Our opinion on the current state of STANBANK(SBK)

8月16日

Standard Bank (SBK) is 160 years old and is South Africa's second-largest bank by market capitalization, after First National Bank. It has widespread interests across the rest of Africa, which now contribute 34% of its headline earnings. 20% of its shares are owned by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), and it owns 40% of ICBC Standard Bank, which was previously Standard Bank Plc in the UK (ICBCS). Following COVID-19, the bank had about 70% of its staff working from home. This business is also obviously impacted by load-shedding in South Africa and the lingering effects of the coronavirus.

In our view, this is an excellent investment for private investors at current levels, but it is a long-term play. As COVID-19 fades, the economy will pick up, and Standard Bank's profits will improve. On 15th July 2021, the company announced that it would make an offer for the ordinary shares and preference shares in Liberty Holdings (LBH). Liberty shareholders received 0,5 Standard Bank shares and R25.50 in cash for each LBH ordinary share they held. This gave an implied valuation of just under R90 per LBH share, which was a 33% premium to its price (R67.48) prior to the announcement.

The bank is benefiting from increased client numbers and rising interest rates. In its results for the six months to 30th June 2024, the company reported headline earnings per share (HEPS) up 4% and return on equity (ROE) of 18,5%. The company's net asset value (NAV) increased 5% to 14564c per share. The company said, "This performance is underpinned by continued franchise growth in our banking businesses and robust earnings growth in our insurance and asset management business."

The share made a cyclical low at 16707c on 17th April 2024, and since then, it has been in a strong upward trend. On a P:E of 8,97 and a dividend yield (DY) of 4,9%, we regard it as good value.