Laurentian Bank Financial Group reports 2019 results

François Desjardins, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented on the 2019 results: “During 2019, we moved ahead with several strategic initiatives: we changed our main banking system, we converted our branches to focus 100% on financial advice and we launched digital products to meet everyday personal banking needs across Canada. All customers are now able to open, with straight through, on-the-spot processing, chequing, high interest savings and GIC accounts, using their mobile devices.”“The most significant event of the year was the establishment of a new labour relations environment. The team worked through difficult and costly union negotiations with resolve which resulted in a redefined bargaining unit and the ratification of a new collective agreement. This is a strategic foundational change because there is nothing more strategic than a culture of performance.”M. Desjardins concluded: “Transformation continues, but the heavy lifting is coming to an end. As we look forward, 2020 will be the year when we complete major initiatives and focus on growth so that we are well-positioned to achieve our medium-term objectives. 2020 will also set the stage for 2021 – our 175th anniversary – and the beginning of a new era for LBCFG.”Highlights of 2019Total revenue, $968.5 million, down by 7% year-over-year.Adjusted net income⁽¹⁾ of $193.2 million, down by 20% year-over-year, and reported net income of $172.7 million, down by 23% year-over-year.Adjusted return on common shareholders’ equity⁽¹⁾ of 7.9%. Return on common shareholders’ equity of 7.0%.Adjusted efficiency ratio⁽¹⁾ of 72.3% and reported efficiency ratio of 75.0%.Net interest margin up 3 basis points year-over-year.Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio at 9.0%.Ratification of the new collective agreement.Highlights of fourth quarter 2019Adjusted net income⁽¹⁾ of $48.0 million, and reported net income of $41.3 million.Adjusted return on common shareholders’ equity⁽¹⁾ of 7.8%, and reported return on common shareholders’ equity of 6.6%.Adjusted efficiency ratio⁽¹⁾ of 71.2%, and reported efficiency ratio of 74.8%.Common Equity Tier 1 ratio at 9.0%.Launch of our digital offering.
MONTREAL, Dec. 04, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Laurentian Bank Financial Group reported net income of $41.3 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.90 for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with $50.8 million and $1.13 for the fourth quarter of 2018. Return on common shareholders’ equity was 6.6% for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with 8.4% for the fourth quarter of 2018. On an adjusted basis, net income was $48.0 million and diluted earnings per share were $1.05 for the fourth quarter of 2019, down 12% and 14% respectively, compared with $54.3 million and $1.22 for the fourth quarter of 2018. Adjusted return on common shareholders’ equity was 7.8% for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with 9.0% a year ago. Reported results include adjusting items, as detailed in the Non-GAAP and Key Performance Measures section.For the year ended October 31, 2019, net income was $172.7 million and diluted earnings per share were $3.77, compared with $224.6 million and $5.10 for the year ended October 31, 2018. Return on common shareholders’ equity was 7.0% for the year ended October 31, 2019, compared with 9.7% for the year ended October 31, 2018. On an adjusted basis, net income was $193.2 million and diluted earnings per share were $4.26 for the year ended October 31, 2019, down 20% and 23% respectively, compared with $241.6 million and $5.51 for the year ended October 31, 2018. Adjusted return on common shareholders’ equity was 7.9% for the year ended October 31, 2019, compared with 10.5% for the same period a year ago. Reported results include adjusting items, as detailed in the Non-GAAP and Key Performance Measures section.Highlights
Medium-Term Performance TargetsThe following table shows the medium-term performance targets for the Bank and the Bank’s performance for 2019. Considering the key achievements of 2019 with regard to the core banking system, the transition of all our traditional branches into 100% Advice Financial Clinics, the launch of our digital offering and the ratification of the new collective agreement, we remain confident that we can achieve our targets. However, given 2019’s labor relations environment and the impact on the current year performance as described below, we are delaying them by one year to 2022. In addition, growth drivers were adjusted to reflect our new business segmentation. These medium-term performance targets depend on a number of assumptions, as detailed in our 2019 Annual Report under the heading “Outlook”.
