/ 28 April 2011

Absa profit before tax down 19% in Q1

Absa's profit before tax decreased by 19% to R1,481-billion in the first quarter of 2011 from R1,832-billion in the first quarter of last year.

South African banking group Absa’s profit before tax decreased by 19% to £135-million (about R1,481-billion) in the first quarter of 2011 from £167-million (about R1,832-billion) in the first quarter of last year, the group’s United Kingdom parent, Barclays, revealed in an interim management statement.

It said favourable foreign exchange movements and the improved performance of the underlying Absa business were offset by a £54-million one-off credit in 2010 in relation to the South African group’s recognition of a pension fund surplus.

“Excluding the one-off credit in 2010 profit before tax increased 19% driven by the impact of currency movements, income growth and significant improvements in impairment charges as a result of a continued improving economy. Operating expenses increased reflecting currency movements and inflationary pressures,” Barclays noted

In a separate note, Absa said: “Investors should note that this update includes the effects of currency translation from South African rand into pound sterling and excludes the results of Absa Card and Absa Capital. It is prepared in terms of London Stock Exchange rules and Barclays accounting policies and includes Barclays consolidation adjustments.” — I-Net Bridge