SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

26 April 2007

 

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited

ACN 005 357 522

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

Level 6, 100 Queen Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

 

Form 20-F              x           Form 40-F              o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Yes         o                            No           x

 

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):

 

This Form 6-K may contain certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding (i) economic and financial forecasts, (ii) anticipated implementation of certain control systems and programs, (iii) the expected outcomes of legal proceedings and (iv) strategic priorities.  Such forward- looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control and which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statement contained in these forward- looking statements.  For example, these forward-looking statements may be affected by movements in exchange rates and interest rates, general economic conditions, our ability to acquire or develop necessary technology, our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, government regulation, the competitive environment and political and regulatory policies.  There can be no assurance that actual outcomes will not differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in the Form 6-K.

 

 



 

Signatures

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

Australia and New Zealand

Banking Group Limited

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ John Priestley

 

 

 

Company Secretary

 

 

 

(Signature)*

 

 

Date 26 April 2007

 


* Print the name and title of the signing officer under his signature.

 



 

ASX Announcement

 

Investor Relations

100 Queen Street

Melbourne Vic 3000

www.anz.com

 

For Release:  23 April 2007

 

ANZ 2007 Interim Result – Excel template

 

ANZ will announce its 2007 Interim Result on Thursday, 26 April 2007.

 

To assist market participants in analysing the results, ANZ will provide an Excel version of key tables with the Interim Results announcement.  This will be available on ANZ’s website at www.anz.com/australia/aboutanz/investorcentre/ReportsandResults/results.asp shortly after the Result has been lodged with the ASX.

 

A version of this file containing prior period numbers is now available at the above link. These prior period numbers are based on ANZ’s current structure, with the key changes detailed on the following page.

 

 

For analyst enquiries, contact:

 

Stephen Higgins

Cameron Davis

Head of Investor Relations

Senior Manager Investor Relations

Tel: 03-9273 4185 or 0417-379 170

Tel: 03-9273 5629 or 0421-613819

Email: stephen.higgins@anz.com

Email: cameron.davis@anz.com

 

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited  ABN 11 005 357 522

 



 

Changes to reporting structure since September 2006

 

ANZ from time to time modifies the organisation of its businesses to facilitate delivery of the strategic agenda. Prior period numbers are adjusted for such changes to allow comparability. Changes since 30 September 2006 have been:

 

                                          Institutional: Within the Institutional division there have been a number of changes impacting all units including a review of customer segmentation between businesses. Business Banking now includes certain customers that were previously reported in Corporate Banking. Corporate Banking moved to a “product neutral model” with lending and deposit products booked in Working Capital, structured products reported in Corporate & Structured Financing and vanilla hire purchase and leasing products booked in Esanda. Costs for Corporate Banking are included in the Relationship & Infrastructure unit. Markets includes the New Zealand interest rate risk management activities previously reported in New Zealand Businesses. Debt & Transaction Services has been renamed Working Capital.

 

                                          Personal: Prior period results for Esanda Fleetpartners in Australia have been transferred to Non-continuing businesses. In addition, the asset finance activities from Institutional have been added to the division.

 

                                          New Zealand Businesses: Prior period results for Esanda Fleetpartners have been transferred to Non-continuing businesses. In addition, the interest rate risk management activities are now included in Institutional. In September 2006, results for New Zealand were based on New Zealand Banking, which includes New Zealand Institutional. Following market feedback, and to simplify analysis of the result, we have reverted to New Zealand Businesses, with New Zealand Institutional now only reported in the Institutional division.

 

                                          There were also a number of minor restatements as a result of customer segmentation, changes to internal transfer pricing methodologies and the realignment of support functions.

 



 

 

 

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited

 

ABN 11 005 357 522

 

 

Half Year

 

31 March 2007

 

 

Consolidated Financial Report

Dividend Announcement and

Appendix 4D

 

 

This document contains the information required by Appendix 4D of the Australian Securities Exchange Listing Rules, should be read in conjunction with ANZ’s 2006 Concise Annual and Financial Reports, and is lodged with the Australian Securities Exchange under listing rule 4.2A

 



 

This page has been left blank intentionally

 



 

RESULTS FOR ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE MARKET

APPENDIX 4D

 

Name of Company:

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited
ABN 11 005 357 522

 

 

Report for the half year ended 31 March 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A$ million

 

Group operating revenue

 

ñ13

%^

to

 

5,613

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit after tax attributable to shareholders

 

ñ16

%^

to

 

2,102

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proposed interim dividend per ordinary share, fully franked at 30% tax rate

 

 

 

 

 

62 cents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interim 2006 dividend per ordinary share, fully franked at 30% tax rate

 

 

 

 

 

56 cents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Record date for the proposed interim dividend

 

 

 

 

 

18 May 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The proposed interim dividend will be payable to shareholders registered in the books of the Company at 7:00 pm (Melbourne time) on 18 May 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payment date for the proposed interim dividend

 

 

 

 

 

2 July 2007

 

 


^           Compared to March 2006

 

Highlights

 

All figures compared to March 2006 half year unless otherwise indicated

 

Profit after tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit $2,102 million

 

up

 

16.1

%

Cash* profit $1,936 million

 

up

 

11.8

%

Cash* profit before provisions $2,995 million

 

up

 

12.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPS 113.2 cents

 

up

 

15.0

%

Cash* EPS 104.2 cents

 

up

 

10.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholder return

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interim dividend 62 cents

 

up

 

10.7

%

Total Shareholder Return

 

 

 

17.1

%

Cash* Return on equity

 

 

 

19.7

%

 

Business highlights*

 

Strong revenue momentum and continued investment with 2,120 new FTEs

 

Strong result in Personal – revenue up 14.4%, profit up 21.6%

 

Institutional profit up 10.6%.  Profit before provisions more modest at 4.2%

 

Good underlying momentum in New Zealand Businesses up 13.5% but offset by provisioning

 

Continued growth in customer acquisition in Australia and a successful turnaround in New Zealand

 

Achieved targeted revenue and productivity:

 

Revenue growth 9.1% (10.4% FX adjusted)

Cost-Income ratio 44.3% (down 1.5% from 45.8%, medium-term target 40%)

 

Credit quality remains strong, better than expected provisions due to recoveries late in the half

 

Adjusted Common Equity ratio middle of target range at 4.4%

 


*          Adjusted for non-core items (including significant items, ANZ National Bank incremental integration costs and AIFRS mark to market of certain hedge gains/losses)

 



 

This page has been left blank intentionally

 



 

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BANKING GROUP LIMITED

 

ABN 11 005 357 522

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REPORT, DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENT and APPENDIX 4D

