Societe Generale's Board of Directors met on February 10th, 2016 under the chairmanship of Lorenzo Bini Smaghi and examined the results for Q4 15 and the financial statements for 2015.

Book Group net income amounted to EUR 4,001 million for 2015, vs. EUR 2,679 million in 2014. If non-economic items are stripped out^([1]), Group net income increased +27.4%* in 2015 vs. 2014. Group net income for Q4 15 was EUR 656 million (vs. EUR 549 million in Q4 14).

Net banking income totalled EUR 25,639 million in 2015 (EUR 23,561 million in 2014) including
EUR 6,053 million in Q4 (EUR 6,129 million in Q4 14). If non-economic items are stripped out, it rose +4.0%* in 2015, driven by the good commercial performance of all the businesses.

Operating expenses remained under control, despite the increase in fiscal, regulatory and legal costs, and the restructuring costs related to the Group's new cost savings plan. When corrected for these factors, the increase in operating expenses is contained at +1.4%* in 2015.

The Group's commercial cost of risk^([2]) reduced to 52 basis points in 2015 (down -9 basis points vs. 2014), reflecting the attention paid to monitoring risks and the quality of the portfolio. The net cost of risk amounted to EUR 3,065 million in 2015 vs. EUR 2,967 million in 2014. It includes an additional provision of EUR -400 million in Q4 15 in respect of the provision for litigation issues, taking the total for this provision to EUR 1.7 billion.

The "Basel 3" Common Equity Tier 1 (fully-loaded CET1) ratio stood at 10.9%^([3]) (10.1% at end-2014), with a target of maintaining a buffer of 100bp to 150bp above the regulatory minimum. The leverage ratio stood at 4.0% (vs. 3.8% at end-2014). These ratios already reached, at end-2015, the level expected at end-2016. The total capital ratio stood at 16.3% at end-2015 (14.3% at end-2014), with a target of more than 18% at end-2017.

Given the results for the year, the Board of Directors has decided to propose a dividend of EUR 2 in respect of 2015 (vs. EUR 1.20 in respect of 2014), corresponding to a 50% payout ratio (40% in 2014). The dividend will be detached on May 25th, 2016 and paid on May 27th, 2016.

Commenting on the Group's results for 2015, Frédéric Oudéa - Chief Executive Officer - stated:

"With Group net income of EUR 4 billion in 2015, substantially higher than in 2014, the Societe Generale Group has successfully completed another stage in its transformation process. 2015 was marked by good operating performances in all the businesses and the strengthening of synergies between the businesses. Thanks to the trust shown by our customers and the commitment of our employees, the Group benefited from a strong commercial momentum.  Revenue growth was buoyant, while maintaining rigorous management of risks and costs. The Group also continued to optimise its capital and invested in the acceleration of its digital transformation. Underpinned by a sound and robust balance sheet, CET 1 capital levels are already well above regulatory requirements. Finally, the good operating performance and this optimised capital management enable the Group to pay its shareholders a substantially higher dividend.
In the unstable environment expected in 2016, the Societe Generale Group, supported by a successful business model, will determinedly pursue its transformation plan in order to continue to provide its customers with added value and create value for its shareholders."

1.  Adjusted for revaluation of own financial liabilities and DVA

Net banking income

The Group's net banking income totalled EUR 25,639 million in 2015, up +7.2%* vs. 2014, including EUR 6,053 million in Q4 15 (-1.7%* vs. Q4 14).
Excluding non-economic items, the Group's net banking income amounted to EUR 24,968 million for 2015, thus increasing +4.0%* vs. 2014 (and EUR 6,098 million in Q4 15, up +0.3%* vs. Q4 14). In a restrictive environment, the Group continued to grow, supported by an appropriate positioning in all its businesses. Net banking income experienced average growth of +1% per year over the period 2013-2015. Excluding Russia, the growth in net banking income on an annual basis amounted to 3% (on average over the period 2013-2015, excluding non-economic items), in line with the targets set in 2014 for the period 2013-2016, thanks to dynamic activities, notably in France, Central and Eastern Europe, and in buoyant segments in Global Banking & Investor Solutions.

• French Retail Banking (RBDF) revenues rose +2.9% in 2015 vs. 2014 (and +1.0% in Q4 15 vs. Q4 14), excluding the PEL/CEL provision - or respectively +3.3% (and +3.0%) in absolute terms. French Retail Banking saw a record number of accounts opened in 2015, mainly in the "mass affluent" client segment. Outstanding loans experienced an upturn, driven by housing loan production, due to a wave of renegotiations which peaked in Q3 15, and the rebound in corporate loan production.
   
