Form 6-K

 


 

 

FORM 6-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Report of Foreign Issuer

 

 

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

For the month of May, 2003

 

 

Commission File Number: 001-14554

 

 


 

 

Banco Santander Chile

 

Santander Chile Bank

(Translation of Registrant’s Name into English)

 

 

Bandera 140

Santiago, Chile

(Address of principal executive office)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

 

Form 20-F    x        

 

        Form 40-F    ¨

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):

 

Yes    ¨        

 

        No    x

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):

 

Yes    ¨        

 

        No    x

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the Registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

 

Yes    ¨        

 

        No    x

 

 

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): N/A

 



 

Banco Santander Chile

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Item


    

1.

  

First Quarter 2003 Earnings Report

 


 

ITEM 1

 

LOGO

 

Banco

Santander

Chile

 

www.santandersantiago.cl

 

 

BANCO SANTANDER CHILE ANNOUNCES

RESULTS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER 2003

 

·   Net income for the first quarter of 2003 totaled Ch$40,497 million (Ch$0.21 per share and US$0.31/ADR) decreasing 33.3% compared to the first quarter of 2002. This fall was mainly due to lower mark-to-market gains and lower net financial income as a result of the low interest rate environment, as well as higher provisioning expenses as compared to the first quarter of 2002. The Bank’s ROE in the quarter reached 17.0% and fees over operating expenses increased to 41.3%.

 

·   The merger process has been completed. On April 24, 2003 the Bank concluded the integration of systems and branch offices with no major client disruptions. This process was completed in a record time period of nine months. The Bank’s new commercial brand, Santander Santiago was successfully launched.

 

·   Cost savings from the merger are becoming apparent. Operating expenses decreased 10.7% compared to the first quarter of 2002. Personnel expenses decreased 17.5% and administrative expenses fell 9.3% in this period. The Bank’s efficiency ratio reached 45.8%.

 

·   The Bank held its annual shareholders’ meeting April 29, 2003. In this meeting a dividend payment of Ch$0.83 per share was approved which is equivalent to a 100% payout of 2002 net income.

 

 

CONTACTS:

Raimundo Monge

  

Robert Moreno

  

Desirée Soulodre

Banco Santander Chile

  

Banco Santander Chile

  

Banco Santander Chile

562-320-8505

  

562-320-8284

  

562-647-6474

 

 

This release and the webcast can be viewed at:

 

http://www.santandersantiago.cl/canales/investor_rel/index.html


 

Santiago, Chile, May 5, 20031. Banco Santander Chile (NYSE:SAN) announced today its unaudited results for the first quarter 2003. These results are reported on a consolidated basis in accordance with Chilean GAAP2. Proforma amounts for the first quarter ended March 31, 2002 reflect the combined financial condition and results of operations of former Santander-Chile and Santiago at that date and for those period.

 

Net income for the first quarter of 2003 totaled Ch$40,497 million (Ch$0.21 per share and US$0.31/ADR) decreasing 33.3% compared to the first quarter of 2002. The conclusion of merger related activities ahead of schedule has resulted in an acceleration of cost savings. In the first quarter of 2003 total operating expenses decreased 10.7% with personnel expenses down 17.5% and administrative expenses falling 9.3%. Fee income in the quarter was also up 2.8%. In the quarter the areas with the highest rise in fees were insurance brokerage +18.0%, administration and collection of insurance policies +120.4%, international business related fees +17.0% and fees from checking accounts +5.5%. During the quarter lower operating expenses and higher fee income were offset by lower gains from the mark-to-market of financial instruments and lower net financial revenue. In the first quarter of 2002 interest rates in Chile declined sharply, which produced an extraordinarily high level of mark-to-market gains in that period. The low interest rate environment in the present quarter also negatively impacted net interest revenue, which decreased 7.2% compared top the first quarter of 2002. The Bank has also continued the process of applying the credit risk standards of our parent company Santander Central Hispano to the entire loan portfolio. As a result the Bank’s risk index increased to 1.84% and provision expense rose 14.3% YOY. Finally, the Bank’s effective tax rate increased 43.1% to 17.0% in the first quarter of 2003. In the first two months of last year former Banco Santiago was still benefiting from tax loss carryforwards related to the subordinated debt issue with the Central Bank of Chile.

 

The evolution of the Bank’s loan portfolio between the end of 2002 and the first quarter of 2003 continues to reflect the Bank’s strategy of sustaining profitability by shifting the asset mix to higher yielding loans. Consumer loans increased 2.3% between year-end 2002 and March 31, 2003. In this same period total loans increased 0.5%. Loans to individuals in Banefe led growth in the quarter, increasing 2.1%. Demand for loans by individuals continue to pick up as interest rates have become more attractive and unemployment levels have shown some improvement. Total customer deposits increased 1.3% between the fourth quarter 2002 and the first quarter of 2003. Non-interest bearing deposits led growth, rising

 


1   Safe harbor statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: All forward-looking statements made by Banco Santander Chile involve material risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various important factors which may be beyond the Bank’s control. Accordingly, the Bank’s future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the Bank’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Bank does not undertake to publicly update or revise the forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that the projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.

 

2   The Peso/US dollar exchange rate as of March 31, 2003 was Ch$727.36 per dollar. March 2002 figures are in constant Chilean pesos as of March 31, 2003 and have been adjusted by the price level restatement factor of 1.038. December 2002 figures are in constant Chilean pesos of March 31, 2003 and have been adjusted by the price level restatement facto of 1.005.

 

 

LOGO

  

2


 

7.4% compared to year-end 2002. This was mainly due to higher floating balances among retail clients.

