Virgin Money takes £501m hit for Covid-19 loan losses

Virgin Money has posted a 77% plunge in full-year underlying profits after booking a £501 million hit as it braces for economic fallout from the second coronavirus lockdown.

The Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank owner reported underlying annual pre-tax profits of £124 million for the year to September 30, down sharply from £539 million the previous year.

The group – formerly known as CYBG – said its “substantial” charge for loan losses comes as it prepares for a surge of borrowers falling behind with repayments due to the coronavirus crisis.

It said it has not yet seen significant arrears, but took the charge to reflect the “highly uncertain” economic outlook and the fact restrictions are set to remain in place for some time.

On a statutory basis, the group saw pre-tax losses narrow to £168 million, from losses of £265 million the previous year.

David Duffy, chief executive of Virgin Money, said: “While we are yet to see any material impacts of the pandemic on the credit quality of our loan book, our results reflect a cautious and conservative approach to the coming period as we refine our assessment of the uncertain economic outlook and the impact of the second lockdown.

“Although the vaccine news is a strong cause of hope for the future, the economic benefits are still some way off when considering the immediate reality of current restrictions and so have not yet been factored into our near-term forecasts.”

Virgin Money said it had not factored in any potential boost to the economic outlook from the vaccine, as Mr Duffy said it was “uncertain when or how big that benefit would be”.

Its results showed mortgage lending dropped 3% to £58.3 billion over the year as the spring lockdown impacted demand.

The property market boom since restrictions were lifted over the summer and due to the stamp duty holiday will provide a lending boost in the first half of its new financial year.

But it said it was “more cautious” over the outlook for the housing and mortgage market once the stamp duty holiday ends in March and as the furlough support scheme comes to an end.

The group said it was moving ahead with its rebranding programme to bring all its Clydesdale and Yorkshire banks under the Virgin Money banner.

It has completed 37 rebrands and expects to have completed all by the end of 2021.