Venture Capital Bank reports net profit of US$ 5.3 Million for the 9 months period ended 31 March 2014
Venture Capital Bank BSC (c) (“VCBank”), has continued to show profitable performance with the publication of its results for the 3rd quarter ended 31 March 2014 following review clearance by auditors Ernst & Young and approval by the Board of Directors.
The Bank reported a net profit of US$ 5.3 million for the nine months period ended 31 March 2014 compared with US$ 7.2 million for the corresponding comparative period in 2013, from total revenues of US$ 14.5 million for 31 March 2014 and US$ 20 million for 31 March 2013 respectively.
On a quarterly basis, the Bank posted a net profit of US$ 1million after fair value loss of US$ 0.02 million during the quarter ended 31 March 2014 compared with US$ 1.7 million net profit after impairment provision of US$ 0.39 million for the prior quarter.
Total revenue for the current quarter was US$ 4.1 million, with income from investment banking activities representing the major portion at US$ 3.2 million. The Chairman of the Board Dr. Ghassan Ahmed Al Sulaiman, in announcing the results, highlighted the strong contribution from investment banking activities which forms the bedrock of the Bank’s activities. The balance sheet remained strong with total assets at US$ 242.6 million compared to US$ 221.5 million at 30 June 2013. In keeping with its prudent policy on provisioning, the Bank has maintained a collective provision of US$ 4.0 million as a cushion against potential impairments.
Remaining largely unleveraged, total assets principally comprise shareholders’ equity which has grown to US$ 207 million from US$ 200.5 million at 30 June 2013, a 3% growth on an annualized basis. The Bank’s capital adequacy ratio remains strong at a robust 42.1% compared to the regulatory minimum of 12%, and fiduciary assets under management stands at US$ 965 million compared to US$ 925 million as at 30 June 2013.
Board Member and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Abdullatif Mohamed Janahi also highlighted the Bank’s rebound to profitability with ten consecutive quarters of positive results. He attributed the success to the focus on the directives of the Board of Directors towards implementing the strategic plan, and the valued support rendered by the shareholders and their stance beside the bank which had a positive impact in overcoming the aftermath of the global economic crisis and the Arab spring. He also highlighted that the Bank is studying several projects in active sectors including healthcare, education and infrastructure with the aim to achieve sustained profitability and foster economic growth in the region whilst minimizing risk.
The Bank has built particular expertise in healthcare, agribusiness, oil and gas, shipping, plus yielding real estate; and in the more economically and politically stable markets of the MENA region in addition to Turkey and the United Kingdom.
“The Bank will continue to target improvements in revenue growth and operating costs whilst maintaining adequate liquidity to build a solid base for sustained profitability and thus generate good returns for our shareholders and investors. The Bank has an investor base that has been very supportive and we are confident that VC Bank will continue to build on this excellent performance into the future with the guidance and support of the Central Bank of Bahrain and the Board of Directors and by continuing to adapt and capitalize on changes and opportunities in the market,” concluded Mr. Janahi.