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Close Brothers Group (GB:CBG)
LSE:CBG
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Close Brothers Group (CBG) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:CBG

Close Brothers Group

(LSE:CBG)

Rating:70Neutral
Price Target:
452.00p
▲(12.89%Upside)
Close Brothers Group's overall score reflects a blend of technical strength and strategic corporate events offset by financial and valuation challenges. The stock's technical indicators and strategic corporate actions are the most significant positive factors, suggesting potential for future growth. However, financial performance and valuation concerns pose risks that need to be managed to sustain long-term investor confidence.

Close Brothers Group (CBG) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Close Brothers Group Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionClose Brothers Group plc, a merchant banking company, provides financial services to small businesses and individuals in the United Kingdom. It operates through five segments: Commercial, Retail, Property, Asset Management, and Securities. The company offers various savings products, including personal and business savings, and pension deposits. It also provides asset finance, asset-based lending, commercial vehicle hire, short-term bridging finance, insurance premium finance, invoice discounting and factoring, and property finance products. In addition, the company offers funding services for general aviation aircraft, and various leisure and commercial vessels; sale and rent back services for the brewing sector; broker finance services to the agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and transport industries; leasing services for the construction, manufacturing, IT equipment, and specialist assets; and loan, hire purchase, leasing, and refinancing services to the professional service sector, including dental, medical, pharmacy, and veterinary sectors. Further, it provides financial education, investment management, and financial planning and advice services; self-directed services that help investors to manage their portfolio online; and services for financial advisers. Additionally, the company offers liquidity and flexible execution services to retail stockbrokers, wealth managers, and institutional investors; market making, sales, research, and corporate broking services; and dealing, custody, and settlement services to the institutional, wealth management, and brokerage clients. Close Brothers Group plc was founded in 1878 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes MoneyClose Brothers Group generates revenue through its diversified financial services offerings. In the Banking division, the company earns money through interest income on loans and advances to customers, as well as fees from transactional services. The Securities division, Winterflood, contributes to revenue through commissions and trading income by acting as a market maker and providing liquidity in securities markets. The Asset Management division generates income through management fees, advisory fees, and performance fees based on assets under management. The group's earnings are also supported by its strategic focus on maintaining strong customer relationships, risk management practices, and capitalizing on growth opportunities within its specialized markets. Significant factors contributing to its earnings include its expertise in niche markets, robust capital position, and a stable funding base.

Close Brothers Group Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Close Brothers Group faces revenue and cash flow challenges amidst a stable balance sheet. Despite a significant revenue decline, the company maintains positive profitability with strong gross profit margins. The balance sheet is stable with improved leverage but negative free cash flow indicates cash management issues.
Income Statement
65
Positive
The income statement shows a declining revenue trend from 2023 to 2024, with a significant drop of approximately 23.2%. Gross profit margins remain strong at 100%, typical for the banking industry, but the net profit margin decreased from 6.08% in 2023 to 9.81% in 2024. While EBIT and EBITDA margins also depict a decline, the company has managed to maintain positive profitability, suggesting cost controls are in place despite revenue pressures.
Balance Sheet
72
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a stable financial position with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28 in 2024, slightly improved from 1.81 in 2023, indicating reduced leverage. The equity ratio is 13.08%, showcasing a moderate equity base relative to total assets. Return on equity decreased to 5.45% in 2024 from 4.93% in 2023, reflecting reduced profitability but still acceptable for the banking sector.
Cash Flow
50
Neutral
The cash flow statement highlights challenges with negative free cash flow in 2024, a reversal from positive free cash flow in 2023. Operating cash flow to net income ratio is negative, indicating cash management issues. The free cash flow to net income ratio also reflects a negative trend, suggesting potential liquidity concerns and a need for improved cash management strategies.
BreakdownSep 2024Sep 2023Sep 2022Sep 2021Sep 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.02B1.32B1.12B1.14B748.90M
Gross Profit1.02B1.01B1.01B1.02B748.90M
EBITDA252.30M220.20M333.10M388.60M236.70M
Net Income100.40M81.10M165.20M202.10M109.50M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets14.08B13.55B12.68B12.03B11.07B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.58B2.21B1.38B1.44B1.46B
Total Debt2.36B2.99B3.03B2.75B2.76B
Total Liabilities12.24B11.91B11.02B10.47B9.62B
Stockholders Equity1.84B1.64B1.66B1.57B1.45B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-426.50M631.20M-259.80M43.30M125.90M
Operating Cash Flow-382.00M693.10M-201.40M100.10M175.50M
Investing Cash Flow-1.15B-603.60M-243.70M-806.60M-177.30M
Financing Cash Flow513.40M736.80M391.50M681.80M274.80M

