10-Q 1 c33028e10vq.htm FORM 10-Q e10vq
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
 
 
     
(Mark One)
 
þ
  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008
OR
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from          to          
 
Commission file number 1-8198
 
 
 
 
HSBC FINANCE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
     
Delaware
(State of Incorporation)
  86-1052062
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
26525 North Riverwoods Boulevard, Mettawa, Illinois
(Address of principal executive offices)
  60045
(Zip Code)
 
(224) 544-2000
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
             
Large accelerated filer o
  Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer þ
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o     No þ
 
As of July 31, 2008, there were 59 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding, all of which are owned by HSBC Investments (North America) Inc.
 


 

 
HSBC FINANCE CORPORATION
 
FORM 10-Q
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
                 
 
Part I.
    FINANCIAL INFORMATION        
 
Item 1.
    Financial Statements        
        Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss)     3  
        Consolidated Balance Sheet     4  
        Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity     5  
        Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows     6  
        Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements     8  
 
Item 2.
    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     36  
        Forward-Looking Statements     36  
        Executive Overview     36  
        Basis of Reporting     44  
        Receivables Review     47  
        Results of Operations     50  
        Segment Results – IFRS Management Basis     57  
        Credit Quality     63  
        Liquidity and Capital Resources     74  
        Risk Management     78  
        Reconciliations to GAAP Financial Measures     81  
 
Item 4.
    Controls and Procedures     82  
             
  Part II.     OTHER INFORMATION        
 
Item 1.
    Legal Proceedings     82  
 
Item 6.
    Exhibits     84  
Signature
    85  


2


 

 
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
­ ­
 
Item 1.   Financial Statements
 
HSBC Finance Corporation
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)
 
                                 
          Six Months
 
    Three Months Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
   
          (in millions)        
 
Finance and other interest income
  $ 4,062     $ 4,533     $ 8,344     $ 9,100  
Interest expense:
                               
HSBC affiliates
    266       182       523       374  
Non-affiliates
    1,361       1,784       2,927       3,603  
                                 
Net interest income
    2,435       2,567       4,894       5,123  
Provision for credit losses
    3,246       1,854       6,123       3,346  
                                 
Net interest income (loss) after provision for credit losses
    (811 )     713       (1,229 )     1,777  
                                 
Other revenues:
                               
Insurance revenue
    108       118       213       234  
Investment income
    20       30       45       49  
Derivative income (expense)
    27       (43 )     31       (52 )
Gain (loss) on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives
    (869 )     (130 )     312       14  
Fee income
    443       623       912       1,187  
Enhancement services revenue
    173       150       357       298  
Taxpayer financial services income
    7       4       155       243  
Gain on receivable sales to HSBC affiliates
    67       109       122       204  
Servicing and other fees from HSBC affiliates
    123       123       256       248  
Other (expense) income
    (160 )     (67 )     (139 )     (8 )
                                 
Total other revenues
    (61 )     917       2,264       2,417  
                                 
Costs and expenses:
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    458       550       924       1,122  
Sales incentives
    17       59       40       124  
Occupancy and equipment expenses
    60       73       118       140  
Other marketing expenses
    89       217       221       433  
Other servicing and administrative expenses
    377       191       766       363  
Support services from HSBC affiliates
    259       287       534       560  
Amortization of intangibles
    42       64       97       126  
Policyholders’ benefits
    51       56       103       120  
                                 
Total costs and expenses
    1,353       1,497       2,803       2,988  
                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit)
    (2,225 )     133       (1,768 )     1,206  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (792 )     32       (593 )     411  
                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (1,433 )     101       (1,175 )     795  
Discontinued Operations (Note 2):
                               
Income (loss) from discontinued U.K. Operations
    (11 )     (57 )     (15 )     (257 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    1       (19 )     -       (66 )
                                 
Loss from discontinued operations
    (12 )     (38 )     (15 )     (191 )
                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (1,445 )   $ 63     $ (1,190 )   $ 604  
                                 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


3


 

 
HSBC Finance Corporation
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
 
                 
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2008     2007  
   
    (in millions,
 
    except share data)  
 
Assets
               
Cash
  $ 494     $ 663  
Interest bearing deposits with banks
    467       335  
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
    2,509       1,506  
Securities
    3,301       3,152  
Receivables, net
    122,161       142,409  
Receivables held for sale
    9,436       80  
Intangible assets, net
    1,006       1,103  
Goodwill
    2,805       2,827  
Properties and equipment, net
    270       349  
Real estate owned
    1,141       1,023  
Derivative financial assets
    81       46  
Deferred income taxes, net
    3,053       2,795  
Other assets
    4,016       4,009  
Assets of discontinued operations
    84       5,207  
                 
Total assets
  $ 150,824     $ 165,504  
                 
Liabilities
               
Debt:
               
Commercial paper, bank and other borrowings
  $ 8,206     $ 8,399  
Due to affiliates
    11,388       11,359  
Long term debt (with original maturities over one year, including $32.9 billion at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 carried at fair value)
    112,932       122,791  
                 
Total debt
    132,526       142,549  
                 
Insurance policy and claim reserves
    981       998  
Derivative related liabilities
    16       14  
Liability for pension benefits
    385       380  
Other liabilities
    2,363       3,246  
Liabilities of discontinued operations
    -       4,158  
                 
Total liabilities
    136,271       151,345  
Shareholders’ equity
               
Redeemable preferred stock, 1,501,100 shares authorized, Series B, $0.01 par value, 575,000 shares issued
    575       575  
Common shareholder’s equity:
               
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100 shares authorized, 59 shares issued at June 30, 2008 and 57 shares issued at December 31, 2007
    -       -  
Additional paid-in capital
    20,231       18,227  
Accumulated deficit
    (5,634 )     (4,423 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (619 )     (220 )
                 
Total common shareholder’s equity
    13,978       13,584  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 150,824     $ 165,504  
                 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


4


 

 
HSBC Finance Corporation
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
 
                 
Six months ended June 30,   2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Preferred stock
               
Balance at beginning and end of period
  $ 575     $ 575  
                 
Common shareholder’s equity
               
Additional paid-in capital
               
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 18,227     $ 17,279  
Excess of book value over consideration received on sale of U.K. Operations to an HSBC affiliate
    (196 )     -  
Capital contribution from parent company
    2,200       200  
Employee benefit plans, including transfers and other
    -       (19 )
                 
Balance at end of period
  $ 20,231     $ 17,460  
                 
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings
               
Balance at beginning of period
  $ (4,423 )   $ 1,877  
Adjustment to initially apply the fair value method of accounting under FASB statement No. 159, net of tax
    -       (542 )
                 
Balance at beginning of period, as adjusted
    (4,423 )     1,335  
Net income (loss)
    (1,190 )     604  
Dividend equivalents on HSBC’s Restricted Share Plan
    (3 )     (4 )
Dividends:
               
Preferred stock
    (18 )     (18 )
Common stock
    -       (615 )
                 
Balance at end of period
  $ (5,634 )   $ 1,302  
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
               
Balance at beginning of period
  $ (220 )   $ 359  
Net change in unrealized gains (losses), net of tax, on:
               
Derivatives classified as cash flow hedges
    46       23  
Securities available for sale and interest-only strip receivables
    (43 )     (16 )
Actuarial gains, transition obligation and prior service costs relating to pension and postretirement benefits
    (5 )     -  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (17 )     44  
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    (19 )     51  
Reclassification of foreign currency translation and pension adjustments to additional paid-in capital resulting from sale of U.K. Operations
    (380 )     -  
                 
Balance at end of period
  $ (619 )   $ 410  
                 
Total common shareholder’s equity
  $ 13,978     $ 19,172  
                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
               
Net income (loss)
  $ (1,190 )   $ 604  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (19 )     51  
                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (1,209 )   $ 655  
                 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


5


 

 
HSBC Finance Corporation
 
 
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
                 
Six months ended June 30,   2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
Cash flows from operating activities
               
Net income (loss)
  $ (1,190 )   $ 604  
Loss from discontinued operations
    15       191  
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (1,175 )     795  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Provision for credit losses
    6,123       3,346  
Gain on receivable sales to HSBC affiliates
    (122 )     (204 )
Loss on sale of real estate owned, including lower of cost or fair value adjustments
    219       122  
Lower of cost or fair value adjustment on receivables transferred to held for sale included in other income
    201       -  
Insurance policy and claim reserves
    (24 )     7  
Depreciation and amortization
    130       171  
Mark-to-market on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives
    (271 )     (172 )
Net change in other assets
    (321 )     81  
Net change in other liabilities
    (728 )     (396 )
Net change in receivables held for sale
    5       1,238  
Foreign exchange and SFAS No. 133 movements on long term debt and net change in non-FVO related derivative assets and liabilities
    1,379       217  
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
    -       (1 )
Other, net
    308       (18 )
                 
Cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations
    5,724       5,186  
Cash provided by operating activities – discontinued operations
    179       82  
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    5,903       5,268  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Securities:
               
Purchased
    (425 )     (625 )
Matured
    420       412  
Sold
    145       95  
Net change in short-term securities available for sale
    (379 )     960  
Net change in securities purchased under agreements to resell
    (1,003 )     170  
Net change in interest bearing deposits with banks
    (139 )     146  
Receivables:
               
Net (originations) collections
    2,996       (3,038 )
Purchases and related premiums
    (24 )     (201 )
Proceeds from sales of real estate owned
    879       658  
Cash received on sales of real estate secured receivables held in portfolio to a third party
    134       2,692  
Net cash received in sale of U.K. Operations to an affiliate
    259       -  
Properties and equipment:
               
Purchases
    (125 )     (65 )
Sales
    -       2  
                 
Cash provided by investing activities – continuing operations
    2,738       1,206  
Cash provided by investing activities – discontinued operations
    107       122  
                 
Net cash provided by investing activities
    2,845       1,328  
                 
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Debt:
               
Net change in short-term debt and deposits
    (165 )     989  
Net change in due to affiliates
    51       (210 )
Long term debt issued
    2,582       10,783  
Long term debt retired
    (13,629 )     (17,485 )
Insurance:
               
Policyholders’ benefits paid
    (48 )     (54 )
Cash received from policyholders
    28       29  


6


 

 
HSBC Finance Corporation
 
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
 
                 
Six months ended June 30,   2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Capital contribution from parent
    2,200       200  
Shareholders’ dividends
    (18 )     (633 )
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
    -       1  
                 
Cash used in financing activities – continuing operations
    (8,999 )     (6,380 )
Cash used in financing activities – discontinued operations
    (45 )     (199 )
                 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (9,044 )     (6,579 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    17       (6 )
                 
Net change in cash
    (279 )     11  
Cash at beginning of period(1)
    783       871  
                 
Cash at end of period(2)
  $ 504     $ 882  
                 
Supplemental Noncash Investing Activities
               
Transfer of receivables to real estate owned
  $ 1,264     $ 933  
                 
Transfer of receivables to held for sale
  $ 9,361     $ -  
                 
 
 
(1)  Cash at beginning of period includes $120 million and $133 million for discontinued operations as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively
 
(2)  Cash at end of period includes $10 million and $138 million for discontinued operations as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


7


 

 
HSBC Finance Corporation
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.   Organization and Basis of Presentation
 
HSBC Finance Corporation and subsidiaries is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of HSBC North America Holdings Inc. (“HSBC North America”), which is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc (“HSBC”). The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of HSBC Finance Corporation and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods have been made. HSBC Finance Corporation may also be referred to in this Form 10-Q as “we,” “us” or “our.” These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (the “2007 Form 10-K”). Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation. Unless otherwise indicated, information included in these notes to consolidated financial statements relates to continuing operations for all periods presented. In May 2008 we completed the sale of our United Kingdom operations to an affiliate. See Note 2, “Discontinued Operations,” for further details.
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Interim results should not be considered indicative of results in future periods.
 
2.   Discontinued Operations
 
In May 2008, we sold all of the common stock of Household International Europe, the holding company for our United Kingdom operations (“U.K. Operations”) to HSBC Overseas Holdings (UK) Limited (“HOHU”), a subsidiary of HSBC. The sales price was GBP 181 million (equivalent to approximately $359 million). With this sale, our operations are now limited to North America. At the time of the sale, the assets of the U.K. Operations consisted primarily of net receivables of $4.6 billion and the liabilities consisted primarily of amounts due to HSBC affiliates of $3.6 billion. As a result of this transaction, HOHU assumed the liabilities of our U.K. Operations outstanding at the time of the sale. Because the sale was between affiliates under common control, the book value of the investment in our U.K. Operations in excess of the consideration received which totaled $576 million was recorded as a decrease to common shareholder’s equity. Of this amount, $196 million was reflected as a decrease to additional paid in capital and $380 million was reflected as a decrease to other comprehensive income, primarily related to foreign currency translation adjustments. As the sale was between affiliates under common control, the related tax loss has been deferred and no current benefit has been taken. Our U.K. Operations were previously reported in the International Segment.
 
The following summarizes the operating results of our U.K. Operations for the periods presented:
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended
    Six Months Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008(1)     2007     2008(1)     2007  
   
          (in millions)        
 
Net interest income and other revenues
  $ 69     $ 171     $ 189     $ 382  
Provision for credit losses
    43       77       94       269  
Loss before income tax benefit
    (11 )     (57 )     (15 )     (257 )
Income tax benefit
    1       (19 )     -       (66 )
Loss from discontinued operations
    (12 )     (38 )     (15 )     (191 )
 
 
(1)  Amounts shown for 2008 represent totals from the beginning of the period through the date of the sale.


8


 

 
HSBC Finance Corporation
 
 
The following summarizes the assets and liabilities of our U.K. Operations at December 31, 2007 which are now reported as Assets of discontinued operations and Liabilities of discontinued operations in our consolidated balance sheet.
 
         
    December 31,
 
    2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Cash
  $ 120  
Receivables, net of credit loss reserves of $327 million
    4,966  
Intangible assets, net
    4  
Properties and equipment, net
    66  
Other assets
    51  
         
Assets of discontinued operations
  $ 5,207  
         
Commercial paper, bank and other borrowings
  $ 25  
Due to affiliates
    3,543  
Long term debt
    472  
Other liabilities
    118  
         
Liabilities of discontinued operations
  $ 4,158  
         
 
Assets of discontinued operations at June 30, 2008 includes $10 million of cash and $74 million due from an HSBC affiliate related to a subsegment of this disposal group.
 
3.   Restructuring Activities
 
During the first half of 2008, we continued to focus on managing risk and setting strategies for our businesses and product offerings to ensure we continue to provide our customers with the most value-added products and maximize risk adjusted returns to HSBC. As a result of this on-going analysis, we continued to refine our product offerings, expanded the use of account modification, tightened underwriting standards, intensified our risk management processes, focused on cost containment measures and, in addition to the sale of our U.K. operations discussed above, made strategic decisions in the first half of 2008 related to our Auto Finance and Card and Retail Services businesses.
 
Card and Retail Services Business As a result of our decision in the fourth quarter of 2007 to slow credit card receivable growth and in an effort to optimize our facility and staffing capacity, in June 2008 we decided to close our servicing facilities located in Jacksonville, Florida and White Marsh, Maryland (the “Servicing Facilities”) during the third quarter of 2008. The servicing activities performed in the Servicing Facilities will be redeployed to other facilities in our Card and Retail Services businesses. Additionally, we decided to eliminate positions in a number of different functions across our Card and Retail Services businesses. During the three months ended June 30, 2008 we recorded $6 million of one-time termination and other employee benefits and $6 million of lease termination and associated costs all of which will be paid in future periods. No additional restructuring charges are anticipated to be incurred.
 
Auto Finance Business In March 2008, we decided to reduce the size of our Auto Finance business which is a part of our Consumer Segment and has historically purchased retail installment contracts from active dealer relationships throughout the U.S. as part of its business strategy. We have decided to discontinue our dealer relationships in several select states, primarily in the Northeast, and discontinued certain other product offerings. As a result of these decisions, we recorded $3 million in severance costs during the first quarter of 2008 which are included as a component of Salaries and employee benefits in the consolidated statement of income (loss). These severance costs were fully paid to the affected employees during the second quarter of 2008 and no additional restructuring charges have been or are anticipated to be incurred.


9


 

 
HSBC Finance Corporation
 
Mortgage Services Business Early in 2007, we decided to discontinue the correspondent channel acquisitions of our Mortgage Services business, which is part of our Consumer Segment. The restructuring activities related to the decision to discontinue the correspondent channel acquisitions were completed in 2007. In the third quarter of 2007, as a result of the continuing deterioration in the subprime mortgage lending industry, we ceased the operations of Decision One Mortgage Company (“Decision One”) which were reported as part of our Mortgage Services business. Also in 2007, we began closure of our Mortgage Services’ business headquarters office in Fort Mill, South Carolina. These actions resulted in the recording of a restructuring liability in 2007. The following summarizes the changes in the restructure liability relating to our Mortgage Services business during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008:
 
                         
    One-Time
    Lease
       
    Termination and
    Termination
       
    Other Employee
    and Associated
       
    Benefits     Costs     Total  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Restructure liability at December 31, 2007
  $ 6     $ 21     $ 27  
Restructuring costs recorded during the period
    -       4       4  
Restructuring costs paid during the period
    (2 )     (1 )     (3 )
                         
Restructure liability at March 31, 2008
  $ 4     $ 24     $ 28  
Restructuring costs paid during the period
    -       (3 )     (3 )
Adjustments to restructure liability during the period
    (3 )     -       (3 )
                         
Restructure liability at June 30, 2008
  $ 1     $ 21     $ 22  
                         
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2008, we recorded additional lease termination and associated costs of $4 million representing the updated accrual for the Fort Mill office space including the impact of a newly executed sublease arrangement with a third party. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, we released $3 million of severance accruals as we have adjusted a variety of previously estimated severance costs. Through June 30, 2008, we have incurred a cumulative total of $56 million in restructuring costs, including fixed asset write-offs, as a result of these actions in our Mortgage Services business. No additional restructuring charges as a result of these decisions are anticipated in future periods. While our Mortgage Services business is currently operating in a run-off mode, we have not reported this business as a discontinued operation because of our continuing involvement.
 
Consumer Lending Business In 2006, we began a branch optimization initiative with the objective of increasing the number of branches in better performing markets and decreasing the number of branches in underperforming markets. In the fourth quarter of 2007, we took several actions in our Consumer Lending business, which is part of our Consumer Segment, to reduce risk and as a result, we decided to initiate a more aggressive approach to sizing the branch network to approximately 1,000 branches at December 31, 2007 (“2007 Branch Restructure”). This reduction of the branch network also resulted in realignment of staffing in our Consumer Lending corporate functions. No further costs resulting from the 2007 Branch Restructure are anticipated. These actions resulted in the recording of a restructuring liability in 2007. We have continued our ongoing branch optimization program during the first half of 2008 which has eliminated approximately 100 additional branches.


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
The following summarizes the changes in restructure liability relating to our Consumer Lending business during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008:
 
                         
    One-Time
             
    Termination and
    Lease Termination
       
    Other Employee
    and Associated
       
    Benefits     Costs     Total  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Restructure liability at December 31, 2007
  $ 7     $ 14     $ 21  
Restructuring costs paid during the period
    (5 )     (8 )     (13 )
Adjustments to restructure liability during the period
    (1 )     -       (1 )
                         
Restructure liability at March 31, 2008
  $ 1     $ 6     $ 7  
Restructuring costs paid during the period
    -       (3 )     (3 )
Adjustments to restructure liability during the period
    -       (1 )     (1 )
                         
Restructure liability at June 30, 2008
  $ 1     $ 2     $ 3  
                         
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2008, we decreased the restructuring liability by $2 million as we have finalized a variety of previously estimated severance costs and lease termination costs. Through June 30, 2008, we have incurred a cumulative total of $29 million in restructuring costs, including fixed asset write-offs, as a result of these actions in our Consumer Lending business.
 
Facility in Carmel, Indiana In the third quarter of 2007, we closed our loan underwriting, processing and collections center in Carmel, Indiana (the “Carmel Facility”) to optimize our facility and staffing capacity given the overall reductions in business volumes. The collection activities performed in the Carmel Facility have been redeployed to other facilities in our Consumer Lending business. The following summarizes the changes in restructure liability relating to the Carmel Facility during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008:
 
                         
    One-Time
             
    Termination and
    Lease Termination
       
    Other Employee
    and Associated
       
    Benefits     Costs     Total  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Restructure liability at December 31, 2007
  $ 4     $ 2     $ 6  
Restructuring costs paid during the period
    (1 )     (1 )     (2 )
                         
Restructure liability at March 31, 2008
  $ 3     $ 1     $ 4  
Restructuring costs paid during period
    (1 )     -       (1 )
Adjustments to restructure liability during the period
    (2 )     -       (2 )
                         
Restructure liability at June 30, 2008
  $ -     $ 1     $ 1  
                         
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2008, we reduced the restructuring liability by $2 million as we adjusted a variety of previously estimated severance costs. No additional costs were recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and no additional costs are anticipated in future periods. Through June 30, 2008, we have incurred a cumulative total of $5 million in restructuring costs as a result of closing the Carmel Facility.
 
Canadian Business During the fourth quarter of 2007, we tightened underwriting criteria for various real estate and unsecured products in our Canadian business, which are reported in the “All Other” caption in our segment reporting, which resulted in lower volumes. This led to a decision to close our mortgage operations in Canada which underwrote loans sourced through brokers as well as to close 29 branches prior to November 1, 2007. These actions


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
resulted in the recording of a restructuring liability in 2007. The following summarizes the changes in the restructure liability in our Canadian business during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008:
 
                         
    One-Time
             
    Termination and
    Lease Termination
       
    Other Employee
    and Associated
       
    Benefits     Costs     Total  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Restructure liability at December 31, 2007
  $ 1     $ 4     $ 5  
Restructuring costs recorded during the period
    1       -       1  
Restructuring costs paid during the period
    (1 )     (2 )     (3 )
                         
Restructure liability at March 31, 2008
  $ 1     $ 2     $ 3  
Restructuring costs recorded during the period
    1       -       1  
Restructuring costs paid during the period
    (1 )     -       (1 )
Adjustments to restructure liability during the period
    -       (1 )     (1 )
                         
Restructure liability at June 30, 2008
  $ 1     $ 1     $ 2  
                         
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2008, we recorded an additional restructuring charge of $1 million relating to previously estimated severance costs. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, we reduced the restructuring liability by $1 million as we adjusted a variety of previously estimated lease terminations and associated costs. Through June 30, 2008, we have incurred a cumulative total of $14 million in restructuring costs as a result of these Canadian branch closures.
 
The following table summarizes the net expense for all restructuring activities recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2008:
 
                         
    One-Time
             
    Termination and
    Lease Termination
       
    Other Employee
    and Associated
       
    Benefits(1)     Costs(2)     Total  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Card and Retail Services
  $ 6     $ 6     $ 12  
Auto Finance
    3       -       3  
Mortgage Services
    (3 )     4       1  
Consumer Lending
    (1 )     (1 )     (2 )
Carmel Facility
    (2 )     -       (2 )
Canadian Business
    2       (1 )     1  
                         
    $ 5     $ 8     $ 13  
                         
 
 
(1)  One-time termination and other employee benefits are included as a component of Salaries and employee benefits in the consolidated statement of income.
 
(2)  Lease termination and associated costs are included as a component of Occupancy and equipment expenses in the consolidated statement of income.


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
 
4.   Securities
 
Securities consisted of the following available-for-sale investments:
 
                                 
          Gross
    Gross
       
    Amortized
    Unrealized
    Unrealized
    Fair
 
June 30, 2008   Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Corporate debt securities
  $ 2,176     $ 11     $ (50 )   $ 2,137  
Money market funds
    429       -       -       429  
U.S. government sponsored enterprises(1)
    288       2       (2 )     288  
U.S. government and Federal agency debt securities
    33       -       (1 )     32  
Non-government mortgage backed securities
    185       -       (30 )     155  
Other
    244       1       (18 )     227  
                                 
Subtotal
    3,355       14       (101 )     3,268  
Accrued investment income
    33       -       -       33  
                                 
Total securities available for sale
  $ 3,388     $ 14     $ (101 )   $ 3,301  
                                 
 
                                 
          Gross
    Gross
       
    Amortized
    Unrealized
    Unrealized
    Fair
 
December 31, 2007   Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Corporate debt securities
  $ 2,173     $ 18     $ (28 )   $ 2,163  
Money market funds
    194       -       -       194  
U.S. government sponsored enterprises(1)
    253       2       (2 )     253  
U.S. government and Federal agency debt securities
    37       1       -       38  
Non-government mortgage backed securities
    208       -       (3 )     205  
Other
    274       1       (9 )     266  
                                 
Subtotal
    3,139       22       (42 )     3,119  
Accrued investment income
    33       -       -       33  
                                 
Total securities available for sale
  $ 3,172     $ 22     $ (42 )   $ 3,152  
                                 
 
 
(1)  Includes primarily mortgage-backed securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.
 
Money market funds at June 30, 2008 include $255 million which is restricted for the sole purpose of paying down certain secured financings at the established date. There were no restricted money market funds at December 31, 2007.


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
A summary of gross unrealized losses and related fair values as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, classified as to the length of time the losses have existed follows:
 
                                                 
    Less Than One Year     Greater Than One Year  
    Number
    Gross
    Aggregate
    Number
    Gross
    Aggregate
 
    of
    Unrealized
    Fair Value of
    of
    Unrealized
    Fair Value of
 
June 30, 2008   Securities     Losses     Investments     Securities     Losses     Investments  
   
                (dollars are in millions)              
 
Corporate debt securities
    387     $ (23 )   $ 920       114     $ (27 )   $ 311  
U.S. government sponsored enterprises
    22       (1 )     77       13       (1 )     26  
U.S. government and Federal agency debt securities
    5       -       11       1       (1 )     5  
Non-government mortgage backed securities
    26       (21 )     89       6       (9 )     8  
Other
    61       (13 )     88       16       (5 )     19  
 
                                                 
    Less Than One Year     Greater Than One Year  
    Number
    Gross
    Aggregate
    Number
    Gross
    Aggregate
 
    of
    Unrealized
    Fair Value of
    of
    Unrealized
    Fair Value of
 
December 31, 2007   Securities     Losses     Investments     Securities     Losses     Investments  
   
                (dollars are in millions)              
 
Corporate debt securities
    146     $ (8 )   $ 445       340     $ (20 )   $ 798  
U.S. government sponsored enterprises
    3       -       15       38       (2 )     75  
U.S. government and Federal agency debt securities
    -       -       -       4       -       9  
Non-government mortgage backed securities
    8       (1 )     52       9       (2 )     32  
Other
    46       (9 )     79       35       -       94  
 
The gross unrealized losses on our securities available for sale have increased during the first half of 2008 as the impact of wider credit spreads were only partially offset by decreases in interest rates. The contractual terms of these securities do not permit the issuer to settle the securities at a price less than the par value of the investment. Substantially all of our remaining securities are rated A- or better, and we have the ability and intent to hold these investments until maturity or a market price recovery. Accordingly, other than the corporate debt securities discussed below, these securities are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired.
 
During the first half of 2008, debt securities of two bond insurers were determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired pursuant to SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.” With the significant deterioration recently experienced in credit markets, these issuers are now projected to have difficulty meeting all of their obligations. As a result, the credit rating for these particular financial guarantor’s parent companies were reduced to “below investment grade” by a nationally recognized credit rating agency. We recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $9 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and $15 million during the year-to-date period.
 
Approximately 75 percent of our non-government mortgage backed and asset backed securities, which totaled $216 million at June 30, 2008, are rated “AAA.” The level of subprime assets supporting these securities is approximately $35 million.


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
5.   Receivables and Receivables Held for Sale
 
Receivables and receivables held for sale consisted of the following:
 
                 
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Receivables:
               
Real estate secured
  $ 79,279     $ 86,638  
Auto finance
    12,530       13,257  
Credit card
    20,175       30,390  
Private label
    1,452       1,579  
Personal non-credit card
    17,366       18,845  
Commercial and other
    99       144  
                 
Total receivables
    130,901       150,853  
HSBC acquisition purchase accounting fair value adjustments
    (29 )     (76 )
Accrued finance charges
    2,476       2,493  
Credit loss reserves
    (10,934 )     (10,577 )
Unearned credit insurance premiums and claims reserves
    (253 )     (286 )
Amounts due and deferred from receivable sales
    -       2  
                 
Total receivables, net
  $ 122,161     $ 142,409  
                 
Receivables held for sale:
               
Real estate secured
  $ 1,231     $ 80  
Auto finance
    319       -  
Credit card
    7,886       -  
                 
Total receivables held for sale
  $ 9,436     $ 80  
                 
 
As of June 30, 2008, outstanding secured financings, which are a component of long term debt, of $18.4 billion including conduit credit facilities were secured by $26.4 billion of real estate secured, auto finance, credit card and personal non-credit card receivables. Secured financings, including conduit credit facilities, of $23.2 billion at December 31, 2007 were secured by $30.9 billion of real estate secured, auto finance, credit card and personal non-credit card receivables.
 
