Lloyds has maintained a strong slate of results in its latest HY1 report, and the banking group has remained on solid ground in the last few months despite a current trend of macro-economic volatility.
There is an argument to be made that Lloyds shares are not an ideal investment right now, especially as its position as the UK’s largest mortgage lender might be on track to become somewhat more of a liability than an asset in the current housing market.
The company reported a mortgage book growth of £3.3 billion to £296.6 billion year-on-year, suggesting the slowing housing market is yet to catch up to the bank.
However, the firm’s guidance for the coming year included an anticipated growth in net interest margin above 280 basis points, return on tangible equity of 13% and capital generation in excess of 200 basis points.
Lloyds confirmed its margin headwinds from mortgage book growth and pricing were sufficiently offset by UK interest rate rises, deposit growth, structural hedge earnings and continued funding and capital base optimisation.
Lloyds dividend
The strong performance saw Lloyds share price jump in the wake of the results, helped by positive news on the Lloyds dividend.
The company increased its dividend 20% to 0.8p per share in the HY1 financial period, reflecting confidence in its returns going forward.
Lloyds boasts a dividend yield of 4.5 and a more than adequate dividend cover of 3.9 to cover the group in the event of shocks to the sector, and leaves plenty of room for dividends to increase substantially in the future.
The bank has a PE ratio of 5.8, indicating the shares are still somewhat undervalued despite the possibility of tricky and volatile market environment in the coming months.
The housing market is showing mild signs of slowing down, however the bank appears well-positioned for growth despite any risk to its mortgage income.
The shares are currently undervalued, and the company is in a strong position to increase payouts in the years to come, making Lloyds shares a solid choice for long-term income seekers.