Half Yearly Report

RNS Number : 7442Z
Close Brothers Group PLC
12 March 2013
 



 

Close Brothers Group plc announces

Half year results for the six months to 31 January 2013

 

A good result in the first half

 

·     The group reports a good result with adjusted operating profit up 26% to £80 million and adjusted basic earnings per share up 31% to 41.8p

 

·     The Banking division performed strongly with a 26% increase in adjusted operating profit, reflecting solid loan book growth of 6% and an improved bad debt ratio of 1.2%

 

·     In Securities, Winterflood remained consistently profitable in difficult trading conditions with adjusted operating profit of £7 million

 

·     Asset Management is on track and delivered a 6% increase in AuM to £8.9 billion

 

·     The group maintained a strong funding, liquidity and capital position with a core tier 1 capital ratio of 12.7%

 

·     Interim dividend per share increased 7% to 15.0p

 

 

Financial Highlights

for the six months ended 31 January

 

2013

 

2012




Adjusted operating profit1

£79.8m

£63.2m




Adjusted basic earnings per share2

 41.8p 

31.9p 




Operating profit before tax (after exceptional items)

£77.3m

£66.8m




Basic earnings per share (after exceptional items)

40.4p 

34.8p 




Profit attributable to shareholders

£58.8m

£50.5m




Ordinary dividend per share

15.0p 

14.0p 

 

1Adjusted operating profit is before exceptional items and amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition.

2Adjusted basic earnings per share is before exceptional items, amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition and the tax effect of such adjustments.

 

Note: All figures relate to the six month period to 31 January unless otherwise indicated.

 

Preben Prebensen, Chief Executive, commenting on the results said:


"The group achieved a good result in the period as Banking delivered another strong performance, Securities held up well in the continued difficult market conditions and Asset Management made progress and delivered an improved result.  We have made good progress on our strategic priorities and look forward with confidence."

 

Enquiries to:


Sophie Gillingham - Investor Relations                                

Close Brothers Group plc    020 7655 3844

Debbie Nathan - Investor Relations  

Close Brothers Group plc    020 7655 3845

Peter Ogden - Media Relations                             

Maitland    020 7379 5151

 

A presentation to analysts and investors will be held today at 9.30 am GMT at our offices at 10 Crown Place, London EC2A 4FT.  A listen-only dial-in facility will be available by dialling 0845 401 0012, or +44 203 059 8125.  A recording of this call will be available for replay for two weeks by dialling +44 121 260 4861, access code 5565422#.

 

 

About Close Brothers:

 

Close Brothers is a specialist financial services group which makes loans, trades securities and provides advice and investment management solutions to a wide range of clients.

 

Close Brothers' Banking division provides specialist lending to small and medium-sized businesses and individuals across a diverse range of asset classes, and also offers deposit taking services.

 

The Securities division provides trading services to retail brokers and institutions principally through Winterflood, a leading market-maker in the UK.

 

Close Brothers Asset Management provides a full range of advice, investment management and self directed services to private and corporate clients and professional advisers.

 

Close Brothers was established in 1878 and today employs over 2,500 people, principally in the UK. Close Brothers Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 250.

 

 

OVERVIEW

 

Chairman's and Chief Executive's Statement

 

We are pleased to report a good result for Close Brothers for the first half of the year.  The Banking division has achieved strong profit growth with a solid increase in the loan book and improved credit performance.  In Securities, Winterflood remained consistently profitable in continued difficult market conditions.  Asset Management has made progress in the first half and we remain focused on our medium term targets for the division.  We have maintained our strong capital, funding and liquidity position, and are well placed for the remainder of the 2013 financial year.

 

Good performance in the first half

 

Overall, adjusted operating profit increased 26% to £79.8 million (2012: £63.2 million) resulting in a 31% increase in adjusted basic earnings per share to 41.8p (2012: 31.9p).  This reflects a strong performance in Banking, modestly lower profitability in Securities and a small profit in Asset Management.

 

There were no exceptional items in the period.  After charges for amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition of £2.5 million (2012: £2.3 million) and exceptional income of £5.9 million in the prior year period only, operating profit before tax increased 16% to £77.3 million (2012: £66.8 million).  Basic earnings per share also increased 16% to 40.4p (2012: 34.8p). 

 

We continue to access a diverse range of funding sources and have maintained a strong funding position.  During the period, our customer deposit base continued to grow, increasing total available funding to £6.2 billion (31 July 2012: £5.9 billion).  We also strengthened the maturity of our funding through the renewal of several facilities and maintained a prudent maturity profile, with 72% (31 July 2012: 67%) of the loan book covered by term funding over one year at the balance sheet date.

 

Our capital position has remained strong and at 31 January 2013, our core tier 1 capital ratio was 12.7% (31 July 2012: 12.8%), and the leverage ratio was 9.3% (31 July 2012: 9.7%).  The capital position is comfortably above current and proposed regulatory requirements and is not expected to be materially affected by Basel lll. 

 

As a result of the strong performance in the period, the group's return on opening equity increased to 16% (2012: 11%).

 

The board has declared an interim dividend of 15.0p (2012: 14.0p) per share, an increase of 1.0p, or 7%, reflecting the strong profit growth in the period.

Strong profit growth in Banking

 

The Banking division has delivered another period of strong profit growth with a 26% increase in adjusted operating profit to £77.7 million (2012: £61.8 million). 

 

The strategic priority in the Banking division is to capture sustainable growth while maintaining our distinctive specialist lending model and the quality of our loan book.  The loan book increased 6% to £4.4 billion at 31 January 2013 (31 July 2012: £4.1 billion), corresponding to 16% growth over the last 12 months.  Although growth in the period has been slightly lower, it remains solid across Retail, Commercial and Property.  Given our strong market share, high repeat business levels and established customer relationships, we continue to see solid prospects for further growth.

 

Our niche, specialist lending serves the financing needs of UK SMEs across a diverse range of assets including heavy commercial vehicles, plant and machinery, agricultural equipment and invoice receivables.  In addition, we lend to property companies for residential developments as well as providing insurance premium and car financing to retail and commercial borrowers through intermediaries.  This breadth, together with our local expertise, means we remain confident of the market opportunities in the UK for our core lending.  We also continue to explore new growth opportunities which share the strong risk and return profile of our core lending activities, such as structured finance to the middle ticket market.  Overall, this leaves us well positioned to continue making the most of the operating environment through the cycle.

 

We remain focused on maintaining strong returns and in the period the return on net loan book increased further to 3.7% (2012: 3.4%), slightly above the ten year average of 3.6%.   Our consistently strong returns reflect our discipline in maintaining our lending model and the combination of a strong net interest margin, which was 8.9% (2012: 9.6%) in the period, and low bad debt ratio, which improved further to 1.2% (2012: 1.7%).  We remain focused on managing and controlling the business as it grows, and have significantly strengthened our infrastructure and systems in order to be well positioned to manage future growth. 

 

Difficult market conditions continued for Securities

 

The strategic priority for the Securities division is to maintain its leading market position and maximise profitability in all trading conditions.  However, performance in the period has continued to be impacted by difficult market conditions.  As widespread macro-economic uncertainty and risk aversion amongst retail investors continued, Winterflood remained consistently profitable with adjusted operating profit of £7.4 million (2012: £8.4 million).  Overall adjusted operating profit for Securities reduced to £10.5 million (2012: £13.2 million) reflecting a lower contribution from Mako.

 

In the recent difficult trading conditions, average bargains per day reduced, reflecting low retail investor risk appetite, while income per bargain has increased slightly.  Despite some periods of increased market activity during January and February, we are not yet seeing signs of any sustained shift in risk appetite.  

 

Winterflood has retained its strong market position as a leading market-maker to UK retail brokers.  It has maintained its sales and trading capacity and delivered a consistent performance with only one loss day (2012: six loss days) in 128 trading days (2012: 128 trading days) in the period.   We remain confident that Winterflood's core business is well positioned to capture any sustainable increase in retail trading activity.  We have also made progress with Winterflood Business Services, although it remains at an early stage, as we capture increased demand for outsourced dealing and custody services.

 

Adjusted operating profit at Seydler improved to £2.2 million (2012: loss of £0.9 million), an increase on the prior year reflecting higher capital markets activity, although trading volumes in Germany also remained low.  Seydler has retained strong relationships with German mid-cap corporates and remains well positioned in its market.

 

The contribution from Mako reduced to £0.9 million (2012: £5.7 million) largely reflecting low market volatility in the period, and a lower shareholding of 27.3% compared to the prior year.

 

Progress in Asset Management

 

The Asset Management division has made progress towards its objective of moving into profitability during the course of the 2013 financial year.  It has achieved good revenue growth, with an increase in the revenue margin to 84 basis points (2012: 73 basis points), as well as a stable cost base year on year.  Underlying performance improved and overall the division delivered adjusted operating profit of £1.1 million (2012: loss of £2.6 million) including the benefit of a small profit on the sale of our residual investment in a private equity fund.

 

During the period we have achieved good sales to new private clients both through our own advisers and fund managers, and through third party IFAs, and inflows increased on the prior year.  However, these were offset by outflows including redemptions from institutional clients and the maturity of a legacy structured fund.  In the period, we benefited from positive market movements and as a result overall Assets under Management ("AuM") increased 6% to £8,854 million at 31 January 2013 (31 July 2012: £8,320 million).  

 

We remain focused on driving revenue margin expansion, partly by increasing the proportion of our assets which are both managed and advised by us.  In the period, these increased to £2,052 million (31 July 2012: £1,651 million) as we progressed with sales of our integrated proposition to existing clients, including clients previously acquired.  We are pleased that our range of investment products has been well received by both existing and new clients, and further endorsed by our advisers and third party IFA sales channels. 

 

Our business model provides high quality advice and investment management to private clients and remains well positioned in the current market and regulatory environment.  We remain focused on our medium-term targets, as set out in the 2012 preliminary results, to achieve a revenue margin of around 100 basis points and an operating margin of at least 15% by the 2015 financial year.

 

Outlook

 

Performance in the first half of the 2013 financial year was good, and our businesses are well placed for the remainder of the year.

 

In Banking, we continue to see solid prospects for loan book growth and expect a similar performance in the second half.

 

In Securities, Winterflood remains well positioned to benefit from any sustained recovery in market conditions.

 

Asset Management continues to make progress and remains on track.

 

Overall, we look forward with confidence and expect a good result for the year as a whole.

 

 

FINANCIAL REVIEW

 

Overview

 

Close Brothers has delivered a good result for the first half of the 2013 financial year driven by continued strong profit growth in the Banking division, supported by consistent profitability at Winterflood and an improved result in Asset Management.  Overall, adjusted operating profit increased 26% to £79.8 million (2012: £63.2 million).

