Avanza Bank: Interim Report, January – September 2009

• Operating income decreased by 4 per cent (–5 %) to SEK 370 million (SEK 385 m)
• The profit after tax increased by 12 per cent (–13 %) to SEK 164 million (SEK 146 m)
• Earnings per share increased by 11 per cent (–12 %) to SEK 5.96 per share (SEK 5.35)
• Net savings totalled SEK 7,380 million (SEK 4,860 m), corresponding to 21 per cent (11 %) of the savings capital at the beginning of the year
• The number of accounts increased by 15 per cent (30 %) to 261,000 (226,000 as of 31st December 2008) and the total savings capital increased by 60 per cent (–16 %) to 55,200 (34,600 as of 31st December 2008)

Third quarter

• Operating income increased by 9 per cent (–11 %) to SEK 128 million (SEK 117 m)
• The profit after tax increased by 26 per cent (–18 %) to SEK 59 million (SEK 47 m)
• Earnings per share increased by 26 per cent (–18 %) to SEK 2.15 per share (SEK 1.70)

Comments from the Managing Director

“Avanza Bank earned SEK 2.15 per share during the third quarter, corresponding to an increase in the profit before tax of 27 per cent to SEK 76 million, despite lower key interest rates having resulted in a reduction of SEK 22 million in net interest items in comparison with the corresponding quarter last year. Net interest items should be able to recover, once key interest rates are raised again”, says Nicklas Storåkers, Managing Director of Avanza Bank.

“There is good potential for growth. Swedish savers are enjoying record liquidity, with almost SEK 1,000 billion in funds deposited. This means that savers are depositing one out of every three savings kronor in accounts with an interest rate that is close to zero. A more stable stock market involves large capital flows back into equities and investment funds. This trend is one reason why Avanza Bank’s net savings totalled SEK 2,880 million during the quarter – higher than in any previous quarter.”

“Another important reason for the high levels of net savings is that more and more savers are realising the advantages of saving with Avanza Bank. Yesterday, we launched the Superloan, with an interest rate of 0.99 per cent for Avanza Bank customers and 0.89 per cent for Avanza Private Banking customers. The interest rate is 35–40 per cent lower than on ordinary housing loans. The Superloan allows customers to borrow up to 35 per cent of the value of a selected list of equities and funds. We regard this as a relatively secure credit line and are keen to reward those customers who take low risks.”

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Avanza Bank
Nicklas Storåkers, +46 70 861 80 01
Managing Director
or
Birgitta Hagenfeldt, +46 73 661 80 04
CFO