Access Bank to raise N100bn debt capital

Access Bank Plc on Wednesday secured the approval of its shareholders to raise up to N100 billion in new debt capital as part of measures to strengthen the balance sheet and capital structure of the bank.

At the annual general meeting in Lagos, shareholders authorised the bank to raise additional debt capital of up to N100 billion through the issuance of non-convertible loans, notes, bonds and any other instruments either as a stand-alone issue or by establishing a debt issuance programme.

In an explanatory notes on the new capital raising, the board of the bank stated that the new capital issue was in line with the strategic growth objectives and prudent risk management of the bank with the overall goal of enhancing the bank’s funding, capital base and profitability through an efficient capital structure.

“This need is underscored by the growing scale of regulatory headwinds and economic realities which have further put demands on capital. This is further strengthened by the fact that from 1 July 2016, the Capital Adequacy Ratio for Systemically Important Banks (SIBs) is being increased from 15 per cent to 16 per cent,” the board stated.

Shareholders also approved payment of a final dividend of N8.68 billion in addition to earlier interim dividend of N7.23 billion, bringing total dividend for the 2015 business year to N15.9 billion. The breakdown of the dividend recommendation indicates that shareholders will receive a final dividend per share of 30 kobo, in addition to interim dividend per share of 25 kobo, bringing total dividend per share to 55 kobo.

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Meanwhile, the board and management of the bank have assured shareholders of better returns in the years ahead.

Chairman, Access Bank Plc, Mrs. Mosun Belo-Olusoga assured on the prospects of the bank notwithstanding the changes in the macroeconomic environment.

“The bank is in a position of strength for the future-we have a solid franchise that allows us to continue to succeed during difficult economic times. We have a conservative risk profile that has placed us in a position of advantage amidst the economic storm and we are investing for long-term growth, which will allow us to capitalise on opportunities as we eventually emerge from the downturn,” Belo-Olusoga said.

Chief executive officer, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe said the bank remained committed to delivering value to its shareholders as it continues to maintain and sharpen focus on the execution of its strategy to create a large diversified bank with a strong retail base.

Audited report and accounts of Access Bank for the year ended December 31, 2015 showed considerable growth across the key indices. Gross earnings rose by 37.5 per cent from N245.38 billion in 2014 to close at N337.40 billion in 2015. Operating income rose by 39 per cent to N234.8 billion in 2015 as against N168.4 billion in 2014. Profit before tax grew by 44 per cent from N52.02 billion to N75.04 billion. Profit after tax improved by 53.3 per cent to N65.9 billion in 2015 as against N42.98 billion in 2014. Earnings per share thus improved from N1.85 in 2014 to N2.62 in 2015. Return on average equity (ROAE) improved to 20.4 per cent in 2015 as against 16.5 per cent in 2014.

 

 

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