AMP flags mass job cuts to reverse sinking share price

Embattled financial services giant will slash costs and headcount by merging some operations across AMP Capital and AMP Australia.

| More on:
Man in business suit carries box of personal effects

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

AMP Limited (ASX: AMP) will reportedly cut as much as 30% of its workforce in some business units.

The share price for the investment giant has been in freefall for a couple of years. It was $5.43 in March 2018 but now sits at a sorry $1.30.

In that time AMP has gone through sexual harassment scandals and been busted for multiple fee-for-no-service and overcharging scams. It has churned through board members as a result.

This week staff were informed that two of its biggest divisions would have its duplicate operations merged.

Chief executive Francesco De Ferrari reportedly said in the memo that some sections could have 30% of its workforce lopped off.

The Motley Fool understands the percentage figure is speculative, but AMP did confirm the restructure.

"AMP has made changes to its teams that will centralise some business services," said a company spokesperson.

"Our focus is on continuing to reshape the organisation to drive efficiency and support the delivery of AMP's strategy to become a simpler, client-led organisation."

The changes involve its investment arm AMP Capital and the banking brand AMP Australia.

De Ferrari had already put in place a billion-dollar "transformation" plan last year to rejuvenate the company.

But this year new chair Debra Hazelton flagged it was looking at the possibility of carving up AMP for potential bidders.

The Australian Mutual Provident Society was established in 1849 as a non-profit mutual society. The company demutualised to list in 1998 and has a market capitalisation of $4.5 billion.

Despite the recent share price drop, AMP stocks are still trading at an astonishing 107 price to earnings (P/E) ratio.

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

A businessman compares the growth trajectory of property versus shares.
Opinions

What's the outlook for shares vs. property in 2025?

The experts have put out their new year predictions...

Read more »

a man sits at his desk wearing a business shirt and tie and has a hearty laugh at something on his mobile phone.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

A young man pointing up looking amazed, indicating a surging share price movement for an ASX company
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% to 40% in 2025

Analysts are tipping these shares to deliver huge returns for investors next year.

Read more »

A transport worker walks alongside a stack of containers at a port.
Share Market News

Here's how the ASX 200 market sectors stacked up last week

Industrials came out best amid another bad week for the ASX 200, which fell 2.47% to 8,067 points.

Read more »

Cheerful boyfriend showing mobile phone to girlfriend in dining room. They are spending leisure time together at home and planning their financial future.
Opinions

My ASX share portfolio is up 30% this year! Here's my plan for 2025

The best investing plans shouldn't need too many updates.

Read more »

Animation of a man measuring a percentage sign, symbolising rising interest rates.
Share Market News

Here's when Westpac says the RBA will cut interest rates in 2025

Will the RBA finally take interest rates lower in 2025? Let's see what is being forecast.

Read more »

Shares vs property concept illustrated by graphs in the background and house models on coins.
Share Market News

Shares vs. property: Biggest investment trends of 2024

As another year of investing draws to a close, we review the most significant trends.

Read more »

A woman stares at the candle on her cake, her birthday has fizzled.
Share Market News

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

This Friday was not a merry one for ASX shares...

Read more »