HELSINKI, Finland, Feb. 14, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Hansapank:
Annual highlights:
-- Net profit EUR 119.8 million in 2002, annual growth 11%;
-- Operating profit before provisions +12% yoy;
-- Revenues +15% (excl. Hansa-LTB 8%);
-- Expenses +16% (excl. Hansa-LTB 6%) (the amortisation of goodwill
from the Estonian Savings Bank acquisition was completed in
July 2002, decreasing expenses by EUR 1.1 million per month);
-- EVA result EUR 60.5 million, +8% yoy;
-- Net interest margin (NIM) 4.14%, -33bp yoy;
-- Return on equity (ROE) 22.6%, return on assets (ROA) 2.5%,
earnings per share (EPS) EUR 1.5;
-- Cost-income ratio 56.3%, excl. Hansa-LTB 48.9%;
-- Sustained strong lending growth;
-- Successful launch of the II Pillar pension reform in Estonia and
Latvia;
-- Restructuring in Hansa-LTB completed;
-- Leasing activities in Russia
-- Rating upgrades to A1/P1 by Moody's and A- by Fitch.
The full-release can be read at Hansabank's internet home page
http://www.hansagroup.com