• International Retail Banking & Financial Services' (IBFS) net banking income rose +2.6%* in 2015 vs. 2014 (+1.2%* in Q4 15 vs. Q4 14). When adjusted for changes in Group structure and at constant exchange rates, revenues were higher in 2015 in all the activities excluding Russia, particularly in Financial Services to Corporates and Insurance (+11.7%* between 2014 and 2015), Europe (+2.9%*) and Africa (+17.5%*).
   
• The unstable market conditions observed during H2 15 hampered Global Banking & Investor Solutions' (GBIS) revenue growth. Revenues nevertheless increased +0.9%* in 2015 vs. 2014 (they were down -4.6%* in Q4 15 vs. Q4 14). The revenues of Global Markets and Investor Services experienced a moderate -2.3%* decline vs. 2014.  Financing & Advisory continued to expand, with revenues up +8.0%* vs. 2014.  In Asset and Wealth Management, net banking income rose +4.2%* in 2015.

The accounting impact of the revaluation of the Group's own financial liabilities was EUR +782 million in 2015 (including EUR -39 million in Q4 15). The revaluation of the Group's own financial liabilities had an impact of EUR -139 million on net banking income in 2014 (EUR +44 million for Q4 14). The DVA impact (see methodology note No. 7) amounted to EUR -111 million for the whole of 2015 (EUR +38 million in 2014), including EUR -6 million in Q4 15 (and EUR +33 million in Q4 14). These two factors constitute the restated non-economic items in the analyses of the Group's results.

Operating expenses

The objectives of the strategic plan aimed to contain the growth of costs on average at +1% over the period 2013-2016. At end-2015, the observed annual average growth amounted to +2% due to the sharp rise in fiscal and regulatory pressures, legal costs, and investments in the Group's transformation. The Group completed its 2013-2015 cost savings plan during Q3 2015 and secured the entire EUR 900 million of planned recurring savings. It also announced a new cost savings plan, aimed at securing EUR 850 million of additional savings by 2017.

The Group's operating expenses amounted to EUR 16,893 million for 2015 (vs. EUR 16,037 million in 2014), including EUR 4,349 million in Q4 15 (and EUR 4,212 million in Q4 14). This increase results from structure and foreign exchange effects (notably the integration of Newedge in Q2 14 only), the sharp rise in regulatory taxes and costs (including the contribution related to the European Single Resolution Fund), as well as an increase in the Group's legal costs. They also include the costs associated with the new cost savings plan announced during the year. When restated for these items (increase in taxes, levies, regulatory costs, legal fees and new cost savings plan), the increase in operating expenses is contained at +1.4%*.

Operating income

The Group's gross operating income amounted to EUR 8,746 million in 2015 (EUR 7,524 million in 2014).  

The Group's net cost of risk amounted to EUR -3,065 million in 2015, up +3.3% vs. 2014. It includes in particular an additional EUR -600 million provision for litigation issues (including EUR -400 million in Q4 15). This provision totalled EUR 1.7 billion at end-2015.

The commercial cost of risk (expressed as a fraction of outstanding loans) confirmed its downtrend, in line with the 2016 target. It stood at 52⁽¹⁾ basis points in 2015 vs. 61 basis points in 2014:

• In French Retail Banking, the commercial cost of risk continued to decline to 43 basis points (vs. 56 basis points in 2014), thanks to the low level for business customers.
• At 102 basis points (vs. 123 basis points in 2014), International Retail Banking & Financial Services' cost of risk was lower, due primarily to an improvement in the cost of risk in Europe, particularly in Romania, and on the African continent. The cost of risk in Russia remained under control despite a challenging economic environment. 
• Global Banking & Investor Solutions' cost of risk amounted to 27 basis points in 2015 (vs. 10 basis points in 2014). 2015 was marked by increased provisioning on counterparties exposed to the oil and gas sector. A substantial provision was also booked on a defaulting counterparty in Q4 15. 

