Scotiabank reported 2015 audited annual consolidated financial statements. Net income was $7,213 million in 2015, compared with net income of $7,298 million in 2014 or $7,008 million after adjusting for the 2014 notable items.
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Earnings per share (diluted) were $5.67, in line with last year or up 4.4% on an adjusted basis. All amounts are in Canadian dollars.
Scotiabank reported net income for the fourth quarter ended October 31, 2015 of $1,843 million, compared to $1,438 million for the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $1.45, up 32% compared to $1.10 last year. Return on equity was 14.6%.
Adjusting for the 2014 notable items, net income was up 8% and EPS growth was 10%. A quarterly dividend of 70 cents per common share was announced.
"The Bank's earnings growth in 2015 was driven by very good performances in our personal, commercial and wealth businesses, both in Canada and internationally," said Brian Porter, President and CEO.
"The Bank continues to perform well, given challenging conditions in certain businesses and markets, and we are well-positioned, including throughout the Pacific Alliance countries, for future growth."
"Canadian Banking had a very strong year. Delivering valued advice and products to our more than 10 million retail and commercial customers resulted in good core growth in both assets and deposits. Continued growth in our commercial banking, wealth management and retail payments strengthened many existing customer relationships, as well as improving our asset and deposit mix.
"International Banking also delivered very strong results, particularly in the second half of the year. While economic growth has moderated in some key markets, we continue to gain profitable market share throughout the key Pacific Alliance region which recorded very strong asset and deposit growth.
"As well, the Caribbean and Central America's performance improved over the course of 2015 as a result of management actions to optimize operations in the region, as well as an improving economic backdrop.
"With two dividend increases, we increased our returns to shareholders by 6% this year. Our strong capital position at 10.3%, allows us to continue to make the necessary investments while also growing our businesses and making selective acquisitions.
"The Bank's efforts continue to be centred on being more customer focused and enhancing customer experience. For this past year, strategic investments in technology were made across the entire Bank to deliver a more seamless customer experience and to drive growth.
"In 2016, further investment in technology will continue to digitally transform the Bank, position us for even greater growth and contribute to the creation of long-term shareholder value." ■