FORM 6-K 


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Report of Foreign Issuer

 

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Commission File Number: 001-14554

Banco Santander Chile
Santander Chile Bank
(Translation of Registrant’s Name into English)
 
Bandera 140
Santiago, Chile
(Address of principal executive office)

 

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 if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):

  Yes ¨   No x  

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):

  Yes ¨   No x  

 

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the Registrant 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): N/A

 

 

 

  

Banco Santander Chile

 

4Q18 Earnings Report

 

February 4, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contents Page

 

§ Important Information   1
       
§ Section 1 Key consolidated data   2
       
§ Section 2 Summary of results   3
       
§ Section 3 YTD results by reporting segment   7
       
§ Section 4 Loans, funding and capital   8
       
§ Section 5 Analysis of quarterly income  statement   11
       
§ Section 6 Credit risk ratings   21
       
§ Section 7 Share performance   22
       
§ Annex 1 Balance Sheet   23
       
§ Annex 2 YTD Income Statements   24
       
§ Annex 3 Quarterly Income Statements   25
       
§ Annex 4 Quarterly evolution of main ratios and other information   26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Investor Relations Department

Banco Santander Chile

Bandera 140 Floor 19 Santiago, Chile

Tel: (562) 2320-8284

Email: irelations@santander.cl

Website: www.santander.cl

 

 

 

 

 

Important information

 

Banco Santander Chile cautions that this presentation contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward looking statements are found in various places throughout this presentation and include, without limitation, statements concerning our future business development and economic performance. While these forward looking statements represent our judgment and future expectations concerning the development of our business, a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors could cause actual developments and results to differ materially from our expectations. These factors include, but are not limited to: (1) general market, macro-economic, governmental and regulatory trends; (2) movements in local and international securities markets, currency exchange rates, and interest rates; (3) competitive pressures; (4) technological developments; and (5) changes in the financial position or credit worthiness of our customers, obligors and counterparties. The risk factors and other key factors that we have indicated in our past and future filings and reports, including those with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America, could adversely affect our business and financial performance.

 

Note: the information contained in this presentation is not audited and is presented in Chilean Bank GAAP which is similar to IFRS, but there are some differences. Please refer to our 2017 20-F filed with the SEC for an explanation of the differences between Chilean Bank GAAP and IFRS. Nevertheless, the consolidated accounts are prepared on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles. All figures presented are in nominal terms. Historical figures are not adjusted by inflation. Please note that this information is provided for comparative purposes only and that this restatement may undergo further changes during the year and, therefore, historical figures, including financial ratios, presented in this report may not be entirely comparable to future figures presented by the Bank.

 

 1

 

 

 

Section 1: Key consolidated data

 

   Balance Sheet (Ch$mn)  Dec-18   Dec-17   Change (%) 
Total assets   39,197,356    35,804,279    9.5%
Gross loans (including interbank loans)   30,282,023    27,725,913    9.2%
Customer deposits   21,809,236    19,682,111    10.8%
Customer funds   27,385,479    24,739,003    10.7%
Total shareholders’ equity   3,239,546    3,066,180    5.7%

 

   Income Statement (Ch$mn)  12M18   12M17   Change (%) 
Net interest income   1,414,368    1,326,691    6.6%
Net fee and commission income   290,885    279,063    4.2%
Net operating profit before provisions for loan losses   1,849,861    1,822,669    1.5%
Provision for loan losses   (325,085)   (299,205)   8.6%
Op expenses excluding impairment and other op. exp.   (721,933)   (704,893)   2.4%
Operating income   757,064    716,913    5.6%
Income before tax   762,159    720,876    5.7%
Net income attributable to equity holders of the Bank   591,902    564,815    4.8%

 

   Profitability and efficiency  12M18   12M17   Change (bp) 

Net interest margin (NIM) 1

   4.4%   4.4%   2 
Efficiency ratio2   40.0%   40.8%   (81)
Return on avg. equity   19.2%   19.2%   (7)
Return on avg. assets   1.6%   1.6%   (0)
Core Capital ratio   10.6%   11.0%   (40)
BIS ratio   13.4%   13.9%   (50)
Return on RWA   2.0%   2.1%   (5)

 

   Asset quality ratios (%)  Dec-18   Dec-17   Change (bp) 
NPL ratio3   2.1%   2.3%   (20)
Coverage of NPLs  ratio 4   126.1%   128.8%   (267)
Cost of credit5   1.1%   1.1%   3 

 

   Structure (#)  Dec-18   Dec-17   Change (%) 
Branches   380    385    (1.3)%
ATMs   910    926    (1.7)%
Employees   11,305    11,068    2.1%

 

   Market capitalization  12M18   12M17   Change (%) 
Net income per share (Ch$)   3.14    3.00    4.8%
Net income per ADR (US$)   1.80    1.94    (7.4)%
Stock price (Ch$/per share)   51.69    48.19    7.3%
ADR price (US$ per share)   29.9    31.27    (4.4)%
Market capitalization (US$mn)   14,047    14,732    (4.6)%
Shares outstanding (millions)   188,446.1    188,446.1    %
ADRs (1 ADR = 400 shares) (millions)   471.1    471.1    %

1 NIM = Net interest income annualized divided by interest earning assets.

2. Efficiency ratio: Operating expenses excluding impairment and other operating expenses divided by Operating income. Operating income = Net interest income + Net fee and commission income + Total financial transactions, net + Other operating income minus other operating expenses.

3. Capital + future interest of all loans with one installment 90 days or more overdue divided by total loans.

4. Loan loss allowance divided by Capital + future interest of all loans with one installment 90 days or more overdue.

5. Provision expense annualized divided by average loans.

 2

 

 

 

Section 2: Summary of results1

 

Net income attributable to shareholders increased 20.7% QoQ and 16.3% YoY in 4Q18. ROAE2 4Q18 at 19.8%

 

Net income attributable to shareholders in 4Q18 totaled Ch$156,644 million (Ch$0.83 per share and US$0.48 per ADR), increasing 20.7% compared to 3Q18 (from now on QoQ) and 16.3% compared to 4Q17 and ROAE reached 19.8% in the quarter. Quarterly results were driven by loan growth, client revenues, better asset quality and an improvement in efficiency.

 

Net income attributable to shareholders increased 4.8% YoY. ROAE 12M18 of 19.2%

 

Net income attributable to shareholders for 12M18 totaled Ch$ 591,902 million, increasing 4.8% maintaining an ROAE of 19.2% year-to-date (YTD), in line with guidance. These record level profits were driven by strong loan growth, an improvement in the funding mix, stable net interest margins net of risk, positive fee growth and greater efficiency levels. This was partially offset by lower results from financial transactions net and a higher tax rate.

 

 

Loan portfolio growing 9.2% YoY. Strong focus on consumer lending in 4Q18

 

Total loans increased 9.2% YoY and 1.0% QoQ in 4Q18. During 2018, higher economic activity led to a higher level of investment and greater business confidence. This led to strong growth in our commercial lending as companies started to reactivate their investment projects. This was especially true in the Middle-market in which loans increased 1.0% QoQ and 13.5% YoY.

 

In 4Q18, the Bank in to order to improve margins, while maintaining strong capital ratios, shifted its focus towards consumer loans. Loans to individuals increased 3.5% QoQ and 9.8% YoY, led by consumer loans that increased 4.1% QoQ, and 7.0% YoY. Mortgage loans increased 3.4% QoQ and 11.6% YoY as the housing market continued to show positive trends.

 

 

1.The information contained in this report is unaudited and is presented in accordance with Chilean Bank GAAP as defined by the Superintendency of Banks of Chile (SBIF).

2. Return on average equity

 

 3

 

 

 

Non-interest bearing demand deposits increase 12.5% YoY

 

In 4Q18, the Bank’s total deposits increased 5.0% QoQ and 10.8% YoY. The Bank’s non-interest bearing demand deposits grew strongly in the quarter, led by a rise in all business segments, reflecting greater client loyalty. In 4Q18, time deposits grew 9.7% YoY and 2.3% QoQ. Due to the strong increase of deposits in the quarter, the Bank’s liquidity levels also increased and our LCR ratio reached 151.6% and the NSFR ratio reached 109.5% as of December 31, 2018.3 Mutual funds brokered grew 10.3% YoY as the Bank also successfully cross-sold this product despite weaker equity markets.

 

Capital ratio rises 40bp QoQ to finish the year at 10.6%

 

During the quarter, the Bank’s high profitability generated 40bp of core capital. The Bank ended 2018 with a solid core capital ratio4 of 10.6% and a total BIS ratio5 at 13.4%.

 

NIM stable at 4.4% in 4Q18, as improving loan mix compensates rising interest rates

 

The Bank’s net interest margin (NIM)6 in 4Q18 was 4.4%, lower than the 4.6% in 4Q17, however stable compared to 12M17. Compared to 3Q18, NIMs remained flat at 4.4%. In October 2018, the Central Bank increased short term rates by 25bp to 2.75%. As the Bank’s liabilities re-price faster than our assets, this rise in rates had a negative impact on margins and our average cost of funds rose 20bp QoQ to 2.9%. This was offset by the improved funding mix and the focus on higher yielding loans. Compared to 4Q17, our NIM contracted by 20bp due to higher funding costs. This was only partially offset by the positive impact of higher UF inflation in 4Q18 compared to 4Q17 and the increase in non-interest bearing demand deposits.

