AIB Group PLC AIB Group plc - 2020 Annual Financial Results (2595R)

TIDMAIBG

RNS Number : 2595R

AIB Group PLC

05 March 2021

 
 EMBARGO 07:00   5 March 2021 
 

AIB Group plc ("AIB") announces 2020 Annual Financial Results

"Today we announce full year results that have been shaped by COVID-19. I am pleased to report that the fundamentals of our business remain robust, sustainable and strong. We entered this crisis in a position of capital strength which, enabled by our leading digital technology, allowed us to deliver unprecedented levels of support to our customers, communities and the economy when it mattered most. Now, I look forward with confidence as we implement our strategy to 2023 at pace, demonstrated by our growth initiatives announced this year. We remain driven by our ambition to be at the heart of our customers' financial lives while sustainably creating value and returns to our shareholders."

- Colin Hunt, Chief Executive Officer

Highlights

   --    Supporting our customers, colleagues and communities through COVID-19 

o >66k Retail Banking payment breaks granted, 88% have returned to normal terms

o Organisational resilience with >99% of branches remaining open and >80% of employees seamlessly transitioned to remote working

   --    Operating profit(1) EUR0.7bn; loss after tax EUR0.7bn 

o EUR1.46bn ECL charge (cost of risk 240bps); in line with guidance

o Expect return to profit in 2021 and resumption of normal dividend distributions

   --    Strong capital base supporting sustainable growth and capital returns 

o CET1 (FL) 15.6%; includes impact from regulatory developments of -120bps

o Monitoring regulatory developments in relation to capital distribution

   --    Total income reduced 12% to EUR2.4bn 

o Net interest income EUR1.9bn reduced 10%

o Other income EUR0.5bn reduced 19%

   --    Continued focus on cost discipline 

o Operating expenses EUR1.5bn(2) in line with guidance; 5% reduction in average FTEs

o Strategic plan to reduce costs to <EUR1.35bn by 2023

   --    Performing loans decreased by EUR3.6bn (-6%) to EUR55.2bn as redemptions exceeded new lending 

o New lending EUR9.2bn; down EUR3.1bn (-25%); recovery in H2 up 9% versus H1

o NPEs increased to EUR4.3bn at December; NPE deleveraging strategy on track - Q1 2021 portfolio sales reduce NPE ratio by 1% to c. 6%

   --    Growth in savings due to COVID-19 restrictions adding to excess liquidity 

o Customer deposits increased 14% to EUR82bn; strong liquidity position with LDR 69% facilitating lending to support economic recovery

o MREL target achieved; two issuances in 2020 - EUR625m AT1 and EUR1bn Green Tier 2

   --    Sustainability leader 

o Continued strong green lending: EUR1.5bn in 2020 representing 16% of new lending

o Recognised externally: ESG ratings, CDP 'A' rating and industry awards

   --    Progressing inorganic opportunities to broaden customer proposition and enhance earnings 

o Potential acquisition of Ulster Bank's c. EUR4bn corporate and commercial loan book

o Capacity to grow fee income and diversify revenue through the acquisition of Goodbody and proposed joint venture with Great-West LifeCo

Strategy 2023 - medium-term targets(3)

Following a comprehensive review in 2020, the Group refreshed its strategy and confirmed its medium-term targets on 2 December 2020 as follows:

   --    Absolute cost target(2) of <EUR1.35bn in 2023 
   --    CET1(4) target > 14% 
   --    RoTE(5) > 8% by 2023 

Significant progress on our strategic intent to complete our product suite and diversify revenue was delivered in early 2021. On 2 March 2021, we announced the agreement to acquire Goodbody, a leading Irish provider of wealth management, corporate finance and capital markets services. We are also in advanced discussions with Great-West LifeCo Inc to establish a joint venture to greatly enhance our life, pensions and savings propositions.

Additionally, on 19 February 2021 we announced the potential acquisition of a c. EUR4bn portfolio of performing corporate and commercial loans and the transfer of employees to AIB from within Ulster Bank Ireland DAC's Commercial franchise directly involved in the day to day management of the loan book.

