Annual Report 2024
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Our highlights for the year ended 31 July 2024
Adjusted1 Operating Profit
£170.6m
2023: £113.5m
Adjusted1 Basic Earnings Per Share
76.1p
2023: 55.1p
Return on Average Tangible Equity2
8.3%
2023: 5.9%
Operating Profit Before Tax
£142.0m
2023: £112.0m
Employee Engagement
83%
2023: 86%
Total Scope 1 and 2 Emissions (market-based) (tCO2e)
2,579
2023: 2,3843
1 Adjusted measures are presented on a basis consistent with prior periods and exclude amortisation of intangible assets on acquisition, to present the performance of the group’s acquired businesses in a manner consistent with its other businesses, and also exclude any exceptional and other adjusting items which do not reflect underlying trading performance.
2 Adjusted operating profit attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by average total shareholders’ equity, excluding intangible assets and other equity instruments.
3 The total Scope 1 and 2 emissions for 2023 has been restated.
Banking provides specialist lending and deposits across three businesses: Commercial offers specialist and predominantly secured lending principally to the SME market; Retail provides intermediated finance through motor dealers, motor finance brokers and insurance brokers, and savings products for individuals and corporates; and Property offers residential development finance to established UK property developers, funding for commercial properties, and bridging and refurbishment loans.
Close Brothers Asset Management ("CBAM") is a leading, vertically integrated wealth manager, providing investment management and financial planning services to private clients in the UK. On 19 September 2024, the group announced that it entered into an agreement to sell CBAM to Oaktree.
Note: This transaction is expected to complete in early 2025 calendar year and is conditional upon receipt of certain customary regulatory approvals.
Winterflood is a leading liquidity provider, also offering corporate advisory services to investment trusts and institutional sales trading. Winterflood Business Services provides outsourced dealing and custody solutions to c.60 corporate clients.
Chairman's Statement
"The board’s overarching priority is to protect our valuable franchise. Given the uncertainty surrounding the FCA’s review, our primary focus has been to work closely with the management team on developing and overseeing the implementation of a robust capital plan to protect the group, leaving it well positioned for a range of possible outcomes."
Investment Case
Key points of difference at Close Brothers are our specialism and expertise, long-term approach and the discipline behind our proven and resilient model. These ensure we are well positioned to protect our valuable franchise and continue building on our strong historical track record of growth, profitability and returns to our shareholders.
Sustainability Report
Our purpose is to help the people and businesses of Britain thrive over the long term, and we are here to support them on that journey. Our strategy to achieve this purpose is built on our responsibility, being to help address the social, economic and environmental challenges facing our business, our people, customers and clients, now and into the future.