Alexander Forbes reports strong double-digit profit growth

Key topics:Normalised earnings per share increased 41% due to operational growth.Total assets under administration and management grew to R696 billion.Integrated strategy capitalised on regulatory changes and client retention..Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.Support South Africa’s bastion of independent journalism, offering balanced insights on investments, business, and the political economy, by joining BizNews Premium. Register here.If you prefer WhatsApp for updates, sign up to the BizNews channel here..BizNews Editor.Analysis of Unaudited Interim Results for the Six Months Ended 30 September 2025This report provides an analytical review of the unaudited interim results for Alexander Forbes Group Holdings Limited (Alexforbes) for the six months ended 30 September 2025. The period affirmed the effectiveness of the Group's strategic execution, reporting robust growth in core operational areas and delivering substantive improvement in earnings. These outcomes reinforce Alexforbes’ market position as an integrated financial solutions provider in the Southern African region.Review of Financial PerformanceThe Group reported strong double-digit growth in profitability, primarily attributable to favourable market conditions, sustained client retention, and controlled cost management, excluding the impact of specific non-recurring charges.Key financial metrics reflecting performance enhancement:Operating Income from continuing operations increased by 9% to R2,329 million. This growth was supported by the increase in average assets under management (AuM) and administration (AuA), coupled with inflationary adjustments within the retirement consulting client base.Normalised Profit from Operations (PFO), which excludes non-trading and capital items, increased substantively by 18% to R446 million (H1 2024: R377 million).Normalised Headline Earnings Per Share (HEPS), a central profitability indicator, increased by 41% to 35.2 cents per share. Total Headline Earnings Per Share increased by 17% to 33.2 cents, reflecting underlying operational growth and a R93 million final settlement related to a liability from discontinued operations.Capital Distribution: The Board declared an interim gross cash dividend of 24 cents per share, representing a 9% increase from the previous corresponding period (2024: 22 cents per share), reflecting confidence in sustained cash generation.Capital Adequacy: The Group maintains a sound regulatory surplus capital position of R1,065 million, translating to a capital cover ratio of 2.1 times, comfortably surpassing the target solvency ratio of 1.2 times.Operational Drivers and Segment GrowthOperational income growth was broad-based across the Corporate, Retail, and Investments segments. Total closing assets increased by 23% year-on-year to R696 billion, while the active member base under administration expanded by 12% to 1.2 million.Investment Segment: The performance of the Investments segment was positively impacted by higher average AuM and favourable investment returns, which directly contributed to increased fee income. The segment continued to attract new business flows across institutional and retail channels, supported by the competitive performance of its portfolios.Corporate and Retirement Consulting: This segment exhibited sustained positive trajectory, supported by high client retention and the full consolidation of prior-period acquisitions. The Group is effectively leveraging its expertise to manage client transitions related to the implementation of the Two-Pot retirement system in South Africa, a key revenue driver. Recurring revenue streams were further bolstered by inflationary increases within client payrolls.Retail Segment: The strategic focus on individual client solutions and wealth accumulation continues to yield measured results, demonstrated by consistent new business asset inflows. The integrated operational model, which combines digital capabilities with the financial advisor network, is systematically supporting the "individualisation" strategy aimed at delivering personalised, high-impact financial advice to the membership base.Strategic Position and Risk MitigationAlexforbes' core strategy focuses on its integrated, advice-led service model, underpinned by a clear commitment to delivering measurable client impact.Strategic execution is supported by the Group’s robust capital and liquidity position, enhancing resilience against market volatility. While operating expenses increased by 10% year-on-year, primarily due to specific non-recurring charges (the long-term incentive plan cash settlement and an IFRS 16 lease adjustment), the underlying growth rate for operating expenses was successfully contained at 3%. This suggests effective cost management of the core operations.The outlook remains favourable, positioning Alexforbes to capitalise on evolving regulatory frameworks, such as the subsequent phases of the Two-Pot system, and to further penetrate the retail wealth management market. The robust balance sheet and sustained cash generation provide a solid foundation for future organic and acquisitive growth.In summary, the six months ended 30 September 2025 reflect a period of solid financial delivery for the Group, characterised by double-digit profit growth, expansion of the asset and member base, and an increase in capital distribution. These results reinforce confidence in the Group’s ability to execute its strategy and drive long-term value creation.

Alexander Forbes reports strong double-digit profit growth

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