ABU DHABI, (Pakistan Point News - 24th Jul, 2018) First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest bank, today reported an H1 2018 Group net profit of AED6.1 billion, up 10 percent year-on-year; with annualised Earnings per Share (EPS) standing at AED1.08.
Meanwhile, operating income reached AED9.8 billion in the period between January and June. Cost-to-income ratio (ex-integration costs) at 25.7 percent continues to improve on the back of cost discipline and synergy momentum.
Commenting on the bank’s performance, Abdulhamid Saeed, Group Chief Executive Officer of FAB, said: "I am pleased to report that FAB has built on the positive momentum generated at the start of the year to deliver another strong set of results in the second quarter of 2018. Our Group Net Profit, which has grown consistently since Q2 2017, stood at AED 3.1 Billion for the quarter, increasing by 19% over the same period last year and leading to record half year profits above the AED 6 Billion mark. The group’s excellent performance was achieved on the back of healthy asset growth, and significantly lower risk and operating costs, as we continued to capitalise on solid asset quality and provision buffers, as well as substantial synergies realised from the merger. At the same time, the reaffirmation of our Aa3 and AA- ratings by Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s, and the assignment of the same ratings to our US subsidiary, are a clear testament to the solid fundamentals and financial strength of our bank. Just recently, FAB made a remarkable entry into The Banker’s Top 1000 World Banks 2018 ranking as the number one bank in the middle East by capital strength, and the 81st worldwide, emphasising FAB’s significance in the global banking landscape."
Saeed added, "In light of a strong first half and as we enter the final stretch of our integration journey, FAB is firmly on track to deliver another record performance for 2018. Despite persistent challenges, the economic outlook over the medium-term remains positive, underpinned by continuous reforms and initiatives to drive growth. In this context, we are fully committed to supporting the stimulus plan recently announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, which will help to accelerate further economic growth and diversification, and enhance Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness and position as one of the world’s leading economic hubs."
