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Standard Bank Group Limited
Registration number: 1969/017128/06
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa
Website: www.standardbank.com/reporting
Share codes
JSE share code: SBK ISIN: ZAE000109815
NSX share code: SNB ZAE000109815
A2X share code: SBK
SBKP ZAE000038881 (first preference shares)
SBPP ZAE000056339 (second preference shares)
Standard Bank Group results announcement
for the six months ended 30 June 2023
FINANCIAL STATISTICS
Change (%) 1H22 FY22
1H23 Restated1 Restated1
Financial indicator (Rm)
Headline earnings 35 21 231 15 691 33 853
Total income 29 87 160 67 714 146 838
Cents per ordinary share
Earnings per ordinary share 35 1 322.4 980.6 2 074.1
Headline earnings per ordinary share 34 1 280.6 955.5 2 050.4
Total dividend per ordinary share 34 690 515 1 206
Net asset value per ordinary share 10 13 928 12 652 13 172
Financial performance (%)
Banking cost-to-income ratio 50.5 55.5 57.9
ROE 18.9 15.7 16.3
11H22 and FY22, where applicable, have been restated as a result of the implementation of IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts. For further details, refer to the full results announcement.
Results overview
“Standard Bank Group’s strong 1H23 performance can be attributed to our differentiated franchise and Africa-focused strategy. We have continued to support
our clients and our teams have managed the business well through an uncertain geopolitical environment and volatile market conditions.” - Sim Tshabalala,
Group Chief Executive Officer
Group results
Standard Bank Group Limited’s (SBG or group) prior year numbers have been restated following the introduction of IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts (IFRS 17). The
new standard was effective from 1 January 2023 and applied retrospectively, from 1 January 2022. Details of the adjustments are included in the IFRS 17
Transition Report available on the Investor Relations website. All commentary that follows is relative to the restated numbers.
In the six months to 30 June 2023 (1H23), the group recorded headline earnings of R21.2 billion, up 35% relative to the six months to 30 June 2022 (1H22) and
delivered a return on equity of 18.9% (1H22: 15.7%). This performance is underpinned by robust earnings growth across our three banking businesses and
improved earnings and returns in our insurance and asset management businesses. Our Africa Regions franchise performed particularly well, contributing 44%
to group headline earnings.
Net asset value grew by 10% and the group ended the current period with a common equity tier 1 ratio of 13.4% (31 December 2022: 13.4%). The SBG board
approved an interim dividend of 690 cents per share which equates to an interim dividend payout ratio of 54%.
Our banking businesses benefitted from continued client franchise growth, larger balance sheets and increased transaction volumes, as well as certain market
and interest rate tailwinds. Revenue growth was well ahead of cost growth which supported strong positive operating leverage and a decline in the cost-to-
income ratio to 50.5%. Credit impairment charges increased across all portfolios, reflective of the difficult macroeconomic environment and the deteriorating
outlook, as well as client-specific strain. The credit loss ratio increased to 97 basis points, at the upper end of the group’s through-the-cycle range of 70 to 100
basis points. Banking operations recorded headline earnings growth of 42% to R18.7 billion and ROE improved to 19.0% (1H22: 15.3%).
Our insurance and asset management business unit (which now combines the businesses previously housed in Liberty Holdings with the other insurance and
asset management businesses in the group) recorded improved operational performance and headline earnings of R1.4 billion (1H22: R1.1 billion). The life
insurance operations recorded increases in indexed new premiums and the short-term insurance business recorded increased gross written premiums. Group
assets under management increased by 6% to R1.4 trillion.