Half year ended 31 March 2007

 

CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Profit

 

 

Cash profit

 

 

Earnings per share

 

 

Balance Sheet

 

 

Financial ratios

 

 

Business unit analysis

 

 

 

 

 

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REVIEW

 

 

March 2007 half year compared to March 2006 half year

 

 

March 2007 half year compared to September 2006 half year

 

 

Non-core items

 

 

Income and expenses

 

 

Credit Risk

 

 

Income Tax Expense

 

 

Earnings per share

 

 

Dividends

 

 

EVATM Reconciliation

 

 

Market Risk

 

 

Balance Sheet

 

 

Capital Management

 

 

Deferred acquisition costs and deferred income

 

 

Software capitalisation

 

 

 

 

 

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE REVIEW

 

 

 

 

 

GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENT PERFORMANCE

 

 

 

 

 

FOUR YEAR SUMMARY BY HALF YEAR

 

 

 

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION

 

 

 

 

 

AUDITORS’ REVIEW REPORT AND INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

 

 

Capital Management

 

 

Derivative financial instruments

 

 

 

 

 

DEFINITIONS

 

 

 

 

 

ALPHABETICAL INDEX

 

 

 

 

This Results Announcement has been prepared for Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (the “Company”) together with its subsidiaries which are variously described as “ANZ”, “Group”, “ANZ Group”, “us”, “we” or “our”.

 

All amounts are in Australian dollars unless otherwise stated.  The Company has a formally constituted Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.  This report was approved by resolution of a Committee of the Board of Directors on 26 April 2007.

 

When used in this Results Announcement the words “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “should” and similar expressions, as they relate to ANZ and its management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  Such statements constitute “forward-looking statements” for the purposes of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  ANZ does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 



 

This page has been left blank intentionally

 



 

HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

For Release: 26 April 2007

 

ANZ 2007 Interim Profit $2,102 million

 

Profit after tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit $2,102 million

 

up

 

16.1

%

Cash* profit $1,936 million

 

up

 

11.8

%

Cash* profit before provisions $2,995 million

 

up

 

12.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPS 113.2 cents

 

up

 

15.0

%

Cash* EPS 104.2 cents

 

up

 

10.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholder return

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interim dividend 62 cents

 

up

 

10.7

%

Total Shareholder Return

 

 

 

17.1

%

Cash* Return on equity

 

 

 

19.7

%

 

Business highlights*

 

Strong revenue momentum and continued investment with 2,120 new FTEs

 

Strong result in Personal – revenue up 14.4%, profit up 21.6%

 

Institutional profit up 10.6%.  Profit before provisions more modest at 4.2%

 

Good underlying momentum in New Zealand Businesses up 13.5% but offset by provisioning

 

Continued growth in customer acquisition in Australia and a successful turnaround in New Zealand

 

Achieved targeted revenue and productivity:

 

Revenue growth 9.1% (10.4% FX adjusted)

Cost-Income ratio 44.3% (down 1.5% from 45.8%, medium-term target 40%)

 

Credit quality remains strong, better than expected provisions due to recoveries late in the half

 

Adjusted Common Equity ratio middle of target range at 4.4%

 


*      Adjusted for non-core items (including significant items, ANZ National Bank incremental integration costs and AIFRS mark to market of certain hedge gains/losses)

 

All figures compared to March 2006 half year unless otherwise indicated

 

 

1



 

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) today announced a record profit after tax of $2,102 million for the half year ended 31 March 2007, up 16.1%.  Earnings per share were 113.2 cents, up 15.0%.

 

The headline result included a one-off gain on the Fleetpartners sale.  Adjusting for non-core items, cash* profit was $1,936 million, up 11.8% and cash* EPS was up 10.9%.  The proposed Interim dividend of 62 cents is up 10.7% on last year.

 

ANZ Chief Executive Officer Mr John McFarlane said: “This is a good result in a highly competitive market.  It builds on seven years of systematic investment in our customers and our people.

 

“We achieved strong revenue growth of 9.1%*, or adjusting for exchange rates at 10.4%, which is above the top end of our target range.  Good cost management enabled us to maintain a gap between revenue and expense growth of 3.5%, which brought down our cost income ratio by 1.5% to 44.3%.  Although provisioning rose, it ended below our expectations as a result of large recoveries late in the half.  Return on equity remained broadly stable at 19.7%*.

 

“We had particularly strong results in Personal, which was the highlight.  INGA, Asia and Private Banking also delivered strong performances.  New Zealand Businesses came in with their best underlying result in recent years, but was impacted by provisions increasing from unsustainably low levels.  Institutional NPAT growth was double-digit, benefiting from net provision recoveries but was weaker in revenue and profit before provisions.

 

“We are continuing to invest in the future.  Over the past year, we added a further 2,120 people, and opened 26 new branches in Australia and New Zealand.  We announced our intention to expand our international franchise in Malaysia, China, Guam and Laos.  At the same time we managed to achieve good revenue/expense productivity.  There is also a greater focus on efficiency, partly to help fund investment initiatives, but also to enhance bottom line results.

 

“Net interest margin decline was better than historical experience, falling just 5 basis points.  Credit quality remains strong.  Although provisions rose, they were significantly lower than we expected, due to large recoveries late in the half.  We continue to expect a substantial increase in provisions in the second half, with no material recoveries expected.

 

“We continued to advance the foundation and capability of the organisation.  Staff engagement again improved to 64% from 60%, and we have a culture that others would find difficult to replicate.  We also have strong customer, community and shareholder recognition.  Although there is still much more to do, ANZ is now clearly seen as a very different bank.

 

Outlook

 

Commenting on the outlook for ANZ, Mr McFarlane said: “Conditions remain supportive of good growth.  Personal should continue to do well, but may find it difficult to sustain such unusually high levels of growth.  We expect to see continued momentum in New Zealand, and Institutional has taken action to improve revenue and expense performance in the second half.  Looking ahead, the growth we are now seeing from Asia will become more material to the Group.

 

“For the 2007 year, ANZ’s revenue and expenses are expected to be in line with previous guidance of 7%-10% revenue growth and 5%-7% cost growth.  While the credit environment is benign, we expect provisions to be significantly higher in the second half, with the first half unusually low due to recoveries.

 

“All in all, this is a good result.  It sets us up well for the year as a whole and positions us well for the years ahead”, Mr McFarlane said.

