HSBC reports fourth-quarter pre-tax profit of $5.2 billion, beating estimates

HSBC on Tuesday reported fourth-quarter earnings for 2022 that beat analyst expectations.

The bank’s reported profit before tax for the three months ended in December was $5.2 billion, 108% higher than $2.5 billion a year ago. Analyst estimates compiled by the bank had expected a jump of 87% to $4.97 billion.

The bank said its fourth-quarter results reflect strong reported revenue growth and lower reported operating expenses.

For the full year, reported revenue was $51.73 billion, up from $49.55 billion in 2021. 

HSBC, Europe’s largest bank by assets, said higher global interest rates support the firm’s confidence in achieving its target of at least 12% return on average tangible equity in 2023.

“We completed the first phase of our transformation and our international connectivity is now underpinned by good, broad-based profit generation around the world,” Noel Quinn, group chief executive said in the release.

“We are on track to deliver higher returns in 2023 and have built a platform for further value creation,” he said.

Banks globally have seen strong net interest income as central banks around the world raised rates to tame inflation. HSBC said it expects net interest income of at least $36 billion in 2023.

Hong Kong-listed shares of HSBC were about 1% lower before the release.

This is a breaking news story, please check later for updates.