2020 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

The challenging operating environment for European banks remained in 2020 with the continued lower for longer interest rate backdrop and uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Group delivered an operating profit(1) of EUR729m (FY 2019: EUR1,087m) and a loss after tax of EUR741m driven by expected credit loss (ECL) charge of EUR1,460m and exceptional items of EUR215m.

Total income reduced 12% reflecting a 10% decline in Net Interest Income (NII) and a 19% decline in Other Income.

Net interest income (NII) of EUR1,872m was 10% lower than the prior year (FY 2019: EUR2,076m) and the lower interest rate environment was a key driver of this decline. Other factors were lower loan volumes and income from investment securities partially offset by lower cost of deposits. Net interest margin (NIM) of 1.94% reduced 43bps in 2020 (FY 2019: 2.37%), of which 26bps was due to excess liquidity factors, the remainder was primarily due to lower yields on investment securities and reduced loan volumes. Q4 2020 exit NIM was 1.70% and excess liquidity continues to impact in the first quarter of 2021.

Other income of EUR499m was 19% lower in 2020 than in the previous year. Fee and commission income of EUR395m was down 16% on the prior year (FY 2019: EUR472m), predominantly as a result of reduced economic activity and changes in customer behaviour. These changes include the shift from cash to digital payments demonstrated by a 39% reduction in the number of ATM transactions in 2020 versus 2019 and the continued rise in the number of digital wallet/contactless payments which have increased by 71% over the same period. The other material components of Other Income were income on previously restructured loans (EUR42m), gains on leverage loan disposals (EUR24m) and gains on equity investments (EUR36m).

Operating costs of EUR1,527m(2) were in line with guidance and 2% higher than prior year. Factors that impacted costs in 2020 were increased depreciation and expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by lower staff costs. FTE numbers reduced by 5% on average or 3% in the year to 9,356 and 9,193 respectively.

2021 costs are expected to decline marginally from FY 2020 as we progress towards our updated medium-term target of <EUR1.35bn by 2023 reflecting >10% net cost reduction and >15% or c. 1,500 reduction in FTEs. We continue to simplify, streamline and strengthen the organisation through digitalisation and ways of working as we enhance the efficiency of the bank.

Regulatory costs and bank levies were EUR115m in 2020, relating to the Single Resolution Fund (SRF), the Deposit Guarantee Scheme (DGS), the Bank levy and other regulatory levies and charges (FY 2019: EUR104m). The higher cost was mainly due to an increase in the DGS.

The ECL charge was EUR1,460m and is covered in more detail below (FY 2019: EUR16m ECL charge).

The Group's share of associated undertakings was EUR15m in 2020 compared to EUR20m in the previous year.

Exceptional items were EUR215m in 2020. These include the operational costs of the tracker restitution programme and customer redress, UK restructuring, impairment of intangibles and other one-off system and resourcing costs incurred due to the implementation of COVID-19 related payment breaks.

ASSET QUALITY

The ECL charge was EUR1.46bn (CoR 240bps) with the majority (EUR1.2bn) taken in H1 2020. Coverage rates increased across all stages and in total doubled to 4%. As outlined previously, our ECL methodology comprises three key components.

   1.    Macroeconomic assumptions: EUR0.4bn ECL 

The IFRS 9 models have been updated with four macroeconomic scenarios and weightings resulting in a EUR0.3bn reduction to the ECL charge in H2 2020 versus a EUR0.7bn charge in H1 2020. Economic indicators such as GDP and house price inflation (HPI) were better than expected while other factors such as unemployment remain challenging.

EUR0.4bn of the EUR1.46bn 2020 ECL charge relates to macroeconomic scenarios.

