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Trade Ideas

Local Trade Idea: Sanlam (SLM) - BUY

 

By Peet Serfontein, Motheo Tlhagale

We initiate a long position. Our upside target is set at R98.00. We recommend a stop-loss at R82.00.

Sanlam is a leading financial services group based in South Africa (SA). The company specialises in insurance, financial planning, retirement, trust, wills, short-term insurance, asset and risk management, capital market activities, investment, and wealth management. The company also owns a majority stake in listed short-term insurer, Santam.

Sanlam has been operating for more than 100 years with a footprint spanning over 40 countries. The group is highly regarded from a qualitative perspective and is well-diversified from a geographic and product standpoint. Sanlam boasts a strong balance sheet with more than adequate reserves.

Technically, the price suggests the share may be transitioning into "wave b" of an Elliott Wave corrective structure, making the share an interesting candidate for a long position (see the number notation on the main chart). The recent pullback appears to have completed "wave a" of the corrective phase, with selling pressure showing signs of exhaustion near the R80 region. As the price stabilises around support, there is potential for a recovery phase towards the R98.00 resistance area, with a breakout confirming "wave b".

The Heikin-Ashi chart supports a bullish outlook, showing a shift from bearish to bullish candles as downside momentum fades and buying interest returns. With the share trading just below the key R89.50 level, a break above this resistance would strengthen the recovery narrative and support further upside potential.

The share is currently testing its 200-day simple moving average (SMA) at R88.77, a key technical level that often acts as support or resistance. A sustained move above this level would reinforce the bullish outlook and could attract further buying interest.

Share Information
Share CodeSLM SJ
IndustryInsurance
Market Capital (ZAR)186.5 billion
One-Year Total Return5.19%
Return Year-to-date-5.72%
Current Price (ZAR)88.09
52 Week High (ZAR)108.47
52 Week Low (ZAR)80.72
Financial Year EndDecember
Sanlam has declined 5.7% year-to-date, reflecting a weak first half despite recent signs of stabilisation.
Consensus Expectations (Bloomberg)
FY25FY26EFY27EFY28E
Headline Earnings per Share (ZAR)7.638.789.8710.82
Growth (%)14.9812.499.60
Dividend Per Share (ZAR)4.855.195.665.96
Growth (%)7.059.015.32
Forward PE (times)9.468.528.14
Forward Dividend Yield (%)5.896.436.77
Consensus expectations point to steady earnings and dividend growth, supported by an attractive valuation and rising yield.

Buy/Sell Rationale:

Technical Analysis:

    • The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator is showing improving momentum, with a narrowing gap between the MACD and signal line indicating that downside pressure is fading and buying interest is returning. While a move above the zero line would provide stronger confirmation, the current recovery suggests recent weakness may have been an exhaustion phase, supporting a cautiously bullish outlook.
    • The On-Balance Volume (OBV) indicator continues to move sideways, suggesting that selling pressure remains contained despite recent price fluctuations. This stable volume profile indicates that investors are largely holding positions rather than aggressively selling, supporting a mildly bullish outlook and providing a foundation for potential upside.
    • Our entry range is between R85.00 and R88.00 with an upside target of R98.00 (+12.9% from current levels).
    • Time to exit is late-September 2026. Keep the option open to close the trade if the price reaches our profit target in a shorter time.
    • A price below R82.00 (-5.5% from current levels) is a major concern for downside potential and is recommended as a stop-loss.

Long term fundamental view:

    • Sanlam is the market leader in insurance in SA with exposure to large underpenetrated markets (Africa ex-SA and India). In terms of product offerings, life and health insurance as well as general insurance are the group's major drivers of new business growth and overall profit.
    • The company's earnings are also defensive relative to peers due to geographic and product diversification. In addition, exposure to entry-level markets provides higher growth prospects and wider margins.
    • In terms of recent performance, Sanlam delivered a resilient 1Q26 performance, with operating profit rising despite a challenging environment, with strong growth in new business volumes and net inflows reflecting solid client activity across its diversified platform.
    • Profitability was mixed, with strong gains in life insurance, health, and Pan Africa operations, while general insurance was impacted by elevated catastrophe claims. Margins were pressured by a weaker value of new business due to business mix shifts, upfront costs, and regulatory impacts in India, though management expects improvement over time, supported by ongoing strategic initiatives and continued organic growth.
    • Looking ahead, management reaffirmed full-year earnings and dividend guidance despite near-term margin pressure, supported by strong capitalisation and disciplined execution. Strategic actions, including portfolio optimisation and recent transactions, position the group for medium-term growth, although short-term earnings will reflect continued investment in technology and integration initiatives ahead of the GoTyme launch.
    • From a risk perspective, Sanlam is exposed to macroeconomic and financial headwinds and remains sensitive to market volatility. Insurance-specific risks are also a concern, particularly in the SA market following the civil unrest in 2021.
Share Name and position EntryCurrent PriceMovementCommentTime to exit
TBS SA - Buy (Continue to hold)292.09293.50+0.5%A potential Elliott Wave 5 advance and fading downside momentum support this counter-trend trade despite the price remaining below the 200-day SMA.

We maintain a profit target at R314.00 and a trailing stop loss at R285.00.
3 July 2027
SPG SA - Buy (Continue to hold)17.2918.90+9.3%A developing symmetrical triangle remains the primary technical feature, with the price holding above its 200-day SMA. Positive momentum continues to support the trade.

We maintain a profit target at R20.40 and a trailing stop loss at R18.20.
17 August 2026
NRP SA - Buy (Continue to hold)142.42146.70+3.0%A developing ascending triangle remains the primary technical feature, with the price trading above its 200-day SMA. Positive momentum continues to support the trade.

We maintain a profit target at R160.00 and a trailing stop loss at R143.00.
17 August 2026
BTI SA - Buy (Continue to hold)976.991 029.00+5.3%A developing bullish pennant and fading downside momentum continue to support the trade, with the price holding above its 200-day SMA.

We maintain a profit target at R1 202.00 and a trailing stop loss at R981.
4 November 2026

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