Browsing: Equity Group

• The strong performance of key subsidiaries in Rwanda, DRC, and Kenya largely drove growth in customer deposits.
• Equity South Sudan emerged as a standout performer, posting a 48% jump in revenue.
• Collectively, the subsidiaries accounted for 55% of the group’s revenue and 58% of pre-provision operating profits.

In the six months to June 2024, regional lender Equity Group posted strong results amid a tough macroeconomic environment marked by high interest rates and currency woes.

An analysis of the Group’s performance shows that subsidiaries spread in Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, and South Sudan played a pivotal role in bolstering its financial performance.

The subsidiaries’ performance helped cushion the lender from the impact of external pressures on the overall earnings.

Equity Group reported a 12.5 per cent year-on-year jump in net earnings, reaching $230.2 million (KSH29.62 billion) in the first half of 2024. This growth was underpinned by …

• Equity Bank dividend payout of $0.03 (KES4) per share will amount to a 36 per cent payout of the regional lender’s $331.6 million net profit.
• Customer numbers grew to 19.6 million, translating to an increase in deposits, which hit $10.6 billion in 2023.
• Loan books also increased to $6.7 billion (KES887.4 billion) from KES706.6 billion in 2022.

Equity Group’s profits saw a five per cent decline to $331.6 million (KES43.7 billion) for the financial year ending in December 2023, down from $349 million (KES46 billion) the previous year. However, despite the drop, Equity Group’s dividend payout has hit record …

• Equity Group anticipates regulatory changes, currency fluctuations, and the broader economic repercussions of global events as obstacles in the future.
• However, the regional lender looks well-positioned to overcome these obstacles due to its robust capital base, diversified business model, and continuous digital transformation.
• Analysis shows that industry-specific factors, market sentiment, and macroeconomic conditions may be exerting an impact on the stock’s performance.

Amidst the ongoing repercussions of the pandemic and geopolitical unrest on a global scale, Equity Group Kenya, arguably the largest financial institution in East Africa, has exhibited exceptional fortitude and expansion during the three months ending September 30, 2023.

In spite of the tough economic climate characterized by inflationary forces and disruptions in the supply chain, Equity Group has disclosed a consistent upward trend in its fundamental financial indicators. An important growth driver has been the bank’s emphasis on digital innovation and customer-centric services, which have significantly …

• The first index which comes into effect immediately is the NSE 10 Index. This will monitor the performance of Safaricom, and lenders Co-op, Equity and KCB.
• It will also monitor KenGen, EABL, Kenya Re, Absa, Centum and NCBA Group stocks, which complete top ten listed firms. 
• The bourse has also unveiled the NSE-BI which is set to launch on October 1. The new index will focus on the bond market.

The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) will track the performance of its top ten listed firms and monitor the bond market using two new market indices. The first index, which comes into effect immediately, is the NSE 10 Index. This will monitor the performance of the equities of telco Safaricom, and lenders Co-op Bank, Equity and KCB.

It will also monitor the equities of KenGen, EABL, Kenya Re, Absa, Centum and NCBA Group which complete the set of top …

• IFC and Equity Banque Commerciale du Congo (EquityBCDC), a subsidiary of Equity Group, has partnered to increase access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the DRC and to promote economic diversification in the country.
• Under the partnership, IFC will support the expansion of EquityBCDC’s SME-lending operations through a $12.5 million risk sharing facility (RSF).
• Through the partnership, EquityBCDC aims to provide an additional 1,700 SME loans within the DRC and expand its SME portfolio from $250 million in 2021 to $631 million by 2026.

IFC and Equity Banque Commerciale du Congo (EquityBCDC), a subsidiary of Equity Group, has partnered to increase access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the DRC and to promote economic diversification in the country.

Under the partnership, IFC will support the expansion of EquityBCDC’s SME-lending operations through a $12.5 million risk sharing facility (RSF).  