 


Banco Santander Chile

  

Quarter

    

Change %

 
 

(Ch$ million March 31, 2003)

  

IQ 2003

    

IVQ 2002

    

Pro-forma

IQ 2002

    

IQ 2003/2002

    

IQ/IVQ

2003/2002

 

Net financial income

  

110,756

      

  

128,543

      

  

119,287

      

  

(7.2

%)    

  

(13.8

%)

Provision for loan losses

  

(31,113

)

  

(24,809

)

  

(27,209

)

  

14.3

%

  

25.4

%

Fees and income from services

  

26,363

 

  

25,557

 

  

25,635

 

  

2.8

%

  

3.2

%

Operating expenses

  

(63,824

)

  

(70,095

)

  

(71,495

)

  

(10.7

%)

  

(8.9

%)

Income before income taxes

  

48,794

 

  

3,525

 

  

68,926

 

  

(29.2

%)

  

1,284.2

%

Income taxes

  

(8,297

)

  

(3,502

)

  

(8,188

)

  

1.3

%

  

136.9

%

Net income

  

40,497

 

  

23

 

  

60,738

 

  

(33.3

%)

  

175,973.9

%


Net income/share (Ch$)

  

0.21

 

  

0.0

 

  

0.32

 

  

(33.3

%)

  

—  

 

Net income/ADR (US$)1

  

0.31

 

  

0.0

 

  

0.49

 

  

(36.8

%)

  

—  

 


Total loans

  

7,943,813

 

  

7,902,860

 

  

8,933,837

 

  

(11.1

%)

  

0.5

%

Customer funds

  

7,037,331

 

  

7,143,961

 

  

8,247,282

 

  

(14.7

%)

  

(1.5

%)

Customer deposits

  

6,193,384

 

  

6,111,834

 

  

7,264,639

 

  

(14.7

%)

  

1.3

%

Mutual funds

  

843,947

 

  

1,032,127

 

  

982,643

 

  

(14.1

%)

  

(18.2

%)

Shareholder’s equity

  

1,014,349

 

  

967,626

 

  

964,842

 

  

5.1

%

  

4.8

%


Net financial margin

  

4.3

%

  

4.9

%

  

4.1

%

             

Efficiency ratio

  

45.8

%

  

47.8

%

  

44.7

%

             

Efficiency ratio excluding depreciation

  

39.0

%

  

40.1

%

  

39.7

%

             

Fees / Operating expenses

  

41.3

%

  

36.5

%

  

35.9

%

             

ROE2

  

17.0

%

  

0.0

%

  

24.6

%

             

Risk index

  

1.84

%

  

1.68

%

  

1.34

%

             

PDLs / Total loans

  

2.3

%

  

2.1

%

  

1.4

%

             

BIS ratio

  

16.6

%

  

14.3

%

  

12.9

%

             

Branches

  

346

 

  

347

 

  

339

 

             

ATMs

  

1,104

 

  

1,119

 

  

1,107

 

             

Employees

  

8,136

 

  

8,314

 

  

9,086

 

             

       

 

1.   The change in earnings per ADR may differ from the change in earnings per share due to the exchange rate.

 

2.   Annualized Earnings / Average Capital & Reserves.

 

 

LOGO

  

3


 

Corporate news

 

LOGO

 

CEO Fernando Cañas and President Mauricio Larraín unveil the Bank’s new commercial brand.

 

LOGO

  

The merger has been successfully concluded in record time. The integration of systems was completed on April 24, 2003, in nine-months since the merger became effective and three months ahead of schedule. The merger of systems, which involved more than 590,000 extra man-hours, 700 people, 44 task forces and more than 25,000 different activities was performed without major client disruptions. The integration of the branch network from a client and operational standpoint was also completed. The branch network was unified under the new brand Santander Santiago and the website www.santandersantiago.cl was launched.

LOGO

  

Global Finance magazine named Banco Santander Chile, the Best Bank in Chile for the year 2003. This magazine highlighted the Bank’s ability to maintain high profitability levels in a difficult economic environment.

LOGO

  

Banefe, for the second year in a row, sponsored the Women Micro-Entrepreneur Of The Year Award. This year’s winner is an artisan who creates and sells artifacts with Chilean cultural motifs. The organization of this prize is congruent with Banefe’s strategy to increase lending to these emerging segments and a recognition to the role of women in the workforce.

LOGO

 

Representatives of Banco Santander Chile and CGE.

 

  

On April 28, 2003, Banco Santander Chile and CGE Distribution S.A. signed one of the largest Bank loan operations ever approved in Chile. This consisted of a bridge loan for US$148 million plus additional financial advisory services for this company. This in line with the Bank’s policy of increasing the profitability of the corporate banking segment by offering additional services to these clients and not only focusing on lending activities.

 

 

LOGO

  

4


 

NET FINANCIAL INCOME

 

Net interest margin increases 20 basis points despite low interest rate environment

 


Net Financial Income

  

Quarter

    

Change %

 
 

(Ch$ million March 31, 2003)

  

IQ 2003

    

IVQ 2002

    

Pro-forma

IQ 2002

    

IQ 2003/2002

    

IQ/IVQ

2003/2002

 

Net interest income

  

128,573

 

  

95,461

 

  

123,527

 

  

4.1

%

  

34.7

%

Net results of hedging positions3

  

(17,817

)

  

33,082

 

  

(4,240

)

  

320.2

%

  

(153.9

%)


Net financial income

  

110,756

 

  

128,543

 

  

119,287

 

  

(7.2

%)

  

(13.8

%)


Average interest-earning assets

  

10,411,601

 

  

10,445,801

 

  

11,540,530

 

  

(9.8

%)

  

(0.3

%)


Net interest margin*

  

4.3

%

  

4.9

%

  

4.1

%

             

Avg. equity + non-interest bearing demand deposits / Avg. earning assets

  

18.6

%

  

18.4

%

  

16.7

%

             

             

Quarterly inflation rate**

  

0.2

%

  

1.8

%

  

(0.4

%)

             

             

Avg. Overnight interbank rate

  

2.74

%

  

3.00

%

  

5.71

%

             

             

 

*   Annualized. The average balance of the first quarter 2003 and the fourth quarter of 2002 were calculated using daily average balances. The average balance of the first quarter 2002 was calculated by taking the simple average of the balance of the combined interest earning assets as of December 2001 and March 2002.

