FORM 6-K SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Report of Foreign Private Issuer Pursuant to Rule 13a - 16 or 15d - 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the month of February, 2007 HSBC Holdings plc 42nd Floor, 8 Canada Square, London E14 5HQ, England (Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F). Form 20-F X Form 40-F ...... (Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Yes....... No X (If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- ..............) GRUPO FINANCIERO HSBC, S.A. DE C.V. FOURTH QUARTER 2006 FINANCIAL RESULTS - HIGHLIGHTS On 8 August 2006, HSBC Panama was sold by Grupo Financiero HSBC, S.A de C.V to HSBC Asia Holdings BV. All comparative commentary within this report is therefore on a like-for-like basis excluding HSBC Panama, as presented in Appendix A. The financial statements on pages 6-14 include HSBC Panama up until the date of disposal. - Net income up 8.4 per cent to MXN5,365 million for the year ended 31 December 2006 (MXN4,949 million for the year ended 31 December 2005). - Cost efficiency ratio (excluding monetary position) of 60.6 per cent for the year ended 31 December 2006 (65.1 per cent for the year ended 31 December 2005). - Return on equity of 18.6 per cent for the year ended 31 December 2006 (21.8 per cent for the year ended 31 December 2005). - Net loans and advances to customers up MXN28.1 billion, or 22.1 per cent, to MXN154.9 billion at 31 December 2006 (MXN126.8 billion at 31 December 2005). - Total assets up MXN22.6 billion, or 8.5 per cent, to MXN290.3 billion at 31 December 2006 (MXN267.6 billion at 31 December 2005). HSBC Mexico S.A. (the bank) is Grupo Financiero HSBC, S.A. de C.V.'s (the group) primary subsidiary, and is subject to supervision by the Mexican Banking and Securities Commission. The bank is required to file periodic financial information on a quarterly basis (in this case for the quarter ended 31 December 2006) and this information is publicly available. Given that this information is available in the public domain, Grupo Financiero HSBC, S.A. de C.V. has elected to file this release. Results are prepared in accordance with Mexican GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles), with figures denominated in Mexican pesos (MXN). Comparative figures are presented on an actual basis, indexed to constant MXN as at 31 December 2006. Grupo Financiero HSBC, S.A. de C.V. is a 99.99 per cent directly owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC). Comment by Sandy Flockhart, President and Group Managing Director of Latin America and the Caribbean "Our investment for growth strategy in Mexico continues to deliver solid results. For the year ended 31 December 2006, the group delivered robust growth in revenues. Net income was driven by a strong performance in the bank and in the insurance subsidiaries, despite higher loan impairment charges in line with the provisioning requirements under Mexican regulatory rules to cover significant loan growth. Revenue grew across the personal, commercial and corporate business segments even in a decreasing interest rate environment and a highly competitive market. Our cost efficiency has shown continued improvement with revenue growth of 17.0 per cent exceeding expense growth of 8.8 per cent in the period ended 31 December 2006. This has been due to a more profitable balance sheet composition, driven by growth of 42.2 per cent and 37.0 per cent in consumer and commercial banking lending products respectively, compared to 2005. Impaired loans grew 21.5 per cent versus the previous year, in line with 21.8 per cent growth in gross loans and advances to customers for the same period. As a result, the ratio of impaired loans to total loans remained at 2.7 per cent as at 31 December 2006, the same percentage as the previous year. "In 2006 Grupo Financiero HSBC consolidated efforts to grow a strong platform in Mexico. Our commitment to Mexico is reflected by our continued investment since the acquisition of Grupo Financiero Bital in November 2002. HSBC has invested over US$2.3 billion in Mexico since 2002. As part of HSBC Mexico's plans to increase financial strength and to become the leading financial services company in Mexico in the eyes of our customers, all profits earned since January 2003 have been reinvested in the Mexican business, representing a total of MXN15,940 million in accordance with Mexican GAAP. We have invested in enhancing our information technology, improving staff training and broadening the human resources base to some 23,700 employees. This represents over 8,000 new jobs created since November 2002, and