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  November, 2008

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- ..............).

 

 

7 November 2008




HSBC BANK CANADA

THIRD QUARTER 2008 RESULTS* - HIGHLIGHTS










* Results are prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.



 




HSBC Bank Canada        

                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Financial Commentary





Overview


HSBC Bank Canada recorded net income attributable to common shares for the nine months ended 30 September 2008 of C$418 million which was broadly unchanged from the C$419 million reported in the same period in 2007. Net income attributable to common shares for the quarter ended 30 September 2008 was C$121 million, a decrease of C$24 million, or 16.6 per cent, from C$145 million for the third quarter of 2007. 


Results for the quarter and for the nine months ended 30 September 2008 were impacted by a loss of C$20 million after related income taxes, arising from the sale of the bank's C$1.5 billion automobile loan portfolio in July 2008. Net income attributable to common shares for the nine months ended 30 September 2007 were impacted by gains of C$21 million after related income taxes, from the sale of the bank's shares in the Montreal Exchange. Excluding these items, net income attributable to common shares for the nine months ended 30 September 2008 increased by 10.1 per cent over the same period last year and for the quarter, net income decreased by 2.8 per cent and 0.7 per cent respectively compared to the third quarter of 2007 and the second quarter of 2008.  


Commenting on the results, Lindsay Gordon, President and Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bank Canada, said: "After taking into account the impact of the sale of the bank's automobile loan portfolio, the results for the third quarter showed considerable resilience despite the ongoing volatility in international credit and liquidity markets. 


"Our balance sheet is conservatively positioned, with strong capital ratios including a Tier 1 ratio of 10.6 per cent. We plan to continue our existing strategy of working with our customers to meet their personal and business needs while maintaining close control over credit quality. Our credit ratings are among the best of Canadian banks and we are part of the HSBC Group, one of the world's largest and most strongly capitalized banks. Over 100 million customers worldwide entrust HSBC with US$1.2 trillion in deposits." 


Net interest income


Net interest income for the nine months ended 30 September 2008 was C$900 million compared with C$920 million for the same period last year, a decrease of C$20 million, or 2.2 per cent. Although average interest earning assets increased to C$58.3 billion from C$53.4 billion, this was offset by a decrease in net interest margin to 2.06 per cent compared with 2.30 per cent in 2007. Reductions in the prime rate during 2008 resulted in reduced interest income on our floating rate loans which was not offset by an equal reduction in interest expense as our deposits repriced downwards less quickly. In addition, wider credit spreads experienced across the banking industry adversely impacted the cost of wholesale funding. 


Net interest income for the quarter ended 30 September 2008 was C$306 million compared with C$319 million for the same quarter in 2007, a decrease of C$13 million, or 4.1 per cent. Average interest earning assets for the quarter were C$58.7 billion, 8.1 per cent higher than the same period in 2007. However, this was offset by the effect of the challenging interest rate environment that adversely impacted the net interest margin, decreasing it to 2.07 per cent for the quarter ended 30 September 2008 from 2.33 per cent for the same period in 2007. 


Net interest income for the third quarter of 2008 was C$10 million, or 3.4 per cent higher compared with the second quarter of 2008. Average interest earning assets increased to C$58.7 billion from C$58.2 billion in the previous quarter. The net interest margin of 2.07 per cent was four basis points higher than the previous quarter. This was primarily as a result of reducing the interest rate paid on deposits following reductions in the prime rate earlier in the year. 


Non-interest revenue  


For the nine months ended 30 September 2008, non-interest revenue was C$578 million, C$32 million, or 5.9 per cent, higher compared with C$546 million for the same period last year. 


