Scotiabank Reports First Quarter Earnings of $1.7 Billion and Increases Dividend

TORONTO, ONTARIO – March 4, 2014 – Scotiabank (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS)

All amounts are in Canadian dollars and are based on our unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the quarter ended January 31, 2014 and related notes prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), unless otherwise noted. Our First Quarter 2014 Report to Shareholders and Supplementary Financial Information are available on the Investor Relations page of www.scotiabank.com.

Additional information relating to the Bank, including the Bank’s Annual Information Form, can be found on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and on the EDGAR section of the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

First Quarter Highlights (versus Q1, 2013)

• Net income of $1,709 million, up 6.5% from $1,605 million
• Earnings per share (diluted) of $1.32 compared to $1.24, up 6.5%
• ROE of 15.4%, compared to 16.8%
• Productivity ratio of 54.2%, versus 53.9%
• Quarterly dividend of 64 cents per common share, up 2 cents

Scotiabank today reported first quarter net income of $1,709 million compared with net income of $1,605 million in the same period last year and $1,676 million last quarter. Diluted earnings per share were $1.32 compared to $1.24 in the same period a year ago and $1.29 last quarter. Return on equity was 15.4% compared to 16.8% last year and 15.8% last quarter. Net income and diluted earnings per share both grew by 6.5%.

“We are pleased to report good results to start the year,” said Brian Porter, Scotiabank President and CEO. “Strong top-line revenue growth reflects the success of the Bank’s highly diversified business model. We continue to invest in all of our businesses with a particular focus on optimizing our customers’ experience.

“Canadian Banking had a good first quarter with net income of $575 million driven by continued strong top-line revenue growth. All of our retail and commercial businesses continue to perform well. We achieved double digit growth in both credit card and automotive lending volumes. Provisions for credit losses increased modestly from the low levels of last year.

“International Banking had a solid quarter with earnings of $401 million. Growth in both assets and deposits was strong across all key markets, particularly in Latin America and Asia. Results were, however, down slightly compared to last year due mainly to lower margins. The margins have now stabilized and improved from last quarter. Credit quality was stable with the provision for credit loss ratio remaining in line with last year.

“Global Wealth & Insurance had a strong first quarter with earnings of $327 million from broad-based results across all businesses. Growth in wealth management was driven by strong net sales, favourable market conditions and recent acquisitions.

“Global Banking & Markets reported net income of $339 million. While Corporate lending and investment banking saw good gains, particularly in Canada, our capital markets performance was lower than last year almost entirely due to the fixed income business.

“Our capital position continues to be very strong with a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio rising to 9.4% on an all-in basis. The Bank’s high quality capital levels and strong earnings allowed the Bank to increase its quarterly dividend by 2 cents to 64 cents per share.

“Our operations in emerging markets are an important long-term growth story for Scotiabank. We have deliberately chosen to invest in stable Latin American economies such as Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico. We believe that the likelihood of sustainable, higher growth in these select emerging markets remains strong and our businesses are performing well.

“We are pleased with the good start to the year and we are focused on continuing to invest in our businesses, managing our expense growth prudently and delivering consistent and predictable earnings.”

Read more: http://scotiabank.mwnewsroom.com/press-releases/scotiabank-reports-first-quarter-earnings-of-1-7–tsx-bns-201403040930633001