   2.    Staging movements: EUR0.7bn ECL 

While Stage 2 exposures decreased by EUR1.1bn in the second half to EUR9.4bn (June 20: EUR10.5bn; Dec 19: EUR4.0 bn), there was an increase in Stage 3 exposures(6) in those sectors most impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. The volume of Stage 3 exposures increased by EUR1bn to EUR4.3bn at the end of December (June 20: EUR3.7bn; Dec 19: EUR3.3 bn). Increased ECL allowance in the sectors most impacted by COVID-19 restrictions (e.g. accommodation, hospitality, retail commercial real estate) was the key driver of the H2 ECL charge.

EUR0.7bn of the EUR1.46bn 2020 ECL charge relates to staging movements.

   3.    Post model adjustments (PMAs): EUR0.4bn ECL 

In the second half, there were additional PMAs of EUR0.3bn. The increase in ECL provisions from additional PMAs during the year was primarily due to increased coverage of EUR0.2bn on legacy NPE mortgages and EUR0.2bn for risk of further downward staging migration in those sectors most impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

EUR0.4bn of the EUR1.46bn 2020 ECL charge relates to post model adjustments.

Our ECL approach remains conservative, forward looking and comprehensive. Notwithstanding the significant uncertainty, we expect the cost of risk to be more normalised in 2021 (c. 40bps) based on our current view of macroeconomic assumptions.

BALANCE SHEET

Gross loans in the year declined by 4% to EUR59.5bn (June 20: EUR60.6bn; Dec 19: EUR62.1 bn). In 2020 the perf o r ming loan bo ok decreased by EUR3.6bn (-6 %) to EUR55.2bn due to redemptions exceeding new lending, a net movement of EUR1.8bn to non-performing exposures, EUR0.5bn leverage loan disposals and foreign exchange impacts.

Despite the various challenges of COVID-19, the Irish mortgage market remained resilient in 2020 with new lending of EUR8.4bn and house price inflation of 2.2%. Following a strong start to the year, our 2020 market share was 28.4%(7) . Amid high uncertainty, we temporarily amended our credit policy to protect customers from taking on unsustainable debt until their situations were more thoroughly assessed. While there is a lag in drawdowns, our new application pipeline has recovered to pre-COVID-19 levels.

Our new mortgage lending in Ireland reduced 21% in the year to EUR2.3bn and our personal lending was 10% lower than the previous year. Within our CIB business, traditional corporate lending was down c. 10% and there was a c. 40% decrease in real estate finance lending. Syndicated and international lending was significantly lower than 2019 reflecting our subdued risk appetite for this sector. Our renewable energy and infrastructure loan book continues to grow as we support our customers in the transition to a low-carbon economy. In total, green lending of EUR1.5bn was recorded in 2020 representing 16% of new lending.

Our Irish SME new lending in the year was broadly flat versus the prior year. Throughout the year, SME businesses continued to face numerous challenges such as the impact of COVID-19 restrictions and Brexit uncertainty. The sector remains in receipt of government supports and in 2020 AIB was first to market with our Government-backed COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme term loan. Our allocation of EUR746m allows us to further support this sector although credit demand has been subdued so far with modest drawdowns. UK new lending (in sterling) reduced 26% reflecting reduced economic activity in COVID-19 impacted sectors and Brexit related uncertainty.

In total, Group new lending was better than expected with a decrease of 25% in the year versus guidance of -30%. A pick-up in economic activity in the second half of 2020 led to a 9% increase in new lending versus the first half of 2020 with growth in mortgages, personal and SME.

N P Es increased by EUR1bn to EUR4.3bn (7.3% of gross loans) in the year within the sectors most impacted by COVID-19 restrictions such as hospitality and retail shopping centres. In Q1 2021 we agreed the sales of two NPE portfolios in deep arrears which collectively reduce the NPE ratio by c. 1% as well as reducing RWAs and alleviating some negative calendar provisioning impact.

