TD Bank Group Reports Second Quarter 2022 Results

SECOND QUARTER FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, compared with the second quarter last year:

• Reported diluted earnings per share were $2.07, compared with $1.99.
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $2.02, compared with $2.04.
• Reported net income was $3,811 million, compared with $3,695 million.
• Adjusted net income was $3,714 million, compared with $3,775 million.

YEAR-TO-DATE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, six months ended April 30, 2022, compared with the corresponding period last year:

• Reported diluted earnings per share were $4.09, compared with $3.76.
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $4.09, compared with $3.86.
• Reported net income was $7,544 million, compared with $6,972 million.
• Adjusted net income was $7,547 million, compared with $7,155 million.

SECOND QUARTER ADJUSTMENTS (ITEMS OF NOTE)
The second quarter reported earnings figures included the following items of note:

• Amortization of acquired intangibles of $60 million ($54 million after-tax or 3 cents per share), compared with $69 million ($62 million after-tax or 3 cents per share) in the second quarter last year.
• Acquisition and integration charges related to the Schwab transaction of $20 million ($18 million after-tax or 1 cent per share), compared with $19 million ($18 million after-tax or 1 cent per share) in the second quarter last year.
• Litigation settlement recovery of $224 million ($169 million after-tax or 9 cents per share).

TORONTO, May 26, 2022 /CNW/ - TD Bank Group ("TD" or the "Bank") today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended April 30, 2022. Reported earnings were $3.8 billion, up 3% compared with the second quarter last year, and adjusted earnings were $3.7 billion, down 2%.

"TD's second quarter performance reflects the strength of our diversified business model and customer-centric approach," said Bharat Masrani, Group President and CEO, TD Bank Group. "We have delivered strong revenue growth across our businesses and we enter the second half of the year well-positioned to support households and businesses as they navigate an evolving economic environment. TD will continue to invest in our people, technology, and innovation to exceed our customers' rapidly changing expectations and help shape the future of banking."

Canadian Retail saw strong revenue growth supported by continued volume momentum
Canadian Retail net income was $2,236 million, an increase of 2% compared with the second quarter last year. The increase in earnings reflects strong revenue, partially offset by higher non-interest expenses, insurance claims, and provisions for credit losses (PCL). Revenue increased 9%, reflecting continued growth in volume as well as strong other income. Expenses increased 9%, reflecting investments to support business growth, including technology enhancements, higher employee-related expenses, and variable compensation. PCL of $60 million reflects a lower recovery in performing PCL compared to the prior year, partially offset by lower impaired PCL.

Momentum continued this quarter with Canadian Retail delivering record revenue in the Personal and Commercial Bank supported by increased customer activity and strong growth in commercial lending. TD Insurance achieved strong earnings this quarter and continued to grow market share in property and casualty insurance. In Wealth, net asset growth partially offset trading volume normalization to deliver solid revenue for the business. This quarter, TD enhanced its credit cards rewards offering, launching My TD Rewards, a loyalty and rewards hub available through EasyWeb and the TD Mobile App. My TD Rewards offers customers a convenient way to access and redeem rewards and loyalty benefits through collaborations with leading global brands such as Amazon, Expedia and recently announced Starbucks Canada. Strengthening its position in online and mobile platforms, TD received the Celent 2022 Model Bank Award for Customer Engagement and was also recognized by the Business Intelligence Group for innovation in artificial intelligence, both for the second consecutive year.

The U.S. Retail Bank delivered solid loan and deposit volumes, driven by increased customer activity
U.S. Retail net income for the quarter was $1,367 million (US$1,079 million), an increase of 4% (3% in U.S. dollars) compared with the second quarter last year. Reported net income included an insurance recovery related to litigation of $224 million (US$177 million) or $169 million (US$133 million) after-tax. On an adjusted basis, net income for the quarter was $1,198 million (US$946 million), a decrease of 9% (10% in U.S. dollars). The Bank's investment in The Charles Schwab Corporation (Schwab) contributed $224 million (US$177 million) in earnings, a decrease of 9% (9% in U.S. dollars) compared with the second quarter last year.

