National Bank of Bahrain Q4 net profit up 16% to $53.3mln

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UAE - National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has reported a 16% increase in its net profit attributable to shareholders to BD20.1 million ($53.3 million) for the fourth quarter ended 31 December 2023, compared to BD17.3 million ($45.9 million) in the same period of 2022.

The increase is mainly due to higher income from the underlying loans, placements, and investment securities activities, in addition to lower provisioning requirements in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.

Earnings per share increased to 9 fils for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared with 8 fils in the same quarter of 2022.

Total comprehensive income attributable to NBB’s shareholders for the quarter decreased by 60% to BD11.5 million compared to BD28.8 million in 2022. The decrease is attributable to the mark-to-market movements of the bank’s debt and equity securities, a statement said.

Year-to-date

NBB also reported a 16% increase in its net profit attributable to shareholders to BD79.1 million ($209.8 million) for the year ended 31 December 2023, compared to BD68.1 million ($180.6 million) in 2022. The rise in net profit was a result of increased income from loans, placements, and investment securities, as well as lower provisions compared to 2022.

Earnings per share for the year increased to 35 fils compared with 30 fils in 2022.

Total comprehensive income attributable to NBB’s shareholders for the year decreased by 4% to BD74.8 million compared with BD78.1 million in 2022. The decrease is due to the mark-to-market movements of the Bank’s debt and equity securities.

Balance sheet

The group’s total equity attributable to owners as at 31 December 2023 at BD565 million ($1,498.7 million) remained at similar levels compared to BD565.9 million ($1,501.1 million) reported at 31 December 2022.

The group’s total assets increased by 12% during the year to BD5,372.5 million ($14,250.7 million) compared to BD4,785.3 million ($12,693.1 million) recorded on 31 December 2022.

Dividends

Following the group’s strong performance, the Board of Directors proposed a cash dividend of BD68 million or 30% per share, inclusive of 10% interim dividends announced during August 2023. The proposal of BD68 million represents the group's highest cash dividends to-date.

Farouk Yousuf Khalil Almoayyed, Chairman of NBB, said: “NBB has proudly closed the year with notable financial and non-financial achievements underpinned by our 6% growth in operating income, a reflection of the group’s sustained growth across its core activities. This was also supported by a 12% growth in our balance sheet resulting from the group's effective management and ongoing demand for its elevated offerings and financial solutions. Across our non-financial activities, NBB has remained a pioneer in the ESG banking realm, becoming the first Bank in the Kingdom of Bahrain to encourage carbon emission reduction through our auto finance product, in addition to launching the first ESG-linked interest rate swap in the Kingdom. NBB continues to reaffirm its role as a sustainably-driven organisation with a promise to positively impact the Bahraini community.”

Usman Ahmed, Group CEO of NBB, commented: “We are pleased to announce record results for the full year ending 31 December 2023 with an attributable net profit of BD79.1 million, representing the group’s highest profit levels and a growth of 16% compared to 2022. Total assets at BD5.4 billion also mark the highest levels registered in NBB's history, registering growth in both business and treasury-related activities. NBB also celebrated several non-financial achievements during its fourth quarter, including being named the “Best Bank for CSR in Bahrain” for the third consecutive year by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023. We would like to congratulate our shareholders and team members for a successful 2023, as we look forward to another strong year ahead.”