UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FORM 6-K REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 February 2007 Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC (Names of Registrants) 1 Churchill Place London E14 5HP England (Address of Principal Executive Offices) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F. Form 20-F x Form 40-F Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes No x If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This Report is a joint Report on Form 6-K filed by Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC. All of the issued ordinary share capital of Barclays Bank PLC is owned by Barclays PLC. This Report comprises: Information given to The London Stock Exchange and furnished pursuant to General Instruction B to the General Instructions to Form 6-K. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXHIBIT INDEX Final Results dated 20 February 2007 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each of the registrants has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. BARCLAYS PLC (Registrant) Date: February 20, 2007 By: /s/ Patrick Gonsalves ---------------------- Patrick Gonsalves Deputy Secretary BARCLAYS BANK PLC (Registrant) Date: February 20, 2007 By: /s/ Patrick Gonsalves ---------------------- Patrick Gonsalves Joint Secretary Results Announcement 31st December 2006 BARCLAYS PLC PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS FOR 2006 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Summary of key information 2 Performance summary 3 Financial highlights 4 Group Chief Executive's Statement 5 Consolidated income statement 9 Consolidated balance sheet 11 Results by business 13 Results by nature of income and expense 44 Analysis of amounts included in the balance sheet 59 Additional information 70 Notes 75 Consolidated statement of recognised income and expense 90 Summary consolidated cash flow statement 91 Other information 92 Appendix 1-Absa Group Limited results 94 Appendix 2-Profit before business disposals 96 Index 98 The information in this announcement, which was approved by the Board of Directors on 19th February 2007, does not comprise statutory accounts for the years ended 31st December 2006 or 31st December 2005, within the meaning of Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985 (the 'Act'). Statutory accounts for the year ended 31st December 2006, which also include certain information required for the joint Annual Report on Form 20-F of Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies in accordance with Section 242 of the Act. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31st December 2005 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and the Group's auditors have reported on those accounts and have given an unqualified report which does not contain a statement under Section 237(2) or (3) of the Act. The 2006 Annual Review and Summary Financial Statement will be posted to shareholders together with the Group's full Annual Report for those shareholders who request it. Forward-looking statements This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to certain of the Group's plans and its current goals and expectations relating to its future financial condition and performance. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements sometimes use words such as 'aim', 'anticipate', 'target', 'expect', 'estimate', 'intend', 'plan', 'goal', 'believe', or other words of similar meaning. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the Group's future financial position, income growth, impairment charges, business strategy, projected levels of growth in the banking and financial markets, projected costs, estimates of capital expenditures, and plans and objectives for future operations. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances, including, but not limited to, the further development of standards and interpretations under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) applicable to past, current and future periods, evolving practices with regard to the interpretation and application of standards under IFRS, as well as UK domestic and global economic and business conditions, market related risks such as changes in interest rates and exchange rates, the policies and actions of governmental and regulatory authorities, changes in legislation, progress in the integration of Absa into the Group's business and the achievement of synergy targets related to Absa, the outcome of pending and future litigation, and the impact of competition-a number of which factors are beyond the Group's control. As a result, the Group's actual future results may differ materially from the plans, goals, and expectations set forth in the Group's forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Barclays speak only as of the date they are made. Barclays does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect any changes in Barclays expectations with regard thereto or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. The reader should, however, consult any additional disclosures that Barclays has made or may make in documents it has filed or may file with the SEC. Absa Definitions 'Absa Group Limited' refers to the consolidated results of the South African group of which the parent company is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in which Barclays owns a controlling stake. 'Absa' refers to the results for Absa Group Limited as consolidated into the results of Barclays PLC; translated into Sterling with adjustments for amortisation of intangible assets, certain head office adjustments, transfer pricing and minority interests. 'International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa' is the portion of Absa's results that is reported by Barclays within the International Retail and Commercial Banking business. Barclays acquired a controlling stake in Absa Group Limited on 27th July 2005. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, 2005 comparatives reflect results from that date and are not directly comparable to 2006. 'Absa Capital' is the portion of Absa's results that is reported by Barclays within the Barclays Capital business. Glossary of terms The cost:income ratio is defined as operating expenses compared to total income net of insurance claims. The cost:net income ratio is defined as operating expenses compared to total income net of insurance claims less impairment charges. The Return on average economic capital is defined as attributable profit compared to average economic capital. 'Income' refers to total income net of insurance claims, unless otherwise specified. 'Profit before business disposals' represents profit before tax and disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures. Details of the impact on each business and the Group can be found in Appendix 2 on page 96. RESULTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31ST DECEMBER 2006 ---------------------- -------- -------- -------- Group Results 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm % Change Total income net of insurance claims 21,595 17,333 25 Impairment charges (2,154) (1,571) 37 Operating expenses (12,674) (10,527) 20 Profit before tax 7,136 5,280 35 Profit attributable to minority interests (624) (394) 58 Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent 4,571 3,447 33 Economic profit 2,704 1,752 54 p p % Change Earnings per share 71.9 54.4 32 Diluted earnings per share 69.8 52.6 33 Full year dividend per share 31.0 26.6 17 % % Tier 1 Capital ratio 7.7 7.0 Return on average shareholders' equity 24.7 21.1 Profit before tax by business(1) GBPm GBPm % Change UK Banking 2,578 2,200 17 -------- -------- UK Retail Banking 1,213 1,040 17 UK Business Banking 1,365 1,160 18 -------- -------- Barclaycard 382 640 (40) International Retail and Commercial Banking (IRCB) 1,270 633 101 -------- -------- IRCB-ex Absa 572 335 71 IRCB-Absa(2) 698 298 134 -------- -------- Barclays Capital 2,216 1,431 55 Barclays Global Investors 714 540 32 Barclays Wealth 213 166 28 ------------------------- -------- -------- -------- (1) Summary excludes Barclays Wealth-closed life assurance activities and Head office functions and other operations. Full analysis of business profit before tax is on page 17. (2) For 2005, this reflects the period from 27th July until 31st December 2005. PERFORMANCE SUMMARY "Barclays had an excellent year in 2006. We delivered outstanding performance in Barclays Capital and Barclays Global Investors. Momentum has accelerated in UK Retail Banking and Absa has outperformed our acquisition business plan delivering very strong growth. Conditions in UK cards and consumer loans were difficult but Barclaycard UK consumer credit performance is beginning to improve. We are well positioned to deliver further growth in the years ahead." John Varley, Group Chief Executive - Excellent financial results reflect the successful execution of strategy: - Income up 25% to GBP21,595m - Profit before tax up 35% to GBP7,136m - Earnings per share up 32% to 71.9p - Dividend per share up 17% to 31.0p - Economic profit up 54% to GBP2,704m - Return on average shareholders' equity of 25%. - Excluding gains on business disposals of GBP323m: - Profit before tax up 29% to GBP6,813m - Earnings per share up 23% to 66.8p. - Income growth of 25% was well ahead of expense growth of 20%. Expense growth reflected significant investment in organic growth across the business and performance related costs. - In UK Retail Banking accelerated income momentum drove very strong profit growth. - UK Banking delivered a further three percentage points underlying improvement in the cost:income ratio; the six percentage point target for 2005-2007 has been achieved a year ahead of schedule; we still target a further two percentage point improvement in 2007. - Outstanding growth in Barclays Capital was driven by continued expansion of the business, the success of past investment and the focus of our client driven model. - Barclays Global Investors delivered another year of excellent growth. Assets under management increased US$301bn to US$1.8trn. - Absa's first full year contribution was well ahead of the acquisition business plan. - Barclaycard profits were affected by industrywide impairment pressures in UK cards and unsecured loans; UK consumer credit performance is beginning to improve. - Capital ratios strengthened through retained earnings and active balance sheet management; the Tier 1 Capital ratio rose to 7.7%. - We delivered a Total Shareholder Return for 2006 of 25%. - Approximately 50% of profits came from outside the UK. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2006 2005 RESULTS GBPm GBPm ---------- Net interest income 9,143 8,075 Net fee and commission income 7,177 5,705 Principal transactions(1) 4,576 3,179 Net premiums from insurance contracts 1,060 872 Other income 214 147 -------- -------- Total income 22,170 17,978 Net claims and benefits paid on insurance contracts (575) (645) -------- -------- Total income net of insurance claims 21,595 17,333 Impairment charges (2,154) (1,571) -------- -------- Net income 19,441 15,762 Operating expenses (12,674) (10,527) Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures 46 45 Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures 323 - -------- -------- Profit before tax 7,136 5,280 -------- -------- Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent 4,571 3,447 Economic profit 2,704 1,752 PER ORDINARY SHARE p p -------------------- Earnings 71.9 54.4 Diluted earnings 69.8 52.6 Full year dividend 31.0 26.6 Net asset value 303 269 PERFORMANCE RATIOS % % -------------------- Return on average shareholders' equity 24.7 21.1 Cost:income ratio 59 61 Cost:net income ratio 65 67 2006 2005 BALANCE SHEET GBPm GBPm --------------- -------- -------- Shareholders' equity excluding minority interests 19,799 17,426 Minority interests 7,591 7,004 -------- -------- Total shareholders' equity 27,390 24,430 Subordinated liabilities 13,786 12,463 -------- -------- Total capital resources 41,176 36,893 -------- -------- Total assets 996,787 924,357 Risk weighted assets 297,833 269,148 CAPITAL RATIOS % % ---------------- Tier 1 ratio 7.7 7.0 Risk asset ratio 11.7 11.3 (1) Principal transactions comprise net trading income and net investment income. GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REVIEW Barclays had an excellent year in 2006. I start this review by thanking the 123,000 employees of the Barclays Group, whose dedication and creativity helped us achieve record results. Our strategy of 'earn, invest and grow' continued to deliver very strong growth in profits. Our ambition is to become one of the handful of universal banks leading the global financial services industry. I believe that the universal banking model is helping us drive the higher growth for shareholders that I set out to achieve three years ago, by providing us with new options in products, services and markets. In our business, strategy simply stated is anticipation followed by service: we anticipate the needs of customers and clients. We then serve them, by helping them achieve their goals. The needs of customers and clients are changing. The drivers of change include: the privatisation of welfare; wealth generation and wealth transfer; explosive growth in demand for banking products in emerging markets; the securitisation of assets and cash flows; the use of derivatives in risk management; the significant growth in the use of credit cards for payment and borrowing; and the opportunity for capital markets and private equity to fund infrastructure development around the world. To capitalise on these sources of growth, I have put a new structure in place by creating Global Retail and Commercial Banking (GRCB) under the leadership of Frits Seegers, who joined Barclays in July 2006. GRCB brings together: UK Banking, International Retail and Commercial Banking and Barclaycard. GRCB gives Barclays a single point of strategic direction and control to these businesses, thereby increasing our capability to drive growth and synergies globally and to enter new markets. We believe this will enable us to replicate success from one part of the world in another. This GRCB structure mirrors the organisation of Investment Banking and Investment Management under Bob Diamond, which also gives a single point of strategic direction and control to a group of global businesses which enjoy substantial synergies. My obligation as Group Chief Executive is to assemble the best team I can. We have added significantly to our management bench strength in 2006, particularly in GRCB, and have concentrated on supplementing our existing talent with deep specialist retail and commercial banking and card experience across a range of international markets. Performance versus goals For the three years from 31st December 2003 to 31st December 2006, Barclays delivered a Total Shareholder Return (TSR) of 66% and was positioned 6th within its peer group, which is second quartile. The TSR of the FTSE 100 Index for this period was 54%. For the year to 31st December 2006, we delivered a TSR of 25% and were positioned 5th in our peer group. The TSR for the FTSE 100 for the year was 14%. Economic profit for 2006 was GBP2.7bn, which, added to the GBP3.3bn generated in 2004 and 2005, delivered a cumulative total of GBP6.0bn for the goal period to date. This equates to compound annual growth in economic profit of 28% per annum over the period, which is well ahead of our target range. Group performance We made substantial progress on our strategic priorities and delivered record financial results. Profit before tax increased 35% to GBP7,136m. Earnings per share rose 32% to 71.9p, and economic profit was up 54% to GBP2,704m. Profit excluding business disposals of GBP323m increased 29% to GBP6,813m, and earnings per share increased 23% to 66.8p. We increased the total dividend payout to 31p, a rise of 17%. Income grew 25% to GBP21,595m, well ahead of expense growth of 20%. The growth was broadly based by business and geography, reflecting momentum in each business. All businesses made significant contributions, with especially strong performances from Barclays Capital, UK Banking and Barclays Global Investors, and a substantial contribution to income from Absa in its first full year of ownership. Excluding Absa, Group income grew 18%, compared with expense growth of 13%. The mix of income and profit continued to evolve. Approximately half our profits came from outside the UK, up from about 30% in 2003. Operating expenses increased 20% to GBP12,674m. The Group cost:income ratio improved two percentage points to 59%. We continue to target top quartile productivity for all businesses, and in 2006 the ratio improved or remained flat in all businesses. Operating expenses include gains on the sale of properties of GBP432m partly offset by accelerated incremental investment expenditure of approximately GBP280m. Impairment charges rose 37% to GBP2,154m. Excluding Absa, impairment charges on loans and advances increased 26%. The increase was mostly attributable to the challenging credit environment in UK unsecured retail lending, which was partly due to the continued rise in the level of personal insolvencies. In the second half of 2006, as a result of a number of management actions, flows into delinquency decreased and arrears balances declined across the UK cards and unsecured loans portfolios. We therefore believe that we passed the worst in Barclaycard UK impairment in the second half of 2006. UK mortgage impairment charges remained negligible, and the wholesale and larger corporate sectors continued to be stable with a low level of defaults. When I look at these results, I am pleased to see increased productivity in our use of capital, risk and costs. Return on average shareholders' funds improved four percentage points to 25%; profits grew much faster than Daily Value at Risk and risk weighted assets and the associated consumption of capital; and income growth exceeded cost growth by five percentage points. Business performance In UK Banking we made significant strides towards our strategic priority of building the best bank in the UK. Strong growth in income enabled us to increase our profit before tax 17% to GBP2,578m. The improvement in the cost:income ratio was four percentage points in headline terms to 52% (2005: 56%). Excluding the impact of property gains and accelerated investment, the improvement in the cost:income ratio was three percentage points making a cumulative total for 2005-2006 of six percentage points. This means that we have achieved our target of a six percentage point improvement over the period 2005-2007, one year ahead of schedule. We continue to target a further two percentage point improvement in the cost:income ratio for 2007. UK Retail Banking delivered a 17% profit before tax increase to GBP1,213m. This was driven by broadly based income growth of 7%, with particularly strong performances in savings, Local Business and UK Premier and good growth in current accounts. Our mortgage market share and processing capacity also increased strongly leading to a net market share of 4% in the second half of the year. We doubled investment across the business. We focused on upgrading distribution capabilities, transforming the performance of the mortgage business, revitalising product offerings, and improving core operations and processes. The additional investment substantially offset the impact of property gains, leading to broadly flat costs. In 2007 we expect to make further significant investment, including the restructuring of the branch network and the migration of Woolwich customers. UK Business Banking delivered very strong growth in profit before tax of 18% to GBP1,365m. Strong growth in loans and deposits drove income growth of 11%. Profit before business disposals grew 11%. UK Business Banking maintained its competitive position and also funded significant investment in improving its infrastructure and customer service. At Barclaycard profit before tax fell 40% to GBP382m. Good income growth of 8%, driven by very strong momentum in Barclaycard International, was more than offset by a further rise in impairment charges, principally in the UK lending portfolios, and by higher costs, mainly as a result of continued investment in Barclaycard US. In the UK, high debt levels and changing attitudes to bankruptcy and debt default contributed to increased impairment charges. Actions that we have taken, including more selective customer recruitment, limit management, and improved collections, have led to a reduction of flows into delinquency and lower levels of arrears balances in cards and unsecured loans. It is these trends that cause us to believe that we passed the worst in Barclaycard UK impairment in the second half of 2006. We continued to invest in Barclaycard US. Since we bought the business in December 2004, outstandings have grown from US$1.4bn to US$4.0bn, and cards in issue have increased from 1.1 million to 4.2 million. Income grew 73% in 2006. We are on track to become profitable in 2007. International Retail and Commercial Banking achieved a step change in profitability to GBP1,270m (2005: GBP633m), reflecting the inclusion of Absa for a full year, the impact of corporate development activity and growth in key geographies. International Retail and Commercial Banking-excluding Absa achieved a profit before tax of GBP572m (2005: GBP335m), including a gain of GBP247m from the disposal of our interest in FirstCaribbean International Bank. Excluding this gain, profit before tax was GBP325m (2005: GBP335m). Good organic growth in the businesses across continental Europe was offset by incremental investment in distribution capacity and technology across the businesses in 2006. We expect to double the rate of investment in infrastructure and distribution in 2007. International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa contributed GBP698m profit before tax in the first full year of ownership and is performing well ahead of our acquisition business case. Absa Group Limited achieved year on year growth in profit before tax of 24% in Rand terms, reflecting very strong growth in mortgages, credit cards and commercial property finance. The benefits of Barclays ownership are evident in 46% attributable earnings growth in both Absa Card and Absa Capital (reported in Barclays Capital), with total synergy benefits well ahead of plan. Barclays Capital produced an outstanding performance with profit before tax rising 55% to GBP2,216m. Income growth of 39% was driven by doing more business with new and existing clients and was broadly based across asset classes and geographies. Growth was particularly strong in areas where we have invested in recent years, including commodities, equity products and credit derivatives. Profit growth was accompanied by improvements in productivity: income and profits grew significantly faster than Daily Value at Risk, risk weighted assets, economic capital, regulatory capital and costs. The ratio of compensation costs to net income improved two percentage points to 49% and the cost:net income ratio improved three percentage points to 64%. We continued to invest for future growth, increasing headcount 3,300 including 1,300 from the acquisition of HomEq, a US mortgage servicing business. Barclays Global Investors delivered excellent results, with