Fiscal 2020 Performance versus Medium-Term Objectives

The following table provides a summary of our 2020 performance against our medium-term financial performance objectives:

 

TORONTO, Dec. 1, 2020 /CNW/ - Scotiabank reported net income of $6,853 million for the fiscal year 2020, compared with net income of $8,798 million in 2019. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $5.30, compared to $6.68 in the previous year. Return on equity was 10.4%, compared to 13.1% in the previous year.

Adjusted net income⁽¹⁾ was $6,961 million, down from $9,409 million in the previous year, and EPS were $5.36 versus $7.14 in the previous year.

Reported net income for the fourth quarter ended October 31, 2020 was $1,899 million compared to $2,308 million in the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share were $1.42, compared to $1.73 in the same period a year ago. Return on equity was 11.0% compared to 13.3% a year ago.

Adjusted net income⁽¹⁾ for the fourth quarter ended October 31, 2020 was $1,938 million and EPS were $1.45, down from $1.82 last year.

"We delivered improved fourth quarter results to end the year on a strong note. The Bank's resilience during the pandemic reflects our strong asset quality and the benefits from our investments in people, processes, and technology as well as our diversified business model. I am extremely proud of the entire Scotiabank team. We continue to focus on our customers, while supporting employees," said Brian Porter, President and CEO of Scotiabank. The Bank was recently recognized for outstanding COVID-19 leadership by Global Finance for its efforts to support customers, employees, and the broader community throughout the pandemic.

Canadian Banking generated adjusted earnings of $2,604 million in 2020, which were negatively impacted by an elevated provision for credit losses driven by COVID-19. Fourth quarter earnings improved to $782 million, with strong asset growth and stable margins. The Bank provided customer assistance to over 370,000 customers in Canada this year.

International Banking generated adjusted earnings of $1,148 million in 2020. The division's lower earnings were driven by higher provision for credit losses as a result of COVID-19 and the impact of divestitures. Fourth quarter earnings were $283 million, up meaningfully from the previous quarter.

Global Banking and Markets delivered record adjusted earnings of $2,034 million in 2020, up 33%, reflecting strong performance in trading, lending, and underwriting businesses. Record revenues reflected strong performance in Capital Markets, and good loan and deposit volume growth in Business Banking. Looking forward, the business will build on its presence in the Americas, leverage Europe and Asia-Pacific for distribution of Americas' products and support global corporate clients.

Global Wealth Management reported adjusted earnings of $1,297 million in 2020, up 7%. The results were supported by strong mutual fund net sales in Canada and record iTRADE volumes. In 2020, Scotia Global Asset Management was recognized for its strong performance by winning seven "2019 Lipper Fund" Awards and 27 "FundGrade A+" awards.

The Bank reported a strong Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 11.8% and a liquidity coverage ratio of 138%, a strong position from which to continue to support its customers and drive future growth.

"As we look forward to 2021, we will continue to put customers first and we remain cautiously optimistic that better times lie ahead as we continue to grow our presence as a leading bank in the Americas," said Brian Porter, President and CEO, Scotiabank.

Non-GAAP Measures

The Bank uses a number of financial measures to assess its performance. Some of these measures are not calculated in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), which are based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), are not defined by GAAP and do not have standardized meanings that would ensure consistency and comparability among companies using these measures. The Bank believes that certain non-GAAP measures are useful in assessing ongoing business performance and provide readers with a better understanding of how management assesses performance. These non-GAAP measures are used throughout this press release and are defined in the "Non-GAAP Measures" section of our 2020 Annual Report to Shareholders.

Adjusted results and diluted earnings per share

The following tables present reconciliations of GAAP Reported financial results to Non-GAAP Adjusted financial results. The financial results have been adjusted for the following:

1) Acquisition and divestiture-related amounts – Acquisition and divestiture-related amounts are defined as:

  A)   Acquisition-related costs

1. Integration costs – Includes costs that are incurred and relate to integrating the acquired operations and are recorded in the Global Wealth Management and International Banking operating segments. These costs will cease once integration is complete. The costs relate to the following acquisitions:
• Banco Cencosud, Peru (closed Q2, 2019)
• Banco Dominicano del Progreso, Dominican Republic (closed Q2, 2019)
• MD Financial Management, Canada (closed Q4, 2018)
• Jarislowsky, Fraser Limited, Canada (closed Q3, 2018)
• Citibank consumer and small and medium enterprise operations, Colombia (closed Q3, 2018)
• BBVA, Chile (closed Q3, 2018)
  
  
2. Day 1 provision for credit losses on acquired performing financial instruments, as required by IFRS 9. The standard does not differentiate between originated and purchased performing loans and as such, requires the same accounting treatment for both. These credit losses are considered Acquisition-related costs in periods where applicable and are recorded in the International Banking segment. The provision for 2019 relates to Banco Cencosud, Peru and Banco Dominicano del Progreso, Dominican Republic.
   
