AMP : announces FY 21 results

AMP Bank

AMP Bank delivered strong performance, with above-system mortgage growth, a double-digit percentage increase in deposits, and a strengthening of its credit quality.

The residential mortgage book grew A$1.55 billion to A$21.7 billion in FY 21 in a highly competitive lending environment. The growth was at 2.1x system in Q4 21 and 1.36x system for FY 21, driven by competitive pricing and broker service experience, where AMP Bank consistently ranked top five of Australian banks in 2021^[5].

Total deposits increased by 10.4 per cent to A$17.8 billion, in line with the bank's strategy to optimise its funding mix to support growth. Deposit to loan ratio increased to 81 per cent at FY 21 (FY 20: 78 per cent).

FY 21 net interest margin (NIM) of 1.62 per cent, 3bps higher than FY 20, driven by lower funding and deposit costs in 1H 21. Downward pressure on NIM is expected throughout 2022 due to increased cost of funding and a highly competitive lending environment.

Improved economic and market conditions led to the bank releasing provisions previously taken for COVID-19 related impacts, leading to a 37.8 per cent increase in NPAT to A$153 million. AMP Bank continues to closely monitor risks of slower growth in the housing market following heightened expectations of an official interest rate rise in 2022 off the back of strong economic recovery. The bank continues to focus on maintaining book quality with 69 per cent of customers being owner-occupied, an average loan to value (LVR) ratio of 67 per cent, dynamic LVR of 58 per cent, and credit quality improved with 90+ days arrears at 0.50 per cent, a 0.12 percentage point improvement from FY 20.

Return on capital in FY 21 was 13.4 per cent, an increase of 3.2 percentage points from FY 20, benefitting from COVID-19 related provision release.

Australian Wealth Management

Australian Wealth Management (AWM) delivered on its comprehensive simplification and transformation plans in FY 21, consolidating products, reducing fees for customers in Master Trust and Platforms, and reshaping its advice network to improve productivity.

Total AUM increased 8 per cent to A$134 billion (FY 20: A$124.1 billion), with improved investment markets and a reduction in net cash outflows.

Net cash outflows of A$5.2 billion improved from outflows of A$7.8 billion in FY 20 - with FY 20 impacted by A$1.8 billion of early release of super payments not repeated in FY 21. Cash outflows in FY 21 included A$1.9 billion of regular pension payments to customers in retirement.

AUM on the flagship North platform increased A$9.8 billion to A$61.4 billion, driven by improved investment markets and an increase in inflows from external financial advisers, up 18 per cent to A$1.3 billion from A$1.1 billion FY 20.

AWM NPAT was A$48 million (FY 20: A$64 million), with Platform and Master Trust earnings of A$200 million, offset by losses in Advice (A$146 million) as it continues its transformation.

A strong focus on controllable costs delivered a decrease of A$34 million to A$518 million.

New Zealand Wealth Management

New Zealand Wealth Management (NZWM) delivered a robust performance supported by positive markets and continued to simplify its business, including changing to an index-based investment management strategy.

NZWM NPAT increased A$4 million (11 per cent) to A$39 million, reflecting stronger investment markets and improved cost performance.

AUM of A$12.2 billion, decreased by A$0.2 billion, predominantly due to the conclusion of NZWM's term as a KiwiSaver default provider. NZWM remains a substantial participant in the non-default KiwiSaver market, with A$5.8 billion in AUM, reflecting growth of 14 per cent on FY 20.

Controllable costs decreased 5 per cent to A$36 million, as a result of continued simplification and localisation of the business.

NZWM has completed its transition to a new index-based investment philosophy with a focus on sustainable investing. This new approach has enabled NZWM to reduce the carbon footprint of its funds, while also reducing fees for clients by up to 40 per cent.

AMP Capital^[6]

AMP Capital earnings were supported by strong second half performance fees, resulting from the successful sale of assets within infrastructure equity, delivering strong returns for clients.

NPAT of A$154 million, up 18 per cent from A$131 million in FY 20, supported by performance fees earned from the sale of infrastructure assets in closed-end funds, including the sale of Angel Trains, the largest rolling stock company in the UK and in ESVAGT, a leading offshore vessels owner and operator in the North Sea, delivering strong returns for clients.

AUM of A$177.8 billion declined 6.3 per cent during the year (FY20: A$189.8 billion), reflecting capital returned to clients in infrastructure, the transition of the AMP Capital Diversified Property Fund (ADPF) and the transition of the New Zealand Wealth Management mandate. This was partly offset by A$15.6 billion in investment returns driven by favourable market performance.

External net cash outflows of A$12.8 billion (FY 20: A$1.7 billion outflow), were impacted by the transition of ADPF, successful asset sales resulting in positive returns for clients, and redemptions of public markets products. Net outflows were partially offset by cash inflows of A$1.7 billion of committed capital deployed on behalf of real assets clients.

Response to AMP Capital media reports

AMP has noted market speculation regarding potential interest in the AMP Capital business. AMP confirms it has received inbound enquiries regarding the AMP Capital business, which is not unusual at this point in a demerger preparation process.

AMP will consider any approaches in line with its obligation to act in the best interests of shareholders.

Capital position and balance sheet update

AMP Limited surplus capital of A$383 million above target requirements to support demerger and transformation.

In line with the existing strategy to maintain a conservative approach to capital management, and supporting business transformation, no final dividend has been declared for FY 21. AMP Limited's capital management strategy and payment of dividends will be reviewed following the completion of the demerger in 1H 22.

AMP Limited will retain a shareholding of up to 20 per cent of the Private Markets business post demerger, to provide balance sheet resources and financial flexibility. AMP will be a passive minority shareholder, supporting the independence of Private Markets.

AMP Limited Board update

AMP Limited today announced John O'Sullivan will not stand for re-election to the Board at the Annual General Meeting on 20 May 2022.

Mr. O'Sullivan, who has served as a member of the Board since June 2018, has taken the decision in order to facilitate Board succession and to dedicate more time to other external pursuits.

He will conclude his roles on both the AMP Limited and AMP Bank Boards at, or prior to, the AMP Limited AGM.

More detailed information on the FY 21 result is available in the FY 21 investor report and presentation, both accessible at amp.com.au/shares.

Authorised for release by the AMP Limited Board.

_{[1] Net profit after tax (underlying) represents shareholder attributable net profit or loss after tax excluding non-recurring revenue and expenses. NPAT (underlying) is AMP's preferred measure of profitability as it best reflects the underlying performance of AMP's business units.}

_{[2] FY 20 NPAT underlying has been restated to reflect additional Group Office cost allocations to business units from FY 21.}

_{[3] The AMP Capital business unit results and any other impacted line items are shown net of minority interests. AMP regained 100% ownership of AMP Capital and MUTB's minority interest consequently ceased on 1 September 2020.}

_{[4] NPAT (underlying) represents shareholder attributable net profit or loss after tax excluding non-recurring revenue and expenses.}

_{[5] Ranking of banks with more than 20% of broker usage, Third-Party Lending Report, Momentum Intelligence, 2021.}

_{[6] AMP Capital comprises the Private Markets business (Infrastructure Debt business transitioning to Ares), the Global Equities and Fixed Income (GEFI) business, which is transitioning to Macquarie Asset Management, the Multi-Asset Group (MAG) and CLAMP, which are being transferred to AMP Limited.}

Q4 21 Cashflows

AMP Bank