 

Asset quality continues to improve, particularly in consumer and mortgage loans.

 

During the quarter, provisions decreased 4.6% compared to 4Q17 and 24.0% compared to 3Q18. As a reminder in 3Q18 the Bank recognized a one-time charge of Ch$20,000 million for additional provisions in our consumer provisioning model, anticipating future changes to our expected loss model. Not considering these additional provisions, provisions in the quarter decreased 4.1%. Cost of credit in 4Q18 remained stable at 1.0% as the expected loan loss ratio (Loan loss allowance over total loans) improved slightly to 2.6% in the quarter.

 

The total NPL ratio improved to 2.1% as of December 2018 and the impaired loan ratio improved 60bp YoY and 10bp QoQ to 5.9%. The improvement in both the NPL and impaired loan ratio, along with a lower expected loss ratio reflects the more positive economic trends in Chile in 2018. The total Coverage ratio7 improved to 129.3% in the quarter.

 

 

3.LCR= Liquidity Coverage Ratio under ECB rules. These are not the Chilean models. NSFR= Net Stable Funding Ratio according to internal methodology.

4. Core Capital ratio = Shareholders’ equity divided by Risk-weighted Assets (RWA) according to SBIF BIS I definitions.

5. BIS ratio: Regulatory capital divided by RWA.

6. NIM = net interest margin or net interest income divided by average interest earning assets.

7. LLA/ Total NPLs. Adjusted to include the additional provision of Ch$20,000 million in 3Q18.

 

 4

 

 

 

NIM, net of risk stable at 3.4% in 12M18 and 3.5% in 4Q18

 

When adjusted for risk, the Bank’s NIM, net of cost of credit remained stable throughout 2018 at 3.4%, reflecting that our asset mix shift has been compensated with better asset quality.

 

 

(1) NIM net of risk= Annualized Net interest income net of provision for loan losses divided by average interest earning assets.

(2) Cost of credit = Annualized provision for loan losses / average total loans. Averages are calculated using monthly figures.

 

Positive fee growth from business segments offset by lower collection fees

 

In 4Q18, fee income increased 1.7% compared to 4Q17 and decreased 2.4% compared to 3Q18. Growth from business segments has been offset by lower collection of insurance fees due to a change in methodology for estimating refunds of insurance premiums collected following the pre-payment or refinancing of mortgage loans. Fees in Retail banking increased 7.6% compared to 4Q17 and 3.0% compared to 3Q18. Client loyalty continues to rise in retail banking with loyal individual customers (clients with >4 products plus minimum usage and profitability levels) in the High-income segment growing 8.3% YoY and loyal Mid-income earners growing 8.2% YoY. Fees in the Middle-market increased 3.1% compared to 4Q17 and 0.5% compared to 3Q18. Customer loyalty has been expanding with Loyal Middle-market and SME clients growing 4.3% YoY. Fees in SCIB increased 33.5% compared to 4Q17 and decreased 18.4% compared to 3Q18. Fees in this segment are deal driven and after an increase in activity at the start of 2018, business from Corporates slowed down in the fourth quarter.

 

Results from financial transactions, net recovering in the quarter

 

In 4Q18, results from Total financial transactions, net was a gain of Ch$35,770 million in 4Q18, an increase of 96.8% compared to 4Q17 and an increase of 29.9% compared to 3Q18. The strong quarter was mainly due to an increase in Client treasury services as Debt Capital Markets and Market Making for our clients performed well in the quarter as various large corporates structured their financing needs for their investment projects with us.

 

Continued improvements in productivity and digitalization leads to an efficiency ratio of 40.0% in 12M18

 

The Bank’s efficiency ratio reached 40.0% in 12M18 compared to 40.8% in 2017. The improvement of the efficiency ratio is mainly due to the various initiatives that the Bank has been implementing to improve productivity and efficiency through digitalization in 2018. This led to Operating expenses, excluding Impairment and Other operating expenses, in 4Q18 increasing just 1.0% QoQ and 0.4% YoY.

 

 5

 

 

 

   Summary of Quarterly Results
       (Ch$ Million)

 

   Quarter   Change% 
   4Q18   3Q18   4Q17   4Q18/4Q17   4Q18/3Q18 
Net interest income   357,601    356,722    346,501    3.2%   0.2%
Net fee and commission income   67,438    69,129    66,300    1.7%   (2.4)%
Total financial transactions, net   35,770    27,531    18,174    96.8%   29.9%
Provision for loan losses   (73,283)   (96,396)   (76,805)   (4.6)%   (24.0)%
Operating expenses (excluding Impairment and Other operating expenses)   (183,423)   (181,628)   (182,644)   0.4%   1.0%
Impairment, Other op. income & expenses   (2,705)   (8,221)   (4,119)   (34.3)%   (67.1)%
Operating income   201,398    167,137    167,407    20.3%   20.5%
Net income attributable to shareholders   156,644    129,727    134,678    16.3%   20.7%
Net income/share (Ch$)   0.83    0.69    0.71    16.3%   20.7%
Net income/ADR (US$)1   0.48    0.42    0.46    2.8%   13.7%
Total loans   30,282,023    29,972,519    27,725,913    9.2%   1.0%
Deposits   21,809,236    20,761,608    19,682,111    10.8%   5.0%
Shareholders’ equity   3,239,546    3,085,775    3,066,180    5.7%   5.0%
Net interest margin   4.4%   4.4%   4.6%          
Efficiency ratio2   40.0%   40.8%   42.8%          
Return on equity3   19.8%   17.0%   17.8%          
NPL / Total loans4   2.1%   2.2%   2.3%          
Coverage NPLs5   129.3%   124.7%   128.8%          
Cost of credit6   1.0%   1.3%   1.1%          
Core Capital ratio7   10.6%   10.2%   11.0%          
BIS ratio8   13.4%   13.0%   13.9%          
Branches   380    377    385           
ATMs   910    769    926           
Employees   11,305    11,439    11,068           

1. The change in earnings per ADR may differ from the change in earnings per share due to exchange rate movements. Earnings per ADR was calculated using the Observed Exchange Rate (Exchange rate for the last trading day of the quarter taken from the Central Bank of Chile) for each period.

2. Efficiency ratio: Operating expenses excluding impairment and Other operating expenses divided by Operating income. Operating income = Net interest income + Net fee and commission income + Total financial transactions, net + Other operating income minus Other operating expenses.

3. Return on average equity: annualized quarterly net income attributable to shareholders divided by Average equity attributable to shareholders in the quarter. Averages calculated using monthly figures.

4. NPLs: Non-performing loans: total outstanding gross amount of loans with at least one installment 90 days or more overdue.

5. Coverage NPLs: loan loss allowances (3Q18 and 4Q18 adjusted to include the additional provision of Ch$20,000 million) divided by NPLs.

6. Cost of credit: annualized provision for loan losses divided by quarterly average total loans. Averages calculated using monthly figures

7. Core capital ratio = Shareholders’ equity divided by risk-weighted assets according to SBIF BIS I definitions.

8.BIS ratio: regulatory capital divided by RWA.

 

 6

 

 

 

Section 3: YTD Results by reporting segment

Net contribution from business segments affected by lower rate of return on capital

 

   Year to date results
       (Ch$ Million)

 

   Retail Banking1   Middle market2   SCIB3   Total
segments4
 
Net interest income   949,764    272,912    96,722    1,319,398 
Change YoY   (2.1)%   3.1%   (4.1)%   (1.2)%
Net fee and commission income   220,532    36,746    35,064    292,342 
Change YoY   6.8%   1.3%   26.9%   8.1%
Core revenues   1,170,296    309,658    131,786    1,611,740 
Change YoY   (0.6)%   2.9%   2.6%   0.3%
Total financial transactions, net   19,694    16,848    57,340    93,882 
Change YoY   (4.4)%   22.5%   13.1%   10.4%
Provision for loan losses   (275,351)   (26,314)   2,339    (299,326)
Change YoY   (5.1)%   36.3%   (41.6)%   (2.0)%
Net operating profit from business segments5   914,639    300,192    191,465    1,406,296 
Change YoY   0.8%   1.6%   4.5%   1.5%
Operating expenses6   (553,157)   (92,377)   (64,913)   (710,447)
Change YoY   3.4%   0.5%   3.6%   3.0%
Net contribution from business segments7   361,482    207,815    126,552    695,849 
Change YoY   (2.9)%   2.1%   5.0%   (0.1)%

1. Retail consists of individuals and SMEs with annual sales below Ch$1,200 million.

2. Middle-market is made up of companies with annual sales exceeding Ch$1,200 million. It also serves institutions such as universities, government entities, local and regional governments and companies engaged in the real estate industry with annual sales exceeding Ch$800 million.

3. Santander Corporate & Investment Banking: consists of foreign and domestic multinational companies with sales over Ch$10,000 million. Formerly called GBM

4. Excludes the results from Corporate Activities, which includes, among other items, the impact of inflation on results, the impact of movements in the exchange rate in our provision expense and the results from our liquidity portfolio.