HSBC acquisition purchase accounting fair value adjustments represent adjustments which have been “pushed down” to record our receivables at fair value on March 28, 2003, the date we were acquired by HSBC.
 
As previously discussed, during the first half of 2008 we continued to focus on managing risk and setting strategies for our businesses and product offerings. We also continue to evaluate the optimal size of our balance sheet taking into consideration our desired risk profile, our liquidity and funding needs as well as our expected views of the subprime lending industry after the market returns to more normalized levels. As a result of this ongoing evaluation, we identified certain real estate secured, auto finance and credit card receivables which we no longer have the intent to hold for the foreseeable future and anticipate will be sold in the near term. Accordingly, these receivables, which


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
were previously held for investment purposes, have been transferred to held for sale on June 30, 2008. The following table summarizes these receivables by business:
 
                                         
    Consumer
    Mortgage
    Card and Retail
             
    Lending     Services     Services     Canada     Total  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Real estate secured
  $ 813(1 )   $ 343(1 )   $ -     $ -     $ 1,156  
Auto finance(2)
    -       -       -       319       319  
Credit card(3)
    -       -       7,886       -       7,886  
                                         
    $ 813     $ 343     $ 7,886     $ 319     $ 9,361  
                                         
 
 
(1) Comprised of fixed rate, first lien, closed-end real estate secured receivables to be sold to third parties.
 
(2) Represents the current portion of the auto finance receivable portfolio of our Canadian operations to be sold to a third party.
 
(3) Includes the General Motors (“GM”) MasterCard portfolio of $6.3 billion which we intend, subject to regulatory and other approvals, to sell to an HSBC affiliate as well as $1.6 billion from the Core and Metris portfolios to be sold to third parties.
 
These receivables are now carried at the lower of cost or fair value which resulted in a cumulative lower of cost or fair value adjustment of $386 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008 comprised of the following:
 
                                         
    Consumer
    Mortgage
    Card and Retail
             
    Lending     Services     Services     Canada     Total  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Provision for credit losses(1)
  $ 30     $ 27     $ 128     $ -     $ 185  
Other income(2)
    49       25       120       7       201  
                                         
Lower of cost or fair value adjustment
  $ 79     $ 52     $ 248     $ 7     $ 386  
                                         
 
 
(1)  The portion of the lower of cost or fair value adjustment attributable to credit was recorded as a provision for credit losses. This was determined by giving consideration to the impact of over-the-life credit loss estimates as compared to the existing credit loss reserves of $460 million prior to our decision to transfer to receivables held for sale at June 30, 2008.
 
(2)  Reflects the impact on value caused by current marketplace conditions including illiquidity.
 
As discussed more fully in Note 10, “Related Party Transactions,” during the second quarter of 2008, we launched a new program with HSBC Bank USA to originate and sell real estate secured receivables to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. These receivables are considered held for sale at the time of origination and are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. At June 30, 2008, we had $13 million of loans held for sale to HSBC Bank USA under this program. Additionally, we continue to report as held for sale certain receivables of our Mortgage Services business and Solstice Capital Group Inc. (“Solstice”), a subsidiary of our Consumer Lending business, which were classified as held for sale at the time of origination. Receivables held for sale in our Mortgage Services business totaled $57 million at June 30, 2008 and $71 million at December 31, 2007. Receivables held for sale related to Solstice totaled $5 million at June 30, 2008 and $9 million at December 31, 2007.
 
In November 2006, we acquired $2.5 billion of real estate secured receivables from Champion Mortgage (“Champion”) a division of KeyBank, N.A. These acquired receivables were subject to the requirements of Statement of Position 03-3, “Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer” (“SOP 03-3”) to the extent there was evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination and for which it was probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments would not be collected and that the associated line of credit had been closed. The carrying amount of Champion real estate secured receivables subject to the requirements of SOP 03-3 was $70 million at June 30, 2008 and $73 million at December 31, 2007 and is included in the real estate secured receivables in the table above. The outstanding contractual balance of these receivables was $83 million at June 30, 2008 and $92 million at December 31, 2007. At June 30, 2008, no credit loss reserve for the acquired Champion receivables subject to SOP 03-3 has been established as there has been no decrease to the expected future cash flows since the acquisition. There was a reclassification to accretable yield from non-accretable of $3 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2008. This reclassification from non-accretable difference represents an increase


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
to the estimated cash flows to be collected on the underlying Champion portfolio. During the quarter ended June 30, 2007, there was a reclassification to accretable yield from non-accretable of $2 million.
 
As part of our acquisition of Metris Companies Inc. (“Metris”) on December 1, 2005, we acquired $5.3 billion of credit card receivables which were also subject to the requirements of SOP 03-3. The carrying amount of the credit card receivables acquired from Metris which were subject to SOP 03-3 was $71 million at June 30, 2008 and $105 million at December 31, 2007 and is included in the credit card receivables in the table above. The outstanding contractual balance of these receivables was $110 million at June 30, 2008 and $159 million at December 31, 2007. At June 30, 2008, no credit loss reserve for the acquired Metris receivables subject to SOP 03-3 has been established as there has been no decrease to the expected future cash flows since the acquisition. There was a reclassification to accretable yield from non-accretable of $7 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2008. This reclassification from non-accretable difference represents an increase to the estimated cash flows to be collected on the underlying Metris portfolio. There were no additions to accretable yield or reclassifications from non-accretable yield during the quarter ended June 30, 2007.
 
The following summarizes the accretable yield on Champion and Metris receivables at June 30, 2008 and 2007:
 
                 
Three months ended June 30,   2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Accretable yield beginning of period
  $ (33 )   $ (61 )
Accretable yield amortized to interest income during the period
    9       13  
Reclassification from non-accretable difference
    (10 )     (2 )
                 
Accretable yield at end of period
  $ (34 )   $ (50 )
                 
 
                 
Six months ended June 30,   2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Accretable yield beginning of period
  $ (36 )   $ (76 )
Accretable yield amortized to interest income during the period
    18       28  
Reclassification from non-accretable difference
    (16 )     (2 )
                 
Accretable yield at end of period
  $ (34 )   $ (50 )
                 
 
Real estate secured receivables are comprised of the following:
 
                 
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Real estate secured:
               
Closed-end:
               
First lien
  $ 66,163     $ 71,362  
Second lien
    10,163       11,748  
Revolving:
               
First lien
    254       436  
Second lien
    2,699       3,092  
                 
Total real estate secured receivables(1)
  $ 79,279     $ 86,638  
                 
 
 
(1)  Excludes receivables held for sale. At June 30, 2008, $1.2 billion of real estate secured receivables held for sale were primarily closed-end, first lien receivables. At December 31, 2007, $80 million of real estate secured receivables held for sale were closed-end, first lien receivables.
 
We generally serve non-conforming and non-prime consumers. Such customers are individuals who have limited credit histories, modest incomes, high debt-to-income ratios or have experienced credit problems caused by occasional delinquencies, prior charge-offs, bankruptcy or other credit related actions. The majority of our secured


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
receivables and receivables held for sale have a high loan-to-value ratio. Interest-only loans allow customers to pay the interest only portion of the monthly payment for a period of time which results in lower payments during the initial loan period. However, subsequent events affecting a customer’s financial position could affect the ability of customers to repay the loan in the future when the principal payments are required. At June 30, 2008, the outstanding balance of our interest-only loans was $3.0 billion, or 2 percent of receivables, including receivables held for sale. At December 31, 2007, the outstanding balance of our interest-only loans was $4.1 billion, or 3 percent of receivables, including receivables held for sale. We no longer originate or acquire interest-only loans through either our Consumer Lending branch network or Mortgage Services business, although Consumer Lending’s Solstice subsidiary continues to offer interest-only loans for resale to third parties. Prior to our decision to cease operations, our Decision One mortgage operation offered interest-only loans largely for resale.
 
At June 30, 2008 and December 31 2007, we had $15.7 billion and $18.5 billion in adjustable rate mortgage (“ARM”) loans at our Consumer Lending and Mortgage Services businesses, respectively. The majority of our adjustable rate mortgages were acquired from correspondent lenders of our Mortgage Services business. In 2007, we discontinued correspondent channel acquisitions and eliminated the small volume of ARM originations in our Consumer Lending business. Consequently, the percentage of adjustable rate real estate secured receivables will decrease significantly over time. The table below shows ARM loans that will reset in the remainder of 2008 and 2009. ARM loans with reset dates after 2009 are not significant.
 
                         
          Period of
 
    Outstanding
    First Interest
 
    Balance of
    Rate Reset(1)  
    ARM Loans     2008     2009  
   
    (in billions)  
 
June 30, 2008
  $ 15.7     $ 1.4     $ 3.6  
December 31, 2007
    18.5       3.7       4.1  
 
 
(1) Based on original contractual reset date and the outstanding receivable levels at the end of each period.
 
In addition, a significant portion of the second lien mortgages in our Mortgage Services portfolio at June 30, 2008 are subordinated to first lien adjustable rate mortgages that will face a rate reset between now and 2009. ARM loans generally require a higher monthly payment following their first adjustment. A customer’s financial situation at the time of the interest rate reset as well as the actual interest rate following the reset could affect their ability to repay the loan after the adjustment.
 
Prior to 2007, we increased our portfolio of stated income loans. Stated income loans are underwritten based on the loan applicant’s representation of annual income which is not verified by receipt of supporting documentation and, accordingly, carry a higher risk of default if the customer has not accurately reported their income. The outstanding balance of stated income loans in our real estate secured portfolio was $6.5 billion at June 30, 2008 and $7.9 billion at December 31, 2007. We no longer offer stated income loans.
 
Receivables serviced with limited recourse were reduced to zero during the first quarter of 2008. Receivables serviced with limited recourse consisting of credit card receivables totaled $124 million at December 31, 2007.
 
Provision for credit losses on consumer loans for which we have modified the terms of the loan as part of a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR Loans”) are determined in accordance with SFAS No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan” (“SFAS No. 114”). Restructured loans which have been granted a permanent modification, a twelve-month or longer modification, or two or more consecutive six-month modifications are considered TDR Loans for purposes of determining loss reserve estimates under SFAS No. 114. Real estate secured loans are deemed as collateralized and loss reserves are measured based on the value of the underlying collateral less expected costs to


18


 

 
HSBC Finance Corporation
 
sell. Interest income on TDR Loans is recognized in the same manner as loans which are not TDRs. The following table presents information about our TDR Loans:
 
                 
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
TDR Loans(1):
               
Real estate secured:
               
Mortgage Services
  $ 2,152     $ 1,531  
Consumer Lending
    1,113       730  
Canada and all other
    64       67  
                 
Total real estate secured
    3,329       2,328  
Auto finance
    150       144  
Credit card
    419       329  
Private label
    6       5  
Personal non-credit card
    538       500  
                 
Total TDR Loans
  $ 4,442     $ 3,306  
                 
 
                 
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Credit loss reserves for TDR Loans:
               
Real estate secured:
               
Mortgage Services
  $ 145     $ 84  
Consumer Lending
    115       65  
Canada and all other
    15       9  
                 
Total real estate secured
    275       158  
Auto finance
    34       29  
Credit card
    82       56  
Private label
    1       1  
Personal non-credit card
    89       88  
                 
Total credit loss reserves for TDR Loans(2)
  $ 481     $ 332  
                 
 
                 
Three months ended June 30,   2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Average balance of TDR Loans(1)
  $ 4,221     $ 1,936  
Interest income recognized on TDR Loans(1)
    70       26  
 
                 
Six months ended June 30,   2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Average balance of TDR Loans(1)
  $ 3,943     $ 1,817  
Interest income recognized on TDR Loans(1)
    125       47  
 
 
(1)  Includes TDR balances reported as receivables held for sale. As a result, the TDR loan balances above include $67 million of credit card TDR loans held for sale for which there are no credit loss reserves as they are carried at lower of cost or fair value.
 
(2)  Included in credit loss reserves.


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
 
6.   Credit Loss Reserves
 
An analysis of credit loss reserves for continuing operations was as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Credit loss reserves at beginning of period
  $ 11,041     $ 6,472     $ 10,577     $ 6,366  
Provision for credit losses
    3,246       1,854       6,123       3,346  
Charge-offs
    (2,905 )     (1,717 )     (5,503 )     (3,279 )
Recoveries
    205       209       396       385  
Receivables transferred to held for sale
    (645 )     -       (645 )     -  
Release of credit loss reserves related to loan sales
    (8 )     (10 )     (14 )     (10 )
                                 
Credit loss reserves at end of period
  $ 10,934     $ 6,808     $ 10,934     $ 6,808  
                                 
 
As discussed more fully in Note 5, “Receivables and Receivables Held for Sale,” as of June 30, 2008 we transferred $9.4 billion of receivables which were previously held for investment purposes to receivables held for sale. Credit loss reserves of $645 million associated with these receivables were transferred to receivables held for sale as part of the lower of cost or fair value adjustment.
 
Further analysis of credit quality and credit loss reserves and our credit loss reserve methodology are presented in Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-Q under the caption “Credit Quality.”
 
7.   Intangible Assets
 
Intangible assets consisted of the following:
 
                                 
          Historical
             
          Impairment
    Accumulated
    Carrying
 
    Gross     Charges     Amortization     Value  
   
    (in millions)  
 
June 30, 2008
                               
Purchased credit card relationships and related programs
  $ 1,736     $ -     $ 785     $ 951  
Retail services merchant relationships
    270       -       270       -  
Other loan related relationships
    333       158       171       4  
Trade names
    700       700       -       -  
Technology, customer lists and other contracts
    282       -       231       51  
                                 
Total
  $ 3,321     $ 858     $ 1,457     $ 1,006  
                                 
December 31, 2007
                               
Purchased credit card relationships and related programs
  $ 1,736     $ -     $ 717     $ 1,019  
Retail services merchant relationships
    270       -       257       13  
Other loan related relationships
    333       158       169       6  
Trade names
    700       700       -       -  
Technology, customer lists and other contracts
    282       -       217       65  
                                 
Total
  $ 3,321     $ 858     $ 1,360     $ 1,103  
                                 


20


 

 
HSBC Finance Corporation
 
Estimated amortization expense associated with our intangible assets for each of the following years is as follows:
 
         
Year ending December 31,      
   
    (in millions)  
 
2008
  $ 181  
2009
    168  
2010
    146  
2011
    139  
2012
    136  
Thereafter
    172  
 
8.   Goodwill
 
Goodwill balances associated with our foreign businesses will change from period to period due to movements in foreign exchange. Changes in estimates of the tax basis in our assets and liabilities or other tax estimates recorded at the date of our acquisition by HSBC or our acquisition of Metris are adjusted against goodwill pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”
 
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:
 
                 
    2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Balance at January 1,
  $ 2,827     $ 6,568  
Goodwill associated with the sale of our Canadian mortgage brokerage subsidiary
    (13 )     -  
Change in estimate of the tax basis of assets and liabilities recorded in the HSBC acquisition
    (3 )     (65 )
Impact of foreign currency translation
    (6 )     16  
                 
Balance at June 30,
  $ 2,805     $ 6,519  
                 
 
 
(1) Goodwill balances at January 1, 2008 reflect a goodwill impairment charge of $881 million during the third quarter of 2007 related to our Mortgage Services business and goodwill impairment charges of $3,152 million during the fourth quarter of 2007 related to our Consumer Lending, Auto Finance and United Kingdom businesses.
 
In March 2008, our Canadian operations sold all of the capital stock of a small mortgage brokerage subsidiary and $13 million of goodwill associated with this business was included as a component of the $9 million loss on sale.
 
9.   Income Taxes
 
Effective tax rates for continuing operations are analyzed as follows.
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Statutory federal income tax rate
    (35.0 )%     35.0 %     (35.0 )%     35.0 %
Increase (decrease) in rate resulting from:
                               
State rate change effect on net deferred tax assets
    -       -       3.7       .4  
State and local taxes, net of federal benefit
    (.7 )     .1       (2.1 )     .4  
Low income housing and other tax credits
    (.5 )     (12.1 )     (1.4 )     (2.7 )
Leveraged lease accounting
    .9       -       1.5       1.8  
Other
    (.3 )     1.1       (.2 )     (.8 )
                                 
Effective tax rate
    (35.6 )%     24.1 %     (33.5 )%     34.1 %
                                 


21


 

 
HSBC Finance Corporation
 
The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased as compared to the prior year quarter primarily as a result of declining low income housing tax credits as a percentage of pretax income. The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2008 decreased as compared to the year-ago period primarily as a result of a reduction in the amount of deferred tax assets as a result of limitations on the use of net operating losses in various states and the effects of leveraged lease accounting on early lease buyouts, partially offset by declining low income housing tax credits.
 
We are currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service as well as various state and local tax jurisdictions. Although one or more of these audits may be concluded within the next 12 months, it is not possible to reasonably estimate the impact of the results from the audit on our uncertain tax positions at this time.
 
We are in a net deferred tax asset position of $3.1 billion as of June 30, 2008 and $2.8 billion as of December 31, 2007. We believe that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will be fully realized as we expect to generate sufficient taxable income in the future to realize these deferred tax assets. In making this determination, we considered forecasts of future profitability, earnings history, capital adequacy, tax planning strategies, carryback and carryforward periods. We have also considered that we are part of a consolidated group and party to a tax allocation agreement with HSBC North America. These forecasts were updated as of June 30, 2008. If future events significantly change from above, a valuation allowance may need to be established.
 
10.   Related Party Transactions
 
In the normal course of business, we conduct transactions with HSBC and its subsidiaries. These transactions occur at prevailing market rates and terms and include funding arrangements, derivative execution, purchases and sales of receivables, servicing arrangements, information technology services, item and statement processing services, banking and other miscellaneous services. The following tables present related party balances and the income and (expense) generated by related party transactions:
 
                 
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Assets and (Liabilities):
               
Cash
  $ 427     $ 475  
Interest bearing deposits with banks
    54       -  
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
    750       415  
Derivative financial assets (liability), net
    59       34  
Affiliate preferred stock received in sale of U.K. credit card business(1)
    299       301  
Other assets
    568       634  
Due to affiliates
    (11,388 )     (11,359 )
Other liabilities
    (168 )     (471 )
 


22


 

 
HSBC Finance Corporation
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Income/(Expense):
                               
Interest expense – HSBC affiliates
  $ (266 )   $ (182 )   $ (523 )   $ (374 )
Interest income from HSBC affiliates
    14       9       26       19  
HSBC affiliate income:
                               
Gain on receivable sales to HSBC affiliates:
                               
Daily sales of domestic private label receivable originations
    28       82       63       163  
Daily sales of credit card receivables
    39       27       59       41  
Sales of real estate secured receivables
    -       -       -       -  
Servicing and other fees from HSBC affiliates:
                               
HSBC Bank USA, National Association (“HSBC Bank USA”):
                               
Real estate secured servicing, sourcing, underwriting and pricing revenue
    2       2       4       4  
Domestic private label receivable servicing and related fees
    95       97       194       197  
Other servicing, processing, origination and support revenues
    19       17       44       34  
HSBC Technology and Services (USA) Inc. (“HTSU”)
    4       3       8       6  
Other HSBC affiliates
    3       4       6       7  
Taxpayer financial services loan origination and other fees
    (1 )     (1 )     (13 )     (19 )
Support services from HSBC affiliates:
                               
HTSU
    (202 )     (242 )     (417 )     (466 )
HSBC Global Resourcing (UK) Ltd. 
    (43 )     (33 )     (86 )     (73 )
Other HSBC affiliates
    (14 )     (12 )     (31 )     (21 )
Stock based compensation expense with HSBC
    (10 )     (28 )     (33 )     (60 )
 
 
(1)  Balance may fluctuate between periods due to foreign currency exchange rate impact.
 
Transactions with HSBC Bank USA:
 
•  In the second quarter of 2008, our Consumer Lending business launched a new program with HSBC Bank USA to sell real estate secured receivables to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”). Our Consumer Lending business originates the loans in accordance with Freddie Mac’s underwriting criteria. The loans are then sold to HSBC Bank USA, generally within 30 days. HSBC Bank USA repackages the loans and sells them to Freddie Mac under their existing Freddie Mac program. This program has been launched in six states and we anticipate a nationwide rollout of the program during the third quarter of 2008. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, we sold $14 million of real estate secured loans to HSBC Bank USA for a gain on sale of $.4 million. At June 30, 2008, receivables held for sale includes $13 million of loans to be sold to HSBC Bank USA during the third quarter of 2008 as part of this program.
 
•  In July 2004 we purchased the account relationships associated with $970 million of credit card receivables from HSBC Bank USA and in December 2004, we sold HSBC Bank USA our domestic private label receivable portfolio (excluding retail sales contracts at our Consumer Lending business). We continue to service the sold domestic private label and credit card receivables and receive servicing and related fee income from HSBC Bank USA. On a daily basis we sell substantially all new domestic private label receivable originations and new originations on these credit card receivables to HSBC Bank USA. The servicing and related fee income received from HSBC Bank USA as well as the gains recorded on the sale of domestic private label and credit card receivables are reflected in the table above. The following table summarizes the receivables we are servicing for

23


 

 
HSBC Finance Corporation
 
HSBC Bank USA at June 30, 2008 and 2007 and the receivables sold during the six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007:
 
                                 
    Private Label Receivables     Credit Card Receivables  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
   
    (in billions)  
 
Receivables serviced for HSBC Bank USA at June 30,
  $ 17.3     $ 17.2     $ 2.0     $ 1.4  
Receivables sold to HSBC Bank USA during the six months ended June 30,
    9.5       10.1       2.4       1.7  
 
•  As of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, we were servicing $2.2 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, of real estate secured receivables for HSBC Bank USA. The fee revenue associated with these receivables is recorded in Servicing and other fees from HSBC affiliates.
 
•  HSBC Bank USA and HSBC Trust Company (Delaware), N.A. (“HTCD”) are the originating lenders for loans initiated by our Taxpayer Financial Services business for clients of various third party tax preparers. We purchase the loans originated by HSBC Bank USA and HTCD daily for a fee. Origination fees paid for these loans totaled $1 million and $13 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, origination fees paid for these loans totaled $1 million and $19 million, respectively. These origination fees are included as an offset to taxpayer financial services revenue and are reflected as Taxpayer financial services loan origination and other fees in the above table.
 
•  Under multiple service level agreements, we also provide various services to HSBC Bank USA, including credit card servicing and processing activities, auto finance loan servicing and other operational and administrative support. Fees received for these services are reported as Servicing and other fees from HSBC affiliates. Additionally, HSBC Bank USA services certain real estate secured loans on our behalf. Fees paid for these services are reported as Support services from HSBC affiliates.
 
•  We have extended revolving lines of credit to subsidiaries of HSBC Bank USA for an aggregate total of $1.0 billion. No balances were outstanding under any of these lines of credit at either June 30, 2008 or December 31, 2007.
 
•  In the first quarter of 2007, we sold approximately $371 million of real estate secured receivables originated by our subsidiary, Decision One, to HSBC Bank USA and recorded a pre-tax loss on this sale of $.4 million.
 
Transactions with HSBC Holdings plc:
 
•  At June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, a commercial paper back-stop credit facility of $2.5 billion from HSBC supported our domestic issuances of commercial paper. No balances were outstanding under this credit facility at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007. The annual commitment fee requirement to support availability of this line is included as a component of Interest expense – HSBC affiliates.
 
•  During 2003, Household Capital Trust VIII issued $275 million in mandatorily redeemable preferred securities to HSBC. Interest expense recorded on the underlying junior subordinated notes totaled $4 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and $9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. This interest expense is included in Interest expense – HSBC affiliates in the consolidated statement of income.
 
•  Employees of HSBC Finance Corporation participate in one or more stock compensation plans sponsored by HSBC. These expenses are recorded in Salary and employee benefits and are reflected in the above table as Stock based compensation expense with HSBC.
 
Transactions with HTSU:
 
•  We had extended a revolving line of credit to HTSU which was terminated in May 2008 and replaced from a line of credit from an affiliate. The balance outstanding under this line of credit was $.6 billion at December 31, 2007 and is included in other assets. Interest income associated with this line of credit is recorded in interest income and reflected as Interest income from HSBC affiliates in the table above.


24


 

 
HSBC Finance Corporation
 
 
•  Technology services in North America are centralized within HTSU. Technology related assets and software purchased subsequent to January 1, 2004 are generally purchased and owned by HTSU. HTSU also provides certain item processing and statement processing activities which are included in Support services from HSBC affiliates. We also receive revenue from HTSU for rent on certain office space, which has been recorded as a reduction of occupancy and equipment expenses, and for certain administrative costs, which has been recorded as a component of servicing and other fees from HSBC affiliates. Rental revenue from HTSU recorded as a reduction of occupancy and equipment expense was $12 million during both the three months ended June 30, 2008 and the year-ago quarter. During both the six months ended June 30, 2008 and the year-ago period, rental revenue from HTSU was $24 million.
 
Transactions with HSBC Bank plc (“HBEU”):
 
•  We had a revolving credit facility from HBEU to fund our operations in the U.K. of $5.7 billion at December 31, 2007. Upon the sale of our U.K. Operations, this credit facility was assumed by HOHU. At December 31, 2007, $3.5 billion was outstanding under the HBEU lines for the U.K. which is now reported in Liabilities of discontinued operations. Annual commitment fee requirements to support availability of these lines is included as a component of Loss from discontinued U.K. operations.
 
•  Technology services in the United Kingdom are centralized within a subsidiary of HBEU. Operating expenses relating to information technology which were billed to us by HBEU prior to the sale of our U.K. Operations to HOHU in May 2008 are included as a component of Loss from discontinued U.K. operations.
 
•  In December 2005, we sold our U.K. credit card business, including $2.5 billion of receivables, the associated cardholder relationships and the related retained interests in securitized credit card receivables to HBEU for an aggregate purchase price of $3.0 billion. We retained the collection operations related to the credit card operations and entered into a service level agreement to provide collection services and other support services, including components of the compliance, financial reporting and human resource functions, for the sold credit card operations to HBEU for a fee. We received $4 million and $10 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, under this service level agreement which is included as a component of Loss from discontinued U.K. operations. We received $8 million and $16 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively, under this service level agreement which is included as a component of Loss from discontinued U.K. operations. This service level agreement was transferred to HOHU as a result of the sale of our U.K. Operations.
 
Transactions with other HSBC affiliates:
 
•  As previously discussed in Note 2, “Discontinued Operations,” on May 30, 2008 we sold all of the common stock of the holding company of our U.K. Operations to HOHU for GBP 181 million (equivalent to approximately $359 million). Because this sale was between affiliates under common control, the book value of the investment in our U.K. Operations in excess of the consideration received which totaled $576 million was recorded as a decrease to common shareholder’s equity. Of this amount, $196 million was reflected as a decrease to additional paid in capital and $380 million was reflected as a decrease to foreign currency translation adjustments within other comprehensive income.
 
•  The notional value of derivative contracts outstanding with HSBC subsidiaries totaled $86.9 billion at June 30, 2008 and $91.8 billion at December 31, 2007. When the fair value of our agreements with affiliate counterparties require the posting of collateral, it is provided in either the form of cash and recorded on the balance sheet or in the form of securities which are not recorded on our balance sheet. At June 30, 2008, the fair value of our agreements with affiliate counterparties required the affiliate to provide collateral of $5.2 billion which was received in cash and offset against the fair value amount recognized for derivative instruments that have been offset under the same master netting arrangement in accordance with FASB Staff Position No. FIN 39-1, “Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39,” (“FSP 39-1”) and recorded in our balance sheet as a component of derivative related assets. At December 31, 2007, the fair value of our agreements with affiliate counterparties required the affiliate to provide collateral of $3.8 billion which was received in cash and offset against the fair value amount recognized


25


 

 
HSBC Finance Corporation
 
for derivative instruments in accordance with FSP 39-1. No collateral was provided in the form of securities at June 30, 2008 or December 31, 2007.
 
•  Due to affiliates includes amounts owed to subsidiaries of HSBC as a result of direct debt issuances (other than preferred stock).
 
•  We purchase from HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. (“HSI”) securities under agreement to resell. Interest income recognized on these securities totaled $5 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and $11 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and is reflected as Interest income from HSBC affiliates in the table above. Interest income recognized on these securities totaled $1 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 and $3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
 
•  During the second quarter of 2008 we extended a revolving line of credit of $.4 billion to HSI. The balance outstanding under this line of credit was $.2 billion at June 30, 2008.
 
•  We use an HSBC affiliate located outside of the United States to provide various support services to our operations including among other areas, customer service, systems, collection and accounting functions. The expenses related to these services are included as a component of Support services from HSBC affiliates in the table above.
 
•  Support services from HSBC affiliates also includes banking services and other miscellaneous services provided by other subsidiaries of HSBC, including HSBC Bank USA.
 
