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Investec Group pre-close trading update and trading statement

Published: 2022-09-23 09:02:11 ET
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Investec Limited                                                Investec plc
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa                    Incorporated in England and Wales
Registration number 1925/002833/06                              Registration number 3633621
JSE share code: INL                                             LSE share code: INVP
JSE hybrid code: INPR                                           JSE share code: INP
JSE debt code: INLV                                             ISIN: GB00B17BBQ50
NSX share code: IVD                                             LEI: 2138007Z3U5GWDN3MY22
BSE share code: INVESTEC
ISIN: ZAE000081949
LEI: 213800CU7SM6O4UWOZ70

Investec Group pre-close trading update and trading statement

23 September 2022
Investec today announces its scheduled pre-close trading update for the interim period ending
30 September 2022 (1H2023). An investor conference call will be held today at 09:00 UK
time /10:00 South African time. Please register for the call at
www.investec.com/investorrelations.
Commentary on the Group’s financial performance in this pre-close trading update represents
the five months ended 31 August 2022 and compares forecast 1H2023 to 1H2022 (30
September 2021)^.

1H2023 earnings update and guidance
For the six months ending 30 September 2022, the Group expects:
    •   Adjusted operating profit before tax between £372.6 million and £406.2 million
        (1H2022: £325.7 million).
            o The UK business’ adjusted operating profit to be at least 20% higher than prior
               period (1H2022: £133.8 million).
            o The Southern African business’ adjusted operating profit to be at least 10%
               ahead of prior period in Rands (1H2022: R3 828 million, £191.9 million).
    •   Adjusted earnings per share between 30.0p and 33.0p (or 14% to 25% ahead of prior
        period) (1H2022: 26.3p).
    •   Basic earnings per share between 46.5p and 51.p (or 84% to 104% ahead of prior
        period) (1H2022: 25.0p), positively impacted by the gain on the implementation of the
        Ninety One distribution in May 2022.
    •   Headline earnings per share between 30.0p and 34.0p (or 21% to 38% ahead of prior
        period) (1H2022: 24.7p).
    •   ROE to be within the Group’s FY2024 target range of 12% to 16%.

The above expectations are predicated on the following year to date performance:

The operating performance reflects the benefits from continued strategic execution and the
diversity in the Group’s revenue streams. The prevailing uncertain and volatile macro
environment has had a negative impact on certain market facing businesses.

Pre-provision adjusted operating profit increased, supported by continued client acquisition,
positive effects from rising global interest rates and higher average advances.
    •   The positive revenue trajectory experienced in the last financial year continued. Net
        interest income benefitted from higher average lending books and higher interest
        margin given the rising interest rate environment. Non-interest revenue growth was
        underpinned by increased client activity, higher lending turnover and net positive
        contribution from investment income, partly offset by lower fees from some of our
        market facing businesses.
    •   Fixed operating expenditure increased, driven by inflationary pressure on salaries,
        investment in technology and normalisation of certain business expenses as COVID-


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         19 related restrictions were removed. Variable remuneration grew in line with revenue.
         The cost to income ratio improved as revenue grew faster than costs and is expected
         to be within our FY2024 targets.
    In line with the guidance provided in May 2022, the credit loss ratio normalised towards the
    through-the-cycle range. This is largely driven by the deterioration in the macro-economic
    outlook and limited specific impairments, partly offset by higher recoveries in South Africa.
    Post-model overlays have been maintained.
    For the five months period ended 31 August 2022:
    •    The Wealth & Investment business FUM declined by 2.7% to £61.7 billion, driven by
         market volatility which was partly offset by net inflows of £48 million (discretionary net
         inflows: £324 million and non-discretionary net outflows: £276 million).
    •    Within Specialist Banking, core loans grew by 7.8% annualised to £30.9 billion, driven
         by corporate lending in both geographies and residential mortgage growth
         predominantly in the UK.

The Group is well capitalised with strong liquidity, above Board approved minimums, and is
well positioned to continue to support its clients and pursue growth opportunities in line with our
strategic objectives. Investec remains committed to the achievement of its medium-term
targets.

^ The group distributed 15% of Ninety One on 30 May 2022, retaining a 10% interest.

Other information
The financial information on which this trading statement is based, has not been reviewed and
reported on by the external auditors.

An investor conference call will be held today at 09:00 UK time /11:00 South African time.
Please register for the call at www.investec.com/investorrelations

Interim results
The results for the interim period ending 30 September 2022 are scheduled for release on
Thursday,17 November 2022.


