News: WBC Westpac Banking posts 3.2 pct rise in half year cash earnings

May 1 (Reuters) - Westpac Banking Corp (WBC) :

• Westpac 2016 interim financial results announcement (WBC)
• HY cash earnings $3.90 billion versus $3.78 billion
• HY revenue from ordinary activities up 5% to $10.47 billion
• HY net interest income of $7.65 billion, up 10%
• HY net profit for period attributable to equity holders up 3 percent to $3.70

  billion

• As at March 31, 2016 total net non-performing loans $1.13 billion versus

  $1.00 billion as at March 31, 2015

• As at March 31, 2016 common equity tier 1 ratio apra Basel III 10.47 percent

  versus 8.76 percent as at March 31, 2015

• HY net interest margin 2.09 percent versus 2.06 percent
• Expect some increase in consumer delinquencies over the second half
• Hartzer said despite mixed global economic conditions he remained positive

  about the outlook for Australian economy

• Company balance sheets are generally in good shape - having used lower

  interest rates to pay down debt

• Westpac remains strongly positioned in its key markets
• Says interim dividend of 94 cents per ordinary share
• HY credit risk weighted assets $313.05 billion versus $303.03 billion