Secure Trust Bank — Momentum maintained

Secure Trust Bank (LSE: STB)

Last close As at 27/03/2024

GBP6.70

18.00 (2.76%)

Market capitalisation

GBP125m

More on this equity

Research: Financials

Secure Trust Bank — Momentum maintained

Secure Trust Bank (STB) reported H119 adjusted pre-tax earnings up 14% y o y driven by volume growth and lower impairment rates. With a diversified lending model it has shown the ability to shift asset allocation significantly, de-risking and avoiding price pressures prevailing in some lending asset classes. By putting the brakes on early, STB is now reaping the rewards, with good profitability and the flexibility to adjust to macro and political changes.

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Financials

Secure Trust Bank

Momentum maintained

H119 results

Banks

9 August 2019

Price

1320p

Market cap

£244m

Net debt/cash (£m)

N/M

Shares in issue

18.5m

Free float

84.5%

Code

STB

Primary exchange

LSE

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

(10.2)

(10.8)

(18.3)

Rel (local)

(6.0)

(9.7)

(12.1)

52-week high/low

1,780p

1,157.5p

Business description

Secure Trust Bank is a well-established specialist bank addressing niche markets within consumer and commercial banking. It is launching a non-standard mortgage business. Former parent Arbuthnot Banking Group’s shareholding is now less than 20%.

Next events

Q3 trading update

November 2019

Analysts

Pedro Fonseca

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Andrew Mitchell

+44 (0)20 3681 2500

Secure Trust Bank is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Secure Trust Bank (STB) reported H119 adjusted pre-tax earnings up 14% yoy driven by volume growth and lower impairment rates. With a diversified lending model it has shown the ability to shift asset allocation significantly, de-risking and avoiding price pressures prevailing in some lending asset classes. By putting the brakes on early, STB is now reaping the rewards, with good profitability and the flexibility to adjust to macro and political changes.

Year end

Operating income (£m)

PBT*
(£m)

EPS*
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/17

129.5

27.0

116.4

79.0

11.3

6.0

12/18

151.6

36.7

162.0

83.0

8.1

6.3

12/19e

167.8

42.0

183.7

87.2

7.4

6.6

12/20e

185.0

52.2

225.1

91.5

5.8

6.9

12/21e

203.5

60.1

254.9

92.6

5.1

7.0

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.

Earnings on track

Although cautious on the macro and political environment, STB has pressed ahead in the segments where the price-risk proposition remained attractive. The loan book grew 24% y-o-y; retail point of sale (+32% y-o-y) and real estate business lending (still biased towards investment lending and with average LTV of 58%) were the main highlights. STB has completed the first stage of the transformation of its motor lending business and its auction stock lending platform is now live. The de-risking has compressed margins as expected (NIM fell from 7.3% a year ago to 6.5%) but this was offset by lower impairment charge rates and volume growth. The bank reported an adjusted £18.8m in pre-tax profits and an ROE of 12.8%. STB seems to be on track to meet our FY19 forecasts of PBT of £42m and ROE of 14.4%.

Healthy, flexible balance sheet

Although STB has used some of its capital for this growth, its CET1 of 12.8% still shows good headroom for a continued robust expansion rate. Liquidity remains good (loan to deposit ratio of 114bp) and we note that the launch of new cash ISA products in April was a success. The loan book duration is now only 1.9 years and this contributes to STB’s ability to profitably respond to changes in the macro and political outlook, particularly with Brexit looming ahead.

Valuation: Unchanged at 2,428p per share

We have not made changes to our forecasts or our DDM-derived fair value (2,428p per share). We forecast STB to continue to deliver returns considerably above its 10% COE. We see ROE reaching 18.7% by 2021. As such, a significant premium to the current trading P/BV of 1.0x seems justified in our opinion. Our DDM fair value is equivalent to a 2019 P/NAV of 1.8x. STB is paying an attractive current year dividend yield of 6.6%, which is set to continue to grow.