The commercial cost of risk is already below the 2016 targets announced in the strategic plan. These targets have therefore been adjusted to reflect the quality of the portfolio and the good risk control in the businesses. At end-2016, the Group's commercial cost of risk is expected to be within a range of 50bp to 55bp: with an expected level around 45 basis points for French Retail Banking, around 100 basis points in International Retail Banking & Financial Services, and around 25 basis points for Global Banking & Investor Solutions.

The Group's exposure to the oil and gas sector, which is located mainly in Global Banking & Investor Solutions, represents only 3% of the Group's EAD. This sub-credit portfolio, where 2/3rds is investment grade and where a small component is secured by hydrocarbon reserves, is sound and diversified.

Based on a stress test on this exposure, with an oil price at USD 30 per barrel, we do not anticipate any significant impact with regard to keeping the commercial cost of risk targets.

The gross doubtful outstandings ratio was 5.3% at end-December 2015 (vs. 6% at end-December 2014). The Group's gross coverage ratio for doubtful outstandings stood at 64%, up +1 point vs. 2014. The improvement in these indicators continues the trend observed for several years. The quality of the Group's assets and its good positioning in relation to its European peers were confirmed by the transparency exercise carried out by the EBA in 2015.

The Group's operating income was substantially higher, at EUR 5,681 million in 2015 (+22.5%* vs. 2014). In Q4 15, it was lower than in Q4 14, at EUR 547 million vs. EUR 1,011 million, mainly due to the increase in the provision for litigation issues (EUR 400 million in Q4 15 vs. EUR 200 million in Q4 14).

Net income

Group net income totalled EUR 4,001 million for 2015 (including EUR 656 million in Q4 15). This compares with Group net income of EUR 2,679 million in respect of 2014 (and EUR 549 million for Q4 14). Group net income for 2014 included notably a goodwill write-down on the Group's activities in Russia amounting to EUR -525 million and costs related to the Group's withdrawal from consumer finance in Brazil. Group net income for 2015 includes notably the capital gain on the disposal of the Group's stake in Amundi (EUR +147 million). The Group's effective tax rate amounted to 29.2% for 2015 (29.5% in 2014).

When corrected for non-economic items (revaluation of own financial liabilities and DVA)⁽¹⁾, Group net income amounted to EUR 3,561 million in 2015 (EUR 686 million in Q4 15) vs. EUR 2,745 million in 2014 (EUR 499 million in Q4 14).

The Group's ROE⁽²⁾ was 8.1% for 2015 (7.9% in absolute terms). On a like-for-like basis, ROE was 7.3% for 2014 (5.3% in absolute terms). For Q4 15, ROE stood at 4.7% in absolute terms (4.0% in Q4 14).

In four years, tangible net asset value per share has increased +27.3%, from EUR 43.94 at end-2011 to EUR 55.94 at end-2015, while net asset value per share increased +12.9% (from EUR 54.57 to EUR 61.62).

Earnings per share, excluding non-economic items, therefore amounts in 2015 to EUR 3.94 at end-December 2015 (EUR 3.00 at end-December 2014), after deducting interest payable to holders of deeply subordinated notes and undated subordinated notes⁽1). This is the basis for the calculation of the proposed dividend distribution to be submitted to the Annual General Meeting (50% payout ratio). In absolute terms, earnings per share⁽¹⁾ amounts to EUR 4.49 (EUR 2.92 in 2014), after deducting interest payable to holders of deeply subordinated notes and undated subordinated notes.

Group shareholders' equity totalled EUR 59.0 billion⁽¹⁾ at December 31st, 2015 (EUR 55.2 billion at December 31st, 2014). Tangible net asset value per share was EUR 55.94, corresponding to net asset value per share of EUR 61.62, including EUR 1.99 of unrealised capital gains.

The consolidated balance sheet totalled EUR 1,334 billion at December 31st, 2015 (EUR 1,308 billion at December 31st, 2014). The net amount of customer loan outstandings, including lease financing, was EUR 386 billion (EUR 356 billion at December 31st, 2014) - excluding securities sold under repurchase agreements. At the same time, customer deposits amounted to EUR 360 billion vs. EUR 328 billion at December 31st, 2014 (excluding securities sold under repurchase agreements).

In 2015, the Group issued EUR 39 billion of medium/long-term debt with EUR 33 billion at parent company level (in respect of a financing programme of EUR 27 billion in 2015), having an average maturity of 4.5 years and an average spread of 32 basis points (vs. the 6-month mid-swap, excluding subordinated debt) and EUR 6 billion by the subsidiaries. The LCR (Liquidity Coverage Ratio) was higher than at end-2014 and was well above regulatory requirements at 124% at end-2015 vs. 118% at end-2014.

