Interim Management Statement - Part 1 of 6 (7223C)

TIDMRBS

RNS Number : 7223C

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

04 May 2012

Highlights

RBS reports a Q1 2012 Group operating profit(1) of GBP1,184 million

Core RBS Q1 operating profit GBP1,667 million, return on tangible equity 11%

UK Retail, UK Corporate and Markets performed strongly

Non-Core run-down continues, funded assets down GBP11 billion to GBP83 billion

Group Core Tier 1 ratio 10.8%, liquidity metrics strong

"We are happy with progress in the first quarter though the economic and regulatory backdrop remains tough. RBS continues, markedly, to regain strength and resilience. Our focus is on improving the future for customers and our business whilst ensuring that the bank's past issues are dealt with."

Stephen Hester, Group Chief Executive

Highlights

 
The Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) continued on the recovery path, delivering 
 stable returns from Core businesses while improving further its strong capital, 
 liquidity and funding position. 
 
 During Q1 2012, RBS continued to prioritise the task of strengthening and 
 de-risking its balance sheet. The Core Tier 1 capital ratio rose to 10.8%, 
 while strong liquidity metrics improved even further. The Group reduced 
 its short-term wholesale funding by GBP23 billion to GBP80 billion, which 
 compares with a liquidity portfolio of GBP153 billion. The Group loan:deposit 
 ratio improved to 106%. The run-off of Non-Core and the consistent elimination 
 of legacy risks continued, with Non-Core funded assets down GBP11 billion 
 to GBP83 billion. 
 
 The improving strength of the Group's balance sheet and funding has enabled 
 RBS to take actions consistent with a return to standalone strength. RBS 
 will have repaid GBP75 billion of Special Liquidity Scheme and Credit Guarantee 
 Scheme (CGS) funding since 2009, including the last CGS repayment of GBP5.7 
 billion due to be repaid in May. RBS will resume discretionary coupons and 
 dividend payments on hybrid capital instruments, which have been deferred 
 for the last two years. 
 
 During the quarter, the Group delivered a solid operating performance from 
 its Core businesses. Retail & Commercial has been challenged by a weak economy 
 and persistently low interest rates, but delivered a return on equity (ROE) 
 of 13%, excluding the still loss-making Ulster Bank. The Markets business 
 rebounded to deliver a ROE of 21%, despite a reduced balance sheet and staff 
 numbers, giving encouraging support for the restructuring announced in January. 
 Non-Core operating losses were lower at GBP483 million, compared with GBP1,282 
 million in the prior quarter. 
 
 RBS remains committed to serving its customers and supporting economic recovery, 
 with GBP14.3 billion of gross new loans and facilities to UK businesses 
 during Q1 2012, including GBP7.9 billion to SMEs - up 18% from Q1 2011. 
 The Group has supported a number of Government initiatives, including the 
 NewBuy mortgage scheme and the National Loan Guarantee Scheme aimed at stimulating 
 SME borrowing. 
 
 Excluding own credit adjustments, pre-tax profit totalled GBP1,052 million. 
 Own credit adjustments represented a pre-tax charge of GBP2,456 million 
 during Q1 2012 as RBS's credit strengthened, leaving a statutory pre-tax 
 loss of GBP1,404 million and attributable loss of GBP1,524 million. 
 

Highlights (continued)

 
--  Operating profit - Group operating profit in Q1 2012 totalled GBP1,184 
     million, compared with a loss of GBP144 million in the previous quarter 
     and a profit of GBP1,133 million in Q1 2011. Core RBS operating profit 
     rose 46% from the previous quarter to GBP1,667 million, with Retail 
     & Commercial businesses delivering GBP903 million, down 13%, while 
     Markets recovered to a profit of GBP824 million, compared with a loss 
     of GBP109 million in the prior quarter. Non-Core losses were GBP483 
     million, compared with GBP1,282 million in the prior quarter. 
 
--  Returns - Retail & Commercial ROE was 8.6%, 13% excluding Ulster Bank. 
     Allocated equity has been increased to a 10% Core Tier 1 ratio following 
     the upward revision to Group target capital ratios announced at 2011 
     year end. Markets ROE recovered to 21%, leaving Core ROE at 11%, 14% 
     excluding Ulster Bank. The Group continues to target sustainable returns 
     in excess of the cost of equity. Tangible net asset value per share 
     (TNAV) was slightly lower at 48.8p as of 31 March 2012, reflecting 
     the own credit adjustment. 
 