 

Group Income Statement

 

 

First half
2013
£ million

First half
2012
£ million

 

Change
%

Adjusted operating income

283.0 

261.8 

Adjusted operating expenses

(177.4)

(168.7)

Impairment losses on loans and advances

(25.8)

(29.9)

(14)

Adjusted operating profit

79.8 

63.2 

26 

Exceptional income

-

5.9 

 

Amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition

(2.5)

(2.3)

Operating profit before tax

77.3 

66.8 

16 

Tax

(17.9)

(15.5)

15 

Non-controlling interests

(0.6)

(0.8)

(25)

Profit attributable to shareholders

58.8 

50.5 

16 

Adjusted basic earnings per share

41.8p

31.9p

31 

Basic earnings per share

40.4p

34.8p

16 

Ordinary dividend per share

15.0p

14.0p

 

Note:  Adjusted operating income, expenses, operating profit and earnings per share exclude the effect of exceptional items and amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition, and the tax effect of such adjustments.

 

Strong profit growth

 

Total adjusted operating income rose 8% to £283.0 million (2012: £261.8 million) in the first half of the financial year.  This was driven by good income growth in the Banking division and an increase in income on AuM in the Asset Management division, although Securities income reduced slightly in continued difficult market conditions.

 

The group remains committed to managing costs carefully, whilst maintaining the capacity and flexibility to support growth in its businesses.  Adjusted operating expenses increased 5% to £177.4 million (2012: £168.7 million), principally driven by higher costs in the Banking division reflecting strong loan book growth in the last year.   Asset Management costs were stable as the division substantially completed its restructuring in the last financial year, while expenses in the Securities division reduced slightly.  Overall, the group's expense/income ratio improved to 63% (2012: 66%) and the compensation ratio (total staff costs on adjusted operating income excluding associate income) was stable at 38% (2012: 38%). 

 

Impairment losses on loans and advances ("bad debts") reduced to £25.8 million (2012: £29.9 million) reflecting strong credit performance across the portfolio.   As a result, the bad debt ratio improved to 1.2% (2012: 1.7%).

 

Total adjusted operating profit for the group increased 26% to £79.8 million (2012: £63.2 million), principally driven by profit growth in the Banking division.  The loan book has grown 6% in the first half of the year and 16% over the last 12 months, which together with the reduction in bad debts led to adjusted operating profit growth of 26% to £77.7 million (2012: £61.8 million).  The Asset Management division delivered a small adjusted operating profit of £1.1 million (2012: loss of £2.6 million), partially offsetting a £2.7 million decrease in Securities adjusted operating profit to £10.5 million (2012: £13.2 million) principally reflecting a lower contribution from Mako.  The net of group income and expenses was substantially unchanged at £9.5 million (2012: £9.2 million) for the first half.  Overall, the group's operating margin was enhanced by 6% to 28% (2012: 22%) and return on opening equity increased to 16% (2012: 11%).

 

There were no exceptional items in the period.  Exceptional income of £5.9 million was recorded in the prior year period principally relating to foreign exchange gains realised on the reduction of our investment in Mako during that period.  In line with our normal accounting policy, we recorded a charge for amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition of £2.5 million (2012: £2.3 million).

 

Operating profit before tax, after exceptional income and amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition, increased 16% to £77.3 million (2012: £66.8 million).

 

The tax charge for the period was £17.9 million (2012: £15.5 million), corresponding to an effective tax rate of 23% (2012: 23%), broadly in line with the UK corporation tax rate of 24% (2012: 26%).

 

Profit attributable to shareholders increased 16% to £58.8 million (2012: £50.5 million) and basic earnings per share also increased 16% to 40.4p (2012: 34.8p).  Excluding exceptional income in the prior year and amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition, adjusted basic earnings per share increased 31% to 41.8p (2012: 31.9p).

 

Dividend per share

 

The board has declared an interim dividend per share of 15.0p (2012: 14.0p), representing a year on year increase of 7%.  This reflects strong profit growth in the period which has enabled the group to increase the dividend in line with our progressive dividend policy, whilst strengthening our dividend cover.  The dividend will be paid on 24 April 2013 to shareholders on the register at 22 March 2013.

 

Divisional Adjusted Operating Profit/(Loss)

 


First half 2013


First half 2012


Change


£ million

%


£ million

%


%

Banking

77.7 

87 


61.8 

85 


26 

Securities

10.5 

12 


13.2 

18 


(20)

Asset Management

1.1 

1 


(2.6)

(3)



Total divisions

89.3 

100 


72.4 

100 


23 

Group

(9.5)



(9.2)



3 

Adjusted operating profit

79.8 



63.2



26 

 

Balance Sheet

 

Group Balance Sheet

 

 

31 January
2013
£ million

31 July
2012
£ million

Assets



Cash and loans and advances to banks

1,111.4

816.8

Settlement balances, long trading positions and loans to money brokers

794.3

598.5

Loans and advances to customers

4,373.2

4,125.9

Non-trading debt securities

204.5

353.0

Intangible assets

138.9

139.7

Other assets

341.0

321.9

Total assets

6,963.3

6,355.8

Liabilities



Settlement balances, short trading positions and loans from money brokers

707.3

501.7

Deposits by banks

60.6

88.0

Deposits by customers

3,933.4

3,448.1

Borrowings

1,228.1

1,322.3

Other liabilities

233.5

225.9

Total liabilities

6,162.9

5,586.0

Equity

800.4

769.8

Total liabilities and equity

6,963.3

6,355.8

 

 

Strong balance sheet maintained

 

The group has maintained its simple and transparent balance sheet which is principally made up of customer loans, trading assets and liabilities and the group's funding and liquidity holdings.  During the period, total assets increased by 10% to £6,963.3 million (31 July 2012: £6,355.8 million) driven by growth in the loan book as well as a higher level of liquid assets and settlement balances at the balance sheet date.

 

Loans and advances to customers accounted for 63% (31 July 2012: 65%) of the group's total assets and increased by 6%, or £247.3 million, to £4,373.2 million (31 July 2012: £4,125.9 million).  The group continues to apply prudent and consistent criteria to lending decisions and the loan book remains small ticket, predominantly secured, on prudent loan-to-value ("LTV") ratios and short-term, with an average maturity of 13 months (31 July 2012: 14 months). 

 

Cash and loans and advances to banks principally relate to Bank of England deposits held for liquidity purposes by the group's Treasury function.  The balance increased 36% to £1,111.4 million (31 July 2012: £816.8 million), as a result of the timing of new funding which was not deployed in the loan book at the balance sheet date.  

 

The group has now substantially completed the process of optimising balance sheet efficiency through the reduction in our holding of less liquid floating rate notes ("FRNs") which reduced slightly in the period.  Our holding of certificates of deposits ("CDs") also reduced and gilts remained broadly stable, with the result that total non-trading debt securities were lower at £204.5 million (31 July 2012: £353.0 million).

 

Settlement balances, long and short trading positions and loans to and from money brokers reflect the market-making activity at Winterflood and Seydler around the balance sheet date.  As a result of higher trading activity at 31 January 2013, these increased to £794.3 million (31 July 2012: £598.5 million) on the asset side and to £707.3 million (31 July 2012: £501.7 million) on the liability side, although the net balance reduced modestly to £87.0 million (31 July 2012: £96.8 million).

 

Total liabilities increased in the period reflecting an increase in the group's funding, as deposits by customers grew by £485.3 million to £3,933.4 million (31 July 2012: £3,448.1 million).  Borrowings, which relate to the group's wholesale funding, decreased slightly to £1,228.1 million (31 July 2012: £1,322.3 million) reflecting lower drawdowns on debt facilities as a result of the strong liquidity position at the period end.

 

Total equity increased to £800.4 million (31 July 2012: £769.8 million) reflecting profit for the period of £59.4 million and other positive reserve movements, partly offset by the 2012 final dividend payment of £39.7 million.

 

Funding and liquidity

 

The objective of the group's Treasury function is to fund the loan book with a focus on diversity and maturity, while maintaining a sound level of high quality liquidity.

 

Diverse range of funding sources

 

Group Funding Overview

 

 

31 January
2013
£ million

31 July
2012
£ million

 

Change
£ million

Deposits by customers

3,933.4

3,448.1

485.3 

Drawn and undrawn facilities1

1,263.7

1,436.7

(173.0)

Group bond

204.8

204.5

0.3 

Equity

800.4

769.8

30.6 

Total available funding

6,202.3

5,859.1

343.2 

 

1Includes £257.8 million (31 July 2012: £331.9 million) of undrawn facilities and excludes £17.4 million (31 July 2012: £13.0 million) of non-facility overdrafts included in borrowings.

 

The group maintained a strong funding position in the period with good access to a diverse range of funding sources.  Total group funding at 31 January 2013 increased 6% to £6,202.3 million (31 July 2012: £5,859.1 million), principally driven by an increase in customer deposits.  This continues to represent a good level of funding to support growth in the loan book, equating to 142% (31 July 2012: 142%) of the loan book at 31 January 2013, unchanged from the prior year end.

 

The group has built up a strong and reliable retail deposit base over the last three years and through a number of recent successful savings product campaigns, we raised over £400 million new retail term deposits in the first half.  The group also has long standing, established relationships with corporate customers for deposit taking and these deposits also increased in the period.  As a result total customer deposits increased to £3,933.4 million (31 July 2012: £3,448.1 million).

 

Wholesale funding includes the group bond of £204.8 million (31 July 2012: £204.5 million) and drawn and undrawn facilities of £1,263.7 million (31 July 2012: £1,436.7 million) at the balance sheet date.  During the period the group renewed three facilities totalling £575 million that were approaching maturity, including the £350 million securitisation on the premium finance loan book.

 

Prudent maturity profile

 

Group Funding Maturity Profile

 

 

 

Less than
one year
£ million

One to two
years

£ million

Greater than
two years

£ million


Total
£ million

Deposits by customers

2,468.4

1,132.0

333.0

3,933.4

Drawn and undrawn facilities1

591.4

75.0

597.3

1,263.7

Group bond

6.2

-

198.6

204.8

Equity

-

-

800.4

800.4

Total available funding at 31 January 2013

3,066.0

1,207.0

1,929.3

6,202.3

Total available funding at 31 July 2012

3,100.4

1,492.5

1,266.2

5,859.1

 

1Includes £257.8 million (31 July 2012: £331.9 million) of undrawn facilities and excludes £17.4 million (31 July 2012: £13.0 million) of non-facility overdrafts included in borrowings.

 

The group remains committed to maintaining a prudent maturity profile of funding relative to the loan book.  Renewals of wholesale funding and an increase in term deposits in the first half of the year led to an increase in the group's term funding, with a residual maturity greater than one year, to £3,136.3 million (31 July 2012: £2,758.7 million).  This continues to represent a prudent level relative to the loan book, which was 72% (31 July 2012: 67%) covered by term funding at the balance sheet date.

 

The weighted average maturity of this term funding, excluding equity, was broadly unchanged at 28 months (31 July 2012: 27 months) and continues to significantly exceed the average loan book maturity of 13 months (31 July 2012: 14 months).

 

Sound level of high quality liquidity

 

The group's liquidity position remains comfortably ahead of regulatory requirements.  The group's Treasury function continually monitors the level and quality of the group's liquid assets to ensure it maintains a sound level of liquidity.

