(MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) QNB Group has announced its financial results for the three months ended 31 March 2012. The group recorded a net profit of QR2.0 billion, up by 17.4% compared to the same period last year, demonstrating QNB Group's success across business activities and the ability to achieve strong growth in profitability for the benefit of shareholders.
Total assets increased by 28.2% since 31 March 2011 to reach QR311.1 billion, the highest ever achieved by the Group. This was the result of a strong growth rate of 43.0% in loans and advances to reach QR201.2 billion. Meanwhile, customer deposits recorded solid growth of 21.4% to QR218.4 billion.
The Bank was able to maintain the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans at 1.1%, a level considered to be the lowest amongst banks in the Middle East and North Africa. Provisions were conservatively managed, as the coverage ratio reached 127%.
Total operating income increased to QR2.8 billion, up by 24.4% compared to the same period last year, as QNB Group succeeded in achieving strong growth across the range of revenue sources. Net interest income and income from Islamic financing activities increased substantially, up by 31.6% to reach QR2.2 billion.
QNB Group continued to diversify its income sources, with net fees and commissions income increasing by 18.3% to QR337.2 million, while net gain from foreign exchange increased by 70.5% to QR163.3 million.
The efficiency ratio (cost to income ratio) improved to 16.0%, compared to 16.2% in March 2011, one of the best ratios among financial institutions in the Middle East and North Africa.
Total shareholders' equity increased by 71.3% since 31 March 2011 to reach QR42.0 billion. QNB Group maintains a strong capital adequacy ratio higher than the regulatory requirements of Qatar Central Bank and Basel Committee. The Group is keen to maintain a strong capitalisation in order to support future strategic plans.
The Bank has a high rating assigned to it from a number of leading rating agencies. The Bank's ratings are considered amongst the highest amongst the leading financial institutions in the region due to its strong financial position, high quality of its assets and its leading position in the financial sector.
Based on the Group's strong capitalization and high credit ratings, QNB was named one of the World's 50 Safest Banks and one of the Safest Banks in the Middle East, according to the latest update published by Global Finance in April 2012.
QNB Group launched its debut bond issue under its Euro Medium Term Note Program in the international capital markets which amounted to US1.0 billion with a 5-year maturity at a coupon rate of 3.375%. This highly successful issue received an overwhelming interest from regional and international investors.
A new 5-year strategic plan was approved which aims to make QNB Group a Middle East and Africa Icon. The new strategy aims to maintain the Group's position as the leading bank in the area by expanding and improving operations, diversifying income sources, and achieving a high return to shareholders.
In line with efforts to further improve customer service through the offering of unique and advanced solutions, the Group's launched a mobile near filed communication payment program. This service, which is first to be offered in Qatar, allow customers to this technology to process payments through their mobile phones.
QNB Group which operates in 24 countries around the world through its network, subsidiaries and associate companies employs about 7,000 staff operating from 335 branches and offices that are supported by an ATM network that exceeds 650 machines.
Based on the Group's continuous strong performance and the expanding international presence, the bank is currently ranked as the most valuable brand in the MENA region, with a world ranking of 114 from189 in 2011.