 


*      Adjusted for non-core items (including significant items, ANZ National Bank incremental integration costs and AIFRS mark to market of certain hedge gains/losses)

 

All figures compared to March 2006 half year unless otherwise indicated

 

2



 

Divisional Performance

 

Personal delivered another outstanding result with a clear strategy that was well executed.  Profit growth was 21.6% on revenue growth of 14.4%.  All businesses delivered double-digit earnings growth, with the exception of Mortgages, which was adversely impacted by the expectations of rising rates and strong price competition.  Investment and Insurance Products (up 47%), Esanda (up 36%), Consumer Finance (up 39%) assisted by the sale of MasterCard shares, Pacific (up 20%), and Banking Products (up 22%), were all particularly strong.

 

Revenue growth was double the 7% expense growth.  Staff numbers were up 8%, and we opened 9 new branches in the first half, with a further 31 openings planned in the second half.  Credit costs increased in line with expectations at 18%, due to portfolio growth and the seasoning of our credit card and personal loan portfolios.

 

Institutional delivered net profit growth of 10.6%.  However, revenue growth was more subdued at 5% with average interest earning asset growth of 9% and deposit growth of 14%, offset by contracting credit margins.  Staff numbers grew 11% and resultant expense growth was 7%, reducing Profit Before Provisions to 4%.  Provisioning showed a net recovery of $6 million with large recoveries late in the half, offsetting modest new provisions.  Over recent years, we have sought to curtail low margin asset growth and to reduce our reliance on lending over time.  This naturally reduces revenue.  Encouragingly, Return on Risk Weighted Assets improved accordingly.  Strong revenue growth in Markets and Corporate & Structured Financing was offset by weaker performance from the other units.

 

New Zealand Businesses profit after tax was up 8.1% in New Zealand dollars, with good revenue growth of 8%.  Profit before provisions was strong at 13%, offset by a large increase in credit costs, which bounced from unsustainably low levels.  Expense growth was well contained at 4%.  Corporate and Commercial Banking, ANZ Retail, The National Bank Retail, Rural Banking, and UDC all delivered double-digit Profit Before Provisions growth.  Despite higher credit costs they are still well below cycle average, and credit quality remains strong, with the level of net non-performing loans (0.08%) and individual provision charges (0.07%) well below that seen in Australia.

 

Partnerships delivered very strong growth, with revenue up 38% and profit after tax up 30%.  ING Australia is now delivering good momentum, with profit up 29%, and is well placed to deliver even better returns as it moves beyond the legacy issues that have constrained performance until now.  International Partnerships profit after tax grew 57% assisted by a full six month return from Bank of Tianjin.  Growth in Partnership earnings should accelerate in the second half, with the expected inclusion of earnings from AMMB Holdings Berhad (AMMB).

 

 

For media enquiries, contact:

For analyst enquiries, contact:

 

 

Paul Edwards

Head of Corporate Communications

Tel: 03-9273 6955 or 0409-655 550

Email: paul.edwards@anz.com

Stephen Higgins

Head of Investor Relations

Tel: 03-9273 4185 or 0417-379 170

Email: stephen.higgins@anz.com

 

3



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Zealand

 

 

 

 

 

Group

 

 

 

Institutional

 

Businesses

 

 

 

 

 

Half year

 

 

 

Personal

 

Continuing

 

(NZD)

 

Key Business Drivers(1)

 

 

 

Mar 2007

 

Change(2)

 

Change(2)

 

Change(2)

 

Change(2)

 

Total assets

 

 

$m

 

351,724

 

9

%

11

%

7

%

13

%

Deposits & other borrowings

 

 

$m

 

210,585

 

7

%

10

%

16

%

2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average interest earning assets

 

 

$m

 

323,510

 

10

%

12

%

9

%

13

%

Net interest margin

 

 

bps

 

2.24

 

(5bps

)

(2bps

)

(11bps

)

(10bps

)

Net interest income

 

 

$m

 

3,611

 

7

%

11

%

2

%

9

%

Other operating income

 

 

$m

 

1,770

 

13

%

24

%

10

%

7

%

Total income

 

 

$m

 

5,381

 

9

%

14

%

5

%

8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTE

 

 

No.

 

33,183

 

7

%

8

%

11

%

4

%

Operating expenses

 

 

$m

 

2,386

 

6

%

7

%

7

%

4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit before provisions(3)

 

 

$m

 

2,995

 

12

%

21

%

4

%

13

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Individual provision charge

 

 

$m

 

188

 

0

%

45

%

(114

)%

136

%

Collective provision charge

 

 

$m

 

52

 

44

%

(38

)%

(133

)%

large

 

Total provision for credit impairment

 

 

$m

 

240

 

7

%

18

%

(112%

)

large

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash profit

 

 

$m

 

1,936

 

12

%

22

%

11

%

8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EVA

 

 

$m

 

1,119

 

10

%

24

%

-1

%

22

%

 

Other Measures(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actual

 

Actual

 

Actual

 

Individual provision (charge)/credit as a % of average net advances

 

 

%

 

0.14

 

(1bps

)

(0.23

)

0.02

 

(0.07

)

Return on average assets

 

 

%

 

1.11

 

1bps

 

1.01

 

1.17

 

1.06

 

Return on average RWAs

 

 

%

 

1.59

 

6bps

 

1.72

 

1.41

 

1.36

 

Cost to income ratio

 

 

%

 

44.3

 

(150bps

)

47.0

 

38.9

 

48.1

 

Cost to average assets

 

 

%

 

1.37

 

(7bps

)

1.53

 

1.06

 

1.55

 

 


(1)          All numbers adjusted for non-core items

(2)          Compared to half year ended 31 March 2006

(3)          Profit before credit impairment and income tax

 

4



 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Profit

 

 

 

Half

 

Half

 

Half

 

Movt

 

Movt

 

 

 

year

 

year

 

year

 

Mar 07

 

Mar 07

 

 

 

Mar 07

 

Sep 06

 

Mar 06

 

v. Sep 06

 

v. Mar 06

 

 

 

$M

 

$M

 

$M

 

%

 

%

 

Net interest income

 

3,611

 

3,575

 

3,368

 

1

%

7

%

Other operating income

 

2,002

 

1,614

 

1,595

 

24

%

26

%

Operating income

 

5,613

 

5,189

 

4,963

 

8

%

13

%

Operating expenses

 

(2,386

)

(2,346

)

(2,185

)

2

%

9

%

Profit before credit impairment and income tax

 

3,227

 

2,843

 

2,778

 

14

%

16

%

Provision for credit impairment

 

(240

)

(183

)

(224

)

31

%

7

%

Profit before income tax

 

2,987

 

2,660

 

2,554

 

12

%

17

%

Income tax expense

 

(883

)

(780

)

(742

)

13

%

19

%

Minority interest

 

(2

)

(3

)

(1

)

-33

%

100

%

Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company

 

2,102

 

1,877

 

1,811

 

12

%

16

%

 

 

Cash profit

 

Profit has been adjusted to exclude the following non-core items to arrive at cash profit.  Throughout this document figures and ratios that are calculated on a ‘cash’ basis have been shaded to distinguish them from figures calculated on a statutory basis.