over 2,000 new jobs in 2006 alone. The training and career development of our employees, including offering overseas postings, has been integral to building local leadership talent and potential for continued growth in the future. "In April 2006, HSBC Mexico inaugurated its new headquarters, Torre HSBC, which has brought together staff across Mexico City into one location, providing a stronger organisational culture and a renewed working environment. In addition to our new corporate headquarters, we have continued to invest in and improve our infrastructure with 372 ATMs added in 2006, bringing the total number to 5,437. "I am pleased to mention that, during 2006, Grupo Financiero HSBC received several awards not only for its managerial efforts, but also for its corporate and social responsibility. Expansion and Latin Finance magazines each named HSBC Mexico as Bank of the Year in 2006. In May, for the second consecutive year, HSBC Mexico received the SME Award from the Mexican Ministry of Economy in recognition of its outstanding support to small and medium business customers. "In the area of social responsibility, the Mexican Philanthropy Centre (CEMEFI) recognised HSBC Mexico with the Socially Responsible Company 2006 certification. Likewise, HSBC ranked first among all Mexican banks and fourth in Latin America in the Sustainable and Ethical Banks in Latin America ranking published by Latin Finance magazine. "In HSBC we continue to strive towards being the leading financial services company in Mexico. The combination of our extensive international network, the HSBC brand and the sharing of global practices, along with local product knowledge and expertise has been a powerful impulse to deliver solid results in Mexico." Overview For the year ended 31 December 2006, Grupo Financiero HSBC's net income of MXN5,365 million was MXN416 million, or 8.4 per cent, higher than the same period in 2005. These results were largely due to strong performances in the bank and insurance subsidiaries, although they were partly offset by higher loan impairment charges in line with the provisioning requirements under Mexican regulatory rules to cover the significant loan growth. Net interest income (excluding monetary position) was up by MXN2,235 million to MXN17,758 million for the year ended 31 December 2006, a 14.4 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2005. This was despite a significant reduction in interest rates of 210 basis points negatively impacting spreads on HSBC Mexico's large base of low-cost customer deposits. The increase in net interest income reflects a solid performance in loans, concentrated in higher-yielding credit card lending and small-and medium-sized business (SME) products, as well as robust growth in low-cost customer deposits. In particular, credit card balances more than doubled versus the previous year, leading to a 2.3 per cent increase in market share of balances outstanding to reach 7.2 per cent at December 2006. Net fees and commissions grew strongly, increasing by MXN1,310 million, or 17.2 per cent, compared to the same period in 2005, reaching MXN8,933 million for the year ended 31 December 2006. These positive results were mainly driven by increased contributions from packaged products with a monthly membership fee (Tu Cuenta and Estimulo), credit card, mortgage, point of sale, mutual fund and trade services fees. Trading income was up 43.9 per cent to MXN2,049 million over the same period of the previous year, reflecting the bank's successful strategic positioning, increased volumes in the retail foreign exchange market and the addition of new and more sophisticated products to better serve our clients' needs. Administrative expenses grew 8.8 per cent compared to the same period in 2005, reaching MXN17,418 million for the year ended 31 December 2006. This increase reflects continued investment in the training and development of our employees, the introduction of a new dedicated mobile sales force and the continued build-up of our ATM infrastructure. Loan impairment charges increased by MXN2,555 million, or 164.7 per cent, reaching MXN4,106 million for the year ended 31 December 2006. The increase reflects the growth of the portfolios in recent years and the higher provisioning requirements under Mexican regulatory rules related to new consumer and commercial lending, particularly in credit cards and small and micro business loans. Credit card balances increased MXN7,390 million, or 108.4 per cent, for the year ended 31 December 2006 versus the same period the previous year, while small and micro business loan balances increased MXN2,494 million (83.4 per cent) and MXN3,272 million (385.4 per cent) respectively for the same period. Impaired loans grew 21.5 per cent versus the previous year, in line with 21.8 per cent growth in gross loans and advances to customers for the same period. As a result, the ratio of impaired loans to total loans remained at 2.7 per cent as at 31 December 2006, the same percentage as the previous year. Impairment allowances as a percentage of impaired loans was 156.9 per cent, compared to previous year's 167.9 per cent. The bank's capital adequacy ratio remains solid at 13.8 per cent, well above National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) requirements. Results by customer segment During the fourth quarter of 2006, the bank's Personal Financial Services (PFS) business saw continued income growth due to higher balances in low-cost deposits, credit cards, mortgages, personal and payroll loans. At the end of December 2006, PFS total customer loans increased 39.7 per cent versus the previous year. In addition, there was higher fee and commission income from credit cards, the Tu Cuenta packaged product with a monthly membership fee and ATMs. Strong performance continues to be driven by the integrated financial services product, Tu Cuenta, which has reached one million accounts sold as of 31 December 2006. This product which has driven growth in low-cost deposits, features a 5 per cent credit card cash-back promotion and integrates financial services for a fixed monthly fee. These services include credit and debit cards, checking account, access to investment funds, time and demand deposits and internet banking. In addition to the contribution of Tu Cuenta income, an increase in the number of ATMs, a larger customer base and important efforts made during the last year to relocate machines to more convenient areas have boosted the number of transactions. The bank's Commercial Banking (CMB) customer loans were 34.6 per cent higher than in 2005, primarily driven by strong demand in the rapidly growing real estate and residential construction sectors and continued growth in the small and micro business sector. Full year 2006 fee income rose by 27 per cent largely resulting from increased cross sales activity with card acquiring, ATMs, internet banking and payments and cash management (PCM) services. Growth in customer numbers led to higher transactional volumes and this, combined with an expanded and improved product offering, increased marketing activity and re-pricing initiatives, led to a 41 per cent rise in income from payments and cash management services. The Estimulo product offering, comprising of a packaged suite of seven different products including a loan facility, continued to perform well with fee income more than tripling versus the previous year. During the third quarter, a similar product, Estimulo Empresarial, was launched, targeting upper end SME customers. This product encompasses a suite of 11 different services and since its introduction more than 165 new clients have been acquired, generating MXN543 million in new loans. HSBC's share of the trade services market continued to grow as enhanced systems, new products and improvements made to existing ones, led to higher levels of cross-selling activity among the various trade services products. During the year, the international factoring and domestic invoicing payment services were successfully piloted and marketed to existing clients. In Corporate, Investment Banking and Markets (CIBM), the Corporate bank continued to increase profitability while strengthening its market position. In Global Markets, profits were below 2005 levels as balance sheet management revenues were constrained by a flattening of the interest rate curve and relatively stable market conditions. However, the Global Markets business increased its participation in the derivatives market as it has incorporated new and more sophisticated product offerings. This, combined with solid client relationships and HSBC's global reach, helped Global Markets increase its presence in the money and capital markets. Higher payments and cash management fees were driven by a wider product offering, particularly through e-channels, intensive marketing campaigns and the leveraging of established credit-related products and services. Trading had a strong year with an increase of 43.9 per cent versus previous year, largely due to successful positioning, larger retail foreign exchange volumes, the addition of new products (currency swaps and interest rate options) and the resulting increased focus on the derivatives market. About HSBC Grupo Financiero HSBC, S.A. de