Burgan Bank Group reported Wednesday 17.5 million Kuwaiti dinars net profits for the first quarter of 2012 (growth of 48 percent), compared to KD 11.8 million for the same period in 2011. Earnings per share increased to 11.9 Kuwaiti fils compared to 7.8 fils for the same period in 2011. This was announced in a press release on Wednesday.
Revenues has reached to KD 42.6 million reflecting a growth of 10 percent from KD 38.8 million reported in the first quarter of 2011. Operating profit grew by 15 percent to reach KD 26.6 million compared to KD 23 million for the same period in 2011. Customers' deposits grew to KD 3,040 million, a 19% increase from 1Q 2011, while loans grew by seven percent reaching KD 2,406 million.
The consolidated financials include the results of the group's operations in Kuwait as well as its subsidiaries, namely Jordan Kuwait Bank, Gulf Bank Algeria, Bank of Baghdad, Tunis International Bank, in which Burgan Bank has a majority stake. During the first quarter of 2012, the subsidiaries have demonstrated a steady growth path and maintained profitability.
Majed Essa Al-Ajeel, Chairman of Burgan Bank Group said, "We are pleased with our results during the first quarter of the year. Our financial performance continues to be solid, and the Group demonstrates a consistent growth trend across its operations despite the slow economic growth in the region".
"Burgan Bank Group's conservative strategy, prudent risk approach, and sustainable financial performance helped maintain the group's overall position locally as well as regionally. The group announced earlier that it has entered into an agreement with Eurobank EFG to acquire a 99.26 percent stake in Eurobank Tekfen, Turkey. The final execution of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals from Central Bank of Kuwait ("CBK") and Turkey's Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA). The value of this transaction reflects a clear strategic approach, where Burgan Bank Group acquired an existing and leading banking platform that enjoys an extensive network of 60 branches across vibrant areas in Turkey, with a total price that equates to the cost of obtaining a license for an initial operational start-up," added Al-Ajeel.
During the first quarter of 2012, Global Banking & Finance Review recognized Burgan Bank on two levels, the 'Best Banking Group in MENA', where its turnaround performance and delivery of sound results across its operations were acknowledged, and the 'Best Corporate Bank in Kuwait', in which the Kuwait operations Corporate Banking Group's superior performance and commitment of maintaining exceptional growth levels by financing a range of projects in diversified industry sectors were realized.
"On behalf of the board, I take this opportunity to thank our customers and shareholders for their confidence in our capabilities. Also to thank our executive management team for their leadership and the excellent execution of the corporate strategy, and to our staff for their continued support and commitment," concluded Al-Ajeel.