During the quarter, we recorded, as a reduction of other income, a loss of C$29 million on the disposal of a C$1.5 billion portfolio of automobile loans. This was partially offset by significant increases in activity in the bank's investor immigration programme as well as increases in insurance commissions. Following release of the terms of the expected settlement of the "Montreal Accord" and the impact of wider credit spreads on the value of the bank's holdings of Canadian non-bank sponsored Asset Backed Commercial Paper ("non-bank ABCP"), during the third quarter we recorded a further provision of C$15 million of which C$2 million was recorded as a reduction of trading income, and C$13 million as a loss on available-for-sale securities. The reduction of gains on available-for-sale securities compared to the prior year is also impacted by a C$26 million gain that was recorded in 2007 on the sale of the bank's shares in the Montreal Exchange. 


Revenues from customer banking activities, including deposit and payment service charges and credit fees, were higher due to increased customer activity reflecting the underlying strength of the banking business. Foreign exchange revenues were higher due to initiatives undertaken to improve business with customers. Investment administration fees were higher as a result of increased customer portfolios. Securitization income increased significantly, partially due to increased activity as well as benefiting from the effect of falling interest rates. Trading revenue was higher as widening credit spreads had a considerable positive impact on the value of certain debt obligations recorded at fair value. Further, trading volumes in fixed income instruments increased with changing interest rates as well. Foreign exchange trading revenue grew on increased customer activity and volatile foreign exchange markets. Capital market fees were lower due to lower market activity in 2008 compared to 2007 caused by market uncertainties, particularly new issue and underwriting mandates. 


Non-interest revenue was C$164 million for the third quarter of 2008 compared with C$184 million in the same quarter of 2007, a decrease of C$20 million, or 10.9 per cent. Despite the uncertain markets, deposit and payment service charges and credit fees increased. Securitization income was higher mainly due to increased activity compared to the prior period in 2007. Capital market fees were lower resulting from lower activity owing to uncertainties in the markets. Trading revenue was lower, mainly due to lower impacts of changes in the carrying values of certain debt obligations recorded at fair value compared to the previous year. In addition, the third quarter was impacted by the loss on disposal of the automobile loan portfolio and the additional non-bank ABCP provision. 

 

Non-interest revenue for the third quarter of 2008 was C$31 million lower compared with C$195 million recorded in the previous quarter, mainly due to the loss on disposal of the automobile loan portfolio and the additional non-bank ABCP provision. In addition, capital market fees were lower arising from uncertain markets and securitization income was reduced due to lower activity than the previous quarter. This was partially offset by higher trading revenue mostly arising from the impact of wider credit spreads on the fair value of certain debt obligations. 


Non-interest expenses 


For the nine months ended 30 September 2008, non-interest expenses were C$769 million compared with C$744 million for the same period last year, an increase of C$25 million, or 3.4 per cent. Salaries and benefits grew, reflecting increased staff levels as we expanded the branch network, the direct bank and the payments and cash management businesses. These were offset by lower variable compensation arising from lower capital market fees and lower pension costs. Premises costs increased by C$12 million due to the new branches as well as increases in information technology costs. Other non-interest expenses were higher due to continued investments in the business, as well as higher customer transaction and marketing costs.


Non-interest expenses were C$258 million for the third quarter of 2008 compared with C$246 million for the same quarter of 2007, an increase of C$12 million, or 4.9 per cent. Salary expenses grew reflecting increased numbers of staff. Premises and equipment and other expenses increased mainly as a result of additional investments in information technology, and marketing expenses together with increased operating losses. 


Non-interest expenses for the third quarter were little changed compared to C$259 million for the second quarter of 2008. Salaries and benefits were lower as a result of lower variable compensation arising from lower capital market fees and lower pension and benefit expenses. Premises and equipment expenses decreased due to lower property costs in the third quarter offset by higher marketing expenses and operating losses.  


Credit quality and provision for credit losses


For the nine months ended 30 September 2008, the provision for credit losses was C$72 million compared with C$43 million for the same period in 2007. An increase in retail provisions primarily related to automobile loans and specific provisions relating to the commercial construction, manufacturing and export sectors in 2008 resulted in an increase of C$29 million compared with the same period in 2007.


