EquitiesGhana

31 October 2025

EGH 9M2025 Results: Trading Up, Riding Non-Interest Strength

In brief

  • Strong Earnings Boosted by Trading Gains and Cost Discipline: Ecobank Ghana (EGH) posted a 45.6% y/y rise in net profit to GHS 1.4bn in 9M2025, driven by a 222.2% surge in net trading income and a 32.8% drop in impairments, offsetting weaker interest margins and fee income. Net interest income fell 13.1% y/y as interest expense jumped 49.1%, reflecting higher borrowing to meet CRR-linked LDR requirements. However, a 9.2% y/y decline in operating expenses supported a 40.7% y/y rise in pre-tax profit to GHS 2.11bn, underscoring strong non-funded income resilience.

 

  • Solid Balance Sheet and Improving Credit Trends: Total assets grew 19.1% y/y to GHS 49.9bn, supported by 18.2% loan growth funded by a modest 3.6% rise in deposits. NPL ratio rose 3.6pp y/y to 20.96% but improved 3.9pp q/q, aided by resumed government contractor payments. CAR strengthened to 15.18% from 13.03% y/y, though slightly weaker q/q (-1.7pp). While robust trading gains lifted earnings, weak funded income and high credit risk highlight the need to rebuild margin strength and sustain asset quality into FY2026.

 

  • Diversified Income and Tactical Credit Growth: EGH’s 9M2025 results highlight a resilient earnings mix, with a 222.2% surge in trading income and stronger other operating income offsetting weaker margins. Management is likely to sustain this momentum through selective credit growth in high-yield, lower-risk segments, supported by a stable Cedi and ample liquidity, positioning the bank to rebuild funded income while preserving asset quality.

 

  • Funding Strength, Cost Efficiency, and Asset Quality: Stable deposit growth (+3.6% y/y) and disciplined cost control (opex down 9.2% y/y) underpin earnings resilience, while easing inflation and FX stability continue to improve credit quality. With lower impairment charges (-32.2% y/y) and prudent balance sheet management, EGH is well placed to sustain profitability into 4Q2025.
Rating Summary: 
We amend our rating on Ecobank Ghana (EGH) from “BUY” to “ACCUMULATE”, with a revised fair value of GHS 16.28 per share, implying a 16.0% upside. The upward adjustment in fair value reflects earnings and revenue that exceeded our forecasts by 13.3% and 11.2%, respectively, as well as refinements to our valuation framework including a more statistically robust peer beta and an enhanced multi-factor P/B regression model. However, we believe the near-term upside is limited, prompting the rating revision. EGH’s 9M2025 results were supported by strong non-interest income, particularly a 222.2% surge in trading gains, and lower impairments, which offset weaker interest margins. Operating expenses remained broadly flat, sustaining robust operating leverage, while digital initiatives such as EcobankPay continue to provide scalable, low-cost avenues for income diversification in the informal sector. On the balance sheet, total assets grew 19.1% y/y, supported by measured loan growth and stable deposits. The capital adequacy ratio strengthened y/y to 15.18%, providing a comfortable buffer for expansion, despite a q/q softening from 16.9% likely due to dividend payment. Additionally, a balanced LCY/FCY deposit mix and cedi appreciation improved liquidity and the loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR). EGH’s corporate banking franchise, backed by the ETI Group, continues to capture regional flows and support cross-border financing. We expect medium-term profitability to remain resilient, driven by non-interest income growth, digital adoption, and disciplined cost management, though elevated NPLs and margin pressures remain key risks.

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