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CBG Close Brothers Group Plc

458.80
-5.40 (-1.16%)
24 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Close Brothers Group Plc LSE:CBG London Ordinary Share GB0007668071 ORD 25P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -5.40 -1.16% 458.80 457.60 458.60 473.80 455.60 473.80 290,338 16:35:23
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Asset - Backed Securities 1.01B 81.1M - N/A 0

Close Brothers Group PLC Half-year Report (4828H)

13/03/2018 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Close Brothers (LSE:CBG)
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TIDMCBG

RNS Number : 4828H

Close Brothers Group PLC

13 March 2018

Preliminary Results for the Six Months to 31 January 2018

Good Profit Growth in the First Half(1)

 
 --   The group reported a good performance for the first 
       half, with a 6% increase in adjusted operating 
       profit to GBP142.3 million and a return on opening 
       equity(2) of 17.3% 
 --   Banking delivered an adjusted operating profit 
       of GBP128.5 million, up 5% year on year, driven 
       by both Commercial and Retail 
 --   The net interest margin was stable and impairments 
       remained low with a bad debt ratio of 0.7%, stable 
       on last year excluding provision releases 
 --   The loan book grew by 1.7% to GBP7.0 billion, up 
       7% year on year, as we continue to apply our disciplined 
       approach to lending 
 --   Winterflood's strong performance continued with 
       operating profit of GBP14.7 million, 2% up year 
       on year, reflecting consistently high investor 
       trading activity 
 --   Asset Management delivered a significant increase 
       in adjusted operating profit to GBP11.4 million, 
       up 25% year on year, supported by strong net inflows 
       at 13% (annualised) of opening managed assets 
 --   The interim dividend per share of 21.0p is up 5% 
       on last year 
 --   On a statutory basis, group operating profit before 
       tax increased 5% to GBP138.6 million 
 

Financial Highlights(2)

 
                                           First half   First half   Change 
                                                 2018         2017        % 
---------------------------  ------------------------  -----------  ------- 
 Adjusted operating profit                  GBP142.3m    GBP134.2m        6 
 Operating profit before 
  tax                                       GBP138.6m    GBP131.4m        5 
 Adjusted basic earnings 
  per share                                     71.2p        66.6p        7 
 Basic earnings per share                       69.2p        65.1p        6 
 Dividend per share                             21.0p        20.0p        5 
 Return on opening equity                       17.3%        18.0% 
 Net interest margin                             8.2%         8.2% 
 Bad debt ratio                                  0.7%      0.5%(3) 
 
                                           31 January      31 July   Change 
                                                 2018         2017        % 
---------------------------  ------------------------  -----------  ------- 
 Loan book                                   GBP7.0bn     GBP6.9bn      1.7 
 Total client assets                        GBP11.8bn    GBP11.2bn      5.8 
 Common equity tier 1 
  capital ratio                                 12.7%        12.6% 
 Total capital ratio                            15.2%        15.2% 
---------------------------  ------------------------  -----------  ------- 
 
   1 Numbers are presented on an adjusted basis, unless 
   indicated otherwise. Adjusted operating profit excludes 
   GBP3.7 million (2017: GBP2.8 million) of amortisation 
   of intangible assets on acquisition. 
   2 Please refer to definitions on page 16. 
   3 Includes provision releases. Bad debt ratio of 
   0.7% excluding provision releases. 
 
 
 

Preben Prebensen, Chief Executive, said:

"We are pleased with our performance and progress in the first half, delivering higher profit while staying true to our client and customer focused model, and maintaining our prudent and disciplined approach.

All our businesses have achieved a good performance year to date, and we remain well positioned for the full year.

Longer term, we are confident that the consistent application of our business model, along with our strong customer relationships, the expertise of our people and the quality of our service will allow us to continue performing well in all market conditions."

Enquiries

 
                      Close Brothers Group 
 Sophie Gillingham     plc                     020 7655 3844 
                      Close Brothers Group 
 Eva Hatfield          plc                     020 7655 3350 
                       Close Brothers Group 
  Liya Dashkina         plc                     020 7655 3468 
 Andy Donald          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 +44 20 3936 2999, using participant access code 181169.

Basis of Presentation

Results are presented both on a statutory and an adjusted basis to aid comparability between periods. The adjusted basis excludes exceptional items and amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition.

About Close Brothers

Close Brothers is a leading UK merchant banking group providing lending, deposit taking, wealth management services and securities trading. We employ over 3,200 people, principally in the UK. Close Brothers Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 250.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Close Brothers has delivered a good first half, with a strong contribution from all three divisions. Adjusted operating profit increased 6% to GBP142.3 million (2017: GBP134.2 million) and statutory operating profit before tax increased 5% to GBP138.6 million (2017: GBP131.4 million). Earnings per share were up 7% on an adjusted basis at 71.2p (2017: 66.6p), and 6% on a statutory basis at 69.2p (2017: 65.1p). Return on opening equity has remained strong at 17.3% (2017: 18.0%) and we are pleased to declare an interim dividend of 21.0p (2017: 20.0p) per share, up 5% year on year.

We have seen no change to the benign credit environment in our lending businesses in the period and market conditions for our Securities and Asset Management businesses remained supportive. In this environment, our focus remains on maintaining the long-term discipline of our business model, bringing service and expertise to our clients and customers, maintaining pricing and underwriting discipline, and investing in a number of infrastructure and new business initiatives.

Good Profitability in the Lending Businesses

The Banking division delivered a good performance across all three lending segments. Adjusted operating profit increased 5% to GBP128.5 million (2017: GBP122.7 million) with a stable net interest margin at 8.2% (2017: 8.2%) and a low bad debt ratio of 0.7% (2017: 0.5%).

In Banking, our focus remains on maintaining our strong net interest margin and underwriting discipline in all market conditions. As a result, loan book growth is slower at the current point in the cycle, reflecting continuing high credit supply in several of our markets. Overall the loan book increased 1.7% in the first half, in line with the first half last year.

Within the Retail segment, the Premium Finance business delivered further growth, benefiting from new broker relationships following significant investment in the business in recent years. In Motor Finance, we continue to prioritise our credit quality and margins in a highly competitive market, and as a result the loan book contracted slightly in the period.

Commercial delivered growth in both the loan book and operating profit in the first half. In Asset Finance, the loan book increased 2% despite continued competition, with growth driven by the more specialist product lines. We also achieved good growth in Invoice Finance.

Finally, in Property, the loan book continued to grow driven by consistently strong demand for new build family homes in both London and the regions. The business remains well positioned, with high levels of repeat business and a solid pipeline.

Good Performance in Winterflood and Asset Management

Winterflood's strong trading has continued, with operating profit of GBP14.7 million (2017: GBP14.4 million), benefiting from continued investor trading activity and rising markets. Trading was consistently profitable, with no loss days in the period.

Asset Management delivered a significant improvement in performance, with adjusted operating profit of GBP11.4 million (2017: GBP9.1 million), up 25% year on year, and an operating margin of 20%. Net inflows increased to 13% of opening managed assets (2017: 3%), reflecting the strength of our client proposition for both advice and investment management.

Prudent Funding, Liquidity and Capital

The prudent management of our funding, liquidity and capital is a core part of our business model allowing us to grow, invest and pay a dividend, while meeting all regulatory requirements. We have maintained good access to a diverse range of funding markets and our capital ratios remained strong in the period, with a common equity tier 1 capital ratio of 12.7% (31 July 2017: 12.6%) and leverage ratio of 10.7% (31 July 2017: 10.7%).

Outlook

We remain committed to our proven business model, which supports our track record of lending successfully in all stages of the cycle.

Our Banking division remains well positioned, benefiting from the diversity of its business portfolio and strong customer focus. We remain committed to protecting the margins, maintaining our prudent underwriting and investing to improve and extend our business in new and existing markets.

Winterflood continues to maintain its market-leading position and maximise its trading opportunities, but remains sensitive to any change in market conditions.

The Asset Management division continues to build on the strength of our client proposition and remains focused on growing its asset base.

At this stage, we have seen no significant change in trading conditions since the period end and remain well positioned to deliver a good result for the full year.

OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Key Financials

 
 
                                         First half          First half 
                                               2018                2017     Change 
                                        GBP million         GBP million          % 
-----------------------------  ----  --------------  ------------------  --------- 
 Operating income                             405.5               378.3          7 
 Adjusted operating expenses                (239.4)             (226.8)          6 
 Impairment losses on loans 
  and advances                               (23.8)              (17.3)         38 
------------------------------  ---  --------------  ------------------  --------- 
 Adjusted operating profit                    142.3               134.2          6 
------------------------------  ---  --------------  ------------------  --------- 
  Banking                                     128.5               122.7          5 
                                     --------------  ------------------  --------- 
    Retail                                     42.8                39.9          7 
    Commercial                                 39.7                36.5          9 
    Property                                   46.0                46.3        (1) 
                                     --------------  ------------------  --------- 
  Securities                                   14.7                14.4          2 
  Asset Management                             11.4                 9.1         25 
  Group                                      (12.3)              (12.0)          3 
------------------------------  ---  --------------  ------------------  --------- 
 Amortisation of intangible 
  assets on acquisition                       (3.7)               (2.8)         32 
------------------------------  ---  --------------  ------------------  --------- 
 Operating profit before 
  tax                                         138.6               131.4          5 
-----------------------------------  --------------  ------------------  --------- 
 
 Adjusted basic earnings 
  per share                                   71.2p               66.6p          7 
 Basic earnings per 
  share                                       69.2p               65.1p          6 
 Dividend per share                           21.0p               20.0p          5 
 Return on opening equity                     17.3%               18.0% 
 
 

Good Performance in the First Half

Adjusted operating profit increased 6% to GBP142.3 million (2017: GBP134.2 million) and statutory operating profit before tax increased 5% to GBP138.6 million (2017: GBP131.4 million), resulting in an operating margin of 35% (2017: 35%). Return on opening equity ("RoE") remained strong at 17.3% (2017: 18.0%).

The Banking division continued to deliver strong returns and profit growth, with adjusted operating profit up 5% to GBP128.5 million (2017: GBP122.7 million). Winterflood, supported by continued investor trading activity, delivered an operating profit of GBP14.7 million (2017: GBP14.4 million), ahead of the prior year. Asset Management also performed well, with an adjusted operating profit of GBP11.4 million (2017: GBP9.1 million), up 25% year on year, driven by strong net inflows and positive market movements. Group net expenses, which include the central functions such as finance, legal and compliance, risk and human resources, were marginally higher at GBP12.3 million (2017: GBP12.0 million).

Operating income increased 7% to GBP405.5 million (2017: GBP378.3 million), with higher income in all three divisions. Income in Banking increased 7% with a stable net interest margin of 8.2% (2017: 8.2%), while income in Securities and Asset Management was up 3% and 12% respectively.

Adjusted operating expenses increased 6% to GBP239.4 million (2017: GBP226.8 million), driven predominantly by continued growth and investment in the Banking division. Costs in Securities and Asset Management were also up, reflecting higher variable costs due to strong trading performance. Overall, the expense/income ratio improved slightly to 59% (2017: 60%) and the compensation ratio remained stable at 38% (2017: 38%).

Impairments of GBP23.8 million (2017: GBP17.3 million) remained low with a bad debt ratio of 0.7% (2017: 0.5%). The increase reflects provision releases of GBP5.4 million in the comparative period, which did not recur. Excluding these provision releases, the ratio remained stable.

The tax charge in the period was GBP34.7 million (2017: GBP34.8 million), which corresponds to an effective tax rate of 25% (2017: 26%), reflecting the reduction in the corporation tax rate.

As a result, adjusted basic earnings per share ("EPS") increased 7% to 71.2p (2017: 66.6p). Basic EPS increased 6% to 69.2p (2017: 65.1p).

The interim dividend of 21.0p (2017: 20.0p) represents an increase of 5% from the prior year, reflecting our progressive dividend policy. This interim dividend is due to be paid on 25 April 2018 to shareholders on the register at 23 March 2018.

Results are presented on both a statutory and adjusted basis. The adjusted basis excludes amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition. Adjusted operating profit is reported on a basis consistent with prior periods and is used by management for internal management reporting purposes. Amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition of GBP3.7 million (2017: GBP2.8 million) is excluded from adjusted operating profit to present the performance of the group's acquired businesses consistent with its other businesses.