 

Treasury Assets

 

 

31 January
2013
£ million

31 July
2012
£ million

 

Change
£ million

Gilts

98.1

100.1

(2.0)

Bank of England deposits

981.3

706.8

274.5 

High quality liquid assets

1,079.4

806.9

272.5 

Certificates of deposit

25.0

130.3

(105.3)

Floating rate notes

81.4

122.6

(41.2)

Total Treasury assets

1,185.8

1,059.8

126.0 

 

At the balance sheet date, the group had high quality liquid assets of £1,079.4 million (31 July 2012: £806.9 million).  The balance fluctuates depending on the timing of new funding raised, and increased in the first half as a result of new funding not yet deployed in the loan book at the balance sheet date.  This increase was primarily reflected in higher Bank of England deposits which rose to £981.3 million (31 July 2012: £706.8 million) while gilts remained broadly stable at £98.1 million (31 July 2012: £100.1 million).  At the same time, the CD portfolio reduced to £25.0 million (31 July 2012: £130.3 million).

 

We have now substantially completed the run-off of our holding of less liquid securities, with the FRN portfolio reducing further to £81.4 million (31 July 2012: £122.6 million) in the period.  The portfolio had an average residual maturity of 11 months (31 July 2012: 12 months) at the balance sheet date.

 

Credit ratings

 

The credit ratings for Close Brothers Group plc and Close Brothers Limited ("CBL"), the group's regulated banking subsidiary, from Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") and Moody's Investors Services ("Moody's") were unchanged in the first half of the year.  In November 2012 Fitch reaffirmed its ratings for Close Brothers Group and CBL at A/F1, both with stable outlooks.  Moody's ratings for Close Brothers Group and CBL are unchanged since the financial year end at Baa1/P2 and A3/P2 respectively, both with negative outlooks.

 

Maintained strong capital position

 

Group Capital Position



31 January
2013
£ million

31 July
2012
£ million

Core tier 1 capital ratio


12.7%

12.8%

Total capital ratio


14.3%

14.5%

Leverage ratio1


9.3%

9.7%

Core tier 1 capital


648.4

620.8

Total regulatory capital


731.8

702.9

Risk weighted assets


5,105.7

4,859.7

 

1Core tier 1 capital as a percentage of total balance sheet assets, adjusting for intangible assets and certain off balance sheet exposures.

 

Despite several years of strong loan book growth, the group has maintained its strong capital position and comfortably continues to meet all regulatory capital requirements.

 

In the first half of the 2013 financial year, the group's core tier 1 capital ratio was largely unchanged at 12.7% (31 July 2012: 12.8%), reflecting strong profitability in the period and continued loan book growth.  We do not expect our core tier 1 capital ratio to be materially affected by Basel III, given that we do not have complex trading book exposures which give rise to higher credit and counterparty risk charges, or material deferred tax assets which are subject to new capital deductions.

 

In the first half of the year our core tier 1 capital increased to £648.4 million (31 July 2012: £620.8 million), as profit attributable to shareholders and other reserve movements were partly offset by the payment of the 2012 final dividend of £39.7 million.  Risk weighted assets increased 5% to £5,105.7 million (31 July 2012: £4,859.7 million), principally due to an increase in credit and counterparty risk as a result of loan book growth.

 

The group has also maintained a strong leverage ratio, which is a transparent measure of capital strength not affected by risk weightings.  In the first half this ratio reduced slightly to 9.3% (31 July 2012: 9.7%), reflecting growth in total balance sheet assets of 10%, through a combination of loan book growth, a higher liquidity position and higher settlement balances at the balance sheet date.  Taken together with the core tier 1 capital ratio, this ratio continues to demonstrate the strength of the group's capital position.

 

 

BUSINESS REVIEW

 

Banking

 

Key Financials




 


First half
2013

First half
2012

Change


£ million

£ million

%

Adjusted operating income

195.7 

176.5 

11 

Net interest and fees on loan book1

189.3 

172.7 

10 

Retail

75.8 

71.7 

6 

Commercial

84.0 

78.9 

6 

Property

29.5 

22.1 

33 

Treasury and other non-lending income

6.4 

3.8 

68 

Adjusted operating expenses

(92.2)

(84.8)

9 

Impairment losses on loans and advances

(25.8)

(29.9)

(14)

Adjusted operating profit

77.7 

61.8 

26 





Key Performance Indicators




Net interest margin2

8.9%

9.6%


Bad debt ratio3

1.2%

1.7%


Expense/income ratio4

47%

48%


Return on opening equity5

24%

20%


 

1 Includes £144.2 million (2012: £127.2 million) net interest income and £45.1 million (2012: £45.5 million) other income.  Other income includes net fees and commissions, operating lease income, and other miscellaneous income.

2 Net interest and fees on average net loans and advances to customers.

3 Impairment losses on average net loans and advances to customers.

4 Adjusted operating expenses on adjusted operating income.

5 Adjusted operating profit after tax and non-controlling interests on opening equity.

 

Strong performance in the first half of 2013

 

The Banking division has delivered another strong performance with solid loan book growth and improved credit performance leading to an increase in adjusted operating profit of 26% to £77.7 million (2012: £61.8 million).  As a result, the return on opening equity improved to 24% (2012: 20%).

 

Adjusted operating income increased 11% to £195.7 million (2012: £176.5 million) reflecting growth across the portfolio in net interest and fees on the loan book, which increased 10%.  Treasury and other non-lending income increased to £6.4 million (2012: £3.8 million) reflecting one-off income from the settlement of a long standing legal case.

 

Adjusted operating expenses increased 9% to £92.2 million (2012: £84.8 million), largely reflecting costs associated with the strong loan book growth over the last year, including additional staff costs particularly in asset finance and motor finance.  Overall, the expense/income ratio improved slightly to 47% (2012: 48%) and the compensation ratio remained unchanged at 27% (2012: 27%).

 

Given the strong credit performance across the portfolio, bad debt charges reduced to £25.8 million (2012: £29.9 million) in the period.

 

Continued solid loan book growth

 

In the six months to 31 January 2013, the loan book increased 6% to £4.4 billion (31 July 2012: £4.1 billion) corresponding to 16% growth over the last 12 months.  Overall, growth has remained solid albeit slower than the prior year, reflecting a moderation in demand in some of our markets.  Our priority remains to maintain the discipline of our lending criteria to protect our business model and the strong returns of our loan portfolio.

 

Loan Book Analysis





31 January
2013

31 July
2012

Change


£ million

£ million

%

Retail

1,820.6

1,707.8

7 

Motor finance

1,164.4

1,086.8

7 

Premium finance

656.2

621.0

6 

Commercial

1,724.0

1,635.9

5 

Asset finance

1,420.9

1,327.2

7 

Invoice finance

303.1

308.7

(2)

Property

828.6

782.2

6 

Closing loan book

4,373.2

4,125.9

6 

 

The Retail loan book increased 7% to £1,820.6 million in the six months to 31 January 2013 (31 July 2012: £1,707.8 million).  The motor finance loan book increased 7% to £1,164.4 million (31 July 2012: £1,086.8 million).  It continues to benefit from strong relationships with existing and new motor dealers across the UK, notwithstanding a slowdown in demand for second hand cars in the period.  The premium finance loan book increased 6% to £656.2 million (31 July 2012: £621.0 million) reflecting continued modest growth in personal, and seasonal growth in commercial lines.

 

The Commercial loan book increased 5% to £1,724.0 million (31 July 2012: £1,635.9 million) driven by asset finance which increased 7% to £1,420.9 million (31 July 2012: £1,327.2 million) with good growth in manufacturing and middle ticket lending.  Invoice finance remained broadly unchanged at £303.1 million (31 July 2012: £308.7 million) reflecting the continued discipline of our lending criteria in a competitive market.

 

In Property, the loan book increased 6% to £828.6 million (31 July 2012: £782.2 million), corresponding to 24% growth over the last 12 months.  Whilst new loan growth in the period has remained strong, this was partly offset by a higher level of repayments following exceptionally strong growth in the prior year.

 

Consistent lending model and strong returns

 

As we continue to lend with consistent, prudent criteria, the quality of the loan book and returns from our lending remain strong.  Our niche, specialist lending businesses serve a wide range of SMEs and individuals across different asset types, and vary by maturity, size and LTV, but share a similar risk and return profile.  Our overall loan book remains predominantly secured, on conservative LTVs, and short-term with an average maturity of 13 months (31 July 2012: 14 months).  In the first half, the return on net loan book improved further to 3.7% (2012: 3.4%), slightly above the ten year average of 3.6%.

 

The net interest margin, which includes net interest income and other lending related income, remained strong in the period at 8.9% (2012: 9.6%), although lower than the prior year.  This principally reflects changes in mix over the last year including growth in lower margin areas such as middle ticket lending and larger motor dealerships, as well as lower income from settlement fees and default fees as a result of improved credit performance.  Other income, which principally includes net fees and commissions related to our lending activities, accounted for 24% (2012: 26%) of total net interest and fee income in the period, broadly consistent with prior years.

 

The bad debt ratio has continued to improve to 1.2% (2012: 1.7%) in the period reflecting our credit discipline during the strong loan book growth over the last 12 months.  Bad debt improved in Property and Commercial, and remains at historically low levels in Retail.

 

The Banking division remains well positioned and continues to see solid prospects for loan book growth while remaining focused on protecting its distinctive lending model.

 

 

BUSINESS REVIEW

 

Securities

 

Key Financials


First half
2013
£ million

First half
2012
£ million


Change
%

 

Adjusted operating income

47.9 

51.6 

(7)

 

   Winterflood

34.7 

37.6 

(8)

 

   Seydler

12.3 

8.3 

48 

 

   Mako (associate income after tax)

0.9 

5.7 

 (84)

 

Adjusted operating expenses

(37.4)

(38.4)

(3)

 

Winterflood

(27.3)

(29.2)

(7)

 

Seydler

(10.1)

 (9.2)

10 

 

Adjusted operating profit/(loss)

10.5 

13.2 

(20)

 

   Winterflood

7.4 

8.4 

(12)

 

   Seydler

2.2 

(0.9)


 

   Mako (associate income after tax)

0.9 

5.7 

(84)

 





 

Key Performance Indicators




 

Winterflood income per bargain

£6.52 

£6.09


 

Winterflood average bargains per day ('000)

42 

 48


 

Operating margin1

20%

16%


Return on opening equity2

16%

11%


 

1 Adjusted operating profit on adjusted operating income after excluding associate income.

2 Adjusted operating profit excluding associate income after tax and non-controlling interests on opening equity.

 

First half of 2013 performance impacted by continued difficult market

 

The difficult market conditions which affected the Securities division's performance during most of the previous financial year continued in the first half of the 2013 financial year.  Low trading volumes across the market impacted both Winterflood and Seydler, with Winterflood's performance in particular continuing to be affected by low retail investor risk appetite.  Notwithstanding the market conditions, Winterflood was consistently profitable, maintaining its trading capacity and market leading position, and remaining well placed to benefit from any market recovery.

