BANK BRADESCO current report, Q3 FY2015

Business Context and Reporting Period

This Form 6-K filing by Banco Bradesco S.A. (Bradesco) covers the economic and financial analysis for the period ended September 30, 2015 (Third Quarter and Nine Months). Bradesco is a Brazilian universal bank operating through a diversified organization that includes banking, insurance, pension plans, and capitalization bonds. The reporting period was characterized by a challenging Brazilian economic environment, including currency devaluation and economic deceleration, which impacted credit quality and provisioning levels.

Key Financial Metrics

Metric Value (R$) Period
Adjusted Net Income 13.311 billion 9 Months 2015
Book Net Income 12.837 billion 9 Months 2015
Total Assets 1.051 trillion Sept 30, 2015
Shareholders' Equity 86.233 billion Sept 30, 2015
Expanded Loan Portfolio 474.488 billion Sept 30, 2015
Assets Under Management 1.453 trillion Sept 30, 2015
Return on Average Adjusted Equity (ROAE) 21.2% Annualized 9M 2015
Return on Average Assets (ROAA) 1.7% Annualized 9M 2015
Basel III Total Ratio 14.5% Sept 30, 2015
Delinquency Ratio (>90 days) 3.8% Sept 30, 2015
Operating Efficiency Ratio 37.9% 12 Months ended Sept 2015

Material Changes vs. Prior Period

  • Profitability Growth: Adjusted Net Income for the first nine months of 2015 increased by 18.6% compared to the same period in 2014 (R$11.227 billion), driven by higher interest earning portions and fee income, partially offset by increased provisions and operating expenses.
  • Asset Expansion: Total Assets grew 6.4% year-over-year to R$1.051 trillion. The Expanded Loan Portfolio increased 6.8% to R$474.5 billion, with corporate operations growing 7.5% and individual operations growing 5.2%.
  • Credit Quality Deterioration: The delinquency ratio for loans over 90 days rose to 3.8% from 3.6% in September 2014. Consequently, the Allowance for Loan Losses (ALL) expense increased by 17.5% year-over-year to R$10.982 billion.
  • Capital Adequacy: The Basel III Total Ratio decreased from 16.0% in June 2015 to 14.5% in September 2015, primarily due to an increase in risk-weighted assets and prudential adjustments related to tax credits.
  • Insurance Segment: Insurance, pension, and capitalization bond income grew 18.6% year-over-year, contributing R$3.883 billion to the Adjusted Net Income.

Guidance, Outlook, and Risks

  • Strategic Acquisition: In August 2015, Bradesco signed an agreement to acquire 100% of HSBC Bank Brasil for US$5.2 billion. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to strengthen Bradesco's market presence and efficiency.
  • Management Guidance (2015 Full Year):
    • Loan Portfolio Growth: 5% to 9%
    • Net Interest Income (Interest Earning Portion): 10% to 14% growth
    • Fee and Commission Income: 8% to 12% growth
    • Operating Expenses: 5% to 7% growth
    • Insurance Premiums: 12% to 15% growth
  • Risks and Contingencies:
    • Economic Environment: Continued deceleration of the Brazilian economy and high inflation pose risks to credit quality and loan growth.
    • Currency Volatility: Significant depreciation of the Brazilian Real against the US Dollar has increased the value of foreign currency-denominated debt and impacted the valuation of foreign assets.
    • Legal and Tax Provisions: The bank maintains significant provisions for tax risks (R$8.57 billion) and civil/labor claims (R$7.16 billion) related to ongoing litigation.
    • Regulatory Changes: Implementation of Basel III and changes in social contribution tax rates (Law No. 13,169/15) impact capital calculations and tax provisions.

Key Facts for Investor Verification

  • HSBC Acquisition Status: Verify the regulatory approval status and expected closing date of the US$5.2 billion HSBC Bank Brasil acquisition.
  • Credit Quality Trends: Monitor the trajectory of the delinquency ratio (>90 days) and the adequacy of the Allowance for Loan Losses (ALL) coverage ratio (currently 205.7% for >90 days) given the economic downturn.
  • Capital Ratios: Track the Basel III ratio to ensure it remains comfortably above the regulatory minimum of 11%, especially as risk-weighted assets increase.
  • Shareholder Returns: Confirm the payout ratio; R$4.358 billion was paid/provisioned for shareholders in the first nine months, representing approximately 35.4% of net profit.
  • Non-Recurring Items: Review the reconciliation between Book Net Income and Adjusted Net Income, noting the R$2.222 billion impact from the ALL Surplus/Deficit Rating in Q3 2015.