CBA posts solid half


The Commonwealth Bank has reported a statutory net profit after tax of $4.599 million for the six months ended 31 December, with cash profit from continuing operations up 1.7 per cent to $4.676 million.
This was despite operating income being down 1.9 per cent to 12,408 million.
Commonwealth Bank chief executive, Matt Comyn said the company had continued to deliver strong core business outcomes in a challenging period.
The big banking group signalled that its restructuring process including exiting wealth was progressing but at the same time pointed to its wealth management business making a cash net profit after tax of $263 million for the period, down significantly from the previous half.
Looking at the soon to be disposed of wealth business, the bank said the life business cash net profit after tax was down 87 per cent to $12 million as a result of higher retail and wholesale claims experience and lower premium income, with a 20 per cent decrease in in-force premiums reflecting higher lapses including the loss of some large wholesale schemes.
Where CFS Global Asset Management was concerned, it said cash net profit for the half was down 23 per cent to $115 million on the back of a four per cent decreased in average assets under management.
The bank has declared an interim dividend of $2 per share.
Recommended for you
Sequoia Financial Group has declined by five financial advisers in the past week, four of whom have opened up a new AFSL, according to Wealth Data.
Insignia Financial chief executive Scott Hartley has detailed whether the firm will be selecting an exclusive bidder for the second phase of due diligence as it awaits revised bids from three private equity players.
Insignia Financial has reported a statutory net loss after tax of $17 million in its first half results, although the firm has noted cost optimisation means this is an improvement from a $50 million loss last year.
With alternative funds being described as “impossible” for fund managers to target towards advisers without the support of BDMs for education, Money Management explores the evolving nature of the distribution role.