On behalf of the board
Philip Hourquebie (Chair), Fani Titi (Group Chief Executive)

For further information please contact:
Investec Investor Relations
General enquiries: investorrelations@investec.co.za

Results:
Qaqambile Dwayi                                            Carly Newton
SA Tel: +27 (0)83 457 2134                                 UK Tel: +44 (0)20 75974493

Brunswick (SA PR advisers)
Graeme Coetzee Tel: +27 (0)63 685 6053

Lansons (UK PR advisers)
Tom Baldock Tel: +44 (0)78 6010 1715




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Key income drivers

  Core loans
                                                                                   Neutral currency
  £'m                        31-Aug-22        31- Mar-22            % change
                                                                                      % change
  UK and Other                 15,262           14,423                 5.8%              5.8%

  South Africa                 15,642           15,511                 0.8%              4.0%

  Total                        30,904           29,934                 3.2%              4.9%
  Customer deposits
                                                                                   Neutral currency
  £'m                        31-Aug-22        31- Mar-22            % change
                                                                                      % change
  UK and Other                 18,694           18,286                 2.2%              2.2%

  South Africa                 22,113           21,832                 1.3%              4.4%

  Total                        40,807           40,118                 1.7%              3.4%

  Funds under Management (FUM)
                                                                                   Neutral currency
  £'m                                         31-Aug-22    31-Mar-22    % change
                                                                                      % change
  Total Wealth & Investment FUM                 61,682      63,376        (2.7%)        (1.8%)

        UK and Other                            42,688      44,419        (3.9%)         (3.9%)
         Discretionary                          36,014      37,215        (3.2%)         (3.2%)
         Non-discretionary                      6,674        7,204        (7.4%)         (7.4%)
        Southern Africa                         18,994      18,957         0.2%           3.3%
          Discretionary and annuity             10,434       9,756         6.9%          10.3%
          Non-discretionary                     8,560        9,201        (7.0%)         (4.1%)

  Specialist Bank                                418          424         (1.4%)         (1.5%)

  Total FUM                                     62,100      63,800        (2.7%)         (1.7%)

Notes

1. Definitions
       • Adjusted operating profit refers to operating profit before goodwill, acquired
           intangibles and strategic actions and after adjusting for earnings attributable to
           other non-controlling interests. Non-IFRS measures such as adjusted operating
           profit are considered as pro-forma financial information as per the JSE Listing
           Requirements. The pro-forma financial information is the responsibility of the
           group’s Board of Directors. Pro-forma financial information was prepared for
           illustrative purposes and because of its nature may not fairly present the issuer's
           financial position, changes in equity or results of operations. This pro-forma
           financial information has not been reported on by the group’s auditors.
       • Adjusted earnings is calculated by adjusting basic earnings attributable to
           shareholders for the amortisation of acquired intangible assets, non-operating
           items including strategic actions, and earnings attributable to perpetual preference
           shareholders and other additional tier 1 security holders.
       • Adjusted earnings per share is calculated as adjusted earnings attributable to
           shareholders divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue
           during the year.



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         •    Headline earnings is an earnings measure required to be calculated and
              disclosed by the JSE and is calculated in accordance with the guidance provided
              in Circular 1/2021.
         •    Headline earnings per share (HEPS) is calculated as headline earnings divided
              by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.
         •    Basic earnings is earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders as defined by
              IAS33 Earnings Per Share.
         •    Core loans is defined as net loans to customers plus net own originated securitised
              assets.
         •    The credit loss ratio is calculated as expected credit loss (ECL) impairment
              charges on gross core loans as a percentage of average gross core loans subject
              to ECL.

2. Exchange rates

The group’s reporting currency is Pounds Sterling. Certain of the group’s operations are
conducted by entities outside the UK. The results of operations and the financial condition of
these individual companies are reported in the local currencies in which they are domiciled,
including Rands, Australian Dollars, Euros and US Dollars. These results are then translated
into Pounds Sterling at the applicable foreign currency exchange rates for inclusion in the
group’s combined consolidated financial statements. In the case of the income statement, the
weighted average rate for the relevant period is applied and, in the case of the balance sheet,
the relevant closing rate is used. The following table sets out the movements in certain relevant
exchange rates against the Pound Sterling over the period:

                                Five months to              Year ended               Six months to
                                31 August 2022             31 March 2022           30 September 2021

  Currency                   Period                    Period                     Period
                                         Average                    Average                   Average
  per GBP1.00                 end                       end                        end
  South African Rand          19.83        19.77        19.24        20.28         20.29        19.94

  Australian Dollar           1.70          1.75         1.75         1.85         1.86         1.85
  Euro                        1.16          1.18         1.18         1.18         1.16         1.16

  US Dollar                   1.16          1.23         1.31         1.37         1.35         1.39

3. Profit forecasts
      • The following matters highlighted in this announcement contain forward-looking
            statements:
                  Adjusted EPS is expected to be between 30.0p and 33.0p which is ahead
                     of 1H2022.
                  Basic EPS is expected to be between 46.5p and 51.3p which is ahead of
                     1H2022.
                  HEPS is expected to be between 30.0p and 34.6p which is ahead of
                     1H2022.
                  Adjusted operating profit is expected to be 14% to 25% ahead of 1H2022.
                  The UK business’ adjusted operating profit to be at least 20% higher than
                     prior period
                  The Southern African business’ adjusted operating profit to be at least 10%
                     ahead of prior period in Rands
                  ROE is expected to be within the Group’s FY2024 target range of 12% to
                     16%.
            (collectively the Profit Forecasts).
      • The basis of preparation of each of these statements and the assumptions upon
            which they are based are set out below. These statements are subject to various
            risks and uncertainties and other factors – these factors may cause the group’s
            actual future results, performance or achievements in the markets in which it
            operates to differ from those expressed in the Profit Forecasts.