5. Net op. profit is defined as Net interest income + Net fee and commission income + Total financial transactions - Provision for loan losses.

6. Operating expenses = Personnel expenses +Administrative expenses + Depreciation.

7. The clients included in each business segment are constantly revised and reclassified if a client no longer meets the criteria for the segment they are in. Therefore, variations of loan volumes and profit and loss items reflect business trends as well as client migration effects.

 

Net contribution from our business segments decreased 0.1% YoY in 12M18 compared to the same period of 2017. At the beginning of 2018, the Bank adjusted the profitability of the capital assigned to each segment, in line with the lower interest rates. This lowered net interest income earned by the segments and increased net interest income earned by our Financial Management division.

 

The net contribution from Retail banking decreased 2.9% YoY. Core revenues (net interest income + fees) decreased 0.6% YoY due to the impact of the lower return on capital assigned to this segment. On the other hand net fee income increased 6.8% YoY. Provisions for loan losses decreased 5.1% as asset quality of our consumer and mortgage loans improved during the year. Operating expenses in this segment were controlled, increasing only 3.4% due to investments in WorkCafé openings and other digital initiatives.

 

Net contribution from the Middle-market increased 2.1% YoY in 12M18. Core revenues in this segment grew 2.9%, led by a 3.1% increase in net interest revenue due to increasing loan volumes in this segment of 13.5%, which offset the lower return on capital assigned to this segment. Provision expense increased due to higher provisions for various specific loan positions, mainly in 2Q18 and higher loan growth.

 

 7

 

 

 

Net contribution from SCIB increased 5.0% YoY in 12M18. Core revenues increased 2.6% YoY driven by a 26.9% YoY increase in commissions from the Bank’s strength in cash management services and financial advisory fees. Income from financial transactions increased 13.1%. The movement of client treasury revenue, which usually makes up the bulk of our treasury income, reflects the demand on behalf of clients for treasury products. In 2018, various large corporates structured their financing needs for their investment projects with us.

 

Section 4: Loans, funding and capital

 

Loans

 

Loans to individuals accelerates and increases 3.5% QoQ

 

Total loans increased 9.2% YoY in line with our expectations. During 2018, the greater economic activity led to a higher level of investment and greater business confidence. This lead to strong growth in our commercial segments as they started to reactivate their investment projects.

 

   Loans by segment
       (Ch$ Million)

 

   YTD   Change% 
   4Q18   3Q18   4Q17   4Q18/4Q17   4Q18/3Q18 
Total loans to individuals1   16,921,495    16,352,297    15,408,301    9.8%   3.5%
Consumer loans   4,876,289    4,684,343    4,557,692    7.0%   4.1%
Residential mortgage loans   10,150,981    9,817,591    9,096,895    11.6%   3.4%
SMEs   3,865,141    3,835,027    3,824,868    1.1%   0.8%
Retail banking   20,786,637    20,187,324    19,233,169    8.1%   3.0%
Middle-market   7,690,380    7,613,641    6,775,734    13.5%   1.0%
Corporate & Investment banking (SCIB)   1,681,697    2,028,092    1,633,796    2.9%   (17.1)%
Total loans2 3   30,282,023    29,972,519    27,725,914    9.2%   1.0%

1. Includes consumer loans, residential mortgage loans and other commercial loans to individuals.

2. Total loans gross of loan loss allowances. Total loans include other non-segmented loans and includes interbank loans. See Note 4 of the Financial Statements.

3. The clients included in each business segment are constantly revised and reclassified if a client no longer meets the criteria for the segment they are in. Therefore, variations of loan volumes and profit and loss items reflect business trends as well as client migration effects.

 

In 4Q18, the Bank, in to order to improve margins, while maintaining strong capital ratios, shifted its focus towards consumer loans. Loans to individuals increased 3.5% QoQ and 9.8% YoY. Consumer loans increased 4.1% QoQ, and 7.0% YoY. This growth is still mainly driven by loans to high-income earners, with growth in the mid-income segments and Santander Life also accelerating. The final parts of Santander Banefe have been amortized, leaving more room for growth in consumer lending going forward. Asset quality in consumer lending also improved throughout 2018 (See Asset Quality) widening our appetite for growth in this product. Mortgage loans increased 3.4% QoQ and 11.6% YoY as the housing market showed positive trends in terms of asset quality and an acceleration of sales. The Bank also maintained the loan-to-value ratio at origination below 80%.

 

Loans to SMEs increased 1.1% QoQ and 0.8% YoY. The Bank continues to maintain a conservative stance regarding loan growth in this segment by focusing on larger, less risky SMEs that will generate non-lending revenues as well. As economic growth continues to remain at the current levels, we expect an acceleration of loans to this high yielding segment in 2019.

 

 8

 

 

 

In the quarter, loan growth rates in the Middle-market and in SCIB decelerated, as the Bank focused on growing more strongly in retail loans in the period, thus improving margins and limiting capital usage. Middle-market loans grew 1.0% QoQ and 13.5% YoY due to greater business and investment activity, which we expect to continue in 2019. Loans in SCIB decreased 17.1% in the quarter, leading to a YoY growth of 2.9%. However SCIB increased overall contribution to income with a 26.9% increase in fees and a 13.1% in client treasury revenue.

 

Funding and Liquidity

 

Demand deposits increase 12.5% YoY and 9.5% QoQ

 

   Funding
       (Ch$ Million)

 

   YTD   Change% 
   4Q18   3Q18   4Q17   4Q18/4Q17   4Q18/3Q18 
Demand deposits   8,741,417    7,984,243    7,768,166    12.5%   9.5%
Time deposits   13,067,819    12,777,365    11,913,945    9.7%   2.3%
Total Deposits   21,809,236    20,761,608    19,682,111    10.8%   5.0%
Mutual Funds brokered1   5,576,243    5,543,748    5,056,892    10.3%   0.6%
Bonds   8,115,233    8,186,718    7,093,653    14.4%   (0.9)%
Adjusted loans to deposit ratio2   98.0%   101.1%   100.7%          
LCR 3   151.6%   131.8%   138.3%          
NSFR 4   109.5%   108.4%   109.5%          

1. Banco Santander Chile is the exclusive broker of mutual funds managed by Santander Asset Management S.A. Administradora General de Fondos, a subsidiary of SAM Investment Holdings Limited.

2. Ratio =(Net Loans - portion of mortgages funded with long-term bonds) / (Time deposits + demand deposits). The Bank’s mortgage loans are mainly fixed-rate long-term loans that we mainly finance with matching long-term funding and not with short-term deposits. For this reason, to calculate this ratio, we subtract residential mortgage loans funded with long term bonds in the numerator of our ratio.

3. Liquidity Coverage Ratio calculated according to ECB rules. Chilean ratios to be published commencing in April 2019.

4. Net Stable Funding Ratio calculated using internal methodology. Chilean ratios are still under construction.

 

In 4Q18, the Bank’s total deposits increased 5.0 QoQ% and 10.8% YoY. The Bank’s non-interest bearing demand deposits grew strongly in the quarter, reaching an increase of 9.5% QoQ and 12.5%. The QoQ rise is in part seasonal, but the greater economic activity and our improvements in client loyalty also explain this rise. Checking accounts increased 11.3% YoY among individuals, 8.1% among SMEs, 9.8% in Middle-market and 22.7% in SCIB. In 4Q18, time deposits grew 2.3% QoQ and 9.7% YoY, also in line with greater activity in the economy and higher rates as the Central Bank increased the short term interest rate by 25bp to 2.75% in the quarter. Due to the strong increase of deposits in the quarter, the Bank’s liquidity levels also increased and our LCR ratio reached 151.6% and the NSFR ratio reached 109.5% as of December 31, 2018.

 

Bonds increased 14.4% YoY as the mortgage portfolio also grew strongly during the year. As almost all of the Bank’s mortgages are fixed real rate loans with an average duration (including the assumption of prepayment) of 7 years, the Bank finances these mortgages with longer term bonds. In 4Q18, bonds decreased slightly by 0.9% due to amortizations.

 

 9

 

 

 

Mutual funds brokered grew 10.3% YoY mainly thanks to a strong first quarter in 2018. In general during the following quarters the global and local equity markets experienced significant volatility and dampened growth in this instrument.

 

Shareholders’ equity and regulatory capital

 

ROAE8 of 19.8% in 4Q18 and 19.2% in 12M18

 

   Equity
       (Ch$ Million)

 

   YTD   Change% 
   Dec-18   Sep-18   Dec-17   Dec-18/Dec-17   Dec-17/Sep-18 
Capital   891,303    891,303    891,303    %   %
Reserves   1,923,022    1,923,022    1,781,818    7.9%   %
Valuation adjustment   10,890    (33,231)   (2,312)   (571.0)%   (132.8)%
Retained Earnings:                         
Retained earnings prior periods   -    -    -    %   %
Income for the period   591,902    435,258    564,815    4.8%   36.0%
Provision for mandatory dividend   (177,571)   (130,577)   (169,444)   4.8%   36.0%
Equity attributable to equity holders of the Bank   3,239,546    3,085,775    3,066,180    5.7%   5.0%
Non-controlling interest   46,163    43,706    41,883    10.2%   5.6%
Total Equity   3,285,709    3,129,481    3,108,063    5.7%   5.0%
Quarterly ROAE   19.8%   17.0%   17.8%          
YTD ROAE   19.2%   19.0%   19.2%          

 

Shareholders’ equity totaled Ch$3,239,546 million as of December 31, 2018 and grew 5.7 % YoY. The Bank’s ROAE in 4Q18 reached 19.8% and 19.2% for the twelve-month period, in line with guidance. With these levels of return on equity, during the quarter the Bank generated 40bp of core capital. The Bank’s core capital ratio9 was 10.6% and the total BIS ratio10 was 13.4% as of December 31, 2018.