De-risking is delivering

STB’s 2019 interims show the company maintaining its momentum while keeping a firm hand on risk. The reported pre-tax profits rose 20% y-o-y. Adjusted for one-offs it rose 14% to £18.8m, in line with our £18.6m forecast. The bank seems well on track to meet our £42m FY19 PBT forecast and we are leaving our estimates unchanged. The effective tax rate was higher this period and so the adjusted earnings grew only 10% y-o-y to £14.4m and the adjusted ROE was 12.5%.

STB’s diversified lending model and its willingness to reallocate capital proactively has allowed it to deliver on its de-risking strategy and side-step the price pressures in some lending asset classes. By putting the brakes on early, STB is now reaping the benefits, with good profitability and the flexibility to adjust to further macro and political changes.

The de-risking has resulted in the net interest margin (NIM) dropping from 7.3% a year ago to 6.5% in H119. Again, this was in line with our expectations at 6.7% (see Exhibit 1 below). The tighter NIM was offset by lower impairment charges as well as the volume growth. As a percentage of average net loans, impairments fell from 186bp in H118 to 164bp in H119. These were slightly higher than our forecast 144bp due to the motor finance division, which was affected by a 14% drop in used car prices during the period.

Despite balance sheet expansion, STB’s capital ratios allow for further robust growth (CET1 is 12.6%, already factoring future interim dividend payment). Liquidity is good as well and the loan to deposit ratio is 114%. The introduction of the new Cash ISA products in April this year has been successful. This is a relevant development since the Bank of England’s Term Funding Scheme (TFS) has been closed down since February 2018, and is now expected to wind down. STB’s drawings (total of £263m) mature in May 2021 and February 2022, and so good access to retail funding is very helpful.

STB also reported a relatively short average duration for its loan book at only 1.9 years. This reflects their lending mix including the increased retail point of sales lending. This enhances STB’s ability to respond to events in the coming months, and specifically to the type of Brexit that might occur. This has been a guiding concern for STB during the last couple of years and was reiterated in the management statements and reviews in the interim accounts.

Exhibit 1: Interims results vs forecasts

Year end 31 December (£m)

H118

H119

Y-o-y %

H119e

Act vs exp.

Net interest income

63.7

70.5

10.7%

71.9

-2.0%

Net fees & commissions

8.8

10.9

23.9%

9.1

19.8%

Total operating income

72.5

81.4

12.3%

81.0

0.4%

Operating expenses

(41.1)

(45.5)

10.7%

(47.0)

-3.2%

Operating profit pre impairments & exceptionals

31.4

35.9

14.3%

34.0

5.5%

Impairment charges on loans

(16.3)

(17.8)

9.2%

(15.5)

15.1%

Profit before tax

15.1

18.1

19.9%

18.6

-2.5%

Adjusted profit before tax

16.5

18.8

13.9%

18.6

1.2%

Tax

(2.4)

(3.5)

45.8%

(3.2)

Tax rate

15.9%

19.3%

21.6%

17.0%

Bank surcharge tax

(0.2)

(0.5)

Attributable net income

12.7

14.4

13.4%

14.9

-3.5%

Basic EPS (p)

75.1

81.0

13.4%

80.8

Underlying EPS (p)

74.7

82.3

10.2%

80.8

Dividend per share (p)

19.0

20.0

20.0

Ratios (%)

Cost income ratio

56.4%

55.9%

58.0%

NIM (NII/average loans)

7.3%

6.5%

6.7%

Impairment charge % average loans

1.86%

1.64%

1.44%

Underlying ROE

12.1%

12.1%

12.5%

Underlying ROTE

12.7%

12.6%

13.1%

Source: Secure Trust Bank, Edison Investment Research

H119 loan growth of 24% y-o-y

STB’s loan book increased 23.9% y-o-y during the first half of 2019, matching our expectations. There was no great surprise in the shape of the growth in the various segments. The book now stands roughly 50-50 between retail lending and commercial lending.

