Borrow
Commbank kicks off decade with $4bn half-year profit
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has reported on its earnings for the first half of the 2020 financial year, boasting a cash net profit of $4.47 billion despite a tough economic climate.
Commbank kicks off decade with $4bn half-year profit
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has reported on its earnings for the first half of the 2020 financial year, boasting a cash net profit of $4.47 billion despite a tough economic climate.
According to CEO Matt Comyn, the result is a reflection of the strength of the group’s core banking businesses and is underpinned by its leadership in digital banking.
“In an environment characterised by low interest rates and relatively low credit growth, our banking businesses performed well, leading to strong volume growth in home lending and deposits,” he outlined.
While volume growth across the core business did occur, CBA noted that its operating income was offset by bushfire-related insurance claims and customer fee removals.
It didn’t stop the group’s net interest margin from improving by one basis point to 2.11 per cent.
The bank also reported a 34 per cent increase to its statutory net profits after tax, which increased to $6.16 billion.
This was partially driven by the $1.69 billion sale of its global asset management business, Colonial First State Global Asset Management.
CBA said the proceeds, plus the initial payment for CommInsure and the generation of organic capital, helped boost the bank’s common equity tier 1 level 2 capital ration to 11.7 per cent – “well above the banking regulator APRA’s stated ‘unquestionably strong’ level for Australia’s major banks of 10.5 per cent”.
With the cash net profit of $4.47 billion seeing cash return on equity sit at 12.7 per cent, the banking giant’s board was able to declare an interim dividend to shareholders of $2 per share – representing a return to shareholders of 79 per cent of the cash net profit after tax to be paid on 31 March 2020.
While the bank has indicated an intent to continue its “simpler” approach to banking, it has expressed its intent to continue providing enhanced product offerings, improve net promoter scores, and grow its market share in home lending and deposits.
Looking to the Australian economic environment outlook more broadly, Mr Comyn appears optimistic, with the economy continuing to be underpinned by good long-term fundamentals.
“Our population continues to grow, we have a strong trade and fiscal position, and a solid pipeline of infrastructure investment provides ongoing stimulus,” he said.
“Recent improvements in key indicators also demonstrate the economy’s resilience, including growth in employment and the rebound in housing,” the CEO noted, while acknowledging that uncertainties do remain regarding the global economic outlook, and the impacts of drought and bushfires.
Against this backdrop, the CEO flagged that the banking giant is “focused on investing in our core businesses and on continued execution”.
“We have both the capacity and the appetite to lend more to support our customers and the economy. We will also continue to invest in innovation and growth to create new opportunities for our business and to deliver the best experiences for our customers.”
Quick stats:
Dividends to shareholders will be $2 per share – deliverable to investors on 31 March 2020.
Operating income of $12.4 billion was comparable to the previous half-year results.
Net interest margin was up at 2.11 per cent.
Operating expenses rose 2.6 per cent to $5.43 billion.
Statutory net profit is at $6.16 billion – a 34 per cent increase.
The bank also reported $53 billion in new lending to Australian home buyers and $19 billion in new business loans in the six months to 31 December 2019.
AMP has also unveiled its investor report this week, with results far less favourable for investors than the Commonwealth Bank’s revelations.
About the author
About the author
Banking
ANZ sued for allegedly misleading customers
The corporate regulator has commenced civil proceedings in Federal Court. ...Read more
Banking
Banks report $14.4bn profit amid pressure on net interest margins
Australia’s major banks have reported a significant boost to their bottom lines and returns in the first half of the 2022 financial year, signaling sector-wide resilience despite persistent pressure...Read more
Banking
Major banks report rising profits
NAB and ANZ announced their half-year results this week. ...Read more
Banking
Modernisation of direct debit system suffers setback
According to the Reserve Bank (RBA), several major banks will not be able to meet the current timeline for the launch of the PayTo service. ...Read more
Banking
Australians' trust in digital providers has decreased in last five years
Australians have little trust in organisations keeping their information secure, but the financial services industry still sits atop the list. ...Read more
Banking
Commonwealth Bank chairman to retire in August
The Commonwealth Bank (CBA) board has announced a successor. ...Read more
Banking
Westpac responds to $113m penalty
The big four bank has responded to the penalty handed down last week. ...Read more
Banking
Westpac ordered to pay $113m for ‘widespread compliance failures’
Westpac has been ordered to pay penalties in the amount of $113 million for widespread compliance failures across multiple businesses, including Westpac’s banking, superannuation, wealth management ...Read more
Wrapping up an eventful 2021
Listen now
What Omicron means for property, and are units right for first-time buyers? What is equity crowdfunding? Are industry super funds tapping into member funds to save their skins?
Listen now
Will housing affordability improve in 2022? Will buy now, pay later become the norm? Why are Aussies staying in failing super products?
Listen now
Who really benefits from crypto ETFs? How will the RBA respond to rising inflation? Could a mandate help address unpaid super?
Listen now
Banking
ANZ sued for allegedly misleading customers
The corporate regulator has commenced civil proceedings in Federal Court. ...Read more
Banking
Banks report $14.4bn profit amid pressure on net interest margins
Australia’s major banks have reported a significant boost to their bottom lines and returns in the first half of the 2022 financial year, signaling sector-wide resilience despite persistent pressure...Read more
Banking
Major banks report rising profits
NAB and ANZ announced their half-year results this week. ...Read more
Banking
Modernisation of direct debit system suffers setback
According to the Reserve Bank (RBA), several major banks will not be able to meet the current timeline for the launch of the PayTo service. ...Read more
Banking
Australians' trust in digital providers has decreased in last five years
Australians have little trust in organisations keeping their information secure, but the financial services industry still sits atop the list. ...Read more
Banking
Commonwealth Bank chairman to retire in August
The Commonwealth Bank (CBA) board has announced a successor. ...Read more
Banking
Westpac responds to $113m penalty
The big four bank has responded to the penalty handed down last week. ...Read more
Banking
Westpac ordered to pay $113m for ‘widespread compliance failures’
Westpac has been ordered to pay penalties in the amount of $113 million for widespread compliance failures across multiple businesses, including Westpac’s banking, superannuation, wealth management ...Read more