Close Brothers Group Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price400.40
Price Trends
50DMA
373.07
Positive
100DMA
341.94
Positive
200DMA
305.57
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
10.33
Positive
RSI
52.44
Neutral
STOCH
18.32
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:CBG, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 400.4 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 403.27, above the 50-day MA of 373.07, and above the 200-day MA of 305.57, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 10.33 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 52.44 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 18.32 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for GB:CBG.

Close Brothers Group Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
83
Outperform
£2.37B11.8840.24%5.21%2.95%9.84%
79
Outperform
£2.20B13.718.13%5.33%2.63%132.46%
77
Outperform
£3.88B10.4820.39%4.19%6.34%30.64%
73
Outperform
£671.26M10.6515.14%4.84%-0.07%34.54%
70
Neutral
$605.28M4.53-6.71%3.73%-172.06%
62
Neutral
AU$10.08B9.6711.83%5.02%33.36%41.81%
58
Neutral
£110.25M-3.06%6.38%17.11%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:CBG
Close Brothers Group
403.80
-107.20
-20.98%
GB:CMCX
CMC Markets
235.50
-83.24
-26.12%
GB:IGG
IG Group Holdings
1,109.00
216.11
24.20%
GB:PLUS
Plus500
3,336.00
1,136.14
51.65%
GB:TCAP
TP ICap
302.00
95.70
46.39%
GB:PEEL
Peel Hunt Limited
96.00
-43.00
-30.94%

Close Brothers Group Corporate Events

Other
Close Brothers Group Transfers Shares to Employee Plans
Neutral
Jul 28, 2025

Close Brothers Group plc, a financial services company, has announced the transfer of 1,684 ordinary shares from treasury to participants in its employee share plans at a price of 371 pence per share. This transaction leaves the company with 1,569,766 ordinary shares in treasury and a total of 150,490,524 ordinary shares in issue, excluding treasury shares, reflecting its ongoing commitment to employee ownership and incentive programs.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CBG) stock is a Buy with a £4.63 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Close Brothers Group stock, see the GB:CBG Stock Forecast page.

Legal Proceedings
Close Brothers Awaits Supreme Court Judgment on ‘Hopcraft’ Case
Neutral
Jul 25, 2025

Close Brothers Group has announced an update regarding the timing of the Supreme Court’s judgment on the ‘Hopcraft’ motor finance commissions case. The judgment, which is crucial for Close Brothers Limited, is set to be published on 1 August 2025. The outcome of this appeal could significantly impact the company’s operations, and Close Brothers will provide further announcements post-judgment as necessary.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CBG) stock is a Buy with a £4.63 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Close Brothers Group stock, see the GB:CBG Stock Forecast page.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Close Brothers Sells Winterflood Securities to Marex for £103.9 Million
Positive
Jul 25, 2025

Close Brothers Group has announced the sale of its execution services and securities business, Winterflood Securities, to Marex Group for approximately £103.9 million in cash. This strategic move aligns with Close Brothers’ priorities to simplify its portfolio and focus on core lending activities, enhancing operational efficiency and driving sustainable growth. The transaction, expected to complete in early 2026, will improve Close Brothers’ Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio and allow Marex to expand its equity market-making business, leveraging Winterflood’s technology and client relationships.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CBG) stock is a Buy with a £4.63 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Close Brothers Group stock, see the GB:CBG Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Close Brothers Group Transfers Shares to Employee Plans
Neutral
Jul 21, 2025

Close Brothers Group plc has announced a transaction involving the transfer of 1,297 ordinary shares from treasury to participants in its employee share plans at a price of 371 pence per share. This transaction reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to its employee incentive programs and results in the company holding 1,571,450 ordinary shares in treasury, with a total of 150,488,840 ordinary shares in issue, excluding treasury shares.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CBG) stock is a Buy with a £4.63 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Close Brothers Group stock, see the GB:CBG Stock Forecast page.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Close Brothers Sells Brewery Rentals Unit to MML Keystone
Neutral
Jul 15, 2025