 

**   Inflation measured as the variation of the Unidad de Fomento in the quarter.

 

Net financial income in the first quarter of 2003 decreased 7.2% compared to pro-forma net financial income for the first quarter of 2002. This decrease was mainly due to the lower interest rate environment. Although there is some initial benefit to margins when interest rates fall since liabilities re-price faster than interest earning assets, the lower rates negatively impacted the spread earned over the Bank’s free funds (non-interest bearing demand deposits and equity). Compared to the first quarter of 2002, the net interest revenue earned over these free funds decreased 51.6%. A number of initiatives have been implemented to improve margins in order to counterbalance this negative effect. As a result the Bank’s net interest income earned over client activities increased 6.1% and the net interest margin increased 20 basis points to 4.3% compared to the first quarter of 2002 (See Graph below).

 

 


3   For analysis purposes results from foreign exchange transactions, which consist mainly of the results of forward contracts which hedge foreign currency positions, has been included in the calculation of the net financial income and net financial margin. Under SBIF guidelines these gains/losses are not be considered interest revenue, but are included as gains/losses from foreign exchange transactions and, accordingly, registered in a different line of the income statement. This accounting asymmetry distorts net interest income and foreign exchange transaction gains especially in periods of high volatility of the exchange rate. The results of these hedging positions have been added to net financial income to indicate the Bank’s actual net interest margin as they are linked to normal credit operations.

 

LOGO

  

5


 

LOGO

 

This rise in the Bank’s net interest margin was mainly a result of:

 

Improved asset mix. Average earning assets in this period decreased 9.8%. The decrease in assets was mainly focused in relatively low yielding loans, partially offset by a rise in higher yielding consumer loans.

 

Higher inflation rate in the quarter. In the first quarter of 2003 the inflation rate measured by the variation of the Unidad de Fomento (inflation indexed currency, UF) reached +0.2% compared to (0.4%) in the first quarter of 2002. This resulted in higher margins as the spread between inflation-adjusted assets and nominal non-interest bearing liabilities was higher in the current quarter as compared to the same quarter of last year. The opposite was true when comparing the net interest margin in the first quarter of 2003 with the fourth quarter of 2002. In those periods, the Bank’s net interest margin decreased 60 basis points. This lower margin was mainly due to the seasonally lower inflation rate measured by the UF in the first quarter of 2003, 0.2%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2002, 1.8%.

 

Improved funding mix. The ratio of non-interest bearing demand deposits and equity to interest earning assets increased from 16.7% in the first quarter of 2002 to 18.6% in the first quarter of 2003.

 

 

LOGO

  

6


 

INTEREST EARNING ASSETS

 

Loan growth accelerates in higher yielding retail segments

 


Interest Earning Assets

                                  

    

Quarter ended,

    

% Change

 
 

(Ch$ million March 31, 2003)

  

March 31,

2003

    

Dec. 31,

2002

    

March 31,

2002

    

March

2003/2002

    

March/Dec.

2003/2002

 

Commercial loans

  

2,792,674

      

  

2,913,918

      

  

3,462,869

    

  

(19.4

%)

  

(4.2

%)

Consumer loans

  

729,442

 

  

712,779

 

  

690,242

 

  

5.7

%

  

2.3

%

Residential mortgage loans*

  

1,405,666

 

  

1,382,895

 

  

1,386,646

 

  

1.4

%

  

1.6

%

Foreign trade loans

  

518,068

 

  

535,585

 

  

794,814

 

  

(34.8

%)

  

(3.3

%)

Leasing

  

425,249

 

  

424,554

 

  

420,466

 

  

1.1

%

  

0.2

%

Other outstanding loans **

  

1,143,804

 

  

1,137,701

 

  

1,214,622

 

  

(5.8

%)

  

0.5

%

Past due loans

  

183,029

 

  

167,616

 

  

121,522

 

  

50.6

%

  

9.2

%

Contingent loans

  

678,360

 

  

623,667

 

  

692,909

 

  

(2.1

%)

  

8.8

%


Total loans excluding interbank

  

7,876,292

 

  

7,898,715

 

  

8,784,090

 

  

(10.3

%)

  

(0.3

%)


Total investments

  

2,383,855

 

  

2,510,850

 

  

2,427,419

 

  

(1.8

%)

  

(5.1

%)

Interbank loans

  

67,521

 

  

4,145

 

  

149,747

 

  

(54.9

%)

  

1,529.0

%


Total interest-earning assets

  

10,327,668

 

  

10,413,710

 

  

11,361,256

 

  

(9.1

%)

  

(0.8

%)


 

*   Includes residential mortgage loans backed by mortgage bonds (letras hipotecarias para la vivienda) and residential mortgage loans not funded with mortgage bonds (mutuos hipotecarios para la vivienda)

 

**   Includes non-residential mortgage loans backed by a mortgage bond (letras hipotecarias para fines generales) and other loans.

 

The evolution of the Bank’s loan portfolio between the end of 2002 and the first quarter of 2003 continues to reflect the Bank’s strategy of sustaining profitability by shifting the asset mix to higher yielding loans. As of March 31, 2003 total loans, excluding interbank loans decreased 0.3% led by a 4.2% fall in commercial loans and a 3.3% decline in foreign trade loans. This was partially offset by a 2.3% increase in consumer loans.

 

 

Loans By Business Segment

 


    

Quarter ended,

      

% Change

 
 

(Ch$ million March 31, 2003)

  

March 31,

2003

    

Dec. 31,

2002

      

March/Dec.

