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SBK - Standard Bank Group - Audited Results and Distribution

Release Date: 05/03/2009 08:00
Code(s): SBK SBPP SBKP
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SBK - Standard Bank Group - Audited Results and Distribution Announcement for the Year Ended 31 December 2008 Standard Bank Group Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) Registration No. 1969/017128/06 South African Share Code: SBK Namibian Share Code: SNB ISIN: ZAE000109815 Audited results and distribution announcement for the year ended 31 December 2008 Financial Normalised IFRS objectives
2008 Return on equity (%) 18,2 19,1 21,0 Growth in net asset value per share (%) 32,4 34,2 Headline earnings growth (%) 7,6 10,2 Headline earnings per share (cents) 942,6 1 002,0 Headline earnings per share growth (%) (1,9) (3,0) 16,3(1) Distribution per share (cents) 386 386 Cost-to-income ratio (%) 49,2 49,3 =51,0 Credit loss ratio (%) 1,55 1,55 =1,00 1 Average South African inflation (CPIX) for 2008 of 11,3% plus 5%. Overview of financial results Standard Bank grew normalised headline earnings by 8% in 2008 to R14 150 million. This was achieved in a particularly difficult operating environment characterised by high levels of volatility, declining asset prices and reduced liquidity, particularly in the fourth quarter. The group`s diversified business and strong capital position have allowed us to weather the turbulence in global financial markets. Highlights of the 2008 results include strong organic revenue growth despite the difficult operating conditions and meaningful contributions from recent acquisitions in Nigeria and Argentina, both included in the group`s results for a full year for the first time. The group`s prudent approach to credit impairments has not changed during the year. All business units and geographic regions were profitable in 2008. The volatile operating conditions experienced during the year resulted in the group not meeting the principal financial objectives set in March 2008. The outlook for headline earnings per share growth was revised downward during the year and in the market update provided in October 2008 it was projected that the group`s normalised headline earnings for the year was likely to be similar to or slightly higher than that for 2007. Economic factors impacting the results During 2008, the group experienced two distinct negative trends in its operating environment: - Globally, the systemic credit and liquidity crisis deepened as interbank and wholesale funding markets stalled in the wake of fading confidence amongst financial institutions. Significant deleveraging followed as financial institutions realised assets to cover liquidity shortfalls, resulting in dramatic repricing. The lack of liquidity and the dramatically reduced risk appetite severely limited both the ability and willingness of global financial institutions to finance normal corporate requirements, bringing about a slowdown in market activity and a collapse in commodity prices. This market turmoil and consequent loss of confidence resulted in investors withdrawing funds from emerging markets and currencies devalued significantly. The South African rand lost 37% against the US dollar in 2008. - In South Africa interest and inflation rates were cyclically higher. The prime interest rate was raised by 50 basis points on ten occasions between June 2006 and June 2008, peaking at 15,5% before the first 50 basis point rate cut in December 2008. Consumer spending declined, hit by rising inflation driven by higher energy and food prices and tighter borrowing conditions. During the second half of the year, activity in the property and passenger car markets dropped off significantly, with a 3% contraction in median property prices and a 23% decline in new passenger vehicle sales. Corporate activity slowed towards the end of the year as commodity prices weakened and demand softened in the wake of the financial crisis in developed countries. The repricing of financial assets impacted insurance operations significantly, as their earnings are exposed to fair value adjustments in equity and debt markets. South African banks were somewhat insulated from the global turmoil in 2008 due to a combination of factors. South African banks have, typically, limited exposure to exotic and highly geared products. They also have strong deposit gathering franchises. South Africa`s strong regulatory framework has been embedded in the operations of local banks, alongside robust risk management practices including the implementation of Basel II during January 2008. However, the fact that South Africa has not been immune to the consequences of the global financial crisis is reflected in the substantially higher cost of long-term funding, significantly altered pricing dynamics and securitisation ceasing to be a financing option. Key performance indicators In this difficult environment the group achieved a return on equity of 19,1%, headline earnings per share fell 3% to 1 002,0 cents per share and net asset value per share rose 34%. Whereas these results are prepared on an IFRS basis, normalised results make adjustments for two accounting anomalies (described fully in the normalised results section below) that have distorted the results from an economic perspective since 2004. On a normalised basis, the group`s return on equity was 18,2%, headline earnings per share declined 2% to 942,6 cents per share and net asset value per share increased 32%. The commentary that follows is based on the normalised results. Other factors impacting results - Subscription for shares by ICBC On 3 March 2008, ICBC subscribed for 152,5 million newly issued ordinary shares for an aggregate consideration of R15,9 billion. This new equity capital provided additional income to boost earnings growth, but diluted return on equity and growth in earnings per share. The group`s business co-operation with ICBC is still gaining traction and progressing well. Much of the first year of co-operation has involved relationship building, understanding our mutual structures, exploring client opportunities and determining how best to co- ordinate our efforts in China