In the retail segment it is worth highlighting the particularly strong growth in the retail point of sale finance segment (+32.2% y-o-y). STB’s attraction to this segment is driven not only by its current asset quality (helped by low unemployment), but also by its short duration profile in the current context of macro and political uncertainty. All three of the largest sub-segments in this business (sports and leisure, furniture and jewellery) contributed to the strong growth. Growth was also boosted by the exit of a major competitor within the football season ticket sector in March 2019.

STB completed the first stage of its transformation programme in the motor finance division as part of its strategic shift from sub-prime to prime and near-prime lending. The first two stages involve creating dealer stocking finance and the next two a wider proposition for consumers. In this first phase STB has launched the V12 Vehicle Finance brand with auction stock funding in June 2019. This is being done in partnership with Aston Barclay, a leading UK vehicle auction house. This online platform allows short-term bridge finance (typically 60 days) to be quickly arranged in a one-stop solution.

Although the mortgage book did grow 204% y-o-y, new business in this segment has been temporarily paused by management since January due to concerns over price pressure and risk in this segment. Newsflow from several other competitors in recent months seems to have vindicated STB’s decision.

STB’s business finance segment also seems to be well on track to meet expectations. Real estate lending grew 25% y-o-y, with the bank maintaining its conservative stance on lending (average LTV 58%) and its bias towards investment lending. The asset finance segment continues to be run-off. The commercial finance segment (overdraft lending) grew 17.7%, benefiting from the geographic expansion of the business.

Exhibit 2: Loan book split

£m

H118

H218

H119

Y-o-y %

H119e

Motor vehicles

272.0

276.4

299.8

10.2%

298.2

Retail finance

508.0

597.0

671.7

32.2%

638.5

Debt management

28.3

32.3

42.3

49.5%

38.7

Mortgage lending

37.3

84.7

113.2

203.5%

82.6

Total retail lending

845.6

990.4

1,127.0

33.3%

1,057.9

Real estate finance

704.8

769.8

879.0

24.7%

884.9

Asset finance

87.9

62.8

42.7

-51.4%

31.4

Commercial finance

187.5

194.7

220.7

17.7%

242.4

Total commercial lending

980.2

1,027.3

1,142.4

16.5%

1,158.7

Other

13.3

11.2

8.9

-33.1%

12.1

Total lending

1,839.1

2,028.9

2,278.3

23.9%

2,228.7

Ratios (%)

Common Equity tier 1 ratio

13.6%

12.8%

13.8%

Leverage ratio

10.4%

10.0%

9.5%

Source: Secure Trust Bank, Edison Investment Research

Improving asset quality

STB reported impairments of £17.8m (164bp of average loans), slightly higher than our forecast of £15.5m (144bp). The miss was driven by the £8m impairment in the motor finance division (we expected £4.7m; it was £4.9m in the second half of 2018). This was driven by used car values, which dropped by an unusually large amount (-14%) during the first half of 2019. The company reports that aside from this impact, underlying credit impairment trends were improving, reflecting the trends towards better-quality clients.

The retail point of sale lending is the other segment we expect to contribute most of STB’s impairments charges. Here the impairments were better than our forecast (£9.1m vs estimated £10.6m).

We do note that although there are some signs of slowdown in the economy, the current low interest rate and record low unemployment environment helps support asset quality. This of course could change, especially with a disorderly Brexit.

Exhibits 3 and 4 show STB’s lending yield and impairment rate progression. It is clear that there is some offset of the lower yields by the lower impairments, as would be expected. At the same time, we note that the lending yield net of loan loss charges (LLC) has been trending down. It fell from 7.6% in the second half of 2018 to 6.9% during the first six months of 2019. To some extent, this is the price of de-risking as well as current trading conditions. In our estimates, we expect to see another 30bp reduction – the gross yield contracting 50bp and the impairments improving by 20bp in 2020.

Exhibit 3: Gross lending yield and LLC rate (%)

Exhibit 4: Gross lending yield net of LLC rate (%)

Source: Secure Trust Bank, Edison Investment Research

Source: Secure Trust Bank, Edison Investment Research

Exhibit 3: Gross lending yield and LLC rate (%)

Source: Secure Trust Bank, Edison Investment Research

Exhibit 4: Gross lending yield net of LLC rate (%)

Source: Secure Trust Bank, Edison Investment Research

Outlook

We are keeping our forecasts unchanged after this set of numbers. We continue to expect STB to keep up a strong pace of balance sheet expansion: 20% loan growth in 2019, followed by 17% and 14.4% in 2020 and 2021, with both retail and commercial lending growing robustly.

