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Fri 10 Feb 2012, 7:35 ASA - ABSA Group Limited - Profit and dividend announcement; audited condensed
ASA
AMAGB                                                                           
ASA - ABSA Group Limited - Profit and dividend announcement; audited condensed  
consolidated financial results for the year ended 31 December 2011              
ABSA GROUP LIMITED                                                              
Registration number: 1986/003934/06                                             
Authorised financial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP7)           
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa                                    
ISIN: ZAE000067237                                                              
JSE share code: ASA                                                             
Issuer code: AMAGB                                                              
(Absa, Absa Group, the Group or the Company)                                    
PROFIT AND DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENT; AUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL      
RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011                                     
CONSOLIDATED SALIENT FEATURES                                                   
31 December                                                                     
                                                       Chang  2009(1)           
2011       2010(1)   e                        
                                                              (Audited)         
                                  (Audited)  (Audited) %                        
Statement of comprehensive                                                      
income (Rm)                                                                     
Headline earnings(2)               9 719      8 041     21     7 621            
Profit attributable to ordinary    9 674      8 118     19     6 840            
equity holders of the Group                                                     
Statement of financial position                                                 
Total assets (Rm)                  786 719    725 957   8      721 641          
Loans and advances to customers    503 503    508 780   (1)    517 008          
(Rm)                                                                            
Deposits due to customers (Rm)     440 960    387 598   14     367 210          
Loans-to-deposits ratio (%)(3)     88,1       92,1             96,0             
Off-statement of financial                                                      
position (Rm)                                                                   
Assets under management and        213 186    194 949   9      168 289          
administration(4)                                                               
 Financial Services(5)            167 669    163 415   8      145 453           
   Money market                   57 798     66 256    (13)   55 320            
Non-money market               109 871    97 159    13     90 133            
Financial performance (%)                                                       
Return on average equity(3)        16,4       15,1             15,5             
Return on average assets(6)        1,32       1,10             1,00             
Return on average risk-weighted    2,35       1,99             1,97             
assets(6)                                                                       
Operating performance (%)                                                       
Net interest margin on average     4,11       3,94             3,65             
interest-bearing assets(6)                                                      
Impairment losses on loans and       1,01      1,18              1,70           
advances as % of average loans and                                              
advances to customers(6)                                                        
Non-performing loans as % of loans   6,9       7,6               6,8            
and advances to customers(6)                                                    
Non-interest income as % of total    46,7      45,5              48,1           
operating income(3)                                                             
Cost-to-income ratio(3)              55,5      56,2              49,6           
Effective tax rate, excluding        28,3      27,5              23,8           
indirect taxation                                                               
Share statistics (million)                                                      
Number of ordinary shares in issue   718,2     718,2             718,2          
Weighted average number of           716,8     716,3             693,2          
ordinary shares in issue                                                        
Diluted weighted average number of   719,9     720,7             711,5          
ordinary shares in issue                                                        
Share statistics (cents)                                                        
Headline earnings per share          1 355,9   1 122,6    21     1 099,4        
Diluted headline earnings per        1 350,0   1 115,7    21     1 072,0        
share                                                                           
Basic earnings per share             1 349,6   1 133,3    19     986,7          
Diluted earnings per share           1 343,8   1 126,4    19     962,2          
Dividends per ordinary share         684       455        50     445            
relating to income for the year                                                 
Dividend cover (times)(3)            2,0       2,5               2,5            
Net asset value per share(3)         8 690     7 838      11     7 038          
Tangible net asset value per         8 392     7 588      11     6 865          
share(3)                                                                        
Capital adequacy (%)(6)                                                         
 Absa Group                         16,7      15,5              15,6            
 Absa Bank                          16,2      14,8              14,7            
Notes                                                                           
1. Comparatives have been reclassified. Refer to note 20.                       
2. After allowing for R284 million (2010: R320 million) profit                  
attributable to preference equity holders of the Group.                         
3. These ratios have been calculated by management based on extracted           
audited information contained in the audited annual consolidated                
financial statements.                                                           
4. Comparatives have been restated for the inclusion of assets managed by       
Absa Capital on behalf of clients, alternative asset management and             
exchange-traded funds, in order to align assets under management and            
administration to current market practice.                                      
5. The segmentation of assets under management and administration is            
unaudited.                                                                      
6. These ratios are unaudited.                                                  
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION                          
as at 31 December                                                               
2011       2010(1)            2009(1)        
                                   (Audited)  (Audited)  Change  (Audited)      
                                   Rm         Rm         %       Rm             
Assets                                                                          
Cash, cash balances and balances    26 997     23 741     14      20 206        
with central banks                                                              
Statutory liquid asset portfolio    57 473     48 215     19      33 943        
Loans and advances to banks         57 432     27 495     >100    43 223        
Trading portfolio assets            84 623     62 047     36      52 302        
Hedging portfolio assets            4 299      4 662      (8)     2 558         
Other assets                        16 219     12 855     26      10 586        
Current tax assets                  288        196        47      234           
Non-current assets held for sale    35         -          100     -             
1                                                                               
Loans and advances to customers     503 503    508 780    (1)     517 008       
2,3,4                                                                           
Reinsurance assets                  1 009      860        17      719           
Investment securities               21 182     24 446     (13)    29 955        
Investments in associates and       420        416        1       487           
joint ventures                                                                  
Goodwill and intangible assets      2 135      1 794      19      1 245         
Investment properties               2 839      2 523      13      2 195         
Property and equipment              7 996      7 493      7       6 606         
Deferred tax assets                 269        434        (38)    374           
Total assets                        786 719    725 957    8       721 641       
                                                                                
Liabilities                                                                     
Deposits from banks                 38 339     15 406     >100    36 541        
Trading portfolio liabilities       55 960     47 454     18      44 245        
Hedging portfolio liabilities       2 456      1 881      31      565           
Other liabilities                   14 695     11 239     31      12 212        
Provisions                          1 710      1 808      (5)     1 684         
Current tax liabilities             267        965        (72)    59            
Deposits due to customers           440 960    387 598    14      367 210       
5                                                                               
Debt securities in issue            130 262    164 545    (21)    171 376       
6                                                                               
Liabilities under investment        15 233     13 964     9       12 446        
contracts                                                                       
Policyholder liabilities under      3 183      3 001      6       3 136         
insurance contracts                                                             
Borrowed funds                      14 051     13 649     3       13 530        
7                                                                               
Deferred tax liabilities            1 198     2 298    (48)    2 147            
Total liabilities                   718 314   663 808  8       665 151          
                                                                                
Equity                                                                          
Capital and reserves                                                            
Attributable to ordinary equity                                                 
holders of the Group:                                                           
Share capital                      1 434     1 433    0       1 432             
Share premium                      4 676     4 590    2       4 784             
Retained earnings                  53 813    47 958   12      43 153            
Other reserves                     2 385     2 309    3       1 178             
                                   62 308    56 290   11      50 547            
Non-controlling interest -          1 453     1 215    20      1 299            
ordinary shares                                                                 
Non-controlling interest -          4 644     4 644    -       4 644            
preference shares                                                               
Total equity                        68 405    62 149   10      56 490           
Total equity and liabilities        786 719   725 957  8       721 641          
Note                                                                            
(1)Comparatives have been reclassified. Refer to note 20.                       
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                        
for the year ended 31 December                                                  
                                           2011      2010                       
                                           (Audited) (Audited)  Change          
                                           Rm        Rm         %               
Net interest income                         24 429    23 340     5              
  Interest and similar income              51 221    54 241     (6)             
8.1                                                                             
  Interest expense and similar charges     (26 792)  (30 901)   13              
8.2                                                                             
Impairment losses on loans and advances     (5 081)   (6 005)    15             
3                                                                               
Net interest income after impairment        19 348    17 335     12             
losses on loans and advances                                                    
Non-interest income                         21 403    19 474     10             
Net fee and commission income               15 293    14 391     6              
  Fee and commission income                17 422    16 454     6               
9.1                                                                             
  Fee and commission expense               (2 129)   (2 063)    (3)             
9.1                                                                             
Net insurance premium income                5 209     4 602      13             
Net insurance claims and benefits paid      (2 517)   (2 405)    (5)            
Changes in investment contract and          (914)     (1 059)    14             
insurance contract liabilities                                                  
Gains and losses from banking and trading   2 594     2 349      10             
activities                                                                      
9.2                                                                             
Gains and losses from investment            966       884        9              
activities 9.3                                                                  
Other operating income                      772       712        8              
Operating profit before operating           40 751    36 809     11             
expenditure                                                                     
Operating expenditure                       (26 581)  (24 949)   (7)            
Operating expenses                       (25 458)  (24 070)   (6)             
10.1                                                                            
  Other impairments                        (52)      (108)      52              
10.2                                                                            
Indirect taxation                        (1 071)   (771)      (39)            
Share of post-tax results of associates     40        (9)        >100           
and joint ventures                                                              
Operating profit before income tax          14 210    11 851     20             
Taxation expense                            (4 026)   (3 262)    (23)           
Profit for the year                         10 184    8 589      19             
Other comprehensive income                                                      
Foreign exchange differences on             522       (371)      >100           
translation of foreign operations                                               
Movement in cash flow hedging reserve       (237)     1 152      >(100)         
Fair value gains arising during the year    1 972     3 421      (42)           
Amount removed from other comprehensive     (2 300)   (1 820)    (26)           
income and recognised in the profit and                                         
loss component of the statement of                                              
comprehensive income                                                            
Deferred tax                                91        (449)      >100           
Movement in available-for-sale reserve      (17)      166        >(100)         
Fair value (losses)/gains arising during    (58)      146        >(100)         
the year                                                                        
Amortisation of government bonds -          20        92         (78)           
release to the profit and loss component                                        
of the statement of comprehensive income                                        
Deferred tax                                21        (72)       >100           
Movement in retirement benefit asset and    (51)      21         >(100)         
liabilities                                                                     
(Decrease)/increase in retirement benefit   (66)      27         >(100)         
surplus                                                                         
(Increase)/decrease in retirement benefit   (5)       2          >(100)         
deficit                                                                         
Deferred tax                                20        (8)        >100           
Total comprehensive income for the year     10 401    9 557      9              
                                                                                
Profit attributable to:                                                         
Ordinary equity holders of the Group        9 674     8 118      19             
Non-controlling interest - ordinary         226       151        50             
shares                                                                          
Non-controlling interest - preference       284       320        (11)           
shares                                                                          
                                            10 184    8 589      19             
Total comprehensive income attributable                                         
to:                                                                             
Ordinary equity holders of the Group        9 791     9 138      7              
Non-controlling interest - ordinary         326       99         >100           
shares                                                                          
Non-controlling interest - preference       284       320        (11)           
shares                                                                          
                                            10 401    9 557      9              
Earnings per share:                                                             
Basic earnings per share (cents)            1 349,6   1 133,3    19             
Diluted earnings per share (cents)          1 343,8   1 126,4    19             
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS                                  
for the year ended 31 December                                                  
2011      2010(1)                   
                                            (Audited) (Audited)  Change         
                                            Rm        Rm         %              
Net cash generated from operating           8 305     2 822      >100           
activities                                                                      
Net cash (utilised)/generated from          (511)     880        >(100)         
investing activities                                                            
Net cash utilised in financing activities   (4 143)   (4 263)    3              
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash    3 651     (561)      >100           
equivalents                                                                     
Cash and cash equivalents at the            6 417     6 976      (8)            
beginning of the year                                                           
1                                                                               
Effect of exchange rate movements on cash   0         2          (100)          
and cash equivalents                                                            
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of     10 068    6 417      57             
the year 2                                                                      
                                                                                
