The Direct Line Board has recommended a final dividend of 14.4 pence per share (2018: 14.0 pence), an increase of 0.4 pence per share (2.9%).
The Board has also approved a share buyback of up to £150 million which it expects to complete by the end of July 2020 After taking into account these dividends and share buybacks, the solvency capital ratio was 165% as at 31 December 2019. This reflects the Board's continued confidence in the Group's capital position and the sustainability of its earnings. In normal circumstances, the Board expects the Group to operate around the middle of its solvency capital ratio risk appetite range of 140% to 180%.
Other financial highlights include:
- Grew direct own brand in-force policies by 1.4% with strong growth in Green Flag and Commercial direct own brands. Total in-force policies were lower as partnership volumes reduced.
- Total Group gross written premium was broadly steady as underwriting discipline resulted in fewer Motor and Home policies and lower premiums which was largely offset by growth in Green Flag and Commercial direct own brands.
- Operating expenses before restructuring and one-off costs of £693.7 million (2018 restated: £718.2 million) were in line with target of less than £700 million. Restructuring and one-off costs were £11.2 million (2018: £nil).
- Combined operating ratio was 92.2%. Adjusting for normal weather and changes to the Ogden discount rate, the combined operating ratio of 93.5% (2018 restated: 93.3%) was towards the lower end of the Group's medium-term target range of 93% to 95%. The current-year Motor loss ratio was broadly stable.
- Profit before tax was down 12.2% to £509.7 million (2018 restated: £580.5 million). The impact of benign weather in 2019 was more than offset by lower reserve releases, in part Ogden discount rate-related, non-repeat of investment and property gains and restructuring and one-off costs in 2019.
- Strong capital position with a solvency capital ratio of 165% after proposed capital distributions (2018: 170%).