•  Our Canadian business originates and services auto loans for an HSBC affiliate in Canada. Fees received for these services are included in other income and are reflected in Servicing and other fees from other HSBC affiliates in the above table.
 
•  We utilize HSI to lead manage the underwriting of a majority of our ongoing debt issuances. There were no fees paid to the affiliate for such services during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, we paid fees to the affiliate for such services of $8 million and $11 million, respectively. For debt not accounted for under the fair value option, these fees are amortized over the life of the related debt.
 
•  In the second quarter of 2007, we sold $2.2 billion of loans from the Mortgage Services portfolio to third parties. HSBC Markets (USA) Inc., and affiliated HSBC entity, assisted in the transaction by placing the loans with interested third parties. Fees paid for these services totaled $4 million and were included as a component of the approximately $20 million loss realized on the sale of this loan portfolio.
 
•  Domestic employees of HSBC Finance Corporation participate in a defined benefit pension plan and other post-retirement benefit plans sponsored by HSBC North America. See Note 11, “Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits,” for additional information on this pension plan.


26


 

 
HSBC Finance Corporation
 
 
11.   Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
 
The components of pension expense for the domestic defined benefit pension plan reflected in our consolidated statement of income are shown in the table below and reflect the portion of the pension expense of the combined HSBC North America pension plan which has been allocated to HSBC Finance Corporation:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Service cost – benefits earned during the period
  $ 15     $ 13     $ 30     $ 26  
Interest cost
    18       16       36       32  
Expected return on assets
    (21 )     (21 )     (42 )     (42 )
Recognized losses
    -       1       -       2  
(Gains) losses on curtailment
    -       -       -       -  
                                 
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 12     $ 9     $ 24     $ 18  
                                 
 
We sponsor various additional defined benefit pension plans for our foreign based employees. Pension expense for our Canadian defined benefit pension plans which is included in continuing operations was $.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and $1.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Pension expense for our Canadian defined benefit pension plans was $.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and $1.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Pension expense for our U.K. Operations which were sold in May 2008 and are included in discontinued operations was $.4 million and $.6 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, and $.2 million and $.4 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively.
 
Components of the net periodic benefit cost for our domestic postretirement benefits other than pensions are as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Service cost – benefits earned during the period
  $ 1     $ 1     $ 2     $ 2  
Interest cost
    4       4       8       7  
Expected return on assets
    -       -       -       -  
Recognized (gains) losses
    (1 )     -       (2 )     -  
(Gains) losses on curtailment
    (4 )     -       (4 )     -  
                                 
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ -     $ 5     $ 4     $ 9  
                                 
 
12.   Business Segments
 
Through 2007, we reported the results of operations in three business segments: Consumer, Credit Card Services and International. In May 2007, we decided to integrate our Retail Services business, which had historically been included in the Consumer Segment, into our Credit Card Services business. In the first quarter of 2008, we completed the integration of management reporting for our Credit Card Services and Retail Services business which has resulted in the combination of these previously separate businesses into one reporting unit and began reporting results for the Cards and Retail Services segment.
 
Our segment disclosures are on a continuing operations basis. As discussed in Note 2, “Discontinued Operations,” our U.K. Operations, which were historically reported in the International Segment, are now reported as


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
discontinued operations and are no longer included in our segment presentation. Our Canadian operations, which comprised the remainder of our International Segment, fall below the quantitative threshold test under SFAS No. 131 for determining reportable segments and are now being reported in the “All Other” caption.
 
As a result, beginning in the second quarter of 2008 and going forward, we are reporting our financial results under two reportable segments: Consumer and Card and Retail Services. Our Consumer segment consists of our Consumer Lending, Mortgage Services and Auto Finance businesses. Our Card and Retail Services segment includes our domestic MasterCard, Visa, private label and other credit card operations. The All Other caption includes our Canada, Insurance, Taxpayer Financial Services and Commercial businesses, each of which falls below the quantitative threshold test under SFAS No. 131 for determining reportable segments, as well as our corporate and treasury activities. Segment financial information has been restated for all periods presented to reflect this new segmentation. There have been no other changes in the basis of our segmentation or measurement of segment profit as compared with the presentation in our 2007 Form 10-K.
 
We report results to our parent, HSBC, in accordance with its reporting basis, IFRSs. Our segment results are presented on an IFRS Management Basis (a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure) as operating results are monitored and reviewed, trends are evaluated and decisions about allocating resources such as employees are made almost exclusively on an IFRS Management Basis. IFRS Management Basis results are IFRSs results adjusted to assume that the private label and real estate secured receivables transferred to HSBC Bank USA have not been sold and remain on our balance sheet. IFRS Management Basis also assumes that the purchase accounting fair value adjustments relating to our acquisition by HSBC have been “pushed down” to HSBC Finance Corporation. Operations are monitored and trends are evaluated on an IFRS Management Basis because the receivable sales to HSBC Bank USA were conducted primarily to appropriately fund prime customer loans within HSBC and such receivables continue to be managed and serviced by us without regard to ownership. However, we continue to monitor capital adequacy, establish dividend policy and report to regulatory agencies on a U.S. GAAP basis.
 
Fair value adjustments related to purchase accounting resulting from our acquisition by HSBC and related amortization have been allocated to Corporate, which is included in the “All Other” caption within our segment disclosure.


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
Reconciliation of our IFRS Management Basis segment results to the U.S. GAAP consolidated totals are as follows:
 
                                                                         
                            IFRS
                         
                            Management
                         
          Card
                Basis
                      U.S. GAAP
 
          and
          Adjustments/
    Continuing
    Management
          IFRS
    Continuing
 
          Retail
    All
    Reconciling
    Operation
    Basis
    IFRS
    Reclass-
    Operation
 
    Consumer     Services     Other     Items     Totals     Adjustments(4)     Adjustments(5)     ifications(6)     Totals  
    (in millions)  
 
Three months ended June 30, 2008
                                                                       
Net interest income
  $ 1,482     $ 1,263     $ 206     $ -     $ 2,951     $ (349 )   $ (141 )   $ (26 )   $ 2,435  
Other operating income (Total other revenues)
    22       774       (758 )     (54 )(1)     (16 )     (15 )     (151 )     121       (61 )
Loan impairment charges (Provision for credit losses)
    2,150       1,236       63       -       3,449       (380 )     186       (9 )     3,246  
Operating expenses (Total costs and expenses)
    448       538       227       -       1,213       12       24       104       1,353  
Profit (loss) before tax
    (1,094 )     263       (842 )     (54 )     (1,727 )     4       (502 )     -       (2,225 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (699 )     161       (548 )     (34 )     (1,120 )     9       (322 )     -       (1,433 )
Customer loans (Receivables)
    109,783       46,778       4,377       -       160,938       (20,306 )     (292 )     (9,439 )     130,901  
Assets
    105,271       45,209       34,909       (8,082 )(3)     177,307       (19,276 )     (7,038 )     (253 )     150,740  
Intersegment revenues
    45       4       4       (53 )(1)     -       -       -       -       -  
                                                                         
Three months ended June 30, 2007
                                                                       
Net interest income
  $ 1,832     $ 1,138     $ (84 )   $ -     $ 2,886     $ (327 )   $ 28     $ (20 )   $ 2,567  
Other operating income (Total other revenues)
    8       920       42       (74 )(1)     896       38       (107 )     90       917  
Loan impairment charges (Provision for credit losses)
    1,175       847       37       1(2 )     2,060       (215 )     9       -       1,854  
Operating expenses (Total costs and expenses)
    608       635       186       -       1,429       1       (3 )     70       1,497  
Profit (loss) before tax
    57       576       (265 )     (75 )     293       (75 )     (85 )     -       133  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    36       368       (114 )     (48 )     242       (51 )     (90 )     -       101  
Customer loans (Receivables)
    121,513       46,712       4,507       -       172,732       (20,395 )     183       (492 )     152,028  
Assets
    120,848       46,366       33,757       (8,204 )(3)     192,767       (19,920 )     (4,931 )     (912 )     167,004  
Intersegment revenues
    54       16       4       (74 )(1)     -       -       -       -       -  
                                                                         
Six months ended June 30, 2008
                                                                       
Net interest income
  $ 3,044     $ 2,565     $ 242     $ -     $ 5,851     $ (712 )   $ (195 )   $ (50 )   $ 4,894  
Other operating income (Total other revenues)
    (2 )     1,617       611       (107 )(1)     2,119       (51 )     (110 )     306       2,264  
Loan impairment charges (Provision for credit losses)
    4,308       2,260       118       -       6,686       (749 )     201       (15 )     6,123  
Operating expenses (Total costs and expenses)
    912       1,118       428       -       2,458       24       50       271       2,803  
Profit (loss) before tax
    (2,178 )     804       307       (107 )     (1,174 )     (38 )     (556 )     -       (1,768 )
Net income (loss)
    (1,393 )     509       166       (68 )     (786 )     (21 )     (368 )     -       (1,175 )
Six months ended June 30, 2007
                                                                       
Net interest income
  $ 3,689     $ 2,260     $ (206 )   $ -     $ 5,743     $ (640 )   $ 43     $ (23 )   $ 5,123  
Other operating income (Total other revenues)
    44       1,774       581       (141 )(1)     2,258       80       (66 )     145       2,417  
Loan impairment charges (Provision for credit losses)
    2,230       1,432       69       3(2 )     3,734       (388 )     -       -       3,346  
Operating expenses (Total costs and expenses)
    1,217       1,267       387       -       2,871       -       (5 )     122       2,988  
Profit (loss) before tax
    286       1,335       (81 )     (144 )     1,396       (172 )     (18 )     -       1,206  
Net income (loss)
    180       852       71       (91 )     1,012       (117 )     (100 )     -       795  
                                                                         
 
 
(1)  Eliminates intersegment revenues.
 
(2)  Eliminates bad debt recovery sales between operating segments.
 
(3)  Eliminates investments in subsidiaries and intercompany borrowings.
 
(4)  Management Basis Adjustments represent the private label and real estate secured receivables transferred to HBUS.
 
(5)  IFRS Adjustments consist of the accounting differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRSs which have been described more fully below.
 
(6)  Represents differences in balance sheet and income statement presentation between IFRSs and U.S. GAAP.


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
 
See “Basis of Reporting” in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for a more complete discussion of differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. Further discussion of the differences between IFRSs and U.S. GAAP are presented in Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-Q under the caption “Basis of Reporting.” A summary of the significant differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRSs as they impact our results are presented below:
 
Net interest income – The calculation of effective interest rates under IFRS 39 requires an estimate of “all fees and points paid or recovered between parties to the contract” that are an integral part of the effective interest rate be included. U.S. GAAP generally prohibits recognition of interest income to the extent the net interest in the loan would increase to an amount greater than the amount at which the borrower could settle the obligation. Under U.S. GAAP, prepayment penalties are generally recognized as received. U.S. GAAP also includes interest income on loans held for resale which is included in other revenues for IFRSs.
 
Loan origination cost deferrals under IFRSs are more stringent and result in lower costs being deferred than permitted under U.S. GAAP. In addition, all deferred loan origination fees, costs and loan premiums must be recognized based on the expected life of the receivables under IFRSs as part of the effective interest calculation while under U.S. GAAP they may be recognized on either a contractual or expected life basis.
 
Under IFRSs, net interest income includes the interest element for derivatives which corresponds to debt designated at fair value. For U.S. GAAP, this is included as in Gain (loss) on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives which is a component of other revenues. Additionally, under IFRSs, insurance investment income is included in net interest income instead of as a component of other revenues under U.S. GAAP.
 
Other operating income (total other revenues) – In addition to the items discussed above which are presented differently between U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, other revenues under IFRSs includes policyholder benefits expense which is classified as other expense under U.S. GAAP.
 
IFRSs requires loans designated as held for resale at the time of origination to be treated as trading assets and recorded at their fair market value. Under U.S. GAAP, loans designated as held for resale are reflected as loans and recorded at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Under IFRSs, the income and expenses related to receivables held for sale are reported in other operating income. Under U.S. GAAP, the income and expenses related to receivables held for sale are reported similarly to loans held for investment.
 
For receivables transferred to held for sale subsequent to origination, there are no accounting requirements under IFRSs for loans that management intends to sell. Accordingly, for IFRSs purposes such loans continue to be accounted for in accordance with IAS 39 with any gain or loss recorded at the time of sale. U.S. GAAP requires loans that management intends to sell to be transferred to a held for sale category at the lower of cost or fair value. Under U.S. GAAP, the component of the lower of cost or fair value adjustment related to credit risk is recorded in the statement of income (loss) as provision for credit losses while the component related to interest rates and liquidity factors is reported in the statement of income (loss) in other revenues.
 
Loan impairment charges (provision for credit losses) – IFRSs requires a discounted cash flow methodology for estimating impairment on pools of homogeneous customer loans which requires the incorporation of the time value of money relating to recovery estimates. Also under IFRSs, future recoveries on charged-off loans are accrued for on a discounted basis and a recovery asset is recorded. Subsequent recoveries are recorded to earnings under U.S. GAAP, but are adjusted against the recovery asset under IFRSs. Interest is recorded based on collectibility under IFRSs.
 
As discussed above, under U.S. GAAP the credit risk component of the lower of cost or fair value adjustment related to the transfer of receivables to held for sale is recorded in the statement of income (loss) as provision for credit losses. There is no similar requirement under IFRSs.
 
Operating expenses (total costs and expenses) – Amortization of intangible assets under IFRSs is lower than that under U.S. GAAP as the intangibles associated with our acquisition by HSBC are reflected in goodwill. Operating expenses are also lower under IFRSs as policyholder benefits expenses are reported as an offset to other revenues as


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
discussed above. There are other less significant differences between IFRSs and U.S. GAAP relating to pension expense and changes in tax estimates.
 
Customer loans (receivables) – On an IFRSs basis loans designated as held for sale at the time of origination and accrued interest are classified in other assets. However, the accounting requirements governing when receivables previously held for investment are transferred to a held for sale category are more stringent under IFRS than under U.S. GAAP. Unearned insurance premiums are reported as a reduction to receivables on a U.S. GAAP basis but are reported as insurance reserves for IFRSs.
 
Assets – In addition to the differences in customer loan balances as discussed above, securities under IFRSs includes HSBC Group shares held for stock plans at fair value. Additionally, there are higher derivative related assets under IFRSs compared to U.S. GAAP due to more stringent netting requirements.
 
13.   Fair Value Option
 
Effective January 1, 2007, we elected fair value option (“FVO”) reporting for certain issuances of our fixed rate debt in order to align our accounting treatment with that of HSBC under IFRSs. To align our U.S. GAAP and IFRSs accounting treatment, we have adopted SFAS No. 159 only for the fixed rate debt issuances which also qualify for FVO reporting under IFRSs.
 
Long term debt (with original maturities over one year) at June 30, 2008 of $112.9 billion includes $32.9 billion of fixed rate debt accounted for under FVO. At June 30, 2008, we have not elected FVO for $31.3 billion of fixed rate debt for the reasons discussed above. Fixed rate debt accounted for under FVO at June 30, 2008 has an aggregate unpaid principal balance of $33.4 billion which includes a foreign currency translation adjustment relating to our foreign denominated FVO debt which increased the debt balance by $765 million. Long term debt (with original maturities over one year) at December 31, 2007 of $122.8 billion includes $32.9 billion of fixed rate debt accounted for under FVO. At December 31, 2007, we have not elected FVO for $34.3 billion of fixed rate debt for the reasons discussed above. Fixed rate debt accounted for under FVO at December 31, 2007 has an aggregate unpaid principal balance of $33.2 billion which included a foreign currency translation adjustment relating to our foreign denominated FVO debt which increased the debt balance by $.5 billion.
 
The components of “Gain on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives” are as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Mark-to-market on debt designated at fair value:
                               
Interest rate component
  $ 980     $ 515     $ (49 )   $ 373  
Credit risk component
    (971 )     (6 )     325       238  
                                 
Total mark-to-market on debt designated at fair value
    9       509       276       611  
Mark-to-market on the related derivatives
    (934 )     (557 )     (5 )     (439 )
Net realized gains (losses) on the related derivatives
    56       (82 )     41       (158 )
                                 
Total
  $ (869 )   $ (130 )   $ 312     $ 14  
                                 
 
The movement in the fair value reflected in “Gain on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives” includes the effect of credit spread changes and interest rate changes, including any ineffectiveness in the relationship between the related swaps and our debt. With respect to the credit component, as credit spreads narrow accounting losses are booked and the reverse is true if credit spreads widen. Differences arise between the movement in the fair value of our debt and the fair value of the related swap due to the different credit characteristics. The size and direction of the accounting consequences of such changes can be volatile from period to period but do not alter the cash flows intended as part of the documented interest rate management strategy.


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
The changes in the interest component during the second quarter of 2008 reflect an increase in long term interest rates. The second quarter increase in interest rates essentially offset decreases to long term interest rates experienced in the first quarter of 2008. During the first half of 2008, short term interest rates were down substantially compared to the year-ago period while long term rates were relatively flat. Our credit spreads narrowed significantly in the second quarter of 2008, partially offsetting the widening of credit spreads that occurred during the first quarter of 2008.
 
14.   Fair Value Measurements
 
Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The following table presents information about our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs use quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs use inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets where there are few transactions and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.
 
                                 
    Assets
                   
    (Liabilities)
    Quoted Prices in
             
    Measured at
    Active Markets for
    Significant Other
    Significant
 
    Fair Value at
    Identical Assets
    Observable Inputs
    Unobservable Inputs
 
    Balance Sheet Date     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
   
    (in millions)  
 
June 30, 2008:
                               
Risk management related derivatives, net(1)
  $ 5,206     $ -     $ 5,206     $ -  
Available for sale securities
    3,301       494       2,756       51  
Real estate owned(2)
    1,296       -       1,296       -  
Repossessed vehicles(2)
    50       -       50       -  
Long term debt carried at fair value
    32,863       -       32,863       -  
December 31, 2007:
                               
Risk management related derivatives, net(1)
  $ 3,776     $ -     $ 3,776     $ -  
Available for sale securities
    3,152       267       2,885       -  
Real estate owned(2)
    1,151       -       1,151       -  
Repossessed vehicles(2)
    83       -       83       -  
Long term debt carried at fair value
    32,896       -       32,896       -  
 
 
(1)  The fair value disclosed excludes swap collateral that we either receive or deposit with our interest rate swap counterparties. Such swap collateral is recorded on our balance sheet at an amount which “approximates fair value” as discussed in FASB Staff Position No. FIN 39-1, “Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39” and is netted on the balance sheet with the fair value amount recognized for derivative instruments.
 
(2)  The fair value disclosed is unadjusted for transaction costs as required by SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” The amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheet are recorded net of transaction costs as required by FASB Statement No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
 
The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances for assets recorded at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
 
         
    Securities  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Beginning balance at March 31, 2008
  $ -  
Transfers into Level 3(2)
    59  
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
       
Included in income from continuing operations
    -  
Included in other comprehensive income(1)
    (8 )
         
Ending balance at June 30, 2008
  $ 51  
         
 
 
(1)  The change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at June 30, 2008 was $(8) million.
 
(2)  Represents a mortgage backed security held by our Canadian subsidiary.
 
Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis On a non-recurring basis, receivables held for sale are recorded in our consolidated balance sheet at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. At June 30, 2008, receivables held for sale which have been recorded at fair value totaled $3.1 billion, excluding $6.3 billion of receivables held for sale for which the fair value exceeds our carrying value. At June 30, 2008, receivables held for sale with a carrying value of $3.5 billion were written down to their current fair value resulting in an impairment charge of $436 million, of which $386 million was recorded as a charge to earnings during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and $395 million in the year-to-date period. At December 31, 2007, receivables held for sale which have been recorded at fair value totaled $71 million, excluding $9 million of receivables held for sale for which the fair value exceeds our carrying value. At December 31, 2007, receivables held for sale with a carrying value of $129 million were written down to their current fair value resulting in an impairment charge of $58 million. Receivables held for sale which are carried at fair value are considered to be Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques.
 
Assets and liabilities which could also be measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include goodwill and intangible assets.
 
15.   New Accounting Pronouncements
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (Revised), Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141(R)”). This statement requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at fair value as of the date of acquisition. This replaces the guidance in Statement No. 141 which required the cost of an acquisition to be allocated to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. SFAS No. 141(R) also changes the recognition and measurement criteria for certain assets and liabilities including those arising from contingencies, contingent consideration, and bargain purchases. SFAS 141 No.(R) is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (SFAS No. 160). This statement amends ARB 51 and provides guidance on the accounting and reporting of noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 requires disclosure of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest on the face of the consolidated statement of income. This statement also requires expanded disclosures that identify and distinguish between parent and noncontrolling interests. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact that SFAS No. 160 will have on our financial position or results of operations.


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP SFAS No. 140-3, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions” (FSP SFAS No. 140-3”). Under the new guidance, the initial transfer of a financial asset and subsequent repurchase financing involving the same asset is presumptively to be linked and are considered part of the same arrangement under SFAS No. 140. The initial transfer and subsequent financing transaction will be considered separate transactions under SFAS No. 140 if certain conditions are met. FSP SFAS No. 140-3 is effective for new transactions entered into in fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. Early adoption is prohibited. We are currently evaluating the impact of FSP SFAS No. 140-3 on our financial position and results of operations.
 
In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“SFAS No. 161”). SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities and attempts to improve transparency in financial reporting. SFAS No. 161 requires entities to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments; (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations; and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedge items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. It is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 with early adoption encouraged. SFAS No. 161 encourages, but does not require, comparative disclosures for earlier periods at initial adoption. We are currently evaluating the changes required by this statement to our disclosures on derivative investment and hedging activities.
 
In May 2008, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS No. 162”). The new standard identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for applying those principles to financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The statement supersedes Statement on Auditing Standards No. 69, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” The standard is not intended to cause significant changes to financial reports. SFAS No. 162 shall be effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” The adoption of SFAS No. 162 will not have any material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
In May 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 163, “Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 60” (“SFAS No. 163”). SFAS No. 163 applies to financial guarantee insurance (and reinsurance) contracts issued by enterprises that are included within the scope of paragraph 6 of Statement 60 and that are not accounted for as derivative instruments. It clarifies how Statement 60 applies to financial guarantee insurance contracts, including the recognition and measurement of premium revenue and claim liabilities. This statement requires expanded disclosures about financial guarantee insurance contracts. SFAS No. 163 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and all interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the impact that SFAS No. 163 may have on our financial position or results of operations.
 
16. Subsequent Events
 
In July 2008, we continued to evaluate and refine strategies for our business. As a result, we have made the following strategic decisions related to our Canadian and Auto Finance businesses:
 
  •   Canada — In July 2008, we decided to sell the common stock of HSBC Financial Corporation Limited, the holding company for our Canadian business (“Canadian Operations”) to an HSBC affiliate. Subject to regulatory approval, it is anticipated that ultimate ownership of the Canadian Operations will reside with HSBC Bank Canada. The projected aggregate sales price will be established based upon an independent valuation but is expected to be between $325 million and $365 million. The sale is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2008 and is subject to certain approvals, including from regulatory authorities. Because the sale of our Canadian Operations is between affiliates under common control, the book value of the investment in our Canadian Operations in excess of the consideration received will be recorded as a decrease to common shareholder’s equity. At June 30, 2008, assets in our Canadian Operations totaled $5.2 billion, consisting


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primarily of net receivables of $4.4 billion, and liabilities which totaled $4.8 billion, consisting primarily of long term debt of $4.6 billion. As a result of this decision, our operations will be limited to the United States.
 
  •  Auto Finance — In July 2008, we decided to discontinue new auto loan originations from the dealer and direct-to-consumer channels. We will honor all outstanding loan commitments to our customers but anticipate that all new originations in these channels will cease within a 90 day period. We intend to continue offering auto loans in our Consumer Lending branch offices through the autos-in-branches program until we establish an alliance with a third party provider who will originate these loans going forward.
 
     We will continue to service and collect the existing auto loan portfolio as it pays down. As a result of our decision to exit the Auto Finance business, we currently expect to incur cash closure costs of approximately $20 million (pre-tax) relating to costs associated with one-time termination and other employee benefits as well as lease termination. We currently anticipate a substantial portion of the estimated costs will be recognized during the second half of 2008. In addition, we anticipate we will incur an additional $5 million non-cash charge relating to impairment of fixed assets associated with our Auto Finance business, also to be recognized in the second half of 2008.


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Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, notes and tables included elsewhere in this report and with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (the “2007 Form 10-K”). MD&A may contain certain statements that may be forward-looking in nature within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, we may make or approve certain statements in future filings with the SEC, in press releases, or oral or written presentations by representatives of HSBC Finance Corporation that are not statements of historical fact and may also constitute forward-looking statements. Words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “would”, “could”, “intend”, “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “target”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “goal” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but should not be considered as the only means through which these statements may be made. These matters or statements will relate to our future financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, performance or business developments and will involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from that which was expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our current views and assumptions and speak only as of the date they are made. HSBC Finance Corporation undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent circumstances or events.
 
Executive Overview
 
HSBC Finance Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc (“HSBC”). HSBC Finance Corporation may also be referred to in MD&A as “we”, “us”, or “our”.
 
Net loss was $(1,445) million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to net income of $63 million in the prior year quarter. Net loss was $(1,190) million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to net income of $604 million in the prior year period. The decrease in net income in both periods is largely due to a markedly higher provision for credit losses as compared to the year-ago periods, the impact of lower of cost or fair value adjustments recorded for receivables transferred to held for sale and, for the three month period, significantly lower other revenues due largely to higher losses on debt designated at fair value. In addition, we experienced lower net interest income due to lower receivable levels and a deterioration in credit quality as well as lower other revenues excluding the impact of fair value option as compared to the year-ago periods, partially offset by lower costs and expenses.
 
In May 2008, we sold all of the common stock of Household International Europe, the holding company for our United Kingdom business (“U.K. Operations”) to HSBC Overseas Holdings (UK) Limited (“HOHU”), an HSBC affiliate. As a result, our U.K. Operations are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” (“SFAS No. 144”). See Note 2, “Discontinued Operations,” for a full presentation of the components of the loss from discontinued operations. Loss from continuing operations was $(1.4) billion during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and $(1.2) billion during the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to income from continuing operations of $101 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 and $795 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 for the reasons discussed above. The following discussion of our financial performance in this MD&A excludes the results of our discontinued operations unless otherwise noted.
 
The increase in provision for credit losses during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 primarily reflects higher losses in our Mortgage Services and Consumer Lending businesses as well as in our domestic credit card receivable portfolio due to the following:
 
•  Mortgage Services experienced higher levels of charge-offs and delinquency as the portfolio continued to season and progress as expected into later stages of delinquency and charge-off. Additionally during the first half of 2008, the credit loss estimates on our Mortgage Services portfolio increased as receivable run-off continued to


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slow, loss severities increased due to declines in real estate values and the adverse mortgage lending industry trends we had been experiencing worsened compared to the first half of 2007. Rising unemployment rates in certain markets and continued weakening in the U.S. economy also contributed to the increase.
 
•  Credit loss estimates in our Consumer Lending business increased primarily in our real estate secured receivable portfolio driven by an accelerated deterioration of portions of that portfolio which began in the second half of 2007. Charge-off and delinquency continued to increase during the first half of 2008 due to the marketplace changes as discussed below. Lower receivable run-off, portfolio seasoning and higher loss severities due to continued deterioration in real estate values in certain markets also resulted in a higher real estate secured credit loss provision, as did rising unemployment rates in certain markets and continued weakening in the U.S. economy. Credit loss estimates for Consumer Lending’s personal non-credit card portfolio also increased due to higher levels of charge-off and delinquency resulting from a deterioration in 2006 and 2007 vintages which was more pronounced in certain geographic regions, increased levels of personal bankruptcy filings and continued weakening in the U.S. economy.
 
•  Credit loss estimates in our credit card receivable portfolio increased as a result of portfolio seasoning, increased levels of personal bankruptcy filings, continued weakening in the U.S. economy including rising unemployment rates, higher average credit card receivable balances, lower recovery rates and higher levels of non-prime receivables as compared to the year-ago periods. Credit loss estimates for domestic auto finance receivables increased as a result of increased severities particularly for less fuel efficient vehicles and the continued weakening in the U.S. economy as discussed above.
 
Provision for credit losses was also higher during the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008 as a result of the transfer of $9.4 billion of real estate secured, auto finance and credit card receivables, which were previously held for investment, and the related transfer of credit loss reserves of $645 million to receivables held for sale. These receivables are now carried at the lower of cost or fair value which resulted in a cumulative lower of cost or fair value adjustment of $386 million, of which $185 million was recorded as a component of Provision for credit losses and $201 million was recorded as a component of Other income. See Note 5, “Receivables and Receivables Held for Sale,” in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the lower of cost or fair value adjustment for these receivables held for sale and the composition of these receivables.
 
