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Nigerian Bourse Pares Gains on Profit Taking

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Nigerian stock market - Investors King
  • Nigerian Bourse Pares Gains on Profit Taking

Profit taking in bellwether stocks prevented the Nigerian equities market from sustaining the gains recorded the previous week as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index fell marginal by 0.06 per cent to close at 41.218.72. Also, market capitalisation shed N9.5 billion to close the week lower at N14.931 trillion. The market had appreciated by 1.05 per cent the previous week due to bargain hunting activities and investors’ reactions improved to first quarter results by some companies.

The market could not record another positive close last week as the benchmark indicator sagged under the pressure of profit taking. However, the NSE Premium, NSE Banking, NSE Industrial goods, and NSE Pension indices appreciated by 0.12 per cent, 1.56%, 1.06 per cent and 0.21 per cent respectively.

Analysts at Meristem Securities Limited said in spite of gains recorded in the banking and industrial goods space, the market closed downbeat.

“The market’s performance was majorly dragged by selloffs across counters in the oil & gas, consumer goods and insurance sectors,” they said.

In their own opinion, analysts at Cordros Capital Limited said: We look for return of gains on the bourse in the medium to long term, amidst fast-declining yields in the alternative fixed income market. More so, as macroeconomic fundamentals continue to impress.”

Daily Performance

The market consolidated on the positive performance of the previous week on when trading resumed on Monday. The benchmark index rose by 0.06 per cent to close at 41,268.01, while market capitalisation ended higher at N14.95 trillion. The appreciation recorded in the share prices of FBN Holdings, Dangote Cement, Fidelity Bank, Zenith Bank, and GTBank Plc propelled the growth.

Similarly, activity level trended higher as volume and value traded improved 41.1 per cent and 77.4 per cent to 450.5 million shares and N5.0 billion respectively. The three most actively traded stocks were Mutual Benefit (130.96 million share), UBA (67.75 million shares) and FBN Holdings (53.61 million shares).

In terms of sectoral performance, two of the five tracked indicators, however, appreciated. The NSE Industrial Goods Index recorded the highest gain, rising by 0.6 per cent following appreciation recorded by in Dangote Cement and CCNN. The NSE Banking Index trailed rising 0.4 per cent due to buying interests in GTBank and FBN Holdings. On the negative side, the NSE Consumers Goods Index led with a fall of 0.8 per cent following losses posted by Nestle, Dangote Sugar Refinery and Dangote Flour Mills. The NSE Insurance Index and NSE Oil & Gas Index shed 0.2 per cent and 0.1 per cent in that order.

The market sustained the positive performance on Wednesday, growing marginally by 0.09 per cent to close at 41,306.02, driven by gains in the share prices of Union Bank, Dangote Cement, Access Bank, Zenith Bank and UBA. The market capitalisation also appreciated same margin to close at N14.96 trillion. Ex-Dangote Cement the market would have closed 0.85 per cent lower.

But activity level was mixed as volume traded declined by 38.7 per cent to 276.2 million shares while value traded trended up 38.9 per cent to N6.9 billion. Wednesday’s top traded stocks by volume were UBA (52.3 million shares), GTBank (42.3 million shares) and Zenith Bank (30.1 million shares) while most active stocks by value were Dangote Cement (N2.1 billion), GTBank (N1.9 billion) and Zenith Bank (N832.4 million).

Unlike the previous day, three of five went up led by the NSE Oil & Gas Index with 1.2 per cent. The NSE Banking Index trailed with a gain of 0.6 per cent, just as the NSE Industrial Goods Index chalked up 0.3 per cent.

Conversely, the NSE Consumer Goods Index led laggards as losses in Nestle and Nigerian Breweries dragged the index lower by 1.1 per cent. The NSE Insurance Index shed 0.59 per cent.

The bears returned to the market on Thursday reversing the gains posted in the previous trading sessions. Specifically, the index fell by 0.48 per cent to close at 41,107.81. Profit taking in International Breweries, Dangote Cement, Nigerian Breweries, Unilever, and Dangote Sugar was mainly responsible for the decline of the day.

However, activity level was mixed as volume traded rose 16 per cent to 320.4 million shares while value traded fell by 30.9 per cent to N4.8 billion. Top traded stocks in volume terms were: UBA (79.9 million shares), Access Bank (57.0 million shares) and E-Tranzact (20.3 million shares) while the top traded in value were UBA (N935. 2 million), Access Bank (N644.4 million) and Zenith Bank(N488.3 million).

Despite the bearish trading, two of the sectoral indicators bullish. The NSE Banking Index appreciated by 0.8 per cent, while the NSE Insurance Index rose by 0.2 per cent.

On the contrary, the NSE Consumer Goods Index fell 1.5 per cent due to selloffs in International Breweries Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc and Unilever Nigeria Plc. The NSE Oil & Gas Index trailed, shedding 0.8 per cent, just as the NSE Industrial Goods Index shed 0.2 per cent.

The recovered on Friday with the benchmark index rising 0.27 per cent to close at 41, 218.72 per cent, while market capitalisation ended higher at N14.93 trillion.