 

   Capital Adequacy
       (Ch$ Million)

 

   YTD   Change% 
   Dec-18   Sep-18   Dec-17   Dec-18/Dec-17   Dec-17/Sep-18 
Tier I (Core Capital)   3,239,546    3,085,775    3,066,180    5.7%   5.0%
Tier II   862,119    852,690    815,072    5.8%   1.1%
Regulatory capital   4,101,664    3,938,465    3,881,252    5.7%   4.1%
Risk weighted assets   30,600,176    30,274,655    27,911,834    9.6%   1.1%
Tier I (Core Capital) ratio   10.6%   10.2%   11.0%          
BIS ratio   13.4%   13.0%   13.9%          

 

 

8. Return on average equity

9. Core Capital ratio = Shareholders’ equity divided by Risk-weighted Assets (RWA) according to SBIF BIS I definitions.

10. BIS ratio: Regulatory capital divided by RWA.

 

 10

 

 

 

Section 5: Analysis of quarterly income statement

 

Net interest income

 

NIM stable at 4.4% in 4Q18 as improving loan mix compensates rising interest rates

 

   Net Interest Income / Margin
       (Ch$ Million)

 

   Quarter   Change% 
   4Q18   3Q18   4Q17   4Q18/4Q17   4Q18/3Q18 
Net interest income   357,601    356,722    346,501    3.2%   0.2%
Average interest-earning assets   32,754,792    32,234,857    30,028,486    9.1%   1.6%
Average loans (including interbank)   30,190,154    29,615,916    27,744,747    8.8%   1.9%
Avg. net gap in inflation indexed (UF) instruments1   4,991,285    4,320,490    4,078,429    22.4%   15.5%
Interest earning asset yield2   7.2%   7.0%   7.0%          
Cost of funds3   2.9%   2.7%   2.5%          
Net interest margin (NIM) 4   4.4%   4.4%   4.6%          
Quarterly inflation rate5   0.8%   0.7%   0.5%          
Central Bank reference rate   2.75%   2.5%   2.5%          

1. The average quarterly difference between assets and liabilities indexed to the Unidad de Fomento (UF), an inflation indexed unit.

2. Interest income divided by average interest earning assets.

3. Interest expense divided by sum of average interest bearing liabilities and demand deposits.

4. Annualized Net interest income divided by average interest earning assets.

5. Inflation measured as the variation of the Unidad de Fomento in the quarter.

 

In 4Q18, Net interest income, NII, increased 3.2% compared to 4Q17 and 0.2% QoQ. The Bank’s NIM in 4Q18 was 4.4%, lower than the 4.6% in 4Q17, however stable compared to 3Q18.

 

Compared to 3Q18, NIMs remained flat at 4.4%. In October 2018, the Central Bank increased short term rates by 25bp to 2.75%. As the Bank’s liabilities re-price faster than our assets, this rise in rates had a negative impact on margins and our average cost of funds rose 20bp QoQ to 2.9%. This was offset by: (i) the growth of non-interest bearing demand deposits in the quarter; (ii) the higher UF inflation rate in the quarter, as the Bank has more assets than liabilities linked to inflation through the UF1 and this gap was increased in the period and; (iii) the higher loan growth in consumer lending. Together these last two factors led to an increase in the interest earning asset yield in the quarter to 7.2%.

 

Compared to 4Q17, our NIM contracted by 20bp due to rising funding costs driven by rate rises in the quarter. The lower asset yield was mainly due to loan mix effects in 2018, as the Bank grew more rapidly in commercial and mortgage loans. Moreover, consumer lending growth was focused in higher income segments. This was only partially offset by the positive impact of higher UF inflation in 4Q18 compared to 4Q17 and the increase in non-interest bearing demand deposits.

 

At the same time, the cost of credit also slightly decreased as asset quality continued to improve in the quarter. Therefore, the Bank’s NIM, net of cost of credit has remained stable throughout 2018 at 3.5% (excluding the one-time additional provision recognized in 3Q18), reflecting that our asset mix shift has been compensated with better asset quality.

 

 

1 UF or Unidad de Fomento, an inflation indexed unit used in Chile

 

 11

 

 

 

 

(1) Adjusted NIM net of risk= Annualized Net interest income net of provision for loan losses (adjusted to exclude the additional provision of Ch$20,000 million in 3Q18) divided by quarterly average interest earning assets

(2) NPL= Non-performing loans, defined as the total outstanding gross amount of loans with at least one installment 90 days or more overdue.

(3) Adjusted cost of credit = Annualized provision for loan losses (adjusted to exclude the additional provision of Ch$20,000 million in 3Q18) / quarterly average total loans. Averages are calculated using monthly figures.

 

As a reminder, our liabilities have a shorter duration than our assets, signifying that a 100 basis point average yearly rise in short-term interest rates leads to approximately a 10bp decline in NIMs in a 12M period. On the other hand, a 100bp rise in UF inflation pushes margins upwards by approximately 15bp and vice-versa. Going into 2019, we expect inflation to decelerate due to lower oil prices, however the Central Bank decided to increase the short term interest rates by 25bp in January. Therefore, NIMs at the beginning of the year will be under pressure due to low inflation and higher interest rates. As the year progresses, the acceleration of growth in higher yielding consumer loans and a normalization of inflation rates should help support margins at around 4.4% for 2019. This outlook is subject to modifications depending on the velocity of rate hikes and changes to our inflation forecast.

 

Asset quality and provision for loan losses

 

Asset quality continues to improve, particularly in consumer and mortgage loans.

 

During the quarter provisions decreased 4.6% compared to 4Q17 and 24.0% compared to 3Q18. As a reminder in 3Q18 the Bank recognized a one-time charge of Ch$20,000 million for additional provisions in our consumer provisioning model, anticipating future changes to our expected loss model. Not considering these additional provisions, provisions in the quarter decreased 4.1%. Cost of credit in 4Q18 remained stable at 1.0% as the expected loan loss ratio (Loan loss allowance over total loans) improved slightly to 2.6% in the quarter and other asset quality indicators evolved favorably in the quarter. The total NPL ratio improved to 2.1% as of December 2018 and the impaired loan ratio improved 60bp YoY and 10bp QoQ to 5.9%. The improvement in both the NPL and impaired loan ratio, along with a lower expected loss ratio reflects the more positive economic trends in Chile in 2018. The total Coverage ratio improved to 129.3% in the quarter.

 

 12

 

 

 

By product, the evolution of provision for loan losses was as follows:

 

   Provision for loan losses
       (Ch$ Million)

 

   Quarter   Change% 
   4Q18   3Q18   4Q17   4Q18/4Q17   4Q18/3Q18 
Consumer loans1   (40,584)   (46,178)   (46,391)   (12.5)%   (12.1)%
Commercial loans2   (26,574)   (28,726)   (28,239)   (5.9)%   (7.5)%
Residential mortgage loans   (6,125)   (1,491)   (2,175)   181.6%   310.7%
Provision for loan losses3   (73,283)   (96,396)   (76,805)   (4.6)%   (24.0)%
1.Does not include additional provisions of Ch$20,000 million in 3Q18.
2.Includes provision for loan losses for contingent loans.
3.Includes the additional provisions of Ch$20,000 million in 3Q18.

 

Provisions for loan losses for consumer loans decreased 12.1% compared to 3Q18 due to the improvement in the consumer NPL ratio from 2.0% in 3Q18 to 1.8% in 4Q18 and the impaired consumer loan ratio from 6.0% to 5.6%. This improvement in asset quality comes as consumer loan growth has been driven by high income earners. Coverage of consumer loans (including the effect of the additional provisions) increased from 311.6% to 316.4% in the quarter.

 

Provisions for loan losses for commercial loans decreased 5.9% compared to 4Q17 with the commercial loan portfolio growing 8.4% YoY. While there was strong loan growth in 2018, especially in the Middle-market segment, the asset quality showed improvement with the impaired commercial loan ratio decreasing from 7.3% in 4Q17 to 6.8% in 4Q18.

 

Compared to 3Q18, provisions for commercial loans decreased 7.5% as the loan portfolio contracted. In 4Q18 there was a slight deterioration in asset quality with the commercial NPL ratio increasing from 2.6% in 3Q18 to 2.7% in 4Q18 and the impaired commercial loan ratio increasing from 6.7% to 6.8%. This was mainly due to the contraction of loans in SCIB while riskier loans in the Middle-market and SME segment expanded. Coverage of commercial loans remained healthy at 115.5%.

