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Standard Bank Group Limited - Interim Results And Dividend Announcement

Release Date: 14/08/2002 08:31
Code(s): SBK
Wrap Text

Standard Bank Group Limited - Interim Results And Dividend Announcement For The Six Months Ended 30 June 2002 Standard Bank Group Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registered bank controlling company) (Reg No 1969/017128/06) JSE Securities Exchange share code: SBK Namibian Stock Exchange share code: SNB ISIN: ZAE000038873 - Headline earnings 19% up - Headline earnings per share 18% higher - Cost-to-income ratio 57,5% - Return on equity 19% Trading conditions and overall results The major markets in which the group operates continued to be affected over the period by the prolonged global economic slowdown. As experienced in the latter part of 2001, these effects were more pronounced in the group`s international banking operations, with domestic banking operations trading well despite the turmoil in the local banking industry and increasingly uncertain international business conditions. Performance highlights for the period were as follows: - Headline earnings of R2 402 million, 19% higher; - Headline earnings per share of 181 cents, 18% up; - Cost-to-income ratio of 57,5% compared with 57,7% in June 2001; and - Return on equity of 19% compared with 21% in June 2001, with this decline mainly due to the inclusion of substantial translation gains in equity. Headline earnings from domestic banking operations for the period were 23% higher with all divisions contributing to this performance. International Operations were 23% higher in Rand terms but 11% down in Sterling terms as a result of increased volatility in world markets and higher levels of credit provisioning. Headline earnings from African operations were 26% higher. In contrast to the 2001 year when a gain of R4,0 billion on translation of shareholders` funds was taken directly to reserves, a R1,5 billion reversal of this gain was charged to reserves for the period in accordance with the group`s accounting policy. This reversal was due to the recovery in the value of the Rand at the period end compared with December 2001. Earnings Standard Bank operations The asset management and wealth creation businesses of Standard Bank and Liberty were merged into the group entity, STANLIB, with effect from 1 January 2002. STANLIB`s results have been included with those of Standard Bank operations for the current and prior periods. Headline earnings from banking operations for the six months of R2 215 million were 23% up on the comparable period. This result reflected good contributions from both retail and wholesale banking activities and the favourable exchange rate effect on earnings from International Operations. Total income, after provision for credit losses, of R9 055 million was 25% higher. - Net interest income before provisions was 25% up. The interest margin for the period reduced from 3,51% to 3,04% due mainly to growth in lower margin assets both domestically and internationally. Total advances at the period end of R162 billion were 18% higher, with advances in the local market, which account for 82% of total advances, 13% up. - Non-interest revenue of R5 287 million was 27% higher and comprised 52% of total income. - Fees and commissions were 23% up as a consequence of higher business volumes and the repricing of products and services. - Trading income was 48% higher with Domestic operations 24% up, and International Operations 64% up as a result of the expansion of activities and the exchange rate effect. The charge for credit losses of R1 049 million was 40% higher, with specific provisions 28% up, and general provisions 127% higher due to the implementation of minimum regulatory requirements with effect from January 2002, and in recognition of the unsettled conditions in world markets. The increased level of provisioning was mainly occasioned by the significant increase in provisions in International Operations, with total domestic provisions only 11% higher. As a percentage of advances, the total charge for credit losses has increased from 1,13% in 2001 to 1,31%. The overall quality of the loan book has been maintained with non- performing loans as a percentage of average loans at 3,2% compared with 3,3% at December 2001 and 4,0% at June 2001. Operating expenses for the period were 26% higher, with staff and other costs 31% and 20% higher respectively. Costs over the period were affected by acquisitions and by exchange rate movements and, on excluding the effect of these, the increase in costs for the period was 13%. Costs domestically were restricted to an increase of 11%. The cost- to-income ratio of 57,5% was marginally better than the 57,7% for the comparable period. The tax charge for the period was 21% higher, with an effective rate, inclusive of indirect taxes, of 31%. Liberty operations Liberty performed well in all aspects under its control during the period with good new business growth in testing markets and further value created in the in-force insurance portfolio. This satisfactory operational performance could not, however, offset the adverse investment