The U.S. Retail Bank, which excludes the Bank's investment in Schwab, reported net income of $1,143 million (US$902 million), an increase of 7% (6% in U.S. dollars) from the second quarter last year, primarily reflecting higher revenue, including the insurance recovery related to litigation, partially offset by higher PCL, reflecting a lower recovery in performing PCL. On an adjusted basis, net income was $974 million (US$769 million), a decrease of 9% (10% in U.S. dollars), driven primarily by a lower recovery in performing PCL, lower income from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), higher employee-related expenses and business investments, partially offset by higher deposit volume and margin, and increased earnings on the investment portfolio and customer activity.

U.S. Retail continued to sustain business momentum in the second quarter, with improved commercial loan originations in the middle market and specialty lending businesses that allowed the Bank to deliver 0.4% loan growth over the prior quarter despite the significant wind-down in PPP volumes, as compared to a 4.2% decrease in average loan volumes over the same quarter last year. In addition, the U.S. Retail Bank sustained consumer loan growth in mortgages, auto and credit cards, and delivered strong retail deposit volume increases. The U.S. Retail Bank continued to deliver new capabilities, introducing real-time payments for the dealer network through TD Auto Finance, a first for an indirect auto lender. TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank^® (TD AMCB), was recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Diversity 2022 for the fourth consecutive year, the highest ranked bank, and ninth among 500 corporations. TD AMCB was also a top-ranked bank on DiversityInc's top 50 Companies for Diversity for 2022.

Solid Wholesale Banking performance in Q2
Wholesale Banking reported net income of $359 million this quarter, a decrease of 6% compared to the second quarter last year, reflecting higher non-interest expenses and a lower PCL recovery, partially offset by higher revenues.

The Wholesale Bank continued to demonstrate its leadership position in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and deepen client relationships. This quarter, TD Securities was named Environmental Finance's 'Lead Manager of the Year' for Supranational, Sub-sovereign and Agency Green Bonds, and was recognized in several categories of the 2022 Energy Risk Commodity Rankings, including #1 in Base Metals and #2 in Precious Metals. TD Securities delivered on notable mandates, including acting as sole active bookrunner on Dream Residential REIT's US$125 million initial public offering, the first IPO in Canada for the 2022 calendar year.

Capital
TD's Common Equity Tier 1 Capital ratio was 14.7%¹.

Conclusion
"As we continue to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic we face new economic uncertainties and growing geopolitical tensions. TD has proven its ability to adapt to changing circumstances and deliver performance and progress," added Masrani. "Our colleagues around the world are working together to serve customers, contribute to communities, and build a more sustainable and inclusive future. I thank them for their tremendous efforts and dedication."

The foregoing contains forward-looking statements. Please refer to the "Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements".

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
From time to time, the Bank (as defined in this document) makes written and/or oral forward-looking statements, including in this document, in other filings with Canadian regulators or the United States (U.S.) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and in other communications. In addition, representatives of the Bank may make forward-looking statements orally to analysts, investors, the media and others. All such statements are made pursuant to the "safe harbour" provisions of, and are intended to be forward-looking statements under, applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements made in this document, the Management's Discussion and Analysis ("2021 MD&A") in the Bank's 2021 Annual Report under the headings "Economic Summary and Outlook" and "The Bank's Response to COVID-19", under the headings "Key Priorities for 2022" and "Operating Environment and Outlook" for the Canadian Retail, U.S. Retail, and Wholesale Banking segments, and under the heading "Focus for 2022" for the Corporate segment, and in other statements regarding the Bank's objectives and priorities for 2022 and beyond and strategies to achieve them, the regulatory environment in which the Bank operates, the Bank's anticipated financial performance, and the potential economic, financial and other impacts of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "will", "would", "should", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "goal", "target", "may", and "could".

By their very nature, these forward-looking statements require the Bank to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, general and specific. Especially in light of the uncertainty related to the physical, financial, economic, political, and regulatory environments, such risks and uncertainties – many of which are beyond the Bank's control and the effects of which can be difficult to predict – may cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. Risk factors that could cause, individually or in the aggregate, such differences include: strategic, credit, market (including equity, commodity, foreign exchange, interest rate, and credit spreads), operational (including technology, cyber security, and infrastructure), model, insurance, liquidity, capital adequacy, legal, regulatory compliance and conduct, reputational, environmental and social, and other risks. Examples of such risk factors include the economic, financial, and other impacts of pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic; general business and economic conditions in the regions in which the Bank operates; geopolitical risk; the ability of the Bank to execute on long-term strategies and shorter-term key strategic priorities, including the successful completion of acquisitions and dispositions, business retention plans, and strategic plans; technology and cyber security risk (including cyber-attacks or data security breaches) on the Bank's information technology, internet, network access or other voice or data communications systems or services; model risk; fraud activity; the failure of third parties to comply with their obligations to the Bank or its affiliates, including relating to the care and control of information, and other risks arising from the Bank's use of third-party service providers; the impact of new and changes to, or application of, current laws and regulations, including without limitation tax laws, capital guidelines and liquidity regulatory guidance and the bank recapitalization "bail-in" regime; regulatory oversight and compliance risk; increased competition from incumbents and new entrants (including Fintechs and big technology competitors); shifts in consumer attitudes and disruptive technology; exposure related to significant litigation and regulatory matters; ability of the Bank to attract, develop, and retain key talent; changes to the Bank's credit ratings; changes in currency and interest rates (including the possibility of negative interest rates); increased funding costs and market volatility due to market illiquidity and competition for funding; Interbank Offered Rate (IBOR) transition risk; critical accounting estimates and changes to accounting standards, policies, and methods used by the Bank; existing and potential international debt crises; environmental and social risk (including climate change); and the occurrence of natural and unnatural catastrophic events and claims resulting from such events. The Bank cautions that the preceding list is not exhaustive of all possible risk factors and other factors could also adversely affect the Bank's results. For more detailed information, please refer to the "Risk Factors and Management" section of the 2021 MD&A, as may be updated in subsequently filed quarterly reports to shareholders and news releases (as applicable) related to any events or transactions discussed under the heading "Pending Acquisition" or "Significant and Subsequent Events and Pending Acquisitions" in the relevant MD&A, which applicable releases may be found on www.td.com. All such factors, as well as other uncertainties and potential events, and the inherent uncertainty of forward-looking statements, should be considered carefully when making decisions with respect to the Bank. The Bank cautions readers not to place undue reliance on the Bank's forward-looking statements.

Material economic assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained in this document are set out in the 2021 MD&A under the headings "Economic Summary and Outlook" and "The Bank's Response to COVID-19", under the headings "Key Priorities for 2022" and "Operating Environment and Outlook" for the Canadian Retail, U.S. Retail, and Wholesale Banking segments, and under the heading "Focus for 2022" for the Corporate segment, each as may be updated in subsequently filed quarterly reports to shareholders.

Any forward-looking statements contained in this document represent the views of management only as of the date hereof and are presented for the purpose of assisting the Bank's shareholders and analysts in understanding the Bank's financial position, objectives and priorities and anticipated financial performance as at and for the periods ended on the dates presented, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Bank does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by or on its behalf, except as required under applicable securities legislation.

This document was reviewed by the Bank's Audit Committee and was approved by the Bank's Board of Directors, on the Audit Committee's recommendation, prior to its release.

PENDING ACQUISITION

Acquisition of First Horizon Corporation

On February 28, 2022, the Bank and First Horizon Corporation ("First Horizon") announced a definitive agreement for the Bank to acquire First Horizon in an all-cash transaction valued at US$13.4 billion, or US$25.00 for each common share of First Horizon. In connection with this transaction, the Bank has invested US$494 million in non-voting First Horizon preferred stock (convertible in certain circumstances into up to 4.9% of First Horizon's common stock). The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2023, and is subject to customary closing conditions, including approvals from First Horizon's shareholders and U.S. and Canadian regulatory authorities. The results of the acquired business will be consolidated by the Bank from the closing date and reported in the

U.S. Retail segment.

If the transaction does not close prior to November 27, 2022, First Horizon shareholders will receive, at closing, an additional US$0.65 per share on an annualized basis for the period from November 27, 2022 through the day immediately prior to the closing. Either party will have the right to terminate the agreement if the transaction has not closed by February 27, 2023 (the "outside date"), subject to the right of either party (under certain conditions) to extend the outside date to May 27, 2023.

HOW WE PERFORMED

HOW THE BANK REPORTS

The Bank prepares its Interim Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS and refers to results prepared in accordance with IFRS as "reported" results.

Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures

In addition to reported results, the Bank also presents certain financial measures, including non-GAAP financial measures that are historical, non-GAAP ratios, supplementary financial measures and capital management measures, to assess its results. Non-GAAP financial measures, such as "adjusted" results, are utilized to assess the Bank's businesses and to measure the Bank's overall performance. To arrive at adjusted results, the Bank adjusts reported results for "items of note". Items of note are items which management does not believe are indicative of underlying business performance and are disclosed in Table 3. Non-GAAP ratios include a non-GAAP financial measure as one or more of its components. Examples of non-GAAP ratios include adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS), adjusted dividend payout ratio, adjusted efficiency ratio, and adjusted effective income tax rate. The Bank believes that non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios provide the reader with a better understanding of how management views the Bank's performance. Non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios used in this document are not defined terms under IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar terms used by other issuers. Supplementary financial measures depict the Bank's financial performance and position, and capital management measures depict the Bank's capital position, and both are explained in this document where they first appear.

U.S. Strategic Cards

The Bank's U.S. strategic cards portfolio is comprised of agreements with certain U.S. retailers pursuant to which TD is the U.S. issuer of private label and co-branded consumer credit cards to their U.S. customers. Under the terms of the individual agreements, the Bank and the retailers share in the profits generated by the relevant portfolios after credit losses. Under IFRS, TD is required to present the gross amount of revenue and PCL related to these portfolios in the Bank's Interim Consolidated Statement of Income. At the segment level, the retailer program partners' share of revenues and credit losses is presented in the Corporate segment, with an offsetting amount (representing the partners' net share) recorded in Non-interest expenses, resulting in no impact to Corporate's reported Net income (loss). The Net income (loss) included in the U.S. Retail segment includes only the portion of revenue and credit losses attributable to TD under the agreements.

Investment in The Charles Schwab Corporation

On October 6, 2020, the Bank acquired an approximately 13.5% stake in Schwab following the completion of Schwab's acquisition of TD Ameritrade ("Schwab transaction"). For further details, refer to Note 7 of the second quarter of 2022 Interim Consolidated Financial Statements. The Bank accounts for its investment in Schwab using the equity method and reports its after-tax share of Schwab's earnings with a one-month lag. The U.S. Retail segment reflects the Bank's share of net income from its investment in Schwab. The Corporate segment net income (loss) includes amounts for amortization of acquired intangibles and the acquisition and integration charges related to the Schwab transaction.

The following table provides the operating results on a reported basis for the Bank.

The following table provides a reconciliation between the Bank's adjusted and reported results.

Return on Common Equity

The consolidated Bank ROE is calculated as reported net income available to common shareholders as a percentage of average common equity. The consolidated Bank adjusted ROE is calculated as adjusted net income available to common shareholders as a percentage of average common equity. Adjusted ROE is a non-GAAP financial ratio and can be utilized in assessing the Bank's use of equity.

ROE for the business segments is calculated as the segment net income attributable to common shareholders as a percentage of average allocated capital. The Bank's methodology for allocating capital to its business segments is largely aligned with the common equity capital requirements under Basel III. Capital allocated to the business segments increased to 10.5% Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) Capital in the first quarter of 2022, compared with 9% in fiscal 2021.

Return on Tangible Common Equity

Tangible common equity (TCE) is calculated as common shareholders' equity less goodwill, imputed goodwill and intangibles on the investments in Schwab and other acquired intangible assets, net of related deferred tax liabilities. ROTCE is calculated as reported net income available to common shareholders after adjusting for the after‑tax amortization of acquired intangibles, which are treated as an item of note, as a percentage of average TCE. Adjusted ROTCE is calculated using reported net income available to common shareholders, adjusted for all items of note, as a percentage of average TCE. TCE, ROTCE, and adjusted ROTCE can be utilized in assessing the Bank's use of equity. TCE is a non-GAAP financial measure, and ROTCE and adjusted ROTCE are non-GAAP ratios.

HOW OUR BUSINESSES PERFORMED

For management reporting purposes, the Bank reports its results under three key business segments: Canadian Retail, which includes the results of the personal and commercial banking, wealth, and insurance businesses; U.S. Retail, which includes the results of the personal and business banking operations, wealth management services, and the Bank's investment in Schwab; and Wholesale Banking. The Bank's other activities are grouped into the Corporate segment.

