The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation’s (BK) fourth-quarter 2012 earnings of 53 cents per share came in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. However, this compares unfavorably with prior quarter earnings of 61 cents but is ahead of the year-ago quarter’s earnings of 42 cents.
For full year 2012, BNY Mellon recorded earnings per share of $2.03, which were at par with the earnings recorded in 2011. However, the earnings marginally missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.06.
Lower top line and higher operating expenses adversely impacted results for the quarter. However, asset quality continued to show improvement and capital ratios remained healthy. Further, BNY Mellon’s asset position improved.
Net income applicable to common shareholders came in at $622 million, down 13.6% sequentially but increased 23.2% on a year-over-year basis. For 2012, net income stood at $2.43 billion, down 3.5% from $2.52 billion in 2011.
Performance in Detail
BNY Mellon’s total revenue came in at $3.61 billion, down 1.2% from $3.65 billion in the previous quarter but grew 5.3% from the year-ago period. Total revenue was 0.7% ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.58 billion.
For 2012, total revenue stood at $14.48 billion, down 1.4% from $14.68 billion in the prior year. However, total revenue was 1.1% ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $14.32 billion.
Fully tax equivalent net-interest revenue was $725 million, down 3.2% from $749 million in the previous quarter. The fall was primarily due to lower LIBOR rates, reduced yields on the reinvestment of securities and lower accretion, partly offset by higher interest-earning assets.
However, net interest margin fell 11 basis points sequentially to 1.09%. The decrease was mainly attributable to increases in interest earning assets along with lower reinvestment yields and elimination of interest on European Central Bank deposits and lower accretion.
Total fee revenue stood at $2.85 billion, decreasing 1.0% from $2.88 billion in the prior quarter. The deterioration was mainly due to reduced investment services fees, foreign exchange and other trading revenue, financing-related fees along with investment and other income. These were partly offset by higher investment management and performance fees as well as distribution and servicing income.
Excluding restructuring charges, M&I expenses and amortization of intangible assets as well as direct expense related to Shareowner Services, non-interest expense came in at $2.68 billion, up 3.8% from the last quarter. The rise primarily reflects higher staff expenses, professional, legal and other purchased services costs, software equipment costs, business development expenses and net occupancy costs, partly mitigated by lower distribution and servicing expenses and other expenses.
Asset Quality
BNY Mellon’s credit quality continued to improve in the reported quarter. Provision for credit losses was a credit of $61 million in the quarter compared with a benefit of $5 million in the prior quarter and provision of $23 million in the prior-year quarter.
Nonperforming assets declined 9.1% sequentially and nearly 27.0% from the prior-year quarter to $249 million. Likewise, allowance for loan losses fell 15.1% from the prior quarter and 22.1% from the year-ago quarter to $387 million in the reported quarter.
Assets Position
Assets under management totaled $1.38 trillion as of Dec 31, 2012, up 2.0% sequentially and 10% year over year. Both rises were driven by higher market values and net inflows.
Assets under custody and administration totaled $26.7 trillion as of Dec 31, 2012, up 0.4% sequentially and 8.5% year over year.
Capital Position
BNY Mellon’s capital ratios remained stable during the quarter. As of Dec 31, 2012, Tier 1 capital ratio was 15.1% compared with 15.3% as of Sep 30, 2012 and 15.0% as Dec 31, 2011.
The estimated Basel III Tier 1 common equity ratio increased to 9.8% compared with 9.3% in the prior quarter. The rise reflects reduced risk-weighted assets.
Share Repurchase
In March, BNY Mellon, after receiving approval for its capital plan from the Federal Reserve, announced a new share repurchase program, authorizing the purchase of up to $1.16 billion of stock through the first quarter of 2013. During 2012, the company repurchased 49.8 million shares for $1.1 billion.
Other development
During the quarter, BNY Mellon purchased the remaining 50% stake of its WestLB Mellon Asset Management joint venture (JV). Back in 2006, BNY Mellon had formed this JV with Portigon – a Germany-based portfolio management and service company. Either of the parties did not disclose the terms of the deal.
Dividend Update
Concurrent with the earnings release, BNY Mellon announced a quarterly cash dividend of 13 cents per share. The dividend will be paid on Feb 5 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Jan 28.
Our Viewpoint
We believe that BNY Mellon’s recent capital deployment activity will enhance investors’ confidence in the stock. Further, the top line is expected to benefit from various restructuring initiatives. However, a low interest rate environment and changing regulatory landscape are expected to slightly dent its revenue growth in the upcoming quarters. Also, higher operating expenses are a major cause of concern.
One of BNY Mellon’s peers, State Street Corporation (STT), which holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), is expected to announce its fourth quarter 2012 results on Jan 18.
BNY Mellon also retains a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Presently, we maintain a long-term Neutral recommendation on the stock.
BANK OF NY MELL (BK): Free Stock Analysis Report
STATE ST CORP (STT): Free Stock Analysis Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Get all Zacks Research Reports and be alerted to fast-breaking buy and sell opportunities every trading day.
Be the first to comment