 

Adjusted operating income reduced 7% to £47.9 million (2012: £51.6 million) due to continued low trading income at Winterflood, with a lower contribution from Mako offset by improved performance from Seydler.  Adjusted operating expenses reduced slightly to £37.4 million (2012: £38.4 million) and as a result the expense/income ratio reduced to 80% (2012: 84%) and the compensation ratio was 45% (2012: 47%). Overall, adjusted operating profit reduced to £10.5 million (2012: £13.2 million) although return on opening equity, which excludes Mako associate income after tax, was higher at 16% (2012: 11%).

 

Winterflood consistently profitable

 

Market sentiment during the period continued to be characterised by low risk appetite, particularly amongst retail investors, and trading activity remained subdued.  In spite of the difficult conditions, Winterflood remained consistently profitable, having just one loss day (2012: six loss days) out of 128 trading days (2012: 128 trading days) in the six month period.

 

Winterflood's adjusted operating income decreased slightly to £34.7 million (2012: £37.6 million).  Average bargains per day fell to 41,583 (2012: 48,202) reflecting low client trading activity, partly offset by a small rise in income per bargain to £6.52 (2012: £6.09).  However, income per bargain continues to reflect difficult trading conditions and low volumes in higher margin AIM and small-cap stocks.

 

The low fixed cost structure of Winterflood enabled the business to reduce costs to reflect the reduction in trading income in the period.  Adjusted operating expenses decreased 7% to £27.3 million (2012: £29.2 million) reflecting a reduction in volume and performance related costs.  At the same time, Winterflood has maintained its sales and trading capacity, reflecting our continued confidence in our business model.  Overall, Winterflood delivered an adjusted operating profit of £7.4 million (2012: £8.4 million) in the period.

 

Increased capital markets activity in Seydler

 

Adjusted operating income for Seydler increased £4.0 million, or 48%, to £12.3 million (2012: £8.3 million) reflecting higher capital market fees, although trading volumes remained low.  Adjusted operating expenses increased 10% to £10.1 million (2012: £9.2 million), resulting in a small adjusted operating profit of £2.2 million (2012: loss of £0.9 million).  Seydler maintains a strong position in the German small and mid-cap market, with a strong capital markets transaction pipeline.

 

Associate income from Mako of £0.9 million (2012: £5.7 million) reduced, due to lower market volatility and the group's reduced shareholding compared to the prior year period.  The group's current holding in Mako is unchanged since the year end at 27.3% (31 January 2012: 33.3%).

 

 

BUSINESS REVIEW

 

Asset Management

 

Key Financials










First half
2013

First half
2012

Change





£ million

£ million

%

Adjusted operating income


37.2 

33.9 

10 

Income on AuM

36.0 

32.9 

9 

Advice and other services1 

16.6 

14.5 

14 

Investment management

19.4 

18.4 

5 

Other income²



1.2 

1.0 

20 

Adjusted operating expenses


(36.1)

(36.5)

(1)

Adjusted operating profit/(loss)


1.1 

(2.6)







Key Performance Indicators





Net (outflows)/inflows (£ million)3


(67)

181 


Revenue margin (bps)4


84 

73 


Operating margin


3%

(8)%


Return on opening equity5


4%

(8)%


 

Note: Prior year income numbers have been re-presented to reflect the division's increased focus on the managed and advised private client business.

1 Income from financial advice and self directed services, excluding investment management income.

2 Interest income and expense, income on investment assets and other income.

3 First half 2012 relates to assets previously reported in the Private Clients segment only.

4 Income from advice and other services and investment management over average AuM.

5 Adjusted operating profit after tax and non-controlling interests on opening equity.

 

Progress in the first half of 2013

 

The Asset Management division has made progress towards its objective of moving into profitability during the course of the 2013 financial year and we remain focused on our medium-term targets for the division.

 

In the first half, adjusted operating income increased 10% to £37.2 million (2012: £33.9 million) as we expanded the revenue margin, principally through an increase in higher margin private client assets. 

 

Following the last few years of restructuring and investment we are now focused on optimising the division's cost base, and in the period we held adjusted operating expenses broadly flat at £36.1 million (2012: £36.5 million).  This corresponded to an improved expense/income ratio of 97% (2012: 108%) and a compensation ratio of 63% (2012: 65%).

 

The underlying performance of the division has improved in the period.  Overall we reported a small profit of £1.1 million (2012: loss of £2.6 million) including a gain on the sale of our residual investment in a private equity fund, reported in other income.  As a result, the operating margin improved to 3% (2012: (8)%) and the return on opening equity increased to 4% (2012: (8)%).

 

Good sales momentum

 

Movement in Assets under Management


£ million

At 1 August 2012

8,320 

 Inflows

506 

 Outflows

(573)

Net outflows

(67)

Market movement

601 

At 31 January 2013

8,854 

Change

6%

 

During the period we achieved good sales both through our own financial advisers and fund managers, and through third party IFAs.  As a result, inflows were ahead of the prior year period at £506 million (2012: £467 million) with a good proportion of new advice business also moving into our discretionary fund management and onto our platform.  However, we also recorded outflows including redemptions from institutional clients and the maturity of a legacy structured fund, and as a result net new funds were modestly negative overall.  

 

This was offset by positive market movements of £601 million, benefiting from strong financial market performance, particularly in January, resulting in overall AuM increasing 6% to £8,854 million (31 July 2012: £8,320 million).

 

In the six months to 31 December 2012, the performance of our five directly invested funds was mixed with the balanced and growth funds outperforming respective IMA sector benchmarks, although the income focused and conservative funds underperformed, reflecting their defensive positioning in a rising market.  The average performance of our bespoke portfolios outperformed respective ARC peer groups in all risk profiles over the same period.

 

Increase in revenue margin reflecting improved AuM mix

 

Assets under Management by type


31 January
2013
£ million

31 July
2012
£ million

Change
%

Total AuM

8,854

8,320

6

  Advised AuM1

4,942

4,639

7

  Managed AuM2

5,964

5,332

12

  Both advised and managed AuM

2,052

1,651

24

 

1 All personal and corporate advised and self directed client assets, including those which are also managed by Close Brothers.

2 All client assets which are invested in Close Brothers' investment products, including funds, separately managed accounts and bespoke high net worth client portfolios.

 

Overall income on AuM increased 9% to £36.0 million (2012: £32.9 million) corresponding to an improved revenue margin on total assets of 84 basis points (2012: 73 basis points), principally reflecting the greater proportion of higher margin private client assets relative to the prior year.

 

We remain focused on improving the mix of AuM towards higher margin assets, particularly increasing the proportion which are both managed and advised.  In the period, these increased to £2,052 million (31 July 2012: £1,651 million), corresponding to 42% (31 July 2012: 36%) of advised client assets.  This was achieved through sales of our integrated proposition to new clients as well as transitioning existing advised clients, including those previously acquired, into our integrated proposition.  As we continue to increase assets that are both managed and advised, the revenue margin will benefit over time.

 

Total advised AuM increased 7% to £4,942 million (31 July 2012: £4,639 million) reflecting positive market movements and good new business levels.  Income from advice and other services increased 14% to £16.6 million (2012: £14.5 million) reflecting the benefit of acquisitions in the prior year and higher initial fees.  Overall, the revenue margin on total advised assets increased to 70 basis points (2012: 65 basis points).

 

Managed AuM increased to £5,964 million (31 July 2012: £5,332 million) reflecting sales to new and existing clients and positive market movements, partly offset by the outflow of lower margin institutional client assets.  As a result of the improved mix, investment management income increased 5% to £19.4 million (2012: £18.4 million) and the revenue margin on managed assets increased to 69 basis points (2012: 60 basis points).

 

Going forward, we remain focused on driving revenue and profit growth through sales of our integrated proposition, and streamlining and optimising the cost base.

 

 

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

 

The group seeks to achieve an appropriate balance between taking risk and achieving an acceptable return for shareholders by:

·     Closely following the well established business model;

·     Clearly defining and monitoring its risk appetite; and

·     Maintaining an integrated risk management approach.

 

During the six months to 31 January 2013, there has been no significant change to our business model, risk appetite or risk management approach.  The group has not identified any new principal risks and uncertainties that it is likely to face in the second half of the financial year.

 

A detailed description of the principal risks and uncertainties the group faces and its approach to managing and mitigating those risks is set out on pages 24 to 27 of the Annual Report 2012 which can be accessed via the link on the home page of the group's website at www.closebrothers.com. 

 

The summary below highlights the principal risks and uncertainties the group expects to face in the second half of the financial year.  It should not be regarded as a comprehensive list of all the risks and uncertainties the group may face.

 

 

Key risk and uncertainty

Description

Economic environment

 

Significant macro-economic shocks may reduce demand for the group's products and services as well as potentially adversely affecting existing clients and counterparties.

 

Credit losses

 

The group has £4.4 billion of loans and advances to a range of corporate, SME and individual customers.  Although these loans are predominantly secured, we are exposed to losses if customers are unable to make repayments.

 

Further exposures exist to financial institutions with whom we place surplus funding, trade or hold derivatives for hedging purposes.

 

Availability of funding

The group requires access to funding to support its lending activities and to maintain appropriate levels of liquidity.

 

Operational risks and regulatory change

 

The group relies on its employees and IT systems in its day to day activities.  Employee error or failures in systems could adversely impact the group's performance.

 

The group operates in a highly regulated environment and changes in regulation have the potential to impact the group's performance.

 

Exposure to markets

Levels of market activity, changes in interest and exchange rates, and equity/fixed income prices could impact the group's performance.

 

 

Directors' Responsibility Statement

 

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

 

·      The condensed set of consolidated financial statements has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 "Interim Financial Reporting";

 

·      The Interim Report 2013 includes a fair review of the information required by Disclosure and Transparency Rule 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and

 

·      The Interim Report 2013 includes a fair review of the information required by Disclosure and Transparency Rule 4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties' transactions and changes therein).

 

On behalf of the board

 

 

 

P.S.S. Macpherson

Chairman

P. Prebensen

Chief Executive

 

12 March 2013

 

 

Independent Review Report

Independent Review Report to Close Brothers Group plc

We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of consolidated financial statements in the Interim Report 2013 for the six months ended 31 January 2013 which comprises the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement and related notes 1 to 17. We have read the other information contained in the Interim Report 2013 and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of consolidated financial statements.

 

This report is made solely to the company in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board.  Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to it in an independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

 

Directors' responsibilities

The Interim Report 2013 is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors.  The directors are responsible for preparing the Interim Report 2013 in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority.

 

As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the group are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union.  The condensed set of consolidated financial statements included in this Interim Report 2013 has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union.

 

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the company a conclusion on the condensed set of consolidated financial statements in the Interim Report 2013 based on our review.

 

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

 

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of consolidated financial statements in the Interim Report 2013 for the six months ended 31 January 2013 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority.

