Close Brothers increases its 2017 interim dividend by 5%

DividendMax Ltd.

Close Brothers increases its 2017 interim dividend by 5%

Highlights

The group reported a strong performance in the first half, with £134.2 million adjusted1 operating profit, 21% higher than the prior year period, and an RoE of 18.0%

Banking adjusted operating profit increased 13% to £122.7 million driven by strong lending income, with broadly stable margin, as well as provision releases in the period

All Banking segments reported adjusted operating profit growth, with Retail Finance up 3%, Commercial Finance up 9% and Property Finance up 29%

The loan book grew by 1.7% in the period and 9.6% year on year, as we continue to apply our disciplined approach to lending in a more competitive environment

Winterflood reported operating profit of £14.4 million, significantly higher than the prior year period, reflecting strong retail investor risk appetite

Asset Management has made good progress delivering £9.1 million adjusted operating profit, reflecting favourable market conditions

Continued dividend growth with a 5% increase to 20.0p while maintaining prudent dividend cover

Companies mentioned