Group Balance Sheet

 
                                    31 January        31 July 
                                          2018           2017 
                                   GBP million    GBP million 
------------------------------   -------------  ------------- 
 Loans and advances 
  to customers                         6,998.4        6,884.7 
 Treasury assets(1)                    1,135.2        1,029.0 
 Market-making assets(2)                 705.5          643.4 
 Other assets                            802.3          728.1 
-------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Total assets                          9,641.4        9,285.2 
-------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Deposits by customers                 5,250.2        5,113.1 
 Borrowings                            2,144.5        2,041.2 
 Market-making liabilities(2)            674.4          556.9 
 Other liabilities                       295.1          338.0 
-------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Total liabilities                     8,364.2        8,049.2 
-------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Equity                                1,277.2        1,236.0 
-------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Total liabilities and 
  equity                               9,641.4        9,285.2 
-------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

1 Treasury assets comprise cash and balances at central banks, and debt securities held to support lending in the Banking division.

2 Market-making assets and liabilities comprise settlement balances, long and short trading positions and loans to or from money brokers.

We maintain a prudent approach to managing our financial resources, which is reflected in our simple and transparent balance sheet. Assets are made up predominantly of loans and advances to customers as well as treasury assets held for liquidity purposes, and settlement balances in our Securities division. Other assets principally comprise intangibles, property, plant and equipment, and prepayments. Liabilities are predominantly made up of customer deposits, and both secured and unsecured borrowings to fund the loan book.

Total assets increased to GBP9.6 billion (31 July 2017: GBP9.3 billion), driven predominantly by growth in the loan book and treasury assets. Total liabilities increased GBP315.0 million to GBP8.4 billion (31 July 2017: GBP8.0 billion), due to higher customer deposits and borrowings. Total equity increased to GBP1.3 billion (31 July 2017: GBP1.2 billion), with profit in the period partially offset by dividend payments of GBP59.7 million. The group's return on assets remained broadly stable at 2.2% (31 July 2017: 2.1%).

Group Capital Position

 
                            31 January        31 July 
                                  2018           2017 
                           GBP million    GBP million 
----------------------   -------------  ------------- 
 Common equity tier 
  1 capital                    1,032.3          990.6 
 Total capital                 1,230.3        1,196.2 
 Risk weighted assets          8,119.6        7,859.0 
 
 Common equity tier 
  1 capital ratio                12.7%          12.6% 
 Total capital ratio             15.2%          15.2% 
 Leverage ratio                  10.7%          10.7% 
-----------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

The group aims to maintain a strong capital position, which supports our ability to lend through the cycle, invest in our business and pay a progressive dividend to shareholders while continuing to meet all regulatory requirements.

In the first half, the common equity tier 1 ("CET1") capital ratio increased to 12.7% (31 July 2017: 12.6%), reflecting continued profitability and modest loan book growth at this stage in the cycle. CET1 capital increased to GBP1,032.3 million (31 July 2017: GBP990.6 million), reflecting GBP104.0 million of profit for the period, a regulatory deduction for foreseeable dividends of GBP47.9 million and other movements in reserves and intangibles. Risk weighted assets increased 3% to GBP8.1 billion (31 July 2017: GBP7.9 billion), driven by a combination of growth in the period and loan book mix at the period end.

The group's total capital ratio remained stable at 15.2% (31 July 2017: 15.2%), and the leverage ratio remained strong at 10.7% (31 July 2017: 10.7%).

Accordingly, all the group's capital ratios remain comfortably ahead of minimum regulatory requirements. At this stage, we expect limited impact from the changes to the standardised approach issued by the Basel Committee, but we continue to monitor regulatory developments carefully.

We are continuing to progress our plans towards a transition to the Internal Ratings Based approach, which remain at an early stage.

Group Funding(1)

 
                                        31 January        31 July 
                                              2018           2017 
                                       GBP million    GBP million 
----------------------------------   -------------  ------------- 
 Customer deposits                         5,250.2        5,113.1 
 Secured funding                           1,268.9        1,297.3 
 Unsecured funding(2)                      1,144.1        1,120.3 
 Equity                                    1,277.2        1,236.0 
-----------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Total available funding                   8,940.4        8,766.7 
-----------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Of which term funding (over 
  one year)                                4,703.6        4,766.2 
 
 Total funding as % of loan 
  book                                        128%           127% 
 Term funding as % of loan book                67%            69% 
 Average maturity of term funding        37 months      38 months 
  (excluding equity) 
 Average maturity of funding             21 months      21 months 
  allocated to loan book(3) 
 
 

1 Numbers relate to core funding and exclude working capital facilities at the business level.

2 Unsecured funding includes GBP295.0 million (31 July 2017: GBP295.0 million) of undrawn facilities.

3 Average maturity of total funding excluding equity and funding held for liquidity purposes.

The main purpose of our treasury function is to manage funding and liquidity to support the lending businesses. We maintain a conservative approach, with diverse funding sources and a prudent maturity profile.

We continue to have access to a wide range of funding sources, including retail and corporate deposits, both secured and unsecured debt, and wholesale facilities. We have made limited use of the Term Funding Scheme, which represents c.4% of our total funding at the balance sheet date.

In the first half, total funding increased to GBP8.9 billion (31 July 2017: GBP8.8 billion), accounting for 128% of the loan book. The increase was driven by higher deposits, up 3% to GBP5.3 billion (31 July 2017: GBP5.1 billion), with growth principally in corporate deposits.

We also maintain a prudent funding maturity. At 31 January 2018, term funding with a residual maturity over one year covered 67% (31 July 2017: 69%) of the loan book, with the average maturity of funding allocated to the loan book remaining at 21 months (31 July 2017: 21 months), significantly ahead of the loan book maturity of 14 months (31 July 2017: 14 months).

The overall funding environment remains favourable and our average cost of funding reduced to 1.6% (2017: 1.9%), reflecting new lower cost funding, including a second public Motor securitisation placing of GBP200 million in November 2017.

In the period, we have also initiated an investment programme to implement a new deposit platform, which will allow us to build an online distribution channel and offer a wider range of savings products.

Since the financial year end, both Moody's Investors Services ("Moody's") and Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") reaffirmed our credit ratings. Moody's rates Close Brothers Group ("CBG") A3/P2 and Close Brothers Limited ("CBL") Aa3/P1, with stable outlook. Fitch rates both CBG and CBL A/F1 with stable outlook.

Group Liquidity

 
                                31 January        31 July 
                                      2018           2017 
                               GBP million    GBP million 
--------------------------   -------------  ------------- 
 Bank of England deposits            841.4          805.1 
 Sovereign and central 
  bank debt                           42.8           43.6 
 High quality liquid 
  assets(1)                          884.2          848.7 
 Certificates of deposit             251.0          180.3 
 Treasury assets                   1,135.2        1,029.0 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

1 In addition to, and not included in the above, at 31 July 2017 the group held GBP97.5 million of Treasury Bills drawn under the Funding for Lending Scheme but not in repurchase agreements, which have since been repaid.

We maintain a strong liquidity position, with the majority of our liquidity requirements and surplus funding held in the form of high quality liquid assets. We regularly assess and stress test our liquidity position, ensuring it is comfortably ahead of both internal risk appetite and regulatory requirements. We continue to comfortably meet the liquidity coverage ratio requirements under CRD IV.

Treasury assets at 31 January 2018 increased to GBP1.1 billion (31 July 2017: GBP1.0 billion), and were predominantly held on deposit with the Bank of England.

IFRS 9

As previously communicated, the provisions of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments will apply to the group for the year ending 31 July 2019. We are conducting a parallel run during the current financial year to validate and refine the models and assumptions ahead of implementation on 1 August 2018. We will provide further detail on the expected financial impact of the transition once we have sufficiently reliable estimates.

BUSINESS REVIEW

BANKING

Key Financials

 
                                      First half        First half 
                                            2018              2017     Change 
                                     GBP million       GBP million          % 
-----------------------------   ----------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Operating income                          293.9             274.0          7 
 Adjusted operating expenses             (141.6)           (134.0)          6 
 Impairment losses on 
  loans and advances                      (23.8)            (17.3)         38 
------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Adjusted operating profit                 128.5             122.7          5 
------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  --------- 
 
 Net interest margin                        8.2%              8.2% 
 Expense/income ratio                        48%               49% 
 Bad debt ratio                             0.7%              0.5% 
 Return on net loan book                    3.6%              3.7% 
 Return on opening equity                    20%               23% 
------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Average loan book and 
  operating lease assets                 7,131.1           6,655.2          7 
------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  --------- 
 
 

Good Financial Performance Continued in the First Half

Adjusted operating profit for the Banking division was up 5% to GBP128.5 million (2017: GBP122.7 million), driven by 7% income growth to GBP293.9 million (2017: GBP274.0 million) and continued low impairments. Statutory operating profit increased 4% to GBP127.5 million (2017: GBP122.4 million).

The loan book grew 1.7% (2017: 1.7%) in the period, in line with the first half last year, with a broadly stable return on net loan book of 3.6% (2017: 3.7%). Return on opening equity was slightly lower at 20% (2017: 23%), driven by higher equity following the increase in risk weighting of our property portfolio last year.

The net interest margin remained stable at 8.2% (2017: 8.2%), reflecting our continued pricing discipline and benefiting from a lower cost of funding. Although price competition remains strong in some parts of our business, we continue to focus on holding our margins across the overall portfolio.

Adjusted operating expenses at GBP141.6 million (2017: GBP134.0 million) increased 6% year on year, with the increase driven predominantly by staff-related costs. Cost discipline remains a priority, as we tightly manage our operational costs while continuing to invest in the business. In Retail, investment continues across both Premium and Motor Finance, and we are continuing to progress a number of new business initiatives in Commercial. In the period, we have also initiated an investment in a new deposit platform, which, in time, will allow our treasury function to expand its product offering and build an online presence. The expense/income and compensation ratios both remained broadly in line with last year, at 48% (2017: 49%) and 29% (2017: 30%) respectively.

The bad debt ratio remained low at 0.7% (2017: 0.5%), reflecting continued strong underlying credit performance across the portfolio. The ratio increase from 0.5% to 0.7% reflects one-off provision releases in the first half of 2017, and the ratio was unchanged on an underlying basis.

Loan Book Analysis

 
                       31 January       31 July 
                             2018          2017         Change 
                      GBP million   GBP million              % 
-------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Retail                   2,700.6       2,702.8          (0.1) 
                     ------------  ------------  ------------- 
  Motor Finance           1,715.5       1,761.9          (2.6) 
  Premium Finance           985.1         940.9            4.7 
                     ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Commercial               2,603.7       2,552.6            2.0 
                     ------------  ------------  ------------- 
  Asset Finance           2,057.0       2,017.0            2.0 
  Invoice Finance           546.7         535.6            2.1 
                     ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Property                 1,694.1       1,629.3            4.0 
-------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Closing loan book        6,998.4       6,884.7            1.7 
-------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 

The loan book growth reflects the diversity of our portfolio, as we continue to prioritise margins and credit quality at the current point in the cycle. The loan book grew 1.7% year to date, and 7.0% year on year, to GBP7.0 billion (31 July 2017: GBP6.9 billion). Growth continues to be driven by Property and Premium Finance, with both Asset and Invoice Finance also growing in the period. In Motor Finance, the loan book contracted modestly, reflecting our commitment to pricing and underwriting discipline in the current environment.

Banking: Retail

 
                                  First half     First half 
                                        2018           2017   Change 
                                 GBP million    GBP million        % 
-----------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------- 
 Operating income                      118.6          110.3        8 
 Adjusted operating expenses          (61.4)         (58.5)        5 
 Impairment losses on 
  loans and advances                  (14.4)         (11.9)       21 
-----------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------- 
 Adjusted operating profit              42.8           39.9        7 
-----------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------- 
 
 Net interest margin                    8.8%           8.7% 
 Expense/income ratio                    52%            53% 
 Bad debt ratio                         1.1%           0.9% 
 Average loan book                   2,701.7        2,540.9        6 
-----------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------- 
 

The segment provides intermediated finance, principally to individuals, through motor dealers, insurance brokers and retailers, and incorporates our Premium and Motor Finance businesses.