C.V. is Mexico's fourth largest banking and financial services institution with 1,348 branches, 5,437 ATMs, 6.5 million customers and more than 23,000 employees. For more information, consult our website at www.hsbc.com.mx. Grupo Financiero HSBC, S.A. de C.V. is a 99.99 per cent directly owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc. Headquartered in London, UK, the HSBC Group serves over 125 million customers worldwide through 9,500 offices in 81 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. With assets of US$1,738 billion at 30 June 2006, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations. With listings on the London, Hong Kong, New York, Paris and Bermuda stock exchanges, shares in HSBC Holdings plc are held by nearly 200,000 shareholders in some 100 countries and territories. HSBC is marketed worldwide as 'the world's local bank'. Consolidated Balance Sheet GROUP BANK Figures in MXN millions 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 2006 2005 2006 2005 Assets Cash and deposits in banks 55,081 57,593 55,080 53,157 Investment in securities 57,097 59,330 56,061 57,834 Trading securities 12,627 7,234 11,591 6,863 Available for sale securities 40,471 47,937 40,471 46,812 Held to maturity securities 3,999 4,159 3,999 4,159 Securities and derivative operations 235 592 230 596 Repurchase agreements 69 194 64 198 Derivative transactions 166 398 166 398 Performing loans Commercial loans 58,112 47,655 58,112 42,429 Loans to financial intermediaries 5,973 7,183 5,973 7,080 Consumer loans 35,477 26,729 35,477 24,952 Mortgage loans 20,565 20,936 20,565 15,956 Loans to government entities 37,217 37,668 37,217 37,668 Loans to Fobaproa or IPAB - 1,142 - 1,142 Total performing loans 157,344 141,313 157,344 129,227 Impaired loans Commercial loans 1,540 1,737 1,540 1,691 Consumer loans 1,667 851 1,667 840 Mortgage loans 1,103 1,064 1,103 994 Immediate collection, remittances and other 10 29 10 29 Total impaired loans 4,320 3,681 4,320 3,554 Gross loans and advances to customers 161,664 144,994 161,664 132,781 Allowance for loan losses (6,776) (6,143) (6,776) (5,968) Net loans and advances to customers 154,888 138,851 154,888 126,813 Other accounts receivable 10,924 15,852 10,803 15,290 Foreclosed assets 53 410 53 369 Property, furniture and equipment, net 6,094 5,703 6,080 5,458 Long-term investments in equity securities 2,642 2,338 185 204 Deferred taxes - 778 - 644 Goodwill 2,648 3,374 - - Other assets, deferred charges and intangibles 603 1,753 587 1,525 Total assets 290,265 286,574 283,967 261,890 GROUP BANK Figures in MXN millions 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec Liabilities 2006 2005 2006 2005 Deposits 219,051 221,154 220,640 204,749 Demand deposits 133,735 130,738 135,324 123,757 Time deposits 81,074 90,416 81,074 80,992 Bonds 4,242 - 4,242 - Bank deposits and other liabilities 12,962 7,253 12,962 7,183 On demand 100 - 100 - Short-term 10,621 5,038 10,621 4,934 Long-term 2,241 2,215 2,241 2,249 Securities and derivative transactions 6,320 4,689 6,315 4,694 Repurchase agreements 54 118 49 123 Loans with collateral 6,266 4,571 6,266 4,571 Other accounts payable 16,815 23,914 16,660 22,819 Income tax and employee profit sharing payable 1,052 1,352 1,022 1,250 Sundry creditors and others accounts payable 15,763 22,562 15,638 21,569 Subordinated debentures outstanding 2,206 2,686 2,206 2,299 Deferred taxes 556 - 607 - Deferred credits 19 21 19 16 Total liabilities 257,929 259,717 259,409 241,760 Equity Paid in capital 20,680 20,680 13,038 13,038 Capital stock 7,909 7,909 3,930 3,930 Additional paid in capital 12,771 12,771 9,108 9,108 Other reserves 11,654 6,175 11,519 7,091 Capital reserves 843 661 9,148 4,774 Retained earnings 12,886 7,957 - - Result from the mark-to-market of available-for-sale securities - - 303 280 Result from translation of foreign operations - (7) - 12 Cumulative effect of restatement (3,843) (3,843) (3,490) (3,502) Gains on non-monetary asset valuation Valuation of fixed assets - - 1,297 1,297 Valuation of permanent investments (3,759) (3,781) (152) (144) Net income 5,527 5,188 4,413 4,374 Minority interest in capital 2 2 1 1 Total equity 32,336 26,857 24,558 20,130 Total liabilities and equity 290,265 286,574 283,967 261,890 GROUP Figures in MXN millions 31 Dec 31 Dec 2006 2005 Memorandum Accounts Transactions on behalf of third parties 108,828 89,595 Customer current accounts 26 1 Settlement of customer securities and documents 26 1 Customer securities 84,353 69,515 Customer securities in custody 84,347 68,322 Pledged customers securities and documents 6 1,193 Transactions on behalf of customers 2,485 2,511 