend of previous quarters to a low level of 21 basis points (vs. 36 basis points in Q3 16), reflecting the quality of the portfolio. In 9M 17, the net cost of risk decreased by -27% compared with the previous year.
Operating income totalled EUR 455 million in Q3 17 (EUR 522 million in Q3 16) and EUR 1,438 million in 9M 17 (EUR 1,593 million in 9M 16).
Contribution to Group net income
French Retail Banking’s contribution to Group net income amounted to EUR 310 million in Q3 17 (EUR 353 million in Q3 16) and EUR 988 million in 9M 17 (EUR 1,084 million in 9M 16).
When restated for the adjustment of hedging costs, the IFRIC 21 charge and the PEL/CEL provision, the division’s profitability remains robust, with a RONE of 12.1% in Q3 17 (vs. 12.8% in Q3 16) and 12.7% in 9M 17 (14.1% in 9M 16).
4. INTERNATIONAL RETAIL BANKING & FINANCIAL SERVICES
The division’s net banking income totalled EUR 1,988 million in Q3 17, up +3.8% vs. Q3 16, driven by the growth in activity in all regions and businesses. Operating expenses increased +4.0% over the period, in accordance with the investment policy. Gross operating income totalled EUR 916 million in Q3 17 (+3.6% vs. Q3 16). The net cost of risk continued to improve, amounting to EUR -111 million (-46.4% vs. Q3 16). The division’s contribution to Group net income totalled EUR 500 million in Q3 17, up +9.4% vs. Q3 16.
Revenues amounted to EUR 5,975 million in 9M 17, up +6.1% vs. 9M 16. Operating income was EUR 2,388 million (+31.3% vs. 9M 16) and the contribution to Group net income came to EUR 1.5 billion (+25.8%).
International Retail Banking
At end-September 2017, International Retail Banking’s outstanding loans had risen +4.8% (+7.9%) vs. Q3 16, to EUR 86.2 billion; the increase was particularly strong in Europe, especially in the individual customer segment. Deposit inflow remained high in virtually all the international operations; outstanding deposits totalled EUR 77.7 billion at end-September 2017, up +4.9% (+9.0%) year-on- year.
After adjustment for structure effects (disposal of Splitska Banka in Croatia and Bank Republic in Georgia), there was a significant increase in International Retail Banking’s financial performance, in line with previous quarters. Revenues were 2.7% higher than in Q3 16 (+6.7%), underpinned by the healthy commercial momentum, while the increase in operating expenses (+0.9%, +4.7%) reflects investments in fast-growing activities. Gross operating income came to EUR 564 million, up +5.0% (+9.5%*) vs. Q3 16. International Retail Banking’s contribution to Group net income amounted to EUR 278 million in Q3 17 (+31.1% vs. Q3 16), due primarily to the decline in the net cost of risk (-51.5% vs. Q3 16).
International Retail Banking’s net banking income totalled EUR 3,893 million in 9M 17, up +4.2% (+5.5%) vs. 9M 16. The contribution to Group net income came to EUR 749 million in 9M 17 vs. EUR 529 million in 9M 16 (+41.6%).
In Western Europe, outstanding loans were up +14.4% vs. Q3 16, at EUR 17.4 billion, and resulted in revenue growth of +8.2%. In Q3 17, the region’s net banking income totalled EUR 198 million and gross operating income EUR 105 million, up 18.0%. The contribution to Group net income came to EUR 53 million, up +35.9% vs. Q3 16.
In the Czech Republic, the commercial momentum continued in Q3 17. Outstanding loans rose +10.5% (+6.2%), driven by home loans and consumer loans. Outstanding deposits climbed +13.8% (+9.4%) year-on-year. At EUR 258 million in Q3 17, revenues were slightly higher (+0.4%, -3.1%), given the persistent low interest rate environment. Over the same period, operating expenses were up +8.1% (+4.3%) at EUR -134 million, due to an increase in payroll costs in a full employment environment. The contribution to Group net income amounted to EUR 57 million (-14.9% vs. Q3 16, when the contribution to Group net income benefited from the capital gain on the disposal of a payment services subsidiary).