2019 PerformanceThroughout the year, as we advanced on our strategic initiatives, we maintained an elevated capital position. In addition, during the first half of the year, we incurred significant costs to mitigate risks associated with a possible labour conflict, including from holding a higher level of liquidity as well as from additional legal and labor related expenses. The uncertainty related to our labour relations environment hampered business development activities and postponed process efficiency measures. The signature of the new collective agreement now provides us with the right conditions to resume growth in the Personal segment. Our Business Services segment, on the other hand, posted another strong performance. Our solid expertise and relationships in Real Estate Financing, Commercial Banking and Equipment and Inventory Financing are yielding results. Loans to Business customers increased by 8%, or 9% adjusting for the sale of a $105 million loan portfolio in the first quarter of 2019, generally in line with the objective we had set last year. This strong growth contributed positively to earnings. At the same time, revenues from our Institutional segment were impacted by the unstable market environment.As a result, profitability metrics for 2019 were impacted. Adjusted return on common shareholders’ equity was 7.9% in 2019 compared with 10.5% in fiscal 2018, and the ROE gap relative to the major Canadian banks widened.The adjusted efficiency ratio of 72.3% for 2019 increased compared to the 2018 level given lower revenues and, to a lesser extent, additional operating costs. Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $4.26 for 2019 was down 23% year-over-year, essentially for the same reasons as noted above.
New Medium-Term TargetsPerformance TargetsAs shown in the Table above, the ROE objective remains to narrow the gap with the major banks to 250 bps in 2022. As we plan to adopt the AIRB approach to credit risk in 2022, this gap reflects the initial benefit of gradually redeploying capital. We are also targeting an efficiency ratio of below 63% in 2022 versus last year’s plan in 2021, and we are continuing to aim for positive operating leverage. Lastly, we are working toward an adjusted diluted earnings per share growth objective, over the medium-term, of 5% to 10% annually. We remain as committed as ever to execute our strategic plan and work toward our ultimate goal – to improve the Bank’s performance and achieve a profitability level similar to that of the major Canadian banks.Growth TargetsBusiness Services is expected to continue its profitable growth. As shown in the Table above, loans to Business customers are now projected to reach $17.5 billion in 2022. This reflects our decision to evolve the portfolio toward higher-yielding loans to Business customers and the opportunities that we have as we leverage our investments. This represents a future annual growth of 10% over the next 3 years. Furthermore, in regards to our new Personal segment and in line with our objective to resume growth in personal loans and mortgages, we are introducing a target for growth in loans to Personal customers at $22.5 billion in 2022. Lastly, we are reviewing our objective for growth in deposits from clients to $26.0 billion in 2022.Strategic PlanIn November 2015, we launched a 7-year plan focused on becoming a better and different bank to address advancements in technology, globalization of banking and better meet our customers’ needs. To achieve this, we outlined three strategic objectives: Build a stronger foundation; Invest in profitable growth; and Improve financial performance. We strive to execute on these strategic objectives with our ultimate goal – to improve the Bank’s performance and achieve a profitability level similar to that of the major Canadian banks once the AIRB approach is fully implemented. In that regard, 2019 remained a year of investments in our people, processes and technology. Throughout the year, we made important progress on our key initiatives, as detailed below. We also executed on our business plan by delivering strong profitable growth in equipment and inventory financing activities, as well as in real estate financing. We will continue to grow these segments to improve the Bank’s profitability and diversification.New Collective AgreementAt the beginning of the year, to move the strategic plan forward and improve the labour relations environment for the long term, we prioritize resources to resolve the collective agreement situation. From our perspective, this became an prerequisite to improve our ability to serve customers and implement process efficiencies. The signature of a new collective agreement in March 2019, along with the change in composition of the collective bargaining unit, which is now covering Quebec-based-customer-facing positions almost exclusively, strengthens our foundation and is expected to improve the Bank’s financial performance. In late April, we also began to optimize certain back-office, credit and collection functions which mainly support Financial Clinics. Concurrently, we entered into certain outsourcing arrangements to generate efficiencies. In the third quarter of 2019, we reduced our liquidity levels, reduced legal expenses and other labour related costs and re-tasked team members to revenue generating priorities. We previously indicated that on an annual basis, carrying the right level of liquidity would improve net interest income by $7.0 million and reducing legal and labor related expenses would reduce non-interest expenses by $3 million. These items were realized during the second half of 2019.Update on key initiativesCore-banking systemThe Bank is well advanced in its multi-year plan to replace its core-banking system. The new account management platform provides the necessary tools to improve our product offering and advance our transformation to digital banking. During the transition period, we are running concurrent platforms for our core-banking systems. The program began in 2016 with the first product and account migrations occurring in November 2017 and September 2018 for our investment loan portfolio and for deposit products sourced through the Advisors and Brokers channel, respectively. The remaining products from the adviser and broker channel and most Business Services loans were migrated onto the new platform at the outset of 2019, marking the conclusion of Phase 1 of the program. Phase 2 of the program will encompass all accounts and products from our Financial Clinics, as well as the few remaining Business Services products. The target for completion of Phase 2 is December 2020, at which time, 100% of all products will have been migrated from the old banking platform to our new core banking platform. From this point on, we will be able to start decommissioning the legacy system.The total program cost is expected to reach approximately $200 million, relatively in line with initial estimates. As we have completed Phase 1, which encompasses the foundation for most of the Bank’s operations, approximately $180 million has been invested.Transition of Financial Clinic operations and efficiency measuresAt the beginning of fiscal year 2016, we announced our strategic plan, which included optimizing and simplifying our branch network in Quebec. This strategy led us to complete, in September 2019, the transition of all our traditional branches into 100% Advice Financial Clinics, where clients obtain financial advice. For basic transactions, such as bill payments, deposits, withdrawals and fund transfers, customers have 24/7 access to electronic and web-base platforms. The shift to this new approach has been carefully planned with all our customers to ensure a smooth transition to our new model. With this milestone behind us, our Financial Clinics in Quebec are starting a new and promising phase that will be driven by growth. Staff are engaged to succeed in the pursuit of our mission to help our customers improve their financial health.At the end of February 2019, we announced measures to further lower costs, including headcount reductions through attrition, early retirement and targeted job reductions. As we converted our traditional branches to Financial Clinics and from the optimization of certain back-office functions, we achieved the majority of the expected cost reductions. The remaining synergies and cost reductions are expected to be gradually delivered through the end of the first half of 2020. Once fully implemented, these measures are expected to generate total savings between $15 to $20 million on an annual basis.Digital offeringOnce we completed Phase 1 of the implementation of our core-banking system in January 2019, we focused on the development of our new Digital direct to customers offering. This new offering was gradually launched to advisors and brokers in the fourth quarter of 2019. Furthermore, at the beginning of fiscal 2020, we launched a Digital direct to customers offering under the LBC Digital brand. In the coming year, we plan to further enhance our customer experience by adding functionalities, transactions and products to the offering.Advanced Internal Rating-Based approach to credit riskAs part of our plan to improve the Bank’s foundation, we are pursuing our initiative to adopt the AIRB approach to credit risk. Once fully implemented, it will enable the Bank to optimize regulatory capital, improve profitability and provide a level playing field for credit underwriting activities, as the Bank will be able to calculate its capital requirements on the same basis as its industry peers.In late 2013, the Bank made the decision to suspend its AIRB development and implementation due to the uncertainty regarding the AIRB approach at the international level. However, several AIRB adoption building blocks were integrated into the Bank’s operations and systems and are contributing to enhance the Bank’s processes. Given positive indications, the Bank renewed its commitment to pursuing the AIRB project in early 2016 and defined a comprehensive program to realize the remaining steps toward the adoption of the AIRB approach. The Bank’s objective is, subject to regulatory approval, to obtain the AIRB accreditation in 2022.Total AIRB program cost is expected to reach $105 million, of which approximately $76 million has been invested to date.Consolidated ResultsNon-GAAP measuresManagement uses both generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and non-GAAP measures to assess the Bank’s performance. Results prepared in accordance with GAAP are referred to as “reported” results. Non-GAAP measures presented throughout this document are referred to as “adjusted” measures and exclude amounts designated as adjusting items. Adjusting items relate to restructuring plans and to business combinations and have been designated as such as management does not believe they are indicative of underlying business performance. Non-GAAP measures are considered useful to readers in obtaining a better understanding of how management analyzes the Bank’s results and in assessing underlying business performance and related trends. Non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are unlikely to be comparable to any similar measures presented by other issuers.The following table shows adjusting items and their impact on reported results.
Three months ended October 31, 2019 compared with three months ended October 31, 2018Net income was $41.3 million or $0.90 diluted per share for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with $50.8 million or $1.13 diluted per share for the fourth quarter of 2018. Adjusted net income was $48.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, down 12% from $54.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2018, while adjusted diluted earnings per share was $1.05, down 14% compared with $1.22 for the fourth quarter of 2018. The decrease in earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2019 is further detailed below.Total revenueTotal revenue decreased by $14.2 million or 6% to $241.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2019 from $255.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2018. This decrease was driven by lower other income.Net interest income was $173.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, which is in line with the fourth quarter of 2018. Net interest margin as a percentage of average earning assets stood at 1.84% for the fourth quarter of 2019, an increase of 7 basis points compared with the fourth quarter of 2018, due to the combined effect of an improving loan portfolio mix, a reduction in liquidity and an improvement in the Prime/BA spread.Other income decreased by $14.3 million to $68.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with $82.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2018. Other income for the fourth quarter of 2019 was impacted by lower capital market related revenues, including a $3.8 million loss resulting from a revaluation of trading securities, whereas other income for the fourth quarter of 2018 included gains of $4.9 million on available-for-sale securities, no longer available as a result of the adoption of IFRS 9 which eliminates gains on available-for-sale equity securities in other income and drove changes to our portfolios’ compositions. Fees and commissions on loans and deposits which include lending fees, service charges and card service revenues, also decreased by $3.0 million, mainly as a result of lower lending fees given the evolving mix towards commercial loans favoring higher margins.Amortization of net premium on purchased financial instrumentsFor the fourth quarter of 2019, amortization of net premium on purchased financial instruments amounted to $0.3 million compared with $0.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2018. Refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.Provision for credit lossesThe provision for credit losses amounted to $12.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2019 compared with $17.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2018. Credit losses for the fourth quarter of 2018 were impacted by a $10.0 million loss on a single syndicated commercial exposure. Credit losses for the fourth quarter of 2019 were impacted, in part, by higher losses on personal loans. The overall level of losses remains low and is commensurate with the gradual increase in higher margin loans.Non-interest expensesNon-interest expenses amounted to $180.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, an increase of $4.4 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2018. Adjusted non-interest expenses of $172.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2019 were relatively unchanged compared to the fourth quarter of 2018.Salaries and employee benefits decreased by $3.0 million or 3% to $84.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with the fourth quarter of 2018, mainly due to lower performance-based compensation, a favourable adjustment to pension costs and lower headcount.Premises and technology costs increased by $0.7 million or 1% to $49.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2019 compared with the fourth quarter of 2018, mainly as a result of higher technology costs and higher amortization expense for the completed Phase 1 of the core-banking system program, partly offset by lower rent expenses.Other non-interest expenses amounted to $41.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, an increase of $2.4 million or 6% compared with the fourth quarter of 2018. This increase was mainly due to higher advertising and business development expenses as we developed our strategy to support the launch of our new digital offering.Restructuring charges amounted to $5.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2019 and mainly included expenses for the optimization of the Financial Clinic operations and the related streamlining of certain back-office and corporate functions. Restructuring charges for the fourth quarter of 2019 also resulted from other measures aimed at improving efficiency as detailed in the Strategic Plan section above.
Efficiency ratioThe adjusted efficiency ratio was 71.2% for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with 67.2% for the fourth quarter of 2018, mainly as a result of lower revenue. The adjusted operating leverage was also negative year-over-year The efficiency ratio, on a reported basis, was 74.8% for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with 69.0% for the fourth quarter of 2018, essentially for the same reasons.
Income taxesFor the quarter ended October 31, 2019, income tax expense was $6.6 million and the effective tax rate was 13.7%. The lower tax rate, compared to the statutory rate, mainly resulted from the lower taxation level on revenues from foreign operations, as well as from the favourable effect of holding investments in Canadian securities that generate non-taxable dividend income. For the quarter ended October 31, 2018, income tax expense was $10.5 million and the effective tax rate was 17.2%. The lower tax rate, compared to the statutory rate, resulted from the same factors as noted above.Three months ended October 31, 2019 compared with three months ended July 31, 2019Net income was $41.3 million or $0.90 diluted per share for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with $47.8 million or $1.05 diluted per share for the third quarter of 2019. Adjusted net income was $48.0 million or $1.05 diluted per share for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with $51.9 million or $1.15 diluted per share for the third quarter of 2019.Total revenue decreased by $3.0 million to $241.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with $244.7 million for the previous quarter. Net interest income decreased by $2.8 million sequentially to $173.2 million. The third quarter benefitted from seasonal mortgage prepayments while the fourth quarter was impacted by a lower average loan volume. Net interest margin stood at 1.84% for the fourth quarter of 2019, a decrease of 1 basis point compared with the third quarter of 2019 due to lower mortgage prepayments.Other income was $68.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, which is comparable to the previous quarter’s $68.6 million. The fourth quarter 2019 included a $3.8 million loss resulting from a revaluation of trading securities, which was offset by overall improvements in other brokerage operations.The line item “Amortization of net premium on purchased financial instruments” amounted to $0.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, essentially unchanged from the third quarter of 2019.Provision for credit losses totalled $12.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, a $0.5 million increase compared with $12.1 million for the third quarter of 2019. Refer to Note 7 to the annual consolidated financial statements for additional information.Non-interest expenses increased by $3.0 million to $180.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2019 from $177.9 million in the third quarter of 2019. Adjusted non-interest expenses decreased by $0.6 million and amounted to $172.0 million in the current quarter, compared with $172.6 million in the third quarter of 2019. Salaries and employee benefits decreased by $5.3 million due to a favorable adjustment to pension cost and seasonally lower payroll charges, as well as a lower headcount. The decrease in Salaries and employee benefits was partly offset by a $4.4 million increase in Other expenses mainly due to higher advertising and business development expenses to support the launch of our new digital offering.Financial ConditionAs at October 31, 2019, total assets amounted to $44.4 billion, a 3% decrease compared with $45.9 billion as at October 31, 2018. This mainly reflects a decrease in liquid assets of $1.0 billion, as the new labor relations environment allowed us to reduce liquidity as of the end of the second quarter. Commercial loans increased as a result of our efforts to optimize capital allocation and focus on higher-yielding loans. Lower personal and residential mortgage loans also contributed to the decrease as explained below.Liquid assetsLiquid assets consist of cash, deposits with banks, securities and securities purchased under reverse repurchase agreements. As at October 31, 2019, these assets totalled $9.3 billion, a decrease of $1.0 billion compared with $10.2 billion as at October 31, 2018.Over the past year, we continued to prudently manage the level of liquid assets as we are progressing on our various initiatives. The Bank benefits from well-diversified funding sources and the current level of cash resources is sufficient to meet obligations, under both normal and stressed conditions.LoansLoans and bankers’ acceptances, net of allowances, stood at $33.6 billion as at October 31, 2019, down $0.7 billion or 2% from October 31, 2018. This is consistent with the continued optimization of our portfolio mix aimed at improving capital allocation and returns on risk-weighted assets. Variances are further explained by the items outlined below.Personal loans amounted to $4.7 billion and decreased by $0.7 billion or 13% since October 31, 2018, mainly as a result of the continued reduction in the investment loan portfolio, reflecting an ongoing consumer behavior to reduce leverage.Residential mortgage loans stood at $16.0 billion as at October 31, 2019, a decrease of $0.9 billion or 6% year-over-year. This mostly reflects a gradual decrease in origination and a focus on higher-yielding commercial loans to optimize product mix. The decrease was partly offset by the acquisition of mortgage loans originated by third-parties as part of our program to optimize the usage of National Housing Act mortgage-backed securities (NHA MBS) allocations.Commercial loans and acceptances amounted to $13.0 billion as at October 31, 2019, up 8% since October 31, 2018. This increase is mainly due to inventory financing volumes through NCF, as well as to equipment financing and real estate financing loans. At the beginning of the year, we sold lower-yielding commercial loans amounting to $105 million, which concluded the realignment of our commercial loan portfolio. As a result, the commercial loan portfolio increased by 9% net of loan sales since October 31, 2018.Other assetsOther assets were essentially unchanged compared with October 31, 2018 and stood at $1.5 billion as at October 31, 2019. They mainly included cheques and other items in transit, software and other intangible assets, derivatives, as well as goodwill.LiabilitiesDeposits decreased by $2.4 billion or 8% to $25.7 billion as at October 31, 2019 compared with $28.0 billion as at October 31, 2018 mainly given the reduction in liquidity following the ratification of the new collective agreement mid-year, and as we increased our funding through securitization. Personal deposits stood at $19.7 billion as at October 31, 2019, down $1.2 billion compared with October 31, 2018 driven by lower term deposits sourced through the Advisors and Brokers channel. Business and other deposits decreased by $1.1 billion to $5.9 billion over the same period, mostly in institutional funding. Personal deposits represented 77% of total deposits as at October 31, 2019, compared with 75% as at October 31, 2018, and contributed to our good liquidity position.Debt related to securitization activities increased by $1.1 billion or 14% compared with October 31, 2018 and stood at $8.9 billion as at October 31, 2019. Since the beginning of the year, mortgage loan securitization through both the CMHC programs and a third-party program, as well as securitization of finance lease receivables and investment loans more than offset maturities of liabilities related to the Canada Mortgage Bond program, as well as normal repayments. For additional information, please refer to the Securitization and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements section of our 2019 Annual Report.Subordinated debt was essentially unchanged and stood at $349.1 million as at October 31, 2019, compared with $348.8 million as at October 31, 2018.Shareholders’ equity and regulatory capitalShareholders’ equity stood at $2,567.7 million as at October 31, 2019, compared with $2,496.2 million as at October 31, 2018. As at November 1, 2018, the adoption of IFRS 9 resulted in a net decrease of $7.7 million of shareholders’ equity. In 2019, shareholders’ equity increased mainly as a result of the net income contribution, net of declared dividends, and an increase in AOCI related to cash flow hedges, as well as the issuance of common shares under the Shareholder Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan. For additional information, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity.The Bank’s book value per common share appreciated to $54.02 as at October 31, 2019 from $53.72 as at October 31, 2018.The Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio stood at 9.0% October 31, 2019, unchanged compare to the previous year. This level of capital provides the Bank’s with the flexibility to pursue organic growth, as well as to continue to invest in the implementation of our core banking system, the development of our digital solutions and the project to adopt the AIRB approach to credit risk. During the year, we continued to manage capital, as well as to optimize the product mix with a view to improving profitability as we redeploy capital.