 

 

 

Deloitte LLP

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor

London, United Kingdom

 

12 March 2013

 

 

Consolidated Income Statement

for the six months ended 31 January 2013

 



Six months ended

Year ended



31 January

31 July



2013 


2012

2012



Unaudited


Unaudited

Audited

Note

£ million


£ million

£ million

Interest income


222.8 


200.6 

412.2 

Interest expense


(75.9)


(70.0)

(141.3)







Net interest income


146.9 


130.6 

270.9 







Fee and commission income


85.4 


81.4 

167.0 

Fee and commission expense


(11.5)


(9.9)

(21.1)

Gains less losses arising from dealing in securities


39.3 


40.8 

78.8 

Share of profit of associate

16

0.9 


5.7 

7.2 

Other income


22.0 


13.2 

28.9 







Non-interest income


136.1 


131.2 

260.8 







Operating income


283.0 


261.8 

531.7 







Administrative expenses


(177.4)


(168.7)

(339.9)

Impairment losses on loans and advances

7

(25.8)


(29.9)

(57.6)

Total operating expenses before exceptional income and

   amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition


 

(203.2)


 

(198.6)

 

(397.5)

Operating profit before exceptional income and

   amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition


 

79.8 


 

63.2 

 

134.2 

Exceptional income

3


5.9 

5.6 

Amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition

 

(2.5)


(2.3)

(4.9)







Operating profit before tax


77.3 


66.8 

134.9 

Tax

4

(17.9)


(15.5)

(33.5)







Profit after tax for the period


59.4 


51.3 

101.4 

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests


0.6 


0.8 

1.7 







Profit attributable to shareholders


58.8 


50.5 

99.7 







Basic earnings per share

5

40.4p


34.8p

68.6p

Diluted earnings per share

5

39.7p


34.3p

67.5p







Ordinary dividend per share

6

15.0p


14.0p

27.5p

 

 

Consolidated Statement of COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

for the six months ended 31 January 2013

 


Six months ended

Year ended


31 January

31 July


2013


2012

2012


Unaudited


Unaudited

Audited


£ million


£ million

£ million

Profit after tax for the period

 

59.4 


51.3 

101.4 

Other comprehensive income/(expense) that may be transferred

   to income statement

Currency translation gains/(losses)

Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedging

 

 

3.5

2.2


 

 

(0.2)

(0.2)

 

 

(2.2)

(2.3)

Gains/(losses) on financial instruments classified as available for sale:





Gilts


1.1 

Floating rate notes

0.8 


6.1 

7.6 

Equity shares

1.0 


0.3 

Transfer to income statement of realised currency translation gains


(5.9)

(7.3)

Total other comprehensive income/(expense) that may be

   transferred to income statement

 

7.5 


 

(0.2)

 

(2.8)






Other comprehensive (expense)/income that may not be

   transferred to income statement





Non-controlling interests

(3.9)


Other gains/(losses)

1.7 


(0.4)

(3.8)






Total other comprehensive expense that may not be transferred

   to income statement

 

(2.2)


 

(0.4)

 

(3.8)






Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the period, net of tax

5.3 


(0.6)

(6.6)






Total comprehensive income for the period

64.7 


50.7 

94.8 






Attributable to





Non-controlling interests

0.6 


0.8 

1.7 

Shareholders

64.1 


49.9 

93.1 







64.7 


50.7 

94.8 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet

at 31 January 2013

 



31 January

31 July



2013


2012

2012



Unaudited


Unaudited

Audited

Note

£ million


£ million

£ million

Assets






Cash and balances at central banks


981.4


488.7 

706.8 

Settlement balances


593.0


493.8 

442.0 

Loans and advances to banks


130.0


116.5 

110.0 

Loans and advances to customers

7

4,373.2


3,755.1 

4,125.9 

Debt securities

8

273.8


730.3 

406.4 

Equity shares

9

59.9


56.4 

52.9 

Loans to money brokers against stock advanced


87.2


75.7 

68.7 

Derivative financial instruments


55.4


47.0 

50.6 

Investment in associate


-


28.6 

21.8 

Intangible assets


138.9


138.2 

139.7 

Property, plant and equipment


81.7


70.0 

75.0 

Deferred tax assets


32.6


29.2 

28.0 

Prepayments, accrued income and other assets


133.9


144.8 

128.0 

Investment in associate classified as held for sale

16

22.3








Total assets


6,963.3


6,174.3 

6,355.8 







Liabilities






Settlement balances and short positions

10

630.3


510.9 

465.5 

Deposits by banks

11

60.6


190.4 

88.0 

Deposits by customers

11

3,933.4


3,182.5 

3,448.1 

Loans and overdrafts from banks

11

95.6


361.4 

205.0 

Debt securities in issue

11

1,055.3


798.3 

1,040.0 

Loans from money brokers against stock advanced


77.0


54.5 

36.2 

Derivative financial instruments


48.6


42.2 

44.2 

Accruals, deferred income and other liabilities


184.9


224.1 

181.7 

Subordinated loan capital


77.2


75.0 

77.3 







Total liabilities


6,162.9


5,439.3 

5,586.0 







Equity






Called up share capital


37.6


37.6 

37.6 

Share premium account


283.5


283.2 

283.4 

Retained earnings


474.6


425.9 

454.3 

Other reserves


1.6


(14.5)

(9.2)







Total shareholders' equity


797.3


732.2 

766.1 







Non-controlling interests


3.1


2.8 

3.7 







Total equity


800.4


735.0 

769.8 







Total liabilities and equity


6,963.3


6,174.3 

6,355.8 

 

 

Consolidated Statement of CHANGES IN EQUITY

for the six months ended 31 January 2013

 




Other reserves




 

Called up

share

capital

 

Share premium account

 

 

Retained earnings

Available

for sale movements reserve

 

Share-based reserves

 

Exchange movements reserve

Cash

flow hedging reserve

Total attributable to equity holders

 

Non-controlling interests

 

 

Total equity

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

At 1 August 2011

   (audited)

 

37.6

 

283.0 

 

416.2 

 

(2.5)

 

(23.0)

 

18.1 

 

(3.0)

 

726.4 

 

1.9 

 

728.3 

Profit for the period

-

50.5 

50.5 

0.8 

51.3 

Other comprehensive

   (expense)/income

   for the period

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

(0.4)

 

 

6.1 

 

 

- 

 

 

(6.1)

 

 

(0.2)

 

 

(0.6)

 

 

 

 

(0.6)

Total comprehensive

   income/(expense)

   for the period

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

50.1 

 

 

6.1 

 

 

 

 

(6.1)

 

 

(0.2)

 

 

49.9 

 

 

0.8 

 

 

50.7 

Exercise of options

-

0.2 

0.2 

0.2 

Dividends paid

-

(38.1)

(38.1)

(38.1)

Shares purchased

-

(10.3)

(10.3)

(10.3)

Shares issued

-

Shares released

-

5.8 

5.8 

5.8 

Other movements

-

(2.3)

0.6 

(1.7)

0.1 

(1.6)

At 31 January 2012

   (unaudited)

 

37.6

 

283.2 

 

425.9 

 

3.6 

 

(26.9)

 

12.0 

 

(3.2)

 

732.2 

 

2.8 

 

735.0 












Profit for the period

-

49.2 

49.2 

0.9 

50.1 

Other comprehensive

   (expense)/income

   for the period

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

(3.4)

 

 

2.9 

 

 

 

 

(3.4)

 

 

(2.1)

 

 

(6.0)

 

 

 

 

(6.0)

Total comprehensive

   income/(expense)

   for the period

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

45.8 

 

 

2.9 

 

 

 

 

(3.4)

 

 

(2.1)

 

 

43.2 

 

 

0.9 

 

 

44.1 

Exercise of options

-

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.1)

Dividends paid

-

(20.2)

(20.2)

(0.1)

(20.3)

Shares purchased

-

Shares issued

-

0.3 

0.3 

0.3 

Shares released

-

2.5 

2.5 

2.5 

Other movements

-

2.8 

5.4 

8.2 

0.1 

8.3 

At 31 July 2012

   (audited)

 

37.6

 

283.4 

 

454.3 

 

6.5 

 

(19.0)

 

8.6 

 

(5.3)

 

766.1 

 

3.7 

 

769.8 












Profit for the period

-

58.8 

58.8 

0.6 

59.4 

Other comprehensive

   (expense)/income

   for the period

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

(2.2)

 

 

1.8 

 

 

 

 

3.5 

 

 

2.2 

 

 

5.3 

 

 

 

 

5.3 

Total comprehensive

   income/(expense)

   for the period

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

56.6 

 

 

1.8 

 

 

 

 

3.5 

 

 

2.2 

 

 

64.1 

 

 

0.6 

 

 

64.7 

Exercise of options

-

0.1 

0.1 

0.1 

Dividends paid

-

(39.7)

(39.7)

(39.7)

Shares purchased

-

Shares issued

-

Shares released

-

2.5 

2.5 

2.5 

Other movements

-

3.4 

0.8 

4.2 

(1.2)

3.0 

At 31 January 2013

   (unaudited)

 

37.6

 

283.5 

 

474.6 

 

8.3 

 

(15.7)

 

12.1 

 

(3.1)

 

797.3 

 

3.1 

 

800.4 

 

 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

for the six months ended 31 January 2013

 


Six months ended

Year ended


31 January

31 July



2013


2012

2012



Unaudited


Unaudited

Audited

Note

£ million


£ million

 £ million

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

17(a)

255.7


(396.8)

63.4 







Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities






Dividends received from associate



2.6 

8.7 

Purchase of:






Assets let under operating leases


(15.5)


(14.7)

(29.4)

Property, plant and equipment


(2.0)


(2.2)

(8.8)

Intangible assets - software


(4.5)


(5.3)

(13.9)

Equity shares held for investment



(0.3)

(0.3)

Subsidiaries and non-controlling interest

17(b)

(5.0)


(4.1)

(5.1)

Sale of:






Property, plant and equipment


2.2 


1.0 

4.6 

Equity shares held for investment


5.8 


0.2 

Subsidiaries and associate

17(c)

1.3 


6.6 

12.6 









(17.7)


(16.4)

(31.4)







Net cash inflow/(outflow) before financing


238.0 


(413.2)

32.0 







Financing activities






Issue of ordinary share capital, net of transaction costs

17(d)

0.1 


0.2 

0.4 

Purchase of own shares for employee share award schemes



(10.3)

(10.3)

Equity dividends paid


(39.7)


(38.1)

(58.3)

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests



(0.1)

Interest paid on subordinated loan capital and debt financing


(9.3)


(2.8)

(18.6)

Debt securities issued



250.0 







Net increase/(decrease) in cash


189.1 


(214.2)

(54.9)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period


928.3 


983.2 

983.2 







Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

17(e)

1,117.4 


769.0 

928.3 

 

 

 

THE NOTES

 

1. Basis of preparation and accounting policies

The interim financial information has been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services Authority and in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and endorsed by the European Union ("EU").  These include International Accounting Standard ("IAS") 34, Interim Financial Reporting, which specifically addresses the contents of condensed interim financial statements.  The consolidated financial statements incorporate the individual financial statements of Close Brothers Group plc and the entities it controls, using the acquisition method of accounting.  The accounting policies used are consistent with those set out on pages 65 to 70 of the Annual Report 2012.

