The Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) share price is dropping after the annuity business gave an update to the market.
What’s happening to the Challenger share price?
It’s currently down more than 5% after holding an investor day for shareholders.
Challenger reaffirmed that the annuity company is expecting FY21 normalised net profit before tax to be at the bottom end of its guidance range of between $390 million and $440 million.
Richard Howes, the CEO and Managing Director, said the business has emerged from a period of significant disruption and is in a strong position, with a clear strategy to drive its next phase of growth.
Mr Howes said that Challenger is expecting to achieve strong profit growth in FY22 with a guidance range for normalised net profit before tax of between $430 million to $480 million.
The negatives?
Challenger said that to underpin its growth strategy, it has revised its target capital range to 1.3 times to 1.7 times the APRA prescribed capital amount (PCA), extending the upper end of the range and outlining an intention to operate at around 1.6 times.
As a result of the higher capital levels from the company, Challenger has revised its pre-tax return on equity target to the RBA cash rate plus 12%.
Management comments
Mr Howes said: “Over the past three years we’ve faced a confluence of disruptive external events and have emerged in strong shape, with a significant capital buffer, a leading funds management offering and diversified revenue flows in our life business.
“We are now continuing to build on our strong foundations to capture the opportunities the high growth retirement market presents.
“As the clear leader in retirement income, Challenger has a real opportunity to play a more meaningful role in the lives of our customers. Through our complementary businesses, including the bank, we will be able to provide Australian retirees with a range of products that support their financial security for a better retirement.
“Our strategy to grow sees us building further on our already strong retirement brand and customer franchise. It’s essential we protect this valuable asset to support long-term growth and success. To this end, we are enhancing our risk settings, reflecting our commitment to maintain our strong capital position.”
Summary thoughts about Challenger and the share price
Challenger is exposed to some good tailwinds – the growth of the total superannuation pool of money as well as Australia’s ageing demographics and the demand for retirement income.
However, the actual financial performance of the business has been disappointing in recent years. It also has rising competition from Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) with its new retirement product called FuturePay. Challenger isn’t on my watchlist, and rising interest rates could add more volatility to the picture.
Some ASX dividend shares may have more g potential.
