Highlights:
- NBF recorded year-on-year growth of 80.8% to close the three-month period at a net profit before tax of AED 274.8 million compared to AED 152.0 million in the corresponding period of 2023. Further, NBF posted a net profit after tax of AED 251.1 million for the quarter with a corporate tax charge of AED 23.7 million. These results evidence the bank’s continued focus on selective quality business growth, and the effective management of margins and liquidity. The continued high interest rate environment, continuing improvement in impairment provisions, careful management of costs and buoyant local market conditions, despite the broader uncertain geopolitical conditions and global environment, all contributed to this very strong position.
- NBF posted an operating profit of AED 438.5 million for the three-month period, a rise of 10.2% compared to AED 397.9 million in the corresponding period of 2023; and up 8.7% quarter-on-quarter.
- Operating income reached AED 614.0 million, up 10.8% compared to AED 554.1 million in the corresponding period of 2023; and up 2.8% compared to Q4 2023 reflecting the robust core business performance. Principal comments include:
- Net interest income and net income from Islamic financing and investment activities rose 11.0% compared to the corresponding period of 2023, reaching AED 448.4 million; and experienced a growth of 0.3% compared to Q4 2023.
- Net fees, commission and other income grew 6.1% compared to the corresponding period of 2023, reaching AED 119.7 million; and experienced a rise of 11.5% compared to Q4 2023.
- Foreign exchange and derivatives income experienced a good growth of 12.3% compared to the corresponding period of 2023, reaching AED 45.1 million for the three-month period ended 31 March 2024.
- Operating expenses increased by 12.3%, reflecting NBF’s investments in its businesses, systems, infrastructure and people. These investments include a set of digitalization initiatives to further enhance our focus on exceptional customer service through digital adoption and innovation. Further, NBF’s cost-to-income ratio stood at 28.6% compared to 28.2% in the corresponding period of 2023, remaining in the mid-industry range and reflecting on-going cost discipline.
- NBF maintained its policy of prudent and transparent recognition of problem accounts whilst taking into consideration the new credit risk standards being introduced by the Central Bank of the UAE. NBF booked net impairment provisions of AED 163.7 million for the three-month period ended 31 March 2024 compared to AED 245.8 million in the corresponding period of 2023, a notable reduction of 33.4%. The total provision coverage ratio improved to 128.4% compared to 120.2% as at 31 December 2023. The NPL ratio was maintained at the 2023 year-end level of 4.9%.
- Total assets rose by 2.5% to reach AED 53.0 billion compared to AED 51.7 billion at 2023 year-end, up by 11.5% from 31 March 2023.
- Loans and advances and Islamic financing receivables rose by 2.2% to reach AED 28.5 billion compared to AED 27.9 billion at 2023 year-end, up by 3.6% from 31 March 2023.
- Investments and Islamic instruments increased by 3.7% to reach AED 8.4 billion compared to AED 8.1 billion at 2023 year-end, up by 18.0% from 31 March 2023; optimizing a portion of liquidity towards a high-quality investment book to augment value and return.
- Return on average assets improved to 1.9%, up from 1.3% for the corresponding period in 2023.
- Customer deposits and Islamic customer deposits increased by 2.5% to reach AED 39.5 billion compared to AED 38.6 billion at 2023 year-end, up by 13.4% from 31 March 2023. Current and Saving Accounts (CASA) deposits stood at 42.2% of total customer deposits, balancing the impact of higher rates for fixed-term deposit products.
- Ample liquidity has been maintained with lending to stable resources ratio (LSRR) at 68.6% (2023: 67.4%) and eligible liquid assets ratio (ELAR) at 28.6% (2023: 28.3%), well ahead of Central Bank of the UAE’s minimum requirements.
- Return on average equity improved to 15.3%, up from 10.2% for the corresponding period in 2023.
- The capital adequacy ratio (CAR) stood at 18.9% (Tier 1 ratio of 17.8% and CET 1 ratio of 14.3%) compared to 19.0% (Tier 1 ratio of 17.8% and CET 1 ratio of 14.2%) at 2023 year-end and is being maintained at this level to support the bank’s ability to grow and meet any challenges that may arise from the rapidly evolving global economy.
Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Deputy Chairperson said:
“The first quarter of 2024 saw an impressive start for NBF delivering an outstanding set of results. This is particularly encouraging given the challenging global conditions, incessant inflationary pressures, climate change considerations and the on-going conflicts around the world. This strong financial performance reflects the recent years of hard work and the robustness of our balance sheet in a higher interest rate environment coupled with an exceptional improvement in asset quality indicators, solid capital adequacy, ample liquidity and success in harnessing cutting-edge technology.
NBF has a good platform for growth with the opportunities that exist within the UAE and beyond; facilitated by our home country’s positive economic outlook, the sustained efforts put in to diversify in the non-hydrocarbon sectors and the strategic global partnerships undertaken to enhance UAE’s position as a global business hub. This was evidenced by the UAE achieving a 3.4 per cent GDP growth in 2023; with an expectation to grow by 5.3 per cent in 2024.
With an unwavering commitment to long-term sustainable returns and customer care, we continue with our focus on capturing these growth opportunities, enhancing our earnings sustainability and targeting good returns in the coming quarters of 2024.
NBF continues to build on its sustainability strategy to benefit from the evolving prospects that are arising in this space. We remain committed to supporting our customers and contributing to the growth and advancement of our communities enabling UAE’s fiscal and social development.”