2003/2002

 

Total Corporate Loans

  

3,784,933

        

  

3,845,545

    

    

(1.6

%)


Total Retail Loans

  

3,944,977

 

  

3,872,947

 

    

1.9

%


 

As of March 31, 2003, loans in the Bank’s retail segment increased 1.9% compared to year-end 2002. Loans to individuals in Banefe led growth in the quarter, increasing 2.1% and totaling Ch$310,338 million. Demand for loans by individuals continue to pick up as interest rates have become more attractive and unemployment levels have shown some improvement. Total corporate loans decreased 1.6% between the end of the first quarter of 2003 and December 31, 2002. In line with the Bank’s strategy of sustaining high levels of profitability, management increased in this segment the required return on some loan operations, which has benefited the Bank’s net financial margin. This drop in corporate loans also reflects efforts to reduce exposure to some clients in order to improve the diversification of the portfolio and as a result of the Bank’s conservative credit risk policies.

 

LOGO

  

7


 

CUSTOMER FUNDS

 

The funding mix continues to improve

 


Funding

  

Quarter ended,

  

Change %

 
 

(Ch$ million March 31, 2003)

  

March 31,

2003

  

Dec. 31,

2002

  

March 31,

2002

  

March

2003/2002

    

March/Dec.

2003/2002

 

Non-interest bearing demand deposits

  

2,003,094

  

1,864,817

  

1,904,359

  

5.2

%

  

7.4

%

Savings and time deposits

  

4,190,290

  

4,247,017

  

5,360,280

  

(21.8

%)

  

(1.3

%)


Total customer deposits

  

6,193,384

  

6,111,834

  

7,264,639

  

(14.7

%)

  

1.3

%


Mutual funds

  

843,947

  

1,032,127

  

982,643

  

(14.1

%)

  

(18.2

%)


Total customer funds

  

7,037,331

  

7,143,961

  

8,247,282

  

(14.7

%)

  

(1.5

%)


 

Total customer deposits increased 1.3% between the fourth quarter 2002 and the first quarter of 2003. Non-interest bearing deposits led growth rising rose 7.4% compared to year-end 2002. This was mainly due to higher floating balances among retail clients.

 

The 18.2% decrease in mutual funds under management between year-end 2002 and March 31, 2003 was mainly a result of the Inverlink-CORFO affair. The public removed money from mutual funds and into low risk checking accounts and time deposits. In the case of Santander the reduction in mutual funds under management was partially offset by the rise in non-interest bearing demand deposits.

 

The 14.7% decrease in customer deposits in twelve months was in line with the reduction of interest earning assets in the same period. The Bank has been following a strategy of reducing low yielding assets from its balance sheet, reducing the need for increasing the deposit base.

 

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8


 

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

The higher risk index reflects the implementation of stricter credit risk criteria

 


Provision for loan losses

  

Quarter

    

Change %

 
 

(Ch$ million March 31, 2003)

  

IQ 2003

    

IVQ 2002

    

Pro-forma

IQ 2002

    

IQ 2003/2002

    

IQ/IVQ

2003/2002

 

Total provisions and charge-offs

  

31,113

 

  

24,809

 

  

27,209

 

  

14.3

%

  

25.4

%


Loan loss recoveries

  

6,821

    

  

5,447

    

  

6,804

 

  

0.2

%

  

25.2

%

Total loans

  

7,943,813

 

  

7,902,860

 

  

8,933,837

 

  

(11.1

%)

  

0.5

%

Total reserves for loan losses (RLL)

  

170,681

 

  

168,424

 

  

169,623

 

  

0.6

%

  

1.3

%

Past due loans (PDL)

  

183,029

 

  

167,616

 

  

121,522

 

  

50.6

%

  

9.2

%


PDL/Total loans

  

2.3

%

  

2.1

%

  

1.4

%

             

RLL/Past due loans

  

93.3

%

  

100.5

%

  

139.6

%

             

Risk index4

  

1.84

%

  

1.68

%

  

1.34

%

             

             

 

Total provisions for loan losses increased 14.3% compared to the first quarter of 2002. This rise was mainly due to an increase in the Bank’s risk index, which as of March 31, 2003 reached 1.84%. The rise in the risk index was mainly an outcome of the homogenization of credit risk criteria. The Bank is applying the credit risk standards of our parent company Santander Central Hispano to the entire loan portfolio. The rise in the risk index was also due, in part due, to the decrease in the corporate loan portfolio. This decrease in loans was mainly concentrated in large corporate lending which in most cases are rated A, causing an increase in the risk index. It is important to point out that the Bank’s risk index is still below the average for the Chilean financial system which as of February 2003, the latest available figure, was 2.00%.

 

Past due loans at March 31, 2003 increased 9.2% compared to year-end 2002. The increase was mainly due to temporary administrative disruptions caused by the merger integration process. Nevertheless, the evolution of higher risk loans (those rated B-, C and D according to the Superintendency of Bank’s risk classification) has been relatively stable since the merger started, as underlying asset quality problems has not been the main driver of this rise in past due loans. Loans rated B-, C and D as of March 31, 2002 reached 3.2% compared to 3.0% in December and September of 2002. For the banking system as a whole this figure reached 4.5% as of February 2002, the latest figure available (See Graph below).

 

 


4   Unconsolidated. Chilean banks are required to classify their outstanding loans on an ongoing basis for the purpose of determining the amount of loan loss reserves. Banks must evaluate the expected losses of their loan portfolio and set aside specific provisions against these losses. For example, a risk index of 1% implies that a bank is expecting to lose 1% of its loan portfolio. The risk index is the key measure used to monitor asset quality and is periodically reviewed by the Superintendency of Banks and Financial Institutions (SBIF), the industry’s main regulator.

 

LOGO

  

9


 

 

LOGO

 

 

All figures refer to asset quality indicators of Banco Santander Chile except B-, C and D loans for the system where the source is the SBIF.