The Retail loan book remained broadly flat at GBP2.7 billion (31 July 2017: GBP2.7 billion). In Premium Finance, we saw good growth of 4.7% to GBP1.0 billion (31 July 2017: GBP0.9 billion), driven by recent broker wins and increased volumes through existing brokers, supported by our ongoing investment in the business.

The Motor Finance loan book contracted 2.6% in the period, and is currently at GBP1.7 billion (31 July 2017: GBP1.8 billion), as we continue to consistently apply our model, holding margin and prioritising credit quality in a highly competitive UK motor finance market. As expected, the Irish portfolio continued to grow modestly.

Overall, adjusted operating profit for the Retail segment of GBP42.8 million (2017: GBP39.9 million) was up 7% on the prior year. Statutory operating profit was also up 7% at GBP42.7 million (2017: GBP39.9 million).

Operating income was up 8% year on year at GBP118.6 million (2017: GBP110.3 million) with the net interest margin marginally higher at 8.8% (2017: 8.7%).

Adjusted operating expenses increased 5% to GBP61.4 million (2017: GBP58.5 million). We continue our multi-year investment in the Premium Finance infrastructure, as well as an investment programme in the Motor Finance business initiated at the end of last year to improve the service proposition to dealers and end customers. Despite this investment, the expense/income ratio was broadly in line with the prior year at 52% (2017: 53%).

The bad debt ratio of 1.1% (2017: 0.9%) remains consistent with the second half of the last financial year. We remain comfortable with the credit quality of the Motor Finance loan book, supported by our prudent underwriting, focus on used cars and low exposure to Personal Contract Plan ("PCP").

Banking: Commercial

 
                                   First half     First half 
                                         2018           2017   Change 
                                  GBP million    GBP million        % 
-----------------------------  --------------  -------------  ------- 
 Operating income                       110.4          105.6        5 
 Adjusted operating expenses           (65.1)         (61.5)        6 
 Impairment losses on 
  loans and advances                    (5.6)          (7.6)     (26) 
-----------------------------  --------------  -------------  ------- 
 Adjusted operating profit               39.7           36.5        9 
-----------------------------  --------------  -------------  ------- 
 
 Net interest margin                     8.0%           8.0% 
 Expense/income ratio                     59%            58% 
 Bad debt ratio                          0.4%           0.6% 
 Average loan book and 
  operating leases                    2,767.7        2,633.3        5 
-----------------------------  --------------  -------------  ------- 
 

The segment focuses on specialist, secured lending principally to the SME market and includes the Asset and Invoice Finance businesses.

The Commercial loan book increased 2.0% to GBP2.6 billion (31 July 2017: GBP2.6 billion), supported by growth in both Asset and Invoice Finance. Although competition in many areas remains strong, the Asset Finance book grew 2.0%, driven by the more specialist product lines, while the core portfolio remained broadly flat. In Invoice Finance, we saw good growth supported by Novitas, which was acquired at the end of the 2017 financial year and provides financing for legal fees. We also continue to see good demand for our asset based lending ("ABL") products, characterised by bigger ticket deals.

Adjusted operating profit of GBP39.7 million (2017: GBP36.5 million) was up 9%, driven by good income and lower bad debt. Statutory operating profit also increased 7% to GBP38.8 million (2017: GBP36.2 million).

Operating income of GBP110.4 million (2017: GBP105.6 million) was 5% higher than the prior year, reflecting loan book growth in the period. Our net interest margin remained strong at 8.0% (2017: 8.0%), as we maintain pricing discipline in the face of ongoing pricing competition in the asset finance market.

Costs were up 6% to GBP65.1 million (2017: GBP61.5 million), reflecting a number of ongoing new business initiatives. These include our technology services business and the recent expansion of our asset finance offering into Germany. The expense/income ratio remained broadly stable at 59% (2017: 58%).

The bad debt ratio reduced to 0.4% (2017: 0.6%), reflecting a particularly strong credit performance, with low arrears and a strong collections performance.

Banking: Property

 
                                  First half     First half 
                                        2018           2017     Change 
                                 GBP million    GBP million          % 
----------------------  --------------------  -------------  --------- 
 Operating income                       64.9           58.1         12 
 Operating expenses                   (15.1)         (14.0)          8 
 Impairment losses on 
  loans and advances                   (3.8)            2.2 
----------------------  --------------------  -------------  --------- 
 Operating profit                       46.0           46.3        (1) 
----------------------  --------------------  -------------  --------- 
 
 Net interest margin                    7.8%           7.8% 
 Expense/income ratio                    23%            24% 
 Bad debt ratio                         0.5%         (0.3%) 
 Average loan book                   1,661.7        1,481.0         12 
----------------------  --------------------  -------------  --------- 
 

The segment is focused on specialist residential development finance to established professional developers in the UK. We do not lend to the buy-to-let sector, or provide residential or commercial mortgages.

The Property segment performed well in the period, delivering loan book growth of 4.0% to GBP1.7 billion (31 July 2017: GBP1.6 billion), or 12.6% year on year. We continue to see good demand for residential property development finance and the pipeline remains solid. Our focus is on new build family homes where we see continued strong structural demand. In recent years we have also extended our offering to high-quality regional locations, and we continue to see good growth potential in these markets.

The business delivered an operating profit of GBP46.0 million (2017: GBP46.3 million), broadly in line year on year. This reflects the benefit of one-off provision releases which resulted in a net bad debt recovery in the comparative period. Therefore, the bad debt ratio in the current period was higher at 0.5% (2017: -0.3%). The net interest margin was stable at 7.8% (2017: 7.8%).

Operating expenses of GBP15.1 million (2017: GBP14.0 million) were up 8%, and the expense/income ratio remained low at 23% (2017: 24%), reflecting the lower operational requirements of the business.

SECURITIES

Key Financials

 
                          First half     First half 
                                2018           2017     Change 
                         GBP million    GBP million          % 
--------------------   -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Operating income               55.6           53.9          3 
 Operating expenses           (40.9)         (39.5)          4 
---------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Operating profit               14.7           14.4          2 
---------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 
 Bargains per day                70k            58k         22 
 Operating margin                26%            27% 
 Return on opening 
  equity                         30%            30% 
 
 

Strong Trading Continued

Winterflood remains focused on delivering high-quality execution services to retail intermediaries, wealth managers and institutional investors.

Winterflood continued to benefit from positive market sentiment and investor risk appetite throughout the period, with particularly favourable conditions in the second quarter. As a result, the operating profit increased 2% to GBP14.7 million (2017: GBP14.4 million).

Operating income grew 3% to GBP55.6 million (2017: GBP53.9 million) reflecting higher trading income particularly in FTSE 350 and AIM stocks. Average daily bargains increased to 70,228 (2017: 57,782), up 22% year on year but broadly in line with the second half, reflecting higher FTSE 350 volumes. There were no loss days (2017: no loss days) in the period.

Operating expenses increased 4%, broadly in line with income, reflecting Winterflood's variable cost model. Both the expense/income ratio and the compensation ratio remained broadly stable at 74% (2017: 73%) and 48% respectively (2017: 48%).

ASSET MANAGEMENT

Key Financials

 
                                    First half     First half 
                                          2018        2017(3)     Change 
                                   GBP million    GBP million          % 
------------------------------   -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Investment management                    35.8           30.8         16 
 Advice and other services(1)             20.0           17.4         15 
 Other income(2)                           0.2            1.9       (11) 
-------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Operating income                         56.0           50.1         12 
 Adjusted operating 
  expenses                              (44.6)         (41.0)          9 
-------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Adjusted operating 
  profit                                  11.4            9.1         25 
-------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 
 Revenue margin (bps)                       97             96 
 Operating margin                          20%            18% 
 Return on opening 
  equity                                   33%            27% 
 

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

2 Net interest income and expense, income on principal investments and other income.

3 The first half of 2017 includes GBP1.6 million profit on disposal of OLIM Investment Managers ("OLIM"), which completed in November 2016. Overall, OLIM contributed GBP2.3 million of income and GBP1.9 million of profit, including the profit on disposal.

Profit Growth Supported by Continued Strong Inflows

Asset Management delivered strong results in the first half, with adjusted operating profit growth of 25% to GBP11.4 million (2017: GBP9.1 million). Statutory operating profit increased 32% to GBP8.7 million (2017: GBP6.6 million). All our channels performed well, delivering positive net flows of GBP573 million representing an annualised rate of 13% (2017: 3%) of opening managed assets.

Operating income increased 12% to GBP56.0 million (2017: GBP50.1 million) with strong growth in investment management fees and advisory income. This reflects the consistent growth in our managed assets over the last 12 months as well as continued demand for our advisory services. The revenue margin improved marginally to 97bps.

Adjusted operating expenses increased 9% to GBP44.6 million (2017: GBP41.0 million), below income growth, reflecting the operating leverage of the business. The expense/income ratio reduced to 80% (2017: 82%) while the compensation ratio increased slightly to 57% (2017: 54%), reflecting new hires and an increase in variable compensation in the period.

Movement in Client Assets

 
                                           31 January 2018 
                                               GBP million 
------------------------------------  -------------------- 
 Opening managed assets                              8,900 
 Inflows                                               947 
 Outflows                                            (374) 
------------------------------------  -------------------- 
 Net inflows                                           573 
 Market movements                                      240 
 Total managed assets                                9,713 
 Advised only assets                                 2,088 
------------------------------------  -------------------- 
 Total client assets(1)                             11,801 
------------------------------------  -------------------- 
 Net flows as % of opening 
  managed assets                                       13% 
------------------------------------  -------------------- 
 1 Total client assets include GBP4.1 billion of assets 
  that are both advised and managed. 
 

Total managed assets increased 9% to GBP9.7 billion (31 July 2017: GBP8.9 billion), benefiting from both strong net inflows and favourable market movements. Net inflows, at GBP573 million, improved significantly in the first half of the year (31 January 2017: GBP125 million), with strong flows across both our integrated wealth and investment management services. Positive market movements in the period contributed GBP240 million.

Total client assets, which include advised assets under third-party management, closed 6% higher at GBP11.8 billion (31 July 2017: GBP11.2 billion).

Our funds and segregated bespoke portfolios are designed to provide attractive risk adjusted returns for our clients, in line with their long-term goals. Over the 12 month period to 31 January 2018, 11 out of our 13 unitised funds outperformed their relevant benchmarks, with particularly good performance across our Direct and Managed funds. Over the year to 31 December 2017, 75% of our segregated bespoke strategies outperformed their relevant peer groups. This compares to 100% over the 3 year period, in line with our strong long term outperformance track record for our bespoke strategies.

DEFINITIONS

Adjusted: Adjusted measures are used to increase comparability between periods and exclude amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition and any exceptional items

Bad debt ratio: Impairment losses as a percentage of average net loans and advances to customers and operating lease assets

Compensation ratio: Total staff costs as a percentage of operating income

Dividend per share ("DPS"): Comprises the final dividend proposed for the respective year together with the interim dividend declared and paid in the year

Earnings per share ("EPS"): Profit attributable to shareholders divided by number of basic shares

Effective tax rate: Tax on operating profit/(loss) as a percentage of operating profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before tax

Expense/income ratio: Total adjusted operating expenses divided by operating income

Funding allocated to loan book: Total funding excluding equity and funding held for liquidity purposes

Funding % loan book: Total funding divided by net loans and advances to customers

High-quality liquid assets ("HQLAs"): Assets which qualify for regulatory liquidity purposes, including Bank of England deposits, and sovereign and central bank debt, including funds drawn under the Funding for Lending Scheme

Leverage ratio: Tier 1 capital as a percentage of total balance sheet assets, adjusted for certain capital deductions, including intangible assets, and off balance sheet exposures

Liquidity coverage ratio: Measure of the group's HQLAs as a percentage of expected net cash outflows over the next 30 days in a stressed scenario

Loan to value ratio ("LTV"): For a secured loan, the loan balance as a percentage of the total value of the asset

Net interest margin ("NIM"): Income generated by lending activities, including interest income net of interest expense, fees and commissions income net of fees and commissions expense, and operating lease income net of operating lease expense, less depreciation on operating lease assets, divided by average loans and advances to customers (net of impaired loans) and operating lease assets

Operating margin: Adjusted operating profit divided by operating income

Return on assets: Profit attributable to shareholders divided by total assets at balance sheet date

Return on net loan book ("RoNLB"): Adjusted operating profit from lending activities divided by average net loans and advances to customers, and operating lease assets

Return on opening equity ("RoE"): Adjusted operating profit after tax and non-controlling interests divided by opening equity, excluding non-controlling interests

Revenue margin: Income from advice, investment management and related services divided by average total client assets

Term funding: Funding with a remaining maturity greater than 12 months

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The group faces a number of risks in the normal course of business. The framework we use to manage these risks is as follows:

   --    adhering to our established and proven business model; 
   --    implementing an integrated "three lines of defence" risk management approach; and 

-- operating within a clearly defined risk appetite which is monitored with defined metrics and set limits.