 

Provisions for loan losses for residential mortgage loans increased to Ch$6,125 million in 4Q18 as the mortgage loan portfolio grew 3.4% QoQ and 11.6% YoY. During the quarter asset quality improved with the NPL ratio of mortgage loans decreasing to 1.3% compared to 1.7% in 3Q18 and 1.8% in 4Q17 and the impaired mortgage loan ratio decreasing to 4.7% from 4.8% in 3Q18 and 5.1% in 4Q17. Also, the coverage of mortgage loans increased from 40.1% in 3Q18 to 48.0% in 4Q18. The focus on originating mortgage loans with a loan to value below 80% has been a key factor in maintaining healthy asset quality in this product.

 

 13

 

  

 

   Provision for loan losses and asset quality

        (Ch$ Million)

 

   Quarter   Change% 
   4Q18   3Q18   4Q17   4Q18/4Q17   4Q18/3Q18 
Gross provisions   (63,420)   (72,056)   (60,978)   4.0%   (12.0)%
Charge-offs1   (30,397)   (27,030)   (36,523)   (16.8)%   12.5%
Gross provisions and charge-offs   (93,817)   (99,086)   (97,501)   (3.8)%   (5.3)%
Loan loss recoveries   20,534    22,690    20,696    (0.8)%   (9.5)%
Provision for loan losses excluding additional provisions   (73,283)   (76,396)   (76,805)   (4.6)%   (4.1)%
Additional provisions   -    (20,000)   -    %   %
Provision for loan losses   (73,283)   (96,396)   (76,805)   (4.6)%   (24.0)%
Cost of credit2   1.0%   1.3%   1.1%          
Adjusted cost of credit3   1.0%   1.0%   1.1%          
Total loans4   30,282,023    29,972,519    27,725,913    9.2%   1.0%
Total Loan loss allowances (LLAs)   (796,588)   (804,885)   (815,773)   (2.4)%   (1.0)%
Non-performing loans5 (NPLs)   631,649    661,365    633,461    (0.3)%   (4.5)%
NPLs consumer loans   88,318    91,469    103,171    (14.4)%   (3.4)%
NPLs commercial loans   409,451    404,349    368,522    11.1%   1.3%
NPLs residential mortgage loans   133,880    165,547    161,768    (17.2)%   (19.1)%
Impaired loans6   1,779,439    1,796,005    1,803,173    (1.3)%   (0.9)%
Impaired consumer loans   274,595    281,114    327,126    (16.1)%   (2.3)%
Impaired commercial loans   1,032,179    1,038,915    1,013,503    1.8%   (0.6)%
Impaired residential mortgage loans   472,665    475,976    462,544    2.2%   (0.7)%
Expected loss ratio7 (LLA / Total loans)   2.6%   2.7%   2.9%          
NPL / Total loans   2.1%   2.2%   2.3%          
NPL / consumer loans   1.8%   2.0%   2.3%          
NPL / commercial loans   2.7%   2.6%   2.6%          
NPL / residential mortgage loans   1.3%   1.7%   1.8%          
Impaired loans / total loans   5.9%   6.0%   6.5%          
Impaired consumer loan ratio   5.6%   6.0%   7.2%          
Impaired commercial loan ratio   6.8%   6.7%   7.3%          
Impaired mortgage loan ratio   4.7%   4.8%   5.1%          
Coverage of NPLs8   129.3%   124.7%   128.8%          
Coverage of NPLs non-mortgage9   151.1%   153.0%   158.3%          
Coverage of consumer NPLs10   316.4%   311.6%   275.0%          
Coverage of commercial NPLs   115.5%   117.1%   125.6%          
Coverage of mortgage NPLs   48.0%   40.1%   42.7%          

 

1. Charge-offs corresponds to the direct charge-offs and are net of the reversal of provisions already established on charged-off loans.

2. Annualized provision for loan losses / quarterly average total loans. Averages are calculated using monthly figures.

3. Annualized provision for loan losses (adjusted to exclude the additional provision of Ch$20,000 million in 3Q18) / quarterly average total loans. Averages are calculated using monthly figures.

4. Includes interbank loans.

5. Total outstanding gross amount of loans with at least one installment 90 days or more overdue.

6. Include: (a) for loans individually evaluated for impairment: (i) the carrying amount of all loans to clients that are rated C1 through C6 and, (ii) the carrying amount of all loans to an individual client with at least one NPL (which is not a residential mortgage loan past due less than 90 days), regardless of category; and (b) for loans collectively evaluated for impairment, the carrying amount of all loans to a client, when at least one loan to that client is not performing or has been renegotiated.

7. LLA / Total loans. Measures the percentage of loans that banks must provision for given their internal models and the SBIF’s guidelines.

8. LLA / NPLs. Adjusted to include the additional provision of Ch$20,000 million

9. LLA of commercial and consumer loans / NPLs of commercial and consumer loans. Adjusted to include the additional provision of Ch$20,000 million

10. LLA of consumer loans/consumer NPLs. Adjusted to include the additional provision of Ch$20,000 million

 

 14

 

 

 

Net fee and commission income

 

Positive fee growth from business segments offset by lower collection fees

 

In 4Q18, fee income increased 1.7% compared to 4Q17 and decreased 2.4% compared to 3Q18. Growth from business segments has been offset by lower collection of insurance fees due to a change in methodology for estimating refund of insurance premiums collected, following the pre-payment or refinancing of mortgage loans. This is reflected in other fee income in the table below. Moreover, there has been a 25.6% YoY decrease in fees from debit and ATM cards. However, as we started increasing the number of ATMs in the quarter, fees from ATMs increased 27.4% QoQ.

 

   Fee Income by client segment

        (Ch$ Million)

 

   Quarter   Change% 
   4Q18   3Q18   4Q17   4Q18/4Q17   4Q18/3Q18 
Retail banking1   55,157    53,537    51,263    7.6%   3.0%
Middle-market   9,298    9,251    9,017    3.1%   0.5%
Global corporate banking   7,371    9,034    5,523    33.5%   (18.4)%
Others   (4,388)   (2,693)   497    (981.1)%   (62.9)%
Total   67,438    69,129    66,300    1.7%   (2.4)%

 

1. Includes fees to individuals and SMEs.

 

Fees in Retail banking increased 7.6% compared to 4Q17 and 3.0% compared to 3Q18. Client loyalty continues to rise in retail banking with loyal individual customers (clients with >4 products plus minimum usage and profitability levels) in the High-income segment growing 8.3% YoY and loyal Mid-income earners growing 8.2% YoY. Active clients (clients with a minimum number of transactions or that maintain volumes superior to the segment requirements) increased 7.9% YoY and 2.1% QoQ, with digital clients (clients who access the webpage with a password) grew 9.3% YoY and 0.7% QoQ. Commissions from insurance brokerage have increased, with growing brokerage of car, fraud and life insurance. Credit cards decreased slightly from 3Q18 however grew 24.0% YoY, as clients continued increasing purchases with their cards. We also continue to target SME clients that generate more fees, as those with higher revenues and headcount look for other transactional and financial services beyond lending services.

 

 

1. Loyal high income and middle income customers with 4 products plus a minimum profitability level and a minimum usage indicator, all differentiated by segment. SME + Middle-market cross-selling differentiated by client size using a point system that depends on number of products, usage of products and income net of risk.

 

 15

 

  

 

Fees in the Middle-market increased 3.1% compared to 4Q17 and 0.5% compared to 3Q18. Customer loyalty has been expanding with Loyal Middle-market and SME clients growing 4.3% YoY. Fees in SCIB increased 33.5% compared to 4Q17 and decreased 18.4% compared to 3Q18. Fees in this segment are deal driven and after an increase in activity since the start of 2018, business from Corporates slowed down in QoQ, but still achieved a record level of fees in 2018. The strength of the Bank in providing value added non-lending services, such as cash management and financial advisory services should continue to drive fee income in SCIB.

 

By products, the evolution of fees was as follows:

 

   Fee Income by product

        (Ch$ Million)

 

   Quarter   Change% 
   4Q18   3Q18   4Q17   4Q18/4Q17   4Q18/3Q18 
Credit card fees   9,266    9,419    7,471    24.0%   (1.6)%
Debit & ATM card fees   3,640    2,858    4,889    (25.6)%   27.4%
Asset management   11,345    11,811    11,109    2.1%   (3.9)%
Insurance brokerage   11,303    9,822    8,634    30.9%   15.1%
Guarantees, pledges and other contingent op.   8,640    8,684    6,916    24.9%   (0.5)%
Collection fees   7,721    9,040    9,744    (20.8)%   (14.6)%
Checking accounts   8,709    8,623    8,207    6.1%   1.0%
Brokerage and custody of securities   2,278    2,216    2,442    (6.7)%   2.8%
Other   4,536    6,656    6,888    (34.1)%   (31.9)%
Total fees   67,438    69,129    66,300    1.7%   (2.4)%

 

 16

 

  

 

Total financial transactions, net

 

Results from financial transactions, net recovering in the quarter

 

Results from Total financial transactions, net was a gain of Ch$35,770 million in 4Q18, an increase of 96.8% compared to 4Q17 and an increase of 29.9% compared to 3Q18. It is important to point out that the Bank does not run a significant foreign currency gap. The Bank’s spot position in foreign currency is hedged with derivatives that are either considered trading derivatives or hedge accounting derivatives. Derivatives that are considered trading are marked-to-market in net income from financial operations. Hedge accounting derivatives are mark-to-market together with the hedged item in net foreign exchange results. This distorts these line items, especially in periods of a strong appreciation or depreciation of the exchange rate.