market trends experienced globally. The headline earnings contribution for the period of R187 million was 11% lower than the comparable period. Balance sheet Total assets of R416 billion were 34% higher than at June 2001, with banking assets 41% up. The sizeable fall in the value of the Rand, together with substantially higher hard currency assets in International Operations, contributed to this high rate of growth. Measured against December 2001, total assets were 5% higher. Net cash inflow from operating activities increased due to the temporary warehousing of surplus funds in short-term money market instruments. Total capital and reserves were 31% higher than at June 2001, due mainly to the level of retained earnings and the net translation gain over the twelve-month period. The group remains well capitalised, with total regulatory capital at 14,8% of risk-weighted assets. A tertiary capital issue of R1 billion was successfully concluded during the period. Interim dividend An interim dividend of 34 cents per share (2001: 28 cents) has been declared to shareholders, 21% up on the comparable interim dividend. The amount of the interim dividend has been determined in accordance with the group`s policy of declaring approximately one third of the previous year`s total dividend per share at the half year. Prospects The current state of world financial markets is unlikely to improve significantly in the short term. Similar growth in earnings to that recorded in the first half is achievable in the second half but this could be affected by continuing adverse or worsening conditions in international markets. Derek Cooper, Chairman Jacko Maree, Chief Executive 13 August 2002 SEGMENTAL REPORT Domestic banking performed well, with headline earnings 23% higher and the contribution to the group`s headline earnings increased from 66% to 68%. Net interest income was 13% higher, with an interest margin of 3,56% compared with 3,86% for the comparable period. Non-interest revenue was 16% up, with the main components of fees and commissions and trading income 17% and 24% higher respectively. The cost-to-income ratio at 55,4% was 1,8 percentage points lower than at June 2001. Retail Banking`s headline earnings of R761 million were 22% higher. Total revenue growth for the period was 13% with interest income and non- interest revenue 12% and 14% higher respectively. The provision for credit losses was 15% higher. Operating costs for the period were 10% up, with the cost-to-income ratio improving further to 62,5%. SCMB`s headline earnings of R580 million were 23% higher. Factors in this performance were good growth in net interest income of 16%, a modest increase in debt provisioning and trading income 23% higher. The cost-to-income ratio for the period of 50,7% was 1,8 percentage points lower than in 2001. Commercial Banking`s headline earnings of R276 million were 26% higher, with total revenue growth of 12% and operating expenses 10% higher. The results for the period were assisted by the 16% decline in the level of credit provisioning. The cost-to-income ratio of 39,3% was 0,7 percentage points lower than the comparable period. International Operations` headline earnings of R336 million were 23% higher in Rand terms but 11% down in Sterling terms. Trading conditions deteriorated over the period as a consequence of the fragile global economic situation and heightened market uncertainties. The charge for credit losses for the period was R163 million higher due to the exchange rate effect, additional general debt provisions raised and specific provisions established in response to the difficult market conditions. Earnings from International Operations contributed 13% of the group`s headline earnings. The table below sets out the geographic spread of internally weighted risk exposures for International Operations at 30 June 2002. International Operations Risk exposures - 30 June 2002 Geographic region % Europe 37 North America 22 Asia 15 Sub-Saharan Africa 10 Eastern Europe 6 South America 5 Middle East 5 Total 100 These exposures are to banks, corporates and sovereign entities, with 70% rated as investment grade. Stanbic Africa`s headline earnings of R231 million were 26% higher for the period, with strong performances from Zambia, Botswana and Namibia, and the inclusion of acquisitions in Malawi and Uganda. The situation in Zimbabwe remains of concern and, as a consequence, no contribution has been recognised in the current period. Stanbic Africa`s credit exposure of R8 billion, by geographic area, was as follows: CMA countries 55%; Central and southern Africa 20%; East Africa 21% and West Africa 4%. STANLIB was formed with effect from 1 January 2002 and represents the group`s combined asset management and wealth creation operations. Headline earnings of R41 million were contributed for the period, 3% higher than in 2001. Operations over the period were affected by the merging of the respective businesses and by overall market conditions. Liberty operations` headline earnings declined by 11%, from R209 million to R187 million, with this decrease mainly attributable to the effect of the weak investment markets on the life fund operating surplus. Headline earnings from continuing operations were 4% lower. The current period included a R44 million STC charge in respect of the 2001 final dividend, with no STC charge in the comparable period. SEGMENTAL REPORT Six months ended Year ended 30 June 30 June 31 December
