Q2FY24 update: Strong credit supports profitable growth

Plenti Group Limited (Plenti) provides this trading update for the quarter ended 30 September 2023 (2Q24). 

 Highlights 

• Loan portfolio increased to $1.99 billion, 29% above PCP and 5% above prior quarter 
• Loan originations of $292 million, 9% above PCP and 12% below last quarter’s record loan originations 
• 90+ day arrears of 45 basis points at quarter end, down from 49 basis points at the end of the prior quarter, reflecting the continued credit strength of the loan portfolio 
• Annualised net credit losses of 82 basis points, down from 117 basis points in the prior quarter, supported by the sale of certain written-off or defaulted loans 
• Quarterly revenue of $51 million, 53% above PCP 
• 1H24 Cash NPAT of $1.5 million, stronger than anticipated in prior trading update 

Commenting on the quarter, Daniel Foggo, Plenti’s Chief Executive Officer, said: 

“Evidencing stability in credit performance was a priority for this quarter, so it’s pleasing to deliver net annualised credit losses of below 1%, further demonstrating Plenti’s capabilities in credit underwriting and loan portfolio management.” 

“We continue to invest in extending our technology-led customer experience and efficiency advantages as we work towards achieving our mission of building Australia’s best lender.” 

Loan portfolio growth

Plenti’s loan portfolio, which is a key driver of revenue, increased to $1.99 billion at 30 September 2023, a 29% increase from 30 September 2022 and a 5% increase from 30 June 2023. A $2 billion loan portfolio was achieved in the first week of October 2023, after quarter end. 

Loan originations and margins 

Loan originations for the quarter totalled $292 million, 9% above the prior comparable period (PCP) and 12% below the record loan originations achieved in the prior quarter. 

Automotive loan originations were $154 million, up 10% on PCP, but down from the June quarter which benefited from strong commercial loan originations at June financial year-end. Renewable energy loan originations reached a record of $40 million, up 39% on PCP and 12% above the prior quarter, supported by the continued market adoption of Plenti’s unique GreenConnect platform. Personal loan originations were $98 million, down 2% on PCP and 19% on the prior quarter, primarily reflecting refinements in Plenti’s credit appetite, driven by its focus on delivering stable credit outcomes. 

Net interest margins remained stable, with margins on new loan originations in the quarter slightly above the average portfolio net interest margin, offset by incremental costs from funding facility changes. 

Credit performance 
90+ day arrears were 45 basis points at the end of the quarter, down from 49 basis points at the end of the prior quarter. Early-stage arrears continue to be stable, reflecting resilience in broader consumer credit, and assisted by the continual refinement of Plenti’s credit risk appetite and settings. 

Annualised net losses for the quarter were 82 basis points, supported by the sale of certain written-off or defaulted loans. Annualised net losses for the quarter, excluding the debt sale, were 107 basis points, down from 117 basis points in the prior quarter. 

The loan portfolio weighted average Equifax credit score remained high at 832 at the end of the quarter, versus 830 at the end of the prior quarter. 

Outlook 

Plenti is on track to achieve the FY24 priorities and objectives set out below: 

Half-year results 

Cash NPAT (unaudited) for 1H24 was $1.5 million, above the “around break even” indicated in Plenti’s 1Q24 trading update, supported by a debt sale in the period. Consistent with prior periods, all investment in product and technology was expensed through the profit and loss statement, rather than capitalised onto the balance sheet.