The Group's risk-weighted assets amounted to EUR 356.9 billion at December 31st, 2015 (vs.
EUR 353.2 billion at end-December 2014) according to CRR/CRD4 rules. Risk-weighted assets in respect of credit risk represent more than 80% of the total, at EUR 293.8 billion, up 3.1% in 2015.

At December 31st, 2015, the Group's Common Equity Tier 1 ratio⁽²⁾ stood at 10.9%⁽³⁾ (10.1% at end-December 2014). The Tier 1 ratio was 13.5% (12.6% at end-December 2014) and the total capital ratio amounted to 16.3% (14.3% at end-December 2014).

The leverage ratio stood at 4.0%⁽²⁾ at December 31st, 2015 (3.8% at end-2014).

The Group has therefore achieved, already at end-2015, the targets defined for end-2016. The Group has confirmed its ambitions in terms of solidity of the balance sheet, with the retention of a margin of 100 to 150 basis points above the regulatory requirements for the CET 1 ratio, a target for the Group's Common Equity Tier 1 ratio⁽²⁾ at end-2016 set above 11%, and a total capital ratio target of more than 18% at end-2017 in light of the implementation of TLAC (Total Loss Absorbing Capacity) obligations.

In order to meet the new regulatory constraints, the allocation of capital to the Group's different businesses is based, as from January 1st, 2016, on 11% of each business' risk-weighted assets.

The Group is rated by the rating agencies DBRS (long-term rating: "A (high)" with a stable outlook; short-term rating: "R-1 (middle)"), FitchRatings (long-term rating: "A" with a stable outlook; short-term rating: "F1"), Moody's (deposit and senior unsecured long-term ratings: "A2" with a stable outlook; short-term rating: "P-1" and long-term Counterparty Risk Assessment of "A1" and short-term Counterparty Risk Assessment of "P-1"), Standard & Poor's (long-term rating: "A" with a stable outlook - outlook raised on December 2nd, 2015; short-term rating: "A-1") and R&I (attribution of a long-term rating of "A" with a stable outlook on May 20th, 2015).

French Retail Banking posted excellent results in 2015, underpinned by a good commercial performance.

Placing the customer at the heart of its operation and with three complementary brands (Societe Generale, Crédit du Nord and Boursorama), French Retail Banking continued to expand its customer base throughout 2015, reaching a 10-year record. With more than 305,000 net openings of current accounts (+38% vs. 2014), mainly for mass affluent and high net worth clients, the Group therefore exceeded the threshold of 11 million individual customers in 2015. Boursorama, the leading 100% mobile bank, passed the 757,000 customers mark in December 2015 in France, exceeding the commercial target set. This ability to win new customers was mainly driven by very dynamic housing loan production.  

At the same time, the Societe Generale network was voted "Customer Service of the Year 2016" (for the fourth time - Viseo Conseil - October 2015).

In a fiercely competitive environment for savings inflow, Retail Banking successfully maintained its policy for balance sheet deposit inflow: average outstanding deposits in the balance sheet rose +5.3% vs. 2014, to EUR 170.4 billion, driven by the new customers won and still very buoyant sight deposit inflow (+14.8% vs. 2014).

At the same time, 2015 experienced the full impact of growth and synergy drivers, with a sharp increase in property and personal protection. Net life insurance inflow rose +28% vs. 2014, more rapidly than for the market (+9%), with a still high unit-linked subscription rate (20% on average of gross inflow). In addition, the net inflow for the new Private Banking operation in France was substantially higher than in 2014 (+75% at EUR 2.3 billion) and assets under management amounted to EUR 52 billion.

French Retail Banking continued to assist individuals and businesses with the financing of their projects. 2015 was marked by very high housing loan production (x2 vs. 2014) which contributed to a 4.1% increase in average outstanding housing loans. Business customer demand, which increased in Q4 15, resulted in a sharp rise in investment loan production (+36%), leading to the stabilisation of average outstandings (vs. 2014). Overall, average outstanding loans amounted to EUR 178.2 billion, up +1.9% vs. 2014.   

The average loan/deposit ratio continued to decline to 105% in Q4 15 (vs.108% in Q4 14).