profit before tax up 32% to GBP714m. Income growth of 26% was attributable to increased management fees, particularly in the iShares and active businesses. Assets under management grew US$301bn to US$1.8 trillion, including net new assets of $68bn, reflecting very strong inflows in iShares and active assets. The cost:income ratio improved two percentage points to 57%. Barclays Wealth profit before tax rose 28% to GBP213m. This reflected broadly based income growth and favourable market conditions, partially offset by a significant increase in investment in people and infrastructure to build a platform for future growth. Total client assets increased 19% to GBP93bn. The cost:income ratio improved three percentage points to 79%. In Head office functions and other operations the loss before tax decreased GBP64m to GBP259m, reflecting the head office relocation costs incurred in 2005. Capital management Our strong credit rating and disciplined approach to capital management remain sources of competitive advantage. Our capital management policies are designed to optimise the returns to shareholders whilst maintaining our credit rating. At the end of 2006, our tier 1 Capital ratio was 7.7% (2005: 7.0%). The improved capital ratio was driven by the strong capital generation of our business portfolio, the impact of disposals, including our stake in FirstCaribbean International Bank, and the efficient management of the balance sheet through the use of the capital markets. We have invested almost GBP2 billion to support the capital required for our organic growth throughout the portfolio at a very attractive rate of return and we also increased the dividend to shareholders by 17%. We commenced parallel running for Basel II at the end of 2006. Whilst there are still areas in which the regulators have not yet defined the requirements for detailed implementation, we continue to anticipate a modest benefit to our capital ratios from Basel II. For 2007 we will continue to report our capital ratios under Basel I. Executive management I want to acknowledge the significant contributions of two executive directors who are leaving Barclays. David Roberts, previously Chief Executive of International Retail and Commercial Banking, left Barclays at the end of 2006 after 23 years of outstanding service. Naguib Kheraj has been a generator of very significant value for the Group over the last 10 years in a number of different roles at Barclays, most recently as Group Finance Director. He will be leaving us in 2007. I thank David and Naguib warmly for their dedication to the success of Barclays and I wish them well for the future. Our new Group Finance Director, Chris Lucas joins us in April and brings a wealth of experience in financial services. Outlook We enter 2007 with strong income momentum in Barclays, driven by high levels of customer activity and good risk control. The global economic outlook continues to be positive and we are well positioned to capture further growth in the years ahead. John Varley Group Chief Executive CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Interest income 21,805 17,232 Interest expense (12,662) (9,157) -------- -------- Net interest income 9,143 8,075 -------- -------- Fee and commission income 8,005 6,430 Fee and commission expense (828) (725) -------- -------- Net fee and commission income 7,177 5,705 -------- -------- Net trading income 3,614 2,321 Net investment income 962 858 -------- -------- Principal transactions 4,576 3,179 Net premiums from insurance contracts 1,060 872 Other income 214 147 -------- -------- Total income 22,170 17,978 Net claims and benefits paid on insurance contracts (575) (645) -------- -------- Total income net of insurance claims 21,595 17,333 Impairment charges (2,154) (1,571) -------- -------- Net income 19,441 15,762 -------- -------- Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets (12,538) (10,448) Amortisation of intangible assets (136) (79) -------- -------- Operating expenses (12,674) (10,527) Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures 46 45 Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures 323 - -------- -------- Profit before tax 7,136 5,280 Tax (1,941) (1,439) -------- -------- Profit after tax 5,195 3,841 -------- -------- Profit attributable to minority interests 624 394 Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent 4,571 3,447 -------- -------- 5,195 3,841 -------- -------- p p Earnings per share 71.9 54.4 Diluted earnings per share 69.8 52.6 Dividends per share: Interim dividend 10.5 9.2 Final dividend 20.5 17.4 -------- -------- Total dividend 31.0 26.6 -------- -------- GBPm GBPm Interim dividend 666 582 Final dividend 1,307 1,105 -------- -------- Total dividend 1,973 1,687 -------- -------- CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 2006 2005 Assets GBPm GBPm Cash and balances at central banks 7,345 3,906 Items in the course of collection from other banks 2,408 1,901 Trading portfolio assets 177,867 155,723 Financial assets designated at fair value: - held on own account 31,799 12,904 - held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts 82,798 83,193 Derivative financial instruments 138,353 136,823 Loans and advances to banks 30,926 31,105 Loans and advances to customers 282,300 268,896 Available for sale financial investments 51,703 53,497 Reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral 174,090 160,398 on securities borrowed Other assets 5,850 4,734 Current tax assets 557 - Investments in associates and joint ventures 228 546 Goodwill 6,092 6,022 Intangible assets 1,215 1,269 Property, plant and equipment 2,492 2,754 Deferred tax assets 764 686 -------- -------- Total assets 996,787 924,357 -------- -------- 2006 2005 Liabilities GBPm GBPm Deposits from banks 79,562 75,127 Items in the course of collection due to other banks 2,221 2,341 Customer accounts 256,754 238,684 Trading portfolio liabilities 71,874 71,564 Financial liabilities designated at fair value 53,987 33,385 Liabilities to customers under investment contracts 84,637 85,201 Derivative financial instruments 140,697 137,971 Debt securities in issue 111,137 103,328 Repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities lent 136,956 121,178 Other liabilities 10,337 11,131 Current tax liabilities 1,020 747 Insurance contract liabilities, including unit-linked liabilities 3,878 3,767 Subordinated liabilities 13,786 12,463 Deferred tax liabilities 282 700 Provisions 462 517 Retirement benefit liabilities 1,807 1,823 -------- -------- Total liabilities 969,397 899,927 -------- -------- Shareholders' equity Called up share capital 1,634 1,623 Share premium account 5,818 5,650 Other reserves 390 1,377 Retained earnings 12,169 8,957 Less: treasury shares (212) (181) -------- -------- Shareholders' equity excluding minority interests 19,799 17,426 Minority interests 7,591 7,004 -------- -------- Total shareholders' equity 27,390 24,430 -------- -------- -------- -------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 996,787 924,357 -------- -------- FINANCIAL REVIEW Results by business The following section analyses the Group's performance by business. For management and reporting purposes, Barclays is organised into the following business groupings: Global Retail and Commercial Banking - UK Banking, comprising - UK Retail Banking - UK Business Banking - Barclaycard - International Retail and Commercial Banking, comprising - International Retail and Commercial Banking-excluding Absa - International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa, first included with effect from 27th July 2005 Investment Banking and Investment Management - Barclays Capital - Barclays Global Investors - Barclays Wealth - Barclays Wealth-closed life assurance activities Head office functions and other operations UK Banking UK Banking delivers banking solutions to Barclays UK retail and business banking customers. It offers a range of integrated products and services and access to the expertise of other Group businesses. Customers are served through a variety of channels comprising the branch network, automated teller machines, telephone banking, online banking and relationship managers. UK Banking is managed through two business areas, UK Retail Banking and UK Business Banking. UK Retail Banking UK Retail Banking comprises Personal Customers, Home Finance, UK Premier and Local Business (formerly Small Business). This cluster of businesses aims to build broader and deeper relationships with customers. Personal Customers and Home Finance provide a wide range of products and services to retail customers, including current accounts, savings and investment products, mortgages branded Woolwich and general insurance. UK Premier provides banking, investment products and advice to affluent customers. Local Business provides banking services to small businesses. UK Business Banking UK Business Banking provides relationship banking to Barclays larger and medium business customers in the UK. Customers are served by a network of relationship and industry sector specialist managers who provide local access to an extensive range of products and services, as well as offering business information and support. Customers are also offered access to the products and expertise of other businesses in the Group, particularly Barclays Capital and Barclaycard. UK Business Banking provides asset financing and leasing solutions through a specialist business. Barclaycard Barclaycard is a multi-brand credit card and consumer loans business which also processes card payments for retailers and merchants and issues credit and charge cards to corporate customers and the UK Government. It is one of Europe's leading credit card businesses and has an increasing presence in the United States. In the UK, Barclaycard comprises Barclaycard, SkyCard and Monument branded credit cards, Barclays branded loans and FirstPlus secured lending. Barclaycard also manages card operations on behalf of Solution Personal Finance. Outside the UK, Barclaycard provides credit cards in the United States, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Africa. In the Nordic region, Barclaycard operates through Entercard, a joint venture with ForeningsSparbanken (Swedbank). Barclaycard works closely with other parts of the Group, including UK Retail Banking, UK Business Banking and International Retail and Commercial Banking, to leverage their distribution capabilities. International Retail and Commercial Banking International Retail and Commercial Banking provides Barclays personal and corporate customers outside the UK with banking services. The products and services offered to customers are tailored to meet the regulatory and commercial environments within each country. For reporting purposes from 2005, the operations have been grouped into two components: International Retail and Commercial Banking-excluding Absa and International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa. International Retail and Commercial Banking works closely with all other parts of the Group to leverage synergies from product and service propositions. International Retail and Commercial Banking-excluding Absa International Retail and Commercial Banking-excluding Absa provides a range of banking services, including current accounts, savings, investments, mortgages and loans to personal and corporate customers across Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Africa and the Middle East. International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa represents Barclays consolidation of Absa, excluding Absa Capital which is included as part of Barclays Capital. Absa Group Limited is one of South Africa's largest financial services organisations serving personal, commercial and corporate customers predominantly in South Africa. International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa serves retail customers through a variety of distribution channels and offers a full range of banking services, including current and deposit accounts, mortgages, instalment finance, credit cards, bancassurance products and wealth management services; it also offers customised business solutions for commercial and large corporate customers. Barclays Capital Barclays Capital is a leading global investment bank which provides large corporate, institutional and government clients with solutions to their financing and risk management needs. Barclays Capital services a wide variety of client needs, from capital raising and managing foreign exchange, interest rate, equity and commodity risks, through to providing technical advice and expertise. Activities are organised into three principal areas: Rates, which includes fixed income, foreign exchange, commodities, emerging markets, money markets, sales, trading and research, prime services and equity products; Credit, which includes primary and secondary activities for loans and bonds for investment grade, high yield and emerging market credit, as well as hybrid capital products, asset based finance, commercial mortgage backed securities, credit derivatives, structured capital markets and large asset leasing; and Private Equity. Barclays Capital includes Absa Capital, the investment banking business of Absa. Barclays Capital works closely with all other parts of the Group to leverage synergies from client relationships and product capabilities. Barclays Global Investors Barclays Global Investors (BGI) is one of the world's largest asset managers and a leading global provider of investment management products and services. BGI offers structured investment strategies such as indexing, global asset allocation and risk controlled active products including hedge funds and provides related investment services such as securities lending, cash management and portfolio transition services. In addition, BGI is the global leader in assets and products in the exchange traded funds business, with over 190 funds for institutions and individuals trading in fifteen markets globally. BGI's investment philosophy is founded on managing all dimensions of performance: a consistent focus on controlling risk, return and cost. BGI collaborates with the other Barclays businesses, particularly Barclays Capital and Barclays Wealth, to develop and market products and leverage capabilities to better serve the client base. Barclays Wealth Barclays Wealth serves affluent, high net worth and intermediary clients worldwide, providing private banking, asset management, stockbroking, offshore banking, wealth structuring and financial planning services. Barclays Wealth works closely with all other parts of the Group to leverage synergies from client relationships and product capabilities. Barclays Wealth-closed life assurance activities Barclays Wealth-closed life assurance activities comprise the closed life assurance businesses of Barclays and Woolwich in the UK. Head office functions and other operations Head office functions and other operations comprise: - Head office and central support functions - Businesses in transition - Consolidation adjustments. Head office and central support functions comprise the following areas: Executive management, Finance, Treasury, Corporate Affairs, Human Resources, Strategy and Planning, Internal Audit, Legal, Corporate Secretariat, Property, Tax, Compliance and Risk. Costs incurred wholly on behalf of the businesses are recharged to them. Businesses in transition principally relate to certain lending portfolios that are centrally managed with the objective of maximising recovery from the assets. Consolidation adjustments largely reflect the elimination of inter-segment transactions. SUMMARY OF RESULTS Analysis of profit attributable to equity holders of the parent 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm UK Banking 2,578 2,200 -------- -------- UK Retail Banking 1,213 1,040 UK Business Banking 1,365 1,160 -------- -------- Barclaycard 382 640 International Retail and Commercial Banking 1,270 633 -------- -------- International Retail and Commercial Banking-ex Absa 572 335 International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa(1) 698 298 -------- -------- Barclays Capital 2,216 1,431 Barclays Global Investors 714 540 Barclays Wealth 213 166 Barclays Wealth-closed life assurance activities 22 (7) Head office functions and other operations (259) (323) -------- -------- Profit before tax 7,136 5,280 Tax (1,941) (1,439) -------- -------- Profit after tax 5,195 3,841 Profit attributable to minority interests (624) (394) -------- -------- Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent 4,571 3,447 -------- -------- (1) For 2005, this reflects the period from 27th July until 31st December 2005. TOTAL ASSETS AND RISK WEIGHTED ASSETS Total assets 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm UK Banking 139,902 130,304 -------- -------- UK Retail Banking 74,018 70,389 UK Business Banking 65,884 59,915 -------- -------- Barclaycard 27,628 25,771 International Retail and Commercial Banking 68,848 63,556 -------- -------- International Retail and Commercial Banking-ex Absa 38,451 34,195 International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa 30,397 29,361 -------- -------- Barclays Capital 657,922 601,193 Barclays Global Investors 80,515 80,900 Barclays Wealth 7,285 6,094 Barclays Wealth-closed life assurance activities 7,605 7,276 Head office functions and other operations 7,082 9,263 -------- -------- 996,787 924,357 -------- -------- Risk weighted assets 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm UK Banking 84,903 79,929 -------- -------- UK Retail Banking 34,942 32,803 UK Business Banking 49,961 47,126 -------- -------- Barclaycard 25,203 21,752 International Retail and Commercial Banking 41,053 41,228 -------- -------- International Retail and Commercial Banking-ex Absa 20,325 20,394 International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa 20,728 20,834 -------- -------- Barclays Capital 137,635 116,677 Barclays Global Investors 1,375 1,456 Barclays Wealth 5,744 4,061 Barclays Wealth-closed life assurance activities - - Head office functions and other operations 1,920 4,045 -------- -------- 297,833 269,148 -------- -------- Further analysis of total assets and risk weighted assets, can be found on page 62. UK Banking 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Net interest income 4,035 3,744 Net fee and commission income 1,861 1,720 -------- -------- Net trading income 2 - Net investment income 28 26 -------- -------- Principal transactions 30 26 Net premiums from insurance contracts 269 280 Other income 63 33 -------- -------- Total income 6,258 5,803 Net claims and benefits on insurance contracts (35) (58) -------- -------- Total income net of insurance claims 6,223 5,745 Impairment charges (461) (327) -------- -------- Net income 5,762 5,418 -------- -------- Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets (3,263) (3,212) Amortisation of intangible assets (2) (3) -------- -------- Operating expenses (3,265) (3,215) Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures 5 (3) Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures 76 - -------- -------- Profit before tax 2,578 2,200 -------- -------- Cost:income ratio 52% 56% Cost:net income ratio 57% 59% Risk Tendency GBP515m GBP430m Return on average economic capital 38% 33% Economic profit GBP1,431m GBP1,130m 2006 2005 Loans and advances to customers GBP123.9bn GBP118.2bn Customer accounts GBP142.4bn GBP129.7bn Total assets GBP139.9bn GBP130.3bn Risk weighted assets GBP84.9bn GBP79.9bn Key Fact Number of UK branches 2,014 2,029 UK Banking profit before tax increased 17% (GBP378m) to GBP2,578m (2005: GBP2,200m) driven principally by good income growth. Profit before business disposals grew 14% (GBP302m) to GBP2,502m (2005: GBP2,200m). UK Banking has targeted a cost:income ratio reduction of two percentage points per annum in each of 2005, 2006 and 2007. In 2006 the cost:income ratio improved three percentage points to 53% (2005: 56%) excluding gains from property sales not reinvested; this brings the cumulative improvement to six percentage points in two years. UK Banking continues to target a further two percentage point improvement in 2007 to 51%. UK Retail Banking 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Net interest income 2,333 2,208 Net fee and commission income 1,219 1,131 -------- -------- Net trading income - - Net investment income - 9 -------- -------- Principal transactions - 9 Net premiums from insurance contracts 269 280 Other income 42 16 -------- -------- Total income 3,863 3,644 Net claims and benefits on insurance contracts (35) (58) -------- -------- Total income net of insurance claims 3,828 3,586 Impairment charges (209) (150) -------- -------- Net income 3,619 3,436 -------- -------- Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets (2,407) (2,390) Amortisation of intangible assets (1) - -------- -------- Operating expenses (2,408) (2,390) Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures 2 (6) -------- -------- Profit before tax 1,213 1,040 -------- -------- Cost:income ratio 63% 67% Cost:net income ratio 67% 70% Risk Tendency GBP225m GBP180m Return on average economic capital 39% 35% Economic profit GBP693m GBP586m 2006 2005 Loans and advances to customers GBP67.6bn GBP64.8bn Customer accounts GBP85.0bn GBP78.8bn Total assets GBP74.0bn GBP70.4bn Risk weighted assets GBP34.9bn GBP32.8bn Key Facts Personal Customers -------------------- Number of UK current accounts 11.5m 11.1m Number of UK savings accounts 11.0m 10.8m Total UK mortgage balances (residential) GBP61.9bn GBP59.6bn Number of household insurance policies 825,000 616,000 Local Business and UK Premier ------------------------------- Number of Local Business customers 630,000 630,000 Number of UK Premier customers 297,000 286,000 UK Retail Banking profit before tax increased 17% (GBP173m) to GBP1,213m (2005: GBP1,040m), driven by good income growth and well controlled costs. There has been substantial additional investment to transform the business. Income increased 7% (GBP242m) to GBP3,828m (2005: GBP3,586m), continuing the momentum reported at the half year. Income growth was broadly based. There was strong income growth in Personal Customers retail savings, Local Business and UK Premier and good growth in Personal Customers current account income. Sales volumes increased, with a particularly strong performance from direct channels. Net interest income increased 6% (GBP125m) to GBP2,333m (2005: GBP2,208m). Growth was driven by a higher contribution from deposits, through a combination of good balance sheet growth and a stable liability margin. Total average customer deposit balances increased 8% to GBP79.2bn (2005: GBP73.5bn), supported by new products. Growth of personal savings was above that of the market. Mortgage volumes improved significantly, driven by a focus on improving capacity, customer service, value and promotion. UK residential mortgage balances ended the year at GBP61.9bn (2005: GBP59.6bn). Gross advances were 60% higher at GBP18.4bn (2005: GBP11.5bn), with a market share of 5% (2005: 4%). Net lending was GBP2.4bn, with performance improving during the year, leading to a market share of 4% in the second half of the year. The mortgage margin was reduced by changed assumptions used in the calculation of effective interest rates, a higher proportion of new mortgages and base rate changes. The new business spread