In Romania, the franchise expanded in a buoyant economic environment but in a highly competitive banking sector, with outstanding loans growing +4.9% (+8.3%) and deposits rising +1.4% (+4.7%). Outstanding loans totalled EUR 6.7 billion, primarily on the back of the growth in the individual customer and large corporate segments. Deposits totalled EUR 9.3 billion. In this context, net banking income rose +5.3% (+8.0%). Operating expenses were up +2.5% (+5.1%), given the investments in the network’s transformation. Concerning the net cost of risk, Q3 17 was again marked by provision write-backs, which led to a negative net cost of risk of EUR +10 million. As a result, the BRD group’s contribution to Group net income was EUR 31 million; it was EUR 16 million in Q3 16.
In other European countries, outstanding loans were down -15.2% and deposits were down -19.1% vs. Q3 16, due to the disposal of Splitska Banka and Bank Republic. When adjusted for changes in Group structure and at constant exchange rates, outstanding loans and outstanding deposits were up +8.3% and +9.5% respectively. In Q3 17, revenues rose +3.1% when adjusted for changes in Group structure and at constant exchange rates (-22.4% in absolute terms), while operating expenses were down -1.0% (-24.4% in absolute terms) as a result of the cost control in all countries in the region. The contribution to Group net income came to EUR 35 million (EUR 38 million in Q3 16), with the decline in the net cost of risk (-36.0%) largely offsetting the decline in gross operating income following the disposal of Splitska Banka. Overall, the region’s contribution to Group net income was up +32.8%, when adjusted for changes in Group structure and at constant exchange rates.
In Russia, activity in the individual customer segment continued to expand against the backdrop of a stabilisation in the economic environment. Outstanding loans were up +6.3% (+4.5%), driven both by corporate loans (+2.1%) and loans to individual customers (+6.2%). Outstanding deposits were substantially higher (+15.8%, +15.7%), both for individual and business customers, contributing to the improvement in the financing cost for the Group’s entities in Russia. Net banking income for SG Russia totalled EUR 205 million in Q3 17, up +18.0% (+13.3%). Operating expenses remained under control at EUR -141 million, +7.0% (+2.8%) and the net cost of risk was substantially lower at EUR -11 million (-77.8% vs. Q3 16). Overall, SG Russia made a positive contribution to Group net income of EUR 38 million in Q3 17 (corresponding to a RONE of 13%). SG Russia’s contribution to Group net income was EUR 7 million in Q3 16.
In Africa and other regions where the Group operates, outstanding loans rose +2.4% (+5.6% vs. Q3 16) to EUR 18.9 billion, with a healthy commercial momentum in the majority of African operations. Outstanding deposits were up +4.6% (+7.8%) at EUR 19.0 billion. Net banking income came to EUR 377 million in Q3 17, an increase vs. Q3 16 (+6.5%, +10.3%). Over the same period, operating expenses rose +8.1% (+11.6%), accompanying the development of the businesses in the region. The contribution to Group net income came to EUR 71 million in Q3 17, up +29.1% vs. Q3 16.
Insurance
The life insurance savings business saw outstandings climb +16.5% in Q3 17 vs. Q3 16, reflecting the integration of Antarius’ life insurance outstandings.
There was further growth in Personal Protection insurance (premiums up +9.8% vs. Q3 16). Likewise, Property/Casualty insurance continued to grow (premiums up +10.5% vs. Q3 16), with substantial growth internationally (+23.2% vs. Q3 16), driven by car and home insurance.
The Insurance business turned in a good financial performance in Q3 17, with net banking income up +14.5% vs. Q3 16 at EUR 253 million (+8.2% when adjusted for changes in Group structure and at constant exchange rates), and a still low cost to income ratio (35.2% in Q3 17). The contribution to Group net income increased +11.5% in Q3 17 to EUR 107 million.
Financial Services to Corporates
Financial Services to Corporates maintained its commercial momentum in Q3 2017.
Operational Vehicle Leasing and Fleet Management experienced another substantial increase in its vehicle fleet in Q3 17 (+9.8%).
Equipment Finance enjoyed a good level of new business in Q3 17, with an increase of +1.4% (+2.7%) vs. Q3 16. Outstanding loans were up +3.2% (+4.7%) vs. Q3 16, at EUR 16.8 billion (excluding factoring), in a highly competitive environment adversely affecting new business margins.
