Connect with us

Finance

Market Gains N267bn amidst Profit Taking

Published

on

Nigerian Exchange Limited - Investors King
  • Market Gains N267bn amidst Profit Taking

The Nigerian equities market ended last week on bullish note for the fifth consecutive time despite moves by some investors to take profit. While investors have been taking booking profits on some stocks as a result of unprecedented price rise in the past weeks, the growth was sustained as other investors increased demand for consumer and industrial goods following impressive half year financial performance.

As a results, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index appreciated by 2.07 per cent to close at 38,198.60 to bring the year-to-date growth to 42.1 per cent. Similarly, the market capitalisation added N266.6 billion to close at N13.17 trillion.

Daily Market Performance

The equity market resumed on Monday on a positive noted with the index appreciating by 0.27 per cent to close at 37,525.38 , while the ,market capitalisation ended at N12.90 trillion. The appreciation recorded in the share prices of Nestle, Mobil, Nigerian Breweries, Lafarge Africa, and GTBank was bolstered the gain recorded in the index. Investors committed N5.80 billion to 254.48 million shares in 4,600 deals the first day, which was however lower than the N6.30 billion invested the previous day.

The three most actively traded sectors were: Financial Services (176.74 million shares), Consumer Goods (40.26 million shares), and Conglomerates (11.09 million shares), while the the three most actively traded stocks were: Access Bank (46.28 million shares), Zenith Bank (29.57 million shares) and GT Bank (25.54 million shares).

Only two sectors appreciated, while three depreciated. The NSE Consumer Goods Index led sector led with a 2.2per cent appreciation, following gains in Nestle (+3.3 per cent) and Nigerian Breweries (+3.1 per cent). Similarly, the NSE Industrial Goods Index trailed with 0.6 per cent growth as a result of uptick in Lafarge Africa (+1.7 per cent).

Conversely, losses in AXA Mansard Insurance Plc and Continental Reinsurance Plc dragged the NSE Insurance Index 2.0 per cent lower. In the same vein, the NSE Banking and NSE Oil & Gas indices fell by 0.2 per cent apiece.

Tuesday was another positive day as the market hit a 34-month high. The market capitalisation crossed the N13 trillion mark, closing at N13.1 trillion, just as the index stood at 37,999.56 to record a year-to-date growth of 41.4 per cent.

The positive momentum was sustained due to high demand for consumer goods bellwethers and mid-cap banking stocks. Despite the positive performance by the benchmark index, performance across sectors was bearish as all indices closed in the red except for the NSE Consumer Goods Index that rose by 5.4 per cent. The NSE Oil & Gas Index led the bears, falling by 0.8 per cent, trailed by the NSE Insurance Index, which shed 0.6 per cent. The NSE Industrial Goods Index closed 0.2 per cent lower as a result of weak demand for Dangote Cement, and Cement Company of Northern Nigeria, just as the NSE Banking Index shed 0.1 per cent.

The Nigerian stock market maintained its gaining streak on Wednesday surging further to record a year-to-date growth of 41.9 per cent. The index The Nigerian advanced by 0.38 per cent to close higher at 38,144.02, while market capitalisation added N49.8 billion to close at N13.147 trillion.

The bullish trend was driven by sustained interest in consumer goods and banking stocks such as Nestle Nigeria Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.

In all, 21 stocks appreciated compared with 23 stocks that depreciated. However, volume and value traded rose 50.6 per cent and 20.3 per cent to 328.7 million shares and N6.1 billion respectively.

According to analysts at Meristem Securities Limited, “despite the profit taking activities on some stocks, the market’s gain recorded at the close of trades may be attributed to the sustained rally on some large cap tickers in the consumer goods space.”

Guinness Nigeria Plc led the price gainers, rising by 10.2 per cent to close at N87.50 per share, trailed by Jaiz Bank Plc, which advanced by 10 per cent.

Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc closed as the third highest price gainer, chalking up 9.9 per cent. Dangote Flour Mills Plc appreciated by 9.5 per cent, while Vitafoam Nigeria Plc garnered 5.02 per cent.

Conversely, Champion Breweries Plc led the price losers with 9.3 per cent, trailed by Livestock Feeds Plc with 5.0 per cent. Conoil Plc and Continental Reinsurance Plc went down by 4.5 per cent apiece among others.

The equities market bucked a seven-day gaining streak on Thursday as investors moved in for profit taking on blue-chip stocks. Consequently, the index fell by 0.11 per cent to close at 38,102.85 points while the YTD return moderated to 41.8per cent. The bearish performance was largely dragged by sell-offs in Tier-1 banking stocks including Zenith Bank and GTBank Plc that offset gains recorded by Stanbic IBTC, Nestle and Unilever.

The market recovered on Friday, rising by 0.25 per cent, hence the closing the week with a gain of 2.07 per cent.

Market Turnover

The market recorded a turnover of 1.518 billion shares worth N28.868 billion in 23,053 deals were traded by investors on the floor of the exchange in contrast to a total of 2.518 billion shares valued at N114.117 billion that exchanged hands in 23,546 deals the previous week.

The Financial Services Industry led the activity chart with 1.178 billion shares valued at N14.445 billion traded in 11,520 deals, thus contributing 77.63 per cent and 50.04 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Consumer Goods Industry followed with 183.850 million shares worth N12.508 billion in 5,807 deals. The third place was occupied by Conglomerates Industry with a turnover of 53.758 million shares worth N126.669 million in 819 deals.

Trading in the top three equities namely – Access Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, accounted for 500.113 million shares worth N11.910 billion in 3,870 deals, contributing 32.95per cent and 41.26 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Also traded during the week were a total of 2,461 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N296,837.94 executed in nine deals compared with a total of 1.166 million units valued at N16.169 million transacted the previous week in 17 deals.

Similarly, total of 9,615 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N8.301million were traded in 21 deals, compared with a total of 5,850 units valued at N5.702 million transacted two weeks ago.

Price Gainers and Losers

Meanwhile, 32 equities appreciated during the review week as against 38 equities of the previous week, while 37 equities depreciated in price, compared with 28 equities of the previous week.

Guinness Nigeria Plc led with 27.1 per cent trailed by Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc with 20.2 per cent. Dangote Flour Mills Plc garnered 18.3 per cent, just as Nestle Nigeria Plc, while Jaiz Bank Plc, Unilever Nigeria Plc and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc chalked up 13.5 per cent, 10.3 per cent, and 10.1 per cent respectively. B.O.C Gases Plc, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc advanced by 10 per cent, 9.3 per cent and 8.8 in that order.

Conversely, N.E.M Insurance Plc led the price losers with 18.5 per cent, followed by Morison Industries Plc with 13.2 per cent. Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc and Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc went down by 12.5 per cent, just as Continental Reinsurance Plc, Forte Oil Plc, and Conoil Plc shed 12.2 per cent, 10.5 per cent and 10.4 per cent respectively.

Other top price losers included: African Prudential Plc (8.0 per cent); Unity Bank Plc(7.9 per cent) and Champion Breweries Plc (7.7 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.

Continue Reading
Comments

Banking Sector

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Banking Sector

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Banking Sector

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading
Advertisement




Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending