- Close Brothers Group reported adjusted pre-tax profit of £120 million, surpassing expectations of £111 million, primarily due to effective cost management.
- Despite the profit beat, the specialist lender experienced a 17% drop in adjusted operating profit, highlighting ongoing earnings challenges.
- The company’s financial results led to a 13% rise in its London-listed shares, with its U.S.-traded shares trading at $10.36 within its 52-week range.
Close Brothers Group (OTC: CBGPY) is the U.S.-traded share of a UK specialist lender focused on commercial, retail, and property loans. RBC Capital maintains a Sector Perform rating, which signals a hold rather than a buy or sell. The shares trade at $10.36 when RBC’s action is posted.
Close Brothers Group ends fiscal 2026 with a £9.5 billion loan book and serves 1.6 million customers. Its London-listed shares rise 13% to 434.4p in morning trading after stronger-than-expected financial results. As highlighted by Proactive Investors, Shore Capital reiterates its Buy rating and keeps a 495p price target, about 14% above that reported London price.
Adjusted pre-tax profit reaches £120 million, above the £111 million expected, while adjusted operating expenses come in at £431 million, below the £448 million estimate. Lower costs help explain the profit beat: annualised savings reach about £36 million, ahead of a roughly £25 million target.
The earnings report still shows pressure on earnings. Adjusted operating profit falls 17% to £120.3 million from £144.3 million a year earlier. The statutory operating loss narrows to £60.3 million from £122.4 million, even with a further £164.7 million provision for motor finance commissions. A provision is money set aside for a potential cost.
Close Brothers Group pays no fiscal 2026 dividend because of uncertainty over the UK motor finance redress scheme and related legal challenges. It expects loan book growth within its 5%–10% target range in fiscal 2027. On the OTC market, Close Brothers Group’s $10.36 price sits within its 52-week range of $9.04 to $14.33.