   
3. Amortization of Acquisition-related intangible assets, excluding software. These costs relate to the six acquisitions above, as well as prior acquisitions and are recorded in the Canadian Banking, International Banking and Global Wealth Management operating segments.

B)  Net (gain)/loss on divestitures – The Bank announced a number of divestitures in accordance with its strategy to reposition the Bank. The net (gain)/loss on divestitures is recorded in the Other segment, and relates to the following divestitures:

• Operations in Antigua and Barbuda (announced Q4, 2020)
• Operations in British Virgin Islands (closed Q3, 2020)
• Operations in Belize (announced Q3, 2020)
• Equity-accounted investment in Thanachart Bank, Thailand (closed Q1, 2020)
• Colfondos AFP, Colombia (closed Q1, 2020)
• Operations in Puerto Rico and USVI (closed Q1, 2020)
• Insurance and banking operations in El Salvador (closed Q1, 2020)
• Banking operations in the Caribbean (closed Q4, 2019)
• Insurance and pension operations in the Dominican Republic (closed Q2, 2019)

2)  Valuation-related adjustments, recorded in Q1, 2020 (pre-tax $315 million) – The Bank modified its allowance for credit losses measurement methodology by adding an additional, more severe pessimistic scenario, consistent with developing practice among major international banks in applying IFRS 9, and the Bank's prudent approach to expected credit loss provisioning. The modification resulted in an increase in provision for credit losses of $155 million which was recorded in Canadian Banking, International Banking, Global Wealth Management and Global Banking and Markets operating segments. The Bank enhanced its fair value methodology primarily relating to uncollateralized OTC derivatives which resulted in a pre-tax charge of $116 million. This charge was recorded in the Global Banking and Markets and Other operating segments. The Bank also recorded an impairment loss in the Other operating segment of $44 million pre-tax, related to one software asset.

 

Financial Highlights

Impact of Foreign Currency Translation

Impact of Divested Operations

Group Financial Performance

Net income
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Net income was $1,899 million compared to $2,308 million. Adjusted net income was $1,938 million compared to $2,400 million, down 19%, due mainly to lower non-interest income and higher provision for credit losses, partially offset by lower non-interest expenses and provision for income taxes.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Net income was $1,899 million compared to $1,304 million. Adjusted net income was $1,938 million compared to $1,308 million, an increase of 48%, due mainly to lower provision for credit losses, partially offset by lower non-interest income and higher provision for income taxes.

Total revenue
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Revenues were $7,505 million, a decrease of $463 million or 6%. Adjusted revenues were $7,505 million, a decrease of $457 million or 6%, due mainly to lower net interest income and non-interest income, negatively impacted by divested operations.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Revenues were $7,505 million, a decrease of $229 million or 3%. Adjusted revenues were $7,505 million, a decrease of $184 million or 2%, due mainly to lower non-interest income driven by lower trading revenues.

Net interest income
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Net interest income was $4,258 million, a decrease of $78 million or 2%. Asset growth and higher contribution from asset/liability management activities were more than offset by the negative impact of foreign currency translation and divested operations.

The core banking margin was down 18 basis points to 2.22%, driven by lower margins across all business lines due to the impact of central bank rate cuts and changes in business mix, as well as increased levels of lower-margin liquid assets.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Net interest income was in line with the previous quarter. Higher contribution from asset/liability management activities was offset by lower asset volume and the negative impact of foreign currency translation.

The core banking margin was up 12 basis points to 2.22%, driven primarily by higher contribution from asset/liability management activities and lower volumes of lower-margin high quality liquid assets. Margins were stable across all business lines.

Non-interest income
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Non-interest income was $3,247 million, down $385 million or 11%. Adjusted non-interest income declined $379 million or 10%. The impact of divestitures was approximately 5%. The remaining 5% decrease was due to lower banking revenues, insurance revenues, other fees and commissions, as well as the negative impact of foreign currency translation. These were partly offset by higher trading revenues.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Non-interest income was down $234 million or 7%. Adjusted non-interest income decreased by $189 million or 6%, due primarily to lower trading revenues and underwriting and advisory fees, partly offset by higher banking revenues in Canadian and International Banking, and higher wealth management fees.

Provision for credit losses
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
The provision for credit losses was $1,131 million, an increase of $378 million or 50%.  The provision for credit losses ratio increased 23 basis points to 73 basis points.

The provision on impaired loans was $835 million, compared to $744 million, up $91 million due primarily to higher commercial and corporate loan provisions, partially offset by lower retail provisions. The provision for credit losses ratio on impaired loans was 54 basis points, an increase of five basis points.

