Guaranty Trust Holding Company Shatters Records with Historic Pre-Tax Profits in Nigerian Banking

Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), one of Nigeria’s most efficiently managed banks, has recently announced record-breaking pre-tax profits in Nigerian banking history. According to its first-quarter earnings report, the bank achieved a pre-tax profit of N509.3 billion, marking a staggering sixfold increase from the same period in 2023. This remarkable performance underscores the bank’s financial strength and resilience.

During the period under review, GTCO recorded a profit after tax of N457.1 billion, with total assets reaching N13 trillion, up from N9.6 trillion at the end of 2023. Notably, the bank’s profit after tax for 2023 stood at N539.6 billion, making the current result even more significant for the bank and its shareholders.

Key highlights from the earnings report include a net interest income of N213.8 billion, reflecting a threefold increase from the previous year. This substantial growth in net interest income demonstrates the bank’s profitability from loans. It advances to its customers, particularly in a season with high-interest rates and exchange rate volatility.

Additionally, GTCO earned over N100 billion from investments in securities, with about 79% of its investment security portfolio comprised of treasury bills yielding returns as high as 19%. Commission and fees also contributed significantly to the bank’s bottom line, amounting to N52 billion.

Mr. Segun Agbaje, the Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO, attributed the impressive first-quarter results to the value created across all business verticals through the Holding Company Structure. He emphasised the company’s strategic positioning to compete effectively and meet customers’ needs within a unified financial ecosystem.

Despite the challenging operating environment, Mr Agbaje highlighted its solid performance and affirmed its commitment to meeting full-year guidance. GTCO’s financial ratios, including pre-tax return on equity (ROAE) of 117.0% and pre-tax return on assets (ROAA) of 18.0%, reflect its strong position within the Nigerian financial services industry.

The bank’s profitability is further underscored by gains from exchange rate revaluation, contributing significantly to its profits. However, it’s worth noting the impact of Nigeria’s currency depreciation on commercial banks’ fortunes, contrasting with manufacturing companies.

GTCO’s profits will fuel debates over the central bank’s decision not to include retained earnings in calculating banks’ tier 1 capital. Despite the bank’s retained earnings reaching N931 billion, it is not permitted to include this as part of its share capital per CBN directives. Nonetheless, shareholders stand to benefit from dividends, which could be reinvested in the bank.

GTCO’s record-breaking profits signify its resilience and dominance in the Nigerian banking landscape, driven by robust financial performance and strategic positioning within the industry.

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Ikenna Churchill

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