As a result of its strong commercial momentum, French Retail Banking posted revenues up +2.9% vs. 2014 after neutralisation of the impact of PEL/CEL provisions (with nevertheless a deceleration in the trend in Q4 15, +1.0% vs. Q4 14). Excluding the PEL/CEL effect, net interest income grew +3.1% vs. 2014 (and +2.1% in Q4 15): the negative effects of the low interest rate environment and housing loan renegotiations were offset by strong deposit inflow and the production of better-margin loans. In 2016, market conditions are likely to lead to a slight erosion in net banking income.

In 2015, the growth in the life insurance business and the development of synergies with the Group's other businesses contributed to commissions growing +2.4% vs. 2014 (-0.6% in Q4 15). Excluding non-recurring items, commission growth was +3.1% in 2015 and +2.1% in Q4 15 vs. Q4 14.

The increase in digital transformation investments and the implementation of the European Single Resolution Fund led to operating expenses rising +2.4% in 2015 (+3.0% in Q4 15), whereas French Retail Banking maintained rigorous control of other expenses.

Underpinned by the substantial decline in the net cost of risk (-20.8% in 2015), operating income (excluding PEL/CEL effect) was substantially higher at +16.6% in 2015.

Excluding the PEL/CEL effect, French Retail Banking's contribution to Group net income totalled   
EUR 1,455 million in 2015, up +15.1% vs. 2014 (EUR 301 million in Q4 15, +16.1% vs. Q4 14), with a sound level of profitability (ROE of 14.9% excluding PEL/CEL effect).

The division's revenues totalled EUR 7,329 million in 2015, up +2.6%* vs. 2014, underpinned by the healthy momentum of activity overall (+6.1%* excluding Retail Banking in Russia). Operating expenses remained under control, amounting to EUR 4,307 million (+4.1%*) over the same period. Gross operating income therefore amounted to EUR 3,022 million (+0.7%*) in 2015. The net cost of risk improved significantly in 2015 to EUR -1,246 million, down -7.9%*, particularly in Europe. The division's contribution to Group net income totalled EUR 1,077 million in 2015. This was substantially higher (2.9x) than in 2014, which experienced a goodwill write-down on Russian activities, amounting to EUR -525 million, and a non-recurring expense of EUR -200 million related to the withdrawal from consumer finance in Brazil.

The division's revenues totalled EUR 1,805 million in Q4 15 (+1.2%* vs. Q4 14). Gross operating income amounted to EUR 720 million (-3.8%*) and the contribution to Group net income came to  
EUR 284 million.

International Retail Banking

At end-December 2015, International Retail Banking's outstanding loans totalled EUR 77.8 billion, up +3.3%* vs. 2014, confirming the improved activity in Europe and the healthy business momentum in Africa. Outstanding deposits also enjoyed robust growth (+4.5%* vs. 2014), at EUR 71.0 billion, with very active inflow.

International Retail Banking's revenues were slightly lower, due to the situation in Russia, (-1.8%* vs. 2014), at EUR 4,985 million. Operating expenses were higher than in 2014 (+2.8%*). Gross operating income came to EUR 1,817 million, down -8.9%* vs. 2014, adversely affected by challenging economic conditions in Russia. International Retail Banking posted a contribution to Group net income of EUR 349 million in 2015, after a loss of EUR -317 million in 2014.

In Q4 15, International Retail Banking's revenues totalled EUR 1,229 million. Gross operating income came to EUR 445 million and the contribution to Group net income was EUR 91 million.

In Western Europe, where the Group has operations in France, Germany and Italy, mainly in consumer finance, outstanding loans were up +5.6%* vs. end-December 2014 at EUR 14.3 billion, on the back of the continued healthy commercial momentum in Germany (+14.1%*), notably on car loans. Revenues totalled EUR 676 million and gross operating income EUR 320 million in 2015. The contribution to Group net income came to EUR 122 million, up 2.7x vs. 2014.

In the Czech Republic, Komercni Banka's (KB) healthy commercial momentum, particularly on housing loans and large corporates, resulted in outstanding loans increasing +7.0%* to EUR 20.0 billion vs. end-December 2014. Between 2014 and 2015, outstanding deposits grew +1.9%* to EUR 24.8 billion, resulting in a loan to deposit ratio of 81%, up 8 points. Despite this positive volume effect, revenues were stable in 2015 (-0.5%*) at EUR 1,026 million, given the persistent low interest rate environment. Over the same period, operating expenses remained under control at EUR -539 million (+1.0%*) and the contribution to Group net income remained high at EUR 214 million in 2015 vs. EUR 210 million in 2014.