--  Efficiency - Group operating expenses were GBP3,984 million, down 3% 
     from Q1 2011. Excluding the litigation settlement in US Retail & Commercial, 
     expenses were down 5% versus a year ago, as the Group continues to 
     focus on becoming more efficient. Core cost:income ratio was 60% (62% 
     in Q4 2011, 55% in Q1 2011). 
 
--  Risk - Impairment losses totalled GBP1,314 million, down 33% year-on-year 
     and 22% from Q4 2011, with reduced bad debt flows, particularly in 
     UK Retail. Provision coverage of risk elements in lending improved 
     further to 51% compared with 49% at the end of 2011. REIL declined 
     by GBP1 billion or 3%, in the quarter. 
 
--  Balance sheet - The Group's funded balance sheet decreased by a further 
     GBP27 billion in Q1 2012 to GBP950 billion at 31 March 2012. Non-Core 
     continued to exceed its run-off targets, with funded assets down GBP11 
     billion to GBP83 billion and a further GBP5 billion of signed transactions 
     in the pipeline. 
 
--  Liquidity and funding - The Group loan:deposit ratio was 106%, compared 
     with 108% at 31 December 2011 and 116% at 31 March 2011. Short-term 
     wholesale funding was reduced by GBP23 billion to GBP80 billion reflecting 
     deleveraging in Markets and in Non-Core. The liquidity portfolio was 
     maintained above target levels at GBP153 billion. 
 
--  Capital - The Group Core Tier 1 ratio was 10.8%, compared with 10.6% 
     at the end of 2011. Risk-weighted assets (RWAs), excluding the effect 
     of the Asset Protection Scheme (APS), fell GBP12 billion to GBP496 
     billion, largely reflecting further asset deleveraging. 
 

Note:

 
(1)  Operating profit before tax, own credit adjustments, Asset 
      Protection Scheme, Payment Protection Insurance costs, sovereign 
      debt impairment and related interest rate hedge adjustments, 
      amortisation of purchased intangible assets, integration 
      and restructuring costs, gain on redemption of own debt, 
      strategic disposals, write-down of goodwill and other intangible 
      assets, bonus tax, bank levy and RFS Holdings minority interest 
      ('operating profit'). Statutory operating loss before tax 
      of GBP1,404 million for the quarter ended 31 March 2012. 
 

Key financial data

 
                                                            Quarter ended 
                                                   =============================== 
                                                   31 March  31 December  31 March 
                                                       2012         2011      2011 
                                                       GBPm         GBPm      GBPm 
=================================================  ========  ===========  ======== 
 
Core 
Total income (1)                                      6,862        5,999     7,678 
Operating expenses (2)                              (3,721)      (3,330)   (3,798) 
Insurance net claims                                  (649)        (590)     (784) 
Operating profit before impairment losses (3)         2,492        2,079     3,096 
Impairment losses (4)                                 (825)        (941)     (872) 
Core operating profit (3)                             1,667        1,138     2,224 
 
Non-Core operating loss (3)                           (483)      (1,282)   (1,091) 
 
Group operating profit/(loss) (3)                     1,184        (144)     1,133 
 
Own credit adjustments                              (2,456)        (472)     (560) 
Asset Protection Scheme                                (43)        (209)     (469) 
Payment Protection Insurance costs                    (125)            -         - 
Sovereign debt impairment                                 -        (224)         - 
Bank levy                                                 -        (300)         - 
Other items (5)                                          36        (627)     (220) 
 
Loss before tax                                     (1,404)      (1,976)     (116) 
 
Loss attributable to ordinary and B shareholders    (1,524)      (1,798)     (528) 
 
Memo: APS after tax cost (6)                           (32)        (154)     (345) 
=================================================  ========  ===========  ======== 
 
 
                                           31 March  31 December    31 March 
                                               2012         2011        2011 
=========================================  ========  ===========  ========== 
 
Capital and balance sheet 
Funded balance sheet (7)                   GBP950bn     GBP977bn  GBP1,052bn 
Loan:deposit ratio (Group) (8)                 106%         108%        116% 
Loan:deposit ratio (Core) (8)                   93%          94%         96% 
Core Tier 1 ratio                             10.8%        10.6%       11.2% 
Tangible equity per ordinary and B share 
 (9)                                          48.8p        50.1p       50.1p 
=========================================  ========  ===========  ========== 
 