 

 

 

Half

 

Half

 

Half

 

Movt

 

Movt

 

 

 

year

 

year

 

year

 

Mar 07

 

Mar 07

 

 

 

Mar 07

 

Sep 06

 

Mar 06

 

v. Sep 06

 

v. Mar 06

 

 

 

$M

 

$M

 

$M

 

%

 

%

 

Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company

 

2,102

 

1,877

 

1,811

 

12

%

16

%

Less: Non-core items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Significant items(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sale of Esanda Fleetpartners

 

141

 

 

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

Settlement of ANZ National Bank claims

 

 

 

14

 

n/a

 

-100

%

Settlement of NHB insurance claim

 

 

 

79

 

n/a

 

-100

%

Total significant items

 

141

 

 

93

 

n/a

 

52

%

Ineffective hedge fair value gains/losses(2)

 

28

 

21

 

13

 

33

%

large

 

NZD revenue hedge mark to market volatility(2)

 

(3

)

 

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

ANZ National Bank incremental integration costs(3)

 

 

 

(26

)

n/a

 

-100

%

Total non-core items

 

166

 

21

 

80

 

large

 

large

 

Cash profit

 

1,936

 

1,856

 

1,731

 

4

%

12

%

 


(1)       In the March 2007 half ANZ has classified the profit on sale of Esanda Fleetpartners of $195 million ($141 million after tax) as a significant item.  In the March 2006 half ANZ classified the $113 million ($79 million after tax) settlement of the NHB insurance matter and the $14 million settlement of a dispute with Lloyds TSB over the accounting treatment of certain items in the completion accounts for the acquisition of National Bank of New Zealand Limited (tax on settlement: $nil) as significant items.  ANZ excludes significant items to eliminate the distorting effect of one-off transactions on the results of its core business (refer page 13)

(2)       The Group enters into economic hedges to manage its interest rate and foreign exchange risk.  In the March 2007 half ANZ has classified $28 million after tax (Sep 2006 half: $21 million; Mar 2006 half: $13 million) relating to economic hedging as a non-core item (tax impact $13 million (Sep 2006 half: $10 million; Mar 2006 half: $5 million)).  Included in this non-core amount is ineffectiveness arising from designated accounting hedges, any volatility arising from usage of the fair value option and approved classes of derivatives not designated in accounting hedge relationships but that are considered to be economic hedges.  In addition, ANZ has classified a $3 million loss after tax (Sep 2006 half: $nil; Mar 2006 half: $nil) relating to New Zealand revenue hedges that under the transitional provision of AASB 139 (AASB 2005-1) no longer qualify for hedge accounting from 1 October 2006 (tax impact $1 million credit).  ANZ excludes volatility associated with fair value movements on these transactions to provide a better indication of the core business performance (refer page 14)

(3)       In the March 2006 half ANZ incurred $26 million after tax from ANZ National Bank incremental integration costs.  Tax on ANZ National Bank incremental integration costs was $13 million.  The integration program was completed in March 2006.  ANZ National Bank incremental integration costs are excluded to better reflect the core cost base and assist analysis of the cost base following completion of the integration

 

5



 

Analysis of Cash(1) profit by key line item:

 

 

 

Half

 

Half

 

Half

 

Movt

 

Movt

 

 

 

year

 

year

 

year

 

Mar 07

 

Mar 07

 

 

 

Mar 07

 

Sep 06

 

Mar 06

 

v. Sep 06

 

v. Mar 06

 

 

 

$M

 

$M

 

$M

 

%

 

%

 

Net interest income

 

3,611

 

3,575

 

3,368

 

1

%

7

%

Other operating income

 

1,770

 

1,583

 

1,563

 

12

%

13

%

Operating income

 

5,381

 

5,158

 

4,931

 

4

%

9

%

Operating expenses

 

(2,386

)

(2,346

)

(2,259

)

2

%

6

%

Profit before credit impairment and income tax

 

2,995

 

2,812

 

2,672

 

7

%

12

%

Provision for credit impairment

 

(240

)

(183

)

(224

)

31

%

7

%

Profit before income tax

 

2,755

 

2,629

 

2,448

 

5

%

13

%

Income tax expense

 

(817

)

(770

)

(716

)

6

%

14

%

Minority interest

 

(2

)

(3

)

(1

)

-33

%

100

%

Cash(1) profit

 

1,936

 

1,856

 

1,731

 

4

%

12

%

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

Half

 

Half

 

Half

 

Movt

 

Movt

 

 

 

year

 

year

 

year

 

Mar 07

 

Mar 07

 

 

 

Mar 07

 

Sep 06

 

Mar 06

 

v. Sep 06

 

v. Mar 06

 

 

 

$M

 

$M

 

$M

 

%

 

%

 

Earnings per ordinary share (cents)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

113.2

 

101.6

 

98.4

 

11

%

15

%

Diluted

 

110.0

 

98.5

 

95.5

 

12

%

15

%

Cash(1) (basic adjusted for non-core items)

 

104.2

 

100.5

 

94.0

 

4

%

11

%

 

Balance Sheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movt

 

Movt

 

 

 

As at

 

As at

 

As at

 

Mar 07

 

Mar 07

 

 

 

Mar 07

 

Sep 06

 

Mar 06

 

v. Sep 06

 

v. Mar 06

 

 

 

$M

 

$M

 

$M

 

%

 

%

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liquid assets

 

15,433

 

15,019

 

13,870

 

3

%

11

%

Due from other financial institutions

 

6,439

 

9,665

 

8,336

 

-33

%

-23

%

Trading and available for sale assets

 

24,100

 

19,832

 

22,008

 

22

%

10

%

Net loans and advances including acceptances

 

281,822

 

269,384

 

255,745

 

5

%

10

%

Other

 

23,930

 

20,740

 

22,222

 

15

%

8

%

Total assets

 

351,724

 

334,640

 

322,181

 

5

%

9

%

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to other financial institutions

 

14,872

 

14,118

 

13,345

 

5

%

11

%

Deposits and other borrowings

 

210,585

 

204,794

 

196,850

 

3

%

7

%

Liability for acceptances

 

14,013

 

13,435

 

13,692

 

4

%

2

%

Bonds and notes

 

54,188

 

50,050

 

46,923

 

8

%

15

%

Other

 

37,156

 

32,337

 

