In the finance world, where institutions' fluctuating fortunes often make headlines, Abay, a mid-sized financial institution, has found itself in the limelight for reasons that evoke optimism and caution. The Bank recently reported a marked increase in net profit, driven primarily by a significant surge in interest income. However, the uptick in performance has not translated into a proportionate rise in share earnings.

Considerable growth in interest income is at the heart of Abay's profit increase. Its ability to register a substantial increase in interest income is noteworthy. Yet, a closer examination reveals a less-than-rosy picture regarding share earnings. Despite the impressive growth in net profit, Abay's earnings per share (EPS) have not experienced a corresponding increase. The culprit behind this discrepancy is a fresh capital injection, which has, in effect, diluted the company's EPS.

Abay Bank netted 933.3 million Br, an increase of 10.2pc from last year. Although more than half of Berhan Bank's and three times that of Lion Bank, the mid-tier Bank's net profit was lower than other banks of its generation. Oromia Bank has made a 1.2 billion Br profit, and Zemen Bank 1.48 billion Br from the 2021/22 operation year.

However, the Bank's net profit margin of 35.8pc outperformed the industry average of 26.2pc, indicating a higher profit level for each Birr in revenue earned. Despite the high net profit margin contributing to its substantial return on investment (ROE), Abay Bank has not utilized its assets as efficiently as its peers. It has relied more on debt to finance its operations.

Abay Bank ranks second among its peer banks in total assets, with 40.7 billion Br, far ahead of Zemen and Berhan. Oromia Bank has the highest total assets at a little over 52 billion Br. However, Oromia Bank is ahead of Abay's 26.5 billion Br in loans and advances while Berhan Bank and Zemen Bank trail with 21 billion Br and 21.1 billion Br, respectively.

Yehuala Gessese, president of Abay Bank, attributed the high headline inflation and the negative socio-economic impact of the war in the north as critical phenomena affecting the domestic banking scene during the annual general assembly held in November 2022, held at the Inter Luxury Hotel.

Abay Bank's net profit was lower than other banks within its cohort. Oromia Bank and Zemen Bank reported profits of 1.2 billion Br and 1.48 billion Br, respectively, for the 2021/22 fiscal year. Its earnings per share (EPS) also experienced an 11.5pc decline from the previous year to 295 Br, which Yehuala attributed to a fresh capital injection of one billion Birr.

Abay Bank has a robust capital base, with a capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 21pc. Its capital-to-branch ratio is double the industry average, giving it a competitive edge. With an aggregate capital of 210 billion Br and a branch network of over 6,500, Ethiopia's banking industry has a capital-to-branch ratio of 30.4pc.

The Bank was incorporated in 2010, with 125 million Br raised from 823 founding shareholders. More than 4,300 shareholders raised 3.97 billion Br last year, showing a 41.2pc increase from the previous year.

Mulatu Asfaw is one of the founding shareholders who concurred with the President's view that the northern war and global issues impacted the banking industry. He was not aware of the declined earnings per share.

Mulatu urged the management to prioritize investments for expansion.

Abay Bank's efficiency ratio, which measures expenses as a percentage of revenue, was 42.14pc, lower than the average for all banks. This efficient cost structure has contributed to its profitability.