Lloyds Banking Group(LYG) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a statutory profit after tax of GBP 4.8 billion, with a return on tangible equity of 12.9% or 14.8% excluding the motor provision [18][20] - Net income for the full year was GBP 18.3 billion, up 7% compared to 2024, driven by growth in net interest income (NII) and other income (OOI), which increased by 6% and 9% respectively [18][20] - The tangible net asset value per share increased to 57 pence, up 4.6 pence in 2025 [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail banking saw growth in mortgages, credit cards, and European retail, with mortgages up GBP 10.8 billion or 3% to GBP 323 billion [25][22] - Commercial Banking lending increased by GBP 2.7 billion, with strategic areas like infrastructure and project finance showing encouraging progress [26] - Other operating income was GBP 6.1 billion, up 9% year-on-year, with retail OOI growing by 12% and insurance, pensions, and investments by 11% [29][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by GBP 13.8 billion or 3% in 2025, with retail deposits up GBP 5.5 billion and commercial deposits up GBP 8.5 billion [22][27] - The structural hedge notional stood at GBP 244 billion at year-end, with hedge income around GBP 5.5 billion, expected to increase to circa GBP 7 billion in 2026 [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is entering the final phase of its 5-year strategic plan, focusing on faster-growing sectors such as housing, pensions, investments, and infrastructure [4][5] - The acquisition of Schroders Personal Wealth is aimed at enhancing the company's wealth offering and deepening relationships with mass affluent customers [7][8] - The company is committed to improving operating leverage and reducing the cost-income ratio to below 50% by 2026 [11][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management is optimistic about the UK economy, forecasting resilient but slower growth, with interest rates gradually falling in 2026 [4] - The company upgraded its return on tangible equity target for 2026 to greater than 16%, reflecting confidence in future performance [40][39] - Management emphasized the importance of cost discipline and strategic execution in driving shareholder distributions and financial performance [2][39] Other Important Information - The company announced a 15% increase in the ordinary dividend and a share buyback of up to GBP 1.75 billion [2][18] - Cumulative cost savings of approximately GBP 1.9 billion have been realized since 2021, supporting ongoing strategic investments [10][31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on deposit performance and expectations for 2026 - The company noted strong deposit growth in 2025, with expectations for continued healthy performance in 2026, despite some seasonal variations [44][47] Question: Clarification on cost growth and management - The management indicated that cost discipline remains critical, with a projected cost base of less than GBP 9.9 billion for 2026, reflecting limited absolute cost growth [49][50] Question: Guidance on net interest income (NII) and capital distribution - The company expects NII to grow to GBP 14.9 billion in 2026, with steady growth anticipated throughout the year, and plans to review capital distributions on a half-yearly basis [56][62]