32,575

 

15

%

14

%

Total liabilities

 

330,814

 

314,734

 

303,385

 

5

%

9

%

Total shareholders’ equity

 

20,910

 

19,906

 

18,796

 

5

%

11

%

 


(1)       Refer footnotes 1 to 3 on page 5

 

6



 

Financial ratios

 

 

 

Half

 

Half

 

Half

 

 

 

year

 

year

 

year

 

 

 

Mar 07

 

Sep 06

 

Mar 06

 

 

 

$M

 

$M

 

$M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company

 

2,102

 

1,877

 

1,811

 

Cash(1) profit

 

1,936

 

1,856

 

1,731

 

EVATM (2)

 

1,119

 

1,069

 

1,013

 

Profitability ratios

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average ordinary shareholders’ equity(3)

 

21.3

%

20.4

%

20.9

%

Average ordinary shareholders’ equity(3) (cash(1) profit basis)

 

19.7

%

20.2

%

20.0

%

Average assets

 

1.21

%

1.13

%

1.15

%

Average assets (cash(1) profit basis)

 

1.11

%

1.11

%

1.10

%

Average risk weighted assets

 

1.73

%

1.59

%

1.60

%

Average risk weighted assets (cash(1) profit basis)

 

1.59

%

1.57

%

1.53

%

Total income

 

14.4

%

14.2

%

14.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest margin

 

2.24

 

2.33

 

2.29

 

Profit per average FTE ($)

 

64,203

 

59,187

 

58,202

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Efficiency ratios

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses to operating income

 

42.5

%

45.2

%

44.0

%

Operating expenses to average assets

 

1.37

%

1.41

%

1.39

%

Operating expenses to operating income (cash(1))

 

44.3

%

45.5

%

45.8

%

Operating expenses to average assets (cash(1))

 

1.37

%

1.41

%

1.44

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit impairment provisioning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collective provision charge

 

52

 

33

 

36

 

Individual provision charge

 

188

 

150

 

188

 

Total provision charge

 

240

 

183

 

224

 

Individual provision charge as a % of average net advances

 

0.14

%

0.11

%

0.15

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary share dividends (cents)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interim - 100% franked (Mar 06: 100% franked)

 

62

 

n/a

 

56

 

Final - 100% franked (Sep 06: 100% franked)

 

n/a

 

69

 

n/a

 

Ordinary share dividend payout ratio(4)

 

54.9

%

68.0

%

56.9

%

Cash(1) ordinary share dividend payout ratio(4)

 

59.6

%

68.8

%

59.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preference share dividend (cents)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend paid(5)

 

17

 

15

 

12

 

 


(1)       Refer footnotes 1 to 3 on page 5

(2)       EVATM refers to Economic Value Added, a measure of shareholder value.  See page 25 for a reconciliation of EVATM to reported net profit, a discussion of EVATM and an explanation of its relevance as a performance measure

(3)       Average ordinary shareholders’ equity excludes minority interest and preference share dividend

(4)       Dividend payout ratio is calculated using the proposed interim dividend as at 31 March 2007, the 30 September 2006 and 31 March 2006 dividends

(5)       Represents dividends paid on Euro Hybrid issued on 13 December 2004

 

7



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movt

 

Movt

 

 

 

As at

 

As at

 

As at

 

Mar 07

 

Mar 07

 

 

 

Mar 07

 

Sep 06

 

Mar 06

 

v. Mar 06

 

v. Sep 06

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

%

 

%

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net tangible assets(1) per ordinary share ($)

 

9.01

 

8.53

 

7.99

 

6

%

13

%

Net tangible assets(1) attributable to ordinary shareholders ($M)

 

16,613

 

15,664

 

14,619

 

6

%

14

%

Total number of ordinary shares (M)

 

1,844.7

 

1,836.6

 

1,828.7

 

0

%

1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital adequacy ratio (%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tier 1

 

6.7

%

6.8

%

6.8

%

 

 

 

 

Tier 2

 

4.3

%

4.2

%

4.0

%

 

 

 

 

Total capital ratio

 

10.3

%

10.6

%

10.4

%

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Common Equity ratio(2)

 

4.4

%

4.7

%

5.0

%

 

 

 

 

Risk weighted assets EOP ($M)

 

250,485

 

240,219

 

230,653

 

 

 

 

 

Impaired assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collective provision ($M)

 

1,981

 

1,940

 

1,903

 

2

%

4

%

Collective provision as a % of risk weighted assets

 

0.79

%

0.81

%

0.83

%

-2

%

-5

%

Gross non-performing loans ($M)

 

640

 

661

 

726

 

-3

%

-12

%

Individual provisions on non-performing loans(3) ($M)

 

(275

)

(279

)

(305

)

-1

%

-10

%

Net non-performing loans ($M)

 

365

 

382

 

421

 

-4

%

-13

%

Individual provision as a% of total non-performing loans

 

43.0

%

42.2

%

42.0

%

2

%

2

%

Gross non-performing loans as % of net advances

 

0.23

%

0.25

%

0.28

%

-8

%

-18

%

Net non-performing loans as a % of net advances

 

0.13

%

0.14

%

0.16

%

-7

%

-19

%

Net non-performing loans as a % of shareholders’ equity(4)

 

1.7

%

1.9

%

2.2

%

-11

%

-23

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full time equivalent staff (FTEs)

 

33,183

 

32,256

 

31,063

 

3

%

7

%

Assets per FTE ($M)

 

10.6

 

10.4

 

10.4

 

2

%

2

%

Market capitalisation of ordinary shares ($M)

 

54,788

 

49,331

 

48,461

 

11

%

13

%

 


(1)       Equals shareholders’ equity less preference share capital, minority interest and unamortised goodwill and other intangibles

(2)       Adjusted common equity is calculated as Tier 1 capital, less Innovative Tier 1 capital instruments (converted at balance date spot rates), less transitional Tier 1 capital relief and deductions.  This measure is commonly used to assess the adequacy of common equity held.  See page 98 for a reconciliation to Tier 1 capital

(3)       Excludes individual provision on unproductive facilities

(4)       Includes minority interest

 

8



 

Business unit analysis

 

 

 

Half

 

Half

 

Half

 

Movt

 

Movt

 

 

 

year

 

year

 

year

 

Mar 07

 

Mar 07

 

 

 

Mar 07

 

Sep 06

 

Mar 06

 

v. Sep 06

 

v. Mar 06

 

 

 

$M

 

$M

 

$M

 

%

 

%

 

Profit after income tax(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personal

 

709

 

654

 

583

 

8

%

22

%

Institutional

 

750

 

701

 

