HSBC Holds Steady Amid Cost-Cutting Efforts and Revenue Goals

Author: Logan Wright Updated: 02-19-2025 01:57 PM

HSBC Reports Mixed Fourth-Quarter Results

HSBC Holdings, Plc. has announced its fourth-quarter results, revealing a revenue downturn of 8% year-over-year, landing at $11.6 billion. This decline can be attributed to the recycling of foreign currency losses and adjustments related to the sale of its operations in Argentina.

Revenue Performance and Key Metrics

In terms of constant currency, revenue, excluding notable items, climbed by $1.2 billion, reaching a total of $16.5 billion. The bank experienced a boost in its Banking net interest income (NII), which rose to $11.0 billion this quarter compared to $10.0 billion in the previous year.

Loan and Deposit Overview

HSBC's customer loans stood at an impressive $931 billion, with deposits at a significant $1.7 trillion. These figures underscore the bank's robust financial standing amid a challenging economic landscape.

Financial Highlights for FY24

The firm revealed that for fiscal year 2024, its revenue is expected to total around $65.9 billion, reflecting a broadly flat year-over-year performance. Additionally, profit before tax saw a rise of 6%, amounting to $32.3 billion, demonstrating HSBC's ability to maintain profitability.

Capital and Credit Loss Provisions

As of year-end, the Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio was reported at 14.9%, a slight improvement from 14.8% in 2023. Concurrently, the company's credit losses and other credit impairment charges were reported at $1.4 billion for the fourth quarter and a total of $3.4 billion for the entire year of 2024.

Strategic Buyback and Future Outlook

HSBC has initiated a new share buyback program worth $2 billion, which is expected to conclude before the quarterly earnings results are disclosed in April. Looking ahead, HSBC is targeting a future banking NII of approximately $42 billion by FY25, alongside a stable mid-teens return on average tangible equity each year from 2025 to 2027.

Cost-Cutting Initiatives

To realize these ambitious goals, the bank emphasizes the necessity of cost reductions stemming from a reorganization strategy. HSBC anticipates $0.3 billion in cost savings by 2025, with an annualized target of about $1.5 billion by the conclusion of 2026. This will inevitably involve $1.8 billion in severance and upfront costs during 2025-2026.

Reallocation of Resources

Moreover, HSBC plans to reallocate $1.5 billion from non-strategic areas effectively into high-return opportunities, which is expected to enhance operational efficiency and drive profitability.

Current Market Performance

In the latest trading session, HSBC shares experienced a slight decline of 0.13%, trading at $56.81. The market reaction reflects the mixed nature of the reported earnings and future forecasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were HSBC's reported revenues for the fourth quarter?

HSBC reported fourth-quarter revenues of $11.6 billion, marking an 8% decrease year-over-year.

What is HSBC's target net interest income for 2025?

HSBC is targeting a banking net interest income of approximately $42 billion by 2025.

How much does HSBC plan to save through cost reductions?

HSBC anticipates achieving $0.3 billion in cost savings by 2025, with a target of $1.5 billion annualized by the end of 2026.

What is the CET1 ratio reported by HSBC?

The CET1 ratio for HSBC was reported at 14.9% at the end of the year, a slight improvement from the previous year.

What is the current share price of HSBC?

As of the last check, HSBC shares were trading at $56.81, down 0.13%.

About The Author

Dedicated Author and financial expert Logan Wright here, 29 years old. After earning an economics degree, I spent a number of years working in different financial industries. My great passion is enabling everyone, from any background or experience level, to understand and be literate in financial matters.

My books and writings are centered on simplifying difficult financial ideas into doable, understandable guidance. Whether it's retirement planning, investing, or budgeting, I want to arm readers with the information they need to make wise financial choices and realize their financial objectives.

Apart from writing, I also frequently post to financial blogs and organize webinars and workshops targeted at enlightening participants about personal finance. Always, my strategy is to offer concise, doable advice that can truly improve people's lives.

Away from work, I like to read, travel, and sample new foods. My goal is to infuse everything I do with the balance that I think is essential to both financial and personal well-being. By my profession, I want to encourage and enable people to confidently and clearly take charge of their financial futures.

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