31 Jul 2012 08:12
Byblos Bank S.A.L.
Press Release - H1 2012 Unaudited Results
31 July, 2012
Within the context of volatile and uncertain regional conditions, Byblos Bank adopted throughout the first half of 2012, a conservative strategy aiming at preserving the Bank's solid financial position through reinforced resilience, high liquidity, improved asset quality, and a capital adequacy ratio exceeding the requirements of Basel III. In this context, Net Income was maintained at USD 80 million compared to the same period last year.
Byblos Bank recorded during the first half of 2012, one of the most elevated liquidity levels in the sector. The Bank's Primary Liquidity Placed with Central Banks and Banks amounted to USD 9.1 billion. It represented 68.7% of total deposits at the end of June 2012.
Byblos Bank kept a strong asset quality, thereby allocating provisions for credit losses for an amount of USD 23.1 million during the first half of 2012, out of which USD 8.4 million are collective provisions. Gross Non-performing Loans represented 3.94% of gross loans as at 30 June 2012, and were covered up to 70.8% by specific provisions and reserved interest. The coverage ratio reaches 111.7% when collective provisions are accounted, which represents 1.69% of Net Loans. Net Non-performing Loans (net of specific provisions and reserved interest) reached 1.20% of Net Loans at the end of June 2012.
Byblos Bank maintained high capitalization levels with a Basel III Capital Adequacy Ratio of 13.30%, one of the highest in the sector, versus a 12% minimum regulatory requirement (with full compliance by December 2015).
The Bank matched long-term foreign currency assets with long-term funding in foreign currency, as evidenced by last year's issuance of USD 300 million in 10-year bonds carrying a coupon of 7%.
Byblos Bank's unaudited consolidated Total Assets stood at USD 16.6 billion as at 30 June 2012. Customer Deposits grew, during the first half of 2012, by 3.5% (+USD 0.5 billion) to USD 13.3 billion as at 30 June 2012. While Net Customer Loans increased, during the first half of 2012, by 2.1% (+USD 0.1 billion) and reached USD 4.1 billion as at 30 June 2012.
To view the text of the results, paste the following link(s) into the address bar of your web browser:
http://www.byblosbank.com.lb/Library/Files/Financial%20Reports/Quarterly%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements/Quarterly%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements/BB_Con_Unaudited_BS_En_300612.pdf
For further information, please contact:
Ziad El Zoghby
Head of Finance and Administration Division
Byblos Bank S.A.L.
Phone: +961 1335 280