The Board of Directors of Meezan Bank approved the financial statements of the Bank for the half year ended June 30, 2022. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Riyadh S.A. A. Edrees – Chairman of the Board, and Mr. Faisal A. A. A. Al – Nassar – Vice Chairman of the Board was also present.
The Board has approved an interim cash dividend of Rs 1.75 per share (17.5%) and 10% bonus shares. This brings the total cash dividend payout for the half year to Rs 3.50 (35%) per share along with 10% bonus shares.
The Bank’s profit after tax increased to Rs 17.1 billion compared to Rs 12.6 billion in the corresponding period last year, reflecting a 36% growth – despite taxation charge at 49% (inclusive of 10% super tax) in the current half year pursuant to Finance Act 2022.
The Bank was able to manage its tax charge efficiently by maintaining an ADR of over 50% and accordingly, did not attract any additional tax charge relating to ADR below 50%.
Total deposits of the Bank closed at Rs 1.57 trillion – an 8% growth over last year. During the half year, the Bank opened 29 new branches, bringing its geographical network to 931 branches in more than 300 cities.
The Bank’s ATM network crossed the 1,000 ATMs milestone during the half year. The Bank’s Mobile Banking App remains the highest-rated Mobile App in the banking industry on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
The Bank’s net spread grew by 46% to Rs 45.4 billion from Rs 31.2 billion in the corresponding period last year, primarily due to volumetric growth in earning assets and a higher average underlying policy rate during the half year.
The Bank’s non-funded income also recorded a growth of 57% closing at Rs 10.7 billion as compared to Rs 6.8 billion in the corresponding period last year mainly due to debit card-related fee income, and higher trade-relate income and branch banking income.
Total assets of the Bank crossed Rs 2.4 trillion, registering a 27% growth (Rs 514 billion), over December, 2021 (Rs 1.9 trillion). The Bank’s non-performing financing ratio remained at an exemplary level of 1.7%. The Bank maintains a comfortable level of provisions against its non-performing financings with a coverage ratio of 139% – one of the highest in the banking industry.
The Investments portfolio of the Bank doubled, growing to Rs 1.2 trillion from Rs 620 billion last year after an investment of more than Rs 600 billion in GoP Ijarah Sukuk. During the half year, the Bank made an additional general provision of Rs 750 million against any potential non-performing financings in view of the current ongoing economic slowdown.
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