In Romania, the BRD Group's outstanding loans stabilised* vs. end-December 2014, at EUR 6.1 billion, thanks to the growth in the individual customer and large corporate segments. Outstanding deposits were sharply higher at EUR 9.1 billion (+14.2%*). Revenues were down -4.8%* at EUR 516 million in 2015 due to the pressure on margins. Rigorous cost control resulted in stable* operating expenses of EUR -338 million. With a significant improvement in the cost of risk over the period, the BRD Group posted a contribution to Group net income of EUR 18 million in 2015, after a net loss of EUR -32 million in 2014.

In other European countries, outstanding loans were up +5.9%* at EUR 11.5 billion, with a good level of growth in virtually all the operations. Deposit inflow was also dynamic in 2015, up +8.5%* at EUR 11.0 billion. Revenues were 11.7%* higher in 2015 at EUR 721 million, while operating expenses were 5.2%* higher at EUR 482 million. The contribution to Group net income came to EUR 69 million.

In Russia, in a challenging environment, outstanding loans were down -12%* vs. end-December 2014 at EUR 7.9 billion. However, they gradually recovered in H2 (+2.6%* vs. end-June 2015), due to buoyant corporate activity and a gradual improvement in retail loan production volumes.  Outstanding deposits were lower than at end-December 2014 at EUR 6.4 billion. SG Russia's liquidity position is sound: at end-December 2015, Rosbank's loan to deposit ratio stood at 84%. Net banking income declined -19.3%* to EUR 713 million in 2015. However, the trend improved in H2, with growth of +27.8%* vs. H1 15 thanks to the restoration of margins and a rise in volumes. Operating expenses remained under control at EUR 597 million (-0.3%*) despite double-digit inflation. Initiatives to optimise the operation continued (-2,523 FTE and -104 branches vs. end-December 2014). Overall, losses from SG Russia⁽¹⁾ continued to reduce in H2 (EUR -8 million in Q4 15 after EUR -20 million in Q3 15) and amounted to EUR -165 million for 2015.

In Africa and other regions where the Group operates, outstanding loans rose to EUR 18.2 billion in 2015 (+4.8%*), with a healthy commercial momentum in Africa (+9.4%*), especially in the business segment. Outstanding deposits were 4.8%* higher. Revenues totalled EUR 1,443 million in 2015, an increase compared with 2014 (+1.6%*). Over the same period, operating expenses rose +4.6%*, in conjunction with commercial expansion. The contribution to Group net income came to EUR 147 million in 2015, vs. a contribution to Group net income that represented a loss of EUR -54 million in 2014.

Insurance

The Insurance business maintained an excellent level of commercial activity in 2015, especially in France. Life insurance savings outstandings rose +5.1%* vs. end-December 2014 to EUR 94.8 billion. Net inflow amounted to EUR 2.6 billion in 2015, with the unit-linked share increasing significantly (56% vs. 17% in 2014). In terms of protection (Personal Protection and Property & Casualty insurance), premiums were also higher than in 2014 (+3.7%*) due to buoyant activity in France and the continued expansion of the business internationally.

The Insurance business also turned in a good financial performance in 2015, with net banking income up +9.8%* vs. 2014 at EUR 825 million and a continued low cost to income ratio (39.6% in 2015). The business' contribution to Group net income was 9.9%* higher in 2015, at EUR 337 million, and amounted to EUR 90 million in Q4 15, up +11.5%* vs. Q4 14.

Financial Services to Corporates

Financial Services to Corporates maintained its commercial dynamism in 2015, posting a contribution to Group net income of EUR 474 million, up +20.2%* vs. 2014.

At end-December 2015, Operational Vehicle Leasing and Fleet Management's vehicle fleet totalled 1.2 million vehicles, an increase of +9.0% vs. end-2014 due to strong organic growth and external growth operations; in December 2015, ALD Automotive announced that it had purchased all of MKB-Euroleasing Autopark's shares, thus becoming the market leader in Hungary and Bulgaria.