was in line with the industry. The loan to value ratio within the residential mortgage book on a current valuation basis was 34% (2005: 35%). There was good balance growth in non-mortgage loans, where Local Business average balances increased 9% and UK Premier average balances increased 25%. Net fee and commission income increased 8% (GBP88m) to GBP1,219m (2005: GBP1,131m). There was strong current account income growth in Personal Customers and Local Business. UK Premier delivered strong growth reflecting higher income from banking services, mortgage sales and investment advice. Net premiums from insurance underwriting activities decreased 4% (GBP11m) to GBP269m (2005: GBP280m). There continued to be lower customer take-up of loan protection insurance. Net claims and benefits on insurance contracts improved to GBP35m (2005: GBP58m). Other income increased GBP26m to GBP42m (2005: GBP16m), principally representing the benefit from reinsurance. Impairment charges increased 39% (GBP59m) to GBP209m (2005: GBP150m). The increase principally reflected balance growth and some deterioration in delinquency rates in the Local Business loan book. Losses from the mortgage portfolio remained negligible, with arrears at low levels. Operating expenses were steady at GBP2,408m (2005: GBP2,390m). Substantially all of the gains from the sale and leaseback of property of GBP253m have been reinvested in the business to improve customer service and deliver sustainable performance improvements. Around half of the incremental investment was directed at upgrading distribution capabilities, including restructuring and improving the branch network. Further investment was focused on upgrading the contact centres, transforming the performance of the mortgage business, revitalising the retail product range to meet customers' needs, improving core operations and processes and rationalising the number of operating sites. The level of investment reflected in operating expenses in 2006 was approximately double the level of 2005. The cost:income ratio improved four percentage points to 63% (2005: 67%). UK Business Banking 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Net interest income 1,702 1,536 Net fee and commission income 642 589 -------- -------- Net trading income 2 - Net investment income 28 17 -------- -------- Principal transactions 30 17 Other income 21 17 -------- -------- Total income 2,395 2,159 Impairment charges (252) (177) -------- -------- Net income 2,143 1,982 -------- -------- Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets (856) (822) Amortisation of intangible assets (1) (3) -------- -------- Operating expenses (857) (825) Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures 3 3 Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures 76 - -------- -------- Profit before tax 1,365 1,160 -------- -------- Cost:income ratio 36% 38% Cost:net income ratio 40% 42% Risk Tendency GBP290m GBP250m Return on average economic capital 37% 31% Economic profit GBP738m GBP544m 2006 2005 Loans and advances to customers GBP56.3bn GBP53.4bn Customer accounts GBP57.4bn GBP50.9bn Total assets GBP65.9bn GBP59.9bn Risk weighted assets GBP50.0bn GBP47.1bn Key Fact Total number of Business Banking customers 150,000 144,000 UK Business Banking profit before tax increased 18% (GBP205m) to GBP1,365m (2005: GBP1,160m), driven by continued strong income growth. UK Business Banking maintained its market share of primary customer relationships. The 2006 result included a GBP23m (2005: GBP13m) contribution from the full year consolidation of Iveco Finance, in which a 51% stake was acquired on 1st June 2005. Profit before business disposals increased 11% to GBP1,289m (2005: GBP1,160m). Income increased 11% (GBP236m) to GBP2,395m (2005: GBP2,159m), driven by strong balance sheet growth. The uplift in income was broadly based across income categories. Net interest income increased 11% (GBP166m) to GBP1,702m (2005: GBP1,536m) driven by strong balance sheet growth. There was strong growth in all business areas and in particular Larger Business. The lending margin improved slightly. Average deposit balances increased 11% to GBP44.8bn (2005: GBP40.5bn) with good growth across product categories. The deposit margin was stable. Net fee and commission income increased 9% (GBP53m) to GBP642m (2005: GBP589m). There was a strong rise in income from foreign exchange and derivatives business transacted through Barclays Capital on behalf of Business Banking customers. Income from principal transactions was GBP30m (2005: GBP17m), primarily reflecting the profit realised on a number of equity investments. As expected, impairment rates trended upwards during the year towards a more normalised level. Impairment increased 42% (GBP75m) to GBP252m (2005: GBP177m), with the increase mainly reflecting higher charges from Medium Business and balance growth. Impairment charges in Larger Business were stable. Operating expenses increased 4% (GBP32m) to GBP857m (2005: GBP825m). Cost growth reflected higher volumes, increased expenditure on front line staff and the costs of Iveco Finance for a full year. Operating expenses included a credit of GBP60m on the sale and leaseback of property, of which approximately half was reinvested in the business, including costs relating to the acceleration of the rationalisation of operating sites and technology infrastructure. The cost:income ratio improved two percentage points to 36% (2005: 38%). Profit on disposals of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures of GBP76m (2005: nil) arose from the sales of interests in vehicle leasing and European vendor finance businesses. Barclaycard 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Net interest income 1,843 1,726 Net fee and commission income 1,054 972 Net investment income 15 - Net premiums from insurance contracts 33 24 -------- -------- Total income 2,945 2,722 Net claims and benefits on insurance contracts (8) (7) -------- -------- Total income net of insurance claims 2,937 2,715 Impairment charges (1,493) (1,098) -------- -------- Net income 1,444 1,617 -------- -------- Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets (1,037) (961) Amortisation of intangible assets (17) (17) -------- -------- Operating expenses (1,054) (978) Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures (8) 1 -------- -------- Profit before tax 382 640 -------- -------- Cost:income ratio 36% 36% Cost:net income ratio 73% 60% Risk Tendency GBP1,410m GBP1,100m Return on average economic capital 10% 16% Economic profit GBPnil GBP183m 2006 2005 Loans and advances to customers GBP25.5bn GBP24.0bn Total assets GBP27.6bn GBP25.8bn Risk weighted assets GBP25.2bn GBP21.8bn Key Facts Number of Barclaycard UK customers 9.8m 11.2m Number of retailer relationships 93,000 93,000 UK credit cards-average outstanding balances GBP9.4bn GBP10.1bn UK credit cards-average extended credit balances GBP8.0bn GBP8.6bn UK loans-average consumer lending balances GBP11.9bn GBP10.3bn International-average extended credit balances GBP2.5bn GBP1.8bn International-cards in issue 6.4m 4.3m Barclaycard profit before tax decreased 40% (GBP258m) to GBP382m (2005: GBP640m) as good income growth was more than offset by higher impairment charges and increased costs from the continued development of international businesses. Income increased 8% (GBP222m) to GBP2,937m (2005: GBP2,715m). Growth was driven by very strong momentum in the United States and by strong performances in Barclaycard Business, FirstPlus, SkyCard and continental European markets. Net interest income increased 7% (GBP117m) to GBP1,843m (2005: GBP1,726m). UK average extended credit card balances fell 7% to GBP8.0bn (2005: GBP8.6bn), reflecting the impact of tighter lending criteria. UK average consumer lending balances increased 16% to GBP11.9bn (2005: GBP10.3bn) driven by secured lending in FirstPlus. International average extended credit card balances rose 39% to GBP2.5bn (2005: GBP1.8bn). Margins in credit cards improved to 8.73% (2005: 7.96%), due to the impact of increased card rates and a reduced proportion of promotional rate balances in the UK. Margins in consumer lending fell to 4.11% (2005: 4.96%), due to a higher proportion of secured lending and continued competitive pressure. Net fee and commission income increased 8% (GBP82m) to GBP1,054m (2005: GBP972m) as a result of increased contributions from Barclaycard International, SkyCard, FirstPlus and Barclaycard Business. Barclaycard reduced its late and overlimit fee charges in the UK on 1st August 2006 in response to the Office of Fair Trading's findings. Investment income of GBP15m (2005: GBPnil) represents the gain arising from the sale of part of the stake in MasterCard Inc, following its flotation. Impairment charges increased 36% (GBP395m) to GBP1,493m (2005: GBP1,098m). The increase was driven by a rise in delinquent balances and increased numbers of bankruptcies and Individual Voluntary Arrangements. As a result of management action in 2005 and 2006 to tighten lending criteria and improve collection processes, the flows of new delinquencies reduced, and levels of arrears balances declined in the second half of 2006 in UK cards and unsecured loans. Operating expenses increased 8% (GBP76m) to GBP1,054m (2005: GBP978m). This included a GBP38m gain from the sale and leaseback of property. Excluding this item, underlying operating expenses increased 12% (GBP114m) to GBP1,092m. This was largely as a result of continued investment in Barclaycard International, particularly Barclaycard US, and the development of UK partnerships. Barclaycard International continued its growth strategy in the continental European business delivering solid results. The Entercard joint venture, which is based in Scandinavia, performed ahead of plan. Barclaycard International loss before tax reduced to GBP30m (2005: loss GBP37m), including the loss before tax for Barclaycard US of GBP56m (2005: loss GBP59m). Barclaycard US continued to perform ahead of expectations, delivering very strong growth in balances and customer numbers and creating a number of new partnerships including US Airways, Barnes & Noble, Travelocity and Jo-Ann Stores. Barclaycard UK customer numbers declined 1.4m to 9.8m (2005: 11.2m). This reflected the closure of 1.5 million accounts that had been inactive. International Retail and Commercial Banking 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Net interest income 1,659 1,050 Net fee and commission income 1,303 705 -------- -------- Net trading income 6 3 Net investment income 188 143 -------- -------- Principal transactions 194 146 Net premiums from insurance contracts 351 227 Other income 74 60 -------- -------- Total income 3,581 2,188 Net claims and benefits on insurance contracts (244) (205) -------- -------- Total income net of insurance claims 3,337 1,983 Impairment charges (167) (32) -------- -------- Net income 3,170 1,951 -------- -------- Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets (2,111) (1,317) Amortisation of intangible assets (85) (47) -------- -------- Operating expenses (2,196) (1,364) Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures 49 46 Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures 247 - -------- -------- Profit before tax 1,270 633 -------- -------- Cost:income ratio 66% 69% Cost:net income ratio 69% 70% Risk Tendency GBP220m GBP175m Return on average economic capital 37% 23% Economic profit GBP530m GBP205m 2006 2005 Loans and advances to customers GBP53.5bn GBP49.3bn Customer accounts GBP22.5bn GBP22.6bn Total assets GBP68.9bn GBP63.6bn Risk weighted assets GBP41.1bn GBP41.2bn Key Fact Number of international branches 1,613 1,516 International Retail and Commercial Banking profit before tax increased GBP637m to GBP1,270m (2005: GBP633m). The increase reflected the inclusion of a full year's profit before tax from International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa of GBP698m (2005(1): GBP298m) and a profit of GBP247m on the disposal of Barclays interest in FirstCaribbean International Bank. (1) For 2005, this reflects the period from 27th July until 31st December 2005. International Retail and Commercial Banking-excluding Absa 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Net interest income 610 562 Net fee and commission income 448 377 -------- -------- Net trading income 17 31 Net investment income 66 88 -------- -------- Principal transactions 83 119 Net premiums from insurance contracts 111 129 Other income 20 23 -------- -------- Total income 1,272 1,210 Net claims and benefits on insurance contracts (138) (161) -------- -------- Total income net of insurance claims 1,134 1,049 Impairment charges (41) (13) -------- -------- Net income 1,093 1,036 -------- -------- Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets (799) (734) Amortisation of intangible assets (9) (6) -------- -------- Operating expenses (808) (740) Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures 40 39 Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures 247 - -------- -------- Profit before tax 572 335 -------- -------- Cost:income ratio 71% 71% Cost:net income ratio 74% 71% Risk Tendency GBP75m GBP75m Return on average economic capital 39% 20% Economic profit GBP346m GBP115m 2006 2005 Loans and advances to customers GBP29.3bn GBP25.4bn Customer accounts GBP11.4bn GBP10.4bn Total assets GBP38.5bn GBP34.2bn Risk weighted assets GBP20.4bn GBP20.4bn Key Facts Number of international branches 868 798 Number of Barclays continental Europe customers 820,000 800,000 Number of continental European mortgage customers 252,000 221,000 Continental European mortgages-average balances (Euros) EUR25.9bn EUR21.2bn Continental European assets under management (Euros) EUR26.4bn EUR22.6bn International Retail and Commercial Banking-excluding Absa profit before tax increased 71% (GBP237m) to GBP572m (2005: GBP335m), including a gain on the disposal of the interest in FirstCaribbean International Bank of GBP247m. Profit before business disposals was GBP325m (2005: GBP335m). This reflected good growth in continental Europe offset by a decline in profits in Africa caused by higher impairment, and increased costs reflecting a step change in the rate of organic investment in the business. Income increased 8% (GBP85m) to GBP1,134m (2005: GBP1,049m). Excluding gains from asset sales in 2005, income increased 11% (GBP116m) to GBP1,134m (2005: GBP1,018m). Net interest income increased 9% (GBP48m) to GBP610m (2005: GBP562m), reflecting strong balance sheet growth in continental Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and the development of the corporate business in Spain. Total average customer loans increased 20% to GBP27.4bn (2005: GBP22.9bn). Mortgage balance growth in continental Europe was particularly strong, with average Euro balances up 22%. There was a modest decline in lending margins partly driven by a greater share of mortgage assets as a proportion of the total book in continental Europe. Average customer deposits increased 17% to GBP10.8bn (2005: GBP9.2bn), with deposit margins stable. Net fee and commission income increased 19% (GBP71m) to GBP448m (2005: GBP377m). This reflected a strong performance from the Spanish funds business, where average assets under management increased 11%, together with very strong growth in France, including the first full year contribution of the ING Ferri business which was acquired on 1st July 2005. Net fee and commission income showed solid growth in Africa and the Middle East. Principal transactions decreased GBP36m to GBP83m (2005: GBP119m). 2005 included GBP23m from the redemption of preference shares in FirstCaribbean International Bank. Impairment charges increased GBP28m to GBP41m (2005: GBP13m). This reflected the absence of one-off recoveries of GBP12m which arose in 2005 in Africa and the Middle East, and strong balance sheet growth across the businesses. Operating expenses increased 9% (GBP68m) to GBP808m (2005: GBP740m). This included gains from the sale and leaseback of property in Spain of GBP55m, just under half of which were reinvested in accelerated staff restructuring and infrastructure upgrades. Excluding these net gains, operating expenses increased 14% to GBP840m (2005: GBP740m). Operating expenses also included incremental investment expenditure of GBP25m to expand the distribution network and enhance IT and operational capabilities. Barclays Spain continued to perform strongly. Profit before tax increased 21% (GBP30m) to GBP171m (2005: GBP141m), excluding net one-off gains on asset sales of GBP32m (2005: GBP8m) and integration costs of GBP43m (2005: GBP57m). This was driven by the continued realisation of benefits from Banco Zaragozano, together with strong growth in assets under management and solid growth in mortgages. Africa and the Middle East profit before tax decreased 9% (GBP12m) to GBP126m (2005: GBP138m) driven by higher impairment charges reflecting one-off recoveries of GBP12m that arose in 2005 and an increase in investment expenditure. Profit before tax increased strongly in Portugal reflecting good flows of new customers and increased business volumes. France also performed well as a result of good organic growth and the acquisition of ING Ferri. The profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associate and joint ventures of GBP247m (2005: nil) comprised the gain on the sale of Barclays interest in FirstCaribbean. The share of post-tax results of FirstCaribbean International Bank included in 2006 was GBP41m (2005: GBP37m). International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa 2006 2005(1) GBPm GBPm Net interest income 1,049 488 Net fee and commission income 855 328 -------- -------- Net trading income (11) (28) Net investment income 122 55 -------- -------- Principal transactions 111 27 Net premiums from insurance contracts 240 98 Other income 54 37 -------- -------- Total income 2,309 978 Net claims and benefits on insurance contracts (106) (44) -------- -------- Total income net of insurance claims 2,203 934 Impairment charges (126) (19) -------- -------- Net income 2,077 915 -------- -------- Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets (1,312) (583) Amortisation of intangible assets (76) (41) -------- -------- Operating expenses (1,388) (624) Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures 9 7 -------- -------- Profit before tax 698 298 -------- -------- Cost:income ratio 63% 67% Cost:net income ratio 67% 68% Risk Tendency GBP145m GBP100m Return on average economic capital 34% 36% Economic profit GBP184m GBP90m 2006 2005 Loans and advances to customers GBP24.2bn GBP23.9bn Customer accounts GBP11.1bn GBP12.2bn Total assets GBP30.4bn GBP29.4bn Risk weighted assets GBP20.7bn GBP20.8bn Key Facts Number of branches 749 718 Number of ATMs 7,053 5,835 Number of retail customers 8.3m 7.6m Number of corporate customers 84,000 79,000 (1) For 2005, this reflects the period from 27th July until 31st December 2005. International Retail and Commercial Banking - Absa profit before tax increased 134% to GBP698m (2005: GBP298m) reflecting the full year to 31st December 2006 compared with the five months ended 31st December 2005. Barclays acquired a controlling stake in Absa Group Limited on 27th July 2005. Appendix 1 on page 94 summarises the Rand results of Absa Group Limited for the year to 31st December 2006 as reported to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and their impact in Sterling on the consolidated results of Barclays. In the commentary below, the comparable period referred to, for illustrative purposes only, is the proforma full year to 31st December 2005 and is based on performance in Rand. Absa Group Limited's profit before tax increased 24% reflecting a very good performance from banking operations, with retail, corporate and business banking operations performing exceptionally well. Absa Group Limited delivered a return on equity of 27.4% (2005: 25.6%). Key factors impacting the results included very strong asset growth, strong revenue growth, an increased credit impairment charge, the realisation of synergies from leveraging Barclays expertise and economies of scale and the sale of non-core operations. The South African economy continued to expand at a solid pace with real growth expected to be about 4.9% for 2006 (2005: 5.1%). Net interest income grew 27%. Loans and advances to customers increased 26% underpinned by very strong growth in mortgages, credit cards and commercial property finance. Non-interest income increased 12% reflecting higher transaction volumes, strong growth in insurance related earnings and gains on asset sales. As expected the impairment charge on loans and advances increased from the very low levels of the prior year, particularly in Absa Home Loans, Absa Card and Retail Banking Services. Operating expenses increased 14% resulting from increased investment in the business in order to support continued growth in volumes and customers. Excellent progress was made with the realisation of synergy benefits. In 2006 synergies of R753m were delivered, in excess of the target originally communicated for the year. Integration costs for the period were in line with expectations. Impact on Barclays results(1) Absa Group Limited's profit before tax of R11,417m is translated into Barclays results at an average exchange rate for 2006 of R12.47/GBP (2005: R11.57/GBP). Consolidation adjustments reflected the amortisation of intangible assets of GBP75m and internal funding and other adjustments of GBP72m. The resulting profit before tax of GBP769m (2005: GBP337m) is represented with International Retail and Commercial Banking - Absa GBP698m, (2005: GBP298m) and Barclays Capital, GBP71m (2005: GBP39m). Absa Group Limited's total assets at 31st December 2006 were R495,112m (31st December 2005: R404,561m), growth of 22%. This is translated into Barclays results at a year-end exchange rate of R13.71/GBP (31st December 2005: R10.87/GBP). The consolidation of total assets reflected the impact of the 21% depreciation in the Rand largely offsetting the growth in the Rand balance sheet. (1) For 2005, this reflects the period from 27th July until 31st December 2005. Barclays Capital 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Net interest income 1,158 1,065 Net fee and commission income 952 776 -------- -------- Net trading income 3,562 2,231 Net investment income 573 413 -------- -------- Principal transactions 4,135 2,644 Other income 22 20 -------- -------- Total income 6,267 4,505 Impairment charges (42) (111) -------- -------- Net income 6,225 4,394 -------- -------- Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets (3,996) (2,961) Amortisation of intangible assets (13) (2) -------- -------- Operating expenses (4,009) (2,963) -------- -------- Profit before tax 2,216 1,431 -------- -------- Cost:income ratio 64% 66% Cost:net income ratio 64% 67% Compensation:net income ratio 49% 51% Average DVaR GBP37.1m GBP32.0m Risk Tendency GBP95m GBP110m Return on average economic capital 41% 34% Average net income generated per member of staff ('000) GBP560 GBP498 Economic profit GBP1,181m GBP706m 2006 2005 Total assets GBP657.9bn GBP601.2bn Risk weighted assets GBP137.6bn GBP116.7bn Corporate lending portfolio GBP40.6bn GBP40.1bn Key Facts 2006 2005 League League table Issuance table Issuance position value position value All international bonds (all currencies) 1st US$271.9bn 2nd US$183.6bn