Absa Group dividends up by 1% as it reports improved revenue growth for2019

Adnan Adams Mohammed

Absa Group, the parent company of Absa Bank Ghana, has recorded a 1 percent increase in its dividends to R11.25 per share after achieving 6 percent revenue growth for the 2019 financial year, with the headline earnings growing slightly.

The Bank’s revenue growth shows an improved trend, with strong deposit growth of 12% and customer loan growth of 9%,” said Absa Group Financial Director Jason Quinn.

Headline earnings of the Group rose by 1% as loan impairments increased. Its balance sheet, revenue and earnings growth were in line with peers after lagging for a number of years.

The Absa Regional Operations (ARO) business, comprising Absa Group’s African operations excluding South Africa, delivered strong financial performance in 2019 with earnings growth of 16% (12% in constant currency), enhancing the overall Group’s position.

“We are pleased with the results of our Absa Regional Operations and their contribution to Absa Group’s overall performance, having maintained double-digit growth and growing our headline earnings. We look forward to continuing to grow our revenue market share on the continent over the coming years,” said Peter Matlare, Chief Executive Absa Regional Operations during the launch of its report last week.

Daniel Mminele, Absa Group Chief Executive Officer in his remarks at the launch said, “We delivered a resilient performance against a challenging macroeconomic backdrop. We maintained balance sheet momentum and growth was broad-based across most businesses”. 

The rebranded bank from Barclays to Absa is optimistic about the future and the opportunities across its African markets. Its objective is to develop strong, digital-first financial systems in a sustainable manner and to contribute positively to the development of our communities in which we operate.

The publication of Absa Group’s results comes just barely after the completion of Absa Bank Ghana brand transition. The bank has begun a new journey which is one of striving to be customer-obsessed, acknowledging the strength of its people and delivering results sustainably.

Absa Group launched its growth strategy in March 2018 after Barclays PLC ceased to be the controlling shareholder in the Pan African banking group. Absa Group is on track to complete its separation programme, one of the largest in the banking sector in terms of size and complexity, on time and within budget by the middle of 2020.

The Group’s core businesses highlights were given as follows. The Retail and Business Banking South Africa continued to show signs of a turnaround as the unit gained ground in key areas, recording increases in customer loans and deposits. Revenue momentum increased and costs were well contained. However, an increase in impairments impacted on earnings. Gross loans and advances grew by 7% to R530bn; Deposits grew by 10% to R373bn; Non-interest income grew by 6%; Cost-to-income ratio improved to 57.7% from 58.4% in 2018.

Also, Customer growth of 1% to 9.7m; Market share growth in retail deposits and retail loans and advances, including personal loans, new home loans and vehicle finance.

Corporate and Investment Banking earnings growth was driven by strong performances in countries outside South Africa, which partially offset a decline in earnings in South Africa.

Highlights include: Continued growth momentum in ARO with total income growing 15% (12% in constant currency) to R7.4bn; Solid income growth from Corporate Bank franchise up 9% (8% in constant currency) to R10.6bn; and Strong growth momentum in the trade finance business in SA, with a CAGR of 19% in the last four years.

Additionally, Absa Regional Operations (ARO) performance highlights included: Revenue grew by 14% (11% in constant currency); Pre-provision profits increased by 17% (14% in constant currency); Cost-to-income ratio improved to 57.8%; while separating, ARO has grown its retail primary customer base in 2019 to 1.5 million customers

The Group indicated that, South Africa’s macro environment has consistently disappointed for the past five years, concluding that, the outlook remains muted, compounded by the recent outbreak of coronavirus which will have an impact on the global macro outlook, and which will also have implications for the economic prospects in our other operating regions.

“We will continue to drive the execution of our strategic objectives with agility, and take advantage of emerging opportunities, while managing risks more effectively in response to changes in the operating environment” said Mminele.