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.
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