No doubt macro and political uncertainty will probably continue to weigh on investor loan demand. Indeed, the Bank of England lending conditions survey earlier this year clearly showed these concerns and market expectations. So we do see some risk to our growth forecasts, especially if there is a disorderly Brexit as mentioned.

Assuming no dramatic adverse events, we believe that STB is well on track to meet our normalised ROE forecast for this year (14.4%) and we expect this to increase to 18.7% by 2021. The higher ROE will partially be achieved by greater usage of capital. We expect that by 2021, the bank’s CET1 will have dropped to 11%. This is an acceptable level of capital, but means that growth beyond 2021 will be funded by self-generated capital. STB’s reported adjusted pre-tax profit of £18.8m in H119 seems to indicate it is on track to meet our forecast (£42m underlying, £40m reported) for the full year. We are forecasting pre-tax earnings to grow 20% to £50m in 2020 and then to £60m in 2021.

We continue to expect to see gains in operating leverage as the bank grows and after the current investment cycle (eg motor lending transformation, geographic expansion in commercial finance). As such we forecast the cost to income ratio to come down to 56% in 2020 after the increase in 2019. We then expect this to decline further to 53% in 2021.

STB’s stance regarding selective acquisitions seems to be unchanged. The areas of interest are invoice finance, retail finance and motor. The bank also has the flexibility to step into opportunities created by non-bank lenders having difficulties in obtaining or renewing credit lines; an example of this was the season ticket lending in H119.

Exhibit 5: Loan book estimates

£m

2017

2018

2019e

2020e

2021e

Motor vehicles

275

276

320

390

470

Retail finance

452

597

680

770

850

Debt management

0

32

45

60

80

Mortgage lending

17

85

80

76

73

Retail lending

744

990

1,125

1,290

1,470

Real estate finance

581

770

1,000

1,150

1,280

Asset finance

117

63

0

0

0

Commercial finance

127

195

290

380

480

Commercial finance

824

1,027

1,290

1,530

1,760

Other

31

11

13

15

17

Total lending

1,598

2,029

2,428

2,841

3,250

Retail lending growth (y-o-y%)

29.3

20.2

14.5

16.0

13.8

Commercial finance (y-o-y%)

30.6

24.7

25.6

18.6

15.0

Total lending growth (y-o-y%)

27.3

26.9

19.7

17.0

14.4

Source: Secure Trust Bank, Edison Investment Research

Valuation

UK financial stocks have not been performing well in recent months. Even if we exclude struggling Metrobank, our sample of STB peers have on average dropped 13% ytd and 29% in the last 12 months. STB significantly outperformed the sector: it is up 13% ytd and only down 18% in last 12 months (Exhibit 7).

Despite this outperformance STB is still trading at relatively undemanding market multiples in our view. STB currently trades on a 2019 P/BV of only 1.0x, yet we forecast ROE of 14.4% already for this year and almost 19% by 2021. We also note that the peers in our sample have an average last reported ROE of (coincidentally) 14.4% and trade on a P/BV of 1.2x.

STB also trades at a 2019e P/E of 7.4x, which after its recent outperformance is now at a 7% premium to its peers. However, STB has a good prospective earnings growth profile and is delivering on its strategy. Furthermore, STB’s flexibility to adapt to both opportunities as well as adverse developments that could arise in the current uncertain macro and political environment is a big plus in our view. We also note that STB’s FY18 dividend yield of 6.2% is about twice as high as the average of its peers.

Ultimately, we use DDM and not market multiples to value STB. The FV has remained at 2,428p per share and this is equivalent to a 2019e P/NAV of 1.8x. The premium to NAV is justified by the forecast returns that are well above the COE of 10%.