Notes:

 
(1)  Excluding own credit adjustments, Asset Protection Scheme, gain on 
      redemption of own debt, strategic disposals and RFS Holdings minority 
      interest. 
(2)  Excluding Payment Protection Insurance costs, amortisation of purchased 
      intangible assets, integration and restructuring costs, write-down 
      of goodwill and other intangible assets, bonus tax, bank levy and RFS 
      Holdings minority interest. 
(3)  Operating profit/(loss) before tax, own credit adjustments, Asset Protection 
      Scheme, Payment Protection Insurance costs, sovereign debt impairment, 
      bank levy and other items (see note 5 below). 
(4)  Excluding sovereign debt impairment and related interest rate hedge 
      adjustments. 
(5)  Other items comprise amortisation of purchased intangible assets, integration 
      and restructuring costs, gain on redemption of own debt, strategic 
      disposals, write-down of goodwill and other intangible assets, bonus 
      tax, RFS Holdings minority interest and interest rate hedge adjustments 
      on impaired available-for-sale government bonds. Refer to page 17 of 
      the main announcement for further details. 
(6)  Asset Protection Scheme, net of tax. 
(7)  Funded balance sheet is total assets less derivatives. 
(8)  Net of provisions, including disposal groups and excluding repurchase 
      agreements. 
(9)  Tangible equity per ordinary and B share is total tangible equity divided 
      by number of ordinary and B shares in issue. 
 

Comment

Stephen Hester, Group Chief Executive, commented:

The start of 2012 has shown pleasing progress at RBS within the context of a flat economic environment.

RBS has two jobs. Excellent progress continues in removing "mistakes" of the past. Non-Core assets have fallen, again. Liquidity is stronger, again. Next week the bank will repay the last of the UK Government-backed funding support we received during the crisis. We will also recommence paying dividends/couponson hybrid capital. These are important recovery milestones.

Our second job is running the new RBS well and better. Here the bank also shows continued progress, though held back by economic conditions. In January we announced a restructuring in our wholesale banking activities and this is proceeding well. The Markets business rebounded to a 21% ROE in the seasonally strong Q1 whilst allocated resources were reduced. Retail and Commercial businesses remain solid - still impacted by subdued income trends and Irish losses, but cash-generative and competitively robust.

Extensive restructuring activity continues apace across the Group to achieve future improvement. Customer service and support remain at the forefront of our priorities for the tens of millions who rely on us.

Highlights

First quarter 2012 results summary

RBS made further progress towards its strategic goals during Q1 2012. The Group has continued to deleverage and de-risk its balance sheet, with Non-Core funded assets falling by GBP11 billion to GBP83 billion and Markets funded assets falling by GBP13 billion.

With growth prospects muted in the major economies in which the Group operates, and with fragilities persisting in European financial markets, the focus has remained on improving balance sheet strength and a strong liquidity position. RBS has prioritised stable sources of deposit funding, with the Group loan:deposit ratio improving 200 basis points to 106% at the end of Q1 2012. Utilisation of short-term wholesale funding was cut by GBP23 billion during the quarter to GBP80 billion, which represents c.8% of funded assets and more than meets the Group's medium-term target. The Group will next week repay the final tranche of notes issued under the Government's CGS; over the last three years RBS will have repaid GBP75 billion of funding under the CGS and the Special Liquidity Scheme. The capital position remains robust, with a Core Tier 1 ratio of 10.8% and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 16.3x.

As the Group works through its legacy issues it has continued to generate solid earnings from its Core operations, with Core pre-impairment operating profits totalling GBP2,492 million in Q1 2012, up 20% from Q4 2011. With impairments also continuing to fall, Retail & Commercial, excluding Ulster Bank, produced a ROE of 13%, while the Markets division generated a 21% ROE.

Operating profit

Group operating profit in Q1 2012 totalled GBP1,184 million, compared with a loss of GBP144 million in the previous quarter and a profit of GBP1,133 million in Q1 2011. Income was up 25% to GBP7,131 million, while expenses rose 9% to GBP3,984 million, and impairments fell by 22% to GBP1,314 million. Core operating profits were GBP1,667 million, up 46% from Q4 2011, while Non-Core operating losses fell to GBP483 million (Q4 2011 - GBP1,282 million).

