Karachi, April 23, 2024 – Habib Bank Limited (HBL), one of Pakistan’s premier banking institutions, has declared a substantial after-tax profit of Rs 15.04 billion for the first quarter of the calendar year 2024, marking a significant increase from Rs 13.26 billion reported in the same period last year.
This announcement came following a meeting of the board of directors of Habib Bank on April 23, 2024, where the financial results were reviewed and subsequently submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). Reflecting a solid performance, the bank reported earnings per share of Rs 10.37 for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
In addition to the profit gains, HBL’s board recommended an interim cash dividend of Rs 4 per share, a move that underscores the bank’s strong financial health and commitment to delivering shareholder value.
The bank’s financial health was bolstered significantly by a rise in both interest and non-interest income. Interest income saw a robust increase, climbing to Rs 60.537 billion in the first quarter of 2024, up from Rs 55.84 billion in the corresponding quarter last year. This growth can be attributed to the bank’s effective asset management strategies and favorable interest rate movements.
Even more impressive was the surge in non-interest income, which more than doubled to Rs 20.17 billion from Rs 8.58 billion in the same period the previous year. A significant portion of this increase was due to foreign exchange income, which skyrocketed to Rs 4.09 billion, up from just Rs 759 million in the first quarter of 2023. This dramatic rise highlights the bank’s adept handling of foreign exchange operations amid volatile market conditions.
Despite these gains, the bank also faced increased operating expenses, which rose to Rs 46.19 billion in the first quarter from Rs 39.19 billion in the prior year’s comparable period. This increase reflects the bank’s strategic investments in enhancing operational capabilities, expanding digital infrastructure, and bolstering compliance and risk management frameworks.
The banking sector in Pakistan has been navigating a complex economic landscape, characterized by fluctuating interest rates and uncertain global economic conditions. In this context, HBL’s ability to not only sustain but significantly improve its financial performance speaks volumes about its operational resilience and strategic foresight.
Looking ahead, the bank appears well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory. The ongoing investments in digital transformation are expected to further streamline operations and improve customer service, potentially opening new revenue streams and increasing competitiveness.
Investors and stakeholders have reacted positively to HBL’s quarterly report, with shares seeing a healthy uptick following the announcement. The bank’s proactive strategies and solid financial performance are likely to sustain investor confidence and attract further investment.
As Habib Bank moves into the remainder of 2024, it remains a pivotal time for the institution, as it continues to adapt to the dynamic banking environment and seeks to maintain its leadership position in Pakistan’s financial sector.
