ASX Ltd. (ASX:ASX) reported a slight decline in annual profit to $474 million, driven primarily by increased regulatory expenses. This marks a 3.4% drop in underlying profit, attributed to higher operating costs as the market operator updates several core systems, including the second version of the equity post-trading system, CHESS. Following this announcement, ASX shares opened 3% lower on Friday.
Statutory profit, however, surged by nearly 50%, largely because ASX took a $174 million charge in 2023 related to the troubled CHESS replacement project, which was not replicated in 2024.
Throughout the 2024 financial year, ASX's total expenses increased by nearly 15%, in line with expectations, primarily due to an increase in staff brought on to meet regulatory requirements and develop new systems. ASX noted that expenses decreased in the second half compared to the first, and anticipates expense growth to moderate to between 6% and 9% in FY25.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) announced on Wednesday that it is suing ASX for allegedly making misleading statements about the CHESS upgrade during its half-year results in 2022.
ASX CEO Helen Lofthouse acknowledged the "serious nature" of the legal proceedings and stated that the company is "carefully reviewing and considering the allegations" while remaining "committed to taking ASX forward." She also highlighted the efforts made during FY24, including the implementation of new processes to track strategic outcomes, refreshing senior leadership, enhancing risk and technology capabilities, and deepening engagement with stakeholders.
Despite the challenges, ASX reported record operating revenue of $1.04 billion for the year ending June 30, bolstered by higher cash rates that contributed to net interest income. However, underlying return on equity fell by 0.4 percentage points to 13%.
ASX will distribute a fully franked total dividend of $2.08 per share, representing 85% of net profit. The final dividend was slightly below market expectations.
ASX's annual report, released on Friday, disclosed that Chairman Damian Roche, who faces renewed pressure to resign due to the allegedly misleading statements made in February 2022, received $550,000 in fees for the 2024 financial year, consistent with the previous year. The ASX board narrowly avoided a second strike at the annual meeting last October, with 21% of shareholders voting against the remuneration report, just shy of the 25% threshold required to trigger a board spill vote.
The report also noted that ASX had indemnified current and former directors and officers for legal costs associated with ASIC’s investigation into the CHESS system.
As ASX navigates these legal and financial challenges, the company remains focused on restoring trust and achieving its long-term vision for a new era.