Customer repurchase transactions 2,485 2,511 Other transactions on behalf of customers 21,964 17,568 Investment on behalf of customers, net 21,964 17,568 Other memorandums accounts 344,211 501,525 Investment of the SAR funds 3,540 3,429 Integrated loan portfolio 168,049 136,759 Other memorandum accounts 172,622 361,337 Transactions for the Group's own accounts 873,702 353,735 Accounts for the Group's own registry 873,687 353,658 Guarantees granted 50 59 Irrevocable lines of credit granted 6,334 3,918 Goods in trust or mandate 93,128 70,590 Goods in custody or under administration 111,997 59,307 Amounts committed in transactions with Fobaproa 156 128 Amounts contracted in derivative operations 657,957 214,487 Securities in custody 3,941 4,152 Other contingent obligations 124 1,017 Repurchase/resale agreements Securities receivable under repos 49,854 46,284 (less) Repurchase agreements (49,843) (46,300) 11 (16) Reverse repurchase agreements 3,016 16,607 (less) Securities deliverable under repos (3,012) (16,515) 4 92 BANK Figures in MXN millions 31 Dec 31 Dec 2006 2005 Memorandum Accounts Guarantees granted 50 59 Other contingent obligations 124 1,017 Irrevocable lines of credit granted 6,334 3,918 Goods in trust or mandate 93,128 70,590 Goods in custody or under administration 111,997 59,307 Third party investment banking operations, net 21,964 17,568 Amounts committed in transactions with Fobaproa 156 128 Amounts contracted in derivative operations 657,957 214,487 Investments of retirement savings system funds 3,540 3,429 Integrated loan portfolio 168,049 136,759 Other control accounts 172,622 361,336 1,235,921 868,598 Securities receivable under repos 47,373 43,753 (less) Repurchase agreements (47,358) (43,767) 15 (14) Reverse repurchase agreements 532 14,074 (less) Securities deliverable under repos (532) (13,985) - 89 Consolidated Income Statement Figures in MXN millions GROUP BANK 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 2006 2005 2006 2005 Interest income 27,872 27,447 27,019 26,381 Interest expense (9,681) (11,287) (9,346) (10,902) Monetary position (margin), net (1,022) (334) (937) (251) Net interest income 17,169 15,826 16,736 15,228 Loan impairment charges (4,137) (1,562) (4,106) (1,551) Risk adjusted net interest income 13,032 14,264 12,630 13,677 Fees and commissions receivable 10,171 8,786 9,253 7,879 Fees payable (1,092) (955) (1,065) (915) Trading income 2,049 1,420 2,043 1,412 Total operating income 24,160 23,515 22,861 22,053 Administrative and personnel expenses (17,746) (16,489) (16,832) (15,310) Net operating income 6,414 7,026 6,029 6,743 Other income 2,129 1,557 2,067 1,567 Other expenses (1,068) (1,063) (1,044) (1,035) Net income before taxes 7,475 7,520 7,052 7,275 Income tax and employee profit sharing tax (1,521) (1,553) (1,434) (1,441) Deferred income tax (1,235) (1,403) (1,203) (1,397) Net income before subsidiaries 4,719 4,564 4,415 4,437 Undistributed income from subsidiaries 808 704 (2) 17 Income from ongoing operations 5,527 5,268 4,413 4,454 Discontinued and extraordinary operations, and changes in accounting policies, net - (80) - (80) Net income 5,527 5,188 4,413 4,374 Statement of Changes in Shareholder's Equity GROUP Figures in MXN millions Deficit in Result from restatement foreign of stock Capital Capital Retained currency holders' Net Minority Total contributed reserves earnings transactions equity income interest equity Balances at 31 Dec 05 20,680 661 7,957 (7) (7,624) 5,188 2 26,857 Movements inherent to the shareholder's decision Capitalisation of retained earnings - - 5,188 - - (5,188) - - Other movements - 182 (259) - - - - (77) Total - 182 4,929 - - (5,188) - (77) Movements for the recognition of the comprehensive income Net income - - - - - 5,527 - 5,527 Result from foreign currency transactions - - - 7 - - - 7 Gains on non-monetary asset valuation - - - - 22 - - 22 Total - - - 7 22 5,527 - 5,556 Balances at 31 Dec 06 20,680 843 12,886 - (7,602) 5,527 2 32,336 BANK Figures in MXN millions Result from Result Deficit in valuation of from restatement available-for foreign of stock Capital Capital Retained sale currency holders' Net Minority Total contributed reserves earnings securities transactions equity income interest equity Balances at 31 Dec 05 13,038 4,774 - 280 12 (2,349) 4,374 1 20,130 Movements inherent to the shareholder's decision Transfer of result of prior years - - 4,374 - - - (4,374) - - Other movements - 4,374 (4,374) - - - - - - Total - 4,374 - - - - (4,374) - - Movements for the recognition of the comprehensive income Net income - - - - - - 4,413 - 4,413 Result from valuation of available for sale securities - - - 23 - - - - 23 Cumulative effect of restatement - - - - - 12 - - 12 Others - - - - (12) (8) - - (20) Total - - - 23 (12) 5 4,413 - 4,428 Balances at 31 Dec 06 13,038 9,148 - 303 - (2,345) 4,413 1 24,558 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Financial Position GROUP Figures in MXN millions 31 Dec 31 Dec 2006 2005 Operating activities: Net income 5,527 5,188 Items included in operations not requiring (providing) funds: Result from mark-to-market valuations (617) (285) Allowances for loan losses 4,137 1,562 Depreciation and amortisation 870 885 Deferred taxes 1,235 1,402 Undistributed income from subsidiaries, net (808) (704) Value loss estimation for foreclosed assets 242 55 Total operating items not requiring funds 10,586 8,103 Changes in items related to operations: Increase / (decrease) in retail deposit and money desk (2,103) 28,264 (Increase) in loan portfolio (20,174) (20,664) Decrease in securities and derivative transactions, net 2,600 4,171 Decrease / (increase) in financial instruments 2,238 (9,521) (Decrease) / (increase) in other receivable and payable accounts, net (296) 1,651 Funds provided by operating activities (7,149) 12,004 Financing activities: Increase / (decrease) in bank deposits and other liabilities 5,709 (2,376) Subordinated debentures outstanding (480) (100) Funds used or provided in financing activities 5,229 (2,476) Investing activities: Decrease/(increase) in property, furniture and equipment, net (804) (1,224) Decrease/(increase) in deferred charges or credits, net 97 120 Decrease in foreclosed assets 115 120 Funds used in investing activities (592) (984) (Decrease)/increase in cash and equivalents (2,512) 8,544 Cash and equivalents at beginning of period 57,593 49,049 Cash and equivalents at end of period 55,081 57,593 BANK Figures in MXN millions 31 Dec 31 Dec 2006 2005 Operating activities: Net income 4,413 4,374 Items included in operations not requiring (providing) funds: Result from mark to market valuations (627) (281) Allowance for loan losses 4,106 1,551 Depreciation and amortisation 848 855 Deferred taxes 1,203 1,397 Undistributed income from subsidiaries, net 2 (17) Value loss estimation for foreclosed assets 242 55 Total operating items not requiring funds 10,187 7,934 Changes in operating accounts: Increase in retail deposit and money desk 15,891 23,096 (Increase) in loan portfolio (32,180) (17,870) Decrease in securities and derivative transactions, net 2,600 4,453 Decrease/(increase) in financial instruments 1,810 (10,147) (Increase)/decrease in other receivable and payable accounts, net (737) 1,562 Funds provided by operations (2,429) 9,028 Financing activities: Increase/(decrease) in bank deposits and other liabilities 5,779 (2,446) Subordinated debentures outstanding (92) (67) Capital - 1,707 Funds used or provided by financing activities 5,687 (806) Investing activities: Decrease/(increase) in property, furniture and equipment, net (1,459) (1,910) Decrease/(increase) in deferred charges or credits, net 50 251 Decrease in foreclosed assets 74 108 Funds used in investing activities (1,335) (1,551) Increase in cash and equivalents 1,923 6,671 Cash and equivalents at beginning of period 53,157 46,486 Cash and equivalents at end of period 55,080 53,157 Differences between Mexican GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) HSBC Holdings plc, the parent of Grupo Financiero HSBC S.A de C.V reports its results under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). There follows a reconciliation of the results of Grupo Financiero HSBC S.A. de C.V from Mexican GAAP to IFRS for the years ended 31 December 2005 and 2006 and an explanation of the key reconciling items. YTD YTD Figures in MXN millions 2006 2005 Grupo Financiero HSBC - Net Income Under Mexican GAAP 5,527 5,188 Inflation 838 287 Differences arising on the classification and valuation of hedging derivatives ^ - 72 Differences arising on the valuation of pensions and post retirement healthcare benefits ^ 190 82 Differences arising on acquisition costs relating to long-term investment contracts ^ (48) 121 Differences arising from the deferral of fees received and paid on the origination of loans (39) (65) Differences arising from the recognition and provisioning for loan impairments ^ 1,148 709 Differences arising from purchase accounting adjustments ^ 484 611 Exclusion of results from HSBC Panama ^ ^ (162) (236) Other differences in accounting principles ^ (238) 402 HSBC Mexico net income under IFRS 7,700 7,171 US dollar equivalent (millions) 706 659 Add back tax expense 3,266 2,880 HSBC Mexico profit before tax under IFRS 10,966 10,051 US