FORM 6-K SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Report of Foreign Private Issuer Pursuant to Rule 13a - 16 or 15d - 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the month of July, 2005 HSBC Holdings plc 42nd Floor, 8 Canada Square, London E14 5HQ, England (Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F). Form 20-F X Form 40-F ...... (Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Yes....... No X (If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- ..............) The following is the text of an advertisement which is to be published in the press in Malta on 23 July 2005 by HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c., a 70.03 per cent indirectly-held subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc. HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. Half-Yearly Results for 2005 Review of Performance The published figures, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards for interim financial statements (IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting'), have been extracted from HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c.'s unaudited group management accounts for the six months ended 30 June 2005. The tax charge for the period amounted to Lm6.4 million. The half-yearly results are being published in terms of Chapters 8 and 9 of the Listing Rules of the Listing Authority - Malta Financial Services Authority. These figures have been drawn up according to the accounting policies used in the preparation of the annual audited accounts, except for a change in the basis of accounting for investments in subsidiary companies, which were previously measured to fair value with revaluation adjustments recognised through revaluation reserves. In order to align its policies with those of its ultimate parent company, HSBC Holdings plc, HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. now measures its investment in subsidiary companies at cost. The published figures also take into account revisions arising from the IAS Improvements project, as well as the adoption of the new series of International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS'). The revised standards that had a significant effect on the group's financial statements include IAS 10 'Events after the Balance Sheet Date' and IAS 27 'Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements', and together with the newly adopted IFRS 2 'Share-based Payment', these standards have been applied retrospectively. Comparative figures have therefore been restated accordingly. The group adopted IFRS 4 'Insurance Contracts' from 1 January 2005. Under IAS 10 as revised, dividends declared after the balance sheet date are no longer recognised in reserves at the balance sheet date. IAS 27 now requires that all subsidiaries be consolidated on a line-by-line basis. Accordingly, the revenues, costs and third party assets of HSBC Life Assurance (Malta) Limited are no longer being reported in aggregate on single lines within 'other operating income' and 'other assets'. IFRS 2 requires entities to recognise share-based payments, in respect of awards granted after 7 November 2002, at fair value at the date of the grant, which is to be amortised over the vesting period. IFRS 4 requires certain insurance products with insignificant insurance risk to be accounted for under IAS 39 'Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement'. HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. and its subsidiaries recorded a profit before tax of Lm18.5 million for the six months ended 30 June 2005. The tax charge for the period amounted to Lm6.4 million. Operating profit before net loan impairment releases is recorded at Lm17.5 million and represents an increase of 14.3 per cent over the Lm15.3 million earned during the same period in 2004. Earnings per share for the first six months ended 30 June 2005 decreased to 16.6 cents compared to 18.0 cents for the first six months of 2004. Comparative data have been adjusted for the April 2005 two-for-one share split. - Profit attributable to shareholders of Lm12.1 million, a decrease of 8.1 per cent over the Lm13.2 million earned during the same period in 2004 which was influenced by a much higher level of impairment releases. - Net interest income up by 11.9 per cent over prior year to Lm21.3 million. - Non-interest income increased by 8.7 per cent, contributing Lm12.1 million to net operating income. - Administrative expenses increased by 8.7 per cent, mainly due to higher performance-based compensation for all staff. The cost:income ratio improved from 49.1 per cent to 47.5 per cent. - The net release in impairment provisions totalled Lm1.0 million. New specific allowances of Lm0.5 million were raised and bad debt write-offs of Lm2.4 million were effected. An overall improvement in the