Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG
LLB Group posts best Group business result for more than ten years
Continuing on growth trajectory
Liechtensteinische Landesbank / LLB / Key word(s): Annual Results Vaduz, 27 February 2023. In spite of a challenging market environment, the LLB Group can look back on a successful 2022 business year. Group net profit rose by 8.4 per cent to CHF 149.4 million, thereby attaining the best business result for over ten years. With a net new money inflow of CHF 3.6 billion, the LLB Group confirmed the continuation of the strong organic growth of recent years. Loans to clients reached CHF 14.4 billion, a new record level. The Cost Income Ratio fell to 64.0 per cent. Since the end of 2022, Bank Linth has been wholly owned by Liechtensteinische Landesbank (LLB). A proposal will be made to the General Meeting of Shareholders to increase the dividend from CHF 2.30 to CHF 2.50.
"The world today is different from the one that existed prior to Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine a year ago. Especially in such uncertain times as these, the LLB Group stands firmly at the side of its clients providing them with the highest level of stability and security. This year again, the trust placed in us by our clients is reflected in gratifying growth", summarised Georg Wohlwend, Chairman of the Board of Directors. Sustainable, profitable growth Net new money inflow of CHF 3.6 billion The LLB Group was not immune to the fierce turbulence on the markets in 2022. Currency effects and the negative performance of the markets led to a reduction in client assets under administration to CHF 83.9 billion (31.12.2021: CHF 91.9 billion). Good organic growth cushioned the market-related contraction of the business volume to CHF 98.4 billion (31.12.2021: CHF 105.7 billion). New record level of loans to clients Operating income exceeds the 500-million francs mark In 2022, the interest rate environment underwent a sea change. After years of negative interest rates, a sharp rise in interest rates in all the major currencies occurred within the shortest time. Interest income before expected credit losses remained stable at CHF 152.2 million (2021: CHF 154.0 million). Income from interest business with clients fell because a large proportion of negative interest rates no longer applied. In addition, LLB paid attractive interest on client deposits leading to higher interest expense. In other interest business, thanks to the interest rate environment, the LLB Group increased earnings. As a result of swap transactions as part of the treasury activities, a large proportion of the positive effect generated by the rise in interest rates – thanks largely to the increase in US dollar interest rates – switched to trading business. Accordingly, net trading income climbed substantially by more than 70 per cent to CHF 136.1 million (2021: CHF 79.0 million). In contrast, in 2022 net fee and commission income fell to CHF 210.9 million in comparison with the very strong result attained in the previous year (2021: CHF 233.6 million). This was attributable to the expected decrease in performance-related commission business. On the one hand, the average volume of client assets contracted leading to a fall in the portfolio-related revenues. On the other, the income generated by higher performance-dependent fees in the previous year was absent. Strategy-related rise in operating expenses In spite of these investments, the Cost Income Ratio improved again to 64.0 per cent (2021: 65.8 %). This reflects the LLB Group’s continually improving efficiency levels and its strict cost controls.
* Proposal of the Board of Directors to the General Meeting of Shareholders of 5 May 2023
The return on equity was increased to 7.2 per cent (2021: 6.3 %). This was attributable to the improved business result and the consolidation of profit resulting from the complete takeover of the minority interests in Bank Linth. At the forthcoming General Meeting of Shareholders on 5 May 2023, the Board of Directors of the LLB Group will propose an increase in the dividend from CHF 2.30 to CHF 2.50. This corresponds to a dividend yield of 4.5 per cent. It is not only investors and private shareholders who benefit from this dividend distribution, also the Principality of Liechtenstein as the majority shareholder. In 2022, dividends, taxes and duties of CHF 52.8 million were credited to the state. This corresponds to a contribution of around CHF 1'350.- per Liechtenstein resident. Elections at the General Meeting As their successors, the Board of Directors proposes the Liechtenstein/Swiss dual national, Dr. Nicole Brunhart, and Dr. Christian Wiesendanger from Switzerland, to the General Meeting of Shareholders. Nicole Brunhart works as the Head of Transformation on the executive board of a leading European investment fund distribution platform in Zurich. She possesses many years of experience in strategy consulting and asset management, as well as acknowledged expertise in sustainability issues. She has a broad network of contacts in the financial services industry in Switzerland and the rest of Europe. Christian Wiesendanger has many years of global experience in wealth management and is known as one of the best experts in Swiss wealth management business. He possesses vast knowledge of the banking industry. Delisting of Bank Linth Many Bank Linth shareholders decided to take advantage of the partial exchange offer and are now LLB shareholders. The LLB Group regards this as a testimony to the high degree of trust in the stability and security and confirm them in placing the strategic focus of Bank Linth on being a successful retail bank. Outlook Information on the 2022 annual business result Media and analyst conference Disclaimer Important dates
Brief portrait Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG (LLB) is the longest established financial institute in the Principality of Liechtenstein. The majority of the company’s share capital is held by the Principality of Liechtenstein. LLB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (symbol: LLBN). The LLB Group offers its clients comprehensive wealth management services, as a universal bank, in private banking, asset management and fund services. With 1'116 employees (full-time equivalent positions), LLB is represented in Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Austria and the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi and Dubai). As per 31 December 2022, the business volume of the LLB Group stood at CHF 98.4 billion. Best regards Liechtensteinische Landesbank End of Inside Information |
Language: | English |
Company: | Liechtensteinische Landesbank / LLB |
Staedtle 44 | |
9490 Vaduz | |
Switzerland | |
Phone: | +423 236 88 11 |
Fax: | +423 236 88 22 |
E-mail: | llb@llb.li |
Internet: | www.llb.li |
ISIN: | LI0355147575 |
Valor: | 35514757 |
Listed: | Regulated Unofficial Market in Frankfurt, Stuttgart; SIX Swiss Exchange |
EQS News ID: | 1568639 |
End of Announcement | EQS News Service |