NOTES                                                                           
1. Cash and cash equivalents at the                                             
beginning of the year                                                           
Cash, cash balances and balances with       4 939     5 175      (5)            
central banks                                                                   
Loans and advances to banks                 1 478     1 801      (18)           
6 417     6 976      (8)            
2. Cash and cash equivalents at the end                                         
of the year                                                                     
Cash, cash balances and balances with       7 893     4 939      60             
central banks                                                                   
Loans and advances to banks                 2 175     1 478      47             
                                            10 068    6 417      57             
Note                                                                            
(1)Comparatives have been reclassified. Refer to note 20.                       
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY                           
for the year ended 31 December                                                  
                               2011                                             
(Audited)                                        
                               Total       Non-      Non-       Total           
                               equity      controlli controlli  equity          
                               attributab  ng        ng                         
le to       interest- interest-                  
                               ordinary    ordinary  preferenc                  
                               equity      shares    e shares                   
                               holders of                                       
the Group                                        
                               Rm          Rm        Rm         Rm              
Balance at the beginning of     56 290      1 215     4 644      62 149         
the year                                                                        
Total comprehensive income for  9 791       326       284        10 401         
the year                                                                        
Profit for the year             9 674       226       284        10 184         
Other comprehensive income      117         100       -          217            
Dividends paid during the year  (3 744)     (173)     (284)      (4 201)        
Share buy-back in respect of    (281)       -         -          (281)          
equity-settled share-based                                                      
payment schemes                                                                 
Elimination of the movement in  28          -         -          28             
treasury shares held by Absa                                                    
Group Limited Share Incentive                                                   
Trust                                                                           
Elimination of the movement in  166         -         -          166            
treasury shares held by Group                                                   
subsidiaries                                                                    
Movement in the share-based     58          -         -          58             
payment reserve                                                                 
Transfer from share-based       -           -         -          -              
payment reserve                                                                 
Transfer from share-based       (174)       -         -          (174)          
payment reserve                                                                 
Transfer to share capital and   174         -         -          174            
share premium                                                                   
Value of employee services      58          -         -          58             
Movement in general credit       -           -          -          -            
risk reserve                                                                    
Transfer from general credit     (48)        -          -          (48)         
risk reserve                                                                    
Transfer to retained earnings    48          -          -          48           
Movement in insurance            -           -          -          -            
contingency reserve                                                             
Transfer to insurance            19          -          -          19           
contingency reserve                                                             
Transfer from retained           (19)        -          -          (19)         
earnings                                                                        
Share of post-tax results of     -           -          -          -            
associates and joint ventures                                                   
Transfer to associates` and      40          -          -          40           
joint ventures` reserve                                                         
Transfer from retained           (40)        -          -          (40)         
earnings                                                                        
Disposal of associates and       -           -          -          -            
joint ventures - release of                                                     
reserves                                                                        
Transfer to associates` and      13          -          -          13           
joint ventures` reserve                                                         
Transfer from retained           (13)        -          -          (13)         
earnings                                                                        
Increase in interest of non-     -           21         -          21           
controlling equity holders                                                      
Non-controlling interest         -           64         -          64           
arising from business                                                           
combinations                                                                    
Balance at the end of the year   62 308      1 453      4 644      68 405       
                               2010                                             
                               (Audited)                                        
Total       Non-      Non-       Total           
                               equity      controlli controlli  equity          
                               attributab  ng        ng                         
                               le to       interest- interest-                  
ordinary    ordinary  preferenc                  
                               equity      shares    e shares                   
                               holders of                                       
                               the Group                                        
Rm          Rm        Rm         Rm              
Balance at the beginning of     50 547      1 299     4 644      56 490         
the year                                                                        
Total comprehensive income for  9 138       99        320        9 557          
the year                                                                        
Profit for the year             8 118       151       320        8 589          
Other comprehensive income      1 020       (52)      -          968            
Dividends paid during the year  (3 191)     (142)     (320)      (3 653)        
Share buy-back in respect of    (234)       -         -          (234)          
equity-settled share-based                                                      
payment schemes                                                                 
Elimination of the movement in  31          -         -          31             
treasury shares held by Absa                                                    
Group Limited Share Incentive                                                   
Trust                                                                           
Elimination of the movement in  (49)        -         -          (49)           
treasury shares held by Group                                                   
subsidiaries                                                                    
Movement in the share-based     48          -         -          48             
payment reserve                                                                 
Transfer from share-based       -           -         -          -              
payment reserve                                                                 
Transfer from share-based       (61)        -         -          (61)           
payment reserve                                                                 
Transfer to share capital,      61          -         -          61             
share premium and retained                                                      
earnings                                                                        
Value of employee services      48          -         -          48             
Movement in general credit       -           -          -          -            
risk reserve                                                                    
Transfer to general credit       39          -          -          39           
risk reserve                                                                    
Transfer from retained           (39)        -          -          (39)         
earnings                                                                        
Movement in insurance            -           -          -          -            
contingency reserve                                                             
Transfer to insurance            55          -          -          55           
contingency reserve                                                             
Transfer from retained           (55)        -          -          (55)         
earnings                                                                        
Share of post-tax results of     -           -          -          -            
associates and joint ventures                                                   
Transfer from associates` and    (9)         -          -          (9)          
joint ventures` reserve                                                         
Transfer to retained earnings    9           -          -          9            
Disposal of associates and       -           -          -          -            
joint ventures - release of                                                     
reserves                                                                        
Transfer to associates` and      60          -          -          60           
joint ventures` reserve                                                         
Transfer from retained           (60)        -          -          (60)         
earnings                                                                        
Dilution of non-controlling      0           (0)        -          -            
equity holders` interest                                                        
Increase in the interest of      -           37         -          37           
non-controlling equity holders                                                  
Non-controlling interest         -           (78)       -          (78)         
arising from business                                                           
combinations                                                                    
Balance at the end of the year   56 290      1 215      4 644      62 149       
CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                        
as at 31 December                                                               
1. NON-CURRENT ASSETS HELD FOR SALE                                             
On 30 June 2011, the Group, through its Absa Capital and Absa Business          
Bank segments, transferred its investment in Sekunjalo Investments              
Limited, with a carrying value of R43 million, to non-current assets            
held for sale. A portion of this investment was subsequently sold in            
July 2011 and the remaining portion transferred to investment                   
securities.                                                                     
The Group, through its Absa Capital segment, also transferred certain           
investments designated at fair value through profit or loss with a              
carrying value of R326 million to non-current assets held for sale on 30        
June 2011. These investments were subsequently sold in August 2011.             
The Group, through its Corporate Real Estate business, concluded                
contracts for the sale of several properties during 2011, with transfer         
due to take place during 2012.                                                  
2. LOANS AND ADVANCES TO CUSTOMERS                                              
                        2011        2010(1)     Change      2009(1)             
                        (Audited)   (Audited)   %           (Audited)           
                        Rm          Rm                      Rm                  
Cheque accounts          33 398      32 005      4           39 801             
Corporate overdrafts     10 681      9 612       11          13 484             
and specialised finance                                                         
loans                                                                           
Credit cards             21 579      20 663      4           20 202             
Foreign currency loans   9 628       6 609       46          7 870              
Instalment credit        57 385      56 967      1           59 396             
agreements                                                                      
Gross advances           68 540      67 517      2           69 849             
Unearned finance         (11 155)    (10 550)    (6)          (10 453)          
charges                                                                         
Reverse repurchase       1 613       3 063       (47)        1 988              
agreements                                                                      
Loans to associates and  7 909       8 025       (1)         7 878              
joint ventures                                                                  
Microloans               1 922       2 069       (7)         2 936              
Mortgages                292 463     307 054     (5)         304 724            
Other(2)                 3 197       2 948       8           3 322              
Overnight finance        12 320      7 647       61          12 340             
Personal and term loans  29 925      28 283      6           21 645             
Preference shares        6 958       6 622       5           7 967              
Wholesale overdrafts     26 656      31 115      (14)        26 613             
Gross loans and          515 634     522 682     (1)         530 166            
advances to customers                                                           
Impairment losses on     (12 131)    (13 902)    13          (13 158)           
loans and advances                                                              
(refer to note 3)                                                               
                        503 503     508 780     (1)         517 008             
Notes                                                                           
1. Comparatives have been reclassified. Refer to note 20.                       
2. Other includes client liabilities under acceptances and working              
capital solutions.                                                              
3. IMPAIRMENT LOSSES ON LOANS AND ADVANCES                                      
                                    2011        2010(1)                         
                                    (Audited)   (Audited)   Change              
                                    Rm          Rm          %                   
Balance at the beginning of the      13 902      13 158      6                  
year                                                                            
Amounts written off during the       (6 493)     (5 219)     (24)               
year                                                                            
Foreign exchange differences         1           (2)         >100               
Interest on impaired assets (refer   (1 173)     (764)       (54)               
to note 8.1)                                                                    
                                    6 237       7 173       (13)                
Impairments raised during the year   5 894       6 729       (12)               
Balance at the end of the year       12 131      13 902      (13)               
Comprising:                                                                     
Identified impairments               11 306      12 949      (13)               
Unidentified impairments             825         953         (13)               
                                    12 131      13 902      (13)                
                                                                                
3.1 Statement of comprehensive                                                  
income charge for the year ended                                                
31 December                                                                     
Impairments raised during the year   5 894       6 729       (12)               
 Identified impairments             6 015       6 919       (13)                
Unidentified impairments           (121)       (190)       36                  
Recoveries of loans and advances     (813)       (724)       (12)               
previously written off                                                          
                                    5 081       6 005       (15)                

Note                                                                            
(1) Comparatives have been reclassified. Refer to note 20.                      
4. NON-PERFORMING LOANS                                                         
2011                                           
                                 (Unaudited)                                    
                                            Expected                            
                                            recoveri                            
es and            Total             
                                 Outstandi  fair     Net      identifie         
                                 ng         value of exposur  d                 
                                 balance    collater e        impairmen         
al                t                 
                                 Rm         Rm       Rm       Rm                
Cheque accounts                   184        52       132      132              
Credit cards                      2 013      713      1 300    1 300            
Instalment credit agreements      2 645      1 370    1 275    1 275            
Microloans                        348        76       272      272              
Mortgages                         23 590     19 558   4 032    4 032            
Personal loans                    1 362      538      824      824              
Retail Banking                    30 142     22 307   7 835    7 835            
                                                                                
Cheque accounts                   749        432      317      317              
Commercial Asset Finance          932        395      537      537              
Commercial Property Finance       1 894      1 354    540      540              
Term loans                        975        766      209      209              
Absa Business Bank                4 550      2 947    1 603    1 603            
                                                                                