and the emerging markets in which we operate. - Recent acquisitions Standard Bank acquired controlling interests in BankBoston Argentina on 1 April 2007 and in IBTC Chartered Bank Plc in Nigeria on 24 September 2007. The results of both these operations are included for the full period for the first time, adding an incremental R393 million to group headline earnings in 2008. A 60% interest in CfC Bank (renamed CfC Stanbic Holdings) in Kenya was acquired effective 1 June 2008 and had no material effect on earnings. - Increased holding in Liberty Standard Bank increased its effective holding in Liberty from 32,8% to 53,7% during the year. Standard Bank wished to increase its effective economic interest in Liberty as part of enhancing its portfolio of financial services subsidiaries and to align its commercial and economic investment and benefits so as to reflect the strategic and commercial contribution which it continues to make to Liberty. The investment required to increase the holding was R4,4 billion. Business units Following many years of strong growth, the convergence of several negative macro-economic factors affected our Personal & Business Banking division and, although remaining profitable, headline earnings fell 16%. Despite this, a healthy ROE of 19,9% was achieved and the cost-to-income ratio was further improved to 51,3%. Mortgage lending`s results were significantly adversely impacted by increases in non-performing loans, lower new business volumes and margin pressure from higher term funding costs. Instalment sale and finance leases experienced lower new business volumes, increased arrears and falling recovery values. Card products recorded pleasing growth in revenues, with higher merchant sales turnover and cardholder balances, partly offset by increased credit losses. Transactional and lending products recorded strong growth on the back of higher deposit and loan balances, an expanding transactional account base, particularly in the rest of Africa, and a positive endowment impact of higher rates on transactional deposits. Earnings from bancassurance were marginally lower due to reduced investment income in the bank`s short-term insurance portfolios, higher lapse ratios and weaker investment returns. This was partially offset by the inclusion of CfC Stanbic`s earnings for the first time. Corporate & Investment Banking grew headline earnings 19% in a challenging environment. An ROE of 22,2% was achieved and the cost-to-income ratio was 50,5%, down from 53,1% in the prior year. In global markets strong performances were achieved in commodities and foreign exchange trading, boosted by increased client activity, higher volatility and wider spreads. Investment banking was impacted by the sharply declining market values of listed property investments and unlisted debt and equity investments. Provisions for credit losses increased substantially. These factors more than offset the benefits of higher margins and strong growth in arranging and advisory revenue. Transactional products and services recorded strong growth from increased deposit balances, the positive endowment impact of higher rates on transactional deposits, and an expanding client base in the rest of Africa. Liberty`s earnings are closely aligned to investment markets and were significantly impacted in the second half of the year by amongst others the JSE Limited All Share Index being down 26% for the year under review. The high inflation and interest rate environment placed strain on consumers` disposable income and resulted in higher withdrawals and lapse rates on policies, which also had a negative impact on earnings. However, improved mortality experience had a positive impact. The effect on earnings of the reduction in long-term interest rates towards the end of the year was mitigated by interest rate hedges entered into during the last quarter. Liberty`s published headline earnings of R1 619 million were 48% down on 2007 and Standard Bank`s share of these earnings decreased 34% from R973 million in 2007 to R641 million for 2008, taking into account the increase shareholding in the more difficult second half of the year. Geographic analysis of results Geographic breakdown of headline earnings Headline Headline earnings
earnings contribution Change 2008 2007 2008 2007 % Rm Rm % % South Africa 1 10 916 10 801 77 82 South Africa (Banking activities) 5 10 275 9 828 72 75 South Africa (Liberty Life) (34) 641 973 5 7 Rest of Africa 46 1 862 1 273 13 10 Outside Africa 12 1 378 1 229 10 9 Central funding and eliminations (6) (150) (1) Standard Bank Group 8 14 150 13 153 100 100 In addition to maintaining an intense focus on South Africa, the group`s strategy of increasing earnings from other strategic emerging markets continues to gain momentum. Earnings growth in our home market resulted from a strong performance from transactional products and trading operations but was restricted by credit impairments in consumer lending products and weaker equity markets in the group`s insurance operations. Supported by the recent acquisitions, our operations in the rest of Africa benefited from an enhanced product offering, higher trading volumes and a focus on profitable cross-selling opportunities. Operations outside Africa, where the effects of the global financial crisis were most acutely felt, showed notable resilience in achieving earnings of US$168 million, marginally lower than the prior year, US$174 million. When translated into rand, earnings from this region were up 12%. Banking operations Balance sheet analysis Banking assets grew by 34% year on year. If the translation impact of the weaker rand exchange rate is excluded this reduces to 23%. Loans and advances Loans and advances rose 24% on a group basis with growth of 12% in Personal & Business Banking. Growth in mortgage loans slowed to 15% in 2008 from 29% in 2007 due to a weaker property market and stricter acceptance criteria. The total annual value of new mortgage business reduced by 32%. Overall growth of the mortgage book was however supported by a decrease in customers` prepayment rates and lower cancellations. Instalment sale and finance leases were only up 2%: a downturn in the light passenger