Equipment Finance saw an increase in new business (+8.3%* vs. 2014) to EUR 7.3 billion (excluding factoring), primarily in the high-tech and industrial equipment sector. New business margins remained at a satisfactory level. At end-December 2015, outstanding loans (excluding factoring) totalled
EUR 15.5 billion (+4.1%* vs. Q4 14). Societe Generale Equipment Finance regularly receives awards from the industry, with three major awards in 2015: European Lessor of the Year, Vendor Finance Provider of the Year and SME Champion of the Year (Leasing Life 2015).

Financial Services to Corporates' net banking income rose +12.8%* in 2015 to EUR 1,506 million. Operating expenses increased over the period to EUR 774 million (vs. EUR 716 million in 2014). Operating income came to EUR 613 million, an increase of +16.3%* vs. 2014.

Financial Services to Corporates' revenues amounted to EUR 366 million in Q4 15 (+10.3%* vs. Q4 14) and operating expenses came to EUR 202 million (+10.9%* vs. Q4 14). The contribution to Group net income totalled EUR 119 million in Q4 15 (vs. EUR 101 million in Q4 14).

Global Banking & Investor Solutions posted revenues of EUR 9,442 million in 2015, up +8.2% vs. 2014, reflecting the growth in all activities.

In Q4 15, the division's revenues totalled EUR 2,177 million, stable (-0.5%) vs. Q4 14, marked by the decline in Global Markets' revenues in a challenging environment, offset by the growth in Asset and Wealth Management as well as Financing & Advisory.

Global Markets & Investor Services

The growth in Global Markets & Investor Services' revenues in 2015 provided further confirmation of the momentum and highly complementary nature of the activities, in an environment marked by tensions in the European debt market in H1 and the turbulence related to the situation in China in H2.
Against this backdrop and underpinned by solid growth in H1, Global Markets & Investor Services' revenues amounted to EUR 5,970 million in 2015, up +6.1% vs. 2014. However, revenues of
EUR 1,283 million in Q4 15 were down -8.5% vs. Q4 14.

• At EUR 2,511 million in 2015, Equity revenues were 12.3% higher than in 2014. After an excellent performance in H1 15, H2 was adversely affected by challenging market conditions combined with more pronounced investor risk aversion notably for structured products. In Q4 15, the business posted revenues of EUR 447 million, down -31.4% vs. Q4 14. The Group nevertheless confirmed its leadership positions in cash equity and in listed products (No. 3 at end-2015 with a 12.6% global market share in warrants).
   
• At EUR 2,181 million, Fixed Income, Currencies & Commodities posted revenues down -7.2% in 2015 vs. 2014, in an unfavourable environment characterised by reduced volumes. The performance of flow activities, especially in fixed income, currencies and emerging markets helped mitigate the decline in revenues on structured products. However, the business' revenues were up +10.4% at EUR 511 million in Q4 15 vs. Q4 14, with strong growth in client revenues on fixed income and credit activities, in constantly evolving markets constrained by changes in monetary policies.
   
• Prime Services' revenues totalled EUR 590 million in 2015, substantially higher (+35.0% at constant structure) than in 2014 (+67.1% in absolute terms), and EUR 161 million in Q4 15, up +37.6% vs. Q4 14. This increase reflects the successful integration of the activities of Newedge and Jefferies Bache, the expansion of the client base and the realisation of expected synergies.
   
• Securities Services posted assets under custody up +3.4% in 2015 at EUR 3,984 billion, confirming its No. 2 ranking in Europe. At the same time, assets under administration increased +7.4% to EUR 589 billion. At EUR 688 million, Securities Services' revenues were stable vs. 2014, with the increase in commissions offsetting the negative impact of the continued decline in interest rates. Securities Services' revenues were down -3.5% in Q4 15 vs. Q4 14, at EUR 164 million.

       
       
Financing & Advisory

Financing & Advisory posted another good performance in 2015, with revenues of EUR 2,392 million, up +16.1%. In Q4 15, revenues increased +15.3% vs. Q4 14 to EUR 624 million. Despite the continued decline in commodity prices, it was a good quarter for natural resources financing with a high level of new business. Export and infrastructure financing also contributed to the business line's good performance with numerous transactions, while Advisory and capital market activities saw higher revenues despite a sluggish market environment. Financing activities demonstrated their excellent commercial dynamism throughout the year, with the overall amount of transactions originated up +33% vs. 2014 and an increase in the distribution rate to 41% (+2.3 points), illustrating the ability and agility of the businesses in managing their use of scarce resources.