FUNDING & CAPITAL

AIB's funding ratios remain strong with LDR, LCR and NSFR of 69%, 193% and 148% respectively, all well in excess of minimum requirements. Customer deposits have increased significantly to EUR82bn from EUR71.8bn in December 2019 (June 20: EUR75.7bn) reflecting a higher rate of savings. This accumulation of deposits, in addition to EUR4bn of TLTRO III, contributed to increased balances held at Central Bank of Ireland of EUR19bn at the end of the year (Dec 19: EUR7bn).

AIB has met its MREL requirements and issued EUR6bn of HoldCo debt to date. In 2020, AIB successfully issued an AT1 of EUR650m and our inaugural Green Tier 2 bond of EUR1bn, further strengthening our capital position.

The fully l oaded CET1 at t he end of year was 15.6% (Dec 19: 17.3%) and movements in the year re p resent a loss of EUR0.7bn (-140bps), lower RWAs from reduction in loans (+80bps), cancellation of the 2019 dividend (+40bps) and other smaller movements (-30bps). In addition to these movements, there was a reduction in CET1 from regulatory adjustments (-120bps) incorporating the negative impacts of TRIM and calendar provisioning partially offset by the benefits from software intangibles and SME CRR Art. 501.

Total capital ratio at December 2020 was 20.8% on a fully loaded basis while transitional capital ratio was 23.9%. At 15.6%, our CET1 fully loaded capital ratio is in excess of our greater than 14% medium-term target and minimum regulatory requirements with a very significant buffer above maximum distributable amount (MDA) trigger levels.

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

As a leader in Sustainability, progressing the Sustainability agenda is a strategic priority. We continue to play our part to ensure a greener tomorrow by backing those building it today. 2020 marks our first year reporting under TCFD(8) and UNEP FI PRB(8) enhanced disclosures which can be found in our Sustainability report. The summary below gives a sample of the progress made in 2020 across each of the ESG categories/criteria:

Environment

-- Net Zero long term target and ambitions set and approved by Board; working to set Science Based Targets aligned to the SBTi(9) methodology

-- Launched Green Consumer Loan to support customers to retrofit homes to make them more energy efficient and launched the electric vehicle (EV) proposition

   --    A number of Sustainability linked loans provided to our Corporate customers 
   --    Raised EUR1 billion in the first Green Bond issuance by an Irish bank 
   --    First disclosures under TCFD(8) and UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking(8) 

Social

-- Launched a EUR 300 million Social Housing Fund in November 2020 to deliver 2,000 sustainable A-rated homes

-- Pledged EUR5m to community causes including EUR2.4 million funding in the battle against COVID-19 for a dedicated Research Hub at Trinity College Dublin

   --    AIB Together Community Partnerships - FoodCloud and GAA 

-- Financial Literacy focus - AIB Schools Programme, Vulnerable Customer Training, Fraud Prevention training and alerts

-- Established a Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Bond Framework & related SRI Bond Portfolio (aiming to represent 10% of the Treasury Fixed Income portfolio)

Governance

   --    ESG regulatory training provided at Board, Executive and employee level 
   --    Enhanced Human Rights Commitment statement published and signatory to UN Global Compact 

-- In November 2020 we hosted our fourth annual Sustainability Conference as part of Ireland's Climate Finance Week 2020, hosting 18 events with 5,100 attendees over five days including significant employee participation

-- Excluded activities lis t(10) published externally for a defined list of lending activities for customers with an exposure greater than EUR300k and integrated into our Group Credit Risk policy

-- Launched our Responsible Supplier Code setting out expectations for suppliers and the key social, ethical and environmental values to abide by

With the ongoing public health crisis, we continue to follow Government guidelines in relation to the management of COVID-19 and to put the health and safety of our customers and colleagues at the forefront of our minds as we support the communities in which we operate. We welcome the Government's initiatives and are well positioned to support the rebooting of the Irish economy.

O UTLOOK

Although the economic and operating environment has changed dramatically over the past year, the five pillars of our strategy remain in place and their relevance has been further validated and underpinned by the COVID-19 crisis. Strategy 2023, announced in December 2020, will see us delivering on a revised set of financial targets enabled by a refocused set of strategic priorities and initiatives.