Financial Services to Corporates’ net banking income rose +1.4% to EUR 426 million in Q3 17 (-1.1%). Operating expenses were higher over the period at EUR -218 million (+14.1%, 12.5%, vs. Q3 16), due to operating and technological investments related to the development of activities. The contribution to Group net income was EUR 130 million, down -17.2% vs. Q3 16, following the disposal of 20.18% of ALD’s capital as part of its stock market floatation.
In 9M 17, Financial Services to Corporates’ net banking income came to EUR 1,334 million (+9.1%, +3.9%*, vs. 9M 16) and the contribution to Group net income was EUR 459 million (+6.0% vs. 9M 16).
With net banking income of EUR 1,955 million in Q3 17, Global Banking & Investor Solutions saw its revenues decline -14.7% in Q3 17 vs. Q3 16 (EUR 2,292 million), which benefited from a good level of activity.
The division’s net banking income totalled EUR 6,770 million in 9M 17, down -4.4% vs. 9M 16.
Global Markets & Investor Services
Global Markets & Investor Services’ net banking income amounted to EUR 1,160 million in Q3 17, down -20.7% vs. Q3 16 and -4.9% vs. 9M 16 at EUR 4,334 million. The first signs of a slowdown observed in Q2 intensified, with sluggish trading activity in August and a late rebound at the end of the quarter. While world markets continued on their upward trend, Q3 was marked primarily by the “wait- and-see” attitude of investors, in conjunction with historically low volatility.
At EUR 496 million in Q3 17 (EUR 1,859 million in 9M 17), the net banking income of Fixed Income, Currencies & Commodities declined -27.8% vs. Q3 16 and -7.3% vs. 9M 16, in a lacklustre market, characterised by a low volatility environment and reduced investor activity. In this context, structured products turned in a good performance, confirming the successful expansion of our cross-asset structured products franchise. In contrast, flow product revenues were lower on all underlyings, particularly on Rates, impacted by low volatility, and on Credit, hit by very tight spreads.
The net banking income of Equities and Prime Services was down -19.3% vs. Q3 16 and -5% vs. 9M 16.
Equities’ net banking income was EUR 359 million in Q3 17 (down -25.5% vs. Q3 16), and EUR 1,470 million in 9M 17 (-7.5% vs. 9M 16). Impacted by historically low volatility, structured product revenues plummeted in Q3 17, despite resilient commercial activity. In this context, flow products also experienced limited activity, particularly on flow derivatives. However, the Group retained its leadership position in this segment (No. 2 globally based on Euronext Global volumes).
Prime Services’ net banking income totalled EUR 139 million in Q3 17 (up +3.0% vs. Q3 16) and EUR 491 million in 9M 17 (+4.0% vs. 9M 16). The business continued with the proactive development of its franchises.
Securities Services’ assets under custody amounted to EUR 3,955 billion at end-September 2017, down -2.0% year-on-year. Over the same period, assets under administration were up +9.9% at EUR 654 billion. Securities Services’ revenues were up +4.4% in Q3 17 vs. Q3 16 at EUR 166 million (and +5.1% vs. 9M 16). The business saw an increase in commissions, particularly on custody and settlement/delivery activity, and benefited from a less unfavourable rate environment.
Financing & Advisory
Financing & Advisory’s net banking income came to EUR 569 million, stable vs. Q3 16 (-0.7%), and EUR 1,693 million in 9M 17 (-5.0% vs. 9M 16). Revenues were higher for the Asset Financing division, which benefited from good commercial activity with an increase in volumes, and the Capital Markets division, which maintained the healthy momentum of previous quarters, bolstered primarily by the excellent performance of the securitisation and leveraged finance businesses. Despite a good commercial momentum, reflected in higher origination volumes than last year, the Natural Resources division continued to suffer from a particularly lacklustre commodities market.
Asset and Wealth Management
The net banking income of the Asset and Wealth Management business line totalled EUR 226 million in Q3 17, down -11.7% vs. Q3 16. Net banking income was stable at EUR 743 million in 9M 17 (-0.4% vs. 9M 16).
Private Banking’s assets under management amounted to EUR 119 billion at end-September 2017. Driven by positive inflow in Q3 17, assets under management were 2.6% higher than at end- December 2016. Net banking income was down -14.9% vs. Q3 16, at EUR 177 million, and -3.1% vs. 9M 16, at EUR 589 million.