Absa Capital                      844        405      439      439              
                                                                                
Non-performing loans              35 536     25 659   9 877    9 877            
                                                                                
Non-performing loans ratio (%)    6,9                                           
                                                                                
                                 2010(1)                                        
                                 (Unaudited)                                    
Expected                            
                                            recoveri                            
                                            es and            Total             
                                 Outstandi  fair     Net      identifie         
ng         value of exposur  d                 
                                 balance    collater e        impairmen         
                                            al                t                 
                                 Rm         Rm       Rm       Rm                
Cheque accounts                   220        110      110      110              
Credit cards                      2 822      797      2 025    2 025            
Instalment credit agreements      3 058      1 776    1 282    1 282            
Microloans                        445        84       361      361              
Mortgages                         25 642     20 740   4 902    4 902            
Personal loans                    1 413      442      971      971              
Retail Banking                    33 600     23 949   9 651    9 651            
                                                                                
Cheque accounts                   880        448      432      432              
Commercial Asset Finance          1 082      429      653      653              
Commercial Property Finance       2 483      2 032    451      451              
Term loans                        1 047      760      287      287              
Absa Business Bank                5 492      3 669    1 823    1 823            
                                                                                
Absa Capital                      549        208      341      341              
                                                                                
Non-performing loans              39 641     27 826   11 815   11 815           
                                                                                
Non-performing loans ratio (%)    7,6                                           
Note                                                                            
1. Comparatives have been reclassified. Refer to note 20.                       
5. DEPOSITS DUE TO CUSTOMERS                                                    
                                  2011       2010(1)           2009(1)          
                                  (Audited)  (Audited) Change  (Audited         
)                
                                  Rm         Rm        %       Rm               
Call deposits                      55 783     54 707    2       61 995          
Cheque account deposits            134 505    117 274   15      103 110         
Credit card deposits               1 884      1 830     3       1 868           
Fixed deposits                     125 273    114 180   10      106 886         
Foreign currency deposits          8 947      9 661     (7)     9 011           
Notice deposits                    28 500     11 365    >100    10 293          
Other(2)                           2 771      3 702     (25)    7 618           
Repurchase agreements with non-    8 734      7 035     24      1 712           
banks                                                                           
Savings and transmission           74 563     67 844    10      64 717          
deposits                                                                        
                                  440 960    387 598   14      367 210          
Notes                                                                           
1. Comparatives have been reclassified. Refer to note 20.                       
2. Other includes partnership contributions received, deposits due on           
structured deals, preference investments on behalf of customers and             
unclaimed deposits.                                                             
6. DEBT SECURITIES IN ISSUE                                                     
2011      2010                     
                                             (Audited) (Audited)  Chang         
                                                                  e             
                                             Rm        Rm         %             
Abacas - Commercial paper issued and          -         1 789      (100)        
floating rate notes                                                             
Credit linked notes                           8 976     6 360      41           
Floating rate notes                           69 553    75 740     (8)          
Liabilities arising from securitised SPEs     4 218     4 216      0            
Negotiable certificates of deposit            30 214    64 271     (53)         
Promissory notes                              1 550     1 811      (14)         
Structured notes and bonds                    1 451     1 220      19           
Senior notes                                  14 300    9 138      56           
                                             130 262   164 545    (21)          
                                                                                
7. BORROWED FUNDS                                                               
Subordinated callable notes                                                     
The subordinated debt instruments listed                                        
below qualify as secondary capital in terms                                     
of the Banks Act No 94 of 1990 (as                                              
amended).                                                                       
Interest rate               Final maturity                                      
date                                                                            
8 75%                       1 September      1 500     1 500      -             
2017                                                                            
8 80%                       7 March 2019     1 725     1 725      -             
8 10%                      27 March 2020     2 000     2 000      -             
10 28%                       3 May 2022       600       600        -            
Three-month JIBAR + 2 10%    3 May 2022       400       400        -            
CPI-linked notes  fixed at the following                                        
coupon rates:                                                                   
6 25%                     31 March 2018       1 886     1 886      -            
6 00%                     20 September 2019   3 000     3 000      -            
5 50%                      7 December 2028    1 500     1 500      -            
Accrued interest                              1 157     826        40           
Fair value adjustment                         283       212        33           
14 051    13 649     3             
CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                        
for the year ended 31 December                                                  
8. NET-INTEREST INCOME                                                          
8.1 Interest and similar income                                                 
                                           2011      2010                       
                                           (Audited) (Audited)  Change          
                                           Rm        Rm         %               
Interest and similar income is earned                                           
from:                                                                           
Cash, cash balances and balances with       159       103        54             
central banks                                                                   
Fair value adjustments on hedging           1 063     1 023      4              
instruments                                                                     
Investment securities                       390       495        (21)           
Loans and advances to banks                 991       1 234      (20)           
Other                                       836       954        (12)           
Reverse repurchase agreements               155       280        (45)           
Loans and advances to customers             43 852    48 316     (9)            
Cheque accounts                             2 947     3 162      (7)            
Corporate overdrafts and specialised        664       1 254      (47)           
finance loans                                                                   
Credit cards                                2 991     2 998      (0)            
Foreign currency loans                      177       252        (30)           
Instalment credit agreements                5 577     6 095      (8)            
Interest on impaired financial assets       1 173     764        54             
(refer to note 3)                                                               
Loans to associates and joint ventures      417       486        (14)           
Microloans                                  544       706        (23)           
Mortgages                                   22 062    25 071     (12)           
Other(1)                                    412       943        (56)           
Overnight finance                           584       640        (9)            
Personal and term loans                     3 649     3 225      13             
Preference shares                           619       693        (11)           
Wholesale overdrafts                        2 036     2 027      0              
Other                                       484       87         >100           
Statutory liquid asset portfolio            4 282     2 983      44             
                                           51 221    54 241     (6)             
Note                                                                            
(1)Includes items such as interest on factored debtors` books.                  
8.2 Interest expense and similar charges                                        
                                           2011      2010                       
                                           (Audited) (Audited)  Change          
                                           Rm        Rm         %               
Interest expense and similar charges are                                        
paid on:                                                                        
Borrowed funds                              1 350     1 586      (15)           
Debt securities in issue                    9 602     12 786     (25)           
Deposits due to customers                   15 636    17 204     (9)            
 Call deposits                             3 082     3 237      (5)             
 Cheque account deposits                   2 761     3 196      (14)            
 Credit card deposits                      10        13         (23)            
Fixed deposits                            6 315     7 197      (12)            
 Foreign currency deposits                 102       142        (28)            
 Notice deposits                           777       457        70              
 Other                                     494       609        (19)            
Savings and transmission deposits         2 095     2 353      (11)            
Deposits from banks                         410       273        50             
 Call deposits                             309       177        75              
 Fixed deposits                            98        62         58              
Other                                     3         34         (91)            
Fair value adjustments on hedging           (472)     (1 116)    58             
instruments                                                                     
Interest incurred on finance leases         85        108        (21)           
Other                                       181       60         >100           
                                           26 792    30 901     (13)            
                                                                                
9. NON-INTEREST INCOME                                                          
9.1 Fee and commission income                                                   
Asset management and other related fees     81        105        (23)           
Consulting and administration fees          520       510        2              
Credit-related fees and commissions         12 672    11 800     7              
Cheque accounts                          3 334     3 198      4               
  Credit cards(1)(2)                       1 094     883        24              
  Electronic banking                       4 095     3 828      7               
  Other(3)                                 1 762     1 474      20              
Savings accounts                         2 387     2 417      (1)             
Insurance commission received               901       950        (5)            
Merchant income(2)                          1 185     1 055      12             
Other                                       256       299        (14)           
Pension fund payment services               484       497        (3)            
Project finance fees                        222       209        6              
Trust and other fiduciary services          1 101     1 029      7              
  Portfolio and other management fees(3)   849       783        8               
Trust and estate income                  252       246        2               
                                           17 422    16 454     6               
                                                                                
Fee and commission expense                                                      
Cheque processing fees                   (171)     (173)      1               
  Insurance commission paid                (877)     (867)      (1)             
  Other(2)                                 (659)     (524)      (26)            
  Transaction-based legal fees             (229)     (192)      (19)            
Trust and other fiduciary service        (51)      (122)      58              
fees(2)(4)                                                                      
  Valuation fees                           (142)     (185)      23              
                                           (2 129)   (2 063)    (3)             