Exhibit 6: Challenger/specialist lender comparative table

Price
(p)

Market cap
(£m)

P/E (x)
CY0e

P/E (x)
CY1e

Dividend yield (%)

ROE (%) last reported

P/BV (x) last reported

Secure Trust Bank

1,320.0

243.9

8.1

7.4

6.2

9.8

1.02

1PM

26.5

23.2

3.9

4.2

2.5

13.0

1.00

Close Brothers

1,281.0

1,939.4

9.5

9.5

4.9

16.3

1.44

CYBG

149.9

2,148.2

5.8

6.1

2.1

10.6

0.42

Metrobank

305.0

525.9

7.3

18.6

0.0

2.9

0.21

OneSavings Bank

332.4

815.1

6.1

5.5

4.4

22.3

1.19

Paragon

391.8

1,021.7

8.1

7.7

5.0

10.3

1.01

PCF Group

29.3

73.2

13.7

9.7

1.0

11.0

1.46

S&U

2,080.0

250.9

5.8

5.2

3.2

17.6

1.61

Average

7.5

8.3

2.9

13.0

1.04

Average ex-Metro

7.6

6.8

3.3

14.4

1.2

STB vs average ex-Metro

8%

8%

88%

-32%

-12%

Source: Refinitiv, Edison Investment Research. Note: Priced at 8 August 2019.

Exhibit 7: Recent share price performance in the peer group context, %

One month

Three months

One year

Ytd

From 12m high

Secure Trust Bank

-8.8

-10.7

-18.3

12.6

-25.6

1PM

-6.2

-37.6

-51.6

-35.4

-57.8

Close Brothers

-12.0

-17.8

-17.9

-11.0

-23.8

CYBG

-26.8

-27.0

-57.0

-17.3

-59.2

Metrobank

-44.0

-52.2

-89.6

-82.0

-90.1

OneSavings Bank

-8.0

-23.4

-23.0

-5.0

-27.6

Paragon

-12.8

-15.0

-20.8

1.5

-22.6

PCF Group

-4.1

-11.4

-19.7

-19.0

-31.8

S&U

-12.6

-4.1

-14.6

-2.3

-21.8

Average

-15.8

-23.6

-36.8

-21.3

-41.8

Average ex-Metro

-11.8

-19.5

-29.2

-12.7

-34.9

Source: Refinitiv, Edison Investment Research. Note: Priced at 6 August 2019.

Exhibit 8: Financial summary

Year end December

2016

2017

2018

2019e

2020e

2021e

£m except where stated

Profit and loss

Net interest income

92.5

114.6

133.7

148.5

162.1

177.8

Net commission income

14.5

14.9

17.9

19.3

22.8

25.7

Total operating income

107.0

129.5

151.6

167.8

185.0

203.5

Total G&A expenses (exc non-recurring items below)

(64.3)

(71.3)

(84.5)

(97.3)

(103.5)

(110.9)

Operating profit pre impairments & exceptionals

42.7

58.2

67.1

70.5

81.5

92.7

Impairment charges on loans

(23.3)

(33.5)

(32.4)

(30.3)

(31.2)

(32.5)

Other income

0.0

0.3

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Operating profit post impairments

19.4

25.0

34.7

40.2

50.3

60.1

Non-recurring items

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Pre-tax profit - continuing basis

19.4

25.0

34.7

40.2

50.3

60.1

Corporation Tax

(5.2)

(5.1)

(6.4)

(6.8)

(8.5)

(10.2)

Tax rate

26.8%

20.4%

18.4%

17.0%

17.0%

17.0%

Bank tax surcharge

0.0

0.0

0.0

(1.2)

(2.0)

(2.8)

Profit after tax - continuing basis

14.2

19.9

28.3

32.1

39.7

47.1

Discontinued business

123.3

3.9

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

(Loss)/profit for year

137.5

23.8

28.3

32.1

39.7

47.1

Minority interests

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Net income attributable to equity shareholders

137.5

23.8

28.3

32.1

39.7

47.1

Company reported pre-tax earnings adjustments

7.9

2.0

2.0

1.8

1.9

0.0

Reported underlying pre-tax earnings (ex discontinued 2015/16)