Excluding the lower of cost or fair value adjustment for the transfer of receivables held for sale, we recorded loss provision in excess of net charge-offs of $361 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $346 million during the prior year quarter and $831 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $452 million during the prior year period. Consequently, our credit loss reserve levels increased during the first half of 2008. Reserve levels for real estate secured receivables at our Mortgage Services and Consumer Lending businesses can be further analyzed as follows:
 
                                 
    Consumer Lending     Mortgage Services  
Three months ended June 30,   2008     2007     2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Credit loss reserves at beginning of period
  $ 1,605     $ 439     $ 3,806     $ 2,140  
Provision for credit losses
    471       201       943       387  
Charge-offs
    (314 )     (151 )     (871 )     (386 )
Recoveries
    2       3       7       27  
Receivables transferred to held for sale
    (31 )     -       (38 )     -  
Release of credit loss reserves related to loan sales
    (2 )     -       (10 )     (21 )
                                 
Credit loss reserves at end of period
  $ 1,731     $ 492     $ 3,837     $ 2,147  
                                 
 


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    Consumer Lending     Mortgage Services  
Six months ended June 30,   2008     2007     2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Credit loss reserves at beginning of period
  $ 1,386     $ 278     $ 3,573     $ 2,085  
Provision for credit losses
    949       476       1,883       741  
Charge-offs
    (575 )     (268 )     (1,594 )     (696 )
Recoveries
    4       6       23       38  
Receivables transferred to held for sale
    (31 )     -       (38 )     -  
Release of credit loss reserves related to loan sales
    (2 )     -       (10 )     (21 )
                                 
Credit loss reserves at end of period
  $ 1,731     $ 492     $ 3,837     $ 2,147  
                                 
 
The decrease in net interest income in the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 was due to lower average receivables and lower overall yields, partially offset by lower interest expense. Overall yields decreased due to deterioration in credit quality including growth in non-performing assets, lower amortization of deferred fees due to lower loan prepayments and lower loan origination volumes, and decreases in rates on variable rate products which reflect market rate movements, partially offset by increased levels of higher yielding products. Gain (loss) on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives, which is a component of other revenues, decreased during the three months ended June 30, 2008 due to a significant narrowing of credit spreads during the quarter as opposed to those experienced in the first quarter of 2008. Changes in the credit component of fair value optioned debt decreased other revenues by $869 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared to a decrease of $130 million in the year-ago quarter. Gain (loss) on fair value option debt increased during the six months ended June 30, 2008, as credit spreads were wider during the first half of 2008 as compared to the year-ago period. Excluding the gain on fair value optioned debt, other revenues decreased due to lower fee income and the lower of cost or fair value adjustment on receivables held for sale as discussed above, partially offset by lower losses on Decision One receivables held for sale due to the closing of Decision One in the third quarter of 2007. For the year-to-date period, other revenue also decreased due to lower taxpayer financial services revenue due to strategic changes in product offerings, including fewer relationships with third-party preparers and the discontinuation of pre-season and pre-file loan products. Fee income decreased due to changes in credit card fee practices implemented during the fourth quarter of 2007 and the second quarter of 2008 as well as higher charge-offs due to credit quality deterioration, partially offset by the impact of higher levels of average credit card receivables and increased late fees due to higher delinquency levels. Costs and expenses decreased in both periods due to lower salary expense, lower marketing expenses, lower sales incentives and the impact of entity-wide initiatives to reduce costs, partially offset by higher collection costs and REO expenses.
 
Our return on average owned assets (“ROA”) for continuing operations was (3.73) percent for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 and (1.50) percent for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to .24 percent for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 and .92 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The decrease in ROA in both periods is primarily due to the significant loss from continuing operations during the current period.
 
We experienced a marked decline in net income in the current quarter as compared to the previous quarter. Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit was $(2,225) million for the three months ended June 30,

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2008 compared to income from continuing operations before income tax expense of $457 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008. The primary drivers of this decrease are summarized below:
 
         
    (pre-tax,
 
    in millions)  
   
 
Income from continuing operations – quarter ended March 31, 2008
  $ 457  
Lower gain on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives
    (2,050 )
Lower of cost or fair value adjustment on receivables held for sale, including provision component
    (386 )
Higher provision for credit losses, excluding the provision component related to receivables held for sale
    (184 )
Lower taxpayer financial services revenue
    (141 )
Other, net
    79  
         
Loss from continuing operations – quarter ended June 30, 2008
  $ (2,225 )
         
 
The lower gains on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives was driven by a significant narrowing of credit spreads during the second quarter of 2008 as compared to a widening experienced during the first quarter of 2008. The higher provision for credit losses in the second quarter of 2008 was largely driven by higher credit loss estimates in our Mortgage Services and Consumer Lending real estate secured portfolios as well as in our credit card receivable portfolio as previously discussed.
 
We continue to monitor several trends affecting the mortgage lending industry. Industry statistics and reports indicate that mortgage loan originations throughout the industry from 2005, 2006 and early 2007 are performing worse than originations from prior periods. Real estate markets in a large portion of the United States have been affected by a general slowing in the rate of appreciation in property values, or an actual decline in some markets such as California, Florida and Arizona, while the period of time properties remain unsold in many markets continues to increase. During the second half of 2007 and continuing into 2008, there has been unprecedented turmoil in the mortgage lending industry, including rating agency downgrades of debt secured by subprime mortgages of some issuers which contributed to a marked reduction in secondary market demand for subprime loans. The lower secondary market demand for subprime loans resulted in reduced liquidity for subprime mortgages. In response to sharply higher delinquency and charge-off rates, mortgage lenders have tightened lending standards which impacts borrowers’ ability to refinance existing mortgage loans. The rate of home price depreciation in certain markets increased significantly during the first half of 2008. It is generally believed that the slowdown in the housing market will continue to impact housing prices through 2009. The combination of these factors, including the exit of a number of mortgage lenders, has further reduced the ability of many of our customers to refinance as accessing any equity in their homes is no longer an option. This impacts both credit performance and run-off rates and has resulted in rising delinquency rates in our portfolios and across the industry, particularly for real estate secured loans.
 
In the second quarter of 2008, we continued to see unemployment rates rising in the same markets which are experiencing the greatest home value depreciation. Continued high gasoline and home energy costs as well as a general slowing of the U.S. economy are also significant factors in deteriorating credit performance. Economy.com and many economists continue to believe a number of U.S. market sectors and geographic areas are already in a recession and that consumer confidence is as low as it has been since the early 1980’s. These economic conditions have impacted the ability of some borrowers to make payments on their loans, including any increase in their adjustable rate mortgage (“ARM”) loan payment as the interest rates on their loans adjust under their contracts. Interest rate adjustments on first mortgages may also have a direct impact on a borrower’s ability to repay any underlying second lien mortgage loan on a property. The increasing inventory of homes for sale and declining property values in many markets is resulting in increased loss severity on homes that are foreclosed and remarketed and is also impacting the ability of some of our customers to continue to pay on their loans. In the event of a wide-scale, prolonged or deep recession in the U.S., our credit losses can be expected to increase.


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Consumer Lending has previously reported weakening early stage performance in certain real estate secured loans originated since late 2005, consistent with the industry trends, and that this weakening early stage delinquency had begun to migrate into later stage delinquency. As expected, this trend continued in the first half of 2008 as our delinquency ratios continued to rise, largely as a result of the marketplace conditions discussed above. Credit performance of our Consumer Lending mortgage portfolio continued to deteriorate across all vintages, but particularly in loans which were originated in 2006 and the first half of 2007. In the first half of 2008, dollars of two-months-and-over contractual delinquency in our Consumer Lending real estate secured portfolio increased $678 million, or 32 percent since December 31, 2007. The deterioration has been most severe in the first lien portions of the portfolio in the geographic regions most impacted by the housing market downturn and rising unemployment rates, particularly in the states of California, Florida, Arizona, Virginia, Washington, Maryland, Minnesota, Massachusetts and New Jersey which account for approximately 50 percent of the increase in dollars of two-months-and-over contractual delinquency. At June 30, 2008, approximately 39 percent of Consumer Lending’s real estate secured portfolio was located in these nine states. Additionally, we are experiencing pronounced increases in delinquency in geographic regions which are experiencing significant increases in unemployment rates. Loss severities on foreclosed homes increased during the first half of 2008 and are expected to continue at increased levels into 2009. This continuing trend and increased charge-offs have resulted in an increase in the provision for credit losses at our Consumer Lending business in the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the year-ago periods.
 
In response to this deterioration, during 2007 and 2008 Consumer Lending took steps to address the growing delinquency in its portfolios and made numerous changes in its product offerings and underwriting standards to reduce risk in its real estate secured and personal non-credit card receivable portfolios going forward. These actions have resulted in lower new loan originations in the first half of 2008 and are expected to materially reduce origination volume in our Consumer Lending business. In 2007, Consumer Lending reduced its branch network to approximately 1,000 branches at December 31, 2007. During 2008, we continued our ongoing branch optimization program which began in 2006 which eliminated approximately 100 additional branches. These branch closures have resulted in lower costs and expenses in the first half of 2008.
 
Additionally, as expected during the first half of 2008 we experienced further credit deterioration and higher credit loss estimates in loans acquired by our Mortgage Services business in 2005 and 2006 due to the marketplace conditions discussed above and the continued slowing of the U.S. economy. After rising initially in early 2008, dollars of two-month-and-over contractual delinquency in our Mortgage Services business have decreased over recent months and are now consistent with delinquency levels at December 31, 2007. While we recognize the positive impact of the federal economic stimulus tax rebate checks issued during the second quarter of 2008 on delinquency levels at June 30, 2008, the possibility exists that dollars of delinquency may rise during the second half of 2008 in response to continued depreciation in home values, rising unemployment rates and the overall condition of the U.S. economy. A number of our second lien customers have underlying adjustable rate first mortgages held by us or other lenders that face repricing. In certain cases, this reset may negatively impact the probability of repayment on our second lien mortgage loan. As the interest rate adjustments will occur in a slower economic environment marked by increased unemployment, lower home value appreciation or depreciation and tightened credit, we expect default rates for adjustable rate first mortgages subject to repricing as well as any second lien mortgage loans that are subordinate to an adjustable rate first lien held by another lender to remain elevated.
 
Based on the economic environment and expected slow recovery of housing values, we have identified customers who are willing to pay, but are expected to have longer term disruptions in their ability to pay. In the later part of the first quarter of 2008, we began expanding and enhancing our modification and restructure programs in an effort to keep more customers in their homes, while maximizing future cash flows. See “Credit Quality” for a complete discussion of our policies and practices for the collection of consumer receivables, including our account management policies and practices.
 
We expect our real estate secured receivable portfolios as well as the majority of our remaining domestic receivable portfolios to remain under significant pressure for the remainder of 2008 and into 2009 as the affected originations season further. We expect these marketplace and broader economic conditions will have a marked impact on our


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overall delinquency and charge-off dollars and percentages throughout 2008 and into 2009 as compared to 2007, the extent of which will be based on future economic conditions, their impact on customer payment patterns and other external factors which are beyond our control.
 
In March 2008, we decided to reduce the size of our Auto Finance business which has historically purchased retail installment contracts from active dealer relationships throughout the U.S. We discontinued our dealer relationships in several select states, primarily in the Northeast, and discontinued certain product offerings. These actions are expected to significantly reduce our new loan origination volumes. We estimate these actions could reduce net interest income and other revenues for our Auto Finance business by approximately $52 million during the remainder of 2008. As a result of these decisions, we recorded a restructuring charge of $3 million relating to severance costs during the first quarter of 2008.
 
In May 2008, as part of our continuing evaluation of strategic alternatives with respect to our U.K. Operations, we sold all of the common stock of Household International Europe, the holding company for our U.K. Operations, to an HSBC affiliate. The sales price was GBP 181 million (equivalent to approximately $359 million). Because the sale was between affiliates under common control, the book value of the investment in our U.K. Operations in excess of the consideration received which totaled $576 million was recorded as a decrease to common shareholder’s equity. Of this amount, $196 million was reflected as a decrease to additional paid in capital and $380 million was reflected as a decrease to foreign currency translation adjustments within other comprehensive income.
 
As a result of our decision in the fourth quarter of 2007 to slow credit card receivable growth and in an effort to optimize our facility and staffing capacity, in June 2008 we decided to close our servicing facilities located in Jacksonville, Florida and White Marsh, Maryland (the “Servicing Facilities”). The closure of the Servicing Facilities will occur during the third quarter of 2008. The servicing activities performed in the Servicing Facilities will be redeployed to other facilities in our Card and Retail Services businesses. Additionally, we decided to eliminate positions in a number of different functions across our Card and Retail Services business. We have incurred closure costs of $12 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008. No further restructuring charges are anticipated. We currently estimate that expenses could be reduced by approximately $20 million during 2009 as a result of this decision.
 
We previously disclosed that we were considering the sale of our General Motors (“GM”) MasterCard receivable portfolio to HSBC Bank USA in order to maximize the efficient use of capital and liquidity at both entities. In June 2008, we decided to proceed with the sale, subject to obtaining the necessary regulatory and other approvals and expect HSBC Bank USA to apply for regulatory approval in the third quarter. We will, however, maintain the customer account relationships. As we no longer have the intent to hold these receivables for the foreseeable future, we have classified the GM MasterCard portfolio which totaled $6.3 billion as held for sale at June 30, 2008. Subsequent to the initial sale of receivables, additional volume will be sold to HSBC Bank USA on a daily basis. Following the sale of the GM portfolio we expect our net interest income, fee income and provision for credit losses will be reduced but our other income would increase due to gains from the initial and continuing sales of GM MasterCard receivables in the future and the receipt of servicing revenue on the portfolio from HSBC Bank USA. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the timing as to when or if regulatory and other approvals will be received and, therefore, when the related asset sale will be completed. However, if regulatory and other approvals are received, we currently expect that we will recognize an after-tax gain on sale of approximately $160 million when the GM portfolio is sold to HSBC Bank USA. Updates to the information on the financial impact of the proposed transfer will be reported as the approval process progresses.
 
During the first half of 2008, we continued to focus on managing risk and setting strategies for our businesses and product offerings to ensure we are providing our customers with the most value-added products while maximizing risk adjusted returns to HSBC. As a result of this on-going analysis, we have and expect to continue to tighten underwriting standards, intensify our risk management processes and focus on cost containment measures. Further refinement of our risk profile and strategies for all our business and product offerings may result in further adjustments in product type and underwriting standards going forward. We also continue to evaluate the optimal size of our balance sheet taking into consideration our desired risk profile, our liquidity and funding needs as well as


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our expected views of the subprime lending industry after the market returns to more normalized levels. As a result of this on-going evaluation, in addition to transferring the $6.3 billion of GM MasterCard portfolio to receivables held for sale as discussed above, we transferred an additional $3.1 billion of real estate secured and credit card receivables and the current portion of the Canadian auto finance receivable portfolio to receivables held for sale as we no longer have the intent to hold these receivables for the foreseeable future. We anticipate these receivables will be sold in the near term. This ongoing evaluation may result in additional strategic actions that could significantly change the scope and profile of our operations.
 
As part of our ongoing analysis of our business strategies, during the second quarter of 2008 our Consumer Lending business has launched a new program with HSBC Bank USA which offers fixed rate mortgage loans in six states that conform to underwriting criteria set forth by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (“Conforming Real Estate Secured Loans”). As government sponsored enterprises (“GSE”) purchase Conforming Real Estate Secured Loans for resale into the secondary market, Conforming Real Estate Secured Loans are generally considered highly liquid. The program currently identifies Consumer Lending customers who qualify for a Conforming Real Estate Secured Loan and originate the loan in accordance with GSE underwriting requirements. These Conforming Real Estate Secured Loans, which are considered held for sale at the time of origination, are sold to HSBC Bank USA generally within thirty days. HSBC Bank USA repackages the loans and sells them to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) under its existing Freddie Mac program. We anticipate a nation-wide rollout of this program during the third quarter of 2008.
 
Additionally, we are taking the steps necessary to issue loans in compliance with Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) guidelines through our retail branch network. Loans originated in accordance with FHA guidelines will be sold to HSBC Bank USA which in turn will repackage the loans for sale to the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”).
 
The financial information set forth below summarizes selected financial highlights of HSBC Finance Corporation from continuing operations as of June 30, 2008 and 2007 and for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended
    Six Months Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ (1,433 )   $ 101     $ (1,175 )   $ 795  
Return on average owned assets
    (3.73 )%     .24 %     (1.50 )%     .92 %
Return on average common shareholder’s equity (“ROE”)
    (42.19 )     2.05       (17.93 )     8.69  
Net interest margin
    6.56       6.49       6.49       6.41  
Consumer net charge-off ratio, annualized
    7.53       3.90       7.00       3.72  
Efficiency ratio(1)
    56.05       42.04       38.27       38.65  
 
 
(1)  Ratio of total costs and expenses less policyholders’ benefits to net interest income and other revenues less policyholders’ benefits.
 
                 
As of June 30,   2008     2007  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Receivables(1)
  $ 130,901     $ 152,028  
Two-month-and-over contractual delinquency ratios – continuing operations
    8.30 %     4.97 %
 
 
(1)  Excludes receivables held for sale.
 
Receivables were $130.9 billion at June 30, 2008, $145.7 billion at March 31, 2008 and $152.0 billion at June 30, 2007. In the second half of 2007 and continuing into the first half of 2008, we implemented risk mitigation efforts and changes to product offerings in all businesses which, when coupled with the discontinuation of loan originations in our Mortgage Services business, have resulted in reductions in new loan volumes during the first half of 2008. These volume reductions have resulted in a continuing decline in overall receivable levels since March 31, 2008. Decreases in real estate secured receivable balances at June 30, 2008 have been partially offset by a decline in loan


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prepayments resulting from fewer refinancing opportunities for our customers due to the previously discussed trends impacting the mortgage lending industry. Additionally as discussed above, during the second quarter of 2008 we transferred $9.4 billion of receivables, which were previously held for investment, to receivables held for sale.
 
Our two-months-and-over contractual delinquency ratio for continuing operations increased compared to both the prior year quarter and prior quarter. The overall delinquency ratio in the quarter was negatively impacted by lower receivable levels resulting from portfolio run-off as well as lower origination volumes resulting from the risk mitigation efforts and changes to our product offerings which began in the second half of 2007 and continued into 2008. Our delinquency ratio was also impacted by the continued deterioration in the marketplace and broader economic conditions, portfolio seasoning and a higher mix of non-prime receivables. Dollars of delinquency increased modestly in the second quarter of 2008 tempered by improvements in our domestic collection activities as a result of an extended seasonal benefit due to the federal economic stimulus tax rebate checks issued during the second quarter of 2008, increased collection capacity as well as increases in the volume of receivable restructures and modifications.
 
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average consumer receivables from continuing operations for the quarter increased compared to both the prior year quarter and prior quarter primarily in our real estate secured, credit card and personal non-credit card portfolios as the higher levels of delinquency we have experienced due to the marketplace and broader economic conditions are migrating to charge-off. A weakening U.S. economy has negatively impacted the net charge-off ratio for all of our domestic products. The impact of lower average receivable levels driven by the elimination of correspondent purchases and other risk mitigation efforts including changes in product offerings which began in the second half of 2007 and continued in the first half of 2008 as well as the impact of lower recovery rates for our credit card receivable portfolio have also resulted in an increase in our net charge-off ratio. Increases in the net charge-off ratio were partially offset by improvements in our domestic collection activities as discussed above.
 
Our efficiency ratio from continuing operations was 56.05 percent for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 compared to 42.04 percent in the year-ago quarter. Our efficiency ratio was 38.27 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 38.65 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Our efficiency ratio was significantly impacted by the change in the credit risk component of our fair value optioned debt for all of these periods. Excluding this item from both periods, our efficiency ratio deteriorated 19 basis points during the six months ended June 30, 2008 as lower net interest income and lower other revenues were partially offset by lower costs and expenses. Excluding the credit risk component of fair value optioned debt from both periods, our efficiency ratio improved 244 basis points during the three months ended June 30, 2008 as lower costs and expenses were partially offset by lower net interest income and other revenues. The reduction in costs and expenses was partially offset by higher REO and third party collection expenses resulting from the current marketplace conditions. The marked improvement in our efficiency ratio during the three months ended June 30, 2008 reflects the continuing decrease in costs and expenses as a result of our on-going entity-wide initiatives to reduce costs.
 
Our effective tax rate from continuing operations was (35.60) percent and (33.54) percent for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, compared to 24.06 percent and 34.08 percent in the year-ago periods. The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased as compared to the prior year quarter primarily as a result of declining low income housing tax credits as a percentage of pretax income. The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2008 decreased as compared to the year-ago period primarily as a result of a reduction in the amount of deferred tax assets as a result of limitations on the use of net operating losses in various states and the effects of leveraged lease accounting on early lease buyouts, partially offset by declining low income housing tax credits.
 
In the first quarter of 2008, HSBC Investments (North America) Inc. (“HINO”) made a capital contribution to us of $1.6 billion in exchange for one share of common stock. In the second quarter of 2008, HINO made a capital contribution to us of $600 million in exchange for one share of common stock. Both capital contributions were to support ongoing operations and to maintain capital at levels we believe are prudent in the current market conditions.


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
 
Basis of Reporting
 
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Unless noted, the discussion of our financial condition and results of operations included in MD&A are presented on an owned basis of reporting for continuing operations. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.
 
In addition to the U.S. GAAP financial results reported in our consolidated financial statements, MD&A includes reference to the following information which is presented on a non-U.S. GAAP basis:
 
Equity Ratios Tangible shareholders’ equity plus owned loss reserves to tangible managed assets (“TETMA + Owned Reserves”) and tangible common equity to tangible managed assets excluding HSBC acquisition purchase accounting adjustments are non-U.S. GAAP financial measures that are used by HSBC Finance Corporation management and certain rating agencies to evaluate capital adequacy. We and certain rating agencies monitor ratios excluding the impact of the HSBC acquisition purchase accounting adjustments as we believe that they represent non-cash transactions which do not affect our business operations, cash flows or ability to meet our debt obligations. These ratios also exclude the equity impact of SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” the equity impact of SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and beginning in 2007, the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 159 including the subsequent changes in fair value recognized in earnings associated with debt for which we elected the fair value option. Preferred securities issued by certain non-consolidated trusts are also considered equity in the TETMA + Owned Reserves calculations because of their long-term subordinated nature and our ability to defer dividends. Managed assets include owned assets plus loans which we have sold and service with limited recourse. These ratios may differ from similarly named measures presented by other companies. The most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure is the common and preferred equity to owned assets ratio. For a quantitative reconciliation of these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures to our common and preferred equity to owned assets ratio, see “Reconciliations to U.S. GAAP Financial Measures.”
 
International Financial Reporting Standards Because HSBC reports results in accordance with IFRSs and IFRSs results are used in measuring and rewarding performance of employees, our management also separately monitors net income under IFRSs (a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure). All purchase accounting fair value adjustments relating to our acquisition by HSBC have been “pushed down” to HSBC Finance Corporation for both U.S. GAAP and IFRSs consistent with our IFRS Management Basis presentation. The following table reconciles our net income on a U.S. GAAP basis to net income on an IFRSs basis:
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended
    Six Months Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Net income (loss) – U.S. GAAP basis
  $ (1,445 )   $ 63     $ (1,190 )   $ 604  
Adjustments, net of tax:
                               
Derivatives and hedge accounting (including fair value adjustments)
    13       18       5       1  
Intangible assets
    12       25       33       51  
Loan origination
    19       (19 )     31       (15 )
Loan impairment
    21       (20 )     34       (27 )
Interest recognition
    6       13       (11 )     26  
Loans held for resale
    247       7       247       (22 )
Loss on sale of U.K. Operations
    (362 )     -       (362 )     -  
Other
    (3 )     48       21       68  
                                 
Net income (loss) – IFRSs basis
  $ (1,492 )   $ 135     $ (1,192 )   $ 686  
                                 


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
A summary of the significant differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRSs as they impact our results are presented below:
 
Derivatives and hedge accounting (including fair value adjustments) – The historical use of the “shortcut” and “long haul” hedge accounting methods for U.S. GAAP resulted in different cumulative adjustments to the hedged item for both fair value and cash flow hedges. These differences are recognized in earnings over the remaining term of the hedged items. All of the hedged relationships which previously qualified under the shortcut method provisions of SFAS No. 133 have been redesignated and are now either hedges under the long-haul method of hedge accounting or included in the fair value option election.
 
Intangible assets – Intangible assets under IFRSs are significantly lower than those under U.S. GAAP as the newly created intangibles associated with our acquisition by HSBC are reflected in goodwill for IFRSs which results in a higher goodwill balance under IFRSs. As a result, amortization of intangible assets is lower under IFRSs.
 
Deferred loan origination costs and fees – Under IFRSs, loan origination cost deferrals are more stringent and result in lower costs being deferred than permitted under U.S. GAAP. In addition, all deferred loan origination fees, costs and loan premiums must be recognized based on the expected life of the receivables under IFRSs as part of the effective interest calculation while under U.S. GAAP they may be recognized on either a contractual or expected life basis.
 
Credit loss impairment provisioning – IFRSs requires a discounted cash flow methodology for estimating impairment on pools of homogeneous customer loans which requires the incorporation of the time value of money relating to recovery estimates. Also under IFRSs, future recoveries on charged-off loans are accrued for on a discounted basis and a recovery asset is recorded. Subsequent recoveries are recorded to earnings under U.S. GAAP, but are adjusted against the recovery asset under IFRSs. Interest is recorded based on collectibility under IFRSs.
 
Loans held for resale – IFRSs requires loans designated as held for resale at the time of origination to be treated as trading assets and recorded at their fair market value. Under U.S. GAAP, loans designated as held for resale are reflected as loans and recorded at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Under U.S. GAAP, the income and expenses related to receivables held for sale are reported similarly to loans held for investment. Under IFRSs, the income and expenses related to receivables held for sale are reported in other operating income.
 
For receivables transferred to held for sale subsequent to origination, there are no accounting requirements under IFRSs for loans that management intends to sell. Accordingly, for IFRSs purposes such loans continue to be accounted for in accordance with IAS 39 with any gain or loss recorded at the time of sale. U.S. GAAP requires loans that management intends to sell to be transferred to a held for sale category at the lower of cost or fair value.
 
Interest recognition – The calculation of effective interest rates under IAS 39 requires an estimate of “all fees and points paid or recovered between parties to the contract” that are an integral part of the effective interest rate be included. U.S. GAAP generally prohibits recognition of interest income to the extent the net interest in the loan would increase to an amount greater than the amount at which the borrower could settle the obligation. Also under U.S. GAAP, prepayment penalties are generally recognized as received.
 
Loss on sale of U.K. Operations – IFRSs do not require transfers of net assets between affiliates under common control to be recorded at historical cost with any difference between the cash proceeds reflected as a capital transaction. As a result, under IFRSs, the loss on sale of the U.K. Operations is reported in profit and loss.
 
Other – There are other less significant differences between IFRSs and U.S. GAAP including pension expense, changes in tax estimates, securitized receivables and other miscellaneous items.
 
See “Basis of Reporting” in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for a more complete discussion of differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRSs.
 
IFRS Management Basis Reporting As previously discussed, corporate goals and individual goals of executives are currently calculated in accordance with IFRSs under which HSBC prepares its consolidated financial statements. In 2006 we initiated a project to refine the monthly internal management reporting process to place a greater


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
emphasis on IFRS management basis reporting (a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure). As a result, operating results are being monitored and reviewed, trends are being evaluated and decisions about allocating resources, such as employees, are being made almost exclusively on an IFRS Management Basis. IFRS Management Basis results are IFRSs results which assume that the private label and real estate secured receivables transferred to HSBC Bank USA have not been sold and remain on our balance sheet. IFRS Management Basis also assumes that all purchase accounting fair value adjustments relating to our acquisition by HSBC have been “pushed down” to HSBC Finance Corporation. Operations are monitored and trends are evaluated on an IFRS Management Basis because the customer loan sales to HSBC Bank USA were conducted primarily to appropriately fund prime customer loans within HSBC and such customer loans continue to be managed and serviced by us without regard to ownership. Accordingly, our segment reporting is on an IFRS Management Basis. However, we continue to monitor capital adequacy, establish dividend policy and report to regulatory agencies on an U.S. GAAP basis. A summary of the significant differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRSs as they impact our results are summarized in Note 12, “Business Segments.”
 
Quantitative Reconciliations of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures to U.S. GAAP Financial Measures For quantitative reconciliations of non-U.S. GAAP financial measures presented herein to the equivalent GAAP basis financial measures, see “Reconciliations to U.S. GAAP Financial Measures.”