Net fee and commission income               15 293    14 391     6              
Included above are net fees and commissions linked to financial                 
instruments not at fair value to the value of R6 940 million (2010: R6          
571 million).                                                                   
Notes                                                                           
1. Includes acquiring and issuing fees.                                         
2. During the year under review, merchant income, trust and other               
fiduciary service fees have been disclosed in order to achieve fair             
presentation. This resulted in a reclassification of comparative                
information.                                                                    
3. Includes service, credit-related fees, commission on mortgage loans          
and foreign exchange transactions.                                              
4. During the year under review, debt collection fees have been included        
in trust and other fiduciary service fees. This resulted in a                   
reclassification of comparative information.                                    
9.2 Gains and losses from banking and trading activities(1)                     
                                             2011      2010                     
                                             (Audited) (Audited)  Change        
                                             Rm        Rm         %             
Associates and joint ventures                 -         87         (100)        
  Dividends received                         -         45         (100)         
  Profit realised on disposal                -         42         (100)         
Net gains on investments                      437       88         >100         
Debt instruments                           29        26         12            
  Equity instruments                         428       154        >100          
  Available-for-sale unwind from reserves    (20)      (92)       78            
Net trading result                            2 627     1 789      47           
Net trading income excluding the impact of    2 571     1 689      52           
hedge accounting                                                                
  Ineffective portion of hedges              56        100        (44)          
     Cash flow hedges                        33        44         (25)          
Economic hedges                         30        71         (58)          
     Fair value hedges                       (7)       (15)       53            
Other                                         (470)     385        >(100)       
                                             2 594     2 349      10            
Net gains on investments comprise debt and equity instruments designated        
at fair value through profit or loss and available for sale unwind from         
reserves.                                                                       
Net trading result comprises gains and losses from instruments designated       
at fair value through profit or loss as well as gains and losses from           
instruments classified as held for trading.                                     
The net trading income of R2 571 million (2010: R1 689 million), consists       
of the following:                                                               
- Losses on financial instruments designated at fair value through profit       
or loss of R851 million (2010: R1 061 million).                                 
- Gains on financial instruments held for trading of R3 422 million             
(2010: R2 750 million).                                                         
Financial instruments designated at fair value through profit or loss           
consist of:                                                                     
- Net gains of R534 million (2010: R705 million) on financial assets            
designated at fair value through profit or loss.                                
- Net losses of R1 385 million (2010: R1 766 million) relating to               
financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss.          
Other includes gains and losses from instruments designated at fair value       
through profit or loss as well as gains and losses from instruments             
classified as held for trading.                                                 
- Gains on financial instruments designated at fair value through profit        
or loss of R6 million (2010: R565 million).                                     
- Losses on financial instruments held for trading of R476 million (2010:       
R180 million).                                                                  
Note                                                                            
1. During the year under review, the presentation of "Gains and losses          
from banking and trading activities" has been amended to align with             
market practice and improve the quality of disclosure to the market. This       
resulted in a reclassification of comparative information.                      
9.3 Gains and losses from investment                                            
activities(1)                                                                   
2011      2010                      
                                            (Audited) (Audited)  Change         
                                            Rm        Rm         %              
Available-for-sale unwind from reserves      1         0          >100          
Net gains on investments from insurance      886       820        8             
activities                                                                      
  Policyholder investment contracts         511       214        >100           
  Policyholder insurance contracts          173       234        (26)           
Shareholder funds                         202       372        (46)           
Other                                        79        64         23            
                                            966       884        9              
Net gains on investments from insurance activities comprise cash, debt          
and equity instruments designated at fair value through profit or loss as       
well as gains and losses from instruments held for trading.                     
Net gains on investments from insurance activities of R886 million (31          
December 2010: R820 million) consist of the following:                          
- Gains on financial instruments designated at fair value through profit        
or loss of R880 million (31 December 2010: R796 million).                       
- Gains on financial instruments held for trading of R6 million (31             
December 2010: R24 million).                                                    
Other includes gains and losses from instruments designated at fair value       
through profit or loss.                                                         
Note                                                                            
1. During the year under review, the presentation of "Gains and losses          
from investment activities" has been amended to align with market               
practice and improve the quality of disclosure to the market. This              
resulted in a reclassification of comparative information.                      
10. OPERATING EXPENDITURE                                                       
10.1 Operating expenses                                                         
                                          2011       2010                       
                                          (Audited)  (Audited)  Change          
                                          Rm         Rm         %               
Amortisation of intangible assets          289        165        75             
Auditors` remuneration                     166        159        4              
Cash transportation                        726        729        (0)            
Depreciation                               1 261      1 147      10             
Equipment costs                            224        271        (17)           
Information technology(1)                  2 241      2 085      7              
Investment property charges                41         4          >100           
 Change in fair value of investment       41         0          100             
properties                                                                      
 Other                                    0          4          (100)           
Marketing costs                            1 036      1 070      (3)            
Operating lease expenses on properties     1 018      978        4              
Other(2)(3)                                1 562      1 871      (17)           
Printing and stationery                    253        272        (7)            
Professional fees(1)                       1 076      1 096      (2)            
Property costs(3)                          1 120      866        29             
Staff costs                                13 642     12 537     9              
Bonuses                                   1 285      1 101      17              
Current service costs on post-retirement  772        635        22              
benefits                                                                        
Other(4)                                  487        528        (8)             
Salaries                                  10 379     9 707      7               
Share-based payments                      467        297        57              
Training costs                            252        269        (6)             
Telephone and postage                      803        820        (2)            
                                          25 458     24 070     6               
Notes                                                                           
1. Both lines include research and development costs totalling R101             
million (2010: R133 million).                                                   
2. Includes accommodation, travel and entertainment costs.                      
3. During the year under review, property costs were moved from other and       
disclosed separately due to the significance thereof. This resulted in a        
reclassification of comparative information.                                    
4. Includes recruitment costs, membership fees to professional bodies,          
staff parking, redundancy fees, study assistance, staff relocation and          
refreshment costs.                                                              
10.2 Other impairments                                                          
                                         2011        2010                       
                                         (Audited)   (Audited)    Change        
                                         Rm          Rm           %             
Financial instruments                     5           37           (86)         
 Amortised cost                          5           12           (58)          
 Available-for-sale                      -           25           (100)         
Other                                     47          71           (34)         
Computer software development costs     -           4            (100)         
 Equipment                               -           13           (100)         
 Goodwill                                28          -            100           
 Investments in associates and joint     (2)         29           >(100)        
ventures                                                                        
 Repossessed properties                  21          25           (16)          
                                         52          108          (52)          
11. HEADLINE EARNINGS                                                           
2011         2010                        
                                       (Audited)    (Audited)     Net           
                                       Gros  Net    Gros  Net     change        
                                       s            s                           
Rm    Rm     Rm    Rm      %             
Headline earnings(1) are determined                                             
as follows:                                                                     
Profit attributable to ordinary               9 674        8 118   19           
equity  holders of the Group                                                    
Total headline earnings adjustment:          45           (77)    >100          
IFRS 3 - Goodwill impairment and        28    28     (72)  (72)    >100         
(gain on bargain purchase)                                                      
IAS 16 - Profit on disposal of          (33)  (30)   (41)  (37)    19           
property and equipment                                                          
IAS 28 and 31 - Headline earnings       (0)   (0)    (1)   (1)     97           
component of share of post-tax                                                  
results of associates and joint                                                 
ventures                                                                        
IAS 28 and 31 - Profit on disposal of   -     -      (42)  (42)    100          
investments in associates and joint                                             
ventures                                                                        
IAS 28 and 31 - Impairment              (2)   (1)    29    21      >(100)       
(reversal)/charge of investments in                                             
associates and joint ventures                                                   
IAS 36 - Impairment of equipment        -     -      13    9       >(100)       
IAS 38 - Impairment of intangible       2     1      4     3       (67)         
assets                                                                          
IAS 39 - Release of available-for-      20    14     92    66      (79)         
sale reserves                                                                   
IAS 39 - Impairment of available-for-   -     -      25    18      (100)        
sale assets                                                                     
IAS 40 - Change in fair value of        39    33     (50)  (42)    >100         
investment properties                                                           
Headline earnings / diluted headline          9 719        8 041   21           
earnings                                                                        
Headline earnings per share (cents)           1            1       21           
355,9        122,6                 
Diluted headline earnings per share           1            1       21           
(cents)                                       350,0        115,7                
Note                                                                            
(1)The net amount is reflected after taxation and non-controlling               
interest.                                                                       
12. DIVIDENDS PER SHARE                                                         
                                            2011      2010                      
(Audited) (Audited)  Change         
                                            Rm        Rm         %              
Dividends paid to ordinary equity holders                                       
during the year                                                                 
15 February 2011 final dividend number 49   1 652     1 580      5              
of 230 cents per ordinary share (16                                             
February 2010: 220 cents)                                                       
2 August 2011 interim dividend number 50    2 098     1 616      30             
of 292 cents per ordinary share (4 August                                       
2010: 225 cents)                                                                
Dividends paid on treasury shares held by   (6)       (5)        (20)           
Absa Group subsidiaries                                                         
3 744      3 191     17             
Dividends paid to ordinary equity holders                                       
relating to income for the year                                                 
2 August 2011 interim dividend number 50    2 098     1 616      30             
of 292 cents per ordinary share (4 August                                       
2010: 225 cents)                                                                
15 February 2012 final dividend number 51   2 815     1 652      70             
of 392 cents per ordinary share (15                                             
February 2011: 230 cents)                                                       
Dividends paid on treasury shares held by   (2)       (3)        33             
Absa Group subsidiaries                                                         
                                            4 911     3 265      50             
Note                                                                            
The STC payable by the Group in respect of the final dividend approved          
and declared subsequent to the reporting date amounts to R282 million           
(2010: R 165 million). No provision has been made for this dividend and         
the related STC in the financial statements at the reporting date in            
accordance with IFRS.                                                           
Dividends paid to non-controlling                                               
preference equity holders during the year                                       
15 February 2011 final dividend number 10   143       162        (12)           
of 2 887 6 cents per preference share (16                                       
February 2010: 3 280 3 cents)                                                   
2 August 2011 interim dividend number 11    141       158        (11)           
of 2 858 3 cents per preference share (4                                        
August 2010: 3 197 5 cents)                                                     
                                            284       320        (11)           
Dividends paid to non-controlling                                               
preference equity holders relating to                                           
income for the year                                                             
2 August 2011 interim dividend number 11    141       158        (11)           
of 2 858 3 cents per preference share (4                                        
August 2010: 3 197 5 cents)                                                     
10 February 2012 final dividend number 12   140       143        (2)            
of      2 827,2 cents per preference                                            
share (15 February 2011: 2 887 6 cents)                                         
281       301        (7)            
Notes                                                                           
1. The STC payable by the Group in respect of the final dividend                
approved and declared subsequent to the reporting date amounts to R14           
million (2010: R 14 million). No provision has been made for this               
dividend and the related STC in the financial statements at the                 
reporting date in accordance with IFRS.                                         
2. In 2007, the Minister of Finance announced a two-phase approach to           
STC reform which included the reduction of the STC tax rate to 10% and          
the replacement of STC with a new dividend tax on shareholders (dividend        
tax). When the dividend tax comes into effect on 1 April 2012, the tax          
will cease to be levied at a company level, and will instead be levied          
on the shareholders who received the dividends.                                 
Unutilised STC credits at the end of 2011 will be utilised against the          
STC payable on the final dividend after 31 December 2011. Before the new        
withholding dividend tax comes into effect, deferred tax assets relating        
to unutilised STC credits up to 31 March 2012 will be utilised.                 
CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                        
as at 31 December                                                               
13. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS                                                  
The following interests were acquired/disposed of during the year under review: 
13.1 Subsidiaries and business combinations                                     
Absa Financial Services Africa Holdings Proprietary Limited (AFS Africa         
Holdings), originally a dormant company, became operational in January 2011 as  
the holding company for Absa Financial Services Limited`s African operations.   
AFS Africa Holdings is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Absa Financial Services     
Limited which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group.                
Absa Life Botswana (Proprietary) Limited (Absa Life Botswana) was established in
Botswana as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AFS Africa Holdings during 2010. Absa  
Life Botswana only became operational during March 2011. It provides credit life
and funeral policies. Non-underwritten life products were introduced in the     
second half of the year and efforts will continue to enter the Group schemes    
market. Absa Life Botswana has a strong working relationship with Barclays Bank 
Botswana and its branches.                                                      
The Group acquired 76% of the units in the Absa Property Equity Fund (APEF) for 
R211 million during April 2011, and as a result, has taken on a majority share  
of the risks and rewards of the fund. The net assets acquired was R211 million. 
APEF operates as a special purpose entity specifically for the investment in    
community upliftment projects and is consolidated in terms of SIC 12. The APEF  
was disposed of in 2010 and reacquired in 2011. Since acquisition, the APEF     
contributed a net profit before tax of R13 million and revenue of R10 million to
the Group for the period 1 April 2011 to 31 December 2011. If the acquisition   
occurred on 1 January 2011, the Group`s revenue would have been R17 million     
higher and the net profit before tax for the year would have been R18 million   
higher.                                                                         
Through its AFS Africa Holdings the Group acquired a 100% stake in Global       
Alliance Seguros, S.A (Global Alliance) for R117 million during September 2011. 
Global Alliance is one of the largest insurance providers in Mozambique and has 
recently launched a life offering. Net assets acquired in the acquisition was   
R94 million with goodwill raised of R23 million. Since acquisition of Global    
Alliance, Global Alliance has contributed a net profit before tax of R16 million
and revenue of R31 million to the Group for the period 1 September 2011 to 31   
December 2011. If the acquisition occurred on 1 January 2011, the Group`s       
revenue would have been R86 million higher and the net profit before tax for the
year would have been R39 million higher. The acquisition is strategically       
attractive in that it will allow Absa Financial Services to progress its African
expansion objectives by entering the market in Mozambique with immediate scale  
and provide a platform for growth. As at the acquisition date, the accounting   
for the business combination its determined provisionally since the fair values 
of the identifiable assets and liabilities are in the process of being          
finalised, pending the finalisation of due diligence. Acquisition-related costs 
amounted to R3 million in the statement of comprehensive income.                
During October 2011, the Group acquired the operations of Takafol South Africa  
Proprietary Limited (Takafol), an underwriting management agent for R3 million. 
Absa Insurance Company Limited underwrote the Islamic insurance policies        
administered by Takafol. Takafol is the sole provider of Islamic insurance      
products in South Africa. The integration of Takafol into the Group will provide
synergies with Absa Islamic Banking, expand the Group`s Islamic Banking product 
offerings and allowing the Group to progress its African expansion objectives.  
The Group subscribed for additional shares in Barclays Bank Mozambique S.A.     
(BBM) at a total consideration of R268 million in terms of a rights issue during
July 2010. The 12 016 200 additional shares acquired during 2010 increased the  
effective interest held from 80% to 95,85% at the time. The non-controlling     
shareholders were granted options until 18 June 2011 to acquire their pro-rata  
shares in terms of the rights issue from the Group at the original subscription 
price of Mt 100 plus interest equal to 17,85% per annum. Interest was to accrue 
from the date on which Absa made payment of the subscription price. None of the 
non-controlling shareholders exercised their rights in terms of the options     
granted upon expiry of the options by 18 June 2011. The term of the options were
not extended. The final effective interest of the Group remained at 95,85%.     
The Group together with two other parties have a shareholding in Barrie Island  
Investments Proprietary Limited (Barrie Island). During January 2011, the Group 
entered into an agreement to purchase an additional 30% of the shares in Barrie 
Island from another shareholder who wished to exit the arrangement. Following   
this purchase, the Group owns 70% of the shares of Barrie Island. At the        
acquisition date, the investment was recognised at R nil million. A fair value  
adjustment of R3 million was processed as a loss in the statement of            
comprehensive income when the additional shares in Barrie Island were acquired. 
Net liabilities incurred in the further acquisition totalled R3 million with    
goodwill raised of R3 million. Barrie Island holds property in Alberton. The    
property is zoned for commercial and residential property. The goodwill in      
Barrie Island has been impaired because Barrie Island has been consistently     
making losses and is not expected to be profitable in the near future. Since the
further acquisition, Barrie Island had no revenue and profit before tax impact  
to the Group for the period to 31 December 2011.                                
The partnership in the IFU Property Fund was dissolved during the year under    
review. Overlook at Sugarloaf Incorporated (a new legal entity incorporated in  
the                                                                             
United States of America) was established to replace the IFU Property Fund. This
did not affect the Group`s overall statement of financial position.             
During the year under review, the Group sold certain exposures to Commissioner  
Street No. 4 (RF) Limited (Commissioner Street 4), a special purpose entity     
(SPE) established by the Group. Commissioner Street 4 issued various classes of 
notes to investors.                                                             
The following table summarises the significant acquisition-date fair values of  
the assets and liabilities acquired in the above business combination           
transactions:                                                                   
                       APEF            Barrie Island   Global                   
Alliance                 
                       (Audited)       (Audited)       (Audited)                
Class of               Rm              Rm              Rm                       
asset/(liability)                                                               
Cash, cash balances    0               0               38                       
and balances with                                                               
central banks                                                                   
Other assets           1               40              91                       
Investment securities  277             -               -                        
Intangible assets      -               -               72                       
Investment properties  -               -               28                       
Property and           -               -               24                       
equipment                                                                       
Deferred tax asset/    -               1               (20)                     
(liabilities)                                                                   
Other liabilities      (0)             (50)            (139)                    
Fair value of          -               3               -                        
existing interest                                                               
Non-controlling        (67)            3               -                        
interest                                                                        
Net assets acquired/   211             (3)             94                       
(liabilities                                                                    
incurred)                                                                       
                                                                                