Future Changes to Accounting PoliciesThe International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has issued new standards and amendments to existing standards on leases, insurance contracts and employee benefits which were not yet effective for the year ended October 31, 2019. These future accounting changes are applicable for the Bank in various annual periods beginning on November 1, 2019.Additional information on the new standards and amendments to existing standards can be found in Note 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements and in the “Future Changes to Accounting Policies” section in our 2019 Annual Report.Transition Impact for IFRS 16, LeasesBased on current estimates, the adoption of IFRS 16 is expected to result in the recognition of right-of-use assets of approximately $138.6 million, net of deferred credits related to previously recorded lease inducements, and lease liabilities of approximately $170.7 million as at November 1, 2019. The decrease in shareholders’ equity at IFRS 16 transition is not expected to exceed $8.5 million. The adoption of IFRS 16 is expected to decrease the Bank’s Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio by up to 10 basis points. Management is finalizing its analyses of the impact of the adoption of this standard on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)Consolidated Balance SheetConsolidated Statement of Income
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive IncomeIncome Taxes — Other Comprehensive IncomeThe following table shows income tax expense (recovery) for each component of other comprehensive income.Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsIn this document and in other documents filed with Canadian regulatory authorities or in other communications, we may, from time to time, make written or oral forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our business plan and financial objectives including statements contained in our 2019 Annual Report under the heading “Outlook”. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are used to assist readers in obtaining a better understanding of our financial position and the results of operations as at and for the periods ended on the dates presented and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements typically are identified with words or phrases such as believe, estimate, forecast, project, expect, anticipate, plan, goal, target, may, should, could, would, will, intend or the negative of these terms, variations thereof or similar terminology. By their very nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific in nature. There is significant risk that the predictions, forecasts, projections or conclusions will prove to be inaccurate, that our assumptions may not be correct, and that actual results may differ materially from such predictions, forecasts, projections or conclusions.We caution readers against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control and the effects of which can be difficult to predict, could cause our actual results to differ materially from the targets, plans, objectives, expectations, forecasts, estimates and 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; changes in government monetary, fiscal or economic policies; changes in currency and interest rates; legislative and regulatory developments, including tax legislation and interpretation; critical accounting estimates and the effect of changes to accounting standards, rules and interpretations on these estimates; changes in competition; modifications to credit ratings; scarcity of human resources; developments with respect to labour relations; information technology and cyber security; developments in the technological environment; environmental risk including changes to global environmental policy and the effects of climate change; the possible effects of global conflicts and terrorism, natural disasters, public health emergencies, disruptions to public infrastructure and other catastrophic events; our ability to execute our strategic plans including the reorganization of our retail branches, the modernization of our core banking system and implementation of the Advanced Internal Ratings-Based (AIRB) Approach to credit risk, as well as our ability to anticipate and effectively manage risks arising from the foregoing.We further caution that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Other factors and risks could adversely affect our results. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that would cause our actual results to differ from current expectations, please also refer to the “Risk Appetite and Risk Management Framework” section of our 2019 Annual Report, as well as to other public filings available at www.sedar.com.We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether oral or written, made by us or on our behalf, except to the extent required by securities regulations.Access to Quarterly Results MaterialsInterested investors, the media and others may review this press release on our website at www.lbcfg.ca, under the Press Room tab, and our report to shareholders, presentation to investors and supplementary financial information under the Investor Centre tab, Financial Results.Conference CallLaurentian Bank Financial Group invites media representatives and the public to listen to the conference call to be held at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on December 4, 2019. The live, listen-only, toll-free, call-in number is 1-800-239-9838, code 7408149. A live webcast will also be available on the Group’s website under the Investor Centre tab, Financial Results.The conference call playback will be available on a delayed basis at any time from 1:00 p.m. on December 4, 2019 until 1:00 p.m. on January 3, 2020, on our website under the Investor Centre tab, Financial Results.The presentation material referenced during the call will be available on our website under the Investor Centre tab, Financial Results.About Laurentian Bank Financial Group
Founded in 1846, Laurentian Bank Financial Group is a diversified financial services provider whose mission is to help its customers improve their financial health. The Laurentian Bank of Canada and its entities are collectively referred to as Laurentian Bank Financial Group (the “Group” or the “Bank”).With more than 3,200 employees guided by the values of proximity, simplicity and honesty, the Group provides a broad range of advice-based solutions and services to its personal, business and institutional customers. With pan-Canadian activities and a presence in the U.S., the Group is an important player in numerous market segments.The Group has $44 billion in balance sheet assets and $29 billion in assets under administration.