credit quality of the lending book reduced non-performing loans from Lm82.3 million to Lm70.7 million. This contributed towards the release of Lm3.3 million in specific allowances and Lm0.6 million in collective allowances. - Customer deposits amounted to Lm1,331.5 million at 30 June 2005 compared with Lm1,295.8 million at 31 December 2004. Collective investment schemes managed by the group grew by Lm28.7 million, whilst life assurance assets grew by Lm9.5 million during the period. - Loans and advances to customers were Lm1,026.7 million at 30 June 2005 - up Lm50.4 million or 5.2 per cent over 31 December 2004. - Total assets amounted to Lm1.63 billion at 30 June 2005 compared with Lm1.60 billion at 31 December 2004. Shaun Wallis, Director and Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c., said: "Our results for the first six months confirm the business momentum we have been building, with solid growth in all three customer groups. Our focus is on maximising existing business relationships through a clear understanding of clients' needs. "In our personal financial services business, we have concentrated on providing excellent customer service supported by strong sales management. Commercial banking is similarly focussed on quality customer service and making 'business more personal'. Both customer groups have recorded significant increases in all areas as a result. Our treasury and capital markets division has also reported healthy growth supported by higher volumes of foreign exchange earnings and the sale of securities. "The Board has recommended an ordinary interim dividend of 19.1 cents gross per share and additionally a special dividend of 27.4 cents gross per share, giving a total interim dividend of 46.5 cents gross per share. This will be payable to shareholders who are on the company's register of shareholders as at 29 July 2005. The ordinary interim dividend payment of Lm9.1 million has been set at 75 per cent of year-to-date earnings. The special dividend payment of Lm13.0 million is earmarked out of retained reserves built up from earnings over the last six years and is surplus to local regulatory capital requirements, internal capital plans and normal global banking practice. "We would like to thank our customers for their support during the first six months of this year and to thank our staff for their continued high level of commitment to customer service. "We remain optimistic about the economic activity in Malta for the remainder of the year and our business prospects." HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c., a member of the HSBC Group, has more than 1,400 staff and 60 offices. With over 9,800 offices in 77 countries and territories and over 110 million customers worldwide at 31 December 2004, the HSBC Group is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations. For more information about HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. and its products and services, visit our website at www.hsbc.com.mt. Income Statement for the period 1 January 2005 to 30 June 2005 Group Bank 6 mths to 6 mths to 6 mths to 6 mths to 30/6/05 30/6/04 30/6/05 30/6/04 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Interest receivable and similar income - on loans and advances and balances with Central Bank of Malta 29,430 27,764 27,877 26,004 - on debt and other fixed income instruments 5,536 5,081 6,232 5,785 Interest payable (13,671) (13,812) (13,808) (13,952) Net interest income 21,295 19,033 20,301 17,837 Fees and commissions receivable 5,587 5,239 4,427 4,306 Fees and commissions payable (359) (327) (287) (279) Dividend income 38 42 338 2,042 Trading profits 3,598 2,968 3,607 2,974 Net income from insurance financial instruments designated at fair value 3,860 2,581 - - Net gains on disposal of non-trading financial instruments 1,221 1,749 1,267 1,018 Net earned insurance premiums 8,305 7,067 - - Other operating income 677 664 2 56 Total operating income 44,222 39,016 29,655 27,954 Net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholder liabilities (10,857) (8,883) - - Net operating income 33,365 30,133 29,655 27,954 Administrative expenses (14,410) (13,255) (13,711) (12,610) Depreciation (1,423) (1,388) (1,367) (1,345) Net amortisation of goodwill - (145) - (103) Operating profit 17,532 15,345 14,577 13,896 Net loan impairment (charges)/releases 954 4,468 939 4,467 Profit on ordinary activities before tax 18,486 19,813 15,516 18,363 Tax on profit on ordinary activities (6,396) (6,662) (5,297) (6,452) Profit for the financial period attributable to shareholders 12,090 13,151 10,219 11,911 Earnings per share 16.6c 18.0c 14.0c 16.3c Balance Sheet at 30 June 2005 Group Bank 30/6/05 31/12/04 30/6/05 31/12/04 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Assets Balances with Central Bank of Malta, treasury bills and