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Results announcement for the six months ended 30 June 2022

Published: 2022-08-19 09:01:40 ET
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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 2022


Results overview
“The group's performance was underpinned by continued balance sheet and franchise growth.” - Sim Tshabalala, Group Chief Executive Officer

Group results
Standard Bank Group Limited (SBG or group) delivered record headline earnings of R15.3 billion for the six months to 30 June 2022 (1H22 or the current
period), up 33% on the prior period. This performance was underpinned by continued balance sheet and franchise growth. Return on equity (ROE)
improved to 15.3% (1H21: 12.9%). Net asset value grew by 15% and the group ended the period (30 June 2022) with a common equity tier one ratio of
13.7% (31 December 2021: 13.8%). The SBG board approved an interim dividend of 515 cents per share. This equates to a dividend payout ratio of 55%
for the current period.

The group made good progress on its 2025 commitments, both strategic and financial. The group exceeded internal expectations in terms of revenue
growth, delivered strong positive jaws, retained the credit loss ratio within the group's through-the-cycle range, and ROE moved closer to the 2025 target
range of 17% to 20%.

Pre-provision operating profit grew by 20% driven by strong revenue growth. Net interest income growth was driven by strong average balance sheet
growth and margin expansion. Net fees grew by 10% supported by a larger client base and increased activity. Trading revenue growth was robust, driven
by client trades on the back of market volatility. Revenue growth exceeded cost growth, resulting in positive jaws of 450 basis points. Credit impairment
charges were broadly flat leading to an 82 basis point credit loss ratio, down from 88 basis points in the six months to 30 June 2021 (1H21). Standard
Bank Activities recorded headline earnings growth of 25% to R13.6 billion and ROE improved to 15.0% (1H21: 13.3%).

Liberty Holdings Limited’s (Liberty) performance improved period on period as the pandemic-related impact waned. The Liberty minority buyout was
successfully completed in March 2022 and the process of integrating Liberty into the group is underway. The initial focus has been on aligning the sales
and adviser teams to drive client franchise growth, the strategic alignment of the Standard Bank and Liberty Africa Regions' teams, and defining the path
to deliver the financial benefits identified as part of the transaction. The group remains the third largest investment services business on the continent by
AUM/AUA, with a combined AUM/AUA of R1.4 trillion.

ICBC Standard Bank Plc (ICBCS) managed risk associated with the emerging market volatility well. It also received an insurance settlement in the current
period relating to a previous client loss.

The group’s South African banking business, The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, recorded a strong rebound. Headline earnings increased by 30%
and ROE improved to 14.2%. Revenue grew by double digits, boosted by a strong trading performance and an ongoing recovery in activity-related fees,
up 41% and 10% respectively. Credit impairment charges declined but remained above pre-pandemic levels. Costs were well contained to deliver positive
jaws of 440 basis points.

Our Africa Regions' franchise grew revenue by 26% driven by a larger balance sheet, higher interest rates, higher transactional volumes, a recovery in
international trade as lockdowns eased, and double-digit growth in trading revenue. The business more than absorbed higher costs (linked to a spike in
inflation) to deliver positive jaws of 943 basis points. Africa Regions' headline earnings increased by 41% (and by 35% in constant currency) and ROE
recovered to 20.4%. The top six contributors to Africa Regions’ headline earnings remained Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria and Uganda.
Africa Regions’ contribution to 1H22 group headline earnings was 37%.

Operating environment
In 1H22, geopolitical tensions increased. The global macroeconomic environment deteriorated and inflation spiked. In response, central banks increased
interest rates faster than expected. This complex backdrop and uncertain outlook drove market volatility. Funding costs increased, including in the USA
and UK, and asset prices fell.

The impact of the global turmoil differed across our sub-Saharan African countries. While higher commodity prices supported exporters, food and fuel
importers bore the brunt of higher inflation. In 1H22, interest rates increased in almost all of our countries of operation. Various countries were impacted by
election preparations.

The South African economy was shielded by high commodity prices, strong terms of trade and a resilient currency for most of the period. Repo rate
increases (1H22: +100 basis points), while faster than expected, were measured. In 1H22, interest rates remained low relative to pre-pandemic levels.
Consumer balance sheets are healthier than at the beginning of the previous interest rate hiking cycle (2014). While 1Q22 real GDP growth was stronger
than expected, 2Q22 is expected to be negatively impacted by flooding in KwaZulu-Natal and renewed electricity disruptions. Slow growth and inflation
pressures increased the social challenges in the country.

Prospects
In 2H22, global growth is expected to slow as tighter financing conditions take effect. Inflationary pressures are, however, expected to fade. The
International Monetary Fund is forecasting global real GDP growth of 3.2% and 3.8% in sub-Saharan Africa for 2022. African countries with high sovereign
debt levels are likely to face some constraints.

In South Africa, further monetary tightening is expected to negatively impact confidence and demand and constrain real GDP growth to 2.3% in 2022.
Electricity supply issues may constrain growth further. Inflation is expected to peak in 2H22, averaging 6.5% in 2022. Standard Bank Research expects
additional pre-emptive interest rate hikes of 75 basis points in 2H22 (in addition to the 75 basis point increase in July 2022), followed by a pause in 2023.

We are focused on delivering continued revenue growth through our client-centric strategy, and our ability to deliver new and relevant solutions to our
clients through their channel of choice, as and when they need them.