Cash outflow on        211             0               117                      
acquisition                                                                     
Fair value of net      (211)           3               (94)                     
(assets acquired)/                                                              
liabilities incurred                                                            
Goodwill               -               3               23                       
                                                                                
Total cash and cash    0               0               38                       
equivalents acquired                                                            
A full list of subsidiaries as at 31 December 2011 is available, on             
request, at the registered address of the Group.                                
13.2 Associates and joint ventures                                              
The following interests were disposed of during the year under review:          
Sekunjalo Investments Limited was classified as an "equity accounted"           
associate held by Absa Capital and Absa Business Bank. Absa Capital`s           
investment was disposed of and the remaining investment held by Absa            
Business Bank was transferred to investment securities.                         
14. RELATED PARTIES                                                             
Barclays Bank PLC owns 55,5% (2010: 55,5%) of the ordinary shares in the        
Group. The remaining 44,5% (2010: 44,5%) of the shares are widely held on       
the JSE.                                                                        
The following are defined as related parties of the Group:                      
- key management personnel;                                                     
- the parent company;                                                           
- subsidiaries;                                                                 
- associates  joint ventures and retirement benefit funds;                      
- an entity controlled/jointly controlled or significantly influenced by        
any individual referred to above;                                               
- post-employment benefit plans for the benefit of employees or any             
entity that is a related party of the Group; and                                
- children and/or dependants and spouses or partners of the individuals         
referred to above.                                                              
IAS 24 requires the identification of key management personnel who are          
individuals responsible for planning directing and controlling the              
activities of the entity including directors. Key management personnel          
are defined as executive and non-executive directors and members of the         
Group Executive Committee (Exco).                                               
14.1 Transactions with key management personnel and entities controlled         
by key management                                                               
A number of banking and insurance transactions are entered into with key        
management personnel in the normal course of business under terms that          
are no more favourable than those arranged with third parties. These            
include loans deposits and foreign currency transactions. The related           
party transactions  outstanding balances at year-end  and related               
expenses and income with related parties for the year are as follows:           
                                          2011        2010     Change           
                                          (Audited)   (Audite                   
                                                      d)                        
Rm          Rm       %                
Balances                                                                        
Loans                                      624         25       >100            
Deposits                                   33          25       32              
Guarantees issued by the Group             79          70       13              
Other investments                          81          68       19              
Loans include mortgages, asset finance transactions, overdraft and other        
credit facilities. Loans to key management personnel are provided on the        
same terms and conditions as loans to employees of the Group, including         
interest rates and collateral requirements.                                     
In addition to the specific guarantees, a number of key management              
personnel and entities controlled by key management personnel have              
unlimited surety with the Group. There were no bad debts expenses and           
provision for bad debts that related to balances with key management            
personnel.                                                                      
                                         2011        2010      Change           
(Audited)   (Audited                   
                                                     )                          
                                         Rm          Rm        %                
Transactions                                                                    
Interest income                           56          2         >100            
Interest expense                          1           1         -               
Insurance premiums paid                   0,41        0,38      8               
Insurance claims received                 0,17        0,28      (39)            
Key management personnel compensation                                           
Executive directors                                                             
Post-employment benefit contributions     1           1         -               
Salaries and other short-term benefits    33          38        (13)            
Share-based payments                      27          17        59              
Termination benefits                      -           10        (100)           
                                         61          66        (8)              
Other key management personnel                                                  
Post-employment benefit contributions     2           2         -               
Salaries and other short-term benefits    42          43        (2)             
Share-based payments                      36          33        9               
Termination benefits                      3           -         100             
83          78        6                
14.2 Balances and transactions with parent company and fellow                   
subsidiaries(1), associates and joint ventures                                  
                             Parent company(2)         Fellow                   
subsidiaries(3)          
                             2011          2010        2011     2010            
                             (Audited)     (Audited)   (Audite  (Audite         
                                                       d)       d)              
Rm            Rm          Rm       Rm              
Balances                                                                        
Loans and advances to banks   41 065        15 261      188      412            
Derivative assets             10 254        9 079       0        65             
Nominal value of derivative   637 611       489 895     608      3 507          
assets                                                                          
Other assets                  338           498         -        54             
Investment securities         499           581         -        -              
Deposits from banks           (5 784)       (5 821)     -        (261)          
Derivative liabilities        (10 488)      (8 999)     (72)     (7)            
Nominal value of derivative   (462 870)     (375 175)   (1 441)  (292)          
liabilities                                                                     
Other liabilities             (1 167)       (267)       (52)     -              
Transactions                                                                    
Interest and similar income   (111)         (80)        2        -              
Interest and similar expense  67            36          -        -              
Net fee and commission        -             -           (12)     -              
income                                                                          
Gains and losses from         (136)         1 646       -        -              
banking and trading                                                             
activities                                                                      
Other operating income        (152)         (42)        -        -              
Operating expenditure         115           (252)       152      279            
Dividends paid                2 082         1 775       -        -              
Trade balances must be settled in accordance with market conventions            
applicable to the underlying transaction. Non-trade balances must be            
settled by the close of the month immediately following the month in            
which the transaction occurred. Further, settlement must be in the              
currency required by the fellow subsidiary receiving the settlement. In         
exceptional cases it may be impractical or inefficient to settle                
balances monthly. In such cases the unsettled balances must be                  
explicitly agreed monthly in writing, and full settlement must be made          
at least quarterly.                                                             
There were no bad debts expenses and provisions for bad debts that              
related to balances and transactions with the parent company, fellow            
subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures.                                    
Notes                                                                           
1. Debit amounts are shown as positives; credit amounts are shown as            
negatives.                                                                      
2. Absa Group Limited is a subsidiary of Barclays Bank PLC, which has           
majority equity interest in the Group.                                          
3. Fellow subsidiaries are those subsidiaries of Barclays Bank PLC.             
Balances and transactions between the Group and its subsidiaries have           
been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note.            
15. ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION (1)                              
                                       2011       2010                          
                                       (Audited)  (Audited)   Change            
                                       Rm         Rm          %                 
Alternative asset management and        30 486                 18               
exchange traded funds                              25 904                       
Deceased estates                        2 166      2 153       1                
Other                                   10 505     10 898      (4)              
Participation bond schemes              2 544      2 315       10               
Portfolio management                    26 792     21 145      27               
Private equity                          728        732         (1)              
Trusts                                  6 720      6 482       4                
Unit trusts                             133 245    125 320     6                
                                       213 186    194 949     9                 
                                                                                
16. FINANCIAL GUARANTEE CONTRACTS                                               
Financial guarantee contracts(2)        356        599         (41)             
                                                                                
17. COMMITMENTS                                                                 
Authorised capital expenditure                                                  
Contracted but not provided for(3)      283        1 061       (73)             
Operating lease payments due(4)                                                 
No later than one year                  1 106      1 066       4                
Later than one year and no later than   2 136      2 059       4                
five years                                                                      
Later than five years                   585        482         21               
                                       3 827      3 607       6                 
Sponsorship payments due(5)(6)                                                  
No later than one year                  209        305         (31)             
Later than one year and no later than   299        508         (41)             
five years                                                                      
                                       508        813         (38)              

