SKIPTON'S GROUP STRATEGY DELIVERS VALUE AND PROFITS
Skipton Building Society is citing today's announcement of the mutual's annual results as testament to the strength of its unique Group model. The Society delivers services in five key areas - savings and lending, mortgage servicing, estate agency, financial advice and data provision.
Chief executive David Cutter said, "Skipton, in common with all building societies, has a substantial and stable retail funding base. We also have high levels of capital and liquidity, which make us strong in the current climate. However, unlike other building societies, we also have a diversified Group of subsidiary investments, which generate profits (even in this difficult economic climate).
That is why I'm confident our results will stand out from those of the banking sector and our building society peers. They demonstrate a solid performance during a whirlwind year in the UK's financial markets."
Financial highlights
- Group total assets £13.6bn (up 8.9%)
- Group mortgage assets up 1.7% (2007: up 15.9%)
- Group retail share funding £8.1bn (up 12.9%)
- Group pre-tax profit £22.5m (2007: £163.9m)
- Solvency ratio Basel II - 12.28% (2007: Basel I - 12.30%)
Results
In 2008, the Society's net interest margin reduced by £12.2 million to £69.8 million. This was partly as a result of the competitive rates enjoyed by savers (as demonstrated by a growth in retail balances of 12.9%, from £7.2 billion to £8.1 billion) and partly due
to the high cost of securing longer-term funding and carrying above-normal levels of liquidity during the credit crunch.
Lending plans for the year were modest and as a result, the Society's gross lending was down a third from £2.2 billion to £1.3 billion.
In addition to providing in full against the Society's own exposure of £11.0 million to the Icelandic banking system, it has also provided £16.3 million for its share towards the next three years' levy to be imposed by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in relation to the rescue of savers in Bradford & Bingley and other banks. Group profits in 2008 are almost half what they would have been had the FSCS provision not been required.
David Cutter added, "Whilst we acknowledge the importance of a national safety net for savers and the part it plays in giving them confidence in the UK's financial stability, we believe it unjust that the building society sector, which has an inherently safer business model, is bearing a disproportionate cost for the troubles of some banks which had far riskier models."
Skipton Building Society
A key reason for the healthy state of the Society's business, in relation to many in the banking sector, is its limited reliance on the money markets, as approximately 70% of its funding comes from retail balances. With regard to its non-retail funding, the Society has maintained its level of funding through already well diversified channels, supplemented by a covered bonds programme, established during the year, which will enable it to access further medium-term funding whilst the current market continues.
The uncertainties of the credit crunch led the Society to be naturally cautious in committing funds for lending and, where it did, we sought to lend only to borrowers of higher quality. Priority was also given to our members, recognising their existing relationship and track record.
In the Society, the number of mortgages that were three months or more in arrears increased during the year from 0.20% to 0.38%. At a Group level, the figure increased from
0.41% to 1.14%, but remained well below the Council of Mortgage Lenders' industry figure of 1.89% at the year end.
The increase in consumers' perception of building societies as a safe place for their savings, coupled with a range of competitive products (in particular, the Branch Access Account and limited edition fixed rate bonds) contributed to the Society's retail inflows. In addition, Skipton's investor numbers grew from 521,000 to 565,000 during 2008 and will increase further to over 700,000 following the proposed merger with Scarborough.
David commented, "The Government's hopes of kick-starting the lending and money markets through rate cuts and a variety of funding schemes have not yet worked.
Whilst those borrowers who already have mortgages are benefiting, those on whom the housing market relies - new homebuyers – have found it increasingly hard to get a mortgage. We also find it perverse that UK savers, who are the bedrock for the funding of mortgages, are being penalised to help correct the fundamental imbalances in the economy."
The Society opened five new branches in 2008, plus another in early 2009, taking its total to 85. This will grow further with the branches inherited through the Scarborough merger. In addition to face-to-face channels, the Society spent 2008 expanding its online offering, with new savings products added to this channel and the launch of its very well received eMortgage service, where mortgage brokers submit applications via the internet.