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
 
Receivables Review
 
The following table summarizes receivables at June 30, 2008 and increases (decreases) over prior periods:
 
                                         
          Increases (decreases) from  
          March 31,
    June 30,
 
    June 30,
    2008     2007  
    2008     $     %     $     %  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Receivables:
                                       
Real estate secured(1)
  $ 79,279     $ (4,655 )     (5.5 )%   $ (10,727 )     (11.9 )%
Auto finance
    12,530       (564 )     (4.3 )     (403 )     (3.1 )
Credit card
    20,175       (8,751 )     (30.3 )     (8,419 )     (29.4 )
Private label
    1,452       (20 )     (1.4 )     280       23.9  
Personal non-credit card(2)
    17,366       (733 )     (4.0 )     (1,805 )     (9.4 )
Commercial and other
    99       (27 )     (21.4 )     (53 )     (34.9 )
                                         
Total receivables
  $ 130,901     $ (14,750 )     (10.1 )%   $ (21,127 )     (13.9 )%
                                         
Receivables held for sale:
                                       
Real estate secured
  $ 1,231     $ 1,156       100+ %   $ 728       100+ %
Auto finance
    319       319       100.0       319       100.0  
Credit card
    7,886       7,886       100.0       7,886       100.0  
                                         
Total receivables held for sale
  $ 9,436     $ 9,361       100+ %   $ 8,933       100+ %
                                         
Total receivables and receivables held for sale:
                                       
Real estate secured
  $ 80,510     $ (3,499 )     (4.2 )%   $ (9,999 )     (11.0 )%
Auto finance
    12,849       (245 )     (1.9 )     (84 )     (.6 )
Credit card
    28,061       (865 )     (3.0 )     (533 )     (1.9 )
Private label
    1,452       (20 )     (1.4 )     280       23.9  
Personal non-credit card
    17,366       (733 )     (4.0 )     (1,805 )     (9.4 )
Commercial and other
    99       (27 )     (21.4 )     (53 )     (34.9 )
                                         
Total receivables and receivables held for sale
  $ 140,337     $ (5,389 )     (3.7 )%   $ (12,194 )     (8.0 )%
                                         
 
(1)  Real estate secured receivables are comprised of the following:
 
                                         
          Increases (decreases) from  
          March 31,
    June 30,
 
    June 30,
    2008     2007  
    2008     $     %     $     %  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Mortgage Services
  $ 28,880     $ (2,771 )     (8.8 )%   $ (9,995 )     (25.7 )%
Consumer Lending
    48,430       (1,753 )     (3.5 )     (647 )     (1.3 )
Canadian and all other
    1,969       (131 )     (6.2 )     (85 )     (4.1 )
                                         
Total real estate secured
  $ 79,279     $ (4,655 )     (5.5 )%   $ (10,727 )     (11.9 )%
                                         
 
(2)  Personal non-credit card receivables are comprised of the following:
 
                                         
          Increases (decreases) from  
          March 31,
    June 30,
 
    June 30,
    2008     2007  
    2008     $     %     $     %  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Domestic personal non-credit card
  $ 13,061     $ (476 )     (3.5 )%   $ (995 )     (7.1 )%
Union Plus personal non-credit card
    146       (13 )     (8.2 )     (54 )     (27.0 )
Personal homeowner loans
    3,494       (198 )     (5.4 )     (642 )     (15.5 )
Canadian personal non-credit card
    665       (46 )     (6.5 )     (114 )     (14.6 )
                                         
Total personal non-credit card
  $ 17,366     $ (733 )     (4.0 )%   $ (1,805 )     (9.4 )%
                                         


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
Real estate secured receivables can be further analyzed as follows:
 
                                         
          Increases (decreases) from  
          March 31,
    June 30,
 
    June 30,
    2008     2007  
    2008     $     %     $     %  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Real estate secured:
                                       
Closed-end:
                                       
First lien
  $ 66,163     $ (3,550 )     (5.1 )%   $ (7,412 )     (10.1 )%
Second lien
    10,163       (803 )     (7.3 )     (2,228 )     (18.0 )
Revolving:
                                       
First lien
    254       (152 )     (37.4 )     (245 )     (49.1 )
Second lien
    2,699       (150 )     (5.3 )     (842 )     (23.8 )
                                         
Total real estate secured(1)
  $ 79,279     $ (4,655 )     (5.5 )%   $ (10,727 )     (11.9 )%
                                         
 
 
(1)  Excludes receivables held for sale. Real estate secured receivables held for sale included $1.2 billion, $75 million and $503 million primarily of closed-end, first lien receivables at June 30, 2008, March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2007, respectively.
 
The following table summarizes various real estate secured receivables information (excluding receivables held for sale) for our Mortgage Services and Consumer Lending businesses:
 
                                                 
    June 30, 2008     March 31, 2008     June 30, 2007  
    Mortgage
    Consumer
    Mortgage
    Consumer
    Mortgage
    Consumer
 
    Services     Lending     Services     Lending     Services     Lending  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Fixed rate
  $ 15,945 (1)   $ 45,713 (2)   $ 17,416 (1)   $ 47,347 (2)   $ 20,330 (1)   $ 45,661 (2)
Adjustable rate
    12,935       2,717       14,235       2,836       18,545       3,416  
                                                 
Total
  $ 28,880     $ 48,430     $ 31,651     $ 50,183     $ 38,875     $ 49,077  
                                                 
First lien
  $ 23,533     $ 41,941     $ 25,653     $ 43,486     $ 30,733     $ 42,475  
Second lien
    5,347       6,489       5,998       6,697       8,142       6,602  
                                                 
Total
  $ 28,880     $ 48,430     $ 31,651     $ 50,183     $ 38,875     $ 49,077  
                                                 
Adjustable rate
  $ 10,342     $ 2,717     $ 11,044     $ 2,836     $ 13,956     $ 3,416  
Interest only
    2,593       -       3,191       -       4,589       -  
                                                 
Total adjustable rate
  $ 12,935     $ 2,717     $ 14,235     $ 2,836     $ 18,545     $ 3,416  
                                                 
Total stated income
  $ 6,516     $ -     $ 7,223     $ -     $ 9,442     $ -  
                                                 
 
 
(1)  Includes fixed rate interest-only loans of $376 million at June 30, 2008, $396 million at March 31, 2008 and $473 million at June 30, 2007.
 
(2)  Includes fixed rate interest-only loans of $47 million at June 30, 2008, $48 million at March 31, 2008 and $52 million at June 30, 2007.
 
The following table summarizes by lien position the Consumer Lending real estate secured loans originated and acquired subsequent to December 31, 2005 as a percentage of the total portfolio which were outstanding as of the following dates:
 
                 
Consumer Lending’s Receivables Originated or Acquired after December 31, 2005 as a Percentage of Total Portfolio  
As of   First Lien     Second Lien  
   
 
June 30, 2008
    54 %     69 %
March 31, 2008
    53       67  
June 30, 2007
    45       59  


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
The following table summarizes by lien position the Mortgage Services real estate secured loans originated and acquired subsequent to December 31, 2004 as a percentage of the total portfolio which were outstanding as of the following dates:
 
                 
Mortgage Services’ Receivables Originated or Acquired after December 31, 2004 as a Percentage of Total Portfolio  
As of   First Lien     Second Lien  
   
 
June 30, 2008
    74 %     89 %
March 31, 2008
    75       90  
June 30, 2007
    81       90  
 
Receivable increases (decreases) since June 30, 2007 Real estate secured receivables decreased from the year-ago period. Lower receivable balances in our Mortgage Services business resulted from our decision in March 2007 to discontinue new correspondent channel acquisitions. The balance of this portfolio will continue to decline going forward as the loan balances liquidate. The decrease also includes a portfolio sale of $150 million of real estate secured receivables from our Mortgage Services business. This reduction was partially offset by a decline in loan prepayments due to fewer refinancing opportunities for our customers due to the previously discussed trends impacting the mortgage lending industry. The lower real estate secured receivable levels in our Consumer Lending business resulted from the actions taken in the second half of 2007 and the first half of 2008 to reduce risk going forward in our Consumer Lending business, including capping second lien LTV ratios at either 80 or 90 percent based on geography and the overall tightening of credit score, debt-to-income and LTV requirements for first lien loans, partially offset by the decline in loan prepayments discussed above. These actions, when coupled with a significant reduction in secondary market demand for subprime loans across the industry, will continue to limit growth of our Consumer Lending real estate secured receivables in the foreseeable future. Real estate secured receivable balances at June 30, 2008 also reflect the transfer of $1.2 billion to receivables held for sale.
 
Auto finance receivables decreased due to lower originations in the dealer network portfolios as a result of actions taken in the second half of 2007 to reduce risk in the portfolio as well as the decision in March 2008 to discontinue our dealer relationships in several select states, primarily in the Northeast, and discontinue certain other product offerings. The impact of lower originations through the dealer network was partially offset by organic growth principally in the near-prime portfolio in the consumer direct loan program. Auto finance receivable balances at June 30, 2008 also reflect the transfer of $319 million of auto finance receivables in our Canadian operations to receivables held for sale. Credit card receivables decreased over the year-ago period due to the actions taken in the fourth quarter of 2007 and continuing into 2008 to slow receivable growth, including tightening initial credit line sales authorization criteria, closing inactive accounts, decreasing credit lines, reducing marketing spend and tightening underwriting criteria for credit line increases, partially offset by domestic organic growth in our Metris and non-prime credit card portfolios. Credit card receivable balances at June 30, 2008 also reflect the transfer of $7.9 billion to receivables held for sale. Private label receivables increased from the year-ago period as a result of growth in our Canadian business as we signed a new agreement with a significant Canadian retail partner in May 2007 as well as changes in foreign exchange rates since June 30, 2007. Personal non-credit card receivables decreased from the year-ago period as a result of the actions taken in the second half of 2007 and the first half of 2008 by our Consumer Lending business to reduce risk going forward, including the elimination of guaranteed direct mail loans to new customers, the discontinuance of personal homeowner loans and tightening underwriting criteria.
 
Receivable increases (decreases) since March 31, 2008 Real estate secured receivables have decreased since March 31, 2008. As discussed above, our Mortgage Services real estate secured portfolio has continued to liquidate during the current quarter. Lower real estate secured receivables in our Consumer Lending business reflect the changes in our product offerings and risk appetite during the second half of 2007 which continued into 2008 as discussed above. These decreases in the real estate secured portfolio were partially offset by a decline in loan prepayments which has continued during the second quarter of 2008. Real estate secured receivable balances at June 30, 2008 also reflect the transfer of $1.2 billion to receivables held for sale. Decreases in our credit card, auto finance and personal non-credit card receivables were due to the changes in product offerings in the second half of 2007 as discussed above, and as it relates to auto finance receivables the further changes in product offerings and the


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
discontinuing of our dealer relationships in several select states during the first quarter of 2008. Credit card and auto finance receivable balances at June 30, 2008 also reflect the transfer of $7.9 billion and $319 million, respectively, to receivables held for sale.
 
Receivables held for sale increased during the three months ended June 30, 2008 primarily as a result of the decision to transfer our GM MasterCard receivable portfolio with an outstanding receivable balance of $6.3 billion at June 30, 2008 to receivables held for sale. In addition, we transferred an additional $3.1 billion of real estate secured, auto finance and credit card receivables to receivables held for sale as previously discussed.
 
Results of Operations
 
Unless noted otherwise, the following discusses amounts from continuing operations reported in our consolidated statement of income.
 
Net interest income The following table summarizes net interest income:
 
                                                 
                            Increase
 
                            (decrease)  
Three months ended June 30,   2008     (1)     2007     (1)     Amount     %  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Finance and other interest income
    $4,062       10.94 %   $ 4,533       11.46 %   $ (471 )     (10.4 )%
Interest expense
    1,627       4.38       1,966       4.97       (339 )     (17.2 )
                                                 
Net interest income
    $2,435       6.56 %   $ 2,567       6.49 %   $ (132 )     (5.1 )%
                                                 
 
                                                 
                            Increase
 
                            (decrease)  
Six months ended June 30,   2008     (1)     2007     (1)     Amount     %  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Finance and other interest income
    $8,344       11.06 %   $ 9,100       11.39 %   $ (756 )     (8.3 )%
Interest expense
    3,450       4.57       3,977       4.98       (527 )     (13.3 )
                                                 
Net interest income
    $4,894       6.49 %   $ 5,123       6.41 %   $ (229 )     (4.5 )%
                                                 
 
 
(1)  % Columns: comparison to average owned interest-earning assets.
 
The decreases in net interest income during the quarter and year-to-date periods were due to lower average receivables and lower overall yields, partially offset by lower interest expense. Yields decreased for all products due to the impact of a deterioration in credit quality, including growth in non-performing assets, lower amortization of deferred fees due to lower loan prepayments as more fully discussed below and lower origination volumes and decreases in rates on variable rate products which reflect market rate movements. These decreases were partially offset by increased levels of higher yielding products such as credit cards as well as a shift in mix to higher yielding Consumer Lending real estate secured receivables resulting from attrition in the lower yielding Mortgage Services real estate secured portfolio. Additionally, these higher yielding Consumer Lending real estate secured receivables are remaining on the balance sheet longer due to lower prepayment rates. The lower interest expense during the quarter and year-to-date periods was due to lower average rates for short-term borrowings on lower average borrowings, partially offset by refinancing activities subsequent to June 30, 2007 which occurred at higher interest rates. The lower average rates for short-term borrowings reflect actions taken by the Federal Reserve which decreased short-term interest rates by 25 basis points during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and by 325 basis points since June 30, 2007. Amortization of purchase accounting fair value adjustments increased net interest income by $40 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and $64 million during the six month period ended June 30, 2008. Amortization of purchase accounting fair value adjustments increased net interest income by $29 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 and $76 million during the six month period ended June 30, 2007.


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Net interest margin increased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 primarily due to lower funding costs which were partially offset by the lower overall yield on our receivable portfolio, as discussed above. The following table shows the impact of these items on net interest margin at June 30, 2008:
 
                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended     Ended  
   
 
Net interest margin – June 30, 2007
    6.49 %     6.41 %
Impact to net interest margin resulting from:
               
Receivable yields:
               
Receivable pricing
    (.13 )     (.03 )
Receivable mix
    .10       .21  
Impact of non-performing assets
    (.49 )     (.52 )
Cost of funds
    .58       .41  
Other
    .01       .01  
                 
Net interest margin – June 30, 2008
    6.56 %     6.49 %
                 
 
The varying maturities and repricing frequencies of both our assets and liabilities expose us to interest rate risk. When the various risks inherent in both the asset and the debt do not meet our desired risk profile, we use derivative financial instruments to manage these risks to acceptable interest rate risk levels. See “Risk Management” for additional information regarding interest rate risk and derivative financial instruments.
 
Provision for credit losses The following table summarizes provision for credit losses:
 
                                 
            Increase (decrease)
    2008   2007   Amount   %
 
    (dollars are in millions)
 
Three months ended June 30,
    $3,246     $ 1,854     $ 1,392       75.1 %
Six months ended June 30,
    6,123       3,346       2,777       83.0  
 
Our provision for credit losses increased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the year-ago periods primarily due to higher credit loss estimates in our Mortgage Services and Consumer Lending businesses as well as in our credit card receivable portfolio due to the following:
 
  •  Mortgage Services experienced higher levels of charge-offs and delinquency as the portfolio continued to season and progress as expected into later stages of delinquency and charge-off. Additionally during the first half of 2008, the credit loss estimates on our Mortgage Services portfolio increased as receivable run-off continued to slow, loss severities increased due to declines in real estate values and the adverse mortgage lending industry trends we had been experiencing worsened compared to the first half of 2007. Rising unemployment rates in certain markets and continued weakening in the U.S. economy also contributed to the increase.
 
  •  Credit loss estimates in our Consumer Lending business increased primarily in our real estate secured receivable portfolio driven by an accelerated deterioration of portions of that portfolio which began in the second half of 2007. Charge-off and delinquency continued to increase during the first half of 2008 due to the marketplace changes as previously discussed. Lower receivable run-off, portfolio seasoning and higher loss severities due to continued deterioration in real estate values in certain markets also resulted in a higher real estate secured credit loss provision, as did rising unemployment rates in certain markets and continued weakening in the U.S. economy. Credit loss estimates for Consumer Lending’s personal non-credit card portfolio also increased due to higher levels of charge-off and delinquency resulting from a deterioration in the 2006 and 2007 vintages which was more pronounced in certain geographic regions, increased levels of personal bankruptcy filings and continued weakening in the U.S. economy.
 
  •  Credit loss estimates in our credit card receivable portfolio increased as a result of portfolio seasoning, increased levels of personal bankruptcy filings, continued weakening in the U.S. economy including rising


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  unemployment rates, higher average credit card receivable balances, lower recovery rates and higher levels of non-prime receivables as compared to the year-ago periods. Credit loss estimates for domestic auto finance receivables increased as a result of increased severities particularly for less fuel efficient vehicles and the continued weakening in the U.S. economy as discussed above.
 
Provision for credit losses was also higher during the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008 as a result of the transfer of $9.4 billion of real estate secured, auto finance and credit card receivables to receivables held for sale. These receivables are now carried at the lower of cost or fair value which resulted in a cumulative lower of cost or fair value adjustment of $386 million, of which $185 million was recorded as a component of provision for credit losses. See Note 5, “Receivables and Receivables Held for Sale,” in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the lower of cost or fair value adjustment for these receivables held for sale.
 
Credit loss provision of $3,246 million during the second quarter of 2008 was $369 million higher than the first quarter of 2008. Excluding the $185 million of credit loss provision recorded as a component of the lower of cost or fair value adjustment on the transfer of receivables held for sale, credit loss provision increased marginally compared to the first quarter of 2008. Although we experienced higher charge-off in the second quarter of 2008, delinquency dollars increased marginally from first quarter levels tempered by improvements in our domestic collection activities as a result of an extended seasonal benefit due to the federal economic stimulus tax rebate checks issued during the second quarter of 2008, increased collection capacity and increases in the volume of receivable restructures and modifications. While we recognize the positive impact of the federal economic stimulus checks issued during the second quarter of 2008 on delinquency levels at June 30, 2008, the possibility exists that dollars of delinquency may rise during the second half of 2008 in response to continued depreciation in home values, rising unemployment rates and the overall condition of the U.S. economy.
 
Net charge-off dollars increased $1,192 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the year-ago quarter and $2,213 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the year-ago period. This increase was driven by the impact of the marketplace and broader economic conditions described previously in our Mortgage Services and Consumer Lending businesses, increased levels of personal bankruptcy filings and, in our credit card portfolio, seasoning, higher receivable levels, including a higher mix of non-prime receivables, and lower recovery rates.
 
The provision for credit losses may vary from quarter to quarter depending on the product mix and credit quality of loans in our portfolio. See “Credit Quality” included in this MD&A for further discussion of factors affecting the provision for credit losses.
 
Other revenues The following table summarizes other revenues:
 
                                 
                Increase
 
                (decrease)  
Three months ended June 30,   2008     2007     Amount     %  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Insurance revenue
    $108     $ 118     $ (10 )     (8.5 )%
Investment income
    20       30       (10 )     (33.3 )
Derivative income (expense)
    27       (43 )     70       (100+ )
Loss on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives
    (869 )     (130 )     (739 )     100+  
Fee income
    443       623       (180 )     (28.9 )
Enhancement services revenue
    173       150       23       15.3  
Taxpayer financial services revenue
    7       4       3       75.0  
Gain on receivable sales to HSBC affiliates
    67       109       (42 )     (38.5 )
Servicing and other fees from HSBC affiliates
    123       123       -       -  
Other income (expense)
    (160 )     (67 )     (93 )     100+  
                                 
Total other revenues
    $(61 )   $ 917     $ (978 )     (100+ )%
                                 
 


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                Increase
 
                (decrease)  
Six months ended June 30,   2008     2007     Amount     %  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Insurance revenue
    $213     $ 234     $ (21 )     (9.0 )%
Investment income
    45       49       (4 )     (8.2 )
Derivative income (expense)
    31       (52 )     83       (100+ )
Gain on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives
    312       14       298       100+  
Fee income
    912       1,187       (275 )     (23.2 )
Enhancement services revenue
    357       298       59       19.8  
Taxpayer financial services revenue
    155       243       (88 )     (36.2 )
Gain on receivable sales to HSBC affiliates
    122       204       (82 )     (40.2 )
Servicing and other fees from HSBC affiliates
    256       248       8       3.2  
Other income (expense)
    (139 )     (8 )     (131 )     100+  
                                 
Total other revenues
    $2,264     $ 2,417     $ (153 )     (6.3 )%
                                 
 
Insurance revenue decreased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 in our domestic operations as a result of lower credit related premiums due to reduced loan origination volumes as well as a reduction in reinsurance during the quarter and year-to-date periods. As discussed above, the results of our U.K. operations, including the U.K. insurance operations are now reported in discontinued operations.
 
Investment income, which includes income on securities available for sale in our insurance business and realized gains and losses from the sale of securities, was lower during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 due to the recording of other-than-temporary impairments in both periods. We recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $9 million on the securities of a bond insurer in our insurance investment portfolio during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and $15 million during the year-to-date period on securities of two bond issurers. The lower investment income in the year-to-date period was partially offset by lower amortization of fair value adjustments.
 
Derivative income (expense) includes realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives which do not qualify as effective hedges under SFAS No. 133 as well as the ineffectiveness on derivatives which are qualifying hedges. Derivative income (expense) is summarized in the table below:
 
                 
Three months ended June 30,   2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Net realized gains (losses)
  $ 5     $ (6 )
Mark-to-market on derivatives which do not qualify as effective hedges
    1       (15 )
Ineffectiveness
    21       (22 )
                 
Total
  $ 27     $ (43 )
                 
 
                 
Six months ended June 30,   2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Net realized gains (losses)
  $ 5     $ (14 )
Mark-to-market on derivatives which do not qualify as effective hedges
    13       (12 )
Ineffectiveness
    13       (26 )
                 
Total
  $ 31     $ (52 )
                 
 
Derivative income increased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 due to overall changes in interest rates during the second half of 2007 and the first half of 2008. Income from net realized gains increased in both periods due to the general reduction of short term interest rates in the U.S. and the increase in foreign short term

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interest rates, specifically Euro and Yen rates. The value of mark-to-market derivatives which do not qualify as effective hedges also increased from the changes in the U.S. and foreign interest rates. Ineffectiveness was recorded on both our cash flow and fair value interest rate swaps that are hedges under the long-haul method of accounting. Cash flow and fair value hedge ineffectiveness in both periods were favorable as compared to the year-ago periods due to changes in interest rates. Designation of swaps as effective hedges reduces the volatility that would otherwise result from mark-to-market accounting. In the normal course of business, we experienced a limited amount of ineffectiveness on our long-haul hedge relationships. All derivatives are economic hedges of the underlying debt instruments regardless of the accounting treatment.
 
Net income volatility, whether based on changes in interest rates for swaps which do not qualify for hedge accounting or ineffectiveness recorded on our qualifying hedges under the long haul method of accounting, impacts the comparability of our reported results between periods. Accordingly, derivative income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 should not be considered indicative of the results for any future periods.
 
Gain (loss) on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives reflects fair value changes on our fixed rate debt accounted for under FVO as well as the fair value changes and realized gains (losses) on the related derivatives associated with debt designated at fair value. These components are summarized in the table below:
 
                 
Three months ended June 30,   2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Mark-to-market on debt designated at fair value:
               
Interest rate component
  $ 980     $ 515  
Credit risk component
    (971 )     (6 )
                 
Total mark-to-market on debt designated at fair value
    9       509  
Mark-to-market on the related derivatives
    (934 )     (557 )
Net realized gains (losses) on the related derivatives
    56       (82 )
                 
Total
  $ (869 )   $ (130 )
                 
 
                 
Six months ended June 30,   2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Mark-to-market on debt designated at fair value:
               
Interest rate component
  $ (49 )   $ 373  
Credit risk component
    325       238  
                 
Total mark-to-market on debt designated at fair value
    276       611  
Mark-to-market on the related derivatives
    (5 )     (439 )
Net realized gains (losses) on the related derivatives
    41       (158 )
                 
Total
  $ 312     $ 14  
                 
 
The change in the fair value of the debt and the change in value of the related derivatives reflect the following:
 
  •  Interest rate curve – Gains in the second quarter of 2008 due to rising long term interest rates during the quarter were more than offset in the year-to-date period as a result of decreases in long term interest rates in the first quarter of 2008. The value of the receive fixed/pay variable swaps fell in response to the rising rates in the second quarter of 2008. Income from net realized gains increased due to the reduction of short term interest rates in second half of 2007 and the first half of 2008 which caused our receive fixed/pay variable interest rate swaps to increase in value.
 
  •  Credit – Our credit spreads narrowed significantly in the second quarter of 2008 which partially offset the widening experienced in the first quarter of 2008. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, our credit spreads experienced a net widening resulting from the general widening of new issue and secondary market credit spreads related to the financial and fixed income sectors as well as the general lack of liquidity in the


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HSBC Finance Corporation
 
  secondary bond market. The fair value benefit from the change of our own credit spreads during the year-to-date period is the result of having historically raised debt at credit spreads which are not available under today’s market conditions.
 
FVO results are also affected by the differences in cash flows and valuation methodologies for the debt and related derivative. Cash flows on debt are discounted using a single discount rate from the bond yield curve while derivative cash flows are discounted using rates at multiple points along the LIBOR yield curve. The impacts of these differences vary as the shape of these interest rate curves change.
 
Net income volatility, whether based on changes in either the interest rate or credit risk components of the mark-to market on debt designated at fair value and the related derivatives, impacts the comparability of our reported results between periods. Accordingly, gain on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 should not be considered indicative of the results for any future periods.
 
Fee income, which includes revenues from fee-based products such as credit cards, decreased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 due to changes in credit card fee practices implemented during the fourth quarter of 2007 and the second quarter of 2008 as well as higher charge-offs due to credit quality deterioration, partially offset by the impact of higher levels of average credit card receivables and increased late fees due to higher delinquency levels.
 
Enhancement services revenue, which consists of ancillary credit card revenue from products such as Account Secure Plus (debt protection) and Identity Protection Plan, was higher in the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 as a result of higher levels of credit card receivables and higher customer acceptance levels as compared to the year-ago periods.
 
Taxpayer financial services (“TFS”) revenue decreased in the six months ended June 30, 2008 as a result of discontinuing pre-season and pre-file loan products for the 2008 tax season and fewer relationships with third-party preparers for the 2008 tax season as we elected not to renew contracts with certain third-party preparers as they came up for renewal and negotiated early termination agreements with others.
 
Gain on receivable sales to HSBC affiliates consists primarily of daily sales of domestic private label receivable originations and certain credit card account originations to HSBC Bank USA. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, gain on receivable sales to HSBC affiliates decreased primarily due to lower premiums on our domestic private label receivables reflecting the deteriorating credit environment and lower credit card account originations. As previously discussed, in the second quarter of 2008 our Consumer Lending business began selling Conforming Real Estate Secured Loans to HSBC Bank USA. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, $14 million of Conforming Real Estate Secured Loans were sold to HSBC Bank USA. However, we anticipate an increase in volume as this program is expanded during the third quarter. The 2007 period also included sales of real estate secured receivables from our Mortgage Services portfolio to a third party.
 
Servicing and other fees from HSBC affiliates, which represents revenue received under service level agreements under which we service credit card and domestic private label receivables as well as real estate secured and auto finance receivables for HSBC affiliates, was essentially flat in both periods as the levels of receivables being serviced on behalf of HSBC Bank USA during the first half of 2008 are in line with receivable levels in the year-ago period.
 
Other income decreased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 primarily due to a lower of cost or fair value adjustment of $201 million from the transfer of receivables previously held for investment to receivables held for sale, partially offset by higher gains on miscellaneous asset sales, including real estate investments. The decrease during the six months ended June 30, 2008 also reflects a $9 million loss on sale of our Canadian mortgage brokerage firm, partially offset by a gain of $11 million on the sale of a portion of our Visa shares. Other income in the second quarter of 2007 also includes losses on real estate secured receivables held for sale by our Decision One mortgage operations of $79 million and a loss of $20 million on the sale of $2.2 billion of real estate secured receivables by our Mortgage Services business to a third party.