 

 

FEE INCOME

 

The ratio of fees to operating expenses increases to 41.3% in the first quarter of 2003

 


Fee income

  

Quarter

    

Change %

 
 

(Ch$ million March 31, 2003)

  

IQ 2003

    

IVQ 2002

    

Pro-forma

IQ 2002

    

IQ 2003/2002

    

IQ/IVQ

2003/2002

 

Fee income

  

32,594

          

  

33,673

        

  

30,590

 

  

6.6

%

  

(3.2

%)

Fee expenses

  

(6,231

)

  

(8,116

)

  

(4,955

)

  

25.8

%

  

(23.2

%)


Total fee income, net

  

26,363

 

  

25,557

 

  

25,635

 

  

2.8

%

  

3.2

%


Fees / operating expenses

  

41.3

%

  

36.5

%

  

35.9

%

             

             

 

The Bank’s net fee income rose 2.8% compared to the first quarter of 2003. The ratio of fees to operating expenses reached 41.3% in the first quarter of 2003 compared to 35.9% in the same quarter of last year. This in line with the Bank’s policy of incrementing fees to counteract falling spreads. During the quarter, insurance brokerage fees were up 18.0%, administration and collection of insurance policies fees increased 120.4%, international business related fees grew 17.0% and fees from checking accounts were up 5.5%. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2002 fees increased 3.2%. This increase was mainly driven by credit cards fees that were up 26.4% compared to the fourth quarter of 2002. The Bank has been strongly focusing on increasing credit card fees by introducing simpler credit card point systems, prizes for credit card usage and other incentives.

 

 

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10


 

OPERATING EXPENSES AND EFFICIENCY

 

Operating expenses decreased 10.7% on costs savings produced by the merger

 


Operating Expenses

  

Quarter

    

Change %

 
 

(Ch$ million March 31, 2003)

  

IQ 2003

    

IVQ 2002

    

Pro-forma

IQ 2002

    

IQ 2003/2002

    

IQ/IVQ

2003/2002

 

Personnel expenses

  

(30,950

)        

  

(33,558

)        

  

(37,512

)

  

(17.5

%)

  

(7.8

%)


Administrative expenses

  

(23,465

)

  

(25,270

)

  

(25,868

)

  

(9.3

%)

  

(7.1

%)

Depreciation and amortization

  

(9,409

)

  

(11,267

)

  

(8,115

)

  

15.9

%

  

(16.5

%)


Operating expenses

  

(63,824

)

  

(70,095

)

  

(71,495

)

  

(10.7

%)

  

(8.9

%)


Efficiency ratio*

  

45.8

%

  

47.8

%

  

44.7

%

             

             

Efficiency ratio excluding amortization and depreciation

  

39.0

%

  

40.1

%

  

39.7

%

             

             

Operating expenses / Total assets

  

2.0

%

  

2.4

%

  

2.2

%

             

             

 

*   Operating expenses/Operating income

 

In the first quarter 2003 operating expenses decreased 10.7% compared to the first quarter of 2002. Cost savings produced by the merger are already becoming apparent. This fall in expenses was led by a 17.5% reduction in personnel expenses as a result of the fall in total headcount. As of March 31, 2003 total headcount decreased by 10.5% compared to March 30, 2002. Administrative expenses decreased 9.3% in the same period mainly due to synergies produced by the merger. These savings were partially offset by the 15.9% rise in amortization and depreciation produced by the recent investments in improving computer systems. The 16.5% decrease in amortization and depreciation expenses in the first quarter of 2003 compared to the fourth quarter of 2002 was mainly a result of the charge-off of assets in 2002.

 

As a result of these cost savings, the Bank’s efficiency ratio reached 45.8% in the first quarter of 2003 compared to 44.7% in the first quarter of 2001. Excluding amortization and depreciation expenses, the efficiency ratio reached a record low level of 39.0% compared to 39.7% in the first quarter of 2002. This figure for the financial system as a whole was 48.3% as of March 2003. The ratio of operating expenses to average assets was 2.0% compared to 2.6% for the Chilean financial system and the lowest among the Bank’s main competitors.

 

 

OTHER OPERATING INCOME

 


Other operating income

  

Quarter

    

Change %

 
 

(Ch$ million March 31, 2003)

  

IQ 2003

    

IVQ 2002

    

Pro-forma

IQ 2002

    

IQ 2003/2002

    

IQ/IVQ

2003/2002

 

Net gain from trading and mark-to-market of securities

  

8,227

        

  

(2,257

)    

  

18,954

 

  

(56.6

%)

  

(464.5

%)


Other

  

(5,849

)

  

(5,058

)

  

(4,107

)    

  

42.4

%

  

15.6

%


Total

  

2,378

 

  

(7,315

)

  

14,847

 

  

(84.0

%)

  

(132.5

%)


 

The net gain from trading and mark-to-market of securities totaled Ch$8,227 million in the first quarter of 2003 compared to Ch$18,954 million in the first quarter of 2002. Interest

 

 

LOGO

  

11


 

rates in Chile declined sharply in the first quarter of last year, which produced an extraordinarily high level of mark-to-market gains in that period.

 

The increase in the loss in other operating expenses, net compared to the first quarter of 2002 was mainly due to higher sales force expense and non-loan charge-offs. The rise in sales force expenses was mainly to due greater commercial activity in retail banking.