The improvement in Core results was driven by Markets, where operating profits rose to GBP824 million from a loss of GBP109 million in Q4 2011. Retail & Commercial operating performance remained resilient in challenging economic conditions, with overall operating profit of GBP903 million (Q4 2011 - GBP1,033 million) which includes a GBP77 million sequential quarter decline in Ulster Bank due to higher impairments.

 
--  UK Retail operating profit was up 4% at GBP477 million. While the low 
     interest rate environment creates some income challenges, this has 
     been more than offset by favourable impairment trends. 
 
--  UK Corporate delivered stable pre-impairment profits and a strong improvement 
     in operating profit to GBP492 million, in the absence of any large 
     impairments as were incurred in Q4 2011. 
 
--  Wealth operating profit totalled GBP45 million. Adjusting for the release 
     of deposit insurance levies in Q4 2011 and for a regulatory fine in 
     Q1 2012, profits were broadly stable. 
 
--  Ulster Bank still faces exceedingly difficult market conditions, with 
     operating losses of GBP310 million driven by the continuing deterioration 
     in retail mortgage credit metrics. 
 
--  US Retail & Commercial operating profits rose again on an underlying 
     basis. However they fell 43% to $160 million, due to the impact of 
     a litigation settlement of $138 million. 
 

Highlights (continued)

First quarter 2012 results summary (continued)

 
--  International Banking delivered good income from its cash management 
     and trade finance businesses, offset by reduced revenue from outstanding 
     loans, reflecting the Group's focused reduction of capital-intensive 
     activities. 
 
--  The restructured Markets division benefited from improved market conditions 
     in the first quarter, with a strong performance in rates and a recovery 
     in credit markets and asset backed products. Operating profit totalled 
     GBP824 million, compared with a loss of GBP109 million in Q4 2011. 
 
--  Direct Line Group's operating profit of GBP84 million was down 33% 
     from Q4 2011, largely reflecting seasonal weather claims, but up 25% 
     relative to Q1 2011. 
 

Non-Core achieved a significant reduction in operating losses, largely reflecting lower trading losses than those incurred in the restructure and divestment of a number of capital-intensive exposures during Q4 2011. Impairment losses were 35% lower, primarily reflecting lower commercial real estate provisioning.

Non-operating items and statutory results

Restructuring costs were GBP460 million during the quarter, slightly lower than in Q4. This includes c.GBP271 million relating to the Markets and International Banking restructuring. This cost was offset by a gain of GBP577 million from a liability management exercise whereby the Group exchanged GBP2.8 billion of new Lower Tier 2 (LT2) instruments for GBP3.4 billion of existing LT2 instruments during March. A charge of GBP43 million was booked in respect of the APS, which is accounted for as a credit derivative. A total of GBP2.5 billion has now been expensed for the APS, which equals the minimum fee payable. The Group took an additional reserve of GBP125 million for PPI claims during Q1 and has now accrued GBP1.2 billion for PPI claims, through new and pre-existing reserves, of which GBP501 million has been paid out as of 31 March 2012.

As RBS's credit spreads tightened during the quarter, a charge of GBP2,456 million was booked for own credit adjustments, compared with a charge of GBP472 million in Q4 2011.

After these non-operating items the Group's pre-tax loss totalled GBP1,404 million and loss attributable to shareholders was GBP1,524 million. Excluding own credit adjustments, pre-tax profit was GBP1,052 million.

Efficiency

Core expenses were up 12% from Q4 2011, but down 2% compared with Q1 2011. This largely reflects the variability of staff expense accruals, as accruals of deferred compensation are more heavily weighted to the first quarter. Markets' compensation to revenue ratio was 29%, compared with 33% in Q1 2011. Non-Core expenses, meanwhile, were down 16%, leaving Group expenses in Q1 2012 at GBP3,984 million, up 9% from Q4 2011 but down 3% from Q1 2011.

Highlights (continued)

First quarter 2012 results summary (continued)

The Core Group's cost:income ratio in Q1 2012 was 60%, compared with 62% in Q4 2011 and 55% in Q1 2011. The improvement compared to Q4 2011 was driven by the improved income performance in Markets, while Retail & Commercial's cost:income ratio weakened to 60%, compared with 56% in Q4 2011.