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Costs and expenses
 
The following table summarizes total costs and expenses:
 
                                 
                Increase (decrease)  
Three months ended June 30,   2008     2007     Amount     %  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Salaries and employee benefits
    $458     $ 550     $ (92 )     (16.7 )%
Sales incentives
    17       59       (42 )     (71.2 )
Occupancy and equipment expenses
    60       73       (13 )     (17.8 )
Other marketing expenses
    89       217       (128 )     (59.0 )
Other servicing and administrative expenses
    377       191       186       97.4  
Support services from HSBC affiliates
    259       287       (28 )     (9.8 )
Amortization of intangibles
    42       64       (22 )     (34.4 )
Policyholders’ benefits
    51       56       (5 )     (8.9 )
                                 
Total costs and expenses
    $1,353     $ 1,497     $ (144 )     (9.6 )%
                                 
 
                                 
                Increase (decrease)  
Six months ended June 30,   2008     2007     Amount     %  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Salaries and employee benefits
    $924     $ 1,122     $ (198 )     (17.6 )%
Sales incentives
    40       124       (84 )     (67.7 )
Occupancy and equipment expenses
    118       140       (22 )     (15.7 )
Other marketing expenses
    221       433       (212 )     (49.0 )
Other servicing and administrative expenses
    766       363       403       100+  
Support services from HSBC affiliates
    534       560       (26 )     (4.6 )
Amortization of intangibles
    97       126       (29 )     (23.0 )
Policyholders’ benefits
    103       120       (17 )     (14.2 )
                                 
Total costs and expenses
    $2,803     $ 2,988     $ (185 )     (6.2 )%
                                 
 
Salaries and employee benefits decreased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 due to the reduction of headcount in the second half of 2007 as a result of our decisions to cease operations of our Mortgage Services business, reduce our Consumer Lending and Canadian branch networks and close a facility in Carmel, Indiana, as well as the impact of entity-wide initiatives to reduce costs. Salary expense in the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 also reflects lower salary costs derived through the use of an HSBC affiliate located outside the United States. Costs incurred and charged to us by this affiliate are reflected in Support services from HSBC affiliates. Decreases in salaries and employee benefits during both periods were partially offset by higher salary expense associated with collection activities.
 
Sales incentives decreased in both periods as a result of the decision in 2007 to cease operations of our Mortgage Services business as well as lower origination volumes in our Consumer Lending business resulting from the changes in product offerings first introduced in the second half of 2007.
 
Occupancy and equipment expenses decreased in both periods due to lower depreciation, partially offset by higher utility expenses. For the three months ended June 30, 2008, the decrease also reflects lower repair and maintenance costs as well as lower rental expense as a result of the closure of certain Consumer Lending and Canadian branches as previously discussed.
 
Other marketing expenses include payments for advertising, direct mail programs and other marketing expenditures. The decrease in marketing expense in the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 reflects the decision in the


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second half of 2007 to reduce credit card, co-branded credit card and personal non-credit card marketing expenses in an effort to reduce risk and slow receivable growth in these portfolios.
 
Other servicing and administrative expenses increased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 primarily due to higher REO expenses, higher third party collection costs and the impact of lower deferred origination costs due to lower volumes, partially offset by lower insurance operating expenses in our domestic operations. Additionally, during the first half of 2008, we decreased our estimate of interest receivable by approximately $49 million due to changes related to various contingent tax items with the taxing authority as compared to an increase in our estimate of interest receivable by approximately $68 million in the year-ago period.
 
Support services from HSBC affiliates includes technology and other services charged to us by HTSU as well as services charged to us by an HSBC affiliate located outside of the United States providing operational support to our businesses, including among other areas, customer service, systems, collection and accounting functions. Support services from HSBC affiliates was flat during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 as increased costs resulting from an increase in the number of employees located outside of the United States were offset by reductions in support services due to lower receivable balances as compared to the year-ago periods.
 
Amortization of intangibles decreased in both periods due to lower amortization for customer relationships as a result of the write off in the fourth quarter of 2007 of these relationships related to our acquisition by HSBC.
 
Policyholders’ benefits decreased in our domestic operations during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 primarily due to a reduction in reinsurance, partially offset by higher disability and unemployment claims. As previously discussed, the results of our U.K. operations, including the U.K. insurance operations are now reported in discontinued operations.
 
Efficiency ratio The following table summarizes our efficiency ratio from continuing operations:
 
                 
    2008   2007
 
 
Three months ended June 30
    56.05 %     42.04 %
Six months ended June 30
    38.27       38.65  
 
Our efficiency ratio was significantly impacted by the change in the credit risk component of our fair value optioned debt for all of these periods. Excluding this item from both periods, our efficiency ratio deteriorated 19 basis points during the six months ended June 30, 2008 as lower net interest income and lower other revenues were partially offset by lower costs and expenses. Excluding the credit risk component of fair value optioned debt from both periods, our efficiency ratio improved 244 basis points during the three months ended June 30, 2008 as lower costs and expenses were partially offset by lower net interest income and other revenues. The reduction in costs and expenses was partially offset by higher REO and third party collection expenses resulting from the current marketplace conditions. The marked improvement in our efficiency ratio during the three months ended June 30, 2008 reflects the continuing decrease in costs and expenses as a result of our on-going entity-wide initiatives to reduce costs.
 
Segment Results – IFRS Management Basis
 
Through December 31, 2007, we reported the results of operations in three business segments: Consumer, Credit Card Services and International. In May 2007, we decided to integrate our Retail Services business, which had historically been included in the Consumer Segment, into our Credit Card Services business. In the first quarter of 2008, we completed the integration of management reporting for our Credit Card Services and Retail Services business which has resulted in the combination of these previously separate businesses into one reporting unit and began reporting results for the Cards and Retail Services segment.
 
Our segment disclosures are reported on a continuing operations basis. As discussed in Note 2, “Discontinued Operations,” our U.K. Operations, which were previously reported in the International Segment, are now reported as discontinued operations and are no longer included in our segment presentation. Our Canadian operations, which


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comprised the remainder of our International Segment, fall below the quantitative threshold test under SFAS No. 131 for determining reportable segments and are now being reported in the “All Other” caption.
 
As a result, beginning in the second quarter of 2008 and going forward, we are reporting our financial results under two reportable segments: Consumer and Card and Retail Services. Our Consumer segment consists of our Consumer Lending, Mortgage Services and Auto Finance businesses. Our Card and Retail Services segment includes our domestic MasterCard, Visa, private label and other credit card operations. The All Other caption includes our Canada, Insurance, Taxpayer Financial Services and Commercial businesses, each of which falls below the quantitative threshold test under SFAS No. 131 for determining reportable segments, as well as our corporate and treasury activities. Segment financial information has been restated for all periods presented to reflect this new segmentation. There have been no other changes in the basis of our segmentation or measurement of segment profit as compared with the presentation in our 2007 Form 10-K.
 
We report results to our parent, HSBC, in accordance with its reporting basis, IFRSs. Our segment results are presented on an IFRS Management Basis (a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure) as operating results are monitored and reviewed, trends are evaluated and decisions about allocating resources such as employees are made almost exclusively on an IFRS Management Basis. IFRS Management Basis results are IFRSs results adjusted to assume that the private label and real estate secured receivables transferred to HSBC Bank USA have not been sold and remain on our balance sheet. IFRS Management Basis also assumes that the purchase accounting fair value adjustments relating to our acquisition by HSBC have been “pushed down” to HSBC Finance Corporation. These fair value adjustments including goodwill have been allocated to Corporate which is included in the “All Other” caption within our segment disclosure and thus not reflected in the reportable segment discussions that follow. Operations are monitored and trends are evaluated on an IFRS Management Basis because the receivable sales to HSBC Bank USA were conducted primarily to appropriately fund prime receivables within HSBC and such customer loans continue to be managed and serviced by us without regard to ownership. However, we continue to monitor capital adequacy, establish dividend policy and report to regulatory agencies on a U.S. GAAP basis. A summary of the significant differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRSs as they impact our results are summarized in Note 12, “Business Segments.”
 
Consumer Segment The following table summarizes the IFRS Management Basis results for our Consumer segment:
 
                                 
                Increase (decrease)  
Three months ended June 30,   2008     2007     Amount     %  
   
          (dollars are in millions)        
 
Net income(loss)(1)
  $ (699 )   $ 36     $ (735 )     (100+ )%
Net interest income
    1,482       1,832       (350 )     (19.1 )
Other operating income
    22       8       14       100+  
Loan impairment charges
    2,150       1,175       975       83.0  
Operating expenses
    448       608       (160 )     (26.3 )
Intersegment revenues
    45       54       (9 )     (16.7 )
Customer loans
    109,783       121,513       (11,730 )     (9.7 )
Assets
    105,271       120,848       (15,577 )     (12.9 )
Net interest margin, annualized
    5.30 %     5.88 %     -       -  
Return on average assets
    (2.60 )     .11       -       -  
 


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                Increase (decrease)  
Six months ended June 30,   2008     2007     Amount     %  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Net income (loss)(1)
  $ (1,393 )   $ 180     $ (1,573 )     (100+ )%
Net interest income
    3,044       3,689       (645 )     (17.5 )
Other operating income
    (2 )     44       (46 )     (100+ )
Loan impairment charges
    4,308       2,230       2,078       93.2  
Operating expenses
    912       1,217       (305 )     (25.1 )
Intersegment revenues
    91       100       (9 )     (9.0 )
Net interest margin, annualized
    5.35 %     5.88 %     -       -  
Return on average assets
    (2.54 )     .29       -       -  
 
 
(1)  The Consumer Segment net income (loss) reported above includes a net loss of $(547) million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and $(1,140) million during the year-to-date period for our Mortgage Services business which is no longer generating new loan origination volume as a result of the decisions to discontinue correspondent channel acquisitions and cease Decision One operations. Our Mortgage Services business reported a net loss of $(171) million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and $(285) million for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
 
Our Consumer segment reported a net loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to net income in the year-ago periods due to higher loan impairment charges, lower net interest income and for the six months ended June 30, 2008, lower other operating income, partially offset by lower operating expenses.
 
Loan impairment charges for the Consumer segment increased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 reflecting higher credit loss estimates in our Consumer Lending and Mortgage Services businesses due to the following:
 
  •  Credit loss estimates in our Consumer Lending business increased primarily in our real estate secured receivable portfolio due to higher levels of charge-off and delinquency driven by an accelerated deterioration of portions of the real estate secured receivable portfolio which began in the second half of 2007. Delinquency continued to worsen during the first half of 2008 due to the marketplace changes as previously discussed. Lower receivable run-off, portfolio seasoning and higher loss severities due to continued deterioration in real estate values in certain markets also resulted in a higher real estate secured credit loss provision, as did rising unemployment rates in certain markets and continued weakening in the U.S. economy. Credit loss estimates for Consumer Lending’s personal non-credit card portfolio also increased due to higher levels of charge-off and delinquency resulting from a deterioration in the 2006 and 2007 vintages which was more pronounced in certain geographic regions, increased levels of personal bankruptcy filings and continued weakening in the U.S. economy.
 
  •  Mortgage Services experienced higher levels of charge-offs and delinquency as the portfolio continued to season and progress as expected into later stages of delinquency and charge-off. Additionally during the first half of 2008, the credit loss estimates on our Mortgage Services portfolio increased as receivable run-off continued to slow, loss severities increased due to declines in real estate values and the adverse mortgage lending industry trends we had been experiencing worsened compared to the first half of 2007. Rising unemployment rates in certain markets and continued weakening in the U.S. economy also contributed to the increase.
 
Also contributing to the increase in loan impairment charges were increased severities particularly for less fuel efficient vehicles and the effect of a weak U.S. economy for our Auto Finance business. In 2008, credit loss reserves increased as loan impairment charges were $248 million greater than net charge-offs in the second quarter of 2008 and $755 million greater than net charge-offs in the year-to-date period. In 2007, credit loss reserves increased as loan impairment charges were $159 million greater than net charge-offs in the second quarter of 2007 and $321 million greater than net charge-offs in the year-to-date period.

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The decrease in net interest income in both periods was due to lower average customer loans and lower overall yields, partially offset by lower interest expense. Overall yields decreased due to a deterioration in credit quality, including growth in non-performing assets and lower amortization of deferred fees due to lower loan prepayments and lower loan origination volumes. The decrease in net interest margin was primarily a result of the lower overall yields in both periods. Cost of funds was essentially flat as compared to the year-ago periods as the impact of wider credit spreads offset decreases in short term interest rates during the period. The decrease in net interest margin has been partially offset by a shift in mix to higher yielding Consumer Lending real estate secured receivables resulting from reduced balances of lower yielding Mortgage Services real estate secured receivables. In addition, these higher yielding Consumer Lending real estate secured receivables are remaining on the balance sheet longer due to lower prepayment rates. Other operating income increased during the current quarter as the year-ago periods included losses on sales of real estate secured receivables by Decision One which ceased operations in the third quarter of 2007, partially offset by higher losses in our real estate owned portfolio. Other operating income decreased in the year-to-date period as the losses in our real estate owned portfolio were greater in the year-to-date period. Operating expenses decreased in both periods resulting from lower mortgage origination volumes and lower staffing costs as a result of the termination of employees as part of the decisions to discontinue new correspondent channel acquisitions, cease Decision One operations and close certain Consumer Lending branches, as well as other cost containment measures.
 
ROA was (2.60) percent for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and (2.54) percent for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to .11 percent for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and .29 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The decrease in the ROA ratio in both periods was primarily due to the increase in loan impairment charges as discussed above, partially offset by lower average assets.
 
Customer loans for our Consumer segment can be further analyzed as follows:
 
                                         
          Increases (Decreases) From  
          March 31,
    June 30,
 
    June 30,
    2008     2007  
    2008     $     %     $     %  
   
          (dollars are in millions)        
 
Real estate secured
  $ 80,474     $ (3,316 )     (4.0 )%   $ (9,821 )     (10.9 )%
Auto finance
    12,535       (241 )     (1.9 )     (171 )     (1.3 )
Private label, including co-branded cards
    83       (23 )     (21.7 )     (130 )     (61.0 )
Personal non-credit card
    16,691       (657 )     (3.8 )     (1,608 )     (8.8 )
                                         
Total customer loans
  $ 109,783     $ (4,237 )     (3.7 )%   $ (11,730 )     (9.7 )%
                                         
 
 
(1)  Real estate secured receivables are comprised of the following:
 
                                         
          Increases (Decreases) From  
          March 31,
    June 30,
 
    June 30,
    2008     2007  
    2008     $     %     $     %  
   
          (dollars are in millions)        
 
Mortgage Services
  $ 31,446     $ (2,463 )     (7.3 )%   $ (10,080 )     (24.3 )%
Consumer Lending
    49,028       (853 )     (1.7 )     259       .5  
                                         
Total real estate secured
  $ 80,474     $ (3,316 )     (4.0 )%   $ (9,821 )     (10.9 )%
                                         
 
Customer loans decreased 10 percent at June 30, 2008 as compared to $121.5 billion at June 30, 2007. Real estate secured receivables decreased from the year-ago period due to lower receivable balances in our Mortgage Services business resulting from our decision in March 2007 to discontinue new correspondent channel acquisitions. The balance of this portfolio will continue to decline going forward as the loan balances liquidate. This reduction was partially offset by a decline in loan prepayments due to fewer refinancing opportunities for our customers due to the previously discussed trends impacting the mortgage lending industry. The decrease also includes a portfolio sale of


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$150 million of real estate secured receivables from our Mortgage Services business. The higher real estate secured receivable levels in our Consumer Lending business resulted from the decline in loan prepayments discussed above, substantially offset by the actions taken in the second half of 2007 and continuing into the first half of 2008 to reduce risk going forward. These actions, when coupled with a significant reduction in secondary market demand for subprime loans across the industry, will continue to limit growth of our Consumer Lending real estate secured receivables in the foreseeable future. Our auto finance portfolio decreased due to lower originations in the dealer network portfolios as a result of actions taken in the second half of 2007 to reduce risk in the portfolio as well as the decision in March 2008 to discontinue our dealer relationships in several select states, primarily in the Northeast, and discontinue certain other product offerings. These decreases in our auto finance portfolio were partially offset by organic growth principally in the near-prime portfolio in the consumer direct loan program. Personal non-credit card receivables decreased from the year-ago period as a result of the actions taken in the second half of the year and continuing into the first half of 2008 by our Consumer Lending business to reduce risk and limit growth going forward, including the elimination of guaranteed direct mail loans to new customers, the discontinuance of personal homeowner loans and tightening underwriting criteria.
 
Customer loans decreased 4 percent compared to March 31, 2008 primarily due to lower real estate secured loans. Our Mortgage Services real estate secured portfolio continued to liquidate during the quarter and lower real estate secured loans in our Consumer Lending business reflected the changes in our product offering implemented during the second half of 2007 and continuing into the first half of 2008. Lower run-off rates partially offset the decreases in our real estate secured portfolio originations. Our auto finance and personal non-credit card receivable portfolios decreased as a result of the changes in our product offerings during the second half of 2007 and continuing into the first half of 2008 to reduce risk and limit growth.
 
Card and Retail Services Segment The following table summarizes the IFRS Management Basis results for our Card and Retail Services segment:
 
                                 
                Increase
 
                (decrease)  
Three months ended June 30,   2008     2007     Amount     %  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Net income
  $ 161     $ 368     $ (207 )     (56.3 )%
Net interest income
    1,263       1,138       125       11.0  
Other operating income
    774       920       (146 )     (15.9 )
Loan impairment charges
    1,236       847       389       45.9  
Operating expenses
    538       635       (97 )     (15.3 )
Intersegment revenues
    4       16       (12 )     (75.0 )
Customer loans
    46,778       46,712       66       .1  
Assets
    45,209       46,366       (1,157 )     (2.5 )
Net interest margin, annualized
    10.79 %     9.92 %     -       -  
Return on average assets
    1.42       3.23       -       -  
 


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                Increase (decrease)  
Six months ended June 30,   2008     2007     Amount     %  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Net income
  $ 509     $ 852     $ (343 )     (40.3 )%
Net interest income
    2,565       2,260       305       13.5  
Other operating income
    1,617       1,774       (157 )     (8.9 )
Loan impairment charges
    2,260       1,432       828       57.8  
Operating expenses
    1,118       1,267       (149 )     (11.8 )
Intersegment revenues
    9       33       (24 )     (72.7 )
Net interest margin, annualized
    10.80 %     9.90 %     -       -  
Return on average assets
    2.21       3.71       -       -  
 
Our Card and Retail Services segment reported lower net income in the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 primarily due to higher loan impairment charges and lower other operating income, partially offset by higher net interest income and lower operating expenses. Loan impairment charges were higher due to higher delinquency and charge-off levels as a result of portfolio seasoning, increased levels of personal bankruptcy filings, continued weakening in the U.S. economy including rising unemployment rates, higher average credit card loan balances, lower recovery rates and higher levels of non-prime receivables. Although our non-prime receivables tend to experience higher delinquency and charge-off, they generate higher returns both in terms of net interest margin and fee income. In 2008, we increased credit loss reserves to $3.6 billion as loan impairment charges were $194 million greater than net charge-off in the three months ended June 30, 2008 and $249 million greater than net charge-offs in the year-to-date period. In 2007, credit loss reserves increased to $2.4 billion as loan impairment charges were $213 million greater than net charge-offs during the second quarter of 2007 and $162 million greater than net charge-offs in the year-to-date period.
 
Net interest income increased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 due to higher average customer loans and lower interest expense, partially offset by lower overall yields on our receivable portfolios reflecting market interest rate movements and the impact of a deterioration in credit quality. Net interest margin increased primarily due to a lower cost of funds partially offset by lower overall yields.
 
Decreases in other operating income in both periods resulted from our change in fee billings implemented during the fourth quarter of 2007 and the second quarter of 2008 as well as higher charge-offs due to credit deterioration. These decreases were partially offset by the impact of higher average customer loans, higher late fees due to higher delinquency levels and higher enhancement services revenue from products such as Account Secure Plus (debt protection) and Identity Protection Plan. Lower operating expenses were incurred in both periods as we decreased marketing expenses in our effort to slow receivable growth in our credit card portfolio.
 
The decreases in ROA in the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 are due to lower net income as discussed above, and higher average assets in the six months ended June 30, 2008.
 
As a result of our decision in the fourth quarter of 2007 to slow credit card receivable growth and in an effort to optimize our facility and staffing capacity, in June 2008 we decided to close our servicing facilities located in Jacksonville, Florida and White Marsh, Maryland during the third quarter of 2008. The servicing activities performed in the Servicing Facilities will be redeployed to other facilities in our Card and Retail Services businesses. Additionally, we decided to eliminate positions in a number of different functions across our Card and Retail Services businesses. During the three months ended June 30, 2008 we recorded $6 million of one-time termination and other employee benefits and $6 million of lease termination and associated costs. No additional restructuring charges are anticipated to be incurred.
 
We previously disclosed that we were considering the sale of our General Motors (“GM”) MasterCard receivable portfolio to HSBC Bank USA in order to maximize the efficient use of capital and liquidity at both entities. In June 2008, we decided to proceed with the sale, subject to obtaining the necessary regulatory and other approvals and

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expect HSBC Bank USA to apply for regulatory approval in the third quarter. We will, however, maintain the customer account relationships. Subsequent to the initial sale of receivables, additional volume will be sold to HSBC Bank USA on a daily basis. Following the sale of the GM portfolio we expect our net interest income, fee income and provision for credit losses will be reduced but our other income will increase due to gains from the initial and continuing sales of GM MasterCard receivables in the future and the receipt of servicing revenue on the portfolio from HSBC Bank USA. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the timing as to when or if regulatory and other approvals will be received and, therefore, when the related asset sale will be completed. However, if regulatory and other approvals are received, we currently expect that we will recognize an after-tax gain on sale of approximately $160 million when the GM portfolio is sold to HSBC Bank USA. Updates to the information on the financial impact of the proposed transfer will be reported as the approval process progresses and the amounts become certain.
 
Customer loans decreased .2 percent to $46.8 billion at June 30, 2008 compared to $46.9 billion at March 31, 2008. The decrease is a result of the previously mentioned actions taken in the fourth quarter of 2007 and continuing into the first half of 2008 to limit credit card receivable loan growth, partially offset by domestic organic growth in our GM credit card portfolio and organic growth in our domestic private label receivable portfolio. Compared to June 30, 2007, customer loans increased .1 percent reflecting domestic organic growth in our Metris and non-prime credit card portfolios and organic growth in our domestic private label receivable portfolio, partially offset by the aforementioned actions taken in the fourth quarter of 2007 to limit growth.
 
The Federal Reserve Board, the Office of Thrift Supervision and the National Credit Union Administration have proposed rules that would, among other things, limit the ability of credit card issuers to increase credit card interest rates on existing balances. Similarly, several bills pending before Congress could impact credit card pricing and other terms. We cannot determine whether such legislative or regulatory initiatives will be instituted or predict the impact such initiatives would have on our results.
 
Credit Quality
 
Credit Loss Reserves
 
We maintain credit loss reserves to cover probable losses of principal, interest and fees, including late, overlimit and annual fees. Credit loss reserves are based on a range of estimates and are intended to be adequate but not excessive. We estimate probable losses for consumer receivables using a roll rate migration analysis that estimates the likelihood that a loan will progress through the various stages of delinquency, or buckets, and ultimately charge-off based upon recent historical performance experience of other loans in our portfolio. This analysis considers delinquency status, loss experience and severity and takes into account whether loans are in bankruptcy, have been restructured or rewritten, or are subject to forbearance, an external debt management plan, hardship, modification, extension or deferment. Our credit loss reserves also take into consideration the loss severity expected based on the underlying collateral, if any, for the loan in the event of default. Delinquency status may be affected by customer account management policies and practices, such as the restructure of accounts, forbearance agreements, extended payment plans, modification arrangements, external debt management programs, loan rewrites and deferments. When customer account management policies or changes thereto, shift loans from a “higher” delinquency bucket to a “lower” delinquency bucket, this will be reflected in our roll rate statistics. To the extent that restructured or modified accounts have a greater propensity to roll to higher delinquency buckets, this will be captured in the roll rates. Since the loss reserve is computed based on the composite of all of these calculations, this increase in roll rate will be applied to receivables in all respective delinquency buckets, which will increase the overall reserve level. In addition, loss reserves on consumer receivables are maintained to reflect our judgment of portfolio risk factors that may not be fully reflected in the statistical roll rate calculation or when historical trends are not reflective of current inherent losses in the portfolio. Risk factors considered in establishing loss reserves on consumer receivables include recent growth, product mix, unemployment rates, bankruptcy trends, geographic concentrations, loan product features such as adjustable rate loans, economic conditions, such as national and local trends in housing markets and interest rates, portfolio seasoning, account management policies and practices, current levels of


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charge-offs and delinquencies, changes in laws and regulations and other items which can affect consumer payment patterns on outstanding receivables, such as natural disasters and global pandemics.
 
While our credit loss reserves are available to absorb losses in the entire portfolio, we specifically consider the credit quality and other risk factors for each of our products. We recognize the different inherent loss characteristics in each of our products as well as customer account management policies and practices and risk management/collection practices. Charge-off policies are also considered when establishing loss reserve requirements to ensure the appropriate reserves exist for products with longer charge-off periods. We also consider key ratios such as reserves to nonperforming loans, reserves as a percentage of net charge-offs and months coverage ratios in developing our loss reserve estimate. Loss reserve estimates are reviewed periodically and adjustments are reported in earnings when they become known. As these estimates are influenced by factors outside of our control such as consumer payment patterns and economic conditions, there is uncertainty inherent in these estimates, making it reasonably possible that they could change.
 
The following table summarizes credit loss reserves for our continuing operations for the periods indicated:
 
                         
    June 30,
    March 31,
    June 30,
 
    2008     2008     2007  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Credit loss reserves
  $ 10,934     $ 11,042     $ 6,808  
Reserves as a percent of:
                       
Receivables
    8.35 %     7.58 %     4.48 %
Net charge-offs(1)
    104.8 (2)     114.7       112.9  
Nonperforming loans(2)
    121.1       120.2       121.5  
 
 
(1)  Quarter-to-date, annualized.
 
(2)  Ratio excludes nonperforming loans and charge-offs associated with loan portfolios which are considered held for sale as these receivables are carried at the lower of cost or fair value with no corresponding credit loss reserve.
 
Credit loss reserve levels for continuing operations at June 30, 2008 decreased as compared to March 31, 2008 as a result of transferring $9.4 billion of receivables which were previously held for investment and the related credit loss reserves of $645 million to receivables held for sale. Excluding this transfer and the related lower of cost or fair value adjustment, credit loss reserves increased as compared to March 31, 2008 as we recorded loss provision in excess of net charge-offs of $361 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008. The increase was primarily a result of the higher delinquency and credit loss estimates in our domestic real estate secured receivable portfolio, as discussed more fully below, and higher credit loss estimates in our auto finance and credit card receivable portfolios.
 
Credit loss reserves for continuing operations at June 30, 2008 increased markedly as compared to June 30, 2007 primarily as a result of higher delinquency and credit loss estimates in our domestic real estate secured receivable portfolio, our Consumer Lending personal non-credit card portfolio and credit card receivable portfolios, as previously discussed. In addition, the higher credit loss reserve levels reflect higher dollars of delinquency driven by portfolio seasoning, increased levels of personal bankruptcy filings and continued weakening of the U.S. economy, partially offset by lower overall receivables. Higher credit loss reserves at June 30, 2008 also reflect a higher mix of non-prime receivables in our credit card receivable portfolios.
 
As previously discussed, we are experiencing higher delinquency and credit loss estimates at our Mortgage Services and Consumer Lending businesses as compared to the year-ago periods. In establishing reserve levels, given the current housing market trends in the U.S., we anticipate that losses will be incurred with greater frequency and severity than historically experienced. During the second half of 2007 and continuing into 2008, unprecedented turmoil in the mortgage lending industry resulted in reduced secondary market liquidity in the marketplace for subprime mortgages. In response, lenders have significantly tightened underwriting standards, substantially limiting the availability of alternative and subprime mortgages. As fewer financing options currently exist in the marketplace for home buyers, properties in certain markets are remaining on the market for longer periods of time which contributes to home price depreciation. The rate of home price deterioration in certain markets increased significantly during the first half of 2008 and is expected to continue through 2009. For some of our customers, the ability to refinance and access equity in their homes is no longer an option as home price appreciation remains


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stagnant in many markets and depreciates in others. As a result, the impact of these industry trends on our portfolio has worsened, resulting in higher charge-off and credit loss estimates in our Mortgage Services and Consumer Lending real estate secured receivable portfolios. We have considered these factors in establishing our credit loss reserve levels.
 
We also considered the ability of borrowers to repay their first lien adjustable rate mortgage loans at potentially higher contractual reset rates as well as their ability to repay any underlying second lien mortgages outstanding that we hold. Because first lien adjustable rate mortgage loans are generally well secured, ultimate losses associated with such loans are dependent to a large extent on the status of the housing market and interest rate environment. Therefore, although it is probable that incremental losses will occur as a result of rate resets on first lien adjustable rate mortgage loans, in situations where the payment has either already reset or will reset in the near term, the value of the collateral can be estimated and as a result, losses are included in our credit loss reserves. Additionally, a significant portion of our second lien Mortgage Services mortgages are subordinate to a first lien adjustable rate loan. For customers with second lien mortgage loans that are subordinate to a first lien adjustable rate mortgage loan, the probability of repayment of the second lien mortgage loan is significantly reduced. The impact of future changes, if any, in the housing market will not have a significant impact on the ultimate loss expected to be incurred since these loans, based on history and other factors, are expected to perform like unsecured loans. As a result, we have included estimates of losses on such loans in our credit loss reserves.
 
