1、 1 TSX Symbol:ETC EQUITABLE GROUP REPORTS ANNUAL AND FOURTH QUARTER 2008 RESULTS ALL FINANCIAL AND STRATEGIC GOALS MET OR EXCEEDED CAPITAL AND LIQUIDITY POSITIONS STRONGER THAN EVER Toronto,Ontario(February 26,2009):Equitable Group Inc.(“Equitable”or the“Company”)today reported its financial results
2、 for the three and 12 months ended December 31,2008,including the strongest capital ratio and liquidity positions for its wholly-owned subsidiary,The Equitable Trust Company(“Equitable Trust”),in Equitables history as a public company.2008 Results Net income increased 23.9%to a record$38.6 million f
3、rom$31.2 million a year ago well ahead of the Companys earnings growth target for the year of 16%to 20%.Diluted earnings grew 13.9%to a record$2.78 per share,on more shares outstanding,compared to$2.44 per share in 2007.Return on equity was 16.6%,in line with Equitables 2008 objective of 16%to 18%.E
4、quitable Trusts total capital ratio(inclusive of general allowance)grew to 13.5%its strongest capital position since the Company was taken public much improved over the 11.0%ratio of January 1,2008 and ahead of the Companys 13.0%objective for the year.Productivity ratio on a Taxable Equivalent Basis
5、 a measure of efficiency improved to 27.4%from 29.2%a year ago.Realized loan loss of only$36 thousand.Book value was$17.75 per share compared to$15.69 per share at December 31,2007.Fourth Quarter Results Net income increased 14.2%to$7.9 million from$6.9 million a year ago.Diluted earnings were$0.53
6、per share,the same as in the fourth quarter of 2007 despite more shares outstanding.Return on equity was 11.8%compared to 13.7%a year ago.Total assets were$4.1 billion a new milestone and 19.9%higher than the December 31,2007 asset base of$3.4 billion.Dividend The Companys Board of Directors declare