3 key takeaways from the ANZ annual general meeting

The Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX:ANZ) share price is pushing higher today following its AGM update…

| More on:
a woman

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

The Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ) share price has been a positive performer on the day of its annual general meeting.

In afternoon trade the banking giant's shares are up 2% to $23.41.

This latest gain means the ANZ share price is now up an impressive 35% since the start of October.

What happened at the annual general meeting?

At the event, ANZ's Chairman and CEO provided investors with a thorough breakdown of the company's performance over the last 12 months and their expectations for the future.

Three key takeaways from the event are as follows:

2020 has been a difficult year.

There's no getting away from the fact that 2020 has been a difficult year for the bank because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking about its results in FY 2020, CEO Shayne Elliott commented: "It was of course COVID that had the most material impact on our profitability. With operating profit before these provisions broadly flat, the largest driver of the profit reduction was setting aside a further $1.7bn for possible future losses."

ANZ's underlying performance has been positive.

With COVID provisions dominating the bank's results, it actually overshadowed a positive underlying performance by ANZ this year.

Mr Elliott explained: "…our diversified business delivered a decent revenue performance. In Australia, we achieved six-months of consecutive market share growth in our targeted owner-occupier market, while deposit growth remained very strong. We also introduced new processes to help customers move to online banking."

"The work we have spoken about for several years to simplify and refocus the Institutional business proved massively beneficial. In fact, our institutional bank outperformed and I'm proud of its transformation. It demonstrates the value of a well-balanced, diversified portfolio in a market defined by high levels of liquidity, low interest rates and geopolitical tensions." He added.

COVID-19 has changed things for the better.

The CEO also spoke about the future and advised that he is looking at COVID-19 differently.

He said: "There is another way of thinking about a crisis – it is of course just a period of rapid change. In fact, many of the great companies we think of today, companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon forged their success in periods of great dislocation. This is because people in a time of crisis have new needs and good companies figure out how to provide for them."

"And this is where my focus and the focus of my team is. We stand ready to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise. We are supporting our best customers and will emerge with stronger relationships than we started. We will continue to reshape our portfolio to produce a more balanced, lower risk business that generates decent, more predictable returns. We are going to continue to make the bank simpler and easier to manage," he added.

Mr Elliott pointed to its recent partnership with global payments leader Worldline as a great example of this.

He notes that this partnership will provide its "small business customers with access to the world's best technology, allow them to get paid, quickly, safely and at low cost."

Should you invest $1,000 in Life360 right now?

Before you buy Life360 shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Life360 wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

Woman looks amazed and shocked as she looks at her laptop.
Share Gainers

Guess how much $10,000 invested in Zip shares on 7 April is worth today!

The rebound in the Zip share price since 7 April has been nothing short of remarkable.

Read more »

Smiling man working on his laptop.
Share Market News

17 ASX 200 stocks to benefit from the US-China tariff pause: broker

Macquarie reveals the ASX 200 shares that are likely to feel a tailwind from the 90-day tariff deal.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Broker Notes

Are Super Retail Group shares a buy, hold, or sell according to Macquarie?

Let's see what the broker is saying about this popular retail stock.

Read more »

Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.
Broker Notes

What does Macquarie think Steadfast shares are worth?

Could big returns be on offer from this blue chip? Let's find out.

Read more »

Man smiling at a laptop because of a rising share price.
Share Market News

How are ASX 200 investors reacting to the surprise US-China tariff deal?

The Nasdaq rocketed 4.4% on the US-China tariff agreement, but what about the ASX 200?

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her chin resting on her hand as she contemplates her next potential investment.
Opinions

Here's what I'd do after the big ASX stock market rally

The US and China are working towards a trade deal.

Read more »

Two hands being shaken symbolising a deal.
Opinions

2 ASX 200 shares I'd buy after the US-China tariff deal

These stocks look appealing to me right now.

Read more »

Hand with AI in capital letters and AI-related digital icons.
Share Market News

ASX stocks Macquarie says are impacted by artificial intelligence

Here’s what Macquarie thinks about these companies. 

Read more »