The provision on performing loans was $296 million, compared to $9 million, an increase of $287 million of which $167 million related to retail, mainly in International Banking. Commercial and corporate loan provisions increased $120 million across all business lines. The increase is due primarily to the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the performing portfolio driven by the unfavourable macroeconomic outlook and its estimated future impact on credit migration.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
The provision for credit losses was $1,131 million, a decrease of $1,050 million. The provision for credit losses ratio decreased 63 basis points to 73 basis points.

The provision on impaired loans was $835 million, compared to $928 million, a decrease of $93 million or 10%, due primarily to lower retail provisions driven by lower delinquencies and credit migration.  The provision for credit losses ratio on impaired loans was 54 basis points, a decrease of four basis points.

The provision for performing loans was $296 million, compared to $1,253 million, a decrease of $957 million of which $752 million related to retail and $205 million related to commercial.  The decrease was driven primarily by improving macroeconomic outlook and stabilizing portfolio credit quality.

Non-interest expenses
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Non-interest expenses were $4,057 million, down $254 million or 6%. Adjusted non-interest expenses of $4,003 million declined by 5%, of which 2% related to the impact of divested operations. The remaining 3% decrease was due to lower professional fees, advertising and business development expenses and the positive impact of foreign currency translation, partly offset by the impact of COVID-19 related costs.

The productivity ratio was 54.1%, in line with last year. On an adjusted basis, the productivity ratio was 53.3%, compared to 52.7%.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Non-interest expenses were up $39 million or 1%. Adjusted non-interest expenses were also up by 1%, due to higher personnel costs and technology, partly offset by the positive impact of foreign currency translation.

The productivity ratio was 54.1% compared to 52.0%. On an adjusted basis, the productivity ratio was 53.3%, compared to 51.4%.

Provision for income taxes
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
The effective tax rate was 18.0% compared to 20.5%, due primarily to changes in earnings mix across businesses and jurisdictions.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
The effective tax rate was 18.0% compared to 15.1%, due primarily to significantly higher provision for credit losses recorded in entities that operate in higher tax rate jurisdictions in the prior quarter.

Capital Ratios

The Bank continues to maintain strong, high quality capital levels which position it well for resiliency during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CET1 ratio as at October 31, 2020 was 11.8%, an increase of approximately 70 basis points from the prior year due primarily to strong internal capital generation and the impact from the Bank's divestitures during the year, partly offset by the adoption of regulatory changes, the impact from foreign currency translation on capital requirements, the remeasurement of the employee pension obligations, and share buybacks. The CET1 ratio also benefited 30 basis points from OSFI's transitional adjustment for the partial inclusion of increases in Stage 1 and Stage 2 expected credit losses (ECL) relative to their pre-crisis baseline levels as at January 31, 2020.

The Bank's Tier 1 capital ratio was 13.3% as at October 31, 2020, an increase of approximately 110 basis points from the prior year, due primarily to the issuance of US$1.25 billion of Scotiabank additional Tier 1 capital securities and the above noted impacts to the CET1 ratio, partly offset by the redemption of $265 million of preferred shares during the year. The Total capital ratio was 15.5% as at October 31, 2020, an increase of approximately 130 basis points from 2019, due primarily to the above noted changes to the CET1 and Tier 1 capital ratios.

The Leverage ratio was 4.7%, an increase of approximately 50 basis points in 2020 due primarily to OSFI's temporary Leverage ratio exclusions for central bank reserves and sovereign-issued securities and transitional adjustment for the partial inclusion of ECL, internal capital generation and the issuance of US$1.25 billion of Scotiabank additional Tier 1 capital securities, partly offset by the redemption of $265 million of preferred shares during the year.

The Bank's capital ratios continue to be well in excess of OSFI's minimum capital ratio requirements for 2020 of 9.0%, 10.5% and 12.5% for CET1, Tier 1 and Total Capital, respectively. The Bank was well above the OSFI minimum Leverage ratio as at October 31, 2020.

Business Segment Review

Net income
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Net income attributable to equity holders was $778 million, compared to $898 million. Adjusted net income was $782 million, a decrease of $120 million or 13%. The decline was due primarily to higher provision for credit losses on performing loans, lower net interest income and non-interest income, partly offset by lower non-interest expenses.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Net income attributable to equity holders increased $349 million or 81%. The increase was due primarily to a lower provision for credit losses on performing loans, higher net interest income, and higher non-interest income, partly offset by higher non-interest expenses. 

Total revenue
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Revenues were $2,566 million, down $117 million or 4%. The decrease was due primarily to lower net interest income from margin compression, and lower non-interest income.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Revenues increased $66 million or 3%, due primarily to higher non-interest income and net interest income.