The South African banking franchise headline earnings grew by 17% to R8.4 billion and ROE improved to 15.2% (1H22: 13.7%). The Africa Regions franchise
headline earnings grew by 65% and ROE improved to 28.4% (1H22: 20.4%). The top six contributors to Africa Regions headline earnings were Ghana, Kenya,
Mozambique, Nigeria, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
During the period, the group proactively assisted over 20 000 South African clients through various client assistance initiatives. The group also continued to
assist clients with their sustainability journeys and structured several innovative market firsts in the period. In 1H23, the group mobilised R28 billion in
sustainable finance for clients, of which 40% was for clients in Africa Regions. The business is well on its way to delivering on the R50 billion sustainable finance
commitment for FY23. We also raised R6.6 billion in green and sustainability-linked treasury finance to support the group’s sustainable finance initiatives.
Operating environment
In the first six months of the year, inflation remained elevated, central bank policy rates continued to trend up and global growth slowed. Markets remained
volatile. China’s recovery has been slower than previously expected, and the financial sector experienced some turbulence.
In sub-Saharan Africa, higher interest payment obligations have placed pressure on sovereigns with high debt levels. Inflation rates remained at elevated levels.
During 2023, we have welcomed positive actions in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia which have reduced sovereign credit risks in these markets. The most
notable change was the liberalisation of the Naira which, although negative for inflation in Nigeria in the short term, is promising for growth and investment in
the medium to long term. Sovereign credit risk remains high, however, in Malawi and has increased in Angola and Mozambique. In February 2023, South Africa
and Nigeria were grey listed by the Financial Action Task Force.
South Africa experienced similar inflation and interest rate pressures, exacerbated by continued slow reforms, poor service delivery, and increased electricity
and logistics disruptions. Inflation remained outside the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) target range of 3% to 6% for most of the period, resulting in a
further increase in the repo rate of 125 basis points to end the period at 8.25%. Interest rates have increased by 450 basis points since the start of 2022, placing
considerable pressure on consumers and businesses. Consumer and business confidence remained low, and demand declined.
Prospects
Downside risks to global growth remain. Inflation is still expected to decline but the rate thereof may slow into 2024. Interest rates are therefore expected to
remain higher for longer. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts global real GDP growth of 3.0% for 2023 and 2024. The IMF expects sub-Saharan
Africa to grow at 3.5% and 4.1% in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Significant currency devaluations, for example in Angola and Nigeria, are likely to drive elevated
inflation in the short-term.
In South Africa, inflation has recently returned to within the SARB’s target range and expectations are that it will move closer to the midpoint in the medium
term. Accordingly, in July 2023, the SARB kept interest rates flat, which we believe to be the end of the tightening cycle. Standard Bank Research expects interest
rates to remain flat at 8.25% for the rest of the year and real GDP growth to be 0.8% for 2023. Moderating inflation, interest rate cuts (expect cumulative cuts of
125 basis points in 2024) and increased electricity supply should drive an improvement in confidence, demand, and investment in 2024. Real GDP growth is
expected to be 1.4% in 2024 and closer to 2.0% in the medium term.
Against this constrained background, for the six months to 31 December 2023 (2H23), we expect high interest rates to constrict demand and balance sheet
growth. Interest rates are likely to have peaked and net interest margin tailwinds are expected to fade. Market volatility is unlikely to continue at levels seen in
2022 and 1H23, which will result in lower client trading activity. In 2H23 (versus 2H22), net interest income growth is expected to moderate to low teens,
banking fees are expected to grow mid-single digits, while trading revenue is expected to decline by mid-teens if market volatility and increased client activity is
not repeated. Cost growth is expected to moderate. In terms of credit impairment charges, while BCB’s credit impairment charges are expected to remain
elevated, PPB’s charges are expected to decline as the book growth slows and specific de-risking initiatives gain traction. CIB’s credit impairment charges could
match the 1H23 charge given continued sovereign and corporate stress.
For the twelve months to 31 December 2023 (FY23), banking revenue growth is expected to be stronger than previously guided in March 2023 but moderate
relative to the strong 1H23 on 1H22 performance. Despite continued management focus, banking cost growth is likely to remain elevated on the back of ongoing
inflationary pressures, particularly in Africa Regions, higher performance-related incentives, continued investment in our franchise and to ensure our client
propositions remain competitive. Banking revenue growth is expected to remain ahead of cost growth resulting in positive jaws. The credit loss ratio is expected
to remain in the upper half of the group’s through-the-cycle target range of 70 to 100 basis points driven by year-on-year increases in credit impairment charges
across all three banking business units. The group’s FY23 ROE is expected to be inside the group’s 2025 ROE target range of 17% to 20%.
