Discovery posts strong rise in earnings, profit

"Every business grew operating profit at least in line with expectation, and with the exception of VitalityLife, all established businesses generated cash, positive experience variances, and returns on capital at or near the Group target," the group said in a statement on Tuesday morning.

Discovery also announced a final gross cash dividend of 114c per ordinary share. Holders of the group's less common B preference shares will receive cash dividends of 501.9c per share. 

Discovery bank

The group said it had agreed with FirstRand Investment Holdings that it would "be preferable for FRIHL to exit [Discovery Bank] entirely as soon as practically possible."

Discovery was granted a banking license in 2017. At the time the Registrar of banks proposed that the 25.01% ultimate crossholding in Discovery Bank by FirstRand should be reduced and ultimately exited.

Discovery said that, as a result, it is proposing to buy 25.01% of the bank from FirstRand. The transaction, which would cost R1.8bn, has not been concluded yet.

The transaction is subject to approval by the Prudential Authority and Competition Authorities.

"Although these developments have delayed the process slightly, the bank build is progressing well and remains within budget, and the launch is expected before the end of 2018," the group said.