For the 12 months to 31 December 2022 (FY22), net interest income growth is expected to be low double digits year on year, supported by balance sheet
growth and endowment tailwinds. As the pandemic unwind fades, non-interest revenue growth is expected to moderate to high single digits. Trading
revenue growth for FY22 is expected to be slower than 1H22. We will continue to manage our costs judiciously, with a focus on delivering below-inflation
cost growth and positive jaws. We will continue to proactively manage regulatory challenges and related costs in Africa Regions. The group credit loss
ratio is expected to remain in the lower half of the group’s through-the-cycle target range of 70 to 100 basis points, subject to the macroeconomic
developments relative to the group’s current base case outlook. The group FY22 ROE is expected to improve year on year and remain above cost of
equity.

We thank all our colleagues for all that they have done to continue to grow our business and deliver record revenues and earnings.

While the environment remains volatile and uncertain, we are well positioned with strong capital ratios, an unprecedented stock of balance sheet credit
provisions and a committed team ready to drive our business forward. We will continue to leverage our significant scale, unrivalled geographic footprint,
and leading market positions to differentiate ourselves. We remain committed to delivering positive impact and attractive shareholder returns.

FINANCIAL STATISTICS
                                                                                                        Change (%)          1H22          1H21          FY21
Financial indicator (Rm)
Headline earnings                                                                                                33        15 263        11 477        25 021
Total income                                                                                                     11        71 909        64 815      132 982
Cents per ordinary share
Earnings per ordinary share                                                                                      34         961.4         717.4       1 563.2
Headline earnings per ordinary share                                                                             30         936.2         721.4       1 573.0
Total dividend per ordinary share                                                                                43         515.0         360.0         871.0
Net asset value per ordinary share                                                                               11      12 721.4      11 509.0      12 493.0
Financial performance
ROE (%)                                                                                                                      15.3          12.9           13.5


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. 105 of 515.00 cents per ordinary share (the
cash dividend) to ordinary shareholders recorded in the register of the company at the close of business on Friday, 16 September 2022. The last day to
trade to participate in the dividend is Tuesday, 13 September 2022. Ordinary shares will commence trading ex dividend from Wednesday, 14 September
2022.

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, 14 September 2022, and Friday, 16 September 2022 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, 19 September 2022.

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. 106 of 3.25 cents (gross) per first preference share, payable on Monday,

  12 September 2022, to holders of first preference shares recorded in the books of the company at the close of business on the record date, Friday, 9
  September 2022. The last day to trade to participate in the dividend is Tuesday, 6 September 2022. First preference shares will commence trading
  ex dividend from Wednesday, 7 September 2022.
 Non-redeemable, non-cumulative, non-participating preference shares (second preference shares) dividend No. 36 of 294.55181 cents (gross)

  per second preference share, payable on Monday, 12 September 2022, to holders of second preference shares recorded in the books of the company
  at the close of business on the record date, Friday, 9 September 2022. The last day to trade to participate in the dividend is
  Tuesday, 6 September 2022. Second preference shares will commence trading ex dividend from Wednesday, 7 September 2022.

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, 7 September 2022, and
Friday, 9 September 2022, both days inclusive. Preference shareholders (first and second) who hold dematerialised shares will have their accounts at their
CSDP or broker credited on Monday, 12 September 2022.

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 INTERIM DIVIDENDS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
                                                                                                                                                                   Non-redeemable,
                                                                                                                               6.5% cumulative                      non-cumulative,
                                                                                               Ordinary                      preference shares                     non-participating
                                                                                                shares               (first preference shares)                    preference shares
                                                                                                                                                        (second preference 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                                                                                 105                                            106                                      36
Gross distribution/dividend per share (cents)                                                515.00                                            3.25                              294.55181
Net dividend                                                                                 412.00                                            2.60                              235.64145
Last day to trade in order to be eligible for the
                                                                    Tuesday, 13 September 2022                  Tuesday, 6 September 2022                 Tuesday, 6 September 2022
  cash dividend
                                                                                                                   Wednesday, 7 September                   Wednesday, 7 September
Shares trade ex the cash dividend                               Wednesday, 14 September 2022
                                                                                                                                       2022                                     2022
Record date in respect of the cash dividend                            Friday, 16 September 2022                   Friday, 9 September 2022                 Friday, 9 September 2022
CSDP/broker account credited/updated
                                                                     Monday, 19 September 2022                 Monday, 12 September 2022                 Monday, 12 September 2022
 (payment date)
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 412.00 cents per ordinary share, 2.60 cents
per first preference share and 235.64145 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:
 1 678 121 389 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.




19 August 2022, 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/2022/jse/isse/SBK/SBG1H22.pdf


The 1H22 results, including comparatives for 1H21 where applicable, have not been audited or independently reviewed by the group’s external auditors
and the directors of Standard Bank Group Limited take full responsibility for the preparation of this announcement. Change percentage reflects 1H22
change on 1H21, unless otherwise indicated

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), PLH Cook, A Daehnke*, GJ Fraser-Moleketi, X Guan1 (deputy chairman), GMB Kennealy, BJ Kruger, L Li1,
JH Maree (deputy chairman), NNA Matyumza, KD Moroka, ML Oduor-Otieno2, ANA Peterside CON3, MJD Ruck, SK Tshabalala* (chief executive officer),
JM Vice. * Executive director 1 Chinese 2 Kenyan 3 Nigerian All nationalities are South African, unless otherwise specified.