Askari Bank posts Rs18bn profit, declares 12.5% interim dividend

October 29, 2025 (MLN): Askari Bank Limited (PSX: AKBL), a leading commercial bank in Pakistan, reported a profit after tax of Rs18.2bn for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, showing a growth of 28.53% compared to Rs14.2bn in the same period last year.

Earnings per share (EPS) jumped 28.56% to Rs12.56, up from Rs9.77 in the corresponding period of 2024.

The company's total income surged 41.65% year-on-year to Rs79.1bn, compared to Rs55.9bn last year, driven by improved net mark-up/interest income and strong non-markup income performance.

Net mark-up/interest income increased substantially by 47.22% to Rs65.5bn, as mark-up/return/interest earned declined 27.75% to Rs225.3bn while mark-up/return/interest expensed decreased more significantly by 40.23% to Rs159.8bn.

Total non mark-up/interest income rose 19.87% to Rs13.6bn from Rs11.4bn in the prior-year period.

Fee and commission income increased 14.35% to Rs6.2bn, while dividend income grew marginally by 1.89% to Rs663.7m.

Gain on securities surged 128.64% to Rs3.0bn compared to Rs1.3bn last year. Foreign exchange income declined 6.97% to Rs3.3bn, while other income increased 2.90% to Rs416.7m.

Operating expenses increased 30.39% to Rs34.2bn, while Workers' Welfare Fund expenses rose 16.83% to Rs478.1m. Other charges decreased significantly by 67.60% to Rs20.9m. Total non-markup/interest expenses increased 29.94% to Rs34.7bn compared to Rs26.7bn last year.

The bank's profit before credit loss allowance surged 52.40% to Rs44.4bn from Rs29.1bn. Credit loss allowance/provisions and write-offs declined 34.44% to Rs808.2m.

Profit before taxation jumped 56.23% to Rs43.6bn, compared to Rs27.9bn in 9M 2024. Taxation expense increased substantially by 84.77% to Rs25.4bn from Rs13.7bn in the corresponding period, leading to a profit after taxation of Rs18.2bn.

Non-controlling interest rose 49.90% to Rs109.7m, while equity holders of the Bank earned Rs18.1bn, up 28.41% from Rs14.1bn last year.

The Board of Directors has revealed an interim cash dividend for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, at Rs1.25 per share (12.5%). This is in addition to the first interim cash dividend already paid at Rs2.0 per share (20%).

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