We have started the year in earnest and are pleased with the progress so far including the agreement with Natwest Holdings for the proposed acquisition of Ulster Bank's c. EUR4bn corporate and commercial loan book and the acquisition of Goodbody. We will continue to seek to make selective investments in order to address gaps in our overall customer offering and to diversify income streams, ensuring AIB is the market-leading full service financial services provider in Ireland.

In terms of economic outlook, the return to lockdown at the start of 2021 has delayed the recovery. However, the conclusion of an EU-UK Free Trade Agreement and the approval and roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines were two positive developments in late 2020. While it will be the second half of 2021 before the vaccines become widely available, it does provide the foundation for a strong sustained recovery as the year progresses. Additionally, the potential for the unwinding of the large build-up of private sector savings together with the continuing supportive macro policies provide optimism for a strong rebound in activity in the next couple of years.

While in the near term, uncertainty remains high, overall we remain positive in our return to profitability in 2021 and a resumption of normal dividend distributions in line with regulatory guidelines. With our strong balance sheet and implementation of our refreshed strategy underway, we will reshape our business so that we generate growing and sustainable profits, provide an excellent and efficient customer experience and make a meaningful contribution to the communities and societies that we serve. Our targets are set, our plans are in place and we are prepared at every level to deliver on these commitments in the interests of all of our stakeholders.

***

Click on or paste the following link into your browser to view the 2020 Annual Financial Report

http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/2595R_1-2021-3-4.pdf

   1)        Operating profit before impairment losses and exceptional items 
   2)        Costs before bank levies and regulatory fees and exceptional items 
   3)        Excludes potential inorganic opportunities 
   4)        Fully loaded 
   5)        RoTE = (PAT - AT1) / (CET1 @ 14% of RWAs) 
   6)        Stage 3 exposures include Purchased or Originated Impaired Loans (POCI) 
   7)        Source: Mortgage drawdowns BPFI Dec 2020 

8) Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures; UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative Principles for Responsible Banking

   9)        Science Based Target initiative 

10) Excluded Activities list (see https://aib.ie/corporate/sector-expertise/excluded-activities ) is effective in Group Credit Risk Policy since 29.1.2021. It applies to new term lending to business customers with a Gross Connected Exposure of >GBP/EUR300k and which are relationship managed.

- ENDS -

For further information, please contact :

 
 Donal Galvin                   Niamh Hore                   Paddy McDonnell 
 Chief Financial Officer        Head of Investor Relations   Head of Media Relations 
 Tel: [phone]            Tel: [phone]          Tel: [phone] 
 email: [e-mail]   email: [e-mail]   email: [e-mail] 
 

Forward Looking Statements This document contains certain forward looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of AIB Group and certain of the plans and objectives of the Group. These forward looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. Forward looking statements sometimes use words such as 'aim', 'anticipate', 'target', 'expect', 'estimate', 'intend', 'plan', 'goal', 'believe', 'may', 'could', 'will', 'seek', 'continue', 'should', 'assume', or other words of similar meaning. Examples of forward looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the Group's future financial position, capital structure, Government shareholding in the Group, income growth, loan losses, business strategy, projected costs, capital ratios, estimates of capital expenditures, and plans and objectives for future operations. Because such statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking information. By their nature, forward looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward looking statements. These are set out in the Principal risks on pages 50 to 53 in the 2020 Annual Financial Report. In addition to matters relating to the Group's business, future performance will be impacted by direct and indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and by Irish, UK and wider European and global economic and financial market considerations. Any forward looking statements made by or on behalf of the Group speak only as of the date they are made. The Group cautions that the list of important factors on pages 50 to 53 of the 2020 Annual Financial Report is not exhaustive. Investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and

events when making an investment decision based on any forward looking statement.

Figures presented in the presentation may be subject to rounding and thereby differ to the 2020 Annual Financial Report.

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