Sterling bonds 1st GBP27.3bn 1st GBP23.0bn International securitisations 2nd US$53.2bn 1st US$36.8bn US investment grade corporate bonds 7th US$6.0bn 5th US$9.9bn Barclays Capital delivered record profit before tax and net income. Profit before tax increased 55% (GBP785m) to GBP2,216m (2005: GBP1,431m). This was the result of a very strong income performance, driven by higher business volumes, continued growth in client activity and favourable market conditions. Net income increased 42% (GBP1,831m) to GBP6,225m (2005: GBP4,394m). Profit before tax for Absa Capital was GBP71m (2005(1): GBP39m). Excluding Absa Capital, profit before tax increased 54%. Income increased 39% (GBP1,762m) to GBP6,267m (2005: GBP4,505m) as a result of very strong growth across the Rates, Credit and Private Equity businesses. Income increased in all geographic regions with significant contributions outside the UK from the US, continental Europe and Asia. The top line performance reflected returns from past investments and the strength of the global client franchise. Average DVaR increased 16% to GBP37.1m (2005: GBP32.0m) significantly below the rate of income growth. Secondary income, comprising principal transactions (net trading income and net investment income) and net interest income, is mainly generated from providing client financing and risk management solutions. Secondary income increased 43% (GBP1,584m) to GBP5,293m (2005: GBP3,709m). Net trading income increased 60% (GBP1,331m) to GBP3,562m (2005: GBP2,231m) with very strong contributions across the Rates and Credit businesses, in particular commodities, fixed income, equities, credit derivatives and emerging markets. The performance was driven by higher volumes of client led activity and favourable market conditions. Net investment income increased 39% (GBP160m) to GBP573m (2005: GBP413m) driven by investment realisations, primarily in Private Equity, offset by reduced contributions from credit products. Net interest income increased 9% (GBP93m) to GBP1,158m (2005: GBP1,065m) driven by a full year contribution from Absa Capital. Corporate lending remained flat at GBP40.6bn (2005: GBP40.1bn). Primary income, which comprises net fee and commission income from advisory and origination activities, grew 23% (GBP176m) to GBP952m (2005: GBP776m). This reflected higher volumes and continued market share gains in a number of key markets, with strong contributions from issuances in bonds, European leveraged loans and convertibles. Impairment charges of GBP42m (2005: GBP111m), including impairment on available for sale assets of GBP83m (2005: nil), were 62% lower than prior year reflecting recoveries and the continued benign wholesale credit environment. Operating expenses increased 35% (GBP1,046m) to GBP4,009m (2005: GBP2,963m), reflecting higher performance related costs, increased levels of activity and continued investment across the business. The cost:net income ratio improved to 64% (2005: 67%) and the compensation to net income ratio improved to 49% (2005: 51%). Performance related pay, discretionary investment spend and short-term contractor resource costs represented 50% of operating expenses (2005: 46%). Amortisation of intangible assets principally relates to mortgage service rights obtained as part of the purchase of HomEq, a US mortgage servicing business acquired on 1st November 2006. Total headcount increased 3,300 during 2006 to 13,200 (2005: 9,900) and included 1,300 from the acquisition of HomEq. Organic growth was broadly based across all regions and reflected further investments in the front office, systems development and control functions to support continued business expansion. (1) For 2005, this reflects the period from 27th July until 31st December 2005. Barclays Global Investors 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Net interest income 10 15 Net fee and commission income 1,651 1,297 -------- -------- Net trading income 2 2 Net investment income 2 4 -------- -------- Principal transactions 4 6 -------- -------- Total income 1,665 1,318 -------- -------- Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets (946) (775) Amortisation of intangible assets (5) (4) -------- -------- Operating expenses (951) (779) Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures - 1 -------- -------- Profit before tax 714 540 -------- -------- Cost:income ratio 57% 59% Average income generated per member of staff ('000) GBP666 GBP628 Return on average economic capital 228% 248% Economic profit GBP376m GBP299m 2006 2005 Total assets GBP80.5bn GBP80.9bn Risk weighted assets GBP1.4bn GBP1.5bn Key Facts Assets under management (GBP): GBP927bn GBP881bn -------- -------- -indexed GBP566bn GBP570bn -iShares GBP147bn GBP113bn -active GBP214bn GBP198bn -------- -------- Net new assets in period (GBP) GBP37bn GBP48bn Assets under management (US$): US$1,814bn US$1,513bn -------- -------- -indexed US$1,108bn US$980bn -iShares US$287bn US$193bn -active US$419bn US$340bn -------- -------- Net new assets in period (US$) US$68bn US$88bn Number of iShares products 191 149 Number of institutional clients 2,900 2,800 Barclays Global Investors delivered another year of outstanding results. Profit before tax increased 32% (GBP174m) to GBP714m (2005: GBP540m), reflecting very strong income growth and higher operating margins. The performance was broadly based across products, distribution channels and geographies. Net fee and commission income increased 27% (GBP354m) to GBP1,651m (2005: GBP1,297m). This growth was attributable to increased management fees, particularly in the iShares and active businesses, and securities lending, offset by lower incentive fees. Incentive fees decreased 9% (GBP18m) to GBP186m (2005: GBP204m). Higher asset values, driven by higher market levels and good net new inflows, contributed to the growth in income. Operating expenses increased 22% (GBP172m) to GBP951m (2005: GBP779m) as a result of significant investment in key growth initiatives, ongoing investment in product development and infrastructure and higher performance-based expenses. The cost: income ratio improved two percentage points to 57% (2005: 59%). Total headcount rose 400 to 2,700 (2005: 2,300). Headcount increased in all regions, across product groups and the support functions, reflecting continued investment to support strategic initiatives. Total assets under management increased 5% (GBP46bn) to GBP927bn (2005: GBP881bn) primarily due to net new inflows of GBP37bn. The positive market move impact of GBP98bn was largely offset by GBP89bn of adverse exchange rate movements. In US$ terms assets under management increased by US$301bn to US$1,814bn (2005: US$1,513bn), comprising US$68bn of net new assets, US$177bn of favourable market movements and US$56bn of positive exchange rate movements. Barclays Wealth 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Net interest income 366 329 Net fee and commission income 665 589 -------- -------- Net trading income - - Net investment income - 5 -------- -------- Principal transactions - 5 Other income 5 (1) -------- -------- Total income 1,036 922 Impairment charges (2) (2) -------- -------- Net income 1,034 920 -------- -------- Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets (817) (752) Amortisation of intangible assets (4) (2) -------- -------- Operating expenses (821) (754) -------- -------- Profit before tax 213 166 -------- -------- Cost:income ratio 79% 82% Cost:net income ratio 79% 82% Risk Tendency GBP10m GBP5m Return on average economic capital 48% 38% Average net income generated per member of staff ('000) GBP138 GBP128 Economic profit GBP144m GBP109m 2006 2005 Customer accounts GBP25.2bn GBP23.1bn Loans and advances to customers GBP5.7bn GBP4.7bn Total assets GBP7.3bn GBP6.1bn Risk weighted assets GBP5.7bn GBP4.1bn Key Fact Total client assets GBP93.0bn GBP78.3bn Barclays Wealth profit before tax showed very strong growth of 28% (GBP47m) to GBP213m (2005: GBP166m). Performance was driven by broadly based income growth and favourable market conditions. This was partially offset by additional volume related costs and a significant increase in investment in people and infrastructure to support future growth. Income increased 12% (GBP114m) to GBP1,036m (2005: GBP922m). Net interest income increased 11% (GBP37m) to GBP366m (2005: GBP329m) reflecting growth in both customer deposits and customer lending. Average customer deposits grew 6% (GBP1.3bn) to GBP24.7bn (2005: GBP23.4bn). Average loans to customers grew 16% to GBP5.1bn (2005: GBP4.4bn), driven by increased lending to offshore and private banking clients. Asset and liability margins were higher relative to 2005. Net fee and commission income increased 13% (GBP76m) to GBP665m (2005: GBP589m). This reflected growth in client assets and higher transactional income, including increased sales of investment products to private banking and financial planning clients, and higher stockbroking volumes. Operating expenses increased 9% (GBP67m) to GBP821m (2005: GBP754m) with greater volume related and investment costs more than offsetting efficiency gains. Investment costs included increased hiring of client facing staff and improvements to infrastructure with the upgrade of technology and operations platforms. The cost:income ratio improved three percentage points to 79% (2005: 82%). Total client assets, comprising customer deposits and client investments, increased 19% (GBP14.7bn) to GBP93.0bn (2005: GBP78.3bn) reflecting good net new asset inflows and favourable market conditions. Multi-Manager assets increased 68% (GBP4.1bn) to GBP10.1bn (2005: GBP6.0bn); this growth included transfers of existing client assets. Barclays Wealth-closed life assurance activities 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Net interest income (8) (14) Net fee and commission income 50 44 -------- -------- Net trading income 2 - Net investment income 154 259 -------- -------- Principal transactions 156 259 Net premiums from insurance contracts 210 195 Other income 11 11 -------- -------- Total income 419 495 Net claims and benefits on insurance contracts (288) (375) -------- -------- Total income net of insurance claims 131 120 Operating expenses (109) (127) -------- -------- Profit/(loss) before tax 22 (7) -------- -------- Cost:income ratio 83% 106% Return on average economic capital (22)% (3)% Economic loss (GBP18m) (GBP7m) 2006 2005 Total assets GBP7.6bn GBP7.3bn Barclays Wealth - closed life assurance activities profit before tax was GBP22m (2005: loss GBP7m). The improvement was mostly due to lower funding costs and reduced customer redress costs in 2006. Profit before tax excluding customer redress costs was GBP89m (2005: GBP78m). Income grew 9% (GBP11m) to GBP131m (2005: GBP120m) principally due to reduced funding costs. Operating expenses decreased to GBP109m (2005: GBP127m). Costs relating to redress for customers decreased to GBP67m (2005: GBP85m) whilst other operating expenses remained steady at GBP42m (2005: GBP42m). Head office functions and other operations 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Net interest income 80 160 Net fee and commission income (359) (398) -------- -------- Net trading income 40 85 Net investment income 2 8 -------- -------- Principal transactions 42 93 Net premiums from insurance contracts 197 146 Other income 39 24 -------- -------- Total income (1) 25 Impairment releases/(charges) 11 (1) -------- -------- Net income 10 24 -------- -------- Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets (259) (343) Amortisation of intangible assets (10) (4) -------- -------- Operating expenses (269) (347) -------- -------- Loss before tax (259) (323) -------- -------- Risk Tendency GBP10m GBP25m 2006 2005 Total assets GBP7.1bn GBP9.3bn Risk weighted assets GBP1.9bn GBP4.0bn Head office functions and other operations loss before tax decreased GBP64m to GBP259m (2005: loss GBP323m). Net interest income decreased GBP80m to GBP80m (2005: GBP160m) reflecting a reduction in net interest income in Treasury following the acquisition of Absa Group Limited. Treasury's net interest income also included the hedge ineffectiveness for the period, which together with other related Treasury adjustments amounted to a gain of GBP11m (2005: GBP18m) and the cost of hedging the foreign exchange risk on the Group's equity investment in Absa, which amounted to GBP71m (2005: GBP37m). Group segmental reporting is performed in accordance with Group accounting policies. This means that inter-segment transactions are recorded in each segment as if undertaken on an arm's length basis. Adjustments necessary to eliminate the inter-segment transactions are included in Head office functions and other operations. The impact of such inter-segment adjustments reduced GBP72m to GBP147m (2005: GBP219m). These adjustments related to internal fees for structured capital market activities of GBP87m (2005: GBP67m) and fees paid to Barclays Capital for capital raising and risk management advice of GBP16m (2005: GBP39m), both of which reduce net fees and commission income. In addition the impact of the timing of the recognition of insurance commissions included in Barclaycard and UK Retail Banking reduced to GBP44m (2005: GBP113m). This reduction was reflected in a decrease in net fee and commission income of GBP242m (2005: GBP258m) and an increase in net premium income of GBP198m (2005: GBP145m). Principal transactions decreased GBP51m to GBP42m (2005: GBP93m). 2005 included hedging related gains in Treasury of GBP80m. 2006 included GBP55m (2005: GBPnil) in respect of the economic hedge of the translation exposure arising from Absa foreign currency earnings. The impairment charge improved GBP12m to a release of GBP11m (2005: GBP1m charge) as a number of workout situations were resolved. Operating expenses decreased GBP78m to GBP269m (2005: GBP347m) primarily due to the expenses of the 2005 Head office relocation to Canary Wharf not recurring in 2006 (2005: GBP105m) and the gains of GBP26m (2005: GBPnil) from the sale and leaseback of property offset by increased costs, principally driven by major project expenditure including work related to implementing Basel II. FINANCIAL REVIEW Results by nature of income and expense Net interest income 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Cash and balances with central banks 16 9 Financial investments 2,811 2,272 Loans and advances to banks 978 690 Loans and advances to customers 16,290 12,944 Other 1,710 1,317 -------- -------- Interest income 21,805 17,232 -------- -------- Deposits from banks (2,819) (2,056) Customer accounts (3,076) (2,715) Debt securities in issue (5,282) (3,268) Subordinated liabilities (777) (605) Other (708) (513) -------- -------- Interest expense (12,662) (9,157) -------- -------- Net interest income 9,143 8,075 -------- -------- Group net interest income increased 13% (GBP1,068m) to GBP9,143m (2005: GBP8,075m). The inclusion of Absa contributed net interest income of GBP1,138m (2005(1): GBP516m). Group net interest income excluding Absa grew 6%. A component of the benefit of free funds included in Group net interest income is the structural hedge which functions to reduce the impact of the volatility of short-term interest rate movements. The contribution of the structural hedge decreased to GBP26m (2005: GBP145m), largely due to the impact of relatively higher short-term interest rates and lower medium-term rates. Interest income includes GBP98m (2005: GBP76m) accrued on impaired loans. (1) For 2005, this reflects the period from 27th July until 31st December 2005. Business margins 2006 2005 % % UK Retail Banking assets 0.84 0.92 UK Retail Banking liabilities 2.01 1.99 UK Business Banking assets 1.92 1.87 UK Business Banking liabilities 1.46 1.46 Barclaycard assets 6.47 6.59 -------- -------- Barclaycard assets-cards 8.73 7.96 Barclaycard assets-loans 4.11 4.96 -------- -------- International Retail and Commercial Banking-ex Absa assets(1) 1.28 1.36 International Retail and Commercial Banking-ex Absa liabilities(1) 2.04 2.02 International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa assets(1),(2) 2.95 3.52 International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa liabilities(1),(2) 2.29 2.39 Barclays Wealth assets 1.11 0.99 Barclays Wealth liabilities 1.11 1.04 Average balances 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm UK Retail Banking assets 65,486 66,165 UK Retail Banking liabilities 79,188 73,473 UK Business Banking assets 52,018 43,985 UK Business Banking liabilities 44,839 40,545 Barclaycard assets 26,204 24,246 -------- -------- Barclaycard assets-cards 13,392 13,180 Barclaycard assets-loans 12,812 11,066 -------- -------- International Retail and Commercial Banking-ex Absa assets(1) 27,434 22,889 International Retail and Commercial Banking-ex Absa liabilities(1) 10,780 9,219 International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa assets(1),(2) 24,388 20,225 International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa liabilities1,(2) 12,826 13,338 Barclays Wealth assets 5,140 4,395 Barclays Wealth liabilities 24,697 23,430 (1) International Retail and Commercial Banking business margins, average balances and business net interest income for 2005 have been restated on a consistent basis to reflect changes in methodology. (2) For 2005, this reflects the period from 27th July until 31st December 2005, on an annualised basis. Business net interest income 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm UK Retail Banking assets 552 609 UK Retail Banking liabilities 1,595 1,462 UK Business Banking assets 999 823 UK Business Banking liabilities 655 592 Barclaycard assets 1,696 1,598 -------- -------- Barclaycard assets-cards 1,169 1,049 Barclaycard assets-loans 527 549 -------- -------- International Retail and Commercial Banking-ex Absa assets(1) 352 311 International Retail and Commercial Banking-ex Absa liabilities(1) 220 186 International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa assets(1),(2) 719 308 International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa liabilities(1),(2) 294 138 Barclays Wealth assets 57 43 Barclays Wealth liabilities 273 244 -------- -------- Business net interest income 7,412 6,314 -------- -------- Reconciliation of business interest income to Group net interest income 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Business net interest income 7,412 6,314 Other: - Barclays Capital 1,158 1,065 - Barclays Global Investors 10 15 - Other 563 681 -------- -------- Group net interest income 9,143 8,075 -------- -------- Business net interest income is derived from the interest rate earned on average assets or paid on average liabilities relative to the average Bank of England base rate, local equivalents for international businesses or the rate managed by the bank using derivatives. The margin is expressed as annualised business interest income over the relevant average balance. Asset and liability margins cannot be added together as they are relative to the average Bank of England base rate, local equivalent for international businesses or the rate managed by the bank using derivatives. The benefit of capital attributed to these businesses is excluded from the calculation of business margins and business net interest income. Average balances are calculated on daily averages for most UK banking operations and monthly averages elsewhere. Within the reconciliation of Group net interest income, there is an amount captured as Other. This relates to: benefit of capital excluded from the business margin calculation, Head office functions and other operations; net funding on non-customer assets and liabilities; and Barclays Wealth-closed life assurance activities. (1) International Retail and Commercial Banking business margins, average balances and business net interest income for 2005 have been restated on a consistent basis to reflect changes in methodology. (2) For 2005, this reflects the period from 27th July until 31st December 2005. UK Retail Banking assets margin decreased 8 basis points to 0.84% (2005: 0.92%). The mortgage margin has been impacted by changed assumptions used in the calculation of effective interest rates, a higher proportion of new mortgages and base rate changes. This was partially offset by increased contributions from non-mortgage assets. UK Retail Banking liabilities margin was stable at 2.01% (2005: 1.99%). UK Business Banking assets margin improved to 1.92% (2005: 1.87%). UK Business Banking liabilities margin was stable at 1.46% (2005: 1.46%). Barclaycard margins in credit cards improved to 8.73% (2005: 7.96%) due to the impact of increased card rates and a reduced proportion of promotional rate balances in the UK. Margins in consumer lending fell to 4.11% (2005: 4.96%) due to a higher proportion of secured lending and continued competitive pressure. International Retail and Commercial Banking-excluding Absa assets margin decreased 8 basis points to 1.28% (2005: 1.36%) partly reflecting a greater share of mortgage assets as a proportion of the total book in continental Europe. International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa assets margin decreased 57 basis points to 2.95% (2005(1): annualised 3.52%) reflecting a higher proportion of mortgage assets and competitive pressures in mortgages and asset finance. The liabilities margin decreased 10 basis points to 2.29% (2005(1): annualised 2.39%). The Absa Group Limited net interest margin remained stable compared to the year to 31st December 2005 as the asset margin decrease was offset by the benefit of higher returns on free funds and a higher proportion of preference share capital in the funding mix. Barclays Wealth assets margin increased 12 basis points to 1.11% (2005: 0.99%) largely reflecting higher margins on new lending business and a small increase in mortgage margins. The liabilities margin increased 7 basis points to 1.11% (2005: 1.04%) principally due to a slight increase in currency deposit spreads. (1) For 2005, this reflects the period from 27th July until 31st December 2005. Net fee and commission income 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Fee and commission income 8,005 6,430 Fee and commission expense (828) (725) -------- -------- Net fee and commission income 7,177 5,705 -------- -------- Net fee and commission income increased 26% (GBP1,472m) to GBP7,177m (2005: GBP5,705m). The inclusion of Absa contributed net fee and commission income of GBP850m (2005(1): GBP334m). Group net fee and commission income excluding Absa grew 18%, reflecting growth across all businesses. Fee and commission income rose 24% (GBP1,575m) to GBP8,005m (2005: GBP6,430m). The inclusion of Absa contributed fee and commission income of GBP896m (2005(1): GBP386m). Excluding Absa, fee and commission income grew 18%, driven by a broadly based performance across the Group, particularly within Barclays Global Investors. Fee and commission expense increased 14% (GBP103m) to GBP828m (2005: GBP725m), reflecting the growth in Barclaycard US. Absa contributed fee and commission expense of GBP46m (2005(1): GBP52m). Total foreign exchange income was GBP850m (2005: GBP648m) and consisted of revenues earned from both retail and wholesale activities. Foreign exchange income earned on customer transactions by individual businesses is reported in those respective business units within fee and commission income. The foreign exchange income earned in Barclays