vehicle market resulted in a reduction of 30% in new loans granted in the motor book. The value of new business in the non-motor book reduced by 1% leading to a motor/non-motor book ratio of 71%/29% (2007: 74%/26%). Growth in card debtors originated mainly from our operation in Argentina as the local book showed no growth. Market share in the key Personal & Business Banking segments in South Africa have changed as follows from a year ago: - Mortgage advances increased from 25,7% to 26,6%; - Instalment finance fell from 23,0% to 21,6%; - Card debtors were lower, falling from 36,0% to 34,8%; and - Deposits declined slightly from 27,5% to 26,9%. Loans and advances in Corporate & Investment Banking grew 39% (22% excluding the translation effect of the weaker rand) with growth of 40% in South Africa, 57% in the rest of Africa and a 3% decline (exchange rate adjusted) outside Africa. Strong growth occurred in term lending as a number of large structured lending deals were concluded in the first half of the year. Within Corporate & Investment Banking advances growth of 39%, loans to banks increased 40% as a result of surplus liquidity placements with other banks. Net asset value Net asset value grew by R27,5 billion or 47% in 2008 to R85,9 billion. In addition to the R15,9 billion of equity raised by the issue of shares to ICBC, earnings of R14,1 billion were recorded plus a further R5,2 billion of currency translation and associated hedging gains accounted for directly in reserves. Dividends of R6,1 billion were paid to ordinary shareholders. Income statement analysis Net interest income Net interest income was up 40% and the group`s interest margin widened to 3,32% from 2,95% in 2007. Excluding the impact of recent acquisitions, net interest income was up 34%. Strong income growth was achieved in Personal & Business Banking of 29% and in Corporate & Investment Banking of 55%. The interest margins increased to 5,15% (2007: 4,75%) and 1,83% (2007: 1,54%) respectively. Growth in Personal & Business Banking was mainly due to the positive endowment impact of a higher average prime rate on low-earning deposits, lower average concession rates on new mortgage loans and instalment sale and finance leases, and an increase in the unwind to interest income of the discount component of expected recoveries on non-performing loans. Corporate & Investment Banking posted strong lending growth, benefiting from recent acquisitions and the weaker rand exchange rate. Wider lending spreads were partially diluted by higher wholesale funding costs and a group wide focus on improving the long-term funding ratio. The endowment effect on capital assisted the overall margin by 19 basis points. Non-interest revenue Non-interest revenue grew 19%, with a meaningful contribution from recent acquisitions. Growth excluding recent acquisitions was 11%. Net fee and commission revenue grew 21%. Within Personal & Business Banking, increases in account transaction fees in South Africa were restricted to 4,6%. As a result, growth in this category was limited to 13%, driven by a 9% increase in the number of current accounts in South Africa and strong transactional volume growth across the expanding branch network in Africa. Card-based fees rose 13%, assisted by higher merchant turnover despite a 3% reduction in the cardholder base in South Africa. Corporate & Investment Banking lifted advisory fees by 49% on the back of strong growth in fee income in Africa and higher corporate and structured finance advisory deal volumes in the first half of the year. Limited activity in the international debt capital and securitisation markets restricted income from these sources. Trading revenue increased 31%. Operations in the rest of Africa posted an excellent trading result, doubling trading revenue. Higher client trading volumes in foreign exchange and debt securities contributed to this performance. In South Africa, trading revenue was up 16%, with good performances from commodities and foreign exchange trading assisted by higher volatility. This was somewhat offset by a slowdown in fixed income trading due to negative market sentiment and lower deal flow. Trading revenue outside Africa grew 7% as a robust performance from trading in commodities and local currencies was diluted by a weaker trading result in equities. Other non-interest revenue was 21% lower following downward fair value movements in the group`s listed property investments from the high base of the comparative period. Income from insurance-related activities benefited from the newly acquired insurance operations within CfC Stanbic Holdings and growth in bancassurance commission but fair value adjustments on the equity portfolio constrained the insurance result. Profit on the partial realisation of Visa shares amounted to R123 million. The comparative number for 2007 includes R459 million realised on MasterCard shares. Profit realised on these available-for-sale instruments was excluded from headline earnings. Credit impairments Credit impairments increased by 147%: 117% in Personal & Business Banking, 559% in Corporate & Investment Banking and 399% centrally, where a R500 million impairment has been created to cater for credit losses in the group`s credit portfolios due to the continued significant volatility and uncertainty in international and local markets, the severe slowdown in economic growth and the associated risks of unemployment and corporate default. The credit loss ratio worsened to 1,55% from 0,80%. Within Personal & Business Banking, credit losses in the current interest rate cycle have worsened due to lower disposable income amongst consumers following sharp increases in food and energy inflation earlier in the year. Economic conditions for mortgage loan customers worsened progressively during 2008, intensifying the difficulty they experienced in meeting contractual repayments. Within mortgages, the credit loss ratio escalated to 1,49% from 0,54%. Recovery values are under pressure as property prices fell by 3%. Credit impairment charges for instalment sale and finance leases were up 83% and the credit loss ratio increased to 2,48% from 1,54% in 2007. The ratio reflects a reduction of expected