First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest bank and one of the world’s largest and safest financial institutions, reported its financial results for the full year ended 31 December 2019 today. 

Solid performance in a year of growth and transformation

• Full year 2019 Group Net Profit at AED 12.5 Billion, up 4% from AED 12.0 Billion in 2018
• Basic Earnings Per Share (EPS) at AED 1.10, compared to AED 1.06 the prior year
• Operating income at AED 20.2 Billion, up 4% year-on-year, driven by the solid underlying performance of our core businesses in a challenging environment
• Cost-to-income ratio (ex-integration costs) at an industry-leading level of 26.8%, reflecting cost discipline amidst investments in strategic and digital initiatives
• Annual run-rate cost synergy target almost fully met as of December-end 2019

Robust capital position and payout

• FAB’s Board of Directors, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, recommends the distribution of a cash dividend per share of 74 fils, implying total cash dividends of AED 8.08 Billion for the full year ended 31 December 2019
• Robust capital position with a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 13.5%, up from 12.4% in 2018, and comfortably in excess of regulatory requirements

Other key financial highlights:

• Loans and advances at AED 408 Billion, up 16% year-on-year and 8% sequentially
• Customer deposits at AED 519 Billion, up 12% year-on-year and 9% sequentially 
• Strong liquidity position and funding profile with Liquidity Coverage Ratio at 129%
• Healthy asset quality with Non-Performing Loan ratio at 3.2%, provision coverage ratio at 93% 
• Return on Risk Weighed Assets (RoRWA) improved to 2.56%, up from 2.46% in 2018

Commenting on the results, His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of FAB, said: “2019 marked another year of growth for FAB, despite challenging market conditions regionally and internationally. The Group’s solid financial results for the full year of 2019 are testament to the strength of our leading corporate and retail businesses, and demonstrate clear progress in our strategy as we continue to better serve our clients in the UAE and across our global network. In line with our commitment to maximise shareholder returns, FAB’s Board of Directors has recommended to distribute a cash dividend of 74 fils per share for the full year ended 31 December 2019. We are starting off 2020 with a robust capital position, enabling us to support our future growth plans in the UAE and across strategic markets”

His Highness added: “As a leading and responsible bank, our long-standing commitment to sustainable finance is firmly embedded in our business model and strategy. By 2019 and only four years after committing to finance USD 10 Billion worth of sustainable projects over 10 years, I am pleased to announce that FAB already exceeded this target, 6 years ahead of plan. As the UAE approaches its Golden Jubilee, FAB will continue to be a key partner to support the government’s long term sustainable growth agenda, and help build a better world for future generations.”

Abdulhamid Saeed, Group Chief Executive Officer, added: "I am pleased to report that FAB delivered a Group Net Profit of AED 12.5 Billion in 2019, an increase of 4% compared to 2018, with Group Revenue crossing the AED 20 Billion mark. These results were driven by the solid underlying performance of our core businesses despite challenging operating conditions, including a reversal of the interest rate cycle in the second half of the year.”

“In 2019, the Group outperformed market growth across key segments, while maintaining risk discipline, which resulted in higher risk-adjusted returns year-on-year. Investments in key strategic and digital initiatives enabled us to enhance customer experience, support business productivity, and position the Group for future growth and ongoing agility. FAB presents solid fundamentals as of December-end 2019 with improved liquidity and funding ratios, a robust capital position, and healthy risk metrics.”

“FAB’s diversified business model, strong financial profile, and leading role as a strategic partner to Abu Dhabi’s economic growth and diversification plans, position us well to successfully navigate an ever-evolving economic and regulatory landscape, and transform challenges into opportunities. Internationally, we continue to implement our growth strategy in targeted markets, as we enter into exclusive discussions with Bank Audi to acquire its fully owned subsidiary in Egypt.”

“Looking ahead, we remain firmly committed to maximising shareholder returns, and supporting our employees, customers and the communities we operate within as we grow stronger, together.”

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