Capital and in Treasury is reported within net trading income. (1) For 2005, this reflects the period from 27th July until 31st December 2005. Principal transactions 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Rates related business 2,848 1,732 Credit related business 766 589 -------- -------- Net trading income 3,614 2,321 -------- -------- Cumulative gain from disposal of available for sale assets 307 120 Dividend income 15 22 Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value 447 389 Other investment income 193 327 -------- -------- Net investment income 962 858 -------- -------- Principal transactions 4,576 3,179 -------- -------- Most of the Group's trading income is generated in Barclays Capital. Net trading income increased 56% (GBP1,293m) to GBP3,614m (2005: GBP2,321m) due to excellent performances in Barclays Capital Rates and Credit businesses, in particular in commodities, fixed income, equities, credit derivatives and emerging markets. This was driven by higher volumes of client led activity and favourable market conditions. The inclusion of Absa contributed net trading income of GBP60m (2005(1): GBP9m). Group net trading income excluding Absa grew 54%. Net investment income increased 12% (GBP104m) to GBP962m (2005: GBP858m). The inclusion of Absa contributed net investment income of GBP144m (2005(1): GBP62m). Group net investment income excluding Absa increased 3%. The cumulative gain from disposal of available for sale assets increased 156% (GBP187m) to GBP307m (2005: GBP120m) driven by investment realisations, primarily in Private Equity. Fair value movements on certain assets and liabilities have been reported within net trading income or within net investment income depending on the nature of the transaction. Fair value movements on insurance assets included within net investment income contributed GBP205m (2005: GBP317m). (1) For 2005, this reflects the period from 27th July until 31st December 2005. Net premiums from insurance contracts 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Gross premiums from insurance contracts 1,108 909 Premiums ceded to reinsurers (48) (37) -------- -------- Net premiums from insurance contracts 1,060 872 -------- -------- Net premiums from insurance contracts increased 22% (GBP188m) to GBP1,060m (2005: GBP872m). The inclusion of Absa contributed net premiums from insurance contracts of GBP240m (2005(1): GBP98m). Group net premiums from insurance contracts excluding Absa increased 6% reflecting growth in UK consumer lending. Other income 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Increase in fair value of assets held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts 7,417 9,234 Increase in liabilities to customers under investment contracts (7,417) (9,234) Property rentals 55 54 Other 159 93 -------- -------- Other income 214 147 -------- -------- Certain asset management products offered to institutional clients by Barclays Global Investors are recognised as investment contracts. Accordingly the invested assets and the related liabilities to investors are held at fair value and changes in those fair values are reported within Other income. Net claims and benefits paid on insurance contracts 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Gross claims and benefits paid on insurance contracts 588 694 Reinsurers' share of claims paid (13) (49) -------- -------- Net claims and benefits paid on insurance contracts 575 645 -------- -------- Net claims and benefits paid on insurance contracts decreased 11% (GBP70m) to GBP575m (2005: GBP645m). The inclusion of Absa contributed net claims and benefits of GBP106m (2005(1): GBP44m). Net claims and benefits paid on insurance contracts excluding Absa decreased 22%, principally reflecting lower investment income and consequent claims and benefits in Barclays Wealth-closed life assurance activities. (1) For 2005, this reflects the period from 27th July until 31st December 2005. Impairment charges 2006 2005 Impairment charges on loans and advances GBPm GBPm -New and increased impairment allowances 2,722 2,129 -Releases (389) (333) -Recoveries (259) (222) -------- -------- Impairment charges on loans and advances (see note 5) 2,074 1,574 Other credit provisions Credits for the year in respect of provision for undrawn contractually committed facilities and guarantees provided (6) (7) -------- -------- Impairment charges on loans and advances and other credit provisions 2,068 1,567 Impairment charges on available for sale assets 86 4 -------- -------- Total impairment charges 2,154 1,571 -------- -------- Total impairment charges increased 37% (GBP583m) to GBP2,154m (2005: GBP1,571m). Impairment charges on loans and advances and other credit provisions Impairment charges on loans and advances and other credit provisions increased 32% (GBP501m) to GBP2,068m (2005: GBP1,567m). Excluding Absa, the increase was 26% (GBP395m) and largely reflected the continued challenging credit environment in UK unsecured retail lending through 2006. The wholesale and corporate sectors remained stable with a low level of defaults. The Group impairment charges on loans and advances and other credit provisions as a percentage of year-end total loans and advances of GBP316,561m (2005: GBP303,451m) increased to 0.65% (2005: 0.52%). Retail impairment charges on loans and advances and other credit provisions increased to GBP1,809m (2005: GBP1,254m), including GBP99m (2005(1): GBP10m) in respect of Absa. Retail impairment charges on loans and advances amounted to 1.30% (2005(2): 0.93%) as a percentage of year-end total loans and advances of GBP139,350m (2005(2): GBP134,420m), including balances in Absa of GBP20,090m (2005: GBP20,836m). In the UK retail businesses, household cashflows remained under pressure leading to a deterioration in consumer credit quality. High debt levels and changing social attitudes to bankruptcy and debt default contributed to higher levels of insolvency and increased impairment charges. In UK cards and unsecured consumer lending, the flows of new delinquencies and the levels of arrears balances declined in the second half of 2006, reflecting more selective customer recruitment, limit management and improved collections. In UK Home Finance, delinquencies were flat and amounts charged-off remained low. The weaker external environment led to increased credit delinquency in Local Business, where there were both higher balances on caution status and higher flows into delinquency, which both stabilised towards the year-end. (1) For 2005, this reflects the period from 27th July until 31st December 2005. (2) Prior year analysis of loans and advances to customers between retail business and wholesale and corporate business has been reclassified to reflect enhanced methodology implemented in the current year (see page 78). In the wholesale and corporate businesses, impairment charges on loans and advances and other credit provisions decreased to GBP259m (2005: GBP313m), including GBP27m (2005(1): GBP10m) in respect of Absa. The fall was due mainly to recoveries in Barclays Capital as a result of the benign wholesale credit environment. This was partially offset by an increase in UK Business Banking, reflecting higher charges in Medium Business and growth in lending balances. The wholesale and corporate impairment charge was 0.15% (2005(2): 0.19%) as a percentage of year-end total loans and advances to banks and to customers of GBP177,211m (2005(2): GBP169,031m), including balances in Absa of GBP9,299m (2005: GBP9,731m). In Absa impairment charges increased to GBP126m (2005(1): GBP20m) reflecting a full year of business and normalisation of credit conditions in South Africa following a period of low interest rates. Impairment on available for sale assets The total impairment charges in Barclays Capital included losses of GBP83m (2005: GBPnil) on an available for sale portfolio where an intention to sell caused the losses to be viewed as other than temporary in nature. These losses in 2006 were primarily due to interest rate movements, rather than credit deterioration, with a corresponding gain arising on offsetting derivatives recognised in net trading income. (1) For 2005, this reflects the period from 27th July until 31st December 2005. (2) Prior year analysis of loans and advances to customers between retail business and wholesale and corporate business has been reclassified to reflect enhanced methodology implemented in the current year (see page 78). Operating expenses 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Staff costs (refer to page 54) 8,169 6,318 Administrative expenses 3,980 3,443 Depreciation 455 362 Impairment loss -property and equipment 14 - -intangible assets 7 9 Operating lease rentals 345 316 Gain on property disposals (432) - Amortisation of intangible assets 136 79 -------- -------- Operating expenses 12,674 10,527 -------- -------- Operating expenses increased 20% (GBP2,147m) to GBP12,674m (2005: GBP10,527m). The inclusion of Absa contributed operating expenses of GBP1,496m (2005(1): GBP664m). Group operating expenses excluding Absa grew 13%, reflecting a higher level of business activity and an increase in performance related pay. Administrative expenses increased 16% (GBP537m) to GBP3,980m (2005: GBP3,443m). The inclusion of Absa contributed administrative expenses of GBP579m (2005(1): GBP257m). Group administrative expenses excluding Absa grew 7% principally as a result of higher business activity in UK Banking and Barclays Capital. Operating lease rentals increased 9% (GBP29m) to GBP345m (2005: GBP316m). The inclusion of Absa contributed operating lease rentals of GBP73m (2005(1): GBP27m), which more than offset the absence of double occupancy costs incurred in 2005, associated with the head office relocation to Canary Wharf. Operating expenses were reduced by gains from the sale of property of GBP432m (2005: GBPnil) as the Group took advantage of historically low yields on property to realise gains on some of its freehold portfolio. Amortisation of intangible assets increased 72% (GBP57m) to GBP136m (2005: GBP79m) primarily reflecting the inclusion of Absa for the full year. The Group cost:income ratio improved to 59% (2005: 61%). This reflected improved productivity. The Group cost:net income ratio was 65% (2005: 67%). (1) For 2005 this reflects the period from 27th July until 31st December 2005. Staff costs 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Salaries and accrued incentive payments 6,635 5,036 Social security costs 502 412 Pension costs - defined contribution plans 128 76 - defined benefit plans 282 271 Other post retirement benefits 30 27 Other 592 496 -------- -------- Staff costs 8,169 6,318 -------- -------- Staff costs increased 29% (GBP1,851m) to GBP8,169m (2005: GBP6,318m). The inclusion of Absa contributed staff costs of GBP694m (2005(1): GBP296m). Group staff costs excluding Absa rose 24%. Salaries and accrued incentive payments rose 32% (GBP1,599m) to GBP6,635m (2005: GBP5,036m), principally due to increased performance related payments and the full year inclusion of Absa. The inclusion of Absa contributed salaries and incentive payments of GBP615m (2005(1): GBP276m). Group salaries and accrued incentive payments excluding Absa rose 26%. (1) For 2005, this reflects the period from 27th July until 31st December 2005. Staff numbers Staff numbers: 2006 2005 UK Banking 41,100 39,800 -------- -------- UK Retail Banking 33,000 32,000 UK Business Banking 8,100 7,800 -------- -------- Barclaycard 8,600 7,800 International Retail and Commercial Banking 48,000 45,400 -------- -------- International Retail and Commercial Banking-ex Absa 14,100 12,700 International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa 33,900 32,700 -------- -------- Barclays Capital 13,200 9,900 Barclays Global Investors 2,700 2,300 Barclays Wealth 7,800 7,200 Head office functions and other operations 1,200 900 -------- -------- Total Group permanent and fixed term contract staff worldwide 122,600 113,300 Agency staff worldwide 9,100 7,000 -------- -------- Total including agency staff 131,700 120,300 -------- -------- Staff numbers are shown on a full-time equivalent basis. Total Group permanent and contract staff comprised 62,400 (31st December 2005: 59,100) in the UK and 60,200 (31st December 2005: 54,200) internationally. UK Banking staff numbers increased 1,300 to 41,100 (31st December 2005: 39,800), primarily reflecting the inclusion in UK Retail Banking of mortgage processing staff involved in activities previously outsourced. Barclaycard staff numbers rose 800 to 8,600 (31st December 2005: 7,800), reflecting growth of 400 in Barclaycard US and increases in operations and customer facing staff in the UK. International Retail and Commercial Banking increased staff numbers 2,600 to 48,000 (31st December 2005: 45,400). International Retail and Commercial Banking-excluding Absa increased staff numbers by 1,400 to 14,100 (31st December 2005: 12,700), mainly due to growth in continental Europe and Africa. International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa increased staff numbers by 1,200 to 33,900 (31st December 2005: 32,700), reflecting continued growth in the business. Barclays Capital staff numbers increased 3,300 during 2006 to 13,200 (31st December 2005: 9,900) and included 1,300 from the acquisition of HomEq. Organic growth was broadly based across all regions and reflected further investments in the front office, systems development and control functions to support continued business expansion. Barclays Global Investors increased staff numbers 400 to 2,700 (31st December 2005: 2,300) spread across regions, product groups and support functions, reflecting continued investment to support strategic initiatives. Barclays Wealth staff numbers rose 600 to 7,800 (31st December 2005: 7,200) to support the continued expansion of the business, including increased hiring of client facing staff. Head office functions and other operations staff numbers grew 300 to 1,200 (31st December 2005: 900) primarily reflecting the centralisation of functional activity and the increased regulatory environment and audit demands as a result of the expansion of business areas. Agency staff numbers rose 2,100 to 9,100 (31st December 2005: 7,000), largely due to an increase in temporary staff at Absa. Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Profit from associates 53 53 Loss from joint ventures (7) (8) -------- -------- Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures 46 45 -------- -------- The share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures increased 2% (GBP1m) to GBP46m (2005: GBP45m). Of the GBP46m share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures, FirstCaribbean International Bank contributed GBP41m (2005: GBP37m). Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures 323 - -------- -------- The profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures includes GBP247m profit on disposal of FirstCaribbean International Bank and GBP76m from the sale of interests in vehicle leasing and vendor finance businesses. Tax The charge for the period is based upon a UK corporation tax rate of 30% for the calendar year 2006 (2005: 30%). The effective rate of tax for 2006, based on profit before tax, was 27.2% (2005: 27.3%). The effective tax rate differs from 30% as it takes account of the different tax rates which are applied to the profits earned outside the UK, disallowable expenditure, certain non-taxable gains and adjustments to prior year tax provisions. The effective tax rate for 2006 is consistent with the prior period. The tax charge for the year includes GBP1,234m (2005: GBP961m) arising in the UK and GBP707m (2005: GBP478m) arising overseas. The profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures of GBP323m was substantially offset by losses or exemptions. The effective tax rate on profit before business disposals was 28.5%. Profit attributable to minority interests 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Absa Group Limited 262 116 Preference shares 175 113 Reserve capital instruments 92 93 Upper tier 2 instruments 15 11 Barclays Global Investors minority interests 47 41 Other minority interests 33 20 -------- -------- Profit attributable to minority interests 624 394 -------- -------- Profit attributable to minority interests increased GBP230m to GBP624m (2005: GBP394m) largely reflecting the full year inclusion of Absa. Earnings per share 2006 2005 Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent GBP4,571m GBP3,447m Dilutive impact of convertible options (GBP30m) (GBP38m) -------- -------- Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent including dilutive impact of convertible options GBP4,541m GBP3,409m Basic weighted average number of shares in issue 6,357m 6,337m Number of potential ordinary shares(1) 150m 149m -------- -------- Diluted weighted average number of shares 6,507m 6,486m -------- -------- Basic earnings per ordinary share 71.9p 54.4p Diluted earnings per ordinary share 69.8p 52.6p The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the profit attributable to equity holders of the parent and the weighted average number of shares excluding own shares held in employee benefit trusts, currently not vested and shares held for trading. When calculating the diluted earnings per share, the profit attributable to equity holders of the parent is adjusted for the conversion of outstanding options into shares within Absa Group Limited and Barclays Global Investors UK Holdings Limited. The weighted average number of ordinary shares excluding own shares held in employee benefit trusts currently not vested and shares held for trading, is adjusted for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares, totalling 150 million (2005: 149 million). (1) Potential ordinary shares reflect the dilutive impact of share options outstanding. Dividends on ordinary shares The Board has decided to pay, on 27th April 2007, a final dividend for the year ended 31st December 2006 of 20.5p per ordinary share for shares registered in the books of the Company at the close of business on 9th March 2007. The interim dividend of 10.5p per ordinary share for the year ended 31st December 2006 was paid on 2nd October 2006. Shareholders who have their dividends paid direct to their bank or building society account will receive a consolidated tax voucher detailing the dividends paid in the 2006-2007 UK tax year in mid-October 2007. The amount payable for the 2006 final dividend is GBP1,307m (2005: GBP1,105m). This amount excludes GBP33m payable on own shares held by employee benefit trusts (2005: GBP25m). For qualifying US and Canadian resident ADR holders, the final dividend of 20.5p per ordinary share becomes 82.0p per ADS (representing four shares). The ADR depositary will mail the dividend on 27th April 2007 to ADR holders on the record on 9th March 2007. For qualifying Japanese shareholders, the final dividend of 20.5p per ordinary share will be distributed in mid-May to shareholders on the record on 9th March 2007. Shareholders may have their dividends reinvested in Barclays PLC shares by participating in the Barclays Dividend Reinvestment Plan. The plan is available to all shareholders, including members of Barclays Sharestore, provided that they neither live in nor are subject to the jurisdiction of any country where their participation in the plan would require Barclays or The Plan Administrator to take action to comply with local government or regulatory procedures or any similar formalities. Any shareholder wishing to obtain details and a form to join the plan should contact The Plan Administrator by writing to: The Plan Administrator to Barclays, Share Dividend Team, The Causeway, Worthing, West Sussex, BN99 6DA; or, by telephoning 0870 609 4535. The completed form should be returned to The Plan Administrator on or before 4th April 2007 for it to be effective in time for the payment of the final dividend on 27th April 2007. Shareholders who are already in the plan need take no action unless they wish to change their instructions in which case they should write to The Plan Administrator. Analysis of amounts included in the balance sheet Capital resources 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Shareholders' equity excluding minority interests 19,799 17,426 -------- -------- Preference shares 3,414 2,977 Reserve capital instruments 1,906 1,868 Upper tier 2 instruments 586 581 Absa minority interests 1,451 1,351 Other minority interests 234 227 -------- -------- Minority interests 7,591 7,004 -------- -------- Total shareholders' equity 27,390 24,430 Subordinated liabilities 13,786 12,463 -------- -------- Total capital resources 41,176 36,893 -------- -------- The authorised share capital of Barclays PLC was GBP2,500m (2005: GBP2,500m) comprising 9,996 million (2005: 9,996 million) ordinary shares of 25p each and 1 million (2005: 1 million) staff shares of GBP1 each. Called up share capital comprises 6,535 million (2005: 6,490 million) ordinary shares of 25p each and 1 million (2005: 1 million) staff shares of GBP1 each. Total capital resources increased GBP4,283m to GBP41,176m since 31st December 2005. Shareholders' equity, excluding minority interests, increased GBP2,373m since 31st December 2005. The increase reflected profits attributable to equity holders of the parent of GBP4,571m, increases in share capital and share premium of GBP179m and other increases in retained reserves of GBP412m. Offsetting these movements were dividends paid of GBP1,771m, decreases in the available for sale and cash flow hedging reserves of GBP93m and GBP300m respectively, a GBP594m decrease in the currency translation reserve and a GBP31m decrease due to changes in treasury and Employee Share Ownership Plan shares. Subordinated liabilities increased GBP1,323m since 31st December 2005. The increase reflects capital raisings of GBP2,493m and interest charges of GBP11m; offset by exchange rate movements of GBP575m, redemptions of GBP366m, fair value adjustments of GBP214m and amortisation of issue expenses of GBP26m. Minority interests increased GBP587m since 31st December 2005. The increase primarily reflected the issue by Barclays Bank PLC, during April 2006, of 30,000,000 preference shares of US$25 each (US$750m; GBP419m) with a 6.625% dividend. In addition, during April 2006, Absa issued 3,000,000 preference shares of R1,000 per share (GBP218m). Capital ratios Risk weighted assets and capital resources, as defined for supervisory purposes by the Financial Services Authority, comprised: Risk weighted assets: 2006 2005 Banking book GBPm GBPm On-balance sheet 197,979 180,808 Off-balance sheet 33,821 31,351 Associated undertakings and joint ventures 2,072 3,914 -------- -------- Total banking book 233,872 216,073 -------- -------- Trading book Market risks 30,291 23,216 Counterparty and settlement risks 33,670 29,859 -------- -------- Total trading book 63,961 53,075 -------- -------- Total risk weighted assets 297,833 269,148 -------- -------- Capital resources: Tier 1 Called up share capital 1,634 1,623 Eligible reserves 19,608 16,837 Minority interests(1) 7,899 6,634 Tier one notes(2) 909 981 Less: intangible assets (7,045) (7,180) -------- -------- Total qualifying tier 1 capital 23,005 18,895 -------- -------- Tier 2 Revaluation reserves 25 25 Available for sale-equity gains 221 223 Collectively assessed