Asset and Wealth Management

The revenues of the Asset and Wealth Management business line totalled EUR 1,080 million in 2015, up +4.0% vs. 2014, and EUR 270 million in Q4 15, up +9.8% vs. Q4 14.

Private Banking's assets under management amounted to EUR 113 billion at end-December 2015, up +4.5% vs. end-December 2014, notably in France, the United Kingdom and Luxembourg. This increase can be explained by the combined effects of a good level of inflow, a positive currency impact (US dollar and Swiss franc), partially offset by an unfavourable market effect in the second half of the year. Private Banking posted net banking income of EUR 875 million in 2015, up +7.4% vs. 2014. This performance was recognised with the award of "Best Private Bank in Europe and Best Wealth Planning Team" (Wealth Briefing magazine). The gross margin remained at a high level of 113 basis points vs.107 basis points in 2014 (at constant structure).
In accordance with the strategic ambition of expanding Private Banking in its core European markets, and in particular in the United Kingdom, the Group announced that it has negotiated a binding offer with Oddo & Cie to acquire Kleinwort Benson Wealth Management in the United Kingdom.
Lyxor's assets under management totalled EUR 104 billion, underpinned by excellent inflow of nearly      EUR 9 billion on ETFs in 2015, a segment in which Lyxor has maintained its No. 3 ranking in Europe, with an increase in market share to 10.7% at end-December 2015. Lyxor's revenues came to
EUR 182 million in 2015, down -9.9% vs. 2014, reflecting a current shift in the business mix towards relatively lower margin activities such as ETFs.

Operating expenses

Global Banking & Investor Solutions' operating expenses were 10.2% higher than in 2014, and 2.0%* higher when adjusted for changes in Group structure and at constant exchange rates. This increase includes the increase in legal and regulatory constraints, notably the contributions to the Single Resolution Fund (EUR 108 million) and the systemic tax in the United Kingdom (EUR 17 million), which offset the decline in "operational" costs  reflecting the improvement in the division's efficiency.
The division's cost to income ratio stood at 73.5% for 2015.

Operating expenses were up +4.0% in Q4 15 vs. Q4 14 and were slightly lower (-0.9%*) than in Q4 14.

Operating income

Gross operating income came to EUR 2,502 million in 2015, down -2.2%* vs. 2014.
The net cost of risk totalled EUR -404 million in 2015, due to sector provisions, especially in the oil sector, vs. a particularly low level of EUR -81 million in 2014.
The division's operating income totalled EUR 2,098 million in 2015, down -15.2%* vs. 2014.
Gross operating income amounted to EUR 433 million and operating income to EUR 203 million in
Q4 15.

Net income

Global Banking & Investor Solutions' contribution to Group net income came to EUR 1,808 million in 2015 vs. EUR 1,909 million in 2014. In Q4 15, the division's contribution to Group net income was EUR 275 million, vs. EUR 422 million in Q4 14.

The division's ROE amounted to 12.3% in 2015.

1.  Adjusted for revaluation of own financial liabilities

The Corporate Centre includes:

-      the property management of the Group's head office,

E-Mail-Adresse

Bitte überprüfe deine die E-Mail-Adresse.

Benachrichtigungen von ARIVA.DE
(Mit der Bestellung akzeptierst du die Datenschutzhinweise)

-1

Vielen Dank, dass du dich für unseren Newsletter angemeldet hast. Du erhältst in Kürze eine E-Mail mit einem Aktivierungslink.

Hinweis: ARIVA.DE veröffentlicht in dieser Rubrik Analysen, Kolumnen und Nachrichten aus verschiedenen Quellen. Die ARIVA.DE AG ist nicht verantwortlich für Inhalte, die erkennbar von Dritten in den „News“-Bereich dieser Webseite eingestellt worden sind, und macht sich diese nicht zu Eigen. Diese Inhalte sind insbesondere durch eine entsprechende „von“-Kennzeichnung unterhalb der Artikelüberschrift und/oder durch den Link „Um den vollständigen Artikel zu lesen, klicken Sie bitte hier.“ erkennbar; verantwortlich für diese Inhalte ist allein der genannte Dritte.

Andere Nutzer interessierten sich auch für folgende News

02:00 - PR Newswire

Kasei Digital Assets Plc - Half-Year Results

02:00 - PR Newswire

Bisichi Plc - Final Results

25.04.24 - PR Newswire

Fidelity Emerging Markets Ltd - Transaction in Own Shares