As in previous cycles, we will continue to support our clients through these difficult times. We remain committed to our purpose of driving Africa’s growth. This
includes supporting Africa’s just energy transition and, particularly, South Africa’s renewable energy projects. In South Africa, we continue to work with the
authorities to improve the legal and compliance environment in the context of the FATF grey listing recommendations and with the public and private sector to
accelerate growth-enhancing initiatives.
In line with our 2025 commitments, we remain focused on delivering earnings growth, attractive returns and continued positive impact in the economies and
societies in which we operate.
The forecast financial information above is the sole responsibility of the board and has not been reviewed and reported on by the group’s auditors.
Declaration of interim dividends
Shareholders of Standard Bank Group Limited (the company) are advised of the following dividend declarations out of income reserves in respect of ordinary
shares and preference shares.
Ordinary shares
Ordinary shareholders are advised that the board has resolved to declare an interim gross cash dividend No. 107 of 690.00 cents per ordinary share (the cash
dividend) to ordinary shareholders recorded in the register of the company at the close of business on Friday, 15 September 2023. The last day to trade to
participate in the dividend is Tuesday, 12 September 2023. Ordinary shares will commence trading ex dividend from Wednesday, 13 September 2023.
The salient dates and times for the cash dividend are set out in the table that follows.
Ordinary share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Wednesday, 13 September 2023, and Friday, 15 September 2023, both days
inclusive. Ordinary shareholders who hold dematerialised shares will have their accounts at their Central Securities Depository Participant (CSDP) or broker
credited on Monday, 18 September 2023.
Where applicable, dividends in respect of certificated shares will be transferred electronically to shareholders’ bank accounts on the payment date.
Preference shares
Preference shareholders are advised that the board has resolved to declare the following interim dividends:
6.5% first cumulative preference shares (first preference shares) dividend No. 108 of 3.25 cents (gross) per first preference share, payable on Monday, 11
September 2023, to holders of first preference shares recorded in the books of the company at the close of business on the record date, Friday, 8 September
2023. The last day to trade to participate in the dividend is Tuesday, 5 September 2023. First preference shares will commence trading ex dividend from
Wednesday, 6 September 2023.
Non-redeemable, non-cumulative, non-participating preference shares (second preference shares) dividend No. 38 of 422.60421 cents (gross) per second
preference share, payable on Monday, 11 September 2023, to holders of second preference shares recorded in the books of the company at the close of
business on the record date, Friday, 8 September 2023. The last day to trade to participate in the dividend is Tuesday, 5 September 2023. Second preference
shares will commence trading ex dividend from Wednesday, 6 September 2023.
The salient dates and times for the preference share dividend are set out in the table that follows.
Preference share certificates (first and second) may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Wednesday, 6 September 2023, and Friday, 8 September
2023, both days inclusive. Preference shareholders (first and second) who hold dematerialised shares will have their accounts at their CSDP or broker credited
on Monday, 11 September 2023.
Where applicable, dividends in respect of certificated shares will be transferred electronically to shareholders’ bank accounts on the payment date.
