ANZ Bank shares push higher despite $1.1b profit hit

Let's see what the bank has announced.

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Key points

  • ANZ Group Holdings announced a significant $1.1 billion after-tax charge impacting its second-half profits due to various strategic and regulatory adjustments.
  • Major charges stem from the impairment of PT Bank Pan Indonesia investment, restructuring costs, and penalties related to settlements with ASIC.
  • The bank is advancing its integration of Suncorp Bank and winding down non-essential operations like Cashrewards, aligning with its strategy to streamline operations and focus on core banking activities.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares are rising on Friday morning.

At the time of writing, the banking giant's shares are up 0.5% to $37.08.

Why are ANZ shares rising?

Investors have been buying the bank's shares after a market rebound offset the release of an update on significant items that are expected to impact the bank's second half profits.

According to the release, ANZ's second half statutory and cash profit will be impacted by several significant items with a net after tax charge of $1.1 billion.

In addition, the big four bank notes that it has finalised the acquisition accounting related adjustments for the Suncorp Bank acquisition. This will see an increase to the goodwill of $141 million that was disclosed at 31 March.

What are the charges?

ANZ provided the market with an explanation for where the $1.1 billion of charges come from.

The first charge relates to a PT Bank Pan Indonesia impairment. It has recognised a charge of $285 million for the impairment of its equity accounted investment.

Staff Redundancies make up a large chunk of its overall charges. It notes that in September, it announced changes to simplify the bank, strengthen focus on its priorities, and deliver for its customers. The final second half pre-tax charge was $585 million or $414 million after-tax.

There is also a charge related to its Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) settlement. In September, the bank entered into an agreement with ASIC to resolve five matters within its Australia Markets and Australia Retail businesses that were the subject of separate regulatory investigations.

Under the agreement, which requires Federal Court approval, the bank is subject to total penalties of $240 million. ANZ is recognising a pre-tax charge of $271 million ($264 million after-tax). This comprises $240 million in relation to the ASIC penalties and $31 million of various costs associated with the matter.

ANZ also notes that in its recent Strategy Day presentation, it revealed its intention to bring forward the integration of Suncorp Bank by June 2027. This is to accelerate value creation for shareholders, to benefit customers, and to significantly reduce operational complexity.

ANZ is recognising a pre-tax charge of $97 million ($68 million after-tax) relating to costs associated with existing contracts that extend beyond the revised migration date.

Finally, there is a charge related to the Cashrewards closure. It notes that in September, Cashrewards commenced the wind down of its operations. This is part of ANZ's strategy to exit non-bank activities that lack economic or strategic rationale. As a result, the big four bank recognised a pre-tax and after-tax charge of $78 million from the write-off of the goodwill recognised on acquisition.

ANZ shares are up approximately 19% since this time last year.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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.

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