Fidelity Bank Plc has announced a pre-tax profit of N200.8 billion in a recently published financial statement, to go along with a proposed interim dividend of N0.85 per ordinary share of N0.50 payable to shareholders whose names appear on the bank’s register as at the close of business on October 17, 2024 and is subject to applicable withholding taxes.
According to the bank, this represents a significant 163 per cent Year-over-Year (YoY) increase from the same period in 2023, as gains from financial assets at fair value increased. The bank also saw its net interest income surge by 202% YoY to N326.4 billion during the same period.
In addition, Fidelity has proposed an interim dividend of N0.85 per ordinary share of N0.50 to be paid to registered shareholders. Key financial highlights included gross earnings: N512.8 billion (+107.6% YoY), interest expenses: N146.8 billion (+78.9% YoY), net interest income: N326.4 billion (+202.7% YoY), fee and commissions income: N35 billion (+45.2% YoY, Pre-tax Profit: N200.8 billion (+163.1% YoY), Post-tax Profit: N159.8 billion (+157.8% YoY), Earnings Per Share (EPS): N4.9 (+157.8% YoY), total assets: N7.9 trillion (+27.2% YoY), total liabilities: N7.3 trillion (+25.9% YoY), cash and cash equivalents: N801.7 billion (+95.9% YoY)
It could be seen that Fidelity Bank’s gross earnings surged by 107.6% YoY to N512.8 billion, up from N247.1 billion in the same period last year. Interest expenses also climbed by 78.9% YoY to N146.8 billion, but net interest income still grew remarkably, up 202.7% YoY to N326.4 billion.
The bank’s fees and commissions income rose to N35 billion, a 45.1% increase compared to N24.1 billion in the previous year, while net gains from financial assets at fair value reached N34.6 billion, up from N23.4 billion in 2023.
Despite higher costs, pre-tax profit reached N200.8 billion, reflecting a 163.1% YoY increase. Profit after tax also rose significantly, up 157.8% to N159.8 billion, with earnings per share (EPS) increasing to N4.9 from N1.9 in 2023.
The bank’s total assets grew by 27% YoY to N7.9 trillion, compared to N6.2 trillion in the same period last year. Total liabilities also rose by 25.9% YoY to N7.3 trillion. In terms of liquidity, cash and cash equivalents grew significantly, up 95.9% to N801.7 billion, underscoring the bank’s strong liquidity and growth prospects.
Fidelity Bank’s cash flow from operating activities increased by 7.2% YoY to N1 trillion, while investing activities saw a net outflow of N617.2 billion due to substantial purchases of debt instruments. Also, financing activities showed a net outflow of N13.7 million. However, the bank’s net increase in cash and cash equivalents was a robust N801.7 billion, reflecting strong liquidity.
This dividend announcement is expected to boost investor confidence and could lead to a rise in the bank’s share price. According to the released financial statement, the bank is profitable and operationally healthy for the reported period.