However, the gain on Friday was not enough to save the market from closing the week with a decline. In all, the market shed 0.06 per cent in the review week.

Market Turnover

In the four-day trading sessions investors traded 1.331billion shares worth N20.835 billion in 18,695 deals compared with 1.825 billion shares valued at N24.653 billion that exchanged in 23,148 deals.

The Financial Services Industry led the activity chart with 1.042 billion shares valued at N11.275 billion traded in 9,665 deals, thus contributing 78.32 per cent and 54.11 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Consumer Goods Industry followed with 84.124 million shares worth N4.322 billion in 3,691 deals. The third place was occupied by Oil and Gas Industry with a turnover of 51.918 million shares worth N596.463 million in 2,307 deals.

Trading in the top three equities, UBA, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc and Access Bank Plc accounted for 457.930 million shares worth N3.784 billion in 1,469 deals and contributing 34.41 per cent and 18.16 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Also traded during the week were a total of 709,058 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N3.845 million executed in 10 deals, compared with a total of 56,260 units valued at N376,387.48 that was transacted the previous week in six deals.

Similarly, a total of 80,152 units of Federal Government and State Bonds valued at N82.543 million were traded last week in 14 deals, compared with a total of 725 units valued at N660,984.55 transacted the previous week in 10 deals.

Price Gainers and Losers

Meanwhile, 37 equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than 33 in the previous week, while equities depreciated in price, lower than 41 equities in the previous week.

C & I Leasing led the price gainers with 29.5 per cent, trailed by Unity Bank Plc with 20 per cent. Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc chalked up 17.8 per cent, just as Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc and Beta Glass Plc garnered 14.6 per cent and 10.2 per cent respectively.

Other top price gainers included: Livestock Feeds Plc (9.0 per cent); NPF Microfinance Bank Plc (8.5 per cent); Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc (8.3 per cent); Union Bank of Nigeria Plc (7.2 per cent0 and Vitafoam Nigeria Plc (6.4 per cent).

Conversely, Dangote Flour Mills Plc led the price losers with 18.5 per cent, trailed by Eterna Plc with 13.0 per cent. Prestige Assurance Plc shed 11.7 per cent, while Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc went down by 11.2 per cent.

Other top price losers included: Regency Alliance Insurance Plc (10 per cent); Oando Plc 8.7 per cent); Chams Plc (8.7 per cent); Japaul Oil & Maritime Services Plc (8.0 per cent); WAPIC Insurance Plc (7.0 per cent); Niger Insurance Plc (6.6 per cent).

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Banking Sector

Fidelity Bank Records a 120.1% Growth in PBT to N39.5bn in Q1 2024

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Fidelity Bank MD - Mrs Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe

In line with its upward growth trajectory, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has posted an impressive 120.1% growth in Profit Before Tax from N17.9bn at the end of Q1 2023 to N39.5bn for Q1 2024.

This was made known in the Bank’s unaudited financial statements released on the issuer portal of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on Tuesday, 30 April 2024.

According to the statement, Gross Earnings increased by 89.9% yoy to N192.1bn from N101.1bn in Q1 2023. The increase was led by a combination of interest income (90.7% yoy) and non-interest income (84.0% yoy).

Growth in interest income was primarily spurred by a higher yield environment and strong earning assets base, while the increase in non-interest income was led by double-digit growth in account maintenance charges, FX-related income, trade, banking services, and remittances, supported by increased customer transactions.

Commenting on the results, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc stated, “We are pleased to report another quarter of strong financial performance driven by our strategic focus on customer-centricity, digital innovation and operational excellence. Despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, we remained resilient and agile, delivering double-digit growth on key income lines while advancing our business sustainability agenda.”

In the period under review, the bank grew Net interest income grew by 89.5% yoy to N99.6bn from N52.6bn in Q1 2023, driven by interest and similar income as the yield on financial instruments improved to 14.7% from 10.1% in Q1 2023 (2023FY: 11.6%).

In line with the steady rise in interest rates through the year, average funding cost increased by 80bps ytd to 5.2%. However, NIM came in at 8.8% compared to 8.1% in 2023FY, as increased yield on earning assets surpassed funding cost to 15.1% from 13.3% in Q1 2023 (2023FY: 13.5%).

Similarly, Total Deposits increased by 17.2% ytd to N4.7tn from N4.0tn in 2023FY, driven by double-digit growth across all deposit types (demand, savings and term). Net Loans and Advances increased by 21.2% to N3.7tn from N3.1tn in 2023FY.

“Beginning the year on this inspiring note reaffirms our strategy of helping individuals to grow, inspiring businesses to thrive and empowering economies to prosper. We are committed to our guidance as we build a more resilient business franchise with a well-diversified earnings base in 2024,” explained Onyeali-Ikpe.

Ranked as one of the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged customer commercial bank with over 8.5 million customers serviced across its 251 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom as well as on digital banking channels.

The bank has won multiple local and international awards including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, the Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023 and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards; Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023; and Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.