 

 

OTHER INCOME/EXPENSES, PRICE LEVEL RESTATEMENT AND INCOME TAX

 


Other Income and Expenses

  

Quarter

    

Change %

 
 

(Ch$ million March 31, 2003)

  

IQ 2003

    

IVQ 2002

    

Pro-forma

IQ 2002

    

IQ 2003/2002

    

IQ/IVQ

2003/2002

 

Recovery of loans

  

6,821

 

  

5,447

 

  

6,804

 

  

0.2

%

  

25.2

%

Non-operating income, net

  

367

 

  

(45,710

)

  

(1,731

)

  

(121.2

%)

  

(100.8

%)

Income attributable to investments in other companies

  

136

 

  

(280

)

  

43

 

  

216.3

%

  

(148.6

%)

Losses attributable to minority interest

  

(47

)    

  

(25

)    

  

(46

)

  

2.2

%

  

88.0

%


Total other income, net

  

7,277

 

  

(40,568

)

  

5,070

 

  

43.5

%

  

(117.9

%)


Price level restatement

  

(3,043

)

  

(7,788

)

  

2,791

 

  

(209.0

%)

  

(60.9

%)


Income tax

  

(8,297

)

  

(3,502

)

  

(8,188

)

  

1.3

%

  

136.9

%


 

Other income, net totaled a gain of Ch$7,277 million in the quarter increasing 43.5% compared to the first quarter of 2002. This rise was driven mainly by a gain in non-operating income, net compared to a loss in the first quarter for 2002. This loss was related to expenses linked to the completion of expenditures in technology and information systems. In the fourth quarter of 2002 the Bank recognized Ch$45,199 million in pre-tax restructuring charges related to the merger integration. The higher loss from price level restatement in the first quarter of 2003 compared to the first quarter of 2002 reflects the higher inflation in these periods. The Bank must adjust its capital, fixed assets and other assets for the variations in price levels. Since the Bank’s capital is larger than the sum of fixed and other assets, the size of the loss from price level restatement is positively correlated with the variations of inflation. The Bank’s effective tax rate reached 17.0% similar to the statutory income tax rate in Chile for this year, which is 16.5%. In the first quarter of 2002 the effective tax rate of the combined Bank was 11.9%. Former Banco Santiago began paying income tax in March 2002. Previously, this entity was benefiting from tax loss carryforwards related to the subordinated debt issue with the Central Bank of Chile.

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REGULATORY CAPITAL

 

The Bank to pay out 100% of 2002 net income

 


Shareholders’ equity

  

Quarter ended

  

Change %

 
 

(Ch$ million March 31, 2003)

  

IQ 2003

  

IVQ 2002

  

Pro-forma

IQ 2002

  

IQ 2003/2002

    

IQ/IVQ

2003/2002

 

Capital and Reserves

  

973,852

  

809,589

  

904,104

  

7.7

%

  

20.3

%

Net Income

  

40,497

  

158,037

  

60,738

  

(33.3

%)

  

(74.4

%)


Total shareholders’ equity

  

1,014,349

  

967,626

  

964,842

  

5.1

%

  

4.8

%


 

 

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12


 

As of March 31, 2003, the Bank’s shareholders’ equity totaled Ch$1,014,349 million (US$1,395 million). On April 29, 2003 the Bank held its annual shareholders’ meeting. In this meeting shareholders approved the payment of a dividend equal to 100% of 2002 net income or Ch$0.83 per share. This dividend will be paid to all shareholders on record on May 23, 2003 and will be paid on May 29, 2003.

 

The Bank’s BIS ratio as of March 31, 2003 was 16.6% well above the minimum BIS ratio of 12% required by the SBIF. In the same period the Bank’s Tier I ratio reached a solid level of 12.2%. The Bank’s capitalization ratios immediately following the dividend payment of should remain above 14%.

 


Capital Adequacy

 

(Ch$ million Dec. 31, 2002)

  

March 31,

2002

 

Tier I

  

12.2

%

Tier II

  

4.4

%


BIS ratio

  

16.6

%


Regulatory capital

  

1,322,941

 


Risk weighted assets

  

7,971,038

 


 

 

INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUND

 

According to the latest figures published by the SBIF for the month of March 2003, the Santander Chile was the largest bank in Chile in terms of loans and customer base with over 1.7 million customers. The Bank also has the largest distribution network with 346 branches and 1,104 ATMs. The Bank has the highest credit ratings among all Latin American banks with a Baa1 rating from Moody’s and A- ratings from Standard and Poor’s and Fitch, which are the same ratings assigned to the Republic of Chile. The stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: SAN) and the Santiago Stock Exchange (SSE: Bsantander). The Bank’s main shareholder is Santander Central Hispano, which directly and indirectly owns 84.14% of Banco Santander Chile.

 

 

Santander Central Hispano

 

Santander Central Hispano (SAN:MC STD:N), founded in 1857, is the leading financial group in Spain and Latin America. In terms of market capitalization the Bank is the second largest in the Euro Zone and is among the top 15 banks in the world. The Group services 39 million customers, which are attended by 103,900 employees in 9,143 offices. Santander Central Hispano manages funds worth more than US$465 billion worldwide. In Latin America, Santander Central Hispano has assets of US$91 billion, US$11.2 billion in investment funds, US$11.9 billion in pension funds under management and 23 million clients that are serviced through 4,183 branch offices in 11 countries. In the year 2002 Santander Central Hispano’s net income from its Latin American operations reached US$1.3 billion.

 

LOGO

  

13


 

 

BANCO SANTANDER—CHILE, AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Adjusted for general price level changes and expressed in millions of constant

Ch$ of March 31, 2003 )

 

    

31-Mar

    

31-Mar

    

31-Dec

    

31-Mar

    

% Change

    

% Change

 
    

2003

    

2003

    

2002

    

2002

    

March 2003/2002

    

March 2003 /

Dec. 2002

 
    

US$ thousands

    

Ch$ millions

    

Ch$ millions

    

Ch$ millions

             

A S S E T S

                                       

Cash and due from banks

                                       

Noninterest bearing

  

1,201,728

 

  

874,089

 

  

872,174

 

  

1,066,772

 

  

-18.1

%

  

0.2%

Interbank deposits-interest bearing

  

95,227

 

  

69,264

 

  

110,550

 

  

114,996

 

  

-39.8

%

  

-37.3%

    

Total cash and due from banks

  

1,296,955

 

  

943,353

 

  

982,724

 

  

1,181,768

 

  

-20.2

%

  

-4.0%

    

Financial investments

                                       

Government securities

  

1,964,473

 

  

1,428,879

 

  

1,212,092

 

  

1,084,737

 

  

31.7

%

  