 

After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company and the group as a whole have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, a period of not less than 12 months from the date of this report. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

 

The preparation of the Interim Report requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported income and expense, assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingencies at the date of the Interim Report. Although these estimates and assumptions are based on the management's best judgement at that date, actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The Interim Report is unaudited and does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. However, the information has been reviewed by the company's auditor, Deloitte LLP.

 

The financial information for the year ended 31 July 2012 contained within this Interim Report does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.  A copy of those statutory accounts has been reported on by Deloitte LLP and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditor on those statutory accounts was unqualified, did not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph and did not contain a statement under Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

 

2. Segmental analysis

The directors manage the group primarily by class of business and present the segmental analysis on that basis. The group's activities are organised in three primary divisions: Banking, Securities and Asset Management. 

 

Divisions charge market prices for services rendered to other parts of the group. Funding charges between segments are determined by the Banking division's Treasury operation taking into account commercial demands. More than 90% of all the group's activities, revenue and assets are located in the UK.

 

Summary Income Statement for the six months ended 31 January 2013


 

Banking

 

Securities

Asset Management

 

Group

 

Total


£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

Net interest income/(expense)

147.8 

(0.7)

(0.5)

0.3 

146.9 

Other income

47.9 

48.6 

37.7 

1.9 

136.1 

Operating income before exceptional

   income

 

195.7 

 

47.9 

 

37.2 

 

2.2 

 

283.0 

Administrative expenses

(82.5)

(36.4)

(35.4)

(11.3)

(165.6)

Depreciation and amortisation

(9.7)

(1.0)

(0.7)

(0.4)

(11.8)

Impairment losses on loans and advances

(25.8)

(25.8)

Total operating expenses before

   exceptional income

 

(118.0)

 

(37.4)

 

(36.1)

 

(11.7)

 

(203.2)

Adjusted operating profit/(loss)1

77.7 

10.5 

1.1 

(9.5)

79.8 

Exceptional income

Amortisation of intangible assets on

   acquisition

 

(0.3)

 

 

(2.2)

 

 

(2.5)







Operating profit/(loss) before tax

77.4 

10.5 

(1.1)

(9.5)

77.3 

Tax

(17.7)

(2.7)

0.1 

2.4 

(17.9)

Non-controlling interests

(0.5)

(0.1)

(0.6)

Profit/(loss) after tax and non-controlling

   interests

 

59.2 

 

7.8 

 

(1.0)

 

(7.2)

 

58.8 

 

1  Adjusted operating profit/(loss) is stated before exceptional income, amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition and tax.

 

The following table provides further detail on group wide operating income:

 


Six months ended

Year ended


31 January

31 July



2013


2012

2012


£ million


£ million

£ million

Banking






Retail


75.8


71.7 

144.9 

Commercial


84.0


78.9 

161.1 

Property


29.5


22.1 

48.0 

Treasury and other non-lending income


6.4


3.8 

7.5 

Securities






Market-making and related activities


47.9


51.6 

101.4 

Asset Management1






Advice and other services


16.6


14.5 

30.6 

Investment management


19.4


18.4 

37.9 

Other income


1.2


1.0 

1.1 

Group

2.2


(0.2)

(0.8)







Operating income before exceptional income


283.0


261.8 

531.7 

 

1  Prior year income numbers have been re-presented to reflect the division's increased focus on the managed and advised private      client business.

 

Summary Balance Sheet at 31 January 2013

 


 

Banking

 

Securities

Asset

Management

 

Group

 

Total


£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

Assets






Cash and loans and advances to banks

1,062.3

34.0 

14.8

0.3 

1,111.4

Settlement balances, long trading

   positions and loans to money brokers

 

-

 

794.3 

 

-

 

 

794.3

Loans and advances to customers

4,373.2

-

4,373.2

Non-trading debt securities

204.5

-

204.5

Investment in associate

-

-

-

Intangible assets

45.9

28.7 

64.1

0.2 

138.9

Other assets

251.2

21.0 

25.3

21.2 

318.7

Investment in associate classified as held

   for sale

 

-

 

22.3 

 

-

 

 

22.3

Intercompany balances

-

-

-







Total assets

5,937.1

900.3 

104.2

21.7 

6,963.3







Liabilities






Settlement balances, short trading

   positions and loans from money brokers

 

-

 

707.3 

 

-

 

 

707.3

Deposits by banks

60.6

-

60.6

Deposits by customers

3,923.1

10.3 

-

3,933.4

Borrowings

1,012.4

10.9 

-

204.8 

1,228.1

Other liabilities

152.7

28.1 

38.7

14.0 

233.5

Intercompany balances

265.7

52.5 

33.9

(352.1)

-







Total liabilities

5,414.5

809.1 

72.6

(133.3)

6,162.9







Equity

522.6

91.2 

31.6

155.0 

800.4







Total liabilities and equity

5,937.1

900.3 

104.2

21.7 

6,963.3

 

 

Summary Income Statement for the six months ended 31 January 2012


 

Banking

 

Securities

Asset Management

 

Group

 

Total


£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

Net interest income/(expense)

131.0

(0.4)

(0.2)

0.2 

130.6 

Other income/(expense)

45.5 

52.0 

34.1 

(0.4)

131.2 

Operating income/(expense) before

   exceptional income

 

176.5 

 

51.6 

 

33.9 

 

(0.2)

 

261.8 

Administrative expenses

(77.5)

(37.3)

(36.2)

(8.6)

(159.6)

Depreciation and amortisation

(7.3)

(1.1)

(0.3)

(0.4)

(9.1)

Impairment losses on loans and advances

(29.9)

(29.9)

Total operating expenses before

   exceptional income

 

(114.7)

 

(38.4)

 

(36.5)

 

(9.0)

 

(198.6)

Adjusted operating profit/(loss)1

61.8 

13.2 

(2.6)

(9.2)

63.2 

Exceptional income

5.9 

5.9 

Amortisation of intangible assets on

   acquisition

 

(0.2)

 

 

(2.1)

 

 

(2.3)







Operating profit/(loss) before tax

61.6 

19.1 

(4.7)

(9.2)

66.8 

Tax

(16.2)

(2.1)

1.6 

1.2 

(15.5)

Non-controlling interests

(0.6)

(0.2)

(0.8)

Profit/(loss) after tax and non-controlling

   interests

 

44.8 

 

17.0 

 

(3.1)

 

(8.2)

 

50.5 

 

 

1  Adjusted operating profit/(loss) is stated before exceptional income, amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition and tax.

 

Summary Balance Sheet at 31 January 2012

 


 

Banking

 

Securities

Asset

Management

 

Group

 

Total


£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

Assets






Cash and loans and advances to banks

573.7

16.5 

13.2

1.8 

605.2

Settlement balances, long trading

   positions and loans to money brokers

 

-

 

649.1 

 

-

 

 

649.1

Loans and advances to customers

3,755.1

-

3,755.1

Non-trading debt securities

688.4

-

688.4

Investment in associate

-

28.6 

-

28.6

Intangible assets

38.3

28.9 

70.9

0.1 

138.2

Other assets

234.9

23.2 

29.6

22.0 

309.7

Investment in associate classified as held

   for sale

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

Intercompany balances

1.0

(25.8)

-

24.8 

-







Total assets

5,291.4

720.5 

113.7

48.7 

6,174.3







Liabilities






Settlement balances, short trading

   positions and loans from money brokers

 

-

 

565.4 

 

-

 

 

565.4

Deposits by banks

190.4

-

190.4

Deposits by customers

3,178.1

4.4 

-

3,182.5

Borrowings

1,033.6

2.8 

-

198.3 

1,234.7

Other liabilities

181.0

28.5 

42.1

14.7 

266.3

Intercompany balances

247.7

31.0 

37.9

(316.6)

-







Total liabilities

4,830.8

632.1 

80.0

(103.6)

5,439.3







Equity

460.6

88.4 

33.7

152.3 

735.0







Total liabilities and equity

5,291.4

720.5 

113.7

48.7 

6,174.3

 

 

Summary Income Statement for the year ended 31 July 2012


 

Banking

 

Securities

Asset Management

 

Group

 

Total


£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

Net interest income/(expense)

271.5 

(0.7)

(0.4)

0.5 

270.9 

Other income/(expense)

90.0 

102.1 

70.0 

(1.3)

260.8 

Operating income/(expense) before

   exceptional income

 

361.5 

 

101.4 

 

69.6 

 

(0.8)

 

531.7 

Administrative expenses

(153.4)

(74.7)

(73.0)

(19.4)

(320.5)

Depreciation and amortisation

(15.5)

(2.2)

(0.9)

(0.8)

(19.4)

Impairment losses on loans and advances

(57.6)

(57.6)

Total operating expenses before

   exceptional income

 

(226.5)

 

(76.9)

 

(73.9)

 

(20.2)

 

(397.5)

Adjusted operating profit/(loss)1

135.0 

24.5 

(4.3)

(21.0)

134.2 

Exceptional income

5.6 

5.6 

Amortisation of intangible assets on

   acquisition

 

(0.6)

 

 

(4.3)

 

 

(4.9)







Operating profit/(loss) before tax

134.4 

30.1 

(8.6)

(21.0)

134.9 

Tax

(36.1)

(4.9)

4.4 

3.1 

(33.5)

Non-controlling interests

(1.5)

(0.2)

(1.7)

Profit/(loss) after tax and non-controlling

   interests

 

96.8 

 

25.2 

 

(4.2)

 

(18.1)

 

99.7 

.

 

1  Adjusted operating profit/(loss) is stated before exceptional income, amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition and tax.

 

Summary Balance Sheet at 31 July 2012

 


 

Banking

 

Securities

Asset

Management

 

Group

 

Total


£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

Assets






Cash and loans and advances to banks

789.7

14.8

11.9

0.4 

816.8

Settlement balances, long trading positions

   and loans to money brokers

 

-

 

598.5

 

-

 

 

598.5

Loans and advances to customers

4,125.9

-

-

4,125.9

Non-trading debt securities

353.0

-

-

353.0

Investment in associate

-

21.8

-

21.8

Intangible assets

44.2

28.6

66.8

0.1 

139.7

Other assets

233.4

16.8

30.0

19.9 

300.1

Investment in associate classified as held

   for sale

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

-

Intercompany balances

-

-

-

-







Total assets

5,546.2

680.5

108.7

20.4 

6,355.8







Liabilities






Settlement balances, short trading positions

   and loans from money brokers

 

-

 

501.7

 

-

 

 

501.7

Deposits by banks

88.0

-

-

88.0

Deposits by customers

3,443.1

5.0

-

3,448.1

Borrowings

1,115.7

2.1

-

204.5 

1,322.3

Other liabilities

136.8

33.7

42.2

13.2 

225.9

Intercompany balances

267.3

49.2

33.9

(350.4)

-







Total liabilities

5,050.9

591.7

76.1

(132.7)

5,586.0







Equity

495.3

88.8

32.6

153.1 

769.8







Total liabilities and equity

5,546.2

680.5

108.7

20.4 

6,355.8

 

3. Exceptional income

There was no exceptional income during the period (six months ended 31 January 2012: £5.9 million; year ended 31 July 2012: £5.6 million).  On 16 September 2011, the group announced the phased sale of its 49.9% investment in Mako to the Mako management team.  Exceptional income in the prior periods principally reflects realised foreign exchange gains on the phased disposal.  The tax impact of the exceptional income in the prior periods was £nil.  See note 16 for further details.