Close Brothers Group has announced the sale of its subsidiary, Close Brewery Rentals Limited (CBRL), to MML Keystone, a fund managed by MML Capital. This strategic move aligns with Close Brothers’ priorities to simplify its portfolio and enhance operational efficiency. The sale is expected to generate a modest gain and capital benefit, without materially impacting the group’s adjusted operating profit. Despite divesting CBRL, Close Brothers will continue to focus on the beverage finance market, offering finance solutions for brewery and distillery equipment, seeing attractive growth opportunities in this sector.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CBG) stock is a Buy with a £4.63 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Close Brothers Group stock, see the GB:CBG Stock Forecast page.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Close Brothers Sells Brewery Rentals Unit to MML Keystone
Neutral
Jul 15, 2025

Close Brothers Group has announced the sale of its subsidiary, Close Brewery Rentals Limited (CBRL), to MML Keystone, a fund managed by MML Capital. This strategic move aligns with Close Brothers’ priorities to simplify its portfolio and enhance operational efficiency. Although the sale will result in a modest gain and capital benefit, it is not expected to significantly impact the group’s Adjusted Operating Profit. Despite the divestment, Close Brothers will continue to focus on the beverage finance market, offering finance solutions for brewery and distillery equipment through Close Brothers Beverage Finance, which maintains a loan book of approximately £35 million.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CBG) stock is a Buy with a £4.63 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Close Brothers Group stock, see the GB:CBG Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Close Brothers Shifts Focus to Commercial Lines in Premium Finance
Positive
Jul 9, 2025

Close Brothers Group has announced a strategic shift in its Premium Finance business, focusing on commercial lines insurance premium finance due to its stronger risk-adjusted returns and growth potential. This move involves reducing emphasis on personal lines insurance, which has become less attractive due to rising costs and market changes. The company plans to optimize its cost base, modernize technology, and streamline operations, aiming for a cost reduction of approximately £20 million per annum by 2030. The shift will result in withdrawing from certain broker relationships, impacting a modest portion of the business, but is expected to lead to improved profitability and returns over time.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CBG) stock is a Buy with a £4.63 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Close Brothers Group stock, see the GB:CBG Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Close Brothers Group Aligns Management Interests with Shareholders Through Share Incentive Plan
Positive
Jul 8, 2025

Close Brothers Group plc announced that shares were purchased under its Share Incentive Plan for key managerial personnel, including the Group Head of Human Resources, Group Chief Finance Officer, and Group Chief Risk Officer. This transaction, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, signifies the company’s commitment to aligning the interests of its management with shareholders, potentially impacting its operational dynamics and stakeholder confidence.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CBG) stock is a Buy with a £4.63 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Close Brothers Group stock, see the GB:CBG Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Close Brothers Group Announces Key Personnel Share Transactions
Neutral
Jul 2, 2025

Close Brothers Group has announced a transaction involving Nazrul Kazi, the Group Head of Internal Audit, who exercised options under the 2023 Retention and Recruitment Share Plan. The transaction involved the exercise of options, a partial sale of shares to cover tax obligations, and the retention of remaining shares. This move is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to retain and recruit key personnel, potentially impacting its operational stability and strategic positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CBG) stock is a Buy with a £4.63 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Close Brothers Group stock, see the GB:CBG Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Close Brothers Group Updates Share Capital and Voting Rights
Neutral
Jul 1, 2025

Close Brothers Group PLC announced that its total issued listed share capital as of June 30, 2025, consisted of 152,060,290 ordinary shares, with 1,572,747 held in Treasury, resulting in 150,487,543 shares with voting rights. This update is crucial for shareholders to determine their major interest in the company, as per the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CBG) stock is a Buy with a £4.63 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Close Brothers Group stock, see the GB:CBG Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Close Brothers Group Announces Change in Major Holdings
Neutral
Jun 26, 2025

Close Brothers Group PLC has announced a change in its major holdings due to an in-specie transfer, with Aberdeen Group plc now holding a significant portion of voting rights. This adjustment reflects an increase in the voting rights held by abrdn Holdings Limited and abrdn Investments Limited above the 5% threshold, potentially impacting the company’s governance and strategic decision-making processes.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CBG) stock is a Buy with a £4.63 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Close Brothers Group stock, see the GB:CBG Stock Forecast page.

