Challenger (ASX:CGF) share price dips after revised capital measures

Enhanced risk settings reduce targeted pre-tax return on equity by 2% to RBA cash rate plus 12%.

| More on:
Investor covering eyes in front of laptop

Image Source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

It appears the investment management company's investor day presentation hasn't done the Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) share price any favours.

After closing yesterday at $5.65, the Challenger share price dipped by 5.31% to $5.35 in early morning trade. It has since rallied and, at the time of writing, shares are swapping hands at $5.49, down 2.9%.

Let's take a look at what details were shared with investors this morning.

Why is the Challenger share price falling?

Investors have been selling out of the retirement-centric asset manager today following the release of its investor day presentation.

Challenger reaffirmed its FY21 guidance will be at the bottom end of its $390 million to $440 million range. This information had already been shared towards the end of April, sending the Challenger share price 20% lower in a week.

Management provided an update on its strategy and outlook following a period of disruption.

As a capital measure, Challenger has revised its targeted prescribed capital amount (PCA) from 1.45 times to 1.6 times. The increase in the risk setting will dampen the fund's return on equity by roughly 2%.

As a result, the company also revised its pre-tax return on equity target to the Reserve Bank of Australia cash rate plus 12%, down from plus 14%.

Commenting on the change, Challenger CEO and managing director Richard Howes said:

Our strategy to grow sees us building further on our already strong retirement brand and customer franchise. It's essential we protect this valuable asset to support our long-term growth and success. To this end, we are enhancing our risk settings, reflecting our commitment to maintain our strong capital position.

Fundamentally, this means the fund manager is reducing the risk exposure of its fund by keeping more cash up its sleeve. However, less risk means less potential reward for those retirees.

Looking to FY22

The company's normalised net profit before tax guidance for FY22 has failed to put the Challenger share price in the green. An estimated range between $430 million to $480 million was provided by the fund manager.

Management believes the midpoint of $455 million represents their best estimate. The FY22 forecast represents a 17% increase compared to FY21.

Despite the positive estimate, Challenger's share price is struggling to find its footing today. However, the company's shares have rallied 11.68% in the past month.

Listed investment company, Wam Leaders Ltd (ASX: WLE) added the annuity business to its portfolio back in April.

Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Challenger Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Financial Shares

CEO of a company talking to her team.
Financial Shares

AMP shares sliding today on big leadership news

AMP shares are in the red amid a top-level leadership handover.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Financial Shares

A major change to the Djerriwarrh dividend is on the way

This fund has kept its dividend steady despite underperforming its benchmark.

Read more »

Stethoscope with a piggy bank in the middle.
Financial Shares

NIB share price up 22% in 12 months, but could face short-term weakness. Here's what investors should know

NIB shares have risen strongly over the past year, but recent weakness suggests momentum may be easing.

Read more »

A woman wearing a lifebuoy ring reaches up for help as an arm comes down to rescue her.
Financial Shares

Goldman Sachs tips 19% upside for Suncorp shares…plus dividends!

Goldman Sachs expects Suncorp shares to outperform in 2026.

Read more »

a woman sits in comtemplation with superimposed images of piles of gold coins, graphs and star-like lights above her head as though she is thinking about investment options.
Blue Chip Shares

If I invest $15,000 in Macquarie shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2026?

Is Macquarie a great option for dividend income?

Read more »

Five candles on birthday cake.
Financial Shares

5 ASX financial shares to buy in 2026

Here are 5 ASX financial shares that the experts are backing for price growth this year.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Financial Shares

Own AMP shares? Here are your key dates for the year

Full-year results are not far off.

Read more »

Two people in flying suits and helmets cruise in mid-air high above the earth with arms outstretched and the sun on the horizon.
Financial Shares

Can these high flying financials shares from last year do it again?

Is it too late to jump on board these soaring stocks?

Read more »