2002 2001 2001 % R million R million R million Change Unaudited Unaudited Audited Headline earnings Domestic Banking 23 1638 1334 2956 - Retail Banking 22 761 625 1464 - Wholesale Banking 23 918 748 1521 - SCMB 23 580 471 958 - Commercial Banking 26 276 219 443 - Properties 7 62 58 120 - Central services (41) (39) (29) International Operations 23 336 274 648 Stanbic Africa 26 231 183 325 STANLIB 3 41 40 106 Central funding (31) (30) (50) Standard Bank operations 23 2215 1801 3985 Liberty operations (11) 187 209 434 Standard Bank Group 19 2402 2010 4419 CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT Six months ended Year ended 30 June 30 June 31 December 2002 2001 2001 % R million R million R million
Change Unaudited Unaudited Audited Standard Bank operations Interest income 30 14377 11074 24368 Interest expense 33 9560 7207 16191 Net interest income before provision for credit losses 25 4817 3867 8177 Provision for credit losses 40 1049 747 1603 Net interest income 21 3768 3120 6574 Non-interest revenue 27 5287 4152 9135 Total income 25 9055 7272 15709 Operating expenses 26 5813 4629 9940 Staff costs 31 3237 2475 5347 Other operating expenses 20 2576 2154 4593 Operating profit 23 3242 2643 5769 Income from associated undertakings 30 18 49 Exceptional items (61) (4) (65) Income before taxation 21 3211 2657 5753 Taxation 21 1001 827 1756 Income after taxation 21 2210 1830 3997 Attributable to outside and preference shareholders 56 33 77 Standard Bank income attributable to ordinary shareholders 20 2154 1797 3920 Liberty operations Income before taxation 25 927 741 2114 Taxation 306 354 980 Income after taxation 621 387 1134 Attributable to outside and preference shareholders 436 291 816 Net income before investment surplus 185 96 318 Net income from continuing operations (4) 187 195 420 Net income from unbundled operations - 14 14 Exceptional items (2) (113) (116) Investment surplus 39 158 287 Liberty income attributable to ordinary shareholders (12) 224 254 605 Group income attributable to ordinary shareholders 16 2378 2051 4525 HEADLINE EARNINGS Group income attributable to ordinary shareholders 16 2378 2051 4525 Standard Bank income adjusted for: - goodwill amortised 61 4 65 Liberty income adjusted for: 2 113 116 - secondary tax on companies relating to capital reduction - 111 111 - goodwill amortised 2 2 5 Liberty investment surplus (39) (158) (287) Headline earnings 19 2402 2010 4419 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 30 June 30 June 31 December 2002 2001 2001
R million R million R million Unaudited Unaudited Audited ASSETS Standard Bank operations 327124 232094 306466 Cash and short-term funds 60854 29802 43578 Investment and trading securities 51456 23169 45807 Loans and advances 162013 137837 157878 Other assets 49032 38364 55249 Interest in associated undertakings 173 93 187 Goodwill 496 - 403 Property and equipment 2930 2577 3049 Acceptances outstanding 170 252 315 Liberty operations 89297 78129 88994 Current assets 3476 2724 2979 Investments 85335 74909 85487 Intangible assets 44 44 70 Goodwill 104 115 113 Equipment and furniture 338 337 345 Total assets 416421 310223 395460 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Capital and reserves 25636 19542 25693 Share capital 141 140 140 Share premium 2108 2006 2047 Reserves 23387 17396 23506 Minority interest 6427 5271 5973 Liabilities 384358 285410 363794 Standard Bank operations 303705 214556 282964 Deposit and current accounts 259786 184973 236553 Other liabilities and provisions 36819 26034 40197 Bonds 6930 3297 5899 Acceptances outstanding 170 252 315 Liberty operations 80653 70854 80830 Life funds 75521 66187 75918 Long-term liabilities 2433 1906 2874 Other liabilities 2699 2761 2038 Total equity and liabilities 416421 310223 395460 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL COMMITMENTS 30 June 30 June 31 December 2002 2001 2001 R million R million R million Unaudited Unaudited
Audited Contingent liabilities - letters of credit 5430 3151 5449 - guarantees 21048 15962 19199 Capital commitments - contracted 166 163 84 - authorised but not yet contracted 300 230 38 Ordinary shareholders` funds adjusted for the increase in market value over the carrying value of Liberty Group, and over the book value of investments and property 28171 23025 28330 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS` FUNDS Six months ended Year ended 30 June 30 June 31 December
2002 2001 2001 R million R million R million Unaudited Unaudited Audited Shareholders` funds at beginning of the period Previously reported 25693 18300 18300 Effect of change in accounting policies: - Investment Properties (AC 135) - (334) (334) Restated 25693 17966 17966 Movements in share capital and share premium Shares issued 62 359 400 Movements in reserves (119) 1217 7327 Retained earnings 1398 1226 3329 Group income attributable to ordinary shareholders 2378 2051 4525 Dividends paid (980) (825) (1196) Translation (losses)/gains (1512) - 4037 Capital deficit (5) (9) (39) Shareholders` funds at end of the period 25636 19542 25693 CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW INFORMATION Six months ended Year ended