dollar equivalent (millions) 1,006 923 Exchange rate used for conversion 10.90 10.89 ^Impact shown net of taxes at 29 per cent and 30 per cent for 2006 and 2005 respectively. ^ ^ Refers to 12 months of Panama for 2005 and 7 months for 2006, removed in order to arrive at IFRS results for Mexico only. Summary of key differences between Grupo Financiero's results as reported under Mexican GAAP and IFRS Inflation Mexican GAAP Mexican GAAP Bulletin - 10 requires recognition of inflation on financial statements to reflect the current purchasing power of the currency in which such financial information is stated. IFRS IAS 29 'Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies' requires recognition of inflation on financial statements only if the entity's functional currency is the currency of a hyperinflationary economy. As Mexico's economy does not meet the characteristics established in this standard to be considered as hyperinflationary, no inflationary effects are included for IFRS reporting. Hedge Accounting Difference on valuation arose on transition to IFRS due to financial instruments that are designated as hedging instruments under Mexican GAAP that did not qualify under IFRS. This difference was taken to the income statement on termination of the hedges in 2005. No further differences exist. Summary of key differences between Grupo Financiero's results as reported under Mexican GAAP and IFRS (continued) Retirement benefits Mexican GAAP Post-retirement benefit liabilities are not recognized on the balance sheet. The income statement charge is based on contributions made to the schemes. IFRS Obligations for defined benefit pension and post-retirement healthcare benefits are recorded on the balance sheet and the income statement based on actuarial calculations. Acquisition costs of long term investment contracts Mexican GAAP All costs related to the acquisition of long-term investment contracts are expensed as they are incurred. IFRS Incremental costs relating to the acquisition of long-term investment contracts are deferred and amortised over the expected life of the contract. However, a decrease in the expected life of a portfolio of contracts has led to accelerated amortization in 2006. Fees paid and received on origination of loans Mexican GAAP All fees and expenses received or paid on loan origination are recognized as they are incurred. IFRS Fees and expenses received or paid on origination of a loan that are directly attributable to the origination of that loan are accounted for under the effective interest rate method over the expected life of the loan. Loan impairment charges Mexican GAAP Loan impairment charges are calculated following the rules issued by the Mexican Ministry of Finance and the National Banking and Securities Commission. Such rules establish authorized methodologies for determining the amount of provision for each type of loan. IFRS Loan loss provisions for collectively assessed loans are determined based on a roll-rate methodology reflecting history of losses for each category of loan, past due payments and collateral values. For individually assessed loans, loan loss provisions are calculated based on the discounted cash flow value of the collateral. Purchase accounting adjustments These arise from valuations made by HSBC on acquiring Grupo Financiero Bital in November 2002 on various assets and liabilities that differed from the valuation in the local Mexican GAAP books. Appendix A: Grupo Financiero HSBC, S.A. de C.V. (HBMX) Consolidated balance sheet on a like-for-like basis Figures in MXN millions Total Mexico Total Group ^ Panama Group 2006 2005 2005 2005 Assets Cash and deposits in banks 55,081 53,160 4,433 57,593 Investments in securities 57,097 58,205 1,125 59,330 Trading securities 12,627 7,234 - 7,234 Available-for-sale-securities 40,471 46,812 1,125 47,937 Held to maturity securities 3,999 4,159 - 4,159 Securities and derivative operations 235 592 - 592 Repurchase agreements 69 194 - 194 Derivative transactions 166 398 - 398 Performing loans Commercial loans 58,112 42,429 5,226 47,655 Loans to financial intermediaries 5,973 7,080 103 7,183 Consumer loans 35,477 24,952 1,777 26,729 Mortgage loans 20,565 15,956 4,980 20,936 Loans to government entities 37,217 37,668 - 37,668 Loans to Fobaproa or IPAB - 1,142 - 1,142 Total performing loans 157,344 129,227 12,086 141,313 Impaired loans Commercial loans 1,540 1,691 46 1,737 Consumer loans 1,667 840 11 851 Mortgages loans 1,103 995 69 1,064 Immediate collection, remittances and other 10 29 - 29 Total impaired loans 4,320 3,555 126 3,681 Gross loans and advances to customers 161,664 132,782 12,212 