The Skipton Group
David explained, "For a long time, the Society has extolled the benefits of having a group of subsidiaries to complement its core business of savings and loans.
During good times they provide dividends to the Society, which enable it to deliver better pricing to our members. In more stressed conditions they are assets that allow us to crystallise value to protect the overall Group performance."
As a result, in 2008 the Society sold two of its subsidiaries - Direct Life & Pensions and Amber Select - generating a profit of £9.1 million. In addition, Connells disposed of its remaining holding in the property website, Rightmove, generating a profit of £22.3 million.
Whilst Skipton's major subsidiary Connells saw its operating profits fall from £59.7 million to £10.4 million, this result is a remarkable achievement in the worst housing market in living memory where property sales were down 40% from 2007 volumes.
The future
David concluded, "With so many uncertainties continuing in the general economy, we will not return to the levels of profit seen in 2006 and 2007 for a while, but we are confident that our prudent management of both the core business and our subsidiaries should see us deliver another solid performance in 2009.
"We remain on track to complete the proposed merger with Scarborough Building Society on 30 March 2009. Our experience during the project has reconfirmed our belief that the two organisations are a close fit, in terms of commitment to mutuality, business diversification and of course geography. The reward will be a stronger mutual with the opportunity to serve a larger audience, which can only be good news for our customers and staff.
"With regard to future mergers, we will consider these so long as our existing members are not compromised and there is a long-term benefit for the combined business."
For further information, please contact the Skipton Press Office on 08456 017247,
email newsline@skipton.co.uk or visit the press section of our website at www.skipton.co.uk
Jennifer Holloway, acting head of media relations
If outside Press Office hours (8am – 6pm, Monday to Friday), please call 07867 851628
Skipton Building Society
Results for the year ended 31 December 2008
Consolidated income statement
| |
2008 |
2007 |
| £m |
£m |
| Interest receivable and similar income |
770.0 |
683.2 |
| Interest payable and similar charges |
(684.0) |
(573.5) |
| Net interest receivable |
86.0 |
109.7 |
| Fees and commissions receivable |
420.9 |
496.0 |
| Fees and commissions payable |
(27.0) |
(46.5) |
| Fair value losses on financial instruments |
(3.3) |
(3.9) |
| Other operating income |
10.5 |
16.1 |
| Share of profits from joint ventures and associates |
3.9 |
3.7 |
| Profit on disposal of subsidiaries |
9.1 |
- |
| Profit on disposal of associate |
22.3 |
36.0 |
| Total income |
522.4 |
611.1 |
| Administrative expenses |
(433.0) |
(441.0) |
| Impairment losses on loans and advances |
(34.6) |
(5.4) |
| Impairment losses on debt securities |
(11.5) |
- |
| Provisions for liabilities |
(20.8) |
(0.8) |
| Profit before tax |
22.5 |
163.9 |
| Tax income / (expense) |
1.3 |
(37.3) |
| Profit for the financial year |
23.8 |
126.6 |
| Attributable to: |
|
|
| Members of Skipton Building Society |
22.8 |
125.5 |
| Minority interests |
1.0 |
1.1 |
| |
23.8 |
126.6 |
Skipton Building Society
Results for the year ended 31 December 2008
Consolidated balance sheet
|
2008 |
2007 |
| £m |
£m |
| Assets |
|
|
| Cash in hand and balances with the Bank of England |
359.4 |
136.0 |
| Loans and advances to credit institutions |
1,084.3 |
409.3 |
| Debt securities |
1,734.6 |
2,124.8 |
| Derivative financial instruments |
429.9 |
122.3 |
| Loans and advances to customers |
9,567.7 |
9,291.9 |
| Corporation tax asset |
12.5 |
- |
| Deferred tax asset |
28.1 |
18.7 |
| Investments in group undertakings |
1.5 |
6.1 |
| Intangible assets |
242.5 |
230.4 |
| Property, plant and equipment |
74.3 |
79.6 |
| Investment property |
9.1 |
5.1 |
| Other assets |
103.1 |
106.3 |
| Total assets |
13,647.0 |
12,530.5 |
| Liabilities |
|
|
| Shares |
8,158.2 |
7,191.1 |
| Amounts owed to credit institutions |
690.0 |
402.8 |
| Amounts owed to other customers |
2,012.8 |
2,207.8 |
| Debt securities in issue |
1,375.0 |
1,533.5 |
| Derivative financial instruments |
280.3 |
50.4 |
| Corporation tax liability |
- |
9.1 |
| Other liabilities |
97.8 |
116.8 |
| Accruals and deferred income |
46.4 |
51.1 |
| Deferred tax liability |
7.1 |
6.9 |
| Provisions for liabilities |
24.0 |
3.5 |
| Retirement benefit obligations |
37.9 |
22.3 |
| Subordinated liabilities |
183.7 |
183.7 |
| Subscribed capital |
26.3 |
26.3 |
| Total liabilities |
12,939.5 |
11,805.3 |
| |
|
|
| Capital and reserves attributable to members of Skipton Building Society |
|
|
| General reserve |
737.0 |
731.4 |
| Available-for-sale reserve |
(13.2) |
(5.7) |
| Cash flow hedging reserve |
(21.2) |
(4.9) |
| Translation reserve |
1.0 |
0.9 |
| |
703.6 |
721.7 |
| Minority interests |
3.9 |
3.5 |
| Total liabilities and reserves |
13,647.0 |
12,530.5 |
Skipton Building Society
Results for the year ended 31 December 2008
Consolidated statement of recognised income and expense
|
2008 |
2007 |
| £m |
£m |
| Available-for-sale investments: valuation losses taken to equity |
(10.5) |
(7.2) |
| Cash flow hedges: losses taken to equity |
(22.6) |
(10.5) |
| Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations |
0.1 |
0.3 |
| Actuarial (loss) / gain on retirement benefit obligations |
(24.1) |
8.7 |
| Tax on items taken directly to or transferred from equity |
16.2 |
4.3 |
| Net expense not recognised directly in the Income Statements |
(40.9) |
(4.4) |
| Profit for the financial year |
23.8 |
126.6 |
| Total recognised income and expense for the financial year |
(17.1) |
122.2 |
| |
|
|
| Total Income and Expense for the period attributable to: |
|
|
| Members of Skipton Building Society |
(18.1) |
121.1 |
| Minority Interests |
1.0 |
1.1 |
| |
(17.1) |
122.2 |
Skipton Building Society
Results for the year ended 31 December 2008
Consolidated cash flow statement
| |
2008 |
2007 |
| £m |
£m |
| Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
| Profit before taxation |
22.5 |
163.9 |
| Movement in prepayments and accrued income |
4.6 |
(7.0) |
| Movement in accruals and deferred income |
10.9 |
105.1 |
| Impairment losses on loans and advances |
34.6 |
5.4 |
| Impairment losses on debt securities |
11.5 |
- |
| Loans and advances written off, net of recoveries |
(6.5) |
(5.5) |
| Goodwill impairment |
5.9 |
0.9 |
| Depreciation and amortisation |
22.8 |
21.0 |
| Dividends received |
- |
- |
| Interest on capital and subordinated liabilities |
14.2 |
14.0 |
| Loss/(profit) on sale of property, plant and equipment and investment property |
0.3 |
(0.4) |
| Movement in provisions for liabilities |
20.5 |
(1.1) |
| Share of profits from joint ventures and associates |
(3.9) |
(3.7) |
| Profit on disposal of subsidiaries |
(9.1) |
- |
| Profit on sale of associate |
(22.3) |
(36.0) |
| Other non-cash movements |
(145.2) |
(14.6) |
| Net cash inflow from trading activities |
(39.2) |
242.0 |
| |
|
|
| Movement in loans and advances to customers |
(680.0) |
(1,824.7) |
| Movement in shares |
1,340.8 |
1,334.6 |
| Interest received from loans and advances to customers |
564.0 |
502.0 |
| Interest paid on shares |
(404.9) |
(361.1) |
| Net movement in amounts owed to credit institutions and other customers |
71.6 |
868.6 |
| Net movement in debt securities in issue |
(277.0) |
(99.1) |
| Net movement in loans and advances to credit institutions |
(657.9) |
(102.9) |
| Purchase of mortgage portfolios |
(8.1) |
(412.6) |
| Sale of mortgage portfolios |
- |
427.1 |
| Net movement in other assets |
(4.5) |
(5.4) |
| Net movement in other liabilities |
3.5 |
8.7 |
| Income taxes paid |
(20.6) |
(40.5) |
| Net cash flows from operating activities |
(112.3) |
536.7 |
| |
|
|
| Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
| Purchase of debt securities |
(6,648.4) |
(3,545.7) |
| Proceeds from disposal of debt securities |
7,016.6 |
3,208.7 |
| Purchase of intangible assets |
(12.5) |
(10.4) |
| Purchase of property, plant and equipment and investment property |
(15.9) |
(17.5) |
| Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and investment property |
4.0 |
2.2 |
| Dividends received |
- |
- |
| Dividends paid to minority interests |
(0.5) |
(2.1) |
| Purchase of subsidiary undertakings in the year |
(16.5) |
(31.0) |
| Net cash acquired with subsidiaries |
1.3 |
3.2 |
| Further investment in subsidiaries |
(13.0) |
(67.3) |
| Purchases of other business units |
- |
(1.0) |
| Net cash acquired with other business units |
- |
0.3 |
| Cash received from sale of subsidiaries |
13.4 |
- |
| Cash received from sale of associate and joint venture |
35.0 |
38.0 |
| Net cash flows from investing activities |
363.5 |
(422.6) |
| |
|
|
| Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
| Proceeds from issue of subordinated liabilities |
75.0 |
- |
| Redemption of subordinated liabilities |
(75.0) |
- |
| Interest paid on subordinated liabilities |
(10.9) |
(8.2) |
| Interest paid on permanent interest bearing shares |
(3.2) |
(3.2) |
| Net cash flows from financing activities |
(14.1) |
(11.4) |
| |
|
|
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
237.1 |
102.7 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January |
154.3 |
51.6 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December |
391.4 |
154.3 |
| |
2008 |
Cash |
2007 |
| |
flows |
|
| £m |
£m |
£m |
| Cash in hand and balances with the Bank of England |
359.4 |
223.4 |
136.0 |
| Mandatory reserve deposit with the Bank of England |
(8.3) |
0.5 |
(8.8) |
| |
351.1 |
223.9 |
127.2 |
| Loans and advances to credit institutions repayable on demand |
40.3 |
13.2 |
27.1 |
| Included in cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December |
391.4 |
237.1 |
154.3 |
Key ratios
|
2008 |
2007 |
| % |
% |
| Group net interest margin |
0.66 |
0.95 |
| Society net interest margin |
0.54 |
0.74 |
| Society management expenses/mean assets |
0.47 |
0.49 |
| Group profit after tax/mean assets |
0.18 |
1.09 |
| Total asset growth |
8.91 |
18.26 |
| Group loans and advances growth |
1.04 |
15.82 |
| Group share account growth |
12.94 |
16.85 |
| Liquidity ratio |
28.84 |
23.56 |
| Funding ratio |
31.02 |
33.76 |
| Gross capital ratio |
7.50 |
8.25 |
| Free capital ratio |
4.95 |
5.57 |
| Solvency ratio |
12.28 |
12.30 |