Net interest income
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Net interest income of $1,954 million decreased $73 million or 4%, due primarily to margin compression, partly offset by solid volume growth. The net interest margin declined 15 basis points to 2.26%, primarily driven by the interest rate cuts by the Bank of Canada, and changes to business mix.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Net interest income increased $24 million or 1%, due primarily to mortgage and deposit growth. The margin of 2.26% remained stable.

Non-interest income
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Non-interest income of $612 million decreased $44 million or 7%. The decline was due primarily to lower banking fees mainly as a result of a decline in economic activity and transaction volumes, foreign exchange, and insurance fees.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Non-interest income increased $42 million or 7% due primarily to higher banking fees, insurance revenue, and income from associated corporations.

Provision for credit losses
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
The provision for credit losses was $330 million, compared to $247 million, up $83 million or 34%.  The provision for credit losses ratio increased nine basis points to 37 basis points.

Provision on impaired loans was $238 million compared to $255 million, down $17 million or 7% due primarily to lower retail provisions partially offset by higher commercial provisions mainly related to one account. The provision for credit losses ratio on impaired loans was 27 basis points, a decrease of two basis points.

Provision on performing loans was $92 million, compared to a net reversal of $8 million, an increase of $100 million of which $55 million related to commercial and $45 million related to retail. This is due primarily to the unfavourable macroeconomic outlook driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and its estimated future impact on credit migration.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
The provision for credit losses was $330 million, compared to $752 million, down $422 million or 56%. The provision for credit losses ratio decreased 48 basis points to 37 basis points.

Provision on impaired loans was $238 million compared to $317 million, down $79 million or 25% due to lower retail and commercial banking provisions. The provision for credit losses ratio on impaired loans was 27 basis points, a decrease of nine basis points.

Provision on performing loans was $92 million, compared to $435 million, a decrease of $343 million. Retail provision decreased by $249 million while commercial provisions decreased $94 million. The decrease was driven primarily by stabilizing portfolio credit quality and improving macroeconomic outlook.

Non-interest expenses
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Non-interest expenses were $1,186 million, down $34 million or 3%, driven mainly by lower advertising and business travel costs, and the impact of cost control initiatives, partially offset by higher personnel costs to support business development.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Non-interest expenses were up $14 million or 1%, largely due to higher technology costs to support business development.

Provision for income taxes
The effective tax rate of 26.0% compared to 26.2% in the prior year and 25.5% in the prior quarter.

Average Assets
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Average assets grew $14 billion or 4% to $363 billion. The growth included $13 billion or 6% in residential mortgages and $3 billion or 6% in business loans and acceptances, offset partially by reductions in personal loans and credit cards.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Average assets of $363 billion were up $4 billion. The growth included $5 billion or 2% in residential mortgages partially offset by a decline of $1 billion or 2% in business loans and acceptances.

Average Liabilities
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Average liabilities increased $32 billion or 12%, including growth of $18 billion or 11% in personal deposits and $13 billion or 16% in non-personal deposits.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Average liabilities increased $12 billion or 4%, including growth of $4 billion or 2% in personal deposits and $8 billion or 9% in non-personal deposits.

 

Net income
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Net income attributable to equity holders was $263 million, a decrease of $416 million or 61%. Adjusted net income attributable to equity holders was $283 million, a decrease of $442 million or 61%. The decline was due largely to higher provision for credit losses on performing loans and the impact of divested operations. The remaining decrease was due to lower net interest income and non-interest income, partially offset by lower non-interest expenses and provision for income taxes.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Net income attributable to equity holders increased by $237 million. Adjusted net income attributable to equity holders increased $230 million. The increase was due largely to a reduction in provision for credit losses on performing loans and higher non-interest income partially offset by lower net interest income, higher non-interest expenses and provision for income taxes.

Reconciliation of International Banking's reported results and constant dollar results

The discussion below on the results of operations is on a constant dollar basis that excludes the impact of foreign currency translation, and is a non-GAAP financial measure (refer to Non-GAAP Measures). The Bank believes that reporting in constant dollars is useful for readers in assessing ongoing business performance. Ratios are on a reported basis.

Net income
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Net income attributable to equity holders was $263 million, a decrease of $392 million or 60%. Adjusted net income attributable to equity holders was $283 million, a decrease of $416 million or 60%. The decline was due largely to higher provision for credit losses on performing loans and the impact of divested operations. The remaining decrease was due to lower net interest income and non-interest income, partially offset by lower non-interest expenses and provision for income taxes.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Net income attributable to equity holders increased by $242 million. Adjusted net income attributable to equity holders increased $236 million. The increase was due largely to a reduction in provision for credit losses on performing loans and higher non-interest income partially offset by lower net interest income, higher non-interest expenses and provision for income taxes.

