NatWest Group Plc to announce an interim dividend of 5.5 pence per share and intend to commence an on-market buyback programme of up to £500 million in the second half of 2023 in addition to the £1.3 billion directed buyback completed in Q2 2023 bringing total distributions deducted from capital to £2.5 billion for H1 2023.
Other financial highlights include:
- H1 2023 attributable profit of £2,299 million and a return on tangible equity of 18.2%.
- Total income, excluding notable items, increased by £1,485 million, or 25.2%, compared with H1 2022 principally reflecting the impact of lending growth and yield curve movements.
- Bank net interest margin (NIM) of 3.20% in H1 2023 compared with 2.58% in H1 2022 with the increase reflecting favourable yield curve movements. Q2 2023 Bank NIM of 3.13% was 14 basis points lower than Q1 2023 principally reflecting asset margin pressure and changes in deposit mix from non-interest bearing to interest bearing balances.
- Other operating expenses were £323 million, or 9.3%, higher than H1 2022. The cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) was 49.3% for the first half of the year compared with 56.0% in H1 2022.
- A net impairment charge of £223 million in H1 2023, or 12 basis points of gross customer loans, principally reflects an increase in post model adjustments driven by increased economic uncertainty notwithstanding a £98 million modelled release. Defaults remain stable and at low levels across the portfolio.
