Published: 7.30 CET

Van Lanschot Kempen is to recognise an impairment of goodwill amounting to €35 million in its 2019 annual accounts. The impairment will not affect its liquidity position, CET 1 ratio or dividend policy. 

This one-off impairment relates to the goodwill involved in the acquisition of Kempen & Co in 2007 and more specifically to its Merchant Banking activities, and is prompted by an adjustment in the discount rate and flattening growth expectations for these activities. Reflecting the volatile nature of the cash flows arising from the Merchant Banking activities, the cost of equity includes an additional risk premium now used to discount these cash flows. Meanwhile, the expected growth figures have been slightly adjusted to account for expectations of the economic cycle nearing its peak. Kempen Merchant Banking’s 2019 results are somewhat below those for 2018.

The impairment reflects the application of IFRS standards and does not affect Van Lanschot Kempen’s liquidity position or CET 1 ratio, as the determination of CET 1 capital already deducts goodwill.

No changes will be made to Van Lanschot Kempen’s dividend policy, which envisages a pay-out ratio of 50-70% of its underlying net result(i). The 2019 underlying net result equals the net result adjusted exclusively for the company’s strategic investment programme and restructuring charges.

A conference call for analysts and media will be held today, 10 January at 9.00 am CET.

(i) The underlying net result is the net underlying result attributable to shareholders.

Financial calendar
20 February 2020 - Publication of 2019 annual results
22 April 2020 - Publication of 2020 Q1 trading update

More information
Media Relations: +31 20 354 45 85; mediarelations@vanlanschotkempen.com
Investor Relations: +31 20 354 45 90; investorrelations@vanlanschotkempen.com

CONFERENCE CALL
A conference call for analysts and media was held on 10 January.