Total revenue
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Total revenues were $2,548 million, down 15%.  The impact of divested operations was 9%.  The remaining 6% decline was due to lower net interest income driven by margin compression, and lower non-interest income driven primarily by lower banking and card fees due to the slowdown in consumer activity.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Total revenues increased $49 million or 2% due to higher non-interest income driven by higher investment gains, partially offset by lower net interest income driven by decline in total loans.

Net interest income
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Net interest income was $1,785 million, down 9%.  The impact of divested operations was 5%.  The remaining 4% decline was due to margin compression.  Margin reduced 54 basis points, due primarily to growth in lower-margin high quality liquid assets, business mix changes and the impact of central bank rate reductions across the footprint.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Net interest income decreased $64 million or 3%, driven by 4% decline in total loans, primarily in Latin America, as net interest margin remained stable.

Non-interest income
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Non-interest income was $763 million, down 27%. The impact of divested operations was 16%. The remaining decline of 11% was driven primarily by lower banking and card fees due to the slowdown in consumer activity, lower contribution from associated corporations, partially offset by higher investment gains and trading revenues.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Non-interest income increased $113 million or 17% due mainly to higher investment gains in Peru and Mexico, and banking and card fees.

Provision for credit losses
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
The provision for credit losses was $736 million, compared to $465 million, up $271 million or 58%. The provision for credit losses ratio increased 72 basis points to 207 basis points.

Provision on impaired loans was $561 million compared to $441 million, up $120 million or 27% due primarily to higher commercial and retail provisions in most Pacific Alliance countries. The provision for credit losses ratio on impaired loans was 158 basis points, an increase of 31 basis points.

Provision on performing loans was $175 million, compared to $24 million, up $151 million of which $121 million related to retail and $30 million related to commercial.  This is due primarily to the unfavourable macroeconomic outlook driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and its estimated future impact on credit migration.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
The provision for credit losses was $736 million, compared to $1,241 million, down $505 million or 41%. The provision for credit losses ratio decreased 126 basis points to 207 basis points.

Provision on impaired loans was $561 million compared to $558 million, up 1% due to lower retail provisions in select Pacific Alliance countries partially offset by higher commercial provisions. The provision for credit losses ratio on impaired loans increased 9 basis points to 158 basis points.

Provision on performing loans was $175 million, compared to $683 million, a decrease of $509 million of which $483 million related to retail and $26 million related to commercial.  The decrease was driven primarily by stabilizing portfolio credit quality and improving macroeconomic outlook.

Non-interest expenses
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Non-interest expenses were $1,424 million, down 10%.  On an adjusted basis, non-interest expenses decreased 7%, of which 5% relates to divested operations. The remaining decline of 2% was due to lower personnel costs driven by synergies from acquisitions and other cost-savings initiatives.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Non-interest expenses increased 5%, including expenses associated with the implementation of cost-savings initiatives, driven by staffing and branch reductions mainly in Mexico, Colombia, Caribbean and Central America.

Provision for income taxes
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
The effective tax rate for the quarter was 14.2%. On an adjusted basis, the effective tax rate for the quarter was 15.0%, as compared to 23.7% last year, due primarily to higher provision for credit losses in entities that operate in higher tax rate jurisdictions.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
The effective tax rate for the quarter was 14.2%. On an adjusted basis, the effective tax rate for the quarter was 15.0%, as compared to a recovery rate of 106.8% in the prior quarter. This change in effective tax rate is due primarily to significantly higher provision for credit losses recorded in entities that operate in higher tax rate jurisdictions in the prior quarter.

Average Assets
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Average assets of $202 billion increased $7 billion or 4%. Total loan growth of 1% was driven by strong growth of 8% in commercial loans offset by a decline in retail loans of 6%. The remaining increase was driven by higher deposits with central banks and investment securities.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Average assets decreased $8 billion or 4%.  Total loans declined 4% driven by a decline of 7% in commercial loans and 1% in retail loans.

Average Liabilities
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Average liabilities of $153 billion increased $6 billion or 4% driven by higher funding from central banks. Total deposits declined 2% driven by a decline of 6% in retail deposits, partially offset by 1% growth in non-personal deposits. The negative impact of divested operations on total deposit growth was 9%, non-personal deposit growth 4% and retail deposit growth 16%.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Average liabilities decreased $5 billion or 3% driven by a decline in total deposits of 3%, primarily in the Pacific Alliance. Non-personal deposits declined 5%, while retail deposit growth was 2%.

 

Net income
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Net income attributable to equity holders was $323 million, an increase of $24 million or 8%. Adjusted net income increased to $333 million, up 6%.  This growth is due primarily to higher net sales, trading volumes and market appreciation.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Net income attributable to equity holders increased $2 million or 1%.  Adjusted net income increased $1 million due to higher fee-based revenue, partially offset by higher non-interest expenses.

