CalBank posts strong first quarter results … Profit before tax jumps 156%
CalBank PLC, an indigenous company which is listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange, recorded strong growth in the first quarter of the year.
The company’s Profit before tax surged by 156 per cent in the first-quarter, signaling a strong rebound as the lender exits a multi-year restructuring phase and positions itself for growth.
Speaking at its facts behind the figures briefing, hosted by the Ghana Stock Exchange, the first such session for listed companies in 2026, The Managing Director of CalBank, Carl Asem, said the solid first-quarter performance provided a strong foundation for the rest of the year.
He said profit before tax rose to GH¢204 million, supported by broad-based income growth across interest and fee-based lines, the bank said.
Mr Asem said net interest income nearly doubled, while non-funded income climbed 89 per cent, accounting for 47 per cent of total operating income, a shift the bank said reflects a more resilient and diversified earnings base amid falling interest rates.
“Total assets grew 13 per cent to GH¢13.4 billion, while deposits increased 11 per cent to 10.4 billion cedis, underscoring improving customer confidence and liquidity,” he stated.
Mr Asem said the lender’s capital adequacy ratio stood at 17.2 per cent, comfortably above regulatory requirements, marking a turnaround from a negative capital position in 2024 following a successful recapitalisation.
He said asset quality also improved, with the non-performing loan ratio declining to 15.1 per cent from 45 per cent two years ago, indicating that the bank was targeting a reduction to below 10 per cent by end-2026.
The Managing Director said the bank would pursue prudent loan growth, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises and retail banking, while maintaining strict risk controls.
He said the bank’s shares had risen more than 34 per cent year-to-date, reflecting renewed investor confidence, though management said dividend payments remain contingent on clearing accumulated losses.
Mr Asem said CalBank expected easing inflation and lower policy rates in Ghana to support credit growth and margins through the rest of 2026.
BY KINGSLEY ASARE
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