AMP earnings watch: 3 things to consider ahead of 2019 interim results

The AMP Ltd share price will be on watch ahead of its 2019 interim results, scheduled to be released Thursday, August 8.

After the wealth management firm recently said that it was unlikely to pay an interim dividend, investors will likely be keen to gain clarity around future dividends and see how AMP’s turnaround plans are progressing.

Below we take a look at three things to watch out for ahead of AMP’s half-year results.

AMP's share price continues to struggle

AMP Ltd has had a difficult year, as the full implications of the Royal Commission has seen the wealth manager’s share price drop some 25% year-to-date.

At the time of writing, AMP currently trades for just A$1.76 per share, down 3.02%, as US-China trade tensions kick-started a sell-off of global equities overnight.

Even in the face of these political difficulties, investors, prospective and current, will likely been keen to see any news of potential growth catalysts for the firm that could help revive the company’s depressed share price.

An update on AMP Life

As we have covered previously, AMP’s stalled A$3.3 billion sale of the firm’s life insurance business – AMP Life – saw the company’s share price crater 16%, when announced.

In saying that, the company planning to purchase AMP Life, Resolution Life, remains eager to finalise the deal.

In the wake of the sale breakdown, Resolution Life reaffirmed:

‘Its strategic interest in expanding its in-force specialist life insurance business to Australia and New Zealand.'

Whether or not this deal is ever finalised, as well as any further update on the progress of this potential sale, will likely be a key focus for investors following AMP’s 2019 interim results.

Guidance on future dividends

AMP’s recent announcement that the company was unlikely to pay an interim dividend – though disappointing – is hardly surprising when you consider the remediation costs associated with the Royal Commission.

Investors will likely now be eager to see signs that AMP’s business model can prove successful in a post-Royal Commission environment.

Specifically, any indication from AMP’s interim results regarding the firm’s intention and/or capacity to resume dividend payments in the short and medium-term, will likely be of great interest to investors.

Prior to the fallout of the Royal Commission, AMP Ltd had established itself as a strong and consistent dividend payer for investors.

Ultimately, such details among others, will potentially speak to AMP's ability to successful transform its business model and company culture in an ever-changing, increasingly scrutinised business environment.

To read our previous coverage of AMP’s Thursday earnings, click here now.