Reserves as a percentage of receivables for continuing operations at June 30, 2008 were higher than at June 30, 2007 and March 31, 2008 due to the impact of additional reserve requirements as discussed above and lower receivable levels.
 
Reserves as a percentage of net charge-offs for continuing operations were lower than at March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2007 as the increase in charge-offs outpaced the increase in reserve levels during the quarter primarily as the markedly higher delinquency levels in our Consumer Lending and Mortgage Services real estate secured portfolios we began experiencing in the second half of 2007 are now migrating to charge-off. Also contributing to the increase was the transfer of $645 million of credit loss reserves to receivables held for sale as previously discussed.
 
Reserves as a percentage of nonperforming loans for continuing operations (excluding nonperforming loans held for sale) were higher compared to March 31, 2008 as reserve requirements increased more rapidly than nonperforming loans. Reserves as a percentage of nonperforming loans for continuing operations as compared to June 30, 2007 were essentially flat as the increase in nonperforming loans and reserve levels increased at similar rates.
 
Delinquency
 
The following table summarizes two-months-and-over contractual delinquency (as a percent of consumer receivables and receivables held for sale):
 
                         
    June 30,
    March 31,
    June 30,
 
    2008     2008     2007  
   
 
Continuing operations:
                       
Real estate secured(1)
    8.49 %     7.98 %     4.23 %
Auto finance
    3.47       2.84       2.93  
Credit card
    5.75       5.87       4.45  
Private label
    5.00       4.80       6.33  
Personal non-credit card
    15.39       14.96       10.51  
                         
Total consumer – continuing operations
    8.30       7.94       4.97  
Discontinued operations
    -       7.56       8.13  
                         
Total consumer
    8.30 %     7.93 %     5.08 %
                         
 
 
(1)  Real estate secured two-months-and-over contractual delinquency (as a percent of consumer receivables and receivables held for sale) for continuing operations are comprised of the following:


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    June 30,
    March 31,
    June 30,
 
    2008     2008     2007  
   
 
Mortgage Services:
                       
First lien
    13.00 %     12.27 %     6.39 %
Second lien
    16.66       16.89       8.06  
                         
Total Mortgage Services
    13.66       13.14       6.74  
Consumer Lending:
                       
First lien
    5.13       4.49       2.13  
Second lien
    8.98       7.91       3.57  
                         
Total Consumer Lending
    5.64       4.95       2.33  
Canada and all other:
                       
First lien
    3.14       3.19       2.33  
Second lien
    2.88       2.61       1.68  
                         
Total Canada and all other
    3.01       2.88       1.95  
                         
Total real estate secured – continuing operations
    8.49 %     7.98 %     4.23 %
                         
 
Total delinquency from continuing operations increased 36 basis points compared to the prior quarter. The overall delinquency ratio in the quarter was negatively impacted by lower receivable levels resulting from portfolio run-off as well as lower origination volumes resulting from the risk mitigation efforts and changes to our product offerings which began in the second half of 2007 and continued into 2008. Dollars of delinquency increased modestly in the second quarter of 2008 tempered by improvements in our domestic collection activities as a result of an extended seasonal benefit due to the federal economic stimulus tax rebate checks issued during the second quarter of 2008, increased collection capacity and increases in the volume of receivable restructures and modifications. The real estate secured two-months-and-over contractual delinquency ratio reflects higher delinquency levels in our Consumer Lending business. The increase resulted from continued weakening in the housing and mortgage industry, rising unemployment rates, continued weakening in the U.S. economy and the impact of lower real estate secured receivable levels as discussed above. The increase in two-months-and-over contractual delinquency ratio in our auto finance portfolio reflects the deterioration of marketplace and broader economic conditions and to a lesser extent, the impact of lower receivable levels due to lower origination volumes, partially offset by the improvements in collection activities discussed above. Our credit card portfolio experienced a decrease in the two-months-and-over contractual delinquency ratio due to improvements in collection activities as discussed above, partially offset by continued deterioration in the marketplace and broader economic conditions, portfolio seasoning, a higher mix of non-prime receivables and lower receivable levels as discussed above. The increase in the delinquency ratio of our personal non-credit card portfolio was driven by the impact of lower receivable levels due to our risk mitigation efforts as discussed above as portfolio seasoning and deterioration due to marketplace and broader economic conditions more than offset improvements in collection activities.
 
Dollars of delinquency for continuing operations increased $82 million compared to the prior quarter, reflecting higher levels of real estate secured and auto finance delinquency as discussed above, partially offset by lower delinquency dollars in our credit card and personal non-credit card portfolios as a result of improvements in collection activities during the quarter as described above which mitigated further deterioration in credit quality. While we recognize the positive impact of the federal economic stimulus checks issued during the second quarter of 2008 on delinquency levels at June 30, 2008, the possibility exists that dollars of delinquency may rise during the second half of 2008 in response to continued depreciation in home values, rising unemployment rates and the overall condition of the U.S. economy.
 
Compared to June 30, 2007, our total consumer delinquency ratio for continuing operations increased 333 basis points largely due to higher real estate secured delinquency levels. With the exception of our private label portfolio, we experienced higher delinquency levels across all products. Our credit card portfolio reported a marked increase in the two-months-and-over contractual delinquency ratio due to a shift in mix to higher levels of non-prime receivables, portfolio seasoning, higher levels of personal bankruptcy filings and the continuing deterioration of marketplace and broader economic conditions. The increase in the auto finance portfolio ratio reflects the


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deterioration of marketplace and broader economic conditions. As discussed above, the increase in delinquency in our personal non-credit card portfolio ratio reflects lower receivable levels, portfolio seasoning and deterioration due to marketplace and broader economic conditions, partially offset by improvements in collection activities. Additionally, lower receivable levels, as discussed above, negatively impacted the delinquency ratios. Delinquency ratios for all domestic products were partially offset by federal economic stimulus tax rebate checks during the second quarter of 2008.
 
Net Charge-offs of Consumer Receivables
 
The following table summarizes net charge-offs of consumer receivables (as a percent, annualized, of average consumer receivables and receivables held for sale). The charge-off ratios presented below exclude the impact of the transfer of $645 million of credit loss reserves to receivables held for sale as part of the lower of cost or fair value adjustment.
 
                         
    June 30,
    March 31,
    June 30,
 
    2008     2008     2007  
   
 
Continuing operations:
                       
Real estate secured(1)
    5.74 %     4.58 %     2.18 %
Auto finance
    4.35       4.94       3.16  
Credit card
    10.79       9.86       6.87  
Private label
    4.80       4.83       7.23  
Personal non-credit card
    13.08       11.14       8.25  
                         
Total consumer – continuing operations
    7.53       6.48       3.90  
Discontinued operations
    3.92       4.64       4.58  
                         
Total consumer
    7.43 %     6.42 %     3.92 %
                         
Real estate secured net charge-offs and REO expense as a percent of average real estate secured receivables – continuing operations
    6.06 %     5.15 %     2.27 %
 
 
(1)  Real estate secured net charge-off of consumer receivables as a percent, annualized, of average consumer receivables are comprised of the following:
 
                         
    June 30,
    March 31,
    June 30,
 
    2008     2008     2007  
   
 
Mortgage Services:
                       
First lien
    6.25 %     4.24 %     1.20 %
Second lien
    33.45       26.90       11.82  
                         
Total Mortgage Services
    11.29       8.62       3.32  
Consumer Lending:
                       
First lien
    1.33       1.14       .56  
Second lien
    10.20       7.95       5.37  
                         
Total Consumer Lending
    2.50       2.06       1.22  
Canada and all other:
                       
First lien
    1.23       .80       1.44  
Second lien
    2.22       2.02       1.01  
                         
Total Canada and all other
    1.75       1.46       1.19  
                         
Total real estate secured
    5.74 %     4.58 %     2.18 %
                         
 
Net charge-offs as a percent, annualized, of average consumer receivables for continuing operations increased 105 basis points compared to the prior quarter primarily due to higher charge-offs in our real estate secured, credit card and personal non-credit card portfolios as the higher delinquency levels we have been experiencing are migrating to charge-off. A weakening U.S. economy has negatively impacted the charge-off ratio for all of our domestic products. The impact of lower average receivable levels driven by the elimination of correspondent


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purchases and other risk mitigation efforts including changes in product offerings which began in the second half of 2007 and continued in the first half of 2008 has also resulted in an increase in our net charge-off ratio. Increases in the net charge-off ratios were partially offset by improvements in our domestic collection activities as a result of an extended seasonal benefit due to the federal economic stimulus tax rebate checks issued during the second quarter of 2008, increased collection capacity and increases in the volume of receivable restructures. The net charge-off ratio increased significantly in our real estate secured receivable portfolio reflecting continued weakening in the housing and mortgage industry, including marked decreases in home values in certain markets, seasoning in our Consumer Lending real estate secured receivable portfolio and a declining average receivable balance. The increase in the net charge-off ratio in our Mortgage Services real estate secured portfolio was partially offset by a shift in mix to first lien loans which generally have lower severities as compared to second lien loans. The net charge-off ratio for our credit card receivable portfolio also reflects a shift in mix to higher levels of non-prime receivables, portfolio seasoning, higher levels of bankruptcy filings and lower recovery rates. The decrease in the net charge-off ratio in our auto finance portfolio reflects the improvements in collection activities discussed above, partially offset by the deterioration of marketplace and broader economic conditions and increased severities particularly for less fuel efficient vehicles. The personal non-credit card charge-off ratio increased reflecting a deterioration in the 2006 and 2007 vintages which was more pronounced in certain geographic regions.
 
As compared to the prior year quarter, net charge-offs as a percent, annualized, of average consumer receivables for continuing operations increased 363 basis points primarily due to higher charge-offs in our real estate secured, credit card and personal non-credit card portfolios, as discussed above. The increase in the net charge-off ratio in our real estate secured portfolio was partially offset by a shift in mix to first lien receivables which generally have lower severities as compared to second lien loans. The net charge-off ratio in our credit card, auto finance and personal non-credit card portfolios increased due to continued weakening in the U.S. economy, higher levels of bankruptcy filings and for our auto finance portfolio increases in severities as discussed above. Lower recovery rates also resulted in a higher net charge-off ratio in our credit card portfolio. Increases in the net charge-off ratios were partially offset by the improvements in collection activities discussed above.
 
Nonperforming Assets
 
                         
    June 30,
    March 31,
    June 30,
 
    2008     2008     2007  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Continuing operations:
                       
Nonaccrual receivables(1)
  $ 7,950     $ 7,910     $ 4,677  
Accruing consumer receivables 90 or more days delinquent
    1,076       1,277       924  
                         
Total nonperforming receivables
    9,026       9,187       5,601  
Real estate owned
    1,141       1,082       861  
Nonperforming receivables held for sale
    148       24       130  
                         
Total nonperforming assets – continuing operations
    10,315       10,293       6,592  
Discontinued operations
    -       327       366  
                         
Total nonperforming assets
  $ 10,315     $ 10,620     $ 6,958  
                         
Credit loss reserves as a percent of nonperforming receivables – continuing operations(2)
    121.1 %     120.2 %     121.5 %
 
 
(1)  Nonaccrual receivables are comprised of the following:
 
(2)  Ratio excludes nonperforming loans associated with loan portfolios which are considered held for sale as these receivables are carried at the lower of cost or market.


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    June 30,
    March 31,
    June 30
 
    2008     2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Real estate secured:
                       
Closed-end:
                       
First lien
  $ 4,134     $ 3,982     $ 2,009  
Second lien
    874       930       426  
Revolving:
                       
First lien
    5       20       19  
Second lien
    301       318       236  
                         
Total real estate secured
    5,314       5,250       2,690  
Auto finance
    442       368       379  
Private label
    15       20       25  
Personal non-credit card
    2,179       2,272       1,583  
                         
Total nonaccrual receivables
  $ 7,950     $ 7,910     $ 4,677  
                         
 
Compared to March 31, 2008, the decrease in total nonperforming receivables from continuing operations excluding nonperforming receivables held for sale, is primarily due to improvements in collection activities as discussed above, partially offset by higher levels of real estate secured nonaccrual receivables at our Mortgage Services and Consumer Lending businesses due to the higher overall delinquency levels as previously discussed. Real estate secured nonaccrual loans included stated income loans at our Mortgage Services business of $1.3 billion at June 30, 2008, $1.4 billion at March 31, 2008 and $718 million at June 30, 2007. Consistent with industry practice, accruing consumer receivables 90 or more days delinquent includes domestic credit card receivables.
 
Account Management Policies and Practices
 
Our policies and practices for the collection of consumer receivables, including our customer account management policies and practices, permit us to modify the terms of loans, either temporarily or permanently, and/or to reset the contractual delinquency status of an account to current, based on indicia or criteria which, in our judgment, evidence continued payment probability. Such restructuring policies and practices vary by product and are designed to manage customer relationships, maximize collection opportunities and avoid foreclosure or repossession if reasonably possible. If a restructured account subsequently experiences payment defaults, it will again become contractually delinquent.
 
The tables below summarize approximate restructuring statistics (statistics on accounts where a delinquent loan has been reset to a current status) in our managed basis domestic portfolio. Managed basis assumes that securitized receivables have not been sold and remain on our balance sheet. We report our restructuring statistics on a managed basis only because the receivables that we securitize are subject to underwriting standards comparable to our owned portfolio, are generally serviced and collected without regard to ownership and result in a similar credit loss exposure for us. As the level of our securitized receivables were reduced to zero during the first quarter of 2008, managed basis and owned basis results have now converged beginning with the March 31, 2008 reporting period. As previously reported, in prior periods we used certain assumptions and estimates to compile our restructure statistics. The systemic counters used to compile the information presented below exclude from the reported statistics loans that have been reported as contractually delinquent but have been reset to a current status because we have determined that the loans should not have been considered delinquent (e.g., payment application processing errors). When comparing restructuring statistics from different periods, the fact that our restructure policies and practices will change over time, that exceptions are made to those policies and practices, and that our data capture methodologies have been enhanced, should be taken into account.


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Total Restructured by Restructure Period – Domestic Portfolio (“Restructure Table”)(1),(3)
 
(Managed Basis)
 
                         
    June 30,
    March 31,
    June 30,
 
    2008     2008     2007  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Never restructured
    79.9 %     82.0 %     86.8 %
Restructured:
                       
Restructured in the last 6 months
    8.7       7.6       5.6  
Restructured in the last 7-12 months
    6.0       5.2       3.8  
Previously restructured beyond 12 months
    5.4       5.2       3.8  
                         
Total ever restructured(2)
    20.1       18.0       13.2  
                         
Total
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
                         
Total Restructured by Product – Domestic Portfolio(1) (Managed Basis)
                       
Real estate secured(4)
  $ 20,031     $ 18,151     $ 12,923  
Auto finance
    2,219       2,180       1,953  
Credit card
    804       794       799  
Private label
    22       26       30  
Personal non-credit card
    4,203       4,256       3,825  
                         
Total
  $ 27,279     $ 25,407     $ 19,530  
                         
(As a percent of managed receivables)
                       
Real estate secured
    25.5 %     22.2 %     14.6 %
Auto finance
    17.7       17.1       15.4  
Credit card
    2.9       2.8       2.8  
Private label
    22.2       21.9       14.1  
Personal non-credit card
    25.2       24.5       20.8  
                         
Total(2)
    20.1 %     18.0 %     13.2 %
                         
 
 
(1)  Excludes our Canadian and commercial businesses, discontinued U.K. operations and other.
 
(2)  Total including our Canadian business was 19.7 percent at June 30, 2008, 17.1 percent at March 31, 2008 and 12.5 percent June 30, 2007.
 
(3)  This table includes loans for which we have reset the delinquency status to current as part of modifying certain loan terms. Restructured loans which have been granted a permanent modification, a twelve-month or longer modification, or two or more consecutive six-month modifications are considered troubled debt restructurings for purposes of determining loss reserve estimates under SFAS No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan.” For additional information related to our troubled debt restructurings, see Note 5, “Receivables,” to our accompanying consolidated financial statements.
 
(4)  The Mortgage Services and Consumer Lending businesses real estate secured restructures are shown in the following table:
 
                         
    June 30,
    March 31,
    June 30,
 
    2008     2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Mortgage Services
  $ 8,870     $ 8,219     $ 5,728  
Consumer Lending
    11,161       9,932       7,195  
                         
Total real estate secured
  $ 20,031     $ 18,151     $ 12,923  
                         
 
The increase in restructured loans in the second quarter of 2008 was primarily attributable to higher contractual delinquency due to deteriorating credit quality in our Mortgage Services and Consumer Lending businesses as we continue to work with our customers who, in our judgment, evidence continued payment probability as well as changes to our collection strategies as described below. As such, we anticipate restructured loans will continue to


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increase. At June 30, 2008, March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2007 our two-months-and-over contractual delinquency included $4.9 billion (18 percent of total restructured loans in the Restructure Table), $4.7 billion (19 percent of total restructured loans in the Restructure Table) and $2.9 billion (15 percent of total restructured loans in the Restructure Table), respectively, of restructured accounts that subsequently experienced payment defaults.
 
The following table shows the number of real estate secured accounts included in the Restructure Table where the delinquency status was reset and whose loan terms were also modified, primarily through rate reductions, as well as the outstanding receivable balance of these accounts as of the period indicated:
 
                                 
Real Estate Restructures with Modifications(1)  
          Outstanding Receivable
 
    Number of Accounts     Balance  
    Consumer
    Mortgage
    Consumer
    Mortgage
 
    Lending     Services     Lending     Services  
   
          (dollars are in millions)        
 
June 30, 2008
    28,291       9,646     $ 3,490     $ 1,410  
March 31, 2008
    21,021       7,612       2,355       1,087  
June 30, 2007
    15,227       4,213       1,407       569  
 
 
(1)  This table is a subset of the loans reported in the Restructure Table and does not include loans modified but not restructured.
 
As a result of the marketplace conditions previously described, in the fourth quarter of 2006 we began performing extensive reviews of our account management policies and practices and in the first quarter of 2008 began reviewing our receivable collection efforts as well. As more fully discussed below, these reviews have resulted in changes in our strategies for contacting customers as well as expanding existing restructure and modification programs to enable us to assist more customers in accordance with their needs.
 
Beginning late in the first quarter of 2008, we revised our customer contact strategies in an effort to reach more customers. We have increased collection staffing particularly during the morning and evening hours when our customers are more likely to be available. We are working with advocacy groups in select markets to assist in encouraging our customers with financial needs to contact us. Additionally, we have placed loss mitigation teams in Consumer Lending branches in select markets to work with customers on a face-to-face basis to assist them during difficult times. We have also implemented new training programs to ensure that our customer service representatives are knowledgeable about the restructuring and modification programs available and are able to direct each customer to the best solution for their individual circumstance.
 
The following describes the primary programs we currently utilize to provide assistance to our customers with the goal to keep more customers in their homes, while maximizing future cash flows.
 
•  Proactive ARM Reset Modification Program: As part of our risk mitigation efforts relating to the affected components of the Mortgage Services portfolio, in October 2006 we established a new program specifically designed to meet the needs of select customers with ARMs nearing their first reset that we expect will be the most impacted by a rate adjustment. We are proactively contacting these customers and, through a variety of means, we assess their ability to make the adjusted payment. As appropriate and in accordance with defined policies, we modify the loans, allowing time for the customer to seek alternative financing or improve their individual situation. Through the first quarter of 2008, these loan modifications primarily involved a twelve-month temporary interest rate relief by either maintaining the current interest rate for the entire twelve-month period or resetting the interest rate for the twelve-month period to a rate lower than originally required at the first reset date. In the first quarter of 2008, we expanded the program for qualified ARM customers approaching their first reset to allow for longer term modifications. At the end of the modification period, the interest rate on the loan will reset in accordance with the original loan terms unless the borrower qualifies for and is granted a new modification. During the remainder of 2008, we anticipate approximately $692 million of ARM loans modified under this program will experience their first reset. Loans modified as part of this specific risk mitigation effort are not included in the Restructure Table, as we have not reset delinquency on these loans as they were not


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contractually delinquent at the time of the modification. However, if the loan had been restructured in the past for other reasons, it is included in the Restructure Table.
 
•  Foreclosure Avoidance/Account Modification Programs: Since the fourth quarter of 2006, we have significantly increased our use of modifications in response to what we expect will be a longer term need of assistance by our customers due to the weak housing market and U.S. economy. In these instances, at our Mortgage Services business we are actively using account modifications to modify the rate and/or payment on a number of qualifying delinquent loans and restructure certain of these accounts after receipt of one or more modified payments and upon other criteria being met. This account management practice is designed to assist borrowers who may have purchased a home with an expectation of continued real estate appreciation or income that has proven unfounded. We also expanded the use of a Foreclosure Avoidance Program for delinquent Consumer Lending customers designed to provide relief to qualifying homeowners through loan restructuring and/or modification.
 
Based on the economic environment and expected slow recovery of housing values, during 2008 we have developed additional analytical review tools to assist us in identifying customers who are willing to pay, but are expected to have longer term disruptions in their ability to pay. Using these analytical review tools, we have expanded our foreclosure avoidance/account modification programs to assist customers who did not qualify for assistance under the existing program requirements or who required greater assistance than available under the programs. The expanded program includes certain documentation requirements as well as receipt of two qualifying payments before the account is restructured. For Consumer Lending customers, prior to July 2008, receipt of one qualifying payment was required before the account would be restructured. During the first quarter of 2008, we offered this expanded program to customers who had contacted us and requested payment relief as well as for customers who had not qualified for assistance under one of the existing programs. In the second quarter of 2008, we established a pre-approved payment relief program for customers who may not yet have requested payment relief. For selected customer segments, this expanded program modifies loans for ARM customers to a lower rate than scheduled at the first interest rate reset and lowers the interest rate on fixed loans. The eligibility requirements for this expanded program allow more customers to qualify for payment relief and in certain cases can result in a lower interest rate than allowed under other existing programs. Under this expanded program, we have also implemented longer term modifications, providing assistance for generally either two or five years for such customers across the Consumer Lending and Mortgage Services businesses.
 
Loans modified under these programs are only included in the Restructure Table if the delinquency status of the loan was reset as a part of the modification or were restructured in the past for other reasons. Not all loans modified under these programs have the delinquency status reset.


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The following table summarizes the volume of loans modified under these programs during the six months ended June 30, 2008 which as it relates to the Foreclosure Avoidance/Account Modifications Programs may have also been restructured:
 
                                 
    Number of Accounts Modified During the Six
    Outstanding Receivable
 
    Months Ended
    Balance at Time of
 
    June 30, 2008     Modification  
    Consumer
    Mortgage
    Consumer
    Mortgage
 
    Lending     Services     Lending     Services  
   
          (dollars are in millions)        
 
Proactive ARM Reset Modification Program(1)
    -       1,837     $ -     $ 328  
Foreclosure Avoidance/Account Modification Programs(2)
    13,771       18,517       1,844       2,906  
                                 
Total
    13,771       20,354     $ 1,844     $ 3,234  
                                 
 
  ­ ­
 
  (1)  Since the inception of this program in October 2006, we have modified approximately 12,200 loans with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $1,960 million at the time of the modification. The following provides information about the current status of loans granted modifications under this program since October 2006:
 
                 
          Outstanding
 
    Number
    Receivable
 
   
of Loans
    Balance  
 
Less than 60-days delinquent
    76.3 %     76.4 %
60-days or more delinquent
    5.1       5.7  
Paid-in-full
    10.3       8.9  
Charged-off, foreclosed or sold
    8.3       9.0  
                 
      100.0 %     100.0 %
                 
 
    Of the loans modified under this program since October 2006, approximately 1,560 loans have subsequently qualified for assistance under other risk mitigation programs. Of the approximately 2,100 loans which have reached the end of the modification period, approximately 1,000 loans have had the interest rate reset in accordance with the original contractual terms.
 
  (2)  Includes all loans modified under these programs during the six months ended June 30, 2008 regardless of whether the loan was also restructured.
 
We also support a variety of national and local efforts in homeownership preservation and foreclosure avoidance.
 
In addition to our restructuring and modification policies and practices, we employ other customer account management techniques in respect of delinquent accounts that are similarly designed to manage customer relationships, maximize collection opportunities and avoid foreclosure or repossession if reasonably possible. These additional customer account management techniques include, at our discretion, actions such as extended payment arrangements, approved external debt management plans, forbearance, temporary or permanent loan modifications, loan rewrites and/or deferment pending a change in circumstances. We typically use these customer account management techniques with individual borrowers in transitional situations, usually involving borrower hardship circumstances or temporary setbacks that are expected to affect the borrower’s ability to pay the contractually specified amount for some period of time. For example, under a forbearance agreement, we may agree not to take certain collection or credit agency reporting actions with respect to missed payments, often in return for the borrower’s agreement to pay us an additional amount with future required payments. In some cases, these additional customer account management techniques may involve us agreeing to lower the contractual payment amount and/or reduce the periodic interest rate. In most cases, the delinquency status of an account is considered to be current if the borrower immediately begins payment under the new account terms.
 
When we use a customer account management technique, we may treat the account as being contractually current and will not reflect it as a delinquent account in our delinquency statistics. However, if the account subsequently experiences payment defaults, it will again become contractually delinquent. Reserves are maintained specifically for restructured accounts. We generally consider loan rewrites to involve an extension of a new loan, and such new


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loans are not reflected in our delinquency or restructuring statistics. Our account management actions vary by product and are under continual review and assessment to determine that they meet the goals outlined above.
 
The amount of domestic and Canadian receivables in forbearance, modification, rewrites or other customer account management techniques for which we have reset delinquency and that is not included in the restructured or delinquency statistics was approximately $.1 billion or .1 percent of managed receivables at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.
 
Geographic Concentrations The following table reflects the percentage of domestic consumer receivables and receivables held for sale by state which individually account for 5 percent or greater of our domestic portfolio as of both June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.
 
         
    Percent of Total
 
    Domestic
 
State   Receivables  
   
 
California
    12 %
Florida
    7  
New York
    6  
Ohio
    5  
Pennsylvania
    5  
Texas
    5  
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Debt due to affiliates and other HSBC related funding are summarized in the following table:
 
                 
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2008     2007  
   
    (in billions)  
 
Debt issued to HSBC subsidiaries:
               
Term debt
  $ 11.1     $ 11.1  
Preferred securities issued by Household Capital Trust VIII to HSBC
    .3       .3  
                 
Total debt outstanding to HSBC subsidiaries
    11.4       11.4 (2)
                 
Debt outstanding to HSBC clients:
               
Euro commercial paper
    .9       2.0  
Term debt
    .6       .8  
                 
Total debt outstanding to HSBC clients
    1.5       2.8  
Cash received on bulk and subsequent sales of domestic private label credit card receivables to HSBC Bank USA, net (cumulative)
    18.3       19.2  
Real estate secured receivable activity with HSBC Bank USA:
               
Cash received on sales (cumulative)
    3.7       3.7  
Direct purchases from correspondents (cumulative)
    4.2       4.2  
Reductions in real estate secured receivables sold to HSBC Bank USA
    (5.7 )     (5.4 )
                 
Total real estate secured receivable activity with HSBC Bank USA
    2.2       2.5  
                 
Cash received from sale of U.K. Operations to HOHU
    .4       -  
Cash received from sale of European Operations to HBEU affiliate
    - (1)     - (1)
Cash received from sale of U.K. credit card business to HBEU
    2.7       2.7  
Capital contribution by HSBC Investments (North America) Inc. (cumulative)
    4.6       2.4  
                 
Total HSBC related funding
  $ 41.1     $ 41.0  
                 


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(1)  Less than $100 million.
 
(2)  Excludes $3.5 billion of drawings on bank lines of our U.K. Operations that are now reported as Liabilities of discontinued operations.
 
Funding from HSBC, including debt issuances to HSBC subsidiaries and clients, represented 9 percent of our total debt and preferred stock funding at June 30, 2008 and 8 percent of our total debt and preferred stock funding at December 31, 2007.
 
Cash proceeds received from the sale of our U.K. Operations to HOHU, the sale of our European Operations to an HBEU affiliate and the sale of our U.K. credit card business to HBEU were used to pay down short-term domestic borrowings, including outstanding commercial paper balances, and draws on bank lines from HBEU. Proceeds received from the bulk sale and subsequent daily sales of domestic private label credit card receivables to HSBC Bank USA of $18.0 billion were used to pay down short-term domestic borrowings, including outstanding commercial paper balances. Proceeds from each of these transactions were also used to fund ongoing operations.
 
At June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 we had a commercial paper back stop credit facility of $2.5 billion from HSBC supporting domestic issuances. No balances were outstanding under these domestic lines at either June 30, 2008 or December 31, 2007. We also had a revolving credit facility from HBEU to fund our operations in the U.K. of $5.7 billion at December 31, 2007. As a result of the sale of our U.K. Operations, this credit facility has been assumed by HOHU. At December 31, 2007, $3.5 billion was outstanding under the HBEU lines for the U.K. We had derivative contracts with a notional value of $86.9 billion, or 97 percent of total derivative contracts, outstanding with HSBC affiliates at June 30, 2008 and $91.8 billion, or approximately 97 percent at December 31, 2007.
 