17.9%

Investments purchased under agreements to resell

  

76,258

 

  

55,467

 

  

333,856

 

  

143,879

 

  

-61.4

%

  

-83.4%

Other financial investments

  

465,789

 

  

338,796

 

  

264,413

 

  

690,146

 

  

-50.9

%

  

28.1%

Investment collateral under agreements to repurchase

  

770,888

 

  

560,713

 

  

700,489

 

  

508,657

 

  

10.2

%

  

-20.0%

    

Total financial investments

  

3,277,408

 

  

2,383,855

 

  

2,510,850

 

  

2,427,419

 

  

-1.8

%

  

-5.1%

    

Loans, net

                                       

Commercial loans

  

3,839,466

 

  

2,792,674

 

  

2,913,918

 

  

3,462,869

 

  

-19.4

%

  

-4.2%

Consumer loans

  

1,002,862

 

  

729,442

 

  

712,779

 

  

690,242

 

  

5.7

%

  

2.3%

Mortgage loans (Residential and general purpose)

  

2,189,745

 

  

1,592,733

 

  

1,592,180

 

  

1,612,176

 

  

-1.2

%

  

0.0%

Foreign trade loans

  

712,258

 

  

518,068

 

  

535,585

 

  

794,814

 

  

-34.8

%

  

-3.3%

Interbank loans

  

92,830

 

  

67,521

 

  

4,145

 

  

149,747

 

  

-54.9

%

  

1529.0%

Leasing

  

584,647

 

  

425,249

 

  

424,554

 

  

420,466

 

  

1.1

%

  

0.2%

Other outstanding loans

  

1,315,356

 

  

956,737

 

  

928,416

 

  

989,092

 

  

-3.3

%

  

3.1%

Past due loans

  

251,635

 

  

183,029

 

  

167,616

 

  

121,522

 

  

50.6

%

  

9.2%

Contingent loans

  

932,633

 

  

678,360

 

  

623,667

 

  

692,909

 

  

-2.1

%

  

8.8%

Reserve for loan losses

  

(234,658

)

  

(170,681

)

  

(168,424

)

  

(169,623

)

  

0.6

%

  

1.3%

    

Total loans, net

  

10,686,774

 

  

7,773,132

 

  

7,734,436

 

  

8,764,214

 

  

-11.3

%

  

0.5%

    

Other assets

                                       

Bank premises and equipment

  

293,318

 

  

213,348

 

  

213,883

 

  

233,171

 

  

-8.5

%

  

-0.3%

Foreclosed assets

  

43,505

 

  

31,644

 

  

25,018

 

  

23,190

 

  

36.5

%

  

26.5%

Investments in other companies

  

6,348

 

  

4,617

 

  

4,729

 

  

4,391

 

  

5.1

%

  

-2.4%

Assets to be leased

  

36,100

 

  

26,258

 

  

37,497

 

  

18,157

 

  

44.6

%

  

-30.0%

Other

  

545,932

 

  

397,089

 

  

204,850

 

  

624,420

 

  

-36.4

%

  

93.8%

    

Total other assets

  

925,203

 

  

672,956

 

  

485,977

 

  

903,329

 

  

-25.5

%

  

38.5%

    

TOTAL ASSETS

  

16,186,340

 

  

11,773,296

 

  

11,713,987

 

  

13,276,730

 

  

-11.3

%

  

0.5%

    

 

LOGO

  

14


 

BANCO SANTANDER—CHILE, AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Adjusted for general price level changes and expressed in millions of constant

Ch$ of March 31, 2003)

 

    

31-Mar

  

31-Mar

  

31-Dec

  

31-Mar

  

% Change

    

% Change

 
    

2003

  

2003

  

2002

  

2002

  

March 2003 /

2002

    

March 2003 /

Dec. 2002

 
    

US$ thousands

  

Ch$ millions

  

Ch$ millions

  

Ch$ millions

           

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                               

Deposits

                               

Current accounts

  

1,692,860

  

1,231,319

  

1,104,868

  

951,659

  

29.4

%

  

11.4%

Bankers drafts and other deposits

  

1,061,063

  

771,775

  

759,949

  

952,700

  

-19.0

%

  

1.6%

    
    

2,753,923

  

2,003,094

  

1,864,817

  

1,904,359

  

5.2

%

  

7.4%

    

Savings accounts and time deposits

  

5,760,957

  

4,190,290

  

4,247,017

  

5,360,280

  

-21.8

%

  

-1.3%

    

Total deposits

  

8,514,880

  

6,193,384

  

6,111,834

  

7,264,639

  

-14.7

%

  

1.3%

    

Other interest bearing liabilities

                               

Banco Central de Chile borrowings

                               

Credit lines for renegotiation of loans

  

20,114

  

14,630

  

15,825

  

18,943

  

-22.8

%

  

-7.6%

Other Banco Central borrowings

  

21,824

  

15,874

  

14,024

  

45,471

  

-65.1

%

  

13.2%

    

Total Banco Central borrowings

  

41,938

  

30,504

  

29,849

  

64,414

  

-52.6

%

  

2.2%

    

Investments sold under agreements to repurchase

  

561,518

  

408,426

  

733,496

  

564,757

  

-27.7

%

  

-44.3%

    

Mortgage finance bonds

  

2,120,453

  

1,542,333

  

1,569,180

  

1,630,983

  

-5.4

%

  

-1.7%

    

Other borrowings

                               

Bonds

  

547,220

  

398,026

  

402,472

  

435,816

  

-8.7

%

  

-1.1%

Subordinated bonds

  

622,275

  

452,618

  

457,051

  

450,317

  

0.5

%

  

-1.0%

Borrowings from domestic financial institutions

  

51,856

  

37,718

  

62,432

  

236,900

  

-84.1

%

  

-39.6%

Foreign borrowings

  

852,160

  

619,827

  

607,471

  

264,172

  

134.6

%

  

2.0%

Other obligations

  

100,608

  