A detailed description of the principal risks and our approach to managing and mitigating these risks is disclosed on pages 16 to 19 of the Annual Report 2017 which can be accessed via the Investor Relations home page on the group's website at www.closebrothers.com.

There have been no significant changes to our risk management approach in the period. The principal risks faced by the group remain unchanged and are summarised below.

Credit losses - the group provides loans to a range of small businesses and individuals. There is a risk that customers are unable to repay their loans and any outstanding interest and fees resulting in credit losses. The group also has exposure to counterparties with which it places deposits or trades and also has a small number of derivative contracts to hedge interest rate and foreign exchange exposures.

Economic environment - any downturn in economic conditions may impact the group's performance through lower demand for the group's products and services, lower investor risk appetite, higher credit losses and increased volatility in funding markets.

Legal and regulatory - changes to existing legal, regulatory and tax environments, or failure to comply with existing requirements could adversely impact the group's performance, as well as capital, liquidity and the markets in which we operate. Failing to treat customers fairly also has the potential to damage the group's reputation and may lead to legal or regulatory sanctions including litigation and customer redress.

Competition - the group operates in competitive markets. Elevated levels of competition may impact demand for the group's products and services.

Technology and operational resilience - providing robust, contemporary and secure IT services is fundamental to enabling the group to provide a high quality customer experience, respond to new technology, protect client and company data and counter the evolving cyber threat. Failure to evolve with our customers' technological expectations or provide reliable, secure IT services has the potential to impact group performance.

Employees - the quality and expertise of our employees is critical to our success. The loss of key individuals or teams may have an adverse impact on the group's operations and ability to deliver its strategy.

Funding and liquidity - access to funding remains key to support our lending activities and the group's liquidity requirements. Any material change to funding or liquidity capacity has the potential to impact the group's ongoing performance.

Market risk - market volatility impacting equity and fixed income exposures, and/or changes in interest and exchange rates have the potential to 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 Half Yearly Report 2018 includes a fair review 
       of the information required by Disclosure Guidance 
       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 Half Yearly Report 2018 includes a fair review 
       of the information required by Disclosure Guidance 
       and Transparency Rule 4.2.8R (disclosure of related 
       parties' transactions and changes therein). 
 

On behalf of the board

 
 Michael N. Biggs   P. Prebensen 
  Chairman           Chief Executive 
 

13 March 2018

Independent Review Report

Our conclusion

We have reviewed Close Brothers Group plc's interim financial information (the "condensed half yearly financial statements") in the half yearly report of Close Brothers Group plc for the six month period ended 31 January 2018. Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed half yearly financial statements are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

What we have reviewed

The condensed half yearly financial statements comprise:

   --     the consolidated balance sheet at 31 January 2018; 

-- the consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the period then ended;

   --     the consolidated cash flow statement for the period then ended; 
   --     the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the period then ended; and 
   --     the explanatory notes to the condensed half yearly financial statements. 

The condensed half yearly financial statements included in the half yearly report have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

As disclosed in note 1 to the condensed half yearly financial statements, the financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the full annual financial statements of the Group is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRSs") as adopted by the European Union.

Responsibilities for the condensed half yearly financial statements and the review

Our responsibilities and those of the directors

The half yearly report, including the condensed half yearly financial statements, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half yearly report in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the condensed half yearly financial statements in the half yearly report based on our review. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the company for the purpose of complying with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving this conclusion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

What a review of condensed half yearly financial statements involves

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 enquiries, 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, 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.

We have read the other information contained in the half yearly report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed half yearly financial statements.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor

London, United Kingdom

13 March 2018

Consolidated Income Statement

for the six months ended 31 January 2018

 
                                                       Six months          Year ended 
                                                          ended 
                                                       31 January             31 July 
                                                ------------------------ 
                                                       2018         2017         2017 
                                                  Unaudited    Unaudited      Audited 
                                          Note  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
----------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Interest income                                       301.7        289.6        578.9 
Interest expense                                     (56.0)       (62.5)      (117.3) 
---------------------------------------------   -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Net interest income                                   245.7        227.1        461.6 
---------------------------------------------   -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Fee and commission income                             106.4        100.2        206.5 
Fee and commission expense                           (14.3)       (15.0)       (29.0) 
Gains less losses arising from dealing 
 in securities                                         51.8         48.7         94.2 
Other income                                           31.4         29.2         57.3 
Depreciation of operating lease assets               (15.5)       (11.9)       (25.0) 
 
Non-interest income                                   159.8        151.2        304.0 
---------------------------------------------   -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Operating income                               2      405.5        378.3        765.6 
---------------------------------------------   -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Administrative expenses                             (239.4)      (226.8)      (460.6) 
Impairment losses on loans and advances        6     (23.8)       (17.3)       (40.2) 
---------------------------------------------   -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Total operating expenses before amortisation 
 of intangible assets 
 on acquisition                                     (263.2)      (244.1)      (500.8) 
---------------------------------------------   -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Operating profit before amortisation 
 of intangible assets on 
 acquisition                                          142.3        134.2        264.8 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
 on acquisition                                       (3.7)        (2.8)        (6.2) 
---------------------------------------------   -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Operating profit before tax                           138.6        131.4        258.6 
Tax                                            3     (34.7)       (34.8)       (67.7) 
---------------------------------------------   -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Profit after tax for the period                       103.9         96.6        190.9 
Loss attributable to non-controlling 
 interests                                            (0.1)        (0.2)        (0.3) 
 
Profit attributable to shareholders                   104.0         96.8        191.2 
 
Basic earnings per share                       4      69.2p        65.1p       128.3p 
---------------------------------------------   -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Diluted earnings per share                     4      68.7p        64.9p       127.5p 
---------------------------------------------   -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Ordinary dividend per share                    5      21.0p        20.0p        60.0p 
---------------------------------------------   -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 

Consolidated Statement of COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

for the six months ended 31 January 2018

 
                                                 Six months          Year ended 
                                                    ended 
                                                 31 January             31 July 
                                          ------------------------ 
                                                 2018         2017         2017 
                                            Unaudited    Unaudited      Audited 
                                          GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Profit after tax for the period                 103.9         96.6        190.9 
----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Other comprehensive income/(expense) 
 that may be reclassified 
 to income statement 
Currency translation gains                        0.1          0.2          0.4 
Gains on cash flow hedging                        3.7          3.9          4.7 
(Losses)/gains on financial instruments 
 classified as available for sale: 
  Sovereign and central bank debt                   -        (0.7)          0.7 
  Equity shares                                     -          0.1            - 
  Contingent consideration                      (0.3)            -          0.3 
Tax relating to items that may be 
 reclassified                                   (0.9)        (0.9)        (2.3) 
----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
                                                  2.6          2.6          3.8 
----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Other comprehensive income/(expense) 
 that will not be 
 reclassified to income statement 
Defined benefit pension scheme gains              1.1          2.8          2.7 
Tax relating to items that will not 
 be reclassified                                (0.2)        (0.6)        (0.5) 
----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
                                                  0.9          2.2          2.2 
----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Other comprehensive income for the 
 period, net of tax                               3.5          4.8          6.0 
 
Total comprehensive income for the 
 period                                         107.4        101.4        196.9 
----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Attributable to 
Non-controlling interests                       (0.1)        (0.2)        (0.3) 
Shareholders                                    107.5        101.6        197.2 
----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
                                                107.4        101.4        196.9 
----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 

Consolidated Balance Sheet

at 31 January 2018

 
                                                     31 January             31 July 
                                              ------------------------ 
                                                     2018         2017         2017 
                                                Unaudited    Unaudited      Audited 
                                        Note  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
--------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Assets 
Cash and balances at central banks                  841.4      1,120.8        805.1 
Settlement balances                                 575.4        460.7        546.7 
Loans and advances to banks                         133.5        103.6         99.8 
Loans and advances to customers            6      6,998.4      6,543.8      6,884.7 
Debt securities                            7        318.7        200.5        240.1 
Equity shares                              8         37.9         35.6         32.7 
Loans to money brokers against stock 
 advanced                                            67.9         55.4         48.6 
Derivative financial instruments                     18.9         29.8         27.0 
Intangible assets                                   199.0        161.4        191.7 
Property, plant and equipment                       230.8        201.0        202.7 
Deferred tax assets                                  45.5         51.5         47.4 
Prepayments, accrued income and 
 other assets                                       174.0        161.3        158.7 
 
Total assets                                      9,641.4      9,125.4      9,285.2 
 
Liabilities 
Settlement balances and short positions    9        644.9        466.3        552.6 
Deposits by banks                         10         58.6         70.0         72.0 
Deposits by customers                     10      5,250.2      4,864.9      5,113.1 
Loans and overdrafts from banks           10        376.6        418.9        330.9 
Debt securities in issue                  10      1,550.0      1,703.1      1,489.6 
Loans from money brokers against 
 stock advanced                                      29.5         10.1          4.3 
Derivative financial instruments                     16.8         17.9         11.5 
Current tax liabilities                              22.1         25.1         21.4 
Accruals, deferred income and other 
 liabilities                                        197.6        188.7        233.1 
Subordinated loan capital                 10        217.9        219.4        220.7 
 
Total liabilities                                 8,364.2      7,984.4      8,049.2 
----------------------------------------      -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Equity 
Called up share capital                              38.0         37.7         38.0 
Share premium account                     11            -        284.0        307.8 
Retained earnings                                 1,260.1        840.7        906.6 
Other reserves                                     (20.3)       (21.1)       (15.9) 
 
Total shareholders' equity                        1,277.8      1,141.3      1,236.5 
----------------------------------------      -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Non-controlling interests                           (0.6)        (0.3)        (0.5) 
----------------------------------------      -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Total equity                                      1,277.2      1,141.0      1,236.0 
----------------------------------------      -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Total liabilities and equity                      9,641.4      9,125.4      9,285.2 
----------------------------------------      -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 

Consolidated Statement of CHANGES IN EQUITY

for the six months ended 31 January 2018

 
                                                              Other reserves 
                                               -------------------------------------------- 
                                               Available  Share-based                  Cash         Total 
               Called up     Share              for sale     payments    Exchange      flow  attributable   Non-controlling 
                   share   premium   Retained  movements      reserve   movements   hedging     to equity         interests     Total 
                 capital   account   earnings    reserve                  reserve   reserve       holders                      equity 
             GBP million       GBP        GBP        GBP          GBP         GBP       GBP   GBP million               GBP       GBP 
                           million    million    million      million     million   million                         million   million 
------------------------  --------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  ------------  ----------------  -------- 
At 1 August 
 2016 
  (audited)         37.7     284.0      797.5          -       (14.3)       (1.1)     (6.7)       1,097.1             (0.2)   1,096.9 
-----------------  -----  --------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  ------------  ----------------  -------- 
Profit/(loss) 
 for the 
 period                -         -       96.8          -            -           -         -          96.8             (0.2)      96.6 
Other 
 comprehensive 
 income/(expense) 
 for the 
 period                -         -        2.2      (0.4)            -         0.2       2.8           4.8                 -       4.8 
-----------------  -----  --------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  ------------  ----------------  -------- 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 income/(expense) 
 for the 
 period                -         -       99.0      (0.4)            -         0.2       2.8         101.6             (0.2)     101.4 
Exercise               -         -          -          -            -           -         -             -                 -         - 
 of options 
Dividends 
 paid                  -         -     (56.0)          -            -           -         -        (56.0)                 -    (56.0) 
Shares purchased       -         -          -          -       (12.7)           -         -        (12.7)                 -    (12.7) 
Shares issued          -         -          -          -            -           -         -             -                 -         - 
Shares released        -         -          -          -         13.3           -         -          13.3                 -      13.3 
Other movements        -         -      (0.7)          -        (2.2)           -         -         (2.9)               0.1     (2.8) 
Share premium 
 cancellation          -         -          -          -            -           -         -             -                 -         - 
Income tax             -         -        0.9          -            -           -         -           0.9                 -       0.9 
-----------------  -----  --------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  ------------  ----------------  -------- 
At 31 January 
 2017 
  (unaudited)       37.7     284.0      840.7      (0.4)       (15.9)       (0.9)     (3.9)       1,141.3             (0.3)   1,141.0 
-----------------  -----  --------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  ------------  ----------------  -------- 
 