Results of each business segment reflect revenue, expenses, assets, and liabilities generated by the businesses in that segment. Where applicable, the Bank measures and evaluates the performance of each segment based on adjusted results and ROE, and for those segments, the Bank indicates that the measure is adjusted. For further details, refer to the "How We Performed" section of this document, the "Business Focus" section in the Bank's 2021 MD&A, and Note 29 of the Bank's Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended October 31, 2021.

PCL related to performing (Stage 1 and Stage 2) and impaired (Stage 3) financial assets, loan commitments, and financial guarantees is recorded within the respective segment.

Net interest income within Wholesale Banking is calculated on a taxable equivalent basis (TEB), which means that the value of non-taxable or tax-exempt income, including certain dividends, is adjusted to its equivalent before-tax value. Using TEB allows the Bank to measure income from all securities and loans consistently and makes for a more meaningful comparison of net interest income with similar institutions. The TEB increase to net interest income and provision for income taxes reflected in Wholesale Banking's results are reversed in the Corporate segment. The TEB adjustment for the quarter was $34 million, compared with $38 million in the prior quarter and $37 million in the second quarter last year.

Share of net income from investment in Schwab is reported in the U.S. Retail segment. Amounts for amortization of acquired intangibles and the acquisition and integration charges related to the Schwab transaction are recorded in the Corporate segment.

Quarterly comparison – Q2 2022 vs. Q2 2021

Canadian Retail net income for the quarter was $2,236 million, an increase of $54 million, or 2%, compared with the second quarter last year, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by higher non-interest expenses, insurance claims, and PCL. The annualized ROE for the quarter was 44.6%, compared with 51.3% in the second quarter last year.

Canadian Retail revenue is derived from the personal and business banking, wealth, and insurance businesses. Revenue for the quarter was $6,623 million, an increase of $561 million, or 9%, compared with the second quarter last year.

Net interest income was $3,148 million, an increase of $275 million, or 10%, compared with the second quarter last year, primarily reflecting volume growth. Average loan volumes increased $43 billion, or 9%, reflecting 8% growth in personal loans and 16% growth in business loans. Average deposit volumes increased $37 billion, or 8%, reflecting 7% growth in personal deposits, 10% growth in business deposits, and 10% growth in wealth deposits. Net interest margin was 2.62%, an increase of 1 basis point, as higher margin on deposits reflecting the rising interest rate environment, was partially offset by lower margin on loans.

Non-interest income was $3,475 million, an increase of $286 million, or 9%, reflecting prior year premium rebates for customers in the insurance business, and higher fee-based revenue in the banking and wealth businesses, partially offset by lower transaction revenue in the wealth business, and a decrease in the fair value of investments supporting claims liabilities which resulted in a similar decrease in insurance claims.

Assets under administration (AUA) were $537 billion as at April 30, 2022, an increase of $23 billion, or 4%, and assets under management (AUM) were $411 billion as at April 30, 2022, an increase of $14 billion, or 4%, compared with the second quarter last year, both reflecting net asset growth.

PCL was $60 million, higher by $97 million compared with the second quarter last year. PCL – impaired for the quarter was $163 million, a decrease of $28 million, or 15%, largely related to improved credit conditions. PCL – performing was a recovery of $103 million, compared with a recovery of $228 million in the prior year. The performing release this quarter reflects improved credit conditions, partially offset by elevated economic uncertainty. Total PCL as an annualized percentage of credit volume was 0.05%, an increase of 8 bps compared with the second quarter last year.

Insurance claims and related expenses for the quarter were $592 million, an increase of $151 million, or 34%, compared with the second quarter last year reflecting higher current year claims, partially offset by the favourable impact of a higher discount rate which resulted in a similar decrease in fair value of investments supporting claims liabilities reported in non-interest income.

Non-interest expenses for the quarter were $2,932 million, an increase of $243 million, or 9%, compared with the second quarter last year, reflecting higher spend supporting business growth, including technology and marketing costs, higher employee-related expenses and variable compensation.

The efficiency ratio for the quarter was 44.3%, compared with 44.4% in the second quarter last year.

Quarterly comparison – Q2 2022 vs. Q1 2022

Canadian Retail net income for the quarter was $2,236 million, a decrease of $18 million, or 1%, compared with the prior quarter, reflecting lower revenue and higher non-interest expenses and PCL, partially offset by lower insurance claims. The annualized ROE for the quarter was 44.6%, compared with 44.8%, in the prior quarter.

