ABSA’S headline earnings rose by 22,8% to R1309-million compared to R1066-million for the same period in the previous financial year, the banking group said in a statement on Monday. Chairman Danie Cronje said the group was extremely pleased with the ”very satisfying results” , especially given fairly difficult trading conditions. The return on average shareholder funds improved from 17,5% to 18,4% and return on assets from 1,18% to 1,28%. The group declared an interim dividend of 53 cents per share, a 20,5% increase on last years interim dividend of 44 cents. -Sapa
Thursday November 15, 2001