CFT: Annual results 2016

Against this backdrop, the Group's adjusted consolidated revenue was CHF 870.1m compared with CHF 873.8m in 2015, a rise of 0.2% at constant exchange rates. The adjusted revenue from interdealer broking business (IDB) eased 0.7% in constant currencies, while revenue from the online forex trading business for retail investors in Japan, Gaitame.com, was up by 27.2% at constant exchange rates.

The adjusted underlying operating profit was up 7.2% in constant currencies, at CHF 85.8m compared with CHF 79.3m in 2015 for an operating margin of 9.9% against 9.1% respectively.

The Group maintained its focus on a sound balance sheet with a strong capital position while keeping a low level of intangible assets and a strong net cash position.

Reported revenue and operating profit

The Group posted consolidated revenue of CHF 803.4m against CHF 814.5m in 2015, down 0.4% in constant currencies.

Reported operating profit was CHF 60.5m compared with CHF 59.1m in 2015, an increase of 3.0% in constant currencies.

Net profit

Consolidated net profit was CHF 52.9m compared with CHF 45.2m in 2015 with a Group share of CHF 50.4m against CHF 40.5m in 2015, an increase of 24.2% at constant exchange rates.

Balance sheet

At 31 December 2016, consolidated equity stood at CHF 380.3m (31 December 2015: CHF 370.0m) of which CHF 365.4m was attributable to shareholders of the parent (31 December 2015: CHF 356.8m). Before deducting the investments in treasury shares, consolidated equity reached more than CHF 400m at end of December 2016.

Total adjusted cash, including financial assets at fair value, net of financial debt, was CHF 143.2m at 31 December 2016 against CHF 154.5m at 31 December 2015. Total adjusted cash reached CHF 223.4m, including our share of net cash held by joint ventures (31 December 2015 : CHF 227.5m). Moreover, the adjusted gross cash available to the Group could reach more than CHF 500m.

Dividend

At the Annual General Meeting to be held on 18 May 2017, the Board will be seeking shareholders' approval to pay a cash dividend of CHF 4.50 per share (yield close to 5.2%¹) up close to 30% compared to the previous year (CHF 3.50 per share). In addition, an exceptional distribution of treasury shares will also be proposed with one share distributed for each 25 shares held.

Outlook

Compagnie Financière Tradition will use its solid balance sheet to support its growth efforts. The Group will remain focused on all growth opportunities, including both external and through recruitment of new talents.

Annual report

The 2016 annual report of Compagnie Financière Tradition SA will be available on 26 April 2017 on the Company's website at http://tradition.com/financials/reports.aspx

¹ At 9 March 2017: CHF 86.00 per share