DFCC Bank records resilient performance midst challenges

DFCC Bank yesterday said it recorded resilient performance in the third quarter and nine months of 2019 midst challenges. 

DFCC Bank recorded a profit after tax of Rs. 2,217 million for the period ended 30 September 2019 before the adjustment for the fair value loss on Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC (CBC) in comparison to profit after tax of Rs. 2,723 million recorded in the comparative period. The Bank’s profit after tax with the adjustment for the fair value loss on CBC shares amounted to Rs. 1,594 million for the current period against Rs. 1,791 million in the comparative period. On the same basis, the Group recorded a profit after tax of Rs. 1,765 million for the period ended 30 September 2019 compared to Rs. 1,955 million in the comparative period.

Operating income

The Bank recorded a total operating income amounting to Rs. 9,839 million for the period ended 30 September 2019, compared to Rs. 9,296 million for the comparative period, recording an increase of 6%.  Fees and commission income grew by 3% to Rs. 1,468 million for the period ended 30 September 2019 from Rs. 1,422 million in the comparative period.

Operating expenses

DFCC Bank sustained its branch expansion while driving many digital initiatives during the period. Operating expenses increased to Rs. 5,531 million from Rs. 4,862 million in the comparative period. This increase was mainly due to aggressive network expansion, as well as rolling out “MySpace” self-banking locations that include ATMs and Cash Recyclers etc.; in order to deliver a convenient customer experience. “DFCC MySpace” self-banking platforms have attracted a significant number of new customers due to the facilities being available 24x7/365 days of the year.

Impairment

Challenging business environment faced by most industries resulted in delay or non-payment of dues on time by clients. As a result, the impairment provision during the period ending 30 September 2019 increased to Rs. 795 million which is an increase of 26% compared to Rs. 633 million recorded in the comparable period. The Bank’s NPL ratio as at 30 September 2019 was 4.84% compared to 3.28% recorded as at 31 December 2018. 

Other comprehensive income

Investments in equity securities and treasury bills and bonds (fixed income securities) are classified as financial assets and the change in fair value is recorded through Other Comprehensive Income. Accordingly, fair value losses of Rs. 1,400 million and a net fair value gain of Rs. 1,675 million were recorded on account of equity and fixed income securities, respectively. The drop in the share price of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC during the period mainly contributed to the reported fair value loss in equity securities, whilst the movement of interest rates of treasury bills and bonds favourably resulted in the fair value gain that was recorded during the period. 

Statement of financial position

Assets

DFCC Bank’s Total Assets showed a growth of 7% since December 2018 by Rs. 27,547 million to Rs. 402,455 million as of 30 September 2019. Within this, the Bank’s loan portfolio grew by Rs. 20,273 million to Rs. 270,007 million compared to Rs. 249,734 million as at 31 December 2018 recording an increase of 8%. The Bank did not pursue aggressive growth particularly to sectors that exhibited stress, as a result of its stance on prudent lending.

Liabilities

The Bank’s deposit base as at 30 September 2019 amounted to Rs. 232,834 million, which is a 4% decline from Rs. 242,238 million as at 31 December 2018. This is largely due to the Bank’s strategy to reduce the concentration risk on a few institutional deposits &the increase in retail deposit base to reach the long term objective of achieving one million customers by 2020.

As a result of the declining trend in overall deposit base, the Bank recorded a loan-to-deposit ratio of 116% in September 2019 from 103% in December 2018.The Bank’s CASA ratio, which represents the proportion of low-cost deposits from total deposits, stood at 24.5% on 30 September2019. The Bank has access to medium- to long-term concessionary credit lines. When these concessionary term borrowings are added to deposits, the ratio improved to 31.2% as at 30 September 2019.

Capital management

DFCC Bank has always been a prudent lender. Therefore, in order to support future growth as a full service retail bank with a development banking focus, the Bank has consistently maintained a capital ratio above the Basel III minimum capital requirements. As at 30 September 2019, the Bank recorded Tier 1 and total capital adequacy ratios of 11.03% and 16.06%, respectively, which is well over the minimum regulatory requirements of 8.5% and 12.5%, respectively.

CEO statement 

“As we embark on a long term strategy to become the best customer centric and digitally enabled retail bank in 2025, it is important to keep focusing on evolving customer’s needs in the financial space. To give a head start to this strategic journey, we have already established our digital footprint in order to create an utmost experience to our customers while adding value to our shareholders.”   

About DFCC Bank

DFCC Bank PLC is a fully fledged commercial bank offering the full gamut of commercial and development banking services. The Bank was also ranked among Business Today’s Top 30 businesses in Sri Lanka and placed in the 25th position in Brand Finance’s Top 100 Most Valuable Brands 2019. DFCC Bank is rated AA- (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited.