Barclays(BCS) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Income grew by 14% year on year to GBP 7.2 billion, profit before taxes increased by 28% to GBP 2.5 billion, and earnings per share rose by 41% to 11.7p [3][4] - Return on tangible equity (RoTE) was 12.3% in Q2, up from 9.9% in the same quarter last year, with a cost-to-income ratio of 59%, improving by four percentage points year on year [4][15] - The CET1 ratio stood at 14%, supporting a £1 billion buyback announcement, up from £750 million in 2024 [4][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - All divisions generated double-digit RoTE in Q2, with the investment bank's RoTE improving by 2.6 percentage points year on year to 12.2% [6][15] - The U.S. Consumer Bank's RoTE increased to 10.2%, up from 9.2% in Q2 2024 [38] - Barclays UK reported a RoTE of 19.7%, with net interest income (NII) increasing by 16% year on year [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The group net interest income increased by 12% year on year to GBP 3.1 billion, supported by stable deposits and lending momentum [16][17] - The structural hedge is expected to deliver multiyear NII growth, with GBP 11.1 billion of gross structural hedge income locked in for 2025 and 2026 [18] - U.S. Consumer Bank's total income increased by 7% year on year, reflecting net receivables growth of 5% [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to achieving a return on tangible equity of approximately 11% in 2025 and more than 12% in 2026, focusing on operational improvements across divisions [5][9] - The three-year plan aims to produce higher and more balanced returns, with a target of deploying GBP 30 billion of business growth risk-weighted assets in the UK by 2026 [10][24] - Structural improvements are expected to drive higher returns and shareholder distributions, with a focus on deepening client relationships and enhancing operational efficiency [11][33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the full objectives of the three-year plan, highlighting strong operational and financial progress [5][46] - The economic environment remains resilient, with low delinquencies and stable credit performance, supporting the outlook for future growth [21][72] - Management anticipates continued momentum in income growth and efficiency improvements, positioning the company well for future performance [9][80] Other Important Information - The company announced a total of GBP 1.4 billion in shareholder distributions for 2025, up 21% year on year, including a dividend of 3p per share [5][41] - The acquisition of Tesco Bank contributed to increased costs, but the company remains focused on achieving its cost-to-income ratio targets [19][27] - The company has maintained a strong liquidity position, with a loan-to-deposit ratio of 74% and a net stable funding ratio of 136% [42][43] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital position and distribution strategy - Management indicated that the capital position is comfortable post-buyback, with a focus on generating higher returns and progressive distributions [48][51] Question: Investment banking fees in a low volatility environment - Management acknowledged that while investment banking fees have been challenged, they expect deal activity to increase, benefiting future performance [50][58] Question: Impact of historic swap maturity on product margins - Management clarified that the swap maturity impact is an accounting timing issue, with expectations for improved product margins in H2 [62][68] Question: Impairment outlook for U.S. Consumer Bank - Management expressed confidence in maintaining impairment guidance, with expectations for normal seasonal trends and a manageable impact from the General Motors card acquisition [65][70]