Total revenue
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Revenues were $1,165 million, up $16 million or 1%. The negative impact of divested operations was 3%, offset by growth of 4% due primarily to higher brokerage fees partially offset by the slowdown in consumer activity within our International operations.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Revenues rose $30 million or 3%, due primarily to higher mutual fund and investment management fees.

Provision for credit losses
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
The provision for credit losses was $3 million compared to nil. The provision for credit losses ratio was seven basis points.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
The provision for credit losses increased $2 million. The provision for credit losses ratio was seven basis points.

Non-interest expenses
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Non-interest expenses of $726 million were down $18 million or 2%, as the benefit from prior period divested operations and lower communications, travel, and business development expenses were partly offset by higher volume-related expenses and technology costs to support business development.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Non-interest expenses were up $26 million or 4%, largely due to higher volume-related expenses and technology costs to support business development.

Provision for income taxes
The effective tax rate was 25.6% compared to 24.9% in the prior year and slightly higher than 25.4% in the prior quarter.

Assets under administration (AUA) and assets under management (AUM)
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Assets under management of $292 billion declined $10 billion or 3%, while assets under administration of $502 billion increased $5 billion or 1%. The negative impact of divested operations was 5% on AUM and 3% on AUA. The remaining growth in AUM and AUA was due primarily to higher net sales and market appreciation.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Assets under management decreased $1 billion or 1%, and assets under administration decreased $1 billion as higher net sales were more than offset by market depreciation.

 

Net income
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Net income attributable to equity holders was $460 million, an increase of $55 million or 14%. Higher net interest income, non-interest income, and lower non-interest expenses, were partly offset by higher provision for credit losses.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Net income attributable to equity holders decreased by $140 million or 23%. This was due mainly to lower net interest income, non-interest income, and the negative impact of foreign currency translation, partly offset by lower provision for credit losses and lower non-interest expenses. 

Total revenue
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Revenues were $1,210 million, an increase of $40 million or 3% due primarily to higher non-interest income driven by fixed income trading revenues and higher net interest income.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Revenues decreased by $335 million or 22% due to lower net interest income and lower trading revenues and unfavourable impact of foreign currency translation.

Net interest income
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Net interest income was $350 million, an increase of $13 million or 4%. The increase was due mainly to strong growth in deposits and loan volumes mainly in Canada and the U.S., partly offset by lower lending margins.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Net interest income decreased by $25 million or 7%.  The decrease was due to lower loan volumes in all regions, partly offset by higher lending margins.

Non-interest income
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Non-interest income was $860 million, an increase of $27 million or 3% from the prior year. This increase was due mainly to growth in fixed income trading revenues.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Non-interest income decreased by $310 million or 26% primarily due to a decrease in fixed income trading revenues, lower underwriting fees, and the negative impact of foreign currency translation.

Provision for credit losses
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
The provision for credit losses was $62 million, compared to $4 million, an increase of $58 million. The provision for credit losses ratio increased to 24 basis points.

Provision on impaired loans was $34 million, up $22 million due to higher provisions primarily in the energy sector. The provision for credit losses ratio on impaired loans increased to 13 basis points.

Provision on performing loans was $28 million, compared to a net reversal of $8 million, an increase of $36 million due primarily to unfavourable economic conditions in the energy sector and unfavourable macroeconomic outlook and its estimated future impact on credit migration on other sectors most impacted by COVID-19.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
The provision for credit losses was $62 million, compared to $149 million last quarter, a decrease of $87 million driven primarily by lower performing provision due to improving macroeconomic outlook, and stabilizing portfolio quality. The provision for credit losses ratio decreased 26 basis points to 24 basis points.

Provision on impaired loans was $34 million, compared to $38 million, down by $4 million. The provision for credit losses ratio on impaired loans remain unchanged at 13 basis points.

Provision on performing loans was $28 million, a decrease of $83 million. The decrease was driven primarily by an improving macroeconomic outlook, and stabilizing portfolio quality.

Non-interest expenses
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Non-interest expenses of $583 million, decreased $48 million or 8%. The decrease was primarily driven by lower personnel costs, professional fees, advertisement and business development expenses. 

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Non-interest expenses decreased $37 million or 6% due mainly to lower personnel costs and the positive impact of foreign currency translation.

Provision for income taxes
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
The effective tax rate for the quarter was 18.5%, compared to 24.3%. The changes were due mainly to the change in earnings mix across jurisdictions.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
The effective tax rate for the quarter was 18.5%, compared to 22.7% in the prior quarter. The change was due mainly to changes in the earnings mix across jurisdictions. 

Average Assets
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Average assets were $389 billion, in line with the prior year. Growth in loans and derivative-related assets were offset by a decrease in securities purchased under resale agreements.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Average assets decreased $27 billion or 7% due mainly to decreases in loans, securities purchased under resale agreements, derivative-related assets, and the impact of foreign currency translation.

