The Bank of Japan has increased its provisions for losses on government bond transactions to 100% for fiscal 2024, signaling preparations for rising interest rates, which have supported the yen and impacted global markets.
American Express shares fell over 5% after the company increased provisions for credit card defaults. Despite posting record third-quarter revenue and earnings per share, the company saw a rise in provisions for credit losses. CEO Stephen Squeri attributed the strong results to robust spending by cardmembers on travel and entertainment. American Express reiterated its full-year sales and profit guidance for 2023.
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) reported lower-than-expected earnings as it set aside more funds for souring loans, particularly in the US office loan portfolio. Provisions for credit losses totaled C$736 million ($543 million) in the fiscal third quarter, surpassing analyst predictions of C$456 million. CIBC's adjusted earnings per share of C$1.52 fell short of the average estimate of C$1.68. The bank attributed the surge in provisions to impairments in the US office loan portfolio and signaled that higher provisions from commercial real estate may persist. CIBC shares dropped 3.1% following the announcement.
Bank of Montreal (BMO) and Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) missed analysts' estimates for quarterly profit as they set aside more funds to cover bad loans. The Bank of Canada's interest rate hikes have slowed the housing market and increased consumer debt, leading to higher provisions for potential loan losses. BMO's earnings were also affected by severance costs and legal provisions, while Scotiabank highlighted the impact of recessionary conditions on its international business. Both banks experienced a decline in income, but Scotiabank showed improvement in its capital position and expense management. The aggressive rate hikes have allowed banks to charge higher rates and boost net interest income.
BMO's quarterly earnings report showed a significant increase in provisions for credit losses and allowances for credit provisions in the transportation sector, which is considered a strong indicator of the health of fleets. The data suggests that trucking companies were hitting their lines of credit to a greater degree in the second quarter. Gross impaired loans also rose, but were still below peak levels seen in 2020. The weak trucking market has finally caught up to BMO's earnings report, with provisions for credit losses rising to CA$18 million from $6 million in the prior quarter.
Citigroup's Q1 net income rose 7% to $4.6 billion, or $2.19 per share, due to higher interest income from borrowers paying interest on loans. However, the bank set aside $241 million in provisions amid a slowing economy. Investment banking revenue sank 25% from a year ago, and the bank slipped to ninth position in the list of financial advisors based on deal value.