Revenue decreased $95 million, or 1%, compared with the prior quarter. Net interest income increased $63 million, or 2%, reflecting higher margins and volume growth, partially offset by the effect of fewer days in the second quarter. Average loan volumes increased $9 billion, or 2%, reflecting 1% growth in personal loans and 4% growth in business loans. Average deposit volumes increased $6 billion, or 1%, reflecting 2% growth in personal deposits and a 5% increase in wealth deposits. Net interest margin was 2.62%, an increase of 9 bps, primarily due to higher margin on deposits, reflecting the rising interest rate environment.

Non-interest income decreased $158 million, or 4%, reflecting a decrease in the fair value of investments supporting claims liabilities which resulted in a similar decrease in insurance claims, and lower fee-based revenue in the banking and wealth businesses.

AUA decreased $20 billion, or 4%, and AUM decreased $18 billion, or 4%, compared with the prior quarter, both reflecting market depreciation, partially offset by net asset growth.

PCL was $60 million, an increase of $27 million, compared with the prior quarter. PCL – impaired increased $13 million. PCL – performing was a recovery of $103 million compared with a recovery of $117 million in the prior quarter. The performing release this quarter reflects improved credit conditions, partially offset by elevated economic uncertainty. Total PCL as an annualized percentage of credit volume was 0.05%, an increase of 2 bps.

Insurance claims and related expenses for the quarter decreased $164 million, or 22%, compared with the prior quarter, reflecting the favourable impact of a higher discount rate which resulted in a similar decrease in fair value of investments supporting claims liabilities reported in non-interest income, more favourable prior years' claims development, and lower current year claims.

Non-interest expenses increased $63 million, or 2%, compared with the prior quarter reflecting higher technology and marketing costs.

The efficiency ratio was 44.3%, compared with 42.7%, in the prior quarter.

Year-to-date comparison – Q2 2022 vs. Q2 2021

Canadian Retail net income for the six months ended April 30, 2022, was $4,490 million, an increase of $271 million, or 6%, compared with same period last year. The increase in earnings reflects higher revenue, partially offset by higher non-interest expenses and insurance claims. The annualized ROE for the period was 44.7%, compared with 48.6%, in the same period last year.

Revenue for the period was $13,341 million, an increase of $934 million, or 8%, compared with same period last year. Net interest income increased $382 million, or 7%, reflecting volume growth, partially offset by lower margins. Average loan volumes increased $42 billion, or 9%, reflecting 8% growth in personal loans and 15% growth in business loans. Average deposit volumes increased $38 billion, or 9%, reflecting 7% growth in personal deposits, 11% growth in business deposits, and 9% growth in wealth deposits. Net interest margin was 2.58%, a decrease of 5 bps, primarily reflecting lower margin on loans and lower mortgage prepayment revenue, partially offset by higher margin on deposits, reflecting the rising interest rate environment.

Non-interest income increased $552 million, or 8%, reflecting higher fee-based revenue in the banking and wealth business, prior year insurance premium rebates for customers and higher insurance volumes, partially offset by lower transaction revenue in the wealth business, and a decrease in the fair value of investments supporting claims liabilities which resulted in a similar decrease in insurance claims.

PCL was $93 million, a decrease of $12 million, compared with the same period last year. PCL – impaired was $313 million, a decrease of $45 million, or 13%, largely related to improved credit conditions. PCL – performing was a recovery of $220 million, compared with a recovery of $253 million in the same period last year. The current year performing release reflects improved credit conditions including a more favourable outlook, partially offset by elevated uncertainty. Total PCL as an annualized percentage of credit volume was 0.04%, a decrease of 1 basis point.

Insurance claims and related expenses were $1,348 million, an increase of $127 million, or 10%, compared with the same period last year, reflecting higher current year claims and more severe weather-related events, partially offset by the favourable impact of a higher discount rate which resulted in a similar decrease in fair value of investments supporting claims liabilities reported in non-interest income.

Non-interest expenses were $5,801 million, an increase of $458 million, or 9%, compared with the same period last year, reflecting higher spend supporting business growth, including technology and marketing costs, higher employee-related expenses and variable compensation.

The efficiency ratio for the period was 43.5%, compared with 43.1%, for the same period last year.