Profit/(loss) 
 for the 
 period                -         -       94.4          -            -           -         -          94.4             (0.1)      94.3 
Other 
 comprehensive 
 income/(expense) 
 for the 
 period                -         -          -        1.1            -       (0.6)       0.7           1.2                 -       1.2 
-----------------  -----  --------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  ------------  ----------------  -------- 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 income/(expense) 
 for the 
 period                -         -       94.4        1.1            -       (0.6)       0.7          95.6             (0.1)      95.5 
Exercise 
 of options            -       0.1          -          -            -           -         -           0.1                 -       0.1 
Dividends 
 paid                  -         -     (29.6)          -            -           -         -        (29.6)                 -    (29.6) 
Shares purchased       -         -          -          -            -           -         -             -                 -         - 
Shares issued        0.3      23.7          -          -            -           -         -          24.0                 -      24.0 
Shares released        -         -          -          -          2.5           -         -           2.5                 -       2.5 
Other movements        -         -        0.9          -          1.5           -         -           2.4             (0.1)       2.3 
Share premium 
 cancellation          -         -          -          -            -           -         -             -                 -         - 
Income tax             -         -        0.2          -            -           -         -           0.2                 -       0.2 
-----------------  -----  --------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  ------------  ----------------  -------- 
At 31 July 
 2017 
  (audited)         38.0     307.8      906.6        0.7       (11.9)       (1.5)     (3.2)       1,236.5             (0.5)   1,236.0 
-----------------  -----  --------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  ------------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 
 
                                                               Other reserves 
                                                -------------------------------------------- 
                                                Available  Share-based                  Cash         Total 
               Called up      Share              for sale     payments    Exchange      flow  attributable   Non-controlling 
                   share    premium   Retained  movements      reserve   movements   hedging     to equity         interests     Total 
                 capital    account   earnings    reserve                  reserve   reserve       holders                      equity 
             GBP million        GBP        GBP        GBP          GBP         GBP       GBP   GBP million               GBP       GBP 
                            million    million    million      million     million   million                         million   million 
------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  ------------  ----------------  -------- 
At 31 July 
 2017 
  (audited)         38.0      307.8      906.6        0.7       (11.9)       (1.5)     (3.2)       1,236.5             (0.5)   1,236.0 
-----------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  ------------  ----------------  -------- 
 
Profit/(loss) 
 for the 
 period                -          -      104.0          -            -           -         -         104.0             (0.1)     103.9 
Other 
 comprehensive 
 income/(expense) 
 for the period        -          -        0.9      (0.2)            -         0.1       2.7           3.5                 -       3.5 
-----------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  ------------  ----------------  -------- 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 income/(expense) 
 for the period        -          -      104.9      (0.2)            -         0.1       2.7         107.5             (0.1)     107.4 
Exercise               -          -          -          -            -           -         -             -                 -         - 
 of options 
Dividends 
 paid                  -          -     (59.7)          -            -           -         -        (59.7)                 -    (59.7) 
Shares purchased       -          -          -          -       (15.9)           -         -        (15.9)                 -    (15.9) 
Shares issued          -          -          -          -            -           -         -             -                 -         - 
Shares released        -          -          -          -         11.2           -         -          11.2                 -      11.2 
Other movements        -          -        0.3          -        (2.3)           -         -         (2.0)                 -     (2.0) 
Share premium 
 cancellation          -    (307.8)      307.8          -            -           -         -             -                 -         - 
Income tax             -          -        0.2          -            -           -         -           0.2                 -       0.2 
-----------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  ------------  ----------------  -------- 
At 31 January 
 2018 
  (unaudited)       38.0          -    1,260.1        0.5       (18.9)       (1.4)     (0.5)       1,277.8             (0.6)   1,277.2 
-----------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  ------------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

for the six months ended 31 January 2018

 
                                                       Six months           Year ended 
                                                          ended 
                                                       31 January              31 July 
                                                ------------------------ 
                                                       2018         2017          2017 
                                                  Unaudited    Unaudited       Audited 
                                          Note  GBP million  GBP million   GBP million 
----------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
Net cash inflow from operating 
 activities                              15(a)        149.8        359.2         120.0 
---------------------------------------  -----  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
 
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from 
 investing activities 
Purchase of: 
Property, plant and equipment                         (8.5)        (5.4)         (7.1) 
Intangible assets - software                         (19.0)       (11.5)        (33.1) 
Subsidiaries and non-controlling 
 interest                                15(b)        (0.9)        (6.3)         (6.3) 
Sale of: 
Property, plant and equipment                             -          0.1             - 
Equity shares held for investment                         -            -           1.3 
Subsidiary                               15(c)          0.7        (0.3)         (0.3) 
 
                                                     (27.7)       (23.4)        (45.5) 
---------------------------------------  -----  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
 
Net cash inflow before financing 
 activities                                           122.1        335.8          74.5 
---------------------------------------  -----  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
 
Financing activities 
Purchase of own shares for employee 
 share award schemes                                 (15.9)       (12.7)        (12.7) 
Equity dividends paid                                (59.7)       (56.0)        (85.6) 
Interest paid on subordinated loan 
 capital and debt financing                           (5.4)        (8.2)        (13.6) 
Redemption of group bond                                  -            -       (200.0) 
Issuance of subordinated loan capital, 
 net of transaction costs                                 -            -         173.7 
 
Net increase/(decrease) in cash                        41.1        258.9        (63.7) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
 of period                                            859.6        923.3         923.3 
---------------------------------------  -----  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end 
 of period                               15(d)        900.7      1,182.2         859.6 
---------------------------------------  -----  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
 
 

THE NOTES

1. Basis of preparation and accounting policies

The half yearly financial information has been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") endorsed by the European Union. These include International Accounting Standard ("IAS") 34, Interim Financial Reporting, which specifically addresses the contents of condensed half yearly 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 applied are consistent with those set out on pages 109 to 114 of the Annual Report 2017.

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 half yearly financial statements.

The preparation of the half yearly 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 half yearly report. Although these estimates and assumptions are based on the management's best judgement at that date, actual results may differ from these estimates. There have been no significant changes in the basis upon which estimates have been determined compared to that applied at 31 July 2017.

Following a competitive tender process for the audit of the group and its subsidiaries in 2017, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was formally appointed as the group's auditors at the 2017 Annual General Meeting.

The half yearly 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, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and their report appears on pages 19 and 20.

The financial information for the year ended 31 July 2017 contained within this half yearly report does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. A copy of those statutory accounts has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The group's previous auditor, Deloitte LLP has reported on those accounts. 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 by class of business and we present the segmental analysis on that basis. The group's activities are presented in five (2017: five) operating segments: Retail, Commercial, Property, Securities and Asset Management.

In the segmental reporting information that follows, Group consists of central functions as well as various non-trading head office companies and consolidation adjustments and is presented in order that the information presented reconciles to the consolidated income statement. The Group balance sheet primarily includes treasury assets and liabilities comprising cash and balances at central banks, debt securities, customer deposits and other borrowings.

Divisions continue to charge market prices for the limited services rendered to other parts of the group. Funding charges between segments take into account commercial demands. More than 90% of the group's activities, revenue and assets are located in the UK.

Summary Income Statement for the six months ended 31 January 2018

 
                           Banking 
                                                                                 Asset      Group 
                           Retail    Commercial    Property    Securities   Management                 Total 
                              GBP   GBP million         GBP   GBP million          GBP        GBP        GBP 
                          million                   million                    million    million    million 
 --------------------------------  ------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
 Net interest 
 income/(expense)           104.0          77.1        64.9         (0.4)            -        0.1      245.7 
 Non-interest 
  income                     14.6          33.3           -          56.0         56.0      (0.1)      159.8 
-------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Operating 
  income                    118.6         110.4        64.9          55.6         56.0          -      405.5 
-------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
 Administrative 
  expenses                 (56.7)        (61.8)      (13.3)        (40.0)       (43.7)     (12.3)    (227.8) 
 Depreciation 
  and 
  amortisation              (4.7)         (3.3)       (1.8)         (0.9)        (0.9)          -     (11.6) 
 Impairment 
  losses on 
  loans and 
  advances                 (14.4)         (5.6)       (3.8)             -            -          -     (23.8) 
-------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
 Total operating 
  expenses                 (75.8)        (70.7)      (18.9)        (40.9)       (44.6)     (12.3)    (263.2) 
-------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
 Adjusted operating 
  profit/(loss)(1)           42.8          39.7        46.0          14.7         11.4     (12.3)      142.3 
 Amortisation 
  of 
  intangible 
  assets on 
  acquisition               (0.1)         (0.9)           -             -        (2.7)          -      (3.7) 
-------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
 Operating 
  profit/(loss) 
  before tax                 42.7          38.8        46.0          14.7          8.7     (12.3)      138.6 
-------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
 
 External operating 
  income/(expense)          138.4         132.2        76.3          55.6         56.1     (53.1)      405.5 
 Inter segment 
  operating 
  income/(expense)         (19.8)        (21.8)      (11.4)             -        (0.1)       53.1          - 
-------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
 Segment operating 
  income                    118.6         110.4        64.9          55.6         56.0          -      405.5 
-------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
 
 

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

Balance Sheet Information at 31 January 2018

 
                                      Banking 
                                                                                     Asset    Group(2) 
                           Retail     Commercial     Property     Securities    Management                  Total 
                      GBP million    GBP million          GBP    GBP million   GBP million         GBP        GBP 
                                                      million                                  million    million 
-------------------  ------------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ------------  ----------  --------- 
 Total assets(1)          2,700.6        2,805.0      1,694.1          807.0         107.6     1,527.1    9,641.4 
-------------------  ------------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ------------  ----------  --------- 
 Total liabilities              -              -            -          736.2          51.9     7,576.1    8,364.2 
-------------------  ------------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ------------  ----------  --------- 
 
 

1 Total assets for the Banking operating segments comprise the loan book and operating lease assets only.

2 Includes GBP1,518.9 million assets and GBP7,677.2 million liabilities attributable to the Banking division primarily comprising the treasury

balances described in the second paragraph of this note.

Equity is allocated across the Group as shown below. Banking division equity, which is managed as a whole rather than on a segmental basis, reflects loan book and operating lease assets of GBP7,199.7 million, in addition to assets and liabilities of GBP1,518.9 million and GBP7,677.2 million respectively primarily relating to treasury balances.