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    •   Any forward looking statements made are based on the knowledge of the group at
        22 September 2022.
    •   These forward looking statements represent a profit forecast under the Listing
        Rules. The Profit Forecasts relate to the period ending 30 September 2022.
    •   The financial information on which the Profit Forecasts are based is the
        responsibility of the Directors of the group and has not been reviewed and reported
        on by the group’s auditors.

Basis of preparation
   • The Profit Forecasts have been properly compiled using the assumptions stated
       below, and on a basis consistent with the accounting policies adopted in the
       group’s March 2022 audited financial statements, which are in accordance with
       IFRS and are those which the group anticipates will be applicable for the period
       ending 30 September 2022.
   • The Profit Forecasts have been prepared based on (a) audited financial statements
       of the group for the year ended 31 March 2022, and the results of the Specialist
       Banking and Wealth & Investment businesses underlying those audited financial
       statements; (b) the unaudited management accounts of the group and the
       Specialist Banking and Wealth & Investment businesses for the five months to 31
       August 2022; and (c) the projected financial performance of the group and the
       Specialist Banking and Wealth & Investment businesses for the remaining one
       month of the period ending 30 September 2022.
   • Percentage changes shown on a neutral currency basis for balance sheet items
       assume that the relevant closing exchange rates at 31 August 2022 remain the
       same as those at 31 March 2022. This neutral currency information has not been
       reported on by the group’s auditors.

Assumptions
The Profit Forecasts have been prepared on the basis of the following assumptions during
the forecast period:

Factors outside the influence or control of the Investec Board:
   • There will be no material change in the political and/or economic environment that
       would materially affect the Investec group.
   • There will be no material change in legislation or regulation impacting on the
       Investec group’s operations or its accounting policies.
   • There will be no business disruption that will have a significant impact on the
       Investec group’s operations.
   • The Rand/Pound Sterling and US Dollar/Pound Sterling exchange rates and the
       tax rates remain materially unchanged from the prevailing rates detailed above.
   • There will be no material changes in the structure of the markets, client demand or
       the competitive environment.

Estimates and judgements
In preparation of the Profit Forecasts, the group makes estimations and applies judgement
that could affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities within the reporting period.
Key areas in which judgement is applied include:
    • Valuation of unlisted investments primarily in the private equity, direct investments
        portfolios and embedded derivatives. Key valuation inputs are based on the most
        relevant observable market inputs, adjusted where necessary for factors that
        specifically apply to the individual investments and recognising market volatility.
    • The determination of ECL against assets that are carried at amortised cost and
        ECL relating to debt instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income
        (FVOCI) involves the assessment of future cash flows which is judgmental in
        nature.
    • Valuation of investment properties is performed by capitalising the budget net
        income of the property at the market related yield applicable at the time.
    • The group’s income tax charge and balance sheet provision are judgmental in
        nature. This arises from certain transactions for which the ultimate tax treatment


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            can only be determined by final resolution with the relevant local tax authorities.
            The group recognises in its tax provision certain amounts in respect of taxation that
            involve a degree of estimation and uncertainty where the tax treatment cannot
            finally be determined until a resolution has been reached by the relevant tax
            authority. The carrying amount of this provision is often dependent on the timetable
            and progress of discussions and negotiations with the relevant tax authorities,
            arbitration processes and legal proceedings in the relevant tax jurisdictions in
            which the group operates. Issues can take many years to resolve and assumptions
            on the likely outcome would therefore have to be made by the group.
        •   Where appropriate, the group has utilised expert external advice as well as
            experience of similar situations elsewhere in making any such provisions.
        •   Determination of interest income and interest expense using the effective interest
            rate method involves judgement in determining the timing and extent of future cash
            flows.

About Investec
Investec group (comprising Investec plc and Investec Limited) partners with private,
institutional, and corporate clients, offering international banking, investments, and wealth
management services in two principal markets, South Africa and the UK, as well as certain
other countries. The group was established in 1974 and currently has approximately 8,300
employees.

In 2002, Investec implemented a dual listed company structure with listings on the London and
Johannesburg Stock Exchanges.


Johannesburg and London

JSE Equity Sponsor: Investec Bank Limited




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