The provision for credit losses was C$22 million for the third quarter of 2008, little changed from C$21 million recorded in the third quarter of 2007, and C$25 million for the second quarter of 2008. 


Gross impaired credit exposures were C$295 million compared with C$290 million at 30 June 2008, and C$206 million at 30 September 2007. Total impaired exposures, net of specific allowances for credit losses, were C$193 million at 30 September 2008 compared with C$194 million at 30 June 2008 and C$139 million at 30 September 2007. 


The general allowance for credit losses of C$259 million at 30 September 2008 is C$10 million lower than C$269 million at 30 June 2008 and 30 September 2007. This reduction occurred following the sale of the C$1.5 billion automobile loan portfolio during the quarter. The total allowance for credit losses, as a percentage of loans and acceptances outstanding, was 0.79 per cent at 30 September 2008 compared with 0.78 per cent at 30 June 2008 and 0.75 per cent at 30 September 2007. Although the bank has experienced a small increase in non-accrual loans, the overall credit quality of the portfolio remains sound reflecting the bank's prudent lending standards. The bank considers the total allowance for credit losses to be appropriate given the credit quality of its portfolios and the current credit environment.


Income taxes


On a year-to-date basis in 2008, the effective tax rate was 30.3 per cent compared with 34.6 per cent for the same period last year, primarily due to lower statutory tax rates. The effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2008 was 32.1 per cent, which compared to 35.2 per cent in the same quarter of 2007 and 26.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2008, which benefited from the resolution of certain tax deductions from prior years.  


Balance sheet


Total assets at 30 September 2008 were C$66.9 billion, an increase of C$4.0 billion from 31 December 2007, and C$3.3 billion from 30 September 2007. Commercial loans and bankers' acceptances increased by C$1.1 billion from the end of 2007, as commercial activity continued to grow. Although residential mortgage originations increased, this was offset by C$2.7 billion in securitizations in 2008 resulting in a net decrease of about C$440 million. Consumer loans grew by about C$390 million. There was an increase of C$900 million related to part of the industry restructuring of certain non-bank ABCP conduits where the bank re-purchased personal loans that it had previously securitized. During the third quarter, the bank also exercised an option to purchase approximately C$160 million of loans previously securitized. In addition, the bank's consumer loans and other personal lines of credit increased by about C$830 million. These increases were partially offset by the sale of a portfolio of C$1.5 billion of automobile loans. The securities portfolio and securities purchased under reverse repurchase arrangements increased by C$3.4 billion from 31 December 2007, improving the bank's liquidity position.


Total deposits increased by C$2.3 billion to C$51.2 billion at 30 September 2008 from C$48.9 billion at 31 December 2007 and were C$3.7 billion higher compared with C$47.5 billion at 30 September 2007. Personal deposits grew by C$1.4 billion over 31 December 2007 mainly driven by growth in the number of High Rate and Direct Savings accounts. In the same period commercial deposits also increased reflecting strong growth among our commercial clients, while wholesale deposits decreased marginally. 


Total assets under administration


Although the bank benefited from good investment sales, recent declines in equity markets had an adverse impact in funds under management which were C$24.6 billion at 30 September 2008 compared with C$27.1 billion at 30 June 2008 and C$27.1 billion at 30 September 2007. Including custody and administration balances, total assets under administration were C$33.3 billion compared with C$37.8 billion at 30 June 2008 and C$36.4 billion at 30 September 2007.


Capital management


On 1 January 2008, the bank adopted a revised Basel Capital Framework commonly known as "Basel II" to comply with new regulations issued by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada ("OSFI"). In February 2008, OSFI provided the bank with conditional approval, subject to certain conditions, to use the Advanced Internal Ratings Based approach for calculating regulatory capital under the new Framework. In September 2008, OSFI has advised the bank that it has satisfied the conditions that will allow the bank to reduce the transitional floor for Regulatory Capital, as required under OSFI's capital adequacy guidelines, from 100 per cent to 90 per cent, commencing with the third quarter 2008 regulatory reporting period. The bank's Tier 1 and overall capital ratios calculated in accordance with the new framework were 10.6 per cent and 13.2 per cent respectively, compared with 9.3 per cent for Tier 1 and 11.5 per cent overall at 30 June 2008. 