678

 

7

%

11

%

New Zealand Businesses(2)

 

351

 

339

 

337

 

4

%

4

%

Partnerships & Private Bank

 

103

 

91

 

79

 

13

%

30

%

Non-continuing businesses

 

 

22

 

31

 

-100

%

-100

%

Group Centre

 

23

 

49

 

23

 

-53

%

0

%

Cash profit

 

1,936

 

1,856

 

1,731

 

4

%

12

%

Non-core items(3)

 

166

 

21

 

80

 

large

 

large

 

Profit

 

2,102

 

1,877

 

1,811

 

12

%

16

%

 


(1)       Prior period numbers have been adjusted for organisational structure changes.  Refer page 33 for an explanation of the changes

(2)       New Zealand Businesses growth rates in NZD terms were (1%) and 8% compared to the September 2006 half year and March 2006 half year respectively

(3)       Refer footnotes 1 to 3 on page 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movt

 

Movt

 

Net loans and advances including

 

As at

 

As at

 

As at

 

Mar 07

 

Mar 07

 

acceptances by business unit(1)

 

Mar 07

 

Sep 06

 

Mar 06

 

v. Sep 06

 

v. Mar 06

 

 

 

$M

 

$M

 

$M

 

%

 

%

 

Personal

 

140,226

 

133,652

 

126,776

 

5

%

11

%

Institutional

 

73,308

 

71,436

 

69,474

 

3

%

6

%

New Zealand Businesses(2)

 

66,672

 

61,937

 

56,935

 

8

%

17

%

Partnerships & Private Bank

 

1,592

 

1,270

 

1,204

 

25

%

32

%

Non-continuing businesses

 

 

1,054

 

1,337

 

-100

%

-100

%

Group Centre

 

24

 

35

 

19

 

-31

%

26

%

Net loans and advances including acceptances

 

281,822

 

269,384

 

255,745

 

5

%

10

%

 


(1)       Prior period numbers have been adjusted for organisational structure changes.  Refer page 33 for an explanation of the changes

(2)       New Zealand Businesses growth rates in NZD terms were 6% and 13% compared to the September 2006 half year and March 2006 half year respectively

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movt

 

Movt

 

 

 

As at

 

As at

 

As at

 

Mar 07

 

Mar 07

 

Deposits and other borrowings by business unit(1)

 

Mar 07

 

Sep 06

 

Mar 06

 

v. Sep 06

 

v. Mar 06

 

 

 

$M

 

$M

 

$M

 

%

 

%

 

Personal

 

67,748

 

64,977

 

61,818

 

4

%

10

%

Institutional

 

76,094

 

69,239

 

65,381

 

10

%

16

%

New Zealand Businesses(2)

 

42,467

 

41,987

 

40,135

 

1

%

6

%

Partnerships & Private Bank

 

1,233

 

1,159

 

983

 

6

%

25

%

Group Centre

 

23,043

 

27,432

 

28,533

 

-16

%

-19

%

Deposits and other borrowings

 

210,585

 

204,794

 

196,850

 

3

%

7

%

 


(1)       Prior period numbers have been adjusted for organisational structure changes.  Refer page 33 for an explanation of the changes

(2)       New Zealand Businesses growth rates in NZD terms were 0% and 2% compared to the September 2006 half year and March 2006 half year respectively

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movt

 

Movt

 

 

 

As at

 

As at

 

As at

 

Mar 07

 

Mar 07

 

Deposits and other borrowings by funding type

 

Mar 07

 

Sep 06

 

Mar 06

 

v. Sep 06

 

v. Mar 06

 

 

 

$M

 

$M

 

$M

 

%

 

%

 

Customer funding

 

170,450

 

158,905

 

145,602

 

7

%

17

%

Wholesale funding

 

40,135

 

45,889

 

51,248

 

-13

%

-22

%

Deposits and other borrowings

 

210,585

 

204,794

 

196,850

 

3

%

7

%

 

9



 

This page has been left blank intentionally

 

10



 

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REVIEW

 

March 2007 half year compared to March 2006 half year

 

ANZ recorded a profit after tax of $2,102 million for the half year ended 31 March 2007, an increase of 16% over the March 2006 half year.  Earnings per share increased 15% to 113.2 cents over the March 2006 half year.  After adjusting for non-core items(1) referred to on pages 13 to 14, Cash(1) profit increased 12% to $1,936 million and Cash EPS increased 11% to 104.2 cents.

 

 

 

Half

 

Half

 

Half

 

Movt

 

Movt

 

 

 

year

 

year

 

year

 

Mar 07

 

Mar 07

 

 

 

Mar 07

 

Sep 06

 

Mar 06

 

v. Sep 06

 

v. Mar 06

 

 

 

$M

 

$M

 

$M

 

%

 

%

 

Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company

 

2,102

 

1,877

 

1,811

 

12

%

16

%

Less: Non-core items(1) (refer to page 13)

 

(166

)

(21

)

(80

)

large

 

large

 

Cash(1) profit

 

1,936

 

1,856

 

1,731

 

4

%

12

%

 

 

Cash(1) profit

 

 

 

Half

 

Half

 

Half

 

Movt

 

Movt

 

 

 

year

 

year

 

year

 

Mar 07

 

Mar 07

 

 

 

Mar 07

 

Sep 06

 

Mar 06

 

v. Sep 06

 

v. Mar 06

 

 

 

$M

 

$M

 

$M

 

%

 

%

 

Net interest income

 

3,611

 

3,575

 

3,368

 

1

%

7

%

Other operating income

 

1,770

 

1,583

 

1,563

 

12

%

13

%

Operating income

 

5,381

 

5,158

 

4,931

 

4

%

9

%

Operating expenses

 

(2,386

)

(2,346

)

(2,259

)

2

%

6

%

Profit before credit impairment and income tax

 

2,995

 

2,812

 

2,672

 

7

%

12

%

Provision for credit impairment

 

(240

)

(183

)

(224

)

31

%

7

%

Profit before income tax

 

2,755

 

2,629

 

2,448

 

5

%

13

%

Income tax expense

 

(817

)

(770

)

(716

)

6

%

14

%

Minority interest

 

(2

)

(3

)

(1

)

-33

%

100

%

Cash(1) profit

 

1,936

 

1,856

 

1,731

 

4

%

12

%

 

 

Profit growth

 

Cash profit increased 12% to $1,936 million.  Core(1) revenue increased 9% with growth in average interest earning assets offset by reduced margins (-5 basis points), higher fee income from volume growth and pricing initiatives, higher markets income and higher other income from equity accounting earnings and other investments.  Operating expense growth of 6% reflected ongoing investment in the business.  Provision for credit impairment increased 7% with growth in Personal and New Zealand offset by high recoveries in Institutional.

