NCBA Group PLC has reported a profit after tax of Sh23.4 billion for the full year ending 2025, marking a 7 per cent increase from the Sh21.9 billion posted in 2024.
The lender’s performance has also led to a higher dividend payout of Sh11.7 billion, up from Sh9.1 billion the previous year, signalling improved returns to shareholders.
Profit before tax rose by 10.9 per cent to Sh27.9 billion, while operating income grew by 17 per cent to Sh73.3 billion. Operating expenses also increased by 17 per cent to Sh37.5 billion, reflecting higher costs of running the business.
The group set aside Sh8.0 billion for potential credit losses, a significant 46.3 per cent rise compared to the previous year.
During the period, NCBA disbursed Sh1.4 trillion in digital loans, a 33 per cent increase, highlighting strong growth in its digital banking segment. Customer deposits rose to Sh532 billion, while total assets stood at Sh716 billion.
The board has recommended a final dividend of Sh7.10 per share for 2025.
The Kenya Bank subsidiary remained the Group’s main profit engine, contributing 82 per cent of Profit Before Tax (PBT), and growing PBT at a 27 per cent CAGR since 2020 to Sh22.9 billion, enabled by balance sheet growth and margin management.
Regional banking subsidiaries also delivered a solid performance, generating Sh3.6 billion PBT (>100 per cent CAGR vs 2020), contributing 13 per cent to bottom line outcomes driven by balance sheet growth and lower impairment costs.
Non-banking subsidiaries (Investment Bank, Bancassurance, Leasing, and NCBA Insurance) posted a combined Profit Before Tax, of Sh1.9 billion (28 per cent CAGR vs 2020), accounting for 5.0 per cent of Group PBT.
“The 2025 outcomes are a great milestone to close out our 2020 - 2025 strategy. Over the last 5 years a disciplined execution of strategy and enhanced diversification of our business model have delivered a more robust institution with momentum to carry us forward,” NCBA Group Managing Director, John Gachora said over the results.
Over the five-year period, the group says it strengthened its brand, expanded its retail and corporate banking operations, and invested heavily in digital transformation. Its digital business now contributes 32 per cent of total profitability.
The bank also reported progress in its sustainability agenda, including green financing, tree planting, and support for women, youth, and community initiatives across the region.