AMP share price sinks 6% as half-year profits slump

Pockets of AMP's business are delivering underlying growth, but will it be enough to impress shareholders?

| More on:

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

The AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) share price is falling this morning after its FY23 first-half results release.

Shares in the financial services company had surged 11% over the past month in anticipation of today's numbers. However, the AMP share is down 5.9% to $1.03 after the results failed to meet expectations.

A man leans forward propped on his elbows as he holds his clasped hands to his mouth in a worried pose as he gazes at his computer screen in a home setting.

Image source: Getty Images

AMP share price on watch amid earnings drop

What else happened in the first half?

For the six months ending 30 June 2023, AMP experienced underlying earnings growth across three out of five of its business units. The company's 'Platforms' unit was the fastest-growing unit, with underlying NPAT increasing 25.7% over the prior corresponding period to $44 million.

Similarly, AMP Bank and Master Trust generated increased profits, up 23.9% and 7.7%, respectively. A disciplined approach to loan growth and strong broker relationships were attributed to the bank's success.

Meanwhile, AMP's advice unit continues to weigh on earnings, posting an underlying loss of $25 million in the half. However, this marked a $5 million improvement on the prior comparable period.

During the half, the Federal Court of Australia decided on the class action proceedings brought against AMP and its advice practices of the past. The Court ruled in favour of those seeking compensation for losses incurred, sending the AMP share price tumbling on 5 July, as shown in the chart above.

What's next for AMP?

AMP provided investors with a swathe of numbers for its FY23 guidance. Some of the other key financial targets for the financial year included:

  • Above system residential loan growth targeted for FY23
  • FY23 net interest margin (NIM) between 1.3% to 1.35%
  • Further improvements in costs associated with advice unit
  • Platforms and Master Trust revenue margins to hold steady

Furthermore, a hearing at the Supreme Court relating to the abovementioned class action is slated for 21 August 2022. The company will be defending against this action and two other yet-to-be-heard claims.

AMP share price snapshot

Despite the overhaul efforts, the AMP share price has had a tough run in 2023, falling 15.4%. For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 5.6%.

It appears few investors are willing to take a chance on the company while it is still in the depths of its turnaround. Even now, at a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 0.7 times — trading at a discount to its book value — the AMP share price is struggling to find support.

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 has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Earnings Results

Doctor doing a telemedicine using laptop at a medical clinic
Earnings Results

Guess which ASX 200 stock is jumping 9% on FY26 results

This medical device company has released its FY 2026 results. Let's see what it reported.

Read more »

A man sitting in an aeroplane seat holds the top of his head as he looks at his airline ticket with an annoyed, angry expression on his face.
Earnings Results

Webjet shares crash 15% as Virgin Australia blow hits outlook

Webjet shares are under heavy pressure after its latest update.

Read more »

A man sitting at his desktop computer leans forward onto his elbows and yawns while he rubs his eyes as though he is very tired.
Earnings Results

James Hardie shares tumble on FY26 profit crunch

Investors have been hitting the sell button on Wednesday. Let's find out why.

Read more »

a man in a green and gold Australian athletic kit roars ecstatically with a wide open mouth while his hands are clenched and raised as a shower of gold confetti falls in the sky around him.
Earnings Results

Why are Catapult Sport shares jumping 18% today?

This sports technology company has delivered a stronger than expected FY 2026 result.

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands, despairing at the bad result he's reading on his computer.
Earnings Results

Which ASX 200 share is crashing 22% on half-year results?

Let's see why investors are hitting the sell button on Monday.

Read more »

A man in a suit looks surprised as he looks through binoculars.
Earnings Results

Guess which ASX 200 stock is dropping despite record quarterly profit

It was a record-breaking quarter for this company.

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computer
Earnings Results

Why Xero shares are falling despite a big jump in revenue

Xero shares are under pressure as Melio costs weigh on profit.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Earnings Results

ASX 200 stock crashes 12% on half-year results

Profit is down but its guidance has been reaffirmed.

Read more »