 IFC is also providing advisory services …

• Equity Group has reported a 36% growth in its after-tax profit to hit KSh 24.4 billion, principally driven by the growth of loans to customers
• The Kenyan-based regional lender also attributed the performance to its recovery and resilience strategy
• Equity Group CEO James Mwangi said the loan growth was targeted to supporting their clients to recover and rebuild after the Covid-19 business disruptions

Equity Group has reported a 36 per cent growth in its after-tax profit to hit KSh 24.4 billion.

The performance was principally driven by a 29 per cent growth in interest income to KSh 55 billion, up from KSh 42.8 billion as a result of the growth of loans to customers by 29 per cent to KSh 650.6 billion, up from KSh 504.8 billion.

The Kenyan-based regional lender also attributed the performance to its recovery and resilience strategy.

Equity Group CEO James Mwangi said the loan growth …

• Equity Group grew the volume of diaspora remittances it processed by 39 per cent in 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020
• The lender handled Ksh383.5 billion in remittances in the 12 months to December, up from Ksh279.4 billion in 2021
• Equity Group CEO James Mwangi attributed this to linkage with multiple digital platforms, which have helped widen the geographical reach in the remittances segment

Equity Group grew the volume of diaspora remittances it processed by 39 per cent in 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020, leveraging on the growing popularity of digital channels for sending money home from abroad.

The lender handled Ksh383.5 billion in remittances in the 12 months to December, up from Ksh279.4 billion in 2021.

The Group’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, James Mwangi attributed this to linkage with multiple digital platforms, which have helped widen the geographical reach in the remittances …

• Equity has recorded a 99 per cent rise of its net profit to reach KSh 40.1 billion from KSh 20.1 billion
• Net interest income grew by 25 per cent to KSh 68.8 billion, up from KSh 55.1 billion, driven by a 23 per cent growth in loan book to KSh 587.8 billion
• Equity Group CEO James Mwangi said the bank has now strategically positioned itself as a systemic regional diversified business in six countries

Equity Group has recorded superior performance for the year ended 31^st December 2021 despite the challenging operating environment of a global COVID-19 pandemic.

Profit After Tax increased by 99 per cent to KSh 40.1 billion from KSh 20.1 billion, with Profit Before Tax recording a growth of 134% to KSh 51.9 billion, up from KSh 22.2 billion the previous year.

The Group has recommended a record dividend pay-out of KSh 3 per share totalling KSh …

• Equity Group has been given a life insurance license through its Equity Life Assurance (Kenya) Ltd
• The group said it will use the license to provide life insurance solutions to an underserved market
• Kenya’s insurance industry has continued to witness steady growth over the years, with the insurance market premiums currently being valued at approximately KSh 235 billion 

Equity Group joins insurance sector

The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) has issued a license to Equity Group to joins the insurance sector business under Equity Life Assurance (Kenya) Limited (ELAK).

Equity Group said the license will enable it to provide life insurance solutions to the underserved market and contribute towards the vision of Equity Group to transform lives and expand opportunities for wealth creation.

IRA said the new business entity is a fully-fledged business with separate structures and commercial arrangements in line with its regulations.

The Commissioner of Insurance and …

• James Mwangi is among 100 global leaders selected by Ernst & Young’s Meaningful Business 100 (MB 100) 2021
• Mwangi was selected under the financial services category, for championing initiatives that address the 17 SDGs and specifically focusing on alleviating poverty and inequality
• The 2021 nominees included corporate CEOs, entrepreneurs, sustainability leaders and impact investors

Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi is among 100 global leaders selected by Ernst & Young’s Meaningful Business 100 (MB 100) 2021.

The third edition of the awards hailed leaders for their role in tackling the world’s most pressing issues and for fostering the achievement of the UN Global Goals.

Dr. James Mwangi was selected under the financial services category, for championing initiatives that address the 17 SDGs and specifically focusing on alleviating poverty and inequality at the bottom of the socio-economic pyramid.

This has been realized through his vision and through his …