• Net new money inflow amounted to CHF 1.0 billion
• At CHF 86.5 billion, the business volume continued to develop at a very high level
• Loans to clients increased by 0.2 percent to CHF 13.0 billion
• On account of market performance, client assets under management fell by 3.7 percent to CHF 73.5 billion
• Group net profit stood at CHF 60.2 million
• The tier 1 ratio climbed from 19.6 to 20.4 percent.

At CHF 60.2 million, Group net profit at previous year's level

"For the LLB Group too, the first half year of 2020 was marked by the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. In spite of this difficult operating environment, we achieved a good business result. Throughout the crisis our employees showed exceptional dedication and commitment. We have therefore clearly demonstrated that we can continue to perform at the highest level and be counted on as a reliable partner even in times of crisis", said Georg Wohlwend, Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Net new money inflow of CHF 1.0 billion

The LLB Group has grown organically and thus proven its consistency. With a net new money inflow of CHF 1.0 billion, it grew stably and sustainably in all three market divisions and booking centres. On account of the negative market performance, client assets under management decreased to CHF 73.5 billion (31.12. 2019: CHF 76.3 billion). Loans to clients rose by 0.2 percent to CHF 13.0 billion. The continuing growth in mortgage lending business was reaffirmed with an increase in loans of over CHF 200 million or about 2 percent. At CHF 86.5 billion, the business volume continued to develop at a high level.

Balanced and stable earnings situation

The LLB Group's earnings situation is balanced and stable. In spite of the difficult environment, net fee and commission income remained constant at the previous year's level. Significantly higher volumes of transaction-based business meant that, despite a lower asset basis, earnings remained stable at CHF 99.4 million (first half 2019: CHF 99.0 million). Net trading income increased substantially to CHF 46.5 million (first half 2019: CHF 26.8 million). However, the significant fall in US-dollar interest rates and the negative interest rate environment had an adverse impact. Interest income before expected credit losses was down by 4.6 percent to CHF 78.8 million. Against the backdrop of the corona crisis, the LLB Group increased its risk provisioning. Allowances for expected credit losses totalling net CHF 13.8 million were allocated (first half 2019: release of CHF 3.7 million).

In total, operating income fell by 5.9 percent to CHF 210.4 million (first half 2019: CHF 223.7 million). 

Sharp fall in operating expenses

At CHF 143.1 million, operating expenses were well below the equivalent period in the previous year (first half 2019: CHF 152.2 million). On the one hand, personnel expenses were lower due to the adjustment of the conversion rate of LLB's pension fund, on the other, provisions were released as a result of a settlement being reached in an ongoing legal case. Thanks to further operative cost savings, general and administrative expenses were again reduced, this time by 10.5 percent to CHF 32.9 million.

In the first half of 2020, the LLB Group earned a net profit of CHF 60.2 million. In spite of the challenging environment, this was at the same level as in the equivalent period in the previous year (CHF 61.1 million). The cost/income ratio improved to 65.5 percent (first half 2019: 69.7 %).

Liquidity for SMEs

The LLB Group is well aware of its special importance and responsibility in relation to the regional economy. Accordingly, it acted quickly and unbureaucratically during the corona pandemic to provide corporate clients with liquidity in the form of Covid bridging loans. By the middle of the year, the volume of loans had reached around CHF 70 million. In Liechtenstein, LLB AG granted CHF 16 million, and in eastern Switzerland, Bank Linth provided CHF 54 million of Covid bridging loans. In addition, corporate clients were supported with specific interest and amortisation deferrals in cases where the pursuit of sustainable business models led to a critical liquidity situation. The LLB Group is convinced that, by applying these measures, it is making an important contribution to the economy and supporting its corporate clients as a reliable partner in this crisis.

Extension of the StepUp2020 strategy by one year until the end of 2021

The realisation of the StepUp2020 strategy has been extremely successful. Experience during the Covid-19 crisis has proven the continuing validity and effectiveness of the LLB Group's strategic course based on the four core elements of growth, profitability, innovation and excellence. In the current year, the LLB Group aims to focus on meeting and mastering the effects of the corona virus and the exploitation of tactical opportunities. It expects that the economic consequences will become more clearly visible in 2021 and therefore should provide a more reliable basis on which to formulate a new strategy. Consequently, the Group will continue to adhere to the StepUp2020 strategy for another year until the end of 2021.

Going forward sustainably

Backed up by its 160-year tradition, LLB regards sustainability as being an integral part of its business success. "By joining the 'Principles for Responsible Investment', an initiative supported by the UN, we are underlining our commitment to actively integrating environmental and social issues, as well as good corporate governance (ESG) in the investment process", explained Roland Matt, Group CEO. In doing so, LLB is building on its sustainable investment concept, which offers institutional investors and private clients a comprehensive range of such products. To take into account the increasing importance of sustainability, not just in the field of investments, the LLB Group is establishing a Sustainability Council and appointing a Sustainability Officer.

Outlook

In the past few months the economic situation has deteriorated severely. In this very challenging environment, the LLB Group will focus primarily on improving profitability during the second half of the year. Further initiatives to increase earnings are planned, while the potentials for more cost savings are to be identified and exploited. Moreover, another priority will be taking advantage of the opportunities presented by further boosts in digitalisation. Greater importance will be attached to the subject of sustainability, both as it affects corporate governance and the range of products. The LLB Group also continues to be open to the possibility of further acquisitions.

It expects to achieve a solid Group business result for the full 2020 business year. "From the present perspective, the LLB Group has effectively met and mastered the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic. Thanks to our tried and tested strategy, our diversified earnings structure, our solid equity base, as well as the focused reaction of our staff to the crisis, we are well prepared for the future", said Roland Matt.

Detailed information about the 2020 interim result

The documents of the 2020 interim financial reporting of the LLB Group will be available from 7.00 a.m. on 25 August 2020 on our website www.llb.li. An interactive online version of the 2020 interim financial reporting will also be available at http://hb2020.llb.li for the German version and at http://hr2020.llb.li for the English version.

Conference Call

The 2020 interim business result of the LLB Group will be presented in a conference call on  25 August 2020, at 10.30 a.m. The conference call will be held in German.
Please use the following telephone numbers to dial in to the conference:
+41 (0)58 310 50 00 (Switzerland / Liechtenstein and all other countries)
+43 (0) 720 88 25 49 (Austria)

A recording of the conference call can be accessed on 25 August 2020 from 1.00 p.m. as an audio file at our website: www.llb.li