 

   Total financial transactions, net

        (Ch$ Million)

 

   Quarter   Change% 
   4Q18   3Q18   4Q17   4Q18/4Q17   4Q18/3Q18 
Net income (expense) from financial operations1   37,804    24,223    (50,137)   (175.4)%   56.1%
Net foreign exchange gain2   (2,034)   3,308    68,311    (103.0)%   (161.5)%
Total financial transactions, net   35,770    27,531    18,174    96.8%   29.9%

 

1. These results include the realized gains of the Available for sale investment portfolio, realized and unrealized gains and interest revenue generated by Trading investments, gains or losses from the sale of charged-off loans and the realized gains (loss) or mark-to-market of derivatives.

2. The results recorded as Foreign exchange gain mainly include the translation gains or losses of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency as well as from our hedge accounting derivatives.

 

In order to understand more clearly these line items, we present them by business area in the following table:

 

   Total financial transactions, net by business

        (Ch$ Million)

 

   Quarter   Change% 
   4Q18   3Q18   4Q17   4Q18/4Q17   4Q18/3Q18 
Client treasury services   34,413    20,758    16,665    106.5%   65.8%
Non-client treasury income1   1,357    6,773    1,509    (10.1)%   (80.0)%
Total financ. transactions, net   35,770    27,531    18,174    96.8%   29.9%

 

1. Non client treasury income. These results includes interest income and the mark-to-market of the Bank’s trading portfolio, realized gains from the Bank’s available for sale portfolio and other results from our Financial Management Division.

 

Client treasury services revenues reached a gain of Ch$ 34,413 million in the quarter, an increase of 65.8% compared to 3Q18 and 106.5% YoY. The movement of client treasury revenue, which usually makes up the bulk of our treasury income, reflects the demand on behalf of clients for treasury products, mainly for their hedging needs and market making. In the second half of 2018, various large corporates structured their financing needs for their investment projects with us.

 

Non-client treasury totaled a gain of Ch$1,357 million in the quarter. The Bank’s fixed income liquidity portfolio is mainly comprised of Chilean sovereign risk and U.S. treasuries. For the most part of the year, rising long-term local and U.S. rates have dampened non-client treasury results. During 4Q18 the Central Bank started to reduce the economic stimulus and market interest rates rose sharply to later normalize. This volatility lead to a decrease in results from our ALM liquidity portfolio.

 

 17

 

  

 

Operating expenses and efficiency

 

Continued improvements in productivity and digitalization leads to an efficiency ratio of 40.0% in 12M18

 

The Bank’s efficiency ratio reached 40.0% in 12M18 compared to 40.8% in the same period of last year. The improvement of the efficiency ratio is mainly due to the various initiatives that the Bank has been implementing to improve productivity and efficiency through digitalization in 2018 and therefore maintaining cost growth controlled. This led to Operating expenses, excluding Impairment and Other operating expenses, in 4Q18 increasing 1.0% QoQ and 0.4% YoY.

 

   Operating expenses

        (Ch$ Million)

 

   Quarter   Change% 
   4Q18   3Q18   4Q17   4Q18/4Q17   4Q18/3Q18 
Personnel salaries and expenses   (99,872)   (104,115)   (102,086)   (2.2)%   (4.1)%
Administrative expenses   (62,009)   (58,215)   (58,203)   6.5%   6.5%
Depreciation & amortization   (21,542)   (19,298)   (22,355)   (3.6)%   11.6%
Operating expenses1   (183,423)   (181,628)   (182,644)   0.4%   1.0%
Impairment of property, plant and Equipment   -    -    -    %   %
Points of Sale   380    377    385    (1.3)%   0.8%
Standard   287    294    327    (12.2)%   (2.4)%
WorkCafé   40    28    20    100.0%   42.9%
Middle-market centers   7    8    7    0.0%   (12.5)%
Select   46    47    51    (9.8)%   (2.1)%
ATMs   910    769    926    (1.7)%   18.3%
Employees   11,305    11,439    11,068    2.1%   (1.2)%
Efficiency ratio2   40.0%   40.8%   42.8%   +275bp   +76bp
YTD Efficiency ratio2   40.0%   40.0%   40.8%   +81bp   -1bp
Volumes per branch (Ch$mn)3   137,082    134,573    123,138    11.3%   1.9%
Volumes per employee (Ch$mn)4   4,608    4,435    4,283    7.6%   3.9%
YTD Cost / Assets5   1.9%   1.9%   2.0%          

 

1. Excluding Impairment and Other operating expenses.

2. Efficiency ratio: Operating expenses excluding impairment and Other operating expenses divided by Operating income. Operating income = Net interest income + Net fee and commission income + Total financial transactions, net + Other operating income minus Other operating expenses.

3. Loans + deposits over branches (points of sale).

4. Loans + deposits over employees.

5. Operating expenses as defined in footnote 1 above, annualized / Total assets.

 

Personnel expenses decreased 4.1% QoQ and 2.2% YoY in 4Q18, below inflation. Total headcount rose 2.1% YoY, reflecting an expansion of the IT projects team during the first semester of 2018. Previously, the Bank outsourced some IT projects that are now being done in-house, producing cost savings and project efficiencies.

 

 18

 

  

 

Administrative expenses increased 6.5% QoQ and 6.5% YoY in 4Q18, as we continue to spend on marketing, communications and technology developments. We also continued to improve our branches, or points of sale, reaching a total of 40 WorkCafés by the end of 2018 and launched a Select/Private banking branch offering specialized services more focused on wealth management and insurance. Also in 4Q18 we starting to pilot the WorkCafé 2.0, building on the WorkCafé format, but for smaller branches and using artificial intelligence to help the client find the best solution for their needs. This is in line with our plan to start increasing points of sale throughout the next few years. In 4Q18, we expanded our ATM network to 910, with the increase mainly within branches. Productivity per branch, measured as loans plus deposits over total branches improved 11.3%.

 

 

Volumes= Loans+ Deposits

 

Amortization expenses increased 11.6% QoQ mainly due to the investment in software and digital banking the Bank is carrying out as part of our plan to improve productivity and efficiency as well as the depreciation of branches as we transformed 12 more branches to Workcafés in the quarter.

 

Other operating income, net & corporate tax

 

Other operating income, net, totaled a loss of Ch$2,705 million in 4Q18. Gross other operating income increased 67.1% QoQ due to the sale of fixed assets and the reversal of non-credit provisions for contingencies. The sale of fixed assets was realized by Bansa S.A. for approximately Ch$2bn. Bansa S.A., is a company that is consolidated by the Bank due to control, but not ownership. Therefore, this one-time income is included in net income, but has no impact on net income attributable to shareholders or shareholders’ equity.

 

   Other operating income, net and corporate tax

        (Ch$ Million)

 

   Quarter   Change% 
   4Q18   3Q18   4Q17   4Q18/4Q17   4Q18/3Q18 
Other operating income   10,769    4,193    19,224    (44.0)%   156.8%
Other operating expenses   (13,474)   (12,414)   (23,343)   (42.3)%   8.5%
Other operating income, net   (2,705)   (8,221)   (4,119)   34.3%   67.1%
Income from investments in associates and other companies   (128)   2,222    1,009    (112.7)%   (105.8)%
Income tax expense   (42,136)   (39,177)   (37,991)   10.9%   7.6%
Effective income tax rate   20.9%   23.1%   22.6%          

 

 19

 

  

 

Income tax expenses in 4Q18 totaled Ch$42,136 million, an increase of 7.6% QoQ and 10.9% YoY. This rise in income tax expenses is mainly due to the 18.8% QoQ and 19.5% YoY rise in net income before tax in 4Q18. The effective tax rate on other hand decreased to 20.9%. This was mainly due to the higher inflation rate in the quarter, since for tax purposes our capital must be restated for CPI inflation.

 

The effective tax rate in 12M18 reached 21.8% compared to 19.9% in 12M17. The rise in the effective tax rate was mainly due to the higher statutory tax rate in 2018 of 27%. This was offset by the higher CPI inflation rate in 12M18 compared to 12M17, which increased the price level restatement of our capital that is charged to taxable income in our tax books. We expect the Bank’s effective tax rate to now remain around 22% going forward.

 

   YTD income tax1

        (Ch$ Million)

 

       Change% 
   Dec-18   Dec-17   Dec-18/Dec-17 
Net income before tax   762,159    720,876    5.7%
Price level restatement of capital2   (111,242)   (75,109)   48.1%
Net income before tax adjusted for price level restatement   650,917    645,767    0.8%
Statutory Tax rate   27.0%   25.5%   +150bp
Income tax expense at Statutory rate   (175,748)   (164,671)   6.7%
Tax benefits3   9,850    21,057    (53.2)%
Income tax   (165,897)   (143,613)   15.5%
Effective tax rate   21.8%   19.9%   +184bp

 

1. This table is for informational purposes only. Please refer to note 15 in our annual financials for more details.

2. For tax purposes, capital is indexed to CPI inflation. The statutory tax rate is applied over net income before tax adjusted for price level restatement.