27.3

27.0

36.7

42.0

52.2

60.1

Reported underlying earnings after tax

20.6

21.5

29.9

33.9

41.6

47.1

Average basic number of shares in issue (m)

18.5

18.5

18.5

18.5

18.5

18.5

Average diluted number of shares in issue (m)

18.6

18.6

18.6

18.6

18.6

18.6

Reported diluted EPS (p)

77.3

107.0

152.2

172.9

213.6

253.4

Underlying diluted EPS (p)

113.0

116.4

162.0

183.7

225.1

254.9

Ordinary DPS (p)

75.0

79.0

83.0

87.2

91.5

92.6

Special DPS (p)

165.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Net interest/average loans

8.15%

7.72%

7.37%

6.67%

6.15%

5.84%

Impairments/average loans

2.04%

2.30%

1.79%

1.36%

1.18%

1.07%

Cost income ratio

60.1%

55.1%

55.7%

58.0%

56.0%

54.5%

Balance sheet

Net customer loans

1,321.0

1,598.3

2,028.9

2,428.5

2,841.4

3,249.6

Other assets

189.0

293.3

415.4

428.6

443.5

485.6

Total assets

1,510.0

1,891.6

2,444.3

2,857.0

3,284.9

3,735.2

Total customer deposits

1,151.8

1,483.2

1,847.7

2,248.6

2,583.1

3,008.9

Other liabilities

122.2

159.3

359.5

354.7

424.6

411.7

Total liabilities

1,274.0

1,642.5

2,207.2

2,603.3

3,007.7

3,420.6

Net assets

236.0

249.1

237.1

253.7

277.2

314.6

Minorities

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Shareholders' equity

236.0

249.1

237.1

253.7

277.2

314.6

Reconciliation of movement in equity

Opening shareholders' equity

141.2

236.0

249.1

237.1

253.7

277.2

Profit in period

137.5

23.8

28.1

32.1

39.7

54.5

Other comprehensive income

(1.8)

2.9

(25.8)

0.0

0.0

0.0

Ordinary dividends

(13.1)

(14.0)

(14.8)

(15.5)

(16.3)

(17.1)

Special dividend

(30.0)

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Share based payments

0.2

0.4

0.5

0.0

0.0

0.0

Issue of shares

2.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Share issuance costs

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Closing shareholders' equity

236.0

249.1

237.1

253.7

277.2

314.6

Other selected data and ratios

Period end shares in issue (m)

18.5

18.5

18.5

18.5

18.5

18.5

NAV per share (p)

1,277

1,348

1,283

1,373

1,500

1,703

Tangible NAV per share (p)

1,229

1,292

1,230

1,298

1,425

1,638

Return on average equity

72.9%

9.8%

11.6%

13.1%

15.0%

15.9%

Normalised return on average equity

9.9%

8.9%

12.8%

14.4%

17.1%

18.7%

Return on average TNAV

10.3%

9.3%

13.4%

15.1%

18.0%

19.8%

Average loans

1,134.6

1,484.6

1,863.7

2,228.7

2,430.1

2,635.0

Average deposits

1,067.5

1,321.7

1,655.4

2,085.3

2,264.9

2,427.8

Loans/deposits

114.7%

107.8%

109.8%

108.0%

110.0%

108.0%

Risk exposure

1,264.0

1,446.1

1,824.6

2,175.8

2,522.0

2,878.9

Common equity tier 1 ratio

18.0%

16.5%

13.8%

12.0%

11.1%

11.0%

Source: Edison Investment Research, company data


General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Secure Trust Bank and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Secure Trust Bank. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

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Copyright: Copyright 2019 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2019. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

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New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

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The Investment Research is a publication distributed in the United States by Edison Investment Research, Inc. Edison Investment Research, Inc. is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Secure Trust Bank and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Secure Trust Bank. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2019 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2019. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

The Investment Research is a publication distributed in the United States by Edison Investment Research, Inc. Edison Investment Research, Inc. is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

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