 

4. Tax expense

 


Six months ended

31 January

Year ended

31 July


2013

2012

2012


£ million

£ million

£ million

Tax charged/(credited) in the income statement




Current tax:




UK corporation tax

21.2 

20.4 

34.9 

Foreign tax

0.8 

(0.3)

0.5 

Adjustments in respect of previous periods

(0.3)

(0.7)

(0.5)


21.7 

19.4 

34.9 

Deferred tax:




Deferred tax credit for the current period

(3.8)

(4.9)

(1.5)

Adjustments in respect of previous periods

1.0 

0.1 





Tax charge

17.9 

15.5 

33.5 





Tax on items not charged/(credited) to the income statement




Current tax relating to:




Financial instruments classified as available for sale

0.3 

2.3 

3.3 

Share-based transactions

(0.2)

(0.3)

(0.3)

Deferred tax relating to:




Cash flow hedging

0.7 

0.1

(0.6)

Financial instruments classified as available for sale

(0.2)

Share-based transactions

(1.5)

0.5 

0.3 






(0.7)

2.6 

2.5 

 

The effective tax rate for the period is 23.2% (six months ended 31 January 2012: 23.2%; year ended 31 July 2012: 24.8%), representing the best estimate of the annual effective tax rate expected for the full year, applied to the operating profit before tax for the six month period.

 

The effective tax rate for the period is broadly in line with the UK corporation tax rate of 23.7%. 

 

5. Earnings per share

The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the profit attributable to shareholders and the number of basic weighted average shares.  When calculating the diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of shares in issue is adjusted for the effects of all dilutive share options and awards.

 


Six months ended

Year ended


31 January

31 July


2013

2012

2012

Earnings per share




Basic

40.4p

34.8p

68.6p

Diluted

39.7p

34.3p

67.5p

Adjusted basic1

41.8p

31.9p

67.3p

Adjusted diluted1

41.1p

31.4p

66.3p

 

1  Excludes exceptional income, amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition and their tax effects.

 


Six months ended

Year ended


31 January

31 July


2013

2012

2012


£ million

£ million

£ million

Profit attributable to shareholders

58.8 

50.5 

99.7 

Adjustments:




Exceptional income

(5.9)

(5.6)

Amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition

2.5 

2.3 

4.9 

Tax effect of adjustments

(0.5)

(0.6)

(1.1)





Adjusted profit attributable to shareholders

60.8 

46.3 

97.9 





Six months ended

Year ended


31 January

31 July


2013

2012

2012


million

million

million

Average number of shares




Basic weighted

145.5

145.3 

145.4 

Effect of dilutive share options and awards

2.6

2.0 

2.2 





Diluted weighted

148.1

147.3 

147.6 

 

6. Dividends

 


Six months ended

Year ended


31 January

31 July


2013

2012

2012


£ million

£ million

£ million

For each ordinary share




Interim dividend for previous financial year paid in April 2012: 14.0p

-

-

20.2

Final dividend for previous financial year paid in November 2012: 27.5p

   (2011: 26.5p)

 

39.7

 

38.1

 

38.1


 

 



39.7

38.1

58.3

 

An interim dividend relating to the six months ended 31 January 2013 of 15.0p, amounting to an estimated £21.7 million, is declared.  This interim dividend, which is due to be paid on 24 April 2013, is not reflected in these financial statements.

 

7. Loans and advances to customers

The contractual maturity of loans and advances to customers is set out below:

 

 

 

 

On

demand

 

 

Within three months

Between three months and one year

 

 

Between one and two years

 

 

Between two and five years

 

 

After more than five years

 

 

 

Impairment provision

 

 

 

 

Total

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

At 31 January 2013

20.6

1,213.0

1,434.3

866.9

892.0

15.2

(68.8)

4,373.2

At 31 January 2012

28.7

1,063.9

1,291.4

696.2

736.6

16.8

(78.5)

3,755.1

At 31 July 2012

25.4

1,146.1

1,352.6

777.9

861.3

32.9

(70.3)

4,125.9

 


31 January

31 July


2013

2012

2012


£ million

£ million

£ million

Impairment provisions on loans and advances to customers




Opening balance

70.3 

93.7 

93.7 

Charge for the period

25.8 

29.9 

57.6 

Amounts written off net of recoveries

(27.3)

(45.1)

(81.0)





Impairment provisions

68.8 

78.5 

70.3 

 

At 31 January 2013, gross impaired loans were £234.0 million (31 January 2012: £254.7 million; 31 July 2012: £233.6 million) and equate to 5% (31 January 2012: 7%; 31 July 2012: 6%) of the gross loan book before impairment provisions.  The majority of the group's lending is secured and therefore the gross impaired loans quoted do not reflect the expected loss.  

 

8. Debt securities

 


Held for trading

Available for sale

Loans and receivables

 

Total


£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

Long trading positions in debt securities

69.3

-

-

69.3

Certificates of deposit

-

-

25.0

25.0

Floating rate notes

-

81.4

-

81.4

Gilts

-

98.1

-

98.1






At 31 January 2013

69.3

179.5

25.0

273.8

 


Held for trading

Available for sale

Loans and receivables

 

Total


£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

Long trading positions in debt securities

41.9

-

-

41.9

Certificates of deposit

-

-

174.5

174.5

Floating rate notes

-

287.8

-

287.8

Gilts

-

226.1

-

226.1






At 31 January 2012

41.9

513.9

174.5

730.3

 


Held for trading

Available for sale

Loans and receivables

 

Total


£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

Long trading positions in debt securities

53.4

-

-

53.4

Certificates of deposit

-

-

130.3

130.3

Floating rate notes

-

122.6

-

122.6

Gilts

-

100.1

-

100.1






At 31 July 2012

53.4

222.7

130.3

406.4

 

The fair value of items carried at amortised cost together with their book value is as follows:

 


31 January 2013

31 January 2012

31 July 2012


Book value

Fair value

Book value

Fair value

Book value

Fair value


£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

Certificates of deposit classified

   as loans and receivables

 

25.0

 

25.0

 

174.5

 

174.6

 

130.3

 

130.3

 

Movements on the book value of gilts and floating rate notes ("FRNs") held during the period comprise:

 


Available for sale



 

Gilts

Floating

rate notes

 

Total


£ million

£ million

£ million

At 1 August 2011

228.8 

296.9

525.7 

Disposals

(12.6)

(12.6)

Redemptions at maturity

Currency translation differences

(3.5)

(3.5)

Changes in fair value 

(2.7)

7.0 

4.3 





At 31 January 2012

226.1 

287.8 

513.9 





Disposals

-

-

Redemptions at maturity

(125.0)

(163.4)

(288.4)

Currency translation differences

-

(5.4)

(5.4)

Changes in fair value

(1.0)

3.6

2.6 





At 31 July 2012

100.1

122.6

222.7 





Disposals

(24.4)

(24.4)

Redemptions at maturity

(25.4)

(25.4)

Currency translation differences

7.6 

7.6 

Changes in fair value

(2.0)

1.0 

(1.0)





At 31 January 2013

98.1 

81.4 

179.5 

 

At 31 January 2013, £60.0 million (31 January 2012: £187.3 million; 31 July 2012: £48.7 million) of FRNs were due to mature within one year and £21.4 million (31 January 2012: £19.8 million; 31 July 2012: £19.2 million) have been issued by corporates with the remainder issued by banks and building societies. 

 

9. Equity shares

 


31 January

31 July


2013

2012

2012


£ million

£ million

£ million

Equity shares classified as held for trading

44.8

37.7

34.4

Other equity shares

15.1

18.7

18.5






59.9

56.4

52.9

 

Movements on the book value of other equity shares held during the period comprise:

 


 

Available

for sale

Fair value

through

profit or loss

 

 

Total


£ million

£ million

£ million

At 1 August 2011

14.4 

4.8 

19.2 

Additions

0.3 

0.3 

Disposals

Currency translation differences

(0.7)

(0.7)

Changes in fair value of:

 

 


Equity shares classified as available for sale

(0.1)

(0.1)

Unlisted equity shares held at fair value





At 31 January 2012

13.9 

4.8 

18.7 





Additions

(0.3)

0.3 

Disposals

(0.2)

(0.2)

Currency translation differences

0.2 

0.2 

Changes in fair value of:

 

 

 

Equity shares classified as available for sale

(0.5)

(0.5)

Unlisted equity shares held at fair value

0.3 

0.3 





At 31 July 2012

13.3 

5.2 

18.5 





Additions

Disposals

(6.9)

(6.9)

Currency translation differences

1.0 

1.0 

Changes in fair value of:




Equity shares classified as available for sale

Unlisted equity shares held at fair value

2.5 

2.5 





At 31 January 2013

14.3 

0.8 

15.1 

 

10. Settlement balances and short positions

 


31 January

31 July


2013

2012


£ million

£ million

£ million

Settlement balances

572.4

457.4

389.6

Short positions held for trading:




Debt securities

38.0

35.5

56.7

Equity shares

19.9

18.0

19.2






57.9

53.5

75.9






630.3

510.9

465.5

 

11. Financial liabilities

The contractual maturity of financial liabilities is set out below:

 


 

 

On
demand

 

Within
three
months

 

Between
three months
and one year

Between
one and
two
years

Between
two and
five
years

 

After
more than
five years

 

 

 

Total


£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

Deposits by banks

43.6

9.2

7.8

-

-

-

60.6

Deposits by customers

215.2

814.6

1,438.6

1,132.0

333.0

-

3,933.4

Loans and overdrafts

   from banks

 

17.4

 

12.3

 

65.9

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

95.6

Debt securities in issue

-

6.2

500.4

-

548.7

-

1,055.3









At 31 January 2013

276.2

842.3

2,012.7

1,132.0

881.7

-

5,144.9

 


 

On
demand

Within
three
months

Between
three months
and one year

Between
one and
two years

Between
two and
five years

After
more than
five years

 

 

Total


£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

Deposits by banks

66.2

24.7

97.7

1.8

-

-

190.4

Deposits by customers

236.6

719.1

1,234.9

534.0

455.1

2.8

3,182.5

Loans and overdrafts

   from banks

 

16.7

 

21.9

 

19.2

 

303.6

 

-

 

-

 

361.4

Debt securities in issue

-

350.0

-

250.0

-

198.3

798.3









At 31 January 2012

319.5

1,115.7

1,351.8

1,089.4

455.1

201.1

4,532.6

 


 

On
demand

Within
three
months

Between
three months
and one year

Between
one and
two years

Between
two and
five years

After
more than
five years

 