3. Mainly includes income tax credits from property taxes paid on leased assets as well as the impact from fluctuations in deferred tax assets and liabilities.

 

 20

 

  

 

Section 6: Credit risk ratings

 

International ratings

 

The Bank has credit ratings from three leading international agencies.

 

Moody’s   Rating
Bank Deposit   A1/P-1
Baseline Credit Assessment   A3
Adjusted Baseline Credit Assessment   A3
Senior Unsecured   A1
Commercial Paper   P-1
Outlook   Stable

 

Standard and Poor’s   Rating
Long-term Foreign Issuer Credit   A
Long-term Local Issuer Credit   A
Short-term Foreign Issuer Credit   A-1
Short-term Local Issuer Credit   A-1
Outlook   Stable

 

Fitch   Rating
Foreign Currency Long-term Debt   A
Local Currency Long-term Debt   A
Foreign Currency Short-term Debt   F1
Local Currency Short-term Debt   F1
Viability rating   A
Outlook   Stable

 

Local ratings

 

Our local ratings are the following:

 

Local ratings   Fitch Ratings   Feller Rate
Shares   1CN1   1CN1
Short-term deposits   N1+   N1+
Long-term deposits   AAA   AAA
Mortgage finance bonds   AAA   AAA
Senior bonds   AAA   AAA
Subordinated bonds   AA   AA+

 

 21

 

 

 

Section 7: Share performance

 

As of December 31, 2018

 

Ownership Structure:

 

 

Total Shareholder Return

Santander ADR vs. SP500 (Base 100 = 12/31/2017)

 

 

ADR price (US$) 12M18

12/31/18:   29.90 
Maximum (12M18):   34.94 
Minimum (12M18):   28.94 

 

Market Capitalization: US$14,047 million

P/E 12month trailing*:   17.1 
P/BV (12/31/18)**:   3.0 
Dividend yield***:   4.2%

 

*   Price as of December 31, 2018 / 12mth. earnings

** Price as of December 31, 2018/Book value as of 12/31/18

***Based on closing price on record date of last dividend payment.

 

Average daily traded volumes 12M18

US$ million

 

 

Total Shareholder Return

Santander vs IPSA Index (Base 100 = 12/31/2017)

 

 

Local share price (Ch$) 12M18

12/31/18:   51.69 
Maximum (12M18):   55.23 
Minimum (12M18):   47.52 

 

Dividends:

 

Year paid  Ch$/share   % of previous year’s
earnings
 
2015:   1.75    60%
2016:   1.79    75%
2017:   1.75    70%
2018:   2.25    75%

  

 22

 

 

 

Annex 1: Balance sheet

 

   Unaudited Balance Sheet

 

   Dec-18   Dec-18   Dec-17   Dec-18/Dec-17 
   US$ Ths1  

Ch$ Million

   % Chg. 
Cash and deposits in banks   2,960,102    2,065,441    1,452,922    42.2%
Cash items in process of collection   506,990    353,757    668,145    (47.1)%
Trading investments   110,412    77,041    485,736    (84.1)%
Investments under resale agreements   -    -    -    %
Financial derivative contracts   4,443,698    3,100,635    2,238,647    38.5%
Interbank loans, net   21,591    15,065    162,599    (90.7)%
Loans and account receivables from customers, net   42,235,683    29,470,370    26,747,542    10.2%
Available for sale investments   3,431,442    2,394,323    2,574,546    (7.0)%
Held-to-maturity investments   -    -    -    %
Investments in associates and other companies   46,281    32,293    27,585    17.1%
Intangible assets   95,911    66,923    63,219    5.9%
Property, plant and equipment   363,429    253,586    242,547    4.6%
Current taxes   -    -    -    %
Deferred taxes   548,805    382,934    385,608    (0.7)%
Other assets   1,411,643    984,988    755,183    30.4%
Total Assets   56,175,986    39,197,356    35,804,279    9.5%
                     
Deposits and other demand liabilities   12,527,828    8,741,417    7,768,166    12.5%
Cash items in process of being cleared   233,666    163,043    486,726    (66.5)%
Obligations under repurchase agreements   69,573    48,545    268,061    (81.9)%
Time deposits and other time liabilities   18,728,243    13,067,819    11,913,945    9.7%
Financial derivatives contracts   3,608,301    2,517,728    2,139,488    17.7%
Interbank borrowings   2,563,383    1,788,626    1,698,357    5.3%
Issued debt instruments   11,630,407    8,115,233    7,093,653    14.4%
Other financial liabilities   308,702    215,400    242,030    (11.0)%
Current taxes   11,599    8,093    6,435    25.8%
Deferred taxes   22,063    15,395    9,663    59.3%
Provisions   472,856    329,940    324,329    1.7%
Other liabilities   1,290,427    900,408    745,363    20.8%
Total Liabilities   51,467,047    35,911,647    32,696,216    9.8%
                     
Equity                    
Capital   1,277,378    891,303    891,303    0.0%
Reserves   2,755,993    1,923,022    1,781,818    7.9%
Valuation adjustments   15,607    10,890    (2,312)   (571.0)%
Retained Earnings:                    
Retained earnings from prior years   -    -    -    %
Income for the period   848,289    591,902    564,815    4.8%
Minus: Provision for mandatory dividends   (254,487)   (177,571)   (169,444)   4.8%
Total Shareholders' Equity   4,642,780    3,239,546    3,066,180    5.7%
Non-controlling interest   66,159    46,163    41,883    10.2%
Total Equity   4,708,939    3,285,709    3,108,063    5.7%
                     
Total Liabilities and Equity   56,175,986    39,197,356    35,804,279    9.5%

 

1. The exchange rate used to calculate the figures in dollars was Ch$697.76/ US$1

 

 23

 

  

 

Annex 2: YTD income statements

 

   Unaudited YTD Income Statement

 

   Dec-18   Dec-18   Dec-17   Dec-18/Dec-17 
   US$ Ths1   Ch$ Million   % Chg. 
Interest income   3,216,460    2,244,317    2,058,446    9.0%
Interest expense   (1,189,448)   (829,949)   (731,755)   13.4%
Net interest income   2,027,012    1,414,368    1,326,691    6.6%
Fee and commission income   694,312    484,463    455,558    6.3%
Fee and commission expense   (277,428)   (193,578)   (176,495)   9.7%
Net fee and commission income   416,884    290,885    279,063    4.2%
Net income (expense) from financial operations   76,207    53,174    2,796    1801.8%
Net foreign exchange gain   74,392    51,908    126,956    (59.1)%
Total financial transactions, net   150,599    105,082    129,752    (19.0)%
Other operating income   56,647    39,526    87,163    (54.7)%
Net operating profit before provisions for loan losses   2,651,142    1,849,861    1,822,669    1.5%
Provision for loan losses   (465,898)   (325,085)   (299,205)   8.6%
Net operating profit   2,185,244    1,524,776    1,523,464    0.1%
Personnel salaries and expenses   (569,772)   (397,564)   (396,967)   0.2%
Administrative expenses   (351,251)   (245,089)   (230,103)   6.5%
Depreciation and amortization   (113,621)   (79,280)   (77,823)   1.9%
Op. expenses excl. Impairment and Other operating expenses   (1,034,644)   (721,933)   (704,893)   2.4%
Impairment of property, plant and equipment   (56)   (39)   (5,644)   (99.3)%
Other operating expenses   (65,553)   (45,740)   (96,014)   (52.4)%
Total operating expenses   (1,100,252)   (767,712)   (806,551)   (4.8)%
Operating income   1,084,992    757,064    716,913    5.6%
Income from investments in associates and other companies   7,302    5,095    3,963    28.6%
Income before tax   1,092,294    762,159    720,876    5.7%
Income tax expense   (237,757)   (165,897)   (143,613)   15.5%
Net income from ordinary activities   854,537    596,262    577,263    3.3%
Net income discontinued operations   -    -    -    %
Net income attributable to:                    
Non-controlling interest   6,249    4,360    12,448    (65.0)%
Net income attributable to equity holders of the Bank   848,289    591,902    564,815    4.8%

 

1. The exchange rate used to calculate the figures in dollars was Ch$697.76/ US$1

 

 24

 

  

 

Annex 3: Quarterly income statements

 

   Unaudited Quarterly Income Statement

 