Securities and other short-term investments Securities totaled $3.3 billion at June 30, 2008 and $3.2 billion at December 31, 2007. Securities purchased under agreements to resell totaled $2.5 billion at June 30, 2008 and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2007. Interest bearing deposits with banks totaled $467 million at June 30, 2008 and $335 million at December 31, 2007. The increase in securities purchased under agreements to resell is due to the increased amount of cash collateral related to our interest rate swaps due to the strengthening Euro which was invested in these instruments.
 
Commercial paper, bank and other borrowings totaled $8.2 billion at June 30, 2008 and $8.4 billion at December 31, 2007. Included in this total was outstanding Euro commercial paper sold to customers of HSBC of $.9 billion at June 30, 2008 and $2.0 billion at December 31, 2007. Commercial paper balances were lower at June 30, 2008 as a result of lower short term funding requirements due to a reduction in the overall size of the balance sheet. Generally, our funding strategies are structured such that committed bank credit facilities exceed 100 percent of outstanding commercial paper. Should this ratio fall below 100 percent, the combination of committed bank credit facilities and undrawn committed conduit facilities will, at all times, exceed 115 percent of outstanding commercial paper. At no time will the ratio of committed bank credit facilities to outstanding commercial paper fall below 80 percent.
 
We had committed back-up lines of credit totaling $8.7 billion at June 30, 2008 to support our domestic issuance of commercial paper. In July 2008, we added $1.1 billion in three year committed back-up lines, bringing our total committed back-up credit facilities to $9.8 billion. A portion of this total will mature each year for the next three years. Based on current market conditions, we do not anticipate renewing all of these back-up lines as they mature. However, we do not expect these reductions will have a significant impact on our overall funding strategy.
 
At June 30, 2008, we had conduit credit facilities with commercial and investment banks under which our domestic operations may issue securities backed with up to $10.5 billion of receivables, including auto finance, credit card and personal non-credit card receivables. The facilities are renewable at the providers’ option. Our total conduit capacity decreased by $3.3 billion in the three months ended June 30, 2008 and $6.9 billion in the year-to-date period as certain facilities were not renewed. Conduit capacity for real estate secured receivables did not change in the three months ended June 30, 2008 and decreased $3.2 billion in the year-to-date period and capacity for other products decreased $3.7 billion in the first half of 2008. These reductions are primarily the result of decisions by the providing institutions to reduce their overall exposure to subprime receivables. At June 30, 2008, $7.6 billion of auto finance, credit card, personal non-credit card and real estate secured receivables were used in collateralized funding


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transactions structured as secured financings under these funding programs. The amount available under the facilities varies based on the timing and volume of public securitization transactions. We also anticipate a reduction in the available conduit credit facilities as they mature throughout the remainder of 2008 due to continuing concerns about subprime credit quality. For the conduit credit facilities that do renew, credit performance requirements have been more restrictive and pricing has increased to reflect the perceived quality of the underlying assets. Our 2008 funding plan incorporates the anticipated reductions in these facilities.
 
Long term debt (with original maturities over one year) decreased to $112.9 billion at June 30, 2008 from $122.8 billion at December 31, 2007. Issuances during the first half of 2008 included the following:
 
  •  $.3 billion of foreign medium-term notes
 
  •  $1.6 billion of InterNotessm (retail-oriented medium-term notes)
 
  •  $.7 billion of securities backed by auto finance and credit card receivables. For accounting purposes, these transactions were structured as secured financings.
 
Common Equity In the first and second quarter of 2008, HINO made a capital contribution to us of $1.6 billion and $.6 billion, respectively, each in exchange for one share of common stock to support ongoing operations and to maintain capital at levels we believe are prudent in the current market conditions.
 
Selected capital ratios In managing capital, we develop targets for tangible shareholder’s(s’) equity plus owned loss reserves to tangible managed assets (“TETMA + Owned Reserves”) and tangible common equity to tangible managed assets excluding HSBC acquisition purchase accounting adjustments. We and certain rating agencies monitor ratios excluding the impact of the HSBC acquisition purchase accounting adjustments as we believe that they represent non-cash transactions which do not affect our business operations, cash flows or ability to meet our debt obligations. These ratio targets are based on discussions with HSBC and rating agencies, risks inherent in the portfolio, the projected operating environment and related risks, and any acquisition objectives. These ratios also exclude the equity impact of SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” the equity impact of SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities,” including the subsequent changes in fair value recognized in earnings associated with debt for which we elected the fair value option and the related derivatives. Preferred securities issued by certain non-consolidated trusts are also considered equity in the TETMA + Owned Reserves calculations because of their long-term subordinated nature and our ability to defer dividends. Managed assets include owned assets plus loans which we have sold and service with limited recourse. Our targets may change from time to time to accommodate changes in the operating environment or other considerations such as those listed above.
 
Selected capital ratios are summarized in the following table:
 
                 
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2008     2007  
   
 
TETMA + Owned Reserves(1)
    15.60 %     13.98 %
Tangible common equity to tangible managed assets(1)
    6.90       6.09  
Common and preferred equity to owned assets
    9.65       8.56  
Excluding purchase accounting adjustments:
               
TETMA + Owned Reserves(1)
    15.63       14.18  
Tangible common equity to tangible managed assets(1)
    6.94       6.27  
 
 
(1)  TETMA + Owned Reserves and tangible common equity to tangible managed assets excluding HSBC acquisition purchase accounting adjustments represent non-U.S. GAAP financial ratios that are used by HSBC Finance Corporation management and applicable rating agencies to evaluate capital adequacy and may differ from similarly named measures presented by other companies. See “Basis of Reporting” for additional discussion on the use of non-U.S. GAAP financial measures and “Reconciliations to U.S. GAAP Financial Measures” for quantitative reconciliations to the equivalent U.S. GAAP basis financial measure.


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Securitizations and secured financings Securitizations (collateralized funding transactions structured to receive sale treatment under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, a Replacement of FASB Statement No. 125,” (“SFAS No. 140”)) and secured financings (collateralized funding transactions which do not receive sale treatment under SFAS No. 140) of consumer receivables have been a source of funding and liquidity for us. Collateralized funding transactions have been used to limit our reliance on the unsecured debt markets and can be a more cost-effective source of alternative funds. Beginning in the third quarter of 2004, we structured all new collateralized funding transactions as secured financings. In February 2008, we repaid the remaining securitized receivable credit card trust and, as a result, we no longer have any outstanding securitizations.
 
Secured financings are summarized in the following table:
 
                 
Three months ended June 30,   2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Real estate secured
  $   -     $ 1,595  
Credit card
    -       1,000  
Auto finance
    -       -  
Personal non-credit card
    -       -  
                 
Total
  $ -     $ 2,595  
                 
 
                 
Six months ended June 30,   2008     2007  
   
    (In millions)  
 
Real estate secured
  $ -     $ 1,595  
Credit card
    500       2,890  
Auto finance
    200       1,069  
Personal non-credit card
    -       110  
                 
Total
  $ 700     $ 5,664  
                 
 
As of June 30, 2008, outstanding secured financings of $18.4 billion, including conduit credit facilities, were secured by $26.4 billion of real estate secured, auto finance, credit card and personal non-credit card receivables. Secured financings, including conduit credit facilities, of $23.2 billion at December 31, 2007 were secured by $30.9 billion of real estate secured, auto finance, credit card and personal non-credit card receivables. Secured financings, including conduit credit facilities, represented 14 percent of the funding associated with our managed funding portfolio at June 30, 2008 and 16 percent at December 31, 2007.
 
Commitments We also enter into commitments to meet the financing needs of our customers. In most cases, we have the ability to reduce or eliminate these open lines of credit. As a result, the amounts below do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.
 
                 
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2008     2007  
   
    (in billions)  
 
Private label, and credit cards
  $ 154     $ 162  
Other consumer lines of credit
    7       8  
                 
Open lines of credit(1)
  $ 161     $ 170  
                 
 
 
(1)  Includes an estimate for acceptance of credit offers mailed to potential customers prior to June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
 
In January 2008, we extended a line of credit to H&R Block for up to $3.0 billion to fund the purchase of a participation interest in refund anticipation loans. In April 2008, the balance was paid in full and the commitment was closed.


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2008 Funding Strategy The acquisition by HSBC markedly improved our access to the capital markets as well as expanded our access to a worldwide pool of potential investors. Our current estimated domestic funding needs and sources for 2008 are summarized in the table that follows.
 
                         
    Actual
    Estimated
       
    January 1
    July 1
       
    through
    through
    Estimated
 
    June 30,
    December 31,
    Full Year
 
    2008     2008     2008  
   
    (in billions)  
 
Funding needs:
                       
Net asset growth/(attrition)
  $ (9 )   $     (13) -(8 )   $     (22) -(17 )
Commercial paper and term debt maturities
    14       12-14       26 - 28  
Secured financings including conduit facility maturities
    11       7 - 12       18 - 23  
Other
    (1 )     3 - 5       2 - 4  
                         
Total funding needs
  $ 15     $ 9 - 23     $ 24 - 38  
                         
Funding sources:
                       
Commercial paper and term debt issuances
  $ 7     $ (3) - 1     $ 4 - 8  
Asset transfers and loan sales
    -       9 - 12       9 - 12  
Secured financings including conduit facility renewals
    6       3 - 8       9 - 14  
HSBC and HSBC subsidiaries (including capital infusions)
    2       0 - 2       2 - 4  
                         
Total funding sources
  $ 15     $ 9 - 23     $ 24 - 38  
                         
 
As previously discussed, we have experienced deterioration in the performance of mortgage loan originations in our Mortgage Services and Consumer Lending businesses. As a result in 2007, we discontinued new correspondent channel acquisitions and ceased operations of Decision One. Additionally, we eliminated certain product offerings and tightened underwriting criteria in our Consumer Lending business. These actions, combined with normal portfolio attrition and risk mitigation efforts, have resulted and will continue to result in a continued reduction in our aggregate portfolio in 2008. As opportunities arise, we may also consider the possibility of selling selected portfolios. Constrained risk appetite as well as any decisions to sell selected portfolios will result in attrition in the balance sheet during 2008.
 
Risk Management
 
Credit Risk There have been no significant changes in our approach to credit risk management since December 31, 2007.
 
At June 30, 2008, we had derivative contracts with a notional value of approximately $89.3 billion, including $86.9 billion outstanding with HSBC affiliates. Most swap agreements, both with unaffiliated and affiliated third parties, require that payments be made to, or received from, the counterparty when the fair value of the agreement reaches a certain level. Generally, third-party swap counterparties provide collateral in the form of cash which is recorded in our balance sheet as other assets or derivative related liabilities. At June 30, 2008, we provided third party swap counterparties with $65 million collateral. At December 31, 2007, we provided third party swap counterparties with $51 million collateral. When the fair value of our agreements with affiliate counterparties require the posting of collateral, it is provided in either the form of cash and recorded on the balance sheet, consistent with third party arrangements, or in the form of securities which are not recorded on our balance sheet. At June 30, 2008, the fair value of our agreements with affiliate counterparties required the affiliate to provide collateral of $5.2 billion which was provided in cash and offset against the fair value amount recognized for derivative instruments that have been offset under the same master netting arrangement in accordance with FASB Staff Position No. FIN 39-1, “Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39,” (“FSP 39-1”) and recorded in our balance sheet as a component of derivative related assets. At December 31, 2007, the fair value of our agreements


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with affiliate counterparties required the affiliate to provide collateral of $3.8 billion which was provided in cash and offset against the fair value amount recognized for derivative instruments that have been offset under the same master netting arrangement in accordance with FSP 39-1 and recorded in our balance sheet as a component of derivative related assets. No collateral was provided in the form of securities at June 30, 2008 or December 31, 2007.
 
Liquidity Risk Our liquidity is critical to our ability to operate our businesses, fund new loans and be profitable. A compromise to our liquidity could therefore have a negative effect on our financial results. During 2007 and continuing into 2008, the capital markets have been severely disrupted and became highly risk averse and reactionary. Institutional fixed income investors remain reluctant to commit significant levels of liquidity to the financial sector of the market. Traditional providers of credit to the subprime market are either reducing their exposure to this asset class or markedly tightening the credit standards necessary to receive financing for subprime assets. This has raised our cost of funds.
 
We continue to evaluate the optimal size of our balance sheet taking into consideration our desired risk profile, our liquidity and funding needs as well as our expected views of the subprime lending industry after the market returns to more normalized levels. We expect to continue to tighten underwriting standards and adjust product offerings resulting in lower future originations. We have transferred $9.4 billion of receivables previously held for investment to receivables held for sale and anticipate liquidating these assets in the near term. Of this amount, $6.3 billion represents the GM MasterCard portfolio that will be sold to HSBC Bank USA. These actions have and will continue to significantly reduce our need to issue secured or unsecured term debt over the remainder of 2008 and into 2009.
 
Potential conditions that could negatively affect our liquidity include diminished access to capital markets, unforeseen cash or capital requirements, an inability to sell assets or execute secured financing transactions due to reduced investor appetite for non-prime assets and an inability to obtain expected funding from HSBC subsidiaries and clients.
 
Our credit ratings are an important part of maintaining our liquidity. A credit ratings downgrade could potentially increase borrowing costs, and depending on its severity, limit access to capital markets, require cash payments or collateral posting.
 
Market Risk HSBC has certain limits and benchmarks that serve as guidelines in determining the appropriate levels of interest rate risk. One such limit is expressed in terms of the Present Value of a Basis Point (“PVBP”), which reflects the change in value of the balance sheet for a one basis point movement in all interest rates. Our PVBP limit was $2.35 million at June 30, 2008 and $2 million at December 31, 2007, which includes the risk associated with hedging instruments. At June 30, 2008 we had a PVBP position of $(1.4) million reflecting the impact of a one basis point increase in interest rates. As of December 31, 2007, our PVBP position was $(1.7) million.
 
The following table shows the components of PVBP at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007:
 
                 
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Risk related to our portfolio of balance sheet items marked-to-market
  $ .7     $ (.2 )
Risk for all other remaining assets and liabilities
    (2.1 )     (1.5 )
                 
Total PVBP risk
  $ (1.4 )   $ (1.7 )
                 
 
In July 2008, as part of our ongoing risk management process, which includes a continual evaluation of the projected average life of our receivable portfolios, we extended the assumed average life of our Consumer Lending first lien real estate secured receivable portfolio. This had the effect of increasing our PVBP above our limit. Accordingly, we are executing a series of risk reduction strategies to bring this risk measure back in compliance with established limits.


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We also monitor the impact that an immediate hypothetical increase or decrease in interest rates of 25 basis points applied at the beginning of each quarter over a 12 month period would have on our net interest income assuming for 2008 a declining balance sheet and the current interest rate risk profile. The following table summarizes such estimated impact:
 
                 
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2008     2007  
   
    (in millions)  
 
Decrease in net interest income following a hypothetical 25 basis points rise in interest rates applied at the beginning of each quarter over the next 12 months
  $ 143     $ 153  
Increase in net interest income following a hypothetical 25 basis points fall in interest rates applied at the beginning of each quarter over the next 12 months
    127       132  
 
In the June 2008 and December 2007 calculations, looking forward through 2008, a greater number of real estate secured receivables are expected to remain on the books due to fewer refinancing options available to subprime customers. As a result, the total benefit to net interest income has increased in the declining rate scenario. However, we anticipate higher levels of delinquency and loan impairment charges as these remain on the books longer.
 
These estimates include the impact of debt and the corresponding derivative instruments accounted for using the fair value option under SFAS No. 159. These estimates also assume we would not take any corrective actions in response to interest rate movements and, therefore, exceed what most likely would occur if rates were to change by the amount indicated. A principal consideration supporting this analysis is the projected prepayment of loan balances for a given economic scenario. Individual loan underwriting standards in combination with housing valuations and macroeconomic factors related to available mortgage credit are the key assumptions driving these prepayment projections. While we have utilized a number of sources to refine these projections, we cannot currently project prepayment rates with a high degree of certainty in all economic environments given recent, significant changes in both subprime mortgage underwriting standards and property valuations across the country.
 
Operational Risk There has been no significant change in our approach to operational risk management since December 31, 2007.
 
Compliance Risk There has been no significant change in our approach to compliance risk management since December 31, 2007.
 
Reputational Risk There has been no significant change in our approach to reputational risk management since December 31, 2007.


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HSBC FINANCE CORPORATION
 
RECONCILIATIONS TO U.S. GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
 
                 
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2008     2007  
   
    (dollars are in millions)  
 
Tangible common equity:
               
Common shareholder’s equity
  $ 13,978     $ 13,584  
Exclude:
               
Fair value option adjustment
    (765 )     (545 )
Unrealized (gains) losses on cash flow hedging instruments
    672       718  
Minimum pension liability
    13       3  
Unrealized gains on investments and interest-only strip receivables
    56       13  
Intangible assets
    (1,006 )     (1,107 )
Goodwill
    (2,805 )     (2,827 )
                 
Tangible common equity
    10,143       9,839  
HSBC acquisition purchase accounting adjustments
    73       267  
                 
Tangible common equity, excluding HSBC acquisition purchase accounting adjustments
  $ 10,216     $ 10,106  
                 
Tangible shareholder’s(s’) equity:
               
Tangible common equity
  $ 10,143     $ 9,839  
Preferred stock
    575       575  
Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of Household Capital Trusts
    1,275       1,275  
                 
Tangible shareholder’s(s’) equity
    11,993       11,689  
HSBC acquisition purchase accounting adjustments
    73       267  
                 
Tangible shareholder’s(s’) equity, excluding HSBC acquisition purchase accounting adjustments
  $ 12,066     $ 11,956  
                 
Tangible shareholder’s(s’) equity plus owned loss reserves:
               
Tangible shareholder’s(s’) equity
  $ 11,993     $ 11,689  
Owned loss reserves
    10,934       10,905  
                 
Tangible shareholder’s(s’) equity plus owned loss reserves
    22,927       22,594  
HSBC acquisition purchase accounting adjustments
    73       267  
                 
Tangible shareholder’s(s’) equity plus owned loss reserves, excluding HSBC acquisition purchase accounting adjustments
  $ 23,000     $ 22,861  
                 
Tangible managed assets:
               
Owned assets
  $ 150,824     $ 165,504  
Receivables serviced with limited recourse
    -       124  
                 
Managed assets
    150,824       165,628  
Exclude:
               
Intangible assets
    (1,006 )     (1,107 )
Goodwill
    (2,805 )     (2,827 )
Derivative financial assets
    (81 )     (48 )
                 
Tangible managed assets
    146,932       161,646  
HSBC acquisition purchase accounting adjustments
    191       (387 )
                 
Tangible managed assets, excluding HSBC acquisition purchase accounting adjustments
  $ 147,123     $ 161,259  
                 
Equity ratios:
               
Common and preferred equity to owned assets
    9.65 %     8.56 %
Tangible common equity to tangible managed assets
    6.90       6.09  
Tangible shareholder’s(s’) equity to tangible managed assets
    8.16       7.23  
Tangible shareholder’s(s’) equity plus owned loss reserves to tangible managed assets
    15.60       13.98  
Excluding HSBC acquisition purchase accounting adjustments:
               
Tangible common equity to tangible managed assets
    6.94       6.27  
Tangible shareholder’s(s’) equity to tangible managed assets
    8.20       7.41  
Tangible shareholder’s(s’) equity plus owned loss reserves to tangible managed assets
    15.63       14.18  
                 


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Item 4.   Controls and Procedures
 
We maintain a system of internal and disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by HSBC Finance Corporation in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. Our Board of Directors, operating through its audit committee, which is composed entirely of independent outside directors, provides oversight to our financial reporting process.
 
We conducted an evaluation, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report so as to alert them in a timely fashion to material information required to be disclosed in reports we file under the Exchange Act.
 
There has been no significant change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings
 
GENERAL
 
We are parties to various legal proceedings resulting from ordinary business activities relating to our current and/or former operations. Certain of these actions are or purport to be class actions seeking damages in very large amounts. These actions assert violations of laws and/or unfair treatment of consumers. Due to the uncertainties in litigation and other factors, we cannot be certain that we will ultimately prevail in each instance. We believe that our defenses to these actions have merit and any adverse decision should not materially affect our consolidated financial condition. However, losses may be material to our results of operations for any particular future period depending on our income level for that period.
 
CONSUMER LITIGATION
 
During the past several years, the press has widely reported certain industry related concerns, including rising delinquencies, the tightening of credit and more recently, increasing litigation. Some of the litigation instituted against lenders is being brought in the form of purported class actions by individuals or by state or federal regulators or state attorneys general. Like other companies in this industry, we are involved in litigation regarding our practices. The cases generally allege inadequate disclosure or misrepresentation during the loan origination process. In some suits, other parties are also named as defendants. Unspecified compensatory and punitive damages are sought. The judicial climate in many states is such that the outcome of these cases is unpredictable. Although we believe we have substantive legal defenses to these claims and are prepared to defend each case vigorously, a number of such cases have been settled or otherwise resolved for amounts that in the aggregate are not material to our operations. Insurance carriers have been notified as appropriate.
 
LOAN DISCRIMINATION LITIGATION
 
Since July of 2007, HSBC Finance Corporation and/or one or more of its subsidiaries has been named as a defendant in four class actions filed in the federal courts in the Northern District of Illinois, the Central District of California and the District of Massachusetts: Zamudio v. HSBC North America Holdings and HSBC Finance Corporation d/b/a Beneficial, (N.D. Ill. 07CV5413), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (“NAACP”) v. Ameriquest Mortgage Company, et al. including HSBC Finance Corporation (C.D. Ca., No. SACV07-0794AG), Toruno v. HSBC Finance Corporation and Decision One Mortgage Company, LLC (C.D. Ca., No. CV07-05998JSL), Suyapa Allen v. Decision One Mortgage Company, LLC, HSBC Finance Corporation, et al. (D. Mass., C.A. 07-11669) and Doiron, et al. v. HSBC Mortgage Services Inc., et al., (E.D. Ca.,


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2:08-CV-00605-FCD). Each suit alleges that the named entities racially discriminated against their customers by using loan pricing policies and procedures that have resulted in a disparate impact against minority customers. Violations of various federal statutes, including the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, are claimed. At this time, we are unable to quantify the potential impact from these actions, if any.
 
CITY OF CLEVELAND LITIGATION
 
On January 10, 2008, a suit captioned, City of Cleveland v. Deutsche Bank Trust Company, et al. (No. 1:08-CV-00139), was filed in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court against twenty-one financial services entities. HSBC Finance Corporation is a defendant. The City of Cleveland (“City”) seeks damages it allegedly incurred relating to property foreclosures. The alleged damages are claimed to be the result of defendants’ creation of a public nuisance in the City through their respective involvement as lenders and/or securitizers of sub-prime mortgages on properties located in Cleveland. On January 16, 2008, the case was removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. On January 17, 2008, the City filed a motion seeking a Court order remanding the case back to state Common Pleas Court.
 
CARD SERVICES LITIGATION
 
Since June 2005, HSBC Finance Corporation, HSBC North America, and HSBC, as well as other banks and Visa Inc. and Master Card Incorporated, were named as defendants in four class actions filed in Connecticut and the Eastern District of New York; Photos Etc. Corp. et al. v. Visa U.S.A., Inc., et al. (D. Conn. No. 3:05-CV-01007 (WWE)): National Association of Convenience Stores, et al. v. Visa U.S.A., Inc., et al. (E.D.N.Y. No. 05-CV 4520 (JG)); Jethro Holdings, Inc., et al. v. Visa U.S.A., Inc. et al. (E.D.N.Y. No. 05-CV-4521 (JG)); and American Booksellers Ass’n v. Visa U.S.A., Inc. et al. (E.D.N.Y. No. 05-CV-5391 (JG)). Numerous other complaints containing similar allegations (in which no HSBC entity is named) were filed across the country against Visa Inc., MasterCard Incorporated and other banks. These actions principally allege that the imposition of a no-surcharge rule by the associations and/or the establishment of the interchange fee charged for credit card transactions causes the merchant discount fee paid by retailers to be set at supracompetitive levels in violation of the Federal antitrust laws. In response to motions of the plaintiffs on October 19, 2005, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (the “MDL Panel”) issued an order consolidating these suits and transferred all of the cases to the Eastern District of New York. The consolidated case is: In re Payment Card Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount Antitrust Litigation, MDL 1720, E.D.N.Y. A consolidated, amended complaint was filed by the plaintiffs on April 24, 2006. The parties are engaged in discovery and motion practice.
 
In October 2007, Visa Inc. announced that it had completed restructuring transactions in preparation for its initial public offering planned for early 2008. We have a membership interest in Visa Inc. As a result of the indemnification agreement established as part of the restructuring, entities with a membership interest have obligations to share in certain losses under various agreements with Visa Inc. in connection with this and other litigation.
 
SECURITIES LITIGATION
 
In August 2002, we restated previously reported consolidated financial statements. The restatement related to certain MasterCard and Visa co-branding and affinity credit card relationships and a third party marketing agreement, which were entered into between 1992 and 1999. All were part of our Card Services segment. In consultation with our prior auditors, Arthur Andersen LLP, we treated payments made in connection with these agreements as prepaid assets and amortized them in accordance with the underlying economics of the agreements. Our current auditor, KPMG LLP, advised us that, in its view, these payments should have either been charged against earnings at the time they were made or amortized over a shorter period of time. The restatement resulted in a $155.8 million, after-tax, retroactive reduction to retained earnings at December 31, 1998. As a result of the restatement, and other corporate events, including, e.g., the 2002 settlement with 50 states and the District of Columbia relating to real estate lending practices, HSBC Finance Corporation, and its directors, certain officers and former auditors, have been involved in various legal proceedings, some of which purport to be class actions. A


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number of these actions allege violations of Federal securities laws, were filed between August and October 2002, and seek to recover damages in respect of allegedly false and misleading statements about our common stock. These legal actions have been consolidated into a single purported class action, Jaffe v. Household International, Inc., et al., No. 02 C 5893 (N.D. Ill., filed August 19, 2002), and a consolidated and amended complaint was filed on March 7, 2003. On December 3, 2004, the court signed the parties’ stipulation to certify a class with respect to the claims brought under § 10 and § 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The parties stipulated that plaintiffs will not seek to certify a class with respect to the claims brought under § 11 and § 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 in this action or otherwise.
 
The amended complaint purports to assert claims under the Federal securities laws, on behalf of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired our securities between October 23, 1997 and October 11, 2002, arising out of alleged false and misleading statements in connection with our collection, sales and lending practices, the 2002 state settlement agreement referred to above, the restatement and the HSBC merger. The amended complaint, which also names as defendants Arthur Andersen LLP, Goldman, Sachs & Co., and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., fails to specify the amount of damages sought. In May 2003, we, and other defendants, filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. On March 19, 2004, the Court granted in part, and denied in part the defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint. The Court dismissed all claims against Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. and Goldman Sachs & Co. The Court also dismissed certain claims alleging strict liability for alleged misrepresentation of material facts based on statute of limitations grounds. The claims that remain against some or all of the defendants essentially allege the defendants knowingly made a false statement of a material fact in conjunction with the purchase or sale of securities, that the plaintiffs justifiably relied on such statement, the false statement(s) caused the plaintiffs’ damages, and that some or all of the defendants should be liable for those alleged statements. On February 28, 2006, the Court also dismissed all alleged § 10 claims that arose prior to July 30, 1999, shortening the class period by 22 months. Discovery has concluded. Separately, one of the defendants, Arthur Andersen LLP, entered into a settlement of the claims against Arthur Andersen. This settlement received Court approval in April, 2006. Remaining defendants’ summary judgment motion is pending. The Court has set a trial date of March 30, 2009. At this time we are unable to quantify the potential impact from this action, if any.
 
With respect to this securities litigation, we believe that we have not, and our officers and directors have not, committed any wrongdoing and there will be no finding of improper activities that may result in a material liability to us or any of our officers or directors.
 
Item 6.   Exhibits
 
Exhibits included in this Report:
 
         
  3(ii)     Bylaws of HSBC Finance Corporation, as amended May 1, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of HSBC Finance Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2008).
  12     Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends
  31     Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  32     Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  99 .1   Debt and Preferred Stock Securities Ratings


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Signature
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
Date: August 4, 2008
 
HSBC Finance Corporation
(Registrant)
 
   
/s/  Iain J. Mackay
Iain J. Mackay
Senior Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer


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Exhibit Index
 
         
  3(ii)     Bylaws of HSBC Finance Corporation, as amended May 1, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of HSBC Finance Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2008).
  12     Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends
  31     Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  32     Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  99 .1   Debt and Preferred Stock Securities Ratings


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