Other
Kopernik Global Adjusts Stake in Close Brothers Group
Neutral
Jun 24, 2025

Kopernik Global Investors, LLC, based in Tampa, USA, has adjusted its voting rights in Close Brothers Group PLC, reducing its stake from 3.04% to 2.99% as of June 20, 2025. This change in holdings may impact the company’s shareholder dynamics, though the overall effect on operations or strategic direction remains to be seen.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CBG) stock is a Buy with a £620.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Close Brothers Group stock, see the GB:CBG Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Close Brothers Group Sees Change in Major Shareholder Voting Rights
Neutral
Jun 9, 2025

Close Brothers Group PLC has announced a change in the voting rights held by Aberdeen Group plc, which has decreased from 9.87% to 8.52% as of June 6, 2025. This reduction in voting rights reflects a decrease in the shares managed by abrdn Holdings Limited and abrdn Investments Limited, falling below the 5% notifiable threshold due to trading activities. This shift might impact the company’s shareholder dynamics and influence within the market.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CBG) stock is a Buy with a £4.63 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Close Brothers Group stock, see the GB:CBG Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Close Brothers COO Exercises Share Options in Strategic Transaction
Neutral
Jun 6, 2025

Close Brothers Group plc announced a transaction involving Simon Jacobs, the Group Chief Operating Officer, who exercised options under the 2023 Retention and Recruitment Share Plan. The transaction involved the exercise of 23,303 shares, a partial sale of 10,992 shares to cover tax obligations, and the retention of 12,311 shares. This transaction, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to manage executive compensation and align managerial interests with shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CBG) stock is a Buy with a £385.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Close Brothers Group stock, see the GB:CBG Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Close Brothers Group Executives Acquire Shares Under Incentive Plan
Positive
Jun 6, 2025

Close Brothers Group plc announced that several managerial personnel acquired shares under the company’s Share Incentive Plan. This transaction, involving key figures such as the Group Head of Human Resources, Group Chief Finance Officer, and Group Chief Risk Officer, reflects ongoing participation in the company’s equity plans, potentially aligning management interests with shareholder value and reinforcing confidence in the company’s future performance.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CBG) stock is a Buy with a £385.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Close Brothers Group stock, see the GB:CBG Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Close Brothers Group Announces Share Capital and Voting Rights Update
Neutral
Jun 2, 2025

Close Brothers Group PLC announced its total issued listed share capital as of May 30, 2025, which includes 152,060,290 ordinary shares. Of these, 1,572,747 shares are held in Treasury, leaving 150,487,543 shares with voting rights available for shareholder calculations under the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CBG) stock is a Buy with a £4.63 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Close Brothers Group stock, see the GB:CBG Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Close Brothers Group Announces Sharesave Scheme 2025 Options Grant
Positive
May 30, 2025

Close Brothers Group plc has announced the grant of options to employees under its Sharesave Scheme 2025, which includes nine persons discharging managerial responsibilities. This move is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to align employee interests with those of shareholders, potentially enhancing employee retention and motivation. The options, granted on 29 May 2025, cover ordinary shares priced at £2.43 each, and are set for a three-year term, reflecting the company’s commitment to long-term growth and stability.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CBG) stock is a Buy with a £5.60 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Close Brothers Group stock, see the GB:CBG Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Close Brothers Group Management Acquires Shares Under Incentive Plan
Positive
May 7, 2025

Close Brothers Group plc has announced transactions involving the acquisition of shares under its Share Incentive Plan by key managerial personnel. Rebekah Etherington, Fiona McCarthy, and Robert Sack, holding significant positions within the company, each acquired shares at a price of 330p per share. These transactions, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to align management interests with shareholder value, potentially impacting stakeholder confidence positively.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Close Brothers Group Announces Share Capital and Voting Rights Update
Neutral
May 1, 2025

Close Brothers Group PLC announced its total issued listed share capital as of April 30, 2025, which includes 152,060,290 ordinary shares, with 1,572,747 held in Treasury. This leaves 150,487,543 ordinary shares with voting rights, a figure shareholders can use to assess their major interest under regulatory rules.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jul 25, 2025