My first Publication ocbc_ar17_fullreport_english | Page 7

2017 YEAR IN REVIEW Global economic and financial conditions turned out better than expected in 2017. We began the year on a cautious note with the global economy confronted with many uncertainties arising from the threats of protectionism, the possibility of slower growth in the major economies, the uncertain pace of monetary tightening in the United States and heightened geopolitical tensions in Asia. However, as the year progressed, global growth gathered strength across the major developed and emerging economies while inflation remained benign. The threat of protectionism retreated, while political posturing remained within safe boundaries. In short, stronger growth and a gradual pace of monetary normalisation were strong drivers for the pickup in risk-taking and consumer confidence. Around the world, equity markets responded with stellar performances. Closer to home, GDP growth surprised on the upside for most Asian countries. The economies of our key regional markets, namely Greater China, Malaysia and Indonesia, all recorded favourable performances. Singapore’s economy did well with GDP growth at 3.6%, led by strong exports and output in the manufacturing and services sectors. Our strong results reaffirmed the soundness of OCBC’s long-term corporate strategy and demonstrated the strength and resilience of our diversified franchise and extensive capabilities that we have built over 85 years. For the financial year ended 2017, OCBC Group net profit after tax rose 19% to a new high of S$4.15 billion, driven by our key pillars of banking, wealth management and insurance. All delivered robust performances. DIVIDENDS The Board has recommended a final tax-exempt dividend of 19 cents per share, an increase from the previous year’s 18 cents per share, bringing the total full-year 2017 dividend to 37 cents per share, which was above the 36 cents per share of 2016. This translated to a dividend payout ratio of 37% of our core earnings. Our approach to dividends is one where dividend payments are sustainable and predictable, and where we retain sufficient capital for long-term growth and new market opportunities. Net Profit (S$ billion) Total Income (S$ billion) Cost-to-Income Ratio Earnings per share NET PROFIT (S$ billion) TOTAL INCOME (S$ billion) COST-TO-INCOME RATIO (%) EARNINGS PER SHARE (cents) 4.15 3.47 2016 19 % 2017 2016 CUSTOMER LOANS Customer Loans (S$ billion) (S$ billion) 220 2016 237 2017 8.49 8 % 9.64 14 % 2017 2016 284 8 % 2017 2.7 41.9 percentage Points 2016 CUSTOMER DEPOSITS Customer Deposits (S$ billion) (S$ billion) 261 44.6 2017 2016 11.2 2017 1.2 12.4 13.1 percentage Points 2016 2017 19 % BASEL III FULLY Basel III Fully COMMON Phased-in Common PHASED-IN Equity Tier 1 Capital Adequacy Ratio EQUITY TIER 1 CAPITAL ADEQUACY RATIO (%) RETURN ON EQUITY Return on Equity (%) 10.0 97.6 82.2 0.7 percentage Points 2016 2017 Please refer to Management Discussion and Analysis on page 134. BUILDING ON OUR CORPORATE STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH 5