17 April 2012
Reported profit of KWD81.0mn in line with expectations of KWD81.8mn

Net profit was stagnant YoY but exhibited an improvement of 5.5%QoQ

Top-line rose also remained largely unchanged at -1.7%QoQ and +1.7%YoY

Non-interest income was down 10.4%QoQ on lower investment income; held ground YoY

Provisions ease off from previous quarter (down 54.5%QoQ) but increased by 21%YoY

Positive surprise from deposit growth, up 5.8%YTD though loans movement remained muted at 1.1%YTD

Analyst comments:

NBK's results were closely in line with our expectations and therefore void of any surprises with the exception of deposit growth which was starkly high. Deposit mobilization may be taken as an indicator of improved loans offtake in succeeding quarters. Drop in provisions was expected and may be cited as the only explanation behind QoQ growth in the bottom-line; on YoY basis addition to the top-line though slight was offset by a matching rise in provisions. Top-line was stagnant YoY and so was non-interest income which was reflected in the stagnancy in the bottom-line. Overall we remain satisfied with the results.

Naveed Ahmed, CFA
Senior Financial Analyst
Research Group
Global Investment House
t: (965) 2295-1280   
f: (965) 2295-1280
e: nahmed@global.com.kw
w: www.globalinv.net   
P.O.Box: 28807 Safat, 13149
Kuwait

© Press Release 2012