impairment allowances 2,556 2,306 Minority Interests 451 515 Qualifying subordinated liabilities(3) Undated loan capital 3,180 3,212 Dated loan capital 7,603 7,069 -------- -------- Total qualifying tier 2 capital 14,036 13,350 -------- -------- Less: Supervisory deductions: Investments not consolidated for supervisory purposes (982) (782) Other deductions (1,348) (961) -------- -------- (2,330) (1,743) -------- -------- Total net capital resources 34,711 30,502 -------- -------- Tier 1 ratio 7.7% 7.0% Risk asset ratio 11.7% 11.3% (1) Included reserve capital instruments of GBP2,765m (31st December 2005: GBP1,735m). Minority interests included issues of GBP500m and US$1,350m, reserve capital instruments which are eligible for inclusion in tier 1 capital made during 2006. These issues are classified within subordinated liabilities on the balance sheet. (2) Tier 1 notes are included in subordinated liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. (3) Subordinated liabilities included in tier 2 Capital are subject to limits laid down in the supervisory requirements. At 31st December 2006, the tier 1 Capital ratio was 7.7% and the Risk asset ratio was 11.7%. From 31st December 2005, total net capital resources rose GBP4.2bn and risk weighted assets increased GBP28.7bn. Tier 1 capital rose GBP4.1bn, including GBP2.8bn arising from profits attributable to equity shareholders net of dividends paid. Minority interests within tier 1 capital increased GBP1.3bn primarily due to the issuance of GBP1.2bn of Reserve Capital Instruments and GBP0.7bn of preference shares partially offset by a decrease in regulatory associates of GBP0.4bn driven by the sale of FirstCaribbean and exchange rate movements of GBP0.5bn. Tier 2 capital increased GBP0.7bn mainly as a result of the issuance of GBP1.5bn of loan capital partially offset by exchange rate movements of GBP0.6bn and redemptions of GBP0.4bn. The weakening of the Rand against Sterling had a positive impact on capital ratios in 2006. Reconciliation of regulatory capital Capital is defined differently for accounting and regulatory purposes. A reconciliation of shareholders' equity for accounting purposes to called up share capital and eligible reserves for regulatory purposes, is set out below: 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Shareholders' equity excluding minority interests 19,799 17,426 Available for sale reserve (132) (225) Cash flow hedging reserve 230 (70) Retained earnings Defined benefit pension scheme 1,165 1,215 Additional companies in regulatory consolidation and non-consolidated companies (498) (145) Foreign exchange on RCIs and upper tier 2 loan stock 504 289 Other adjustments 174 (30) -------- -------- Called up share capital and eligible reserves for regulatory purposes 21,242 18,460 -------- -------- Total assets and risk weighted assets Total assets increased 8% to GBP996.8bn (2005: GBP924.4bn). Risk weighted assets increased 11% to GBP297.8bn (31st December 2005: GBP269.1bn). Loans and advances to customers that have been securitised increased GBP5.8bn to GBP24.4bn (31st December 2005: GBP18.6bn). The increase in risk weighted assets since 2005 reflected a rise of GBP18.1bn in the banking book and a rise of GBP10.9bn in the trading book. UK Retail Banking total assets increased 5% to GBP74.0bn (31st December 2005: GBP70.4bn). This was mainly attributable to growth in mortgage balances. Risk weighted assets increased 6% to GBP34.9bn (31st December 2005: GBP32.8bn) also primarily reflecting the growth in mortgage balances. UK Business Banking total assets increased 10% to GBP65.9bn (31st December 2005: GBP59.9bn) reflecting good growth across short, medium and long term lending products. Risk weighted assets increased 6% to GBP50.0bn (31st December 2005: GBP47.1bn), reflecting asset growth and increased regulatory netting. Barclaycard total assets increased 7% to GBP27.6bn (31st December 2005: GBP25.8bn) driven by growth in lending balances in the international businesses and FirstPlus. Risk weighted assets increased 16% to GBP25.2bn (31st December 2005: GBP21.8bn), primarily reflecting the increase in total assets and lower securitised balances. International Retail and Commercial Banking-excluding Absa total assets increased 13% to GBP38.5bn (31st December 2005: GBP34.2bn) mainly reflecting increases in mortgage and other lending. Risk weighted assets remained flat at GBP20.3bn (31st December 2005: GBP20.4bn), with balance sheet growth offset by the sale of FirstCaribbean International Bank. International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa total assets increased 3% to GBP30.4bn (31st December 2005: GBP29.4bn). Risk weighted assets remained flat at GBP20.7bn (31st December 2005: GBP20.8bn). This reflected very strong growth in Rand terms offset by a 21% decline in the value of the Rand. In Rand terms assets grew 31% to R417bn (31st December 2005: R319bn) and risk weighted assets grew 25% to R284bn (31st December 2005: R227bn) due to strong growth in mortgage lending along with growth in corporate lending. Barclays Capital total assets increased 9% to GBP657.9bn (31st December 2005: GBP601.2bn). This reflected continued expansion of the business with growth in reverse repurchase agreements, debt securities and traded equity securities. Risk weighted assets increased 18% to GBP137.6bn (31st December 2005: GBP116.7bn) in line with risk, driven by the growth in equity derivatives, credit derivatives and fixed income. Barclays Global Investors total assets remained flat at GBP80.5bn (31st December 2005: GBP80.9bn). The majority of total assets relates to asset management products with equal and offsetting balances reflected within liabilities to customers. Risk weighted assets decreased 7% to GBP1.4bn (31st December 2005: GBP1.5bn). Barclays Wealth total assets increased 20% to GBP7.3bn (31st December 2005: GBP6.1bn) reflecting strong growth in lending to high net worth, affluent and intermediary clients. Risk weighted assets increased 39% to GBP5.7bn (31st December 2005: GBP4.1bn) above the rate of balance sheet growth driven by changes in the mix of lending and growth in guarantees. Head office functions and other operations total assets decreased 24% to GBP7.1bn (31st December 2005: GBP9.3bn). Risk weighted assets decreased 53% to GBP1.9bn (31st December 2005: GBP4.0bn). Economic capital Barclays assesses capital requirements by measuring the Group risk profile using both internally and externally developed models. The Group assigns economic capital primarily within seven risk categories: Credit Risk, Market Risk, Business Risk, Operational Risk, Insurance Risk, Fixed Assets and Private Equity. The Group regularly enhances its economic capital methodology and benchmarks outputs to external reference points. The framework has been enhanced to reflect default probabilities during average credit conditions, rather than those prevailing at the balance sheet date, thus seeking to remove cyclicality from the economic capital calculation. The framework also adjusts economic capital to reflect time horizon, correlation of risks and risk concentrations. Economic capital is allocated on a consistent basis across all of Barclays businesses and risk activities. A single cost of equity is applied to calculate the cost of risk. Economic capital allocations reflect varying levels of risk. The total average economic capital required by the Group, as determined by risk assessment models and after considering the Group's estimated portfolio effects, is compared with the supply of economic capital to evaluate economic capital utilisation. Supply of economic capital is calculated as the average available shareholders' equity after adjustment and including preference shares. The economic capital methodology will form the basis of the Group's submission for the Basel II Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP). Economic capital demand(1) 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm UK Banking 5,100 4,950 -------- -------- UK Retail Banking 2,400 2,350 UK Business Banking 2,700 2,600 -------- -------- Barclaycard 2,850 2,800 International Retail and Commercial Banking 1,950 1,450 -------- -------- International Retail and Commercial Banking-ex Absa 1,200 1,150 International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa(2) 750 300 -------- -------- Barclays Capital 3,750 2,900 Barclays Global Investors 150 150 Barclays Wealth 350 400 Barclays Wealth-closed life assurance activities 50 50 Head office functions and other operations(3) 300 300 -------- -------- Business unit economic capital 14,500 13,000 Capital held at Group centre(4) 1,450 1,050 -------- -------- Economic capital requirement (excluding goodwill) 15,950 14,050 Average historic goodwill and intangible assets(5) 7,750 6,450 -------- -------- Total economic capital requirement(6) 23,700 20,500 -------- -------- UK Retail Banking economic capital allocation increased GBP50m to GBP2,400m (2005: GBP2,350m), reflecting exposure growth in the portfolio. UK Business Banking economic capital allocation increased GBP100m to GBP2,700m (2005: GBP2,600m) as a consequence of asset growth offset by changes to estimates of risk correlation. Barclaycard economic capital allocation increased GBP50m to GBP2,850m (2005: GBP2,800m). Exposure growth, primarily in the international cards and secured loans portfolio, was partially offset by risk transfer activity, the decline in UK Card balances and the transition to reflect default probability methodology which is based on average credit conditions rather than those prevailing at the balance sheet date. International Retail and Commercial Banking excluding Absa economic capital allocation increased GBP50m to GBP1,200m (2005: GBP1,150m). This was due to lending growth primarily in Africa and Iberia. International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa economic capital allocation (excluding the risk borne by the minority interest) increased GBP450m to GBP750m (2005: GBP300m), reflecting loan growth and the inclusion of Absa(2) for a full year. Barclays Capital economic capital increased GBP850m to GBP3,750m (2005: GBP2,900m) due to growth in equity investments, market, business and operational risk and changes in the sector mix of the corporate lending portfolio. The growth also reflects holding the Absa Capital portfolio for the full year. Barclays Wealth economic capital allocation decreased GBP50m to GBP350m (2005: GBP400m) due to changes to estimates of risk correlation on average economic capital. Capital held at the Group centre increased GBP400m to GBP1,450m (2005: GBP1,050m). Demand for economic capital in the businesses was more than offset by growth in the funds available to support economic capital (see Economic capital supply on page 65). (1) Calculated using a five point average over the year and rounded to the nearest GBP50m for presentation purposes. (2) For 2005 average economic capital demand for Absa related to 5 months. (3) Includes Transition Businesses and capital for central functional risks. (4) The Group's practice is to maintain an appropriate level of excess capital, held at Group centre, which is not allocated to business units. This variance arises as a result of capital management timing and includes capital held to cover pension contribution risk. (5) Average goodwill relates to purchased goodwill and intangible assets from business acquisitions. Absa goodwill is included for 5 months of the second-half of 2005. As at 31st December 2006 Absa goodwill and intangibles amounted to GBP1,500m (31st December 2005: GBP1,800m) and total goodwill and intangibles was GBP7,900m (31st December 2005: GBP7,900m). (6) Total economic capital requirement as at 31st December 2006 stood at GBP25,150m (31st December 2005: GBP21,850m). Economic capital supply The capital resources to support economic capital comprise adjusted shareholders' equity including preference shares but excluding other minority interests. Preference shares have been issued to optimise the long-term capital base of the group. The capital resources to support economic capital are impacted by a number of factors arising from the application of IFRS and are modified in calculating available funds for economic capital. This applies specifically to: - Cash flow hedging reserve-to the extent that the Group undertakes the hedging of future cash flows, shareholders' equity will include gains and losses which will be offset against the gain or loss on the hedged item when it is recognised in the income statement at the conclusion of the future hedged transaction. Given the future offset of such gains and losses, they are excluded from shareholders' equity when calculating economic capital. - Available for sale reserve-unrealised gains and losses on such securities are included in shareholders' equity until disposal or impairment. Such gains and losses are excluded from shareholders' equity for the purposes of calculating economic capital. Realised gains and losses, foreign exchange translation differences and any impairment charges recorded in the income statement will impact economic profit. - Retirement benefits liability-the Group has recorded a deficit with a consequent reduction in shareholders' equity. This represents a non-cash reduction in shareholders' equity. For the purposes of calculating economic capital, the Group does not deduct the pension deficit from shareholders' equity. The average supply of capital to support the economic capital framework is set out below(1): 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Shareholders' equity excluding minority interests less goodwill(2) 11,400 10,850 Retirement benefits liability 1,300 1,350 Cash flow hedging reserve 100 (250) Available for sale reserve (50) (250) Preference shares 3,200 2,350 -------- -------- Available funds for economic capital excluding goodwill 15,950 14,050 Average historic goodwill and intangible assets(2) 7,750 6,450 -------- -------- Available funds for economic capital(3) 23,700 20,500 -------- -------- (1) Averages for the period will not correspond to period-end balances disclosed in the balance sheet. Numbers are rounded to the nearest GBP50m for presentational purposes only. (2) Average goodwill relates to purchased goodwill and intangible assets from business acquisitions. (3) Available funds for economic capital as at 31st December 2006 stood at GBP25,150m (31st December 2005: GBP21,850m). Economic profit Economic profit comprises: - Profit after tax and minority interests; less - Capital charge (average shareholders' equity excluding minority interests multiplied by the Group cost of capital). The Group cost of capital has been applied at a uniform rate of 9.5%(1). The costs of servicing preference shares are included in minority interests. The economic profit performance in 2006 and 2005 is shown below: 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Profit after tax and minority interests 4,571 3,447 Addback of amortisation charged on acquired intangible assets(2) 83 29 -------- -------- Profit for economic profit purposes 4,654 3,476 -------- -------- Average shareholders' equity excluding minority interests(3),(4) 11,400 10,850 Adjust for unrealised loss/(gains) on cash flow hedge reserve(4) 100 (250) Adjust for unrealised gains on available for sale financial instruments(4) (50) (250) Add: retirements benefits liability 1,300 1,350 Goodwill and intangible assets arising on acquisitions(4),(5) 7,750 6,450 -------- -------- Average shareholders' equity for economic profit purposes(3),(4) 20,500 18,150 -------- -------- Capital charge at 9.5% (1,950) (1,724) -------- -------- Economic profit 2,704 1,752 -------- -------- (1) The Board has determined the Group's cost of capital is to be unchanged for 2007 at 9.5%. (2) Amortisation charged for purchased intangibles, adjusted for tax and minority interests. (3) Average ordinary shareholders' equity for Group economic profit calculation is the sum of adjusted equity and reserves plus goodwill and intangible assets arising on acquisition, but excludes preference shares. (4) Averages for the period will not correspond exactly to period end balances disclosed in the balance sheet. Numbers are rounded to the nearest GBP50m for presentation purposes only. (5) Absa goodwill is included for 5 months of 2005. As at 31st December 2006 Absa goodwill and intangibles amounted to GBP1,500m (31st December 2005: GBP1,800m). Economic profit generated by business 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm UK Banking 1,431 1,130 -------- -------- UK Retail Banking 693 586 UK Business Banking 738 544 -------- -------- Barclaycard - 183 International Retail and Commercial Banking 530 205 -------- -------- International Retail and Commercial Banking-ex Absa 346 115 International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa(1) 184 90 -------- -------- Barclays Capital 1,181 706 Barclays Global Investors 376 299 Barclays Wealth 144 109 Barclays Wealth-closed life assurance activities (18) (7) Head office functions and other operations (315) (340) -------- -------- 3,329 2,285 Historic goodwill and intangibles arising on acquisition (739) (615) Variance to average shareholders' funds (excluding minority interest) 114 82 -------- -------- Economic profit 2,704 1,752 -------- -------- Economic profit for the Group increased 54% (GBP952m) to GBP2,704m (2005: GBP1,752m). The rise in economic profit was greater than the increase in both profit before tax and earnings per share. This was due to the more efficient use of capital across the Group and the gains from business disposals partially offset by the increased share of minority interests. UK Retail Banking economic profit increased 18% (GBP107m) to GBP693m (2005: GBP586m) due to a 17% increase in profit before tax which was partly offset by a 2% increase in the economic capital charge reflecting exposure growth in the portfolio. UK Business Banking economic profit increased 36% (GBP194m) to GBP738m (2005: GBP544m) due to an 18% increase in profit before tax which was partly offset by a 3% increase in the economic capital charge arising from the impact of asset growth offset by changes to estimates of risk correlation and profits on business disposals not carrying a tax charge. Barclaycard economic profit decreased GBP183m to GBPnil (2005: GBP183m), due to a 40% decrease in profit before tax and a 2% increase in the economic capital charge. The economic capital charge increase arose primarily through growth in the international cards and the secured loans portfolio which was offset by risk transfer activity, the decline in UK card balances and the transition to reflect default probability methodology, which is based on average credit conditions rather than those prevailing at the balance sheet date. International Retail and Commercial Banking - excluding Absa economic profit increased 201% (GBP231m) to GBP346m (2005: GBP115m), due to a 71% increase in profit before tax, including profit on business disposals of GBP247m substantially covered by tax losses offset by an increase in the economic capital charge of 3%. The increase in economic capital charge reflects the impact of portfolio growth in Africa and Iberia. International Retail and Commercial Banking - Absa economic profit increased 104% (GBP94m) reflecting a full year of ownership. Barclays Capital economic profit increased 67% (GBP475m) to GBP1,181m (2005: GBP706m), due to a 55% increase in profit before tax offset by a 32% increase in the economic capital charge. The increased economic capital charge is due to growth in equity investments, market, business and operational risk and changes in the sector mix of the corporate lending portfolio. The growth also reflects holding the Absa Capital portfolio for a full year. Barclays Wealth economic profit increased 32% (GBP35m) to GBP144m (2005: GBP109m), due to a 28% increase in profit before tax and a decrease in the economic capital charge of 4%, reflecting the benefit of changes to estimates of risk correlation methodology on average economic capital. Group performance management Performance relative to the 2004 to 2007 goal period Barclays will continue to use goals to drive performance. At the end of 2003, Barclays established a new set of four year performance goals for the period 2004 to 2007 inclusive. The primary goal is to achieve top quartile total shareholder return (TSR) relative to a peer group(1) of financial services companies and is unchanged from the prior goal period. TSR is defined as the value created for shareholders through share price appreciation, plus reinvested dividend payments. The peer group is regularly reviewed to ensure that it remains aligned to our business mix and the direction and scale of our ambition. For the three years from 31st December 2003 to 31st December 2006, Barclays delivered a spot TSR of 66% and was positioned 6th within its peer group, which is second quartile. The TSR of the FTSE 100 Index for this period was 54%. At the time of setting the TSR goal, we estimated that achieving top quartile TSR would require the achievement of compound annual growth in economic profit(2) in the range of 10% to 13% per annum (GBP6.5bn to GBP7.0bn of cumulative economic profit)(3) over the 2004 to 2007 goal period. Economic profit for 2006 was GBP2.7bn, which, added to the GBP3.3bn generated in 2004 and 2005, delivered a cumulative total of GBP6.0bn for the goal period to date. This equates to compound annual growth in economic profit of 28% per annum for the goal period to date. (1) Peer group for 2006 remained unchanged from 2005: ABN Amro, BBVA, BNP Paribas, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, HBOS, HSBC, JP Morgan Chase, Lloyds TSB, Royal Bank of Scotland and UBS. The peer group for 2007 remains unchanged. (2) Economic profit is defined on page 66. (3) Restated for IFRS. Risk Tendency As part of its credit risk management system, the Group uses a model-based methodology to assess the point-in-time expected loss of credit portfolios across different customer categories. The approach is termed Risk Tendency and applies to credit exposures in both wholesale and retail sectors. Risk Tendency provides statistical estimates of loss levels within a 12 month period based on averages in the ranges of possible losses expected from each of the current portfolios. This can be contrasted with impairment allowances required under accounting standards, which are based on objective evidence of actual impairment as at the balance sheet date. Since Risk Tendency and impairment allowances are calculated for different purposes and on different bases, Risk Tendency does not predict loan impairment. Risk Tendency is provided to present a view of the evolution of the quality and scale of the credit portfolios. 