recoveries to 40% in 2008 from 48% in 2007, as the used car market became saturated due to an increase in delinquencies. Credit impairment charges relating to card debtors grew 48% and the credit loss ratio deteriorated to 9,53% (2007: 7,24%). The credit loss ratio in Corporate & Investment Banking increased to 0,46% in 2008 from a low base of 0,10% in 2007. This included increased impairments for loans identified as non-performing in sectors where stresses are evident and newly-created portfolio impairments for performing loans to cater for the evidently worsening economic conditions. We continue to re-evaluate the depth and expected duration of the current downturn to ensure the appropriate strategies are in place. These include a heightened focus on early identification of problem accounts, collection capability and efficiencies, proactive rehabilitation policies and processes. We are nevertheless currently originating quality new business. Operating expenses The banking group`s cost-to-income ratio improved to 49,2% (2007: 51,6%). The consolidation of recently acquired entities drove banking activities` cost growth to 23% (14% excluding acquisitions). Operating expenses in South Africa were well contained and grew at 7,5%, well below South African inflation. Staff costs were 17% higher in total and 9% up excluding recent acquisitions. Despite including new staff in Kenya for the first time and an increase in debt management staff required to cater for increased delinquency volumes, headcount increased by only 2%, following initiatives to contain headcount in South Africa. Staff numbers in selected client-facing growth areas in the rest of Africa were increased to manage higher business volumes. Performance-based remuneration was reduced as a percentage of salary costs in response to the current market environment and group results. Other operating expenses were up 32% with the increase in expenses in South Africa being well controlled at 8%. In line with the group`s growth strategy in the rest of Africa and outside Africa recent acquisitions contributed a third to overall cost growth. The devaluation of the rand further contributed to the growth in expenses outside Africa. IT costs increased by 28% as maintenance costs, consultancy fees and software licensing expenses were incurred to maintain, enhance and expand the core network. Depreciation and amortisation increased 72% following implementation of new IT infrastructure and systems, impairment of redundant technology and amortisation of intangible assets identified on new acquisitions. Premises costs were 22% higher resulting from business growth outside of South Africa, rental escalations and utility tariff increases. Liquidity Liquidity conditions in international money markets and debt capital markets remained constrained during 2008, and ongoing risk aversion of investors remains evident. In response to the adverse market conditions, heightened focus was placed on the frequency and rigour of the application of prudent practices within the bank`s liquidity management framework. The structural liquidity mismatch was managed and maintained within best-practice banking guidelines. Surplus liquidity buffers, comprising unencumbered and readily available marketable assets, amounted to R97 billion as at 31 December 2008. Capital and Basel II The group implemented Basel II on 1 January 2008. Over the last year, we significantly enhanced our internal economic capital and stress-testing methodologies and improved and formalised our internal capital assessment process. The group`s capital adequacy ratio was bolstered by the ICBC capital injection of R15,9 billion in March 2008, internally generated capital and proactive management of the balance sheet. Total capital adequacy increased to 12,9% (2007: 11,6%) and tier 1 capital adequacy improved to 10,7% (2007: 8,7%). The economic capital coverage ratio, representing the extent to which minimum economic capital requirements are covered by available financial resources was 1,93 times - indicating a substantially higher capital position relative to risks assumed in banking activities. Domestically, the group redeemed tier 2 subordinated debt to the value of R2 billion. The decision not to replace the tier 2 debt was informed by the group`s strong tier 1 capital position and prevailing market conditions. Distributions The group`s policy of a distribution cover ratio of 2,5 times has not changed. However, given the marginal reduction in headline earnings per share, the board has decided to maintain the group`s total distribution per share at the same level as the prior year, resulting in a distribution cover ratio of 2,4 times for 2008. In addition, the board has declared a scrip distribution with a cash alternative. It was considered important to utilise a scrip distribution to incrementally raise capital given that asset growth is continuing and alternate sources of capital are currently limited. A final distribution of 193 cents per share has been declared, bringing the total distribution declared in respect of 2008 to 386 cents per share. A circular relating to the scrip distribution will be posted to shareholders in due course. Financial Sector Charter We continue to support the harmonisation process undertaken by the financial sector and other stakeholders to achieve the alignment of the Financial Sector Charter (FSC) to the Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment Codes of Good Practice legislated in 2007. The bank maintained an "A" rating in the overall FSC Scorecard with an improvement in the area of employment equity. Black managers now comprise more than 51% of the bank`s management in South Africa, of which 53% are female. Prospects We expect the extremely difficult operating conditions to continue, posing significant challenges for our customers and our industry. Global confidence in financial markets is unlikely to improve in the short term. Operations outside of South Africa should continue to benefit from synergies with the South African operations and opportunities in local markets. In South Africa it is likely that consumers will remain under pressure as unemployment and lower economic growth