Equity Group Holdings has announced a record-breaking corporate profit in East and Central Africa after posting an after-tax profit of Ksh 75.5 billion for the 2025 Financial Year, up 55 per cent from FY24.
Speaking at the 2025 FY Investor Briefing and Financial Results, Dr James Mwangi, the Group Managing Director & CEO, confirmed the results, stating that Equity Group is now the most profitable company in the region.
“Equity has broken the corporate record for profitability. No bank or company in East and Central Africa has ever recorded a profit after tax of Ksh 75.5 billion. We are now the most profitable company in the region,” said James Mwangi.
Equity Group Posts Ksh75.5 billion Profit, Announces Dividend
In the financial records released on Wednesday, Equity Group posted a profit after tax of Ksh 75.5 billion, up 55 per cent from Ksh 48.8 billion in FY24.
The company CEO said that Equity Group recorded a 9 per cent growth in total assets, largely driven by shareholders’ funds, reflecting confidence in the group’s ability to optimise returns.
“If you look at that growth, the biggest driver of growth is the shareholders’ funds. A vote of confidence, and maybe a sign from the shareholders that they are willing to fund the growth of this bank because it has optimised,” he said.
Equity Group’s profit attributable to shareholders rose to Ksh 72.0 billion in FY25, up 55 per cent from Ksh 46.5 billion in FY24.
Equity Group has since declared a dividend per share of Ksh 5.75 for FY25, a 35 per cent increase from Ksh 4.25 in the previous year, translating to a total dividend payout of Ksh 21.7 billion.
Earnings per share rose 55 per cent to Ksh 19.1, highlighting strong returns for shareholders.
Further, the company reported that loans have started to peak, with an 8 per cent increase, while deposits grew 4 per cent, signalling a strategic shift towards offensive growth of the loan book.
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2025 FY Financial Results
According to the results, the bank’s total income grew 12 per cent to Ksh 217.7 billion, driven by a 17 per cent increase in net interest to Ksh 126.9 billion and a 7 per cent rise in non-funded income to Ksh 90.8 billion.
Interest expense fell sharply by 24 per cent to Ksh 46.7 billion, improving overall profitability.
Operating efficiency improved as total costs declined 5 per cent to Ksh 125.6 billion, despite a 19 per cent increase in staff costs to Ksh 39.6 billion.
Loan loss provisions also decreased 28 per cent to Ksh 14.5 billion, reflecting lower credit impairments.
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Equity Reports KSh 48.8 Billion Profit After Tax in FY24
Equity Group posted a profit after tax of KSh 48.8 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024, up 12 per cent from FY23. Profit before tax rose 17 per cent to KSh 60.7 billion, while earnings per share increased 11 per cent to KSh 12.3.
The group recorded a return on equity of 21.5 per cent and a return on assets of 2.8 per cent, reflecting strong operational performance.
A dividend of KSh 4.25 per share was proposed, representing a payout ratio of 34.5 per cent, up from KSh 4.00 in FY23.
Key drivers included a deposit base of KSh 1.4 trillion, a customer base of 21.6 million, and regional operations contributing 54 per cent of profit before tax.
The non-performing loan ratio improved by 100 basis points, indicating enhanced credit quality.