 
            Banking                        Asset 
              total     Securities    Management      Group      Total 
                GBP    GBP million   GBP million        GBP        GBP 
            million                                 million    million 
--------  ---------  -------------  ------------  ---------  --------- 
 Equity     1,041.4           70.8          55.7      109.3    1,277.2 
--------  ---------  -------------  ------------  ---------  --------- 
 

Summary Income Statement for the six months ended 31 January 2017

 
                          Banking 
                                                                                     Asset      Group 
                       Retail     Commercial     Property     Securities        Management                 Total 
                  GBP million    GBP million          GBP    GBP million       GBP million        GBP        GBP 
                                                  million                                     million    million 
 ----------------------------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ----------------  ---------  --------- 
 Net interest 
  income/(expense)       98.2           72.2         57.0          (0.5)             (0.1)        0.3      227.1 
 Non-interest 
  income                 12.1           33.4          1.1           54.4              50.2          -      151.2 
-------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ----------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Operating income       110.3          105.6         58.1           53.9              50.1        0.3      378.3 
-------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ----------------  ---------  --------- 
 Administrative 
  expenses             (52.7)         (57.7)       (12.9)         (38.6)            (39.9)     (12.1)    (213.9) 
 Depreciation 
  and 
  amortisation          (5.8)          (3.8)        (1.1)          (0.9)             (1.1)      (0.2)     (12.9) 
 Impairment 
  losses on 
  loans and 
  advances             (11.9)          (7.6)          2.2              -                 -          -     (17.3) 
-------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ----------------  ---------  --------- 
 Total operating 
  expenses             (70.4)         (69.1)       (11.8)         (39.5)            (41.0)     (12.3)    (244.1) 
-------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ----------------  ---------  --------- 
 Adjusted operating 
  profit/(loss)(1)       39.9           36.5         46.3           14.4               9.1     (12.0)      134.2 
 Amortisation 
  of intangible 
  assets on 
  acquisition               -          (0.3)            -              -             (2.5)          -      (2.8) 
-------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ----------------  ---------  --------- 
 Operating 
  profit/(loss) 
  before tax             39.9           36.2         46.3           14.4               6.6     (12.0)      131.4 
-------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ----------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 External operating 
  income/(expense)      134.2          130.7         69.8           53.9              50.3     (60.6)      378.3 
 Inter segment 
  operating 
  income/(expense)     (23.9)         (25.1)       (11.7)              -             (0.2)       60.9          - 
-------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ----------------  ---------  --------- 
 Segment operating 
  income                110.3          105.6         58.1           53.9              50.1        0.3      378.3 
-------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ----------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 

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

Balance Sheet Information at 31 January 2017

 
                                      Banking 
                                                                                     Asset    Group(2) 
                           Retail     Commercial     Property     Securities    Management                  Total 
                      GBP million    GBP million          GBP    GBP million   GBP million         GBP        GBP 
                                                      million                                  million    million 
-------------------  ------------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ------------  ----------  --------- 
 Total assets(1)          2,570.8        2,643.2      1,504.8          626.7         105.3     1,674.6    9,125.4 
-------------------  ------------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ------------  ----------  --------- 
 Total liabilities              -              -            -          556.8          49.7     7,377.9    7,984.4 
-------------------  ------------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ------------  ----------  --------- 
 
 

1 Total assets for the Banking operating segments comprise the loan book and operating lease assets only.

2 Includes GBP1,665.5 million assets and GBP7,485.3 million liabilities attributable to the Banking division primarily comprising the treasury

balances described in the second paragraph of this note.

 
               Banking                        Asset 
                 total     Securities    Management      Group      Total 
                   GBP    GBP million   GBP million        GBP        GBP 
               million                                 million    million 
-----------  ---------  -------------  ------------  ---------  --------- 
 Equity(1)       899.0           69.9          55.6      116.5    1,141.0 
-----------  ---------  -------------  ------------  ---------  --------- 
 

1 Equity of the Banking division reflects loan book and operating lease assets of GBP6,718.8 million, in addition to assets and

liabilities of GBP1,665.5 million and GBP7,485.3 million respectively primarily relating to treasury balances.

Summary Income Statement for the year ended 31 July 2017

 
                          Banking 
                                                                                Asset      Group 
                         Retail    Commercial     Property    Securities   Management                 Total 
                    GBP million   GBP million          GBP   GBP million          GBP        GBP        GBP 
                                                   million                    million    million    million 
 ------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
 Net interest 
  income/(expense)        195.9         146.4        119.8         (0.9)        (0.1)        0.5        461.6 
 Non-interest 
  income                   26.5          66.9        (0.2)         107.6        103.0        0.2        304.0 
-------------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ----------- 
 
 Operating income         222.4         213.3        119.6         106.7        102.9        0.7        765.6 
-------------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ----------- 
 Administrative 
  expenses              (106.7)       (117.4)       (24.9)        (76.7)       (83.7)     (24.9)      (434.3) 
 Depreciation 
  and 
  amortisation           (11.0)         (7.8)        (3.8)         (1.9)        (1.8)          -       (26.3) 
 Impairment 
  losses on 
  loans and 
  advances               (25.8)        (15.5)          1.1             -            -          -       (40.2) 
-------------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ----------- 
 Total operating 
  expenses              (143.5)       (140.7)       (27.6)        (78.6)       (85.5)     (24.9)      (500.8) 
-------------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ----------- 
 Adjusted operating 
 profit/(loss)(1)          78.9          72.6         92.0          28.1         17.4     (24.2)        264.8 
 Amortisation 
  of intangible 
  assets on 
  acquisition             (0.4)         (0.5)            -             -        (5.3)          -        (6.2) 
-------------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ----------- 
 Operating 
  profit/(loss) 
  before tax               78.5          72.1         92.0          28.1         12.1     (24.2)        258.6 
-------------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ----------- 
 External operating 
 income/(expense)         266.2         260.9        141.8         106.7        103.2    (113.2)        765.6 
 Inter segment 
  operating 
  income/(expense)       (43.8)        (47.6)       (22.2)             -        (0.3)      113.9            - 
-------------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ----------- 
 Segment operating 
  income                  222.4         213.3        119.6         106.7        102.9        0.7        765.6 
-------------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ----------- 
 
 

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

Balance Sheet Information at 31 July 2017

 
                                      Banking 
                                                                                     Asset    Group(2) 
                           Retail     Commercial     Property     Securities    Management                  Total 
                      GBP million    GBP million          GBP    GBP million   GBP million         GBP        GBP 
                                                      million                                  million    million 
-------------------  ------------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ------------  ----------  --------- 
 Total assets(1)          2,702.8        2,730.4      1,629.3          699.5         113.2     1,410.0    9,285.2 
-------------------  ------------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ------------  ----------  --------- 
 Total liabilities              -              -            -          628.8          57.7     7,362.7    8,049.2 
-------------------  ------------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ------------  ----------  --------- 
 
 

1 Total assets for the Banking operating segments comprise the loan book and operating lease assets only.

2 Includes GBP1,402.7 million assets and GBP7,490.9 million liabilities attributable to the Banking division primarily comprising the treasury

balances described in the second paragraph of this note.

 
               Banking                        Asset 
                 total     Securities    Management      Group      Total 
                   GBP    GBP million   GBP million        GBP        GBP 
               million                                 million    million 
-----------  ---------  -------------  ------------  ---------  --------- 
 Equity(1)       974.3           70.7          55.5      135.5    1,236.0 
-----------  ---------  -------------  ------------  ---------  --------- 
 

1 Equity of the Banking division reflects loan book and operating lease assets of GBP7,062.5 million, in addition to assets and

liabilities of GBP1,402.7 million and GBP7,490.9 million respectively primarily relating to treasury balances.

3. Taxation

 
                                                 Six months                Year 
                                                    ended                 ended 
                                                 31 January             31 July 
                                          ----------------------- 
                                                  2018       2017          2017 
                                           GBP million        GBP   GBP million 
                                                          million 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
 Tax charged/(credited) to the income 
  statement 
 Current tax: 
 UK corporation tax                               32.8       32.8          64.8 
 Foreign tax                                       1.0        1.2           2.1 
 Adjustments in respect of previous 
  periods                                            -          -         (0.6) 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
                                                  33.8       34.0          66.3 
 Deferred tax: 
 Deferred tax charge for the current 
  period                                           0.9        0.7           0.5 
 Adjustments in respect of previous 
  periods                                            -        0.1           0.9 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
 
                                                  34.7       34.8          67.7 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
 
 Tax on items not (credited)/charged 
  to the income statement 
 Current tax relating to: 
 Financial instruments classified 
  as available for sale                              -      (0.2)           0.2 
 Share-based payments                            (0.1)      (0.9)         (1.0) 
 Deferred tax relating to: 
 Cash flow hedging                                 1.0        1.1           1.2 
 Defined benefit pension scheme                    0.2        0.6           0.5 
 Financial instruments classified 
  as available for sale                          (0.1)          -           0.1 
 Share-based payments                            (0.1)          -         (0.1) 
 Currency translation gains                          -          -           0.8 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
 
                                                   0.9        0.6           1.7 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
 
 Reconciliation to tax expense 
 UK corporation tax for the period 
  at 19.0% (2017: 19.7%) on 
  operating profit                                26.3       25.9          50.9 
 Gain on sale of subsidiaries and 
  available for sale investment                      -      (0.3)         (0.3) 
 Effect of different tax rates in 
  other jurisdictions                            (0.1)      (0.1)         (0.4) 
 Disallowable items and other permanent 
  differences                                      0.6        0.6           0.9 
 Banking surcharge                                 7.8        7.6          14.2 
 Deferred tax impact of decreased 
  tax rates                                        0.1        1.1           2.1 
 Prior period tax provision                          -          -           0.3 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
 
                                                  34.7       34.8          67.7 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
 
 

The effective tax rate for the period is 25.0% (six months ended 31 January 2017: 26.5%; year ended 31 July 2017: 26.2%), representing the best estimate of the annual effective tax rate expected for the full year.

The standard UK corporation tax rate for the financial year is 19.0% (six months ended 31 January 2017: 19.7%; year ended 31 July 2017: 19.7%). However, an additional 8% surcharge applies to banking company profits as defined in legislation. The effective tax rate is above the UK corporation tax rate primarily due to the surcharge applying to most of the group's profits.

4. 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   Year ended 
                          ended 
                       31 January      31 July 
                      ------------ 
                       2018   2017        2017 
--------------------  -----  -----  ---------- 
Earnings per share 
Basic                 69.2p  65.1p      128.3p 
--------------------  -----  -----  ---------- 
Diluted               68.7p  64.9p      127.5p 
--------------------  -----  -----  ---------- 
Adjusted basic(1)     71.2p  66.6p      131.7p 
--------------------  -----  -----  ---------- 
Adjusted diluted(1)   70.7p  66.4p      130.8p 
--------------------  -----  -----  ---------- 
 

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

 
                                                      Six months          Year ended 
                                                         ended 
                                                      31 January             31 July 
                                               ------------------------ 
                                                      2018         2017         2017 
                                               GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Profit attributable to shareholders                  104.0         96.8        191.2 
 
Adjustment: 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
 on acquisition                                        3.7          2.8          6.2 
Tax effect of adjustment                             (0.7)        (0.6)        (1.2) 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Adjusted profit attributable to shareholders         107.0         99.0        196.2 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
                                                      Six months          Year ended 
                                                         ended 
                                                      31 January             31 July 
                                               ------------------------ 
                                                      2018         2017         2017 
                                                   million      million      million 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Average number of shares 
Basic weighted                                       150.3        148.6        149.0 
Effect of dilutive share options and 
 awards                                                1.0          0.6          1.0 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Diluted weighted                                     151.3        149.2        150.0 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 

5. Dividends

 
                                                 Six months          Year ended 
                                                    ended 
                                                 31 January             31 July 
                                          ------------------------ 
                                                 2018         2017         2017 
                                          GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
For each ordinary share 
Interim dividend for previous financial 
 year paid in April 2017: 20.0p                     -            -         29.6 
Final dividend for previous financial 
 year paid in November 2017: 40.0p 
 (November 2016: 38.0p)                          59.7         56.0         56.0 
 
                                                 59.7         56.0         85.6 
----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 

An interim dividend relating to the six months ended 31 January 2018 of 21.0p, amounting to an estimated GBP31.3 million, is declared. This interim dividend, which is due to be paid on 25 April 2018 to shareholders on the register at 23 March 2018, is not reflected in these condensed half yearly financial statements.

6. Loans and advances to customers

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

 
                                     Between 
                                       three 
                           Within     months     Between     Between      After 
                    On      three        and         one         two       more     Impairment 
                demand     months        one         and         and       than     provisions      Total 
                                        year         two        five       five 
                                                   years       years      years 
           GBP million        GBP        GBP         GBP         GBP        GBP    GBP million        GBP 
                          million    million     million     million    million                   million 
----------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  --------- 
 At 31 January 
  2018            78.8    2,171.4    2,031.4     1,341.5     1,349.7       76.5         (50.9)    6,998.4 
---------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  --------- 
 At 31 January 
  2017            58.3    1,900.7    1,872.4     1,324.6     1,355.9       81.9         (50.0)    6,543.8 
---------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  --------- 
 At 31 July 
  2017            59.3    1,914.3    2,115.2     1,340.7     1,431.6       76.0         (52.4)    6,884.7 
---------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  --------- 
 
 
                                                 31 January            31 July 
                                         -------------------------- 
                                                 2018          2017       2017 
                                          GBP million   GBP million        GBP 
                                                                       million 
---------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
 Impairment provisions on loans and 
  advances to customers 
 Opening balance                                 52.4          59.7       59.7 
 Charge for the period                           23.8          17.3       40.2 
 Amounts written off net of recoveries         (25.3)        (27.0)     (47.5) 
---------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
 
 Impairment provisions                           50.9          50.0       52.4 
---------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
 

At 31 January 2018, gross impaired loans were GBP129.4 million (31 January 2017: GBP126.2 million; 31 July 2017: GBP135.8 million) and equate to 2% (31 January 2017: 2%; 31 July 2017: 2%) 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.