30 June 30 June 31 December 2002 2001 2001 R million R million R million Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 20317 316 (195) Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities (1963) 493 (2443) Net cash outflow from financing activities (192) (2861) (858) FINANCIAL STATISTICS Six months ended Year ended
30 June 30 June 31 December 2002 2001 2001 % R million R million R million Change Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Standard Bank Group Shares in issue (millions) Number of ordinary shares in issue - end of period 1329 1322 1325 - weighted average 1327 1314 1319 Share statistics per ordinary share (cents) Earnings 15 179,3 156,1 343,1 Fully diluted earnings 15 176,7 153,4 337,9 Headline earnings 18 181,1 153,0 335,1 Dividends 21 34,0 28,0 102,0 Net asset value 31 1929 1477 1939 Adjusted net asset value 22 2120 1741 2138 Financial performance (%) Headline return on equity 18,7 21,3 20,1 Standard Bank operations Selected returns and ratios (%) Headline return on equity 19,1 21,1 19,9 Headline return on total assets 1,4 1,6 1,5 Cost-to-income ratio 57,5 57,7 57,4 Effective tax rate 31,5 31,3 30,8 Capital adequacy (%) Capital ratio - primary capital 11,2 10,9 11,1 - total capital 14,8 13,6 14,2 Accounting policies The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention as modified by the revaluation of certain trading and insurance assets and liabilities. The accounting policies adopted for purposes of reporting comply in all material respects with South African Statements of Generally Accepted Accounting Practice as well as the South African Companies Act of 1973. The accounting policies are consistent with those applied at 31 December 2001 except for the adoption of the new accounting statement on Investment Property (AC 135). In terms of this statement, owner-occupied properties are not permitted to be treated as investment properties and are accounted for under the provisions of the statement dealing with property, plant and equipment (AC 123). These properties are now depreciated over their expected useful lives. In addition to the above, comparative amounts have been restated where necessary to allow for a more meaningful comparison of performance. The comparative amounts relating to the businesses comprising the merged STANLIB entity have been regrouped as follows: Six months ended Year ended 30 June 31 December 2001 2001 R million R million
Liberty Group income attributable to ordinary shareholders as previously reported 265 629 Liberty Group business units included in STANLIB and reported as part of Standard Bank operations (11) (24) Liberty operations as reported 254 605 Declaration of dividend No 66 Notice is hereby given that an interim dividend, No 66, of 34 cents per ordinary share, has been declared payable on 23 September 2002 to shareholders recorded in the books of the company at the close of business on the record date, 20 September 2002. The last day to trade to participate in the dividend is 13 September 2002. Shares will commence trading ex-dividend from Monday 16 September 2002. The relevant dates for the payment of the dividend are as follows: Last day to trade "CUM" dividend 13 September 2002 Shares trade "EX" dividend 16 September 2002 Record date 20 September 2002 Payment date 23 September 2002 Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Monday 16 September 2002 and Friday 20 September 2002, both days inclusive. Where applicable, dividends in respect of certificated shares will be transferred electronically to shareholders` bank accounts on payment date. In the absence of specific mandates, dividend cheques will be posted to shareholders. Shareholders who have dematerialised their share certificates will have their bank accounts, which are linked to their CSDP or broker`s safe custody accounts, credited on 23 September 2002. By order of the board, Loren Wulfsohn, Group Secretary 13 August 2002 Board of Directors DE Cooper (Chairman) EAG Mackay (Joint Deputy Chairman) SJ Macozoma (Joint Deputy Chairman) JH Maree* (Chief Executive) MJD Ruck* (Deputy Chief Executive) RC Andersen* PC Prinsloo* DDB Band E Bradley DA Hawton RJ Khoza RP Menell RA Plumbridge CL Stals CB Strauss EP Theron * Executive director Registered office 9th Floor, Standard Bank Centre 5 Simmonds Street, Johannesburg, 2001 PO Box 7725, Johannesburg, 2000 Share transfer secretaries In South Africa Computershare Investor Services Limited 10th Floor, 11 Diagonal Street, Johannesburg, 2001 PO Box 1053, Johannesburg, 2000 In Namibia Transfer Secretaries (Proprietary) Limited Shop 12, Kaiserkrone Centre Post Street Mall, Windhoek PO Box 2401, Windhoek This announcement, together with a financial presentation, is available on the Standard Bank website at: http://www.standardbank.co.za Date: 14/08/2002 08:30:00 AM Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za Produced by the JSE SENS Department

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