Ecobank generated earnings per share (EPS) of GHS 0.87, a decline of 22% compared with the GHS 1.12 reported in 2016.
Return on total shareholders’ equity (ROE) was 25% in 2017 versus 35% in the prior year. Profit attributable to shareholders amounted to GHS 254 million, compared to GHS 328 million in 2016.
The lower earnings figures is attributable to the decline in revenues caused primarily by the one-off gains from derecongnition of financial assets measured at amortised costs in 2016 which was not present in 2017.
The cost base remained fairly stable, growing by just 3%, this is significantly lower than most of our peers who reported cost growths in the ranges of 15% to 20%.
However the decline in revenues resulted in a cost-to-income ratio (CIR) of 52.4%. Our balance sheet is healthy, with a total capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 13.76%, which is above the regulatory threshold of 10%.
– Board Chairman
Ecobank Financial Report for 2017 by Fuaad Dodoo on Scribd