7. Debt securities

 
                                  Held for     Available              Loans 
                                   trading      for sale    and receivables         Total 
                               GBP million   GBP million        GBP million   GBP million 
----------------------------  ------------  ------------  -----------------  ------------ 
 Long trading positions in 
  debt securities                     24.9             -                  -          24.9 
 Certificates of deposit                 -             -              251.0         251.0 
 Sovereign and central bank 
  debt                                   -          42.8                  -          42.8 
 
 At 31 January 2018                   24.9          42.8              251.0         318.7 
----------------------------  ------------  ------------  -----------------  ------------ 
 
 
                                  Held for     Available              Loans 
                                   trading      for sale    and receivables         Total 
                               GBP million   GBP million        GBP million   GBP million 
----------------------------  ------------  ------------  -----------------  ------------ 
 Long trading positions in 
  debt securities                     14.5             -                  -          14.5 
 Certificates of deposit                 -             -              145.3         145.3 
 Sovereign and central bank 
  debt                                   -          40.7                  -          40.7 
 
 At 31 January 2017                   14.5          40.7              145.3         200.5 
----------------------------  ------------  ------------  -----------------  ------------ 
 
 
                                  Held for     Available              Loans 
                                   trading      for sale    and receivables         Total 
                               GBP million   GBP million        GBP million   GBP million 
----------------------------  ------------  ------------  -----------------  ------------ 
 Long trading positions in 
  debt securities                     16.2             -                  -          16.2 
 Certificates of deposit                 -             -              180.3         180.3 
 Sovereign and central bank 
  debt                                   -          43.6                  -          43.6 
----------------------------  ------------  ------------  -----------------  ------------ 
 
 At 31 July 2017                      16.2          43.6              180.3         240.1 
----------------------------  ------------  ------------  -----------------  ------------ 
 

Movements in the book value of sovereign and central bank debt comprise:

 
                                              Six months          Year ended 
                                                 ended 
                                              31 January             31 July 
                                       ------------------------ 
                                              2018         2017         2017 
                                       GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Sovereign and central bank debt at 
  beginning of period                         43.6            -            - 
 Additions                                       -         41.6         41.6 
 Currency translation difference             (0.8)            -          1.7 
 Changes in fair value                           -        (0.9)          0.3 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
  Sovereign and central bank debt at 
  end of period                               42.8         40.7         43.6 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 

8. Equity shares

 
                                  31 January               31 July 
                          -------------------------- 
                                  2018          2017          2017 
                           GBP million   GBP million   GBP million 
------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Long trading positions           37.3          33.5          31.9 
 Other equity shares               0.6           2.1           0.8 
 
                                  37.9          35.6          32.7 
------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Movements in the book value of other equity shares comprise:

 
                                                Six months          Year ended 
                                                   ended 
                                                31 January             31 July 
                                         ------------------------ 
                                                2018         2017         2017 
                                         GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
---------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Other equity shares held at beginning 
  of period                                      0.8          2.1          2.1 
 Disposals                                     (0.2)        (0.1)        (1.4) 
 Currency translation difference                   -            -          0.1 
 Changes in fair value of: 
 Equity shares classified as available 
  for sale                                         -          0.1            - 
---------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
  Other equity shares held at end of 
  period                                         0.6          2.1          0.8 
---------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 

9. Settlement balances and short positions

 
                                            31 January             31 July 
                                     ------------------------ 
                                            2018         2017         2017 
                                     GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
----------------------------------- 
 Settlement balances                       619.4        442.3        524.9 
 Short positions held for trading: 
 Debt securities                            10.5         11.2         11.5 
Equity shares                               15.0         12.8         16.2 
                                                               ----------- 
 
                                            25.5         24.0         27.7 
                                                               ----------- 
 
                                           644.9        466.3        552.6 
                                     ----------- 
 

10. Financial liabilities

The contractual maturity of financial liabilities relating predominantly to funding is set out below:

 
                               On     Within        Between    Between    Between        After 
                           demand      three   three months        one        two    more than      Total 
                                      months   and one year        and        and   five years 
                                                                   two       five 
                                                                 years      years 
                      GBP million        GBP    GBP million        GBP        GBP  GBP million        GBP 
                                     million                   million    million                 million 
                                   ---------                 ---------  ---------               --------- 
Deposits by banks            10.5       10.3           35.9        1.9          -            -       58.6 
Deposits by customers        96.9    1,027.6        2,729.3      936.7      459.7            -    5,250.2 
Loans and overdrafts 
 from banks                  21.5        5.1              -          -      350.0            -      376.6 
Debt securities in issue      0.8       21.5          114.1      586.4      539.8        287.4    1,550.0 
Subordinated loan 
 capital(1)                     -        1.4            0.2          -          -        216.3      217.9 
                                   ---------                 ---------  ---------               --------- 
 
At 31 January 2018          129.7    1,065.9        2,879.5    1,525.0    1,349.5        503.7    7,453.3 
                                   ---------                                                    --------- 
 
 

1 Comprises issuances of GBP175 million and GBP45 million with contractual maturity dates of 2027 and 2026 and optional prepayment dates of 2022 and 2021 respectively.

 
                                        Within        Between    Between    Between        After 
                                 On      three   three months        one        two    more than 
                             demand     months   and one year        and        and   five years        Total 
                                                                     two       five 
                                                                   years      years 
                        GBP million        GBP    GBP million        GBP        GBP  GBP million  GBP million 
                                       million                   million    million 
                                     ---------                 ---------  --------- 
Deposits by banks              17.1       17.2           34.2        1.5          -            -         70.0 
Deposits by customers         112.8      770.7        2,284.3    1,111.8      585.3            -      4,864.9 
Loans and overdrafts 
 from banks                    13.1       54.7           50.8       90.2      210.1            -        418.9 
Debt securities in issue       10.4      208.8          111.1      189.0      897.4        286.4      1,703.1 
Subordinated loan 
 capital(1)                   (0.9)        1.4            0.2          -          -        218.7        219.4 
                                     ---------                 ---------  --------- 
 
At 31 January 2017            152.5    1,052.8        2,480.6    1,392.5    1,692.8        505.1      7,276.3 
                                     --------- 
 
 

1 Comprises issuances of GBP175 million and GBP45 million with contractual maturity dates of 2027 and 2026 and optional prepayment dates of 2022 and 2021 respectively.

 
                                       Within        Between    Between    Between        After 
                                On      three   three months        one        two    more than        Total 
                            demand     months   and one year        and        and   five years 
                                                                    two       five 
                                                                  years      years 
                       GBP million        GBP    GBP million        GBP        GBP  GBP million  GBP million 
                                      million                   million    million 
                                    ---------                 ---------  --------- 
Deposits by banks             18.4       15.4           37.5        0.7          -            -         72.0 
Deposits by customers        123.4      956.6        2,528.2      991.3      513.6            -      5,113.1 
Loans and overdrafts 
 from banks                   12.3       74.9              -       20.5      223.2            -        330.9 
Debt securities in issue      13.6       22.8          108.4      516.0      540.9        287.9      1,489.6 
Subordinated loan 
 capital(1)                      -        1.4            0.2          -          -        219.1        220.7 
                                    ---------                 ---------  --------- 
 
At 31 July 2017              167.7    1,071.1        2,674.3    1,528.5    1,277.7        507.0      7,226.3 
 
 

1 Comprises issuances of GBP175 million and GBP45 million with contractual maturity dates of 2027 and 2026 and optional prepayment dates of 2022 and 2021 respectively.

At 31 January 2018, the group was a participant of the Bank of England's Term Funding Scheme. Under this scheme, asset finance loan receivables of GBP714.4 million (31 January 2017: GBP745.7 million; 31 July 2017: GBP525.1 million) were positioned as collateral with the Bank of England, against which GBP350.0 million of cash (31 January 2017: GBP210.0 million; 31 July 2017: GBP224.4 million) was drawn. The term of these transactions is four years from the date of each drawdown but the group may choose to repay earlier at its discretion. The risks and rewards of the loan receivables remain with the group and continue to be recognised in loans and advances to customers on the consolidated balance sheet.

The Bank of England's Funding for Lending Scheme was closed for new drawings on 31 January 2018 and the group no longer had any drawings from the scheme at this date. UK Treasury Bills drawn under the scheme of GBP197.5 million at 31 July 2017 (31 January 2017: GBP275.0 million) were fully repaid during the six months ended 31 January 2018.

The group has securitised without recourse GBP1,577.3 million (31 January 2017: GBP1,458.2 million; 31 July 2017: GBP1,486.3 million) of its insurance premium and motor loan receivables in return for cash and asset-backed securities in issue of GBP1,081.8 million (31 January 2017: GBP1,065.5 million; 31 July 2017: GBP1,046.9 million). This includes GBP162.9 million (31 January 2017: GBP168.1 million; 31 July 2017: GBP157.3 million) asset-backed securities in issue retained for liquidity purposes. As the group has retained exposure to substantially all the credit risks and rewards of the residual benefit of the underlying assets, it continues to recognise these assets in loans and advances to customers on the consolidated balance sheet.

11. Share premium

Following approval by shareholders at the Close Brothers Annual General Meeting on 16 November 2017 and an order made by the High Court of Justice of England and Wales on 13 December 2017, the group's share premium account of GBP307.8 million was cancelled and the amount credited to distributable profits.

12. Capital

The group's individual regulated entities and the group as a whole complied with all of the externally imposed capital requirements to which they were subject for the periods to 31 January 2018 and 31 January 2017, and the year ended 31 July 2017. The table below summarises the composition of regulatory capital and Pillar 1 risk weighted assets at those financial period ends.

 
                                                                       31 January             31 July 
                                                                ------------------------ 
                                                                       2018         2017         2017 
                                                                GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
Common equity tier 1 ("CET1") capital 
Called up share capital                                                38.0         37.7         38.0 
Share premium account                                                     -        284.0        307.8 
Retained earnings(1)                                                1,260.1        840.7        906.6 
Other reserves recognised for CET1 capital                             19.0         19.3         21.4 
Deductions from CET1 capital 
Intangible assets, net of associated deferred tax liabilities       (194.3)      (158.2)      (186.3) 
Foreseeable dividend(2)                                              (47.9)       (44.8)       (59.8) 
Investment in own shares                                             (38.8)       (36.6)       (34.1) 
Pension asset, net of associated deferred tax liabilities             (3.6)        (3.1)        (2.8) 
Prudent valuation adjustment                                          (0.2)        (0.2)        (0.2) 
 
CET1 capital                                                        1,032.3        938.8        990.6 
 
Tier 2 capital - subordinated debt(3)                                 198.0        203.9        205.6 
 
Total regulatory capital                                            1,230.3      1,142.7      1,196.2 
 
Risk weighted assets (notional) 
Credit and counterparty risk                                        7,204.5      6,585.2      6,967.6 
Operational risk(4)                                                   806.8        784.9        806.8 
Market risk(4)                                                        108.3         85.9         84.6 
 
                                                                    8,119.6      7,456.0      7,859.0 
 
CET1 capital ratio                                                    12.7%        12.6%        12.6% 
Total capital ratio                                                   15.2%        15.3%        15.2% 
 

1 Retained earnings for periods ended 31 January 2018 and 31 January 2017 include all profits (both verified and unverified) for the respective six month period.

2 Under the Regulatory Technical Standard on own funds, a deduction has been recognised for a foreseeable dividend. In accordance with this standard, for 31 January 2018 and 31 January 2017 a foreseeable dividend has been determined based on the average payout ratio over the previous three years applied to the retained earnings for the period. For 31 July 2017 a foreseeable dividend was determined as the proposed final dividend.

3 Shown after applying the Capital Requirement Regulations transitional and qualifying own funds arrangements.

4 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 CET1 capital after deductions:

 
                                                                       31 January             31 July 
                                                                ------------------------ 
                                                                       2018         2017         2017 
                                                                GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
Equity                                                              1,277.2      1,141.0      1,236.0 
Regulatory deductions from equity: 
Intangible assets, net of associated deferred tax liabilities       (194.3)      (158.2)      (186.3) 
Foreseeable dividend(1)                                              (47.9)       (44.8)       (59.8) 
Pension asset, net of associated deferred tax liabilities             (3.6)        (3.1)        (2.8) 
Prudent valuation adjustment                                          (0.2)        (0.2)        (0.2) 
Other reserves not recognised for CET1 capital: 
Available for sale movements reserve                                      -        (0.1)            - 
Cash flow hedging reserve                                               0.5          3.9          3.2 
Non-controlling interests                                               0.6          0.3          0.5 
 
CET1 capital                                                        1,032.3        938.8        990.6 
 

1 Under the Regulatory Technical Standard on own funds, a deduction has been recognised for a foreseeable dividend. In accordance with this standard, for 31 January 2018 and 31 January 2017 a foreseeable dividend has been determined based on the average payout ratio over the previous three years applied to the retained earnings for the period. For 31 July 2017 a foreseeable dividend was determined as the proposed final dividend.

The following table shows the movement in CET1 capital during the period:

 
                                                                             GBP million 
CET1 capital at 31 July 2017                                                       990.6 
Profit in the period attributable to shareholders                                  104.0 
Dividends paid and foreseen                                                       (47.8) 
Other movements in reserves recognised for CET1 capital                            302.1 
Share premium                                                                    (307.8) 
Increase in intangible assets, net of associated deferred tax liabilities          (8.0) 
Other movements in deductions from CET1 capital                                    (0.8) 
 
CET1 capital at 31 January 2018                                                  1,032.3 
 

13. Contingent liabilities

Financial Services Compensation Scheme ("FSCS")

As disclosed in note 22 of the Annual Report 2017, 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.

Compensation has previously been paid out by the FSCS funded by loan facilities provided by HM Treasury to FSCS in support of the FSCS's obligations to the depositors of banks declared in default. The facilities are expected to be repaid wholly from recoveries from the failed deposit-takers. In the event of a shortfall, the FSCS will recover the shortfall by raising levies on the industry. The amount of future levies payable by the group depends on a number of factors including the potential recoveries of assets by the FSCS, the group's participation in the deposit-taking market at 31 December, the level of protected deposits and the population of FSCS members.

14. Related party transactions

Related party transactions, including salary and benefits provided to directors and key management, did not have a material effect on 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 2017 that could have a material effect on the financial position and performance of the group in the six months to 31 January 2018.

15. Consolidated cash flow statement reconciliation

 
                                                                                      31 January             31 July 
                                                                                      2018         2017         2017 
                                                                               GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
(a)    Reconciliation of operating profit before tax to net cash 
        inflow from operating activities 
Operating profit before tax                                                          138.6        131.4        258.6 
Tax paid                                                                            (33.1)       (27.5)       (63.6) 
Depreciation and amortisation                                                         30.8         27.6         57.5 
(Increase)/decrease in: 
Interest receivable and prepaid expenses                                            (11.4)       (15.5)       (18.1) 
Net settlement balances and trading positions                                         49.5          6.5          6.7 
Net loans to/from money broker against stock advanced                                  5.9       (22.9)       (21.9) 
(Decrease)/increase in interest payable and accrued expenses                        (31.9)       (17.7)         19.1 
 
Net cash inflow from trading activities                                              148.4         81.9        238.3 
(Increase)/decrease in: 
Loans and advances to banks not repayable on demand                                 (28.9)          3.4          0.3 
Loans and advances to customers                                                    (113.7)      (112.2)      (453.1) 
Assets held under operating leases                                                  (38.7)       (27.1)       (43.2) 
Certificates of deposit                                                             (70.7)         55.7         20.7 
Sovereign and central bank debt                                                        0.8       (41.6)       (44.5) 
Other assets less other liabilities                                                    9.5          9.2         22.5 
Increase/(decrease) in: 
Deposits by banks                                                                   (13.4)        (1.1)          0.9 
Deposits by customers                                                                137.1       (29.7)        218.5 
Loans and overdrafts from banks                                                       45.7       (50.2)      (138.2) 
Debt securities in issue, net of transaction costs                                    73.7        470.9        297.8 
 
Net cash inflow from operating activities                                            149.8        359.2        120.0 
 
(b)    Analysis of net cash outflow in respect of the purchase of 
       subsidiaries and non-controlling 
       interests 
Cash consideration paid                                                              (0.9)        (6.3)        (6.3) 
 
(c)    Analysis of net cash inflow/(outflow) in respect of the sale of a 
       subsidiary 
Cash consideration received                                                            0.7          0.3          0.3 
Cash and cash equivalents disposed of                                                    -        (0.6)        (0.6) 
 
                                                                                       0.7        (0.3)        (0.3) 
 
 
 
 
                                                              31 January             31 July 
                                                              2018         2017         2017 
                                                       GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
(d) Analysis of cash and cash equivalents(1) 
Cash and balances at central banks                           834.3      1,113.8        798.2 
Loans and advances to banks repayable on demand               66.4         68.4         61.4 
 
                                                             900.7      1,182.2        859.6 
 
 

1 Excludes Bank of England cash reserve account, amounts held as collateral and settlement money held in accordance with Financial Conduct Authority Client Asset rules.

During the period ended 31 January 2018, the non-cash changes on debt financing amounted to GBP2.6 million (31 January 2017: GBP8.4 million; 31 July 2017: GBP8.3 million) arising largely from interest accretion.

16. Fair value of financial assets and liabilities

The main differences between the fair values and the carrying values of the group's financial assets and financial liabilities are as follows:

 
                                      31 January 2018             31 January 2017                 31 July 2017 
                                 Fair  Carrying value  Fair value  Carrying value   Fair value  Carrying value 
                                value 
                                  GBP             GBP         GBP             GBP  GBP million             GBP 
                              million         million     million         million                      million 
                            ---------  --------------  ----------  --------------               -------------- 
Subordinated loan capital       237.8           217.9       230.9           219.4        242.0           220.7 
                            ---------  --------------  ----------  --------------               -------------- 
Debt securities in issue      1,581.4         1,550.0     1,722.3         1,703.1      1,522.8         1,489.6 
                            ---------  --------------  ----------  --------------               -------------- 
 

The group holds financial instruments that are measured at fair value subsequent to initial recognition. Each instrument has been categorised within one of three levels using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. These levels are based on the degree to which the fair value is observable and are defined in note 27 "Financial risk management" of the Annual Report 2017. The table below shows the classification of financial instruments held at fair value into the valuation hierarchy:

 
                                                                 Level 1      Level 2      Level 3        Total 
                                                             GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
At 31 January 2018 
Assets 
Debt securities: 
Long trading positions in debt securities held for trading          20.7          4.2            -         24.9 
Sovereign and central bank debt classified as 
 available for sale                                                 42.8            -            -         42.8 
Equity shares: 
Held for trading                                                     7.0         30.3            -         37.3 
Available for sale                                                     -            -          0.6          0.6 
Derivative financial instruments                                       -         18.9            -         18.9 
Contingent consideration                                               -            -          1.8          1.8 
 
                                                                    70.5         53.4          2.4        126.3 
                                                                          -----------  ----------- 
 
Liabilities 
Short positions: 
Debt securities                                                      8.0          2.5            -         10.5 
Equity shares                                                        6.8          8.2            -         15.0 
Derivative financial instruments                                       -         16.8            -         16.8 
Contingent consideration                                               -            -          6.1          6.1 
 
                                                                    14.8         27.5          6.1         48.4 
                                                                          -----------  ----------- 
 
 
 
                                                                 Level 1      Level 2      Level 3        Total 
                                                             GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
At 31 January 2017 
Assets 
Debt securities: 
Long trading positions in debt securities held for trading          12.7          1.8            -         14.5 
Sovereign and central bank debt classified as 
 available for sale                                                 40.7            -            -         40.7 
Equity shares: 
Held for trading                                                     5.8         27.7            -         33.5 
Available for sale                                                     -            -          2.1          2.1 
Derivative financial instruments                                       -         29.8            -         29.8 
Contingent consideration                                               -            -          2.4          2.4 
 
                                                                    59.2         59.3          4.5        123.0 
                                                                          -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Liabilities 
Short positions: 
Debt securities                                                      8.6          2.6            -         11.2 
Equity shares                                                        3.7          9.1            -         12.8 
Derivative financial instruments                                       -         17.9            -         17.9 
Contingent consideration                                               -            -          4.6          4.6 
 
                                                                    12.3         29.6          4.6         46.5 
                                                                          -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 
 
                                                                 Level 1      Level 2      Level 3        Total 
                                                             GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
At 31 July 2017 
Assets 
Debt securities: 
Long trading positions in debt securities held for trading          13.7          2.5            -         16.2 
Sovereign and central bank debt classified as 
 available for sale                                                 43.6            -            -         43.6 
Equity shares: 
Held for trading                                                     5.4         26.5            -         31.9 
Available for sale                                                     -            -          0.8          0.8 
Derivative financial instruments                                       -         27.0            -         27.0 
Contingent consideration                                               -            -          2.7          2.7 
 
                                                                    62.7         56.0          3.5        122.2 
                                                                          -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Liabilities 
Short positions: 
Debt securities                                                      8.0          3.5            -         11.5 
Equity shares                                                        4.7         11.5            -         16.2 
Derivative financial instruments                                       -         11.5            -         11.5 
Contingent consideration                                               -            -          6.6          6.6 
 
                                                                    12.7         26.5          6.6         45.8 
                                                                          -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 

At 31 January 2018, financial instruments classified as Level 3 predominantly comprise a legacy investment property fund and contingent consideration payable and receivable in relation to two acquisitions and the disposal of a subsidiary (as described in note 27 "Financial risk management" of the Annual Report 2017).

The valuation of contingent consideration is determined on a discounted expected cash flow basis. The group believes that there is no reasonably possible change to the inputs used in the valuation of this position which would have a material effect on the group's consolidated income statement.

There were no significant transfers between Level 1, 2 and 3 during the six months ended 31 January 2018 (six months ended 31 January 2017: none; year ended 31 July 2017: none).

Movements in financial instruments categorised as Level 3 during the periods were:

 
                                                               Equity shares available 
                                                                              for sale    Contingent consideration 
                                                                           GBP million                 GBP million 
At 1 August 2016                                                                   2.0                           - 
Total losses recognised in the consolidated income statement                         -                           - 
Total gains recognised in other comprehensive income                               0.1                           - 
Purchases and issues                                                                 -                       (4.6) 
Sales and settlements                                                                -                         2.4 
 
At 31 January 2017                                                                 2.1                       (2.2) 
Total losses recognised in the consolidated income statement                         -                           - 
Total gains recognised in other comprehensive income                                 -                           - 
Purchases and issues                                                                 -                       (2.0) 
Sales and settlements                                                            (1.3)                         0.3 
 
At 31 July 2017                                                                    0.8                       (3.9) 
Total losses recognised in the consolidated income statement                         -                       (0.3) 
Total losses recognised in other comprehensive income                                -                       (0.3) 
Purchases and issues                                                                 -                           - 
Sales and settlements                                                            (0.2)                         0.2 
 
At 31 January 2018                                                                 0.6                       (4.3) 
 

The losses recognised in the consolidated income statement relating to instruments held at 31 January 2018 amounted to GBP0.3 million (31 January 2017: GBPnil; 31 July 2017: GBPnil).

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. Forward-looking statements are sometimes, but not always, identified by their use of a date in the future or such words as "anticipates", "aims", "due", "could", "may", "will", "should", "expects", "believes", "intends", "plans", "potential", "targets", "goal" or "estimates". 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. Except as may be required by law or regulation, 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 subscribe for or purchase any shares or other securities in the company or any of its group members, nor does it constitute a recommendation regarding the shares or other securities of the company or any of its group members. Past performance cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser or other professional. 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.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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