 

Total


£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

Deposits by banks

47.6

31.2

9.2

-

-

-

88.0

Deposits by customers

190.7

1,071.5

1,006.8

956.1

222.2

0.8

3,448.1

Loans and overdrafts

   from banks

 

13.0

 

0.1

 

175.5

 

16.4

 

-

 

-

 

205.0

Debt securities in issue

-

6.6

350.0

485.0

198.4

-

1,040.0









At 31 July 2012

251.3

1,109.4

1,541.5

1,457.5

420.6

0.8

4,781.1

 

The group has a repurchase agreement whereby FRNs to the value of £81.4 million (31 January 2012: £125.9 million; 31 July 2012: £98.2 million) have been lent in exchange for cash of £65.9 million (31 January 2012: £104.5 million; 31 July 2012: £78.8 million) which has been included within loans and overdrafts from banks. These FRNs remain on the group's Consolidated Balance Sheet as the group retains the risks and rewards of ownership. Residual maturities of the repurchase agreement are as follows:

 



On
demand

Within
three
months

Between
three months
and one year

Between
one and
two years

Between

two and five years

After

more than

five years

 

 

Total


£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

£ million

At 31 January 2013

-

-

65.9

-

-

-

65.9

At 31 January 2012

-

21.9

19.2

63.4

-

-

104.5

At 31 July 2012

-

-

62.4

16.4

-

-

78.8

 

The group has securitised without recourse and restrictions £1,090.7 million (31 January 2012: £842.4 million; 31 July 2012: £1,038.2 million) of its insurance premium and motor loan receivables in return for debt securities in issue of £850.0 million (31 January 2012: £600.0 million; 31 July 2012: £835.0 million).  As the group has retained exposure to substantially all the credit risk and rewards of the residual benefit of the underlying assets it continues to recognise these assets in loans and advances to customers in its Consolidated Balance Sheet. 

 

12. Capital

The group's individual entities and the group as a whole complied with all of the externally imposed capital requirements to which they are subject for the periods to 31 January 2013 and 31 January 2012 and the year ended 31 July 2012.  The table below summarises the composition of regulatory capital and Pillar 1 risk weighted assets at those financial period ends.

 


31 January

31 July


2013

2012

2012


£ million

£ million

£ million

Core tier 1 capital




Called up share capital

37.6 

37.6 

37.6 

Share premium account

283.5 

283.2 

283.4 

Retained earnings and other reserves

508.1 

453.1 

483.5 

Non-controlling interests

3.1 

2.8 

3.7 

Deductions from core tier 1 capital




Intangible assets

(138.9)

(138.2)

(139.7)

Goodwill in associate

(7.9)

(10.0)

(8.1)

Investment in own shares

(37.1)

(42.1)

(39.6)





Core tier 1 capital after deductions

648.4 

586.4 

620.8 





Tier 2 capital




Subordinated debt

75.0 

75.0 

75.0 

Unrealised gains on available for sale equity shares

8.4 

7.0 

7.3 





Tier 2 capital

83.4 

82.0 

82.3 





Deductions from total of core tier 1 and tier 2 capital




Participation in a non-financial undertaking

(0.8)

Other regulatory adjustments

(0.6)

(0.2)





Total regulatory capital

731.8 

667.0 

702.9 





Risk weighted assets (notional)




Credit and counterparty risk

4,193.4 

3,798.6 

3,973.4 

Operational risk1

745.3 

807.7 

745.3 

Market risk1

167.0 

161.9 

141.0 






5,105.7 

4,768.2 

4,859.7 





Core tier 1 capital ratio

12.7%

12.3%

12.8%

Total capital ratio

14.3%

14.0%

14.5%

 

 

1  Operational and market risk include a notional adjustment at 8% in order to determine notional risk weighted assets.

 

The following table shows a reconciliation between equity and core tier 1 capital after deductions:

 


31 January

31 July


2013

2012

2012


£ million

£ million

£ million

Equity

800.4 

735.0 

769.8 

Regulatory deductions from equity:




Intangible assets

(138.9)

(138.2)

(139.7)

Goodwill in associate

(7.9)

(10.0)

(8.1)

Other reserves not recognised for core tier 1 capital:




Cash flow hedging reserve

3.1 

3.2 

5.3 

Available for sale movements reserve

(8.3)

(3.6)

(6.5)





Core tier 1 capital after deductions

648.4 

586.4 

620.8 

 

13. Contingent liabilities

Financial Services Compensation Scheme ("FSCS")

As disclosed in note 29 of the Annual Report 2012, the group is exposed to the FSCS which provides compensation to customers of financial institutions in the event that an institution is unable, or is likely to be unable, to pay claims against it.  The FSCS raises levies on UK licensed deposit taking institutions to meet such claims based on their share of UK deposits on 31 December of the year preceding the scheme (which runs from 1 April to 31 March).

 

Following the default of a number of deposit takers in 2008, the FSCS borrowed funds from HM Treasury to meet the compensation costs for customers of those firms. The interest rate on the borrowings with HM Treasury, which total approximately £20 billion, increased from 12 month LIBOR plus 30 basis points to 12 month LIBOR plus 100 basis points on 1 April 2012. Whilst it is expected that the substantial majority of the principal will be repaid from funds the FSCS receives from asset sales, surplus cash flow or other recoveries in relation to the assets of the institutions that defaulted, to the extent that there remains a shortfall, the FSCS will raise compensation levies on all deposit-taking participants.

 

The amount of any future compensation levies payable by the group also depends on a number of factors including participation in the market at 31 December, the level of protected deposits and the population of deposit-taking participants. Due to the uncertainty surrounding these factors, the group has not recognised a provision in respect of compensation levies in these financial statements.

 

14. Related party transactions

Related party transactions, including salary and benefits provided to directors and key management, were not material to the financial position or performance of the group during the period.  There were no changes to the type and nature of the related party transactions disclosed in the Annual Report 2012 that could have a material effect on the financial position and performance of the group in the six months to 31 January 2013.

 

15. Sovereign and banking sector exposure

The group has limited exposure outside the UK.  However, given increased market and regulatory focus on such exposures, particularly in relation to Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain, the group considers it appropriate to provide the following disclosure. 

 

The group has no direct exposure to debt issued by sovereigns or financial institutions in any of the countries listed above. 

 

The group has loans and advances to customers in Ireland and Spain.  These relate to loans in the group's Retail and Commercial businesses and are issued with the same approach to lending as applied within the UK.

 


31 January

31 July


2013

2012


£ million

£ million

£ million

Loans and advances to customers

 

 


Ireland

136.2

103.9

Spain

0.1

3.0

2.2

 

 

 

136.3

85.5

106.1

 

The group has no other material exposure to these economies.

 

16. Investment in associate classified as held for sale

In the Consolidated Income Statement the share of profit from associate of £0.9 million (six months ended 31 January 2012: £5.7 million; year ended 31 July 2012: £7.2 million) relates to Mako, which is part of the Securities division. On 31 January 2013, Mako fulfilled the requirements of IFRS 5 to be classified as "held for sale" as it was considered highly probably that within the next year Mako would no longer meet the significant influence criteria under IAS 28.  As a result, the group will cease to report share of profit of associate from 1 February 2013.  

 

On the loss of significant influence, Mako ceases to be an associate and will be classified as an available for sale equity investment with gains and losses arising from changes in fair value recognised in other comprehensive income, until sold or impaired.

 

17. Consolidated cash flow statement reconciliation



Six months ended

Year ended



31 January

31 July



2013

2012

2012



£ million

£ million

£ million

(a)

Reconciliation of operating profit before tax to net cash

   inflow from operating activities




Operating profit on ordinary activities before tax

77.3 

66.8 

134.9 

Tax paid

(13.1)

(24.8)

(46.2)

(Increase)/decrease in:




Interest receivable and prepaid expenses

(6.3)

(8.7)

9.4 

Net settlement balances and trading positions

(12.5)

47.3 

45.5 

Net money broker loans against stock advanced

22.3 

(9.5)

(20.8)

(Decrease)/increase in:




Interest payable and accrued expenses

(21.8)

(3.5)

(36.4)

Depreciation and amortisation

14.3 

11.4 

24.3 





Net cash inflow from trading activities

60.2 

79.0 

110.7 

(Increase)/decrease in:




Loans and advances to banks not repayable on demand

(0.2)

(0.1)

(8.2)

Loans and advances to customers

(247.3)

(319.8)

(690.6)

Floating rate notes classified as available for sale

49.8 

12.6 

176.0 

Debt securities held for liquidity

614.0 

Other assets less other liabilities

44.7 

(36.9)

(13.7)

(Decrease)/increase in:




Deposits by banks

(27.4)

(2.4)

(104.8)

Deposits by customers

485.3 

12.0 

277.6 

Loans and overdrafts from banks

(109.4)

(141.2)

(297.6)






Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

255.7 

(396.8)

63.4 






(b)

Analysis of net cash (outflow)/inflow in respect of the

   purchase of subsidiaries and non-controlling interest




Cash consideration in respect of current year purchases

(5.0)

(4.1)

(4.1)

Loan stock redemptions and deferred consideration paid in

   respect of prior year purchases

 

 

(1.0)

 

(1.0)

Net movement in cash balances

1.0 








(5.0)

(4.1)

(5.1)






(c)

Analysis of net cash inflow/(outflow) in respect of the sale of

   subsidiaries and associate

 

 



Cash consideration received

1.3 

7.3 

12.6 

Cash and cash equivalents disposed of

(0.7)








1.3 

6.6 

12.6 

 

(d) Analysis of changes in financing activities




Share capital (including premium) and subordinated loan capital1:




Opening balance

396.0

395.6

395.6

Shares issued for cash

0.1

0.2

0.4






Closing balance

396.1

395.8

396.0





(e) Analysis of cash and cash equivalents2




Cash and balances at central banks

977.9

485.3

703.3

Loans and advances to banks repayable on demand

114.5

109.2

94.7

Certificates of deposit

25.0

174.5

130.3








1,117.4

769.0

928.3

 

1  Excludes accrued interest.

2  Excludes Bank of England cash reserve account and amounts held as collateral.

 

Cautionary Statement

Certain statements included or incorporated by reference within this announcement may constitute "forward-looking statements" in respect of the group's operations, performance, prospects and/or financial condition. By their nature, forward looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions and actual results or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied by those statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any particular expectation will be met and reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statement. Additionally, forward-looking statements regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. No responsibility or obligation is accepted to update or revise any forward-looking statement resulting from new information, future events or otherwise. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast. This announcement does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to sell, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase any shares or other securities in the company, nor shall it or any part of it or the fact of its distribution form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract or commitment or investment decisions relating thereto, nor does it constitute a recommendation regarding the shares and other securities of the company. Past performance cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. Statements in this announcement reflect the knowledge and information available at the time of its preparation. Liability arising from anything in this announcement shall be governed by English Law. Nothing in this announcement shall exclude any liability under applicable laws that cannot be excluded in accordance with such laws.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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