Risk

Impairment losses totalled GBP1,314 million, down 22% from Q4 2011 and 33% from Q1 2011, with improvements across all divisions except Ulster Bank. UK Retail and US R&C showed continuing favourable credit quality trends. UK Corporate impairments were lower than in Q4 2011, with fewer individual impairment charges. Credit conditions in Ireland, however, remain challenging, and this was reflected both in Core Ulster Bank impairments and in Non-Core, which combined totalled GBP654 million in Q1 2012 compared with GBP570 million in Q4 2011 and GBP1,294 million in Q1 2011.

Overall, Core Q1 2012 annualised impairments represented 0.8% of loans and advances, compared with 0.9% in Q4 2011. For the Group as a whole, annualised impairments represented 1.1% of loans and advances, down from 1.3% in Q4 2011 and 1.5% in Q1 2011.

Balance sheet

The Group's funded balance sheet decreased by a further GBP27 billion in Q1 to GBP950 billion at 31 March 2012. Non-Core continued to exceed its run-off targets, as funded assets decreased GBP11 billion to GBP83 billion and a further GBP5 billion of signed transactions are pending, principally the sale of the Group's aviation finance business which is expected to complete by the end of Q3 2012. Markets reduced funded assets by GBP13 billion, reflecting the Group's decision to exit certain businesses and reduce balance sheet consumption in a number of other capital-intensive areas.

Since the end of 2008 the Group has reduced its funded balance sheet by GBP276 billion.

Liquidity and funding

Since embarking on its Strategic Plan in 2009 RBS has targeted a more stable deposit-led funding position with reduced dependence on wholesale funding sources. During Q1 2012, the Group has achieved significant progress towards this objective.

One key measure, the Group loan:deposit ratio, improved 200 basis points to 106% at the end of Q1 2012. This was driven by the continuing run-off of Non-Core and accelerated deleveraging in International Banking. The Core loan:deposit ratio improved further, by 1%, to 93%. UK Retail customer deposits grew strongly, up GBP2.3 billion in Q1 2012 and up 8% from Q1 2011, while Corporate deposits were stable year-on-year.

Another key focus has been to lower the amount of short-term wholesale funding while increasing the amount of liquidity coverage. During Q1 2012, short-term wholesale funding decreased by GBP23 billion to GBP80 billion. This represents c.8% of funded assets, and is already within the Group's medium-term target for short-term wholesale funding of less than 10%. Liquidity reserves were GBP153 billion, or 1.9 times the short-term wholesale funding, also above the Group's medium-term target of 150% coverage.

Highlights (continued)

First quarter 2012 results summary (continued)

Funding sources have been diversified, with usage of Moody's rated US money market funds reduced from 15% of unsecured short-term funding to less than 3%. The liquidity portfolio was maintained above target levels at GBP153 billion, which covers outstanding commercial paper and certificates of deposit five times over.

Net term issuance during the quarter totalled GBP2.3 billion. In addition, the Group issued GBP2.8 billion of lower tier 2 securities as part of a liability management exercise. The Group plans no further unsecured term issuance over the balance of the year.

The final tranche of notes issued under the Government's Credit Guarantee Scheme will be repaid next week; as a result the Group will have repaid a total of GBP75 billion of funding under the CGS and the Special Liquidity Scheme.

Capital

The Group's capital position remains robust, with a Core Tier 1 ratio of 10.8% at 31 March 2012, compared with 10.6% at 31 December 2011. The increase reflects retained profits, net of changes in fair value of debt, as well as a reduction in RWAs of GBP12 billion in the quarter to GBP496 billion, excluding the effect of the APS. The Core Tier 1 benefit arising from the APS was 85bp. RBS's Tier 1 leverage ratio was 16.3x at 31 March 2012.