Average Liabilities
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Average liabilities of $387 billion were higher by $69 billion or 22%, due to strong growth in deposits of 37%, as well as growth in securities sold under repurchase agreements, and derivative-related liabilities.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Average liabilities decreased $27 billion or 7% due primarily to lower securities sold under repurchase agreements and the impact of foreign currency translation.

 

The Other segment includes Group Treasury, smaller operating segments, Net gain/loss on divestitures and other corporate items which are not allocated to a business line.

Net income
Q4 2020 vs Q4 2019
Net income attributable to equity holders was $3 million. Adjusted net income attributable to equity holders was $8 million, compared to net loss attributable to equity holders of $48 million. The improvement was due mainly to higher contributions from asset/liability management activities, partly offset by higher non-interest expenses.

Q4 2020 vs Q3 2020
Net income attributable to equity holders was $3 million. Adjusted net income attributable to equity holders was $8 million, compared to net loss attributable to equity holders of $64 million. The improvement was due mainly to higher contributions from asset/liability management activities, partly offset by lower investment gains.

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

 

Consolidated Statement of Income

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Basis of preparation

These unaudited consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and accounting requirements of OSFI in accordance with Section 308 of the Bank Act, except for certain required disclosures. Therefore, these unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Bank's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2020 which will be available today at www.scotiabank.com.

Forward-looking statements 

From time to time, our public communications often include oral or written forward-looking statements. Statements of this type are included in this document, and may be included in other filings with Canadian securities regulators or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or in other communications. In addition, representatives of the Bank may include forward-looking statements orally to analysts, investors, the media and others. All such statements are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and any applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements made in this document, the Management's Discussion and Analysis in the Bank's 2020 Annual Report under the headings "Outlook" and in other statements regarding the Bank's objectives, strategies to achieve those objectives, the regulatory environment in which the Bank operates, anticipated financial results, and the outlook for the Bank's businesses and for the Canadian, U.S. and global economies. Such statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "believe," "expect," "foresee," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "plan," "goal," "project," and similar expressions of future or conditional verbs, such as "will," "may," "should," "would" and "could."

By their very nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, which give rise to the possibility that our predictions, forecasts, projections, expectations or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that our assumptions may not be correct and that our financial performance objectives, vision and strategic goals will not be achieved.

We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements as a number of risk factors, many of which are beyond our control and effects of which can be difficult to predict, could cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations, targets, estimates or intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements.

The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: general economic and market conditions in the countries in which we operate; changes in currency and interest rates; increased funding costs and market volatility due to market illiquidity and competition for funding; the failure of third parties to comply with their obligations to the Bank and its affiliates; changes in monetary, fiscal, or economic policy and tax legislation and interpretation;  changes in laws and regulations or in supervisory expectations or requirements, including capital, interest rate and liquidity requirements and guidance, and the effect of such changes on funding costs; changes to our credit ratings; operational and infrastructure risks; reputational risks; the accuracy and completeness of information the Bank receives on customers and counterparties; the timely development and introduction of new products and services; our ability to execute our strategic plans, including the successful completion of acquisitions and dispositions, including obtaining regulatory approvals; critical accounting estimates and the effect of changes to accounting standards, rules and interpretations on these estimates; global capital markets activity; the Bank's ability to attract, develop and retain key executives; the evolution of various types of fraud or other criminal behaviour to which the Bank is exposed; disruptions in or attacks (including cyber-attacks) on the Bank's information technology, internet, network access, or other voice or data communications systems or services; increased competition in the geographic and in business areas in which we operate, including through internet and mobile banking and non-traditional competitors; exposure related to significant litigation and regulatory matters; the occurrence of natural and unnatural catastrophic events and claims resulting from such events; the emergence of widespread health emergencies or pandemics, including the magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the global economy, financial market conditions and the Bank's business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects; and the Bank's anticipation of and success in managing the risks implied by the foregoing. A substantial amount of the Bank's business involves making loans or otherwise committing resources to specific companies, industries or countries. Unforeseen events affecting such borrowers, industries or countries could have a material adverse effect on the Bank's financial results, businesses, financial condition or liquidity. These and other factors may cause the Bank's actual performance to differ materially from that contemplated by forward-looking statements. The Bank cautions that the preceding list is not exhaustive of all possible risk factors and other factors could also adversely affect the Bank's results, for more information, please see the "Risk Management" section of the Bank's 2020 Annual Report, as may be updated by quarterly reports. 

Material economic assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained in this document are set out in the 2020 Annual Report under the headings "Outlook", as updated by quarterly reports. The "Outlook" sections are based on the Bank's views and the actual outcome is uncertain. Readers should consider the above-noted factors when reviewing these sections. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to the Bank and its securities, investors and others should carefully consider the preceding factors, other uncertainties and potential events.

