Our opinion on the current state of STANBANK(SBK)Standard Bank (SBK) is 160 years old and is South Africa's second-largest bank by market capitalization, after First National Bank. It has widespread interests across Africa, which now contribute 34% of its headline earnings.
20% of its shares are owned by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), and it owns 40% of ICBC Standard Bank—previously Standard Bank Plc in the UK (ICBCS). Following COVID-19, the bank had about 70% of its staff working from home. Like most businesses in South Africa, it is affected by load-shedding and the lingering economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
We see Standard Bank as an excellent investment for private investors at current levels, but it is a long-term play. As COVID-19 fades, the economy will pick up, and Standard Bank's profits will improve. On 15th July 2021, the company announced an offer for the ordinary and preference shares in Liberty Holdings (LBH). Liberty shareholders received 0.5 Standard Bank shares and R25.50 in cash for each LBH ordinary share, implying a valuation of just under R90 per LBH share—a 33% premium to its price (R67.48) before the announcement.
The bank is benefiting from increased client numbers and rising interest rates. In its results for the year to 31st December 2024, the company reported headline earnings per share (HEPS) up 4% and a return on equity (ROE) of 18.5%. The company's net asset value (NAV) increased from 14269c per share to 15281c, compared to its current share price (13-3-25) of 23051c.
The 2024 financials were far less positive than those of 2023, when the company increased HEPS by 27%. The share price has been falling since its cycle high on 26th September 2024 at 25042c, but it now looks like very good value with a dividend yield (DY) of 5.23%. The stock has just completed a "saucer bottom" and may be entering a new upward trend.