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Banking Sector

FCMB Group’s Digital Transformation Drives 62.4% Increase in Revenue

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FCMB - Investors King

FCMB Group Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, has reported a surge in its digital revenue for the 2023 financial year.

According to the 2023 audited financial results filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited, FCMB Group’s digital revenue increased by 62.4% in digital revenue to N60.3 billion from N37.1 billion in the previous year.

With a strategic focus on digitalization, the group has successfully expanded its digital offerings, resulting in a significant uptick in revenue derived from digital channels.

In its 2023 financial report, FCMB Group highlighted the strides made in digital retail lending with over 1.6 million loans totaling N100.9 billion accessed, underwritten, and disbursed through digital channels.

Similarly, digital SME lending witnessed significant traction, with over 20,500 loans totaling N177.9 billion disbursed via digital platforms.

The group’s digital wealth propositions also experienced robust growth, with assets under management reaching N15.1 billion, reflecting a substantial increase from N8.5 billion in 2022.

The surge in digital revenue was attributed to the successful execution of FCMB Group’s digital strategy, which prioritizes innovation, customer-centricity, and operational excellence.

By embracing digital payments, wealth management, and lending solutions, FCMB Group has empowered a greater number of customers while driving revenue growth and operational efficiency.

Commenting on the financial performance, FCMB Group highlighted the reduction of its cost-to-income ratio to 66.3%, excluding revaluation gain (48.9% inclusive of revaluation income).

This achievement underscores the effectiveness of the group’s digital initiatives in optimizing costs and enhancing operational efficiency.

The robust financial performance was further underscored by FCMB Group’s profit before tax, which surged to N104.4 billion in 2023, indicating a remarkable 186% year-on-year growth.

Various divisions of the group, including banking, consumer finance, investment management, and investment banking, recorded robust earnings growth, reflecting the overall strength and resilience of the group.

Furthermore, FCMB Group’s gross revenue rose by 82.5% to N516.4 billion from N283 billion, driven by a 61.7% growth in interest income and a 154.4% growth in non-interest income.

Net interest income grew by 44.8%, propelled by an increase in the yield on earning assets.

In addition to its financial achievements, FCMB Group underscored its commitment to environmental sustainability by transitioning 160 branches to solar power, with 78% of its business locations now powered by renewable energy.

The group also secured funding of up to N13 billion from local development finance institutions to support customers in accessing solar energy solutions.

Looking ahead, FCMB Group reiterated its commitment to leveraging its unique group structure to build a technology-driven ecosystem that fosters inclusive and sustainable growth.

With a focus on continued innovation and digitization, FCMB Group is poised to sustain its growth trajectory and deliver value to its customers, shareholders, and communities across Nigeria.

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Banking Sector

Ecobank’s Profit After Tax Grows to $407m in 2023

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Ecobank - Investors King

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) has reported a $407 million profit after tax for the 2023 financial year.

This represents an 11% increase from the $367 million reported for the year 2022 and reflects the pan-African banking group’s continued growth trajectory amidst challenging economic conditions.

The financial results, filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Tuesday, showcased Ecobank’s robust performance despite the headwinds posed by higher inflation, interest rates, and currency depreciation across Africa.

The group’s profit before tax also rose by 8% or 34% when adjusted for foreign currency translation effects to $581 million.

According to Ecobank, the growth in profit was primarily driven by revenue outpacing expense growth, resulting in positive operating leverage.

The group’s pre-provision, pre-tax operating profit hit $951 million in the year under review, representing a 17% increase from the previous year.

Commenting on the financial results, Jeremy Awori, CEO of Ecobank Group, acknowledged the challenges faced by households, businesses, and governments across Africa in 2023.

Despite the economic uncertainties, Awori declared Ecobank’s unwavering commitment to its customers and stakeholders.

Awori stated, “Ecobank generated a return on tangible shareholders’ equity of 24.9% despite the challenging operating environment in 2023.”

Net revenue exceeded $2.0 billion for the first time since 2015, reaching $2.1 billion, underscoring the efficacy of Ecobank’s 5-year growth, Transformation, and Returns strategy.

The CEO attributed Ecobank’s encouraging results to its customer-centric approach and initiatives aimed at revenue diversification, growth, and low-cost deposit mobilization.

The consumer and commercial banking businesses witnessed an increase in their share of group-wide revenues and profits, indicating progress in strategic objectives.

However, amidst the overall positive performance, Ecobank’s Nigerian operations faced challenges, with profit before tax declining to $27 million in 2023 from $31 million in 2022, representing a 15% decrease.

The challenging operating environment in Nigeria, characterized by high inflation and currency depreciation, impacted the performance of the Nigerian segment.

Looking ahead, Ecobank remains committed to its strategic agenda, which emphasizes technology-driven innovation, revenue diversification, and cost management.

The group’s focus on disciplined cost management aims to redirect savings into investments in marketing, sales capabilities, and technology, driving sustainable returns in the future.

As shareholders approved a N10 billion rights issue, Ecobank is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate evolving market dynamics.

With a resilient performance in 2023, Ecobank reaffirms its commitment to driving growth, delivering value to shareholders, and advancing financial inclusion across Africa.

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