cash 87,116 106,806 87,114 106,781 Cheques in course of collection 5,324 4,458 5,324 4,458 Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 88,158 77,359 6,103 4,826 Investments 234,167 238,446 264,065 268,226 Loans and advances to banks 126,785 131,283 160,859 172,363 Loans and advances to customers 1,026,740 976,296 941,501 884,868 Shares in subsidiary companies - - 19,850 19,850 Intangible assets 9,457 8,782 754 964 Tangible fixed assets 30,018 30,993 29,667 30,620 Other assets 5,961 6,302 5,009 5,381 Prepayments and accrued income 13,722 16,486 13,164 15,716 Total assets 1,627,448 1,597,211 1,533,410 1,514,053 Liabilities Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 5,901 9,917 5,901 9,917 Amounts owed to banks 43,231 48,336 43,231 48,336 Amounts owed to customers 1,331,472 1,295,758 1,334,224 1,296,687 Debt securities in issue 12 12 - - Deferred taxation 3,521 2,251 1,252 561 Other liabilities 85,951 71,443 15,641 11,379 Accruals and deferred income 15,756 15,101 15,598 14,818 Provisions for liabilities and other charges 2,255 26 2,065 26 Subordinated liabilities - 19,914 - 20,000 1,488,099 1,462,758 1,417,912 1,401,724 Shareholders' funds Called up share capital 9,120 9,120 9,120 9,120 Revaluation reserves 10,616 11,086 10,567 11,092 Other reserves 4,242 4,242 4,242 4,242 Profit and loss account 115,371 110,005 91,569 87,875 139,349 134,453 115,498 112,329 Total liabilities 1,627,448 1,597,211 1,533,410 1,514,053 Memorandum items Contingent liabilities 41,179 46,806 41,589 47,226 Commitments 343,960 320,159 352,903 328,104 The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 22 July 2005 and signed on its behalf by: Albert Mizzi, Chairman Shaun Wallis, Director and Chief Executive Officer Statement of Changes in Equity for the period 1 January 2005 to 30 June 2005 Group Share Revaluation Other Profit and Total capital reserves reserves loss account Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 At 1 January 2004 9,120 10,978 4,242 106,822 131,162 Net fair value adjustments on investments not recognised in the profit and loss account - 453 - - 453 Release of previously recorded net gains on available-for-sale assets transferred to the income statement on disposal - (1,556) - - (1,556) Profit attributable to shareholders - - - 13,151 13,151 Dividends - - - (5,833) (5,833) At 30 June 2004 9,120 9,875 4,242 114,140 137,377 At 31 December 2004 as previously stated 9,120 11,086 4,242 110,125 134,573 Net effect of change arising from retrospective applicaion of IFRS 2 - - - (120) (120) At 31 December 2004 as restated 9,120 11,086 4,242 110,005 134,453 At 1 January 2005 9,120 11,086 4,242 110,005 134,453 Impact of adoption of IFRS 4 - - - (199) (199) At 1 January 2005 as restated 9,120 11,086 4,242 109,806 134,254 Net fair value adjustments on investments not recognised in the profit and loss account - 257 - - 257 Transfer between reserves on disposal of property - 52 - (52) - Release of previously recorded net gains on available -for-sale assets transferred to the income statement on disposal - (779) - - (779) Profit attributable to shareholders - - - 12,090 12,090 Dividends - - - (6,473) (6,473) At 30 June 2005 9,120 10,616 4,242 115,371 139,349 Bank Profit Share Revaluation Other and loss Total capital reserves reserves account Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 At 31 December 2003 as previously stated 9,120 32,069 4,242 85,626 131,057 Effect of change in accounting policy for valuation of investment in subsidiary companies - (21,752) - - (21,752) At 31 December 2003 as restated 9,120 10,317 4,242 85,626 109,305 At 1 January 2004 as restated 9,120 10,317 4,242 85,626 109,305 Net fair value adjustments on investments not recognised in the profit and loss account - 447 - - 447 Release of previously recorded net gains on available-for-sale assets transferred to the income statement on disposal - (862) - - (862) Profit attributable to shareholders - - - 11,911 11,911 Dividends - - - (5,833) (5,833) At 30 June 2004 as restated 9,120 9,902 4,242 91,704 114,968 At 31 December 2004 as previously stated 9,120 33,265 4,242 87,995 134,622 Effect of change in accounting policy for valuation of investment in subsidiary companies - (22,173) - - (22,173) Net effect of change arising from retrospective application of IFRS 2 - - - (120) (120) At 31 December 2004 as restated 9,120 11,092 4,242 87,875 112,329 At 1 January 2005 9,120 11,092 4,242 87,875 112,329 Net fair value adjustments on investments not recognised in the profit and loss account - 248 - - 248 Transfer between reserves on disposal of property - 52 - (52) - Release of previously recorded net gains on available-for-sale assets transferred to the income statement on disposal - (825) - - (825) Profit attributable to shareholders - - - 10,219 10,219 Dividends - - - (6,473) (6,473) At 30 