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm UK Banking 515 430 -------- -------- UK Retail Banking 225 180 UK Business Banking 290 250 -------- -------- Barclaycard 1,410 1,100 International Retail and Commercial Banking 220 175 -------- -------- International Retail and Commercial Banking-ex Absa 75 75 International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa 145 100 -------- -------- Barclays Capital 95 110 Barclays Wealth 10 5 Transition Businesses(1) 10 25 -------- -------- 2,260 1,845 -------- -------- Risk Tendency increased GBP415m to GBP2,260m (2005: GBP1,845m). UK Retail Banking Risk Tendency increased GBP45m to GBP225m (2005: GBP180m) reflecting a methodology enhancement to better reflect expected loss rates in the local business portfolio. The increase in Barclaycard Risk Tendency was GBP310m, the total rising to GBP1,410m (2005: GBP1,100m). This reflected the deterioration in credit conditions in the UK credit card and unsecured loan market as well as loan balance growth. International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa Risk Tendency increased GBP45m, reflecting balance sheet growth, a normalisation of credit conditions in South Africa and an asset transfer from Absa Capital. Risk Tendency in Barclays Capital fell GBP15m mainly as a result of assets which were transferred to International Retail and Commercial Banking - Absa from Absa Capital. (1) Included within Head office functions and other operations. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Group reporting changes in 2006 Barclays announced on 16th June 2006 the impact of certain changes in Group structure and reporting on the 2005 results. Barclays realigned a number of reportable business segments based on the reorganisation of certain portfolios better to reflect the type of client served, the nature of the products offered and the associated risks and rewards. The Group's policy for the internal cost of funding and the segmental disclosure of risk weighted assets was also revised with effect from 1st January 2006. The restatements had no impact on the Group Income Statement or Balance Sheet. Group structure changes-effective 1st January 2006 UK Retail Banking comprises Personal Customers, Local Business (formerly Small Business), UK Premier and Home Finance. A number of smaller business clients previously within UK Business Banking are now managed and reported within UK Retail Banking. UK Business Banking comprises Larger Business and Medium Business including Asset and Sales Finance. A number of financial institution, large corporate and property clients previously within UK Business Banking are now managed by and reported in Barclays Capital. A number of smaller business clients previously within UK Business Banking are now managed and reported within UK Retail Banking. Certain portfolios have been reclassified as businesses in transition and are now managed and reported in Head office functions and other operations. International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa. The majority of Absa Corporate and Merchant Banking has been relaunched as Absa Capital and is being managed and reported in Barclays Capital. Barclays Capital has added a number of financial institutions, large corporates and property company clients previously managed within UK Business Banking and Absa Capital from International Retail and Commercial Banking-Absa. Head office functions and other operations. Certain lending portfolios previously managed within UK Business Banking have been reclassified as businesses in transition. These businesses are now centrally managed with the objective of maximising the recovery from these assets. The structure remains unchanged for: Barclays Global Investors; Barclays Wealth; Barclays Wealth-closed life assurance activities; Barclaycard and International Retail and Commercial Banking excluding-Absa. Changes to internal cost of funding-effective 1st January 2006 All transactions between the businesses are conducted on an arms-length basis. Internal charges and transfer pricing adjustments are reflected in the performance of each business. Head office functions and other operations contains a centralised Treasury function which manages the Group's capital base, generating a net interest income. Previously the net interest income was allocated to the businesses based on the level of economic capital held by each business as a proportion of that held by the Group, which ensured a nil net interest income result in Treasury. The allocation is now determined by applying Treasury's effective rate of return on capital to the average economic capital held by each business. Changes to risk weighted assets by business-effective 1st January 2006 Under the Group's securitisation programme, certain portfolios of loans and advances to customers and other assets subject to securitisation or similar risk transfer are adjusted in calculating the Group's risk weighted assets. With effect from 1st January 2006 the costs associated with each securitisation, which were previously held centrally, have been allocated to the relevant businesses. The regulatory capital adjustments arising from the securitisation programme are attributed to the business which bears the costs. Basis of Preparation There have been no significant changes to the accounting policies described in the 2005 Annual report. Therefore the information in this announcement has been prepared using the accounting policies and presentation applied in 2005. Future accounting developments IFRS 7 ('Financial Instruments Disclosures') and an amendment to IAS 1 ('Presentation of Financial Statements') on capital disclosures were issued by the IASB in August 2005 for application in accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2007 and have been adopted by the European Commission. The new or revised disclosures will be adopted by the Group for reporting in 2007. The following International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) interpretations issued during 2005 and 2006 which first apply to accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2007 are not expected to result in any changes to the Group's accounting policies: - Interpretation 7-Applying the Restatement Approach under IAS 29 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies - Interpretation 8-Scope of IFRS 2 - Interpretation 9-Reassessment of Embedded Derivatives - Interpretation 10-Interim Financial Reporting and Impairment Consideration will be given during 2007 to the implications, if any, of the following IFRIC interpretations issued during 2006 which would first apply to the Group accounting period beginning on 1st January 2008: - IFRIC 11 IFRS 2 - Group and Treasury Share Transactions - IFRIC 12 Service Concession Arrangements IFRS 8 ('Operating Segments') was issued in November 2006 and would first be required to be applied to the Group accounting period beginning on 1st January 2009. The standard replaces IAS 14 Segmental Reporting and would align operating segmental reporting with segments reported to senior management as well as requiring amendments and additions to the existing segmental reporting disclosures. The Group is considering the advantages that permitted early adoption in 2007 may make to the transparency of the segmental disclosures. Share capital The Group manages its debt and equity capital actively. The Group's authority to buy back ordinary shares (up to 968.6million ordinary shares) was renewed at the 2006 Annual General Meeting. The Group will seek to renew its authority to buy back ordinary shares at the 2007 Annual General Meeting to provide additional flexibility in the management of the Group's capital resources. Group share schemes The independent trustees of the Group's share schemes may make purchases of Barclays PLC ordinary shares in the market at any time or times following this announcement of the Group's results for the purposes of those schemes' current and future requirements. The total number of ordinary shares purchased would not be material in relation to the issued share capital of Barclays PLC. Filings with the SEC The results will be furnished as a Form 6-K to the US Securities and Exchange Commission as soon as practicable following the publication of these results. Competition and regulatory matters The scale of regulatory change remains challenging, arising in part from the implementation of some key European Union (EU) directives. Many changes to financial services legislation and regulation have come into force in recent years and further changes will take place in the near future. Concurrently, there is continuing political and regulatory scrutiny of the operation of the retail banking and consumer credit industries in the UK and elsewhere. The nature and impact of future changes in policies and regulatory action are not predictable and beyond the Group's control but could have an impact on the Group's businesses and earnings. In the EU as a whole, there was an inquiry into retail banking in all of the then 25 Member States by the European Commission's Directorate General for Competition. The inquiry looked at retail banking in Europe generally and the Group has fully co-operated with the inquiry. On 31st January 2007 the European Commission announced that the inquiry had identified barriers to competition in certain areas of retail banking, payment cards and payment systems in the EU. The Commission indicated it will use its powers to address these barriers, and will encourage national competition authorities to enforce European and national competition laws where appropriate. Any action taken by the Commission and national competition authorities could have an impact on the payment cards and payment systems businesses of the Group and on its retail banking activities in the EU countries in which it operates. In the UK, in September 2005 the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) received a super-complaint from the Citizens Advice Bureau relating to payment protection insurance (PPI). As a result, the OFT commenced a market study on PPI in April 2006. In October 2006, the OFT announced the outcome of the market study and, following a period of consultation, the OFT referred the PPI market to the UK Competition Commission for an in-depth inquiry on 7th February 2007. This inquiry could last for up to two years. Also in October 2006, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) published the outcome of its broad industry thematic review of PPI sales practices in which it concluded that some firms fail to treat customers fairly. The Group has cooperated fully with these investigations and will continue to do so. In April 2006, the OFT commenced a review of the undertakings given following the conclusion of the Competition Commission Inquiry in 2002 into the supply of banking services to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The Group is cooperating fully with that review. The OFT has carried out investigations into Visa and MasterCard credit card interchange rates. The decision by the OFT in the MasterCard interchange case was set aside by the Competition Appeals Tribunal in June 2006. The OFT's investigation in the Visa interchange case is at an earlier stage and a second MasterCard interchange case is ongoing. The outcome is not known but these investigations may have an impact on the consumer credit industry in general and therefore on the Group's business in this sector. On 9th February 2007 the OFT announced that it was expanding its investigation into interchange rates to include debit cards. The OFT announced the findings of its investigation into the level of late and over-limit fees on credit cards on 5th April 2006, requiring a response from credit card companies by 31st May 2006. Barclaycard responded by confirming that it would reduce its late and over-limit fees on credit cards. On 7th September 2006, the OFT announced that it had decided to undertake a fact find on the application of its statement on credit card fees to current account unauthorised overdraft fees. The OFT expects this work to take up to six months, at which stage the OFT will consider whether a further detailed investigation into unauthorised overdraft fees is needed. On 26th January 2007 the FSA issued a Statement of Good Practice relating to Mortgage Exit Administration Fees. Barclays will charge the fee applicable at the time the customer took out the mortgage, which is one of the options recommended by the FSA. Acquisitions On 1st November 2006, Barclays Bank PLC acquired the US mortgage servicing business of HomEq Servicing Corporation from Wachovia Corporation. Disposals On 1st January 2006, Barclays completed the sale of the Barclays South African branch business to Absa Group Limited. This consists of the Barclays Capital South African operations and Corporate and Business Banking activities previously carried out by the South African branch of International Retail and Commercial Banking-excluding Absa, together with the associated assets and liabilities. On 25th July 2006, Barclays Asset & Sales Finance (BA&SF) disposed of its interest in its vehicle leasing business, Appleyard Finance Holdings Limited. On 22nd December 2006 Barclays disposed of its interest in FirstCaribbean International Bank to Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. On 31st December 2006, BA&SF disposed of its European Vendor Finance business, including Barclays Industrie Bank GmbH and Barclays Technology Finance Ltd, to CIT Group. Recent developments On 20th December 2006, Barclays announced that agreement in principle had been reached for Barclays to acquire 100% of the share capital of Nile Bank in Uganda. Barclays expects the transaction to complete during the first quarter of 2007, subject to finalisation of confirmatory due diligence and documentation and to receipt of regulatory approval. On 19th January 2007, Barclays announced that it had entered into an agreement to purchase EquiFirst Corporation, the non-prime mortgage origination business of Regions Financial Corporation. Completion is expected in the first half of 2007, subject to the receipt of the required licences and applicable regulatory approval. On 8th February 2007, Barclays completed the acquisition of Indexchange Investment AG, Germany's leading provider of exchange traded funds, from Bayerische Hypo-und Vereinsbank. The transaction was announced in November 2006. NOTES 1. Assets held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts/liabilities to customers under investment contracts 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Non-trading financial instruments fair valued through profit and loss held in respect of linked liabilities 82,798 83,193 Cash and bank balances within the funds 1,839 2,008 -------- -------- Assets held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts 84,637 85,201 -------- -------- Liabilities to customers under investment contracts (84,637) (85,201) -------- -------- 2. Derivative financial instruments The tables set out below analyse the contract or underlying principal and the fair value of derivative financial instruments held for trading purposes and for the purposes of managing the Group's structural exposures. Derivatives are measured at fair value and the resultant profits and losses from derivatives held for trading purposes are included in net trading income. Where derivatives are held for risk management purposes and when transactions meet the criteria specified in IAS 39, the Group applies hedge accounting as appropriate to the risks being hedged. Contract 2006 notional Fair value amount Assets Liabilities Derivatives designated as held for GBPm GBPm GBPm trading Foreign exchange derivatives 1,500,774 22,026 (21,745) Interest rate derivatives 17,666,353 76,010 (75,854) Credit derivatives 1,224,548 9,275 (8,894) Equity and stock index and commodity derivatives 495,080 29,962 (33,253) -------- -------- -------- Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for trading 20,886,755 137,273 (139,746) -------- -------- -------- Derivatives designated in hedge accounting relationships Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 63,895 132 (401) Derivatives designated as fair value hedges 19,489 298 (441) Derivatives designated as hedges of net investments 12,050 650 (109) -------- -------- -------- Total derivative assets/(liabilities) designated in hedge accounting relationships 95,434 1,080 (951) -------- -------- -------- Total recognised derivative assets/(liabilities) 20,982,189 138,353 (140,697) -------- -------- -------- Contract 2005 notional Fair value amount Assets Liabilities Derivatives designated as held GBPm GBPm GBPm for trading Foreign exchange derivatives 1,184,074 18,485 (17,268) Interest rate derivatives 15,374,057 81,028 (79,701) Credit derivatives 609,381 4,172 (4,806) Equity and stock index and commodity derivatives 637,452 32,481 (35,128) -------- -------- -------- Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for trading 17,804,964 136,166 (136,903) -------- -------- -------- Derivatives designated in hedge accounting relationships Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 40,080 232 (483) Derivatives designated as fair value hedges 33,479 423 (331) Derivatives designated as hedges of net investments 5,919 2 (254) -------- -------- -------- Total derivative assets/(liabilities) designated in hedge accounting relationships 79,478 657 (1,068) -------- -------- -------- Total recognised derivative assets/(liabilities) 17,884,442 136,823 (137,971) -------- -------- -------- Total derivative notionals have grown over the year primarily due to increases in the volume of fixed income derivatives, reflecting the continued growth in client based activity and increased use of electronic trading platforms in Europe and the US. Credit derivative values have also increased significantly, largely due to growth in the market for these products. 3. Loans and advances to banks 2006 2005 By geographical area GBPm GBPm United Kingdom 6,229 4,624 Other European Union 8,513 5,423 United States 9,056 13,267 Africa 2,219 880 Rest of the World 4,913 6,915 -------- -------- 30,930 31,109 Less: Allowance for impairment (4) (4) -------- -------- Total loans and advances to banks 30,926 31,105 -------- -------- 4. Loans and advances to customers 2006 2005(2) GBPm GBPm Retail business 139,350 134,420 Wholesale and corporate business 146,281 137,922 -------- -------- 285,631 272,342 Less: Allowances for impairment (3,331) (3,446) -------- -------- Total loans and advances to customers 282,300 268,896 -------- -------- By geographical area United Kingdom 170,518 163,759 Other European Union 43,430 38,923 United States 25,677 22,925 Africa 31,691 33,221 Rest of the World 14,315 13,514 -------- -------- 285,631 272,342 Less: Allowance for impairment (3,331) (3,446) -------- -------- Total loans and advances to customers 282,300 268,896 -------- -------- By industry Financial institutions 45,954 43,102 Agriculture, forestry and fishing 3,997 3,785 Manufacturing 15,451 13,779 Construction 4,056 5,020 Property 16,528 16,325 Energy and water 6,810 6,891 Wholesale and retail distribution and leisure 15,490 17,760 Transport 5,586 5,960 Postal and communication 2,180 1,313 Business and other services 29,425 24,247 Home loans(1) 98,172 89,529 Other personal 31,840 35,543 Finance lease receivables 10,142 9,088 -------- -------- 285,631 272,342 Less: Allowance for impairment (3,331) (3,446) -------- -------- Total loans and advances to customers 282,300 268,896 -------- -------- The industry classifications have been prepared at the level of the borrowing entity. This means that a loan to the subsidiary of a major corporation is classified by the industry in which that subsidiary operates even though the parent's predominant business may be a different industry. (1) Excludes commercial property mortgages. (2) Prior year analysis of loans and advances to customers between retail business and wholesale and corporate business has been reclassified to reflect enhanced methodology implemented in the current year. 5. Allowance for impairment on loans and advances 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm At beginning of period 3,450 2,637 Acquisitions and disposals (23) 555 Exchange and other adjustments (153) 125 Unwind of discount (98) (76) Amounts written off (see below) (2,174) (1,587) Recoveries (see below) 259 222 Amounts charged against profit (see below) 2,074 1,574 -------- -------- At end of period 3,335 3,450 -------- -------- Amounts written off United Kingdom (1,746) (1,302) Other European Union (74) (56) United States (46) (143) Africa (264) (81) Rest of the World (44) (5) -------- -------- (2,174) (1,587) -------- -------- Recoveries United Kingdom 178 160 Other European Union 18 13 United States 22 15 Africa 33 16 Rest of the World 8 18 -------- -------- 259 222 -------- -------- Impairment charged against profit: New and increased impairment allowances United Kingdom 2,253 1,763 Other European Union 182 113 United States 60 105 Africa 209 109 Rest of the World 18 39 -------- -------- 2,722 2,129 -------- -------- Less: Releases of impairment allowance United Kingdom (195) (221) Other European Union (72) (25) United States (26) (14) Africa (33) (56) Rest of the World (63) (17) -------- -------- (389) (333) -------- -------- Recoveries (259) (222) -------- -------- Total impairment charges on loans and advances(1) 2,074 1,574 -------- -------- (1) This excludes other credit provisions and impairment on available for sale assets detailed on page 51. 2006 2005 Allowance GBPm GBPm United Kingdom 2,477 2,266 Other European Union 311 284 United States 100 130 Africa 417 647 Rest of the World 30 123 -------- -------- At end of period 3,335 3,450 -------- -------- 6. Potential credit risk loans The following tables present an analysis of potential credit risk loans (non-performing and potential problem loans). Potential credit risk loans 2006 2005 Summary GBPm GBPm Impaired loans(1) 4,444 4,550 Accruing loans which are contractually overdue 90 days or more as to principal or interest 598 609 -------- -------- 5,042 5,159 Restructured loans 46 51 -------- -------- Total non-performing loans 5,088 5,210 Potential problem loans 761 929 -------- -------- Total potential credit risk loans 5,849 6,139 -------- -------- Geographical split Impaired loans(1): United Kingdom 3,340 2,965 Other European Union 410 345 United States 129 230 Africa 535 831 Rest of the World 30 179 -------- -------- Total 4,444 4,550 -------- -------- Accruing loans which are contractually overdue 90 days or more as to principal or interest United Kingdom 516 539 Other European Union 58 53 United States 3 - Africa 21 17 Rest of the World - - -------- -------- Total 598 609 -------- -------- (1) Impaired loans are non-performing loans where, in general, an impairment allowance has been raised. This classification may also include non-performing loans which are fully collateralised or where the indebtedness has already been written down to the expected realisable value. 