Capital adequacy ratios calculated in accordance with the previous "Basel I" framework were 8.5 per cent for Tier 1 and 10.9 per cent overall at 30 September 2007. Further details of the bank's capital management process, including details of the calculation of capital adequacy under the new "Basel II" framework will be included in the bank's third quarter 2008 report to shareholders. 


Accounting policies adopted in 2008


Effective 1 January 2008, the bank adopted new Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Handbook Standards requiring additional disclosures particularly relating to the management of risk associated with Capital and Financial Instruments. There was no impact on reported results in 2008 arising from the adoption of these new presentation and disclosure standards, which will be reflected in HSBC Bank Canada's third quarter 2008 Report to Shareholders. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation. 


Dividends


During the third quarter of 2008, C$70 million in dividends were declared and paid on the bank's common shares.


Regular quarterly dividends of 31.875 cents per share have been declared on HSBC Bank Canada Class 1 Preferred Shares - Series C and 31.25 cents per share on Class 1 Preferred Shares - Series D. The dividends will be payable on 31 December 2008, to shareholders of record on 15 December 2008. 


About HSBC Bank Canada


HSBC Bank Canada, a subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc, has more than 180 offices. With around 9,500 offices in 85 countries and territories around the world and assets of US$2,547 billion at 30 June 2008, the HSBC Group is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organizations. 


Media enquiries to:

    Ernest Yee

       604-641-2973


    Sharon Wilks

       416-868-3878




Copies of HSBC Bank Canada's third quarter 2008 report will be sent to shareholders in November 2008.


Caution regarding forward-looking financial statements


This document may contain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the business and anticipated financial performance of HSBC Bank Canada. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause such differences include legislative or regulatory developments, technological change, global capital market activity, changes in government monetary and economic policies, changes in prevailing interest rates, inflation level and general economic conditions in geographic areas where HSBC Bank Canada operates.  Canada is an extremely competitive banking environment and pressures on interest rates and the bank's net interest margin may arise from actions taken by individual banks acting alone. Varying economic conditions may also affect equity and foreign exchange markets, which could also have an impact on the bank's revenues. The factors disclosed above may not be complete and there could be other uncertainties and potential risk factors not considered here which may impact the bank's results and financial condition.


 





HSBC Bank Canada

                                                                                                                                   Summary



 

Quarter ended

 

Nine months ended

Figures in C$ millions

30 September

 

30 June

 

30 September

 

30 September

 

30 September

(except per share amounts)

2008

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

                   

Earnings

                 

Net income attributable to

                 

common shares

121

 

142

 

145

 

418

 

419

Basic earnings per share (C$)

0.24

 

0.28

 

0.30

 

0.84

 

0.86

                   

Performance ratios (%) *

                 

Return on average common equity

15.5

 

18.9

 

21.3

 

18.4

 

21.3

Return on average assets

0.70

 

0.83

 

0.91

 

0.82

 

0.90

Net interest margin *

2.07

 

2.03

 

2.33

 

2.06

 

2.30

Cost efficiency ratio **

54.9

 

52.7

 

48.9

 

52.0

 

50.8

Non-interest revenue: total revenue ratio

34.9

 

39.7

 

36.6

 

39.1

 

37.2

                   

Credit information

                 

Gross impaired credit exposures

295

 

290

 

206

       

Allowance for credit losses

                 

– Balance at end of period

361

 

365

 

336

       

– As a percentage of gross impaired

credit exposures

122

%

126

%

163

%

     

– As a percentage of gross loans and
acceptances

0.79

%

0.78

%

0.75

%

     
                   

Average balances*

                 

Assets

69,061

 

68,471

 

62,934

 

68,479

 

62,301

Loans

39,789

 

