Ecobank Nigeria declares N7.5b profit
Ecobank released its results for the first quarter.
The company declared a profit after tax of N7.5 billion for the year ended December 31st, 2007 representing 109% growth over 2006. The highlights are:
- Gross earnings grew by 90 per cent to N33 billion from N17 billion recorded in the preceding year.
- The bank’s profit before tax hit N10 billion, representing a 101 per cent increase over previous year’s figures.
- The operating ratios also generally recorded positive improvements.
- The bank’s balance sheet rose 136 per cent to N311 billion.
- Operating expenses grew on account of renewed expansion initiative during the year and the implementation of a new banking operating software.
- The bank renewed its growth plan with the opening of new branches and the purchase and assumption of branches of Hallmark Bank in liquidation.
- Ecobank at the close of 2007 operated from 197 branches against the previous year’s 131 branches.
- Outstanding performance is attributed to more efficient operations and processes resulting in increased customer base, more robust loan portfolio and commitment by all the stakeholders.
- This level of performance was made possible by increased funding base, which translated to growth in volumes, and improved asset and liability management.
- Dividend of 24 kobo per ordinary share of 50 kobo held.
The report is attached here: Ecobank Q1 2008 Results (46)