   4Q18   4Q18   3Q18   4Q17   4Q18/4Q17   4Q18/3Q18 
   US$ Ths1  

Ch$ Million

   % Chg. 
Interest income   841,855    587,413    568,132    524,299    12.0%   3.4%
Interest expense   (329,357)   (229,812)   (211,410)   (177,798)   29.3%   8.7%
Net interest income   512,499    357,601    356,722    346,501    3.2%   0.2%
Fee and commission income   170,989    119,309    118,606    112,308    6.2%   0.6%
Fee and commission expense   (74,339)   (51,871)   (49,477)   (46,008)   12.7%   4.8%
Net fee and commission income   96,649    67,438    69,129    66,300    1.7%   (2.4)%
Net income (expense) from financial operations   54,179    37,804    24,223    (50,137)   (175.4)%   56.1%
Net foreign exchange gain   (2,915)   (2,034)   3,308    68,311    (103.0)%   (161.5)%
Total financial transactions, net   51,264    35,770    27,531    18,174    96.8%   29.9%
Other operating income   15,434    10,769    4,193    19,224    (44.0)%   156.8%
Net operating profit before provisions for loan losses   675,846    471,578    457,575    450,199    4.7%   3.1%
Provision for loan losses   (105,026)   (73,283)   (96,396)   (76,805)   (4.6)%   (24.0)%
Net operating profit   570,819    398,295    361,179    373,394    6.7%   10.3%
Personnel salaries and expenses   (143,132)   (99,872)   (104,115)   (102,086)   (2.2)%   (4.1)%
Administrative expenses   (88,869)   (62,009)   (58,215)   (58,203)   6.5%   6.5%
Depreciation and amortization   (30,873)   (21,542)   (19,298)   (22,355)   (3.6)%   11.6%
Op. expenses excl. Impairment and Other operating expenses   (262,874)   (183,423)   (181,628)   (182,644)   0.4%   1.0%
Impairment of property, plant and equipment   -    -    -    -    %   %
Other operating expenses   (19,310)   (13,474)   (12,414)   (23,343)   (42.3)%   8.5%
Total operating expenses   (282,184)   (196,897)   (194,042)   (205,987)   (4.4)%   1.5%
Operating income   288,635    201,398    167,137    167,407    20.3%   20.5%
Income from investments in associates and other companies   (183)   (128)   2,222    1,009    (112.7)%   (105.8)%
Income before tax   288,452    201,270    169,359    168,416    19.5%   18.8%
Income tax expense   (60,388)   (42,136)   (39,177)   (37,991)   10.9%   7.6%
Net income from ordinary activities   228,064    159,134    130,182    130,425    22.0%   22.2%
Net income discontinued operations   -    -    -    -    %   %
Net income attributable to:                              
Non-controlling interest   3,569    2,490    455    (4,253)   (158.5)%   447.3%
Net income attributable to equity holders of the Bank   224,496    156,644    129,727    134,678    16.3%   20.7%

 

1. The exchange rate used to calculate the figures in dollars was Ch$697.76/ US$1

 

 25

 

 

 

Annex 4: Quarterly evolution of main ratios and other information

 

(Ch$ millions)            
Loans  4Q17   1Q18   2Q18   3Q18   4Q18 
                     
Consumer loans   4,557,692    4,595,908    4,641,646    4,684,343    4,876,289 
Residential mortgage loans   9,096,895    9,269,711    9,523,157    9,817,591    10,150,981 
Commercial loans   13,908,642    14,469,530    15,039,330    15,456,250    15,239,659 
Interbank loans   162,684    9,245    29,795    14,335    15,094 
Total loans (including interbank)   27,725,913    28,344,394    29,233,928    29,972,519    30,282,023 
Allowance for loan losses   (815,773)   (810,390)   (805,071)   (804,885)   (796,588)
Total loans, net of allowances   26,910,141    27,534,004    28,428,857    29,167,634    29,485,435 
                          
Deposits                         
Demand deposits   7,768,166    8,175,608    8,127,758    7,984,243    8,741,417 
Time deposits   11,913,945    11,968,775    12,681,594    12,777,365    13,067,819 
Total deposits   19,682,111    20,144,383    20,809,352    20,761,608    21,809,236 
Mutual funds (Off balance sheet)   5,056,892    5,386,643    5,557,027    5,543,748    5,576,243 
Total customer funds   24,739,003    25,531,026    26,366,379    26,305,356    27,385,479 
Loans / Deposits1   100.7%   98.0%   98.1%   101.1%   98.0%
                          
Average balances                         
Avg. interest earning assets   30,028,486    30,708,458    31,754,813    32,234,857    32,754,792 
Avg. loans (including interbank)   27,744,747    27,979,005    28,824,294    29,615,916    30,190,154 
Avg. assets   35,414,483    36,259,035    37,005,082    37,953,289    38,829,385 
Avg. demand deposits   7,447,208    7,833,062    8,295,853    8,042,486    8,280,556 
Avg. equity   3,018,905    3,117,571    3,021,163    3,044,807    3,159,565 
Avg. free funds   10,466,113    10,950,633    11,317,016    11,087,293    11,440,120 
                          
Capitalization                         
Risk weighted assets   27,911,835    28,530,059    29,945,320    30,274,655    30,600,177 
Tier I (Shareholders' equity)   3,066,180    3,169,855    2,999,879    3,085,775    3,239,546 
Tier II   815,072    820,002    827,024    852,690    862,119 
Regulatory capital   3,881,252    3,989,856    3,826,903    3,938,465    4,101,664 
Tier I ratio   11.0%   11.1%   10.0%   10.2%   10.6%
BIS ratio   13.9%   14.0%   12.8%   13.0%   13.4%
                          
Profitability & Efficiency                         
Net interest margin (NIM)2   4.6%   4.5%   4.5%   4.4%   4.4%
Efficiency ratio3   42.8%   38.7%   40.5%   40.8%   40.0%
Costs / assets4   2.1%   1.9%   2.0%   1.9%   1.9%
Avg. Demand deposits / interest earning assets   24.8%   25.5%   26.1%   24.9%   25.3%
Return on avg. equity   17.8%   19.4%   20.5%   17.0%   19.8%
Return on avg. assets   1.5%   1.7%   1.7%   1.4%   1.6%
Return on RWA   1.9%   2.1%   2.1%   1.7%   2.1%

 

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(Ch$ millions)            
Asset quality  Dec-17   Mar-18   Jun-18   Sep-18   Dec-18 
Impaired loans5   1,803,173    1,825,702    1,803,077    1,796,005    1,779,438 
Non-performing loans (NPLs) 6   633,461    659,347    650,007    661,365    631,652 
Past due loans7   339,562    352,363    363,124    378,280    0 
Loan loss reserves   (815,773)   (810,390)   (805,071)   (804,885)   (796,588)
Impaired loans / total loans   6.5%   6.4%   6.2%   6.0%   5.9%
NPLs / total loans   2.3%   2.3%   2.2%   2.2%   2.1%
PDL / total loans   1.2%   1.2%   1.2%   1.3%   0.0%
Coverage of NPLs (Loan loss allowance / NPLs)   128.8%   122.9%   123.9%   121.7%   126.1%
Coverage of PDLs (Loan loss allowance / PDLs)   240.2%   230.0%   221.7%   212.8%   203.8%
Risk index (Loan loss allowances /  Loans) 8   2.9%   2.9%   2.8%   2.7%   2.6%
Cost of credit (prov expense annualized / avg. loan)   1.1%   1.1%   1.1%   1.3%   1.0%
                          
Network                         
Branches   385    379    376    377    380 
ATMs   926    948    1,001    769    910 
Employees   11,068    11,444    11,453    11,439    11,305 
                          
Market information (period-end)                         
Net income per share (Ch$)   0.71    0.80    0.82    0.69    0.83 
Net income per ADR (US$)   0.46    0.53    0.50    0.42    0.48 
Stock price   48.19    50.88    51.27    52.63    51.69 
ADR price   31.27    33.51    31.43    31.98    29.9 
Market capitalization (US$mn)   14,732    15,855    14,435    15,066    14,047 
Shares outstanding   188,446    188,446    188,446    188,446    188,446 
ADRs (1 ADR = 400 shares)   471    471    471    471    471 
                          
Other Data                         
Quarterly inflation rate9   0.5%   0.6%   0.7%   0.7%   0.8%
Central Bank monetary policy reference rate (nominal)   2.50%   2.50%   2.50%   2.50%   2.75%
Observed Exchange rate (Ch$/US$)  (period-end)   616.85    604.67    653.90    656.74    697.76 

 

1. Ratio =(Net Loans - portion of mortgages funded with long-term bonds) / (Time deposits + Demand deposits)

2. NIM = Net interest income annualized divided by interest earning assets

3. Efficiency ratio =(Net interest income+ Net fee and commission income +Financial transactions net + Other operating income +Other operating expenses) divided by (Personnel expenses + Administrative expenses + Depreciation). Excludes impairment charges

4. Costs / assets = (Personnel expenses + Adm. Expenses + depreciation) / Total assets

5. Impaired loans include: (A) for loans individually evaluated for impairment, (i) the carrying amount of all loans to clients that are rated C1 through C6 and (ii) the carrying amount of loans to an individual client with a loan that is non-performing, regardless of category, excluding residential mortgage loans, if the past-due amount on the mortgage loan is less than 90 days; and (B) for loans collectively evaluated for impairment, (i) the carrying amount of total loans to a client, when a loan to that client is non-performing or has been renegotiated, excluding performing residential mortgage loans, and (ii) if the loan that is non-performing or renegotiated is a residential mortgage loan, all loans to that client.

6. Capital + future interest of all loans with one installment 90 days or more overdue.

7. Total installments plus lines of credit more than 90 days overdue.

8. Based on internal credit models and SBIF guidelines. Banks must have a 100% coverage of risk index.

9. Calculated using the variation of the Unidad de Fomento (UF) in the period.

 

 27

 

 

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.

 

  BANCO SANTANDER-CHILE  
     
  By: /s/ Cristian Florence  
  Name: Cristian Florence  
  Title: General Counsel  

 

Date: March 5, 2019