AMP hits near 11-month high as profit rises on demand for investment platforms
Shares up as much as 12.8%
Cost control aids earnings - analysts
Partnership with Entireti for Advice business
Rewrites throughout, adds share moves, background and details, analyst comments
By Rishav Chatterjee and Sneha Kumar
Aug 8 (Reuters) -Australia's AMP AMP.AX reported a higher first-half profit on Thursday, reflecting underlying strength in its investment platforms and resilient cost savings, sending the money manager's shares to a near 11-month high.
The AMP stock hit its highest since late September 2023 and was on track for its best session since April 2022. It rose as much as 12.8% to A$1.275.
"The financial results highlight AMP's efforts to streamline operations and strengthen its market position," said Mark Gardner, head of equities advisory at MPC Markets.
The more than 170-year-old wealth manager reported underlying net profit after tax of A$118 million ($76.88 million) for the six-month period ended June 30, compared with A$112 million a year ago.
The first-half earnings beat market estimates, which analysts at Citi attributed to lower costs, especially from its Platforms and Superannuation & Investments businesses.
"Although much of the earnings beat appears to be cost rather than revenue driven, variable costs are lower than expected and we believe the stock is likely to trade higher on the result," Citi said in a note.
The wealth manager also announced a partnership for its AMP Advice operation with Entireti and AZ NGA. Entireti would acquire AMP's financial advice licensees, with the Australian fund manager retaining a 30% stake in a new joint venture.
"AMP's financial results demonstrate progress in executing strategic initiatives, managing costs, and positioning the company for future growth, particularly through strategic partnerships and diversification efforts," added Gardner.
AMP declared an interim dividend of 2 Australian cents apiece while continuing with its capital management program. It has now returned A$963 million to its investors out of a planned A$1.1 billion.
AMP's banking unit, however, posted a 38.6% drop in half-year profit to A$35 million, impacted by falling margins.
($1 = 1.5344 Australian dollars)
Reporting by Sneha Kumar, Rishav Chatterjee and Adwitiya Srivastava in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar, Anil D'Silva and Rashmi Aich
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