18. CONTINGENCIES                                                               
                                       2011       2010                          
                                       (Audited)  (Audited)   Change            
Rm         Rm          %                 
Guarantees(7)                           13 226     11 051      20               
Irrevocable debt facilities(8)          46 189     46 495      (1)              
Irrevocable equity facilities(8)        494        750         (34)             
Letters of credit                       5 190      4 979       4                
Other                                   10         44          (77)             
                                       65 109     63 319      3                 
Notes                                                                           
1. Comparatives have been restated for the inclusion of assets managed          
by Absa Capital on behalf of clients, exchange-traded funds and                 
alternative asset management funds, in order to align assets under              
management and administration to current market practice.                       
2. Represents the maximum exposure, which is not necessarily the                
measurement recognised on the statement of financial position in                
accordance with IFRS.                                                           
3. The Group has capital commitments in respect of computer equipment           
and property development. Management is confident that future net               
revenue and funding will be sufficient to cover these commitments.              
4. The operating lease commitments comprise a number of separate                
operating leases in relation to properties and equipment, none of which         
is individually significant to the Group. Leases are negotiated for an          
average term of three to five years and rentals are renegotiated                
annually.                                                                       
5. During the year under review, additional information has been                
included for sponsorships. This resulted in a reclassification of               
comparative information.                                                        
6. The Group has sponsorship commitments in respect of sports, arts and         
culture sponsorships. Certain sponsorship agreements in place expire in         
2012 and are under review by management for renewal in the foreseeable          
future.                                                                         
7. Guarantees include performance and payment guarantee contracts.              
8. Irrevocable facilities are commitments to extend credit where the            
Group does not have the right to terminate the facilities by written            
notice. Commitments generally have fixed expiry dates. Since commitments        
may expire without being drawn upon, the total contract amounts do not          
necessarily represent future cash requirements.                                 
19. SEGMENT PERFORMANCE                                                         
19.1 Condensed consolidated profit contribution by segment                      
for the year ended 31 December                                                  
                                           2011      2010(1)                    
(Audited) (Audited)  Change          
                                           Rm        Rm         %               
Banking operations                                                              
Retail Banking                             4 179     3 258      28              
Home Loans                               516       196        >100            
  Vehicle and Asset Finance                403       236        71              
  Card                                     1 758     1 483      19              
  Personal Loans                           720       515        40              
Retail Bank                              782       828        (6)             
Absa Business Bank                         2 895     2 866      1               
Absa Capital                               1 496     1 612      (7)             
Corporate centre                           (301)     (397)      24              
Capital and funding centres                315       (192)      >100            
Non-controlling interest - preference      (283)     (319)      11              
shares(2)                                                                       
Total banking                              8 301     6 828      22              
Financial Services                         1 373     1 290      6               
Profit attributable to ordinary equity     9 674     8 118      19              
holders of the Group                                                            
Headline earnings adjustments              45        (77)       >100            
Headline earnings                          9 719     8 041      21              
Notes                                                                           
1. Comparatives have been reclassified. Refer to note 20.                       
2. Includes the elimination of non-controlling interest - preference            
shares of Retail Banking.                                                       
19.2 Condensed consolidated total revenue(1) contribution by segment            
for the year ended 31 December                                                  
                                           2011      2010(2)                    
(Audited) (Audited)  Change          
                                           Rm        Rm         %               
Banking operations                                                              
Retail Banking                             24 640    23 090     7               
Home Loans                               4 064     3 531      15              
  Vehicle and Asset Finance                2 224     2 035      9               
  Card                                     4 970     4 601      8               
  Personal Loans                           2 108     1 960      8               
Retail Bank                              11 274    10 963     3               
Absa Business Bank                         11 839    11 545     3               
Absa Capital                               5 519     5 508      0               
Corporate centre                           (860)     (827)      (4)             
Capital and funding centres                679       (106)      >100            
Total banking                              41 817    39 210     7               
Financial Services                         4 015     3 604      11              
Total revenue                              45 832    42 814     7               
Notes                                                                           
1. Revenue includes net interest income and non-interest income.                
2. Comparatives have been reclassified. Refer to note 20.                       
19.3 Condensed consolidated total internal revenue(1) contribution by segment   
for the year ended 31 December                                                  
                                           2011      2010(2)                    
                                           (Audited) (Audited)  Change          
                                           Rm        Rm         %               
Banking operations                                                              
Retail Banking                             (10 660)  (13 334)   20              
  Home Loans                               (12 896)  (15 119)   15              
  Vehicle and Asset Finance                (2 436)   (2 753)    12              
Card                                     (633)     (738)      14              
  Personal Loans                           (569)     (611)      7               
  Retail Bank                              5 874     5 887      (0)             
Absa Business Bank                         2 739     1 551      77              
Absa Capital                               9 401     12 516     (25)            
Corporate centre                           91        (423)      >100            
Capital and funding centres                (1 170)   (820)      (43)            
Total banking                              401       (510)      >100            
Financial Services                         (401)     510        >(100)          
Total internal revenue                     -         -          -               
Notes                                                                           
1. Revenue includes net interest income and non-interest income.                
2. Comparatives have been reclassified. Refer to note 20.                       
19.4 Condensed consolidated total assets by segment                             
as at 31 December                                                               
                                           2011      2010(1)                    
(Audited) (Audited)  Change          
                                           Rm        Rm         %               
Banking operations                                                              
Retail Banking                             469 710   470 240    (0)             
Home Loans                               239 376   247 881    (3)             
  Vehicle and Asset Finance                46 500    50 385     (8)             
  Card                                     29 456    26 746     10              
  Personal Loans                           13 489    12 887     5               
Retail Bank                              140 889   132 341    6               
Absa Business Bank                         206 051   184 326    12              
Absa Capital                               369 797   356 110    4               
Corporate centre                           (368 448) (380 521)  3               
Capital and funding centres                83 966    72 855     15              
Total banking                              761 076   703 010    8               
Financial Services                         25 643    22 947     12              
Total assets                               786 719   725 957    8               
Note                                                                            
(1) Comparatives have been reclassified. Refer to note 20.                      
20. RECLASSIFICATIONS                                                           
20.1 Some items within the statement of financial position for the years        
ended 31 December 2010 and 31 December 2009 were reclassified in the            
current year:                                                                   
                                2010                                            
                                (Audited)                                       
As previously  Reclassifica-  Reclassifi        
                                reported       tion           ed                
                                Rm             Rm             Rm                
Cash, cash balances and          24 361         (620)          23 741           
balances with central banks                                                     
(1)                                                                             
Loans and advances to banks      24 877         2 618          27 495           
(2)                                                                             
Other assets (2)                 16 131         (3 276)        12 855           
Loans and advances to            498 635        10 145         508 780          
customers                                                                       
 Collateralised loans (2)                      658                              
Offsetting (3)                                9 487                            
Investment securities(1)         23 826         620            24 446           
Total assets (3)                 716 470        9 487          725 957          
Deposits due to customers(3)     378 111        9 487          387 598          
Total liabilities(3)             654 321        9 487          663 808          
Total liabilities and            716 470        9 487          725 957          
equity(3)                                                                       
                                                                                