 

In Australia, cash profit increased 19% over the March 2006 half year with solid growth across all Personal businesses and higher Institutional revenue, primarily in Markets.  Provision for credit impairment reduced with large recoveries during the March 2007 half.

 

Cash profit in New Zealand decreased 2% (an increase of 2% in NZD terms) reflecting weaker Markets income and an increase in collective provision charge.  Operating income increased 4% in NZD terms with lending growth of 11% partly offset by a decline in net interest margin of 9 basis points and lower revenue in Markets following the strong performance in the March 2006 half.  Operating expense growth was contained to 2%.

 

Within Overseas Markets, cash profit in Asia and Pacific increased 40% and 7% respectively, driven by strong growth in the Institutional business in Singapore, higher equity accounting income in Asia and balance sheet growth in the Pacific.  Cash profit in the UK and US decreased driven by reduced profit in non-continuing businesses and repatriation of capital, partly offset by revenue growth in the March 2007 half with increased trading income in Markets.

 


(1)       In the March 2007 half ANZ has classified the profit on sale of Esanda Fleetpartners of $195 million ($141 million after tax) as a significant item.  In the March 2006 half ANZ classified the $113 million ($79 million after tax) settlement of the NHB insurance matter and the $14 million settlement of a dispute with Lloyds TSB over the accounting treatment of certain items in the completion accounts for the acquisition of National Bank of New Zealand Limited (tax on settlement: $nil) as significant items.  ANZ excludes significant items to eliminate the distorting effect of one-off transactions on the results of its core business (refer page 13)

 

The Group enters into economic hedges to manage its interest rate and foreign exchange risk.  In the March 2007 half ANZ has classified $28 million after tax (Sep 2006 half: $21 million; Mar 2006 half: $13 million) relating to economic hedging as a non-core item (tax impact $13 million (Sep 2006 half: $10 million; Mar 2006 half: $5 million)).  Included in this non-core amount is ineffectiveness arising from designated accounting hedges, any volatility arising from usage of the fair value option and approved classes of derivatives not designated in accounting hedge relationships but that are considered to be economic hedges.  In addition, ANZ has classified a $3 million loss after tax (Sep 2006 half: $nil; Mar 2006 half: $nil) relating to New Zealand revenue hedges that under the transitional provision of AASB 139 (AASB 2005-1) no longer qualify for hedge accounting from 1 October 2006 (tax impact $1 million credit).  ANZ excludes volatility associated with fair value movements on these transactions to provide a better indication of the core business performance (refer page 14)

 

In the March 2006 half ANZ incurred $26 million after tax from ANZ National Bank incremental integration costs.  Tax on ANZ National Bank incremental integration costs was $13 million.  The integration program was completed in March 2006.  ANZ National Bank incremental integration costs are excluded to better reflect the core cost base and assist analysis of the cost base following completion of the integration

 

11



 

Impact of exchange rate movements(1)

 

Presented below is an analysis of the impact of foreign exchange movements on the income statement, net of earnings from economic revenue hedges put in place to hedge New Zealand revenue.

 

Movements in exchange rates have resulted in a $22 million decrease in Cash(2) profit for the March 2007 half year, principally due to the translation of NZD earnings net of associated revenue hedges which are booked in Australia as foreign exchange earnings.  2006 NZD earnings were translated at an effective exchange rate of 1.105 and the March 2007 half year NZD earnings were translated at an effective rate of 1.145.

 

 

 

Half Year Mar 07
v. Half Year Sep 06

 

Half Year Mar 07
v. Half Year Mar 06

 

 

 

FX

 

FX

 

 

 

FX

 

FX

 

 

 

 

 

unadjusted

 

adjusted

 

FX impact

 

unadjusted

 

adjusted

 

FX impact

 

 

 

% growth

 

% growth

 

$M

 

% growth

 

% growth

 

$M

 

Net interest income(3)

 

1

%

1

%

(9

)

7

%

8

%

(38

)

Other operating income(4)

 

12

%

11

%

15

 

13

%

15

%

(22

)

Operating income

 

4

%

4

%

6

 

9

%

10

%

(60

)

Operating expenses

 

2

%

1

%

(25

)

6

%

7

%

27

 

Profit before credit impairment and income tax

 

7

%

7

%

(19

)

12

%

13

%

(33

)

Provision for credit impairment

 

31

%

30

%

(1

)

7

%

8

%

1

 

Profit before income tax

 

5

%

6

%

(20

)

13

%

14

%

(32

)

Income tax expense

 

6

%

7

%

5

 

14

%

16

%

10

 

Minority interest

 

-33

%

-33

%

 

100

%

100

%

 

Cash profit(2)

 

4

%

5

%

(15

)

12

%

13

%

(22

)

 


(1)       ANZ has removed the impact of exchange rate movements to provide a better indication of the Group’s performance in local currency terms.  Retranslation is net of revenue hedges taken to income in cash profit, refer page 26

(2)       Refer footnote 1 on page 11

(3)       In 2006, revenue hedge earnings were included in net interest income which resulted in an impact in the March 2007 half of an increase over the March 2006 half of $3 million and a decrease of $49 million over the September half

(4)       In 2007, revenue hedge earnings were included in other operating income which resulted in an impact in the March 2007 half of a decrease over the March 2006 half of $1 million and a decrease of $1 million over the September 2006 half

 

Profit drivers

 

Profit after tax increased 16% over the March 2006 half year and Cash(1) profit increased 12% over the March 2006 half year.  For a discussion of the impact of non-core items refer pages 13 to 14.  Key influences on profit are shown below.  Explanations are on cash profit adjusted for non-core items:

 

Net interest ñ7% - Adjusted for non-core items(1) ñ7%:

 

Net interest income was driven by growth of 10% in average interest earning assets (11% excluding the impact of exchange rates) with strong growth in New Zealand (9%, or 13% excluding exchange rate impact) and Personal (12%). Average deposits and other borrowings grew 6% (8% excluding exchange rates) following strong growth in Institutional (14%), Personal (11%) and New Zealand (1%, or 5% excluding exchange rates). Volume growth was offset by a 5 basis point decline in margin, primarily from competitive pressures.

 

Other income ñ26% - Adjusted for non-core items(1) ñ13%:

 

Adjusted for non-core items, other income growth was underpinned by volume growth initiatives, strong Markets income and increased equity accounting income and a $27 million profit on the sale of MasterCard shares.