39,942

 

38,405

 

39,528

 

37,164

Deposits

52,095

 

51,830

 

47,588

 

51,634

 

46,717

Common equity

3,101

 

3,038

 

2,693

 

3,034

 

2,623

                   

Capital ratios (%)***

                 

Tier 1

10.6

 

9.3

 

8.5

       

Total capital

13.2

 

11.5

 

10.9

       
                   

Total assets under administration

               

Funds under management

24,629

 

27,118

 

27,129

       

Custody accounts

8,667

 

10,699

 

9,279

       

Total assets under administration

 

33,296

   

37,817

   

36,408

       


 

*     Net interest margin is net interest income divided by average interest earning assets for the period.

**    The cost efficiency ratio is defined as non-interest expenses divided by total revenue.

***   The capital ratios for the quarters ended 30 September 2008 and 30 June 2008 have been calculated in accordance with the new Basel II capital adequacy framework, while those for the previous period were calculated in accordance with the `previous Basel I framework.  





 




HSBC Bank Canada

                                                                           Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)




 

Quarter ended

 

Nine months ended

 

Figures in C$ millions

30 September

 

30 June

 

30 September

 

30 September

 

30 September

 

(except per share amounts)

2008

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 
                     

Interest and dividend income

                   

Loans

595

 

602

 

663

 

1,839

 

1,876

 

Securities

71

 

65

 

70

 

209

 

199

 

Deposits with regulated financial institutions

16

 

21

 

61

 

73

 

182

 
   

682

   

688

   

794

   

2,121

   

2,257

 
                     

Interest expense

                   

Deposits

367

 

382

 

464

 

1,192

 

1,308

 

Debentures

9

 

10

 

11

 

29

 

29

 
   

376

   

392

   

475

   

1,221

   

1,337

 
                     

Net interest income

 

306

   

296

   

319

   

900

   

920

 
                               

Non-interest revenue

                   

Deposit and payment service charges

27

 

28

 

25

 

82

 

73

 

Credit fees

31

 

30

 

30

 

92

 

85

 

Capital market fees

17

 

27

 

21

 

66

 

82

 

Investment administration fees

34

 

35

 

33

 

102

 

96

 

Foreign exchange

11

 

11

 

10

 

32

 

28

 

Trade finance

6

 

6

 

6

 

17

 

18

 

Trading revenue

37

 

19

 

40

 

107

 

70

 

Gains on available-for-sale securities

(13

)

2

 

(5

)

(11

)

21

 

Gains on other securities

 

1

 

 

2

 

9

 

Securitization income

15

 

21

 

10

 

63

 

29

 

Other

(1

)

15

 

14

 

26

 

35

 
   

164

   

195

   

184

   

578

   

546

 
                     

Total revenue

 

470

   

491

   

503

   

1,478

   

1,466

 
                               

Non-interest expenses

                   

Salaries and employee benefits

139

 

143

 

132

 

424

 

414

 

Premises and equipment

33

 

38

 

31

 

106

 

94

 

Other

86

   

78

 

83

 

239

 

236

 
   

258

   

259

   

246

   

769

   

744

 
                               

Net operating income before provision for

                             

credit losses

 

212

   

232

   

257

   

709

   

722

 

Provision for credit losses

 

22

   

25

   

21

   

72

   

43

 
                     

Income before taxes and non-controlling

                   

interest in income of trust

190

 

207

 

236

 

637

 

679

 

Provision for income taxes

59

 

53

 

81

 

187

 

228

 

Non-controlling interest in income of trust

6

 

7

 

6

 

19

 

19

 

Net income

 

125

   

147

   

149

   

431

   

432

 

Preferred share dividends

 

4

   

5

   

4

   

13

   

13

 

Net income attributable to common shares

 

121

   

142

   

145

   

418

   

419

 
                     

Average common shares outstanding (000)

498,668

 

498,668

 

488,668

 

498,668

 

488,668

 

Basic earnings per share (C$)