exacerbate financial stresses despite the relief provided by the current downward trend in interest rates. Lower commodity prices and a slowdown in activity will pose challenges for South African corporates. We are committed to continue deepening our client relationships and staying alert to opportunities as they arise. We do not underestimate the challenges of the external environment but we believe our businesses are resilient and we are pursuing our focused strategy with strength and confidence. We continue judiciously to seek growth opportunities in our chosen markets to enhance the group`s long-term prospects. In light of the prevailing volatility of financial markets, the group has not published financial objectives for 2009. In these tough global economic conditions the group will continue to exercise caution and to ensure that sound risk management practices are maintained and enhanced. In light of the above circumstances, the board considers that producing similar results in 2009 to those achieved in 2008 would be an acceptable outcome. Jacko Maree Chief executive Derek Cooper Chairman Johannesburg 4 March 2009 Normalised results With effect from 2004, we have adjusted the group`s results reported under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for two required accounting conventions that do not reflect the underlying economic substance of transactions. Consistent with prior years, to arrive at the normalised results the IFRS results have been adjusted for the following items: - preference share funding for the group`s Black Economic Empowerment Ownership initiative (Tutuwa) transaction that is deducted from equity and reduces the shares in issue in terms of IFRS; and - group companies` shares held for the benefit of Liberty Life policyholders that result in a reduction of the number of shares in issue and the exclusion of fair value adjustments and distributions on these shares. The IFRS requirement causes an accounting mismatch between income from investments and changes in policyholders` liabilities. Two recent transactions reduced the extent of the normalised adjustments relating to Tutuwa: - In December 2007, the group externalised R1 billion of preference share financing provided in terms of the Tutuwa initiative, resulting in the release of 24,7 million ordinary shares previously deemed by IFRS to be "treasury shares"; and - In March 2008, Tutuwa participants sold 11,1% of their shares to ICBC, partly using the proceeds for the repayment of their preference share liability, thereby releasing a further 11,0 million ordinary shares previously deemed by IFRS to be "treasury shares". The result of these adjustments is shown in the table below: Normalised headline earnings Weighted Growth on average number Headline 31 December of shares earnings 2007 `000 Rm %
Disclosed on an IFRS basis 1 398 866 14 017 10 Tutuwa initiative 65 376 227 - Initial transaction 99 190 - External financing (24 691) - Disposal of shares to ICBC (9 123) Group shares held for the benefit of Liberty Life policyholders 36 884 (94) Normalised 1 501 126 14 150 8 Abridged audited results prepared in accordance with IFRS Consolidated income statement for the year ended 31 December %
Rm change 2008 2007 Income from banking activities 30 61 366 47 296 Net interest income 42 31 918 22 549 Non-interest revenue 19 29 448 24 747 Income from investment management and life insurance activities (53) 23 359 49 834 Total income (13) 84 725 97 130 Credit impairment charges 147 11 342 4 590 Benefits due to policyholders (68) 11 997 37 153 Income after credit impairment charges and policyholders` benefits 11 61 386 55 387 Operating expenses in banking activities 23 30 390 24 706 Operating expenses in investment management and life insurance activities 13 8 423 7 423 Net income before goodwill (3) 22 573 23 258 Goodwill impairment/(gain) 5 (376) Net income before associates and joint ventures (5) 22 568 23 634 Share of profit from associates and joint ventures (25) 268 355 Net income before indirect taxation (5) 22 836 23 989 Indirect taxation 17 1 382 1 185 Profit before direct taxation (6) 21 454 22 804 Direct taxation (25) 4 705 6 232 Profit for the year 1 16 749 16 572 Attributable to minorities (7) 2 288 2 471 Attributable to preference shareholders 18 529 450 Attributable to ordinary shareholders 2 13 932 13 651 Basic earnings per share (cents) (10) 995,9 1 109,0 Diluted earnings per share (cents) (8) 962,2 1 044,1 Headline earnings for the year ended 31 December %
Rm change 2008 2007 Group profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 2 13 932 13 651 Headline earnings adjustable items added back /(reversed) 126 (966) Goodwill impairment/(gain) - IFRS 3 5 (376) Profit on sale of property and equipment - IAS 16 (16) (61) Impairment of property and equipment - IAS 16 84 10 Impairment of associates - IAS 28 139 Gains on disposal of businesses and divisions - IAS 27 (24) (6) Impairment of intangibles - IAS 38 132 26 Fair value gains on available-for-sale assets - IAS 39 (194) (559) Tax (13) 32 Minority shareholders (28) 4 Headline earnings 10 14 017 12 721 Segment report for the year ended 31 December %
Rm change 2008 2007 Revenue contribution by business unit Personal & Business Banking 24 33 503 27 044 Corporate & Investment Banking 32 26 191 19 769 Central and other >100 1 871 830 Banking activities 29 61 565 47 643 Liberty Life (54) 23 136 50 320 Standard Bank Group - Normalised (14) 84 701 97 963 Adjustments for IFRS 24 (833) Standard Bank Group - IFRS (13) 84 725 97 130 Profit and loss attributable to ordinary shareholders Personal & Business Banking (19) 4 611 5 723 Corporate & Investment Banking 18 7 937 6 746 Central and other 37 876 639 Banking activities 2 13 424 13 108 Liberty Life (34) 641 975 Standard Bank Group - Normalised 14 065 14 083 Adjustments for IFRS (133) (432) Standard Bank Group - IFRS 2 13 932 13 651 Consolidated balance sheet at 31 December % Rm change 2008 2007(1) Assets Cash and balances with central banks 25 25 697 20 618 Financial investments, trading and pledged assets 346 859 347 453 Loans and advances 24 787 934 634 675 Loans and advances to banks 40 129 890 92 515 Loans and advances to customers 21 658 