 

Operating expenses ñ9% - Adjusted for non-core items(1) ñ6%:

 

Operating expense growth was primarily due to annual salary increases and a 7% increase in staff numbers, largely in Personal and Institutional, as we continue to invest in the business.

 

Provision for credit impairment ñ7% - Adjusted for non-core items(1) ñ7%:

 

Individual provisions were unchanged with an increase in Personal due to higher provisions primarily in the Cards portfolio, offset by Institutional with lower provisions raised and higher recoveries. The collective provision charge increased by $16 million driven largely by different trends in risk levels in New Zealand’s ANZ Retail and strong volume growth in Corporate & Commercial and volume increases in Institutional, partially offset by a reduction in Personal from moderating portfolio growth in Consumer Finance.

 

Income tax ñ19% - Adjusted for non-core items(1) ñ14%:

 

The increase in tax expense is driven by growth in profit before tax and an increase in the effective tax rate by 0.5% reflecting the run-off of certain structured finance transactions.

 


(1)       Refer footnote 1 on page 11

 

12



 

March 2007 half year compared to September 2006 half year

 

The Group recorded a profit after tax of $2,102 million for the half year ended 31 March 2007, an increase of 12% over the September 2006 half. Basic earnings per share increased 11% (11.6 cents) to 113.2 cents.

 

Cash profit increased 4% over the September 2006 half which reflects seasonality in the halves and higher provisions for credit impairment. Cash earnings per share (refer page 24) increased 4% (3.7 cents) to 104.2 cents.

 

Operating income increased 8% assisted by the profit on sale of Esanda Fleetpartners. After adjusting for non-core items, operating income increased 4%. Net interest income increased 1%, impacted by a reduction in interest income on revenue hedges ($50 million or -3 basis points) and lower net interest income on derivative transactions ($35 million offset in other income). Average interest earning assets grew 6%, primarily in Personal and New Zealand, which was partially offset by a decline in net interest margin of 6 basis points (excluding the impact of revenue hedges). Other income increased 12% reflecting increased profit on trading instruments in Institutional, which includes unrealised gains which are partly offset in net interest income. Operating expense growth was contained to 2% following the strong growth in the September 2006 half.

 

Non-core items

 

ANZ has adjusted the income statement for non-core items, as outlined below, to assist in understanding the core business performance by removing the volatility in reported results created by one-off significant items, ANZ National Bank incremental integration costs which ceased in the half year March 2006, and the timing differences in the recognition of fair value gains in profit on ineffective hedging contracts.

 

Non-core items in the income statement

 

 

 

Half

 

Half

 

Half

 

Movt

 

Movt

 

 

 

year

 

year

 

year

 

Mar 07

 

Mar 07

 

 

 

Mar 07

 

Sep 06

 

Mar 06

 

v. Sep 06

 

v. Mar 06

 

 

 

$M

 

$M

 

$M

 

%

 

%

 

Significant items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sale of Esanda Fleetpartners

 

141

 

 

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

Settlement of ANZ National Bank claims

 

 

 

14

 

n/a

 

-100

%

Settlement of NHB insurance claim

 

 

 

79

 

n/a

 

-100

%

Total significant items

 

141

 

 

93

 

n/a

 

52

%

Ineffective hedge fair value gains/losses

 

28

 

21

 

13

 

33

%

large

 

NZD revenue hedge mark to market volatility

 

(3

)

 

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

ANZ National Bank incremental integration costs

 

 

 

(26

)

n/a

 

-100

%

Non-core items

 

166

 

21

 

80

 

large

 

large

 

 

            Significant items

 

Significant items in the income statement are those items that management believe do not form part of the core business by virtue of their magnitude and infrequent nature and, as such, should be removed from profit when analysing the core business performance. The following are considered significant items:

 

        Sale of Esanda Fleetpartners (March 2007 half year)

 

During the March 2007 half ANZ sold Esanda Fleetpartners, which had operations in Australia and New Zealand, to Nikko Principal Investments in Australia. Profit on disposal was $195 million ($141 million after tax) with $128 million ($74 million after tax) recognised in Australia and $67 million ($67 million after tax) recognised in New Zealand.

 

        Settlement of the NHB insurance claim (March 2006 half year)

 

During the March 2006 half ANZ settled its $130 million claim against a number of reinsurers in relation to the National Housing Bank (NHB) matter. ANZ has reported the $113 million ($79 million after tax) cost recovery as a significant item in 2006. $1 million was received in 2005 and not treated as significant as it was immaterial.

 

        Settlement of ANZ National Bank claims (March 2006 half year)

 

Following the purchase of National Bank of New Zealand Limited on 1 December 2003, a dispute arose with Lloyds TSB in relation to the accounting treatment in the Completion Accounts of the provision for retirement gratuities. The dispute was referred to arbitration and, as a result, ANZ National Bank received $14 million in March 2006 ($14 million after tax) in final settlement.

 

13



 

            Volatility resulting from the application of hedge accounting

 

The Group enters into economic hedges to manage its interest rate and foreign exchange risk. The implementation of AIFRS accounting policies on hedge accounting from 1 October 2005 (1 October 2006 in respect of hedges of NZD revenue) introduced volatility within the Income Statement in respect of ineffective hedges as follows:

 

        ineffectiveness of designated accounting cash flow and fair value hedges; and

        approved classes of derivatives not designated in accounting hedge relationships but that are considered to be economic hedges.

 

ANZ has separately reported the impact of volatility due to hedge ineffectiveness as a non-core item as the profit reported on hedge transactions is asymmetrical to the treatment of the hedged item and will reverse over time and as such is not part of the core operating performance. During the March 2007 half year ANZ has classified $25 million after tax (Sep 2006 half: $21 million; Mar 2006 half: $13 million) relating to ineffective hedging and, from 1 October 2006, NZD revenue hedges as non-core items (tax on hedges $12 million (Sep half 2006: $10 million; Mar 2006 half: $5 million)).

 

Ineffective hedge fair value gains (income statement)

 

Half year
Mar 07

 

Half year
Sep 06

 

Half year
Mar 06

 

 

 

$m

 

$m

 

$m

 

Non-compliant hedges

 

40

 

18

 

27

 

NZD revenue hedges

 

(5

)

 

 

Ineffective portion of effective cash flow and fair value hedges

 

2

 

13

 

(9

)

Volatility resulting from the application of hedge accounting (before tax)

 

37

 

31

 

18

 

Volatility resulting from the application of hedge accounting (after tax)

 

25

 

21

 

13

 

 

On transition to AIFRS at 1 October 2005, the life to date impact of hedge ineffectiveness and economic hedges not designated in accounting hedge relationships was $144 million (pre-tax). This amount was taken directly to retained earnings as a loss.