73,178

  

77,253

  

88,034

  

-16.9

%

  

-5.3%

    

Total other borrowings

  

2,174,119

  

1,581,367

  

1,606,679

  

1,475,239

  

7.2

%

  

-1.6%

    

Total other interest bearing liabilities

  

4,898,028

  

3,562,630

  

3,939,204

  

3,735,393

  

-4.6

%

  

-9.6%

    

Other liabilities

                               

Contingent liabilities

  

933,540

  

679,020

  

623,602

  

692,620

  

-2.0

%

  

8.9%

Other

  

444,176

  

323,076

  

70,931

  

618,583

  

-47.8

%

  

355.5%

Minority interest

  

1,151

  

837

  

790

  

653

  

28.2

%

  

5.9%

    

Total other liabilities

  

1,378,867

  

1,002,933

  

695,323

  

1,311,856

  

-23.5

%

  

44.2%

    

Shareholders’ equity

                               

Capital and reserves

  

1,338,886

  

973,852

  

809,589

  

904,104

  

7.7

%

  

20.3%

Income for the year

  

55,677

  

40,497

  

158,037

  

60,738

  

-33.3

%

  

-74.4%

    

Total shareholders’ equity

  

1,394,563

  

1,014,349

  

967,626

  

964,842

  

5.1

%

  

4.8%

    

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY

  

16,186,340

  

11,773,296

  

11,713,987

  

13,276,730

  

-11.3

%

  

0.5%

    

 

LOGO

  

15


 

BANCO SANTANDER CHILE

QUARTERLY INCOME STATEMENTS

Constant Chilean pesos of March 31, 2003

 

 
    

IQ 2003

    

IQ 2003

    

IVQ 2002

    

IQ 2002

    

% Change

    

%

Change

 
    

US$ thousands

    

Ch$ millions

    

Ch$ millions

    

Ch$ millions

    

IQ

2003/2002

    

IQ 2003 /

IVQ 2002

Interest income and expense

                                       

Interest income

  

300,103

 

  

218,283

 

  

237,981

 

  

217,436

 

  

0.4

%

  

-8.3%

Interest expense

  

(123,336

)

  

(89,710

)

  

(142,520

)

  

(93,909

)

  

-4.5

%

  

-37.1%

    

Net interest income

  

176,767

 

  

128,573

 

  

95,461

 

  

123,527

 

  

4.1

%

  

34.7%

    

Provision for loan losses

  

(42,775

)

  

(31,113

)

  

(24,809

)

  

(27,209

)

  

14.3

%

  

25.4%

    

Fees and income from services

                                       

Fees and other services income

  

44,811

 

  

32,594

 

  

33,673

 

  

30,590

 

  

6.6

%

  

-3.2%

Other services expense

  

(8,567

)

  

(6,231

)

  

(8,116

)

  

(4,955

)

  

25.8

%

  

-23.2%

    

Total fees and income from services, net

  

36,244

 

  

26,363

 

  

25,557

 

  

25,635

 

  

2.8

%

  

3.2%

    

Other operating income, net

                                       

Net gain (loss) from trading and brokerage

  

11,311

 

  

8,227

 

  

(2,257

)

  

18,954

 

  

-56.6

%

  

-464.5%

Foreign exchange transactions,net

  

(24,495

)

  

(17,817

)

  

33,082

 

  

(4,240

)

  

320.2

%

  

-153.9%

Other, net

  

(8,041

)

  

(5,849

)

  

(5,058

)

  

(4,107

)

  

42.4

%

  

15.6%

    

Total other operating income,net

  

(21,225

)

  

(15,439

)

  

25,767

 

  

10,607

 

  

-245.6

%

  

-159.9%

    

Other income and expenses

                                       

Recovery of loans previously written off

  

9,378

 

  

6,821

 

  

5,447

 

  

6,804

 

  

0.2

%

  

25.2%

Nonoperating income, net

  

505

 

  

367

 

  

(45,710

)

  

(1,731

)

  

-121.2

%

  

-100.8%

Income attributable to investments in other companies

  

187

 

  

136

 

  

(280

)

  

43

 

  

216.3

%

  

-148.6%

Losses attributable to minority interest

  

(65

)

  

(47

)

  

(25

)

  

(46

)

  

2.2

%

  

88.0%

    

Total other income and expenses

  

10,005

 

  

7,277

 

  

(40,568

)

  

5,070

 

  

43.5

%

  

-117.9%

    

Operating expenses

                                       

Personnel salaries and expenses

  

(42,551

)

  

(30,950

)

  

(33,558

)

  

(37,512

)

  

-17.5

%

  

-7.8%

Administrative and other expenses

  

(32,261

)

  

(23,465

)

  

(25,270

)

  

(25,868

)

  

-9.3

%

  

-7.1%

Depreciation and amortization

  

(12,936

)

  

(9,409

)

  

(11,267

)

  

(8,115

)

  

15.9

%

  

-16.5%

    

Total operating expenses

  

(87,748

)

  

(63,824

)

  

(70,095

)

  

(71,495

)

  

-10.7

%

  

-8.9%

    

Gain (loss) from price-level restatement

  

(4,184

)

  

(3,043

)

  

(7,788

)

  

2,791

 

  

-209.0

%

  

-60.9%

    

Income before income taxes

  

67,084

 

  

48,794

 

  

3,525

 

  

68,926

 

  

-29.2

%

  

1284.2%

Income taxes

  

(11,407

)

  

(8,297

)

  

(3,502

)

  

(8,188

)

  

1.3

%

  

136.9%

    

Net income

  

55,677

 

  

40,497

 

  

23

 

  

60,738

 

  

-33.3

%

  

175973.9%

    

 

LOGO

  

16


SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

       

Banco Santander Chile

Date:    May 22, 2003

     

By:

 

/s/    GONZALO ROMERO      


               

Name:

 

Gonzalo Romero

               

Title:

 

General Counsel