2009                                            
                                (Audited)                                       
                                As previously  Reclassifica-  Reclassifi        
                                reported       tion           ed                
Rm             Rm             Rm                
Cash, cash balances and          20 597         (391)          20 206           
balances with central banks                                                     
(1)                                                                             
Loans and advances to banks      36 032         7 191          43 223           
(2)                                                                             
Other assets (2)                 17 777         (7 191)        10 586           
Loans and advances to            506 163        10 845         517 008          
customers (3)                                                                   
Investment securities (1)        29 564         391            29 955           
Total assets (3)                 710 796        10 845         721 641          
Deposits due to customers (3)    356 365        10 845         367 210          
Total liabilities (3)            654 306        10 845         665 151          
Total liabilities and equity     710 796        10 845         721 641          
(3)                                                                             
Notes                                                                           
1. Money market instruments                                                     
During the year under review, the Group has reclassified certain money market   
instruments linked to investment contracts, with longer-term maturities, from   
`Cash, cash balances with central bank` to `Investment securities`, to reflect  
the true nature of these instruments. `Cash, cash balances and balances with    
central banks` should comprise cash on hand and demand deposits which the Group 
expects to be realised within 12 months after the reporting date. This has      
resulted in comparatives being reclassified for 31 December 2010 and 31 December
2009 as reflected in the table above.                                           
2. Collateralised loans                                                         
During the year under review, the Group has reclassified certain collateralised 
loans previously disclosed as `Other assets` to `Loans and advances to banks`   
and `Loans and advances to customers` in 2010 and to `Loans and advances to     
banks` in 2009 to reflect the true nature of these trades as collateralised     
loans. This has resulted in comparatives being reclassified for 31 December 2010
and 31 December 2009 as reflected in the table above.                           
3. Offsetting                                                                   
Certain customers within the Group have agreements in place whereby interest    
receivable or payable is calculated on the net balances of the cheque deposits  
and cheque advances. During the year under review, the Group identified that the
related cheque account balances owed or receivable were also being offset. Given
that there is no agreement in place that allows these balances to be offset, the
Group is expected to have reflected the gross balances in terms of IAS 32.      
As a result, the assets and liabilities relating to these cheque accounts were  
reclassified so that these are presented on a gross basis. This has resulted in 
the comparatives being reclassified for 31 December 2010 and 31 December 2009 as
reflected in the table above.                                                   
20.2 Comparatives have been reclassified for the following structure changes    
made during the year:                                                           
- Absa Technology Finance Solutions Proprietary Limited was moved from Vehicle  
and Asset Finance within Retail Banking to Absa Business Bank.                  
- Debit Card was moved within Retail Banking from Retail Bank to Card.          
- Personal loan centres were moved within Retail Banking from Personal Loans to 
Retail Bank.                                                                    
- Absa Development Company division and Absa Development Company Holdings       
Proprietary Limited were moved from Absa Business Bank to Retail Bank within    
Retail Banking.                                                                 
- The Group`s corporate client base was transferred from Absa Business Bank to  
Absa Capital following an initiative to optimise product delivery to its        
corporate clients.                                                              
Profit and dividend announcement                                                
Salient features                                                                
- Diluted headline earnings per share (HEPS) grew 21% to 1350,0 cents.          
- Total dividend of 684 cents per share, up 50%.                                
- Net interest margin on average interest-bearing assets widened to 4,11% from  
3,94%.                                                                          
- Non-interest revenue grew 10% and accounted for 46,7% of total revenue (2010: 
45,5%).                                                                         
- Operating expenses growth contained to 6%, improving Absa`s cost-to-income    
ratio to 55,5% (2010: 56,2%).                                                   
- Loans and advances to customers declined 1% to R504 billion.                  
- Credit losses decreased 15% to R5 081 million, resulting in a 1,01% credit    
loss ratio (2010: 1,18%).                                                       
- Return on average equity (RoE) improved to 16,4% (2010: 15,1%).               
- Return on average risk-weighted assets increased to 2,35% and return on       
average assets (RoA) to 1,32% (2010: 1,99% and 1,10% respectively).             
- Net asset value (NAV) per share grew 11% to 8 690 cents (2010: 7 838).        
- Absa Group`s Core Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio improved to 13,0% (2010:      
11,7%), well above regulatory requirements.                                     
Overview                                                                        
The Group`s headline earnings increased 21% to R9 719 million (2010: R8 041     
million). Diluted HEPS rose 21% to 1 350,0 cents (2010: 1 115,7 cents). Absa`s  
RoE improved to 16,4%, reflecting a higher RoA of 1,32% (2010: 1,10%), offset by
reduced leverage. The Group declared a final dividend of 392 cents per share,   
70% above the corresponding period, after considering regulatory changes, its   
strong Core Tier 1 ratio, its strategy and growth plans, and near-term business 
objectives.                                                                     
Absa delivered on its key commitments for 2011, including growing revenue faster
than operating expenses. The Group`s pre-provision profit increased 9% to R20   
374 million. Improved non-interest revenue growth, lower credit losses, better  
cost containment and a wider net interest margin were the primary reasons for   
Absa`s headline earnings growth. These drivers outweighed the impact of lower   
loans and advances, and a higher effective tax rate.                            
Retail Banking`s 33% headline earnings growth was the principal driver of the   
Group`s 21% increase. Financial Services and Absa Business Bank (ABB) increased 
earnings 7% and 5% respectively. Absa Capital`s headline earnings decreased 10% 
after a difficult second half.                                                  
Operating environment                                                           
South Africa`s economic growth slowed considerably in recent quarters to an     
annualised 1,4% in the third quarter of 2011.  Household expenditure growth has 
remained one bright point, rising 3,7% on an annualised basis in the third      
quarter. This is underpinned by evidence that the worst of the labour market    
weakness has passed and consumers are benefiting from low interest rates and    
increased real household income growth.  Despite the prime rate being at the    
lowest level since the 1970s, private sector credit extension remains moderate. 
Household credit rose at an average of 5,7% from June through November 2011 and 
corporate credit 3,6%. This modest new borrowing and income growth has reduced  
household debt to disposable income from a 2008 peak of 82,7% to 75,0%, although
consumers remain vulnerable to any monetary policy tightening.                  
Inflation pressures mounted through 2011, as headline CPI increased from the    
cyclical low of 3,2% in September 2010 to 6,1% in November 2011, which is above 
the SARB target range. Growth in core inflation has been more moderate,         
increasing to 3,9% despite rising food and fuel costs. Given concerns about     
economic growth, the Reserve Bank has kept its policy rate at 5,5%.             
Group performance                                                               
Statement of financial position                                                 
The Group`s total assets rose 8% to R787 billion at 31 December 2011, reflecting
strong second half growth in its trading portfolio assets and loans and advances
to banks. Absa`s statutory liquid asset portfolio increased 19% to R57 billion. 
Loans and advances to customers                                                 
Absa`s loans and advances to customers declined by 1% to R504 billion (2010:    
R509 billion). Retail Banking`s loans and advances decreased 1%, reflecting     
sustained focus on risk appetite and pricing. Retail mortgages (including       
Commercial Property Finance), which constitute 47% of total Group gross loans   
and advances to customers, decreased 4%. Given Retail Banking`s strategy to grow
its proportion of unsecured loans, credit cards grew 4% and personal loans 7%.  
Muted client demand also dampened ABB`s loans and advances, which declined 4%   
due to lower Commercial Property Finance, instalment credit agreements and      
wholesale overdrafts. Absa Capital`s loans and advances increased 6%, reflecting
strong growth in foreign currency loans and overnight finance.                  
Deposits due to customers                                                       
Absa continued to improve its liquidity, growing customer deposits 14% to R441  
billion and increasing its proportion of long-term funding to 24,5%. With solid 
growth in most key categories, Retail Banking`s deposits increased 9%, to       
maintain its leading market share. Its proportion of high margin deposits       
improved further. ABB`s deposits increased 13%, given strong growth in cheque   
account and call deposits. Absa Capital`s deposits rose 18%, after solid growth 
in fixed deposits and notice deposits. Deposits due to customers accounted for  
72% of funding compared to 64% in 2009, while the proportion from debt          
securities in issue dropped to 21% from 30%. The Group`s loans-to-deposits ratio
declined to 88% from 92%.                                                       
Net asset value                                                                 
The Group`s NAV increased 11% to R62 billion, as it generated retained earnings 
of R5,9 billion during the year. Absa`s NAV per share grew 11% to 8 690 cents   
(2010: 7 838 cents).                                                            
Capital to risk-weighted assets                                                 
The Group`s risk-weighted assets increased 0,4% to R424 billion (2010: R423     
billion). Absa maintained its strong capital levels, which remain above board   
targets and regulatory requirements. At 31 December 2011, Absa Group`s Core Tier
1 and Tier 1 capital adequacy ratios were 13,0% (2010: 11,7%) and 14,1% (2010:  
12,8%) respectively. The Group`s total capital ratio improved to 16,7% (2010:   
15,5%). Absa Bank`s Core Tier 1 ratio increased to 12,1% (2010: 10,7%) and its  
total ratio was 16,2% (2010: 14,8%). Factoring in its strong capital position   
and medium-term plans, the Group was able to increase its total dividend per    
share by 50%.                                                                   
Statement of comprehensive income                                               
Net interest income                                                             
Net interest income increased 5% to R24 429 million (2010: R23 340 million),    
despite loans declining slightly and a 0,87% lower average prime rate during the
year. The growth stems from the Group`s improved net interest margin (4,11% from
3,94%) due to its hedging strategy, better new business pricing and lower       
reliance on wholesale funding. These outweighed the negative endowment effect on
capital and deposits, competitive pricing pressure on deposits and the cost of  
lengthening funding and increasing surplus liquid assets.                       
Credit losses                                                                   
Absa`s credit impairments improved 15% to R5 081 million (2010: R6 005 million).
Retail Banking, where credit losses decreased 17% to R3 965 million, was        
responsible for most of the reduction. Early cycle delinquencies improved as    
lower interest rates helped consumers to recover, and the benefits of effective 
collections and sound credit policy became evident. ABB`s credit losses dropped 
24% to R873 million.                                                            
The Group`s credit loss ratio improved to 1,01% (2010: 1,18%). This is          
noticeably below 2009`s high charge of 1,70%. Retail Banking`s credit loss ratio
declined to 1,23% (2010: 1,48%), as every category improved, particularly Absa  
Card and Personal Loans. ABB`s credit loss ratio fell to 0,72% from 0,93%.      
Absa`s non-performing loan coverage declined to 27,8% (2010: 29,8%), in part due
to 24% higher write-offs of impaired advances.                                  
Non-performing loans as a percentage of loans and advances improved to 6,9%     
(2010: 7,6%), due to reduced new NPLs, greater write-offs and rehabilitating    
more accounts. Absa`s loans subject to debt counselling reduced to R3,4 billion 
from R7,0 billion the previous year, reflecting strong collection efforts.      
Non-interest income                                                             
Despite muted trading and retail client activity, Absa`s non-interest income    
grew 10% to R21 403 million (2010: R19 474 million), owing to growth in targeted
areas. Net fee and commission income constituted 71% of non-interest income. It 
grew 6% to R15 293 million (2010: R14 391 million), due to volume growth and    
price increases. Retail Banking`s net fee and commission income rose 6%, while  
ABB`s demonstrated improving momentum growing 8%. Net revenue from Financial    
Services, excluding investment returns on shareholder funds, grew 14%. Absa     
Capital`s net trading increased 1% to R2 166 million, despite difficult second  
half conditions in fixed income. The Group sold its stake in Visa Incorporated  
in 2011, recording a R30 million gain compared to a R128 million loss the prior 
year. Private equity and commercial property finance revaluations accounted for 
less than 1% of total non-interest revenue.                                     
Operating expenses                                                              
The Group`s operating expenses increased 6% to R25 458 million (2010: R24 070   
million), reflecting cost containment while continuing to invest in target      
growth areas. Staff costs constituted 54% of the total, increasing 9% to R13 642
million. This reflected salary increases, higher bonuses and share-based        
payments due to significant incentive deferrals from previous years and improved
operating performance. Non-staff costs grew just 2%, as containing discretionary
spend was a priority. Total IT-related spend grew 5% to R5,3 billion, which     
represents 21% of Group costs. Absa`s cost-to-income ratio improved to 55,5%    
from 56,2%.                                                                     
Taxation                                                                        
The Group`s taxation charge grew 23% to R4 026 million, as its effective tax    
rate rose to 28,3% from 27,5%. The higher rate was mainly due to a lower        
proportion of exempt income and secondary tax on companies. Absa continued to   
contribute significantly to the fiscus, making cash payments of R5,7 billion in 
2011.                                                                           
Segmental performance                                                           
Retail Banking                                                                  
Retail Banking produced strong results, growing headline earnings 33% to R4 179 
million (2010: R3 137 million). This reflects solid net interest income growth, 
lower credit losses and a focus on costs. Containing cost growth to 5%, which   
was less than revenue growth, reduced its cost-to-income ratio to 56,7% (2010:  
57,6%). Retail Banking`s credit loss ratio improved to 1,23% from 1,48%, as a   
result of lower early stage delinquencies and successful collection strategies. 
All business segments increased their headline earnings. While a material       
recovery in secured lending drove earnings growth, superior unsecured lending   
returns underpinned the division`s 27,0% returns on regulatory capital. Card`s  
strong performance was a standout, growing its headline earnings 19% to R1 757  
million. The Group maintained its leading share of retail deposits, customers,  
branches and ATMs.                                                              
Absa Business Bank                                                              
ABB had a solid year, growing headline earnings 5% to R2 948 million (2010: R2  
811 million), as it managed costs and reduced credit impairments. Operating     
expenses grew 5%. Enhanced transactional capabilities, new products and reduced 
revenue leakage increased fee income 8%. ABB grew its deposits 13%, contributing
materially to the Group`s improved loans-to-deposits ratio. However, competition
and lower interest rates reduced ABB`s net interest margin noticeably to 4,44%  
(2010: 4,75%). Book run-off, muted client credit demand and Absa`s targeted     
commercial property finance growth saw its loans and advances decrease 4%. ABB`s
credit impairments dropped 24%, improving its credit loss ratio to 0,72% from   
0,93%. ABB`s return on regulatory capital declined slightly to 19,5%.           
Absa Capital                                                                    
Absa Capital experienced a challenging year, particularly in the second half.   
Its headline earnings decreased 10% to R 1 495 million (2010: R 1 659 million)  
on flat revenues. Markets revenue declined 3% due to reduced market liquidity   
and a flat interest rate environment.  Fixed Income and Credit the largest      
components of this, fell 7%. Foreign Exchange and Commodities, a key focus area,
partially offset this by growing 11%. Investment Banking revenue decreased 20%. 
Growth of 44% in its fee business was offset by a decline in the margin business
due to the unwind of highly structured on balance sheet financing. Private      
Equity earnings continued to improve, benefiting from profitable realisations   
and positive valuations. Wealth`s net revenue increased 33%, reflecting lower   