Strategic Plan

 
 
                                                     Worst                           Medium- 
Key Measures                                         point      2011   Q1 2012   term target 
=============================================  ===========  ========  ========  ============ 
 
Value drivers                                                   Core      Core          Core 
 
    *    Return on equity (1)                     (31%)(2)     10.5%     11.0%          >12% 
 
    *    Cost:income ratio (3)                      97%(4)       60%       60%          <55% 
 
Risk measures                                                  Group     Group         Group 
 
    *    Core Tier 1 ratio                           4%(5)     10.6%     10.8%          >10% 
 
    *    Loan:deposit ratio                        154%(6)      108%      106%        c.100% 
 
    *    Short-term wholesale funding (STWF)   GBP297bn(7)  GBP102bn   GBP80bn     <10% TPAs 
 
    *    Liquidity portfolio (8)                GBP90bn(7)  GBP155bn  GBP153bn    >1.5x STWF 
 
    *    Leverage ratio (9)                      28.7x(10)     16.9x     16.3x          <18x 
=============================================  ===========  ========  ========  ============ 
 

Notes:

 
(1) Based on indicative Core attributable profit taxed at standard rates 
 and Core average tangible equity per the average balance sheet (c.75% of 
 Group tangible equity based on RWAs at 31 March 2012); (2) Group return 
 on tangible equity for 2008; (3) Cost:income ratio net of insurance claims; 
 (4) Year ended 31 December 2008; (5) As at 1 January 2008; (6) As at October 
 2008; (7) As at December 2008; (8) Eligible assets held for contingent liquidity 
 purposes including cash, Government issued securities and other eligible 
 securities with central banks; (9) Funded tangible assets divided by total 
 Tier 1 capital; (10) As at June 2008. 
 

Highlights (continued)

First quarter 2012 results summary (continued)

Preference dividends

On 26 November 2009, RBS entered into a State Aid Commitment Deed with HM Treasury containing commitments and undertakings that were designed to ensure that HM Treasury was able to comply with the commitments to be given by it to the European Commission for the purposes of obtaining approval for the State aid provided to RBS. As part of these commitments and undertakings, RBS agreed not to pay discretionary coupons and dividends on its existing hybrid capital instruments for a period of two years. This period commenced on 30 April 2010 for RBS Group instruments (the two year deferral period for RBS Holdings N.V. instruments commenced on 1 April 2011). On 30 April 2012 this period ended for RBS Group instruments. RBS has determined that it is now in a position to recommence payments on the RBS Group instruments.

The Core Tier 1 capital impact of discretionary amounts that will be payable over the remainder of 2012 on the RBS Group instruments on which payments have previously been stopped is c.GBP350 million. In the context of recent macro-prudential policy discussions, the Board of RBS has decided to neutralise any impact on Core Tier 1 capital through equity issuance. Approximately GBP250 million of this is ascribed to equity funding of employee incentive awards through the sale of surplus shares held by the Group's Employee Benefit Trust, which is now substantially complete. An additional c.GBP100 million will be raised through the issue of new ordinary shares, which is expected to take place over time during the second half of 2012.

The Directors have declared the discretionary dividends on Series M, N, P, Q, R, S, and T non-cumulative dollar preference shares of US$0.01 each for the three months to 30 June 2012, and the discretionary dividend on the Series 2 non-cumulative Euro preference shares of EUR0.01 for the 12 months to 30 June 2012. These discretionary dividends as well as the discretionary distributions on the RBSG/RBS innovative securities RBS Capital Trust A, RBS Capital Trust B, RBS Capital Trust D, RBS Capital Trust I, RBS Capital Trust II and RBS Capital Trust IV will be paid on their scheduled payment dates in June 2012. Future coupons and dividends on RBS Group hybrid capital instruments will only be paid subject to, and in accordance with, the terms of the relevant instruments.

Share consolidation

The Group's Annual General Meeting on 30 May 2012 will consider resolutions which, if approved, will sub-divide and consolidate the Group's ordinary shares. As the Group currently has a very large number of ordinary shares in issue, a small movement in the share price can result in large percentage movements and considerable volatility in the Group's shares. The Board believes that the sub-division and consolidation will result in a share price and nominal value more appropriate for a company of the Group's size in the UK market and may assist in reducing volatility, thereby enabling a more consistent valuation.

Highlights (continued)

First quarter 2012 results summary (continued)

Disposals

The Group continues to target the second half of 2012 for the sale of the first tranche in Direct Line Group through a public flotation, subject to market conditions. Preparations for Direct Line Group's separation have continued, with good progress on the business's new name and identity and the appointment of Mike Biggs as chairman.

Planning and integration work for the carve out and sale to Santander of the RBS England and Wales and NatWest Scotland branch-based businesses, along with certain SME and corporate activities across the UK, continues to progress as expected.

These two disposals will substantially complete the series of divestments the Group agreed to make to comply with EC state aid requirements.