Any forward-looking statements contained in this document represent the views of management only as of the date hereof and are presented for the purpose of assisting the Bank's shareholders and analysts in understanding the Bank's financial position, objectives and priorities, and anticipated financial performance as at and for the periods ended on the dates presented, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Except as required by law, the Bank does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by or on its behalf.

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

December 1, 2020

Shareholders Information

Direct deposit service
Shareholders may have dividends deposited directly into accounts held at financial institutions which are members of the Canadian Payments Association. To arrange direct deposit service, please write to the transfer agent.

Dividend and Share Purchase Plan
Scotiabank's dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan allows common and preferred shareholders to purchase additional common shares by reinvesting their cash dividend without incurring brokerage or administrative fees. As well, eligible shareholders may invest up to $20,000 each fiscal year to purchase additional common shares of the Bank. All administrative costs of the plan are paid by the Bank. For more information on participation in the plan, please contact the transfer agent.

Dividend dates for 2021
Record and payment dates for common and preferred shares, subject to approval by the Board of Directors.

Annual Meeting date for fiscal 2020
Shareholders are invited to attend the 189th Annual Meeting of Holders of Common Shares, to be held on April 13, 2021 beginning at 9:00 a.m. EDT.  The record date for determining shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the meeting will be the close of business on February 16, 2021. Please visit our website at https://www.scotiabank.com/annualmeeting for updates concerning the meeting.

Duplicated communication
Some registered holders of The Bank of Nova Scotia shares might receive more than one copy of shareholder mailings, such as this Annual Report. Every effort is made to avoid duplication; however, if you are registered with different names and/or addresses, multiple mailings may result. If you receive, but do not require, more than one mailing for the same ownership, please contact the transfer agent to combine the accounts.

Annual Financial Statements
Shareholders may obtain a hard copy of Scotiabank's 2020 audited annual consolidated financial statements and accompanying Management's Discussion & Analysis on request and without charge by contacting the Investor Relations Department at (416) 775-0798 or investor.relations@scotiabank.com.

Website
For information relating to Scotiabank and its services, visit us at our website: www.scotiabank.com.

Conference call and Web broadcast
The quarterly results conference call will take place on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at 7:15 a.m. EST and is expected to last approximately one hour. Interested parties are invited to access the call live, in listen-only mode, by telephone at 416-641-6104 or 1-800-952-5114 (North America toll-free) using access code 1645183#. Please call shortly before 7:15 a.m. EST. In addition, an audio webcast, with accompanying slide presentation, may be accessed via the Investor Relations page of www.scotiabank.com. 

Following discussion of the results by Scotiabank executives, there will be a question and answer session. A telephone replay of the call will be available between Tuesday December 1, 2020 and Thursday December 31, 2020, by calling 905-694-9451 or 1-800-408-3053 (North America toll-free). The access code is 2953890#. The archived audio webcast will be available on the Bank's website for three months.

Additional Information

Investors:
Financial Analysts, Portfolio Managers and other Institutional Investors requiring financial information, please contact Investor Relations, Finance Department:
Scotiabank
Scotia Plaza, 44 King Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 1H1
Telephone: (416) 775-0798
E-mail: investor.relations@scotiabank.com

Global Communications:
Scotiabank
44 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario
Canada M5H 1H1
E-mail: corporate.communications@scotiabank.com

Shareholders:
For enquiries related to changes in share registration or address, dividend information, lost share certificates, estate transfers, or to advise of duplicate mailings, please contact the Bank's transfer agent:

Computershare Trust Company of Canada
100 University Avenue, 8th Floor
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2Y1
Telephone: 1-877-982-8767
Fax: 1-888-453-0330
E-mail: service@computershare.com

Co-Transfer Agent (U.S.A.)
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
Att: Stock Transfer Department
Overnight Mail Delivery: 462 South 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Regular Mail Delivery: P.O. Box 505005, Louisville, KY 40233-5005
Telephone: (303) 262-0600 or 1-800-962-4284

For other shareholder enquiries, please contact the Corporate Secretary's Department:
Scotiabank
Scotia Plaza, 44 King Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 1H1
Telephone: (416) 866-3672
E-mail: corporate.secretary@scotiabank.com

Rapport trimestriel disponible en français
Le Rapport annuel et les états financiers de la Banque sont publiés en français et en anglais et distribués aux actionnaires dans la version de leur choix. Si vous préférez que la documentation vous concernant vous soit adressée en français, veuillez en informer Relations publiques, Affaires de la société et Affaires gouvernementales, La Banque de Nouvelle-Écosse, Scotia Plaza, 44, rue King Ouest, Toronto (Ontario), Canada M5H 1H1, en joignant, si possible, l'étiquette d'adresse, afin que nous puissions prendre note du changement.

SOURCE Scotiabank