Why did AMP shares outperform on Thursday?

AMP shares closed 1.74% higher while the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index fell 0.07% on Thursday.

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Key points

  • AMP Ltd shares rose 1.74% to $1.755, outperforming the ASX 200 Financials Index, which fell 0.07%, while the broader ASX 200 Index increased by 0.3%.
  • AMP announced the redemption of AMP Capital Notes 2 next month, with a final distribution of $1.8508 per capital note with 20% franking for the final three-month period. 
  • Recent updates include a 3.6% rise in assets under management to $159.5 billion, driven by platform business growth, while Macquarie maintains a neutral rating, looking for more clarity on AMP's technology platform advancements.

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) shares closed 1.74% higher at $1.755 per share on Thursday.

Yesterday, AMP stood out among its peers in the ASX 200 financials sector.

The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) fell 0.07% on Thursday while the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lifted 0.3%.

So, what happened with AMP shares yesterday?

Final distribution on capital notes announced

There was no price-sensitive news out of AMP today to explain its outperformance.

However, the wealth manager did announce plans to redeem some capital notes.

AMP announced that it would redeem the five-year AMP Capital Notes 2 (ASX: AMPPB) issued on 23 December 2019.

AMP will redeem the notes on 16 December and all holders on the register on 8 December will receive $100 for each note.

The company will also pay a final distribution of $1.8508 per capital note with 20% franking for the final three-month period.

The capital notes will cease trading at the market close on 4 December.

AMP said it will not accept off-market transfers after 8 December.

What else is news with AMP of late?

AMP released its third quarter update on 16 October, revealing a 3.6% increase in total assets under management (AUM) to $159.5 billion.

The growth was largely due to its platforms business, with net cashflows increasing by a substantial 61.6%.

The superannuation & investments division experienced a net cash outflow of $214 million, which was smaller than the $334 million lost in the prior corresponding period.

AUM in the superannuation & investments division increased 3.4% to $60.5 billion.

AMP Bank reported its total loan book increased by 1.3% to $23.8 billion, and total deposits of $20.8 billion.

The wealth manager did not issue any guidance for the rest of the financial year.

Should you buy AMP shares?

The AMP share price has risen 18% over the past 12 months.

AMP shares hit a five-year high of $2.01 last month.

Macquarie has a neutral rating on AMP with a 12-month share price target of $1.92.

The broker said: "To become more bullish we need to see a live walk-through of the "best in class technology platform".

Macquarie noted that APRA had released its monthly Authorised Deposit-taking Institution Statistics for September.

The broker said:

AMP's Gross Loan and Acceptance (GLAA) balance was +2.3% from Dec '24 vs market at +5.2%.

GLAAs are ~45bps below closing balances expected by MRE at Dec '25 and ~84bps below VA expectations.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. 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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