Lyxor’s assets under management came to EUR 110 billion (+3.8% vs. end-December 2016), underpinned by healthy inflow. Lyxor retained its No. 2 ETF ranking in Europe, with a market share of 10.3% (source ETFGI). Net banking income amounted to EUR 45 million in Q3 17 (+7.1% vs. Q3 16) and EUR 140 million (+19.7% vs. 9M 16), driven by an excellent commercial momentum on ETFs.
Operating expenses
Global Banking & Investor Solutions’ operating expenses were down -5.9% in Q3 17 vs. Q3 16. They were up +1.6% in 9M 17 due to a base effect related to the partial refund of the Euribor fine(2) in Q1 16. When restated for this effect, operating expenses were down -2.6% vs. 9M 16, reflecting cost control efforts implemented via the 2015-2017 transformation plan. They more than offset the increase in regulatory constraints. The cost to income ratio stood at 77.0% in 9M 17.
Operating income
Gross operating income came to EUR 388 million (down -38% vs. Q3 16), and EUR 1,554 million (down -20.2% vs. 9M 16).
The net cost of risk remained at a very low level for the fourth consecutive quarter, with a net write- back of EUR +8 million in Q3 17, an improvement compared with EUR -36 million in Q3 16. The net cost of risk was EUR -16 million in 9M 17 (EUR -282 million in 9M 16).
The division’s operating income totalled EUR 396 million in Q3 17 (down -32.9% vs. Q3 16) and EUR 1,538 million in 9M 17 (down -7.7% vs. 9M 16).
Net income
The division’s contribution to Group net income came to EUR 316 million in Q3 17 (-32.6% vs. Q3 16) and EUR 1,198 million in 9M 17. When restated for the effect of IFRIC 21, the division’s RONE amounted to 11.5% in 9M 17 (11.0% in absolute terms).
The Corporate Centre’s net banking income totalled EUR 76 million in Q3 17 (EUR -239 million in Q3 16), and EUR 23 million excluding the revaluation of the Group’s own financial liabilities (EUR -2 million in Q3 16).
Gross operating income was EUR 90 million in Q3 17 vs. EUR -212 million in Q3 16. When restated for the revaluation of own financial liabilities, gross operating income amounted to EUR 37 million in Q3 17 (vs. EUR 25 million in Q3 16). When restated for these non-economic items and exceptional items of previous quarters in 2017 and 2016, gross operating income came to EUR -118 million in 9M 17 vs. EUR -163 million in 9M 16. The Corporate Centre’s gross operating income, excluding non- economic and exceptional items, is expected to be above EUR -500 million for full-year 2017.
The net cost of risk amounted to EUR -301 million and includes an additional allocation to the provision for disputes of EUR 300 million.
The item “net profits or losses from other assets” amounted to EUR 72 million in Q3 17 and consists mainly of the capital gain on the disposal of SG Fortune for EUR 74 million before inclusion of the tax effect.
The Corporate Centre’s contribution to Group net income was EUR -194 million in Q3 17 (EUR -950 million in 9M 17), vs. EUR -180 million in Q3 16 (EUR -164 million in 9M 16). When restated for the impact of the revaluation of own financial liabilities, the Corporate Centre’s contribution to Group net income was EUR -232 million in Q3 17 (EUR -846 million in 9M 17) vs. EUR -25 million in Q3 16 (EUR 35 million in 9M 16).
7. CONCLUSION
Societe Generale generated Group net income, excluding non-economic items, of EUR 894 million in Q3 2017. Underlying Group net income increased by 16.9% to EUR 3,616 million in the first nine months of the year.
These results reflect the good performance of International Retail Banking & Financial Services whose commercial momentum continued in all the businesses. French Retail Banking delivered a solid performance, despite the adjustment of hedging costs, and confirmed its revenue and cost guidance for 2017. In a historically low volatility environment, Global Banking & Investor Solutions was affected by the decline in Global Markets.
Moreover, the significant decline in the net cost of risk (excluding provision for disputes) illustrates the Group’s intention to maintain a rigorous risk management policy.
will present its strategic plan on November 28th.
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