144,994 Allowance for loan losses (6,776) (5,968) (175) (6,143) Net loans and advances to customers 154,888 126,814 12,037 138,851 Other accounts receivable 10,924 15,739 113 15,852 Foreclosed assets 53 369 41 410 Property, furniture and equipment, net 6,094 5,467 236 5,703 Long term investments in equity securities 2,642 2,338 - 2,338 Deferred taxes - 738 40 778 Goodwill 2,648 2,649 725 3,374 Other assets, deferred charges and intangibles 603 1,546 207 1,753 Total assets 290,265 267,617 18,957 286,574 On 8 August 2006, HSBC Panama was sold by Grupo Financiero HSBC, S.A de C.V to HSBC Asia Holdings BV. Therefore, the balance sheet as at 31 December 2005 has been restated to exclude HSBC Panama to compare on a like-for-like basis. Grupo Financiero HSBC, S.A. de C.V. (HBMX) Figures in MXN millions Total Total Group Mexico^ Panama Group 2006 2005 2005 2005 Liabilities Deposits 219,051 204,747 16,407 221,154 Demand deposits 133,735 123,756 6,982 130,738 Time deposits 81,074 80,991 9,425 90,416 Bonds 4,242 - - - Bank deposits and other liabilities 12,962 7,183 70 7,253 On demand 100 - - - Short-term 10,621 4,968 70 5,038 Long-term 2,241 2,215 - 2,215 Securities and derivative transactions 6,320 4,689 - 4,689 Repurchase agreements 54 118 - 118 Loans with collateral 6,266 4,571 - 4,571 Other accounts payable 16,815 23,404 510 23,914 Income tax and employee profit sharing payable 1,052 1,266 86 1,352 Sundry creditors and others accounts payable 15,763 22,138 424 22,562 Subordinated debentures outstanding 2,206 2,299 387 2,686 Deferred tax 556 - - - Deferred credits 19 17 4 21 Total liabilities 257,929 242,339 17,378 259,717 Equity Paid in capital 20,680 19,400 1,280 20,680 Capital stock 7,909 6,629 1,280 7,909 Additional paid in capital 12,771 12,771 - 12,771 Other reserves 11,654 5,876 299 6,175 Capital reserves 843 661 - 661 Retained earnings 12,886 7,891 66 7,957 Result from translation of foreign operations - - (7) (7) Cumulative effect of restatement (3,843) (3,843) - (3,843) Gains on non monetary asset valuation Valuation of permanent investments (3,759) (3,781) - (3,781) Net income 5,527 4,948 240 5,188 Minority interest in capital 2 2 - 2 Total equity 32,336 25,278 1,579 26,857 Total liabilities and equity 290,265 267,617 18,957 286,574 ^ On 8 August 2006, HSBC Panama was sold by Grupo Financiero HSBC, S.A de C.V to HSBC Asia Holdings BV. Therefore, the balance sheet as at 31 December 2005 has been restated to exclude HSBC Panama to compare on a like for like basis. Grupo Financiero HSBC, S.A. de C.V. (HBMX) Consolidated income statement on a like-for-like basis Figures in MXN millions For the year ended 31 December Total Total Mexico^ Panama Group Mexico^ Panama Group 2006 2006 2006 2005 2005 2005 Interest income 27,147 725 27,872 26,505 942 27,447 Interest expense (-) (9,389) (292) (9,681) (10,982) (305) (11,287) Monetary position (margin), net (1,017) (5) (1,022) (325) (9) (334) Net interest income 16,741 428 17,169 15,198 628 15,826 Loan impairment charges (-) (4,106) (31) (4,137) (1,551) (11) (1,562) Risk adjusted net interest income 12,635 397 13,032 13,647 617 14,264 Fees and commissions receivable 9,994 177 10,171 8,530 256 8,786 Fees payable (1,061) (31) (1,092) (907) (48) (955) Trading income 2,049 - 2,049 1,424 (4) 1,420 Total operating income 23,617 543 24,160 22,694 821 23,515 Administrative and personnel expenses (-) (17,418) (328) (17,746) (16,002) (487) (16,489) Net operating income 6,199 215 6,414 6,692 334 7,026 Other income 2,129 - 2,129 1,557 - 1,557 Other expenses (-) (1,068) - (1,068) (1,058) (5) (1,063) Net income before taxes 7,260 215 7,475 7,191 329 7,520 Income tax and employee profit sharing (1,459) (62) (1,521) (1,463) (90) (1,553) Deferred income tax (1,244) 9 (1,235) (1,403) - (1,403) Net income before subsidiaries 4,557 162 4,719 4,325 239 4,564 Undistributed income from subsidiaries 808 - 808 704 - 704 Income from ongoing operations 5,365 162 5,527 5,029 239 5,268 Discontinued and extraordinary operations and changes in accounting policies, net - - - (80) - (80) Net income 5,365 162 5,527 4,949 239 5,188 ^ On 8 August 2006, HSBC Panama was sold by Grupo Financiero HSBC, S.A de C.V to HSBC Asia Holdings BV. Therefore, results for the year ended 31 December 2005 have been restated to exclude 12 months results for HSBC Panama. Results for the year ended 31 December 2006 have been restated to exclude results for HSBC Panama up until the date of disposal in order to compare on a like-for-like basis. 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. HSBC Holdings plc By: Name: P A Stafford Title: Assistant Group Secretary Date: 27 February, 2007