Customer franchises

RBS's first priority is to serve its customers well. Full year 2011 results of both UK Retail and Ulster Bank's customer charters were published in Q1 2012, with UK Retail achieving 23 of the 25 goals and Ulster Bank achieving 28 of their 29 objectives. Further improvements are still needed in service and in resolving complaints fairly, consistently and promptly.

US Retail & Commercial completed the rollout of its core customer commitments during the quarter.

Following the success of mobile applications launched in a number of the Group's retail businesses during 2011, UK Corporate launched a new iPhone application for business banking customers during Q1 2012. The application allows customers to manage multiple accounts without the need to log in and out, view an extended transaction list and make intra-account transfers.

UK lending

RBS continues to support economic recovery in the UK and remains committed to providing the credit UK businesses need in order to achieve this.

In Q1 2012, RBS provided GBP14.3 billion of gross new loans and facilities to UK businesses, of which GBP7.9 billion was to SME customers, and GBP6.4 billion of overdraft renewals, including GBP1.5 billion to SME customers. Gross new loans and facilities to SMEs were up 18% from Q1 2011 and broadly flat to Q4 2011.

SME customers remained cautious in their economic outlook at the start of 2012 but Q1 2012 did indicate a small improvement in sentiment with Core drawn balances, excluding real estate and construction, falling only 1% from Q4 2011. This compares with a 5% quarterly fall into Q4 2011. Overdraft utilisation also increased marginally in the quarter, although largely reflecting seasonal fluctuations. Overall, utilisation remained below 50% as it has for over two years. The Group has seen a steady increase in the demand for invoice and asset financing by SME customers, with Core net advances from these sources a significant component of gross lending and up 6% year-on-year.

Highlights (continued)

First quarter 2012 results summary (continued)

Gross new loans and facilities provided to mid and large corporates fell quarter on quarter, and compared with Q1 2011, reflecting many businesses' decision to bring re-financing forward into 2011 and also the continuing low level of merger & acquisition activity in the market.

The UK Government's National Loan Guarantee Scheme (NLGS) was launched in March, with support from a number of the UK's leading banks, including RBS. RBS is the only bank to offer the 1% pricing discount to customers for loans from GBP1,000 in value, thus ensuring that we use NLGS to support as wide a range of customers as possible. Six weeks after launch, the Group has provided 1,600 loans and asset finance facilities under the scheme, with two thirds of these being for amounts under GBP25,000.

The Group also participates in the Regional Growth Fund, Business Growth Fund and the Enterprise Finance Guarantee for UK businesses. It also offers mortgages under the NewBuy scheme announced at the start of March 2012 which provide first time buyers, and other movers unable to raise a large deposit, with a more affordable way to move onto, or up, the property ladder.

Gross new mortgage lending in Q1 2012 was GBP4.0 billion, with the proportion of mortgages provided to first time buyers increasing to almost a quarter during March 2012, largely reflecting higher demand prior to the end of the stamp duty holiday.

Outlook

Economic and regulatory challenges should continue throughout 2012.

Against this backdrop, we nonetheless expect Retail and Commercial performance to remain resilient.

Markets, while off to a good start, will remain market-dependent.

Group net interest margin outlook is stable with the first quarter of 2012.

We expect to achieve further progress in our balance sheet 'safety and soundness' agenda. Non-Core is on track to hit asset targets within our loss tolerance, and funding and liquidity momentum should continue.

Contacts

 
 
For analyst enquiries: 
 
Richard O'Connor         Head of Investor Relations   [phone] 
 
 
For media enquiries: 
 
Group Media Centre                                    [phone] 
====================================================  ==================== 
 

Analysts' presentation

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group will be hosting a conference call following the release of the results for the quarter ended 31 March 2012. The details are as follows:

 
Date:             Friday 4 May 2012 
Time:             9.00 am UK time 
Webcast:          www.rbs.com/ir 
Dial in details:  International - [phone] 
                   UK Free Call - 0800 694 8082 
                   US Toll Free - 1 866 966 8024 
 

Slides

Slides accompanying this document, which will not be formally presented at the analysts' conference call, will be available on www.rbs.com/ir

Financial supplement

A financial supplement will be available on www.rbs.com/ir This supplement shows published income and balance sheet financial information by quarter for the last nine quarters to assist analysts for modelling purposes.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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