Press Releases

Abu Dhabi - 05 February, 2014 - Finance House P.J.S.C (FH) has reported a consolidated net profit of AED 83.7 million for 2013, which is 15.9% higher than the net profit of AED 72.2 million achieved in the previous year. Total Comprehensive Income for the year grew by a whopping 52.3% to reach AED 117.6 million compared to AED 77.2 million in the previous year. Total Assets grew to AED 4.12 billion as at 31 December 2013, registering a healthy increase of 10.6% compared to AED 3.72 billion as at 31 December 2012.

Bearing in mind the Total Comprehensive Income of AED 117.6 million posted during the year, the sound liquidity position and the robust Capital Adequacy ratio, the Board has recommended a cash dividend of 25% subject to regulatory approvals.

Commenting on 2013 results, Mohammed Alqubaisi, Chairman of Finance House said: “We are proud to maintain our profitable stance for the ninth successive year since inception. In less than a decade, we have experienced a complete boom-bust cycle and it is gratifying to note that our resilient business model has delivered profitable growth not only during periods of rapid economic growth but also during periods of relative economic stagnation or contraction. For a genuine private sector enterprise operating in the fiercely competitive UAE financial services sector, this is a creditable achievement indeed.”

During the year, Customer Deposits grew by a robust 20.8% to reach AED 2.18 billion compared to AED 1.80 billion as at the end of the previous year. This level of Customer Deposits is an all-time high and bears testimony to the confidence that the market places in Finance House.

Due to unavoidable margin compression in a low interest rate environment, Net Interest Income and Income from Islamic Financing & Investing Assets was flat at AED 128.4 million in 2013 compared to AED 128.7 million in 2012. However, Net Fee and Commission income jumped by 50.3% to AED 43.5 million in 2013, compared to AED 28.9 million in 2012. Aggregate investment income from the well-diversified proprietary investment portfolio consisting of listed equity, private equity, fixed income and investment properties was up by 11.2% to AED 94.7 million in 2013 compared to AED 85.1 million in the previous year.

As a combined result of the above, Total Operating Income for 2013 was up by 9.4% at AED 266.4 million compared to AED 243.4 million in the previous year.

Net Loans & Advances including Islamic Financing & Investing Assets as at 31 December 2013 grew by 8.4% to AED 1.58 billion compared to AED 1.46 billion at the end of the previous year. Loans to Deposits ratio as of 31 December 2013 stood at a healthy 72.5% compared to 80.8% in the previous year, reflecting a cautious approach to loan book growth as well as the significant head room available for sustained loan book growth in 2014 and beyond.

FH’s Non Performing Loan provisioning policy continues to be conservative and as of 31 December 2013, the Company maintains healthy loan loss coverage of 94% (2012: 81%) by way of specific provisions to cover net exposure against individually impaired loans as well as loan balances that are past due for 91 days or more but are not impaired. In addition, FH also maintains a collective provision of 1.25% of the Performing Portfolio.

Total operating expenses were higher by 6.7% in 2013 compared to 2012 mainly on account of hiring new employees and higher establishment costs, in line with increased business volumes across all business segments. Despite higher operating expenses, the Cost/Income ratio improved by 1.4% in 2013 compared to 2012.

FH continues to manage its liquidity in a prudent manner. Since the onset of the financial crisis in October 2008, FH has remained a net lender to the UAE inter-bank market and continues to maintain this position till date. Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December 2013 swelled to AED 817 million compared to AED 599 million as at the end of the previous year, representing a healthy 19.8% of Total Assets.

Shareholders’ Equity as at 31 December 2013 improved to AED 729 million registering a robust year on year increase of nearly 12%. Capital adequacy ratio computed in accordance with Basel II guidelines stood at a robust 24.6%, providing a solid footing for accelerated future growth in assets.

“We look forward to 2014 with renewed optimism for sustained profitable growth, in line with improving economic conditions. Our strategy is sound and we have the necessary mechanisms and structures in place to exploit profitable opportunities, to adapt quickly to changing market conditions, to continue managing risks well and to maximize returns for our shareholders,” concluded Alqubaisi.