Adjusted EPS and Profitability Growth
Adjusted earnings per share rose 4.8% year‑on‑year. Adjusted operating profit increased 3.4% to GBP 951m (from GBP 920m) and total revenue grew 4.2%, reflecting resilient core profitability in a challenging macro environment.
Strong Funds Under Management and Net Inflows
Funds under management/FUM growth of c.15.4% (10.5% in neutral currency) with strong net inflows; Wealth & Investment FUM up 9.8% to ZAR 609.6bn. A bolt‑on acquisition in Switzerland added ~GBP 333m AUM.
Loan and Deposit Expansion
Management reported high‑teens increases in loans and advances and deposits overall; core loans grew c.9.6% with private client lending in both South Africa and the U.K. up over 10%, indicating continued client lending engagement.
Capital Generation, NAV and Returns
Net asset value increased c.8.3% year‑on‑year and tangible net asset value was 553.1p (+9.2%). Group return on equity reported at 13.6% (management notes a like‑for‑like uplift of 1.2% vs prior years).
Shareholder Returns and Capital Actions
Final dividend declared taking total dividend to 38.5p (+5.5% YoY). Completed announced share buyback returning ~GBP 110m (ZAR 2.5bn) to shareholders; weighted average shares reduced to 850.3m (equalized ~840m next year).
Non‑Interest Income and Fee Momentum
Non‑interest income grew strongly by 13.6%, supported by increased client activity and realizations; fee income and wealth activity were key contributors to revenue growth despite NII headwinds.
Digital, Cloud and Technology Investment Progress
IT spend was GBP 246m (c.20% of cost base). Cloud modernization rose to 58% (from 48% last year and 8% earlier). Management plans ~GBP 282m investment (to 2028) in platforms, with delivery expected to drive revenue benefits from FY28 onward.
Wealth & Investment and Private Client Strategy Momentum
Wealth & Investment growth and integration highlighted: Rathbones AUM c. GBP 113.6bn; Rathbones earnings contribution grew (Investec accrual at 43%). Private client strategy targets articulated (e.g., double SA client base 128k -> 250k; SA private bank operating profit ZAR 3.5bn -> ZAR 6.5bn by 2030) providing clear growth roadmap.