This week's trading update from S & U confirmed the trends highlighted in December. The market for its core Advantage non-prime motor finance business remains positive notwithstanding UK economic uncertainty and greater competition. Since the November 2018 decision to increase investment in the bridging business, Aspen Bridging Finance's experience has been positive. This fledgling business is set to contribute to earnings in the year to January 2019. We reflected the slower pace of Advantage loan growth in forecasts immediately following December 2018's trading update, and do not feel further adjustments are necessary based on the release yesterday. Current year and 2020/21 income (PBT, EPS and DPS) forecasts, however, are adjusted further to reflect the slower loan growth at Advantage in 2018 and our expectation that this will continue for at least the first half of calendar 2019. We view this as a timing issue and one which highlights the continuing benefits of S & U's approach. It
