Tag: headline earnings

In 2023 the operating environment for South African banks was more challenging than initially forecast. In addition to a weaker global economy, domestic economic activity was impacted by record levels of load-shedding (electricity shortages), logistical constraints, higher-than-expected levels of inflation and, as a result, higher-than-expected increases in interest rates. Collectively, these conditions have put increasing pressure on consumers’ finances and led to reductions in business confidence and investment in most sectors other than energy.

MultiChoice Group (MCG, or the group), Africa’s leading entertainment company, executed well on its operational objectives during the six months ended 30 September 2023 (1H FY24).

Headline earnings increase of 10% driven by strong revenue growth partially offset by increases in retail impairments

Strong revenue growth enabled headline earnings growth of 20% to R14bn, an increase in ROE to 14% and a CET1 ratio of 14%

MultiChoice Group (MCG or the group) grew its user base by 5% during the period ended 30 September 2022 (1H FY23). An ongoing focus on leveraging the group’s local capabilities added 1.0 million 90-day active subscribers to close the period on 22.1 million subscribers, with the subscriber base split between 13.0 million households (59%) in the Rest of Africa and 9.1m (41%) in South Africa.

A 26% increase in headline earnings per share and a robust balance sheet enabled an 81% increase in the interim dividend per share. The South African economy held up relatively well as global economic conditions deteriorated significantly in the first half of 2022.

Naspers Limited (JSE: NPN) announced strong revenue growth with profitability in core operations for the year ending 31 March 2022. Building on the prior year’s standout performance, the Group’s ecommerce portfolio delivered revenue growth of 49% to US$10.7 billion.

Nedbank has released results for the year ended December 2021. Naturally, this was a much happier year for Nedbank than the year before. The commodity cycle pulled our economy through a tough time, which has knock-on benefits for the big banks.

There have been significant developments at Naspers-Prosus in recent times. The Great Value Unlock Trade (a cross-holding structure that was highly criticised by asset managers) was implemented, which made Naspers smaller in the local market and Prosus larger in the European market.

The bank is taking a cautious approach due to pandemic uncertainty but says payouts may resume as early as June. Nedbank won't be paying a final dividend for 2020 after rising credit impairments, fewer transactions and falling interest rates resulted in a big decline in full-year earnings. But it is confident that payouts will resume this year.