044 542 160 Investment property 12 16 771 14 937 Derivative and other assets 117 299 476 138 138 Interest in associates and joint ventures (43) 6 990 12 293 Goodwill and other intangible assets 50 10 180 6 796 Property and equipment 35 9 746 7 216 Total assets 27 1 503 653 1 182 126 Equity and liabilities Equity 99 501 68 506 Equity attributable to ordinary shareholders 53 81 953 53 671 Ordinary share capital 12 153 137 Ordinary share premium >100 16 844 1 231 Reserves 24 64 956 52 303 Preference share capital and premium 5 503 5 503 Minority interest 29 12 045 9 332 Liabilities 26 1 404 152 1 113 620 Deposit and current accounts 24 843 815 680 097 Deposits from banks 26 129 055 102 040 Deposits from customers 24 714 760 578 057 Derivative, trading and other liabilities 62 366 737 226 418 Policyholders` liabilities (8) 172 069 186 137 Subordinated debt 3 21 531 20 968 Total equity and liabilities 27 1 503 653 1 182 126 1 Restated as described below. Consolidated cash flow information for the year ended 31 December Rm 2008 2007(1) Net cash from operating activities 28 559 27 953 Net cash used in operating funds (21 901) (10 215) Net cash used in investing activities (10 885) (10 616) Net cash from/(used in) financing activities 7 550 (1 115) 1 Restated as described below. Statement of changes in equity for the year ended 31 December Ordinary Preference shareholders` share capital Minority Total Rm equity and premium interest equity Balance at 1 January 2007 42 916 5 503 6 289 54 708 Total recognised income and expense 13 628 450 2 512 16 590 Profit for the year 13 651 450 2 471 16 572 Items accounted for directly in reserves (23) - 41 18 Currency translation movement and hedging 155 - (52) 103 Cash flow hedging and available-for-sale reserves (423) - - (423) Equity-settled share-based payment transactions 217 - 36 253 Other reserve movements 28 - 57 85 Issue of share capital and premium 300 - 73 373 Net decrease/(increase) in treasury shares 626 - (455) 171 Transactions with minority shareholders 665 - 1 384 2 049 Net distributions paid (4 464) (450) (541) (5 455) Balance at 31 December 2007 as previously reported 53 671 5 503 9 262 68 436 Finalisation of purchase price allocation in terms of IFRS 3 - - 70 70 Restated balance at 31 December 2007 53 671 5 503 9 332 68 506 Balance at 1 January 2008 53 671 5 503 9 332 68 506 Total recognised income and expense 19 146 529 3 603 23 278 Profit for the year 13 932 529 2 288 16 749 Items accounted for directly in reserves 5 214 - 1 315 6 529 Currency translation movement and hedging 4 238 - 1 340 5 578 Cash flow hedging and available-for-sale reserve 751 - (31) 720 Equity-settled share-based payment transactions 217 - 35 252 Other reserve movements 8 - (29) (21) Issue of share capital and share premium 16 132 - - 16 132 Share buy-backs (503) - - (503) Net decrease in treasury shares 1 483 - 906 2 389 Transactions with minority shareholders (2 198) - (982) (3 180) Net dividends paid (5 778) (529) (814) (7 121) Balance at 31 December 2008 81 953 5 503 12 045 99 501 Financial statistics for the year ended 31 December %
change 2008 2007 Number of ordinary shares in issue (000`s) - end of period 14 1 430 618 1 256 916 - weighted average 14 1 398 866 1 230 961 - diluted weighted average 11 1 447 886 1 307 414 Cents per ordinary share Headline earnings (3) 1 002,0 1 033,4 Diluted headline earnings (1) 968,1 973,0 Total distributions 386,0 386,0 Basic earnings (10) 995,9 1 109,0 Diluted earnings (8) 962,2 1 044,1 Net asset value 34 5 729 4 270 Financial performance (%) ROE 19,1 26,7 Net interest margin 3,31 2,93 Credit loss ratio 1,55 0,80 Cost-to-income ratio 49,3 51,9 Capital adequacy (%) Capital ratio - tier I capital 10,7 8,7 - total capital 12,9 11,6 Private equity associates and joint ventures Rm 2008 2007 Cost 308 198 Carrying value 411 317 Fair value 516 383 Loans to associates and joint ventures 719 442 Equity accounted income 119 144 Major business acquisitions CfC Stanbic Holdings Limited
Date of acquisition 1 June 2008 Percentage of voting equity instruments acquired (%) 60 Contribution to revenue since acquisition (Rm) 551 Contribution to net profit before tax since acquisition (Rm) 146 Contribution to revenue if acquisition occurred on 1 January 2008 (Rm) 944 Contribution to net profit before tax if acquisition occurred on 1 January 2008 (Rm) 251 CfC Stanbic Holdings Limited Fair Carrying Rm value amount Cash and balances with central banks 329 329 Financial investments 1 833 1 859 Loans and advances 2 464 2 470 Property, equipment, intangibles and other assets 1 241 996 Deposit and current accounts (3 145) (3 145) Other liabilities and deferred tax (1 965) (1 928) Net asset value 757 581 Less: minority interest (362) Goodwill(1) 933 Cost of acquisition 1 328 Less: fair value of 36,3% of subsidiary effectively disposed to minorities(2) (603) Cash consideration paid 725 1 Goodwill represents the premium paid for control. 2 Fair value of the equity instruments of the subsidiary was determined with reference to the listed share price of CfC Bank Limited. Contingent liabilities and capital commitments as at 31 December Rm 2008 2007 Letters of credit 16 521 14 299 Guarantees 34 680 31 916 Irrevocable unutilised facilities(1) 10 881 30 898 62 082 77 113 Contracted capital expenditure 2 059 161 Capital expenditure authorised but not yet contracted 9 117 4 156 11 176 4 317 1 Restated as described below. Audit opinion on the annual financial statements These abridged financial statements have been extracted from the audited financial statements on which KPMG Inc. and PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. have issued an unmodified audit report. This report is available for inspection at the company`s registered office. Distributions Ordinary shareholders Payment of a scrip distribution with a cash dividend election. Notice is hereby given that the directors have resolved to issue fully paid ordinary shares in the company as a scrip distribution to ordinary shareholders. Fully paid ordinary shares of 10 (ten) cents each will be issued as a scrip distribution, payable to ordinary shareholders recorded in the register of Standard Bank Group on the record date, being Friday, 