June 2005 9,120 10,567 4,242 91,569 115,498 Cash Flow Statement for the period 1 January 2005 to 30 June 2005 Group Bank 6 mths to 6 mths to 6 mths to 6 mths to 30/6/05 30/6/04 30/6/05 30/6/04 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Cash flows from operating activities Interest, commission and premium receipts 50,554 41,826 38,015 31,331 Interest, commission and claim payments (13,989) (15,256) (12,913) (15,148) Payments to employees and suppliers (15,829) (13,924) (14,902) (13,696) Operating profit before changes in operating assets/ liabilities 20,736 12,646 10,200 2,487 (Increase)/decrease in operating assets: Trading instruments 809 (181) 809 (181) Reserve deposits with Central Bank of Malta 73 (964) 73 (968) Loans and advances to banks (6,513) 2,128 (6,515) 3,405 Loans and advances to customers (49,491) (23,540) (55,695) (32,999) Treasury bills with contractual maturity of over three months 29,907 (9,551) 29,907 (7,952) Cheques in course of collection (866) (321) (866) (321) Other receivables (1,031) 1,380 (938) 1,827 Increase/(decrease)in operating liabilities: Amounts owed to banks (22,367) 5,769 (22,367) 5,768 Amounts owed to customers 25,118 31,568 26,941 33,239 Other payables 4,578 423 4,262 (933) Net cash from/(used in) operating activities before income tax 953 19,357 (14,189) 3,372 Tax paid (1,100) (1,298) (933) (1,072) Net cash (used in)/from operating activities (147) 18,059 (15,122) 2,300 Cash flows from investing activities Dividends received 25 28 325 1,328 Income received from financial instruments designated at fair value through profit or loss 695 269 - - Interest received from available-for-sale debt and other fixed income instruments 3,351 2,625 3,351 2,625 Interest received from held-to-maturity debt and other fixed income instruments 2,759 3,344 4,116 4,703 Proceeds on disposal of financial instruments designated at fair value through profit or loss 7,463 1,341 - - Proceeds on disposal of available-for-sale instruments 11,401 10,640 11,299 5,126 Proceeds on maturity of held-to-maturity debt and other fixed income instruments 25,293 35,630 25,293 35,630 Proceeds on disposal of tangible fixed assets 439 17 431 17 Purchase of financial instruments designated at fair value through profit or loss (14,388) (13,047) - - Purchase of available- for-sale instruments (27,961) - (27,961) - Purchase of held-to-maturity debt and other fixed income instruments - (51,298) - (51,298) Purchase of tangible fixed assets (591) (381) (584) (364) Purchase of intangible assets (344) (48) (52) (43) Net cash flows from/(used in) investing activities 8,142 (10,880) 16,218 (2,276) Cash flows from financing activities Dividends paid (6,473) (5,833) (6,473) (5,833) Maturity of subordinated loan stock (19,914) - (20,000) - Cash used in financing activities (26,387) (5,833) (26,473) (5,833) (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (18,392) 1,346 (25,377) (5,809) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 2,588 758 2,538 541 Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (20,980) 588 (27,915) (6,350) (18,392) 1,346 (25,377) (5,809) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 97,051 108,019 138,108 165,217 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 78,659 109,365 112,731 159,408 Segmental Information a Class of business Personal financial Commercial Corporate, investment Group total services banking banking and markets 6 mths 6 mths 6 mths 6 mths 6 mths 6 mths 6 mths 6 mths to to to to to to to to 30/6/05 30/6/04 30/6/05 30/6/04 30/6/05 30/6/04 30/6/05 30/6/04 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Profit before tax Segment operating income 16,048 15,063 11,204 10,435 6,113 4,635 33,365 30,133 Segment impairment allowances (174) (97) 1,128 4,565 - - 954 4,468 Common costs (15,833) (14,788) Profit on ordinary activities before tax 18,486 19,813 30/6/05 30/6/04 30/6/05 30/6/04 30/6/05 30/6/04 30/6/05 30/6/04 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Lm000 Assets Segment total assets 523,987 443,742 658,005 634,696 445,456 510,717 1,627,448 1,589,155 Average total assets 500,335 428,644 654,596 639,365 457,678 496,061 1,612,609 1,564,070 Net assets 39,961 34,726 87,235 84,292 12,153 18,359 139,349 137,377 b Geographical segments The group's activities are carried out within Malta. There are no identifiable geographical segments or other material concentrations. HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. is licensed as a credit institution and provider of investment services by the Malta Financial Services Authority. Registered Office: 233, Republic Street, Valletta VLT 05, Malta. Telephone: (00356) 2380 2380 Company Registration Number: C3177 SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. HSBC Holdings plc By: Name: P A Stafford Title: Assistant Group Secretary Date: 22 July 2005