LONDON - The Co-operative Bank Holdings PLC reported a robust trading performance in its third quarter of 2024, with a significant surplus in capital and liquidity requirements. The bank has seen a successful period in the wholesale market, issuing a £500 million three-year covered bond and refinancing £200 million in MREL-senior capital.
In a statement released Tuesday, the bank announced the approval of an interim dividend of 0.996774 pence per class A ordinary share, payable on November 28, 2024, which will return £90 million to shareholders. This decision comes as the bank prepares for its anticipated sale to Coventry Building Society in the first quarter of 2025.
Nick Slape, Chief Executive Officer of The Co-operative Bank, expressed satisfaction with the bank's momentum, noting an increase in net mortgage balances by 2% and SME net lending balances by 16% since the last fiscal year. Additionally, total customer deposits have risen by 1% during the same period. The bank has also seen a significant reduction in current account net switch-outs, which are about 70% lower than the previous year, setting the bank on course for a net positive switch position for the first time in several years.
The bank's strong wholesale market activity has been underscored by the successful issuance of new bonds and refinancing efforts, both of which have attracted strong demand from investors. These transactions have been supported by the bank's return to an investment grade credit rating of Baa3 from Moody's (NYSE:MCO), reflecting confidence in the bank's long-term strategy.
Slape highlighted the focus on delivering shareholder value, acknowledging the patience of shareholders through the bank's turnaround. The interim dividend declaration is seen as a step towards returning value to shareholders ahead of the bank's sale.
The bank maintains a resilient, low-risk balance sheet and sustained credit quality, positioning itself strongly as it approaches the transition to new ownership under Coventry Building Society. This update is based on a press release statement from The Co-operative Bank Holdings PLC.
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