3 April 2009. Ordinary shareholders will be entitled, in respect of all or part of their shareholding, to elect to receive a cash dividend of 193 cents per ordinary share in lieu of the scrip distribution, which will be paid only to those ordinary shareholders who elect in respect of all or part of their shareholding, on or before 12:00 on Friday, 3 April 2009, to receive the cash dividend. The cash dividend will be paid out of profits of Standard Bank Group while the new ordinary shares to be issued pursuant to the scrip distribution will be issued as a capitalisation issue by way of capitalisation of part of Standard Bank Group`s share premium. The number of new ordinary shares to which ordinary shareholders participating in the scrip distribution will become entitled, will be determined in the ratio that 193 cents multiplied by 1,05 bears to the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of ordinary shares in Standard Bank Group on the JSE Limited (JSE) during the five-day trading period ending Thursday, 19 March 2009. Details of the ratio will be released on the Securities Exchange News Service of the JSE (SENS) by no later than 11:00 on Friday, 20 March 2009 and published in the South African and Namibian press the following business day. Trading in the Strate environment does not permit fractions and fractional entitlements. Accordingly, where an ordinary shareholder`s entitlement to new ordinary shares calculated in accordance with the above formula gives rise to a fraction of a new ordinary share, such fraction of a new ordinary share will be rounded up to the nearest whole number where the fraction is greater than or equal to 0,5 and rounded down to the nearest whole number where the fraction is less than 0,5. A circular relating to the scrip distribution and the cash dividend alternative will be posted to shareholders on or about 9 March 2009. Preference shareholders Notice is hereby given that the following final dividends have been declared: 6,5% first cumulative preference shares (first preference shares) dividend No. 79 of 3,25 cents per first preference share, payable on Monday, 30 March 2009, to holders of first preference shares recorded in the books of the company at the close of business on the record date, Friday, 27 March 2009. The last day to trade to participate in the dividend is Friday, 20 March 2009. First preference shares will commence trading ex-dividend from Monday, 23 March 2009. Non-redeemable, non-cumulative, non-participating preference shares (second preference shares) dividend No. 9 of 545,04 cents per second preference share, payable on Monday, 30 March 2009, to holders of second preference shares recorded in the books of the company at the close of business on the record date, Friday, 27 March 2009. The last day to trade to participate in the dividend is Friday, 20 March 2009. Second preference shares will commence trading ex-dividend from Monday, 23 March 2009. The salient dates and times for the scrip distribution/dividends are as follows: 6,5% cumulative
preference shares Ordinary (First preference Shares shares) JSE Limited (JSE) Share code SBK SBKP ISIN ZAE000109815 ZAE000038881 Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX) Share code SNB ISIN ZAE000109815 Distribution/dividend per share (cents) 193 3,25 Circular and form of election Monday posted to ordinary shareholders 9 March 2009 Announcement of the ratio applicable to the scrip distribution, based on the five-day trading period ending Thursday, 19 March 2009, Friday released on SENS 20 March 2009 Announcement of the ratio applicable to the scrip distribution published in the South Monday African and Namibian press 23 March 2009 Last day to trade in order to be eligible for the for the scrip distribution/cash dividend Friday Friday ("CUM" distribution) 27 March 2009 20 March 2009 Shares trade "EX" the scrip Monday Monday distribution/dividend 30 March 2009 23 March 2009 Listing of the maximum possible number of ordinary shares that could be issued in terms of the Monday scrip distribution 30 March 2009 Last day to elect a cash dividend instead Friday of the scrip distribution by 12:00 3 April 2009 Record date in respect of the scrip Friday Friday distribution/cash dividend 3 April 2009 27 March 2009 Share certificates and dividend cheques posted and posted and CSDP/broker accounts Monday Monday credited/updated (Payment date) 6 April 2009 30 March 2009 Maximum number of new ordinary shares listed adjusted to reflect the actual Tuesday number of ordinary shares issued 7 April 2009 Non-redeemable, non-cumulative, non-participating
preference shares (Second preference shares) JSE Limited (JSE) Share code SBPP ISIN ZAE000056339 Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX) Share code ISIN Distribution/dividend per share (cents) 545,04 Last day to trade in order to be eligible for the scrip Friday distribution/cash dividend ("CUM" distribution) 20 March 2009 Shares trade "EX" the scrip Monday distribution/dividend 23 March 2009 Record date in respect of the scrip Friday distribution/cash dividend 27 March 2009 Share certificates and dividend cheques posted and Monday CSDP/broker accounts credited/updated (Payment date) 30 March 2009 Ordinary share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Monday, 30 March 2009 and Friday, 3 April 2009, both days inclusive. Preference share certificates (first and second) may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Monday, 23 March 2009 and Friday, 27 March 2009, both days inclusive. All times provided in this announcement are South African local time. The above dates and times are subject to change. Any changes will be released on SENS and published in the South African and Namibian press. Where applicable, dividends in respect of certificated shares will be transferred electronically to shareholders` bank accounts on the payment date. In the absence of specific mandates, dividend cheques will be posted to shareholders. Preference shareholders (first and second) who have dematerialised their share certificates will have their accounts at their CSDP or broker credited on Monday, 30 March 2009. Ordinary shareholders who have dematerialised their share certificates will have their accounts at their CSDP or broker credited/updated on Monday, 6 April 2009. On behalf of the board Loren Wulfsohn Group secretary Accounting policies Basis of preparation The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with, and comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the South African Companies Act. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the going concern principle under the historical cost basis as modified by the fair value accounting of assets and liabilities where required in terms of IFRS. Changes in accounting policies The accounting policies are consistent with those adopted in the previous year, except as noted below. The group has early adopted the amendments to IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation and IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements - Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations arising on Liquidation. The amendment requires the classification of certain puttable financial instruments and financial instruments that impose on the issuer an obligation to deliver a pro-rata share of the entity only on liquidation as equity. The amendment has had no significant effect on the 2008 results, nor has it required any restatement of prior period results. The group has early adopted the amendments to IAS 23 Borrowing Costs. The group capitalised borrowing costs on all qualifying projects commencing on or after 1 January 2008. The amendment resulted in the capitalisation of borrowing costs amounting to R31 million in 2008, but has had no affect on the comparative period. As part of its annual improvements project, the International Accounting Standards Board made amendments to a number of accounting standards. The group adopted some of these amendments on 1 January 2008, which did not have a significant effect on the 2008 results, nor has it required any restatement of prior period results. The following new accounting interpretations were effective 1 January 2008: - IFRIC 12 Service Concession Arrangements; and - IFRIC 14 - IAS 19 The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction. The adoption of these interpretations has not had a material effect on the results, nor has it required any restatements of comparative results. Reclassifications and restatements A project was undertaken during the year to align the balance sheet classifications within which financial instruments are recognised to both the group`s risk management and income recognition policies. During this project the following classification changes were made: - All items which are of a trading nature were moved into the trading assets or liabilities classification. These included collateral and repurchase agreements held for trading purposes. - Financial instruments previously classified as other assets were moved to the appropriate financial instrument classification. - The analysis of balances between banks and non-banks was reviewed and refined. The allocation of goodwill and intangible assets on the acquisition of IBTC Chartered Bank Plc, previously determined provisionally, was finalised in 2008 and the 2007 comparatives have been restated as if the initial accounting had been completed from the acquisition date as required by IFRS 3 Business Combinations. The finalisation of the purchase price allocation resulted in an increase in intangible assets of R200 million and a resulting reduction in goodwill of R70 million, after accounting for minority interest and taxation. In line with international industry practice, the group has revised the format of its cash flow statement, which was previously compiled on the direct basis, to the indirect basis. In addition, limited reclassifications were made to improve disclosure. The group has reviewed and refined its definition of irrevocable facilities. The comparative information has been amended accordingly. The reclassifications did not impact equity attributable to ordinary shareholders or profit for the period attributable to ordinary shareholders. Standard Bank Group Limited Registration No. 1969/017128/06 Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa Directors: DE Cooper (Chairman), Kaisheng Yang** (Deputy chairman), SJ Macozoma (Deputy chairman), JH Maree* (Chief executive), DDB Band, E Bradley, TS Gcabashe, SE Jonah KBE##, Sir Paul Judge#, KP Kalyan, Yagan Liu**, RP Menell, Adv KD Moroka, AC Nissen, MC Ramaphosa, MJD Ruck, MJ Shaw, Lord Smith of Kelvin, Kt#, EM Woods * Executive director ** Chinese # British ## Ghanaian Group secretary: L Wulfsohn 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 (Proprietary) Limited 70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg 2001. PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, Johannesburg 2107 Namibia Transfer Secretaries (Proprietary) Limited Shop 8, Kaiserkrone Centre, Post Street Mall, Windhoek. PO Box 2401, Windhoek Independent sponsor Deutsche Securities (SA) (Proprietary) Limited Joint sponsor Standard Bank Investors are referred to www.standardbank.co.za where a detailed analysis of the group financial results, including an income statement and balance sheet for The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited (SBSA), can be found. Investors will be notified via the Securities Exchange News Service of the JSE ("SENS") when the audited annual financial statements for the group and SBSA are available online. This is expected to be towards the end of April. Date: 05/03/2009 08:00:02 Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za Produced by the JSE SENS Department. The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the JSE Limited (`JSE`). The JSE does not, whether expressly, tacitly or implicitly, represent, warrant or in any way guarantee the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information published on SENS. The JSE, their officers, employees and agents accept no liability for (or in respect of) any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damage of any kind or nature, howsoever arising, from the use of SENS or the use of, or reliance on, information disseminated through SENS.

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