credit losses and higher transactional activities. Absa Capital`s return on     
regulatory capital decreased to 17,1% (2010: 18,1%).                            
Financial Services                                                              
Net operating income increased 21% to R1 686 million (2010: R1 390 million). The
drivers of the strong operational performance included 18% gross revenue growth,
a modest 5% increase in claims paid and an improved cost efficiency ratio.      
Gross and net insurance premiums grew 18% and 13% respectively, while non-      
insurance income increased 16%. Assets under management increased 3% to R168    
billion, in spite of a reduction in assets invested in the dividend income fund.
Operating expenditure increased 12%, as AFS established African operations in   
Botswana and Mozambique and continued to invest heavily in core scalable        
operating platforms in anticipation of further growth. Investment income on     
shareholder funds decreased 40% in a low interest rate environment, as a result 
of de-risking its shareholder funds and poor performance of equity markets. This
resulted in 7% headline earnings growth. Its RoE declined to 32,0% from 34,8%,  
reflecting additional capital retained to expand into Africa. Meanwhile its     
return on embedded value was 37,1% (2010: 39,8%).                               
Prospects                                                                       
Global economic conditions remain challenging. Key structural weaknesses in the 
Eurozone still need to be addressed, the US economy faces the uncertainty of an 
election year and emerging markets look to navigate the downside risks created  
in developed countries. However, Sub-Saharan Africa`s GDP is expected to grow   
5,5% this year.                                                                 
For South Africa, the external environment is unlikely to support stronger      
growth and we expect the economy to grow just 2,8%.  Slightly higher inflation  
will place some pressure on real household income and the labour market is      
expected to remain weak, which suggests consumers will remain vulnerable and    
corporates cautious in their business decisions.  We expect the Reserve Bank to 
increase interest rates in the fourth quarter, albeit at a slow pace.           
Against this fragile macro backdrop, sector asset and revenue growth is likely  
to remain muted. However, Absa should continue to benefit from its hedging      
strategy. Containing costs remains a priority and management is committed to    
keeping cost growth below revenue growth again this year. Together with an      
expected credit loss ratio of below 1%, the Group`s returns should improve      
further. Absa will continue to work closely with Barclays to capture the        
opportunities the combined franchises offer in the rest of Africa. Absa remains 
well positioned for expected regulatory changes with a strong capital position  
and will continue to improve its liquidity.                                     
Basis of presentation and changes in accounting policies                        
The Group`s condensed results have been prepared in accordance with the         
recognition and measurement requirements of International Financial Reporting   
Standards (IFRS). The disclosures comply with International Accounting Standard 
(IAS) 34.                                                                       
The preparation of financial information requires the use of estimates and      
assumptions about future conditions. The accounting policies that are deemed    
critical to the Group`s results and financial position, in terms of the         
materiality of the items to which the policy is applied, and which involve a    
high degree of judgement including the use of assumptions and estimation, are   
impairment of loans and advances, goodwill impairment, valuation of financial   
instruments, impairment of available-for-sale financial assets, impairment of   
investments in associates and joint ventures, deferred tax assets, consolidation
of special purpose entities (SPEs), post-retirement benefits, provisions, share-
based payments, liabilities arising from claims made under short-term insurance 
contracts, liabilities arising from claims made under life-term insurance       
contracts, income taxes and offsetting of financial assets and liabilities.     
Changes in accounting policies                                                  
The accounting policies applied in preparing the financial results for the year 
under review are the same as the accounting policies in place for the year ended
31 December 2010 except for the following:                                      
-    The Group adopted the predecessor accounting method as its accounting      
policy for common control transactions. The Group previously accounted for      
common control transactions in terms of IFRS 3 Business Combinations where these
transactions had economic substance. This change in accounting policy will align
the Group`s accounting policy with its ultimate parent company, Barclays PLC.   
The change in accounting policy does not impact the Group`s consolidated results
and had no impact on basic and diluted earnings per share as previously         
reported.                                                                       
-    Adoption of amendments and changes to IFRS mandatory for the 31 December   
2011 financial year. These amendments, specified in the consolidated annual     
financial statements, resulted in some additional disclosures being presented   
but otherwise had a minimal impact on the financial results for the year under  
review.                                                                         
Reclassifications                                                               
-    The Group has reclassified certain collateral previously disclosed as      
`Other assets` to `Loans and advances to banks` and `Loans and advances to      
customers` in December 2010 and to `Loans and advances in Banks` in December    
2009 to reflect the true nature of these trades as collateralised loans. This   
has resulted in comparatives being reclassified for 31 December 2010 (loans and 
advances to banks R2 618 million, other assets (R3 276 million) and loans and   
advances to customers R658 million) and 31 December 2009 (loans and advances to 
banks R7 191 million, other assets (R7 191 million)).                           
-    Certain customers within the Group have agreements in place whereby        
interest receivable or payable is calculated on the net balances of the cheque  
deposits and cheque advances. During the year under review, the Group identified
that the related cheque account balances owed or receivable were also being     
reported on a net basis. All balances within this portfolio were reassessed for 
appropriate presentation in terms of IAS 32 and the Group`s stated accounting   
policies, taking into account contractual arrangements and current business     
practice applied to these accounts. As a result, certain assets and liabilities 
relating to these cheque accounts were reclassified so that these are presented 
on a gross basis. This has resulted in the comparatives being reclassified for  
31 December 2010 (loans and advances to customers R9 487 million, deposits due  
to customers (R9 487 million)) and 31 December 2009 (loans and advances to      
customers R10 845 million, deposits due to customers (R10 845 million)).        
-    The Group has reclassified certain money market assets linked to investment
contracts with longer-term maturities from `Cash, cash balances with central    
banks` to `Investment securities` to reflect the true nature of these assets, as
`Cash, cash balances and balances with central banks` should comprise cash on   
hand and demand deposits which the Group expects to be realised within 12 months
after the reporting date. This has resulted in comparatives being reclassified  
for 31 December 2010 (cash, cash balances and balances with central banks (R620 
million) and investment securities R620 million) and 31 December 2009 (cash,    
cash balances and balances with central banks (R391 million) and investment     
securities R391 million).                                                       
Going concern                                                                   
The directors assess the Group`s future performance and financial position on an
ongoing basis and have no reason to believe that the Group will not be a going  
concern in the year ahead. For this reason these condensed annual consolidated  
financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis.                     
Events after the reporting period                                               
The directors are not aware of any events after the reporting period of 31      
December 2011 and the date of authorisation of these summarised annual          
consolidated financial statements as defined in IAS 10.                         
Auditors` report                                                                
Ernst & Young Inc. and PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc., Absa Group Limited`s        
independent auditors, have audited the consolidated annual financial statements 
of Absa Group Limited from which the condensed consolidated financial results   
have been derived. The auditors have expressed an unqualified audit opinion on  
the consolidated annual financial statements. The condensed consolidated        
financial results comprise the condensed consolidated statement of financial    
position at 31 December 2011, condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income, condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity and condensed     
consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and selected      
explanatory notes, excluding items indicated as unaudited. The audit report of  
the consolidated annual financial statements is available for inspection at Absa
Group Limited`s registered office.                                              
On behalf of the board                                                          
G Griffin                          M Ramos                                      
Group Chairman                     Group Chief Executive                        
Johannesburg                                                                    
10 February 2012                                                                
Declaration of final ordinary dividend number 51                                
Shareholders are advised that a final ordinary dividend of 392 cents per        
ordinary share was declared today, Friday, 10 February 2012, for the six-month  
period ended 31 December 2011. This brings the total dividend for the year ended
31 December 2011 to 684 cents per share. The final ordinary dividend is payable 
to shareholders recorded in the register of members of the Company at the close 
of business on Friday, 30 March 2012. The directors of Absa Group confirm that  
the Group will satisfy the solvency and liquidity test immediately after        
completion of the dividend distribution.                                        
In compliance with the requirements of Strate, the electronic settlement and    
custody system used by the JSE Limited, the following salient dates for the     
payment of the dividend are applicable:                                         
Last day to trade cum dividend               Friday, 23 March 2012              
Shares commence trading ex dividend          Monday, 26 March 2012              
Record date                                  Friday, 30 March 2012              
Payment date                                 Monday, 2 April 2012               
Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Monday,  
26 March 2012 and Friday, 30 March 2012, both dates inclusive.                  
On Monday, 2 April 2012, the dividend will be electronically transferred to the 
bank accounts of certificated shareholders who use this facility. In respect of 
those who do not use this facility, cheques dated 2 April 2012 will be posted on
or about that date. The accounts of those shareholders who have dematerialised  
their shares (which are held at their participant or broker) will be credited on
Monday, 2 April 2012.                                                           
On behalf of the board                                                          
D W P Hodnett                                                                   
Acting Group Secretary                                                          
Johannesburg                                                                    
10 February 2012                                                                
Administrative information                                                      
These audited condensed annual consolidated financial results are a summary of  
the audited annual consolidated financial statements of the Group, which were   
prepared by Absa Group Financial Reporting under the direction and supervision  
of the Group Financial Director, DWP Hodnett CA(SA). A copy of the audited      
annual financial statements will be available from 30 March 2012, either on     
www.absa.co.za or, on request, at the registered address of the Group.          
Absa Group Limited                                                              
Registration number: 1986/003934/06                                             
Authorised financial services and                                               
registered credit provider (NCRCP7)                                             
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa                                    
ISIN: XAE000067237                                                              
JSE share code: ASA                                                             
Issuer code: AMAGB                                                              
Registered office                                                               
7th Floor Absa Towers West                                                      
15 Troye Street                                                                 
Johannesburg, 2001                                                              
Postal address: PO Box 7735                                                     
Johannesburg, 2000                                                              
Telephone: (+27 11) 350 4000                                                    
Telefax: (+27 11) 350 4009                                                      
Email: groupsec@absa.co.za                                                      
Board of directors                                                              
Group independent non-executive directors                                       
C Beggs, BP Connellan, YZ Cuba, SA Fakie,                                       
G Griffin (Group Chairman), MJ Husain,                                          
PB Matlare, TM Mokgosi-Mwantembe,                                               
TS Munday, SG Pretorius, BJ Willemse                                            
Group non-executive directors                                                   
AP Jenkins(1), R Le Blanc(1),                                                   
EC Mondlane Jr(2) IR Ritossa(3)                                                 
Group executive directors                                                       
DWP Hodnett (Group Financial Director),                                         
M Ramos (Chief Executive),                                                      
LL von Zeuner (Deputy Group Chief Executive)                                    
(1)British (2)Mozambican (3)Australian                                          
Transfer secretary                                                              
South Africa                                                                    
Computershare Investor Services                                                 
Proprietary Limited                                                             
70 Marshall Street                                                              
Johannesburg, 2001                                                              
Postal address: PO Box 61051                                                    
Marshalltown, 2107                                                              
Telephone: (+27 11) 370 5000                                                    
Telefax: (+27 11) 370 5271/2                                                    
ADR depositary                                                                  
BNY Mellon                                                                      
101 Barclay Street, 22W New York NY 10286                                       
Telephone: +1 212 815 2248                                                      
Sponsor                                                                         
J.P. Morgan Equities Limited                                                    
No 1 Fricker Road, Cnr. Hurlingham Road                                         
Illovo, Johannesburg, 2196                                                      
Postal address: Private Bag X9936                                               
Sandton, 2146                                                                   
Telephone: (+27 11) 507 0300                                                    
Telefax: (+27 11) 507 0503                                                      
Auditors                                                                        
PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc.                                                     
Ernst & Young Inc.                                                              
Shareholder contact information                                                 
Shareholder and investment queries about the                                    
Absa Group should be directed to the following areas:                           
Group Investor Relations                                                        
AM Hartdegen (Head of Investor Relations)                                       
Telephone: (+27 11) 350 5926                                                    
Telefax: (+27 11) 350 5924                                                      
E-mail: Investorrelations@absa.co.za                                            
Acting Group Secretary                                                          
DWP Hodnett                                                                     
Email: david.hodnett@absa.co.za                                                 
Other Contacts                                                                  
Group Media Relations                                                           
J Dludlu (Head of Group Communication)                                          
Telephone: (+27 11) 350 3221                                                    
Group Finance                                                                   
JP Quinn (Group Financial Controller)                                           
Telephone: (+27 11) 350 7565                                                    
For more information on our results refer to our website:                       
www.absa.co.za                                                                  
Date: 10/02/2012 07:35:37 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.                  
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