0.24

 

0.28

 

0.30

 

0.84

 

0.86

 

 

HSBC Bank Canada

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

 


Figures in C$ millions

At 30 September
2008

 

At 31 December
2007

 

At 30 September
2007

 
             

Assets

           

Cash and non-interest bearing deposits with banks

518

 

510

 

384

 

Interest bearing deposits with regulated financial institutions

1,748

 

3,063

 

4,066

 
   

2,266

   

3,573

   

4,450

 
             

Available-for-sale securities

7,958

 

5,639

 

4,675

 

Trading securities

1,377

 

1,227

 

1,920

 

Other securities

54

 

60

 

59

 
   

9,389

   

6,926

   

6,654

 
             

Securities purchased under

           

reverse repurchase agreements

 

7,048

   

6,122

   

4,552

 
             

Loans

           

– Businesses and government

22,644

 

21,322

 

20,995

 

– Residential mortgage

12,482

 

12,920

 

14,220

 

– Consumer

5,217

 

4,826

 

4,612

 

– Allowance for credit losses

(361

)

(353

)

(336

)

   

39,982

   

38,715

   

39,491

 
             

Customersliability under acceptances

5,461

 

5,727

 

5,237

 

Derivatives

999

 

623

 

737

 

Land, buildings and equipment

157

 

149

 

136

 

Other assets

1,617

 

1,096

 

2,301

 
   

8,234

   

7,595

   

8,411

 

Total assets

 

66,919

   

62,931

   

63,558

 
             

Liabilities and shareholdersequity

           

Deposits

           

– Regulated financial institutions

1,486

 

1,535

 

2,608

 

– Individuals

19,720

 

18,291

 

18,244

 

– Businesses and governments

29,982

 

29,051

 

26,683

 
   

51,188

   

48,877

   

47,535

 
             

Acceptances

5,461

 

5,727

 

5,237

 

Assets sold under repurchase agreements

353

 

320

 

686

 

Derivatives

917

 

649

 

941

 

Securities sold short

856

 

623

 

1,461

 

Other liabilities

3,433

 

2,256

 

3,372

 

Non-controlling interest in trust and subsidiary

430

 

430

 

430

 
   

11,450

   

10,005

   

12,127

 
             

Subordinated debentures

 

796

   

801

   

799

 
             

Shareholdersequity

           

– Preferred shares

350

 

350

 

350

 

– Common shares

1,225

 

1,225

 

1,125

 

– Contributed surplus

209

 

206

 

205

 

– Retained earnings

1,680

 

1,462

 

1,416

 

– Accumulated other comprehensive income

21

 

5

 

1

 
   

3,485

   

3,248

   

3,097

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

66,919

   

62,931

   

63,558

 


 

HSBC Bank Canada

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

 


 

Quarter ended

 

Nine months ended

 
 

30 September

 

30 June

 

30 September

 

30 September

 

30 September

 

Figures in C$ millions

2008

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 
                     

Cash flows provided by/(used in):

                   

– operating activities

366

 

563

 

205

 

1,192

 

1,060

 

– financing activities

(155

)

849

 

1,867

 

2,132

 

3,953

 

– investing activities

 

(209

)

 

(1,406

)

 

(2,136

)

 

(3,306

)

 

(5,005

)

                     

(Decrease) increase in cash and

                   

cash equivalents

2

 

6

 

(64

)

18

 

8

 

Cash and cash equivalents,

                   

beginning of period

500

 

494

 

419

 

484

 

347

 

Cash and cash equivalents,

                             

end of period

 

502

   

500

   

355

   

502

   

355

 
                     

Represented by:

                   

Cash resources per balance sheet

518

 

527

 

384

         

– less non-operating deposits*

 

(16

)

 

(27

)

 

(29

)

       

Cash and cash equivalents,

                         

end of period

 

502

   

500

   

355

         
                     

* Non-operating deposits are comprised primarily of cash restricted on securitization transactions.




 

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: November 07, 2008