2006 2005 Restructured loans GBPm GBPm United Kingdom - 5 Other European Union 10 7 United States 22 16 Africa 14 23 Rest of the World - - -------- -------- Total 46 51 -------- -------- Total non-performing loans United Kingdom 3,856 3,509 Other European Union 478 405 United States 154 246 Africa 570 871 Rest of the World 30 179 -------- -------- Total 5,088 5,210 -------- -------- Potential problem loans United Kingdom 465 640 Other European Union 32 26 United States 21 12 Africa 240 248 Rest of the World 3 3 -------- -------- Total 761 929 -------- -------- Total potential credit risk loans United Kingdom 4,321 4,149 Other European Union 510 431 United States 175 258 Africa 810 1,119 Rest of the World 33 182 -------- -------- Total 5,849 6,139 -------- -------- Allowance coverage of non-performing loans % % United Kingdom 64.2 64.6 Other European Union 65.1 70.1 United States 64.9 52.8 Africa 73.2 74.3 Rest of the World 100.0 68.7 -------- -------- Total 65.6 66.2 -------- -------- Allowance coverage of total potential credit risk loans % % United Kingdom 57.3 54.6 Other European Union 61.0 65.9 United States 57.1 50.4 Africa 51.5 57.8 Rest of the World 91.0 67.6 -------- -------- Total 57.0 56.2 -------- -------- 2006 2005(1) Allowance coverage of non-performing loans: % % Retail 65.6 62.3 Wholesale and corporate 65.5 74.2 -------- -------- Total 65.6 66.2 -------- -------- Allowance coverage of total potential credit risk loans: Retail 59.8 57.1 Wholesale and corporate 50.6 54.4 -------- -------- Total 57.0 56.2 -------- -------- Non-performing loans (NPLs) were broadly stable at GBP5,088m (31st December 2005: GBP5,210m). Retail NPLs increased 5% and wholesale and corporate NPLs declined 17%. Potential problem loans (PPLs) decreased 18% to GBP761m (31st December 2005: GBP929m). Retail PPLs increased 8% and wholesale and corporate PPLs declined 32%. Potential Credit Risk Loans (PCRLs) decreased 5% to GBP5,849m (31st December 2005: GBP6,139m). Retail PCRLs increased 5% and wholesale and corporate PCRLs declined 21%. 7. Available for sale financial investments 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Debt securities 47,910 50,024 Equity securities 1,379 1,258 Treasury bills and other eligible bills 2,420 2,223 -------- -------- 51,709 53,505 Less: Allowance for impairment (6) (8) -------- -------- Available for sale financial investments 51,703 53,497 -------- -------- (1) Prior year analysis of loans and advances to customers between retail business and wholesale and corporate business has been reclassified to reflect enhanced methodology implemented in the current year. 8. Other assets 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Sundry debtors 4,298 3,569 Prepayments 658 722 Accrued income 722 329 Insurance assets, including unit linked assets 172 114 -------- -------- Other assets 5,850 4,734 -------- -------- 9. Other liabilities 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Obligations under finance leases payable 92 289 Sundry creditors 4,118 6,131 Accruals and deferred income 6,127 4,711 -------- -------- Other liabilities 10,337 11,131 -------- -------- 10. Provisions 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Redundancy and restructuring 102 74 Undrawn contractually committed facilities and guarantees 46 55 Onerous contracts 71 79 Sundry provisions 243 309 -------- -------- Provisions 462 517 -------- -------- 11. Other reserves 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Available for sale reserve 132 225 Cash flow hedging reserve (230) 70 Capital redemption reserve 309 309 Other capital reserve 617 617 Currency translation reserve (438) 156 -------- -------- Other reserves 390 1,377 -------- -------- Movements in other reserves reflect the relevant amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of recognised income and expense on page 90. The movements include related tax impacts but exclude amounts attributable to minority interests. 12. Retirement benefit liabilities The Group's IAS 19 pension deficit across all schemes as at 31st December 2006 was GBP817m (31st December 2005: GBP2,879m). The deficit comprised net recognised liabilities of GBP1,719m (31st December 2005: GBP1,737m) and unrecognised actuarial gains of GBP902m (31st December 2005: GBP1,142m unrecognised actuarial loss). The net recognised liabilities comprised retirement benefit liabilities of GBP1,807m (31st December 2005: GBP1,823m) and assets of GBP88m (31st December 2005: GBP86m). The Group's IAS 19 pension deficit in respect of the main UK scheme as at 31st December 2006 was GBP475m (31st December 2005: GBP2,535m). Among the reasons for this change were greater than expected returns on assets and an increase in AA long-term corporate bond yields which resulted in a higher discount rate of 5.12% (31st December 2005: 4.83%), partially offset by an increase in the inflation assumption to 3.08% (31st December 2005: 2.75%). A number of additional changes were made to the assumptions used in valuing the liabilities, including a decrease in the assumed rate of real salary increases to 1.0% (31st December 2005: 1.55%), a change in the assumption regarding pension increases to recognise the caps and floors which apply to guaranteed pension increases, and the introduction of an explicit allowance for early retirement and commutation. Mortality assumptions remain unchanged from those in force at 31st December 2005. The actuarial funding position of the main UK pension scheme as at 31st December 2006, estimated based on assumptions relating to the formal triennial valuation in 2004, was a surplus of GBP1,300m (31st December 2005: surplus of GBP900m), representing a funding ratio of 109%. The Pensions Protection Fund (PPF) solvency ratio(1) for the main UK scheme as at 31st December 2006 was estimated to be 121% (31st December 2005: 110%). Cash contributions to the Group's schemes totalled GBP389m (2005: GBP373m), including GBP351m to the main UK scheme (2005: GBP354m). (1) The PPF solvency ratio represents the funds assets as a percentage of pension liabilities calculated using a section 179 valuation model. 13. Legal proceedings Barclays has for some time been party to proceedings, including a class action, in the United States against a number of defendants following the collapse of Enron; the class action claim is commonly known as the Newby litigation. On 20th July 2006 Barclays received an Order from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas Houston Division (the 'Court') which dismissed the claims against Barclays PLC, Barclays Bank PLC and Barclays Capital Inc. in the Newby litigation. On 4th December 2006, in response to the plaintiffs' procedural objections, the Court stayed Barclays dismissal from the proceedings and allowed the plaintiffs to file a supplemental complaint. The Court will consider the plaintiffs' supplemental complaint in connection with consideration of a summary judgment motion filed by Barclays. Barclays considers that the Enron related claims against it are without merit and is defending them vigorously. It is not possible to estimate Barclays possible loss in relation to these matters, nor the effect that they might have upon operating results in any particular financial period. Barclays has been in negotiations with the staff of the US Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to a settlement of the Commission's investigations of transactions between Barclays and Enron. Barclays does not expect that the amount of any settlement with the Commission would have a significant adverse effect on its financial position or operating results. On 3rd November 2006 Barclays announced that it had reached a settlement in principle with Enron in the Enron bankruptcy proceedings. A settlement agreement was signed on 30th November 2006 and became effective on 3rd January 2007. The settlement has had no negative impact on Barclays earnings as an adequate provision had already been made for the likely cost in prior periods. In reaching the settlement Barclays has denied any wrongdoing or liability. Barclays is engaged in various other litigation proceedings both in the United Kingdom and a number of overseas jurisdictions, including the United States, involving claims by and against it which arise in the ordinary course of business. Barclays does not expect the ultimate resolution of any of the proceedings to which Barclays is party to have a significant adverse effect on the financial position of the Group and Barclays has not disclosed the contingent liabilities associated with these claims either because they cannot reasonably be estimated or because such disclosure could be prejudicial to the conduct of the claims. 14. Contingent liabilities and commitments 2006 2005 Contingent liabilities GBPm GBPm Acceptances and endorsements 287 283 Guarantees and letters of credit pledged as collateral security 31,252 38,035 Other contingent liabilities 7,880 8,825 -------- -------- 39,419 47,143 -------- -------- Commitments 205,504 203,785 -------- -------- Contingent liabilities decreased 16% (GBP7.7bn) to GBP39.4bn (2005: GBP47.1bn) principally due to changes in the mix of securities lending activity within Barclays Global Investors. Commitments increased 1% (GBP1.7bn) to GBP205.5bn (2005: GBP203.8bn) primarily due to new facilities within Barclays Capital and Barclaycard. 15. Market risk Market risk is the risk that the Group's earnings, capital, or ability to meet its business objectives, will be adversely affected by changes in the level or volatility of market rates or prices such as interest rates, credit spreads, commodity prices, equity prices and foreign exchange rates. Barclays Capital's market risk exposure, as measured by average total Daily Value at Risk (DVaR), increased by 16% to GBP37.1m (2005: GBP32.0m). Interest rate risk fell while non-interest rate risks were higher, primarily in commodities. The range of total DVaR between High and Low was consistent with 2005 and diversification across risk types remains significant, reflecting the broad business mix. Total DVaR as at 31st December 2006 was GBP41.9m (31st December 2005: GBP37.6m(1)). (1) This was previously reported as GBP37.4m. The increase reflects the inclusion of Absa Capital. Analysis of Barclays Capital's market risk exposures The daily average, maximum and minimum values of DVaR were calculated as below: DVaR Twelve months to 31st December 2006 ------------------- Average High(1) Low(1) GBPm GBPm GBPm Interest rate risk 20.1 28.8 12.3 Credit spread risk 24.3 33.1 17.9 Commodities risk 11.3 21.6 5.7 Equities risk 7.8 11.6 5.8 Foreign exchange risk 4.0 7.7 1.8 Diversification effect (30.4) n/a n/a ------- -------- ------- Total DVaR 37.1 43.2 31.3 ------- -------- ------- Twelve months to 31st December 2005(2) ------------------- Average High(1) Low(1) GBPm GBPm GBPm Interest rate risk 25.4 44.8 15.4 Credit spread risk 23.0 28.3 19.0 Commodities risk 6.8 11.4 4.5 Equities risk 6.0 8.3 3.9 Foreign exchange risk 2.8 5.4 1.6 Diversification effect (32.0) n/a n/a ------- -------- ------- Total DVaR 32.0 40.7 25.4 ------- -------- ------- (1) The high (and low) DVaR figures reported for each category did not necessarily occur on the same day as the high (and low) DVaR reported as a whole. Consequently a diversification effect number for the high (and low) DVaR figures would not be meaningful and it is therefore omitted from the above table. (2) 2005 has been restated. The increase reflects the inclusion of Absa Capital. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Net movements in available for sale reserve (140) (109) Net movements in cash flow hedging reserve (487) (119) Net movements in currency translation reserve (781) 300 Tax 253 50 Other movements 25 (102) -------- -------- Amounts included directly in equity (1,130) 20 Profit after tax 5,195 3,841 -------- -------- Total recognised income and expense 4,065 3,861 -------- -------- Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent 3,682 3,379 Minority interests 383 482 -------- -------- 4,065 3,861 -------- -------- The consolidated statement of recognised income and expense reflects all items of income and expense for the year, including items taken directly to equity. Movements in individual reserves are shown including amounts which relate to minority interests; the impact of such amounts is then reflected in the amount attributable to such interests. Movements in individual reserves are also shown on a gross basis with any related tax recorded on the separate tax line. The available for sale reserve reflects gains or losses arising from the change in fair value of available for sale financial assets except for items recorded in the income statement which are: impairment losses; gains or losses transferred to the income statement due to fair value hedge accounting; and foreign exchange gains or losses on monetary items such as debt securities. When an available for sale asset is impaired or derecognised, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in the available for sale reserve is transferred to the income statement. The movement in 2006 reflects the transfer of net realised gains partially offset by the transfer of impairment losses and the recognition of net unrealised gains from changes in fair value. Cash flow hedging aims to minimise exposure to variability in cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction that could affect profit or loss. The portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument that is deemed to be an effective hedge is recognised in the cash flow hedging reserve. The movement in 2006 primarily reflects net unrealised losses from changes in the fair value of the hedging instruments. The gains and losses deferred in this reserve will be transferred to the income statement in the same period or periods during which the hedged item is recognised in the income statement. Exchange differences arising on the net investments in foreign operations and effective hedges of net investments are recognised in the currency translation reserve and transferred to the income statement on the disposal of the net investment. The movement in the year primarily reflects the impact of changes in the value of the Rand on the minority interest in Absa Group Limited and changes in the value of the US Dollar on net investments. The net investments are economically hedged through US Dollar-denominated preference share capital, which is not revalued for accounting purposes. SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT 2006 2005 GBPm GBPm Net cash flow from operating activities 10,047 3,649 Net cash flow from investing activities (1,154) (5,292) Net cash flow from financing activities 692 1,083 Exchange loss/(gain) on foreign currency cash and cash equivalents 562 (237) -------- -------- Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 10,147 (797) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year 20,805 21,602 -------- -------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year 30,952 20,805 -------- -------- In order to provide more relevance to users and to enhance the comparability of its financial statement presentation, the Group has changed certain classifications within the cash flow statement in 2006. Certain activities which were categorised as operating activities have been reclassified as financing activities and investing activities. These changes have increased net cash from operating activities by GBP14,147m in 2005, with a corresponding decrease in net cash used in investing activities of GBP111m and decrease in net cash from financing activities of GBP14,036m. The amounts of cash and cash equivalents in 2005 have not been affected by the changes. OTHER INFORMATION Registered office 1 Churchill Place, London, E14 5HP, England, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7116 1000. Company number: 48839. Website www.barclays.com Registrar The Registrar to Barclays PLC, The Causeway, Worthing, West Sussex, BN99 6DA, England, United Kingdom. Tel: + 44 (0) 870 609 4535. Listing The principal trading market for Barclays PLC ordinary shares is the London Stock Exchange. Ordinary shares are also listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Trading on the New York Stock Exchange is in the form of ADSs under the ticker symbol 'BCS'. Each ADS represents four ordinary shares of 25p each and is evidenced by an ADR. The ADR depositary is The Bank of New York whose international telephone number is +1-212-815-3700, whose domestic telephone number is 1-888-BNY-ADRS and whose address is The Bank of New York, Investor Relations, PO Box 11258, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10286-1258. Filings with the SEC Statutory accounts for the year ended 31st December 2006, which also include certain information required for the joint Annual Report on Form 20-F of Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), can be obtained from Corporate Communications, Barclays Bank PLC, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166, United States of America or from the Director, Investor Relations at Barclays registered office address, shown above, once they have been published in late March. Once filed with the SEC, copies of the Form 20-F will also be available from the Barclays Investor Relations' website (details below) and from the SEC's website (www.sec.gov). Results timetable Ex dividend Date Wednesday, 7th March 2007 Dividend Record Date Friday, 9th March 2007 2007 Annual General Meeting Date Thursday, 26th April 2007 Dividend Payment Date Friday, 27th April 2007 2007 First-half Trading Update* Thursday, 24th May 2007 2007 Interim Results Announcement* Thursday, 2nd August 2007 *Note that these announcement dates are provisional and subject to change. Economic data 2006 2005 Period end-US$/GBP 1.96 1.72 Average-US$/GBP 1.84 1.82 Period end-EUR/GBP 1.49 1.46 Average-EUR/GBP 1.47 1.46 Period end-R/GBP 13.71 10.87 Average-R/GBP 12.47 11.57 For further information please contact: Investor Relations Media Relations -------------------- ----------------- Mark Merson/James S Johnson Jason Nisse/Alistair Smith +44 (0) 20 7116 5752/2927 +44 (0) 20 7116 6223/6132 More information on Barclays can be found on our website at the following address: www.investorrelations.barclays.com ABSA APPENDIX 1 2006 2005(1) Rm Rm -------- -------- Interest and similar income 38,368 29,377 Interest expense and similar charges (23,427) (17,567) -------- -------- Net interest income 14,941 11,810 Impairment losses on loans and advances (1,573) (875) -------- -------- Fee and commission income 10,951 10,060 Fee and commission expense (577) (448) -------- -------- Net fee and commission income 10,374 9,612 -------- -------- Insurance premium revenue 3,269 2,672 Premiums ceded to reinsurers (275) (235) -------- -------- Net insurance premium income 2,994 2,437 -------- -------- Gross claims and benefits paid on insurance contracts 1,376 1,195 Reinsurance recoveries (57) (142) -------- -------- Net claims and benefits paid (1,319) (1,053) Changes in insurance and investment liabilities (748) (532) Gains and losses from banking and trading activities 1,347 1,136 Gains and losses from investment activities 1,916 1,584 Other operating income 938 596 -------- -------- Net operating income 28,870 24,715 Operating expenses (16,620) (14,598) Impairments (75) (68) Indirect taxation (871) (949) Share of profit of associated and joint venture companies 113 112 -------- -------- Operating profit before income tax 11,417 9,212 -------- -------- (1) Absa has changed its financial year-end to 31st December to conform with Barclays. The comparable period comprises unaudited results for the year ended 31st December 2005. The appendix summarises the Rand results of Absa Group Limited for the year to 31st December 2006 as reported to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and their impact in Sterling on the consolidated results of Barclays. Absa Group Limited results(1) The comparable period referred to below, for illustrative purposes only, is the proforma full year to 31st December 2005. Barclays acquired a controlling stake in Absa Group Limited on 27th July 2005. Absa Group Limited's profit before tax increased 24% to R11,417m (2005: R9,212m) reflecting a very good performance from banking operations, with retail, corporate and business banking operations performing exceptionally well. Absa Group Limited delivered a return on equity of 27.4% (2005: 25.6%). Key factors impacting the results included very strong asset growth, strong revenue growth, an increased credit impairment charge, the realisation of synergies from leveraging Barclays expertise and economies of scale and the sale of non-core operations. The South African economy continued to expand at a solid pace with real growth expected to be about 4.9% for 2006 (2005: 5.1%) Net interest income grew 27% (R3,131m) from R11,810m to R14,941m. Loans and advances to customers increased 26% from R306,856m to R386,174m, underpinned by very strong growth in mortgages, credit cards and commercial property finance. Non-interest income increased 12% (R1,722m) to R15,502m (2005: R13,780m) reflecting higher transaction volumes, strong growth in insurance related earnings and gains on asset sales. As expected the impairment charge on loans and advances rose to R1,573m (2005: R875m) from the very low levels of the prior year, particularly in Absa Home Loans, Absa Card and Retail Banking Services. Operating expenses increased 14% (R2,022m) to R16,620m (2005: R14,598m) resulting from increased investment in the business in order to support continued growth in volumes and customers. Excellent progress was made with the realisation of synergy benefits. In 2006 R753m of synergies were delivered, R453m in excess of the R300m target originally communicated for the year. Integration costs for the period were R640m, in line with expectations. Impact on Barclays results(2) Absa Group Limited's profit before tax of R11,417m is translated into Barclays results at an average exchange rate for 2006 of R12.47/GBP (2005: R11.57/GBP). Consolidation adjustments reflected the amortisation of intangible assets of GBP75m and internal funding and other adjustments of GBP72m. The resulting profit before tax of GBP769m (2005: GBP337m) is represented with International Retail and Commercial Banking - Absa GBP698m, (2005: GBP298m) and Barclays Capital, GBP71m (2005: GBP39m). Absa Group Limited's total assets at 31st December 2006 were R495,112m (31st December 2005: R404,561m), growth of 22%. This is translated into Barclays results at a year-end exchange rate of R13.71/GBP (31st December 2005: R10.87/GBP). The consolidation of total assets reflected the impact of the 21% depreciation in the Rand largely offsetting the growth in the Rand balance sheet. (1) Absa has changed its financial year-end to 31st December to conform with Barclays. The comparable period comprises unaudited results for the year ended 31st December 2005. (2) For 2005, this reflects the period from 27th July until 31st December 2005. APPENDIX 2 Profit before business disposals 2006 2005 ---------------------------------- -------- UK Business IRCB- Banking ex Absa Group Group GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm Profit before tax 1,365 572 7,136 5,280 Excluding profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures (76) (247) (323) - -------- -------- -------- -------- Profit before business disposals 1,289 325 6,813 5,280 Tax on profit before business disposals (1,941) (1,439) -------- -------- Profit after tax before business disposals 4,872 3,841 -------- -------- Profit attributable to minority interests 624 394 Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent before business disposals 4,248 3,447 -------- -------- Profit after tax before business disposals 4,872 3,841 -------- -------- GBPm GBPm Economic profit 2,704 1,752 Economic profit before business disposals 2,381 1,752 p p Earnings per share 71.9 54.4 Earnings per share before business disposals 66.8 54.4 Diluted earnings per share 69.8 52.6 Diluted earnings per share before business disposals 64.8 52.6 Post-tax return on average shareholder equity 24.7% 21.1% Post-tax return on average shareholder equity before business disposals 23.0% 21.1% In 2005, there were no profits on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures in the Group.