THE RELEVANT DATES FOR THE PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Non-redeemable,
non-cumulative,
6.5% non-participating
cumulative preference shares
Ordinary preference shares (second preference
shares (first preference shares) shares)1
JSE Limited (JSE)
Share code SBK SBKP SBPP
ISIN ZAE000109815 ZAE000038881 ZAE000056339
Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX)
Share code SNB
ISIN ZAE000109815
Dividend number 107 108 38
Gross distribution/dividend per share
(cents) 690.00 3.25 422.60421
Net dividend 552.00 2.60 338.08337
Last day to trade in order to be eligible
for the cash dividend Tuesday, 12 September 2023 Tuesday, 5 September 2023 Tuesday, 5 September 2023
Shares trade ex the cash dividend Wednesday, 13 September 2023 Wednesday, 6 September 2023 Wednesday, 6 September 2023
Record date in respect of the
cash dividend Friday, 15 September 2023 Friday, 8 September 2023 Friday, 8 September 2023
CSDP/broker account credited/updated
(payment date) Monday, 18 September 2023 Monday, 11 September 2023 Monday, 11 September 2023
1 The non-redeemable, non-cumulative, non-participating preference shares (SBPP) are entitled to a dividend of not less than 77% of the prime interest rate during the period, multiplied by
the subscription price of R100 per share.
Tax implications
The cash dividend received under the ordinary shares and the preference shares is likely to have tax implications for both resident and non-resident ordinary
and preference shareholders. Such shareholders are therefore encouraged to consult their professional tax advisers.
In terms of the South African Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962, the cash dividend will, unless exempt, be subject to dividends tax. South African resident ordinary and
preference shareholders that are not exempt from dividends tax, will be subject to dividends tax at a rate of 20% of the cash dividend, and this amount will be
withheld from the cash dividend with the result that they will receive a net amount of 552.00 cents per ordinary share, 2.60 cents per first preference share and
338.08337 cents per second preference share. Non-resident ordinary and preference shareholders may be subject to dividends tax at a rate of less than 20%
depending on their country of residence and the applicability of any Double Tax Treaty between South Africa and their country of residence.
The company’s tax reference number is 9800/211/71/7 and registration number is 1969/017128/06.
Shares in issue
The issued share capital of the company, as at the date of declaration, is as follows:
1 675 797 449 ordinary shares at a par value of 10 cents each
8 000 000 first preference shares at a par value of R1 each
52 982 248 second preference shares at a par value of 1 cent each and subscription price of R100.
17 August 2023, Johannesburg
Administrative information
This announcement is a summary of the information contained in the full announcement and does not contain full or complete details. Any investment decisions
by investors or shareholders should be based on a consideration of the full announcement released on SENS or available at www.standardbank.com/reporting or
by emailing InvestorRelations@standardbank.co.za and also on the following JSE website:
https://senspdf.jse.co.za/documents/2023/jse/isse/SBK/SBGHY23.pdf
The 30 June 2023 (1H23) results, including comparatives for 30 June 2022 (1H22), where applicable, have not been audited or independently reviewed by the
group’s external auditors and the directors of the group take full responsibility for the preparation of this announcement. Change percentage reflects 1H23
change on 1H22, unless otherwise indicated.
Copies of the full announcement is available for inspection at the Company's registered office, and the offices of the JSE Sponsor at
jsesponsor@standardbank.co.za, on weekdays from 09:00 to 16:00 and may be requested by emailing InvestorRelations@standardbank.co.za.
Forward-looking statements contained above are not statements of fact or guarantees of future performance, results, strategies and objectives, and by their
nature, involve risk and uncertainty. The group’s actual future performance, results, strategies and objectives may differ materially from the plans, goals and
expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.
Registered office: 9th floor, Standard Bank Centre, 5 Simmonds Street, Johannesburg 2001, PO Box 7725, Johannesburg 2000
Namibian sponsor: Namibia: Simonis Storm Securities (Proprietary) Limited
JSE sponsor: The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
Directors: NMC Nyembezi (chairman), LL Bam, PLH Cook, A Daehnke*, GJ Fraser-Moleketi, Xueqing Guan1 (deputy chairman), GMB Kennealy, BJ
Kruger, Li Li1, JH Maree (deputy chairman), NNA Matyumza, ML Oduor-Otieno2, ANA Peterside CON3, SK Tshabalala* (chief executive officer).
* Executive director 1 Chinese 2 Kenyan 3 Nigerian All nationalities are South African, unless otherwise specified.
